Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is the kind of RPG that immediately makes it clear that it has no interest in following the safest route. Set in a ruined version of Tokyo where reality itself has begun to break apart, Arc System Works and UnitePlus combine a visual novel-style investigation with a highly unusual combat system built around timing, counters and a constantly moving battle timeline. The result is a game that can be genuinely exciting when its different ideas come together, although it occasionally feels as though the developers have tried to cram too many mechanics into an experience that could have benefited from a little more restraint. What makes it stand out, however, is that its most unusual idea is not merely a gimmick: once the combat starts to click, it provides a surprisingly satisfying reason to keep pushing forward. Continue reading “Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow review (PS5)”
The Defiant preview (Gamescom)
The Second World War has provided the backdrop for countless first-person shooters over the years, but there are still plenty of stories from the conflict that games have barely touched. The Defiant is looking to explore one of those lesser-seen perspectives by putting the Chinese resistance against the Japanese invasion at the centre of its campaign. While the gameplay shown during Gamescom feels familiar to anyone who grew up with classic World War II shooters, the setting gives the game a reason to stand out from the crowded genre. Continue reading “The Defiant preview (Gamescom)”
SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed review (PS5)
SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed arrives more than a decade after the original SpeedRunners established itself as one of those deceptively simple multiplayer games capable of turning a friendly evening into a heated rivalry. Published by tinyBuild and developed by Fair Play Labs, the sequel does not attempt to reinvent the basic idea. Instead, it brings the familiar combination of 2D platforming, high-speed racing and weaponised mischief to PlayStation 5, while expanding the package with additional characters, maps, modes and support for larger online matches. After spending time with the PS5 version, including testing cross-platform play with Nintendo Switch and PC players, it is clear that the most important part of SpeedRunners is still intact. The question is whether everything surrounding that excellent core is substantial enough to make this feel like a meaningful sequel. Continue reading “SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed review (PS5)”
Afterworld preview (Gamescom)
Paradox Development Studio is no stranger to grand strategy, having built a reputation with games such as Crusader Kings III and Hearts of Iron IV. With Afterworld, however, the studio is moving away from established historical settings and into a post-apocalyptic future. That alone makes the game an intriguing prospect, especially as it attempts to combine the survival and settlement-building mechanics associated with the genre with the sprawling systems that Paradox’s strategy games are known for. Afterworld is still some way from release, but an early look at the PC version suggests that there is already an ambitious foundation in place. Continue reading “Afterworld preview (Gamescom)”
Release roundup: Detective VR, Au Revoir & VORON: Raven’s Story
Today’s roundup take us into three very different worlds, from a virtual reality murder investigation to a retro cyberpunk adventure and a Norse-inspired journey through the skies. Detective VR puts its focus firmly on methodical evidence gathering, Au Revoir delivers a short but atmospheric point-and-click mystery, while VORON: Raven’s Story builds its entire experience around the unusual sensation of playing as a flying raven. Each game has an intriguing central idea, but all three also show the limitations that can come with smaller-scale productions. Continue reading “Release roundup: Detective VR, Au Revoir & VORON: Raven’s Story”