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

Revolution Ace

Revolution Ace

I can’t deny that I had a lot of fun with Revolution Ace but it is definitely not a game that will appeal to everyone. The lengthy single player campaign is good, but it is the innovative multi-player modes that really steal the show. Whether in Versus or Battle Chains mode, challenging a human opponent is quite addictive. If you can overlook the rather generic visuals and soundtrack you’ll find a good, old school shooter lurking underneath.

Gameplay: Feels just like an old school arcade shooter.

Graphics: The graphics look a little bland despite using the Unreal Engine.

Sound: Fitting but not particularly memorable

Gundemonium Recollection

Gundemonium Recollection

If you like “bullet hell” shooters then you will have a blast with Gundemonium Recollection. Five levels might not sound like much but be prepared to spend a lot of time with this game if you truly want to master it. With a wealth of weapons and some really challenging gameplay you’ll be coming back to this one again and again.

Gameplay: Daunting if you are new to the genre, but loads of fun and very challenging.

Graphics: Nowhere near cutting-edge but very stylish and cute.

Sound: The new arranged soundtrack is excellent

Dimension Drive by 2Awesome Studio

Dimension Drive by 2Awesome Studio

It is not every day that we receive emails from engineers working for the European Space Agency, especially not about a multidimensional alien race attacking our universe! Fortunately the email was about the upcoming action title that the developers are developing in their free time and not about any imminent threat to our universe. Since they were kind enough to provide us with a playable build of the game we were able to get some hands on time with this unique shooter

Metrocide

Metrocide

There’s no denying that Metrocide is a very hard and frequently frustrating game. Spend enough time with it though and you’ll learn to appreciate the punishing difficulty level. Your first few kills might be sloppy and chaotic, but with practice you’ll be able to take down your marks with precision and stealth. It takes a lot of patience and dedication to get anywhere in this game, but it is quite satisfying when you pull off the perfect kill. Just be aware that the game can become repetitive.

Gameplay: If one hit kills and permadeaths are not your thing then neither will Metrocide.

Graphics: The 8-bit aesthetic takes a while to get used to, but the visuals are not without their charm.

Sound: No real soundtrack, but the ambient audio is very atmospheric

Deadstone

Deadstone

There aren’t that many titles on PC in the top down shooter genre and even fewer that offers as much as Deadstone. It’s got a meaty campaign mode that can be enjoyed in a serious or light-hearted fashion as well as a very addictive survival mode. Throw in the co-op mode, which is unfortunately local only, and you have the recipe for a great game.

Graphics: The visual style of the game is a little dated and lacking in variety, but overall it’s quite polished.

Sound: Nice voice acting during the cut-scenes and the music fits the atmosphere of the game well.

Gameplay: Plenty of content and an addictive experience throughout despite the repetition

Zotrix

Zotrix

Anyone that has spent their childhood pumping quarters into an arcade machine during the 80’s and early 90’s will be happy to hear about Zotrix. This game is based on the shooters from that era and features the usual one space pilot versus an entire alien armada formula that was so popular at the time. The roots of the game might be retro, but this doesn’t mean that it feels like it is stuck in the past

Dogfighter

Dogfighter

Its always good to go into a game with no expectations and be pleasantly surprised. Dogfighter is a highly addictive experience that will have you chasing rankings and achievements long into the night. A great game from a great indie developer.

Gameplay: All the fun and maddness of a first person shooter but with added dimensions.
Graphics: Stylish & detailed.
Sound: Good sound effects but the limited music gets a bit repetitive

Zombie Driver

Zombie Driver

Zombie Driver is a nicely retro flavored indie arcade title that is a blast to play. It might not last for very long but with the promised updates and low price it is well worth the effort. This is definitely a game for all those people that had more fun in the original Grand Theft Auto, running over pedestrians and driving like a maniac, than actually getting out of the car and doing missions.

Gameplay: Driving over zombies is fun.
Graphics: Retro style greatness.
Sound: Splattering zombies sounds just like it should