A need for quick opinions is upon us. Sometimes we’re tired of the mainstream and we just want a taste of the alternative. When one cares not to read or compare arbitrary numbers, one needs a blast of reviews:

• Beetle Adventure Racing (N64) – A licensed racer that takes the emphasis off the vehicles and places it on the tracks, which offer unique and diverse locales smattered with short-cut upon short-cut that feature more secrets and replayability than one could find even in multiple playthroughs. The inclusion of various multiplayer modes only add to the icing on this visually fast, heart-pounding, and rather delicious cake.
• Linger in the Shadows (PSN) – A “game” designed around the idea of “art” that somewhat confuses the notion but still manages to compel with it’s smooth visuals and ethereal sound design, whilst making vast use of the Sixaxis motion controls. With support for trophies, several hidden extras, and a price-point of only 3 USD, it’s worth a look.
• VICE: Project Doom (NES) – A platformer in the nostalgic sense that moonlights as a schmup and a point and shooter. Classic difficulty, superb visuals for an NES title, and varied, distinct enemies serve to make this title an old, forgotten gem.
• Sumotori Dreams (PC free title) – A game akin to a tech demo, this title uses AI and physics instead of prewritten animation to simulate Sumo wrestling and “staying on your feet.” Short and comical with a fun, little Easter egg, it’s a good time-waster by yourself or with a friend.
• Dementium: The Ward (NDS) – A FPS that makes exceptional use of the hardware, rendering a smooth frame rate and making excellent use of shadows to instill the player with fear. Although the puzzles are simplistic and the game is somewhat repetitive, it has enough staying power for a solid play-through.

Originally, there were to be some negatives, but the whole point of an alternative set is that these are what one would play instead of the usual tripe. So it goes.