Release roundup: Knowledge Keeper, Escape Simulator VR & Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded

We’re taking a look at Knowledge Keeper, Escape Simulator and Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded today – all of which were recently released or received a major update.

Knowledge Keeper review (PS5)

Knowledge Keeper, a new indie puzzle game developed by Usanik that’s being published by Sometimes You on consoles, invites players into a pixelated fantasy world where the fate of the realm rests on their shoulders. Despite it being a puzzle game, there’s a story too. The narrative unfolds in a realm once safeguarded by two sacred crystals until a traitor’s ambition shattered them, inviting malevolent forces into the world. As a descendant of the ancient ‘keepers of knowledge’, players then set out on a quest to collect the crystal shards scattered across the land, battling obstacles and uncovering secrets along the way.

Visually, Knowledge Keeper adopts a retro aesthetic, with minimalist pixel art that evokes nostalgia while setting the stage for immersive puzzle-solving. The game’s soundtrack complements the atmosphere, enhancing the player’s engagement with its relaxing melodies. Despite its simple presentation, the lack of an extensive tutorial can be daunting, leaving players to decipher mechanics through trial and error, which may deter some from fully enjoying the experience – though puzzle game adepts shouldn’t have much trouble.

Gameplay-wise, Knowledge Keeper offers a mix of casual exploration and challenging puzzles. Players must navigate each level, changing their character’s color to match crystal shards and manipulate objects to progress. While the mechanics are intuitive, sometimes the controls feel overly finicky, particularly when interacting with objects. Nevertheless, the game’s depth reveals itself as players experiment and learn from their mistakes, providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

In conclusion, Knowledge Keeper delivers a satisfying blend of retro charm and engaging puzzle gameplay. While its lack of instruction may initially frustrate, patient players will find themselves drawn into its intricacies, enjoying the challenge of unraveling each level’s secrets. With its fantasy premise and captivating puzzles, Knowledge Keeper offers a refreshing experience for puzzle enthusiasts seeking a journey through pixelated realms.

Escape Simulator is now playable in VR

Escape Simulator has just received a major update, introducing VR support to the game completely free of charge. Pine Studio has seamlessly integrated virtual reality into the gameplay experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the intricate puzzles and escape rooms like never before. Whether deciphering ancient hieroglyphs or navigating through haunted mansions, the VR mode offers an unparalleled level of engagement and adrenaline rush.

Despite some limitations such as point-and-click interactions and the default option of snap turning (which can be immersion-breaking for VR veterans but can be switched to smooth turning), the VR mode functions smoothly, adding an exciting dimension to an already captivating game for headset users. Players can still enjoy cross-platform play between VR and non-VR users, enhancing the game’s accessibility and community experience – with full support for all existing escape rooms and DLC addons.

And while the VR implementation may lack the finesse of more polished “made for VR” titles and could benefit from improvements in interaction and movement mechanics, the overall experience remains highly enjoyable and rewarding. With its charming visuals, challenging puzzles, and a variety of themed rooms to explore, Escape Simulator offers a wealth of content at an affordable price point. And despite some small VR issues, the game presents a compelling option for fans of escape rooms and puzzle-solving, especially those seeking to experience it in virtual reality for added immersion. We had played the existing (DLC) rooms before, but they felt like a brand new experience when viewed from a headset and make for an even greater local (or online) co-op experience this way.

Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded review (PS5)

Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded, released on consoles by Ratalaika, offers a very straightforward arcade-inspired experience, immersing players in intense, arena-based battles reminiscent of classic 2D (single screen) shooters. However, despite its addictive basic gameplay loop, the game falls short in terms of content depth and visual aesthetics. With only 10 arenas to explore and a lack of visual variety between them, players may find themselves craving more diverse challenges.

On the positive side, the game features simple controls that make it easy to pick up and play, allowing players to focus on the fast-paced action. The neon-inspired retro graphics and catchy music contribute to the game’s nostalgic appeal, enhancing the overall arcade experience. Additionally, the game offers relatively easy achievements, providing a sense of accomplishment for players seeking quick rewards.

Yet, the absence of leaderboards and a limited sense of progression may leave some players feeling unfulfilled, as there’s little incentive to strive for high scores or master each arena. Overall, while Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded delivers on its promise of classic arcade gameplay, its lack of content depth and visual variety may hinder its long-term appeal for players seeking more substantial experiences.