Published by Outright Games and developed by Casual Brothers, Hasbro Games Junior Collection brings three familiar board games to PlayStation 5 in versions specifically adapted for younger players. Monopoly Junior, Clue Jr. (Cluedo Jr.) and The Game of Life Jr. are all included, offering a digital alternative to traditional family game nights. With simplified rules, colorful presentation and support for up to four local players, the collection is clearly aimed at children and parents looking for something they can enjoy together. However, while the selection is appealing, the extent to which these adaptations retain the appeal of their original counterparts varies considerably. Continue reading “Hasbro Games Junior Collection review (PS5)”
Yomawari Trilogy Collection review (PS5)
Published by NIS America Inc. and developed by Nippon Ichi Software, the Yomawari Trilogy Collection brings together three unsettling survival horror adventures in one package on PlayStation 5. The collection combines Yomawari: Night Alone and Yomawari: Midnight Shadows, previously bundled together as Yomawari: The Long Night Collection, with the later Yomawari: Lost in the Dark. Although the games share a distinctive visual identity and a familiar approach to horror, each tells a different story about young girls caught in situations far beyond their understanding. What initially looks like an adorable collection of little adventures quickly reveals a much darker side, making this an unusual but appealing proposition for fans of atmospheric horror. Continue reading “Yomawari Trilogy Collection review (PS5)”
Where the Seeds Fall review (PS5)
Published by Cygames and developed by CygamesEdge and ZEREO Inc., Where the Seeds Fall is a compact platforming adventure that turns a familiar genre convention on its head. Rather than challenging players to climb increasingly difficult obstacles, the game revolves around making a dangerous descent through the branches of an enormous tree. Humanity has abandoned the surface world after it became contaminated by a mysterious Blight, forcing survivors to establish their homes high above the ground. However, when a soldier encounters a young Fell Child, someone considered an omen of disaster by the remaining population, he decides to disobey his orders and escort her towards the world below. What follows is a relatively short journey that combines environmental platforming with a more personal story about loss, protection and prejudice. The premise is interesting enough to establish an immediate sense of purpose, although the narrative itself does not always make the most of its emotional potential. Continue reading “Where the Seeds Fall review (PS5)”
Port roundup: a pet shop after dark, ZERO PARADES: Director’s Cut & Adorable Adventures
Game ports continue to bring a diverse selection of previously released titles to new platforms, giving players another opportunity to discover experiences they might have missed the first time around. This latest roundup covers three rather different adventures, ranging from the unsettling mysteries of a pet shop after dark and the politically charged espionage RPG ZERO PARADES: Director’s Cut to the more relaxing wildlife exploration of Adorable Adventures on Nintendo Switch 2. Each release brings something different to the table, whether through expanded content, a new platform or an opportunity to reach a wider audience. However, bringing a game to another system doesn’t automatically guarantee an equally good experience, so we take a closer look at how these ports hold up and whether they are worth checking out. Continue reading “Port roundup: a pet shop after dark, ZERO PARADES: Director’s Cut & Adorable Adventures”
Thronefall review (PS5)
Strategy games can be intimidating affairs, often demanding hours of investment, extensive micromanagement and a willingness to keep track of countless variables. Thronefall, developed by GrizzlyGames and published by Mythwright, takes a considerably more approachable route. Originally released on other platforms two years ago, this minimalist strategy and tower defense hybrid has now made its way to PlayStation 5, bringing its compact kingdom-building formula to a new audience. Its premise is straightforward: establish a small kingdom during the day and defend it against increasingly dangerous enemy attacks at night. What makes the concept work so well is how much strategic decision-making GrizzlyGames manages to squeeze into such an uncomplicated framework. Continue reading “Thronefall review (PS5)”