You always have to look out for the little ones, which is why we’re checking out a trio of indie game releases today. Here’s a closer look at Exophobia, Frogurai and RPM – Road Punk Mayhem.
Exophobia review (PS5)
Exophobia, developed by Zarc Attack and published by PM Studios, is a heavily retro-inspired sci-fi FPS that blends classic Doom-era shooter action with modern metroidvania elements. Set on a human spaceship that’s been overrun by hostile alien soldiers, the game challenges players to uncover the fate of the crew and escape the ship. With its pixel art aesthetics and intense electronic soundtrack, Exophobia is an engaging atmosphere that feels just about unique enough to stand out in a large crowd.
The game’s narrative, while straightforward, provides a solid backdrop for the exploration and combat mechanics. As players progress, they upgrade their weapons, which not only makes you more proficient in combat but also unlock new areas, encouraging thorough exploration. The blend of shooting, sliding, and stunning enemies ensures that the gameplay stays dynamic and engaging, but the difficulty level here can be unforgiving, making some encounters particularly challenging.
Visually, Exophobia managed to stand out with its crisp, colorful pixel art that vividly brings the sci-fi setting to life as it’s effectively used in a 3D setting. The environments are varied and filled with secrets, rewarding curious players. The intense electronic soundtrack complements the visuals, heightening the game’s tension and atmosphere. And while the retro style with a limited color palette might not appeal to everyone, it effectively captures the essence of classic FPS games.
In conclusion, Exophobia on the PlayStation 5 is a compelling mix of retro FPS action and metroidvania elements. Its challenging combat, rewarding exploration, and distinctive visual and audio design make it an interesting choice for genre fans. Despite occasional difficulty spikes, Exophobia is a solid shooter that keeps players engaged as they navigate the alien-infested spaceship.
Frogurai review (PS5)
Frogurai, developed by Nibb Games and published by Ratalaika Games on consoles, has recently arrived on the PlayStation 5 after its initial PC release earlier this year. This puzzle-platformer, set in feudal Japan, casts players as a samurai frog (because why not? we’ve seen frogs in lots of roles recently) on a quest to defeat the snake clan. The game’s mechanics revolve around navigating levels by moving the frog in four directions to reach the exit while avoiding traps and defeating enemies. Each wrong move can be fatal, so you need to plan your moves carefully.
The game’s simplicity in controls make this one easy to pick up, but there’s a level of frustration here as well – a mistake is easily made, and since you can’t rewind your actions you’ll regularly find yourself having to restart the level. The ease of restarting without any kind of penalty encourages trial and error though, and earlier levels aren’t that long so you won’t lose too much progress.
Visually, Frogurai features a basic yet charming art style that complements its feudal Japanese theme. This aesthetic is enhanced by a traditional Japanese soundtrack, which is soothing to listen to while playing. But while the introduction of new elements like keys and trampolines over the course of your puzzle campaign will maintain your interest, the core mechanics don’t change that much and can become a little repetitive over time.
Despite some criticisms, Frogurai’s unique premise and solid puzzle mechanics provide a compelling experience. It may not hold the interest of all players due to its repetitive level design and simple controls, but it offers a decent challenge and delightful audio-visual experience for those seeking a budget-friendly puzzle game with an interesting twist.
RPM – Road Punk Mayhem review (PS5)
RPM – Road Punk Mayhem, developed by Panda Indie Studio and published by Eastasiasoft, has recently launched on the PlayStation 5, alongside other platforms. This top-down vertical shoot ’em up throws players into a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where survival depends on quick reflexes and strategic use of your firepower. Players can choose from three unique pilots, each offering their own ships and signature armaments, setting the stage for a bullet-filled adventure with a bit of replay value.
The gameplay in RPM – Road Punk Mayhem is both intense and engaging, blending classic arcade shoot ’em up elements with modern bullet hell mechanics. Players must navigate through stages filled with enemy vehicles, from tanks to monster trucks, while picking up fuel tanks and warp-enabling stopwatches to extend their run. The combo system adds a layer of depth, encouraging players to chain attacks together for higher score multipliers, which will appeal to those looking to climb the leaderboards.
Visually, the game stands out with its cel-shaded graphics, effectively capturing the gritty, post-apocalyptic setting in a way that’s fairly novel for this genre. The aesthetic is both colorful and grim, providing a striking contrast that makes the visual experience feel unique. The high-energy soundtrack complements these visuals, amplifying the game’s frantic pace – even though the audiovisual presentation would have used a bit more variety.
Control-wise, RPM – Road Punk Mayhem offers a smooth and responsive experience, where each pilot’s ship handles distinctly, promoting varied gameplay and strategy experimentation. Despite this, the steep difficulty curve might deter some players, particularly those new to the genre. The lack of a gradual learning curve can make the initial stages feel overwhelming, and it would have been better had those one eased you in more. Overall, RPM – Road Punk Mayhem is a fun and visually striking shoot ’em up experience, and as such it’s a worthwhile addition to the bullet hell genre.
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