GAUGE

GAUGE

Gauge is extremely simple to play, but that is precisely why it is so addictive. Anyone can instantly learn how to play the game, but achieving the big scores requires focus and concentration. This is easier said than done, as the game actively tries to break your concentration and mess with your eyes. The psychedelic visuals can cause quite an eye strain, so this game is best played in short bursts, but overall, it is a lot of fun.

Gameplay: Gauge is very simple but surprisingly addictive and challenging.

Graphics: The visuals are incredibly psychedelic and not recommended for anyone with an epileptic condition.

Sound: The electronic music and sound effects fit the game perfectly

Full Bore

Full Bore

Full Bore is a sprawling adventure with plenty of puzzle based challenges to tackle while you are exploring. Apart from a few rare instances you are not racing against a clock or facing any type of enemies so you can progress at your own pace. Some players may find the experience too sedate while others will be hooked by the fascinating gameworld and tricky puzzles.

Gameplay: A block based puzzler with some very clever challenges.

Graphics: Lovely pixel art with some great animations and lighting effects.

Sound: An excellent glitch/blues soundtrack rounds off the package

Victor Vran

Victor Vran

Victor Vran is the latest contender for the action-RPG crown and actually offers a very enjoyable experience. Visually, it is a little similar to the Van Helsing titles, but thanks to its character customization options feels quite fresh. It also features non-stop action and plenty of challenges, so fans of the genre will really get their money’s worth with this one.

Gameplay: The relentless action can become a little repetitive, but the variety of weapons and powers keeps the combat interesting.

Graphics: The handcrafted levels look really nice and the lighting effects really stand out.

Sound: Good voice acting by some familiar voice actors and a good soundtrack as well

EPOCH

EPOCH

Mobile titles usually don’t fare very well on PC due to their simplicity or lack of options, but Uppercut Games has done a good job sprucing up EPOCH for its Steam release. The improved visuals and responsive controls make it more than just a quick port, and the arcade-style gameplay is perfect for killing some time between more in-depth titles. While the campaign can be completed relatively quickly, there is plenty of replay value, and the endless Arena mode also provides some more longevity.

Gameplay: Epoch is a third-person shooter stripped down to its most basic elements.

Graphics: The Unreal 3 engine provides visuals that were quite good for their time.

Sound: The audio is decent but not particularly memorable

The Sagara Family

The Sagara Family

This game features the usual unlikely storyline of a male character ending up in a house full of females but it does provide a bit more substance than usual. There are quite a few branching storylines and a multitude of endings so the replay value is quite high. If you are a fan of the genre and don’t mind the whole family incest angle, then this title ticks all the right boxes.

Gameplay: The usual limitations of the genre, but with plenty of storyline branches.

Graphics: Not bad.

Sound: Includes plenty of sound effects as well as both Japanese and English voice overs

DuckTales: Remastered

DuckTales: Remastered

Wayforward definitely handled this remastered version with the respect that it deserves. The updated visuals look fantastic and the audio sounds great. It was also very nostalgic to hear the original voice actor for Scrooge reprising his role after all these years. If you loved the original you will have a blast with this one, but newcomers might wonder what all the fuss is about.

Gameplay: Very true to the original.

Graphics: The new character sprites are awesome, but I would have liked 2D backgrounds as well.

Sound: Nice renditions of the classic tunes

Castle of Illusion

Castle of Illusion

Castle Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse is a polished and great looking update of a 16 bit classic but it is not without issues. The controls feel a bit too floaty and the whole experience can be over in one sitting. The updated visuals look fantastic however and fans of the mouse will appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into this game.

Gameplay: Captures the spirit of the original bit is a bit on the easy side.

Graphics: The highlight of the game.

Sound: The ability to switch between the original and remastered soundtrack is great

Bad Hotel

Bad Hotel

Bad Hotel is a iOS port and while at first glance it might not seem like much to look at it does have a certain charm to it. The unique gameplay lends itself perfectly to quick bouts of playing, but the game can also become horribly addictive. The generative audio is also a nice touch, although at times the tunes can sound a bit wonky. The game is sold at a bargain price so it is well worth checking out for yourself.

Gameplay: Fast, frantic and surprisingly addictive.

Graphics: Simple but charming.

Sound: The audio depends on your playing style

Arcadecraft

Arcadecraft

Arcadecraft is a nice take on the management genre, but there is a certain amount of tedium involved. Watching your arcade thrive and grow is very satisfying, but most of your time is consumed by emptying the cash from machines and tossing out troublemakers instead of making in-depth management decisions. Hopefully future updates will add some more locations and customization options.

Gameplay: Running an arcade is fun, but your space to work with is very limited.

Graphics: Plenty of different machines and ways to customize the look of your arcade.

Sound: Manages to capture the chaotic atmosphere of an arcade

Pinball FX2 – Marvel’s Ant-Man

Pinball FX2 – Marvel’s Ant-Man

Zen Studios know a thing or two when it comes to designing original and enjoyable pinball tables and Ant-Man is no exception. It features an open playing field, plenty of challenges and some very nice visual elements. Once again this is a table that will appeal to pinball lovers even if they are not necessarily fans of the Ant-Man license.

Gameplay: The table is a lot of fun and features plenty of challenges to master.

Graphics: Makes very good use of the Ant-Man license.

Sound: Good music and very decent voice acting