Stellaris: Utopia
April 6, 2017
Strategy, 4X, Economic, Grand Strategy, Internet, Space, Multiplayer, RTS, Sandbox, Science Fiction, Singleplayer.
A standalone expansion for Stellaris – a 4X strategy game developed by Paradox Interactive. The Utopia expansion introduces an array of innovations and improvements, the first and foremost being an option of building so-called megastructures. This enigmatic name stands for giant, ring-shaped artificial worlds or even ones resembling a Dyson sphere, i.e. massive construction that completely encompasses a star and efficiently consumes all the energy emitted by it. Apart from that, you can also create new habitats in the form of large space stations, which offer more living space for your community. Stellaris: Utopia also brings along the system of traditions. Adopting new civilization ideas and gathering so-called Unity points helps you expand your empire and grants active bonuses to its development. The list of new features ends up with an option of establishing new laws and giving privileges for individual races.
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Quote
cancelled
RPG, Fantasy, Indie Games, Action RPG, Singleplayer, Isometric View.
Developed by an independent studio called Vindit, Quote is an action RPG inspired mostly by Little Big Adventure. The game takes the player on a journey to a fantasy world, which has been engulfed in chaos for many years. During the game, one assumes the role of a heroine known by the name of Novella, who is tasked with completing the work initiated by Bliss - a god of ignorance. To accomplish that, she has to destroy each and every book and kill every writer she encounters, as well as rid people's minds of any complex thoughts. On her quest, she is accompanied by her faithful bird companion - Tatters. Players observe from the top-down perspective how the main protagonist explores the partially destroyed world, searches for the titular quotes, burns multiple books, and fights the encountered foes using spectacular combos. As the story progresses, the player can unlock new powers and special abilities for their character.
Steam
MLB: The Show 17
March 28, 2017
Sports, Baseball, Internet, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, PlayStation Exclusive.
The 12th entry in the popular baseball simulator series developed for PlayStation consoles by SIE San Diego. Similarly to the previous installments, MLB: The Show 17 uses the Major League Baseball license which includes numerous professional baseball teams from both USA and Canada, along with their rosters. As always, we are dealing with an extensive baseball simulator with numerous managerial features. The game offers a wide range of game modes, from single matches up to whole seasons. The campaign sees us lead the chosen team, not only during the games, but also deciding upon the choice of players, their training, and transfers. Similarly to the previous years, the player database is updated on-the-fly through a continuous connection with MLB 2017/2018 season servers. The biggest novelty of MLB: The Show 17 is the Retro mode, introducing a gameplay inspired by baseball titles from 8 and 16 bit consoles. Moreover, we are given a number of multiplayer modes.
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Micro Machines: World Series
June 30, 2017
Racing, Internet, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Cars, Singleplayer, Isometric View.
Another installment of the cult series of arcade racing games published by Codemasters Software. Like in the legendary first entry in the series from 1991, in Micro Machines: World Series the player assumes control of remote controlled vehicles and competes with other drivers on wacky tracks. There are 12 vehicles available, among which there are exotic racing cars and trucks that can create chaos on the road. The vehicles are equipped with weapons, among which there are rocket launchers, grenade launchers, flamethrowers and machines guns. The races take place in locations like pool tables, workshops, backyards and kitchen tables. The key to victory is to effectively eliminate opponents and to avoid numerous obstacles scattered across the tracks. Micro Machines: World Series offers single player and multiplayer modes. In addition to classic races, the title offers arena battles and other modes.
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DEXED
September 26, 2016
Action, FPP, Meta Quest / Oculus, PlayStation VR, Rail Shooter, Singleplayer, SteamVR, VR.
A rail shooter dedicated to HTC Vive headsets developed by Ninja Theory. We are given three distinct game modes – Challenge Mode, Arcade Mode, and Zen Mode. Challenge and Arcade modes focus on combat, while Zen Mode offers the ability to peacefully traverse three-dimensional environments. Choosing one of the arcade modes leaves us with two blasters that fire icy and fiery projectiles, effective against different types of opponents, as well as generate shields that can deflect or block incoming attacks. DEXED is a single player only title, yet we are also given online rankings that can be used to compare the results of different players. The game is characteristic for its quality visuals and memorable locations, including marine worlds, subterranean depths, or snowy valleys.
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Crypt of the NecroDancer: Amplified
July 12, 2017
RPG, Dungeon Crawler, Indie Games, Multiplayer, Music, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Roguelike, Singleplayer.
Crypt of the NecroDancer: AMPLIFIED is an expansion pack to the well-received roguelike Crypt of the NecroDancer developed by Brace Yourself Games. AMPLIFIED takes place before the events of the main game. We play as the shapeshifting Nocturna. With her help, we will explore the dungeons ruled by the demon NecroDancer. Gameplay mechanics remain unchanged. Crypt of the NecroDancer: AMPLIFIED is still a mixture of roguelike and music video games where we explore procedurally generated dungeons, fight, and acquire more and more powerful equipment. Our enemies move to the rhythm of the music in their own unique style. Finding a proper combination of movements is the only way of defeating them. The expansion introduces new types of dungeons and new songs and remixes. Nocturna can also be accompanied by various pet pals.
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MXGP3: The Official Motocross Videogame
May 30, 2017
Racing, Internet, Motocross, Motorbike, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
A new installment in the series of motocross racing games created in 2013 by Milestone, an experienced Italian studio responsible for a number of notable racing games. As an official game of World Motocross Championships, MXGP3 contains real-life participants and teams that took part in the 2016 season. We are left with eighteen courses taking place all over the world, as well as with a wide range of motorcycles and a number of options to modify our participant. The events take place on open-air venues, as well as roofed arenas. The game is arcade in nature, yet the developers introduced a complex physics engine that offers a dose of realism and an advanced driving system.
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Cars 3: Driven to Win
June 13, 2017
Arcade, Cartoons, Cars, Singleplayer.
Another installment in a series of racing games based on Pixar animated movies. The game was developed by Avalanche Software, creators of titles like Pure and Split/Second: Velocity. The title enables the player to control more than twenty customizable vehicles-characters (animated cars are the main protagonists of Cars). Among them there are Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez, who prepares for an encounter with his rival Jackson Storm. The action takes place on twenty unique tracks. As player wins races, he gains access to various upgrades for his vehicles. Car development system is connected to the ability to unlock new characters, tracks and gameplay features like new game modes. Cars 3: Driven to Win features high quality three-dimensional graphics that faithfully recreate the movie.
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Deus Ex: Breach
January 24, 2017
Action, Cyberpunk, Puzzle Elements, RPG Elements, FPP, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Free-to-play.
A standalone free-to-play action game which initially was part of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. In Deus Ex: Breach, we assume the role of a Ripper, a hacker whose task is to retrieve classified information on the biggest corporations of the Deus Ex universe. Mechanics-wise, the production resembles a first-person shooter set in cyberspace. Every server we break into is a visually different location, densely filled with various enemies and security measures. For our successes, we are awarded credits that can be spent on special content packs with equipment: from disposable items, through server mods and Praxis Kits, to new kinds of weapons. Players who would like to develop their character faster can make use of the built-in microtransaction system. Visually, the game offers an unusual style since almost all elements of the environment are composed of polygons.
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Galaxy of Pen & Paper
July 27, 2017
RPG, 2D, Humorous, Indie Games, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Turn-based.
Galaxy of Pen & Paper is another installment of the humorous RPG series from the Behold studio. Just like the previous games, Galaxy of Pen & Paper simulates a tabletop RPG session by reenacting the players' and game master's behavior and the events of the campaign they are playing. Unlike its predecessors, the game uses a science fiction setting. Virtual players and their characters explore the galaxy, do quests, and take part in turn-based battles. They will have to face not only small groups of enemies, but also whole squadrons of spaceships. During their adventures, both the virtual players and their characters will level up, increase their stats, and gain access to new abilities. Players will also be able to modify and upgrade their vessels. Galaxy of Paper & Paper features old-school, pixelart visuals.
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Phantom Halls
October 31, 2018
Action, 2.5D, Indie Games, Side-scroll, Singleplayer, Survival Horror.
Phantom Halls is an unusual PC Windows survival horror game.
Steam
GunFleet
cancelled
Simulation, World War II, Indie Games, Internet, MMO, Online, Ships, Free-to-play.
A free-to-play MMO game following the convention set by such titles as World of Tanks and World of Warships. Russian studio Areo Gaming decided to translate this arcade-simulation gameplay model into the world of battles fought by small marine units – fast patrol boats, torpedo boats, and small submarines. The players can unlock over 40 models of ships, armed with a diverse arsenal – starting from machine guns and cannons all the way to rocket launchers and depth charges. The players participate in dynamic team battles, each team having several ships at its command. For each success on the battlefield, one receives experience points, which they can spend on developing the fleet’s equipment and unlocking more and more powerful vessels. The players can also acquire in-game currency that can be spent on new gear. The game is based on a free-to-play model and features an optional microtransactions system - the Premium content offers unique ships, visual upgrades, flags, and components that improve the ships’ statistics.
Steam
Songbringer
September 1, 2017
RPG, 2D, Fantasy, Indie Games, Co-op, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Action Adventure, Action RPG, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Top-down.
Developed by a one-man studio called Wizard Fu Games, Songbringer is an RPG drawing its inspiration from The Legend of Zelda video game series. In the game, the player assumes the role of a hero, who travels throughout the galaxy on board of a space ship accompanied by a former programmer, who, before his death, transferred his consciousness to a so-called skybot. After the main protagonists find a mysterious sword in one of the caves and wake the ancient evil, it is up to them to prevent the outbreak of a large-scale galactic war. The players observe the action from the top-down perspective, and the gameplay revolves around exploration, discovering the in-game secrets, and fighting numerous foes. On their journey, the player is bound to encounter both minor adversaries and powerful bosses. During the game, one does not acquire experience points - in order to develop their character, the player has to eliminate consecutive enemies and collect ancient artifacts. To do this more efficiently, the player can use the abilities of the main protagonist's companion, who can scan enemy bodies in search for valuable items.
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Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
September 20, 2016
Adventure, Experimental/artistic, Exploration Games, FPP, Indie Games, Singleplayer.
A remake of Dear Esther, a popular narrative exploration game from 2012 that started a whole new genre – the so-called walking simulators. It was developed by the independent studio The Chinese Room. Contrary to the base version of the game that was powered by the Source engine and released only on personal computers, this edition is powered by the Unity technology. This enabled the developers to release their game on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well. The new version introduces completely new sounds, including the developers’ commentary that can be played during the game. In Dear Esther: Landmark Edition the player calmly travels through locations (the action is presented in a first-person perspective) and gradually discovers new pieces of the story. The plot is presented in the form of letters to the titular Esther, which are read by a mysterious male voice. Since the game lacks any interactions with the environment, it caused many discussions about whether it is still a video game or simply an interactive experience.
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CrossCode
September 20, 2018
RPG, 2D, Puzzle Elements, Indie Games, Action RPG, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Top-down.
A science-fiction arcade RPG developed by Radical Fish Games. We are taken to a distant future, to a world where humanity spends its free time by playing a futuristic MMO called CrossWorlds. Our hero – Lea – returns to the game after a long break, as the game’s administration suggests that her loss of memory may be averted by logging back to the game. Nevertheless, it quickly turns out that some of the CrossWorlds users remember her, and will attempt to make her life miserable to the best of their abilities. CrossCode mainly focuses on arcade combat and solving puzzles. Lea is a Spheremancer, a class whose main ability is to create energy spheres that can be fired in short succession. The heroine can also create a shield that absorbs the incoming attacks, or perform quick dodges. As always, we can improve our abilities by acquiring new skills found on a special tree, as well as equip more powerful gear. The game is especially characteristic for its eye-friendly pixel-art graphics. Interestingly enough, the game is seen from a two-dimensional perspective, with unaccented third dimension that comes into play when a hero climbs to an elevated location.
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Dragon Quest Heroes I & II
March 3, 2017
Action, Crossover, RPG Elements, Fantasy, Hack'and'slash, Co-op, Package, Singleplayer, Slasher, TPP, Nintendo Exclusive.
Dragon Quest Heroes I & II for Nintendo Switch is a collection of two third-person hack-and-slash games and Dragon Quest series spin-offs developed by Omega Force. Both games are 3D hack-and-slash titles, very similar to the Dynasty Warriors series in terms of gameplay. As we play, we will explore enormous open locations and fight with hordes of enemies. The available heroes have different attacks and special abilities. They can block and evade attacks, which comes in handy when facing the gigantic bosses that require from the players a bit more tactical approach. The Nintendo Switch versions of the games previously released on PlayStation include all DLCs and exclusive content, and brand new characters and scenarios.
Snailboy: Rise of Hermitron
January 30, 2017
Action, 2D, Adventure Elements, Platformers, Singleplayer, Free-to-play.
Snailboy: Rise of Hermitron is a platform game developed by Thoopid. It is a sequel to the well-received Snailboy: An Epic Adventure. We play as the titular snail who ends up in a mysterious world at the bottom of the ocean. When the evil crab Hermitron, aided by the bureaucrat Harold, prepares himself to take over the underwater land, it is our job to help the citizens of Coral Kingdom in bringing back peace and order. Snailboy: Rise of Hermitron is a typical side-scrolling platformer. Gameplay focuses on venturing through locations by jumping from one platform to another, and on fighting with the encountered enemies. During our adventures we will use our hero's unusual abilities. He can not only jump, but also stick to the environmental elements, and is more than good at firing magic missiles. Power-ups, located here and there through out the locations, will also be helpful in saving our skin.
The Horus Heresy: Battle of Tallarn
February 8, 2017
Strategy, Singleplayer, Turn-based, Warhammer 40,000.
The Horus Heresy: Battle of Tallarn is a turn-based strategy set in the Warhammer 40.000 universe. It was developed by HexWar. The game begins after the Iron Warriors bomb Tallran, which leads to the planet becoming a barren wasteland. Those who survived by hiding in the underground hideouts join their forces and call all the tank legions - from Leman Russ to Baneblade - for help. Gameplay in The Horus Heresy: Battle of Tallarn is based on the classic rules of turn-based strategies. Key to victory lies in thought-out placement of our units and in taking advantage of their assets. The game consists of three campaigns (Apocalypse, Resurrection, Revenge). Each of them offers six missions. Battle of Tallarn also offers a tutorial for players not acquainted with the genre. The Horus Heresy: Battle of Tallarn features rather simple visuals, but the 66 available units where designed with high attention to detail.
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Lost Region
April 8, 2017, Early Access
Action, Indie Games, Internet, MMO, Multiplayer, Post-apocalypse, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Survival, TPP.
An independent MMO survival game based on Unreal Engine 4. The action of Lost Region takes place in a desolated world which is slowly taken over by the ravenous nature. The available landmass was inspired by mountainous regions of North America and consists of 64 square kilometers of diversified landscape. The players are left with a number of duties, including combat, resource gathering, completing procedurally-generated tasks, and exploration. Moreover, groups of players can engage in clan warfare by building strongholds and besieging rivaling outposts. Combat itself is stealth-oriented and requires a lot of cooperation between players, as careless assaults almost always end in failure. Thanks to an extensive crafting system, we can equip a wide range of weaponry and equipment, as well as construct buildings. Interestingly enough, the players can also encounter neutral factions, which may change their standing based on our actions.
Steam
Asdivine Hearts 2
February 15, 2017
RPG, 2D, Fantasy, jRPG, Singleplayer, Top-down, Turn-based.
A continuation of a mobile jRPG. The plot of Asdivine Hearts 2 follows the story started by its predecessor. Once again, we take control of Zack and a group of his friends, who embark upon a journey to a distant world of Archelio. When our hero gets struck with a magic curse, the rest of the team has to help him in lifting it. Unfortunately, the party had lost all of its equipment, while the land is plagued by a god-like being whose origins are a subject of a mystery. Asdivine Hearts 2 was inspired mainly by classic jRPGs from 16- and 32-bit consoles. The player explores the world, engages in various quests, as well as takes part in turn-based combat with encountered foes. The party can include up to 6 heroes, while the remaining ones can be sent on missions that result in additional coins.
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Alto's Odyssey
February 21, 2018
Arcade, 2D, Auto-runner, Epic Store Exclusive, Indie Games, Side-scroll, Singleplayer, Snowboard.
A continuation of a well-received 2015 mobile endless runner Alto's Adventure, developed by Snowman. Like its predecessor, Alto's Odyssey does not feature a story as such - in the game, the player assumes the role of a snowboarder who has to overcome the obstacles, jump over chasms, run from the enemies, catch runaway animals, and perform various snowboard tricks, for which he is awarded points. Instead of the snow-capped mountains known from the first installment, the player gets to travel to a desert location filled with dunes, ruins of ancient cities, and a ton of new threats. Similarly to other endless runner games, the track is generated procedurally and has no end. The player has to avoid making any mistakes, cover gradually increasing distances, and get as many points as possible. Like its predecessor, the game features minimalist visuals; however, they are bound to appeal to many players with their pastel color palette.
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High Speed Race
September 29, 2014
Racing, Polish, Cars, Singleplayer, Free-to-play.
Production in which we participate in illegal races held on the streets of the Japanese capital. We have ten cars at our disposal that are susceptible to modifications, which we crashed along sixteen Tokyo routes.
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A-Train Express
June 7, 2019
Strategy, Economic, PlayStation VR, Trains, Singleplayer, Transport, PlayStation Exclusive, VR.
Published on PlayStation 4, another installment of the A-Train series by Japanese developer ARTDINK. The production is based on The Train Giant (A-Train 9) for PC, but it can be easily controlled with a DualShock 4, and additionally, it supports PlayStation VR. During the game, you assume the role of a manager of a transportation company. The objective is to build and maintain a network of urban transportation and expand the metropolis. Therefore, the player puts up stops, constructs railways, builds roads, and more. The game offers two new game modes – Map Construction Mode and Driving Mode. The first one consists of creating a map for a new metropolis, and in the second, the player drives cars, small boats, and – naturally – trains. There are over 200 models of them, including the bullet train Shinkansen. A-Train Express features tutorial videos for those less experienced.
Magic: The Gathering Arena
September 26, 2019
Puzzle, Fantasy, Games as a Service, Internet, Card Games, Magic: The Gathering, Multiplayer, Free-to-play.
A digital adaptation of Magic: The Gathering, a popular card game created by Wizards of the Coast company, developed by Digital Games studio. It faithfully recreates the original CCG, featuring all of its rules and released cards. The latter are used in the game to create our own decks to battle other players, summoned creatures and spells used to reduce opponents’ energy to zero. The game is strictly connected to traditional Magic: The Gathering, with new cards being added at the same time to virtual and tabletop versions.
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Save me Mr Tako
October 30, 2018
Arcade, 2D, Indie Games, Platformers, Singleplayer.
A two-dimensional platform game that is a homage to the genre classics from the first Game Boy and Game Boy Color handhelds. The main protagonist is the titular Mr Tako. He decides to stop the war between humans and intelligent octopuses. In order to achieve this goal, he travels through varied levels scattered across six different worlds. He avoids many dangers, speaks with encountered characters and accepts missions from them. He also solves riddles and fights encountered enemies. The combat system in Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San is unusual – the enemies, when hit by Mr Tako’s ink, are transformed into platforms. The protagonist can then use these platforms to jump to higher places. From time to time the player also faces powerful boss opponents. Hats that provide special abilities are helpful when facing some of them. The title features simple, modest graphics that use sprites the size of the ones used on the cult Nintendo handhelds.
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Total War: Warhammer II - Mortal Empires
October 26, 2017
Strategy, Fantasy, Internet, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, War Strategy, Turn-based, Warhammer.
A free expansion for the strategy game Total War: Warhammer II. The add-on was developed by the creators of the original, i.e. Creative Assemble. The Mortal Empires DLC is offered exclusively to the owners of the first two games in the series, as it introduces a third game mode, which is a joint campaign. The add-on joins the grand campaigns from both the first Total War: Warhammer and its sequel, but it does not do it by simply combining the two maps – the campaign is set in the Old World with some of the most essential territories added, namely, Ulthuan, Naggaroth, Southlands and Lustria. The area consists of a total of 295 settlements controlled by 117 playable and non-playable factions. It is also worth noting that Total War: Warhammer II - Mortal Empires does not bring any important changes to gameplay mechanics. Gameplay still consists of two phases – in the first one you manage your nation on a strategic world map, but whenever there is a clash between two armies you get to take part in a huge battle of thousands of units fought in real time. Nevertheless, the expansion includes all the innovations and improvements brought forth by Total War: Warhammer II. Besides, every other DLC and “free-LC” is also available in the Mortal Empires mode, thus further expanding the joint campaign map.
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So Let Us Melt
September 21, 2017
Adventure, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, TPP, VR.
An interactive experience developed for VR sets by studio The Chinese Room (creators of Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture). The main protagonist of the game is a drone called Custodian 98. Similarly to other machines like him, he is transforming the atmosphere of a planet to make it suitable for the creatures hiding in the underground Polar City. Due to the terraforming, the world gradually becomes filled with life. However, things get complicated when a mysterious, terrifying star appears on the sky. The story of So Let Us Melt is presented in the form of several short chapters, in which the player observes the actions of Custodian 98 and his colleagues. Although the player cannot freely move through the environment – they can only look around – sometimes they can interact with the surroundings.
DC Unchained
March 29, 2018
Action, DC Comics, RPG Elements, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Superheroes, Isometric View, Free-to-play.
Developed by the South Korean developer 4:33 Creative Lab, DC Unchained is a mobile action game based on the free-to-play business model and offering mainly PvE and PvP multiplayer modes. The action of the game is set in the universe created by DC Comics for their comic books, animated series, and movies. DC Unchained draws multiple themes from the entire DC franchise - during the game, the players get to visit many locations introduced in the comic books and control the most famous superheroes and supervillains featured in this universe. The gameplay revolves around fighting hordes of opponents controlled by the AI and facing other players. During the game, one is tasked with assembling a team of three and participating in dynamic battles using unique sets of skills exhibited by each separate character. DC Unchained delivers several game modes including an elaborate story mode, time challenge, special missions, the defense mode, and multiple PvP based modes.
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Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse
May 16, 2013
Adventure, Alternative History, Mechs, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Dating Simulator, Visual Novel.
A classic visual novel adventure, a prelude to Muv-Luv Alternative, which presents a completely new story and characters. Players take on the role of the test pilot of a new generation of experimental models of mosses built to repel invasions of aliens, who have been effectively taking control of the Earth for several decades.
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Jet Rider 2
October 31, 1997
Racing, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, PS Plus Premium, Science Fiction, Singleplayer.
A racing game in which ten participants compete with each other on special air scooters, able to move both above the ground and above the water. Twenty tracks have been made available to players, ten of which come from the previous version of the series, entitled Jet Moto. A characteristic feature of production is the very high level of difficulty of the competition.
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Avernum 3: Ruined World
January 31, 2018
RPG, 2D, Fantasy, Classic RPG, Singleplayer, Isometric View.
The second attempt at refreshing 1996 title Exile III: Ruined World (after 2002 Avernum 3). Avernum 3: Ruined World takes the player to a fantasy world which is currently at the brink of a disaster. The player controls a group of daredevils that manage to escape the underground prison after a long fight against the forces of an evil Empire. Having reached the surface, the characters discover that their world has been invaded by monsters. It soon turns out that they have to cooperate with their enemy, the Empire, in order to put an end to the threat posed by the monsters. Mechanics-wise, Avernum 3 is an old-school RPG with a turn-based combat system. The player creates a team of four characters and develops their skills to one's liking alongside progression. Dozens of towns and dungeons are waiting for the player - their fate depends both on the player's actions and attacks of the monsters. Avernum 3: Ruined World offers a minimalistic graphic style patterned after isometric RPGs from the last century.
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Switchblade
August 28, 2018
Action, Indie Games, Internet, MOBA, Multiplayer, Cars, Science Fiction, Online, Free-to-play.
An arcade multiplayer game with MOBA elements. Switchblade has been developed by Lucid Games, a studio comprising of the creators of the Project Gotham Racing series. The game takes the player into the future, in which they assume the role of a participant of futuristic sports matches. During each match, the player gets to drive one of the available vehicles and together with other players is tasked with destroying the opponents’ towers. In order to do this, one can utilize diversified features of their machines - some of them to fix, others to deal damage, etc. Moreover, during the game, small robots called mobs appear on the map to distract and attack the enemies. These robots should be protected, as they are the key to success. Nonetheless, one has to destroy the enemy mobs. Switchblade has been based on Unreal Engine, the same technology utilized in the production of Gears of War 4. The game is available as free-to-play.
Yoshi's Crafted World
March 29, 2019
Arcade, 2.5D, Co-op, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Platformers, Splitscreen, Singleplayer, Nintendo Exclusive.
A three-dimensional platformer designed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch console. The players take control of Yoshi – a cute dinosaur-like creature known from the Mario franchise. This time he is taken to a miniature world filled with challenges requiring both skill and logic, and offering many gold coins to collect. Yoshi is a classic platformer with side view, with our hero running, jumping and throwing eggs at enemies or environmental objects. Interestingly, the camera can be changed at any moment to look at the level from another perspective. This can be used to discover new paths and many surprises, and each level can be completed in two ways. The game can be completed in cooperation in split-screen mode for two players. Visually, Yoshi uses box-like miniature dioramas, resembling the Paper Mario series.
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Wandersong
September 27, 2018
Adventure, 2D, Indie Games, Music, Platformers, Singleplayer.
An unusual game that combines traits of a side-scrolling platform game, a music game, and an adventure game.
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Sword Legacy: Omen
August 13, 2018
RPG, Fantasy, Indie Games, Arthurian Legends, Singleplayer, Tactics, Turn-based, Isometric View.
A tactical role-playing game inspired by Matter of Britain. Sword Legacy: Omen takes the player to the realm of Britannia that is divided by internal matters. The player assumes the role of Uther, a knight of the murdered Lord Leof. The protagonist intends to have his revenge on the killers of his master and to find the Excalibur, the legendary sword. In his mission he is accompanied by an eccentric wizard named Merlin. Later other unusual characters join him as well. The fellowship is traveling through the varied regions of Britannia. They complete various tasks for the citizens of the realm, talk to neutral characters and - what’s most important - fight encountered enemies. The battles are turn-based and during them the player must use proper tactics that depend on available characters and their unique skills. Sword Legacy: Omen features cartoonish graphics and brutal special effects.
Steam
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Dungeon Souls
December 2, 2016
Arcade, Dungeon Crawler, RPG Elements, Indie Games, Roguelike, Singleplayer.
Action roguelike dungeon crawler game produced by two small teams - Lamina Studios and Mike Studios. During the game we play as daredevils (barbarian, knight, archer and thief among others) traversing the dungeons inhabited by various monsters and haunted by a powerful being called Redeemer. Our goal on each level is to activate a portal through which we get further. The task is not easy, because all locations are generated randomly. The mission is made a little easier by found or bought items that influence the features of our protégé.
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ARK: Aberration
December 12, 2017
Action, Crafting, Dinosaurs, FPP, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Sandbox, Science Fiction, Survival, Xbox Game Pass Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass.
ARK: Aberration is a non-standalone expansion for ARK: Survival Evolved, developed by Studio Wildcard. The basics of the gameplay remained the same, blending a multiplayer action game with sandbox and survival elements. Instead of introducing revolutionary mechanics, the expansion focuses on new content. ARK: Aberration allows you to visit a new ark with irradiated areas and expansive underground sections. It is inhabited by mutant animals and a humanoid monster race known as the Nameless. The DLC also features many new items, adding e.g. climbing equipment, wingsuits, zip-lines, and previously unavailable crafting and building resources. There are also new challenges to complete, as well as new threats, such as earthquakes, gas leaks, or radioactive zones.
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Vaporum
September 28, 2017
RPG, Dungeon Crawler, Fantasy, FPP, Indie Games, Classic RPG, Singleplayer, Steampunk.
Vaporum is a steampunk RPG developed by Fatbot Games. In the game, the player assumes control of a group of daredevils who are trapped on a mysterious island with only one way to escape - they have to reach the top of the mighty tower filled with traps, secret passages, and hordes of enemies. The game represents the genre of dungeon crawlers. One observes the action from the first-person perspective, however, they can turn only by 90 degrees to the left and right. The game utilizes a tile-by-tile movement system, while combat takes place in real time. During the game, one can develop their characters - this does not mean improving their statistics, rather enhancing their mechanical armors, which also can be equipped with diverse gadgets which draw energy from the exo-rig. The game combines old-school mechanics foundations with modern visuals and simple interface.
Steam
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Pokemon Silver
September 22, 2017
RPG, 2D, Co-op, LAN, Multiplayer, Pokemon, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Turn-based, Nintendo Exclusive.
A new edition of the franchise's classic installment. Along with Pokemon Gold, the game constitutes the so-called second generation of the main video game series. The original version had its debut in Japan in 1999, and was released for Game Boy Color. More than fifteen years later, the game returns, coming out for Nintendo 3DS. Pokemon Silver is set in a fictional world inhabited by the titular creatures. The player takes on the role of a beginner Pokemon trainer. Their goals are to catch all the species of monsters and to defeat the best trainers. Compared with the first generation, the game introduces a lot of novelties, such as a new region (completely new Pokemon can be found here), a day-night cycle, additional items, as well as Pokemon breeding mechanics. The core of the experience remained unchanged however, as the player explores the game world viewed from above, talks to NPCs, catches new Pokemon and competes against the encountered trainers. All of this is conveyed by 16-bit visuals complemented by music composed by Jun'ichi Masuda. Contrary to the original version, the edition for 3DS gives an opportunity to both play and exchange with others via the local wireless network. Additionally, the game supports the PokeBank application, so the player can transfer their subordinates to new installments of the series.
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Pokemon Gold
September 22, 2017
RPG, 2D, Co-op, LAN, Multiplayer, Pokemon, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Turn-based, Nintendo Exclusive.
New edition of a classic entry in the Pokemon series and part of the so-called second generation along with Pokemon Silver. The original game debuted in 1999 in Japan for the Game Boy Color handheld, and then has been released on Nintendo 3DS console family more than fifteen years later. The story of Pokemon Gold takes place in a fictional world inhabited by the eponymous creatures, as players once again venture as a beginner pokemon trainer to catch all of their species and beat the best trainers around. Pokemon Gold introduces many novelties compared to the first generation, starting with new region (inhabited by previously unseen species of pokemon), night/day cycle, additional items, and ending with the breeding mechanics. The core gameplay remained unchanged, so we explore the world from top-down view, interacting with NPCs, catching pokemon and engaging in turn-based battles against trainers we meet. All of this is presented in 16-bit colored visuals, complemented with music by Jun'ichi Masuda. Additionally, the game supports local wireless and PokeBank application, the latter letting us transfer our pokemon to newer games from the series.
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Sir Eatsalot
April 3, 2018
Action, 2D, Adventure Elements, Fantasy, Humorous, Indie Games, Platformers, Singleplayer.
A combination of an adventure and a platform game developed by an independent German studio called Behind The Stone. The game takes the player to a fantasy realm of Gluttington, which faces a grave danger as an evil witch known by the name of Hysterice was able to poison the entire land with a bitter lemonade. Luckily, the people of Gluttington can count on the main protagonist, who grabs his sword and sets off on a dangerous quest to put an end to the witch’s intrigues once and for all and occasionally eat some donuts. In Sir Eatsalot, the player observes from the side perspective how the main protagonist traverses thirteen consecutive stages, solves environmental puzzles, and fights multiple enemies. The game delivers pleasant colorful visuals featuring cartoonish style – interestingly enough, solving the puzzles designed by the developers requires the player to utilize the unique features of the Sony console, such as the touchscreen and motion sensors.
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Gunship Battle2 VR
August 2, 2017
Action, Helicopters, Meta Quest / Oculus, PlayStation VR, Shoot 'em Up, Singleplayer, SteamVR, Shooters, VR, Free-to-play.
An arcade action game developed by Joycity for virtual reality goggles. When the fate of the whole world is endangered, all hope lies in the main protagonist of the game, Dylan – a pilot of an experimental combat helicopter. He is trying to reclaim his old life and lost family. During the game the player controls a helicopter and participates in missions, during which they must complete objectives like destroying enemy base, destroying a convoy or fighting enemy air forces. Gunship Battle2 VR features decent graphics. It is worth mentioning that on all platforms it requires the aforementioned virtual reality goggles to work – Samsung Gear VR in case of mobile devices and PlayStation VR on PlayStation 4.
Steam
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Survived By
cancelled
RPG, 2D, Fantasy, Internet, MMO, MMORPG, Roguelike, Action RPG, Top-down, Free-to-play.
An independent free-to-play MMORPG referencing roguelike games from Digital Extremes and Human Head Studios. The title takes players to a fantasy world where evil has nested. Only a group of daredevils can face it and save the Tree of the World and all its inhabitants.
Steam
Beat The Game
September 7, 2017
Adventure, Experimental/artistic, Indie Games, Music, Singleplayer.
A surreal adventure game, in which the player assumes the role of a musically gifted traveler. On one of his adventures, his machine breaks down; however, there is still hope. If he manages to pull off a concert, he might attract some new means of transport. The gameplay in Beat The Game revolves around ideas similar to those featured in classic adventure games. The player is tasked with exploring numerous locations and looking for valuable items, which can be used to obtain sounds, as one can e.g. hit an empty beverage can with a stick and get a hi-hat. The sounds can be also obtained from creatures, flying figures, and encountered characters. Upon collecting several sounds, one has to combine them using a mixer. This way, the player pushes the story forward, unlocks consecutive cutscenes and gets access to new locations. Developed by Worm Animation, Beat The Game is not a very long game, as one can complete it in less than an hour.
Steam
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West of Loathing
August 10, 2017
RPG, 2D, Humorous, Indie Games, Singleplayer, Turn-based, Western.
An unusual RPG developed by Asymmetric. The game is heavily inspired by the slapstick comedies and takes the player to a land resembling the Wild West. The main protagonist of the game is a daredevil, who wants to start a new chapter of his life, so he leaves his family farm and sets off on a journey to the town of Frisco. West of Loathing delivers a vast open world filled with NPCs, who assign numerous tasks, puzzles waiting to be solved, and enemies the player has to fight during turn-based battles. Depending on one’s choice, the main protagonist can represent one of three separate classes – the appearance, on the other hand, can be modified according to one’s own preferences, by donning one of the fifty available hats. As one progresses through the game, they increase their character’s combat potential by acquiring new types of weapons and improving stats and abilities. The game delivers rather simplistic visuals that resemble sketches created by the students in the back of their notebooks.
Steam
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DreamWorks Voltron VR Chronicles
September 26, 2017
Action, FPP, Meta Quest / Oculus, PlayStation VR, Science Fiction, Animated TV Series, Singleplayer, SteamVR, VR.
An action game based on the Netflix TV series Voltron. The title was created by Digital Domain. The main protagonist of the game is Lance, the pilot of the Blue Lion – one of the five machines that are part of the titular Voltron, a giant, unstoppable robot. During his space adventures the protagonist discovers an abandoned ship and accidentally releases an ancient power that threatens the entire universe. Now he must stop this mysterious power. In DreamWorks Voltron VR Chronicles the action is presented by using a first-person perspective. The main pillar of the game lies in space battles fought by using the aforeentioned Blue Lion. In addition to that, during the missions the player solves environmental riddles and participates in events related to the story. The game was developed for virtual reality goggles. The player can observe their surroundings by moving their head and the controller movement represents the protagonist’s hands. This enables the player to manipulate their surroundings and control the robot in space. The graphics that use the style of the TV series are a characteristic trait of the game.
Steam
DreamBreak
July 21, 2016
Adventure, 2D, Cyberpunk, Adventure Elements, Arcade Elements, Singleplayer.
DreamBreak is an independent adventure game developed by the Russian studio Aist. The game is set in an alternate cyberpunk version of USSR. The player is tasked with solving a criminal case linked to a conspiracy. Gameplay may remind one of other games, such as Flashback and Another World, which means that classic mechanics known from point&click adventure games have been combined with elaborate platform elements, such as escapes, car chases, and shootouts, during which the player is forced to employ different tactics as well as utilize various tools and weapons. The retro visuals are bound to remind one of old, 8- and 16-bit productions; however, developers from Aist studio made sure to make their game more straightforward – DreamBreak features a number of facilitations aimed at minimizing the level of player frustration. The game delivers 2-3 hours of fun.
Steam
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Earth Atlantis
October 5, 2017
Action, 2D, Experimental/artistic, Indie Games, Submarines, Side-scroll, Singleplayer.
A side-scrolling action game taking the players to a post-apocalyptic future, in which, due to major climate change, most of the planet has been flooded by the end of the 21st century. The few who survived the cataclysm are traversing the deep oceans aboard special submarines. During the exploration, one has to hunt for machines, which have adapted to the new conditions by taking on forms resembling sea creatures. The player assumes the role of one such hunter - the game developed by Pixel Perfex offers the players several naval vessels (more can be unlocked throughout the game) equipped with unique weapons. Throughout diverse locations, one has to hunt multiple creatures, including both smaller ones and those much larger than a submarine. Occasionally, the player can participate in one of nine special events. Earth Atlantis delivers memorable visuals, featuring style inspired by Medieval sketches.
Steam
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Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins
October 18, 1999
RPG, jRPG, Action RPG, Singleplayer.
Continuation of the Japanese RPG action, which largely breaks with the original, offering a new graphic style, better audio-visual setting and much less serious styling. The title, unlike many other species representatives, offers many logical challenges.
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The Idolmaster: Platinum Stars
July 28, 2016
Simulation, Economic, Manager, Music, Rhythm, Singleplayer, PlayStation Exclusive, Visual Novel.
A new installment of The Idolmaster – a popular series developed by Bandai Namco. Similarly to the previous installments in the series, the game mixes elements seen in managers, visual novels, and rhythm games. The player assumes the role of a producer, whose mission is to lead the careers of thirteen young idols that were sent to a special training camp. The game begins with the choice of a leader, while gameplay itself was divided into several segments. The girls are sent to lessons and auditions, and can take part in concerts or special events after fulfilling all the prerequisites. Moreover, the story chapters enable us to get to know the girls better, which is especially important, as our relations also affect their achievements. We can improve the girls’ individual abilities by engaging in singing lessons that involve performing songs in a manner similar to what we could encounter in other rhythm games. Concerts take place in the exact same way. Aside from voice, the girls can also equip costumes that increase their abilities and presence of which further translates into a bigger number of fans. The game is characteristic for its high quality visuals, with three-dimensional cel-shaded models and fluent animations, as well as an extended soundtrack consisting of thirty features from the previous installments of the series and a number of brand new music tracks.