We’re looking at three brand new multiplatform releases from the indie scene today – here’s a look at The Library of Babel, Gematombe and Wild Dogs. Spanning different genres from platforming to puzzling and action, there’s something for everyone here.
The Library of Babel review (PS4)
The Library of Babel is a stealth-platformer game developed by Tanuki Game Studio and published by Neon Doctrine. The game is inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’ short story of the same name and features a unique blend of stealth-based gameplay and platforming elements.
In the game, players take on the role of Ludovik, a Seeker who is tasked with exploring the endless and labyrinthine library of Babel in order to investigate a murder case in Babylon. The library is filled with various creatures, traps, and puzzles that the player must overcome to progress through the game’s levels.
One of the most notable aspects of the game is its art style, which is visually stunning and looks like it jumped off the pages of a book at times. The game’s monochromatic color scheme and minimalist aesthetic lend themselves well to the game’s mysterious and otherworldly atmosphere too, and the game’s level design cleverly uses stealth mechanics and platforming challenges. They’re filled with various hazards, such as patrolling enemies and traps, that players must avoid or disable to progress. The game’s puzzles require players to use their wits and problem-solving skills to find hidden paths and secret areas. The game’s eerie and haunting soundtrack adds to the game’s overall atmosphere, making you want to stay stealthy.
In terms of negatives, the game’s controls are slightly clunky and imprecise at times, which can make some of the game’s platforming sections frustrating. Additionally, the game’s difficulty can be challenging, with some levels requiring players to retry multiple times to progress – though it’s worth sticking with. The Library of Babel is a unique and engaging stealth-platformer that successfully captures the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of Borges’ short story. Its stunning visual style, clever level design, and haunting soundtrack make it a worthwhile addition to any gamer’s library. While its controls and difficulty can be frustrating at times, the game’s unique blend of stealth and platforming elements more than make up for these minor shortcomings.
Gematombe review (PS4)
Gematombe is an action-packed puzzle game developed by Route 5 Games and published by Ratalaika for the PlayStation 4. The game allows you to play one-on-one matches against your friends or the computer in a series of levels packed with puzzle action and adventure, with gameplay that’s reminiscent of games like Bust-a-Move and Puyo Puyo.
In Gematombe, your goal is to launch the ball and hit and break consecutive gems of the same color to achieve chain reactions. You’ll need to maximize your chain combos and clear your screen area of gems to win with a “gematombe” – essentially this game’s equivalent of a Tetris line clear. The game features over 60 levels filled with puzzle action, and you’ll need to help Pandora, the all-gifted heroine, in her quest to capture all the evils that were released in the world.
The game’s story and characters are based on the Greek legend of Pandora and her infamous box, and the game has a cast of six characters, including Adicia The Injustice, Nosi The Plague, Apate The Deceit, Ania The Sorrow, Khaos The Chaos, and one secret character to discover. Gematombe’s includes a VS mode for local play, a story mode where you can pick a character and embark on a journey to capture all the daemons back to the jar, an endless mode where you fight in an endless stage, and a survivor mode where you fight against randomly selected enemies.
One of the strengths of Gematombe is its addictive and recognizable gameplay that requires strategic planning and quick reflexes. The game is easy to pick up but challenging to master, and the different modes provide a variety of gameplay experiences to keep players engaged. The graphics and sound design are also well-done, with colorful visuals and catchy music that enhance the game’s overall appeal.
However, the game’s local-only VS mode and lack of online multiplayer may be a downside for some players who prefer to compete with others online. Additionally, some players may find the gameplay a tad repetitive, partly due to a lack of variety in level design. Overall, Gematombe is a fun and engaging action puzzle game that offers a variety of modes and challenges to keep players entertained. Its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a worthwhile addition if you’re a fan of the games that inspired it.
Wild Dogs review (PS4)
Wild Dogs, developed by 2ndBoss and published by QUByte, is a 2D platformer that will have players hunting aliens around the world in every way possible. In the game, players control Major Frank “Pumpkinhead” Williams and his partner Teddy, a cheerful Labrador who also happens to be your stealth expert for this mission.
The game is set during a frantic alien attack where the army is virtually subdued, and Major Williams and Teddy are called upon to save the day. They are authorized to use all necessary methods, and in the game, this translates to exploding, running over, crushing, and smearing themselves in a lot of alien goo.
Wild Dogs offers five scenes full of aliens and various resources like motorcycles, cars, helicopters, and more. Players can shoot in eight directions and pilot planes, mecha, and everything that is within their reach. The game also features bizarre and varied boss fights, with players being able to rain bullets with varied and powerful shots. Additionally, players can switch between multiple color palettes. It’s a short game though, with limited replay value and limited depth – much like the arcade games it was based on.
One of the positives of Wild Dogs is its varied and classic mechanics, evoking memories of classics like Metal Slug and Midnight Resistance. The game is full of action and offers different vehicles, weapons, and ways to eliminate the alien threat. Another positive is the game’s boss fights, which are bizarre and varied, adding an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the gameplay.
Overall, Wild Dogs is a fun and action-packed 2D platformer that offers a unique and exciting experience. While it may not be the longest or most replayable game, it’s a great choice for players looking for an adrenaline-fueled action adventure with a classic feel.
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