Under Par Golf Architect review (PS5)

Under Par Golf Architect is a brand new attempt at a largely dormant niche, blending course design and light business management into a laid-back tycoon experience. Developed by Broken Arms Games and published by Gambit Digital, the PlayStation 5 version brings this concept to console with a structure that prioritizes accessibility over complexity. Rather than focusing on the act of playing golf itself, the game positions players as the architect behind the experience, shaping landscapes, guiding player flow, and steadily growing a fledgling club into a prestigious destination. That premise carries a quiet appeal, even if it rarely evolves into something more demanding or dramatic. Continue reading “Under Par Golf Architect review (PS5)”

MotionRec review (PS5)

MotionRec, developed by Handsum and published by Playism, arrives on PlayStation 5 as a puzzle-platformer that builds its identity around a deceptively simple but mechanically rich idea: recording and replaying movement. Set in a quiet, machine-dominated world, the game casts players as Rec, a robot tasked with documenting the remnants of a fallen civilization. While its narrative remains deliberately understated, the environmental storytelling and gradual unveiling of its world give the experience a reflective tone, even if some may find its minimalism limits emotional engagement over longer play sessions. Continue reading “MotionRec review (PS5)”

Indie roundup: Nullstar: Solus, Solid Void: Topsy Turvy World & Pengilo

This latest indie roundup brings together three compact releases that each approach familiar genres with their own twist, though not always with the same level of success. From the momentum-driven precision platforming of Nullstar: Solus to the hybrid puzzle ambitions of Solid Void: Topsy Turvy World and the breezy, physics-based platforming of Pengilo, there’s a clear emphasis on distilled mechanics and accessible design. At the same time, these games highlight a recurring challenge within the indie space – balancing simplicity with lasting engagement. While all three titles offer focused experiences that are easy to pick up and play, their ability to maintain depth, variety, and player investment varies. Continue reading “Indie roundup: Nullstar: Solus, Solid Void: Topsy Turvy World & Pengilo”

REPLACED review (Xbox)

Sad Cat Studios’ REPLACED arrives under the Thunderful banner as a striking blend of cinematic platforming and cyberpunk storytelling, set against the backdrop of an alternate 1980s America scarred by nuclear fallout and systemic decay. The premise follows R.E.A.C.H., an artificial intelligence forced into a human body, navigating a fractured society where identity is fluid and humanity itself has become commodified. It’s a concept that leans heavily into philosophical territory, exploring autonomy, consciousness, and control, though the execution doesn’t always match the ambition. While the narrative setup is compelling and frequently evocative, its pacing can feel uneven, occasionally prioritizing atmosphere over clarity and leaving certain plot threads underdeveloped. Continue reading “REPLACED review (Xbox)”

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta review (Switch)

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta lands on the Nintendo Switch as a revisited chapter in Falcom’s long-running action RPG series, published by Marvelous. Positioned as both a narrative bridge and a mechanical stepping stone within the franchise, it revisits Adol Christin’s journey through the dense and mysterious forests of Celceta while layering in refinements that aim to modernize its origins on new hardware. The premise – centering on a protagonist grappling with lost memories while charting an uncharted land – provides a functional hook, though its storytelling tends to favor steady progression over dramatic highs. While the central mystery surrounding Adol’s past adds intrigue, the narrative pacing can feel uneven, with stretches that lean heavily on routine exposition rather than impactful character development. Continue reading “Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta review (Switch)”