With Aerial_Knight’s We Never Yield, Between Horizons and Kiki – A Vibrant 3D Platformer, we’re checking out three new indie releases for the PlayStation 5 today. Check out our latest indie roundup below.
Aerial_Knight’s We Never Yield review (PS5)
Aerial_Knight’s We Never Yield, developed by Aerial_Knight and published by Headup, delivers another stylized take on the endless runner genre, set against the backdrop of a futuristic Detroit. The game places players in the shoes of Wally, a protagonist determined to reclaim what was stolen from him, while also uncovering a larger conspiracy. The narrative isn’t particularly deep, but it keeps the momentum going, matching the game’s fast-paced mechanics. As a result, the overall experience, with an average runtime of about 90 minutes, feels like a short but engaging indie action movie.
At its core, We Never Yield is a side-scrolling endless runner, with players needing to time their jumps, slides, and dashes to avoid obstacles. The game’s mechanics are simple and accessible, which makes it easy to pick up and play. However, while casual players can enjoy the adrenaline-filled action in the story, speedrunners will likely find the most enjoyment from mastering the game’s intricacies and aiming for perfect runs. The gameplay is fast, but it can also feel repetitive due to the limited variety in the types of obstacles and actions available.
The game’s visuals are among its strongest aspects. The colorful, cel-shaded art style gives We Never Yield a unique flair, making it stand out among other runners. Its sleek, futuristic setting combined with the striking design of the characters and environments keeps the experience visually stimulating, even when the gameplay itself may become repetitive. The energetic soundtrack, produced by Detroit artist Danime-Sama, is another standout feature, adding a fresh and dynamic feel to the gameplay. The music, with contributions from artists worldwide, helps to immerse players in Wally’s world.
But while We Never Yield impresses with its aesthetics and soundtrack, its short runtime and lack of depth might leave some players wanting more. The game is fun but fleeting, and though it offers replayability for those interested in improving their scores, the overall experience doesn’t expand much beyond its initial run. Still, for those looking for a quick, stylish adventure with a killer soundtrack, this game hits the mark.
Between Horizons review (PS5)
Between Horizons, developed by DigiTales Interactive and published by Assemble Entertainment, offers an intriguing mix of detective gameplay and a branching sci-fi narrative set aboard the Zephyr, humanity’s first generation ship for space exploration. As Stella, a security officer born on the ship, you uncover a deep conspiracy threatening the mission and social order. The story’s premise feels refreshingly different from typical sci-fi narratives, with its focus on intergenerational responsibility versus individual freedom. The game’s narrative branches and asks players to make tough decisions, often forcing them to confront the moral complexity of the unfolding events.
Gameplay in Between Horizons blends investigation mechanics with a semi-open world. As Stella, you gather evidence, confront characters, and ultimately submit cases based on your findings. The evidence system allows for flexibility, which adds an element of player agency, but it can also feel overwhelming for those looking for a more guided experience. The game’s no-second-chance mechanic, where wrong decisions are final and alter the story, adds a sense of urgency but can lead to frustration, especially for players who enjoy the option to correct their ‘mistakes’.
Visually, Between Horizons impresses with its 2.5D pixel art style, which blends beautifully with the 3D environments, creating a unique, almost retro-futuristic look. The vibrant visuals enhance the experience, offering a stark contrast between the game’s heavier themes and its visually engaging world. While the art direction is a standout, the sound design complements it well, with a fitting sci-fi soundtrack that elevates the tension and mystery.
Despite its strong narrative and stylish presentation, Between Horizons can feel slow-paced at times. The investigative process, while flexible, can drag, especially when navigating the ship’s various environments. The branching narrative and multiple endings offer replay value, but some players may find the challenge of getting a desired outcome more stressful than enjoyable. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate thoughtful, story-driven adventures, Between Horizons offers a rich and compelling experience that encourages introspection and critical thinking.
Kiki – A Vibrant 3D Platformer review (PS5)
Kiki – A Vibrant 3D Platformer offers a colorful and straightforward platforming experience, but it doesn’t reach beyond the basics. Developed by NipoBox and published by Eastasiasoft on consoles, the game presents players with a series of platforming challenges across 30 levels, split into three chapters. These levels range from beginner-friendly stages to more difficult ones that require precision and quick reflexes. However, while it sounds like a decent setup, the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
One of the key appeals of the game is its vibrant visuals and chiptune soundtrack. The art style is eye-catching, but it lacks variety. The levels tend to feel repetitive after a while, with new stages feeling like reskins of earlier ones rather than fresh challenges. The soundtrack does a good job of keeping the momentum going, but the sound effects are minimal and sometimes feel strangely absent during important gameplay moments.
Gameplay-wise, “Kiki” is reminiscent of classic platformers, filled with moving platforms, rotating saws, and spikes. While the concept is sound, the controls can be frustrating. Turning feels unresponsive at times, and players will need to spend time adjusting the sensitivity to get it right. Even after tweaking, movement feels awkward, making precision jumps harder than they should be. This can be especially grating on the game’s later, more difficult levels, and the lack of online leaderboards for time challenges also takes away from what could have been a reason to come back.
Despite its challenges, the game offers some fun moments for those who enjoy simple platformers. It’s priced affordably, and for that price, players get a decent amount of content, although some may question its overall value given the lack of polish. Kiki provides a serviceable but unremarkable platforming experience, best suited for casual players looking for a low-stakes challenge.
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