During this season of huge AAA releases you’d almost forget that there are plenty of indie releases coming out as well. We’re checking out three of them today, as we review RedRaptor, TrinityS and Betomis.
RedRaptor review (PS4)
RedRaptor, developed by Novax Games and published by Eastasiasoft, delivers a nostalgic vertical shoot’em up experience. As an ace pilot on a mission to intercept a mysterious cosmic threat, players must upgrade their ship and master their skills to survive. But while the inclusion of an upgrade system between runs may deviate from traditional skill-based gameplay, RedRaptor doesn’t light the genre on fire either.
The game does well in terms of enemy placements and challenging boss battles, providing a demanding yet rewarding campaign. The four-way movement controls may feel somewhat restrictive in today’s gaming landscape, but players can adapt with time to what feels like a very ‘retro’ control scheme. RedRaptor’s upgrade system that we mentioned earlier stands out as a more modern touch, offering meaningful enhancements to your ship’s capabilities, creating a gratifying sense of growth and empowerment.
Visually, RedRaptor strikes a balance between vibrant detail and a deliberate nod to the classic CRT screen experience seen in arcades and early home computer systems. Enemy designs evoke nostalgia as well, and the soundtrack complements the gameplay effectively. While the main campaign is relatively short, the addition of an Arcade mode extends the game’s longevity as you push for better scores. In summary, RedRaptor offers an enjoyable, albeit somewhat brief, shoot ’em up experience that successfully blends classic arcade gameplay with modern elements. The upgrade system adds depth, making it a worthwhile addition for fans of the genre.
TrinityS review (PS5)
TrinityS offers a distinctive take on MMO boss battles, centered around three distinct characters: Grey, a strong Knight character; Emile, a Wizard; and Bell, a Priest. Familiar stereotypes within the genre of course, but this character variety encourages players to explore different playstyles in combat. The game’s standout feature is its hyper-focus on well-crafted boss encounters, sidestepping the need for tiresome level grinding found in normal RPG experiences. Battles are intense, demanding precise timing and skillful maneuvers to succeed. As you’d expect if you’ve played an MMO-style RPG before, navigating tight arena spaces requires strategic positioning to dodge devastating enemy attacks, so having some experience in the genre helps.
However, solo play can still be a challenging endeavor, even with plenty of experience. While feasible, it significantly raises the difficulty, as coordinating with AI companions becomes crucial and it’s much easier to communicate with friends. Reviving fallen teammates and strategically deploying special attacks becomes a high-stakes balancing act in solo play as a result, and this level of challenge may prove frustrating for some.
It’s worth noting that the difficulty curve isn’t always smooth either. Some stages introduce unexpected hurdles, like navigating barriers, which can disrupt the game’s flow. Additionally, the limited movement controls (that are restricted to four-way movement) might feel somewhat outdated in an era of more fluid analog stick movement, which doesn’t help when the difficulty ramps up.
In essence, TrinityS successfully distills the essence of MMO endgame content, prioritizing intense boss battles over lengthy questing and grinding. The game shines in its diverse character options and demands strategic thinking, and while solo play is an option it significantly amplifies the game’s difficulty. With its focus on cooperative action and challenging encounters, TrinityS is best enjoyed with a skilled team of adventurers.
Betomis review (PS4)
Betomis, a retro 2D action platformer published by Eastasiasoft, immerses players in pixelated dungeons rife with environmental puzzles. As a small pixelated knight, you’ll navigate through 30 progressively challenging levels, contending with classic hazards like spikes, buzzsaws, and adversaries – yes, this is a fairly formulaic 2D platformer. Armed with a trusty axe and shield, you’ll dispatch foes and collect keys before advancing to the next chamber. The simplicity of the controls, focused on jumping and attacking, complements the game’s straightforward platforming experience.
Instant restarts mitigate any frustration, ensuring Betomis remains engaging despite its difficulty. Each level offers a bite-sized challenge, with things getting progressively harder over time, demanding swift maneuvering and quick thinking. The platforming mechanics are complemented by responsive controls, placing the onus of success squarely on the player. However, the game lacks significant depth, with minimal unlockables or extra features beyond completing stages and little reason to replay the game once completed.
The presentation exudes a nostalgic charm through pixelated sprites, though the soundtrack is fairly generic. So while Betomis provides a serviceable hour of entertainment, its unassuming nature leaves it feeling somewhat unremarkable. It excels in delivering a straightforward platforming experience, offering some quick trophies for completionists seeking an extra incentive. However, it may not leave a lasting impression due to its lack of standout features or unique gameplay elements. For players seeking a no-frills, classic platformer at a cheap price point, Betomis fits the bill.
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