We’re looking at Aero The Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge, Back Then and the Switch version of Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged in our latest roundup of games that have recently been ported over to new systems. Check out our reviews of these three titles below.
Aero The Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge review (PS5)
The PlayStation 5 version of Aero the Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge, published by Ratalaika, brings a 2002 take of the classic platformer back into the spotlight with modern conveniences. The game retains the charm of its original circus-themed setting, where players guide Aero, the acrobatic bat, through a series of levels to foil the sinister plans of Edgar Ektor. The premise is as whimsical as ever, with a quirky story conveyed through vibrant visuals and a newly added comic-style introduction that enhances the narrative presentation compared to the 16-bit games that came out a decade earlier.
Gameplay revolves largely around Aero’s signature aerial skills, blending platforming with objectives that unlock pathways through each of the game’s areas. While this structure provides variety, the objectives can sometimes feel repetitive, and a few difficulty spikes may frustrate. However, new features like save states, rewind functionality, and cheats make the experience much more accessible, allowing players to bypass some of the more punishing sections if needed.
Visually, the game retains its retro aesthetic while offering enhancements like screen filters to evoke nostalgia or change up the presentation. The inclusion of a gallery showcasing artwork from the original release is a thoughtful touch for longtime fans of the franchise. On the audio front, the music effectively complements the circus theme, though its somewhat formulaic sound may lack the staying power of more iconic platformer soundtracks.
Despite its age, Aero the Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge still offers an engaging platforming experience for those willing to embrace its quirks. While some mechanics show their age and GBA origins, the addition of modern quality-of-life features ensures this classic can be enjoyed by both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Back Then review (PS5)
Back Then by Octopus Embrace delivers an emotional journey into the mind of Thomas Eilian, an elderly writer grappling with Alzheimer’s disease. This narrative-driven game, now available on PlayStation 5 after its initial PC release, explores themes of memory, identity, and loss through an intimate first-person perspective. Players are invited to uncover Thomas’s story by navigating his home, unlocking new areas, and piecing together the fragments of his past. The game’s poignant subject matter shines, though its execution occasionally stumbles.
The narrative is undoubtedly Back Then’s strongest aspect. As Thomas reflects on his life and struggles with the confusion of dementia, the monologues and interactions reveal not just his perspective but also the emotional toll on his family. The inclusion of dreamlike sequences provides an abstract contrast to the grounded reality of his home, reinforcing the sense of disorientation. But while the storytelling is heartfelt and impactful, the pacing can feel uneven, with slower moments that risk losing player engagement.
Gameplay is mostly centered around environmental exploration and light puzzles, which tie into the game’s themes of forgetfulness and rediscovery. While these mechanics serve the narrative well, they lack complexity and depth, potentially leaving players craving more interactive challenges. The controls, designed to reflect Thomas’s limited mobility, add to the immersion but can also feel restrictive, which may frustrate some players not used to walking simulator-like mechanics. Despite its conceptual strengths, the gameplay occasionally feels underwhelming in its execution.
Visually, Back Then offers an understated presentation, focusing on atmospheric detail in the house and surreal elements in its dream sequences. The art direction effectively conveys the game’s emotional tone, while the melancholic soundtrack enhances its reflective atmosphere. However, technical shortcomings, including minor bugs and inconsistent textures, detract from the otherwise immersive experience. Despite these flaws, Back Then succeeds in telling a deeply personal and thought-provoking story, making it a compelling choice for those seeking narrative-driven games even when they’re lighter on gameplay.
Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged review (Switch)
Revolution Software has brought Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged to the Nintendo Switch, offering fans a chance to experience this timeless classic in an updated format just a few weeks after launching on other platforms. The game’s narrative, which follows George Stobbart and Nico Collard as they unravel a globe-spanning conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, remains as gripping and engaging as ever on Nintendo’s platform, as the intricate blend of humor, mystery, and historical intrigue makes the story an enduring highlight of the genre.
The classic gameplay mechanics translate well to the Switch, with intuitive touch controls adding an extra layer of accessibility for handheld play. The game also supports traditional controls, which work smoothly, though navigating the cursor on a smaller screen can feel a bit finicky at times when playing in handheld mode. The puzzles retain their challenge, offering a satisfying mix of logical thinking and experimentation, though some solutions may feel obtuse by modern standards. Longtime fans will appreciate how faithfully the core gameplay has been preserved, while new players can enjoy features like hints to ease the experience.
Visually, the remastered graphics are a highlight, with the 4K visuals of the ‘bigger’ versions scaled beautifully for the Switch’s portable screen. The hand-drawn art style retains its charm, while the enhanced details breathe new life into the game’s vibrant locations and characters. The audio enhancements, including improved voice acting and a polished soundtrack, enhance the atmosphere, though the limitations of the original voice recordings can occasionally show their age.
The portability of the Switch makes it an excellent platform for Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged. Being able to immerse yourself in the game’s intricate narrative on the go is a major plus, although some small-screen challenges and occasional interface issues might remind players of its older roots. Overall, this is a fantastic way to revisit a beloved classic or discover it for the first time, blending nostalgia with modern enhancements in a package that feels right at home on the Switch – with a gameplay experience that’s almost like taking a good adventure novel with you when played in handheld mode.
Press Play Media 