Blazing Trail, King Arthur: Legion IX and Spellcaster University both recently received PS5 versions, and we’re checking them out today in our latest port roundup.
Blazing Trail review (PS5)
Blazing Trail arrives on PlayStation 5 as a retro-inspired run-and-gun shooter, following in the footsteps of genre classics while adding a cooperative twist. Developed by Gamenergy and published by Eastasiasoft on consoles, it leans hard into 16-bit arcade nostalgia – complete with pixel visuals, screen-filling bosses, and a plot that’s more of a backdrop for the action than anything else. You’re cast as a group of kidnapped scientists turned unlikely resistance fighters, and while the narrative is essentially a string of excuses to blow things up, it suits the game’s fast-paced, no-frills vibe.
Where Blazing Trail finds its groove is in the action itself. The seven levels are short but punchy, each ending in a tough boss encounter and filled with enemies that are varied enough to keep you on your toes. The real highlight is the ability to play with a friend in local co-op – something that’s not that common in arcade games like this and adds a lot to the otherwise straightforward gameplay. On your own, the challenge can spike a bit unpredictably, especially later on, but with a second player the chaos becomes far more fun.
The controls are responsive, though the game doesn’t stray far from familiar territory – move, shoot, jump, and unleash heavier firepower when the time is right. The weapons don’t evolve much beyond the early stages, which can make longer sessions feel a bit repetitive. However, for short bursts or couch co-op sessions, it hits the mark. The pixel art is decent, if not particularly standout, and the music gets the job done with a suitably energetic chiptune backdrop.
While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, Blazing Trail succeeds at being exactly what it sets out to be: a brief, nostalgic arcade shooter best enjoyed with a second player. Its lack of depth and polish may hold it back from standing out in a crowded field of retro throwbacks, but if you’re looking for a simple, action-heavy distraction, this trail is worth blazing – at least for a weekend session or two.
King Arthur: Legion IX review (PS5)
NeocoreGames returns to the dark fantasy realm of Avalon with King Arthur: Legion IX, a standalone tactical RPG that shifts the spotlight from Arthurian knights to undead Roman legionnaires. Out now on PS5 after its earlier PC release, the game introduces fresh perspectives and maintains the challenging combat of its predecessor, but struggles to fully capitalize on its unique premise.
Players assume the role of Gaius Julius Mento, a Roman tribune resurrected from Tartarus, leading the infamous Ninth Legion in a quest to establish a new Roman order in Avalon. The narrative explores themes of humanity versus demonic corruption, offering moral choices that influence character development and party dynamics. However, the story often feels underdeveloped, with characters lacking depth and voice performances that fail to convey genuine emotion.
Combat remains the game’s strongest asset. Engaging in grid-based battles, players must strategically utilize action points, cover, and unique abilities to overcome diverse enemies. The introduction of Ultimate abilities adds a layer of tactical depth, encouraging players to manage resources and positioning carefully. However, the game’s difficulty can be inconsistent, with some encounters feeling unfairly punishing and others feeling too easy by comparison.
Visually, Legion IX presents a moody and atmospheric Avalon, with detailed environments and character models that reflect the game’s dark tone. Yet, technical issues such as inconsistent camera angles have carried over from the PC version and detract from the overall experience. The soundtrack complements the setting well, though the voice acting and sound effects lack the impact needed to enhance immersion.
In conclusion, King Arthur: Legion IX offers a compelling tactical combat experience set in a richly imagined world. While it introduces intriguing concepts and maintains solid gameplay mechanics, shortcomings in narrative execution and technical polish prevent it from achieving greatness. Fans of the genre and the series may find value in this installment, but newcomers might find it less accessible.
Spellcaster University review (PS5)
Spellcaster University, developed by Sneaky Yak Studio and published by WhisperGames, has made its way to the PlayStation 5 after its initial PC release in 2021. This management simulation game places players in the role of a headmaster at a magical university, where they must build and manage their institution while training students in various magical disciplines. Yes, Hogwarts Simulator comes to mind as an alternative title…
The game’s charm lies in its whimsical art style and the freedom it offers players to shape their university’s curriculum and infrastructure. The deck-building mechanics add a layer of strategy, as players draw cards to construct rooms, hire staff, and introduce magical creatures. This system ensures that each playthrough offers a unique experience, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
However, the transition to the PS5 has not been without its challenges. Some of the controls, originally designed for PC, can feel clunky on a console controller, making navigation and management tasks less intuitive than they were with a mouse and keyboard. Additionally, while the game’s visuals are charming, they haven’t seen significant enhancements on the PS5, which might disappoint players expecting a graphical upgrade for this 2021 title.
Despite these small issues, Spellcaster University offers a delightful and engaging experience for fans of management sims and magical settings. Its depth, humor, and replayability make it a worthy addition to the PS5 library, even if it doesn’t fully capitalize on the console’s capabilities.
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