As asymmetrical horror games go, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is on the shoulders of genre mainstays and still, it's an absolute ripper. Players are thrown in the deep end, which while frustrating at first leads to later games where things begin to click and make a lot more sense. Seeing iconic locations from the films and racing to find the way out as a chainsaw swings behind you is quite the thrill but it's as thrilling as it is unforgiving. Perks will aid you but understanding the perk tree is a little convoluted. Playing as the Family is a cruel spin on the game too for those feeling a little more sadistic. I do worry about how much runway the game will have into the future with limited films, not to mention the fate of the developer's other asymmetrical horror game. Perhaps this could see the game moving into more original content based on the IP it lives and breathes. And who knows? Maybe you'll be lucky and escape first try.
Just like any night market, one is never quite sure what will be on offer. Nimeko's Night Market is a spin on the cosy genre with a sure footing and loads of potential. With such an interesting cast of characters inhabiting the island and a nifty protagonist, the game is definitely a successful narrative life sim. Where Mineko's Night Market fails to sell itself is in the menial grind. The idea of constantly crafting until you're onto the next objective falls a little flat even when you are invested in helping Nikko find their way home. If cosy games make your heart swoon, then the time needed on this one will be worth the investment. If you aren't a fan of the grind, order in and save yourself a trip to Mineko's Night Market.
War never changes; trains are always going to be running late, though. Last Train Home lets players experience the trials of band of soldiers on a 9000km journey home. This management game is no walk in the park and considering the subject matter this is for the best. If you're familiar with RTS games then this is going to hit that sweet spot just fine. If you aren't familiar with the genre but find the narrative compelling then be ready to play stealthy and fiddle with the difficulty settings. Last Train Home requires time but if you're willing to persist and jump on the train, then this ride might find space within your real-time strategy game library.
FOAMSTARS knows what it's doing following the Splatoon blueprint, but it's an easy pop that values its in-game economy more than fostering a community during the teething period of its release. I worry for the future of this one in the live service vacuum. While there are aspects that feel fun, this game still needs to prove itself in the market which is no easy feat. Locally, this is a tall ask but with server numbers untenable it really may be the writing on the bathroom wall for such a new multiplayer game – bubbles not included.
The Outlast Trials is a brutally fresh twist of the knife for the franchise. Cooperative play meshes seamlessly with the horror experience, allowing players to squad up and take on brutal trials that are as horrifying as they are fun to survive together. Solo play is more trouble for the same reward, so it's a good thing the game includes a matchmaking system. With more content on the way, it's clear Murkoff has struck gold with this new take on a loved IP!