Available on PlayStation 5
A game that was initially released on Windows at the tail end of 2021 and has now made its way to console, ICARUS comes from the mind of DayZ creator, Dean Hall. Developed by RocketWerkz, ICARUS is again in the survival genre, this time with a slightly futuristic bent but with the same sense of a world of beasts and nature itself being against you.
Visually impressive, and a game that does not hold your hand, ICARUS is all about incremental progress and practicality, playable online with multiplayer, this is a game that has you weathering out storms, building structures to protect you from wildlife as well as the planet itself...structures that can go up like a lit match if you are too cavalier with your campfire placement!
Certainly a game that invites you to dive in, explore...and survive in a harsh unrelenting world, this would be a blast with the up to eight players that can be in each drop, gathering and managing resources whilst fighting off curious animals as well as preparing a transient home away from the natural elements, but I did find a slight disconnect between these hostile planets, futuristic setting...and the fact that -initially at least – the fauna that you deal with are bizarrely very Earth-centric.
It would have been cool to be up against things other than boars, wolves, and bears, as it can make the whole setup feel a little superficial, not taking full advantage of the fact that this could be a truly alien world, full of surprises, instead of being just another survival adventure, with the tutorial effectively snapped off.
Finally, the in-game text is minute with seemingly no way of enlarging it, so if you have trouble with your eyesight, be prepared to get close up and personal with your TV.
Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary
Platform Reviewed – Switch 2
Platform Reviewed – Switch 2
(also available on PS4/4, Xbox Series X/s, XBOX ONE, Steam, Mac)
Rating – 8.5/10
Developer: BBG Entertainment GmbH
Naturally, being a website that has a focus on retro and indie titles as well as newer releases, we are very big supporters of classic compilations and re-releases of historic titles. Sometimes they are pretty standard (Monty Mole Collection, Street Racer Collection) and sometimes there are changes or missing content that…...affects things. I am certainly aware of Boulder Dash, at least as a C64 game from my childhood – but I have no particular emotional ties with it, and yet the game is such a great, timeless premise that it completely drew me in. There’s so much to love here, from Chris Huelsbeck’s wonderful audio through to the history of the game series itself, and the fact that there are so many versions on here – not to mention to myriad fan levels and level editor, that mean that you will pretty much never need another Boulder Dash title ever again! I mean this in the best of ways, Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary is exactly what it needs to be, a beautifully curated love letter to a quietly historic game that is so accessible – and challenging! - that it’s just as much fun to play today as it was forty years ago. The instant death puzzling action will have you elated and burning with satisfaction just as often as it will have you squeezing your controller until it creaks in raw, incandescent fury. Good!
A great collection that is a celebration of a four decade old franchise that found strength in its basic concept. One that I’ll have installed for a good while, and perfect for on the go action!
Easy Delivery Co.
Developer - Sam C.
Available on Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
This was an absolute treat to come across, and I genuinely feel that Easy Delivery Co. is a few tweaks away from becoming a true classic. Cast as a delivery driver in a snowy mountain village, the first thing that hits you is the PS1-style polygonal visuals – complete with fog that shrouds the surroundings, fitting for this snow-peaked mountain at night! You’ll soon find yourself driving around winding roads, across bridges, through towns and icy back-roads, making deliveries and delving further into a subtle mystery that keeps the narrative rolling. Easy Delivery Co. is impressive in how it manages to take a sort of ‘cosy vehicle’ genre and gives it a twist that makes it unsettling and yet completely cutesy at the same time. The scratchy radio stations, constant financial battle of spending your cash on fuel, energy, and upgrades (key to progress through the story), and casual ‘off-ness’ of the situation that you find yourself in is expertly handled...up to a point. As much as I loved the setup and mechanics, the game does devolve a tad into overstaying its welcome, and some repetitive deliveries feel a bit like redundant padding. That said, there aren’t many games out there that quite nail this mood, and Easy Delivery Co. is a right little treasure for those that click with it.
Skautfold: Moonless Knight
Available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Switch 1&2
Developer: Pugware
Very clearly a title that is one unique vision, Skautfold: Moonless Night is the final chapter n the Skautfold series, and one-man developer Pugware has not spared the horses here. Reminding me of modern classic Drova: Forsaken Kin both visually and in it’s textured lore-building, Skautfold: Moonless Night is a tough ol’ nut to crack in it’s the difficulty of the combat, which adds to the tension when exploring the game world. Definitely one for the hard core – this will be the favourite of some dedicated folks this year, and deservedly so, as this is clearly a creation from a talented, dedicated individual.
Exploration:
Forge your own path in a single, deeply interconnected Metroidvania world. Shortcuts, loops, and a tightly-woven world await as you explore the Imperial Palace; an ominous place with its intimate surroundings and the eldritch secrets that lie below. Uncover the history of the Palace through environmental storytelling, and piece together the dark secrets of the first God Emperor Oda Nobunaga.
Pick your path and your battles; the world features a semi-open design with multiple paths to your objective, as well as tons of secrets to uncover. Take on bosses in any order you please, and find shortcuts and safe-havens in the castle under siege to solidify your foothold and turn the situation in your favour.
Return to past areas with your newfound Relics and find treasure, and grow further in power.
Find familiars to aid you in combat, dying soldiers in need of a healing injection, Yth stones, hidden stashes of money, ninja-like pugs hiding in plain sight, and Eldritch horrors posing as things you would love to get your hands on...
Combat:
Fight for your life using the significantly improved Guard System returning from Usurper; the overhaul of which provides a much deeper and more versatile system than its predecessor. Use your perfectly timed block to reflect enemy attacks, or a well-timed dodge to create an opening that bypasses the enemy's guard so that you can hit their Health directly!
Careless actions in combat will have a snowball effect; any health damage taken will result in a loss of maximum guard; and this applies to both sides. Simply put: Punish enemies, or get punished yourself!
Employ Waltham Industry's Vitae Injections to recover your health, or alternatively, use them at full health to overcharge your health for a short while to buff your damage output or tank damage you have trouble avoiding.
The system now rewards wise weapon selection; heavy weapon users will be more rewarded for mastering defence and breaking enemy guard by sheer force, while players using faster weapons will need to employ evasive manoeuvres to follow up on openings.
Use any one of 9 combat/exploration relics to compliment your combat ability, and bypass barriers in the world. Relics include grappling hooks, a bow with infinite arrows, and the ability to summon a fire vampire, or teleport instantaneously. All balanced to provide further tactical and movement options to maximize your combat potential.
Turn the environment against your enemies! Kick them into their own traps, pits, and spikes to flip fortune in your favour.
Feint out of almost all actions! Did you swing your slow weapon too late, and now it looks like you are about to be hit? Feint, and initiate a defensive move instead! Did you grapple to an enemy from afar, but they started swinging? Feint, and enjoy not getting slapped by their attack! You can also potentially double your damage output with a fast hand by feinting out of the wind-down animation of your attacks.
Level your stats through use. Instead of general exp, each of your 9 stats will increase naturally through use in battle; taking a lot of hard knocks and direct hits will make you tougher, become consistently adept at avoiding attacks and you will level up evasion, swing your favourite weapon type around enough and you will become more efficient at it, causing more damage whilst costing less guard.
Story:
In this Lovecraftian story, you will take on the role of Gray, the 2nd Knight of the Angelic Empire of Britannia, as an envoy sent on a diplomatic mission to the Dawn Empire of Japan. This quickly goes horribly wrong, and Gray has to take responsibility as he finds himself in the midst of a religious coup instigated by the Lunatics, a faction worshipping the Eldritch Moon god.
Soon enough, you will find yourself exploring the Oda Imperial Palace; where you learn about the dark secret that lies below. It is here that you will attempt to fulfil your mission and recover a very special item for which the survival of the entire Empire hinges on. Prepare for an insane ride, as the very moon shall open to reveal the fate of humanity and the unavoidable realisation of our insignificance.
The story follows the events of Shrouded in Sanity, Usurper, and Into the Fray, as the Skautfold series is heading to its conclusion. Knowledge of the previous games is not required to enjoy the game, but it will most certainly make it even more enjoyable.
A quick word from the developer;
Skautfold: Moonless Knight is the culmination of everything learnt from developing my previous three games. Developing alone may be hard at times, but it allows me to deliver my vision in a complete, uncompromising manner. I hope you will enjoy what I consider to be my best work yet, and I am ever-grateful for your loyal support.
Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed
Available on Nintendo Switch 1&2, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC
Based on the animated series, Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed lets you take control of the racers from the show and race through 12 tracks with various vehicles from the long-running Hot Wheels franchise!
Featuring up to four player split screen racing, you can collect flame badges to upgrade and customise your vehicles, as well as facing ff with epic bosses! There are five game modes as well as a track-building mode in which you can construct your own courses.
Great for fans of the franchise, Hot Wheels Let’s Rave: Ultimate Speed is aimed at younger gamers and has a simple, accessible style that’s fun for all the family, with plenty of options available to suit your play style.
Rating – 8.5/10
Developer: BBG Entertainment GmbH
Naturally, being a website that has a focus on retro and indie titles as well as newer releases, we are very big supporters of classic compilations and re-releases of historic titles. Sometimes they are pretty standard (Monty Mole Collection, Street Racer Collection) and sometimes there are changes or missing content that…...affects things. I am certainly aware of Boulder Dash, at least as a C64 game from my childhood – but I have no particular emotional ties with it, and yet the game is such a great, timeless premise that it completely drew me in. There’s so much to love here, from Chris Huelsbeck’s wonderful audio through to the history of the game series itself, and the fact that there are so many versions on here – not to mention to myriad fan levels and level editor, that mean that you will pretty much never need another Boulder Dash title ever again! I mean this in the best of ways, Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary is exactly what it needs to be, a beautifully curated love letter to a quietly historic game that is so accessible – and challenging! - that it’s just as much fun to play today as it was forty years ago. The instant death puzzling action will have you elated and burning with satisfaction just as often as it will have you squeezing your controller until it creaks in raw, incandescent fury. Good!
A great collection that is a celebration of a four decade old franchise that found strength in its basic concept. One that I’ll have installed for a good while, and perfect for on the go action!
Easy Delivery Co.
Developer - Sam C.
Available on Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
This was an absolute treat to come across, and I genuinely feel that Easy Delivery Co. is a few tweaks away from becoming a true classic. Cast as a delivery driver in a snowy mountain village, the first thing that hits you is the PS1-style polygonal visuals – complete with fog that shrouds the surroundings, fitting for this snow-peaked mountain at night! You’ll soon find yourself driving around winding roads, across bridges, through towns and icy back-roads, making deliveries and delving further into a subtle mystery that keeps the narrative rolling. Easy Delivery Co. is impressive in how it manages to take a sort of ‘cosy vehicle’ genre and gives it a twist that makes it unsettling and yet completely cutesy at the same time. The scratchy radio stations, constant financial battle of spending your cash on fuel, energy, and upgrades (key to progress through the story), and casual ‘off-ness’ of the situation that you find yourself in is expertly handled...up to a point. As much as I loved the setup and mechanics, the game does devolve a tad into overstaying its welcome, and some repetitive deliveries feel a bit like redundant padding. That said, there aren’t many games out there that quite nail this mood, and Easy Delivery Co. is a right little treasure for those that click with it.
Skautfold: Moonless Knight
Available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Switch 1&2
Developer: Pugware
Very clearly a title that is one unique vision, Skautfold: Moonless Night is the final chapter n the Skautfold series, and one-man developer Pugware has not spared the horses here. Reminding me of modern classic Drova: Forsaken Kin both visually and in it’s textured lore-building, Skautfold: Moonless Night is a tough ol’ nut to crack in it’s the difficulty of the combat, which adds to the tension when exploring the game world. Definitely one for the hard core – this will be the favourite of some dedicated folks this year, and deservedly so, as this is clearly a creation from a talented, dedicated individual.
Exploration:
Forge your own path in a single, deeply interconnected Metroidvania world. Shortcuts, loops, and a tightly-woven world await as you explore the Imperial Palace; an ominous place with its intimate surroundings and the eldritch secrets that lie below. Uncover the history of the Palace through environmental storytelling, and piece together the dark secrets of the first God Emperor Oda Nobunaga.
Pick your path and your battles; the world features a semi-open design with multiple paths to your objective, as well as tons of secrets to uncover. Take on bosses in any order you please, and find shortcuts and safe-havens in the castle under siege to solidify your foothold and turn the situation in your favour.
Return to past areas with your newfound Relics and find treasure, and grow further in power.
Find familiars to aid you in combat, dying soldiers in need of a healing injection, Yth stones, hidden stashes of money, ninja-like pugs hiding in plain sight, and Eldritch horrors posing as things you would love to get your hands on...
Combat:
Fight for your life using the significantly improved Guard System returning from Usurper; the overhaul of which provides a much deeper and more versatile system than its predecessor. Use your perfectly timed block to reflect enemy attacks, or a well-timed dodge to create an opening that bypasses the enemy's guard so that you can hit their Health directly!
Careless actions in combat will have a snowball effect; any health damage taken will result in a loss of maximum guard; and this applies to both sides. Simply put: Punish enemies, or get punished yourself!
Employ Waltham Industry's Vitae Injections to recover your health, or alternatively, use them at full health to overcharge your health for a short while to buff your damage output or tank damage you have trouble avoiding.
The system now rewards wise weapon selection; heavy weapon users will be more rewarded for mastering defence and breaking enemy guard by sheer force, while players using faster weapons will need to employ evasive manoeuvres to follow up on openings.
Use any one of 9 combat/exploration relics to compliment your combat ability, and bypass barriers in the world. Relics include grappling hooks, a bow with infinite arrows, and the ability to summon a fire vampire, or teleport instantaneously. All balanced to provide further tactical and movement options to maximize your combat potential.
Turn the environment against your enemies! Kick them into their own traps, pits, and spikes to flip fortune in your favour.
Feint out of almost all actions! Did you swing your slow weapon too late, and now it looks like you are about to be hit? Feint, and initiate a defensive move instead! Did you grapple to an enemy from afar, but they started swinging? Feint, and enjoy not getting slapped by their attack! You can also potentially double your damage output with a fast hand by feinting out of the wind-down animation of your attacks.
Level your stats through use. Instead of general exp, each of your 9 stats will increase naturally through use in battle; taking a lot of hard knocks and direct hits will make you tougher, become consistently adept at avoiding attacks and you will level up evasion, swing your favourite weapon type around enough and you will become more efficient at it, causing more damage whilst costing less guard.
Story:
In this Lovecraftian story, you will take on the role of Gray, the 2nd Knight of the Angelic Empire of Britannia, as an envoy sent on a diplomatic mission to the Dawn Empire of Japan. This quickly goes horribly wrong, and Gray has to take responsibility as he finds himself in the midst of a religious coup instigated by the Lunatics, a faction worshipping the Eldritch Moon god.
Soon enough, you will find yourself exploring the Oda Imperial Palace; where you learn about the dark secret that lies below. It is here that you will attempt to fulfil your mission and recover a very special item for which the survival of the entire Empire hinges on. Prepare for an insane ride, as the very moon shall open to reveal the fate of humanity and the unavoidable realisation of our insignificance.
The story follows the events of Shrouded in Sanity, Usurper, and Into the Fray, as the Skautfold series is heading to its conclusion. Knowledge of the previous games is not required to enjoy the game, but it will most certainly make it even more enjoyable.
A quick word from the developer;
Skautfold: Moonless Knight is the culmination of everything learnt from developing my previous three games. Developing alone may be hard at times, but it allows me to deliver my vision in a complete, uncompromising manner. I hope you will enjoy what I consider to be my best work yet, and I am ever-grateful for your loyal support.
Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed
Available on Nintendo Switch 1&2, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC
Based on the animated series, Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed lets you take control of the racers from the show and race through 12 tracks with various vehicles from the long-running Hot Wheels franchise!
Featuring up to four player split screen racing, you can collect flame badges to upgrade and customise your vehicles, as well as facing ff with epic bosses! There are five game modes as well as a track-building mode in which you can construct your own courses.
Great for fans of the franchise, Hot Wheels Let’s Rave: Ultimate Speed is aimed at younger gamers and has a simple, accessible style that’s fun for all the family, with plenty of options available to suit your play style.
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