All arriving on (additional) consoles after earlier PC launches, Monster Train, Retro Revengers, Circus of TimTim and Super Woden GP II are now available for PlayStation – here are our reviews.
Monster Train review (PS5)
Monster Train, developed by Shiny Shoe and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment, has finally made its way to the PlayStation 5 after initially captivating players on PC back in 2020, when it was extremely well-received. This roguelike deck-builder’s big twist lies in its multi-layered vertical play fields, challenging players to defend the last burning pyre in a frozen hellscape against the forces of heaven. Is it just as good four years later?
The game’s strategic depth quickly becomes apparent as players navigate through various locations to power up their decks. Each decision you make matters both in the short and the long run, from upgrading champions and recruiting powerful units to enhancing cards and gaining passive bonuses. The ability to mix and match upgrades for your cards adds an engaging layer of strategy, also allowing you to adopt an entirely different playstyle for a new playthrough. The game’s replayability is further amplified by its five distinct clans, each with their own gameplay mechanics and synergies.
Visually, Monster Train stands out with its detailed art style, bringing the post-apocalyptic, frozen landscapes to life. The game’s audio complements the visuals with a fitting soundtrack and sound effects that enhance the overall experience. There is, however, somewhat of a learning curve, especially if you’re not used to deckbuilders and your’re trying to grasp the intricacies of the mechanics and the strategic depth required to succeed.
Control-wise, the transition to PlayStation 5 has been handled smoothly, with intuitive controls that make it easy to manage your deck and navigate the game’s menus. Despite the complex nature of the gameplay, the controls remain responsive and accessible. But while the core gameplay is deeply engaging, the randomness of the roguelike elements can make you feel like you’re not in control, as luck can sometimes play a significant role in the outcome of a run.
Nonetheless, Monster Train remains a great title in the deck-building genre, offering a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to dive into its strategic depths. Its replayability and challenging gameplay ensure that each run offers a fresh and exciting experience, making its PlayStation 5 launch more than welcome.
Retro Revengers review (PS4)
Retro Revengers, developed by Shinyuden and published by Ratalaika Games, takes us back with an 8-bit adventure on the PlayStation 5 after its initial release on PC. The game’s narrative centers around five friends – Ossan, Mao, Taicho, Matchan, and Notchi – who venture out towards the mysterious Ludens Castle. Here, they must utilize their newfound powers, bestowed upon them by the Retro Goddess, to combat enemies and thwart the Demon Overlord of Triple-A. Yes, Retro Revengers isn’t shy about where its allegiances lie.
Gameplay in Retro Revengers is a delightful homage to classic platformers, featuring a variety of stage environments and character abilities that require players to switch tactics frequently. Each character has unique powers, making your character selection essential for overcoming the game’s increasingly challenging levels. The game mechanics are engaging, though a few difficulty spikes tend to pop up that can cause mild frustration. The need to master each character’s abilities adds depth and replayability, but it can also lead to some frustration for those less adept at quick character switching – for them, this aspect might feel overly forced.
Visually, Retro Revengers has some charming 8-bit pixel art, which captures the essence of retro gaming well. The diverse environments are complemented by a great soundtrack composed by Manami Matsumae, known for her work on Megaman and Shovel Knight. The music and sound effects immerse players in the retro atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience, though not all the retro references included in the audiovisual delivery will be recognized by modern gamers.
The controls in Retro Revengers are generally tight and responsive, though there are moments where minor input lag can become noticeable. But despite these occasional small control issues, the game manages to deliver a fun and rewarding platforming experience. The story, filled with easter eggs and references, is a treat for retro gaming enthusiasts, though its heavy reliance on in-jokes may alienate those less familiar with the genre’s history. It’s a charming and challenging throwback though, and worth checking out.
Circus of TimTim review (PS5)
Circus of TimTim, developed by Mascot Bro Studio and published by Dolores Entertainment, has made its way to PlayStation 5 following an earlier PC release. This stealth horror survival game takes players to the creepy abandoned Circus of TimTim, where two siblings venture to recover lost items using a metal detector. The game’s first-person perspective and stealth mechanics provide a tense and engaging (but very short) experience, as players navigate the haunted circus grounds.
The game’s atmosphere is certainly one of its standout features, with the dilapidated carnival setting and haunting music effectively building suspense. However, the narrative can feel disjointed and unclear despite the game’s short runtime, leaving players confused about the storyline’s direction. The stealth mechanics work well though, forcing you to carefully balance exploration with the need to avoid detection by enemies.
Gameplay revolves around the use of a metal detector to find items, which simultaneously attracts enemies, adding to the tension. It’s a nice risk vs reward mechanic, but it can sometimes feel overused, especially as the constant beeping reminds players of the lurking dangers. The controls are generally responsive, but navigating the environment can be tricky, particularly when trying to evade both traps and enemies.
Visually, the game uses a mix of reused assets, which can detract from its uniqueness and make character designs a bit generic compared to other horror games. The sound design, however, does a decent job in creating an unsettling atmosphere, even though some audio effects are too frequently used. The story only takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete, so a bit more direction in the game’s design would have been welcome, despite the strong sense of atmosphere.
Super Woden GP II review (PS5)
Super Woden GP II, developed by ViJuDa and published by Eastasiasoft, has made its way to the PlayStation 5, following an earlier PC release. This game blends classic arcade-style isometric racing with a campaign mode, catering to both casual and more career mode-minded racing enthusiasts. With various competitions such as championships, rallies, and endurance races, there’s a good amount of content to keep players engaged.
Navigating through the game’s well-designed central map, players can explore a wide array of options and unlock close to 200 vehicles from nine different manufacturers. Customization is a strong aspect here, allowing players to tune up their cars for performance and personalize their cars in the paint shop. And despite the isometric view sometimes obscuring track details (you’ll learn them eventually), the responsive controls and solid gameplay mechanics provide a satisfying racing experience.
Visually, Super Woden GP II impresses with its artistic style and varied display modes, and although the isometric perspective can be tricky it’s gorgeous to look at. The soundtrack by DJ DeVito and DonutDroid fits the atmosphere well, and the inclusion of local multiplayer for up to four players in split-screen adds a fun, competitive layer, while online leaderboards encourage ongoing competition.
In conclusion, Super Woden GP II is a lovely throwback to classic racing games, excelling in diverse racing experiences and deep customization. While there are minor drawbacks, the game’s robust mechanics and engaging content make it more than worthwhile addition for racing fans.
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