Psycho Dream (PS5) | REVIEW | A 1990's Japan-Exclusive Title Returns!!!

Psycho Dream for the PS5 is a re-release developed by Edia and published by Ratalaika Games. Originally hailing from the Super Famicom era in 1992 as a Japan-exclusive title from developer Riot, this side-scrolling action game explored futuristic themes of virtual reality escapism long before it became a cultural staple. Players diving into this port can anticipate a faithful recreation of the classic experience, now localized in English for the first time in the West, complete with quality-of-life enhancements that make it more accessible on modern hardware without altering the core challenge.

The game packs in several standout features, including six intense stages teeming with grotesque enemies and fast-paced combat. Modes are straightforward, focusing on a single-player campaign where you progress through linear levels, though the addition of rewind and turbo functions lets you replay tricky sections or accelerate the pace for quicker runs. Save states allow pausing and resuming at any moment, while a cheats menu offers toggles like unlimited lives or invincibility for those wanting a less punishing playthrough. There's also a gallery mode for browsing original artwork and manual scans, plus a jukebox to enjoy the soundtrack outside of gameplay.

The Gameplay ...

At its heart, Psycho Dream follows debuggers Ryo and Maria, elite agents dispatched into virtual worlds to extract trapped individuals. The lore revolves around a dystopian society where youth flock to immersive "D-Movies" , or virtual films that blur the line between entertainment and reality, only for some to become "Sinkers," comatose victims whose bodies waste away in the real world. 

You choose between Ryo, who wields a sword for close-range slashes, or Maria, equipped with a whip for mid-range attacks, each bringing distinct abilities that influence how you tackle foes. Gameplay emphasizes fluid side-scrolling movement, jumping across platforms, and battling surreal, nightmarish creatures with your chosen weapon, all while managing power-ups and health in a compact adventure that clocks in under an hour for skilled players.

Customization options lean toward visuals and audio tweaks to suit personal tastes. You can apply various screen filters, such as a retro CRT scanline effect or a monochrome palette, to evoke nostalgia or refresh the look. On the audio side, while there aren't deep mixing controls, the jukebox feature lets you freely listen to the game's 13 chiptune tracks, giving you control over when and how you experience the music.

The Presentation ...

In terms of presentation, this PS5 version shines as a polished emulation that preserves the pixelated charm of the 1992 original while smoothing out rough edges through modern tech. There's no more fumbling with old hardware or fan translations. The visuals hold up well, with vibrant colors and bizarre enemy designs that capture a psychedelic vibe, though some backgrounds feel a tad simplistic by today's standards. The soundtrack stands out as a highlight, featuring energetic synth melodies that amp up the tension during boss fights, and the sound quality benefits from crisp emulation that avoids the tinny artifacts of emulators from yesteryear.

The Verdict ...

Overall, Psycho Dream delivers a bite-sized blast of retro quality that's engaging but brief, with solid mechanics hampered only by its short length and occasional repetitive encounters. The presentation is spot-on, enhancing the original's quirky appeal without overhauling it, making this port arguably superior thanks to the added conveniences like save states and filters that weren't possible back in '92. It's every bit as good as the Super Famicom version, if not better for newcomers. Ultimately preserving the essence while ironing out accessibility barriers. I'd recommend it to fans of vintage 2D action platformers, especially those who enjoy obscure gems from the 16-bit era or quick-play titles that evoke the weird side of '90s gaming.