Rise and Shine

Gamers familiar with the '80s- and '90s-style video games will enjoy the way this game breaks through the fourth wall with ironic jokes and gaming nostalgia. This punishingly difficult 2D puzzle-platformer throws players back to the challenging nature of old-school games. There's no easy mode, requiring players to tread carefully, prioritize targets, and use precision shooting to avoid instant death. Still, you'll die often and in a variety of gruesome, yet oddly amusing, ways. Making use of the cover system is a must as it helps recover your minuscule health bar, which can be wiped out easily. Defeating bosses can be frustrating and requires players to memorize constantly changing attack sequences that sometimes seem overly challenging. But this test actually leaves you feeling a sense of accomplishment when you succeed after your 50th attempt. At times, some of the puzzles and levels seem too difficult and lacking in direction, but without time limits and endless lives, players can keep trying … and trying … until they get it right.

While the gameplay is short, ranging from two to four hours depending on your gaming prowess, there are collectibles throughout each level that add some replay value. Beating the game also unlocks an even higher difficulty mode for masochistic gamers. The storyline is a little light, but you'll be having too much fun enjoying the beautiful artwork and soundtrack to really care. If you're looking for a simple game with an easy mode, look elsewhere. But if you like being challenged, you should rise and shine to this occasion.