With a major update for Hi-Fi Rush, the release of SCARF for PlayStation 5 and the console version of The Settlers: New Allies, we’re looking at three recent releases that caught our eye.
Hi-Fi RUSH receives the Arcade Challenge Update
Tango Gameworks has released the free Hi-Fi Rush: Arcade Challenge! update, giving players of the base game on Xbox PC access to brand new gameplay experiences. With two new game modes, BPM Rush! and Power Up! Tower Up!, the update aims to provide new adrenaline-fueled gameplay to Hi-Fi Rush, which had a very well-received surprise release earlier this year.
In BPM Rush!, players play in escalating battles where the tempo steadily increases. With three difficulty levels – Easy, Normal, and EX (each capable of reaching 200 BPM), things can get intense quickly. Power Up! Tower Up! is more of an alternative take on the existing Rhythm Tower game mode, featuring randomized enemy encounters and challenges. The twist is that Chai begins deactivated, so the gameplay isn’t as upgrade-reliant. Players can still collect upgrades to enhance their skills in between rounds, but strategic decision-making is crucial.
Alongside the introduction of these new game modes, the Arcade Challenge! Update! introduces two new enemies, an array of unlockable rewards, including special attacks and free costumes, as well as a special unlockable for those who conquer all 40 challenges across the two new game modes. There may not have been a ton of fanfare surrounding Hi-Fi Rush pre-release, but this pleasant surprise was already one of 2023’s best games and it just got better with this update. Its blend of DMC-like combat with rhythm-based mechanics and engaging story and presentation is a blast to play, and one of the top reasons PlayStation owners should be jealous of those playing on Xbox (or PC).
SCARF review (PS5)
Scarf, developed by Uprising Studios and published by HandyGames, was released on PC last year, when we reviewed it. It has now made its way to the PlayStation 5 and other systems, offering console gamers a chance to immerse themselves in this fun 3D indie platformer.
Scarf presents an allegorical journey through beautiful worlds, inviting players to reflect on what it means to be a hero and fulfill one’s destiny. The story revolves around a small, blue character who encounters a sentient red scarf resembling a playful dragon. The vibrant and enchanting world is populated by cute and quirky enemies, creating an atmosphere that is rather charming. As players progress through the game’s three distinct areas, they uncover fragments of the narrative through collectibles called “inks,” ultimately wrapping up with a surprisingly dark twist at the end.
Scarf’s most unique gameplay mechanic centers around the protagonist’s scarf companion. Players unlock new abilities, such as gliding with red wings, double-jumping, and utilizing the scarf as a slingshot. These abilities are also ingeniously incorporated into the game’s puzzles, resulting in satisfying gameplay moments. Scarf successfully avoids frustration and is nicely paced, with a pleasant art style to support the experience. The game’s landscapes are brought to life through a fantasy setting filled with light, life, and shadows. Scarf also features an adaptive orchestral music score that complements the gameplay, providing a soothing and harmonious backdrop to the player’s journey.
The PlayStation 5 version of Scarf offers console gamers the opportunity to enjoy the game’s enchanting world and gameplay on their preferred platform. While we saw minor performance issues reported like frame rate drops, the overall experience remains engaging and visually appealing and we’re assuming a post-launch patch will iron out any technical wrinkles. And although Scarf may not revolutionize the 3D platforming genre, its engaging gameplay, lovely visuals and soothing audio make it a nice platforming experience for a budget price. With clever puzzles and a good sense of progression, Scarf is a solid recommendation for PlayStation 5 players.
The Settlers : New Allies review (PS5)
After the earlier PC release, Ubisoft how now brought The Settlers: New Allies to consoles. It’s the first entry in the series for home consoles, with adapted controls, full cross-play support, and shared progression across platforms. Here’s a look at the console version of the game we previously checked out on PC.
One of the positives of The Settlers: New Allies is still its accessible gameplay. Starting with a small group of settlers, players embark on a journey of exploration, settlement-building, and resource management. The game successfully incorporates the core elements of the real-time strategy genre, allowing players to gather resources, construct buildings, and recruit an army to protect their land.
The console version offers the convenience of adapted controls. These enhance the gameplay experience and ensure smooth navigation and interaction with the game’s mechanics. Additionally, the inclusion of cross-play functionality allows players to connect and play with friends across different platforms, hopefully stimulating a vibrant multiplayer community in the future.
Unfortunately, The Settlers: New Allies still falls short in several aspects, disappointing both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise. One prominent drawback is the lack of innovation in gameplay mechanics, which feels simplified and reminiscent of early examples of the genre, with little room for deep strategy or innovative new ideas. The progression path to a successful settlement becomes also repetitive and predictable, hindering your strategic options despite the shift towards more militarism rather than city-building. The simplification of the war mechanics and the lack of depth in strategic decision-making make the military aspect feel underdeveloped and unsatisfying.
The game’s campaign mode is still underwhelming as well, mostly just serving as a tutorial for competitive play. The narrative portrays a band of refugees who resort to violence and colonization upon encountering other inhabitants, lacking meaningful exploration of the underlying themes. The poor writing and performances further diminish the campaign’s potential impact, and it would have been nice if this part had been expanded post-launch. Unsurprisingly at this point, most of the issues with the PC version still linger.
On consoles, The Settlers: New Allies still presents a mixed experience. While it offers accessible gameplay, impressive visuals, and the convenience of cross-play functionality, the game falls short in terms of innovation, narrative depth, and strategic options. But now that the console ports are done, we’re hoping the developers focus on future updates and improvements, so the game may evolve into a more compelling experience.
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