Port roundup: Sclash, Hammerwatch II & Front Mission 2 – Remake

These have been a few good weeks for PlayStation owners, with several titles landing on the platform that first saw the light of day elsewhere. We’re checking out Sclash, Hammerwatch II and Front Mission II – Remake today.

Sclash review (PS5)

Sclash, developed by Bevel Bakery and published by Maximum Entertainment, delivers a refreshing take on the classic samurai dueling genre. Set in the ancient conflict between the Aki and Natsu clans, players assume the role of Jinmu, a young samurai seeking vengeance and uncovering the truth behind the war between the two clans. While the narrative may follow familiar tropes and won’t stick with you afterwards, it serves as a backdrop to the intense action that unfolds throughout the game.

The gameplay mechanics of Sclash are elegantly simple yet deceptively challenging. With just three buttons and no complex combos to learn and master, players engage in tense one-hit battles that require precise timing as well as a bit of strategic thinking. The stamina mechanic adds depth to the combat, turning each encounter into a tense duel where every move counts. However, some may find the lack of complexity in the combat system limiting as well, longing for additional layers of depth to explore if you’re used to modern brawlers and were expecting something similar here.

Visually, Sclash is a masterpiece of hand-drawn artistry. The meticulously crafted environments and character sprites immerse players in a world reminiscent of traditional Japanese paintings. The visuals are eye-catching, as are the animations, and they’re accompanied by a soundtrack that perfectly complements the action on screen. From serene melodies to intense drums, the music sets the tone for each encounter, enhancing the overall experience. The voice acting, however, falls short by comparison at times, lacking emotional depth and consistency.

Despite its short runtime (you can easily complete Sclash in under two hours) and limited replay value, Sclash offers an interesting samurai combat experience that is both accessible and challenging. With its streamlined mechanics and captivating art style, it stands as a testament to the potential of simplicity in game design. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter fan or a newcomer to the genre, Sclash invites you to test your abilities in the art of ancient conflict.

Hammerwatch II review (PS4)

Hammerwatch II, developed by Crackshell and published by Maximum Entertainment, revisits the classic dungeon-crawling experience of its celebrated predecessor, eschewing roguelike elements for a more traditional action RPG adventure in this sequel. Set in the Kingdom of Herian, players embark on a quest to defeat the sinister Blight the Horrible and his dragon army, restoring peace to the land. Pretty standard fantasy fare, and now that’s been ported over to PlayStation we were finally able to have a look.

With five character classes to choose from – Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Wizard, or Warlock – players traverse a vast and dynamic open world, complete with diverse environments and a multitude of quests. While customization options abound, combat lacks precision and depth, leaning heavily on hack-and-slash mechanics reminiscent of classic ARPGs rather than the more nuanced mechanics that you might have been expecting and/or hoping for.

Visually, Hammerwatch II impresses with its charming 8-bit aesthetic and vibrant colors, though navigation issues can arise from a lackluster world map and relatively limited fast travel options. Despite these shortcomings, cooperative multiplayer shines as the game’s highlight, offering enjoyable camaraderie and mitigating some of the frustrations of single-player mode.

In summary, Hammerwatch II delivers a decent enough RPG experience with its charming visuals, expansive world, and cooperative gameplay. However, its adherence to outdated combat design conventions and frustrating mechanics prevent it from standing out in today’s market, making it a fun yet flawed romp for genre enthusiasts, one that’s mostly fun when enjoyed with friends.

Front Mission 2 – Remake review (PS5)

Front Mission 2: Remake, brought to modern audiences by Forever Entertainment and developed by Storm Trident, revisits the classic tactical RPG experience with updated visuals and refined gameplay mechanics. Set in the politically charged nation of Alordesh, players are immersed in a narrative of revolution, loyalty, and the complexities of modern warfare. The game, initially launched on the Nintendo Switch and now available on the PlayStation 5, offers an engaging storyline that explores themes of political upheaval and conspiracy.

The mature and engaging storyline of Front Mission 2: Remake delves into themes of revolution and loyalty, offering a narrative experience with depth and complexity. However, the game’s localization initially suffered from awkward translations and typos, impacting immersion. Fortunately, many of these issues have since been addressed, enhancing the storytelling experience.

In terms of gameplay, Front Mission 2: Remake delivers a familiar grid-based tactical RPG experience with the addition of a new action points system, adding depth to battles. However, the game’s reliance on RNG for combat outcomes can lead to frustrating moments of unpredictability. Customization remains a highlight, allowing players to upgrade and personalize their Wanzers, though navigating menus and interfaces can be cumbersome.

Visually, the game offers improved graphics and updated character designs, but occasional performance issues on the Nintendo Switch hindered the experience a little – unsurprisingly this is much better on the PS5. On the audio front, Front Mission 2: Remake still boasts a standout soundtrack that enhances the game’s atmosphere and mood.

Overall, Front Mission 2: Remake presents an engaging storyline, deep gameplay mechanics, and a memorable soundtrack. It remains a gem for fans of tactical RPGs, offering enough unique elements to warrant consideration, and the PS5 version improves on what we saw on the Switch.