Retro horror has a special ability to make the imagination work overtime, but Tenebris Somnia takes that idea a step further by combining pixel-art adventure gameplay with live-action horror cinematics. Developed by Andrés Borghi and Saibot Studios and published by New Blood Interactive, this survival horror adventure has an unusual identity that extends beyond its nostalgic presentation. Its storytelling and cinematic ambition make it stand out in a crowded genre, even if some of its old-school mechanics are less successful at surviving the passage of time. Continue reading “Tenebris Somnia review (PS5)”
BeamNG.drive review (PS5)
Developed and published by BeamNG, BeamNG.drive is a driving simulator that has spent years building a reputation for its remarkably detailed vehicle physics and spectacular crashes. Now available on PlayStation 5, the long-running PC experience brings its automotive playground to a new audience, offering everything from leisurely drives through scenic environments to elaborate experiments involving ramps, heavy vehicles and spectacularly destructive collisions. However, this is not quite the same experience as a conventional racing game, nor is it a straightforward conversion of everything that has made the PC version so popular. The underlying simulation remains impressive, but the console adaptation has some significant compromises that occasionally get in the way of its considerable potential. Continue reading “BeamNG.drive review (PS5)”
Mexican Ninja review (Xbox)
There are plenty of ways to combine different cultures in a video game, but few are quite as brazen as Mexican Ninja. Developed by Madbricks and published by Amber Studio, this 2.5D action roguelike takes place in Nuevo Tokyo, a fictional metropolis where Mexican drug cartels and Japan’s Yakuza have joined forces to form the Narkuzas. With five powerful crime bosses controlling the city, it is up to the titular Mexican Ninja to fight back and restore some semblance of order. The premise is little more than an excuse for an endless succession of brawls, colorful characters and deliberately outrageous jokes, but that is precisely the point. Madbricks clearly has a particular flavor of arcade entertainment in mind, and the game rarely pretends to be anything more sophisticated. Its irreverent combination of Mexican and Japanese imagery gives it an identity that is immediately recognisable, even if the crude humor and frequent profanity will not appeal to everyone. Continue reading “Mexican Ninja review (Xbox)”
Indie roundup: Cohen 1939, DESOLUS & Mister Scary – Where Are You?
Indie games continue to explore a wide range of ideas, from brutal top-down shooters and atmospheric puzzle adventures to nostalgic platformers inspired by gaming’s past. This roundup takes a closer look at three titles that each approach their chosen genre differently: Cohen 1939 delivers fast-paced, unforgiving combat against a backdrop of 1930s gangster crime, Desolus invites players to unravel spatial puzzles in a haunting, fractured world, and Mister Scary – Where Are You? brings colorful retro platforming and spooky charm to PS5. While all three have their strengths, they also demonstrate how execution can make the difference between a promising concept and a truly memorable experience. Continue reading “Indie roundup: Cohen 1939, DESOLUS & Mister Scary – Where Are You?”
Final Fantasy Resonance review (PS5)
Final Fantasy Resonance, developed by LANCARSE and published by Square Enix for PlayStation 5, takes an unexpected route back to the series’ roots. Rather than introducing an entirely new adventure, it reworks the first story arc of the mobile RPG Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, stripping away its free-to-play and gacha foundations and rebuilding it as a traditional single-player role-playing game. The result is a surprisingly convincing fit for the HD-2D visual style previously associated with games such as Octopath Traveler. With turn-based combat, a world map to explore, airships, crystals, summons and a host of familiar series conventions, Resonance understands what made classic Final Fantasy so appealing. Its greatest achievement is that the nostalgia feels like the foundation of a proper RPG rather than an excuse to recycle old ideas. Continue reading “Final Fantasy Resonance review (PS5)”