Reader Review: Volgarr the Viking (PC)
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Posted on September 30th, 2013 by
If you love old-school arcade action 2-D platformers such as Rastan, you’ll want to check out this article by my friend Leroy. He reviewed a downloadable PC game on Steam called Völgarr the Viking from Adult Swim Games. It’s a tribute to all 2-D action platformers starring barbarians. Click to read more…if you’re up to the challenge! –Cary
Dragon Fantasy Book II (PS3, Vita)
Posted on September 27th, 2013 by
Back when I was in high school, I was really into 16-bit RPGs on the Super Nintendo. I played nearly nothing but games such as Final Fantasy IV, Secret of Mana, FF6, Chrono Trigger, Lufia 2, and many others. But as the technology and memory storage of games got more advanced in the 32-bit days and beyond, I kind of lost interest in RPGs. One or two may have grabbed my attention since then, but nothing like back in the 16-bit days. So what happened? Well, I feel that modern RPGs have become too long and meandering, and focus more on story than gameplay. Plus, life, work, and other commitments have kept me from investing the 40 to 50 hours needed to finish today’s RPGs, so it’s not entirely the games’ fault. But every now and then, I still miss the 16-bit days of RPGs. So if you’re like me, I have some good news for you! Dragon Fantasy Book II was recently released on PS3 and Vita as a downloadable title (reviewed on PS3 here), and it’s a throwback to nearly everything you loved about 16-bit RPGs!
T.E.C. 3001 (iPad)
Posted on September 26th, 2013 by
Play as a running robot humanoid is a virtual reality TRON-like setting with T.E.C. 3001, a downloadable game for iOS devices (iPad version reviewed here). It’s a continuously running 3-D obstacle course game where you tackle stages filled with traps, pits, and blockades.
AiRace Speed (3DS)
Posted on September 24th, 2013 by
Take control of high-tech space jet planes and race them though dozens of futuristic indoor corridor courses with AiRace Speed, a downloadable title for the Nintendo 3DS handheld. Pick a stage (more will unlock when you earn stars), and fly through tubes and tunnels avoiding obstacles on the way.
Orborun (iPad)
Posted on September 23rd, 2013 by
Orborun is an obstacle course challenge where you play as a running and rolling robot who looks suspiciously like one of the co-op Portal ‘bots. But in this game, you curl up into a ball and roll around obstacles and pick up bonuses to boost your score as you try to reach the exit as fast as you can. Orborun is available on iOS devices and Google Play, but the iPad version is reviewed here.
Rayman Legends (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC, Vita)
Posted on September 20th, 2013 by
Ubisoft’s limbless hero is back! Nightmarish creatures have invaded the Glade of Dreams and now it’s up to Rayman and his many friends to stop them in this artfully crafted 2-D platformer. Rayman Legends is available for nearly all the modern game consoles, but the Wii U version is reviewed here.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (360, PS3, PC)
Posted on September 19th, 2013 by
With comic books, cartoons, movies, and lots of video games, the four Heroes in a Half-Shell have been delighting children and fans since, well, since I was a kid! Now they’re back in a new 3-D action brawler downloadable game (360 version reviewed here).
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
Posted on September 18th, 2013 by
In the 90’s, Capcom and other arcade game makers released a lot of beat ‘em ups. Two of the last ones that Capcom made were pretty ahead of their time and featured characters and settings from the Dungeons and Dragons universe. Now you can download and play both classics (Tower of Doom from 1993 and Shadow Over Mystara from 1996) with Dungeons and Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara for PS3, 360, and PC, but the Wii U version is reviewed here. Forget the pen and paper stuff; this is MY kind of D&D.
KickBeat (PS3, Vita)
Posted on September 17th, 2013 by
KickBeat is a unique mix of a music rhythm title and martial arts fighting (although it’s mostly just a music game). KickBeat was made by Zen Studios, the same folks who brought us all those great Pinball FX and Zen Pinball tables. Will you get a kick out of their latest attempt to branch out to other genres? Read on to find out (PS3 version reviewed here).
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (PS3, 360, PC)
Posted on September 16th, 2013 by
When people think of the classic 16-bit SEGA Genesis game console, what springs to mind first is usually Sonic the Hedgehog. But did you know that the Genesis was out in stores for more than a full year before Sonic was even a thought? During this time, early adopters had fond memories of games like the arcade classic pack-in Altered Beast, or Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle. But probably one of the best 2-D platformers during the pre-Sonic Genesis days featured another rodent: Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse. A year ago, I was lucky enough to review a direct sequel on the 3DS: Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion. Now SEGA has gone back and remade the original game with improved 3-D visuals, sound, voices, and gameplay, and re-released it as a remake for download on PS3, 360, and PC (PS3 version reviewed here).
