This summer has been good for fans of indie releases, and we’re checking out three new ones. Steel Racer was released on consoles by Ratalaika, and Sometimes You has been extremely busy with a trio of games: I Want To Go To Mars, Farlands Journey and Cat’s Request. Here’s a look at all of them.
Steel Racer review (PS5)
Steel Racer, developed by lightUP and published by Ratalaika Games on consoles, has recently made its way to consoles after its initial PC release in 2023. This retro-inspired racer captures the essence of 80s and 90s classics just like games like Horizon Chase Turbo do, combining nostalgic 2D pixelated graphics with an engaging chiptune soundtrack. With 50 tracks spread across five racing seasons, Steel Racer offers a good amount of content, allowing players to choose the order of their races and customize their cars to their liking.
For retro enthusiasts, the game delivers in spades with its straightforward arcade gameplay and accessible mechanics. Players can adjust the difficulty and traction settings, making it easy for both casual players and more experienced racing fans to enjoy. The inclusion of on-track speed boosts and nitro pickups adds a layer of strategy as they can change the flow of a race, encouraging players to maintain or regain a competitive edge. However, despite its technical competence and authentic feel, the game takes a while to pick up steam, with somewhat lackluster initial races to get through first.
Visually, Steel Racer’s retro aesthetic is charming, though it may come across as repetitive over extended play sessions or overly familiar if you’re played other games like this. The diverse weather effects, while visually appealing, do not impact gameplay, which might disappoint some looking for a more dynamic racing experience and feels like a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, the game’s pixel art and varied environments do provide a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of old-school racing games.
Overall, Steel Racer succeeds in delivering a solid retro racing experience, balancing simplicity with a degree of depth. The customization options and retro visuals are definite highlights, though the game could benefit from more varied gameplay elements and online leaderboards to enhance its replay value. For those who cherish the racing games of the 80s and 90s, Steel Racer is a delightful and affordable addition to their collection.
I Want To Go To Mars review (PS5)
I Want To Go To Mars, brought to consoles by Sometimes You and newly available on PlayStation 5 (after an earlier mobile release), is a charming point-and-click adventure designed for children and families. The game follows Robyn and Teddy, two wholesome characters who dream of traveling to Mars, where it’s always sunny and sandy. This whimsical narrative framework appeals to both kids and adults, blending a heartfelt story with lighthearted humor.
The game excels with its hand-drawn art style, creating a living storybook experience that serves as a digital and interactive version of a traditional bedtime story. The straightforward puzzles are accessible for young players while still engaging for parents who are playing with them, which makes this a good family game.
Gameplay mechanics are intuitive and user-friendly, perfect for the game’s younger audience. Players assist Robyn and Teddy in building a rocket, navigating through space, and overcoming various obstacles like passing Moon customs and dodging asteroids. While the simplicity may not offer much replay value for older children or solo adult players, it ensures a seamless, enjoyable experience for families.
The audio-visual presentation, with its pleasant soundtrack and minimal yet effective voice acting, complements the game’s engaging narrative. The humor, filled with tongue-in-cheek jokes and puns for older players, keeps the narrative light and engaging for all ages. Overall, I Want To Go To Mars offers a heartwarming interactive adventure for families.
Farlands Journey review (PS5)
Farlands Journey, published by Sometimes You for consoles including the PlayStation 5, aims to evoke the nostalgia of classic 16-bit platformers with its retro-inspired visuals and straightforward gameplay. Players step into the shoes of a little witch on a quest to recover the stolen heart of her Magical Academy. But while the game’s visual style is engaging and colorful, capturing the essence of these old-school platformers, it also struggles a bit in other key areas.
The game’s narrative is simplistic, bordering on minimalistic, which may not sufficiently engage players seeking a deeper story. The premise, involving a warthog in a leather jacket stealing a gem, serves more as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a compelling storyline that grips you and doesn’t let you go. This lack of depth can make the adventure feel somewhat hollow, despite the charming setup and nostalgic atmosphere.
Gameplay mechanics in Farlands Journey offer a mix of platforming and magic-based combat, where players use bubbles to capture and defeat enemies. This combat system brings back memories of Bubble Bobble, but can also feel more frustrating than fun due to the precise timing required for bubble inflation and the game’s challenging environments. Additionally, while various hats and magical spells add some variety, they do not significantly change up or enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Visually, Farlands Journey has detailed sprites and a bold color palette, effectively creating a retro atmosphere. However, technical issues like frame rate hiccups can detract from the experience, and the audio doesn’t leave a lasting impression either. In the end, while Farlands Journey has moments of charm and nostalgia, it ultimately falls short of delivering a memorable or innovative platforming experience, making it a tough recommendation for those seeking a retro platformer to play.
Cat’s Request review (PS5)
Cat’s Request, developed by BOV and published by Sometimes You for consoles, presents a blend of science fiction and detective/noir-like storytelling on the PlayStation 5. Players follow Ash, an extraterrestrial cat, and his virtual assistant in a metropolis ruled by artificial intelligence, as they tackle a mystery involving a dangerous computer virus that disrupts their peaceful existence. The engaging narrative cleverly merges its elements and influences, though its pacing can sometimes feel uneven, making it challenging at times to follow the plot.
The gameplay mechanics allow players to switch between Ash and his assistant, each with unique abilities that are essential for solving puzzles and navigating various locations. This dual-character system adds depth and variety, requiring players to coordinate their efforts thoughtfully. But while the task and crafting systems keep players engaged, there’s also a mental health monitoring aspect that can occasionally detract from the actual detective work – and controls are generally smooth but can feel clunky during some of the more intricate tasks.
Visually, Cat’s Request features a distinctive art style that blends futuristic cityscapes with a noir aesthetic – a bit like Blacksad, but with more sci-fi added in. The detailed environments and character designs draw players into the game’s unique world, though technical issues like minor graphical glitches can detract from the overall experience. The audio complements the visuals well, featuring a fitting soundtrack and sound effects that enhance the atmosphere.
In summary, Cat’s Request offers a captivating detective adventure in a well-imagined setting. But while it shines in narrative originality and visual design, it faces challenges with pacing and technical issues. Despite these minor flaws, the game is a memorable experience for those who appreciate a detective story infused with sci-fi elements.
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