MONOWAVE is the kind of puzzle platformer that initially looks almost too cheerful and uncomplicated to hide much beneath its surface. Developed by Studio BBB and published by Studio BBB Inc. and Phoenixx Inc., it presents a colorful world where emotions are not just part of the story but the foundation of practically every gameplay mechanic. We first got hands-on with the game during Gamescom, where we also had the opportunity to meet with the developer, making this Nintendo Switch and PC review our first proper experience with the game. That first impression was certainly one of charm, but the finished game makes it clear that there is considerably more going on here than its cute presentation might suggest. Continue reading “MONOWAVE review (PC/Switch)”
Sniper Dan review (PS5)
Sniper Dan takes the familiar hidden-object formula and gives it a decidedly unusual weapon: a sniper rifle. Developed by Denki and published by PQube, the PS5 game casts Dan as a professional problem solver who uses his rifle to fix everyday problems rather than eliminate enemies. It is a ridiculous premise, but one that establishes the game’s playful tone immediately. There isn’t much of a conventional narrative beyond Dan’s increasingly strange business, with the focus instead on discovering what kind of bizarre situation awaits in each new location. Continue reading “Sniper Dan review (PS5)”
RollerCoaster Tycoon Wonderworks preview (Gamescom)
RollerCoaster Tycoon has been away from the PC in its original form for a long time, and that makes any new entry a fairly significant proposition. With RollerCoaster Tycoon Wonderworks, Atari is bringing the series back with Springloaded at the helm, aiming to retain the familiar theme park management formula while giving players considerably more control over how rides operate and how much chaos they can cause. After getting a look at the game during Gamescom, there are certainly some interesting ideas here, although the game is still some way from its Early Access launch. Continue reading “RollerCoaster Tycoon Wonderworks preview (Gamescom)”
Woodo review (PS5)
There is something inherently appealing about building a miniature world with your own hands, and Woodo turns that simple idea into the foundation for a gentle puzzle adventure. Developed by Tiny Monks Tales and published by Daedalic Entertainment, the PlayStation 5 version offers an experience that is deliberately more interested in relaxation, observation and storytelling than in testing reflexes or pushing players towards failure. Its wooden dioramas initially look like little more than collections of uncolored pieces, but gradually assembling them reveals not only a functioning miniature world but also the story of Foxy, a young fox spending time in the countryside and discovering that there is more to a good summer than the technology and routines she is used to. The result is an unusually calm game that knows exactly what kind of experience it wants to provide, although that same lack of pressure also means it will not satisfy anyone looking for substantial puzzle difficulty or a lengthy adventure. Continue reading “Woodo review (PS5)”
Endless Legend 2 review (PS5)
There is something inherently appealing about a strategy game in which the world refuses to sit still. Endless Legend 2 takes the familiar foundations of the 4X genre and places them on Saiadha, a strange ocean world whose geography is gradually rewritten as the seas recede. Developed by AMPLITUDE Studios and published by Hooded Horse, this sequel combines empire building, exploration, diplomacy and turn-based warfare with a distinctly science-fantasy setting. On PlayStation 5, it proves to be a remarkably ambitious strategy game that is at its strongest when its systems interact with one another, although its wealth of mechanics can occasionally make the experience feel more complicated than necessary. Continue reading “Endless Legend 2 review (PS5)”