With inRun, Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance and Astro Flame: Starfighter, we’re checking out three recently released smaller titles that we think are worth a look.
inRun review (Quest 2)
We’ve gotten to know Ivanovich Games for their classic arcade-inspired VR titles, and now they’re bringing back the thrill of arcade racing with InRun, a dynamic VR experience that challenges traditional racing concepts while loosely being inspired by SEGA’s classic OutRun. Beyond speed, players have to dodge traffic and earn “style balloons” through skillful driving. Each game introduces new missions, adapting to player levels and providing fresh challenges. Exploring hidden balloons and collecting coins enhances the experience, with achievements translating into unlockable cars and customization options.
Besides the name and the fact that you’re driving around with a red convertible, inRun is quite different from the arcade game that inspired it, and in its campaign it sets players on a quest to outshine a racing legend’s record and earn their respect. The game’s advanced anti-rotation system combats motion sickness, allowing for extended VR sessions, and this unique blend of arcade nostalgia and innovative technology creates a distinct racing adventure.
Capturing the essence of arcade aesthetics, InRun’s graphics marry nostalgia with modern technology. The dynamic visuals coupled with a captivating soundtrack immerse players in the racing experience, enhancing the overall appeal – though we couldn’t keep ourselves from humming the iconic OutRun soundtrack as well.
InRun is a fun new take on VR racing with small nods for those nostalgic for the arcade classics. Minor lags during races, however, disrupt the otherwise smooth gameplay, and explain why this one’s in the Quest AppLab rather than the regular store. With its blend of innovation and nostalgia, inviting players to conquer tracks and create their legacy, we hope this racing adventure makes it there sooner rather than later though.
Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance review (PS4)
Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance, developed by Creepy Brothers and published by Sometimes You on consoles, offers players a chilling and immersive adventure through a macabre underworld. Drawing inspiration from classic dark (fairy)tales, the game follows Ingrid, a spoiled little girl who finds herself in the depths of hell as a consequence of her behavior. As players guide Ingrid through this eerie landscape, they are tasked with making moral decisions that not only impact the course of the story but also influence the puzzles encountered along the way.
The game’s distinctive art style combines a palette of earthy colors and illustration-like sprites, effectively crafting an atmosphere that is both captivating and unsettling and looks a bit like a dark illustrated novel. The voice acting adds an extra layer of depth to the characters, aiding in their development as the narrative progresses. Puzzles are at the core of the gameplay experience though, encouraging players to engage in creative problem-solving. However, it’s worth noting that some puzzles lack clear hints, leading to moments of possible frustration and confusion. We hadn’t played the first two Creepy Tale games though, so perhaps experience with those would help there.
One of the standout features of Creepy Tale 3 is its ability to impart meaningful life lessons about the repercussions of choices and actions. This aspect not only makes the narrative engaging but also encourages players to consider the consequences of their decisions and ponder the events and choices even after the game wraps up.
While the visual style occasionally leans a bit too heavily on its dark inspirations, and certain puzzles might benefit from more clarity, Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance remains a captivating adventure. With its dark fairy tale theme, challenging puzzles, and thought-provoking moral dilemmas, the game offers an experience that appeals to fans of atmospheric storytelling and intricate puzzle-adventure gameplay alike.
Astro Flame: Starfighter review (PS5)
With Astro Flame: Starfighter, Sometimes You presents another familiar yet entertaining shoot ’em up experience. The game embraces classic 2D gameplay in a 3D setting, accompanied by modern upgrades and relentless enemy waves as you embark on a galactic battle against evil forces threatening the peace – the usual sci-fi fodder.
With 15 levels of increasing difficulty, players must navigate their spaceship through hordes of enemies, culminating in a few big boss battles. The upgrade system adds depth, allowing resource collection to enhance weaponry and ship abilities. This feature adds a small amount of replayability, encouraging players to return for more armament and improved performance.
The game’s controls are straightforward, employing the left analog stick or D-Pad for movement and R1/R2 buttons for primary shooting. Additional weapons and skills are mapped to various buttons, enabling flexibility in combat strategies. Resource collection fuels ship upgrades, empowering players to tailor their ship’s abilities to their preferred playstyle.
While the visuals are nice, Astro Flame: Starfighter has some repetition in assets and the occasional framerate hiccups. The punchy sound effects contribute to the excitement of the battles, with explosion sounds and impactful shots that enhance the immersion, creating an engaging experience with a mix of classic shoot ’em up action and some modern touches.
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