Ultra Pixel Survive | PS4 Review

Taking it one day at a time is all some of us can do to survive this mad world that we are living in. We work hard for a better tomorrow, but that better tomorrow always seems to be just out of reach. In a similar way Ratalaika Games' and GS Studios' "Ultra Pixel Survive" takes that idea of day to day survival, and makes it into a potentially unending experience wherein day and night cycles bring forth the benefits of farming and the battle against beasties. A lucrative opportunity if you can maintain your hunger, health, and stamina as you farm for materials to craft what needs to be crafted for long term living. In the face of insurmountable odds, no less.

Mangavania | PS4 Review

From mobile to console this mildly monochromatic Metroidvania that is 'Mangavania' brings with it a speedrun style undertaking presented in an episodic fashion. A timed action platforming experience where precision, and collect-a-thon elements collide to create a proper challenge. To the tick of the clock and three hearts the onboard protagonist must collect souls and save spirits as he deals with demons and works his way around maze-like environments. Utilizing tools like the wall jump, double jump, dash, sword slash, and bow to bypass obstacles and threats. Avoiding pitfalls and perils of the damage dealing sort all while earning gems that can be used to further unlock the previously mentioned abilities, or to try again should he succumb to an untimely death.

Hyper-5 | PS4 Review

After having landed on PC, "Hyper-5" finally makes it's way to consoles under the banner of publisher EastAsiaSoft. Carrying with it a polished, and well functioning port that could easily be compared with other shmup greats. Darius comes to mind in that regard. I realize in saying this though that I have a bad habit of comparing games that have obvious influences, but do bare in mind that while there are some similarities 'Hyper-5' does good to bring what once was hype back in the 90's to the next level. Putting the "Hype" in "Hyper". Both visually, and mechanics-wise. Tweaking, in it's wake, staple scoring and shooting gimmicks. Making modes that have been done time and time again fresh, and exciting. 

Below you will find an easy to consume series of sectional paragraphs detailing everything from the plot to the gameplay, and even the mechanics. I have spent enough time with the game that I can give you an honest opinion at the end as well, if you care for it.

Process of Elimination | PS4

Heavy on the plot, and light on the gameplay NISA's new IP, "Process of Elimination" lives up to it's name in more ways than one. It features, within it's many layers, an intertwining story involving the protagonist Wato Hojo. Wato, starting off as a fledgling detective working for an amateur detective agency, pursues his first suspect only to be drawn into a plot so thick and twisted that not even his familiarity to mystery novels could have prepared him for it. 

After finding out his supposed first suspect was actually the Senior detective of the DA (Detective Alliance), but not the target Wato finds himself potentially and surprisingly living out his detective dreams. Having been forcefully recruited though and against his will he finds himself, instead, waking up on a remote island three days later where things begin to fall apart in short order. Carrying in tow a haunting past memory of a childhood friend murdered, and aspiring to be the one who catches the infamous serial killer "The Quartering Duke" Wato and his world quickly becomes the stage of an unfolding Greek tragedy in which 13 quirky detectives share in his fight for finding out the who, what, where, when, and why of the given situation.