With Stray, Quake II and Somerville, we are reviewing three titles that recently made their way towards new platforms.
Stray review (Xbox Series X)
Stray, the captivating cat-centric adventure from BlueTwelve Studio and Annapurna Interactive, has now found its way onto the Xbox platform, bringing its alluring blend of mystery and feline charm to a new audience. Originally launched on PlayStation and PC (our original review is here), Stray now also shines on Xbox, inviting players to navigate a decaying cybercity as a stray cat.
At its core, Stray’s premise is captivating. Set within a city once inhabited by humans but now populated by droids and peculiar rat-like creatures, the game’s story unfolds through the eyes of the cat protagonist and its robot companion, B-12. Together, they set out on a journey to escape the city and unveil its forgotten secrets.
The narrative structure, with its mix of linear progression and light exploration, keeps players engaged. Annapurna Interactive’s strength in delivering narrative-driven experiences shines here, as the interactions with robots and the narrative’s melancholic undertones breathe life into the city’s desolate surroundings.
Controlling the cat is a joyful experience, capturing the essence of feline behavior through its lovely animations and movement mechanics. The cat’s dynamic partnership with B-12 adds depth to gameplay, and while the controls might not be the most immersive, they ensure a fluid adventure that flows seamlessly through the roughly five-hour experience.
Visually, Stray impresses with its neon-dystopian cityscapes and detailed environments. The music and audio design complement the game’s tone, enhancing its overall atmosphere. In conclusion, Stray’s migration to the Xbox platform maintains its emotional resonance and unique perspective. With its poignant narrative, cat-like mechanics, and immersive visuals, the game remains a captivating journey worth undertaking. If you’re not convinced yet, check out our original review for why we like it so much.
Quake II review (PlayStation 5)
Quake II, the iconic sci-fi FPS from id Software, had returned in a stunning remastered edition courtesy of Bethesda. Available on various platforms, including PlayStation 5, this updated release boasts a wealth of new features and improvements, bringing an intense and nostalgic experience to both returning fans and newcomers.
Quake II’s narrative thrust propels players into a future where Earth is under threat from the Strogg, an alien race of hybrid organisms and machines. Despite a lack of modern cinematic cutscenes, the storyline retains its allure, offering players a chance to dive into the epic war against the Strogg, now enhanced by updated visuals and dynamic lighting. The added Call of the Machine episode, crafted by MachineGames, provides a fresh perspective and an exciting new campaign that blends seamlessly with the original content.
Quake II’s gameplay remains a great example of fast-paced, high-octane action. With improved AI, enemies are smarter and more dynamic than ever, utilizing advanced tactics and abilities to engage players in thrilling battles. The intensity of combat has been heightened, requiring players to adapt quickly and use their arsenal effectively. Hit detection still has its flaws, but the overall gunplay and strategic combat make for a great retro FPS experience. The inclusion of AI bot opponents in both offline and online modes further enriches the gameplay, ensuring a challenge for players of all skill levels.
Visually, Quake II’s remaster has received polish through updated models, environments, and effects that breathe new life into a familiar world. Dynamic shadows, improved lighting, and glow maps enhance the game’s atmosphere, providing a fresh take on the classic landscapes while retaining their original essence – note that this is far from a full remake, but it’s the best that the game has ever looked. The sound design, accompanied by a rocking soundtrack, delivers an intense auditory experience that perfectly complements the fast-paced action.
In a landscape crowded with modern shooters, the new Quake II release stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic FPS genre and the quality of what the original development team created. With its action-packed gameplay, improved AI and a wealth of content, including the new Call of the Machine episode, the new version pays homage to the original while embracing modern advancements. While small issues may surface, they are overshadowed by the sheer intensity and value offered by this classic. As such, Quake II is a must-play for those seeking a blend of nostalgia and contemporary FPS excitement.
Somerville review (PS5)
Jumpship’s debut title Somerville arrives on PlayStation 5, following its launch on Xbox and PC. The game’s narrative revolves around the aftermath of an alien invasion and its impact on a separated family. Reminiscent of titles like Limbo and Inside, Somerville immerses players in a mysterious sci-fi ambiance, emphasizing emotional storytelling over explicit exposition.
In this journey, players take on the role of a father navigating a world torn apart by the invasion, searching for his missing family. The game’s desolate landscapes and abandoned settings convey a haunting atmosphere, conveying the scale of the catastrophe without the need for direct narrative. Visuals and audio work in harmony to evoke emotions and tell a tale through environmental storytelling and subtle cues.
The gameplay mechanics focus on puzzle-solving and exploration, driven by the protagonist’s unique ability to manipulate alien matter. While the puzzles are generally engaging, the game occasionally falls into repetitive patterns, with certain mechanics being used too regularly. The absence of direct combat shifts the emphasis to puzzle-solving and atmospheric experiences, and Somerville excels in its ability to evoke emotions and tell a story without relying on conventional dialogue.
Despite a relatively short duration, the game’s artistic achievements, intimate narrative, and intriguing alien invasion theme make it a captivating addition to the atmospheric adventure genre. Somerville for PlayStation 5 offers a captivating, emotionally charged experience through its immersive visuals, distinct mechanics, and emotionally resonant storytelling, despite slight shortcoming that we also mentioned in our original review.
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