Today’s slate of indie releases on PlayStation 5 serves up a mix of compact puzzlers, inventive platformers, and atmospheric expansions that each carve out their own niche. From the bomb-laden labyrinths of Bomb Kitten to the shape-shifting heist challenges of Square Brothers, these games lean on clever mechanics and approachable design, offering bite-sized thrills for players seeking strategy and timing over spectacle. Meanwhile, Plague Hunters: Pestopolis expands a beloved roguelike universe with a darker, more tactical cityscape, proving that small-scale projects can still deliver depth and replayability. Across these releases, there’s a consistent thread: tight gameplay loops, modest yet effective presentation, and enough charm to engage both newcomers and genre enthusiasts alike.
Bomb Kitten review (PS5)
Bomb Kitten arrives on PS5 as a compact, old-school puzzler that channels the grid-based rhythm of classic bomb-and-maze games while leaning into a more deliberate, logic-first structure. Guiding a caped cat through 50 miniature labyrinths gives the adventure a playful identity, even if the premise never expands beyond a light narrative frame. What works is the sense of stepping into a familiar genre with puzzle density taking center stage, though the small scope means players shouldn’t expect any twists outside its retro blueprint.
Each stage revolves around planting bombs, carving out routes, and herding enemies into blasts while staying aware of hazards tucked between walls. When the level design leans into cause-and-effect chains, the game hits a satisfying groove, asking players to think a half-move ahead without overwhelming them. The flip side is that some stages feel more trial-and-error than clever breakthrough, especially when traps trigger unexpectedly or navigation becomes tight rather than tactically interesting. Control responsiveness is solid, though slight grid snap quirks occasionally cause a misplaced step or bomb that can cut a run short, which may frustrate players who prefer pure precision in puzzle-driven titles.
Visually, Bomb Kitten keeps things clean and bright, pairing sharp tile-based layouts with playful animations that suit its bite-sized format, though the presentation stays modest from start to finish. The upbeat soundtrack and punchy explosion effects add energy, even if they loop a little quickly during longer play sessions. As a whole, the game offers a charming, low-budget puzzle experience with enough retro appeal to keep fans of classic bomb-maze design engaged, but it stops short of delivering standout moments that elevate it beyond homage. For players craving compact puzzles and a gentle arcade flavor, it’s a pleasant fit; for those seeking variety or mechanical depth, it may feel more like a nostalgic snack than a full meal.
Square Brothers review (PS5)
Square Brothers on PS5 offers a deceptively simple heist concept – two green-skinned burglar brothers, one tall and lanky, the other short and stout, must be switched between to navigate forty puzzle-filled stages. Their contrasting silhouettes are the heartbeat of the game: the slim brother can slip through tight vertical spaces, while his broader sibling squeezes beneath narrow gaps, and only by combining their unique shapes can you grab every piece of glittering loot, snag the key, and make your escape. In some ways, it’s a bit like the excellent Thomas Was Alone.
The core gameplay sees you tag-team between the two characters, carefully orchestrating moves to overcome spatial challenges. There’s real satisfaction in figuring out how to stack them to reach elevated platforms or exploiting their differences to unlock paths. But some levels demand a high degree of precision: certain openings are so tight that even once you’ve solved the puzzle logically, getting the brothers into position can feel overly finicky. The requirement that both must reach the exit before you can finish a level adds tension – and sometimes, irritation – when a single misstep undoes your progress.
On the PS5, controls are straightforward and responsive enough for the job, but the precision needed for platforming can make the experience feel more stressful than fluid. The jump collision detection in narrow passages is unforgiving, which means formerly satisfying puzzles sometimes turn into frustrating memorization trials.
Visually, Square Brothers leans into retro pixel art, offering optional CRT-shader filters and support for both widescreen and 4:3 modes. The nostalgia is nice, but the graphics come across as functional rather than evocative. Sound design follows the same path: modest accompaniment that supports the gameplay without ever stealing the spotlight.
Overall, for a modest price tag, Square Brothers delivers solid value. It’s a clever little platform-puzzler with real moments of charm and challenge. However, if you’re after polished presentation or more forgiving platforming, its rougher edges may stand out. But for what it is – a low-budget, shape-based heist game – it more than punches its weight.
Plague Hunters: Pestopolis review (PS5)
Plague Hunters: Pestopolis brings a fresh, gothic chapter to the base game. This DLC shifts the setting to a sprawling, plague-infested city, giving each procedurally generated run a more atmospheric and sinister feel. While the structure remains familiar, the new environment heightens the tension with twisted architecture and haunting locales.
Gameplay-wise, Pestopolis keeps the core turn-based, timeline-driven combat of Plague Hunters, but adds meaningful variety through five new survivor classes. These fresh additions open up new tactical approaches, allowing for more experimentation in party builds. While the combat loop remains addictive, it can grow repetitive: despite the procedural generation, enemy variety is limited, which may lead to grinding similar foes.
On PlayStation 5, the controls remain tight and responsive, keeping the movement, skill usage, and turn transitions smooth. That said, the grind for XP, keys, and gold is persistent – something that can be a potential drag for long play sessions. Still, for players already familiar with roguelike pacing, this may feel like a fair compromise for the depth and replayability offered.
Visually and aurally, Pestopolis leans into its dark fantasy roots with grotesque monster designs and oppressive cityscapes. The sound design – from ambient creaks to distant moans – reinforces the sense of decay, though it rarely surprises with musical flair. Importantly, the DLC includes a full trophy list, giving players who are into that real long-term goals. At a low price point, the expansion adds meaningful content and strategies, making it a valuable addition for fans of the base game, even if it doesn’t completely reinvent the formula.
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