Iron Danger, Skábma – Snowfall and Ashina – The Red Witch have all recently made the jump to (new) consoles. We’re checking them out today with reviews in our latest port roundup.
Iron Danger review (PS5)
Iron Danger, a ‘tactical combat puzzler’ developed by Action Squad Studios and published by Daedalic Entertainment, aims to bring a new twist to the RPG genre. Originally released on PC in 2020 and now available on PlayStation 5, this game leans heavily into the gameplay mechanic of time manipulation.
At its core, Iron Danger revolves around the concept of rewinding time, which allows players to rethink their moves and alter outcomes in battles and challenges. This innovative mechanic sounds a bit like cheating, but it seamlessly blends real-time action with strategic depth. As Kipuna, a resourceful village girl, you’ll navigate the game’s combat encounters, using your character’s heartbeats to orchestrate attacks, defenses, and environmental interactions. The combat’s heartbeat-based system adds a puzzle-like element, where each character’s actions are planned and executed in heartbeats, creating a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.
Iron Danger’s combat also tends to be rewarding when things click, thanks to its puzzle elements. You’ll need to strategize, adapt, and coordinate your characters’ abilities to overcome a variety of enemies and challenges. The depth of the combat mechanics ensures that battles remain engaging throughout, making the learning curve that’s there well worth the investment.
Visually, Iron Danger showcases an interesting and original steampunk fantasy world, infused with elements of Finnish folklore. The vibrant environments, detailed character designs, and imaginative settings immerse players in a richly crafted universe. And while the narrative may not be the game’s strongest suit, the innovative combat mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and challenging gameplay more than compensate, making Iron Danger a standout experience for those looking for something a little different that mixes various genres together.
In conclusion, Iron Danger delivers an innovative blend of time manipulation and tactical combat, which makes for a novel take on the RPG genre that it otherwise resembles. With its engaging gameplay, unique mechanics, and appealing design, Iron Danger invites players to master the art of time manipulation and dive into an immersive world.
Skábma – Snowfall review (PS5)
Skábma – Snowfall promises a captivating journey into the heart of Sámi culture through an adventure puzzle game from Red Stage Entertainment. It’s now available on PlayStation after its initial PC release and is set in a world teetering on the brink due to a spreading disorder. Players step into the shoes of Áilu, a young Sámi herder, determined to save his homeland. The game’s unique premise highlights the Sámi people’s traditions and brings them to life in a lovely and culturally sensitive way. You can read more about the game in a developer interview we did a while ago as well.
Gameplay in Skábma – Snowfall features an interesting twist, prioritizing environmental puzzles and platforming challenges over traditional combat. Guided by an ancient Noaidi drum and aided by four Familiar Spirits, Áilu’s journey unfolds through these mechanics. And while sporadic challenges with terrain and the in-game camera can occasionally lead to minor frustrations, it is mostly an experience that is very engaging to play through.
What sets Skábma – Snowfall apart more than anything is its world-building. The meticulously designed environments, ranging from lush forests to breathtaking landscapes, serve as a beautiful canvas for the unfolding narrative. And without the distraction of standard enemies and combat, the game invites players to explore its serene yet captivating universe and take it all in.
The heartwarming storytelling is bolstered by a cast of endearing characters, each contributing to the narrative’s emotional depth. From Áilu’s charming cousin Nana to the enigmatic Askovis, a hunter on a quest, the characters form an integral part of the experience. While small technical glitches and a few slightly awkward platforming sequences slightly mar the experience, Skábma – Snowfall remains a rewarding and memorable journey, demonstrating the power of indie games to share unique cultures and stories within the gaming landscape.
Ashina – The Red Witch review (PS4)
Ashina: The Red Witch, developed by Stranga Games and published on consoles by Ratalaika Games, is the latest indie part by the Spanish porting giant. Filled with fantasy tropes, this title whisks players away into a world where spirits, mysteries, and heartfelt moments collide.
The story centers around Ash, a young woman grappling with the passing of her mother and the responsibility of looking after her spirited sister, Tena. When a ghost named Tanto steals a precious pendant from Ash, she finds herself thrust into the spirit realm, where she must navigate a landscape teeming with captivating characters and elusive secrets. This emotional journey is reminiscent of and was probably inspired by Studio Ghibli’s work, blending themes of grief and wonder in a compelling narrative.
Ashina: The Red Witch has a retro RPG look and combines exploration and puzzle-solving. As Ash, you’ll unravel mysteries, interact with spirits, and solve quests to piece together the puzzle of the spirit realm. The gameplay strikes a balance between engaging mechanics and a focus on narrative depth, making for a journey that resonates with both casual players and those seeking a more immersive experience, while the game’s pixel art style brings a unique charm to the characters and surroundings.
The musical score perfectly complements the atmosphere, and although moments of silence can be slightly jarring, they don’t detract from the overall experience offered by the game’s visuals and music. Ashina: The Red Witch might have a relatively short playtime, but its impact is anything but fleeting. The blend of its heartfelt narrative, exploration-driven gameplay, and visually appealing aesthetics make for an unforgettable journey through a spirit-filled world. Whether you’re drawn to emotional storytelling or seeking a unique adventure, Ashina: The Red Witch has something to offer.
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