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DEMONS’ NIGHT FEVER is a strategy RPG that takes considerable pleasure in turning one of the genre’s most familiar conventions upside down. Rather than carefully protecting the members of your party, you’re actively encouraged to sacrifice them, blow them up and use their abilities to devastating effect. In fact, the more often your underlings die, the stronger they become when they’re reincarnated. Developed by Drecom Co. in collaboration with SuperNiche and published by Arc System Works, the game builds its entire identity around this unusual approach to tactical combat. It’s certainly an original idea, although whether its particular brand of chaotic humor and unconventional strategy will appeal to everyone is another matter. Continue reading “DEMONS’ NIGHT FEVER review (Switch)”

Gennady is not particularly concerned with making a good first impression. Waking up in an alien meat factory wearing nothing but his underwear is hardly an ideal start to anyone’s day, especially when the surrounding facilities are crawling with grotesque creatures seemingly intent on turning him into the next item on the production line. Developed by Feed 64 and published by Feed 64 and Vsoo Games, this unusual roguelike platformer follows its unfortunate protagonist as he attempts to fight his way out of this nightmare. Its combination of dark humor, deliberately disgusting creature designs and old-school cartoon aesthetics immediately gives it a personality of its own, although surviving long enough to appreciate everything it has to offer is another matter entirely. Continue reading “Gennady review (PS5)”

The idea of turning your own home into an elaborate escape room is an intriguing starting point for a mystery thriller, and The Transference makes good use of that unsettling premise. Developed by Kuraishisama and published by JanduSoft, this first-person adventure puts players in the shoes of Marcos, who wakes up to discover that his family home has been sealed from the inside. With doors and windows blocked and strange contraptions scattered throughout the rooms, escaping requires considerably more than finding a spare key. As Marcos investigates his surroundings, he gradually uncovers a disturbing family history involving secrets, deception and betrayal. The narrative provides a decent incentive to keep exploring, although its storytelling is sometimes more interesting than its central character, who lacks much personality and occasionally comes across as unintentionally comical. The supporting characters, particularly his mother and Samuel, make a stronger impression, helping to give the mystery some personality as it unfolds. Continue reading “The Transference review (PS5)”

YAR: Forgotten Throne is an open-world RPG that takes inspiration from classic European role-playing adventures, particularly the Gothic series. Set in the fantasy land of Borea, the game puts players in the shoes of an adventurer who arrives by boat and gradually becomes involved in a much larger conflict involving a mysterious corruption spreading through the forests and wildlife. Developed and published by Honor Games, this PlayStation 5 release aims to recapture the appeal of old-school RPGs, where exploration, experimentation and character progression take precedence over streamlined modern conveniences. There is certainly plenty of ambition here, but whether its considerable collection of ideas translates into an enjoyable adventure is another matter. Continue reading “YAR: Forgotten Throne review (PS5)”

From terraforming entire planets in virtual reality to controlling an unusual alien creature and revisiting a forgotten 16-bit motocross racer, this latest roundup covers three games that offer very different experiences. Terry’s Terraforming brings an appealing mix of hands-on VR gameplay and unexpectedly thoughtful storytelling, while Omni Growth experiments with an unconventional movement system that gives its short platforming adventure a distinctive twist. Moto X, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into gaming history with the belated release of a long-lost SNES game, although its age shows in more ways than one. Whether you’re looking for something unusual, a brief arcade distraction or a little retro nostalgia, there’s plenty of variety to explore in this selection of recent releases. Continue reading “Release roundup: Terry’s Terraforming, Omni Growth & Moto X”