To The Moon, Amanda The Adventurer, Purpose 1951 and Massi were all recently released for PlayStation owners – here’s a closer look at all four of these indie games.
To The Moon review (PS5)
To the Moon, developed by Freebird Games and published by Serenity Forge, has finally made its way to the PlayStation 5, over a decade after its original PC release in 2011. This narrative-driven game follows the emotional journey of Dr. Rosalene and Dr. Watts, who perform a peculiar operation that allows dying patients to relive their lives in their minds, fulfilling unfulfilled wishes. In this case, the story focuses on Johnny, an elderly man whose final wish is to go to the moon. The game’s premise is a poignant exploration of memories and desires, with each chapter of Johnny’s life offering new, emotionally charged, insights into why this wish holds such importance.
The gameplay mechanics of To the Moon are straightforward, mainly consisting of exploring environments, interacting with objects, and solving simple puzzles. There’s no combat or intense action, which allows the narrative to take center stage. While the lack of more traditional gameplay elements might be a turn-off for some, it works for those who are invested in the story. However, some players may find the puzzle mechanics a bit repetitive as the game progresses, and it’s clear that the experience is more about storytelling than challenging gameplay.
Visually, To the Moon has retained its 16-bit aesthetic, which, though dated by modern standards, adds a nostalgic charm that aligns well with the emotional themes of the game. The simple pixel art style may not appeal to everyone, but it effectively conveys the mood and tone of each scene. Meanwhile, the soundtrack, composed by Kan Gao, is one of the game’s standout features, amplifying the emotional depth of the story. The music is deeply intertwined with the narrative, and certain tracks will likely resonate with players long after the game’s conclusion.
Despite the minimal gameplay and dated visuals, To the Moon remains a highly regarded experience because of its narrative strength and emotional impact. The PlayStation 5 version brings the game to a new audience, but whether it captivates you will depend on how much you value storytelling in games. For those seeking a memorable, touching tale, To the Moon offers an experience that stays with you, even if its mechanics and presentation are simple by modern standards. Highly recommended for fans of this type of game.
Amanda The Adventurer review (PS5)
The PlayStation 5 version of Amanda the Adventurer brings its unsettling blend of children’s cartoon nostalgia and creepy horror to console players, just before fans of the game get a sequel. The premise is deceptively simple: Riley Park explores the attic of their Aunt Kate’s house and stumbles upon a series of VHS tapes featuring the titular Amanda and her sheep companion, Wooly. At first glance, the show seems like a harmless, low-budget children’s program from the early 2000s, but it quickly becomes clear that Amanda’s interactions go beyond the screen, drawing Riley into a disturbing mystery.
The gameplay primarily revolves around escape-room style puzzles, with clues cleverly hidden in the increasingly eerie VHS tapes. These puzzles, while not overly challenging, add a layer of engagement that complements the game’s narrative-driven experience. However, some players might find the gameplay to be somewhat repetitive, as the core mechanics don’t evolve much beyond these tape-viewing sessions. Still, the sense of dread builds up nicely, with each tape revealing more dark secrets about Amanda’s world.
Visually, the game has a retro 90s aesthetic, with low-resolution CGI that feels both nostalgic and unsettling – tapping into the “found footage” theme of the game. The animation’s roughness adds to the eerie atmosphere, making Amanda’s direct addresses to the player all the more uncomfortable. The audio design further enhances this mood, with subtle background noises and warped sound effects that complement the narrative’s tension.
While the experience is short, Amanda the Adventurer effectively uses its runtime to create a unique and unnerving atmosphere. Its blend of nostalgia and psychological horror may not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a deeper or more varied gameplay experience, but for fans of narrative horror, it’s an intriguing title that delivers plenty of chills.
Purpose 1951 review (PS5)
Purpose 1951 offers an atmospheric journey through a post-World War II setting, blending a minimalist narrative with striking visual design. As a walking simulator, it places players in the role of a retired doctor whose life has unraveled. What follows is an introspective journey through the American wilderness, and while the game is light on traditional gameplay mechanics it excels at immersing players in a rich, almost dream-like world crafted by
Tonguç Bodur. The visuals, powered by Unreal Engine 5, are nothing short of stunning, with Lumen and Virtual Shadow Maps technology creating realistic lighting and detailed environments that enhance the feeling of isolation and melancholy.
Narratively, Purpose 1951 is subtle, relying on environmental storytelling and a reflective narration to convey its themes. There’s a slow, deliberate pace to the experience, which some players may find meditative, while others could see it as too slow and lacking in interactivity. For those who appreciate a more traditional game structure, the lack of puzzles or challenges may feel like a missed opportunity, as the game doesn’t offer much beyond walking and absorbing the surroundings.
The audio design is another strong point, with a soothing and melancholic soundtrack that complements the visuals. It helps deepen the emotional resonance of the protagonist’s journey, which feels personal and introspective. However, while the game is undoubtedly beautiful to look at and listen to, its short length and minimal gameplay could leave some players wanting more substance in terms of player engagement and replayability, making Purpose 1951 an experience designed for those who are more interested in mood and narrative than in complex gameplay mechanics.
Massi review (PS5)
Massi, developed by Farid Iberraken and published by Ratalaika, takes players back to the era of classic 2D platformers with its retro pixel art and challenging combat. On the surface, the game’s plot of a young king reclaiming his lost kingdom might seem straightforward, but it builds a strong foundation for a rewarding experience, blending fast-paced action with souls-like elements. This particular PlayStation 5 release offers a visually crisp version of the game, which first debuted on PC in 2022.
Gameplay-wise, Massi revolves around responsive platforming and intense combat, which stands out thanks to its parry mechanic. This feature, a highlight for players who enjoy precise combat systems, gives the game an extra layer of strategy, even if it might not hit the complexity level of titles like Sekiro. As you unlock new abilities like air dashes and wall jumps, the levels open up, making the world of Numidia feel more dynamic and rewarding to explore. The combat, especially against the bosses, delivers satisfying moments, although some might find certain platforming sections, especially those involving vertical jumps, slightly clunky.
While the controls are generally fluid, navigating tight spots and some platforming areas could benefit from a bit more polish, as it occasionally disrupts the otherwise smooth flow. The audio and visuals, while not groundbreaking, perfectly capture the retro aesthetic the game aims for, with the pixel art and chiptune music adding a nostalgic charm to the experience. Though Massi isn’t an especially long game, it provides a few hours of solid gameplay, with a bit of replay value for those who enjoy mastering combat mechanics and exploring hidden areas.
Overall, Massi is a well-rounded indie title with a fair price point. For fans of action platformers who appreciate retro visuals mixed with modern combat mechanics, it’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re in search of a short but satisfying experience.
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