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Darwin’s Paradox, developed by ZDT Studio and published by Konami, is a cinematic puzzle-platformer with a disarmingly unusual protagonist: a small octopus caught in a sprawling industrial conspiracy. The premise is immediately striking, blending slapstick humor with a gradually unfolding sci-fi narrative that hints at something far larger than Darwin himself. While the story leans heavily on environmental storytelling rather than overt exposition, that approach works both for and against it – creating intrigue through implication, but sometimes lacking the narrative momentum needed to fully capitalize on its more ambitious ideas. Continue reading “Darwin’s Paradox review (PS5)”

Darts VR 2: Bullseye is the next attempt to translate one of the most straightforward pub pastimes into a fully interactive VR experience, and in many ways it succeeds by leaning into authenticity rather than spectacle. Developed by Gamitronics Studio and published by Evolution Publishing, the game strips away any need for narrative framing and instead builds its appeal around competitive play, varied modes, and a simulation-driven approach to dart throwing. While that premise inherently limits its scope compared to more elaborate VR titles, it also gives the game a clarity of purpose that works in its favor – provided the underlying mechanics hold up. Continue reading “Darts VR 2: Bullseye review (PSVR2/Quest)”

Porting games to new platforms is rarely a straightforward technical exercise, and this latest batch of console arrivals highlights just how varied the outcomes can be. From the uncompromising, high-octane chaos of retro-inspired shooters to the quiet charm of cozy management sims and the introspective tension of narrative-driven experiments, these ports bring distinctly different experiences to PlayStation and Xbox audiences. What they share, however, is the challenge of translating mechanics, pacing, and presentation in a way that feels at home on console hardware – sometimes successfully refining what was already there, and other times exposing design choices that feel less comfortable outside their original context. Continue reading “Port roundup: Viscerafest, Tiny Bookshop & Inhuman Resources”

TR-49 continues developer inkle’s fascination with experimental storytelling, presenting a premise that blends wartime intrigue with abstract, almost metaphysical mystery. Set around a strange machine hidden beneath a church, the narrative unfolds through fragments – books, letters, and recorded voices – tasking players with locating a seemingly dangerous text buried deep within an ever-expanding archive. It’s an evocative setup that thrives on ambiguity and atmosphere, but one that can occasionally feel deliberately opaque, asking for patience and a willingness to embrace uncertainty rather than offering immediate narrative clarity. Continue reading “TR-49 review (Switch)”

Set against the backdrop of a plague-ridden 14th-century Italy, 1348 Ex Voto positions itself as a grounded, historically inspired action-adventure from Sedleo, published by Dear Villagers. The game follows Aeta, a young knight driven by a personal vow to rescue a loved one, weaving a narrative that leans heavily on hardship, faith, and the societal fractures of the late medieval period. Its premise is immediately compelling, drawing strength from its setting – an era marked by disease, unrest, and spiritual turmoil – but while the thematic ambition is clear, the storytelling often struggles to maintain momentum, occasionally feeling fragmented in how it delivers its emotional beats. Continue reading “1348 Ex Voto review (PS5)”