With NanoApostle, Thrill Penguin and Peglin, we’re looking at three indie titles that were recently ported over to new console platforms.
NanoApostle review (PS5)
Originally released on PC, NanoApostle arrives on PlayStation 5 as a stylish side-scrolling boss rush game that blends frantic action with a dark sci-fi atmosphere. You play as Anita, a bio-engineered protagonist fused with a sentient nanite called Apostle, trapped in a grim underground facility full of grotesque prototypes and failed experiments. While the narrative doesn’t stray far from familiar dystopian tropes, it’s elevated by visual storytelling and a pixel art aesthetic that’s rich in detail and effects.
Combat is at the heart of the experience, and NanoApostle thrives in its fierce one-on-one battles. Each boss is a towering, multi-phase threat, often mutating mid-fight or changing the battlefield, requiring players to learn patterns and exploit their Destruction Points for maximum damage. The controls are tight on the PS5, making it easy to pull off dodges, parries, and a flurry of Apostle-powered attacks, although the learning curve is steep and can be punishing early on. The added Challenge System and skill customization offer extra depth, giving players multiple playstyles to explore.
The visual design is a standout, delivering striking pixel art infused with grotesque body horror and atmospheric lighting effects that shine on PS5 hardware. The presentation is matched by a brooding electronic soundtrack that heightens the tension during fights and exploration alike. However, with its narrow focus on boss encounters, some players might find the overall content offering a bit sparse, especially if they’re looking for a longer, more narrative-driven journey.
Still, NanoApostle makes a strong impression thanks to its bold audiovisual design and deep combat mechanics. It won’t be for everyone, but for fans of boss rush titles or difficult action games with a strong visual identity, it’s a rewarding challenge. The PlayStation 5 version offers smooth performance and responsive controls, making this a great version to dive into Anita’s harrowing escape.
Thrill Penguin review (PS5)
Despite its minimalist presentation and story, Thrill Penguin is a surprisingly refined precision platformer that channels the spirit of indie games. The premise is intentionally absurd – you’re a penguin with a bandana, jumping and sliding your way through a series of hand-crafted levels. There’s no real narrative to speak of, but the stripped-back approach is part of the game’s charm, letting the tight platforming mechanics take center stage.
Using just two buttons and basic directional input, Thrill Penguin keeps its controls incredibly simple, but the level design ensures the experience is anything but dull. Each of the six zones ramps up the challenge in thoughtful ways, mixing in timing-based hazards, precise jumps, and occasional water sections that thankfully don’t overstay their welcome. As you’d expect with a game like this, the PlayStation 5 version runs very smooth, which is crucial for a game where success often comes down to pixel-perfect movement. And while the standard mode offers a fairly welcoming difficulty curve, the hardcore variant completely shifts the tone, demanding sharp reflexes and mastery of every mechanic.
Visually, the game sticks to a lo-fi pixel art style, but it’s polished and coherent, with clear level layouts and animations that make it easy to read what’s happening at all times. The audio follows suit – the chiptune soundtrack is upbeat and matches the game’s retro arcade vibe without being intrusive. It’s a lightweight package, for sure, and some players may find the lack of variety in themes or visuals a bit repetitive over time.
Still, Thrill Penguin does exactly what it sets out to do: offer a no-frills, high-skill platformer that’s fun to play and replay. Its focus on refined mechanics and level design, paired with quick restarts and short stages, makes it a great fit for bite-sized sessions or a bit of speedrunning. It may not have the polish or content depth of bigger indie titles, but on PlayStation 5 it’s a slick little experience with just enough bite to be memorable at a budget price.
Peglin review (PS5)
Blending pachinko physics with roguelike deck-building, Peglin arrives on PlayStation 5 with a simple premise and a surprising amount of strategic depth for something that looks a lot like Peggle. You play as a small goblin-like hero out to reclaim stolen treasure from greedy dragons, but narrative takes a back seat to the game’s highly addictive core loop. It’s an oddball concept – part Peggle, part Slay the Spire – but the combination works thanks to cleverly designed mechanics and a fast-paced structure that makes it hard to put down.
Each run sees you launch various orbs into a peg-filled arena, where hitting more pegs deals greater damage to enemies. Between battles, you collect new orbs with different properties and unlock relics that modify gameplay in interesting ways. Some of these upgrades allow for overpowered synergies, while others introduce tricky trade-offs. This encourages experimentation and keeps things feeling fresh across runs. At the same time, the high difficulty and randomness can sometimes be punishing, especially when poor luck with crits or refreshes can tank an otherwise promising strategy.
The PlayStation 5 version holds up well, with snappy controls and smooth performance that help you focus on precision shot placement. While the visual design is modest, its cartoonish style and clear animations make everything easy to follow, and the upbeat soundtrack fits the tone without becoming repetitive. It’s not the most visually striking game, but its functional aesthetic supports the gameplay rather than distracting from it.
Peglin might be light on story and variety in the long term, but its fusion of pachinko-style physics and RPG mechanics makes it a unique and satisfying experience – especially for fans of pick-up-and-play roguelikes. It’s easy to get into, challenging to master, and compulsively replayable. If you’re the type who enjoys squeezing out every point of damage with a well-aimed shot, this is one dragon-slaying adventure worth diving into.
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