Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival takes one of horror’s most disturbing fictional universes and turns it into a first-person survival horror adventure that is every bit as interested in human depravity as it is in supernatural terror. Developed and published by Saber Interactive, the game introduces an original story within the Hellraiser mythology, following Aidan as he attempts to rescue his girlfriend Sunny from the nightmarish Labyrinth. With Pinhead and the Cenobites returning to torment the living, the premise provides plenty of opportunities for grotesque imagery and psychological discomfort. More importantly, the game understands that the franchise’s appeal extends beyond bloodshed, exploring the unsettling relationship between pain, pleasure, obsession and the darker impulses of humanity. Although the familiar survival horror mechanics occasionally struggle to match the ambition of its setting, Hellraiser: Revival makes a compelling case for bringing Clive Barker’s distinctive brand of horror into an interactive medium. Continue reading “Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival review”
Developer interview: SunderBound (Gamescom)
Co-op shooters are at their best when teamwork matters as much as quick reflexes, and KIPI Interactive’s upcoming SunderBound looks to put that principle at the heart of its dystopian adventure. Set in a decaying dieselpunk tower ruled by a tyrannical figure known as The Minister, the game challenges two rebels to fight their way through procedurally generated floors filled with dangerous enemies, deadly traps and demanding tactical encounters. With class synergies, character progression and the option to play either together or alongside an AI companion, there is more to the experience than simply keeping the guns blazing. During Gamescom, we sat down with KIPI Interactive to discuss the game’s inspirations, the challenges of designing a reliable solo companion, and how the team aims to make every firefight a test of coordination and tactical thinking. Continue reading “Developer interview: SunderBound (Gamescom)”
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve review (PS5)
Ace Combat has never really needed to reinvent itself to deliver an enjoyable flight-combat experience, and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve understands that better than most sequels. The formula is still recognisably the same: pick a fighter, take to the skies, lock onto targets and turn seemingly impossible aerial manoeuvres into spectacular missile kills. What makes this eighth numbered entry stand out is how much more attention has been paid to everything surrounding those dogfights. The result is a campaign that feels more ambitious narratively, while the actual flying has been refined to the point where simply taking control of a fighter remains one of the game’s biggest pleasures. Continue reading “Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve review (PS5)”
Firefighters Code Red preview (Gamescom)
Firefighters Code Red is looking to make firefighting simulation more dangerous, unpredictable and visually convincing, putting players in the middle of emergencies where smoke, heat and spreading flames can quickly turn a seemingly manageable situation into a crisis. Developed by Chronos North and Smart Ambition and published by Aerosoft, the game builds on the developers’ experience with Firefighting Simulator – The Squad while shifting its focus towards a distinctly North American emergency-response setting. With solo play and cross-platform co-op, it is clearly aiming to make both individual decision-making and coordinated teamwork central to the experience. Continue reading “Firefighters Code Red preview (Gamescom)”
PEPPERED: an existential platformer review (PS5)
PEPPERED: an existential platformer is the sort of game that seems determined to undermine the assumptions players bring with them. At first glance, it looks like a fairly traditional 2D platformer, complete with pixel-art visuals, jumping challenges and a protagonist who spends plenty of time trying not to die. Then it starts making failure part of the narrative, turns seemingly harmless decisions into permanent branches and occasionally asks players to solve a problem in a way that makes absolutely no conventional sense. The result is an unusually inventive indie game that can be funny, frustrating, surprisingly thoughtful and occasionally all three at once. Continue reading “PEPPERED: an existential platformer review (PS5)”