Ocean Media’s recent release of a whole bunch of casual titles on PlayStation 5 brings a mix of puzzle-solving, hidden object adventures, and hunting experiences. These games, ported from their PC counterparts, offer accessible gameplay and lighthearted fun, though the jump to consoles brings its own quirks. We checked out six (!) of them – here’s an overview.
Viking Heroes V: Collector’s Edition invites players to assist Viking siblings in an adventure across the nine worlds, helping Odin regain control over the threads of fate. And while the storyline feels familiar, the gameplay shines with its blend of resource management and light puzzle elements. Visually, the environments and characters are vibrant, capturing the festive atmosphere of Yule. However, the overall difficulty is a bit lacking, as it clearly caters to a more casual audience.
Sweet Home: Look and Find Collector’s Edition takes the hidden object genre into cozy settings, encouraging players to relax while hunting for objects in beautifully rendered backyards, pools, and nature scenes. The game is visually charming, with its good level of detail adding immersion. Yet, the gameplay loop can feel repetitive, and the lack of variety in the puzzles might dampen the experience for those seeking more challenge. Still, for fans of the genre, it offers a pleasant, laid-back experience – even though there are more ambitious takes on the formula out there.
Lots of Things 2: Collector’s Edition is a hidden object game that offers a vast array of scenic locations, from American national parks to African savannahs, while incorporating enjoyable mini-games. The “Layers” mode adds some variety, allowing players to search for objects through multiple layers of items. However, despite these innovations, the core gameplay might still feel repetitive for those not fully invested in the genre.
Duck Hunting Challenge brings a nostalgic hunting experience to consoles, combining elements from traditional hunting games with more modern progression systems. The inclusion of a canine companion adds a fun dynamic, and the scenic environments provide visual appeal. However, the controls can feel imprecise at times, and the overall experience can be repetitive, especially in the absence of deeper gameplay variations. Still, it scratches the itch for a casual, low-stakes hunting simulation – but don’t expect it to be able to compete with some of the high budget hunting sims out there.
Clutter’s Greatest Hits: Collector’s Edition delivers an overwhelming variety of puzzles, with over 2000 levels mixing familiar Clutter gameplay with new twists. The endless replayability of randomly generated levels and the vast number of modes ensure there’s always something to do, though some may find the sheer amount of content daunting. Visually, the game is simple but effective, while the new cinematic soundtrack adds a nice touch. It’s perfect for puzzle enthusiasts, but its sprawling nature may overwhelm those seeking a more focused experience. Still, probably our favorite release of the bunch.
Lastly, City Builder offers an intriguing blend of city-building and puzzle mechanics, with players stacking roads and utilities while navigating quirky challenges like mole-men and aliens. The game’s lighthearted tone and charming visual design make it appealing, though the stacking mechanics can feel finicky at times, especially on a controller. With over 20 hours of gameplay, it’s a solid offering for those who enjoy casual puzzle games, even if it sometimes struggles with pacing.
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