Port roundup: Besiege, Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice & Super Spy Raccoon

With Besiege, Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice and Super Spy Raccoon, we’re checking out a trio of titles that first saw a release on the PC. They’re now out on consoles, and here’s a look at all three of them.

Besiege review (PS5)

A few years after the PC launch, Besiege brings its unique brand of physics-based chaos to the PlayStation 5, offering players the chance to construct elaborate siege engines and wreak havoc across medieval landscapes. The game’s concept remains delightfully creative, tasking players with solving challenges by designing contraptions that destroy, transport, or defend in increasingly intricate ways. And while its campaign spans four islands with over 50 levels, the true (sandbox-like) appeal lies in experimenting with the building tools to craft machines that range from brilliantly efficient to incredibly creative.

The building mechanics are intuitive yet deep, encouraging players to tinker with over 70 components, from spinning blades to complex suspension systems. The PS5 version handles the controls admirably, with adjustments that make designing and fine-tuning machines accessible despite the shift from mouse-and-keyboard to a gamepad. However, some players might find that making small adjustments can be cumbersome during more complex builds.

Visually, Besiege keeps things simple yet effective, with destructible environments that provide satisfying feedback as your machines clash with fortresses and foes. The muted medieval aesthetic works well, though the lack of variety in environments might become repetitive over extended play sessions – though at the same time they keep your focus on the creations you build. The sound design complements the action, with solid effects for explosions and mechanical failures, even if the audio lacks standout moments to elevate the overall experience.

For those who enjoy physics-based puzzles and sandbox creativity, Besiege on PS5 is a welcome addition to the console’s library. Its blend of problem-solving and experimentation offers hours of entertainment, even if some of its features, like the time dilation slider, feel more like a novelty than a necessity. The transition to PlayStation is largely successful, making this a strong option for fans of inventive and chaotic gameplay.

Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice review (PS5)

Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice makes its long-awaited debut on the PlayStation 5, delivering a standalone expansion that builds upon the celebrated stealth tactics of Blades of the Shogun. Focusing on Aiko, the kunoichi adept, the story delves into her past, pitting her against her former sensei in a tale filled with intrigue and personal stakes. While the narrative isn’t as expansive as the original game, it offers enough depth to keep returning fans engaged and serves as a fitting exploration of Aiko’s character.

Gameplay remains the highlight, with meticulously designed missions that reward thoughtful planning and creative execution. Players command a team of five assassins, each with unique skills, to outsmart and outmaneuver foes. The Shadow Mode mechanic allows for synchronized actions, leading to deeply satisfying moments when your plans unfold flawlessly. The three main missions, alongside shorter interludes, are rich in challenge, though newcomers might find the difficulty curve steep without prior experience with the main game – so we recommend starting there first or maybe even replaying it.

The transition to PlayStation 5 is smooth, with controls adapted well for the gamepad, though precision targeting can still feel cumbersome compared to a mouse-and-keyboard setup. The visuals maintain the series’ signature style, blending beautiful Edo-period environments with functional design that emphasizes gameplay clarity. Meanwhile, the audio complements the stealth-driven action, with subtle soundscapes and well-placed effects enhancing the atmosphere.

While Aiko’s Choice doesn’t reinvent the formula, it remains a polished and engaging addition to the series. Its blend of stealth strategy and character-driven storytelling will appeal to fans of the genre, though its relatively short runtime and reliance on familiarity with Blades of the Shogun might limit its appeal for newcomers. For those eager to return to Mimimi Games’ carefully crafted world, however, this expansion is a rewarding journey that is more than welcome on consoles.

Super Spy Raccoon review (Switch)

Super Spy Raccoon reimagines stealth gameplay through the lens of an early 80s-like arcade experience. Developed by Slain Mascot and published by Flynn’s Arcade on consoles, this retro-inspired game embraces simplicity with a straightforward premise: retrieve classified documents while evading detection. Players take on the role of Agent Romeo Raccoon, relying on classic stealth mechanics like hiding, climbing, and sneaking to complete their missions. While the narrative is minimal, the nostalgic presentation and old-school arcade vibe add charm.

The gameplay unfolds across five single-screen levels that loop indefinitely, ramping up in difficulty with each cycle. This minimalist design ensures quick pick-up-and-play sessions, though the lack of variety may feel repetitive after extended play. Tight controls and accessible mechanics make it easy to dive in, and the challenge of perfecting stealth runs keeps the experience engaging. However, the limited number of levels and absence of modern gameplay complexity could leave some players wanting more.

Visually, Super Spy Raccoon leans heavily into its retro aesthetic, with pixel art and vibrant colors that effectively evoke the arcade era. The music and sound effects complement the visuals, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere. However, the audio design, while fitting, doesn’t offer much in terms of variety, mirroring the simplicity of the overall game. Unlockable suit colors and leaderboards add some replay value, giving players a reason to return and compete for high scores.

While Super Spy Raccoon may not offer deep content or elaborate mechanics, its focus on bite-sized, challenging gameplay captures the spirit of the arcade era it emulates. On the Nintendo Switch, it’s an ideal pick for quick gaming sessions, though players looking for more substantial content might find it better suited to brief bursts of nostalgic fun. Fans of retro-style stealth games will appreciate its charm, even if it doesn’t stray far from its basic formula.