Rise of the Triad, Sunshine Manor and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide all made the leap to additional platforms recently – time for a closer look.
Rise Of The Triad: Ludicrous Edition review (PS5)
Nightdive Studios and New Blood Interactive breathe new life into Apogee Software’s cult classic FPS with Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition. This remastered PC classic pays homage to the 1995 adventure from the shareware days, but now boasts 4K support, super fast frame rates, and an array of additional content. But while it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, some aspects reveal the weight of its age. We’re checking out the PS5 version, which just came out after the earlier PC release.
The game follows the HUNT task force’s battle against a sinister cult, with tons of content spanning over 100 levels across multiple campaigns. While the narrative is straightforward, it propels players through challenging encounters, culminating in confrontations with formidable cultists and bosses.
True to its 90s roots, Rise of the Triad embraces classic FPS gameplay akin to (the original) Doom. The focus on labyrinthine levels, keys, secrets, and power-ups elicits a delightful sense of nostalgia – though the visual style is of course quite dated by today’s 3D standards. The game’s hallmark is its unapologetic embrace of high-octane action and gore, featuring exploding eyeballs and over-the-top violence.
More than just a mere remaster, the Ludicrous Edition of Rise of the Triad breathes new life into the classic. With a new episode to play and previously cut content that’s been restored, it feels like an ultimate edition of sorts for fans of the original. This, coupled with seamless compatibility on modern systems, cements it as the definitive way to experience Rise of the Triad. For fans of the original and newcomers who like retro shooters, this edition is a great addition to their gaming library.
Sunshine Manor review (PS5)
Sunshine Manor, which originally launched on PC, invites players into a chilling 8-bit world, unraveling the enigmatic backstory of Mr. Aitken, a former children’s TV show host. Developed by Fossil Games, this prequel to Camp Sunshine seamlessly weaves together elements of fame, fortune, and the supernatural. While not inherently terrifying through its visuals or gameplay style, the narrative keeps players on edge, heightening the suspense as you progress through the story.
Embarking on protagonist Ada’s journey, players traverse between the mortal and demon realms, solving puzzles and facing challenges. Ada’s ability to rescue trapped spirits by wielding her newfound powers introduces an engaging mix of puzzle-solving and action. And although the puzzles aren’t overly demanding, the narrative is propelled forward by a set of tools that aid Ada in her quest, moving the storyline forward. These tools, combined with the introduction of magic and protective spells, enhance the survival element, particularly when facing relentless demons. The 8-bit graphics evoke a sense of innocence when compared to the vivid details of games like Resident Evil Village, but it’s still tainted by dark undertones, with skulls and bloodstains adorning the manor’s rooms. The chiptune soundtrack complements the 8-bit aesthetic, evoking a classic NES-like atmosphere.
While Sunshine Manor delivers a captivating and occasionally eerie experience, its brevity is a notable drawback. Completion can be achieved in just over three hours, leaving players yearning for a deeper immersion into the haunting world as there’s not a lot of reason to go back. Despite this, Sunshine Manor successfully marries retro aesthetics with a chilling narrative, offering a delightful yet all-too-brief foray into horror. Its gameplay mechanics deliver an engaging experience and the juxtaposition of innocence and horror in its visuals, coupled with a haunting soundtrack, elevates the overall atmosphere. In the world of indie horror games, this makes Sunshine Manor a commendable addition to the genre!
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide review (Xbox)
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, known for its PC launch about a year ago, now makes its way to Xbox Series consoles, offering an intriguing console experience. The game boasts meticulously detailed environments, embracing a visual intricacy that immerses players in its dark world. From industrial factories to rain-scarred zones, the Tertium Hive setting is convincingly portrayed, reflecting the unforgiving nature of the Warhammer 40K universe.
Combat in Darktide is intense and satisfying, featuring hordes of enemies dispatched through a mix of ranged and melee assaults. The game’s gory dismemberment effects add to the visceral impact. The combination of dramatic lighting, vivid smoke, and frenetic combat creates a visually striking experience, which has been translated well to the console version.
While Darktide successfully replicates the PC version’s visuals on Xbox, ray tracing is noticeably absent. This departure limits the full potential of the lighting system a little when you compare it to a high end PC, where the feature is present. Series X and S modes cater to different preferences, with Series X offering both a quality mode that targets 30fps and a performance mode that aims for 60fps. However, at launch, occasional frame-rate hitches persist when playing in this mode.
Overall, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide delivers a visually impressive co-op experience, showcasing the grim aesthetic of the Warhammer universe. Its combat-driven gameplay, coupled with detailed environments, makes it a standout title. And despite some minor quirks, Darktide offers a compelling gameplay experience for fans of Fatsharks previous work and co-op shooters alike – great to see this one expanding to consoles and we’re hoping for a PlayStaiton version next – with full cross-platform play support of course!
Press Play Media 