In recent years, the social gaming scene has been crowded with tired Farmville clones that usually only let your friends gawk at your farm or village and fiddle with various distractions; Majesco wants you to challenge those same friends, let them have a good time, and give them a reason to visit your social spaces that doesn't merely involves snagging some extra energy and coins for your own creations. If that sounds like fun, I'm happy to report that it is, but you should also steel yourself when it tosses you a few balls that don't stay in the court.
Twisted Lands: Origin may be the third game in Alawar's Twisted Lands franchise, but beginners are welcomed with open arms, as Origin is actually a prequel, introducing you to the haunted island of Tormente as you step into the shoes of a detective, sent to find a missing young woman. Things go from bad to worse as you investigate this mostly abandoned island, with your quest transforming into one more concerned with survival and escape than mere investigation.
When we were first given a sneak preview of PlataGames' Suburban Mysteries: The Labyrinth of the Past, we were promised horror hidden object gameplay unlike anything we'd ever seen before in the genre. Those are strong words, considering the multitude of games that have come before it, and ultimately, the promise wasn't fulfilled. However, Suburban Mysteries: The Labyrinth of the Past does offer some entertaining gameplay in the process.
On the surface, Gateways, the retro-styled 2D puzzle platformer from the people who brought us the wonderful Adventures of Shuggy, looks like just another day at the office. Start playing, though, and you'll very quickly discover there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. This game is nothing short of amazing.
Jack Lumber is not the type of game you have to finish fully to really understand. It's important to note, however, that I'm not saying this to disparage it in any way. Quite the contrary. I'm saying this because I've finished it fully. I'm saying this so that you know - if I slip up and tell you I've burned midnight oil to bring you this review - that I'm a liar. I've played Jack Lumber well past midnight, yes. But that's just because it's a really great game.
As far as titles go, Bad Hotel definitely doesn't lie. The team at Lucky Frame have provided one rotten set of accommodations. The architecture doesn't make sense, there's music playing all the time, and the building is constantly being attacked! I suppose I shouldn't be too hard on them, though: as a game, Bad Hotel is pretty wonderful.
Whether it's a desk from Ikea or a tiny LEGO creation, successfully building something is an awesome feeling. And as we've learned in the past with Minecraft, that sentiment carries over into the virtual realm. Well, sometimes it does. Rigonauts makes a valiant effort, providing players a chance to construct and do battle with a vessel all their own, but the concept is marred by a few key elements.
A massive storm is sweeping across the United States, and apparently no home is equipped with a roof capable of keeping out all of that rain. As the leader of a disaster response team, you'll be called in to save rundown tenements, opulent mansions, office buildings, and more from flooding or collapse due to water damage. With Drip Drip, the game's unique concept is worth a look, but the end game doesn't come without its problems.