Looking for a new game to play on a small budget? Our latest indie roundup has a trio of games that was just released that might fit the bill – here are reviews of Dead End City, Time Rift and One More Dungeon 2.
Dead End City review (PS5)
Dead End City, developed by Pixel Licker and published by Eastasiasoft on consoles, delivers a traditional vertical shoot ’em up experience set in a post-apocalyptic world. As you navigate through the game’s five levels (true to its arcade inspirations, this isn’t a very long game), you’ll pilot a modified car, Mad Max-style, facing off against waves of enemies and a handful of powerful bosses.
The game’s straightforward controls and arcade aesthetic immediately evoke nostalgic vibes, reminiscent of classic late ’80s arcade titles. Despite its simplicity, Dead End City features a few unique mechanics as well, such as the fuel gauge that doubles as your health bar. Collecting fuel replenishes your health, while maximizing it empowers your primary weapon, rewarding players for strategic and careful play.
The gameplay is challenging but rewarding, requiring players to master the enemy’s attack patterns and formations as well as your own resource management. Each stage features its own environment with its own set of obstacles and enemies, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. However, for novices to the genre the difficulty curve can be steep, especially during boss encounters – so while this might be a short experience for some, others can get a lot more mileage out of it.
Visually, Dead End City features polished pixel art, reminiscent of classic arcade games but with more detail than might be the norm. Unlockable extras, including artwork and additional characters, add replay value as you’ll need multiple playthroughs to acquire them.
While Dead End City isn’t accessible to casual players due to its challenging nature, it caters to enthusiasts seeking a hardcore shoot ’em up experience. With its authentic arcade feel and solid gameplay mechanics, Dead End City offers a satisfying throwback to the golden age of arcade gaming.
Time Rift review (PS5)
Time Rift, developed by Lightshards and published by Abiding Bridge, offers a blend of fast-paced action and puzzle gameplay, casting players as a reformed hacker testing new security measures. Set within a maze-like virtual environment, players navigate nodes through obstacles and traps while evading a deadly wall closing in. It’s been out for a while, but is only now coming to PS5.
The gameplay mechanics are fluid and engaging, allowing players to manipulate time to overcome challenges. With the ability to slow, rewind, or stop time, players can carefully strategize their movements and solutions, adding a layer of complexity to the puzzles. However, the node’s locked direction can present a significant challenge in terms of controls, limiting shooting options and requiring precise navigation.
The narrative unfolds through voiced interactions with the employer, interspersed between stages, adding a bit of narrative depth to the experience. And while it’s initially generic stuff, the story gains intrigue and traction through discovered data logs, enhancing a kind of immersion you don’t typically get from games in this genre. Accompanied by a well-integrated soundtrack, Time Rift offers an immersive audiovisual experience that complements its gameplay.
Despite its innovative mechanics and engaging story, some may find the game’s total playtime relatively short. However, the pacing remains consistent, gradually introducing new elements and challenges throughout the levels. Overall, Time Rift delivers a satisfying and unique gaming experience that was well designed, challenging players while empowering them to master its intricacies.
One More Dungeon 2 (PS5)
One More Dungeon 2, developed by Stately Snail and published by Ratalaika, plunges players into a fantasy world where they awaken in the ruins of an ancient fortress, held captive by giant sentient snails. Tasked with descending into the depths of an ancient dungeon and defeating a menacing creature, players embark on a perilous journey filled with secrets, traps, and hostile creatures. The original even came out on the Vita, but this sticks with its relatively simple 3D approach despite obvious upgrades – let’s see how it plays.
The premise sets the stage for a first-person roguelike-shooter experience, where players navigate procedurally-generated levels teeming with enemies and challenges. Armed with a wide arsenal of magic staves, melee weapons, and forbidden artifacts, players must strategize their approach to survive the relentless onslaught of foes.
But while One More Dungeon 2 offers an engaging and challenging gameplay formula, some aspects hinder its enjoyment. The unforgiving difficulty level, coupled with limited permanent perks, may deter some players, as enemies can deliver one-hit kills, leading to frustrating encounters. Additionally, some awkward controls and hit detection issues detract from the overall experience, impeding fluidity and responsiveness during combat.
Despite these drawbacks, the game boasts striking visuals and a smooth framerate, backed by a fairly generic soundtrack. Overall, One More Dungeon 2 offers a nostalgic throwback to retro dungeon crawlers, modernized with fast-paced action and procedural dungeon design. While it may not appeal to all players due to its steep difficulty curve and control issues, fans of the genre may find enjoyment in its engaging gameplay loop and diverse array of weapons and artifacts – though we’re guessing that mainly will be drawn to this one because (despite its difficulty) it has a selection of trophies that’s not too challenging.
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