We regularly shine the spotlight on titles that get a second lease on life by being ported over to different systems. Today, we do that with Outer Terror, Loretta and SokoFrog.
Outer Terror review (PS5)
Outer Terror, ported to consoles by Ratalaika, unleashes a retro-infused horror fest in a roguelike package that’s both engaging and challenging. Presented as a series of comic books, with each volume having its own distinct horror theme, the game plunges players into a frantic battle against waves of monstrous foes. While the narrative is light beyond the general themes of the various volume, the variety in settings and characters adds charm and diversity to the experience.
The gameplay revolves around surviving hordes of enemies while exploring each map to complete objectives and uncover treasures. As players progress, they’ll level up, gaining access to a range of weapons and abilities to fend off increasingly powerful adversaries. The combat, while mostly automatic, offers a mix of arcade action and idle gameplay, with optional precision aiming for added control.
Outer Terror’s standout feature lies not in the combat but in its upgrade system, where players must choose between randomly generated cards to enhance their arsenal. This creates opportunities for unique builds and experimentation, adding depth to the otherwise straightforward gameplay loop. Additionally, the inclusion of co-op play enhances the experience, allowing friends to tackle the horde together.
Despite its strengths, Outer Terror isn’t without its flaws. The game suffers from bugs and vague objectives, occasionally disrupting the immersion. Quality-of-life issues, such as the lack of UI tooltips and repetitive level design, also detract from the overall experience. However, these shortcomings are overshadowed by the game’s dedication to its retro horror aesthetic and engaging gameplay loop.
In conclusion, Outer Terror delivers an engaging arcade experience that – through its themes – pays homage to classic horror tropes. While it may not be perfect, its unique blend of roguelike elements and B-movie aesthetics makes it a nice crossover title for fans of the genre.
Loretta review (PS5)
Loretta is a psychological thriller that immerses players in the eventful life of its titular character, a housewife grappling with betrayal and despair in rural America in the 1940s. Developed by Yakov Butuzoff and published by DANGEN Entertainment, this pixel-art adventure delves into Loretta’s psyche, presenting players with morally ambiguous choices that shape her fate. Previously released on PC, it’s now out on consoles.
The premise of Loretta is both captivating and unsettling, offering players the role of an accessory to Loretta’s crimes as they navigate her personal nightmare. The game opens with the protagonist already entangled in a web of deceit and murder, setting the stage for a narrative filled with tension and moral ambiguity against a fairly dark backdrop.
Gameplay mechanics in Loretta center around exploration, puzzle-solving, and decision-making. Players must guide Loretta through her environment, interacting with objects and characters to uncover the story’s multiple layers. The game’s design cleverly reflects Loretta’s emotional state, with available interactions changing based on her mood, adding depth to the narrative experience.
Visually, Loretta employs pixel art to create a haunting atmosphere that complements its noir-inspired setting. While the graphics may initially seem simplistic, they effectively convey the game’s themes of isolation and desperation through a sense of atmosphere. The absence of facial features in character sprites adds to the game’s sense of ambiguity as well, leaving players to interpret the emotions behind each action.
With its gripping storytelling, nuanced characters, and multiple endings, Loretta offers a thought-provoking experience that lingers in your mind even after the credits roll – inviting you for another playthrough. While some puzzles may feel unnecessary, and the pacing occasionally slows, the game’s overall appeal is hard to miss. Loretta is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven adventure games, delivering a memorable journey through the darkness of the human psyche.
SokoFrog review (PS4)
SokoFrog, the latest console port from Eastasiasoft, leaps into the crowded sokoban puzzle genre with its charming pixel art visuals and a bunch of adorable frog protagonists. With over 150 stages to navigate through, players are tasked with helping their frog companion push boxes onto special tiles to unlock doorways, all while avoiding hazards like spikes, ice blocks, and water traps.
It’s a familiar formula, and one of the game’s strengths lies in its simplicity and accessibility. SokoFrog introduces its mechanics at a rapid pace, keeping gameplay interesting without overwhelming players. The cute frog skins add a delightful touch to the experience, while the varying level themes keep the challenges fresh.
However, SokoFrog isn’t without its flaws. Some players may find the music repetitive, as it consists of a short loop that repeats throughout the entire game. Additionally, while the puzzles offer some variety in difficulty, they generally lean towards the easier side, with only a few truly challenging stages.
Despite its shortcomings, SokoFrog remains a solid option for fans of casual puzzle games. Its low price point and straightforward gameplay make it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing gaming experience. Whether you’re looking to unwind with some mindless puzzle-solving or aiming to collect a few relatively easy achievements, SokoFrog offers a charming diversion that’s sure to hop its way into your heart.
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