Ground Zero, which we previewed earlier, is a deliberate throwback to the formative years of survival horror, and Malformation Games leans heavily into that identity from the outset. Set in a devastated South Korea following a catastrophic meteor strike, the game follows an elite operative and her partner as they investigate the eerie remains of Busan. The premise blends sci-fi disaster with biological horror, gradually shifting from a straightforward investigation into something far more grotesque and unpredictable. While the setup is compelling and benefits from a strong sense of place that is sure to appeal to genre fans, the narrative itself can feel uneven in its delivery, sometimes leaning too heavily on familiar genre tropes rather than carving out a distinct identity of its own. Continue reading “Ground Zero review (PS5)”
Spica Adventure review (PS5)
Spica Adventure arrives on modern platforms as a revived slice of arcade-era design, bringing with it a distinct identity shaped by TAITO’s heritage and a design philosophy that prioritizes immediacy and replayability over narrative depth. The premise is intentionally lightweight, following Nico – a young girl wielding a parasol – as she journeys through vibrant, toy-like worlds filled with quirky adversaries. The setup largely functions as a framing device rather than a driving force, but that simplicity aligns well with its arcade/Parasol Stars roots, where the emphasis lies squarely on action and mechanical mastery rather than narrative progression. Continue reading “Spica Adventure review (PS5)”
The Day I Became A Bird review (PS5)
The Day I Became a Bird is a narrative-driven adventure from Hyper Luminal Games, published by Numskull Games, that leans heavily into its whimsical premise and storybook presentation and origins. Framed as a nostalgic recollection of childhood infatuation, the game follows young Frank as he attempts to connect with a classmate by quite literally immersing himself in her world – one populated by birds. It’s a concept that immediately stands out for its sweet sincerity, and while it risks veering into overly saccharine territory, it largely succeeds thanks to a grounded emotional core that captures the awkwardness and earnestness of first love. Continue reading “The Day I Became A Bird review (PS5)”
OPUS: Prism Peak review (Switch)
SIGONO INC continues its track record for emotionally driven storytelling with OPUS: Prism Peak, a narrative adventure published by Shueisha Games that leans heavily into introspection, memory, and the quiet weight of personal failure. On Nintendo Switch, it delivers a contemplative journey through the Dusklands, where a weary photographer and a mysterious, amnesiac girl traverse a world populated by animal spirits. The premise immediately sets a melancholic tone, and while its core mystery unfolds gradually, it’s the emotional undercurrent – centered on regret, self-worth, and healing – that ultimately defines the experience. Continue reading “OPUS: Prism Peak review (Switch)”
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss review (PS5)
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss continues Big Bad Wolf’s fascination with narrative-driven design, placing players in a near-future world where corporate overreach and cosmic horror intersect beneath the ocean’s surface. As investigator Noah, the descent into a submerged, impossible city becomes both a literal and psychological journey, blending detective work with Lovecraftian themes in a way that feels more modern than most adaptations. The setup is effective, gradually layering unease through environmental storytelling and fragmented clues, though the broader narrative occasionally leans on familiar genre tropes that make some of its later revelations easier to anticipate than they should be. Continue reading “Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss review (PS5)”
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