In our latest roundup of new indie game releases, we check out Basureroes: Invasion, Agent Fall, Cycle Chaser H-5 – all on the PlayStation 5. Read on for our reviews of this trio of titles.
Basureroes: Invasion review (PS5)
Basureroes: Invasion, published by Jandusoft and developed by Javs Game Studios, delivers a retro-inspired platforming experience packed with action and a bit of lighthearted sci-fi charm. The game follows a team of heroes fighting off an alien invasion, blending classic 2D platforming with a variety of gameplay modes. While the story is simple, its colorful comic book-style presentation and quirky characters give it a fun, cartoon-like appeal.
The core gameplay revolves around running, jumping, and battling through twenty enemy-filled levels, with each hero offering unique abilities. Platforming feels tight and responsive, though some sections suffer from difficulty spikes that can be frustrating rather than rewarding. The addition of vehicles and varied level types, including spaceship and motorcycle segments, helps break up the action, but not all of these diversions feel equally polished.
Boss fights provide some of the game’s best moments, with large, detailed enemies requiring pattern recognition and quick reflexes if you’re to defeat them. The option for local co-op adds to the experience, though occasional visibility issues and chaotic on-screen action can make multiplayer feel overwhelming at times. Still, the game’s progression system, multiple unlockable modes, and steady stream of challenges give it solid replay value.
Visually, Basureroes: Invasion leans into its retro aesthetic with colorful pixel art and dynamic backgrounds, complemented by an energetic chiptune soundtrack. While the visuals and music capture the nostalgic feel of classic platformers, the level design occasionally lacks the refinement needed to make each stage stand out. Despite some rough edges, Basureroes: Invasion offers an engaging throwback experience, especially for fans of old-school action platformers looking for a fresh take on the genre.
Agent Fall review (PS5)
Agent Fall, developed by Pufferfish Digital and published by Eastasiasoft on consoles, takes inspiration from classic action-platformers like Contra and Midnight Resistance, pitting players against an intergalactic conspiracy where humans and aliens collide. With a simple yet engaging premise, the game lets players take control of an elite agent fighting through a variety of levels filled with enemies, traps, and boss battles. Whether played solo or in local co-op, it delivers an accessible run-and-gun experience that leans into its retro aesthetic.
The gameplay revolves around side-scrolling action with an arsenal of weapons, including a basic firearm with unlimited ammo and more powerful pickups that add some variety to the combat. Grenades provide an extra layer of strategy, though their effectiveness depends on precise timing if you don’t want them to go to waste. Levels are designed with environmental hazards such as lasers and moving obstacles, requiring players to carefully time their movements. While these elements add variety, the overall challenge remains moderate, making Agent Fall a fairly forgiving experience, even on higher difficulties.
Boss battles stand out here, introducing large enemies with distinct attack patterns that keep players on their toes. These encounters range from vehicles armed with flamethrowers to alien technology, offering enough spectacle to break up the standard run and gun combat sections. However, the game’s simplicity extends to its playable characters – there are four different agents available, but they play identically, which feels like a missed opportunity for more variety in gameplay.
Visually, Agent Fall embraces a straightforward pixel-art style that, while functional, doesn’t push any boundaries. The animations and environments provide enough clarity for the action, but they lack the polish or flair of more refined indie titles in the genre. The soundtrack and sound effects do their job in supporting the action, but they don’t leave a lasting impression.
Despite its limitations, Agent Fall remains a fun, pick-up-and-play action game, especially for those looking for a lighthearted co-op experience. At its budget-friendly price, it offers enough entertainment for a short and enjoyable playthrough, even if it doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking to the table.
Cycle Chaser H-5 review (PS5)
Cycle Chaser H-5 brings an old-school arcade shooter experience to PlayStation 5, delivering a horizontal shoot-em-up with a stylish presentation. Set in a dystopian future where alien forces have taken over Earth, the game keeps its storytelling minimal but intriguing, with a “My Chronicle” mode adding lore for those who want to dig deeper. While the narrative is never a major focus, the intense action and fast-paced gameplay take center stage.
At its core, Cycle Chaser H-5 offers classic shoot ’em up mechanics with three weapon styles, each featuring multiple attack types. The ability to harvest energy from defeated foes and unleash the powerful “Super Tatsujin” system adds a satisfying layer of strategy as it can get you out of a tight spot if you’re able to save it. The controls are responsive, ensuring precise movement, though some players might find the challenge spikes tough to handle despite adjustable difficulty options.
Visually, the game stands out with a mix of hand-drawn and vector-style graphics, creating a sharp and vibrant aesthetic. The enemy designs and backgrounds maintain a clean, retro look, but are a bit lacking in variety. Complementing the action is a grungy FM soundtrack, produced with the YM2612 chip, which adds a nostalgic touch while fitting the chaotic on-screen battles.
For those looking for a straightforward arcade shooter, Cycle Chaser H-5 delivers engaging gameplay and an accessible entry point for players of all skill levels. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, its solid mechanics, stylish presentation, and energetic soundtrack make it a worthy pick for shmup enthusiasts, even if it falls short in enemy variety and long-term replay value.
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