As we head into the weekend, we’re checking out Undead Horde 2: Necropolis, the new Journey to the Center of the Earth DLC for Walkabout Mini Golf and the new re-release of the original Shantae for PlayStation.
Undead Horde 2: Necropolis review (PS5)
Undead Horde 2: Necropolis, developed by 10tons Ltd, is a top-down strategy/hack and slash game that builds upon its predecessor, which was released a few years ago. Playing as the King of the Dead, you possess the unique ability to raise fallen enemies and command them in your army, adding a nice evil twist to the gameplay. The strategic element of assembling your undead militia by selecting from a wide range of unit types adds depth to the experience. The game’s premise revolves around reclaiming Necropolis, a land devastated by the living, and freeing the undead souls.
The gameplay loop involves traversing different areas, eliminating enemies, and destroying buildings to secure the territory. Clearing out these areas grants safety, allowing you to focus on new challenges. Undead Horde 2 maintains the accessible and addictive nature of its predecessor, and the ability to customize your army on the fly adds to the strategic and long term appeal. However, melee combat can still feel clunky and unsatisfying, and it’s a shame this wasn’t improved that much from the first game.
The graphical style retains the cartoonish aesthetic of the original, allowing for clear visuals and unobscured action. While the game’s presentation might not stand out, the focus on playability over aesthetics is commendable. On that front, Undead Horde 2 introduces some changes to the meta game, allowing players to select the unit types their fallen enemies will return as, enhancing the tactical element. However, this alteration might not appeal to everyone, as the previous system of recruiting enemies as they were was convenient. Additionally, the hub area, the Necropolis, has undergone a significant transformation, offering a more complex layout with additional features. While it may feel overwhelming at first, once you become accustomed to the changes, the game feel enjoyable, addictive and like a polished version of the first Undead Horde.
In conclusion, Undead Horde 2: Necropolis successfully builds upon the core gameplay mechanic of its predecessor while implementing changes to keep the experience fresh. The strategic undead-raising gameplay remains captivating, despite some lackluster melee combat. The game’s visuals and audio, while not groundbreaking, serve the gameplay effectively. Undead Horde 2 delivers a compelling and addictive experience, making this another solid title from 10tons.
Walkabout Mini Golf – Journey to the Center of the Earth DLC review (Quest)
The new Journey to the Center of the Earth DLC for Walkabout Mini Golf, developed by Mighty Coconut, takes players on an exciting adventure through caverns and volcanic tubes to the depths of the Earth. As you chase Professor Lidenbrock, you’ll encounter dark passageways, a mushroom forest, brilliant gems, and even an underground ocean with prehistoric creatures. The premise and narrative draw inspiration from Jules Verne’s classic tale, adding an immersive element to the gameplay while building on the developer’s previous expansions.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Walkabout Mini Golf continues to deliver enjoyable and accessible golfing mechanics. The DLC features well-designed holes that provide a satisfying challenge, including a new fox hunt section. Visually, the DLC offers beautiful and visually captivating environments and the audio complements the gameplay adequately, enhancing the immersion without being overly distracting. The course designs are interesting, and the addition of a night course as a unique gimmick that adds variety to the gameplay. While the DLC may be considered fairly easy by experienced players, the overall experience remains enjoyable.
Overall, the Journey to the Center of the Earth DLC for Walkabout Mini Golf provides a delightful and engaging experience. The premise adds depth to the gameplay, and the well-designed holes and captivating visuals contribute to an enjoyable golfing adventure. While the DLC may not offer a significant new gameplay direction, the overall package is still excellent and a joy to play.
Shantae review (PS4)
Shantae, developed by WayForward and brought to PlayStation systems 21 years after its Game Boy Color release, but a classic action-adventure-platformer to modern audiences that (re)introduces players to the titular half-genie, Shantae. She embarks on a mission to recover elemental stones from the notorious pirate Risky Boots. The game offers a mix of platforming, combat, and Metroidvania-style exploration, with the signature dance transformations adding depth to the gameplay.
While the narrative delivery in Shantae may be more straightforward compared to later entries in the series, the gameplay mechanics shine with their variety, and it’s easy to see why this is a GBC classic. The combination of platforming, combat, and exploration provides an engaging experience, and the inclusion of save points and a flexible save system adds convenience. The visual presentation impresses with relatively detailed graphics for an 8-bit handheld game, with fluid character animations, and even transitions between day and night. The soundtrack enhances the experience with rich themes, although the presence of an audible pop between musical tracks remains a minor issue. Not the kind of thing that triggers our nostalgia – at least not in a good way.
However, some design decisions hold the game back slightly. The absence of an in-game map and the instant life loss from falling into pits could have been improved for this new release. The zoomed-in camera, while showcasing more of Shantae, limits visibility of the environment – and you can tell this was made for a much smaller screen because of this. Customization options for the control scheme would have been appreciated as well, so it’s a shame this is a fairly bare bones conversion of a classic – even though it’s still a great game.
In conclusion, Shantae delivers a nostalgic platforming adventure that showcases the strengths of the series from its beginning, in a game that recent Shantae fans might not have been able to play yet. With its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and catchy soundtrack, this digital release on PlayStation systems will surely delight fans of the series. Despite a few design choices that hinder the experience from a modern design perspective, Shantae’s arrival on PlayStation consoles is a welcome addition, and finally brings all the game together on a single console system/generation.
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