Karma: The Dark World (PS5) | REVIEW | Alternate History Horror With A Surreal Psychological Twist

Karma: The Dark World, arrives on the PS5 on March 27, 2025, promising a mind-bending plunge into a dystopian nightmare. Developed by Pollard Studio and published by Wired Productions, This first-person psychological thriller aims to blend surreal storytelling with unsettling atmosphere, drawing inspiration from visionaries like David Lynch and Hideo Kojima. As someone who enjoys a good brain-twisting narrative, I was eager to step into the shoes of Daniel McGovern, A ROAM agent tasked with diving into suspects' minds to uncover truth in a twisted 1984 East Germany ruled by the Leviathan Corporation. But after spending several hours with it, I'm left with mixed feelings about whether it truly delivers on it's ambitious premise.

Kemono Heroes (PS5) | Review | Fast & Furry-ous Arcade Platforming Action!!!

 Kemono Heroes, is an action-packed arcade inspired co-op platformer steeped in Japanese mythology. It is brought to us by publisher Jandusoft and Mad Gear Games, respectively. It features an untold story subliminally suggested to us through opening cutscenes, and an oddly named first trophy. It seems four furry heroes are tasked with stopping an ominous apocalypse brought about by the death stare of the moon. Something that has unleashed every evil spirit into this feudal Japanese animal kingdom setting. As a female Tanuki, a male Monkey, a male Red Fox, or a white haired Fennec, each of which are named, you will solo or couch co-op through multiple stages as you collect coins, upgrade your weaponry, and deal the death blow to wayward spirits.

Akatsuki: Lord of the Dawn (PS5) | REVIEW | Auto-Battler Meets Medieval Military SRPG!!!

 Akatsuki: Lord of the Dawn, is a casual strategy RPG auto-battler with rogue-lite features. It comes to us from indie friendly publisher EastAsiaSoft at the usual budget pricing. This miniaturized medieval SRPG has all the hallmarks of a larger, more prestigious game, but features that familiar EastAsiaSoft indie aesthetic. Though it features pint-sized pixel characters in a scaled-down world torn apart by war against and evil demon lord it is robust in both it's replay value, and party management systems. Something that may or may not appeal to diehard fans of the genre?

Caligo (PS5) | REVIEW | A Philosophical Walking Simulator About Life

Caligo, developed by Krealit and published by SometimesYou, is a short, atmospheric walking simulator that invites players into a surreal, introspective journey through a series of visually striking environments. Previously released on September 22, 2017 on Steam, and soon to be available on the PS5 the game once again positions itself as an exploration of "the darkness everyone descends into one way or another", promising a philosophical narrative about life, death, and personal reflection. With a playtime of roughly one to two hours, it's a compact experience that leans heavily on it's aesthetics and dialogue to deliver it's message. But does it succeed in leaving a lasting impression?

S. PRYSM DESTROYER (PS5) | REVIEW | Anime Tropes Abound In This Contra-Like

S. Prysm Destroyer, releases today on the PlayStation 5 through publisher EastAsiaSoft, and developer studio MaidsWithGuns. It brings along with it anime arcade action featuring a nameless female protagonist, and her Gundam-like gun wielding partner complete with Sailor Moon inspired transformative moments. To say it was a play on every anime archetype would be an understatement.

Along with the anime inspiration comes basic Contra style gameplay that is setup like a speed run challenge with a scoring system tethered to it for leaderboard efforts. It has you running, gunning in multiple directions, lying prone, and jetpacking your way through linear platforming stages filled with mechanized enemies, hazards, and turrets. The only things saving you from certain death are a power-up arsenal, and your energy gauge that depletes upon hit. It's fairly straightforward in objectives as both scoring, and enemy clearing are your two hand-in-hand goals.

Dungeons of Hinterberg (PS5) | Review | A Magical Alpine Getaway

Dungeons of Hinterberg, developed by Microbird Games and published by Curve Games, finally arrives on the PS5 on March 13, 2025, after charming players on Xbox and PC in 2024. This indie gem offers a refreshing blend of action RPG dungeon-crawling, clever puzzles, and Persona-inspired social simulation, all wrapped in a vibrant, cel-shaded art style that makes the Austrian Alps pop off the screen. It's a virtual vacation that promises relaxation with a dash of adventure, but does it deliver a trip worth taking on Sony's console?

CENTUM (PS5) | REVIEW | Delightfully Eerie Or Dreadfully Dreary? Find Out Here

CENTUM, developed by indie studio 'Hack the Publisher', is a dark, narrative-driven puzzle game that dropped in mid-2024, and it's a wild ride if you're into psychological twists and eerie vibes. Set in a mysterious, decaying institution, you play as a nameless prisoner piecing together fragmented memories through cryptic puzzles and unsettling environments. The game doesn't hold your hand, so expect to feel lost, intrigued, and occasionally creeped out.

Monster Hunter Wilds (PS5) | Review | A Polished Hunt with a Few Missing Claws

Monster Hunter Wilds, The latest chapter in Capcom's beloved action RPG franchise, is a game of undeniable highs and subtle lows. Released on February 28, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, it builds upon the foundation laid by 'Monster Hunter World" and "Rise", delivering a visually stunning, mechanically refined experience that's more accessible than ever. For newcomers, it's an inviting entry point into a world of epic monster battles and gear-crafting loops. For veterans, it's a mixed bag and a thrilling evolution in some respects, but a step back in others, leaving questions about whether the series' soul remains intact. 

Hero's Hour (PS5) | REVIEW | A Love Letter To The Golden Age Of Strategy RPGs

Hero's Hour lands on the PS5 today, March 14, 2025, bringing it's chaotic blend of turn-based strategy and real-time combat to Sony's console. Originally a PC indie darling from 2022, this pixel art homage to 'Heroes of Might & Magic' has built a loyal following for it's fast-paced gameplay and deep strategic variety. Now, with it's console debut, it aims to capture the hearts of PS5 players looking for a nostalgic yet fresh strategy experience. Does it succeed? Mostly, though it's not without it's quirks.

3D Don't Die Mr. Robot (PS5) | REVIEW | The Explosive Fruit Experience Returns!!!

Carrying it's very gameplay gimmicks within it's title this 3D version of "Don't Die Mr. Robot" brings with it arcade challenges galore!!! Through four modes of play, and varying boards of spawning enemies Mr. Robot must not only survive, but also use exploding fruits to his advantage as he does so. While each mode of play takes on it's own set of rules one underlying rule persists throughout, regardless. That rule being that getting hit will result in instant death or a penalty, and that fruits when chained together to kill multiple enemies equals a higher score. This is of course a mostly score based affair with leaderboards to boot, as all of the above would imply.

Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East (PS5) | REVIEW | A Bomb Collecting Puzzle Platformer

EastAsiaSoft's "Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East" is a scored based superhero focused experience where time is of the essence. In it you play as one of the two select characters as you fly your way in 2.5D platform filled arenas where bombs tick away with the time. The idea is to quickly collect all the bombs, and complete the level before any explode. Up against you are alien adversaries that shoot projectiles, and ping about making the collecting job all the more difficult. That, and the new modifier system will make each stage in each worldly themed location all the more challenging. 

The Stone of Madness (PS5) | REVIEW | A Stealth Sanitarium Story

The year is 1799, and a nameless king rules the kingdom. Under the king is a monastery that operates through the usual religious and political corruption. Using it's holy interior to house, abuse, and do nefarious thing with the mentally insane population it finds it's reckoning through a handful of inmates. It is in this hidden sanitarium that imprisoned Father Alfredo Martin witnesses the corruption first hand as a girl is taken away over a curious theft of a mysterious relic. This chance observation, of course, ends up kicking off a rescue, and escape mission that lasts for hours ...

In pursuit, and in the company of fellow inmates Father Alfredo Martin must use his skills in tandem with his followers' skills to stealthily make his way to the girl. With each character comes certain fears that will negatively affect their sanity and performance. Avoiding these fear inducing instances or apparitions is needed alongside clue investigation, and puzzle solving. They will have to avoid the guards' line of sight as they complete each objective, and work their way together through each sectioned off area.

Macross -Shooting Insight- for PS5: A Detailed Review of Gameplay and Features

Fans of anime and shoot 'em ups REJOICE!!! Red Art Games brings to us a new shmup, and story centered around Macross, and it's many pilots. Through older, and newer characters the story comes to a head as they face off against a mysterious new foe looking to weaponize songs in order to reign undisputed. 

Through folds in the space time continuum this adversary and antagonist aims to gain the power of songstresses in order to fight the federation. As pilots from different timelines you join together in the battle against this dastardly evil scheme. Putting to use your Valkyrie as it soars through space shooting down targets in various perspectives and modes.

Under Defeat (PS5) | REVIEW | What's New In This Updated Console Version?

It's been two generations since the last port of "Under Defeat" ever hit consoles. This time around the military shoot 'em up from the not too distant past resurfaces once more in all it's glory with two new modes of play, and a revamped soundtrack to boot! All as the Union once again faces off against the Empire in heated military arcade action. Featuring it's own signature tilting mechanic, basic gun and bomb play, as well as an Options satellite for higher scoring you will pilot one of four distinctly different helicopter models as you take out military targets with extreme prejiduce. 

Girlfriend From Hell (PS5) | REVIEW | A Fresh Take on Relationship Games

Guys. If you've ever been in the dating scene like I have you've more than likely encountered that clingy girlfriend who won't leave you alone, am I right? The kind of girlfriend who is so desperate to maintain the relationship she'll make you're life a living hell if you don't commit. That, my friends, is what SometimesYou's latest indie, "Girlfriend From Hell" is all about. 

At it's heart it is a point-and-click puzzle solving game wherein Mia, the disgruntled girlfriend, aims to make her boyfriend Haruto's life miserable for not accepting her wedding proposal. Haruto, by contrast, is the kind of guy who prioritizes gaming, and would rather enjoy the girlfriend fantasy as apposed to the real deal. Sadly this game takes Mia's side of the sordid ordeal, for better or for worse ...

Why Is Black Ops 6 Losing Players Fast?

Speculation has been circulating on social media that Black ops 6 is dying, or is already dead. According to sources the game has lost 80% of it's player base. This is definitely lining up with the claims of a dying game. While I cannot, personally, fact check this I do have my theories as to why BO6 has failed to satisfy returning Call of Duty fans. 

Cyber Cowboy on PS5: Is It Worth Your Time?

Eastasiasoft, and their onboard developer aim to wow Westerners this New Year with their own take on "The Binding of Isaac"! This inspired indie is about as straightforward as they get though. Missing the mark completely with a lack of additional features, a plot, and fair gameplay mechanics. You are simply a cyber cowboy in a cyber version of the Wild West taking out baddies room by room as you loot them for coin that can be spent on limited use gun upgrades. 

Additionally at your disposal is your gun of choice, your health, a stamina meter, and the ability to dash out of harm's way tied to the limited stamina. With these tools you must not only go room to room cleaning house but must face giant bullet hell bosses who are brutally unforgiving, and damn near undefeatable.

Fortnite Chapter 6 Late Season Retrospect

I am currently deep into chapter 6 season 1 of Fortnite, and I have to admit it has turned out to be one of the more interesting chapter starters. Everything from the Japanese themed map to the neo-feudal character designs really hit the spot. While the chapter started off with a huge XP earnings problem that has since been resolved through Epic Games adding a lot of new ways to unlock tiers on the battle pass things have seemingly worked out for the best. The initial adjustment to the battle star system was rightfully met with criticism, but it was nice to see Epic correct course.

Antstream Arcade | PS5 Review

A while back Antstream Arcade was released on the PSN storefront. It was a monthly/yearly subscription service centered around the retro gaming scene. For $20 per subscription period you were given weekly updated playlists of retro games complete with community driven leaderboards, and competitions. From what I saw it included some more obscure retro titles as well as some of the more well known. In gist it was a dashboard accessed live service with a growing library of games to experience for a reasonable annual fee.

Fortnite Chapter 6 | First Impressions

Fortnite Chapter 6 kicked off today with the hype before it setting high expectations. We got a new Neo-Tokyo themed map with all sorts of gimmicks and Easter eggs as well as new traversal mechanics, and new weapons. 

As a solo player my first few playthroughs were met mostly with what I like to refer to as the "PUBG" experience. By this I mean running into other players rarely happened until closer to the end. I think the map orientation, and locale positions play a huge part in this mostly barren experience. There's also the matter of quests that have people at different levels heading different routes making the cross ups fewer and far between.