Gamezebo
Open main menu
Search

Mike Thompson has worked each side of the video game industry, both reporting on and creating narrative content for games. In his free time, he gorges on pizza, referees for roller derby, and uploads ridiculous cat photos to the internet.
  • The World of Magic Review
    Reviews
    • iOS
    The World of Magic Review

    By

    I'm often wary of "free" MMO games on both the iPhone and the Web. Unless you're willing to shell out regular amounts of cash, they're often slow experiences that feel less like fun and more like tedious work. As a result, I started The World of Magic, a free MMORPG for the platform, with more than a little wariness. I was expecting a ponderous game that would leave me a bit poorer and frustrated. Instead, I found a fast-paced little adventure that was full of fun.
  • Shining Force Review
    Reviews
    • iOS
    Shining Force Review

    By

    Shining Force is considered by many to be one of the quintessential RPGs that helped establish the genre on consoles. The game originally appeared on the Sega Genesis back in 1993 and has been a fan favorite ever since. It's been re-released on a number of different systems over the past couple of years, with the most recent version coming to the iPhone.
  • Bump Wars Review
    Reviews
    • iOS
    Bump Wars Review

    By

    When it comes to tower defense games, strategy is often sidetracked by players who realize they can just level up a couple of units in key positions and then just skate on to victory. Bump Wars, however, is a game that wants its players to think and change tactics constantly by making sure that the playing field never stays the same from one minute to the next. It's a unique title, blending two different types of games to create something that feels fresh while remaining familiar. For the most part, it succeeds admirably with its fast-paced gameplay and thought-provoking challenge.
  • Alicia Darkstone: The Mysterious Abduction Review
    Reviews
    • iOS
    Alicia Darkstone: The Mysterious Abduction Review

    By

    Alicia Darkstone is having a rough day. All she wanted to do was stop by and see her friend, but - wouldn't you know it- it turns out he was abducted just before she showed up at his workshop. That means that what was supposed to be a nice, relaxing, evening has suddenly turned into a night filled with mystery, suspense, and gothic eeriness.
  • Xenome: Episode 1 Review
    Reviews
    • iOS
    Xenome: Episode 1 Review

    By

    Ah, good. You're awake. You've been asleep for a while. Too long, in fact. I hate to break it to you, but the world's changed, and not for the better. Here, take my gun, it'll at least buy you a few minutes against the giant scorpions once you get outside. I don't expect you to know who I am, but you need to start remembering who you are. We need you, sir, and we need you to help us solve the mystery of Xenome Episode 1.
  • BoxBattle Review
    Reviews
    • iOS
    BoxBattle Review

    By

    When it comes to puzzle shooters, developers need to walk a fine line in order to make a successful title. They have to be creative and challenging, but make something too hard or too easy and you'll lose quickly lose a player's attention. BoxBattle, a new puzzle shooter from Madnick, is one of those games that manages to hit most of the right notes, but seems just a tad ambitious for its own good.
  • Lumaki Review
    Reviews
    • iOS
    Lumaki Review

    By

    Lumaki is a strange app for the iPhone. It's an amalgamation of two popular genres: pet-sim and minigame library. It's got cute papercraft aliens, great production values, and encourages users to participate in an online community. While this all seems like a winning idea for an iPhone game, the game is never able to capture the fun it emulates, which is a shame because it feels like a very near miss.
  • Build ‘n Bash Review
    Reviews
    • iOS
    Build ‘n Bash Review

    By

    During your childhood years, you likely played with some form of construction toys like Lincoln Logs or Tinker Toys, erecting buildings that you bragged about, admired, and eventually destroyed like Godzilla on a bender. Build 'n Bash, a "3D Action Puzzler" developed by Skapp Enterprises, lets iPhone players recapture such nostalgic moments, but it throws in a bonus: instead of destroying your own buildings, you need to bust up those made by other players.