Andy Johnson

“With this remaster, Firefly Studios have added a competent new sheen to their most popular game, Stronghold: Crusader. This is likely to be enough for those nostalgic for the 2002 original, but the game’s aged, frustrating mechanics may be uninviting for newcomers.”

“Drop Duchy, with its inspired, refined combination of genres, has the makings of a breakout hit.”

“Robobeat meets the basic expectations for a game of its type. Its weapons, enemies, soundtrack, and level design are all adequate but it falls short due to its lack of a unique hook, or compelling reason to exist.”

“With frustrating combat and linear yet opaque progression, this samurai fails his mission.”

“While it does little that is genuinely new, and exists firmly in the shadow of its forebears, Sumerian Six is a thoroughly competent addition to the small canon of real-time stealth tactics games. It is a must-play for any fan of the genre. While Artificer were sadly subjected to job losses this year by their owner-publishers Devolver, hopefully they will have the chance to make an even stronger contribution to stealth tactics in the future.”

“Leaving aside its connection with its survival horror forebear, Sker Ritual is a very conventional and competent multiplayer zombie shooter. It is at its best with a full team of friends who are prepared for its relentless pace and transparently “gamey” nature. Those looking for a more cerebral experience, or one that satisfies narratively, ought to look elsewhere.”

“Classified: France ‘44 transplants familiar turn-based tactics to World War II, to merely adequate effect.”

“Despite these shortcomings of the original game, Kingpin Reloaded could have been a useful historical exercise. It could still get closer to that goal, as Slipgate Ironworks continue to work on the remaster. The studio’s attention is divided, however, as they are surely overburdened with seven other in-development projects. As things stand, this version is very difficult to recommend and will do 3D Realms’ reputation no favours.”

“The automap at least keeps backtracking to a minimum in the maze-like levels of Gastro Force.”

“While it pays homage to tactical RPG classics of the ‘90s, Arcadian Atlas does little that is new.”

““Vandalism sim” Sludge Life 2 doesn’t reinvent the spray can, but the vibes are impeccable.”

“This lacklustre take on the sub-genre disappoints with its boring shooting and poor handling of custom tracks.”

“Today’s glut of “boomer shooters” is largely inspired by just a handful of classics from the original golden age of roughly 1993 to 1997. Any new game runs the risk of seeming too similar to one of these icons, of lacking its own identity. At first glance, Cultic seems sure to fall into this trap, given its evident similarities to Blood. In fact, Jason Smith’s fantastic first project uses Monolith’s 1997 game as a jumping-off point – and ultimately delivers one of the best retro shooters in years.”

“Dome Keeper is a labour of love for developer Bippinbits, a two-person team based in Dresden who are also a couple. According to publisher Raw Fury, it was in profit from day one and it is easy to see why – this is a simple game, but one made to a high standard. Its pixel art, wealth of upgrades, and clever sound design are all praiseworthy. Those looking for a deeper roguelike experience should look elsewhere, but ironically Dome Keeper is ideal for players in the hunt for something a bit more surface-level.”

“Games which work to revive the glory days of ‘80s platformers are a fairly common sight these days, and are a logical choice of project for developers like Small Bros. B.I.O.T.A. has the special qualities that are needed to stand out from the crowd. It summons up the memory of the run-and-gun games of yesteryear, but never becomes repetitive or frustrating as they did. Its modern conveniences, like save-anywhere and a flexible character system, turn the game into something more than just a retro revival. Games with a philosophy this obviously nostalgic aren’t for everyone, but anyone who digs this retro look is sure to enjoy a trip to Frontier Horizon.”