Aidan in Danger, The Last Shot and Mining Mechs all first saw the light of day on PC, but have now been released on consoles. Here’s a closer look at all three.
Aidan In Danger review (PS5)
Aidan in Danger, developed by Brainium Games, brings a bit of retro charm to modern consoles with its pixel-art platforming and nostalgic gameplay. In this platforming adventure, you play as Aidan, a young elf armed with a slingshot, embarking on a mission to protect the last dragon on Earth from an interdimensional villain. The game’s story is simple but effective, providing just enough context to keep players engaged as they tackle increasingly difficult levels. The narrative doesn’t dive too deeply, but the quest to save Drakor, the dragon, gives the action a heroic and fantastical tone that works well with the retro fantasy aesthetic.
The gameplay mechanics are straightforward, with Aidan using intuitive controls to jump, roll, and shoot his slingshot. The simplicity of the controls makes it easy to pick up and play, but the difficulty ramps up quickly with tricky platforming segments and boss fights that require careful timing and strategy. And while some players may appreciate the challenge, others might find the difficulty spikes frustrating, especially during the later boss battles where precision becomes key.
Visually, Aidan in Danger embraces a retro, pixelated style that evokes classic 8-bit and 16-bit platformers. The environments are detailed enough to keep the exploration interesting, though the overall aesthetic can feel repetitive after extended play. The chiptune soundtrack complements the retro visuals, offering a lively backdrop that enhances the nostalgic feel, though it may not stand out as much as other platformers in this genre. The rest of the audio kind of blends into the background most of the time, but never gets in the way either.
Despite its retro charm and tight controls, Aidan in Danger’s difficulty curve might turn off more casual players, and some may wish for more narrative depth or variety in the environments. However, for fans of old-school platformers, its mix of challenging gameplay, classic visuals, and boss battles offers a satisfying throwback experience.
The Last Shot review (PS5)
The Last Shot, developed by Rumata Lab and published by Sometimes You on consoles after its initial PC launch, brings a unique twist to the platforming adventure genre, setting its story in a bleak diesel-punk world at war. Rather than playing as a traditional action hero, you assume the role of a mechanical engineer tasked with crafting weapons in a militarized city. The game’s story takes a compelling turn when this mundane routine is shattered, leading you on a journey full of danger to uncover a conspiracy threatening your city. The plot adds a refreshing narrative layer, blending personal stakes with larger wartime intrigue.
The gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and tinkering with various machines and devices. As an engineer, your tasks aren’t just about navigating the environment but also interacting with and repairing mechanical contraptions that play into the game’s puzzle mechanics. These puzzles offer a clever change of pace, though some of them are overly reliant on trial and error mechanics. However, mastering the use of vehicles, jetpacks, and other mechanical marvels introduces a dynamic and enjoyable challenge to the experience.
Visually, The Last Shot stands out with its hand-drawn, retro cartoon art style, which effectively captures the captivating diesel-punk atmosphere. The environments are rich in detail, from the imposing architecture of the warring cities to the complex machinery you encounter. That said, some areas could have benefited from more visual variety to break up the dark, war-torn settings. The sound design complements the aesthetic, though it doesn’t leave a lasting impression and tends to blend into the background after a while.
Despite a few pacing issues and repetitive puzzle elements, The Last Shot delivers an engaging narrative and an intriguing world to explore. Its unique protagonist and diesel-punk setting help set it apart from other platformers, making it an interesting experience for those who enjoy puzzle-heavy adventures with a distinctive artistic flair.
Mining Mechs review (PS5)
Mining Mechs, recently released on PlayStation 5 by Eastasiasoft, offers a blend of resource management, exploration, and multiplayer fun. Developed by Delayed Victory, the game tasks players with controlling mechs to dig deep into the earth, collect valuable resources, and upgrade their machines. While the story takes a backseat, the underground journey and mystery keep players engaged as they venture deeper into challenging terrain.
The core gameplay loop is simple but addictive – mine resources, sell them, and use the profits to enhance your mech’s abilities. Different mechs, each with their own strengths, offer variety, and the upgrade system ensures a sense of progression. The challenge ramps up as players dig further, and unlocking new abilities adds a strategic layer to the action.
A highlight of Mining Mechs is its multiplayer feature, allowing up to seven friends to play together. Coordinating mining efforts adds a cooperative dynamic that enhances the experience, especially in tougher areas. However, the repetitive nature of the gameplay can become noticeable over time, and some might find the controls a bit sluggish in tight spots.
Visually, the game adopts a retro-inspired look that gets the job done but doesn’t particularly stand out. The environments are functional, though varied enough to keep things interesting, and the sound design is serviceable if somewhat forgettable. Despite some minor issues, Mining Mechs is a fun, cooperative experience that offers plenty of entertainment for those who enjoy resource-based gameplay.
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