As the year draws to a close, we check out some of the lesser-known titles that came out recently – here are reviews for Watch Over Christmas, Zomborg and Fearmonium in our latest port roundup.
Watch Over Christmas review (PS4)
Watch Over Christmas, developed by Dionous Games and now ported to the PlayStation 4 after its initial PC launch, features a heartwarming holiday-themed narrative that immerses players in the magic of Christmas. As 12-year-old Cisco, players embark on a captivating point-and-click adventure to rescue Santa Claus from the clutches of the menacing Krampus. The storyline is enriched by the Christmas-spirit-imbued teddy bear, Kosmos, serving as both a companion and a guide throughout the journey.
The game’s core strength lies in its festive theme, but it also features well-designed puzzles, with a balance between logical solutions and engaging challenges. The puzzles, ranging from item-based conundrums to entertaining mini-games, contribute to an enjoyable eight to ten-hour playtime, in an adventure that is a mix of exploration, storytelling, and puzzle-solving – all blended together by embracing the spirit of the season.
Visually, Watch Over Christmas is charming enough, featuring over 60 hand-drawn backgrounds that depict diverse Christmas-themed settings. Animated characters add depth to the game world, enhancing the overall visual appeal, while the festive soundtrack enriches the charming atmosphere.
While the absence of a standalone hint system might challenge players seeking guidance, the intuitive controls and optional collectibles in the form of Christmas presents provide additional layers of enjoyment and this one shouldn’t pose too much of a problem anyway. Despite minor drawbacks, such as a luck-based final showdown, Watch Over Christmas stands out as a well-crafted and enjoyable holiday adventure. It combines storytelling, charming visuals, and puzzles, making it a fun choice for players of all ages looking for a fitting and heartwarming gaming experience this season.
Zomborg review (PS4)
Zomborg, a twin-stick shooter from GameDevLab that is being published by Ratalaika Games on consoles, throws players into a world grappling with a devastating virus outbreak – familiar territory, of course. Governed by United Nations quarantine zones, the game’s narrative unfolds as players, embodying skilled mercenaries in the game, venture into zombie-infested areas on a mission to recover crucial data to help them in their fight. The top-down perspective, characteristic of twin-stick shooters, provides a tense and engaging experience, enhanced by an isometric viewpoint and atmospheric sound design, though the presentation remains within the expected bounds of a budget title.
Set in the year 2000, Zomborg weaves a storyline around UN quarantine zones, offering a backdrop for missions focused on data retrieval and zombie annihilation. While the narrative isn’t the centerpiece, it provides just enough context for the action. Objectives are clearly displayed on a minimap, guiding players through expansive levels filled with the undead. And despite narrative limitations, the game manages to create a coherent experience within the overarching theme of a zombie apocalypse.
Gameplay in Zomborg adheres to the familiar twin-stick shooter formula, with intuitive controls and a variety of missions that require strategic movement. The introduction of cash rewards for completing missions adds depth, allowing players to purchase and upgrade weapons for future missions. Although not overly challenging (the trophies come quickly), the game features difficulty spikes that add complexity, enhancing the overall engagement a bit. Zomborg’s graphics boast a playful, cartoony-inspired look, while the audio effectively complements the gameplay with appropriate sounds of gunfire and explosions – though the audiovisual presentation won’t leave a lasting impression on anyone.
In summary, Zomborg offers a competent twin-stick shooting experience, providing satisfying zombie-killing action at an affordable price point. While it may not redefine the genre, the game’s enjoyable shooting mechanics, variety of weapons, and affordability make it an okay choice for twin-stick shooter enthusiasts. Despite facing some difficulty spikes and having easily attainable achievements, Zomborg is one of those games you can easily spend an evening with.
Fearmonium review (PS5)
Fearmonium, a new metroidvania developed by Redblack Spade that is also published by Ratalaika Games for consoles, immerses players in the tumultuous mind of Max. The narrative is a delicate interplay of various elements, unraveling Max’s struggles with a violent stepfather and traumatic high school memories. As the protagonist, you embody a clown, representing Max’s fear, with the goal of becoming his sole phobia. This unique premise sets the stage for a game that integrates storytelling with gameplay in an interesting way, delving into themes of depression, anxiety, and the human psyche.
The visual appeal of Fearmonium is noteworthy, featuring classic hand-drawn frame-by-frame animation that breathes life into Max’s inner thoughts. Each enemy encountered reflects Max’s real-world fears, creating a meaningful connection between gameplay and narrative. The diverse phobias introduce distinct levels, showcasing a retro cartoon vibe reminiscent of Cuphead, although not quite reaching the same level of visual refinement and quality – though you can’t expect that from a small production like this one. The game’s musical score, while generally good, occasionally feels out of place – the music during intense boss battles can be a little jarring in this sense.
In terms of gameplay, Fearmonium features dynamic battles, combo attacks, and unique abilities, fostering a diverse and engaging experience. The game offers skill progression as well, providing players with a range of abilities that cater to various playstyles. The expansive map, though occasionally feeling large, maintains a good flow, offering a balance between exploration and backtracking, with the inclusion of fast travel options to mitigate potential monotony while heading in a direction you’ve seen before.
Fearmonium, while exploring heavy themes, stands out as an original and captivating metroidvania. Despite minor hiccups, the game presents a unique journey into Max’s troubled mind. For players intrigued by psychological depth, hand-drawn aesthetics, and an unconventional gaming experience, Fearmonium offers a compelling and memorable adventure within the realms of mental struggles and fears.
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