With a new DLC release for Dungeons 4, a chaotic minigame collection in “Those Games 2” and Tiny Pixels Vol. 1 – Ninpo Blast, a classic shoot ’em up, we’re checking out three very different titles today in this release roundup.
Dungeons 4 – The Good, the Bad and the Evil DLC review (PC)
The “The Good, the Bad and the Evil” DLC for Dungeons 4 expands the series with a fresh and playful new addon release that features a Wild West theme, introducing new mechanics and challenges. The plot is driven by Thalya’s pursuit of the dwarven queen Brynnhild, who, with her twin, leads a steam-powered assault against the forces of Evil. The five fully voiced missions capture the humor and strategic depth that fans of the series expect, with a blend of old and new that feels both familiar and inventive – giving fans what they want while also adding new stuff into the mix.
Gameplay-wise, the DLC introduces several new enemy types, including dwarven gunslingers and the beer-brewing Brewmaster. These additions challenge players to rethink their dungeon defenses, especially with the new traps like the Hydro-Lava-non and Steam trap, which offer satisfying ways to deal with invaders. The introduction of a train system, which can be both a weapon and a transport method, is a highlight, adding a dynamic layer to the strategy.
Visually, the DLC embraces its Western theme with a colorful and distinct aesthetic that fits well with the original look and feel while feeling fresh. The new environments, particularly the dusty Overworld regions, feel well-crafted and fit seamlessly into the game’s established style. The voice acting remains top-notch, with the returning characters delivering lines with tongue-in-cheek humor. The music also complements the theme well, with tracks that evoke the Wild West without straying too far from the game’s core atmosphere and the base game’s tone.
However, while the new content is engaging, it doesn’t radically alter the gameplay. Longtime fans will appreciate the fresh scenarios and units, but relative newcomers might find the DLC more of a thematic variation than a significant expansion. Still, for those who enjoy the base game, “The Good, the Bad and the Evil” offers enough charm, challenge, and novelty to be a worthy addition to the Dungeons 4 experience.
YEAH! YOU WANT “THOSE GAMES,” RIGHT? SO HERE YOU GO! NOW, LET’S SEE YOU CLEAR THEM! 2 review (PS5)
We weren’t familiar with the first game, but the all-caps title “YEAH! YOU WANT ‘THOSE GAMES,’ RIGHT? SO HERE YOU GO! NOW, LET’S SEE YOU CLEAR THEM! 2” certainly raised some eyebrows here. We’ll just refer to it as “Those Games 2”, a chaotic collection of stickman-themed minigames developed by Monkeycraft and published by D3PUBLISHER. This PlayStation 5 version features a playful and comical tone, but also offers more challenge than you might expect.
The game’s premise is simple: tackle a wide variety of minigames with escalating difficulty, each one featuring familiar gameplay mechanics but with a humorous twist. The stickman characters and their exaggerated animations add a layer of whimsy to the experience, but beneath the lighthearted presentation lies a genuinely challenging core. The Rank-Up Challenges add a competitive edge, encouraging players to improve their scores and climb the global leaderboards. And while this structure is appealing for those who enjoy chasing high scores, it can also feel repetitive for players who aren’t as motivated by their place on the rankings.
Visually, the game has a minimalist 3D style, which works well for the fast-paced nature of the minigames. The simple graphics ensure that the focus remains on gameplay, but they might not impress players looking for more visually elaborate experiences. The audio complements the visuals with upbeat tunes and sound effects that match the game’s frenetic energy, though they can also become repetitive over longer sessions.
Ultimately, “Those Games 2” offers a solid continuation of the series, providing hours of lighthearted fun and intense challenge. The customizable player nameplates and Gotcha! machine add some personality to the experience, though they’re more of a side attraction than a central feature. While it’s not a groundbreaking title, fans of the first game and those who enjoy tough minigame collections will find plenty to keep them entertained. However, the steep difficulty curve might make it less accessible to casual players, making it a niche experience best suited for those who thrive on trial and error gameplay.
Tiny Pixels Vol. 1 – Ninpo Blast review (PS5)
Tiny Pixels Vol. 1 – Ninpo Blast brings a dose of arcade nostalgia to the PlayStation 5, delivering a retro-inspired vertical shoot-’em-up experience that harkens back to the golden era of arcade gaming. Published by Eastasiasoft, this title aims to capture the essence of classic bullet-hell games with a ninja twist. Players take on waves of insectoid enemies with an arsenal of shuriken, bombs, and other ninja-themed weapons, all while switching between spread and focus shot types to adapt to the challenges in front of you.
The game features tight and responsive controls, which are crucial for navigating the chaotic bullet patterns typical of the genre. The ability to collect coins and purchase permanent upgrades adds a layer of progression that keeps things interesting, though it does reduce the immediate challenge that many hardcore shmup (and especially bullet hell) fans might crave. The randomized stage elements, coupled with the distinct themes and original background music for each level, keep the gameplay fresh across multiple runs. However, some may find that the limited number of stages and bosses makes the experience feel a bit repetitive after extended play.
Visually, Ninpo Blast has a retro aesthetic with nice pixel art and a vibrant color palette that suits the fast-paced action. The game’s soundtrack complements the visuals well, offering an energetic backdrop that matches the intensity of the gameplay. But while the pixel art style is appealing, it doesn’t break new ground, and the limited variety in enemy designs and environments might leave some players wishing for a bit more visual diversity – especially when you consider this is a rather crowded genre.
Overall, Tiny Pixels Vol. 1 – Ninpo Blast offers a solid, albeit familiar, experience for fans of the shoot-’em-up genre. Its mix of accessible gameplay, progression mechanics, and nostalgic visuals make it a fun pick-up for casual players, while its online leaderboards provide a challenge for more competitive gamers. It may not redefine the genre, but it successfully captures the spirit of old-school shooters, making it a worthwhile addition to any retro enthusiast’s collection that’s available at a budget price.
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