Zombo Buster Rising

Zombo Buster Rising

Zombo Buster Rising is a mindless 2D arcade game where you fend off waves of zombies that are storming your base. Killing zombies rewards you with cash that can be used for upgrades and you are eventually joined by two AI controlled partners. The game is very simple and instead of moving around, you only control the cross-hairs. There is some strategy involved when it comes to activating special abilities at the right time, but overall this is a game that can be completed quickly and easily. It usually sells for dirt cheap, though, so fans of the genre should definitely give it a shot.

Gameplay: Shoot zombies before they overrun your base while collecting coins to upgrade your weapon.

Graphics: 2D, very basic and featuring only one background, but at least there are plenty of zombie types.

Sound: Nothing memorable about the music or sound effects, but thankfully neither is annoying

Blue Estate The Game

Blue Estate The Game

Blue Estate is an on-rails shooter that is filled with violence, obscenities, and plenty of very politically incorrect humor. It is based on a comic book license, so if you are a fan of these and enjoy the genre, you will have a blast with the game. Unfortunately, it is relatively short, and its brand of humor will definitely not appeal to everyone. However, despite its flaws, it is certainly an entertaining title and addictive enough to keep us coming back for more, even after completing both the story and arcade modes.

Gameplay: Light gun games are not exactly common on PC, so if you have the right peripheral, you will have a blast with this one.

Graphics: The visuals are colorful, detailed, and quite humorous in places.

Sound: The voice acting is decent, and the soundtrack isn’t bad either

Psyvariar Delta

Psyvariar Delta

Psyvariar Delta is not just a brand new version of the arcade classic, but also comes packed with high definition remakes of Psyvariar Medium Unit as well as Psyvariar Revision. In addition, it comes with a slew of addition content that makes these titles more fun to play than ever before. It’s not the best looking bullet hell shooter by far, but thanks to buzz system, that sees you trying to skirt as close as possible to the deadly bullets you are supposed to dodge, it is definitely one of the most exciting. This mechanic also provides the game with a lot more depth than what is initially apparent, so there is definitely value for money here despite the higher than usual price tag. If you are a fan of the genre or still have fond memories of the original games, then Psyvariar Delta is an essential purchase.

Gameplay: A bullet hell shooter where you still have to dodge bullets, but if you want to level up you must do it in the most reckless way possible.

Graphics: The visuals are a definite improvement over the original titles, but still looks a little plain compared to more modern offerings.

Sound: The soundtrack is excellent and the sound effects pretty good too

Jamestown

Jamestown

Jamestown is a great top down shooter with a really interesting setting and some gorgeous pixel art visuals. It is best enjoyed with three other friends crowded around the computer, but even solo players will enjoy the challenge. The fact that it only features five levels is disappointing, but they are all very good and there are plenty of other challenges and unlockables to keep you busy. Overall, this is a title that we can wholeheartedly recommend to fans of the genre, but it is worth mentioning that there appears to be no more support from the developers for this PC version of the game.

Gameplay: Challenging and addictive, especially when played with friends.

Graphics: The pixel art visuals look great and really captures the classic feel of the genre.

Sound: The soundtrack is incredible, although the sound effects could have been better

Caladrius Blaze

Caladrius Blaze

Take to the skies as one of eight different characters and blast your enemies to bits in this vertically scrolling shooter. It is heavy on fan service, and the visuals have not aged as well as we would have liked, but in terms of gameplay, Caladrius Blaze is still a very solid shooter. It has plenty of modes as well as an adjustable challenge that makes it accessible to players of all skill levels. The game does have a couple of issues, so make sure you know about these before purchasing.

Gameplay: The game can be as challenging as you want it to be and is quite addictive to boot.

Graphics: Nice character designs and plenty of fan service, but the 3D textures really show their age.

Sound: The audio features Japanese voiceovers and some nice background tunes

Bird Assassin

Bird Assassin

Birds have killed your dad, and it is up to you to seek vengeance! Bird Assassin is a blood-soaked action game where you walk from left to right and try to eradicate every bird crossing your path. It is action-packed but also a little repetitive, and with only nine levels, it won’t take very long to complete. Still, it is being sold at a very wallet-friendly price, so it is worth it if all you want is a few minutes of mindless entertainment.

Gameplay: The game features plenty of action but is a little repetitive and also quite short.

Graphics: The birds and main character have a lot of detail, but the backgrounds are lacking.

Sound: The sound effects are decent enough, and the lead character has a couple of funny quips

Ring Of Elysium Releasing On Steam Early Access Next Week

Ring Of Elysium Releasing On Steam Early Access Next Week

There is no denying that the survival and battle royale shooter genres are thriving at the moment, but despite the crowded market, there’s always room for more good ones. One title that definitely looks like it is worth keeping an eye on is the upcoming Ring of Elysium from Tencent Games. Ring of Elysium, which was formerly known as Europa, is heading for Steam Early Access on 19 September and players can already wishlist the game on the store page

Beat Hazard

Beat Hazard

If you are tired of boring licensed tracks by bands you’ve never heard of and dull brown shooters then Beat Hazard is a revelation. The ability to play to your own music collection is nice and the visuals, while over the top, are certainly colorful. It’s not something you are going to be constantly playing, but you will find yourself coming back to it.

Gameplay: As long as you have music you’ll have fun.

Graphics: Retina searing bursts of color.

Sound: Depending on your taste this is obviously the best part of the game

Graze Counter

Graze Counter

Hop into the cockpit of your fighter and take down a virtual network that has evolved a little too much for its own good in this shoot ‘em up from Bikkuri Software. It offers non-stop action and a bullet grazing mechanic that forces you to risk life and limb to boost your score while unleashing devastating attacks. The 16-bit style of the visuals and audio offers a nice blast from the past for fans of the genre, but even newcomers can ease into the action thanks to a practice mode and selectable difficulty settings. The game is a little short for our liking and the style might not appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy a good shoot ‘em up you can do far worse than this one.

Gameplay: Being forced to skirt dangerously close to bullets instead of simply avoiding them makes for a frantic experience.

Graphics: The 16-bit visual style is charming, but might not appeal to those who didn’t grow up with the genre.

Sound: The soundtrack is good, but the sound effects lack a little punch

Rocking Pilot

Rocking Pilot

Rocking Pilot enables players to live out their Airwolf fantasies by taking control of a helicopter and laying waste to enemy armies. The game takes the form of a 2D, top down shooter with colorful visuals and arcade style gameplay. Plenty of mission variety and addictive online leaderboards make up for the relatively short campaign mode and the game is addictive enough that you’ll keep coming back until you’ve earned every collectible. Add to this the low price of the game and you have a title that is essential for fans of the genre.

Gameplay: Fast, frantic and very, very addictive.

Graphics: Bright and colorful, albeit a little cramped.

Sound: Features a suitable rocking soundtrack