Showing posts with label Playstation 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Playstation 4. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

CrossKrush (REVIEW)

Imagine if you will retiring at an old age in a house that's smack dab in the middle of a busy intersection. A long awaited vacation home situated supposedly far away from the hustle and bustle of a life left behind. Within this humble abode you finally have the time available to spend with your loving wife. After having spent most of your life dealing with your kids, and their drama you get to make good those vows you spoke so long ago. You choose to spend your retirement days alongside your dearly beloved listening to an old radio, and watching the news on an old tube style television. In your spare time you also dance the time away with your wife to an old record player that contains that one record with that one song which means the most to you, and her. A song that commemorates your first date, and the many anniversaries thereafter. 

Now imagine all those wonderful things stolen away by the noisy traffic that constantly collects not far from your newfound home. What do you do? Well, in the case of CrossKrush you get off of your soggy bottom, and take care of business. You've had enough of those young whipper snappers and their noisy vehicles, so you pack some explosives, and carry your cane out to the crossroads to deal some geriatric street justice. Blowing up cars, and beating them with your cane until they blow the f**k up! BOOM!!!

Sunday, October 4, 2020

9th Dawn III (REVIEW)

Dubbed a "Collect-A-Thon" this sequel that is "9th Dawn III" harbors content from various RPG genres. Coming at you as an action rpg or dungeon crawler with mmo missions, monster collecting, crafting, and it's own card game it aims to impress on many different fronts. Though simplistic in design with it's top-down pixel constructed elements the town of Ashwick, the surrounding world, and it's would be hero come to the forefront offering up a grand adventure the likes of which is rarely seen, especially from an indie game. 

Thursday, October 1, 2020

WARSAW (REVIEW)

The date is August 1st, 1944. The last of the Polish resistance faces insurmountable odds from both the Nazis, and the Soviets. Each of which are closing in from both sides. In a last ditch attempt to defy the seemingly inevitable outcome they plan, and execute an underground uprising. Looting supplies, hitting targets, and fighting back while trying to maintain morale, and survive the war ...

Keeping true to the nature of the real world war that this game is based on Crunching Koalas, and their developers, through gameplay mechanics, emphasize that each choice made holds a potential dire consequence if not managed properly. Maintaining a tone of seriousness respectful of the source material. Strategy is king in Warsaw of 1944, and the stake is 952,000 innocent lives which decline each day that the war wages on. Can you lead the resistance to victory?

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

One Finger Death Punch 2 (REVIEW)

All hail the return of the ultimate test of reflexive combat! Packing more punch than that hammer scene from Old Boy, and more martial arts prowess than the IP Man himself (dare I say it) we find the journey of a pupil in training returning for yet another barrage of badass brawls. Utilizing attacks and defense that require precision timing along with the game's single button per side mechanic that in itself harbors multiple functions the path to perfection isn't so easily earned, but once it is achieved it is the most satisfying feeling you'll ever get from a kung fu video game experience. 

Along with the return of the series' staple mechanics tied to various enemy types and threats comes new modes of play, and newly added animations not seen since the first entry. New bloody bone crunching finishers finish off foes while background combo characters pop-up in time with the players' skilled application to further add to the visually pleasing spectacle of carnage. Also included in the mix of mortal combat is a newly introduced skill list of 26 skills that can all be added to effectively dumb down the challenge at hand with what amounts to earned and unlocked cheats. cheats so underhanded it might very well undermine the entire point of the game, but I digress ... You'll find returning as well the introductory tutorial which will give you a hands-on lowdown on controls, and mechanics. All just outside of the main single player journey mode that is stretched across several themed maps. Each map with points of interest that will reward you for your efforts. You'll also find lying in wait a new gauntlet mode which is the game's newer rogue-like feature that has you, and one life's worth of health, trying to best a set route of combat based challenges which incorporate the game's enemies and their mechanics. There's that, and survival. Survival, as it were, comes in a few different varieties. Each with their own gimmick centered around the single life series of fight until you die battles that take you up the tiers of an ancient tower per kill count. Increasing the overall challenge, and score rewards for the feat. All for bragging rights, no less.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Ginga Force (PS4)

Coming at you like the hot take of a 90's anime saga, Ginga Force introduces the players to two aspiring and experienced pilots, the criminal task force they serve, and the world that they live in. Those pilots being Alex Heatburn, and Margarette Whitetail. A dynamic duo in leagues with an organization known as MSS, or Mitsurugi Security Service which calls an AI governed world known as Seventia home. Much like our people, and our world the once migratory residents of Seventia realized that over population was an issue. So much so that they made their way to new planets, colonized said planets, and did so until they no longer prioritized the birthing efforts of old. Adopting new technology, and engaging in new AI innovations including that of an AI governance system Specia the people of Seventia grew accustom to a new lifestyle. Not of colonization, but more so of building upon the utopia they've become a part of. Harnessing new power sources, and policing those that would step out of their way to disrupt civility. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

GORSD (PS4)

Creative and disturbing are two words that perfectly describe Springloaded's indie release, GORSD. Best likened to a Splatoon-like horror game of ancient Lovecraftian proportions this single player puzzle based adventure, and it's multiplayer counterpart brings something new to the table the likes of which I've never seen. With seven hours of gameplay in the singleplayer adventure along with eight different types of fill in the line competitive challenges you'll find either frustration or satisfaction in your failure or completion of the given objectives. As you trudge along in the guise of a womb-eye borne protagonist with tiny tentacles, or a bleeding worm mercifully spared death by the gods you'll find that the colored trail you leave behind, and the single bullet you can shoot, catch, and guide are your only means to victory within the gauntlet of trials set before you. Through the trials that are setup by the GORSD gods themselves within the world's temples that you find yourself in you'll have to prove your worth, or die trying. Again, and again and again ... It is a true testament of skills against friend or AI foe that will most certainly require your ability to master the mechanics.

Monday, September 14, 2020

Minoria (REVIEW)

Warrior nuns, a holy kingdom under attack by witches, and a princess in peril. These are the things that make up Bombservice's spiritual successor to Momodora. With new visuals, a new story, new mechanics, and a fresh take on the metroidvania experience Minoria aims to lure those accustom to the developer's previous offerings as well as those new to it. Taking place in the kingdom of Ramezia a war waged between witches, and warrior nuns is in order. Started by the kidnapping of Princess Amelia this inquisition is one of penance and persecution. As Sister Semilla, and her companion Anna Fran you must make your way into harms way as you face the threat of witchcraft, and witches who are hellbent on using the princess in their diabolical ritual. Do you have what it takes to best a coven of evil???

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (REVIEW)

Visually enhanced, retro inspired, and modernized for new player experience Activision's "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2" bundle aims to impress. Not only does it include crucial parts of the original releases in the form of memorable in-game content, skaters, and music, but it also adds some things from later entries. Namely Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5. Along with the old, and the new players get more than their money's worth even when putting down fifty dollars for the digital deluxe version. With the price on point, and the fun to be had this remastering of the older greats could very well revitalize interest in the franchise, and steer it back on course to where it should always be.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

RPG Maker MV (REVIEW)

Kadokawa, and NISA's "RPG Maker MV" is an RPG creation tool that bypasses the tedious task of coding, and lets players do the technical adjustments via a series of tool and value menu screens. You'll be able to create full length RPGs from the ground up. Everything from character and enemy creation to event management, and battle systems. Even the map transitions are at your beckon call. While the game does offer a brief introduction to all of it through a hands on tutorial most of the learning will be done through the HELP menu, and play testing along the way. Through the tutorial you will learn the basics of menus, menu navigation, and the base functionality of all that's available including the ability to upload and share your creation through the companion app that will be made available on launch.

Friday, August 28, 2020

Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars (REVIEW)

Do you like vampires? Do you REALLY like vampires? If you do Kalypso might have something that you'll enjoy. That something being, "Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars". This tactical turn based RPG take on vampire warfare pits three clans of distinct pedigree against one another in a blood feud to end all blood feuds. In the trio of clans exists the Dracul, or the lineage of Vlad the Impaler. Powerhouses of might, and insatiable blood lust. There's that recognizable clan, and Nosfernus which are more creature-like versions of their ancestors. Bestial, and noted for tampering with necromancy. Lastly, is the Moroia clan. An elitest clan known for their use of magic. Within the lands of Nemire these clans, their lords, and their armies will face off against each other in battles across three individual campaigns. Campaigns that span the ages, and several acts each as they conquer key points of interests, build them up, recruit armies, and lead those armies into battle using the spells, and powers that are obtainable through said conquering. By blood, and magic the end war of the vampires will be waged, and who comes out victorious is up to you.

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Street Power Soccer (REVIEW)

Like NFL BLITZ, and NBA JAM this latest entry in the faux sports genre comes complete with arcade mechanics, and modes of play. It is known as 'Street Power Soccer', and it aims to bring an experience mildly rooted in real life soccer (futbol for my UK & European readers), but taken over almost entirely by more arcade-like features. Narrated, and taught via tutorial by the superimposed video presence of a well known French freestyler you'll be introduced to the world of freestyle soccer. Through inspiring speeches about never giving up, and committing to the craft with dedicated practice you'll find yourself pumped up along with the rhythmic tunes, and the dancing soccer stars. The controls are kept simple, and the modes of play broken down into several mini-game types with only one really competitive mode done up in more traditional 2v2, and 3v3 versus matches. It is a trippy around the world soccer experience performed on globally located courts that are designed for the types of trick shots, and unbelievable stunts you'll be pulling off. All for customization currency, and leaderboard fame.

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Skater XL | PS4 Review

Growing up with the luxury of arcade skaters like the Tony Hawk's series kind of has me spoiled I think. To a point it does impact my thoughts on 'Skater XL'. While I get what the developer was trying to do with physics based mechanics I think it was an attempt that fell flat on it's face. For one of two reasons. Reason number one being it's more fun to actually skateboard in real life than it is to skateboard in a simulation of real life skateboarding. Secondly there's really no incentive to continue playing after you've completed all of the challenges. The way the game is setup with every customization option available upfront, and with a list of challenges that does not require precision execution it feels like a hollow attempt at mimicking something that would have otherwise been fun.

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Hellpoint (REVIEW)

Somewhere between Clive Barker's "Hellraiser", and H.R.Giger's "Prometheus" lies the video game vision that is "Hellpoint". A proper blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror with an atmosphere fitting of the setting. All presented in a somewhat familiar soulsborne gameplay loop ...

At the center of the story of a derelict AI driven space station known as Irid Novo which is floating near a swirling event horizon there exists a dark soulsborne tale about a human spawn brought to life to discover why exactly he is there. As a spawned human creation with a name of your choosing you are awakened, and tasked with the duty of facing the eerie inhabitants of Irid Novo while discovering it's dark past. As you progress you'll suit yourself up with increasingly better gear, and armor to face increasingly more formidable, and frightening foes. Both of the lesser, and more boss-like type. All while being guided in a foreign dialect by your creator, the space station's resident AI.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

112th Seed (REVIEW)

112th Seed is a perplexing puzzle platformer about the last remaining plant life in human history. Plant life that was created in a lab to withstand extinction in a bleak future where food isn't plentiful. A future where the last remaining humans sleep in stasis hoping for a miracle that could be seed 112. As seed 112 you are awakened amid the astronauts slumber, and must find your way to them making plants sprout along the way. Between you, and them lies puzzling situations that involve everything from water droplets to sprouting plants, and even plants that will transform you so that you can make your way to the tubular pipe exit. Puzzles are everywhere, and in every lab you happen upon. Growing increasingly complex with each new mechanic introduced. It literally puts William Edward Hickson's famous quote to the test ... "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again".

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Shantae and the Seven Sirens (REVIEW)

WayForward's half-genie hero Shantae returns in her fun loving form to face a new mystery, and threat. This time around Shantae, while on vacation, finds herself confronting the disappearance of five other half-genies who have seemingly vanished into thin air. During a staged performance put on for the mayor and patrons of Paradise City Shantae finds herself to be alone in front of an audience of equally baffled onlookers. Shortly after having been in the presence of the half-genies of a similar pedigree. Going against her uncle's and friends advice about staying put Shantae ventures forth into Paradise City to solve the case at hand. Armed with her hair whip, belly dance, and a few new additions to her arsenal she braves the depths of the sunken ancient ruins that lie just below Paradise City.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Demon's Tier+ (PS4)

Completing the Diabolocal Minds trilogy is "Demon's Tier+". A game that follows loosely in the footsteps of the unrelated standalone indie titles within the developer's series including "Xenon Valkyrie+", and "Riddle Corpses EX". All of which found a home on the PlayStation 4 platform. With this third entry by developer Diabolical Minds, and publisher COWCAT we get a somewhat familiar story set in a kingdom brought to ruin by a corrupt king's evil deeds. Through King Thosgar's legacy of evil, and his binding blood contract with a demon the future of the kingdom under his reign of terror falls to an invasion of monsters, and the mysterious return of said monsters thousands of years later through a hole in a nearby village. As a ragtag group of heroes for hire you set out to investigate the hole, and the monstrous plague. Through provided services you ready the weapons of your trade, pack for the perilous dive into the depths below, and face what awaits in the demon's tiers.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Call of Duty | 3 Battle Passes In

Call of Duty for me is a love/hate relationship. On one hand it is my go to guilty pleasure. I enjoy playing it for the laughs, and the grinding. It gives me something to work towards, and with the latest installment there is so much more to earn, and unlock. With the battle pass being as generous as it is it gives even non-paying players a reason to grind. On the flip side of all that is the glaring problem that is the online multiplayer. That, and matchmaking. It is plagued by a handful of problems. These problems include the usual player mischief as well as decisions made, and implemented by the developer in such a way as to steer the player base towards a certain type of experience. With the latter I'm talking about the throttling of players' internet speed when they opt out of crossplay. They seem hellbent on forcing crossplay despite the community collectively calling it out as bad. I've personally known before the cross console play was a thing that going up against PC and mobile gamers was a major issue. With different controls, and netcode between the platforms there are both advantages, and disadvantages to some. This of course still has not been addressed by the developer.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

HyperParasite (PS4)

Oozing with 80's pop culture references, presidential pokes, and a dash of identity politics "HyperParasite" aims to entertain the gamer with an infinite rogue-like replay rich gameplay loop done up in a slight twin-stick shooter fashion. This semi-top down action packed alien adventure puts the player in control of a parasitic mass that is intent on reaching it's presidential target. All in hopes of conquering humanity via nuclear warfare through body snatching. Kind of like the current COVID-19 versus POTUS situation. Something that is oddly referenced in the game's opening cinematic where a Nick Fury looking Commander in Chief puts a bounty on the parasite's head giving the public a shoot on sight order in hopes of thwarting the end times ploy. With the parasite's ability to take control of a host's body though this means that those looking to capitalize will be killing their own kind if they miss the mark. In a villain versus hero situation how you fare as the alien invader will depend fully on how well you can utilize the game's unique mechanics. That, and how well you can make use of Wito's shop upgrades.

Friday, March 27, 2020

Freedom Finger (PS4)

Wide Right Interactive's "Freedom Finger" is an unapologetic middle finger to everything anti-freedom, and everything anti-American. It is coined as being a "Bat Sh*t Crazy Space Shooter", and that's exactly what it is. It takes politics, throws in some 'HEAVY METAL" inspired songs, and sends your ship the Eagle Claw on a fight and flight mission against communist China, and their imperial leader Kang. All while giving you absurd real world quotes during intermissions from real world politicians. At times inserting profanity the likes of which haven't been seen in a PS4 video game since I don't know when. Through grabbing, middle finger shooting, and fisting mechanics you will literally give the opposition what for in the most crude of ways. Led by a foul mouthed general whose daughter has been kidnapped, and a mission control supervisor of mediocre mannerisms you'll face a campaign, and arcade mode experience unlike any other as you fight for freedom. Complete with top tier voice acting, trippy visuals, a rocking soundtrack and pro-American sentiment this shoot 'em up is likely to go down in history as the final middle finger to those who go against human rights.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Oniken: Unstoppable Edition (PS4)

What can a ten dollar bill buy you in the world of PS4 gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic? Well, if you fancy a retro inspired action platformer of the 8-bit kind then developer Joymashers and publisher DigeratiDM might just have the game for you. That game being "Oniken: Unstoppable Edition". Oniken isn't anything new outside of it's own lore and design, mind you, but it holds it's own as a unique experience regardless. It personally reminds me a lot of games like the OG Ninja Gaiden back from the NES era without being a mirror image of said games. The plot, as it were, is your run of the mill sci-fi warfare setup with humanity ravaged by an invading cybernetic alien species known as Oniken, and the world falling apart due to the invasion. All taking place at a generic 20XX date with a heroic protagonist named Zaku who is working with a resistance leader and two tag along partners to thwart the extenction agenda at hand.

You basically play as Zaku, a sword wielding and grenade chucking warrior of legend, who looks like a mix of that dude from Berserk or a lost concept version of Mad Max. As Zaku you'll clear armies of lesser enemies of varying types along with bosses with multiple attacks using your sword, grenades, and a berserk power that is activated by collecting a sword power-up. It is with this trio of weapon options that you will have to figure out strategies, and an approach to each of the given six stages plus additional bonus missions or succumb to the "Surprise MF'er!!!" moments which happen so often they will no doubt catch you offguard time and time again in your initial playthroughs. It is ultimately learning the layout of each stage, and where enemies lie in waiting that will either help you accrue a leaderboard score worth noting, or keep you repeating the whole entire thing as you continue via GAME OVER prompt after exhausting each of your allotted lives.