We try to review every game we’re sent a code for here at Gamezebo. Sometimes we find ourselves with a bit of a backlog though – like right now for instance.
So here are some shorter reviews of games released or updated on the Switch over the last few months – that we might not have gotten round to covering otherwise.
The Monty Mole Collection
We’re all for retro releases, but The Monty Mole Collection stretches that enthusiasm to breaking point. Quite simply these games are almost unplayable to modern gamers.
A collection of five ZX Spectrum platformers with some basic modern additions – including save states – these revolve around single screen stages crawling with enemies and obstacles.
The controls are stiff, the jumps are constantly frustrating, and no real element feels particularly fun. These were important games in their time, but now we can’t see anyone playing them for more than a few minutes.
Unless you’re a die hard Monty Mole fan we can’t really recommend this one.
Score: 2.5 out of 5
Chip’s Challenge
Another retro re-release, and this one we preferred to Monty’s antics. This is a very straightforward port of the Atari Lynx puzzler.
By straightforward we mean it too – you get one new splash screen then this is a straight port, right down to the need to add in passwords to resume your progress. The addition of a save system would have been nice at least.
The game itself is a rock solid top down platformer. You avoid enemies, push blocks around, gather keys, and open doors. There are 140 levels and they get tough, fast.
It offers little surprises but if you’re a fan of puzzle titles like this then you can’t really go wrong, especially for the low price point. Just don’t go in expecting much in the way of frills when it comes to the presentation.
Score: 3 out of 5
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered
Of all the games to get a lavish restoration, we doubt the third entry in the Turok series would have been high on anyone’s list.
But this N64 title has held up surprisingly well, despite its occasional clunkiness and desire to be a little too much like Half Life – due to being made during the era when Valve’s groundbreaking first person shooter starring Gordon Freeman was all the rage.
This entry compared to the first game at least has a lot of plot to take in, arguably too much. Once you get into the action properly there’s a lot to enjoy here.
Level design is linear but usually quite enjoyable due to the game’s unpredictable plotting and solid gunplay. The variety of enemies thrown at you is impressive too.
Yes, several aspects are clunky and have not aged well – but the amount of care to bring this game to a modern audience should be applauded. They don’t make them like this anymore – for better and for worse.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
qomp2
A sequel to Pong is perhaps not something you thought you needed in your life, but you’d be wrong. qomp2 is a true delight, a game with an indie sensibility but boasting big studio budget backing.
You control the ball from the famous pared down tennis game from 1972. Well, kind of. The ball is constantly moving, and you can adjust the angle it flies through levels at – and also charge up a dash attack.
That’s it in turns of controls, and quite simply it works superbly. Although we never felt completely in control of things at times, we got the hang of it eventually.
There’s a range of obstacles to avoid, and there’s enough new wrinkles to the formula. This includes some amusing boss battles added in throughout. Constant checkpoints mean things never get too frustrating either.
The way qomp2 keeps you guessing means it’s a must try if you’re looking for a new experience.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Witch Rise
Here we have a very basic first person RPG, with battling elements. The best I can say about it is that it’s clearly been made with a lot of enthusiasm.
From the excitable opening telling of the plot to the cartoon effects that pop up when you defeat enemies, the presentation is impressive for the game’s pricepoint.
Sadly the gameplay, which is barely more advanced than Dungeon Master from 1987, just doesn’t cut it.
The battles are one note, there aren’t exciting new kinks added in nearly enough, and the action is fairly slow. If you’re really hankering for a dungeon crawler you can do worse, but you can also do a lot better.
Score: 2.5 out of 5
Project Downfall
There is a lot going on here, and we’re not sure we could take it all in to be honest. A first person shooter that has a hot pot of influences – from John Wick to Hotline Miami – we’re not sure it properly comes together.
It certainly can’t be faulted when it comes to ambition though. Boasting a huge city to explore, you’re instantly faced with moral decisions and an array of paths to choose from.
The look of the game is amazing, with detailed locales and a vibrant aesthetic that really does feel like you’re playing a first person Hotline Miami at times.
Sadly it can’t match that game’s frantic pacing, with movement very slow and the addition of a stamina meter is ill judged. There are some great stages and moments in Project Downfall of course. It’s just that there are so many elements it feels a little bogged down at times.
A first person shooter that is perhaps a little too focused on style over substance, this is still worth investigating for fans of the genre.
Score: 3 out of 5
Make sure you check out our other reviews by clicking here, including a look at indie platformer darling Promenade.
