As we head into the tail end of this week, we check out another trio of games that were recently ported over to consoles – here are reviews of Mineko’s Night Market, Ninja or Die: Shadow of the Sun and SETTRIS.
Mineko’s Night Market review (PS5)
Mineko’s Night Market, a creation of Meowza Games that’s being published by Humble Games, beckons players to a Japanese-inspired island nestled at the base of Mount Fugu. Here, they step into the shoes of Mineko, a character navigating a heartwarming narrative that weaves together folkloric lore and contemporary issues, all centered around the enigmatic Sun Cat, Nikko. With its engaging characters and humorous interactions, this is a game that manages to quickly engage players, and we dove into the game on a PS5.
Looking closer at the gameplay mechanics, Mineko’s Night Market unfolds as a cozy social simulation experience, seamlessly blending routine activities such as crafting and material collection with more unique elements, notably the ones that focus on arts and crafts. But although the crafting stations and the game’s dedication to showcasing Japanese culture are charming and one of the biggest appeals here, the task instructions that are given can be rather confusing at times, breaking the immersion and cozy feel of the game. The titular weekly Night Market, a grand event featuring bartering and entertaining mini-games, quickly emerges as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game’s overall charm and allure.
In the visual realm, Mineko’s Night Market distinguishes itself with its vibrant cartoon aesthetics and a distinctive art style that passionately echoes a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. The ever-changing seasons and diverse locales further enrich the visual experience, creating a dynamic and captivating backdrop. But despite these visual strengths and the charm that the game exudes, they can’t take away a few quality-of-life issues in the game, such as the limited options for selecting items during the selling or crafting phases in a convenient way. Nevertheless, Mineko’s Night Market perseveres as an interesting life simulation, offering an escape into a world brimming with feline charm, underscored by lovely visuals and an endearing narrative suitable for players of all ages.
Ninja or Die: Shadow of the Sun review (Switch)
Ninja or Die: Shadow of the Sun, developed by Nao Games and published by Marvelous Europe, redefines the ninja genre with its unique one-button control scheme. Set in post-cataclysm Edo, Japan, the game transforms a common pickpocket into a nimble ninja navigating a neon world filled with shogun castles, magic traps, and airborne assassins. The protagonist’s journey unfolds as they confront chaos, facing enemies and unlocking the mysteries of the cataclysm. This was one of our pleasant surprises during Gamescom in 2022 and the final game doesn’t disappoint either.
The game’s one-button controls turn out to be surprisingly engaging, offering plenty of challenge and depth. Jumping, bouncing off walls, and strategically crashing into foes become dynamic elements of the gameplay as you time every jump correctly. The missions range from reaching the exit to defeating demon ninjas, and the level map aids navigation. Intuitive controls, with the left thumbstick guiding jumps and a single button for actions, create a fluid and accessible experience. Additional features like charged jumps and diverse playable warriors contribute to the game’s depth and replayability – but the game never strays from its one-button formula.
Visually, Ninja or Die impresses with its beautiful 2D pixel art, portraying diverse environments from forests to snowy landscapes. The music is fitting and complements the action seamlessly, never getting in the way of the intense “one more try” gameplay. And while the game faces occasional frustrations with imprecise interactions and overwhelming visuals, the core one-button gameplay, coupled with diverse characters to choose from and captivating pixel art, makes Ninja or Die: Shadow of the Sun a stylish and unique indie gem.
SETTRIS review (PS5)
SETTRIS, the latest puzzle game from Zoo Corporation that is published by Eastasiasoft on consoles, delivers an interesting take on the classic Tetris formula with an underwater setting. With 80 levels in Stage Mode, players arrange various shapes to fill the puzzle board, emphasizing spatial awareness and strategic block placement – a bit of a cross between tangram and tetris. The absence of a time limit in this mode allows for a relaxed and accessible experience, making it enjoyable for those who gel well with the mechanics of games like this.
The visual presentation of SETTRIS is a tad minimalist but features charming pixel art that paints an underwater world with a distinctive aesthetic. While maintaining a consistent visual theme, the game lacks background variety, leaving room for improvement. The upbeat arcade vibe of the soundtrack is uplifting, but can clash a little if you’re playing this one mainly to relax.
SETTRIS offers two modes, with Time Attack introducing a competitive element as players aim to solve puzzles within a time limit. While this mode adds replayability, the game’s relative simplicity and occasional lack of challenge are a bit at odds with such a mode. Those seeking a casual, laid-back puzzle experience will be right at home, here but others may want more depth and innovation from the puzzle games. SETTRIS finds its strength in accessibility but may struggle to sustain interest among players seeking a more intricate and enduring puzzle adventure – one that’s fun to play through for an hour or two, but will likely not leave a lasting impression.
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