Today’s indie roundup features nothing but releases from Ratailaika Games – who have been giving us a steady stream of indie ports/releases for years. Read on to learn more about FoxyRush, TP Bullet and Skeler Boy.
FoxyRush review (PS5)
FoxyRush, by BUG-Studio, offers a vibrant and energetic platformer experience on all current systems. Players take control of Foxy, a determined little fox on a mission to recover his stolen stash of cherries. The game presents a blend of traditional platforming mechanics with a runner-like twist, challenging players to navigate through dense jungles, air clouds, and lava caves while collecting cherries and stars to unlock new characters.
The core gameplay revolves around precise jumps, wall slides, and rope swings, demanding quick thinking and reflexes to avoid certain death. The levels are designed with a fair but challenging difficulty curve, and while the primary goal is to reach the end of each level, completionists will find added depth in collecting all stars. These stars not only unlock new characters but also provide an extra layer of challenge for players seeking 100% completion. The controls, while straightforward because you can only control Foxy’s jumps, can sometimes be a bit restrictive, as the automatic forward motion limits player control. However, this limitation also adds a unique layer of difficulty that sets FoxyRush apart from more conventional platformers.
Visually, FoxyRush boasts a colorful and appealing art style that is both charming and nostalgic. The retro-inspired graphics are complemented by an energetic chiptune soundtrack that enhances the overall gameplay experience. Each level is distinct, ensuring that the game remains fresh and engaging throughout its 64 (mostly short) levels. The simplistic nature of the graphics and gameplay mechanics can become a bit repetitive over extended play sessions, but it’s easy to forgive as this is a budget title.
In conclusion, FoxyRush delivers a fun and engaging platformer experience that is worth the modest price tag. While it may not revolutionize the genre, its charming visuals, catchy music, and challenging gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to any platformer enthusiast’s library. The game’s blend of runner mechanics and traditional platforming provides enough of a twist to make this one worth your while.
TP Bullet review (PS5)
TP Bullet, developed by 9Ratones, is a budget-friendly puzzle platformer that offers a unique twist with its teleportation bullet mechanic. The game’s premise revolves around a secret agent who, with his skills as a marksman, must save the city from the Skeleton King and his minions. Oh, and by collecting ancient magic coins across 40 levels, of course. While the storyline is quite straightforward, it serves as a sufficient backdrop for the gameplay, which is where TP Bullet shines, albeit with some caveats.
The core gameplay mechanic of TP Bullet involves using a limited number of bullets to teleport by swapping places with objects, primarily boxes. This mechanic adds a layer of strategic depth as players must carefully plan their moves and timing to navigate through increasingly complex levels. However, the game’s progression can feel slow, with new mechanics introduced sparingly, leading to a repetitive experience in the early stages before the more challenging and rewarding levels come along.
Visually, TP Bullet embraces a retro aesthetic with charming pixel art, but the overall presentation can come across as bland. The environments lack variety, and the simplistic design might not appeal to everyone. On the audio front, the game features catchy 8-bit music that complements the retro visuals but does little to enhance the overall atmosphere. The controls are intuitive and responsive, essential for a game that demands precise timing and placement.
Despite its shortcomings, TP Bullet offers a decent puzzle platforming experience, especially considering its low price point. It might not captivate everyone due to its slow start and basic visuals, but for those who enjoy the genre it provides a fair challenge and an engaging teleportation mechanic. TP Bullet is worth a try for budget-conscious gamers looking for a simple yet occasionally rewarding puzzler.
Skeler Boy review (PS5)
Skeler Boy, Developed by Maniac Boy Studio, plunges players into a suspenseful world inspired by classic horror films from the 1970s and 1980s. The game starts with the protagonist arriving in a town to find his missing girlfriend. The narrative quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare as he explores eerie environments, solves puzzles, and engages with bizarre town residents. The plot is gripping but occasionally falters with inconsistent logic, which can detract from the immersion.
The gameplay of Skeler Boy leans heavily on exploration and puzzle-solving. While the puzzles themselves are relatively straightforward, the game’s atmospheric design elevates the experience. However, there are moments when the game’s mechanics can become somewhat unclear, such as a labyrinth section that relies too heavily on trial and error. This can disrupt the otherwise engaging flow of the game, leading to moments of confusion for players.
Visually, Skeler Boy stands out with its pixel art style, effectively capturing the nostalgic essence of the horror films it draws inspiration from. The developers even implemented support for old school 3D anaglyph (red and blue) glasses, enhancing the retro feel. It took some searching for us to find a pair, but it was a cool touch. The sound design is another strong point, with a haunting 8-bit soundtrack and eerie sound effects that contribute significantly to the game’s atmosphere. Despite these strengths, the game’s narrative and dialogue can sometimes feel lacking, leaving players to fill in gaps for themselves.
Overall, Skeler Boy is a compelling blend of nostalgia and horror, offering a unique experience that fans of retro games and classic horror films will appreciate. While it has its flaws, particularly in gameplay clarity and narrative coherence, its strengths in visual and audio design make it worth exploring. Players looking for a straightforward yet atmospheric horror adventure will find much to enjoy in Skeler Boy, even if it’s not without its minor frustrations.
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