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Ariana and the Elder Codex, developed by Compile Heart and published by Idea Factory International, positions itself as a side-scrolling action RPG with a distinctly storybook-like framing, blending platforming with spell-based combat on PlayStation 5. Its premise is immediately striking: a world stripped of magic due to corrupted tomes, with a lone librarian stepping into rewritten narratives to restore order. It’s a concept that leans heavily into fantasy escapism, but its execution tends to keep things relatively light, offering a charming backdrop rather than a deeply layered narrative. While the central mystery surrounding the Codices provides a consistent throughline, the storytelling often feels understated, occasionally lacking the emotional weight or character development needed to fully capitalize on its intriguing setup. Continue reading “Ariana and the Elder Codex review (PS5)”

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!, developed by Auroch Digital and published by Dotemu, leans heavily into the cult status of its source material while framing itself as both a retro-inspired shooter and an in-universe “training simulation.” That framing gives the campaign a tongue-in-cheek tone that mirrors the franchise’s satirical edge, but it also creates some distance from a fully immersive narrative. While the premise of humanity battling an overwhelming Arachnid threat remains compelling, the storytelling often feels secondary to the action, relying more on atmosphere and fan service than on deeply developed plot threads. Continue reading “Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! review”

EMOTIONLESS: The Last Ticket, developed by X1 Games and published by Perp Games on consoles, positions itself squarely within the realm of psychological horror, leaning heavily on atmosphere and disorientation rather than traditional mechanics. Set within a decaying amusement park tied to a deeply personal narrative, the game blends liminal space aesthetics with cosmic horror influences to create an experience that is as introspective as it is unsettling. Its premise is immediately compelling, drawing players into a fragmented reality where memory and perception intertwine, though its storytelling occasionally struggles to maintain clarity amidst its more abstract ambitions. Continue reading “EMOTIONLESS – The Last Ticket review (PS5)”

Grind Survivors arrives as the debut original project from Pushka Studios, published by Assemble Entertainment, and firmly plants itself in the increasingly crowded survivors-like space. Set in a demon-infested, post-apocalyptic Earth, the game casts players as a heavily armed hunter mowing through endless waves of hellspawn in a loop that prioritises escalation and optimisation over narrative depth. Storytelling is minimal and largely serves as a backdrop for the action, which is in line with genre expectations, but it does leave the experience feeling somewhat utilitarian for players hoping for stronger world-building or narrative hooks. Continue reading “Grind Survivors review (PS5)”