More than a decade after the original 9th Dawn debuted on mobile, Valorware returns with 9th Dawn Remake, a top-down RPG that brings the classic experience into a more modern context an onto new platforms. It’s been a long road since the series’ humble beginnings, and with the remake promising new visuals, updated gameplay systems, and a world of dungeons to conquer, there was good reason to be intrigued – especially considering the original’s cult status. The PlayStation 5 version features local and online co-op, minigames, and a retooled narrative. But does it live up to the status of the mobile game? Continue reading “9th Dawn Remake review (PS5)”
Author: Press Play Media
Developer interview: Alpha Response
From the mind of Gooseman – the legendary creator of Counter-Strike – comes Alpha Response, a high-intensity singleplayer/co-op tactical shooter now in Early Access on Steam. Trading competitive PvP for dynamic, mission-driven action, the game puts players in the boots of elite police units facing everything from hostage rescues to helicopter assaults. Designed to be fully playable solo or with friends, Alpha Response emphasizes tactical decision-making and adaptability, whether you’re coordinating with a squad or leading AI teammates through unpredictable scenarios. We sat down with Gooseman to discuss why he moved away from PvP, the challenges of large-scale non-linear mission design, and what ambitious features are still to come before the game’s full release. Continue reading “Developer interview: Alpha Response”
Heretic + Hexen review (PS5)
Three decades after their original release, Heretic and Hexen return in a package that’s part nostalgia trip, part preservation effort, and part fresh content drop. Raven Software’s original dark-fantasy shooters helped shape the genre with their blend of DOOM-like intensity and magical, gothic atmosphere, and Nightdive Studios’ enhanced restoration makes them surprisingly accessible on modern hardware. While their age inevitably shows, the PS5 version makes a strong case for why these games deserve another round in the spotlight. Continue reading “Heretic + Hexen review (PS5)”
DLC roundup: Pinball FX & Walkabout Mini Golf
This week’s batch of DLCs offers something for every virtual table-top and mini-golf enthusiast, from classic pinball thrills to immersive VR city strolls. Zen Studios continues to refine its Williams and Tomb Raider packs for Pinball FX, balancing nostalgia with fresh mechanics and polished visuals across PS5 and Meta Quest. Meanwhile, Walkabout Mini Golf’s Tokyo expansion delivers a serene, detail-rich VR course that blends traditional and modern Japanese aesthetics with thoughtfully designed holes and seamless flow. Whether you’re chasing high scores or simply savoring atmosphere, this round of DLC releases demonstrates how small additions can make a big impact on both gameplay and immersion. Continue reading “DLC roundup: Pinball FX & Walkabout Mini Golf”
Bomb Busters review
Some cooperative board games give you time to deliberate, plan, and carefully execute a strategy. Bomb Busters, publisher internationally by the likes of 999 Games and Cocktail Games, gives you none of that. Instead, it’s an immediate, high-stakes race against the clock – or more precisely, a race against your collective mistakes. Designer Hisashi Hayashi has taken the nerve-wracking premise of defusing a bomb and distilled it into a fast-playing deduction game that’s equal parts logic puzzle, social coordination exercise, and group panic. It’s no wonder it’s been making waves in the award circuit, including taking home the 2025 Spiel des Jahres. Continue reading “Bomb Busters review”
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