Universe for Sale, Ninja 1987 and Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament were all released on Steam before, but have now received PlayStation 5 ports – here’s a closer look at all three.
Universe for Sale review (PS5)
Set against the backdrop of a mysterious colony in Jupiter’s clouds, Universe for Sale – which was well-received on PC – weaves an enigmatic narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is visually striking. The game’s hand-drawn art style, inspired by underground European comics, creates an atmospheric experience, bringing the bustling bazaar and its diverse cast to life. From fleshless cultists to sapient orangutans, the characters each offer unique stories, making exploration feel rewarding. However, some narrative threads may feel underdeveloped, leaving players craving more depth in certain interactions.
The gameplay combines traditional adventure mechanics with a unique universe-crafting mini-game, which serves as both a central narrative element and an engaging puzzle mechanic. While the act of designing universes is imaginative and fun, other gameplay aspects can feel overly simplistic, occasionally falling into the trappings of a standard visual novel. The controls are intuitive, but transitions between exploration and mini-games sometimes lack fluidity, mildly detracting from the overall experience.
On the technical side, the hand-drawn visuals are complemented by a serene and ambient soundtrack that heightens the game’s tone. The sound design is a highlight, with subtle environmental cues adding immersion, though some voice acting or additional audio variety could have further enhanced the storytelling. The game’s PlayStation 5 version runs smoothly and benefits from polished visuals, though its core content remains largely unchanged from its earlier PC release.
For those seeking a narrative-rich experience, Universe for Sale delivers an intriguing blend of storytelling and artistic creativity. While it occasionally falters in pacing and depth, its unique premise and captivating visual design make it worth exploring for fans of adventure games. It’s a compelling journey through a beautifully bizarre universe, albeit one that could have dug a little deeper into its cosmic mysteries.
Ninja 1987 review (PS5)
Ninja 1987 embraces the essence of 1980s gaming nostalgia, delivering an action-platforming experience inspired by NES-era classics like Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi. The game, developed by SEEP and published on consoles by Ratalaika Games, offers a faithful recreation of the 8-bit era while adding a few modern touches to improve accessibility. Its pixel art visuals and chiptune soundtrack perfectly evoke the aesthetics of the era, although the repetitive nature of some tracks may dampen their charm.
Gameplay centers around precise platforming and combat, with mechanics that include double-jumping, wall-climbing, and a mix of melee and ranged attacks. The ability to unleash special ninjitsu moves adds variety, though the limited boss designs can make these climactic encounters feel underwhelming. That said, each level introduces new hazards, enemies, and mechanics, ensuring that the core gameplay loop remains engaging throughout its seven acts.
The controls strike a good balance between retro simplicity and modern responsiveness, with the option to use either the d-pad or analog stick. Unlike many 8-bit inspirations, Ninja 1987 avoids frustrating difficulty spikes, offering a forgiving checkpoint system that keeps the experience accessible without sacrificing challenge. Deaths reduce your score slightly but don’t erase progress, making the game a great entry point for players unfamiliar with old-school platformers – though this also means it’s on the shorter side.
While Ninja 1987 doesn’t reinvent the genre, it succeeds as a love letter to the golden age of ninja action games. Its short campaign is bolstered by its charm and accessibility, making it an enjoyable choice for retro enthusiasts and new players alike at its budget price point.
Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament review (PS5)
After its initial PC release in 2016, Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament has finally made its way to the PS5, courtesy of Eastasiasoft. This entry in the long-running Chinese RPG series showcases a compelling narrative set in a mythological world brimming with gods, demons, and ancient artifacts. With its PS5 release, the game has a chance to reach a wider audience, but it also highlights some dated elements in contrast to modern RPG standards.
The story weaves an intricate tale of divine intervention, familial bonds, and a battle against chaos. While the premise is steeped in Chinese mythology, the game manages to make its lore accessible, albeit with occasional pacing issues and a heavy reliance on cutscenes. The rich cultural backdrop is undoubtedly a highlight, though at times the narrative’s complexity can be daunting.
Gameplay sees a shift to a real-time, encounter-based combat system, which adds dynamism to battles. Features like the Guardian System and Miracle System bring depth, allowing players to summon demons and unleash powerful buffs. However, the mechanics sometimes feel uneven, with certain features lacking polish or balance. The inclusion of the Battle Formation system adds strategic layers, but navigating these options can occasionally feel cumbersome due to outdated menu designs.
Visually, the game shows its age despite decent lighting, motion capture, and facial animations. While atmospheric scenes and detailed character models elevate the presentation, the environments often feel static and textures lack the fidelity expected from modern releases. The audio, with its mix of evocative music and voice acting, enhances the immersion but is marred by inconsistent quality, especially in the English dub.
The transition to PS5 brings smooth performance and sharp visuals, but the overall experience still feels rooted in its past. For fans of the genre and those intrigued by its mythological narrative, Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament offers a unique experience. However, its dated design and uneven mechanics may not appeal to everyone, especially players accustomed to contemporary RPG standards.
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