Metal Tales: Overkill | PS4 Review

Well, it seems like Nicalis, and their "Binding of Isaac" franchise might have some competition, if lightly so. Out of seemingly nowhere "Metal Tales: Overkill" pops up with little to no marketing efforts, and probably for good reason. As it were this Euro-Metal roguelike unabashedly, and unashamedly capitalizes on the procedural dungeon layout, and features of Nicalis's cash cow. With an uncanny resemblance to the obvious source of inspiration it does little to deviate from that beaten path. Whereas Isaac treads his Mum's basement for salvation you are tasked, in "Metal Tales", as Axel or Eve to confront the evil that has consumed the Guitar Gods. All of which is done through dilapidated dungeon-like areas filled with the usual venue staples. Beer kegs, pinball machines, bars, and all that fun stuff plus some hazards to boot. 

With blazing electric guitars in hand the two protagonists of the comic book intro story dive head first into these various concert stages, and festivals in order to deal with the manipulated mosher minions, headbangers, groupies, screamers, back-ups, flying beverages, and finally the mutated Guitar Gods themselves. A brutal gauntlet of music heavy scenarios with all the bits and baubles needed to best the baddest baddies. Everything randomly placed in themed rooms to help you on your metal af mission.

Cathedral | PS4 Review

When one thinks of Metroidvanias they think of 2D platforming based map exploration, puzzle solving, boss fights, and looting. Decemberborn Interactive's nod to said genre that is "Cathedral" is no different in that regard. In fact it adheres so closely to tradition that it has a sense of familiarity by design. This extends through the pixel graphics, the chiptune soundtrack, and even parodied mentions of games that gave the developer inspiration.

 

From a starting standpoint Cathedral drops the player into the fray all willy-nilly with no clue as to who, why, when, what, or where. The only instructions you are initially given is to escape the cathedral which your re-animated corpse had found itself resurrected in. This includes navigating through several possible paths in order to gain the tools needed to make it further on. When it comes to capabilities in this task at hand you are a mysterious red knight with sword, and it is with that sword and other pieces of equipment found along the way that you are meant to progress. To progress to a point of understanding. You see, nothing about the game is explained outright. Not the story, or the character you find yourself playing as. It is only through progress, puzzle solving, and interactions with key characters along your journey that things gradually begin to make sense. That and a growing checklists of to-do quests involving the characters that you encounter. Giving you some sense of direction ...

ESCHATOS | PS4 Review

If ever there was a shmup that gave you more than what you paid for it would be Eschatos for the PlayStation 4. This QUTE Corporation triple package deal includes not one, but three fully realized shoot 'em ups. From classics like M-KAI's Judgement Silversword to their follow-up Cardinal Sins, and finally Eschatos you get to see the evolution of this series in full. While the mechanics might be more straightforward than most shmups in each entry it's the presentation and gameplay gimmicks that really set them apart as a genre pioneer. Never have I seen a simple two shot type, and shield inclusive shmup with the usual power-up gimmicks offer so much in return for dedication. And it is in that hearty content offering that this game truly excels.

Z-WARP | PS4 Review

SSDD. Same Shmup Different Day. That's what comes to mind when I think of Panda Indie Studio's latest entry in their ongoing, but disjointed series. Z-Warp, for what it's worth, is more or less a reskin of former Panda Indie Studio shmups like Crisis Wing, and Void Gore. Complete with slightly reworked mechanics, and scoring gimmicks. It features a story with a classic take on intros regarding the year 21XX, and an experimental space-warping ship that has gone missing on it's maiden voyage. As a pilot of the Z-Division it is your duty to locate that missing ship, and retrieve it's black box, so what transpired can be made known. It's a spacefaring shoot 'em up adventure into the bowels of the universe, quite literally.