When faced with a sequel, it's become a default criticism in the gaming world to cast aside consistent follow-ups: "Unfortunately, it just didn't add any new gameplay." That word "new." Like a non-negotiable bar. And yet in the case of a game like Little Things Forever, whose serene hunt-and-find style is based on the nostalgia of analog games like Where's Waldo, the essence of play is very much making what's old, new again.
Let it not be said I have no love for Atlus. They extended online play for Demon's Souls, and for that they shall forever hold a place dear in my heart. Unfortunately, their latest attempt to infiltrate the freemium arena has been less fruitful. BattleSpace talks the talk, but this uninspired social adventure simply isn't firing on all thrusters.
Nobody likes to be disappointed, which is why so many gamers were bummed when Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning turned out to be somewhat underwhelming. BioWare and EA are taking another shot at doing right by the rich Warhammer setting with Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes, a free-to-play burst of three-team PvP action. The end result is easy to pick up and play, but might take some time and effort to master.
Serbian developer Eipix Entertainment is known for being a work-for-hire company and only recently began developing their own IP's (intellectual properties). The time spent working on other publishers' titles was obviously a good investment. However, as evidenced by the quality of the company's inaugural title, a hidden object adventure called Final Cut: Death on the Silver Screen, they're perfectly capible on their own. The title, aside from a few niggling defects, is highly entertaining and extremely well-made.
While the console gaming scene has fast become the domain of blockbuster-style action romps, social gaming platforms have seen a renaissance of the strategy genre. Never one to miss the bandwagon, Electronic Arts (EA) has readied its flagship tactical franchise for the freemium market, and we're delighted to report that Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances wins another victory for fans of more methodical gameplay.
It's been a few years since The Mummy franchise has done anything worthwhile. There are some who would argue that hasn't happened at all. I know Tomb of the Dragon Emperor definitely did not improve audience opinion. However, with Bigpoint.com's release of the browser-based game The Mummy Online, it looks like there's still some fun to be had with our favourite not-quite-Indiana-Jones saga, without any of your feelings about Brendan Fraser causing you any sort of inner-conflict.
Developer Funkitron has built its name on Slingo and has released a number of successful Slingo titles. Personally, the pure slots-plus-bingo idea never interested me much, but I became a convert once Funkitron began incorporating adventure-style elements into the games. The company's latest release, Slingo Supreme 2 ignores the adventure aspect, however, and returns to the pure Slingo format, doubling down on the number of powerups and minigames. Sadly, this is one of those times where bigger isn't necessarily better.
Haunting Mysteries: Island of Lost Souls throws you into the world of paranormal adventure in a fairly standard hidden object game setup. You'll travel throughout the game's many dark, gloomy locations, interacting with ghosts, completing hidden object scenes and puzzles, and trying to ensure your own escape along the way. The storyline here is clichéd yet interesting, and the ease of difficulty should be a welcome element for those looking for an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.