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?