Dan Twohig
Shing! is a fun and innovative co-op beat 'em up that has had its potential unleashed on PS5. While most elements remain the same, the upgrade in resolution and general technical fixes, make the game a significantly more immersive experience than the PS4 version. Certainly, the PS5 version is the more recommendable for those looking for a good co-op game full of wise-cracking ninja fun.
A nice but brutal little stealth game with an enjoyable multi-ending story. Classic Metal Gear fans especially will get some joy out of sneaking around Robocop-style biped robots in this title. The core gameplay and narrative are strong, but an absence of variety makes Disjunction just short of a home run.
Whilst Gods Will Fall has the potential to provide some genuine excitement with its unique features, its randomised difficulty feels unnecessarily obtuse. There's certainly a challenge you can embrace, but it seems to come down to luck more than skill that sees you progress. If you've copious amounts of patience, Gods Will Fall has some stellar moments, but by flaw of design they are too few and far between.
Shady Part Of Me is a stunning indie platformer puzzler that is a treat for both the mind and the eyes. There are some gorgeously original puzzles, although there is perhaps an over reliance on the same type of "box shadow" puzzles throughout. That isn't to say there is any feeling of repetitiveness, and the mechanics are reliably satisfying that you'll always be up for the next puzzle. Shady Part Of Me demonstrates a lot of thoughtfulness and heart. Indeed this title is an excellent debut for the French developers.
Worms Rumble proves that worms don't need to take turns to sentence one another to a sheepy death. Not only that, but Worms Rumble succeeds in giving us an accessibly fun shooter with a decent amount of nuance for the competitive to wrestle with. The real-time combat and traversal work very well, and with speedy matchmaking, you'll always be up for one more game. The levels are well designed for a fun experience, although we would hope for more options in the future.
A sufficiently wacky and charismatic follow up experience to Enter The Gungeon and an enjoyable roguelite game. Regrettably, due to a number of flaws, it can't be appraised as the sequel fans would have hoped for. Exit The Gungeon probably won't win over any genre newcomers either. However, for existing fans longing for another crawl in the Gungeon, Exit The Gungeon just about does enough to be worth a look.
Amnesia: Rebirth may not have the wow factor of modern AAA visuals, but it offers so much in its direction, effects and sound that it has an unbelievably immersive draw. What it lacks in raw gameplay mechanics it makes up for with a consistently engaging series of scenes, puzzles and set pieces. Amnesia: Rebirth is a terrifying cosmic thriller that is accessible enough for all types of players, but certainly should be a welcome addition in the library of any Horror fan.
What 9 Monkeys of Shaolin lacks in typical beat 'em up fashion it more than makes up for with a dynamite combat system. The 5 hour campaign may feel a bit short, but replay-ability and co-op modes offer good value for the purchase. 9 Monkeys of Shaolin is a great pick fans of the genre, or anyone wanting to get the best gameplay simulation of 70's Kung Fu movies. Don't let the terrible name put you off!
Only being lacking in some technical adjustment and editing stops this title from being truly great. Nevertheless, Projection: First Light immerses you in a forgotten culture for a visual and narrative treat that will no doubt prove to be a memorable experience.