In this roundup of recent releases, we take a look at the new Viva Las Elvis DLC for Walkabout Mini Golf and the indie platformer games Popotinho’s Adventures and Super Onion Boy+.
Walkabout Mini Golf: Viva Las Elvis review (Quest)
The new Viva Las Elvis DLC for Walkabout Mini Golf takes players to a 1970s Vegas-inspired golf experience that pays tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Every hole is packed with Elvis- and Vegas-themed details, from neon-lit backdrops to nods to his legendary songs and films. The atmosphere is further amplified by the vibrant, nostalgic soundtrack, which sets the tone for a delightful virtual mini-golf adventure even though it doesn’t feature any Elvis tracks.
The course’s design shines with its creative layouts, balancing accessibility and challenge. Whether navigating past iconic casino elements or dodging thematic obstacles, the gameplay remains engaging and intuitive. The controls, as always, feel smooth and responsive, offering a seamless experience for players of all skill levels. However, a few of the more complex holes might be intimidating for newcomers who are drawn into this because of the Elvis element but don’t have a ton of Walkabout experience, potentially requiring extra patience to master.
Visually, Viva Las Elvis is a standout addition to the game’s impressive lineup of DLC, with its vibrant colors and retro aesthetics capturing the essence of Elvis’s Vegas performances. The soundtrack, with its Elvis-inspired tunes, not only enhances immersion but also provides a rhythmic backdrop that encourages players to groove as they play. The nostalgic atmosphere ensures that even non-Elvis fans can appreciate the charm of this DLC, which (with a stark contrast due to a dark backdrop that makes the visuals pop) feel quite different from other packs.
While the heavy focus on Elvis might not appeal to everyone, the creativity and polish on display make this one of the most distinctive and entertaining courses in Walkabout Mini Golf to date. Whether you’re an Elvis enthusiast or simply a fan of unique mini-golf experiences, Viva Las Elvis is a memorable journey that encapsulates the energy and glamour of Las Vegas during its golden era – and it successfully delivers a somewhat unlikely tie-in.
Popotinho’s Adventures review (PS5)
Popotinho’s Adventures, published by Eastasiasoft, takes players on a side-scrolling journey that harks back to platforming classics. With 50 levels spanning diverse landscapes like forests and twilight-lit fields, the game’s premise of guiding Popotinho back to his family adds a layer of warmth to its lighthearted adventure. While the narrative is simple and largely unintrusive, it does serve as a casual backdrop for the gameplay.
The gameplay mechanics are straightforward, with running, hopping, and double-jumping forming the core of your traversal toolkit. Checkpoints marked by flagpoles and collectibles such as fruits and hearts offer accessibility for newcomers while helping players navigate trickier segments. However, the platforming itself can sometimes feel inconsistent due to the floaty jump physics, which undermines precision in the more challenging levels. Enemy placement and spike traps keep players on their toes, but they can occasionally feel frustrating rather than engaging due to uneven difficulty spikes that’ll have you stuck for longer than needed.
Visually, Popotinho’s Adventures boasts bright and colorful environments that effectively evoke a retro charm, though the overall presentation feels more functional than inspired. The character designs and animations have a simplistic appeal, but they lack the polish and personality that could make the game stand out in a crowded genre. Similarly, the music and sound effects are cheerful but repetitive, adding little beyond basic atmosphere.
For fans of old-school platformers, Popotinho’s Adventures offers a nostalgic diversion that emphasizes accessible mechanics and a family-friendly tone. However, the game struggles to leave a lasting impression due to its lack of innovation and occasional control issues. While it may resonate with those looking for a casual platforming experience, more seasoned players might find it a bit too basic to hold their attention for long.
Super Onion Boy+ review (PS5)
Super Onion Boy+, published by Ratalaika Games and developed by PowerSlash Studios, offers a nostalgic 2D platforming experience built around a classic Mario-esque “save the princess” narrative. The straightforward story sets the stage for vibrant, action-packed levels filled with enemies, collectibles, and obstacles. While light on originality, the charm of its retro-inspired premise is undeniable for fans of the genre.
Gameplay emphasizes fast-paced platforming across colorful stages where players collect coins, stars, and potions that grant temporary superpowers. These abilities are extremely helpful for overcoming enemies and environmental challenges, adding variety to the core mechanics. The game also introduces longer stages and new bosses compared to its (“non-plus”) predecessor, but the extended level design sometimes feels more tedious than challenging, adding quantity over quality.
Boss battles provide highlights, though the platforming itself can be hampered by floaty controls that occasionally make precision a struggle. While this doesn’t ruin the experience, it’s a noticeable drawback in an otherwise engaging platformer. Despite this, Super Onion Boy+ maintains a steady difficulty curve that caters to casual players and genre enthusiasts alike.
The pixel art visuals are a standout feature, delivering vibrant and nostalgic charm, complemented by an upbeat chiptune soundtrack. However, the audio loops can become repetitive during extended play. Despite its minor flaws, Super Onion Boy+ provides a colorful and enjoyable journey that will resonate with fans of retro platformers looking for a fun, accessible experience.
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