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.

Beat Hazard Arcade (PS5) | REVIEW | THE XBLIG Twin Stick Shooter Series Returns!!!

Cold Beam Games serves as both the developer and publisher for Beat Hazard Arcade, bringing their signature style back to consoles after a long hiatus. This title is the latest installment in the Beat Hazard series, functioning as a refreshed and arcade-focused entry that builds on the music-synced shooting formula established by its predecessors. It slots in as a more streamlined, console-optimized experience compared to the expansive PC versions like Beat Hazard 3, emphasizing quick sessions and accessibility. 

The series originated in 2009 with the original Beat Hazard, an indie gem created by solo developer Steve Hunt under Cold Beam Games. It debuted on Xbox Live Indie Games as a bold experiment in blending player-owned music with twin-stick shooting mechanics, gaining a cult following for its innovative use of audio analysis to drive gameplay.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (PS5) | REVIEW | A Series First Reborn & Revitalized!!!

Developed by Nihon Falcom and published by GungHo Online Entertainment in North America, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a full remake of the original 2004 game that kicked off the Trails subseries within the broader Legend of Heroes franchise. As the inaugural entry, it sets the foundation for an expansive, interconnected world across multiple arcs, introducing key themes of political intrigue, personal growth, and ancient mysteries that echo through later titles like Trails of Cold Steel and Trails through Daybreak. 

Arisen Force: LifeDevotee (PS5) | REVIEW | A Retro Inspired 'Journey to the West' Beat 'em up . . .

Arisen Force: Life Devotee was developed and published by Lemport, an indie studio focused on action-oriented titles. The game draws heavily from the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West, reimagining it as an epic adventure where players embody the iconic Monkey King, Sun Wukong, on a perilous quest to protect sacred scriptures. Accompanied by loyal companions, Wukong battles demons and mythical foes across fantastical realms, uncovering secrets tied to ancient lore and personal growth. At its core, it's about themes of redemption, camaraderie, and overcoming overwhelming odds in a world steeped in mythology.