Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets

A bit janky, and a bit dated this unofficial survival horror spin-off to the Sherlock Holmes franchise sees us taking on the role of Jack Holmes, supposed great-great grandson of the famous Sherlock, as he investigates a peculiar case. It is in this search for a certain Frederick R. that he finds more than he bargained for. 

Through basic exploration, and inquisitive sleuthing he finds himself in a world of puppets that are not what they seem. Seemingly infused with captives' organs, and body parts these haunting human-like manifestations stand between Jack and a case closed scenario. Getting to the bottom of it all will take both nerve, wit, and combat prowess.

TEARED | PS5 Review

Like the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the wonderous arcade era of the 70's and 80's, Juan-Mod's "TEARED" comes at us vividly in a fever pitched spectacle as we tour through a sneak peek of a neo-dystopian arcade wherein lies a TEARED arcade cabinet, and a lone observer in the guise of a resident feline.

Through the feline's eyes we gain access to the storied intro of the fantasy game, and it does not disappoint. There's a Viking looking lad, a dragon, and skeletons in a war that almost seems like Medieval Armageddon. As all seems lost, and the Viking sinks to the bottom of the ocean from whence he fought he is resurrected by a mermaid and her shed tear. It is from this point that we become a player of this obscured arcade cabinet, and fight as humanity's last hope against the all corrupting army of evil.

ArcRunner | PS5 Review

Not unlike HALO's own ring-like orbital space stations the Arc in 'ArcRunners' is also a self-containing satellite ecosystem for it's otherworldly inhabitants. Those inhabitants being robotic androids, and human cybernetic hybrids. All governed by an AI system that is there to maintain order. Unfortunately for the Arc, and it's robotic citizens a virus infiltrated the AI system turning all those tied to it into mechanized maniacs. 

Thanks to an onboard counter-intelligence operative though you were summoned, or rather re-atomized, to save the day. Using one of three class based builds including the soldier, ninja, and hacker you set forth to reclaim each district utilizing the dropped weaponry, and augment upgrades to your advantage. All in a goal to stop the virus at it's source.

PERISH | PS5 Review

A longing soul seeking sanctuary in Elysium is the driving force behind this sectional arena based FPS roguelike. From the haunted depths of the Greek underworld to the brilliant shores of Elysium our would be hero will makes his way through various rites, and trials as he seeks to defeat the guardians lying in wait. The ultimate prize being that of the release from eternal suffering. 

Using period inaccurate weaponry, power imbued crowns, special effect rings, throwing daggers, and consumables the hero trudges forward against a seemingly endless army of darkness that is Hellbent on stopping him dead in his tracks. The only guiding light being that of a priestess who leads the path forward as the orator of the epic adventure. 

Outer Terror | PS5 Review

Coming at you like a cosmic horror comic book with a survivor-like gimmick, VoxPop Games', "Outer Terror" attempts to deliver the fiendish frights alongside mission driven objectives spanning across 4 different horror stories. 

As a one or two player experience you'll choose the role of one of 10 unique survivors in cover art inclusive issues of "The Grey Death", "Frost Bite", "Killswitch", and "Other Side". Each character playable in the respective plots, and each with their own main weapon as well as special ability from the start. It is with weapons, and upgrades that these unlikely heroes and heroines will stack their arsenal of defensive and offensive options in an attempt to defeat the old gods who have returned to haunt humanity in the worst of ways.

Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris

Heavy on the storytelling, and rich in anime art EastAsiaSoft's latest foray into the shoot'em up genre via Illogic Games has us following closely the flight paths of three individuals as they take to the skies guns a blazing. This science fiction space adventure titled, "Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris" takes place across two separate modes including the story driven campaign and an endless roguelike mode that further builds upon the gimmicky flight path focus. 

Ship-wise though it's your fairly standard bullet hell shmup with a strong emphasis on upgrades, and upgrade management. As you collect coins/credits, and fulfill your role in the provided plot you'll stop and shop for multiple weapons, shields, armors, generators, and stackable boosts that will determine your ability to output the desired defensive and offensive results based upon an underlying overload mechanic.

Withering Rooms | PS5

Steeped in witchcraft, occult mysticism, and medieval medical malpractices of the early 19th century we find a haunting roguelike gameplay experience featuring a patient of the Mostyn House Asylum known only as Nightingale. It is this poor unfortunate soul that finds herself in a perpetual dream or nightmare, if you will. Doomed to repeat her horrific attempt at escape until she finds the key to getting out. 

This entails both combat, and a stealth approach as not everyone who resides in this place for choleric and psychiatric help are friendly. Avoiding conflict, and sometimes engaging in it while amassing the items necessary to stave off various afflictions, and death are the only way to wake up from this hellscape that was 18 years in the making.