In this roundup of ports, we’re checking out two games we previously reviewed on other systems as well as a title we didn’t cover until now. Here’s a look at Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, The Thaumaturge and Liberté on the PlayStation 5.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide review (PS5)
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide makes its long-awaited arrival on the PlayStation 5, building upon the foundation established by its PC release two years ago. Developed by Fatshark, the game transports players into the grim and oppressive Hive City of Tertium, where they take on the role of Rejects serving the Inquisition. The game blends cooperative gameplay with a mix of melee and ranged combat, creating a hybrid experience that still feels both brutal and rewarding, as previously discussed in our original review.
The narrative serves as a backdrop to the action, with Chaos corrupting the city and you tasked with eliminating the threat. While the story isn’t as developed as some might hope, the oppressive atmosphere of the Warhammer 40K universe shines through, enhanced by the excellent environmental design. From decaying industrial zones to rain-soaked maintenance areas, the setting is immersive and visually striking, and the visuals look good on the PS5. Players can choose between a performance mode at 60 FPS and a quality mode that delivers a 4K resolution, although the latter comes with a capped frame rate. On PS5, DualSense integration also adds tactile feedback to melee strikes and gunfire, enhancing immersion during the chaos of battle.
The gameplay builds on the melee combat of Vermintide 2 while introducing satisfying gunplay to handle Darktide’s relentless hordes. The variety of enemies keeps encounters dynamic, but the real magic lies in the cooperative mechanics, which emphasize teamwork. Straying from your group is dangerous, as Chaos forces quickly capitalize on isolated players. And while the combat loop is engaging, the missions can feel repetitive over time, particularly for players seeking deeper variety in objectives or environments.
On the downside, the game still struggles with pacing issues and occasionally feels like it prioritizes grind over progression. Nevertheless, the PS5 version also benefits from two years of updates and improvements, making it a more polished experience than the original PC launch.
For fans of Warhammer 40K and cooperative action games, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on PlayStation 5 delivers intense, team-driven combat within an evocative dystopian setting. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it refines it enough to warrant a second look, particularly for console players experiencing the hive city for the first time.
The Thaumaturge review (PS5)
The Thaumaturge brings its intricate narrative and unique gameplay mechanics to the PlayStation 5 after its initial debut on PC, which we reviewed earlier. Developed by Fool’s Theory and published by 11 bit studios, this isometric RPG immerses players in a richly detailed early 20th-century Warsaw. The game’s protagonist, Wiktor Szulski, is a thaumaturge – a mystical detective whose ability to summon folkloric demons and manipulate emotions creates a fascinating dynamic between power and responsibility.
The game’s narrative excels in its complexity and depth, blending historical elements with supernatural intrigue. Warsaw comes alive as a multicultural hub filled with diverse characters, some of which were inspired by real historical figures like Rasputin. This historical grounding enhances the immersion, while the interplay between Wiktor’s personal flaws and the choices players make add layers to the story. However, at times, the narrative pacing falters, with some side quests feeling less impactful than others.
Gameplay is where The Thaumaturge distinguishes itself, with its turn-based combat system that leverages both physical attacks and the abilities of summoned salutors (demons inspired by Slavic folklore). The tactical depth of the combat is a highlight, requiring players to balance their own skills with the unique powers of their tamed demons. Exploration also benefits from Wiktor’s thaumaturgical abilities, which uncover secrets hidden within the environment. While these mechanics are engaging, the game occasionally struggles with inconsistent difficulty spikes that can disrupt the flow.
The transition to PlayStation 5 has been handled well, with the console version benefiting from smooth performance. The richly detailed environments of Warsaw look stunning on a large screen, and the game’s art direction further emphasizes its period setting. DualSense features add an extra layer of immersion, particularly during combat and exploration sequences. However, the isometric perspective and occasional camera issues can still detract from the experience, especially when navigating complex environments. Audio design also deserves praise, with an evocative score that captures the atmosphere of early 20th-century Europe. Voice acting, while generally strong, has moments of inconsistency, especially for secondary characters.
Despite minor flaws, The Thaumaturge is a unique RPG experience that stands out for its blend of historical storytelling and the supernatural. The PlayStation 5 version is a solid way to experience this rich and ambitious title, offering an engrossing narrative and satisfying tactical combat. PS5-bound fans of story-driven RPGs with a taste for the mystical will find much to enjoy here.
Liberté review (PS5)
Liberté delivers a fresh spin on the roguelite genre, blending the chaos of the French Revolution with dark fantasy and horror elements. As Rene, a Parisian drawn into the schemes of Lady Bliss, players unravel a narrative that mixes historical intrigue with surreal otherworldly elements. The story’s ambitious scope is engaging, though the dense lore and cryptic motivations of its antagonist can occasionally feel overwhelming when not enough context is provided.
The gameplay centers on a deck-building system that encourages experimentation, allowing players to craft diverse playstyles from over 100 skills and talents. Adding to the strategic depth is a shapeshifting mechanic, which lets Rene transform into alternate forms with unique abilities. While the mechanics are innovative, the roguelite structure can lead to some repetitiveness over time, especially during longer sessions.
Visually, Liberté stands out with its detailed recreation of Revolutionary Paris juxtaposed against the grotesque landscapes of the Bliss. The PS5 version looks crisp and performs well, though the darker aesthetic can occasionally obscure some of the action during intense moments. The audio design complements the setting well, with an evocative score and atmospheric sound effects, though voice acting is uneven in places.
For fans of roguelites and narrative-driven games, Liberté is a bold take that blends history and fantasy in an way. Its ambitious story, unique mechanics, and striking visuals set it apart, even if its pacing and complexity might not appeal to all players. The PS5 version provides a polished platform to experience the game, which launched last year on PC.
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