We’re checking out three games today. Both Alisa and A Little To The Left were already beloved on other platforms and Alisa returns in a Developer’s Cut on new systems, whereas Dungeonoid 2 Awakening is a brand new indie take on two classic genres. Here are our reviews.
Alisa Developer’s Cut review (PS5)
Alisa – Developer’s Cut is a throwback to the golden age of survival horror, transporting players back to the eerie atmospheres and challenging gameplay of the 1990s, where the first Resident Evil and Silent Hill games set the benchmark. Developed by Casper Croes and published by Top Hat Studios on consoles after the game originally launched on Steam, this title rekindles the spirit of the classics while injecting its own unique twist as well.
Set in a fictional world that’s a bit reminiscent of life about a century ago, players assume the role of Elite Royal Agent Alisa, who’s chasing after a notorious thief. However, her investigation takes a sinister turn when she finds herself trapped in a Victorian-style mansion inhabited by mechanized doll-like creatures. As Alisa navigates this strange and disturbing reality, she must confront the dangers lurking within in order to solve the mysteries in front of her.
Alisa: Developer’s Cut effectively blends classic survival horror elements with modern sensibilities, offering players the choice between traditional tank controls or more modern control schemes. The game’s challenging enemy encounters and resource management mechanics keep players on their toes, while its nostalgic PS1-era graphics and atmospheric sound design immerse them in a world dripping with tension and dread.
While the game excels in capturing the essence of retro horror, it’s not without its flaws. Some players may find the initial phases of the narrative lacking in tension, with the story taking a while to fully engage. Additionally, the game’s fixed camera angles and occasionally wonky controls can lead to moments of frustration, especially during combat and navigation. This is ‘retro’ in a sense so it’s forgivable, but they’re parts we could do without.
Overall, Alisa – Developer’s Cut is a love letter to fans of classic survival horror, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its campy story, challenging gameplay and inventory management, and retro aesthetics. Despite its minor shortcomings, it’s a must-play for anyone craving a taste of vintage horror in a modern gaming landscape.
A Little To The Left review (PS5)
A Little to the Left offers a nice casual escape into the world of tidying up, presented as a charming puzzle game developed by Max Inferno and published by Secret Mode. In this cozy adventure, players find themselves sorting, stacking, and organizing everyday household items while a mischievous cat adds his own twist to the mix. The game’s premise revolves around decluttering, somehow transforming otherwise mundane tasks into engaging puzzles that gradually increase in complexity. While early puzzles involve straightforward tasks like straightening a picture that’s slightly crooked, later challenges become more abstract, requiring strategic thinking and observational skills.
One of the game’s strengths lies in its satisfying and clever puzzle design, offering multiple solutions that cater to different playstyles. Players can choose to breeze through puzzles by going for a more obvious solution or take their time exploring various creative approaches. However, some puzzles don’t offer this kind of freedom and require very precise placement, which can be a little frustrating. The game’s built-in hint system provides assistance though, ensuring that players can progress without getting stuck for too long.
Visually, A Little to the Left adopts a charming style reminiscent of illustrations in children’s books, accompanied by a soothing instrumental soundtrack and atmospheric sound design. While the muted color palette may feel slightly subdued, it adds to the cozy aesthetic of the game, enhancing the overall experience. Controls are intuitive as well, though we imagine this is especially great with a touch interface.
In terms of content, the game offers over 100 unique puzzles spread across five chapters, providing hours of engaging gameplay. Additionally, the “Daily Tidy Delivery” mode offers a new puzzle every day, ensuring fresh challenges for players to enjoy. Overall, A Little to the Left successfully balances relaxation with engaging gameplay, offering a lovely experience for puzzle enthusiasts of all ages. With its charming presentation and satisfying mechanics, it provides a tranquil retreat into the joys of tidying up, making it a worthwhile addition to any gaming library.
Dungeonoid 2 Awakening review (PS5)
Dungeonoid 2 Awakening, a collaboration between Eastasiasoft and Pixel Bones Studio for multiple systems including the PlayStation 5, offers a nostalgic twist on classic dungeon crawling and Arkanoid-style block-breaking action. Players assume the role of one of four RPG classes, navigating through diverse environments while deflecting a magical orb to vanquish enemies and conquer evil. The game introduces innovative elements by blending traditional Breakout-style gameplay with RPG mechanics, providing a fresh yet familiar experience for players.
Despite its promising premise and blend of gameplay styles, Dungeonoid 2 Awakening falls short of its potential due to several drawbacks. The dynamic camera movement, while adding excitement, can also lead to frustrating moments where the action becomes obscured, resulting in unfair losses of life. In any good breakout/Arkanoid game, a sense of having control is crucial. Additionally, the gameplay lacks RPG-style depth beyond the core mechanics, with minimal incentive for replayability, ultimately limiting its long-term appeal.
However, the game’s retro pixel art style and arcade sound effects contribute to its nostalgic charm, enhancing the overall experience. And despite some issues, Dungeonoid 2 Awakening offers a decent budget-priced arcade adventure with its unique blend of genres, making it worth considering for fans of retro-inspired gaming experiences.
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