Ultracore (REVIEW)

It's not very often that gamers have the chance to play or own a never before released retro game. Thanks to Softdistribution, and Strictly Limited Games they get to do just that though. With the release of a reprogrammed 1995 Metroidvania platformer known as, "Ultracore" we get a sneak peek at what could have been. This DICE created game is a unique take on the Metroidvania genre, and attempts to do something different by adding in scoring as well as twin stick shooting. While there are no intros, and story elements can only be found during spaced out character interactions via progress once you learn the mechanics it's an interesting little adventure worth at least a try.

Togawa: Among Shadows (REVIEW)

Looking like something inspired by Don Bluth animated films, and the Mayan apocalypse, "Togawa: Among the Shadows" brings the fight of the light to the armies of darkness through a surviving tribesman known as Chimu. Through Chimu, and his aid that is Kurro we find out that not only has Chimu's tribe been turned into evil spirits by the corruption of Metnal the Voidmonger, but that Chimu is the only thing standing between the growing darkness, and it's intended remaining victims. As Chimu the lightbringer you must utilize your light beam, and spells to exorcise the dark beasts that come at you in seemingly never-ending waves. Ultimately cleansing five shrines at both their respective alters, and the skies above. Your goal, in the end, is to defeat Metnal once and for all. Restoring light, and banishing the darkness forever.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia (REVIEW)

Somewhere between Dungeons & Dragons, Shin Megami Tensei, and Romance of the 3 Kingdoms lies Happinet's "Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia". This campaign rich turn-based tactical RPG experience fought between conquering rune knights, their respective nations, and their armies of monsters within the realm of Runersia will have you planning strategic invasions per season as you build up your army to be a formidable force worthy of finding out the secrets of the land, and in turn harnessing it's power through absolute control.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | Season 4 Battle Pass ...

Season four of Call of Duty's battle pass is well underway. We are several days in beyond a short delay that was caused by certain world events. The new battle pass saw the addition of Price as an unlockable/playable character, and the new unlockable Mil-Sim operator character skins for both factions. Along with that is the usual assortment of single use XP boosts, freebies for freeloaders, and paid for exclusive content. As per usual both the paying, and non-paying players will get the chance to unlock some worthwhile items though the paying players might feel a little short changed by the fact that some of the free items seem like premium quality goods, pass-wise. For ten dollars, or 1,100 COD points that base fee may or may not be worth it for you depending upon what you feel about what you get ...

Octonaut (REVIEW)

The year is 20XX, and the Earth is in peril. Humanity is facing extermination due to an invading alien army. In a panic they call out for help, and the one hero that answers is a cartoony cephalopod known only as Octonaut. This flying, and projectile shooting orange octopus is humanity's last hope, and through eight stages reaching from the oceans surface to the far reaches of outer space itself he must brave the odds while facing the eight alien bosses that stand between him, and Earth's salvation.

Hakoniwa Explorer Plus (REVIEW)

Hakoniwa Explorer Plus is an isometric RPG that gives no f**ks whatsoever. It is most definitely not a game for the easily offended. Through perversion, and profanity you find your place as a would be hero in a world of firsts in the company of a select few villagers that each have wicked thoughts on their mind. Armed with whatever weapons, gear, and items you can find you head out on little adventures as you earn achievements for various feats of bravery. Supposing you dare choose the wrong reply or attack your fellow villager though a can of whoopass will be opened up all over your butt as you get knocked into lalaland or lose a percentage of collected funds for your misplaced tomfoolery. While there's definitely objectives at play, and NPC interactions to make use of it is this game's non-caring adult humor that is it's shining accomplishment. For in gaining grudge points you effectively become the enemy instead of the hero, and what ensues is beyond hilarious. If you aren't easily offended ...

Darius Cozmic Collection Console (REVIEW)

Spanning 9 games, a handful of console platforms, and different regions "Darius Cozmic Collection Console" offers up the more varied collection of games between the two collection variations. Not only do you get console ports for Darius II, SAGAIA, Darius Twin, Darius Force, Super Nova, and Darius Plus, but Darius Alpha itself which is a game that was never released for sale. A game in the series that was limited in releases to 800 copies worldwide. It is in the rarity of Alpha, and the collection as a whole that the developer sees value nearing $60. Whether or not you agree is up to you ...

Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade (REVIEW)

Getting into this playthrough I was promptly reminded how better graphics were at the arcades in comparison to the at home 8-bit console scene back in the day. Arcade games always seemed to be at least a couple of generations ahead, and this particular arcade collection proves that over, and over again. With "Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade" the gamer gets to experience the Darius trilogy as it were back in the late 80's, and early 90's. Complete with seven true to arcade versions of the original Darius, Darius II, and Darius Gaiden. The latter of which is a standalone addition to the series. Each game in the series keeping intact the screen format which ranged from a triple screen orientation to a two screen, and single screen format. Screen ratios that can be tweaked to the players preference into a fullscreen or widescreen presentation with traditional arcade banners to add to the arcade theme of the collection.

OutBuddies DX (NS)

Taking inspiration from Lovecraftian lore OutBuddies DX places the player in a perilous situation by having them take on the role of an airship piloting adventurer, and his AI assistant who are out to face the old gods. On his way to the mythological cradle of mankind the curious captain of the story crashes into the depths of the sea. Saved only by his AI companion who acts as a support bot. Together they must brave the depths, face fearful foes, and solve the mysteries of the ruins they find themselves in if they are to make it out alive.

Pixboy (NS)

Welcome back to the 90's era of Gameboy inspired gaming! Here with Pixboy, a game born of 90's gaming inspiration, you get a trio of task driven platforming opportunities filled with plenty of secrets, and color palettes to swap between on the fly. As a boy of no name, a boy with a science experiment stolen you must venture forth into four themed locations with several stages each in order to save your secret formula from sticky fingered thieves. You'll face enemies, hazards, a timer, and looting opportunities as you go from start to finish trying to perfect each playthrough. An award given for feats achieved. Bragging rights for the modern retro gamer!

Pity Pit (PS4/NS)

Little context is given for Panda Indie Studio's latest indie arcade platformer, "Pity Pit". Through a starting intro cinematic, and tools of the trade though you'll be able to figure things out fairly easily. Basically Oratio, a dwarven miner, finds his beloved kidnapped by the devil, and taken down into the depths of a pit. A pit which Oratio bravely dives into for the rescue. Armed with a pick axe, and a satchel for carrying bombs and materials he ventures downward as the pit collapses in after him. A journey towards the center of the Earth done up in a randomly generated fashion that changes the perils, and plundering opportunities with each consecutive playthrough.

Rigid Force Redux (NS)

Shmups usually fall into one of a handful of categories. I like to call those categories the Gradius, Xevious, Space Invaders, and Raiden. Basically you have horizontal side-scrollers like Gradius, vertical top-down shmups like Xevious, stationary wave base verticals like Space Invaders, and bullet hell shmups like Raiden. In the case of "Rigid Force Redux" the category it falls best under is the Gradius lineage. It harbors much of the same horizontal side-scrolling mechanics, but does so in it's own unique way.

In Rigid force Redux, whether you're playing through the multiple stage story driven campaign or action only arcade mode, you'll find your ship has certain functions tied to shooting, satellites, and power-ups. These functions include satellites that can be moved towards the front or back in multiple positions for wide and streamed shots in the left or right directions. Giving you the ability to take care of forward facing or backward facing enemies simply by pressing the right or left shoulder buttons, respectively. On top of that the shot type changes with collected power-ups. Power-ups can be stacked to gain a variety of simultaneously firing projectiles. Things like downward, and upward firing missiles on top of the bullet type. Also included with shot, and power-up function are force shards which can be collected to increase the power level of the power-ups. In tandem with the energy bar which utilizes gathered or magnetized energy left behind from fallen enemies or enemy waves you can blast an even more powerful concentrated shot to clear out more formidable enemy types and bosses. That's the gimmick in a nutshell.

Maneater (REVIEW)

I'll make you fishers of men. That's what Jesus told his disciples ages ago. While his definition of such fishing is different from Tripwire's there is definitely the common theme that is "Fishers of men". In Maneater you get to actually hunt prey, including humans, as you evolve to get revenge on the one hunter that killed your mother. You are bull shark, and while you start off as a tiny terror you will, by constantly eating, grow into a formidable finned foe. Utilizing abilities, shear brute force, a tail whip, and gnashing rows of razor sharp teeth you will make your way to the top of the food chain as this televised, and comically narrated adventure's apex predator. With the territory comes threats though, and evolution is the key to survival.

Aqua Lungers (NS)

This action filled 2D competitive platformer that is 'Aqua Lungers" has up to four players minding both the treasure looting of various island locations, and the creatures that inhabit said island's waters and land. Armed with a spear, a deep dive suit, and some power-ups you must brave the waters, and their depths in order to score a set amount of loot before you, your friends or the island monster does. It's all about looting, dropping said loot off at deposit stations, and finishing the aquatic foes that lie between you and your fortune.