It doesn’t look like 2024 will be a year filled to the brim with AAA releases, so we’re extra happy to see the indie scene full of new games. We’re checking out three of them today, with Fractals of Destiny, Zombies, Aliens and Guns and S.O.L. Search of Light all getting the review treatment.
Fractals of Destiny review (PC)
Fractals of Destiny, the latest release from Krakatoa Studios, attempts to blend action RPG with classic RPG mechanics, promising an exhilarating adventure in a universe torn apart by cataclysmic war – and we saw some stunning visuals pre-released that rivaled what the AAA studios put out. However, despite its ambitious premise, the game falls short of delivering a compelling experience, marred by numerous flaws that hinder immersion and enjoyment.
The narrative sets the stage for an epic conflict between two factions, the Velixar Azartus and the light empire of the east universe, led by Zeranos and Anum’RA, respectively. Amidst this chaos emerges Zerva, a woman with extraordinary gifts, destined to become the greatest general of the United Alliance. However, the story quickly descends into cliché territory, with generic plotlines and uninspired character development that fail to captivate.
One of the most glaring issues plaguing Fractals of Destiny is its clunky and unresponsive combat system. Players are met with sluggish controls and awkward animations, making even basic attacks feel laborious. Enemy encounters are frustratingly unfair, with foes executing attacks at lightning speed while players struggle to land hits. The lack of proper dodge mechanics only exacerbates the problem, leading to countless frustrating deaths in what is not a fun combat experience.
Graphically, the game fares passably, with decent character and world design that looks really good in screenshots. However, animations are stiff and lifeless compared to those in bigger games, detracting from any potential immersion. Furthermore, the limited control options and poor English translation only serve to compound the game’s (technical) shortcomings. Despite its potential, Fractals of Destiny ultimately fails to deliver on its promises, leaving players with a lackluster and disappointing experience.
Zombies, Aliens and Guns review (PS4)
Zombies, Aliens and Guns, brought to you by Ratalaika Games and developed by 9Ratones, is a no-frills twin-stick shooter that offers a simple, yet enjoyable experience. It’s the kind of game you play when you want some mindless fun without any fuss for an hour or two. The plot, revolving around a macho marine battling zombies and aliens on an infested island, is as straightforward as they come as well, prioritizing action over narrative depth.
Gameplay is easy to grasp, with intuitive controls that allow you to move, aim, and shoot with minimal effort. While the levels offer some variety in objectives, such as rescuing marines or collecting items, the core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged throughout the game’s short duration. Boss battles, while present, tend to drag on a little too long due to their inflated health bars, detracting from the overall experience.
Visually, Zombies, Aliens and Guns sports a charmingly simplistic aesthetic, featuring cute 2D sprites against colorful low-poly 3D backgrounds. The soundtrack, though limited, complements the action well with catchy tunes. However, the game’s lack of enemy variety and occasionally unclear objectives can lead to moments of repetition, despite this being a fairly short game.
In summary, Zombies, Aliens and Guns delivers a brief, if forgettable, shooting experience that serves its purpose as a light-hearted diversion. While it may not leave a lasting impression, it offers a few hours of mindless entertainment for those seeking some casual zombie-killing action.
S.O.L Search of Light review (PS5)
S.O.L: Search of Light, developed by Trigger The Monster and published by Firenut Games, presents itself as a promising blend of steampunk fantasy and resource management mechanics. It certainly caught our attention, even though the execution falls a little short of its ambitious premise.
The narrative aspect of S.O.L lacks a little depth and coherence, leaving players feeling disconnected from the protagonist and the game world. Despite the potential for a compelling story, the in-game text fails to provide meaningful context or motivation for the player’s actions, detracting from the overall experience like a missed opportunity.
Visually, S.O.L impresses with its stylish steampunk aesthetic and unique character designs. However, technical issues such as glitches and texture errors hinder immersion and disrupt gameplay flow. These performance issues, including crashes and falling through floors, significantly impact the enjoyment of the game and feel like additional polish is needed here.
Gameplay-wise, S.O.L offers a mix of exploration, resource management, and tower defense elements. While the core mechanics show promise, repetitive gameplay loops and lackluster enemy encounters contribute to a sense of monotony. The tower defense aspect, though initially intriguing, ultimately feels static and underdeveloped.
Despite its potential, S.O.L: Search of Light struggles to deliver a compelling and cohesive gameplay experience. While the combination of genres is ambitious, execution issues and lackluster storytelling prevent the game from reaching its full potential. Perhaps with time and a few updates, this one will be worth picking up – the general idea and visual charm certainly make it one to watch.
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