Probably Archery Gameplay Review

I'm playing Probably Archery, an awkward first person shooter by South East Games.

The game features a training mode and a nice variety of single-player skill games. In addition, there are two online modes where you can compete against other players. The controls use the mouse in conjunction with holding down keys to manipulate the wrist, elbow, and shoulder of either arm, while the mouse buttons are used to grab and load arrows. Although the game becomes easier once the commands are mastered and lacks replay value, Probably Archery is effective in achieving its goal: applying a cumbersome control scheme to a skill-based shooter.

Prison Architect Early Access Alpha Preview

I'm playing the early access alpha of Prison Architect, a jail management simulation by Introversion Software.

The game allows you to place a wide variety of different buildings to run your prison (administrative offices, power generators, storage) or attend to the needs of your inmates (cell, kitchen, yard, shower, infirmary, laundry, visitation, workshop). Your staff consists of the warden, who researches new technologies, and support personnel that provide security, cook meals, clean, and provide medical care. Detailed reports are available covering your staff, prisoners, jobs, needs, the daily schedule, grants, finances, and contraband, providing important information as you attempt to neutralize violent inmates and catch potential escapees.

Nidhogg Gameplay Review

I'm playing Nidhogg, a side-scrolling action game by Messhof.

The goal is to reach the end of the level by repeatedly killing your opponent. The hilariously inconsistent AI and potentially laggy online play are no substitutes for local human opponents. Local tournaments can involve up to eight players and use optional rules to alter the gameplay. Through the simple control scheme, you can fence, adjust your sword height to disarm your opponent, dive kick, duck, sweep legs, and throw swords. The gameplay ranges from careful, methodical swordplay to chaotic running, jumping, and blocking as the foes fight back and forth across each level. While Nidhogg is humorously fun with multiple players on the same computer, the single player and online modes are both lacking.

Gridiron Solitaire Gameplay Review

I'm playing Gridiron Solitaire, a card-based sports game by Bill and Eli Productions.

Starting a new league allows you to select from a roster of teams with different ratings that affect in-game events. An offseason free agency period allows you to increase (or decrease) these ratings through player acquisition. The offense must gain forty yards each set of downs. The first step is to select a run or pass play: guessing correctly on offense nets an additional card slot, while guessing correctly on defense limits the maximum number of yards the computer can gain during the down. The AI does an acceptable job picking “run” or “pass” based on the current game situation. The basic mechanic is matching cards: you must match two oppositely-colored cards that are one numeral different. Doing so on offense will gain four more yards on a running play or eight more yards (after two successful matches) on a passing play. If you are on defense, getting a match decreases the number of yards the AI gains by two. You can end the play at any time once you run out of matches and accept the current result, or resort to the big play, which either grants an additional card to match or spawns an event (like a turnover or big pass). The card matching mechanic lacks strategy and relies on luck, although this is slightly mitigated by the tactical use of big plays. An alternative to more traditional American football, Gridiron Solitaire’s reliance on luck over strategy obscures a unique approach to the game.

Starpoint Gemini 2 Early Access Alpha Preview

I'm playing the early access alpha of Starpoint Gemini 2, a role-playing action space adventure by Little Green Men Games and Iceberg Interactive.

This sequel adds 3-D combat, randomized missions, and a continuous dynamic world to the role-playing upgrades, trading, ship management, and tactical combat of the original.

rymdkapsel Gameplay Review

I'm playing rymdkapsel, a space station management simulation by grapefrukt games.

On a non-randomized map, you place Tetris-like rooms connected by corridors that produce resources, provide housing, or defend against waves of invaders. Your minions automatically do their assigned tasks (construction, engineering, food service, defense) and lie down when idle. The key to the initially slow-paced game is optimizing task assignments and placing rooms efficiently. While you can prioritize room construction, placing too many rooms at once will spread your resources too thin and crash your economy. Overall, rymdkapsel is a thoughtful, challenging management game with an effective minimalist design but reduced replay value.