In this roundup, we take a look at three recent ports making their way to new platforms. Helldivers II arrives on Xbox after its PlayStation debut, Triangle Strategy comes to PlayStation 5 following its earlier releases on Switch and PC, and indie shooter Sky of Destruction makes the jump to Sony’s console as well. Together, they showcase a range from blockbuster co-op mayhem to layered tactical drama and stripped-back indie action.
Helldivers 2 review (Xbox)
Helldivers II arriving on Xbox feels like a fascinating role reversal. Over the past two years we’ve grown used to former Xbox exclusives making their way to PlayStation, but this time it’s the other way around, with a first-party PlayStation-published title finding a home on Microsoft’s console. For Xbox players, it’s a welcome arrival, bringing one of 2024’s biggest multiplayer hits to a whole new audience.
The game’s premise is knowingly over the top: a satirical war for “freedom and democracy” waged against endless alien hordes. That framing sets the tone for a cooperative shooter that thrives on chaos. Every mission is a balance between camaraderie and catastrophe – squad coordination is essential, yet friendly fire is always just a misplaced grenade away. It’s an approach that makes victories satisfying but also means failure can feel both inevitable and hilarious. The narrative itself takes a back seat to the moment-to-moment action, but the tongue-in-cheek propaganda flavor ties the whole package together.
Mechanically, Helldivers II shines through its stratagem system, which lets players call down everything from supply drops to airstrikes, turning the tide of battle in unpredictable ways. The controls handle well on Xbox, with responsive shooting and movement, though the reliance on complex button inputs for certain stratagems can feel fiddly under pressure. Enemy design is another highlight, with factions that behave differently and force players to adapt rather than fall into rote strategies. On the flip side, the grind for gear and requisition points may test patience, especially for those jumping in solo rather than as part of a squad.
Visually, the game looks sharp on Series X, with detailed alien worlds and explosive effects that underline the sheer chaos on screen. The audio design is equally strong, mixing the punch of heavy firepower with an overblown soundtrack that reinforces the game’s satirical military fervor. Technical performance has improved significantly since launch, though occasional matchmaking hiccups still remind you this is a live-service game at heart. Despite those rough edges, Helldivers II lands on Xbox as a polished and thoroughly entertaining co-op shooter, one that thrives on turning teamwork and disaster into equal parts spectacle and fun.
Triangle Strategy review (PS5)
Triangle Strategy arrives on PlayStation 5 after its earlier outings on Switch and PC, bringing one of Square Enix’s more experimental tactical RPGs to a new audience. At first glance, it wears its influences on its sleeve – its HD-2D art style instantly recalls Octopath Traveler, and its grid-based combat channels memories of Final Fantasy Tactics. But rather than simply leaning on nostalgia, the game builds its own identity through political intrigue and a heavy emphasis on player choice.
The narrative sets the tone early, thrusting players into a world defined by fragile alliances and scarce resources. Decisions aren’t just about picking the “good” or “evil” path, but about how your convictions align with ideals of utility, morality, and liberty. The Scales of Conviction system gives weight to these choices by forcing you to persuade allies to see things your way, making each vote feel like a meaningful clash of perspectives. The sheer volume of dialogue and exposition can slow pacing, but for those who enjoy layered storytelling, the payoff is a morally complex tale with multiple branching routes.
On the battlefield, Triangle Strategy is at its best. Elevation, terrain, and unit synergy are all crucial, making every encounter feel like a puzzle with multiple solutions. The wide cast of characters, each with their own quirks, ensures flexibility in party composition and adds personality to tactical considerations. Some battles can drag, especially when the story demands long sequences of consecutive fights, but the underlying design is deep and rewarding. The PS5 version benefits from faster load times and smoother performance, making it the most technically polished way to experience the game so far.
Visually, the HD-2D aesthetic remains striking, blending pixel art charm with modern lighting and effects that give each battlefield texture and atmosphere. The orchestral score further amplifies the drama, from tense political debates to climactic battles. Voice acting is a bit uneven across the cast, with some performances lacking the nuance to match the gravity of the script, but the presentation overall is strong. For PlayStation fans who may have missed it before, Triangle Strategy is a demanding but rewarding blend of tactical depth and narrative consequence – an experience that can frustrate with its pacing but shines when its storytelling and strategy come together.
Sky of Destruction review (PS5)
Sky of Destruction is a small-scale indie project from a two-person team, and it shows both its charm and its limitations on PlayStation 5. At its core, it’s a straightforward top-down shooter where you take three aircraft into battle, swap between them on the fly, and try to keep your carrier safe while dismantling enemy fleets. The premise is light on story – this is very much about the action – but for fans of classic arcade shooters that’s not necessarily a drawback.
The combat loop is simple but satisfying. Each aircraft has its own upgradeable loadout, with weapons and modifiers slotted into oddly shaped inventories that give the progression system a puzzle-like feel. Unlocking new ships and tinkering with builds adds variety, even if the moment-to-moment gameplay usually boils down to “shoot enemies, dodge fire, repeat.” Missions can feel repetitive, but the mix of ship-swapping, fleet management, and carrier defense helps keep it from becoming mindless.
Controls are serviceable but take some getting used to. Twin-stick aiming works, though it’s not as intuitive as it could be, and the tutorial doesn’t do enough to ease players in. Once the mechanics click, however, the game has a satisfying arcade flow, and the short missions make it easy to dip in for a quick session. That said, rough edges like occasional clunky movement and unclear feedback during hectic firefights remind you this isn’t a big-budget production.
Presentation is modest but effective. Explosions and collapsing structures have a certain scrappy appeal, and while the visuals are repetitive, there’s a cathartic joy in leveling enemy carriers with a barrage of torpedoes. The soundscape follows the same philosophy: functional gunfire and explosions sell the action without standing out. Sky of Destruction isn’t going to rival genre heavyweights, but as a budget indie shooter it delivers on the basics. If you enjoy quick, arcade-style air combat with a layer of tinkering between missions, it’s worth a look – just don’t expect much beyond its tightly defined loop.
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