Press Play Media

Published by DANGEN Entertainment and developed by Friends of Safety, Kingdom of Night is an isometric action RPG that takes players back to 1987, when a quiet American town becomes the setting for a nightmarish supernatural invasion. Following a satanic ritual gone wrong, Miami, Arizona, finds itself overrun by demons, leaving teenager John to rescue his kidnapped neighbor and friends while trying to prevent the entire town from falling into darkness. Combining classic 1980s horror influences with action RPG mechanics, the game has a distinctly nostalgic identity, although there is more to it than simply relying on familiar genre references. Continue reading “Kingdom of Night review (PS5)”

Published by FURYU CORPORATION, ANOMALITH is an unusual blend of survival horror, third-person shooting and RPG mechanics that takes inspiration from the likes of Parasite Eve while adding a distinctly Japanese take on the liminal horror concept. Set in a future version of Japan where mysterious Anomaly Zones are appearing without warning, the game follows Reona Minazuki, a 17-year-old girl who becomes a Diver for the government-backed Anomaly Zone Countermeasures Office. Her main motivation is finding her missing friend Arisa, who disappeared when the two were caught in one of these strange phenomena. However, Reona’s own experiences inside an Anomaly Zone have left her with unusual abilities, making her an important part of the effort to understand and contain these increasingly dangerous spaces. It’s an intriguing premise, and one that gives ANOMALITH a distinctive identity in a genre that often leans on more familiar horror conventions. Continue reading “ANOMALITH review (PS5)”

Published by Fulqrum Publishing and developed by nfoPRINCE and Terminist Arcade, Hyperviolent is a retro-inspired first-person shooter that combines the fast-paced action of classic boomer shooters with elements of survival horror and immersive sims. Set aboard a remote mining asteroid, the game sends players into a facility where something has gone terribly wrong, leaving its inhabitants transformed into aggressive, monstrous creatures. Responding to a distress signal, players must investigate the outbreak, uncover the secrets behind the disaster and, naturally, fight their way through plenty of blood-soaked corridors. Its premise might sound familiar to anyone who has played System Shock or DOOM, and that is very much the point, although Hyperviolent attempts to add a little more depth to the traditional shooter formula. Continue reading “HYPERVIOLENT review (PS5)”

Published by grishkogameplay, Shardwatch Dominion is a relatively straightforward tower defense game that attempts to add a little variety to the familiar formula by placing players in circular arenas. Rather than protecting a winding path or defending against enemies approaching from a single direction, the objective is to keep a central fortress standing while monsters attack from all sides. This creates an interesting starting point, as players must consider their surroundings and distribute their defenses carefully instead of simply blocking a predetermined route. The fantasy setting, featuring different environments and an assortment of creatures, provides a suitable backdrop for the action, although there isn’t much of a narrative or background to speak of. The focus is firmly on surviving successive enemy waves, building an increasingly effective defense and keeping the fortress intact. Continue reading “Shardwatch Dominion review (PS5)”

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)”