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There are certain games that seem to exist almost entirely through reputation. Terranigma is one of those titles: a game that has been spoken about for decades as one of the standout action RPGs of the 16-bit era, yet one that many players have never actually had the opportunity to experience. Originally released for the Super Nintendo in Japan in 1995 and in Europe and Australia in 1996, the game never received a North American release or a modern re-release. That is finally changing, with Clear River Games bringing the cult classic to modern platforms in 2027. After getting our hands on the game during Gamescom, we were able to see how this long-awaited return is shaping up. Continue reading “Terranigma preview (Gamescom)”

The Royal Writ is the kind of strategy game that initially looks considerably more approachable than it actually is. Developed by Save Sloth Studios and published by Yogscast Games, this roguelike deckbuilder combines cute medieval animals, a picture-book presentation and a deliberately absurd sense of humor with a surprisingly demanding tactical system. On the PlayStation 5, the basic idea is easy enough to understand: deploy animal soldiers across a battlefield, manipulate their strength with cards and modifiers, and march them toward the opposing side. The real challenge lies in understanding how all those systems interact, especially when losing a card can have permanent consequences. The result is an unusual take on deckbuilding that can be rewarding once its rules begin to make sense, but getting to that point requires considerably more patience than the charming presentation initially suggests. Continue reading “The Royal Writ review (PS5)”

The Immortal John Triptych brings together Joe Richardson’s three wonderfully strange point-and-click adventures in one collection, covering Four Last Things, The Procession to Calvary and Death of the Reprobate. Published by Akupara Games, the trilogy has plenty in common beyond its characters and themes, most notably a fascination with Renaissance art, irreverent humor and puzzles that operate according to their own peculiar logic. On PlayStation 5, this collection makes a particularly strong case for experiencing the three games together, because their similarities and gradual refinement become much more apparent when played in sequence. It is an unusual collection, certainly, but one that consistently manages to turn its eccentric presentation into something genuinely entertaining. Continue reading “The Immortal John Triptych review (PS5)”