With January being a slow moment for downloadables, but aside from Shaq’s highly anticipated video game return in ShaqDown—which despite its slick anime veneer we won’t speak on further—there are a few things that should grab you. Here’s our weekly finds.
5. The Journey Down: Chapter 1
Platform: iOS
Price: $3
Journey Down has an interesting premise: take an adventure game (a somewhat comedic one, although it doesn't look it that much) steeped in tribal African culture and force its protagonists down and out of the influence of civilized society and into something wholly different (hence the "Journey Down). This might be worth it for interesting cultural implications alone, but it's hard to say since it's merely the first chapter of something more involved. Either way, a Telltale-esque title for $3 is a good deal.
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4. Abyss: the Wraiths of Eden
Platform: iOS
Price: Free
It's hard to say what the hell Abyss is actually about, but for a hidden object game (yes, a hidden object game) to employ any sort of meaningful player motivation, let alone one that seems to take its narrative cues from Jules Verne, Indiana Jones and Bioshock-well, that is a rare beast indeed. Also it's free. Stop complaining.
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3. Joe Danger Touch
Platform: iOS
Price: $3
Hot off the heels of its success on PSN and XBLA comes the mobile version of crazy stunt racer Joe Danger, and what do you know, it's really good. A great console conversion for those seeking something more than MotoHeroz.
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2. Kentucky Route Zero: Part 1
Platform: Steam
Price: $7
Sure, a "magical realist adventure game about a secret highway in the caves beneath Kentucky" sounds like it's probably good enough reason to play the wildly IGF nominated Kentucky Route Zero, but then there's the art: beautifully understated in a homespun style, it's kind of like Norman Rockwell by way of Out of This World. Part 1 is on Steam now or you can pick up the whole five part series for $25 to be downloaded as they're released throughout the year.
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1. Demon's Souls
Platform: PS3
Price: $20
We really shouldn't have to explain Demon's Souls to you, but for those living under a rock that haven't somehow experienced its decidedly exquisite cocktail of pain and wonder, it's the spiritual precursor to Dark Souls, i.e. the origin of one of the nail-toughest RPGs ever made. Like its Dark brother, though, the genius of Demon's isn't that in how many times you'll die-and believe us, Demon's punishes to the hilt-but just how the game's design smartly respects you enough to learn from your mistakes. This cannot be stressed enough: Play this game.
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