Verho – Curse of Faces immediately makes it clear that it isn’t trying to compete with modern first-person RPGs on visual spectacle or accessibility. Instead, Kasur Games embraces a very deliberate throwback to the era of King’s Field and other (niche) late ’90s dungeon crawlers, building a mysterious adventure around a world where exposing one’s face means certain death. The unusual premise, combined with a bleak atmosphere and lore that slowly unfolds through exploration, creates a setting that constantly encourages curiosity, even if parts of the story remain intentionally cryptic. Continue reading “Verho – Curse of Faces review (PS5)”
Farlands review (PS5)
Farlands takes one of the most familiar premises in gaming – a run-down farm waiting to be restored – and gives it a refreshing science fiction twist. Rather than inheriting a patch of countryside, we purchase an entire neglected planet on the edge of a forgotten solar system, complete with a battered spaceship and an equally worn-down assistance droid. Unsurprisingly, such a bargain comes with hidden complications, and what initially feels like a relaxing fresh start gradually unfolds into a larger conflict that threatens every inhabited world in the system. While the overarching story never overwhelms the cosy farming experience, it provides enough purpose to make expanding the farm and exploring new planets feel like part of a meaningful journey rather than an endless routine. Continue reading “Farlands review (PS5)”
Heave Ho 2 review (Switch 2)
Some sequels reinvent the wheel, while others recognize that their biggest strength is simply giving players more of what already worked. Heave Ho 2 firmly belongs to the latter category, expanding on the wonderfully chaotic multiplayer platforming that made the original such an unexpected hit. The premise remains delightfully ridiculous, asking players to guide limbless blobs armed with nothing but two oversized arms through increasingly absurd obstacle courses. This time around the emphasis is placed almost entirely on cooperative play, with online multiplayer joining local couch co-op to ensure there’s almost always a way to rope friends into the madness. It’s a bold shift that strengthens the game’s identity, even if it comes at the expense of those who enjoyed tackling the original solo. Continue reading “Heave Ho 2 review (Switch 2)”
70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X review (PS5)
One of the pleasures of retro gaming is seeing long-lost releases finally receive the attention they always deserved, and 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X (yes, that’s actually the title) is exactly that kind of rediscovery. Originally confined to Japan on the original PlayStation, this unusual blend of side-scrolling shooter and interactive anime has finally made its international debut in a remaster that preserves its distinctive identity while smoothing over many of the rough edges that come with a decades-old release. Rather than simply updating a forgotten shooter, Bliss Brain has brought back a fascinating slice of gaming history that still feels refreshingly different today. Continue reading “70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X review (PS5)”
Disgaea Mayhem review (PS5)
Disgaea has never been a series afraid to reinvent itself, but Disgaea Mayhem represents one of its boldest departures yet. Swapping tactical grid-based battles for fast-paced action RPG combat, it still tries to retain the franchise’s trademark blend of absurd humor, over-the-top progression systems and astronomical damage numbers. The result is an interesting experiment that succeeds in preserving much of Disgaea’s personality, even if it doesn’t always match the depth of either the mainline strategy games or the action titles that inspired it. Continue reading “Disgaea Mayhem review (PS5)”