A very pretty and slick platformer that runs beautifully on PS5. Use of the console’s unique features are limited, but it’s still well worth playing. [Issue#187, p.80]
A celebration of videogaming’s brashest decade, Narita Boy at times tries too hard to impress but always feels good to play. Turn it up to 11 and enjoy the ride. [Issue#187, p.83]
Signs Of The Sojourner is a compelling adventure that explores loss, healing, and the intimacy of conversations, wonderfully gamifying interaction. [Issue#187, p.89]
A basic upgrade. The SSD helps load some elements more quickly; the graphics aren’t radically improved. That said, the game is still phenomenal. [Issue#187, p.88]
Besides spider death, each area has multiple objectives. Some of these force you doing a little bit of thinking, others simply ask you to destroy a set number of a certain object. Levels start out small, their routes unfurling as you reach spider-killing milestones. Progression is satisfying, though once you become used to the game’s tricks it wears a little thin. Still, if you want to “kill it with fire” and a whole lot more, it certainly lives up to its promise. [Issue#187, p.85]
With such assured motion, incident-packed races and gorgeous stadium track visuals this should be an easy recommendation, especially since it’s a deluxe version of an already-polished series. But the harsh handling model and extreme sense of déjà vu suck out a lot of the fun. [Issue#187, p.85]
With new online modes, capable and fun split-screen, and one truly great fictional racetrack (Rusty Ravine), it’s only really let down by its slight low-budget feel and sense of déjà vu. But being enjoyable to play is surely the whole point of a videogame, and this is very enjoyable indeed. [Issue#187, p.81]
Sadly, things get rather grindy towards the end, and Anodyne 2’s refusal to be clear about anything can make finding the last few items you need harder than it should be. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable trip unlike any other. If you’re looking for something that differentiates itself from the ocean of grim shooters and angsty apocalypses, you won’t be disappointed with this. [Issue#187, p.81]
