If you peruse the digital storefronts often, you’ve likely caught wind of the Outbreak franchise. This ‘old skool’ horror series, paying tribute to Resident Evil, has gained several spin-offs and sequels over the past 2-3 years. Judging by screenshots alone, each instalment reuses assets and runs on a retooled engine, simply adding co-op and other …
Despite being mathematically made of 1s and 0s, quite often the difference between a game that works and one that doesn’t is the way it feels. That difficult to articulate gut sensation. Rising Hell feels great. The combat is satisfying, fun and addictive, but explaining why isn’t easy. First, let us back up. Rising Hell …
This side-scrolling brawler introduces us to Red, a young street dog entangled in gang culture following his parents’ untimely death. Treating his fellow gang members as family, he’s headstrong and streetwise – two traits beneficial for de-escalating a raging war between rival gangs. By featuring a cast of bipedal canines, the usual assortment of beat’em …
Remember Castlevania and Metroid? Indie developers certainly do. From Hollow Knight to Dead Cells, you can’t move for modern takes. The Skylia Prophecy is another in the burgeoning genre of Metroidvanias, however, it skews a lot closer to the ‘vania side, taking both gameplay and visual cues. It starts with a slow-moving opening crawl that …
I’ve played a couple of games recently that should’ve never left the playable prototype stage. Both had novel control schemes that broke convention, and ultimately, suffered because of it. They took the mechanics and physics from one genre and tried to adapt it to another to make something fresh and new. The more I played …
Superhero movies and FMV video games have suffered an almost identical fate. Both had a rough time in the ‘90s, hampered by small budgets, poor casting leading to hammy acting, lacklustre scripts, and limited technology. Sure, there were exceptions – Batman and Spider-Man usually dazzle on the silver screen, and some of the more interactive …
Had Cymatically Muffed existed in the ‘90s, it would almost certainly take the form of an Amiga public domain game. It has that distinct homegrown, bedroom coded, feel right down to sketchbook visuals that could’ve been doodled using Deluxe Paint III, and a crude UI/front end that was likely once a placeholder but ended up …
This 2D puzzle platformer presents a host of unique challenges to overcome as you travel through different worlds saving teensy alien creatures. With a total of 60 levels, and fresh mechanics to master, there’s plenty to get stuck into. It’s a case of running and jumping to reach the end of the level. Sounds simple, …
Console horror games were seldom seen before the great indie uprising, and even then, only usually released around Halloween. Things are vastly different these days with horror adventures launching on almost a weekly basis, especially on the Switch eShop. Bad Dream: Coma manages to stand out from the crowd in a couple of ways. Firstly, …
Trailing the path of destruction created by Untitled Goose Game and Goat Simulator, Rain on Your Parade likewise entails ruining people’s day by causing chaos. You play as Cloudy, a customisable cardboard cloud able to drench, freeze and startle pesky ‘hoomans’ – as they’re known. Although billed as a mischievous sort, Cloudy’s shenanigans go beyond …
When I was younger, I desperately wanted an Adidas tracksuit. Don’t judge me – it was the ‘90s. I remember asking for ages one Christmas. Sure enough, on Christmas day there was a present. I unwrapped it. A brand spanking new tracksuit. With two stripes. Anyway, Gallic Wars: Battle Simulator on Switch. Gallic Wars feels …
Say No! More has an excellent trailer. The unique say-no mechanic, with superbly overblown results; the ’90s tech aesthetic; the over-the-top Hogan-esque instructor – what’s not to like? There’s nothing not to like. But there’s also not a lot left for the game, and sadly what works in the two-minute trailer isn’t sufficiently developed to …
It’s always interesting to play something created by just a couple of people – there’s something almost intimate, getting a glimpse into what’s going on in their head. And with Isolomus, what’s going on in their head is grotesque. It’s a follow-up of sorts to Wurroom, Michael Rfdshir’s short plasticine-crafted point-and-click curio which we reviewed …
Around a decade ago I strolled into my local GAME with the intent of picking up a new release. I hadn’t decided on which – I was merely looking for something that took my fancy. I walked out with what was going to become one of my most longstanding gaming loves. Purely by accident, I …
This charming patchwork-style platformer is filled with puzzles to overcome as you set about finding your beloved Samantha. As seen in Yoshi’s Woolly World, the colourful design not only draws you in but makes for an incredibly eye-pleasing experience; one accompanied by some ‘easy listening’ tunes to put a spring in your step. Words from …