One of the nice side effects of the current wave of indie development is that more and more smaller games are finding their way to modern consoles, often giving players on PlayStation 5 a chance to experience titles that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. This roundup looks at four recent ports that each lean into a particular niche: the chaotic roguelite silliness of Extremely Powerful Capybaras, the puzzle charm of Cat Needs, the arcade shooter nostalgia of Airborne Justice, and the retro platforming roots of Eternum EX. They may not be big blockbusters, but together they highlight just how diverse today’s indie lineup can be when older or overlooked games make the jump to new hardware.
Extremely Powerful Capybaras review (PS5)
On the surface, Extremely Powerful Capybaras leans into absurdity with its premise, dropping players into a roguelite bullet heaven where oversized rodents become unlikely heroes. The humor carries through in the choice of classes, from warriors to bards, and the game never takes itself too seriously. That playful tone makes it instantly approachable, though you could say the novelty wears thin once the chaotic action becomes repetitive.
Gameplay follows familiar roguelite rhythms: mow down swarms of enemies, collect coins, and build up an arsenal of weapons and skills that vary with each run. It’s a formula that works, especially when paired with the sheer silliness of the capybara theme, and experimenting with different combinations keeps things engaging. The downside is that runs can start to feel samey after a while, with enemy variety and mission structure not quite matching the game’s eccentric concept. Still, short sessions highlight the game at its best.
The PlayStation 5 version benefits from smooth performance and simple, responsive controls, which are important in a genre that thrives on fast reactions. Local and online co-op are another highlight, letting friends share in the chaos together. Playing as a team amplifies the fun factor, although the screen can get overly cluttered during busier encounters, sometimes making it tricky to keep track of what’s going on.
Visually, the cartoonish art style matches the lighthearted premise, with colorful backdrops and exaggerated animations that emphasize the silliness of these “extremely powerful” creatures. The soundtrack leans on energetic tunes that fit the frenzied pace, though it doesn’t stand out much beyond its functional role. Taken together, this is a game that thrives on charm and chaos, delivering a fun if slightly shallow distraction best enjoyed in bursts and/or alongside friends.
Cat Needs review (PS5)
At first glance, Cat Needs looks like yet another budget puzzler capitalizing on the popularity of cats in videogames, but it turns out to be a more thoughtful experience than expected. The premise is simple – guide different cats to the objects they want – but each feline has distinct traits that affect how you approach the puzzles. Some leap high, others won’t jump at all, and a few are more interested in food than reaching their goals. This variety creates a clever framework that makes the game more engaging than its modest presentation might suggest.
The mechanics unfold across 50 levels, and while the first few puzzles are very easy, the challenge ramps up once you’re juggling multiple cats with clashing needs. The design encourages players to think carefully about move order, particularly when dealing with stubborn breeds that refuse to cooperate. That said, the game is fairly short and most players will clear it in a few hours, leaving little reason to return once the final puzzle is solved. Still, for the asking price, the experience feels fair and delivers a satisfying dose of problem-solving.
Controls are kept simple, and the PlayStation 5 version runs smoothly with no issues in input or responsiveness. The presentation, while basic, has a charm of its own thanks to the playful cat animations and lighthearted tone. On the flip side, the visuals and sound design are very minimal, doing just enough to support the puzzles but rarely standing out in any memorable way.
Ultimately, Cat Needs doesn’t reinvent the puzzle genre, but it does carve out a small space for itself by tying its mechanics neatly to its feline theme. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a smart and affordable puzzler that avoids feeling like a simple reskin of others in the genre. For puzzle fans looking for a short, quirky diversion, this is a pleasant surprise worth considering.
Airborne Justice review (PS5)
Airborne Justice wears its retro inspiration proudly, dropping players into a fast-paced vertical shooter that feels like it belongs to the arcade era. As Rock and Stan pilot their attack helicopter, the game delivers a familiar mix of bullet hell chaos, screen-filling bosses, and power-ups that keep you firing away. It’s deliberately old-school, and that means it’s also tough, forcing players to learn patterns, manage upgrades, and take advantage of its screen-clearing special attack at just the right time to stay alive.
The campaign spans just five stages, making it relatively short, but SEEP has padded things out with unlockable extras like Speed, Remix, and Survival modes. These help extend replay value, especially for fans who enjoy chasing higher scores or tackling harder challenges. The difficulty curve is steep, and while continues make it approachable enough, this isn’t a game most players will clear on their first attempt. For those who grew up with games like 1942, the structure will feel instantly familiar, and in some ways, comfortingly so – it’s one of those games that made us wish we had an arcade controller hooked up.
Controls on PlayStation 5 are tight and responsive, keeping frustration to a minimum even when the screen fills with enemy fire. Couch co-op adds a layer of fun, letting two players tackle the chaos together on the same screen. The absence of online multiplayer is a drawback, though, especially since the game is at its best when played with a partner. Solo players can still have fun, but the repetitive structure becomes more noticeable without a friend alongside you.
Visually, the pixel art hits all the right nostalgic notes, with detailed sprites and classic military-style artwork between levels. The soundtrack leans hard into retro-style intensity, complementing the action well. While it doesn’t push the genre forward, Airborne Justice succeeds as a throwback that captures the spirit of its inspirations. It’s short, tough, and a bit barebones, but for fans of old-school shooters, it’s an entertaining blast from the past that feels worth a few evenings of play.
Eternum EX review (PS5)
Eternum EX, developed by Flynn’s Arcade and Radin Games and published on PlayStation 5 by Dolores Entertainment, is another clear throwback to the days of coin-op cabinets. The game tells the story of Sir Arthur, an aging knight setting out on one last quest for treasure, youth, and glory. It’s a fittingly old-school premise for a title that leans heavily on its nostalgic roots, drawing direct inspiration from arcade platforming classics. This sets the stage for a platforming experience that feels authentic to the 1980s, right down to its structure of themed worlds and score-chasing appeal.
Gameplay is deceptively simple: you jump, dodge enemies, and collect treasures across a series of compact, arcade-styled levels. What starts off approachable quickly escalates into a test of reflexes and memory, with new enemy patterns and hazards constantly introduced. It can be punishing, but that’s by design – levels encourage repetition, pattern learning, and high-score mastery. Power-ups and secrets add just enough variety, and boss battles at the end of each world mix up the rhythm. The controls are precise and tight, which is essential given the difficulty curve, though the harsh challenge and reliance on lives and continues may frustrate those less used to the retro mindset.
Visually, Eternum EX embraces a vibrant 16-bit look rather than chasing full authenticity with chunky 8-bit sprites. It works in its favor, creating a colorful and readable playfield even when the screen fills with enemies. The pixel art carries plenty of charm, with small details giving each stage some personality despite their bite-sized layouts. The soundtrack also deserves mention, with upbeat retro melodies that drive the arcade vibe. Together, the visuals and audio firmly anchor the experience as both a homage and a love letter to the era it draws from.
The downside is that outside of nostalgia and high-score chasing, there’s little here that feels fresh. Levels, while fun in short bursts, can feel repetitive during long sessions, and the punishing difficulty may alienate players seeking a more modernized take on retro design. Still, for those who grew up on arcade machines or enjoy testing their patience and precision, Eternum EX succeeds at what it sets out to do: recreate a slice of gaming history with modern polish. It’s a small but passionate project that delivers exactly what it promises – a throwback challenge worth tackling for fans of classic arcade platformers.
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