Between Blow It Up, Chibi Ninja Shino-kun Treasure of Demon Tower and the PS5 version of Chornobyl Liquidators, we’re gathering up three very different games in today’s release roundup.
Blow It Up review (PS5)
With its explosive premise and more than a hint of Angry Birds, Blow It Up delivers a physics-based destruction experience that blends puzzle-solving with bomb-fueled mayhem. The game puts players in a world overrun by alien invaders, challenging them to take down enemy structures using a variety of bombs. While the narrative serves as little more than a backdrop, the main attraction is its physics-driven gameplay, which rewards precise shots and well-planned demolitions. The ability to experiment with different bomb types adds a strategic layer, but despite the variety, the core loop of aiming and detonating can feel repetitive during longer gameplay sessions.
The game boasts over 70 levels, each offering new challenges that require players to try out different approaches. The physics engine plays a key role, with buildings collapsing dynamically based on impact, creating satisfying chain reactions when shots land perfectly. However, occasional inconsistencies in destruction physics can lead to frustrating moments where structures remain standing when they shouldn’t. The puzzle aspects introduce some welcome variety, but at its core, Blow It Up remains more about destruction than deep problem-solving – sometimes failing a puzzle doesn’t even feel too bad if the destruction is satisfying.
Controls are as intuitive as you’d expect from something that resembles Angry Birds, making aiming and launching bombs accessible, though precision can be tricky at times, especially when dealing with more complex structures. The visuals, while functional, are simplistic, with blocky environments that emphasize clarity over detail. Explosions provide a satisfying visual payoff, but the overall presentation lacks polish, with some rough animations and a soundtrack that does little to elevate the action.
One of the highlights is the level creator, which allows players to design and share their own challenges, adding replay value beyond the campaign. However, the game doesn’t offer much progression outside of unlocking new bombs, and the lack of deeper mechanics may limit long-term appeal. Still, for those looking for a casual, destruction-focused experience, Blow It Up provides an enjoyable, if somewhat shallow, physics playground.
Chibi Ninja Shino-kun Treasure of Demon Tower review (PS5)
Chibi Ninja Shino-kun: Treasure of Demon Tower is a fast-paced retro platformer that brings back the spirit of classic 8-bit ninja games with its tight mechanics and challenging level design. Developed by Ohsat Games and published by Ratalaika Games on consoles, the PlayStation 5 version arrives after its initial PC release in 2023. While Ratalaika’s name is often associated with quick and easy indie games, this one stands out as a more engaging and demanding experience, offering over 100 levels that steadily increase in complexity.
At its core, Chibi Ninja Shino-kun is all about precision platforming. Players guide Shino-kun through a towering fortress filled with traps, enemies, and environmental hazards, using abilities like wall jumping, ceiling running, and a grappling hook to navigate each stage. The game constantly introduces new mechanics, from icy surfaces that affect movement to deadly floors that force players to ascend quickly before being caught in an instant-fail situation. While this keeps the experience fresh, the platforming can be punishing, especially with wall jumps that don’t always stick as expected. However, the difficulty rarely feels unfair, reloads are fast, and overcoming a tough section is rewarding.
The game’s pixel art aesthetic leans heavily into its NES and SNES inspirations, with colorful, well-defined environments and charming chibi-style character designs. The visual clarity helps in navigating the increasingly complex stages, though some of the backgrounds and enemy designs are fairly simplistic. The soundtrack is a fitting mix of upbeat chiptune melodies that complement the action, though it doesn’t quite reach the level of memorability found in classic titles that inspired it.
A standout aspect of Chibi Ninja Shino-kun is its potential for speedrunning. The timer system encourages replayability, making it a great choice for players who enjoy mastering movement mechanics and optimizing their routes. However, those expecting a casual experience may find the difficulty curve daunting, particularly in later stages where precise execution becomes mandatory.
For players seeking a challenging yet rewarding retro platformer, Chibi Ninja Shino-kun: Treasure of Demon Tower delivers an experience that feels like a game from the NES era. Its engaging mechanics, variety in level design, and tight controls make it one of the stronger Ratalaika-published games, though its sometimes inconsistent wall-jumping mechanics and difficulty spikes may test players’ patience. Those looking for a game with classic ninja-action charm and a solid platforming challenge will find plenty to enjoy.
Chornobyl Liquidators review (PS5)
Following its PC release, Chornobyl Liquidators has arrived on PlayStation 5, delivering a tense and atmospheric recreation of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Players take on the role of liquidators – those tasked with containing the fallout – through firefighting, radiation control, and investigative work. The game’s historical authenticity is one of its strongest aspects, with its grim environments and haunting sound design effectively capturing the catastrophe’s scale. However, while the setting is immersive, the gameplay itself struggles to maintain the same level of engagement.
The missions aim to convey the dangerous and exhausting nature of the liquidators’ work, from putting out fires to clearing radioactive debris. While these tasks contribute to the game’s realism, they often feel repetitive, with firefighting mechanics and radiation management lacking depth. Controls can be clunky, making movement and interactions feel sluggish, which is particularly frustrating in tense situations. The PlayStation 5 version also carries over some of the technical issues from the PC release, with occasional performance hiccups and visual inconsistencies breaking immersion.
Narrative elements attempt to add emotional weight, offering dialogue-driven moments and document discoveries that highlight the human cost of the disaster. While these aspects provide insight into the sacrifices made by liquidators, the impact is dampened by uneven voice acting and choice-based mechanics that don’t always lead to meaningful consequences. The story is compelling in theory, but its execution leaves some moments feeling less powerful than they could be.
Ultimately, Chornobyl Liquidators stands out for its dedication to historical detail and its eerie, oppressive atmosphere. However, its gameplay limitations and technical shortcomings prevent it from fully delivering on its potential. While the PlayStation 5 version allows more players to experience this harrowing chapter of history, it remains a game that is more effective as an interactive history lesson than as a consistently engaging gameplay experience.
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