Pixel Puzzles 2: Birds

Pixel Puzzles 2: Birds

Decaying Logic definitely didn’t rest on their laurels with this one as it improves on its predecessors in numerous areas. The ability to rotate puzzle pieces allows for a greater challenge and the auto-save feature for individual puzzles is definitely helpful. Other additions, such as the bottom tray, zoom feature and increased area for floating puzzle pieces also adds to the enjoyment.

Gameplay. A return to the calm and relaxing atmosphere of Pixel Puzzles: Japan, but now with an even bigger challenge.

Graphics: Great if you are a fan of birds.

Sounds: Tranquil and relaxing audio.


Buy Pixel Puzzles 2: Birds From Green Man Gaming

Pixel Puzzles 2: Birds

The Forest of Doom

The Forest of Doom

The Forest of Doom is a welcome interpretation of a classic adventure gamebook and will definitely be a trip down memory lane for players familiar with the paperback. Newcomers can expect a lot of reading and some trial and error, but the memorable encounters and large number of locations in the forest make it worthwhile. Although the game can be completed relatively quickly it does boast plenty of replay value thanks to the achievements and gallery.

Gameplay: The rules are very straightforward and anyone can start reading and enjoying the adventure.

Graphics: The original illustrations still look great and the overall presentation of the game is very good.

Sound: Nice music, but a few more tunes to provide a bit more variety would have been nice

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds

Even after completing all of the modes in the game a few times I’m still not tired of it and will probably end up maxing out the levels of all the characters while waiting for the DLC to (hopefully) arrive. Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds has a beautiful and unique art style, rocking soundtrack and polished gameplay. If you are a fan of the genre and don’t already own this on Xbox or Playstation Vita this is your chance to add another great side scrolling beat ‘em up to your collection.

Gameplay: Polished, entertaining and with a bit more depth than your typical side scrolling beat ‘em up.

Graphics: Beautiful retro style visuals with huge sprites and excellent character designs.

Sound: The game features a rocking chiptune inspired soundtrack

Tales of Aravorn: Seasons Of The Wolf

Tales of Aravorn: Seasons Of The Wolf

Seasons of the Wolf strays even further from the visual novel path than Loren the Amazon Princess did and feels like a full-fledged role playing game. It still has great characters and an engrossing story, but you’ll be spending more time doing quests and less time romancing party members. Cranking up the difficulty setting also provides a much bigger challenge this time round. Since this game is not a sequel to Loren and only set in the same fantasy world you don’t need any prior knowledge to jump in and enjoy it. Don’t take our word for it though, check out the demo for yourself.

Gameplay: The game is more of a role playing title than a visual novel, but remains very engrossing.

Graphics: Beautiful artwork, varied locations and great character designs.

Sound: No speech, but some good music

The Marvellous Miss Take

The Marvellous Miss Take

You might be playing as a trio of thieves in The Marvellous Miss Take, but don’t expect shadowy corners and stealth kills. Instead, the game challenges you to get the job done as quickly as possible and without being able to resort to any violent means. A nice selection of gadgets offers some help, but the random guard patrols, the abundance of security cameras, and dogs that can track your sent means even the best plans can quickly go awry. It is a challenging title, so expect to spend some time if you want to conquer all its missions fully.

Gameplay: This game features much more action than stealth, and it will appeal to players who don’t have the patience to lurk in the shadows while memorizing guard patterns.

Graphics: The visuals are colorful, well-animated, and very charming.

Sound: There is no voice acting, but the soundtrack fits the action nicely

This War of Mine

This War of Mine

This War of Mine takes on a serious subject and manages to turn it into a great game without compromising the core message. War is hell and trying to survive it as a non-combatant is something that nobody should ever have to experience in real life. The game offers a glimpse into the trials and tribulations faced by ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. It is a dark experience that will probably not appeal to everyone, but once it sucks you into its bleak world it can be hard to leave until you have done all you could to save the people placed under your guidance.

Gameplay: Simple to control, but hard to master, this game will challenge you in more ways than one.

Graphics: The unique art style perfectly captures the bleak reality of being trapped in a hostile environment.

Sound: Fitting audio and outstanding sound effects

The Old City: Leviathan

The Old City: Leviathan

With a game such as The Old City: Leviathan where the story is such an important focus it can be hard to explain why it is worth experiencing without spoiling any surprises. The visuals are certainly very pretty and the audio very good, but by the developers own admission, everything is secondary to the story. The lack of interaction with the gameworld means that some players will dismiss this title as a “walking simulator”, but anyone that can appreciate the immersive experience instead of trying to compare it to something else will find a lot to love about it.

Gameplay: Plenty of exploring to do, but the focus is squarely on the intriguing story.

Graphics: The Unreal engine is put to good use to display some detailed environments.

Sound: Quality voice acting and a haunting soundtrack that matches the melancholic atmosphere of the game

Letter Quest: Grimm’s Journey

Letter Quest: Grimm’s Journey

Its addictive gameplay, charming visuals and catchy soundtrack ensures that Letter Quest is an entertaining and relaxing title. It has plenty of challenges to keep you busy and while there is a bit of grind involved the RPG elements keeps things interesting. If you are looking for a game to pass some time without worrying too much about a story then Letter Quest is a great option.

Gameplay: Polished, addictive and packed to the brim with content.

Graphics: Nice visuals, but the animations are very limited.

Sound: The soundtrack is quite nice, but could have benefited from a few more tunes

FOTONICA

FOTONICA

Static screenshots can’t really convey the look and feel of FOTONICA, as it is a game built around the concept of speed. The game boils down to a test of your reflexes as you must make split-second decisions about when and where to jump to keep running and building up speed. It is not a game for people seeking a storyline or in-depth gameplay, but you can’t go wrong with FOTONICA for quick arcade thrills.

Gameplay: All you have to do in the game is run, jump, repeat.

Graphics: The vector-style visuals certainly make for a unique look.

Sound: Atmospheric and provides a perfect match for the minimalistic visuals

Sneaky Sneaky

Sneaky Sneaky

It’s not the longest or most challenging of titles, but Sneaky Sneaky still manages to impress with its charming visuals and entertaining gameplay. Dashing from cover to cover while silently taking down foes or avoiding them altogether is a lot of fun and the lighthearted nature of the game makes it suitable for the whole family. If you need a break from the more challenging or stressful titles you can’t go wrong with Sneaky Sneaky.

Gameplay: Not much of a challenging, but very entertaining.

Graphics: Bold, colorful and charming.

Sound: Some soothing melodies to back up all the sneaking