In our latest port roundup we’re looking at recently released versions of Cash Cow DX, Aero The Acro-Bat 2 and Creepy Tale: Some Other Place – launching on new platformers, in the case of Aero several decades after its original release.
Cash Cow DX review (Switch)
Cash Cow DX is a retro-inspired arcade title that brings players back to the challenging days of 80s arcade games, where gameplay was simple in design but tough in execution. On the Nintendo Switch, the game maintains its core identity from its PC launch, offering a visually nostalgic experience with pixel art and charming chiptune soundtracks by Vincent Verger. The game’s premise is straightforward: help Cash Cow recover her stolen riches from the mischievous Pig Pockets, but the real focus is on navigating through five increasingly difficult multi-screen levels, bonus stages, and uncovering secrets.
The game emphasizes a no-frills, old-school difficulty that feels both rewarding and frustrating, depending on your tolerance for repetition. With no continues, every attempt pushes players to improve, though the lack of progression checkpoints can be a source of frustration for some. The included arcade, speedrun, and marathon modes offer variety, though they all share the same brutal difficulty curve, which is made slightly more manageable by the option to choose between normal and turbo speeds.
Despite its hardcore nature, Cash Cow DX is fun to play, particularly for players who relish the trial-and-error approach typical of vintage arcade games. Leaderboards add some competitive replay value, but the absence of any continues and limited gameplay variation can leave players feeling burned out after extended sessions. The controls are responsive enough to handle the intensity, but given the game’s speed and precision demands, they may feel stiff for newer players unfamiliar with this style of play.
On the audio-visual side, the game’s retro aesthetic pairs well with the gameplay, evoking nostalgia for players who remember this era fondly. The chiptune soundtrack complements the experience, keeping players energized through tough stages. However, its niche appeal might limit its audience to those who thrive on this type of challenge. Overall, Cash Cow DX is a solid homage to classic arcade titles, but its difficulty and minimal concessions to modern gaming might only resonate with hardcore retro enthusiasts.
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 review (PS5)
Aero The Acrobat 2 marks a nostalgic return to the 16-bit era, arriving on the PlayStation 5 through Ratalaika’s efforts after its original debut nearly three decades ago. The game picks up where its predecessor left off, with Aero battling the evil Edgar Ektor once again. However, the plot remains simple, acting as a backdrop for its platforming action. The inclusion of a rewind function, save states, and cheats such as infinite health and invincibility does make it more accessible to modern players, softening some of the frustration that originally accompanied the challenging gameplay.
While the game’s platforming is competent, it lacks the fluidity and polish of genre contemporaries like Sonic the Hedgehog, Donkey Kong County and Mario, often requiring precise timing to overcome obstacles and enemies. Aero’s acrobatic abilities, including his double jump and spin attack, are fun to execute, but the game’s level design sometimes feels unnecessarily punishing. That being said, the game does reward perseverance, and the varied environments across its eight zones provide some visual appeal.
Visually, Aero The Acrobat 2 holds up decently thanks to its colorful pixel art style, and the addition of visual filters lets players tweak the experience to resemble CRT monitors or other retro aesthetics. The soundtrack is serviceable but not particularly memorable, with tunes that complement the action without standing out. The gameplay can occasionally feel clunky due to Aero’s slightly stiff controls, which may frustrate newcomers, though fans of the original might appreciate the faithfulness to its roots.
Despite the shortcomings of the original game, this new version of Aero The Acrobat 2 offers a solid slice of retro platforming for fans of the original or those curious about lesser-known titles from the 16-bit era. With features like turbo mode and the ability to view original artwork in the gallery, it’s clear that Ratalaika and Shinyuden have worked to preserve the charm of this classic while offering a few modern conveniences to smooth over its rough edges. However, it remains a product of its time – appealing mainly to retro enthusiasts rather than those seeking refined platforming experiences.
Creepy Tale: Some Other Place review (PS5)
Creepy Tale: Some Other Place transports players into a haunting world that balances eerie atmosphere with engaging puzzle mechanics. Developed by Creepy Brothers and now available on PlayStation 5 courtesy of Sometimes You, the game follows a new storyline set in the same unsettling universe as its predecessors. The narrative is filled with dark, twisted characters and surreal environments that immediately grab your attention. The story is bolstered by stop-frame animation and hand-drawn art, giving the game a distinctive visual style that feels both charming and unsettling.
The gameplay revolves around solving puzzles, and while they are mostly well-designed, some players might find a few overly challenging or lacking in logical flow. However, the variety of mechanics ensures that the puzzles stay fresh throughout the game. Exploration and puzzle-solving go hand in hand, as you interact with the world and its creepy inhabitants. The game’s controls, particularly on the PlayStation 5, work smoothly with a gamepad, though there are occasional moments where the precision required for certain puzzles feels a bit off.
The soundscape stands out, with haunting melodies composed by Alexander Ahura that perfectly complement the unsettling atmosphere. The music, along with the professional voice acting, helps to immerse players in the world, enhancing the eerie tone of the narrative. Visually, Creepy Tale: Some Other Place features a distinct hand-drawn art style, which, combined with its detailed animation, makes each environment feel both enchanting and sinister.
Ultimately, Creepy Tale: Some Other Place is a captivating and unsettling journey into a dark fairy tale world. While not without its flaws, the game’s atmospheric design, intriguing puzzles, and immersive audio-visual presentation make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. Those seeking a more story-driven, eerie adventure will likely find much to enjoy, though the game’s occasional frustrations may test the patience of some players.
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