Reaching out to new audiences on additional platforms, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, PlateUp! and Cat and Ghostly Road have all recently been ported over – here are our reviews on all three.
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters review (PS5)
We reviewed Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters when it landed on PC and now it’s ready to thrust players into the relentless conflict between the Grey Knights and the corrupting forces of Chaos on consoles as well. Developed by Complex Games and published by Frontier Foundry, this turn-based tactical RPG offers an engaging narrative written by Black Library author Aaron Dembski-Bowden. In the campaign, players assume command of the Grey Knights as they embark on a dangerous journey to combat the spread of Nurgle’s Bloom, a cosmic plague that is threatening the galaxy.
Visually, the game delivers a mix of immersive environments and some cool looking execution animations – though the later can feel a little dated by today’s standards. Dynamic destructible elements in the environment add depth to tactical engagements, taking away much-needed cover and changing the flow of battle. Ship management tasks players with repairing the vessel, conducting research, and prioritizing missions, while tactical battles allow players to command their squad of Grey Knights and utilize diverse skills and weaponry to overcome the Chaos-infested foes you encounter.
Despite its strengths, which we also emphasized in our earlier review, Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is not without its flaws. The fixed battle camera and lack of stealth mechanics limit your strategic options, while a reliance on RNG elements can lead to frustrating moments and unpredictable (or even unfair-seeming) outcomes. Nevertheless, the game offers a compelling experience for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and turn-based strategy enthusiasts alike – and it’s a rare type of treat for console owners.
With its customization options, challenging battles, and atmospheric presentation, Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is a great addition to the popular Warhammer franchise. Whether players are navigating the decisions involved in your ship management or engaging in combat against the forces of Chaos on the battlefield, the game offers depth and replayability. As players help shape the fate of the galaxy, they’ll find themselves immersed in the darkness of the far 40K vision for the future, where every choice carries weight and every battle is a test of resolve.
PlateUp! review (PS5)
PlateUp!, published by Yogscast Games and developed by It’s happening, serves up a mix of restaurant management and roguelite progression. Available on PlayStation 5 after its earlier PC release, this cooperative cooking adventure pits up to four players against the challenges of running a restaurant for 15 hectic days without disgruntling a single customer. And while it’s easy to think “Overcooked” when you read that, PlateUp! manages to find an identity of its own.
In PlateUp!, players must figure out customer orders, prepare the associated dishes, and manage the flow of the restaurant to ensure timely service. Each day brings new challenges, with upgrades and items randomly generated to aid or hinder your progress. And while that sounds a lot like a certain other game, the game’s roguelite elements inject freshness into the genre, offering a dynamic and replayable experience as players strive for culinary perfection.
Visually, “PlateUp!” adopts a simple yet functional aesthetic, prioritizing gameplay clarity over flashy or overly detailed graphics. While the limited variety of recipes and the potential over-reliance on certain menu items may detract from long-term engagement, the game’s wide breadth of randomized upgrades and items compensates, offering players ample opportunities for experimentation – especially in multiplayer gameplay.
Despite its charm, PlateUp! isn’t without its quirks. Some recipes can be challenging to interpret from visual cues, leading to frantic kitchen dashes to rectify mistakes you wish you hadn’t made in the first place. Additionally, solo play lacks the collaborative spirit that truly shines when playing with friends. However, with solid controls and well-executed audio cues, the game maintains an approachable and engaging atmosphere.
Overall, PlateUp! offers a nice blend of co-op and quick decision-making, making it a great choice for fans of collaborative gaming experiences. With its addictive gameplay loop and challenging mechanics, it serves up a fresh dish of entertainment for players willing to brave the culinary storm.
Cat And Ghostly Road review (PS5)
Cat and Ghostly Road by Sometimes You and BOV offers players a unique point-and-click adventure featuring a white cat protagonist on a quest across surreal dimensions. Developed by a small team and now ported to consoles, this game presents a narrative set in a far eastern country, where players must rescue the soul of their human companion from a malevolent demon. As players navigate through both mundane and mystical landscapes, they encounter spirits, demons, and otherworldly creatures, gradually unraveling the mysteries before you.
The gameplay mechanics follow a traditional point-and-click format, allowing players to interact with objects, solve puzzles, and progress through the story. The game also introduces additional abilities such as special vision modes and the ability to transform into a human form, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
Visually, Cat and Ghostly Road has stunning artwork and surreal environments, evoking the atmosphere of a living storybook. The soft colors and intricate details contribute to the game’s ethereal ambiance, while the soothing soundtrack enhances immersion.
However, occasional errors in translations and a few obtuse puzzles may detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, Cat and Ghostly Road remains a brief yet engaging adventure for fans of the point-and-click genre, with a memorable journey through realms of mystery and magic.
Press Play Media 