With a mix of a classic and two new indies, we’re checking out a trio of new game releases today, reviewing Aero The Acro-Bat, Gravitators and Cattie.
Aero The Acro-Bat review (PS5)
Aero the Acro-Bat, originally released over three decades ago in 1993, has returned on modern consoles, offering a nostalgic trip for fans of 16-bit platformers. Brought to today’s consoles by Ratalaika Games, the game features Aero, an acrobatic bat tasked with saving his circus friends from the villainous Edgar Ektor. The premise and charm of this 16-bit classic remains intact, and this re-release by Ratalaika on the PlayStation 5 brings both the highs and lows of the original game, now with a few modern tweaks.
The gameplay, which blends platforming with unique objectives like jumping through rings or surviving thrill rides, can be both engaging and frustrating. Aero’s unconventional attack methods, such as his limited star throws and drill attacks, sometimes feel imprecise and clunky, leading to some frustrating moments, especially when combined with tricky enemy placements and one-hit-kill spikes. This difficulty is emblematic of its era, making the game an acquired taste for modern players who are perhaps less forgiving in this sense.
Thankfully, Ratalaika’s re-release introduces several quality-of-life improvements that ease some of the original game’s frustrations. The rewind feature, save states, and selectable cheats make the experience more accessible, allowing players to navigate the game’s challenging levels without too much frustration. Additionally, the inclusion of a gallery filled with original artwork and scans adds a nice touch of historical context, something that will appeal to retro gaming enthusiasts and is always nice to see in these re-releases.
However, the absence of different versions of the game, which offered their own unique take on the game, is a notable omission that may disappoint some fans. Despite this, the PlayStation 5 release still delivers a faithful experience, albeit one that may feel outdated compared to more modern platformers. Aero the Acro-Bat is a nostalgic dive into the past, offering both a challenge and a glimpse into the gaming culture of the early ’90s, but it’s not without some of the rough edges it originally came with.
Gravitators review (PS4)
Gravitators, developed by Insular Games and published by Eastasiasoft on consoles, revisits the twin-stick shooter genre with a modern twist. It’s now available on consoles following its PC debut, and draws inspiration from retro classics like Thrust and Gravitar. It places you in the cockpit of various ships, each with unique controls and weaponry, as you defend Earth from an alien invasion. The storyline serves as a barebones foundation for a game that’s more about challenging gameplay and strategic maneuvering than narrative depth.
The game’s primary appeal lies in its physics-based mechanics, where gravity plays a crucial role in navigating tight spaces and completing mission objectives. With four distinct ships, each requiring a different approach, players must adapt their strategies to overcome a wide range of challenges. The learning curve is steep, especially for those unfamiliar with the genre, but the inclusion of adjustable difficulty levels makes Gravitators accessible to both newcomers and veterans alike.
Visually, Gravitators employs a low-poly art style that, while simple, effectively captures the grandeur of space. The game’s diverse environments, from Earth to distant exoplanets, are complemented by an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. However, the minimalist visuals might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer more detailed graphics in their space shooters. As fans of classics like Thrust, we definitely liked what we saw.
The variety of mission objectives, ranging from escorting nuclear weapons to rescuing civilians, keeps the gameplay engaging and prevents it from becoming repetitive. Power-ups and perks, which can be unlocked through in-game achievements, add a layer of customization and replayability. Despite its high difficulty, which might deter some players, Gravitators offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a tough but fair challenge in a classic yet modernized package.
Cattie review (PS4)
Cattie, developed by Vergiu and published by Eastasiasoft now that it’s on consoles, brings a nostalgic flair to the platforming genre with its retro 8-bit visuals and challenging gameplay. The game, recently released on PlayStation 4 (and other consoles) after its initial debut on PC, invites players to guide the adorable kitten Cattie through a series of 100 increasingly difficult levels. And while the premise is simple, Cattie quickly reveals itself as a game that demands precision and skill, making it an appealing yet sometimes frustrating experience for fans of challenging platformers.
The core gameplay mechanics are straightforward, with Cattie’s abilities limited to running, jumping, wall jumping, simple attacks, and crouching. However, the game cleverly ramps up the difficulty by introducing new obstacles and enemies as you progress, keeping the experience fresh even as it becomes more challenging. The controls are responsive, which is crucial in a game where timing and accuracy are key, but some players might find the difficulty curve a bit steep, especially as the levels become more intricate and unforgiving – though most won’t have too much trouble getting through the first half.
Visually, Cattie leans heavily into its retro inspiration, with an 8-bit art style that will resonate with those who grew up in the era of classic platformers. The minimalist graphics (even for 8-bit standards) are charming, though they might not stand out in today’s market saturated with visually stunning indie games. The accompanying 8-bit soundtrack complements the visuals well, providing a fitting backdrop to the nostalgic gameplay, although it can become repetitive over extended play sessions – best to play this one a few levels at a time.
Despite its charm, the high difficulty level may be off-putting for those who prefer a more forgiving platformer, and the lack of a more engaging narrative or innovative features might make it feel a bit too simplistic for some. However, for players who enjoy a tough challenge and have a fondness for retro aesthetics, Cattie offers a rewarding experience at a very budget-friendly price point.
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