STFU is a really fun arcade action side scrolled with initial difficult that is a tad easy but set up more to have fun than challenge. You side scroll dodging bullets and knocking down bad guys until you die then rewind to whatever earlier point in the level to play alongside the 'ghost' of your first trial, repeat. Some levels are set up where death is essential for one martyr to race ahead and push a switch or block a foe. The many characters feel unique with a diverse play style (some are rapid fire, others melee only, etc). Some characters are not included in the GOG edition, Left 4 Dead / Valve items are Steam exclusive, and while it's a bummer they get more the rooster does not feel incomplete. Beating the game once unlocks a 'Hardcore' mode and several characters require you collect items can be difficult to unlock. On initial difficult I only found 2-3 levels that were really difficult, but 100%ing everything might make things more complicated if you are into collecting stars, etc. STFU is a blast to play with an inventive twist - short (I completed it in 2 days on default) but really creative and worth playing.
Steeped in underworld trappings Sunless Sea is initially a trade sim style game with exploration to amass assorted resources and invest in better ship parts, base, etc. Lack of map randomization means that you will always play the "same" game each time... and makes dying a grind. There is an inheritance system to repeat with your best ship parts, money, etc but that did little to keep my interest in repeating the same events/settings. SS has a good board game like feel with a sense that there are secrets just under your nose but is less suited to marathon play due to same-ness of each trial. There is a marginal plot with some locations changing over time and of submitting "port reports" obtained at most destinations for currency/fuel but the vague script alone does little to compel play. I've enjoyed SS but your mileage may vary. Pros: Novel setting, creepy scenarios, exploration required, cavernous world Cons: Same set-up each time, limited plot, wordy, some deaths feel random
Compulsively addictive I enjoyed playing F.E.A.R. for an at least 20 hour (for me) run time. It's very atmospheric with surreal and hallucinatory visuals. Some of the enemies get redundant and occasionally the world feels too linear but F.E.A.R. has a kinetic action feel that works well with especially with the slow motion ability.
Promising pixel graphics and scifi theme ultimately end up with lukewarm results. Initial levels are too easy then there is a mid-game increase in difficulty; things never feel impossible but it's necessary to retry levels several times in a few cases. The limited resource management aspects are appealing and balanced - you'll have to scavage for ammo but not be able to afford too many grenades. There is a good variety of characters each with a unique special ability.
Rogue Legacy is a challenging platform action game with good character customization via inheritance system and unlockable equipment/skills/etc. After long play-times it can begin to feel repetitive with some difficulty spikes (bosses). One area might feel too easy, the next brutal, and another just right. Despite randomized levels, each area is always in the same general location and room patterns repeat. It rewards grinding and kept me playing despite frequent death/frustration, I have had a blast putting in more time than is healthy. Good challenge. Some features feel under developed (character class could be more varied, special weapons limited) but easy to recommend. Exploration is rewarded with hidden chests.
Gemini Rue is recommended and fun to play through. The atmosphere is amazing with a great science fiction nior theme and some interesting scenary. The plot has a nice layer of depth and poised interesting philosphy questions. The user interface feels natural utilizing right mouse click to bring up a command window. The live action gun fights depend on rhythm timing with key strokes to attack/avoid and is a lot of fun. At times story development seemed predictable but the questions poised kept things interesting and may leave you reflecting on Gemini Rue after it's done. I found the puzzles to mostly be straightforward and intuitive encouraging exploration to solve but at times challenging. Gemini Rue is well worth a play through for adventure game fans.
