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Crimson Desert positions itself as an ambitious evolution of the open-world action RPG, with Pearl Abyss pivoting away from the MMO structure of Black Desert toward a more narrative-driven, single-player experience. It’s been one of the most eye-catching games on trade show floors for the past two years, and we’d been looking forward to much more hands on time with it – something that was also needed due to the sheer scope of the game and its mechanics. Set across the sprawling continent of Pywel, the game follows Kliff, a mercenary leader trying to rebuild his fractured Greymane faction after a devastating betrayal. The setup leans into familiar revenge-and-reconstruction tropes, but gains traction through its emphasis on political instability and shifting alliances. While the narrative is often engaging in its broader strokes, it occasionally struggles with uneven pacing and character development, with certain arcs feeling underexplored despite the scale of the world and epic story. Continue reading “Crimson Desert review”

Etrange Overlord arrives as a characteristically eccentric project spearheaded by Disgaea creator Sohei Niikawa, developed by Gemdrops and published by NIS America. Out now on PlayStation 5, it blends action RPG sensibilities with musical storytelling and a deliberately chaotic gameplay loop. The premise sets the tone immediately: falsely executed noblewoman Étrange awakens in hell and decides that, rather than accept her fate, she’ll conquer it. It’s a setup that leans heavily into absurdity, and while its humor and theatrical presentation give it a distinct identity, the narrative’s erratic pacing and tonal swings can make it difficult to stay fully invested. Continue reading “Etrange Overlord review (PS5)”

When we first looked at Sumerian Six, the game had just launched on PC and immediately caught our attention as a confident throwback to the golden era of real-time stealth tactics. Developed by Artificer and published by Devolver Digital, the game blended pulpy World War II storytelling with clever squad-based abilities and intricate level design that rewarded experimentation. Since then, the game has expanded beyond its original platform and is now available on consoles as well. Curious to see how the transition would work for a genre traditionally associated with mouse-and-keyboard play, we checked out the PlayStation 5 version to see how well the experience translates to a controller. If you enjoy games like Shadow Gambit and Desperados III, this one’s for you. Continue reading “Sumerian Six review (PC/PS5)”

Three decades on from its original release, Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition arrives as both celebration and concession: a tribute that lovingly preserves the roots of Ubisoft’s limbless hero, yet feels curiously content to stay rooted almost entirely in the past. Rather than celebrating Rayman from a wider perspective, Digital Eclipse’s package places the very first entry at the forefront. Available here in five different incarnations, Rayman comes with both modern conveniences and archival flourishes. It’s a pleasure to witness this cornerstone of platforming history made playable on current hardware again, but it’s equally a shame that the anniversary hinges so much on a single title, with precious little extension beyond it. Continue reading “Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition review”

Recent console ports continue to blur the line between preservation, reinvention, and simple accessibility, with a wave of PS5 releases bringing everything from cult curiosities to tactical classics back into the spotlight. From the rhythm-infused twin-stick experimentation of Look Mum No Computer, to the politically charged mech warfare of Front Mission 3: Remake, and the cosy co-op puzzle-platforming of Jelly & Toast, these arrivals highlight just how varied the modern porting landscape is. Some aim to refine and modernise beloved foundations, others simply offer a new platform for discovery, but all reflect the ongoing push to give both old ideas and niche concepts fresh life on current hardware. Continue reading “Port roundup: Look Mum No Computer, Front Mission 3 Remake and Jelly & Toast”