Monday, April 24, 2023

Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord | PS4

Have you ever gotten the feeling that you've been here or done that? Like a serious case of Deja vu? Well, in this latest Fairy Fencer F story the Fury wielder Fang, and Eryn his fairy partner are experiencing that very thing. From an initial clash leading to Fang's surprising death to his resurrection in a familiar prison things seem to be repeating themselves to some degree. Still on the pursuit of Furies, or weapons inhabited by Fairies, Fang and the gang carry on seeking to free the Goddess from her impaled state so that they can defeat the Vile God once and for all. Part of the way in though things take another twist, and through behind the scenes meddling between some mystery characters a new more dire turn of events presents itself. Wherein Fang isn't the Fang we remember, or so it seems ...

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

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.

Monday, April 17, 2023

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.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

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.