Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces
September 3, 2015
Strategy, World War II, Internet, Multiplayer, RTS, War Strategy, Tactics.
A third stand-alone expansion for Company of Heroes 2. It was developed by the Relic Entertainment studio, creators of the base game and the two previous expansions. As in the case of the Western Front Armies add-on, developers focused mainly on the multiplayer mode and added British Armed Forces to network game. Along with it developers provided the players with 15 new units, 6 commanders with various abilities, and 8 new maps depicting historical places of World War II. It is worth noting that the authors also included the cultural differences that were present in the British Army, and that we can develop technology tree in two ways, with emphasis on either its offensive or defensive aspects. In contrast to previous expansions, The British Forces features also a number of cosmetic improvements in graphics and animations as well as improved balance between various factions.
Steam
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Pit People
March 2, 2018
Strategy, 2D, RPG Elements, Fantasy, Hotseat, Humorous, Indie Games, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Tactics, Turn-based.
A 2D tactical strategy game developed by The Behemoth - an independent American studio. The player is taken to an unusual universe which combines the features of classic fantasy with science-fiction; moreover, the entire adventure is filled with absurd humor. A story campaign constitutes the core of this experience - it can be completed either solo or in the co-op mode for two players. The gameplay as such has two branches here - on one hand, the player traverses the game world in real time, visiting different places (such as towns), taking quests from NPCs and gathering gold, as well as different items; on the other hand, the player fights turn-based battles on maps covered with hexes. Pit People distinguishes itself among other representatives of the genre by the presence of the narrator - this figure not only comments on the events on the screen, but also influences them in order to make the job of the player-controlled characters harder. Additionally, the game offers a competition-based mode for 4 players (two teams fight one another).
Steam
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Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom
October 8, 2015
Arcade, Auto-runner, Singleplayer, Sonic, TPP, Free-to-play.
The second installment in a series of endless runners developed under the auspices of SEGA, specifically for mobile devices. The game uses the license of the Sonic Boom TV series (Cartoon Network). Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom is played from the third-person view and the player assumes the roles of characters such as Sonic himself, Knuckles, Tails or Amy. The player's goal here is to cover as long a part of the route as possible. One encounters different obstacles and enemies, but the in-game store allows the player to buy new characters, upgrades or power-ups, which boost the capabilities of the heroes. Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom comes with high-quality 3D visuals; the game is a free-to-play title which uses microtransactions.
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Harvest Moon: Seeds of Memories
January 13, 2016
RPG, Economic, jRPG, Cozy Game, Farm, Singleplayer.
Another installment in the popular series of RPG games that depict the life of a farmer. The game was developed by studio Natsune and is part of a series that was started in the second half of the 90s. In Harvest Moon: Seeds of Memories the player becomes a novice farmer and is tasked with rebuilding the former prosperity of a farm and gaining sympathy of the inhabitants of a nearby city by completing various story quests. For completing those missions, the player obtains seeds of memories that contain a record of the most important moments in the life of a character. Although the gameplay returns to the roots of the series, the developers have decided to added some completely new features as well. During the game, the players plant seeds, gather crops, and breed animals. In addition to engaging in farming activities, the players can also cook, go fishing, and work in mines. All of those activities require tools, which, as the game progress, can be upgraded and replaced by new ones.
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Tropico 5: Espionage
May 28, 2015
Strategy, City Builder, Economic, Internet, Multiplayer, RTS, Singleplayer, Cold War.
Espionage is the second add-on to the fifth game in the Tropico series currently owned by Haemimont Games. Surveilling the public, controlling the secret services and the army are some of the expansion's main new features. Espionage introduces nine new buildings to the game, among which we will find the Spy Academy, Mechanized Garrison, Dungeons, and Security Checkpoints. They will all come in handy in the new single player campaign, The Maltese Toucan. It consists of six missions, in which we try to defend a certain treasure and deal with numerous revolts and acts of sabotage. The expansion introduces four new islands on which we can create our country and a set of new events and quests that await us in the sandbox mode. Some new details, such as the new costumes and accessories for El Presidente, are also present. The game's soundtrack has also been enriched with new tracks.
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Metroid Prime: Blast Ball
July 21, 2016
Arcade, FPP, FPS, Multiplayer, Football, Singleplayer, Shooters, Nintendo Exclusive.
A multiplayer first-person perspective shooter. As Nintendo shuns extreme violence, the title does not feature brutal gameplay like the Doom or Call of Duty series. Instead, you play a futuristic football variation designed for two teams of three. The players control robots which shoot at a giant ball and by doing so, try to put it in the back of the opponent’s net. The thing is, you can be gunned down by the enemy, and the more damage the ball suffers, the smaller it gets, which significantly impedes controlling it towards the end of a match. Gameplay requires strict cooperation between the players, sometimes even sacrifice. The title features pleasant 3D graphics.
Lucky's Tale
March 28, 2016
Arcade, Meta Quest / Oculus, 3D Platformers, PlayStation VR, Singleplayer, SteamVR, VR.
A colorful three-dimensional platformer with virtual reality goggle support. It was developed by Playful Corporation. The player takes control of a likable fox called Lucky, traveling across a colorful world full of different challenges to complete and enemies to defeat. When it comes to gameplay mechanics, the game is a typical platformer. Apart from the protagonist being able to run, jump, climb, and fight, he can also engage in a variety of additional activities and arcade mini-games. The game stands out with its support of the virtual reality technology that allows the player to look around freely when searching for hidden passages or to lean out of a fence or a rock to see what is on the other side. Thus the player's immersion in the adventures of Lucky reaches new depths. The game features three-dimensional, colorful and cartoonish visuals.
Steam
The Legend of Legacy
January 22, 2015
RPG, Fantasy, jRPG, Singleplayer, Turn-based, Nintendo Exclusive.
A Japanese fantasy RPG based on the popular – especially in Japan – SaGa series, previously known as Final Fantasy Legend. The game has been developed by FuRyu supported by former Square Enix employees, who have been working on the original series. In the game, the player assumes the role of one of the seven heroes, who want to uncover the mysteries of the island of Avalon. The player is aided in this task by two companions selected from a group of NPCs. The Legend of Legacy delivers a nonlinear plot, which almost entirely depends on the player’s actions and decisions. The gameplay revolves around the exploration of the island, completing quests, i.a. in the city of Initium (which serves also as the main base and place of trade), and waging turn-based battles. In combat, the player can summon ghosts to the battlefield, from which he gains additional abilities. All the characters’ skills can be improved the same way as in the SaGa series - by using the already unlocked abilities. The player is bound to appreciate the game’s visuals, which combine 3D models with hand-drawn world textures.
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Ion
cancelled
RPG, Crafting, Internet, Co-op, Space, MMO, Sandbox, Science Fiction.
A sci-fi space MMO inspired by the cult online RPG Space Station 13, developed in partnership with technology company Improbable by RocketWerkz, a studio founded by former Bohemia Interactive employee and DayZ creator Dean Hall. The action of the game is set in the distant future, when humanity has finally managed to reach the stars. According to the author's idea, Ion is not only a game, but above all a constantly changing universe, in which players live, build and die on structures drifting in space.
Fort Meow
June 25, 2015
Puzzle, 2D, Arcade Elements, Indie Games, Singleplayer.
An original hybrid of a logic and arcade game, developed by Upper Class Walrus. In Fort Meow, the player assumes the role of a red-haired girl that visits the residence of her mysterious family. In one of the rooms, the girl finds a journal kept by her grandfather, who used it to describe his adventures. After his death, grandma has begun to feed and shelter numerous cats – for some reason, the animals are persistent on not letting the girl read the journal. To hide from four-legged assailants, the girl has to build simple strongholds from the objects found around the house. Be warned – the attack lasts a while, while the difficulty level quickly increases, forcing us to build durable and stable constructions - otherwise, our stronghold can collapse under its own weight and hurt our heroine.
Steam
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Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel
December 10, 2015
Fighting, 2D, Crossover, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
A classic 2D fighting game developed by Examu, an experienced Japanese studio. The heroines of the production are characters known from various titles of the famous visual novel developer, Nitroplus. In Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroine Infinite, there are tens of female characters from the aforementioned company’s portfolio; these include playable warriors and AI-controlled partners. Apart from standard attacks, each of them has their own arsenal of combos and special strikes. The gameplay is enriched by an original support system — before each fight, we may select two additional characters who will help us once summoned. Depending on the chosen duo, they can combine their skills in many different ways. The title also offers a multiplayer mode in which we gain experience levels and ranks that advance us in the online leaderboard.
Steam
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Wayward Sky
October 13, 2016
Arcade, Puzzle Elements, PlayStation VR, Singleplayer, PlayStation Exclusive, VR.
A game combining adventure, logic and arcade elements, created specifically for PlayStation VR goggles. Wayward Sky was developed by Uber Entertainment - the creators of Monday Night Combat or Planetary Annihilation. The player assumes the role of a young female pilot called Bess, who, along with her father, crashes in a mysterious fortress protruding from the clouds. The old man is taken prisoner by the hostile robots and the player's goal is to save him, getting past various obstacles that happen to get in the protagonist's way. Generally, Wayward Sky is a point-and-click adventure game which focuses primarily on solving puzzles. Contrary to the classics of the genre however, puzzles here not always require only thinking - arcade elements appear for instance when the player has to control an awkwardly-moving robot in order to press certain buttons which cannot be reached by the protagonist. Wayward Sky stands out with its fairy-tale-like visuals contributing to the games atmosphere.
Godling
cancelled
Arcade, FPP, PlayStation VR, Singleplayer, PlayStation Exclusive, VR, God Game.
An adventure game for the goggles of the virtual reality of PlayStation VR. During the game we will find ourselves in a beautiful land, where we develop our "divine" powers and use them either for good or evil.
Rigs: Mechanized Combat League
October 13, 2016
Arcade, FPP, Internet, Mechs, Multiplayer, PlayStation VR, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, PlayStation Exclusive, VR.
A first-person shooter by Guerllia Games, developed for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR. The action of Rigs: Mechanized Combat League takes place in the future, and the players take part in the eponymous futuristic sport tournament, sitting in the cockpits of armored mechs and fighting one another on special arenas. Generally, the gameplay combines elements of arena FPS with basketball. The participants compete for points which are scored where they manage to jump through a big band at the right moment. To achieve this, though, it is necessary to clear the way to the goal with the use of the available weapons. At the same time, we have to prevent the enemy from reaching our own goal. There are 20 kinds of fast and agile mechs at players’ disposal. Each of these is suited for slightly different sort of play. The game features a single player campaign but multiplayer matches remain at its core.
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Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star
December 15, 2015
Party, Indie Games, Singleplayer, Visual Novel.
A narrative adventure game that uses the visual novel convention. It is a sequel to the Hatoful Boyfriend game released in 2011 in Japan, or more specifically to its remastered edition which was released few years later on the Western market. Developed in cooperation between the Mediatonic studios with the publisher, Devolver Digital, the game once again shows an undefined future in which the world was overrun by birds. The players return to the Saint Pigeonation academy where another romantic adventure, with both old and new characters, awaits them. In the typical Visual Novel manner, the game consists mostly of watching illustrations and reading consecutive chapters of the story, during which from time to time the player must make choices that will affect the fates of characters. Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star features colorful, cartoonish graphics typical for Japanese visual novels.
Steam
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Dead Effect 2
October 29, 2015
Action, FPP, FPS, Indie Games, Internet, Multiplayer, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Shooters, Zombie.
A continuation of the futuristic FPS horror developed by BadFly Interactive. The plot of Dead Effect 2 follows the events from the first installment – again you find yourself in the distant future on the deck of space ship ESS Meridian, the crew of which turned into bloodthirsty zombies. This time the player faces a much greater evil, that hides inside the vessel and threatens every survivor’s life and sanity. Compared to the first part of the game, mechanics of Dead Effect 2 are basically the same and again concentrate on ship exploration and fighting monsters. From time to time you come across logic puzzles and boss battles. Of course, the game introduces new locations, enemies, and additional types of customizable weapons. Moreover, each of the three playable characters can be developed with a variety cybernetic implants.
OpenCritic
Steam
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The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
October 22, 2015
Arcade, Puzzle Elements, Arcade Elements, Fantasy, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Nintendo Exclusive.
One of the numerous installments of the popular The Legend of Zelda series that dates back to the end of the 80s. The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes was developed solely with Nintendo 3DS in mind. The characteristic feature of the game is the three-player cooperation mode where we can join forces with our friends to defeat bosses, solve complicated puzzles, and complete subsequent levels. Totems, which are towers that consist of three characters standing on one another, are interesting result of cooperation. Thanks to this, heroes can reach places that are otherwise inaccessible or hit a strong opponent in his weak point. Naturally, The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes lets us play solo, as well. In such case, we control each of the three characters interchangeably. Clothes and weapons we find give us special abilities: they can help us dodge enemy attacks, enlarge bombs, or let us perform attacks unavailable to other characters. The game features simple and not very detailed graphics which are, on the other hand, very colorful.
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Castle Crashers Remastered
September 9, 2015
Action, 2D, Humorous, Indie Games, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Remaster/remake, Singleplayer.
An enhanced edition of the humorous action game by The Behemoth, originally released in 2008 for Xbox 360. Castle Crashers Remastered can be described as a modern version of the classic side-scrolling game Golden Axe. You play as one of the four knights embarking on a journey to find a thief who stole a precious figurine from their castle. You constantly move to the right side of the screen and fight various enemies, using two kinds of attacks, which you can combine in many ways. You can also jump, throw objects and use spells, and your characters can be developed as they earn experience points and level up. Compared to the original, the game features smooth animation in 60 fps and five times larger texture resolution. The online multiplayer mode has been upgraded and a bonus minigame Back Off Barbarian has been added.
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Rare Replay
August 4, 2015
Arcade, Multiplayer, Package, Remaster/remake, Singleplayer, Xbox Exclusive, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Premium.
An exclusive bundle of thirty, more or less classic, games created by Rare studio (for some time also known as Rareware) between 1983 and 2008. Those include titles like Sabre Wulf, Knight Lore, Killer Instinct Gold, Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, Kameo: Elements of Power or Viva Pinata. Sadly, some of their iconic productions, like Donkey Kong, are still owned by Nintendo, and thus they are not included in Rare Replay. In better news, all games in the package were remastered by original creators and adjusted to work on modern consoles and Xbox One controllers.
OpenCritic
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I am Setsuna
February 18, 2016
RPG, Fantasy, jRPG, Singleplayer, Turn-based.
A jRPG developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, also known as "Ikenie to Yuki no Setsuna" in Japan. It makes references to the classics of the genre and games such as the legendary classic Chrono Trigger. The story is set in a land of ever-lasting winter. Furthermore, the region is regularly terrorized by demons. In order to satisfy them, the inhabitants decide to sacrifice a girl, the game's eponymous protagonist. Along with a nameless henchman and a mysterious female traveler called Kuon, Setsuna sets out for a long and dangerous journey to the place where the sacrifice is to be made. On her way, she meets many different characters and encounters deadly monsters. The player observes the characters from high above and travels from one location to another using the world map, visiting numerous towns, restocking supplies, buying new equipment and fighting various enemies. The game employs a dynamic turn-based combat system, resembling the one used in early Final Fantasy games or the said Chrono Trigger. Once the player has refilled a special meter, they gain access to different boosts.
Steam
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Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
November 20, 2015
Sports, Arcade Elements, Internet, Co-op, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer, Tennis, Nintendo Exclusive.
Another part of the popular sport series from Nintendo, in which we can play tennis posing as one of many characters created by the Japanese company. Among them we will find some long-standing participants, for example, Mario and Peach, but also a lot of heroes new to the Mario Tennis series. The gameplay is purely arcade, although based on the rules of real tennis, and the player's characters controlled are equipped with many unusual skills. It is possible to play both single and double games, either against the AI or other players. Among some noteworthy novelties in Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash appears the technique dubbed Jumpshot, as well as the, unavailable earlier, Mega Battles mode, in which our character will grow after eating a magical mushroom, gaining a major advantage over opponents.
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Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival
November 13, 2015
Party, Multiplayer, Board & Card, Splitscreen, Cozy Game, Singleplayer, Nintendo Exclusive, Toys.
Spin-off to the popular Animal Crossing series, designed as an electronic board game, set in the universe of the series that has been developed since 2001 by Nintendo. During the game, we use amiibo figurines and cards, transferred into the game world via special NFC reader. As we play, we throw virtual dices and move over a special board, full of various mini-games, prizes, and sometimes traps, which will cause us to lose, for example, virtual money. The goal of the game is extremely simple: to make our character the happiest resident of the village. The title, like most digital board games, is designed primarily to be played in multiplayer mode. Notable features of Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival include extremely colorful, 3D graphic designs and interactive board game that changes with each successive seasons, as was the case in previous full-fledged installments of the series.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force
August 19, 2016
Action, FPP, Co-op, LAN, Multiplayer, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Nintendo Exclusive.
Another installment of the popular series of games for Nintendo consoles. Similarly as previous titles from the Prime sub-series, Metroid Prime: Federation Force is a science-fiction first-person shooter. It was developed by Next Level Games and features only a stub of a plot. During the game the player assumes the role of a soldier of the Galactic Federation. Together with his companions, he fights against the Space Pirates while controlling mechs. The basic campaign mode was designed with cooperation mode for up to four players in mind. Despite the fact that the game focuses purely on action elements, the developers added a bit of tactical depth – before each fight the player can select the equipment of his mech. The game also contains multiplayer modes based on competition between players, including a special mode called Blast Ball, which is a futuristic variation of soccer for two three-person teams.
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Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
December 3, 2015
Arcade, RPG Elements, Singleplayer, Nintendo Exclusive.
A unique arcade game with RPG features, created by Nintendo by combining two, so far, separate franchises: Mario & Luigi and Paper Mario. The gameplay concentrates on exploration and completing various missions, while solving puzzles and fighting enemies. In Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, players can take control of several different characters (including Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario among others) and use their unique skills to overcome various obstacles. Different tasks can be tackled using two different styles: rhythmical or action oriented, and the basic gameplay is diversified by the addition of arcade mini-games.
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Phantasmal: City of Darkness
April 14, 2016
Action, FPP, Singleplayer, Survival Horror.
A first-person perspective survival horror action game developed by Eyemobi studio in cooperation with Brian Bell, the man responsible for lighting in such movie hits like Riddick and The Ring 2. Phantasmal: City of Darkness takes place in a famous Chinese location - Kowloon Walled city - just before it was completely destroyed in the 90s in order to stop the criminal activity that filled the place. During the game player must face terrifying creatures that lurk in the darkness in a procedurally generated world. Each playthrough can be completely different. The key to victory is to sneak up behind the opponents and use in combat every resource we have available – from everyday objects to firearms. When fighting, one must remember that too much light or noise can lure more opponents.
Steam
Trackmania Turbo (2010)
September 24, 2010
Racing, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Cars, Singleplayer, Nintendo Exclusive.
The second installment of the pocket version of the popular PeCet series of racing games. We race and create our own tracks using the editor offered by the game.
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Sonic Runners
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Arcade, Auto-runner, Platformers, Singleplayer, Sonic.
A mobile game and a part of one of the most popular franchises in history. The production is a blend of a platformer and a typical runner game, set in the universe of Sonic the Hedgehog. You can not only play as the main character, but also as his friends, including Tails the Fox and Knuckles. The levels, called “episodes” in-game, are endless, although you can progress to the next one after earning a certain amount of points. Every character has a special ability, which helps them overcome obstacles (e.g. Sonic can triple-jump and Knuckles is super-strong, which makes him hit harder). The game features nicely designed maps full of platforms, enemies, and obstacles, making it more difficult to break records. You can find many collectibles and fight various bosses. The characters can be upgraded (they have three statistics: speed, strength, and acrobatics) and unlocked. The game's beautiful 2.5D was inspired by classic 8-bit and 16-bit console productions. The game was withdrawn from distribution due to a too aggressive business model.
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Island Flight Simulator
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Simulation, Economic, Planes, Singleplayer.
Island Flight Simulator combines elements of a simple flight and economy simulation games. It was developed by Caipirinha Games. The game takes us to a tropical area, where we assume the role of a small transport plane pilot. The gameplay boils down to transporting various goods, including those commonly considered illegal, between twelve exotic islands. The campaign consists of over a hundred challenges which involve very simple and quick jobs as well as high-risk missions. There are three aircraft at the player’s disposal, each different in terms of performance and appearance. The money we earn are spent on fuel, repairs, and modifications that increase our airplane’s capabilities and, by extension, our chance of succeeding in subsequent missions. The flight model used in the game isn’t too challenging – the developers decided to make a sort of compromise, thanks to which beginner gamers can also enjoy the game.
Steam
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Star Wars: The Old Republic - Knights of the Fallen Empire
June 27, 2016, End of Life
RPG, Internet, MMORPG, Multiplayer, PvE, PvP, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Star Wars, Free-to-play.
Another big, story-driven expansion to Star Wars: The Old Republic, a popular MMORPG created by Bioware in 2011. Like previous expansions, Knights of the Fallen Empire introduces a new chapter in the history of the Old Republic and the Sith Empire. This time, the story campaign and single player content is even more important than before. The DLC is focused on new adventures of an experienced war veteran, who represents one of the sides in the eternal conflict, as he or she faces yet another enemy, who shattered the established order of things. Other than the story, the expansion introduces new locations, missions, and items. Moreover, the character experience level cap was raised to 65, and the existing class campaigns were improved, so to increase the pace the of gameplay and make gathering experience and gear faster.
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ENKI
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Adventure, Puzzle Elements, FPP, Indie Games, Action Adventure, Singleplayer, Survival Horror.
An FPP survival-horror with elements of logic game, which came out as the second project (after an adventure game NERO) of the Italian developer Storm in a Teacup. The game features the theme of trying to escape from a dangerous serial killer. Taking a desperate attempt to save his life, the player has to face many challenges and logic puzzles. Gameplay is built around exploration, locating story-related items, and solving puzzles, which often refer to Sumerian culture and authentic occult writings. Throughout the game you gradually unveil the killer’s secrets and his connections to a mystic cult, whereas the choices you make and your successes at solving in-game problems determine which one of the several endings you are going to see. The game runs on an advanced version of Unreal Engine, featuring evocative, dark atmosphere.
Steam
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The Long Siege
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Puzzle, Strategic Elements, Fantasy, Internet, Multiplayer, Match-3, Singleplayer.
A unique combination of a real-time strategy and a match-3 logic puzzle game by the indie team Anomaly Studio. The game features segments, during which you participate in sieges — while in some missions you are the invader, in other you have to defend your fortress. During the game, most of the screen consists of a map divided into 42 fields, and your task is to manipulate the randomly-generated symbols to combine at least three of the same kind. This is how you summon units, which automatically charge into battle, and the more elements are there in a combination, the more powerful is the summoned character. Moreover, from time to time you can activate a huge cannon, which scatters the enemy units, while simple RPG elements allow you to develop your units. The Long Siege utilizes the premium financial model and features no microtransactions.
Wave of Darkness
June 27, 2016, End of Life
RPG, Crowdfunding, Fantasy, Hack'and'slash, Action RPG, Singleplayer.
A representative of the hack ’n’ slash genre, created by Dreamatrix Game Studios. The title is a follow-up to the 2013 Legends of Dawn. The players once again find themselves in Narr – a land inspired by Slavonic mythology. The plot of the game, which is not directly connected to its predecessor, focuses on a mysterious danger approaching from the dark swamps – the place has been releasing terrifying creatures, up to this point known only from myths and legends. Heroes from neighboring countries decided to put an end to the danger, lured by a promise of money from the local authorities. The gameplay in Wave of Darkness doesn’t try to be innovative, unfolding in the same vein as that of other known titles of the genre. Its mainstay is the exploration of the open world and combat with hordes of enemies. Aside from the main plot, we can also embark on the path of various side quests. The key to success is attained not only through collecting new pieces of equipment, but also by developing our hero. What’s important, we won’t find a rigorous class system, as we are free to choose any ability from the list of 35 different traits. Additionally, the game contains a system of crafting and upgrading current equipment, as well as the ability to create new spells. Sacrifices made to the gods allow our hero to receive temporary bonuses to individual abilities. The action is presented from an isometric view, with the finely-crafted locations being a definite highlight – the list includes catacombs, medieval castles, cemeteries, but also original ones such as flying islands.
Steam
Starpoint Gemini Warlords
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Strategy, RPG Elements, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Space Sim.
A spin-off to the space strategy series Starpoint Gemini, developed by creators from Little Green Man studio. The ideas for the game were based on players’ feedback gathered during Steam Early Stage. The action of Starpoint Gemini Warlords takes place in the same universe as the former titles of the series, and concentrates on rivalry between the ruling Empire and the resistance calling themselves the Gemini League. Gameplay is very similar to that in the title’s former parts. You assume the role of a space ship captain who tries to survive in the world ravaged by conflicts by trading in resources, hunting down various criminals, and fighting space pirates. The game features a universe almost eight times bigger, where the players can create and develop their space bases. It is worth mentioning that this installment introduces a more diverse world and space ship kinds, more upgrades and weapons, and an option of conquering another territories.
OpenCritic
Steam
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Robinson: The Journey
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Adventure, Exploration Games, FPP, Meta Quest / Oculus, PlayStation VR, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, VR.
A first-person adventure game focused on exploration. The game was developed by the German team at Crytek (famous for the best-selling Crysis series) and designed to support virtual reality technology. The story is set on an unknown distant planet combining tropical flora with prehistoric fauna embodied by powerful dinosaurs. The surface of the planet is littered with remnants of technologically advanced but now extinct civilization. The player takes control of a small boy, the sole survivor of a spaceship crash. He has to explore the mysterious land through his adventures and interactions with the environment. The game stands out with the latest generation of CryEngine ensuring high-quality visuals that put this game ahead of the majority of games supporting VR goggles.
Steam
Users
Her Story
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Adventure, Detective, Experimental/artistic, Full Motion Video, Indie Games, Singleplayer.
A unique detective game by Sam Barlow, the main designer and writer of Silent Hill: Origins and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Her Story is a rare example of a FMV adventure game — most of the visuals consists of videos of live-action actors. The plot of Her Story focuses on a British woman named Hannah, whose husband went missing in mysterious circumstances. Based on the recordings of her testimonies from 1994, you have to discover the truth behind those events. The game features an interesting keyword search system, allowing you to quickly find the moment, in which the woman used a particular phrasing. The videos feature various effects, making them look like blurred VHS recordings, and they're complemented by a minimalist interface, which is supposed to look like old computers once used by the police. It's also worth noting that Hannah is played by a professional actress, Viva Seifert.
OpenCritic
Steam
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Mega Coin Squad
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Arcade, 2D, Indie Games, Multiplayer, Platformers, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
A dynamic two-dimensional platformer in which we have to find all the magic coins scattered around a forgotten world full of traps and enemies, playing five different characters. In addition to the single player mode, there is a local multiplayer mode in which max. 4 players can compete on the same map in several different variants of the game.
Steam
Users
Valhalla Hills: Definitive Edition
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Strategy, Economic, Norse Mythology, RTS, Singleplayer, The Vikings.
An economic strategy game developed by Funatics and a spiritual successor to the once popular Cultures series. The game focuses on a Viking tribe whose members, after dying on the field of glory, find the gates of Valhalla closed shut. This turns out to be the result of a dispute between Odin and his son Leko, who failed his exam in godhood. As a result, he gets sent back to Earth, along with the souls of fallen Vikings, and the player must help them get back to Valhalla. While playing, you need to look after your tribe’s safety, protect them from wild beasts, as well as provide them with food and warm clothes. To this end, you have construct new production buildings and create thriving economy. Interestingly, the game does not give you direct control over your people. Instead, you have to influence their behavior by constructing appropriate buildings and encouraging them to engage in a particular activity.
OpenCritic
Steam
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SlashDash
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Action, 2D, Co-op, Multiplayer, Ninja, Splitscreen, Top-down, Xbox Exclusive.
An independent arcade game developed for Xbox One and local area network multiplayer. The players assume the role of ninjas fighting each other for life and death. Available modes for two teams of two players feature a mix of Capture the Flag and Assassination, in which ninjas try to kill rival’s Shogun and protect their own. Other two game variants put all players against each other: Deathtrace (in which the objective is to survive as long as possible) and Mirror Match (in which the player controls five ninjas at the same time. SlashDash presents world from a top-down perspective. In battles, the player can use nine unique weapons, which are unlocked by progressing through the game. Maps are interactive and filled with destructible objects, and the gameplay is very fast-paced. While its two-dimensional visuals are simple, they consist of many actual elements from the Edo period.
Chronicles of Teddy: Harmony of Exidus
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Adventure, 2D, Puzzle Elements, RPG Elements, Indie Games, Metroidvania, Action Adventure, Singleplayer.
A continuation of an independent point-and-click adventure game developed by Storybird Games. Chronicles of Teddy: Harmony of Exidus (also known as Finding Teddy 2) sees us assume control of a new protagonist – a girl named Tarant, whose hobby leads to an unexpected event that allows her to enter the world of video games. Armed with a small sword and a shield, the heroine embarks on a dangerous journey supported by her favorite teddy bear. In opposition to its predecessor, which was a typical point-and-click adventure game, Chronicles of Teddy: Harmony of Exidus is a two-dimensional action-adventure game with numerous platforming and RPG elements that create a metroidvania-like experience. The player is tasked with exploring complex maze-like levels that contain both action sequences as well as demanding riddles. Each level is filled with additional pick-ups, secrets, all the while offering different types of enemies to fight. When it comes to graphics, the game employs hand-drawn, retro Pixel-Art visuals, similar as its predecessor.
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The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy's Grand Adventure
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Arcade, 2.5D, Cartoons, Internet, Comics, Co-op, LAN, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Platformers, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
A classic 2.5D platformer, accompanying The Peanuts Movie, based on Charles M. Schulz's comic strip - Peanuts - that was published from 1950 to 2000. Story-wise, the game is not connected to the comic or the 2015 movie, but it is similar to them in how it presents characters and environments. The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy's Grand Adventure lets you play as one of the key characters of the comic – Snoopy the dog. He is trying to find his master and friends, who are playing hide and seek. To this end, he needs to wander through fantastic lands existing in his imagination. On the way, the protagonist finds special outfits that give him numerous abilities useful for overcoming new obstacles. Moreover, the creators included co-op gameplay, in which the second player takes on the role of a small yellow bird called Woodstock.
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Ravenmark: Mercenaries
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Strategy, Fantasy, Internet, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Tactics, Turn-based.
Ravenmark: Mercenaries is a turn-based fantasy strategy. We command a troop of mercenaries taking on orders from three factions waging war with each other. Successes fill our treasury, which allows us to develop branches and take up more and more difficult contracts.
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Lichtspeer
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Arcade, 2D, Humorous, Indie Games, Co-op, Mythology, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Polish, Singleplayer.
A simplistic arcade game requiring the player to throw spears at incoming enemies. This is the debut of Lichthund - an independent Polish developer. The game is set in the far future and the world itself was inspired by Germanic mythology, which is combined here with elements of science fiction and abstract humor. The player assumes the role of a bright-haired warrior who traverses this fantasy world and fights mythological creatures. Throwing bright spears at enemies approaching from the right side of the screen is the core element of the game. The player's objective here is to hit the target before it manages to reach the protagonist. The gameplay is diversified with special powers, such as the rainfall of luminous spears that encompasses the entire map. Powers such as this one can be upgraded alongside progression. Subsequent locations are highly diverse, as is the bestiary here. From time to time, the player encounters powerful bosses - defeating them requires application of adequate tactics. Lichtspeer stands out with its interesting graphic style, which is made of two-dimensional objects and bright colors.
Steam
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The Elder Scrolls Online: Imperial City
June 27, 2016, End of Life
RPG, Fantasy, FPP, Internet, MMO, MMORPG, PvE, PvP, TPP.
The first large story add-on to The Elders Scrolls Online by ZeniMax Online Studios. We are taken to the eponymous capital of the Cyrodiil province, which is under siege from the forces of the daedric prince Molag Bal. Players are given the task of dealing with the invaders and bringing back the order. Expansion brings new location, divided into six smaller districts filled with new NPCs and enemies, as well as a vast number of tasks both for PvE and PvP model. Additionally, Imperial City offers three new dungeons: The Imperial Sewers, White-Gold Tower, and Imperial City Prison, along with a new currency (so called Tel Var stones). Thanks to the latter, players with the 16th Veteran rank will be able to purchase valuable, high-level equipment and gain access to special hiding places that contain rare, powerful items.
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How to Survive: Third Person Standalone
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Action, Crafting, RPG Elements, Action Adventure, Singleplayer, Survival, TPP, Zombie.
A standalone expansion for the arcade game How to Survive. While the original presents the action in an isometric view, How to Survive Third Person Standalone, just like the title suggests, introduces a TPP mode. Other than the changed perspective, it is the same production. We assume the role of one of the four castaways on a Columbian archipelago which is home to bloodthirsty zombies. Fighting them, we use only items and weapons we either found on the island or made ourselves using the advanced crafting system. Beside fighting the living dead, we also have to take care of such things as water, food, and regular rest in a safe shelter. The day and night cycle, which is present in the game, determines what kind of opponents we face at a given moment. Aside from the story mode, we can play through eight challenges, the results of which are published in an online player leaderboards. How to Survive Third Person Standalone also offers the contents of the Hello My Name is Nina and One Shoot Escape packs as well as several other bonuses.
Steam
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Toro
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Sports, Singleplayer, Animals.
A simulation game from the Spanish studio RECO Technology, focusing on the world-famous bullfighting, rooted deeply in Spanish culture, but also causing huge controversies around the world. We start as a novice torero and try to become a prominent figure on the arena. To achieve this, we must climb up the ladder by taking part in more and more prestigious contests. Gameplay is based on the aforementioned bullfights, which mostly come down to repeating the same gestures to draw animal’s attention. Sometimes a bull will get the better of the protagonist, forcing the player to deal with a QTE sequence in order to minimize the damage from mauling. Quick reactions are crucial for getting through the game. Three-dimensional visuals of Toro are rather poor, due to it being a low budget project.
Steam
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Super Mega Baseball: Extra Innings
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Sports, Baseball, Co-op, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
An arcade sports game focused on baseball games. Unlike the well-known MLB series, which dominates the genre, the game does not have licensed players or teams, but makes up for these deficiencies with colorful comic graphics and a comprehensive system of statistics and character development.
Steam
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Redden
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Arcade, 2D, Indie Games, Side-scroll, Singleplayer.
An unusual arcade game from the South Korean studio Bulosodeuk. The story focuses on items that have spent too much time on the shelves of One Hundred Denarii shop. They come to life after the owner leaves and share with each other the stories about their previous incarnations. This lets us follow a pot which used to be a shuriken or a cleaver that was made out of a ball’s remains. Redden presents the players with 33 locations from various historical periods, with each mission starting with a shot bullet that we control. Our task is to avoid obstacles by using wind and accelerating. Even though our main objective is to reach the end of the level and destroy certain object, there are also optional objects to destroy, as well as characters that we don’t have to kill. Each type of bullet has different properties in the form of special powers that can make our task easier. All of this is presented in pleasant, two-dimensional visuals, which are quite unique due to their colorful backgrounds that contrast with black objects in the foreground.
Super Awesome Quest
June 27, 2016, End of Life
RPG, 2D, Puzzle Elements, Fantasy, Singleplayer, Free-to-play.
A unique title from Boomzap Entertainment, combining features of RPG with games from the match-3 genre. Players take control of Greg the knight, who, along with his companions, sets off on a dangerous journey for fame and wealth. What makes Super Awesome Quest stand out is its original battle system. Tiles on the bottom of the screen have symbols that refer to various actions (e.g. attacking or defending). However, they are oriented face down, and we only see those that adjoin them. If two tiles that represent the same action border on each other, their effect will be enhanced. This is complemented by the presence of various potions and equipment we collect throughout the game. Super Awesome Quest employs good-looking, two-dimensional visuals with cartoonish style.
Shape of the World
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Adventure, Crowdfunding, Experimental/artistic, Exploration Games, FPP, Indie Games, Singleplayer.
An experimental, first-person adventure game created by Hollow Tree Games – an independent, Canadian developer. Shape of the World does not offer a plot as such; rather, it focuses on delivering a certain visual experience. The player takes on the role of a nameless traveler who introduces different changes to the world around along his way. The changes made are divided into two kinds: the passive (as the player follows the designated path) and the active. The latter requires the player to shape the surroundings, for example, by deciding how much vegetation is to grow in a particular area or giving different colors to it. The game world is dynamic, for it changes when the player roams it. Thus, places visited before can look completely different when the player goes back to revisit them. What is important however, is that the player is not forced to follow the designated path. Instead, the game rewards the player for wandering off the beaten path and thinking on their own.
OpenCritic
Steam
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars
June 27, 2016, End of Life
Action, Movies, Multiplayer, PS Plus Premium, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Star Wars, TPP.
Third action game, accompanying the premiere of Star Wars: Clone Wars. We play the role of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, who on the planet Rhen Var are trying to prevent the Confederacy troops from taking over the deadly Sith's weapons called Dark Reaper. The game is divided into two segments, in which we fight in the air at the controls of machines and in the traditional way with the use of light swords and Jedi power.
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