Missile Command: Recharged | PS4

Atari once again gives a classic from their video game library the "Recharged" treatment. A score based, and modernized minimalist reimagining of the retro experience of the same name. This time around that game is none other than "Missile Command". Released just in time for it's 40th anniversary. While the mechanics of Missile Command, at base level, are the same the newer features included in this recharged edition ramp up the action significantly with power-ups, upgrades, and a bonus modifier system that changes the way the game is played, and the way that high scores are achieved. Accompanied by a mission mode objectives that will try even the most battle hardened Missile Command pros this budget bundle is the perfect test of skill for those willing to revisit the past, and take the challenge. 

Rule No. 1 | PS4 Review

Welcome to a game that's about as desperate as an e-girl flashing her naughty bits on a game streaming service for the resident simps' hard earned cash. This collection of mini-games, or modes if you so prefer, is as about basic as it gets. Including competitive score based mini-modes centered around a cringe worthy one-liner spewing female protagonist whose heart health determines her stay in the arena this blend of arcade antics is about as shallow as this intro paragraph reads. 

I speak of none other than EastAsiaSoft's "Rule No.1". A first person arena shooter, and arcade basketball sim wherein skill is determined by one's ability to beat an unfair undertaking filled with Bouncy Bois, and zombified girls who are out for blood. Armed with a pistol, and whatever other guns she can pick up our nameless heroine strafes around limited 3D space blasting the fool out of whatever comes her way. Additionally taking a break to shoot some hoops as if she were trying to win tickets for prizes at Chuck E. Cheese's pizza joint.

Sophstar | PS4 Review

Decked out, and on deck Sophstar follows the story of recruited space pilot Soph as she tries to unravel the mysteries of her origin, and make sense of the battle she is now a part of. Led by an admiral in command Soph pilots one of several ships with distinct weapon capabilities, and power levels. Following leads to distant planets, and outer space locations fighting against an adversary whose intent is to destroy Soph's fleet. Utilizing innate warp abilities combined with the firepower of future technology Soph braves the final frontier in an attempt to come to terms with her past, present, and future. 

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark | PS4

NISA's "Yomawari" series is their most deeply disturbing, but morally aligned creation to date. It combines tragedies centered around suicide, depression, bullying, and other mentally taxing things in a modern Japanese setting with a chibi anime art style. Something that transitions through said tragedies into a nightmarish 'Alice in Wonderland' style experience which takes in account local folklore. It is horror survival at it's core with telling twists for audiences willing to brave it's story. 

As Yuzu, in "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark", you find yourself being brutally bullied by classmates from the start. Being told to go to Hell, and to die. Written abuse that is furthered by unrelenting physical attacks, and hurled insults. Something that appears to be so routine for the young female protagonist to the point she seemingly takes the hint, and jumps off the top of the school building to end her sorrow. While this intro detail is pointed towards that definitive direction the truth of the situation is made unclear as Yuzu awakes in a darkened, and heavily haunted version of her world. Eventually taking the advice of a mysterious girl who leads her out of the snow covered wilderness, and guides her to breaking the supposed curse cast on her in her own darkened hometown. A brief acquaintance which soon leaves Yuzu alone to tread on foot the spirit filled district with flashlight in hand in search of a series of locations with memories tied to them. Something that Yuzu is told will break her curse before the 6am deadline, so that she can be reunited with the mystery guide.