Game Reviews: Must-Play Titles

By June Ramli

Sydney, July 28: I recently got the chance to dive into several video games on Steam, and here’s what I thought of them. From the strategic real-time battles in Scars of Mars to the addictive fun of stacking fruit in Fruit Mountain, there’s something for everyone. I navigated a post-apocalyptic world in the tough Metal Dogs DLC, relived the arcade soccer glory days with Sociable Soccer 24, and went on a cozy adventure in Cozy Caravan. I also experienced intense top-down shooting in Hellfront: Honeymoon, hunted for hidden treasures in Sophia the Traveler, and got lost in the gothic world of V Rising. Each game offers its own unique charm, whether you’re into RPGs, puzzles, or fast-paced shooters. Read more below.

Scars of Mars Review

ACQUIRE’s Scars of Mars is now out on Steam and Nintendo Switch, bringing an engaging real-time RPG set in space. In this game, you step into the year 2158, commanding a humanoid unit on a mission to save survivors from a darkened Mars research facility. The gameplay shines with its strategic battles on a 3×3 grid, requiring you to make quick, smart decisions in real-time. The ability to customise your team with various classes, frames, and weapons lets you tailor the experience to your liking. Collecting research points through exploration and battles to boost your team’s abilities adds another layer of depth.
Our Verdict: Scars of Mars stands out with its intense, strategic real-time battles and a wealth of customisation options. The need for fast decision-making keeps the gameplay thrilling, though it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Overall, the unique Mars setting and strategic depth make this game a great pick for RPG fans.

Rating: 8/10

Fruit Mountain Review

BeXide Inc’s viral 3D fruit stacking puzzle game, Fruit Mountain, is now available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. Following a successful Steam launch, this addictive game challenges players to stack and combine fruits to achieve high scores. The game features two modes: the Original mode and a Time Limit mode, where players race against the clock for added excitement.
PlayStation 5 players enjoy enhanced realism with controller vibrations when fruits combine, adding to the immersive experience. The game is easy to pick up, highly addictive, and reminiscent of the classic appeal of Tetris.
Our Verdict: Fruit Mountain is an interesting and straightforward game, offering endless fun with its simple yet challenging mechanics. It’s easy to play but hard to master, making it a perfect pastime for puzzle enthusiasts.

Rating: 8/10

Metal Dogs DLC Review

The newest DLC for Metal Dogs, titled “METAL DOGS EX DOG 01: Labrador Retriever,” is now available on Steam. This game, a spin-off of the acclaimed Metal Max series, features adorable yet battle-ready dogs navigating a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Players can now control Zoe, a Labrador Retriever with enhanced HP and a unique weapon called “Lovely Burst.”
Our Verdict: The game’s charming and nostalgic elements are delightful, especially with all dogs voiced by Hiro Shimano. However, the gameplay is challenging, requiring precise control and strategy to navigate the devastated landscape and overcome hordes of monsters. For those who enjoy a tough yet rewarding experience, Metal Dogs offers an engaging adventure.

Rating: 7/10

Sociable Soccer 24 Review

Sociable Soccer 24 is now available on Nintendo Switch, with PlayStation and Xbox versions coming soon. Developed by Sociable Software Ltd, this game brings back the simple-to-play yet hard-to-master arcade soccer experience that fans have missed. With over 12,000 FIFPRO licensed players and no loot boxes or in-app purchases, it offers a refreshing take on football gaming.
Stefano Sensi, the Italian international and Inter Milan star, graces the cover, adding star power to the game. The game includes a 10-division online league, updated player and team data, and over 80 trophies to win. Players can enjoy fast-paced, intuitive gameplay in various modes, including couch multiplayer and online PvP.
Our Verdict: Sociable Soccer 24 captures the essence of classic arcade soccer with modern updates. It’s easy to pick up, hard to master, and incredibly fun. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, this game is a must-try.

Rating: 9/10

Cozy Caravan Review

Cozy Caravan by 5 Lives Studios is now available on Steam Early Access. This charming single-player adventure combines crafting, trading, and exploration in a beautifully designed world. Players navigate picturesque landscapes with a trusty caravan, setting up mobile markets in various towns. The game features delightful mini-games for crafting items and a rich tapestry of characters with their own stories and quests, adding depth and a strong sense of community to the journey.
Our Verdict: Cozy Caravan offers a warm and engaging experience, blending crafting, exploration, and storytelling into a cozy adventure that’s hard to put down.

Rating: 8/10

Hellfront: Honeymoon Review

Hellfront: Honeymoon, an intense top-down shooter with an RTS twist, now features an exciting online multiplayer mode. Developed by SkyGoblin, this mode leverages coherence’s revolutionary multiplayer tech, offering a fresh and dynamic gameplay experience. Players can now enjoy the campaign in online co-op, solo, local multiplayer, or compete against up to three others in fast-paced PvPvPvP battles.
Our Verdict: The new online mode breathes new life into Hellfront: Honeymoon, enhancing its strategic depth and replayability. The seamless integration of multiplayer functionality makes for thrilling and rapidly-moving battles, perfect for fans of intense, strategic shooters.

Rating: 8/10

Sophia the Traveler Review

Sophia the Traveler is a charming hidden object game now available on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Memo Gogo and published by Thermite Games, this game takes you on a virtual tour of Venice with beautifully hand-painted visuals. Inspired by “Where’s Wally?”, it combines engaging hidden object gameplay with detailed in-game maps.
The game features 10 massive stages, over 1800 character assets, and 300 character animations. It also includes dynamic sequence animations and sound effects to enhance the experience. Despite its visual appeal and expansive world, Sophia the Traveler proves to be quite challenging. Only two objects were easy to locate, and the rest were so difficult that I gave up playing soon after starting. Great animation, though.
Our Verdict: While visually stunning with excellent animation, the game’s difficulty level can be a bit frustrating. However, for those who enjoy a challenge, Sophia the Traveler offers a beautifully crafted adventure.

Rating: 7/10

V Rising Review

V Rising, the Vampire Action RPG from Stunlock Studios, has been captivating players for over three months since its launch on Steam.
In this dark fantasy world, you play as a newly awakened vampire, building your castle and navigating a gothic landscape teeming with danger.
Whether hunting for blood solo or with a clan, the game’s PvE and PvP combat offer thrilling challenges.
The 1.0 update brought the Ruins of Mortium, a chilling new area, and the ultimate showdown with Dracula himself.
The Legacy of Castlevania event adds even more excitement, allowing players to face off against the iconic vampire hunter Simon Belmont and unlock new weapons and gothic-themed cosmetics.
Our Verdict: V Rising masterfully blends survival and action RPG elements with a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay. The gothic graphics create a haunting atmosphere, though they can be slow to load, which might be a bit frustrating. Nevertheless, the game’s rich content and immersive world make it a must-play for vampire fans.

Rating: 7/10

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