Make Way, Parkitect and Blacksad: Under The Skin recently made the jump to new platforms – here are our reviews of all three, in our latest port roundup.
Make Way review (PS5)
Make Way, developed by Ice BEAM and published by Secret Mode, brings a fresh twist to the classic top-down racing genre. It’s now available on PlayStation 5 after its PC release late last year, and takes racing to a chaotic new level, where players build their courses on the fly using a mix-and-match selection of track pieces, hazards, and power-ups. The result is a frenetic race to the finish line that involves strategy, sabotage as well as sheer luck. And as you navigate through loops, seesaws, and other over the top track elements, the dynamic environment ensures that no two races are ever the same – which is both a strength and a weakness.
Gameplay in Make Way is a blend of creativity and mayhem, with controls that are intuitive yet challenging enough to keep players engaged. The game really shines in its multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to race together either locally or online, and it’s a great racing game for a party setting. The inclusion of a variety of weapons, from goo cannons to Tesla coils, adds a layer of strategy and cartoon-like humor, encouraging players to disrupt their opponents’ progress while advancing towards the finish line. Additionally, the game’s use of checkpoints as respawn points keeps the action going, ensuring that even if you’re knocked out, you’re never out for long.
Visually, Make Way is a vibrant and quirky game to look at, with its colorful, cartoonish graphics that emphasize the game’s playful atmosphere. The track pieces are creatively designed, offering everything from corkscrews to train crossings, and the various hazards and power-ups add to the chaos and fun. The audio complements the visuals well, with a lively soundtrack and ditto sound effects that tie into the action. However, the game’s complexity and occasional chaotic nature can make things feel a bit overwhelming, especially for new player.
Despite its strengths and high fun factor, Make Way does have some drawbacks. The initial learning curve can be a little steep for newcomers jumping into a multiplayer session, and the chaotic nature of the game may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more structured and traditional racing experiences. Additionally, while the game’s customization options are extensive, some players might find the balance of power-ups and track hazards a bit uneven at times. Nonetheless, the game’s sheer creativity and fun factor, combined with its robust multiplayer modes, make it a standout title for those looking to add some unpredictability to their racing games collection – especially if you enjoy multiplayer gaming.
Parkitect – Deluxe Edition review (PS5)
Parkitect, developed by Texel Raptor and now available on PlayStation 5 courtesy of Blitworks Games, brings a very well-received PC theme park builder to consoles. As you’d expect, Parkitect allows players to build and manage their own amusement parks, focusing not only on creating thrilling rides but also on the other details that keep the park running smoothly. From designing custom roller coasters to managing staff and ensuring an efficient infrastructure, Parkitect demands a strategic balance between creativity and operational efficiency – with a much more “indie” feel than something like Park Beyond.
The gameplay mechanics in Parkitect are robust and satisfying, having clearly been refined over the years since the original 2018 Steam launch. Players must plan and construct every aspect of their park, from the layout of rides and attractions to the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that keeps everything running. The inclusion of tons of content, including the DLCs that launched earlier on PC, adds significant depth and variety to the experience. These introduce new themes, attractions, and scenarios, enriching the game with an absolute wealth of content. However, the complexity of managing all these elements can be overwhelming for newcomers who have never played Parkitect before. Adding to that is the fact that, on consoles, there’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using a gamepad rather than traditional mouse and keyboard controls.
Visually, Parkitect has charming, colorful graphics that evoke a sense of Rollercoaster Tycoon-inspired nostalgia while offering fresh, modern touches as well. The game’s art style is both functional and charming, making it easy to distinguish different elements of the park while also providing a visually appealing environment. The audio complements the visuals well, with cheerful music and sound effects that enhance the overall experience. The seasonal background changes add an extra layer of engagement, keeping the park’s atmosphere dynamic and lively as you manage your business all throughout the year.
On the downside, while Parkitect excels in many areas, its high level of detail and management complexity may not appeal to all players. The necessity to maintain hidden infrastructure and manage intricate staff tasks can be daunting as well, especially for those looking for a more relaxed gameplay experience that focuses on the rides. However, for fans of detailed simulation and management games, Parkitect offers a rewarding and comprehensive experience. The console adaptation, with its new button mapping and UI design, provides a comfortable experience, making this a great and budget-friendly choice for theme park builders.
Blacksad: Under The Skin review (PS5)
Blacksad: Under The Skin, developed by Pendulo Studios and published by Microids, has recently made its way to the PlayStation 5, bringing its unique brand of noir mystery to a new platform after its original release a few years ago. Set in 1950s New York, the game follows private detective John Blacksad as he investigates the death of boxing club owner Joe Dunn and the disappearance of star fighter Bobby Yale. The narrative, inspired by a popular comic book series, captures the dark, brooding atmosphere of the era, with its anthropomorphic characters adding an intriguing twist to the classic detective story formula.
The gameplay in Blacksad: Under The Skin is the same as it was when we originally reviewed it on PC, blending investigation, puzzle-solving, quick-time events (QTEs), and multiple-choice dialogues, providing a varied and engaging experience. Players use Blacksad’s feline senses to uncover clues and piece together the mystery. But while the mechanics are generally well-implemented, some of the QTEs can feel a bit disruptive – though part of that is subjective and down to how much you like QTEs to begin with.
Visually, the game excels in creating a moody, noir aesthetic with detailed character models and atmospheric settings that immerse players in the 1950s New York setting. The jazz soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, enhancing the overall immersion and classic noir vibe.
Overall, Blacksad: Under The Skin is a compelling detective game that stands out for its rich atmosphere and engaging story. Despite some rough edges, it offers a satisfying and audiovisually very engaging experience for both fans of the comic series and newcomers to the genre. The PlayStation 5 version retains the essence of the original while offering some subtle improvements, making it a worthwhile option for adventure gaming enthusiasts.
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