DeVuego ES_COR

Roving Rogue has a number of great ideas: its story concept, main gameplay mechanic, and swift pacing are all first-rate. For the first couple of worlds it's a simple, addictive little platformer with tight level design. Unfortunately, the game loses its way by not introducing enough new ideas to keep things fresh, and by relying too heavily on trial-and-error in the back half of the quest. The narrative also feels like a missed opportunity, amounting to little more than a series of cheesy jokes. Players looking for a speedy dose of platforming action might be able to find their fix here, but they're going to have to slog through a number of missteps on the way.

Funk of Titans wants to draw players in with an outlandish, seemingly arbitrary aesthetic that mixes Greek mythology with funk music. Unfortunately, it fails to go all the way with this theme, and ends up a tedious and surprisingly generic auto-runner.

99Moves offers up a brisk trip through 12 levels of arcade-style action, and that's what it does best — its claustrophobic levels requiring quick reflexes can be quite exciting if enjoyed in small play sessions. There's a nagging feeling that something's missing, however; the core concept sidesteps a few obvious improvements that could have increased its appeal, leaving the levels feeling a bit long and slapdash considering their small number. In addition, the changes made from the DSiWare original offer mixed results, from the middling (the new multiplayer modes) to the confusing (V-99's reduced hit box). If you're in the mood for some bargain-priced old-school fun, you could do a lot worse than 99Moves — but don't be surprised if you find yourself thinking up ways the game might have been improved as you play.

It's hard to fault a game like Rock Zombie. It's a perfectly serviceable beat 'em up with a number of ridiculous choices that, whether intentional or not, will probably make you laugh. It's not the most technically refined gameplay experience you'll ever have, and a lot of the elements just don't add up, but it's campy enough to make you believe it was trying to be epic — and that might just rope you into trying its cheesy brand of arcade action.