In our latest indie game roundup, we’re checking out the recent console releases for Orion Haste, Re:Touring and 7Days Heroes.
Orion Haste review (PS5)
Orion Haste by Ratalaika Games delivers classic run-and-gun action on the PlayStation 5, immersing players in a fast-paced adventure across seven levels of alien-infested chaos. Both visually and in terms of gameplay, it feels inspired by the likes of Midnight Resistance – an arcade classic that was ported over to many systems over thirty years ago. As a lone soldier from the Beta-Orionis Military Base, players must defend an oxygen facility from an aggressive alien race known as the Ximpeti. You should certainly not expect a deep narrative here though, with the main focus being on your mission – ‘told’ through engaging level design and a few good boss battles.
The game’s diverse level design offers a variety of challenges, from standard action-platforming stages to intense boss encounters against mechanical, biological, and hybrid foes. However, what you’ll encounter is also largely formulaic in terms of gameplay design, and a few weapons feel a tad overpowered – so you’re not inclined to switch between them often. And despite attractive pixel art and a decent soundtrack, Orion Haste suffers from being quite short duration, not having any extra modes and an absence of multiplayer options – making replayability an issue.
Overall, Orion Haste provides a modest yet enjoyable run-and-gun experience for players seeking retro-inspired action. While it may not reach the heights of genre classics, its engaging boss battles and diverse level design make it a worthwhile addition to any run-and-gun enthusiast’s library, albeit with some room for improvement. Luckily, it’s being sold at a very budget-friendly price and it’s fun while it lasts.
Re:Touring review (PS5)
Re:Touring, released on consoles by Sometimes You after having been developed by Malte Weiß, brings a refreshing take on first-person puzzle gaming to the PlayStation 5, inviting players into the abandoned Luoni Energy Competence Center across 26 diverse levels. Set in an intriguing environment, the game revolves around programming a retro-style computer to manipulate elements like doors, platforms, and lasers, offering a surprisingly unique gameplay experience.
The game’s mechanics, centered around color patterns that are being generated by the retro computer, provide engaging challenges that gradually increase in complexity. While the initial puzzles are quite accessible, later levels demand more intricate solutions, offering a satisfying progression in difficulty without overwhelming players. Additionally, the game’s accessibility features include a hint system, ensuring that even casual puzzle fans can enjoy the experience.
Re:Touring impresses with its thoughtful level design and puzzle mechanics, which rely solely on cognitive ability rather than mechanical skill. The game introduces new elements seamlessly, allowing players to experiment and understand mechanics intuitively. However, some late-game puzzles may pose significant challenges, requiring perseverance to overcome without glancing at a solution or hint.
Visually, the game maintains a pleasing aesthetic without aiming for groundbreaking graphics. You could even say that its polished presentation looks a tad generic (with echoes of QUBE and Portal), but it also ensures a smooth and immersive gameplay experience. Overall, Re:Touring offers a well-crafted and enjoyable puzzle-solving experience that will appeal to fans of the genre, despite its relatively short duration.
7Days Heroes review (PS5)
7Days Heroes by Dolores Entertainment offers a retro-inspired 2D platforming adventure where players control up to four characters, each of which has distinct abilities, to combat an AI-induced zombie outbreak (now there’s something you don’t hear AI critics talk about too often….). Across 32 levels spanning seven zones, players navigate diverse environments while facing a variety of enemies, including zombies, machines, and creatures that have their roots in mythology.
With its smooth controls and engaging level design, 7Days Heroes combines elements of run-and-gun action, platforming challenges, and strategic coordination among its characters. Players must strategically switch between their active and passive characters to overcome the obstacles and adversaries in their way, adding depth and diversity to the gameplay and requiring careful planning to progress.
The game’s pixel art style maintains a simple but charming aesthetic, complemented by background synth music and immersive sound effects. And while some boss encounters may feel repetitive and drag on too long, the game offers a diverse range of level designs and enemy encounters to keep gameplay fresh and enjoyable.
Overall, 7Days Heroes delivers a compelling platforming experience with a bit of strategic depth. Despite the initial learning curve of managing four characters simultaneously, the game offers a rewarding gameplay experience for fans of retro-style platformers and 2D action games due to its neat gameplay twist.
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