Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013) is a spin-off title from the critically acclaimed Arkham series, developed by Armature Studio. Unlike the main Arkham games, which were open-world action-adventures, Blackgate adopts a 2.5D side-scrolling perspective, reminiscent of classic Metroidvania-style games. The game's story is set three months after the events of Arkham Origins and follows Batman's attempts to reclaim control of Blackgate Prison from the numerous villains who have taken it over. The narrative is relatively self-contained, but it features appearances from various iconic Batman villains, including Penguin, Black Mask, and Catwoman. While the gameplay mechanics are streamlined to accommodate the side-scrolling perspective, Blackgate retains many of the series' signature elements, such as Batman's combat abilities, gadgets, and stealth tactics. The game features a multi-tiered map design, encouraging exploration and backtracking as players unlock new gadgets and abilities that grant access to previously inaccessible areas. One of Blackgate's notable features is its emphasis on boss battles against various Batman villains, each with unique combat patterns and environmental hazards to navigate. The game also introduces a "Batarang Traverse" mechanic, allowing Batman to latch onto specific surfaces and swing across gaps, adding a layer of platforming challenges. Despite its handheld origins (initially released for the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS), Blackgate received praise for its faithful adaptation of the Arkham gameplay formula and its ability to capture the dark, gritty atmosphere of the Batman universe within its 2.5D constraints.

Carrion is a reverse horror game developed by Phobia Game Studio and published by Devolver Digital. In this game, players take on the role of an amorphous, tentacled creature that has been imprisoned and experimented on in a secret research facility. The objective is to break free and wreak havoc while navigating through the facility, devouring any humans or creatures that stand in your way. One of the most distinctive aspects of Carrion is its unique perspective. The game is presented in a side-scrolling, 2D pixel art style, but instead of controlling a traditional character, players control the grotesque, ever-evolving creature itself. The creature can squeeze through tight spaces, climb walls, and extend its numerous tentacles to grab and consume prey. As the creature consumes biomass from its victims, it grows larger and gains new abilities, such as the ability to spit projectiles or release a web-like substance to immobilize enemies. The game encourages exploration and backtracking as new areas become accessible with the creature's evolving abilities. Carrion's atmosphere is tense and unsettling, with dim lighting, eerie sound design, and the constant sense of being hunted by the facility's security forces and their increasingly advanced weaponry. The game features puzzle elements, as players must figure out how to navigate obstacles and use the creature's abilities effectively to progress. While Carrion is relatively short, lasting around 4-6 hours for most players, its unique premise, atmospheric horror, and satisfying sense of power as the monstrous creature make it a memorable and engaging experience for fans of the reverse horror or metroidvania genres.

Moonfall Ultimate is a 2D side-scrolling action RPG developed by Fishcow Studio and published by Wales Interactive. The game is set in a dark fantasy world and features hand-drawn art with a distinct, gritty aesthetic. Some key features of Moonfall Ultimate include: 1. Three playable classes: Vanguard (tank), Elementalist (mage), and Shadow (rogue), each with unique skill trees and playstyles. 2. Local co-op multiplayer, allowing two players to team up and tackle the campaign together. 3. A crafting system that enables players to create and upgrade equipment using resources found throughout the game world. 4. An endless mode called "The Stronghold," which provides randomized, increasingly difficult challenges for players seeking additional content after completing the main campaign. 5. A fusion of hack-and-slash combat with strategic RPG elements, including character progression and equipment management. 6. A story-driven campaign that takes players through various environments, from industrial settings to more fantastical locales. 7. Boss battles that require players to adapt their strategies and utilize their character's unique abilities effectively. 8. A day/night cycle that affects enemy behavior and spawn rates, adding an extra layer of strategy to exploration and combat. Moonfall Ultimate distinguishes itself within the genre by combining traditional side-scrolling action with more complex RPG systems and a darker, more mature tone compared to many of its peers.

Shadow Man, released in 1999, is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Acclaim Studios Teesside and published by Acclaim Entertainment. Based on the Shadowman comic book series, the game was released for multiple platforms including Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Dreamcast, and PC. As a fan of the genre, you'll appreciate that Shadow Man features a dark, mature storyline and a unique blend of voodoo-themed horror and action elements. The game follows Michael LeRoi, the titular Shadow Man, as he traverses between the worlds of the living (Liveside) and the dead (Deadside) to prevent an apocalyptic event. Key aspects of the game include: 1. Non-linear gameplay with a large, interconnected world to explore 2. A mix of puzzle-solving, platforming, and combat 3. An upgrade system allowing the player to collect Dark Souls to enhance abilities 4. A variety of weapons, including the Shadowgun and voodoo-enhanced firearms 5. Atmospheric environments with a strong emphasis on horror elements The game was noted for its ambitious scope, particularly for its time, with a large game world and complex narrative. It also pushed boundaries in terms of mature content and themes, which was relatively uncommon for console games of that era. Shadow Man received generally positive reviews upon release, with praise for its atmosphere, story, and expansive gameplay. However, some critics noted issues with controls and camera angles, which were common criticisms for 3D action games of that period.