Recent weeks have seen a diverse mix of releases that each tap into very different corners of gaming history and design. From Trasmoz Legends’ authentic throwback to the arcade halls of the 1980s, to Neyyah’s modern revival of Myst-style adventures, there’s no shortage of nostalgia at play this month. On the other end of the spectrum, X4: Envoy Pack expands a sprawling space sim with stealth-driven mechanics, while DETECTIVE – Crime Scene offers a stripped-down take on classic whodunit mysteries. Together, they showcase how developers continue to reinterpret old genres and experiment with new angles, whether through retro aesthetics, puzzle-driven storytelling, or focused expansions that enrich long-running experiences.
Trasmoz Legends review (PS5)
Trasmoz Legends arrives on PlayStation 5 as both a love letter to the golden age of arcade gaming and the culmination of a series that started life on home computers. Developed by Volcano Bytes and published by JanduSoft, it leans heavily into retro aesthetics, from its 16-color pixel art to its faithful chiptune soundtrack built on Yamaha’s iconic YM2203 sound chip. The end result feels like stumbling across a lost arcade cabinet from the mid-1980s, complete with a relentless final boss presence and game modes tailored for both casual players and purists.
Gameplay is straightforward yet deceptively challenging. Whether in Family Mode, which softens the difficulty for newcomers, or Classic Mode, which restricts credits for a more authentic arcade trial, every run demands quick reflexes and strategic use of the environment. The addition of Speedrun and Endless modes gives the game extra legs, encouraging replayability beyond simply beating levels. Candle-lighting mechanics and the constant harassment of the final boss inject a sense of urgency, though the simplicity of the action and occasional repetition of enemy encounters can make longer sessions feel a little one-note.
The controls are sharp and responsive, making the tether between player skill and survival feel fair even when the challenge ramps up. What stands out most, though, is the audiovisual package. The limited color palette is used cleverly to evoke the illusion of a long-lost cabinet, while the FM-driven soundtrack hits the right nostalgic chords without feeling like a throwaway gimmick. Still, the stripped-back presentation may not appeal to those seeking modern flourishes, and outside of its arcade authenticity, it doesn’t add much variety in terms of visuals or storytelling.
In the end, Trasmoz Legends succeeds at exactly what it sets out to do: deliver a convincing slice of 1980s arcade culture in a modern package. It’s uncompromisingly retro, offering high replayability through multiple modes and online leaderboards, but it also comes with the limitations of the era it emulates. For players chasing a genuine arcade fix – whether for nostalgia or curiosity – this is an easy recommendation, while others may find it too narrowly focused to hold attention for long.
X4: Envoy Pack DLC review (PC)
X4: Envoy Pack is the latest DLC for Egosoft’s sprawling space sim, and it delivers one of the most distinctive additions the series has seen in a while. At the heart of the expansion is the Envoy frigate, a stealth-ready ship that comes with its own mission chain, new starting scenario, and a fully explorable interior – only the second of its kind among mid-sized vessels. With cloaking systems, camouflage protocols, and exclusive subsystems, it leans heavily into infiltration and misdirection, giving players a new tactical dimension that feels distinct from the brute-force warships that dominate much of the X4 fleet.
The Envoy’s design makes it an impressive addition, both mechanically and atmospherically. Cloak stance, which suppresses radar visibility at the expense of weapons and mobility, reinforces its role as a true covert operator. The new Cypher variant, meanwhile, prioritises speed and agility while keeping many of the Envoy’s stealth perks, making it a good fit for more aggressive commanders. Combined with a brand-new sector to explore and new music to enhance the atmosphere, the DLC adds welcome flavour to the X4 sandbox. Still, you could argue that outside of its unique ship mechanics, the content feels relatively thin for the price, particularly for those who hoped for a more substantial storyline or larger gameplay systems.
Ultimately, the Envoy Pack is best viewed as a specialist addition – something that adds depth for players who enjoy the fantasy of slipping behind enemy lines or running covert missions, rather than expanding the broader scope of X4. For fans of immersion and tactical variety, the Envoy’s cloaking, deception tools, and detailed interior deliver on that promise, even if the overall package is more of a focused expansion than a sweeping overhaul.
Neyyah review (PC)
Neyyah is a bit of a surprise entry in MicroProse’s catalogue, which has recently leaned more toward strategy and simulation. Developed by Defy Reality Entertainment, this PC exclusive instead channels the legacy of Myst and Riven with a lovingly crafted first-person adventure that blends puzzle-driven gameplay with atmospheric storytelling. What sets it apart isn’t just the throwback design but the level of polish – from its pre-rendered visuals to its haunting audio and use of video, this feels like a project that has been nurtured with care over years, resulting in an adventure game that’s far richer than expected from a publisher better known for entirely different genres.
The story begins on the islands of Neyyah, where mechanical contraptions, portal machinery and remnants of two distinct cultures provide both setting and mystery. Characters appear through FMV sequences, and while the acting leans into a slightly melodramatic style, it gives the narrative a nostalgic charm that fits the genre well. The world itself is told as much through its design as through dialogue, with dense lore that rewards careful note-taking but can sometimes feel overwhelming for players not accustomed to tracking alien languages and detailed backstories.
On the gameplay front, Neyyah is classic point-and-click through and through. Movement is node-based, interaction is handled via context-sensitive cursors, and progression depends on observation and logic rather than trial-and-error. The puzzles are generally fair and satisfying, though the slow pace and heavy reliance on environmental clues will test patience at times. Thankfully, the developers included features like faster travel and adjustable movement transitions, which make exploration smoother and help mitigate the occasional tedium of backtracking.
Visually and aurally, the game is a triumph. The islands’ environments are detailed and atmospheric, with lighting and sound design that create a strong sense of place. The soundtrack further amplifies the mood, adding an emotional layer to exploration. While not every area feels distinct, and the reliance on text delivery outside of FMV sequences may bog things down, Neyyah ultimately succeeds as a modern revival of a genre that rarely gets this kind of high-end treatment anymore. For those who grew up with Myst and Riven, it’s a reminder of why these games mattered – and for newcomers, it’s proof that MicroProse can still surprise in unexpected ways.
DETECTIVE – Crime Scene review (PS5)
On PlayStation 5, DETECTIVE – Crime Scene tries to capture the appeal of classic whodunits by offering five standalone cases that put you in the role of an investigator piecing together the truth. Each scenario – ranging from a bloody subway altercation to a deadly wedding in a hotel – sets up an intriguing premise with plenty of potential for twists. The idea of jotting down notes and connecting clues yourself is a strong one, and for mystery fans there’s a certain satisfaction in spotting inconsistencies or following a hunch through to a conclusion.
The gameplay focuses on presenting information through static scenes, dialogue fragments, and evidence, which you must interpret correctly to progress. It’s a straightforward setup that keeps the focus firmly on deduction, but it also means that interactivity is fairly limited. Success often comes down to careful reading rather than deeper puzzle-solving, and the margin for error can feel slim when the game locks you into answers with little room for alternative reasoning. While this simplicity makes the cases accessible, it also leaves the mechanics feeling thin compared to more involved detective-style games.
Controls on the PS5 are smooth and functional, but given the static nature of the game, they don’t add much beyond navigating menus and selecting choices. Where DETECTIVE – Crime Scene struggles more is in its presentation. The visuals are minimal, with static images doing the bulk of the storytelling, and the lack of animation or cinematic flair makes some of the more dramatic cases fall a bit flat. Audio design is similarly sparse, offering little in the way of atmosphere or tension that could have elevated the narrative moments.
What remains is a budget-friendly mystery game that delivers a few evenings of light detective work but rarely pushes beyond the basics. The premises of each case are engaging enough to keep you invested, yet the lack of depth, uneven storytelling, and barebones presentation prevent the game from realizing its full potential. For die-hard fans of the genre who don’t mind something stripped down to the essentials, DETECTIVE – Crime Scene offers just enough intrigue to warrant a look, but others may find themselves wishing for a more immersive and polished take on investigative gameplay.
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