Even those outside the US will have noticed the American government’s actions bleeding into their subconsciousness. Just by scrolling social media, glancing over newspapers, listening to radio, or flicking through TV channels, you’ll inevitably catch wind of current news concerning US political parties, especially in the run-up to elections. This bleeds into video games too, …
Every console generation has seen a fad or two, be it gratuitously violent beat’em ups, dancing ‘n singing party games, casual titles with motion controls, or predominantly beige first-person shooters. In the early ‘90s, the biggest craze was mascot platformers, fuelled by the astonishing popularity of Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog. This seven-game strong …
After a car smashes into a notorious vampire’s castle, rudely interrupting their 500-year slumber, the fanged-fellow awakens in the modern era to find that a bustling city has been built around their now-crumbling abode. Try as they might, Brocula – as they’re known – must now adapt to the modern way of living, paying his extortionate …
Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog weren’t the only platforming heroes receiving system-selling sequels in 1992. Over in Japan, the PC Engine’s Kaizō Chōjin Shubibinman (Shockman) series gained its third entry. US gamers had only just received the second game, and while there was hope of the CD-based Kaizō Chōjin Shubibinman 3 making it to …
It seems reasonable to suggest most people have a preferred takeaway establishment. The one that you always find yourself coming back to, much to your waistline’s despair. Should that takeaway temporarily close, you’ll doubtlessly have to expand horizons and go elsewhere. Sure, the food from a second choice might be palatable, but it’s never the …
This side-scrolling, pointy projectile lobbing, action platformer makes its inspirations known early. Before jumping into the fur-lined boots of a stumpy Viking-esque warrior, we’re presented with a short introduction set in an arcade. The camera slowly pans around, seemingly drawn to a single cabinet. As it approaches, a cat can be observed, fixated on the …
By experimenting with different themes, developers have opened the gates for new ideas within the Vampire Survivors inspired auto-shooting genre. Earlier this month we had Gladiator’s Arena – with its bloody Roman coliseum battles – and now we’re voyaging into deep space to battle squishy aliens and gelatinous creatures using lasers, gun turrets, and…exploding birthday …
Until a few years ago, experiencing Atari Lynx games either involved acquiring original hardware or resorting to emulation. Today, almost half the handheld’s catalogue is available to play legally, albeit in drips and drabs. Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection included a handful of titles – albeit not many synonymous with the system – while the …
Since their rebirth a few years ago, Sunsoft has made good on bringing their ‘80s and ‘90s hits to a new generation. At least, all of those without licenses attached. In addition to revivals of cult titles Ufouria, Trip World and Mr. Gimmick, the once prolific publisher has also seen fit to bring back one …
Well, this is neat. As the name suggests, Wrath of the Mutants is the rarest of things – a genuine arcade conversion. With most modern arcade games being ticket redemption machines, this is something seldom seen. In fact, the last arcade conversion we can recall was Raw Thrill’s own Cruis’n’ Blast on Switch back in …
Before starting this review, I attempted to research the time management genre, inadvertently discovering an unexplored world filled with countless colourful farming and cooking games for PC and mobiles – most of which have either the word ‘frenzy’ or ‘mania’ in their titles. The Kindeman Remedy falls into the same genre but is the polar …
‘Live service’ games have been the source of contention of late, fuelled by reports of numerous publishers having at least one in the pipeline. Publishers love the concept as there are countless ways to implement microtransactions while retaining player engagement. Gamers, however, tend to audibly ‘sigh’ whenever a new one is announced – they’re demanding …
Even though the Vampire Survivors influenced ‘auto shooter’ genre isn’t long in the tooth, I’m still surprised that it has taken this long for a Roman gladiator-themed rendition to come along – especially with a sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 box office hit Gladiator imminent. It’s thematically perfect, with its circular arena in which one …
Modern day Game Boy releases tend to take inspiration from either Castlevania or Zelda. It pays to crib from the classics, certainly, and the genres in which these two fall allow for a wealth of possibilities. With its top-down perspective and dungeon-style locations, it’s clear where the bulk of Kudzu’s inspiration lies. The premise is …
Whenever the term ‘road trip adventure’ is used, it’s easy to conjure images of unscheduled pitstops, backseat arguments, unforeseen accidents including vehicle breakdowns, drab motels, and gas stations frequented by dubious individuals. Open Roads is pitched as a road trip where a mother and daughter discover a startling family secret, and while it does include …