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.

Snow Bros. Wonderland | PS5 Review

From the 2D puzzle platformer of the bygone NES era to tumultuous timeline of our real world today we find Tatsujin's latest iteration of the Snow Bros. series carrying it's legacy forward for a new generation of gamers. In this Wonderland sequel that takes place ten years after the events of the original we find that the former Snow Bros. are retired, and that their next of kin Tom Jr. and Nick Jr. are the successors to their snowman super powers. 

This succession of power could not come at a more convenient time as demon lord Atchich has once again gained power over the kingdom and let loose Hell on Earth in opposition to the princess. His demon minions taking control of various regions that the duly appointed heroes of the day must clear in order to regain control. Whether or not they stand a snowball's chance in Hell is up to you to find out ...

Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles | PS5 Review

Much like the Biblical conflicts between good and evil this roguelike dice builder known as, "Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles" weaves an astronomical tale of chosen beings destined to fight in the morally aligned conflict that ensues. Taking place on chapter based maps filled with battles against the corrupted denizens it is each Oracle's duty to cleanse their corruption using their gifted Astrarium. Through this endeavor they'll work their way to the heart of the corruption in their beloved star creator, Astrea. Ridding the six surrounding worlds of their affliction once, and for all. 

Anomaly Agent | PS5 Review

Cyberpunk meets time travel in this humorous 2D action platformer by Phew Phew Games. A surprise indie hit on many levels ...

As Agent 70, a man of mystery sporting duds that look an awfully lot like they were ripped from an Austin Powers film, you find that you are in pursuit of the shattered shards of a time crystal that has you and your agency caught up in a distorting time loop. Across time you will chase, and deal with the enemy threat as you try to correct this peculiar predicament. Using weapons, fighting skills, and enhanced abilities afforded to you, you will face waves of minions and out of this world bosses. Both alone, and with tag-along companions you meet along the way. 

Rage of the Dragons NEO | PS5 Review

Revived from the original NEO GEO release of 2002 is an all inclusive port of "Rage of the Dragons NEO". A fighting game spin-off of an old spin-off of Double Dragon. This Mexican (EVOGA), and SNK made 2D tag team fighter takes on some unique mechanics with a roster of 16 different competing characters as well as a boss character strictly playable in select modes from the start. 

It is a four button fighter at it's core with light, and heavy versions of punch and kick. Complete with input specific specials, supers, a first impact dial-a-combo move, and a tag duplex team juggle starter. That and a 3 level gauge for executing the more costly moves. The game itself looks like a proper SNK fighter with hints of KOF's character designs throughout. Leaving the tag mechanics to set it apart from the competition.

Codex Lost | PS5 Review

Set in an age of tyrannical rule brought on by five evil guardians hellbent on using the world's most powerful ancient magic through ill gotten grimoires we find hope in the form of the last curator. A magic wielder of sorts who is sent to regain the stolen grimoires, and return them to the library so that they might be handed to the proper recipients. 

It is through magic based soulslike combat that our nameless curator must work his way through his fallen world, and face off against the five guardians, and their cast of lesser and greater minions. Utilizing the powers of the arcane, lighting, fire, and ice this last curator must dodge, parry, and cast his way through lest this magical world and it's 47 realms be forever lost.

VED | PS5 Review

Uncanny, and artistic by design, "VED" comes on the scene boldly spoken and steeped in it's own lore. An immersive experience that melds the world of magic with the world of humans in a technological fantasy driven sense, blending as it does so, turn based combat and visual novel style storytelling with individually voiced characters of interest. 

In it's mythos we find that chaos and order are on the tipping scale, and that two men will forever change, through their choices, the destiny of both worlds. On one hand you have the order keepers known as the Brotherhood of VED, and on the other a technologically advanced organization led by a certain Mr. Tims. To begin with a VED by the name of Dook would defy this brotherhood to save a beloved acquaintance only to be banished from it for his meddling with magic. Leading ultimately to the introduction of a younger lad named Cyrus who would, in his own time, once again take on the destined role of aiding both sides in their endeavors.

Run Tekila Run | PS5 Review

A narrative 4th wall breaking adventure comes to us in the form of, "Run Tekila Run". This game which features the dreams of a sleeping girl named Dua has her pursuing a sheep named Tekila that has gone astray. During her nightly counting of the sheep Tekila doubles back over the fence causing Dua to pursue. What ends up happening is a hurried run through sectioned off locations filled with zombies and other creature threats. All of which is told through the storyteller's perspective in real time with Dua's chase.

Don't Let Him In | PS4 Review

If you've got seven dollars, and an hour to spare Dolores Entertainment has a helluva scary story with you to share. This retro homage to the first Silent Hill games on the OG PlayStation features several different visual filters with which to experience it all. It is a polygonal psychological horror game with a supernatural twist. Featuring a cast of three main characters, and some supporting cast members who find themselves in a looping drive around a serial killer's hometown. 

It is this murderous hitchhiker who is picked up at the start on the way to a concert that kicks this eerie tale into full gear, and sets into motion a seemingly futile fight for survival. As the body count rises, and the truth behind the mystery surfaces things will escalate to a chilling climax. Leaving only a few survivors to tell the tale ...

Project 13: Taxidermy Trails | PS5 Review

The Project 13 series continues onward into taxidermy territory within this latest Dolores Entertainment indie release for the PS5. This time around you are on a perpetual tour of an unusual taxidermy museum until you find 13 anomalies in a row. During this endeavor you'll find all sorts of stuffed creatures, humans, and bipedal monsters of myth as you tour two separate hallways filled with preserved natural wonders. 

It seems the resident manager and receptionist also make their uncanny appearance alongside their captured specimens as well. The old man of the crew often times walking not far behind you observing you as you report or don't report your findings on each walkthrough. 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | Multiplayer

I chose to start off this new Call of Duty experience, as I often times do, with the multiplayer first. I do this, because campaign critique is often times based mostly on opinion, and not everyone is going to like or dislike the story. The multiplayer, on the other hand, is the mode most returning players will turn to. That and Zombies. For me, personally, I spend most of my time in multiplayer which makes it easier for me to breakdown. What I found in my playthroughs is the following ...

Micro Mages | PS5 Review

Morphcat Games' "Micro Mages" is a 2019 retro inspired indie that has been re-released with new features added for the PS4 and PS5 consoles. It comes complete with a very basic story about four mages on an adventure to save their princess from the demon fortress. It is, at it's base level, a 2D upward scrolling ordeal taking the heroes through a hazardous castle interior filled with ghoulish baddies, and ghastly bosses. As they ascend to the top they'll be able to loot the fortress obtaining point worthy treasures, and power-ups that gift abilities like gliding. The latter helping with the ascent.

Selfloss | PS5 Review

Selfloss is an afterlife adventure steeped in deep mythology regarding the realms of life and death. As an old man weary and worn you find yourself in the afterlife attempting to complete tasks for the sovereign deity Marena in order to make amends so that you can live again. It is through a gifted light emitting staff that you interact with the creatures, persons of interest, and the world around you. Ultimately solving puzzles, clearing the infectious miasma, and making your way to your end goal. Along the way you also learn of the enigmatic world of Yord, and those who have also faced both life and death in their time there.

Rogue Flight | PS5 Review

Truant Pixels' "Rogue Flight" is, but one of many stark reminders as to why AI is a potentially problematic pursuit. In this anime inspired universe where a space defense system known as A.R.G.U.S. destroys the surface of Earth in the matter of 72 hours forcing survivors underground we find pilot Nadia Sawas who is assigned to the role of pilot and savior due to her prior flight knowledge. She heads out on a last ditch attempt to battle A.R.G.U.S. in the last remaining fighter jet in an bid to win the war against it. A solo mission with an uphill battle against an armada of AI controlled craft.

Super XYX | PS5 Review

With a story implied, but not shown we find the pilots of Super XYX braving six stages of bullet hell onslaught as they aim to face off against the world destroyer and his legion of mechanized bosses. As either the Green Knight or Helltiger you push upward through vertically scrolling top-down terrain blasting the fool out of the alien army before you. 

Utilizing a one button shot enhanced by power-ups, and up to four joining satellites via power-ups you not only leave a path of destruction, but also farm the medals that are left behind for that top score on the leaderboard. The mission is simple yet challenging in the Toaplan sense. Making a full playthrough near impossible if you don't make the most of your bombs, and properly dodge the bullet hell before you.

Awaken: Astral Blade | PS5 Review

With "Awaken: Astral Blade" we enter a world of science fiction and fantasy that melds advanced ancient technologies with emerging futuristic tech. Through Tania, a bionic female, we do the bidding of her father Dr. Herveus as she delves deep into a rainforest searching for the enigmatic Karpas energy and an Altar of high importance. 

Utilizing her combat skills, and various weapons she deals death to the mutant inhabitants stealing from them aether all while forwarding her main and side quest objectives. With chance encounters involving known, and unexpected acquaintances Tania will be met with the realization of her role as her father's creation. Awakening in her the reality of the situation regarding the quest for Karpas energy.

Squirrel With A Gun | PS5 Review

Squirrels, at their very basic, are curious creatures with an inherent knack for puzzle solving. If they see something they want they find a way to get it. Even at the risk of injury these bush tailed tree rats will repeatedly press on towards that end goal. That same squirrelly mentality carries over in "Squirrel With A Gun", and unabashedly so. 

In this case though the squirrel in question happens upon a top secret gadget it mistakes for an acorn, and in doing so inadvertently learns the ins and outs of gun control. Through pistols, Uzis, and other weapons our furry pal wreaks havoc as he attempts to escape the pursuit of the infamous men in black.

Last Time I Saw You | PS5 Review

Set in Japan this supernatural coming of age story features a young boy named Ayumi whose dreams are being haunted by a mystery girl. It is this mystery girl, and a series of unusual events that act as a catalyst for the otherworldly adventure. 

Ayumi, the game's protagonist, finds himself not only facing a typhoon at the start of the game, but also the recent loss of his grandfather, and the many trials of childhood including that of friendships and school related stress. That and some haunting dreams featuring a pale skinned black haired girl. It is through dream sequences, and real life interactions that Ayumi comes to terms with the haunting nature of his paranormal predicament, and how they relate to his life all while his adventure unfolds one act at a time. It is this act by act cinematic platforming playthrough that sees Ayumi mature, and ultimately become the man he's meant to be.

A Hole New World | PS5 Review

Like a mixture of Castlevania and Mega Man, "A Hole New World" bursts on the scene in all it's retro glory as an action platformer with a story and a gameplay gimmick. As it turns out the world of Versee that the game takes place in was decisively divided into two separate good and evil worlds by the observing goddess that created it due to evil's growing corruption. Leaving the home of the good to retain the namesake of Versee, and the evil world being a nameless one ruled over by Lord Baduk. 

In the division of the two new worlds, as a safety measure, the goddess Yakshini put her power into five different Orbs sending them to separate locations as to not have them stolen in her weakened state. She knew if anyone gained control of her powers that they would have power over her. In the midst of this undertaking though Lord Baduk finds the Orb of Darkness, and uses it to invade Versee through holes opened up in the ground. All of Versee's weapons were useless against the evil invaders save that of the potion master. It is as this potion master that you set out to defeat the minions of darkness, and Lord Baduk. All as you collect the goddess's Orbs of power.