Over the past few weeks, several smaller titles have found new life on PlayStation 5, each offering a distinct spin on familiar genres. Strike Force Heroes channels old-school shooter energy with a modern co-op edge, Instruments of Destruction turns creative chaos into its own kind of spectacle, and Beaked Buccaneer delivers a cheerful throwback to side-scrolling adventures. They may not all be household names, but together they highlight how indie and mid-scale projects continue to find new homes.
Strike Force Heroes review (PS5)
From the moment Strike Force Heroes’ campaign opens, the shooter blends its old-school arena roots with fresh touches that bring the experience onto the PlayStation 5 with a sense of purpose. The narrative sets up the four distinct classes – Medic, Assassin, Commando and Tank – and drops them into chaotic locations from speeding trains to jungle clearings, offering a vibrant stage for high-octane action. While the storytelling never strays far from the familiar ‘evil organisation must be stopped’ trope, the fully voiced cutscenes and energetic banter deliver the kind of self-aware action-movie tone this remake clearly aims for.
In gameplay terms, the core mechanics click: the movement and shooting feel responsive, the class distinction real, and the customization depth – with hundreds of weapons, abilities and equipment – gives a rich palette of playstyles. The PS5 version indulges in that freedom, letting you dive in with friends in co-op or face off in PvP with load-outs that match your style. Yet despite the fun of layers of gear and upgrades, some systems pull the experience backward. The introduction of a roulette/shop system for weapon unlocks in place of straightforward levelling can inject unnecessary randomness into progression, impacting both campaign flow and multiplayer balance.
Visually and aurally the game presents a mix of strengths and trade-offs. The world is colourful, the animations for cutscenes fluid, and the soundtrack paired with voice acting delivers more flair than one might expect from an indie endeavour. One piece of criticism remains: the sprite-based character models and limbs-separated animation style may strike some as dated or low-budget in places, especially when compared to modern console shooters. Still, the audio/voice work is a highlight of the package that adds a lot of character.
Ultimately, this new version of Strike Force Heroes marks a commendable revival of a Flash-era classic: it captures the arcade punch and multiplayer ambition of the original while adapting to modern platforms. The campaign works, the multiplayer is robust, and the customisation is deep. On the flip side, the visual polish doesn’t always match triple-A levels and the reward systems can feel less satisfying than the straightforward unlocks of old. For those seeking a lively shooter with co-op and PvP flair on PS5, this delivers – with caveats.
Instruments of Destruction review (PS5)
Stepping into the role of a test pilot for Sharpe Industries, the player in Instruments of Destruction is handed a fleet of bizarre contraptions – from flying bulldozers to rocket-armed tanks – and sent to obliterate remote outposts across the globe. The narrative premise is deliberately light-hearted, serving merely as a vehicle (pun intended) for the carnage that follows. The campaign’s 50 + missions set the tone: smash structures, trigger chain reactions, meet quirky objectives. While the storyline remains minimal and largely a backdrop to the chaos, it succeeds in framing the experience without overstaying its welcome.
Gameplay on the PS5 leverages the core thrills of the original PC version: the physics-driven destruction is genuinely satisfying, with debris reacting convincingly and buildings collapsing in dramatic fashion. The variety of vehicles – well over a hundred – is impressive, and the ability to switch between machines mid-mission adds a layer of tactical fun. However, that breadth comes at a cost: certain vehicles feel sluggish or cumbersome to control, and some objectives in the campaign can drift into repetition or frustration rather than fun. The vehicle-editor and sandbox modes open the door to creative mayhem – building absurd machines, experimenting with weaponry, testing them on unlocked maps – but the learning curve for designing effective vehicles can be steep and at times a barrier.
Visually and in terms of audio, the PS5 edition presents a clean, colourful aesthetic with environmental variety from snowy tundras to tropical storms, which helps keep the destruction fresh. Explosions, crashing debris and physics reactions boast a pleasing weight and spectacle. Yet the presentation rarely pushes boundaries beyond its gimmick-driven core; mission locales sometimes blend into one another and the soundtrack, while serviceable, doesn’t elevate the experience to standout levels.
Overall, Instruments of Destruction delivers exactly what it promises: a fun outlet for structural obliteration and imaginative vehicle warfare. While the campaign missions aren’t always tip-top and the vehicle creation tools require patience to master, the sandbox and creative modes add substantial replay value. For players looking to indulge in physics-powered destruction on PS5, this is a knockout; for those seeking deep narrative or high-precision challenge, the offering may feel a touch undercooked.
Beaked Buccaneer review (PS5)
Beaked Buccaneer from lightUP and Ratalaika Games takes a familiar pixel-platformer formula and wraps it in a colorful pirate adventure. Playing as a parrot determined to become a legendary swashbuckler, players hop between beaches, forests, and caves in search of treasure while fending off foes and unlocking new abilities. The tone is lighthearted, and the low price point fits the game’s modest scope, but the adventure still manages to deliver a small dose of charm through its simple storytelling and bright presentation.
Gameplay sticks closely to the studio’s earlier releases, offering side-scrolling stages with light exploration and a gradual progression system. Defeating bosses or visiting shops grants upgrades that enhance melee strength, firearm range, and mobility, including the essential double jump. There’s an immediate satisfaction to the responsive movement and smooth controls, though those familiar with the developer’s previous titles like Prehistoric Gal will recognize the same core engine and level flow beneath the pirate theme. It makes for accessible fun but also gives a sense of déjà vu.
Each of the four main areas introduces new backdrops and enemies, from tropical crabs to jungle creatures, with mild platforming challenges along the way. Difficulty remains forgiving – death simply respawns the player nearby with only a minor coin penalty – making it an inviting choice for younger players or anyone after a relaxed evening of retro action. Boss encounters follow simple patterns, emphasizing rhythm and timing rather than frustration, and the inclusion of light RPG-style upgrades provides just enough progression to keep things moving.
Visually, Beaked Buccaneer captures the spirit of 8-bit consoles with clean sprites and vivid palettes that evoke the NES/SNES era. The chiptune soundtrack complements the pixel art well, giving each locale a cheerful, old-school vibe. Its short runtime and limited replay value mean it’s unlikely to stay installed for long, yet for a few hours of uncomplicated platforming, it succeeds on its own small scale. As an affordable throwback, it offers a bright and breezy diversion that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
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