In today’s roundup of recent releases, we’re checking out the indie games Mechanita and Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East, as well as brand new DLC for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate and a new update for Wobbledogs.
Mechanita review (PS5)
Mechanita is a side-scrolling platformer with a steampunk aesthetic, offering 50 levels of precision-based jumping and shooting. Developed by Sagitta Studios and published by Eastasiasoft, it aims to deliver an engaging challenge but stumbles due to being a budget title with inconsistent mechanics and a lack of polish. While its core idea of using frozen enemies as makeshift platforms adds an interesting layer to the gameplay, its execution is hampered by frustrating controls and repetitive design.
With no narrative to provide motivation, Mechanita is purely a test of platforming skill, asking players to reach an airship at the end of each level while avoiding hazards. The game features simple but responsive movement, though the jumping physics feel off – floaty at first and then unnaturally heavy, leading to frequent miscalculations. The shooting mechanic, used to freeze enemies and turn them into platforms, is a clever touch but suffers from unreliable input detection, making precision difficult in a game that demands it.
Visually, the pixel-art presentation is clean, but the environments and enemy designs lack variety, making the experience feel repetitive over time. The same can be said for the soundtrack, which loops a single track throughout all 50 levels, contributing to the monotony. Stages occasionally introduce new enemy types, but the level design rarely evolves beyond basic platforming challenges, and waiting for moving platforms can slow the pacing to a crawl.
Despite its shortcomings, Mechanita may appeal to players looking for an easy Platinum trophy or a quick, low-cost platforming fix. However, with limited replayability, no level variety, and control issues that make precision platforming more frustrating than fun, it struggles to stand out among similar budget-friendly releases.
Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East review (PS5)
Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East brings back the bomb-collecting platforming of its predecessor, once again drawing heavy inspiration from classic arcade games – Bomb Jack specifically. This time, the action spans international landmarks, but the core mechanics remain unchanged. While the game attempts to refine its formula with a steeper difficulty curve and new mechanics like breaking platforms, it still struggles with the same floaty controls and awkward 2.5D perspective that made the original feel imprecise.
The increased challenge is a double-edged sword. While the first game was definitely too easy, this sequel swings too far in the other direction, making progression frustrating rather than rewarding. Enemies appear unpredictably, and the game’s checkpoint system means reaching later stages requires near-flawless execution, despite controls that don’t fully support such precision. The tutorial helps introduce mechanics, but it also highlights how unintuitive they can be, adding to the game’s overall frustration.
Visually, the game attempts to improve on its predecessor, but the cluttered backgrounds and inconsistent depth perception make it difficult to track hazards. While the premise of saving global landmarks is interesting, it doesn’t translate into meaningful gameplay variety. Stages quickly start to feel repetitive, and enemy behavior follows predictable patterns that fail to keep things engaging. Online leaderboards offer some incentive for high-score chasers, but they aren’t enough to elevate the experience.
Ultimately, Super Jagger Bomb 2 tries to build on its predecessor but fails to address its core issues. The added difficulty doesn’t make up for the clunky movement, imprecise controls, and repetitive design. While there’s still a glimpse of the arcade charm that inspired it, the execution falls short, leaving the game feeling more like an unpolished expansion than a true improvement.
TMNT: Splintered Fate – Casey Jones DLC review (PS5)
The “Casey Jones & the Junkyard Jam” DLC for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate introduces the fan-favorite vigilante, Casey Jones, as a playable character, enriching the game’s roster with his unique combat style. Armed with his signature hockey stick, Casey delivers powerful melee attacks and utilizes a distinctive slapshot ability, launching a ricocheting hockey puck that applies a guard break status to enemies, enhancing their vulnerability. This addition not only diversifies gameplay but also offers players a fresh strategic approach to combat scenarios.
The new Junkyard zone serves as an alternative to the existing Streets level, accessible after defeating Karai in Chapter Two. This area is characterized by its gritty, industrial aesthetic and is inhabited by the Punk Frogs, introducing new enemy types and challenging bosses. Notably, the Junkyard culminates in a battle against The Junkinator, a formidable mech constructed from salvaged parts, providing a fresh and engaging challenge for players. This environment not only expands the game’s narrative but also adds variety to the roguelike experience, keeping gameplay engaging and dynamic.
In terms of character dynamics, Casey Jones is portrayed as a high-risk, high-reward character. While his attacks are formidable, he possesses lower health compared to the Turtles, requiring players to adopt a more strategic and cautious playstyle, especially during late-game encounters with stronger enemies. This balance adds depth to character selection and encourages players to adapt their strategies based on their chosen character’s strengths and weaknesses.
The DLC is affordably priced, offering substantial content that enhances the base game. Additionally, the multiplayer feature allows players who do not own the DLC to experience the new content when joining a host who does, promoting an inclusive gaming experience. Overall, “Casey Jones & the Junkyard Jam” is a valuable addition to Splintered Fate, providing fresh content and renewed excitement for both new and returning players.
Wobbledogs gets a major free update
The latest update for Wobbledogs Console Edition brings a host of improvements and new content. Performance has been enhanced, ensuring smoother gameplay, while refinements to the controls and interface make managing the quirky, physics-based dogs easier on consoles. These quality-of-life updates help streamline the experience without losing the game’s signature charm.
One of the biggest highlights of this update is the addition of sandbox mode, which allows players to experiment freely without restrictions. This mode gives more creative control over dog mutations and environments, letting users test different mechanics in a stress-free setting. It’s a welcome feature for both casual players and those who love to tinker with the game’s unpredictable nature.
New objects and customization options further expand the possibilities for dog-raising chaos. Players can now create even more unique and bizarre Wobbledogs, experimenting with their appearances, behaviors, and habitats. These additions encourage creativity while keeping the core experience fun and unpredictable.
With these updates, Wobbledogs Console Edition becomes a more polished and content-rich experience. The improved performance, expanded customization, and sandbox mode make it even more accessible to both newcomers and longtime fans. Whether players want to casually raise their wobbly pets or dive deep into mutation experiments, there’s now more to explore than ever – and the new content is all free too!
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