MindSeize, They Came From The Sky 2 and Damikira were all recently ported over to consoles after an earlier PC release. Here’s a closer look at all three.
MindSeize review (PS5)
The PlayStation 5 version of MindSeize brings a classic Metroidvania experience with a blend of sci-fi intrigue, fast-paced combat, and a personal narrative. Players step into the shoes of M.C. Fox, a private investigator on a desperate quest to stop an organization that stole his daughter’s mind. Connecting his consciousness to a robotic body, Fox travels across different planets, combining platforming, exploration, and combat to uncover secrets and exact his revenge. While the game’s premise is compelling, the narrative sometimes feels uneven, lacking the emotional punch one might expect from a tale of such personal stakes.
The gameplay provides classic 2D platforming with a mix of exploration and combat. You can upgrade your MAG (your robotic body) with new abilities, weapons, and mods, making progression feel rewarding as you unlock new paths and enhance your combat capabilities. The movement and combat mechanics are generally fluid, though certain sections might frustrate due to uneven difficulty spikes and some occasional imprecision in controls. The variety in enemy design and boss battles stands out as a highlight, but the overall challenge can feel inconsistent between them.
Visually, MindSeize embraces a nostalgic 16-bit pixel art style, which blends well with the game’s atmospheric sci-fi setting. The different planets are visually distinct, each with its own unique environment and dangers to face. However, while the graphical design is charming, some areas and enemy types might come across as visually repetitive after extended play sessions. On the audio front, the game’s soundtrack complements the action with fitting atmospheric tracks, though it may not be particularly memorable once the credits roll either.
Overall, MindSeize on the PlayStation 5 offers a well-executed take on the Metroidvania formula, with a blend of exploration, upgrades, and platforming. While the gameplay shines in its best moments, the game is held back slightly by some narrative and pacing issues. However, for fans of the genre, it provides a solid and enjoyable experience, particularly if you’re drawn to the nostalgia of retro-inspired sci-fi action.
They Came From The Sky 2 review (PS5)
They Came From the Sky 2, developed by FobTi Interactive and published by Ratalaika Games on consoles, brings a quirky arcade-style experience to the PlayStation 5, after first launching on PC earlier this year. This retro-inspired game lets you take control of a giant alien robot with a single mission: abduct as many humans as possible. Its throwback design draws inspiration from classics like Defender and the Amiga title Walker, which will appeal to fans of 90s-era arcade action. The game’s premise doesn’t dive deep into narrative complexities, instead focusing on pure, fast-paced action with absurd humor woven throughout.
The gameplay itself is simple but addictive, relying on tight, fast-paced controls. Each level becomes a dash to outmaneuver increasingly quirky enemies, ranging from skateboard kids to grumpy grandpas. The more successful you are in abducting humans, the more you unlock in terms of weapons and upgrades. The controls are easy to grasp, offering a smooth arcade feel, but the gameplay doesn’t evolve much beyond its initial hook, which might wear thin after you’ve been playing a while.
Visually, the game leans heavily into pixel art, which works well with its retro approach. The graphics are a nostalgic nod to the 16-bit era, though the levels themselves can feel somewhat repetitive over time. The humor scattered throughout, such as abducting Elvis impersonators, adds a playful touch, keeping things light despite the game’s basic presentation. Musically, the retro soundtrack composed by Kevin MacLeod is catchy and fitting for the arcade vibe, though it’s not memorable to the point where you’ll be humming the tunes after you stop playing.
Ultimately, They Came From the Sky 2 is a fun but brief diversion for those seeking a simple arcade game to play for an hour. While it won’t hold attention for long periods, it does well as a quick experience, perfect for short bursts of chaotic action. Its low price point makes it an easy recommendation for fans of retro gaming or anyone looking for a lighthearted, score-chasing challenge.
Damikira review (PS5)
Damikira, developed by Brain-dead Rabbit Games and published by Eastasiasoft on consoles, delivers a fast-paced twin-stick shooter experience filled with chaotic action and a splash of dark humor. Set in a gritty, gory world, players battle through waves of enemies while climbing the leaderboards. The game’s arcade-like simplicity is offset by unlockable weapons, upgrades, and characters, keeping the gameplay fresh, though the core loop can still become repetitive – so we recommend playing this in short bursts.
One of the standout features of Damikira is the grappling hook, which adds an interesting dynamic to movement and combat. Combined with fast-paced shooting and dodging, the game offers non-stop action that’s amplified by a heavy metal soundtrack. However, the intense on-screen chaos, paired with camera shake, can make it easy to lose track of your character during heated moments, and if you’re looking for a relaxed time then you might be getting a bit of sensory overload instead.
Visually, the game embraces an over-the-top aesthetic with lots of blood and gore. While this fits its dark humor, the presentation won’t appeal to everyone, especially those sensitive to extreme violence or prone to motion sickness. The humor, while present, can be hit or miss depending on your taste. Controls are tight and responsive, with auto-aim being an almost essential feature to manage the game’s chaotic pace.
Damikira isn’t deep when it comes to story or world-building, but for fans of fast, adrenaline-pumping shooters, it provides a fun challenge. The leaderboards add some replay value, but the repetitive nature of the gameplay might limit its long-term appeal. Still, for those who enjoy non-stop action in short bursts, Damikira offers a good time.
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