Edge of Eternity | PS4 Review

Kickstarted by a small indie studio known as Midgar Studio, and crowd funded by hopeful donors, "Edge of Eternity" tries it's best to deliver an ambitious large scale JRPG experience worth the money. Through a lack of polish, awkward combat camera controls, and an overall identity crisis it loses itself within itself though ...

It begins promptly by showing an in progress intergalactic invasion of planet Heryon, and the sharing of the invading aliens' technologies prior to that before jumping into a linear plot heavy section featuring a cast of characters caught up in a war. A ragtag group of besties that could best be described as comrades in arms. Soldiers for a cause. It is in this very cinematic, and linear intro that we also learn of the protagonist Daryon, and his friends who each get some short lived background time before being thrust into the heat of combat for tutorial sake. 

Through Daryon we learn of a cancerous alien affliction known as 'Corrosion', and of his mother who has unfortunately caught it. We also learn of the team's efforts through Sil (an early unrealized love interest), Ordo (the best bud kind of guy), and a couple other soon to be disposed of pals who find themselves facing insurmountable odds. This leads to a climatic initial ending where Daryon, the lone survivor, makes a choice to defy fate and go see about his mum. To find, with his sister Selene, a cure for the Corrosion. From there the game's identity crisis rears it's ugly head ....

Infernax | PS4 Review

Infernax was a game I was really looking forward to. The trailer showcasing the numerous ways to die, all those weapons, and tons of monstrous bloodletting opportunities that would make any horror fan giddy with anticipation was right up my alley. I loved the pixel art, the creature design, and overall the fact that it looked to be another proper Metroidvania inspired adventure fashioned after a certain classic Castlevania (or Legend of Zelda) title. To a point I was not disappointed in this regard, but what I saw in the trailer looked quite a bit different from what I actually experienced, in the end. What you'll find with Infernax is a heavy nod to 'Castlevania II: Simon's Quest'/"The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link". Both in control, and features. I'd call it the mature alternative of those games with light RPG elements, to boot. In fact, where mature content is concerned, there lies in the opening screen a warning asking the gamer if they are cool with blood, copious amounts of violence and gore as well as half naked demons ... of varying degrees of attractiveness, no less. After you get past that screen it's GAME ON!!! ...

Skautfold: Shrouded In Sanity | PS4

Blended together like a hot take on Lovecraftian horror and the Soulsborne genre, Red Art Game's "Skautfold: Shrouded In Sanity" brings the challenge unapologetically to the player in a masterfully crafted way. As a dug up, and resurrected corpse of no particular name you'll be tasked from the start with killing off certain manor inhabitants via a contract signed with the manor's overseers. Namely the 4 knights that act as the game's bosses. Equipped with a pistol, a katana, and a lantern you must trek through the darkness in the unnerving maze of the Waltham estate as you deal with deadly denizens who are hellbent on ending your quest before it begins. Limited by health, stamina, battery acid for your lantern, and health potions you must brave the odds. In true Soulsborne fashion. Even upon death you will not find reprieve though as the binding contract you signed at the beginning has you eternally bound to the deal you are obligated to fulfill. Death only brings with it psychological affliction which will affect your sanity, and increasingly so. Causing hallucinations, and the appearance of Lovecraftian creatures that will only make your job a hell of a lot harder to complete.

Dialing it Back ... El Gancho

Instead of going back to the original review where this additional information is likely to be missed I will do a follow-up right here. Apparently there's more to El Gancho than I previously thought. I gave up on it early due to control frustration, and didn't give it the proper playthrough it deserved. When it comes to things I left out there's a couple, or more. Initially I claimed that the selectable Coco's were merely cosmetic. This is false. Each costumed Coco has their own ability that changes gameplay. The Astro Coco, for example, defies gravity allowing it to reach greater heights easier ...