A slew of visually captivating games flew into my inbox recently, and I just couldn’t say no to trying them out. Two — Taka Taka and Goblin Stone — are out now. The third in this trio of tantalizing offerings is still early in development, but has a short preview open to the public. Whether you jump in to any these right now or not, they still belong on your radar.
Rose And Locket
Whistling Wizard’s gunslinging action title caught my eye during The MIX’s Spring Game Showcase. Its undeniably stylish look is as stunning in the game as it was in the trailer. It might even be more impressive because of how these visions of hell burn across the screen as I shoot my way through the demo — which is up right now for anyone looking to test it out themselves. While its imagery is top tier, its controls feel a little awkward. I’m willing to remain optimistic that the work-in-progress title can polish its less sparkling aspects as development continues. Mostly because I need the game’s breathtaking artwork in my life.
Taka Taka
Already out on Steam, Taka Taka combines catchy beats with eye-catching art. The paper painted aesthetic lends a lot of personality to the musical combat, though I didn’t feel terribly invested in the narrative. The bulk of the game has the player controlling two heroes. The red-hued swordsman can take on oncoming enemies of the same color while the purple brute can smash away violet opponents. No matter what form the baddies take, they make their way, beat by beat, towards the main characters on a constantly moving conveyor belt which moves to the rhythm. The pattern should be easy to pick up for rhythm game fans and offers a familiar challenge.
Goblin Stone
Somewhere in a world of heavy line art fit for a ’80s children’s fantasy book are a party of goblins. These plucky little heroes have been beaten around by adventuring party after adventuring party and just want to live their little goblin lives. But no. The combat is an interesting take on the D&D formula with a mix of real-time and turn-based action. The setting is hard to resist. And the miserable look on the poor goblins face when it gets challenge by a roving band of adventurers will melt your heart. I had a great time with the opening, though the game’s reviews warn of bugs and technical difficulties. The developer’s recent patch notes indicate a handful of fixes and commitment to addressing further concerns.
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