Last Time I Saw You | PS5 Review

Set in Japan this supernatural coming of age story features a young boy named Ayumi whose dreams are being haunted by a mystery girl. It is this mystery girl, and a series of unusual events that act as a catalyst for the otherworldly adventure. 

Ayumi, the game's protagonist, finds himself not only facing a typhoon at the start of the game, but also the recent loss of his grandfather, and the many trials of childhood including that of friendships and school related stress. That and some haunting dreams featuring a pale skinned black haired girl. It is through dream sequences, and real life interactions that Ayumi comes to terms with the haunting nature of his paranormal predicament, and how they relate to his life all while his adventure unfolds one act at a time. It is this act by act cinematic platforming playthrough that sees Ayumi mature, and ultimately become the man he's meant to be.

A Hole New World | PS5 Review

Like a mixture of Castlevania and Mega Man, "A Hole New World" bursts on the scene in all it's retro glory as an action platformer with a story and a gameplay gimmick. As it turns out the world of Versee that the game takes place in was decisively divided into two separate good and evil worlds by the observing goddess that created it due to evil's growing corruption. Leaving the home of the good to retain the namesake of Versee, and the evil world being a nameless one ruled over by Lord Baduk. 

In the division of the two new worlds, as a safety measure, the goddess Yakshini put her power into five different Orbs sending them to separate locations as to not have them stolen in her weakened state. She knew if anyone gained control of her powers that they would have power over her. In the midst of this undertaking though Lord Baduk finds the Orb of Darkness, and uses it to invade Versee through holes opened up in the ground. All of Versee's weapons were useless against the evil invaders save that of the potion master. It is as this potion master that you set out to defeat the minions of darkness, and Lord Baduk. All as you collect the goddess's Orbs of power.

Skautfold: Into the Fray | PS5 Review

Skautfold, and it's alternate historical timeline set in the colonial past returns with Hito, a 3rd Knight of the Angelic Empire of Britannia, being summoned by the Empress and tasked with a dual operation. He is to see what the Sons of Washington are up to, and to apprehend Princess Lillian at all costs. 

The game, itself, starts off with this introduction of key characters segueing into a mode selection screen wherein options pertaining to builds stats, and leveling can be opted for or left alone during a playthrough. With Pure mode all the usual RPG elements are taken away leaving RPG mode to house the option for 6 different stats for build sake. Outside of this lies five different difficulty settings that impact story outcomes, and various features regarding enemies and gameplay. There's Weak, Casual, Normal, Hard Rock, and Heavy Metal. Each of which make progression more challenging.