Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by APOLLOSOFT and Mebius, with publishing handled by Red Art Games in collaboration with Bushiroad Games, Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast is a tactical RPG set in the Goblin Slayer World. Take the role of a young girl who takes over the adventurer’s guild in her father’s place, the deceased lord of the land. This version of the game is exclusively on Nintendo Switch, with a link to the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Red Art Games for providing the copy of Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the story. I will be covering the core mechanics of this game, this is to prevent spoiling any the experience. I will also refer to this game as simply Nightmare Feast where needed, for the sake of brevity for the most part.

©Kumo Kagyu・SB Creative Corp./Goblin Slayer2 Project. ©Bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

Story – A young girl travels to a remote land after receiving word of her father, the lord’s death. Upon arriving, she takes over the operation of the Adventurer’s Guild in her father’s place, becoming the Guild Master. Due to a lack of adventurers, the heroine takes on adventures herself, encountering the Blood Princess, a vampire who becomes her companion. After this, she becomes involved in a series of events, which revolve around a peculiar box found in her father’s Study.

Gameplay – Nightmare Feast is a mix of visual novel and tactical RPG, set in the world of Goblin Slayer, where the player takes the role of the Guild Master. The narrative is split into chapters, called a story, which consist of quests for the player to challenge. There is also the inclusion of fully voices dialogue scenes, which occur during the main story quests, as well as sub stories, which expand the narrative. These are accessed from the base menu (expanded on further below).

The way the chapters progress are tied to the Main Quest line, with this needing to be cleared to proceed to the next story. However, to be able to access the Main Quests, the player will need to clear Normal Quests to unlock them. The quests have victory and defeat conditions applied to them, which can affect the flow of play. The most common way to win is to defeat all enemies, with the most common way to lose being the defeat of the Guild Master.

©Kumo Kagyu・SB Creative Corp./Goblin Slayer2 Project. ©Bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

Then we get to the battles themselves. These play out in a fairly traditional manner, where the player can deploy a number of units into battle on the field. At the start of a combat stage, the player can summon units to the green start areas, as well as traps in yellow spaces, which depend on the map. The flow of combat is split into two phases, the player phase and enemy phase. During this time, all units on each side can make their moves before passing the turn.

During a turn, the player units can move and perform an action each. The amount of distance that can be covered is tied to their total MOV stat, affecting the radius they can cover. Then there are the actions that can be used. These consist of standard attacks, as well as special Arts attacks that are tied to the weapon and class of the unit. For the more magical characters, they have access to Spells which can deal damage, offer support and apply effects.

All of the attacks, skills and spells have a range attached to them, which varies depending on the skill and weapon that are used. Melee attacks usually have a reach of one to two spaces in front of the unit, ranged attacks often have an extended reach or target a single space. The spells vary in their range and number of targets, with some of them being able to damage multiple enemies at once. But be careful as it is possible to harm allies who are within reach of attacks.

©Kumo Kagyu・SB Creative Corp./Goblin Slayer2 Project. ©Bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

The amount of damage that can be dealt to an enemy can also be influenced by several factors. The main one being the direction they are facing. When units face each other head-on, there is higher chance for the enemy to guard or dodge. If the target is attacked from the side, they will have a lower chance to defend and will take a little more damage. If the unit is attacked from behind, the damage will be greatly increased with almost zero chance to avoid damage.

Both the Arts and Spells require special points to use, with the Arts using AP and Spells using MP. Each unit will have a set number of points they can use, adding to the strategy of combat. Last are the Tools, which have to be assigned before they can be used in the field. These special items can be used to heal the player, alongside removing harmful effects like poison and paralysis. There is a limited usage to items, so players must plan accordingly before battle.

There will be traps, blockades and terrain that will be an obstacle for players in battle. If a unit makes contact with a ground trap that blocks their path, they will take damage immediately. There are also barrel traps, which must be destroyed to deal area of effect damage to enemies. On the battlefield, the barricades need to be destroyed to move forward as they block the path. Some fences can be used to deal extra damage to units knocked into them.

©Kumo Kagyu・SB Creative Corp./Goblin Slayer2 Project. ©Bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

The final element of battle to mention is the Lord Monarch ability of the Guild Master. As the world of Goblin Slayer is determined by Fate and Chance, this is applied to battle too. During the execution of a units turn, special effects have the chance to activate if conditions are met. These can create more advantageous situations for the player, if the dice roll is successful. The usage of these effects is limited, so knowing when to use them can turn the tide of battle.

When the victory condition is met, the player will receive rewards for their success, which are laid out in the quest outline. The player will receive items, equipment and money for completion of quests. Experience points will also be awarded to units that are deployed in battle, which will level the units up when the experience meters are filled. When a unit increases in level, they may gain new skills, powers and spells that can be used in battle.

There are several different types of side quests/battles that players can challenge. These include training missions with varied difficulties, which can be replayed freely. Then there are the special sub quests with their own little story segments, which are optional to the adventure, offering special rewards for competing them. It is important to note, when enough normal quests are cleared to activate main quests, any remaining normal missions will disappear.

©Kumo Kagyu・SB Creative Corp./Goblin Slayer2 Project. ©Bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

Outside of the battle stages, the player will spend time at the Adventurers Guild base. This is the base of operations for the player, offering many facilities for players to use before setting out. There is the Guild, where quests and sub stories can be accepted, showing the objective, conditions and rewards. Then there is the workshop, where equipment for adventurers can be bought and sold, as well as items to be enhanced.

There is also an item shop, where support items and traps can be purchased for players to use in battles, as well as enhancement items. The Adventurer List is where players can view the character units, there is the option to check their stats and alter their equipment (except Goblin Slayer who can only equip accessories). As the player makes their way through the adventure, new adventurers can be added to the roster via the Adventurer Register.

The last thing to mention with adventurers is the Rank Promotion. As the adventurers level up, they will become eligible for promotion of their rank, with the lowest being Porcelain and the highest platinum. When characters increase in rank, they can unlock new skills and abilities for battle, with some ultimate powers at higher levels. All adventurers except the Goblin Slayer and his party are eligible to rank up, but they will still gain new skills.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

©Kumo Kagyu・SB Creative Corp./Goblin Slayer2 Project. ©Bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

Controls – the control method for Nightmare Feast is easy to use, with all of the required hot keys on screen for players to easily use. There is an in-depth tutorial for players to learn all of the different inputs, how to navigate the menus and use all of the features. During battle the map and menus are better navigated with the D-Pad, which gives better precision control over thumbstick. But overall, the controls for this release are very easy to pick up and play.

Difficulty – there are two difficulty options for players to select from, with the choice between Story and Adventure. Story offers a more moderate experience, for those who want to focus on the narrative, whereas Adventure is for those looking for a tactical challenge. Both settings provide a balanced amount of challenge. If the player is in a bad spot, retreat is an option, but failure will send the player to the title screen. It is advised to save often at the base and before battles.

Presentation – from a visual perspective this game is a treat for the eyes, with gorgeous artwork that looks just like the anime. This is alongside detailed spritework and environments, which evokes a feeling of classic tactics games with a retro look to them. All of these assets come together perfectly, creating an experience that feels authentic to the source material. The visual novel style scenes may feel long, but they are done well and work for this.

©Kumo Kagyu・SB Creative Corp./Goblin Slayer2 Project. ©Bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

The sound for this game ties the whole experience together, with a soundtrack that gives the dark fantasy world more depth, while increasing the tension of battles. This title also has fully voiced dialogue, featuring the voices of the anime counterparts of Goblin Slayer and is party. This is exclusively in Japanese with English text only. Everything is fairly cohesive for the most part, aside from some minor inconsistencies with balance between music and voices.

Final Thoughts – I am a Goblin Slayer enjoyer, having watched the Anime when it debuted and becoming heavily invested in it. There is this simplicity of the hero, who has but one goal, to slay goblins as quickly as they appear, with everything surrounding him giving it more depth. So when I got this to review, I was unsure of what to expect. The creator of Goblin Slayer was responsible for the narrative, which hooked me in quickly.

For those who are expecting a game that focuses on the Goblin Slayer, focusing on him as the protagonist then you will be in for a shock, as he takes a little while to appear. However, the original characters created for this narrative work well, which will make up for the lack of the titular hero while he is absent. The battle system may feel derivative of others in the genre, but it feels like the characters fit naturally into this style of gameplay.  

The overall experience is engaging, with a narrative that is well written and character designs that slot perfectly in with the recognisable cast. There is a tremendous amount of depth to the gameplay, offering strategy, action and tense challenges that will satisfy that TRPG itch. I have no issue with recommending this game, as it is perfect for fans of the source material, as well as those who strategy focused RPGs. Perfect for playing at home or on the go.

In the end, I give Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast a final score of 4.5/5. This is a challenging tactical RPG that expands on the source material well. Offering fans a well-rounded gameplay experience, engaging story and characters that fit perfectly into the world of Goblin Slayer. If you want to check this out for yourself, a link to the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch verison (HERE)

Link to Physical Release (HERE)

Magnet Jack – Steam Review

Overview – developed by the team of Blake Fix, Michael Allen K and Ackerman, with publishing handled by Fond Game and TheGamePublisher, Magnet Jack is a puzzle platformer with a focus on action. As the titular Magnet Jack, go on a polarizing adventure through the video game world, on a quest to punch the King of Taxes on his nose. This title is available exclusively on the Steam Platform, with a link to the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank TheGamePublisher for providing the copy of Magnet Jack that was used for the piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the story. I will be covering the basic mechanics of the game, as there are many fun quirks and elements of the game that I think players should experience for themselves.

Story – Jack was a regular guy who worked at a video store, when one night he fell asleep on the job after staying up all night gaming. An old man came in, but all was not as it seemed. This old man was a Cyber Warlock and displeased with Jack sleeping on the job, he cast a spell on Jack. He cursed Jack and banished him to a different dimension, where he would live his life as a video game protagonist. But little did the warlock know, this was exactly what Jack wanted.

Some time later, Jack was living his best life in this new world as a videogame character. But then Jack heard the bad news, the King of Taxes has raised everyones taxes right through the roof. Jack is infuriated by this and will not stand for this, so he sets out on a mission to punch that nasty old king on the nose. However, pesky pocket dimensions full of puzzles keep getting in Jack’s way. But little did the King of Taxes know, this was exactly what Jack wanted.

Gameplay – Magnet Jack is a stage based puzzle platformer, with a focus on action and a unique gimmick that revolves around magnet polarity. When first starting the game, the player will find themselves in the starting world of Sythwave Island. This is a tutorial world where the player will learn how to control jack, the basic gameplay mechanics and get to grips with the game. This section plays out in a contained format, guiding the player to the boss.

This game uses an overworld system, similar to Super Mario Bros 3, with all of the stages laid out as blue and red blocks. Players can also encounter NPC characters by invading their homes, interacting with them and fleshing out the world. To reach the boss of a world, the player must clear a path to them by completing the stages. There are some branching paths that players can use, giving a choice to clear all stages, or skip some to get to other areas faster.

Within the stages themselves, the main objective is to get all the Orbz. To collect the Orbz the player must be the correct polarity, with Jack needing to be red to collect red, and blue to collect blue. To collect Orbz that don’t match Jack’s current color, the player must change polarity via energy streams. Using these streams will use up the limited energy at the top of the screen, if this runs out Jack will become Inert and be unable to clear the stage.

In the event that the player gets into a position where they are inert or unable to clear the stage, they can use the self-destruct button or jump into a pit. This will restart the stage, giving players another chance to pass the stage. If the player successfully collects all the Orbz, they will glow and the warp button must be mashed to clear the stage. The action stages will also have a timer on screen, with the best time recorded as a high score.

The stages vary in shape and size, with some being a single screen whereas others will be fairly long, moving either vertically or horizontally. Some stages will also wrap around, letting players leap off screen from one side and appear on the other. This system can make some of the more challenging stages a little easier, while also giving more options for players to experiment. Some of the stages are trial and error, but are satisfying when cleared.

As the player makes their way through the game, new stage mechanics and overworld gimmicks will be added. The later stage mechanics include slippery butter floors in breakfast world, floors that appear when moving and a bubble power that can clear obstacles. Then there are the overworld mechanics, which act as roadblocks for progression. These can be mini challenge stages and switches on the map, which must be cleared to progress.

There are boss battles in many of the worlds for players to challenge, with each of them having a unique gimmick for that battle. The first boss that players will encounter is mandatory, as it will open up the rest of the game. But after this, the battles become optional for the player, as there is a fairly non-linear approach to progression in general. This applies to the different worlds too, as they are interconnected, letting players move relatively freely between them.

The only hard lock on any progression is access to the final area of the game, which needs a target number of cleared stages to reach. This gives a solid target to reach, as there are more stages than the target number. Alongside the stage clear target, there are hidden Orbz for players to collect, as well as coins that are given for completing stages. These coins can be used in the Hat shop, giving Jack some rather dapper headwear for the adventure.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – this title has a fairly simple control lay out, which works well for the puzzle platform style, giving it a quick pick up and play feel. There is the option for keyboard inputs as well as traditional controllers, which both work very well. However, there is an unusual issue with the game, where the hotkeys for quitting the game and other basic systems are missing. This is unfortunate, but can be fixed in a patch at some point.

Difficulty – the challenge for this release comes from the variety of puzzles and game mechanics, which will really test the player. This is where a lot of the trial and error gameplay comes from, as the stages can be deceiving in their amount of challenge. Thankfully, there is no limit to the number of retries that can be used, but no checkpoints for players. If players are having a really tough time, they can pay 5 coins to skip a stage by putting a band-aid on it.

Presentation – visually, there is a retro look to the game, with sprite work and back grounds that try to evoke a feel of familiarity to them. This contrasts well with the surreal world design, bosses and general feel of the game. The performance for the most part is fairly solid, but it did freeze a lot on my hardware, which may be due to age. The sound rounds out experience well, with good music and unique themes for each of the overworld map areas.

Final Thoughts – I discovered this game via an email promoting upcoming releases from Keymailer, which caught my attention so I took the opportunity to check it out. My initial feelings were a little mixed, as I had some issues with getting the game to run, even though my hardware exceeds the minimum requirements. This may be due to the age of my hardware or compatibility issues with drivers, but after getting it going, it felt a lot better.

I enjoyed the retro style of platforming, the puzzles and the unique mechanics/gimmicks that were implemented. All of these elements come together to create a fun experience, although it feels like it needs a little polish to be optimized entirely. I can recommend this to players who enjoy puzzle platformers, but be warned that it relies on trial and error for a lot of the puzzles. There is also the potential for speedrunners to get a lot from this game too.

In the end, I give Magnet Jack a final score of 3.75/5. This is a fun and challenging puzzle platformer, offering a rather unique experience that allows it to stand out from the rest. The mix of gimmicks, silly humor and references add to the fun of the game, it just needs a little bit of polish for older systems. If you want to check the game out for yourself, a link to it will be below.

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain: Churros and Cats Update – Nintendo Switch Mini Review

Hello! Today I am covering another expansion update, this time I will be discussing the new content update for Mika and the Witch’s Mountain. The whimsical and magical adventure from Chibig, gets new content in the Churros and Cats mini expansion update, bringing new residents and a new game mode. This is the first content expansion to be added to the game on Nintendo Switch and Steam, completely free for all players to enjoy right now.

Disclaimer: before I get into the coverage, the software that was used for this mini review and the full review (HERE), was provided through the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this piece, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

In this mini review, I will be covering the new additions that have been added to the game. I will also be providing my thoughts on the added content, going over my experience with it on the Nintendo Switch system. If you have not seen my previous coverage on the base game, please take a moment to check that out in the link above before you read this.

New Content – in this free mini expansion, new residents have joined the island of the Winds, taking residence in Orilla Town. The first is a batch of five kittens who are seeking refuge in the town, spread across in all different locations. They live in little cardboard houses, where Mika must deliver food to them to make sure they are safe. These little kittens are cute and adorable, so seek them out and show them some affection.

Then we have Churro Express, a new business that has started in the town run by new arrival Awan. This new desert business needs some help, delivering their hot and tasty treats to different parts of the island. Awan asks Mika to assist in the deliveries, setting up the Churro Express Circuit, with tracks that go all across the island. There are 7 total Churro Express Circuit courses for players to challenge, using the island for each of the tracks.

The Churro Express Circuit plays out as a ring race, where Mika must ride her broom through each of the rings, keeping the tasty treat warm on the way to the goal. If Mika misses the rings or takes too long, the desert will go cold and she will fail the race. There is a meter in the corner of the screen that will tick down, being refilled when the player passes through them. Mika will gain a boost of speed when passing through each of the rings.

Each of the tracks have a target time, which the player will need to beat to earn a trophy. When the track is successfully cleared, the player will unlock the next and gain Napopo Trophies as a reward. The player will also receive rewards for beating the races, with a special outfit and charm to attach to Mika’s broom. Alongside the new race minigame and the Kitten delivery mission, there are new cosmetic items, achievements (on steam) and a companion to unlock.

Final Thoughts – I very much enjoyed Mika and the Witch’s Mountain when I reviewed it back in August, having a lot of fun with the magical island adventure. So when I received an email about this update, I had to jump onto it and I was not disappointed. There is a lot of fun to be had with this mini expansion. The kitten feeding mission was cute, giving me a sense of satisfaction when I found each of them, hidden in different parts of the town.

The addition of new charms, costumes and a companion following the broom trail were nice touches, giving that little bit more for players to come back to. My favourite part of this free update was the Churro Express Circuit, which was something that fits in perfectly with the flying mechanics. The races are laid out well, with each of the tracks being challenging but not too difficult. It may take a few attempts, but all races can be beaten.

I found target times for the tracks can be a little tight, with most of them being beaten by just a second or two. But with enough practice put in, it may be possible to beat them by a wider margin. I had forgotten how much fun it was to fly in this game, with the races knocking the enjoyment factor up a notch. This is the first announced update, giving me hope that more will be coming in the future, as there is so much potential for more expansions.

Overall, the Cats and Churros update is a great addition to the game, bringing more content to an already fantastic magical adventure, expanding the enjoyment further. I cannot recommend this enough, even moreso if you already enjoyed the base game, and if you haven’t played Mika and the Witch’s Mountain yet, this is even more of a reason to play it. So give it a try, as you are in for a cute and tasty time.

You can find the game page below to buy Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, for both the Nintendo Switch and Steam, so check them out if you are interested in a magical adventure.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Pretty Girls Pop Match – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Zoo Corporation and published by Eastasiasoft, Pretty Girls Pop Match is the latest puzzle title in the waifu puzzler series, this time using a match three style of play. Challenge 100 missions in Quest mode, or take on a 3 minute score challenge to try and get as many points as possible. This version of the game is available for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, with a link to each platform at the bottom of the review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Pretty Girls Pop Match that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. There is a lack of story for this release, so I will be moving directly into covering the gameplay section.

Gameplay – this is a rather simple match three puzzler, using a system that is similar to the likes of Bejeweled or Candy Crush Saga, where players match three or more gems on screen. The core of the gameplay takes place in the Quest Mode, where players can challenge 100 different puzzles, with a variety of objectives. The most common missions are to destroy a set number of a specific jewel, or to attain a target score.

The further the player gets into quest mode, the more challenging the stages will get, introducing items that need to be destroyed by matching gems next to them. During the different stages, the player will have a limited number of turns to complete the stage. If the player runs out of turns, the stage will fail and the player must start over. But this is not the only way to fail a stage, as the player can get a game over if they are unable to make a match.

To help the player, there are special magic items that can be created during puzzles. These are made by arranging the gems in set patterns. If a line of 4, a T shape or more are made, the magic items will appear if the correct pattern is made. These magic items are the rocket, which can blast away a line, either horizontally or vertically, the bomb which destroys a chunk of gems and the sword which seek out gems. The last is the wand, which will destroy all of a single Gem.

When the stage is cleared, the remaining moves will be put on the field as bombs, destroying gems that are all around them. There is an upper limit to the number of bombs that can be used, with the remaining moves going to 0 when reached. After this occurs, any new connections from gems that drop down will add to the final score. The player will then be awarded blue gems, which are tied to the points that have been earned during the stage.

During the adventure, the player will encounter four heroic girls who will join the party, accompanying them on their adventure. The first is the Nun who will guide the player on their adventure, providing advice and explanations on mechanics. Then we have the Ninja, Warrior and Mage, who will increase the power of the special magic items, increasing efficiency. At the start of a challenge, the player can select the girl they want to assist.

The party’s power ups are set at 1 star, with the ability to upgrade and increase their power, using the blue crystal gems. These improvements will allow for bigger explosions, more gems being cleared and more swords to seek out gems. The special abilities of the girls can be increased to a maximum of 3, with level 2 needing 1000 blue gems and level 3 requiring 3000. These power ups can be earned faster fi the player repeats stages, making the later stages easier.

Away from the main adventure mode is the score attack, which is a three minute challenge, where players must do their best to score as many points as possible. Then there is the Diorama system, which allows players to create images, using the girls, backgrounds and a variety of stickers. This is more of an afterthought as it adds no real substance to the game, with the limited usage and no real way to interact with it.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – this is a pretty simple to control game, with the d-pad/thumb stick being used to control the cursor to select the gems and the A button to move them. This works pretty well, allowing players to quickly pick up and play the game. There is an alternate touch screen option, which can be a little more comfortable for those who play these types of games. However, I found that it was a little inconsistent, especially when trying to swap magic items around.

Difficulty – there is not much to the difficulty of this game, as the majority of the challenges are easily beatable. The only real aspects of the challenge come from the limited number of turns, along with the random chance that lack of matches will end the stage. These moments of match failure are frustrating, as they can happen more often with the more complex stage layouts. But aside from these minor complaints, there is a fairly beatable challenge.

Presentation – from a visual perspective, the game lives up to its name, with the pretty girls who have a pleasing anime art style, with a lot of fanservice built into them. The stage visuals are rather plain with static backgrounds for the environments, that are drawn well but don’t add much to the game. The music is simple too, with rather generic compositions that work well in game. There is voice work, but it is limited and doesn’t add much to the experience.

Final Thoughts – I enjoy puzzle games, so I picked this up and dove straight into it. The match three style of puzzle game is something that has been done to death, but this makes it a little different with the power-ups that the girls give. The art is pleasing but lacks variety after all of the girls are added to the party. I did enjoy playing through the adventure mode, going through all of it in a few hours of non-stop play.

I then jumped into the score attack mode, which was a nice change from the quest mode, giving a more arcade style experience. I just wish that there was a leaderboard or selectable time options to prolong the score attack. The Diorama mode didn’t really add much to my experience, as it pretty basic, but it wouldn’t be a Pretty Girls game without it. Overall I can recommend this with ease, as it offers a fun puzzle experience for a modest price.

In the end, I give Pretty Girls Pop Match a final score of 3/5. This is a simple puzzle title, using the well-established match three gameplay style, with some fanservice thrown in. The different power-ups for the girls add some depth, which does make it feel different, I just wish there was more for the score attack system. If you want to check this release out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Taito Milestones Volume 3 – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – originally developed by Taito and published by ININ Games, Taito Milestones Volume 3 brings 10 more classic titles to modern platforms, powered by Hamster’s Arcade Archives tech. Take another leap back into the past and experience these classic arcade titles, including Bubble Bobble and Rastan Saga in this latest collection. This release is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, with a link to the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank PR Hound for providing the copy of Taito Milestones Vol 3 that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. As this is a compilation of arcade games, I will be covering each title with a brief summary of the story and gameplay. Some titles are grouped together as they are a part of a series. I have also covered the other Taito Milestones releases, which you can find (HERE).

Bubble Bobble – 1986

In the original bubble blowing platform adventure, the Bubble Dragons Bub and Bob set off on a journey to the “Cave of Monsters”. They set out on this journey to save their girlfriends from the evil wizard Drunk, as well as the ghostly monster Baron Von Blubba. This adventure is a single screen platformer, with a heavy emphasis on co-operation. Two players can work together to make their way through 100 stages, defeating monsters and collecting treasures.

The game loop is simple, at the start of a stage, Bub (and Bob in 2 player) will drop from the top of the screen, alongside the enemies for the stage. The main way to defeat the enemies is to trap them by blowing bubbles, then popping them by jumping into them. But if the monsters make contact with the player or hit them with an attack, they will immediately die. When all monsters are popped, the player will move onto the next stage.

When monsters are popped, they will be turned into food to collect for big points. During play, the player will be able to collect special items that appear, these include candy that enhances blown bubbles, power-ups and secret bonus items. These pick-ups are random, making them special when they appear. Players can also pop special bubbles that spell EXTEND, which will give them a 1 up, a special cutscene and move onto the next stage.

Players do need to make haste, as there is a time limit to bubbles and the stage itself. When bubbles with enemies in them expire they get faster and angry. If the stage time limit runs out, the invincible Baron Von Blubba will appear and kill the player. This game has many secrets to uncover, giving this game a lot of replay value, including the famous “True Ending” where players need to clear the game with two players to see it.

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 – 1987

In this sequel to the original Bubble Bobble, the Bubble Dragons have been turned back into humans, allowing Bubby and Bobby to go on a new adventure. This time, Bubby and Bobby set out on an adventure to rescue the Rainbow Islands, which are under threat by the “Dark Shadow”. This new adventure features a series of island worlds, made up of four stages with a boss at the end. Each island has a unique theme, with Insects, Toys and Monsters to name a few.

Unlike the previous entry in the series, Rainbow Islands has the player climbing up a vertically scrolling stage, avoiding enemies and collecting treasures. During the course of a stage, the player needs to jump and use rainbow magic to reach the different platforms. Bubby and Bobby can cast rainbows to reveal treasure and trap enemies. The player can walk over rainbows, but if they jump on them, they will collapse, killing enemies and collecting treasures below.

When the player reaches the top of the stage, a big chest will drop containing treasures as a reward. But treasures aren’t the only things that can be collected, there are power-ups as magic bags to increase rainbow power, as well as shoes to speed the player up. These upgrades will last for as long as the player is alive, resetting to default upon death. Players must be careful, as there is a time limit, causing water to rise if the player takes too long.

Just like its predecessor, there are secrets and multiple endings to discover in this game. Like the extend system of Bubble Bobble, the player will be able to collect rainbow gems, which can appear by defeating enemies. Players can use rainbows to crush foes, or special stars that appear in the stages to try and make gems appear. These gems will give a one up if all 7 are collected, while also playing a role in reaching the true ending of the game.

Cadash – 1989

The Princess Sarasa, who is the symbol of peace and prosperity for the land of Deezar, has been kidnapped.  The beasts of the underground kingdom, ruled by the evil Baarogue, are responsible for this crime and plan to perform a ritual, using the princess for their evil scheme. The king has offered his kingdom to the one who saves the Princess. This title is a side-scrolling platform RPG, where two players can go on an adventure to save the princess.

When starting the game, the player is able to select one of four characters, with classes based on classic archetypes. These are the Fighter, Mage, Priestess and Ninja, each having their own unique weapons, skills and abilities. After selecting the character, the player makes their way through each of the various stages, fighting monsters, collecting treasures/items and gathering information. Players can collect gold and experience from defeating monsters.

The stages in the game consist of areas for players to explore, with areas consisting of battle zones and towns. While players are in the villages, they will be able to rest at Inns and buy equipment at shops that they find. The gear that players unlock will increase in power the further the player progresses, offering stronger weapons and armor to purchase. Players can also find and buy healing items, which will extend the life of the player after taking damage.

There is a timer that appears on screen and ticks down, giving the game a sense of urgency, pushing players forward to the next area. The time will increase when clearing a stage, dying or by purchasing/collecting bonuses. If the player waits too long and leaves the timer to run down, a monster will appear and kill them instantly, pushing them to continue. As long as the player continues to add credits, they will be able to keep playing.

Runark (AKA Growl) – 1990

In the 20th century, evil poachers have been pushing wildlife to the brink of extinction, capturing them and hunting them for sport. To put an end to this evil, four forest rangers set out to defeat the poachers and save the animals. This title is a side scrolling brawler, where the objective is simple, beat down all the enemies on screen in close quarters combat. This title can be played in either 2 or 4 player mode, with the playable characters having unique stats to them.

In both 2 and 4 player mode, players can select their character freely, allowing them to select the hero they want to use. After this, the game starts proper and gets right into the action, using a simple two button set-up for attack and jump. There is a generalised move set for all playable characters, where they can punch, kick and perform special finishing moves. If the player presses both buttons, they will perform a special attack.

Weapons can be collected during the different stages, with melee and ranged weapons that can be found, including a whip, revolver and even grenades. These weapons are limited in use, but can devastate enemy numbers and players can even throw objects at enemies. There are 7 stages and a bonus game to play through, with wave after wave of foes to defeat. Players can also find animals to help them out, like deer and an elephant.

Thunder Fox – 1990

A run and gun style action game, where the Thunder Fox anti-terrorism team embark on a mission, with their objective to take the organisation that took over the world. This title is a relatively simple action title, where players move across that stage and take down enemies with a knife. They move across the screen, focusing on close quarters combat during the bulk of the action. Players can collect guns and grenades, which can be used for a limited time.

The stages are split into segments, with the run and gun style of action being the focus. Players will encounter dangerous bosses during stages, which are preceeded by a warning before they appear. While the bulk of the game is mostly the same, there are special sections that use an auto scrolling shooter style of play. These are brief and only make up a small part of the game, being little more than a distraction from the side scrolling brawling.

Rastan Saga – 1987

Rastan the barbarian bandit embarks on a journey to protect the Kingdom of Ceim, in exchange for riches and the glory that will be earned as a reward. This is a side scrolling hack and slash style action game, made up of a series of rounds that are split into individual areas. The player makes their way through the different areas, fighting monsters, collecting treasures and obtaining more powerful, yet temporary weapons, including an axe and flame sword.

Rastan is armed with a sword, which can be swung in four directions, left, right, up and down, but the player needs to jump before they strike downwards. Enemies in this game are dangerous, capable of taking down the hero in a few strikes. The player has a health meter that will be drained by taking damage, but can be refilled by collecting potions. More powerful items can be collected, but these will last only until the player dies.

If all of the player health is reduced, Rastan will die and the player continues from a checkpoint. Enemies aren’t the only threat to the player, as there are poisons that will drain the vitality of the hero, alongside pitfalls and traps that can instantly kill. When the player runs out of lives, they will be able to continue by using a credit. At the end of each round, the player will encounter the boss of the stage before moving on.  

Rastan Saga II – 1988

This is the next episode of the Rastan Saga story, telling the tale of how Rastan got his name. The hero travels through the region of Rastania, fighting monster and battling the threats to the holy land. Like the previous game this is a hack and slash adventure, where the player controls the hero Rastan. Following on from its predecessor, this game also features the multi directional attack, where Rastan can strike foes from different directions.

Over the course of the games rounds, the player will pass through two different areas, an outdoor and indoor area where the boss is located. The two button input system is also carried over, with the player able to jump and attack. The weapon system also returns, but with some changes. The player can collect new weapons, lasting for the stage or death of the player. These weapons now include claws that are faster and more powerful.

Unlike the previous game, this title features two player simultaneous play, allowing both players to work together. This can make for a more competitive game experience, as items and power ups that are collected are applied to only one player. By implementing this feature, players will often battle it out for the upgrades, power-ups and health recovery. When a player dies, they will immediately respawn which occurs in both single player and co-op play.

Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga III – 1991

In the third chapter of the Rastan story, the hero Rastan and two comrades set off on a quest for untold riches. However, the kingdom of Depon has endless dangers that need to be overcome. This title is vastly different from the other Rastan Saga games, as this is a side scrolling brawler that utilizes the Dual Screen system. Players can select one of three characters, made up of Rastan, Sophia and Dewey, who each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

As a side scrolling brawler, the player makes their way through each stage, slaying enemies with their weapons and collecting treasures. The action works like a traditional side scroller, where the player will battle wave after wave of enemies, attacking from both sides. During action, the move set for the characters consists of a standard attack, jump and special attack. Items can be found, powering up the characters with fireballs, lighting and more.

During a stage, the player will collect treasures on the ground, which are counted at the end of a stage and provide a special bonus. There is also some platforming and special sequences, where characters must interact with the game world. This entry features a special progression system, where the player can select the world they want to challenge next. When the chosen area is cleared, they can move to the next, leading to the final stage after clearing them all.

Another aspect that is unique to this entry are the mount stages. These levels are special as they have the players using mounts for the stage, allowing players to traverse the stage. During these segments the player will move around the screen in auto scrolling action. Enemies that appear in these stages will disappear if they aren’t defeated, making them more like bonus stages. There are also automated segments in usual stages, but they are different.

Champion Wrestler – 1989

Take to the ring in the Taito Pro Wrestling League, as one of 8 wrestlers take on the rest of the roster, fighting it out in one-on-one or tag team battles. This is a pretty standard arcade wrestling game, where the objective is to beat the rest of the wrestlers to be the champion. This title has 8 playable wrestlers, with inspiration taken from stars of the time, alongside the hero of Rastan Saga. There is single player, Versus and a co-op tag team game modes.

Each of the wrestlers have their own unique move set, with slams, aerial strikes and submission holds in their arsenal. When the player selects their wrestler, they will enter the league at the bottom of the rankings. To progress, the player must defeat all the other wrestlers. These matches occur in a standard ring for most of them, but there will be two cage matches. The difference between the two is wrestlers hit the cage when thrown at the ropes.

There are three ways to win a match in this game. The main two are by pinning your opponent or making them submit, which is more effective after dealing enough damage to them. Then there is the ring out option, where the player keeps the opponent out of the ring for the count of 20. But this is risky as it can lead to a draw, which can also occur if the on screen timer runs out. When the match is over, an animation will play for the winner and loser.

If the player reaches match 7 they will fight the champion. In this match, the player will not be able to continue if they are defeated. If the player defeats the champion, they will go onto the final match which is the title defense. Upon clearing this match, the player will get the end credits for the game. The multiplayer tag team mode plays out in the same way, with the cage matches, title challenge and final championship defence to end it.

Dead Connection – 1992

In the 1950s, in a big city somewhere in the United States of America, a crime family has taken over the city and four detectives set out to take them down. At the beginning of the game, the player chooses their detective and can start the game in single player, or take on the mob in co-op with a friend. There are four detectives to select from on the main screen, when the character has been selected, the game will start.

The game is split into rounds where the player must take down a set number of enemies, with the round target appearing at the start of the round. The action itself is unique, with a single screen where the player will move around and fight enemies. These stages are one big backdrop, where enemies will spawn in from all across the stage to attack the player. The detectives have a standard pistol with infinite ammo, as well as a close up melee attack.

The detectives can also use a dodge roll, allowing them to avoid taking damage from enemy strikes. This can also be used to activate stage elements, jumping rails and activating switches. When the bad guys have been reduced to only three, the boss for the stage and their henchmen will appear. These last three bad guys are tough, with the capability to easily kill the player. When the boss is defeated, a scene will play out between stages.

As the mobsters are taken down, they will drop weapons and items to pick up. The player can pick up a Tommy Gun and a Shotgun, which have limited ammunition but deal heavy damage to enemies. Items that can be collected are split into healing items like hotdogs, and bonus point items like counterfeit bills, bags and evidence envelopes. These items will only last a short time, so it is important to pick them up as fast as possible.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the overall package and quality on offer here.

Overall Package – this is a rather solid collection of games, with a good variety of action titles for players to enjoy, capped off with Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands. The co-op titles are a lot of fun, especially with another player. Then there are the action platformers, which are a little bit of a mixed bag. Rastan Saga and Thunder Fox are solid games, but sadly Cadash and Rastan Saga II are a little less polished, needing a little more time in the oven.

As this is powered by the Arcade Archives hardware from Hamster, the emulation is on point providing a good experience from start to finish. The ability to modify all the dip switches is fantastic, allowing players to modify the experience. Then there is the adjustable control options, which lets players set the controls however they want, making for an accessible system. This lets players activate turbo fire, granting rapid fire inputs.

There is also a suite of quality of life changes, alongside screen and sound settings for players to modify. Players can also modify the look of the twin screen display for Warrior Blade, giving options designed to look like older arcade machines. Players can also use the manuals included, giving information for each game that players can reference. Last is the global rankings, where the highest score earned during play will be put on the leaderboards.

Final Thoughts – I enjoyed the previous Taito Milestones collections, which had a good selection of games in their own right. However, this is the best collection that has been released to date, offering players quite possibly the biggest hits from the Taito Library. I am a big fan of Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands, so their inclusion makes this a big win for me. The addition of the good Rastan games, Runark and Dead Connection were a bonus.

There were some hiccups with this release, like the sadly mediocre Cadash and Rastan Saga II, alongside the inclusion of the wrong version of Dead Connection. This is because the Japanese version of the game was included, rather than the English translated version. In general, this is a good collection that is a lot of fun, especially the co-op titles with a friend. I also enjoyed Champion Wrestler more than I thought I would.

I have no issue with recommending this volume of the Taito Milestones series, as they are all part of the rich history of games that Taito have created. There are still many games that could be released in more collections, like Don Doko Don, Typhoon Gal and even Arkanoid. So there is still plenty to find in this collection, we may even see Puzzle Bobble from the Neo Geo being added to one of these collections, but that’s just being hopeful.

In the end, I give Taito Milestones Volume 3 a final score of 4.5/5. This is currently the best collection of Taito games to be released under the Milestones label to date, with the biggest hits of Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands and Warrior Blade, with the other games being mostly good, with a few less than stellar inclusions. If you want to check this collection out for yourself, a link to the game digitally and physically will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch digital version (HERE)

Link to Physical version (HERE)

Damikira – PlayStation 4 Review

Overview – developed by Brain-dead Rabbit Games and published by Eastasiasoft, Damikira is an ultraviolent arcade style arena shooter, where the player must survive the hordes of mutants. As one of three playable characters, wield an arsenal of powerful weapons and a grappling hook, nimbly moving around as you slay mutants and save the hostages. This title is available on all console platforms, with a link to each version of the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Damikira that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story. Please be warned, this game makes use of flashing images that may cause difficulties for those with epilepsy, so if you have photosensitivity issues, please check out the other content on the site.

Story – the year is 2035. After an economic and military crisis, the United States has fallen as a super power, leading to rampant poverty and crime. The country has lost their agreements with the bordering nations, leading to a hopeless future. In an attempt to regain their dominance, they contracted the EAD corp to create a new super soldier. This company is based in Santa Querida, a city on the border of Mexico.

The EAD corporation, started a radical bio weapons project, mixing animal and human DNA to create hybrids called “Dummies”, poised to replace the weakened US military. However, the experiment goes horribly wrong and the mutants slaughtered everyone, overrunning the facility. This has led to a critical emergency, as they pose a threat to the nation and potentially invade the bordering nations. Now three unlikely heroes step up, ready to fight the horde.

Gameplay – Damikira is frantic side scrolling arcade shooter, where the player is tasked with completing missions, getting a high score and surviving as long as possible during a run. At the start of a run, the player will be able to select from one of three characters, each with their own unique weapon. The playable trio are Emily, who uses a short range revolver, Eric, armed with a powerful shotgun and Henry, the Axolotl hybrid who wields a long range pistol.

The three different characters share the same basic move set, with the ability to run, jump and use a grappling hook to get around the stages. In a stage, there are platforms that players can jump between and use the grappling hook, allowing them to quickly manoeuvre the areas. To clear a stage the player must complete missions, which include killing a target number of foes and rescuing hostages. When the stage is cleared, the player will warp to the next.

There is a fast and frantic pace of the gameplay, with the player moving and aiming independently, this gives the game a bit of a twin stick feel, but can be a little awkward. Thankfully, there is an auto-aim option, which targets the closest enemy to the player. The grappling hook is also tied to the aim system, so it is important to take a moment to practice with it to get a feel for it. There is one life per run, so when all the health is gone it is game over.

During a stage, enemies will spawn all around and trying to swarm the player. They can attack up close, but as the player gets deeper into a run, they will get increasingly deadly. Enemies will spawn in with powerful weapons as the player progresses, increasing the risk for a quick death. It is possible to get swarmed and easily killed if players get pinned down, it is a frustration when this happens, but it is all part of the gameplay experience.

During a run, the player will be able to pick up different items dropped by enemies and hostages. The various items include weapons, which last until the ammo bar runs out, power-ups that increase damage and health packs that restore damage taken. There are also upgrades that last for the duration of the run, like increased fire rate and maximum health boosts. This title has a roguelike feel to it, so any time the player dies collected upgrades are lost.

However, there are some things that do carry over between runs. New weapons can be unlocked by collecting weapon icons, with new weapons being added to the arsenal after collecting set amounts. All weapons are added to the available pool, being given to the player randomly when unlocked. Coins can be picked up during a run, which are added to the running total for the player. These coins are used to buy hats, which can be applied to characters.

The last thing to discuss is the ratings and scoring system, which is a little bit hit and miss in how it works. When a run ends, the player will be rated on their performance, with the highest score earned added to the global rankings. There is no real way to know what grade will be given at the end of a run, making it feel random. It can also take a while for global scores to update, which can be frustrating when getting a good score and not seeing it on the rankings.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this game, starting with the controls.

Controls – the controls for Damikira are inspired by twin stick shooters, with the player manually aiming with the right stick while moving with the left. The triggers are for firing and using the grappling hook, with the x button being used to jump. This layout works well enough, but due to the frantic nature of the game, it can be hard to aim quickly so there is an auto-aim button. During play, the inputs feel comfortable to play when using the Dualshock 4.

Difficulty – there is only a single difficulty for this game, with the general balance being a little bit off during the first few attempts when playing. But as more time is put in and runs are attempted, it gets easier as new weapons are added and skills improve. The further the player gets the tougher enemies become, which may be a stumbling block for players. There is a two player option that may alter the challenge, but I was unable to test this feature out.

Presentation – this release has a retro inspired style to the visuals, with chunky pixel art and a lot of gore on screen. Everything goes at a fair pace and there is no issue with lag, but the amount of gore effects and explosions on screen can affect visibility. The sound is a little bit of a mixed bag, with the effects overpowering the background music, which consists of Incompetech and royalty free music. There is some okay voice acting, which gives it a bit of a b-movie feel.

Final Thoughts – I am a fan of the ultraviolent shooter genre, having enjoyed titles like Smash TV, BroForce and others over the years, so this was right up my alley. When I jumped into the experience, I wasn’t overly impressed as I died almost instantly. However, as I spent more time with this game, I found myself enjoying it more with each run while I adapted to gameplay. There is a lot on offer here in a rather small package.

It does feel a little awkward to get used to the game, but it all falls into place after a few runs, especially when getting used to the chosen character. There is a satisfaction to getting a high score during a run, seeing it on the leaderboard and trying to beat it. I can easily recommend this game to everyone after a fun, gory shooter that is fond of internet culture. With references to games like Undertale, Five Nights at Freddy’s and even Super Mario Brothers.

In the end, I give Damikira a final score of 3.5/5. This is a fun and frenetic platform shooter, with buckets of guts and gore to splash on the arenas, offering a fun time that will pull you in, making you say “just one more try” to get that better score. If you want to check it out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below. NOTE: pages may be age-gated, as this title is rated Mature.

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

River City Girls 2: Double Dragon DLC – Nintendo Switch Mini Review

Hello. I have something a little bit different today, as I will be providing my thoughts on the new DLC release for River City Girls 2. The Double Dragon brothers, Billy and Jimmy Lee have taken the leap from background characters to being fully playable. This additional content has been released on consoles, with all new content that fits perfectly into the game. There is also additional free gameplay content for players to enjoy alongside the premium offering.

Disclaimer: before I get into the coverage, I want to thank WayForward for providing a code for the Double Dragon DLC content used for this piece. The provision of this content has not influenced the content of this article, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.  

In this mini review, I will be covering the new additions to game provided through the premium content, with some thoughts on the free bonus materials. I have also covered the base game for River City Girls 2 in an extensive review, with a link to that and my other River City coverage further below.

Premium Content – in this premium content release, the Double Dragon brothers, Billy and Jimmy Lee, are now able to take the fight to River City. These new playable versions of the legendary duo are based on their River City appearances, with their role expanded from just being vendors. The two characters have their own distinct move set, personalities and have been fully integrated into the story of River City Girls 2.

The brothers Billy and Jimmy have been given new character portraits and dialogue, performed by the Game Grumps, Dan Avidan as Billy and Arin Hanson as Jimmy. These characters can be used right from the start of a new game, or in an existing playthrough, mixing up the gameplay experience. The two brothers feel fun and responsive to play as, with their move sets inspired by their 35 year legacy, as well as some references to other games.

Both characters share all of the core moves, with a normal combo attack, heavy strike and special power attacks that have a little overlap. The two characters have their own distinct personalities, which bleed into their special moves and the names. Billy is more calm and composed, with his main special move being the Dragon Stinger energy ball. Whereas Jimmy is brash and hot-headed, with his main special being the Brodouken fireball.

The voice work for the two characters is performed well, making these characters feel alive and less one dimensional than their NPC appearances. The dialogue matches their personalities, with the back and forth between the two characters, as well as the other NPCs having a lot of entertainment to them. There is also a good amount of humor, with self-aware and fourth wall breaking jokes that further added to the entertainment value.

There is also a new shop keeper, which is a guest character from Double Dragon II, who will appear when the player is using one or both of the brothers. Additionally, a new double dragon rap song has been added, which is performed by Avidan and Hansen with music composed by Megan McDuffee. All of these together make for a fun addition that expands the experience, breathing new life into the game after the original release two years ago.

Free Update – alongside the premium content offerings, there has been a big free content update that went live at the same time as the DLC. There is a new Double Dragon motion comic, which can be viewed from the main menu, providing story details for the brothers joining the adventure. Then we have the addition of multiple color palettes for all characters, giving them 4 new color sets that can be selected when starting a game and during play.

With the inclusion of new player colors, there is also the new ability for players to use the same character during online play sessions. This lets all four players use the same character if they wish, with a color palette for each. Then we have the new shops, the special “Season’s Beatings” shop which has a rotating supply, with the shop keeper voiced by Jaden Dittfatch (JaidenAnimations). This shop will change stock every couple of months.

There is also a second new shop, which is the “Devil’s Candy” shop, which is a special crossover with the web comic of the same name. This further expands the vast array of guest character voices, which already includes Jacob “Alpharad” Rabon, Sean “Jacksepticeye” McLoughlin and Matthew “Matt McMuscles” Kowalewski. Finally, there is a special Double Dragon themed training dojo to round out the offerings for the free content update.

Final Thoughts – I was already a fan of River City Girls, having previously reviewed the three main games which you can find (HERE). So, when the DLC for River City Girls 2 was announced, I was very excited to get my hands on this new content. I have fond memories of Double Dragon, having played games from the arcade, NES and even the Neo Geo. And “Bimmy and Jimmy” bit from the AVGN episode for Double Dragon 3 will be forever burned into my mind.

Seeing this new version of the legendary Lee brothers come to life was a joy, with the way they were written and included fitting perfectly into the River City world. Their move sets are extremely fun to play, their dialogue was entertaining, especially during interactions with the other characters. This made playing through the game again from the start so much fun, either alone or with another player. I even switched the partner regularly to see what happened.

This DLC package offers a fresh perspective on the story, being able to play through all of the familiar areas with a new pair of fresh faces. The addition of the hard hitting Technos boys was something that was a long time coming, finally crossing the boundary between the River City and Double Dragon worlds. I hope that if WayForward ever get greenlit for a third River City Girls game, or just a new River City game in general, I hope the Lee brothers get to play a part.

The free part of the content included, with the latest update were an excellent addition too, as they expanded the game even further. All of these additions are done to perfection and I am happy to recommend this, especially for hardcore fans of the Double Dragon series. This duo fit the River City Girls series like they were made for it, and they are performed to perfection by the Game Grumps boys.

If you want to check the DLC out for yourself, it is on the console pages which will be below. Please note, due to some unfortunate technical difficulties with steam, the DLC will be coming to PC at a later date.

UPDATE! The Double Dragon DLC and free content update has been added to the Steam page for River City Girls 2, going live today Wednesday December 4th. For a limited time, all titles in the River City Girls series have been put on sale, with 50% off until December 17th. Check out the Steam page in the link below.

Link to Nintendo Switch page (HERE)

Link to PlayStation page (HERE)

Link to Xbox page (HERE)

Link to Steam page (HERE)

The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication – PlayStation 4/Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by SOFTSTAR Entertainment and published by PQube games, The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication delivers another horror experience inspired by Taiwanese ghost stories. Experience the haunted Wen Hua University, a site that has is known for being the site of a murder in the 60s, along with ghost sightings and disappearances. This version is available on all major consoles, with a link to each version of the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank PQube for providing the copy of The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication that was used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own. I will be comparing the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 versions of the game, discussing the differences between the two releases.

Mature Content Warning: please be aware, this title contains themes and depictions of self harm, suicide and mature, violent themes throughout. As this is a horror game, there will also be intense frightening content, so if any of the content listed here is offensive to you or you find it uncomfortable, please proceed at your own discretion.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story. I will be referring to this game by the shortened title, Bridge Curse 2 for the sake of brevity. I have also previously covered the first game, which you can find (HERE).

Story – set within Wen Hua University, known for its ghost stories and unexplained disappearances. Within the halls of this institution, the university film club arranges the Carnival of Horror, with the haunted Da Ren building as the focal point. There is also a planned meeting with a reporter, who is trying to get an exclusive report on the mysteries of the university. However, as the clock strikes midnight, the true horrors of Wen Hua become apparent.

Gameplay – Bridge Curse 2 is a first person survival horror with cinematic elements. The player experiences the horrors of the haunted university, through the eyes of the four characters that are now trapped in a nightmare. During each chapter, the player will need to explore their surroundings, investigating the different environments to uncover the mysteries they hold. But the halls of the building become twisted, distorted by the hellish energy within.

As the player moves through each of the areas, they will find items scattered throughout which can be picked up. Examining these objects will give the player some background on them, providing details and clues to what is happening. There will also be interactive objects, often requiring something else to be fully used and these can push the story along. However, those who are trapped within the haunted grounds are not alone.

As the player makes their way through the different locations, the player will encounter the spirits trapped within the cursed Da Ren building. These ghosts pose a fatal risk to the player, as they can kill upon contact with the player. To survive the otherworldly beings that roam this place, the player must use stealth to avoid being detected. Sound will be made when moving, with running being the loudest and sneaking the quietest.

When trying to sneak around the ghouls, great care must be taken by the player due to the way that they roam the places they haunt. If the player is spotted by a spirit, they will be hunted until the player is able to find a hiding place. During some chapters, the character will be able to use the “Anima Lantern” a special relic that can protect the player. However, they will only be able to use it once before needing to recharge, and the charge rate is fairly slow.

Alongside the ghouls that hunt the player are “challenge” encounters, where the rules will change. These sections are different from the hunt segments, as the player will need to follow the rules to succeed. There will also be puzzles within some of these segments, which can increase the challenge further and potentially lead to disaster. Like the hunt sections, if the player fails the challenge or breaks the rules, they will be killed immediately.

The challenges aren’t the only area in this title that contain puzzles, as there are several area that require the player to solve objectives to proceed. These include working out combinations to locks, sliding puzzles and environmental challenges. During these sections, the threat to the player is lessened, allowing them to take their time and work out the solutions. Most puzzles are linked to the story, making them fairly cohesive to the experience.

As the different characters make their way through the nightmare, the player will discover clues and encounter echoes of the past. The “Anima Lantern” can be used to reveal clues, while also having the ability to dispel the darkness that may block the path. These clues will guide the player, but also provide hints to the hidden truths at the heart of the mystery. All of the discoveries are added to a collection, which is filled out as the game progresses.

Last to discuss is the cinematic element of the game. As the story pushes on, the player will come across other characters, spirits and even receive phone calls. When these events occur, a cutscene will occur taking away control from the player for a short time. These scenes can show events from different perspectives, giving further depth to scenes. However, there are some minor faults with dialogue at times, leading to lines being cut short.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of the game, starting with the controls.

Controls – in general for the controls for both releases work well. The movement and exploration controls are comfortable, with the game feeling responsive when handheld and on the big screen. All of the action inputs are laid out well, but be careful you don’t accidentally press the quick turn button, or you may quickly die in a chase. The Dualshock 4 and Pro Controller are the best suited for this game, as the travel of the Joy-Cons is a little shorter and may feel slower.

Difficulty – from a challenge perspective, this may be a little tough for those who don’t enjoy puzzles with their horror. This is due to the cryptic nature of some puzzles, it may be a relative stumbling block and deter some players. The chase sections and challenge encounters are also fairly tricky, with some sections potentially taking multiple attempts, which can be frustrating. Sadly, this is made worse by the long loading time between attempts, killing momentum.

Presentation – from a visual perspective, both games look pretty nice. Due to the hardware limitations of the Nintendo Switch, the textures and effects look a little fuzzy, but don’t impact the overall experience of the game. The cinematic sections for both games look polished, with mostly smooth animation, but it can be a little jerky. With both versions of the game, there are no issues with the performance, with zero issues when it comes to lag or frame rate drops.

The PlayStation version is visually better, as the render distance and time is also better, with there being a minor delay in some textures loading in. The sound is a bit of a mixed bag. There is a soundtrack that is well composed, with some haunting melodies that play during the adventure. But sadly that is where the positivity ends. There is English and Chinese VO, but the performances, especially the English feel a little stilted and can abruptly cut out.

Final Thoughts – I previously played the first game and enjoyed it, so I went into this one with some expectations. When I went into this I was expecting much of the same, but the developer took the existing framework and expanded it well. There have been many improvements over the last game, especially the inclusion of survival challenges and the “Anima Lantern”, which elevate the experience. I also enjoyed the interwoven narrative threads.

After playing both versions of the game, I will say that my preference for the big screen is the PlayStation 4. However, the gameplay experience is still consistent and enjoyable on the weaker Nintendo Switch. The textures may not be as high a quality on the System, and a few environmental elements may be omitted, but it plays as well as the more powerful platforms. This makes the switch version perfect for those who enjoy handheld horror.

I do have a few gripes with this release, like the unfortunate issues with the voice acting, the long loading times and awkward puzzles/chase segments. These flaws can lead to some potential frustrations from players, although they don’t completely ruin the experience. That being said, I will be recommending this game to horror fans, as it has all of the classic survival elements, a solid story and many mysteries to uncover.

In the end, I give The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication a final score of 4/5. This game takes all of the positives from the previous title, expanding the horror with new entities, challenges and an engrossing story, but sadly there are moments where the cinematic sequences fall a little flat, due to the performances from the voice actors. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game is below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Ys X: Nordics – PlayStation 4 Review

Overview – developed by Nihon Falcom and published by NIS America, Ys X: Nordics is the latest entry in the long running action RPG series set around the adventures of Adol Christin. As the young adventurer, explore the archipelago of Obelia Gulf, encountering a mysterious threat that could lead to devastating consequences for the islands. This title is available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Steam with a link to each version of the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank NIS America for providing the copy of Ys X: Nordics that was used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story. Please note, I will only be covering the core gameplay mechanics of Ys X, as I want to prevent spoiling any of the secrets and surprises that are contained within this adventure. I have also previously covered Ys IX: Monstrum Nox for the Nintendo Switch, which you can find (HERE).

Story – Adol Christin, a young adventurer from a small mountain village sets out on a journey to Celceta, accompanied by his friends Dogi and Dr. Flair. During the journey on a passenger ship through the Obelia Gulf, they encounter the Balta Seaforce, a band of Normans who control the waters they are sailing. After this encounter, Adol and his companions land at the town of Carnac where they get to know the residents.

Adol discovers a mysterious shell after hearing a voice call to him and is confronted by a strange immortal beast. While Adol is fighting this creature, he is imbued with the power of Mana from the shell, allowing him to slay the beast. After this unusual turn of events, Adol meets Karja, the “Pirate Princess” who shares the same power as Adol. The two become linked against their will and Adol learns of the undying “griegr”, leading to a new adventure to begin.

Gameplay – Ys X: Nordics is an action JRPG, with an emphasis on exploration and fast paced hack ‘n’ slash combat. This is combined with dungeon crawling, moderate puzzle solving and the partially automated action sequences. New to this entry is the inclusion of Sailing, where the player will be able to control a large ship, allowing for more expansive exploration. As the crew of the Sandras, Players can explore the Obelia Gulf as it expands during the adventure.  

The game plays out over multiple chapters, with each act of the story having several objectives that tie into each other. At the start of the game, the player will only be able to control Adol, where the players will learn the basics of combat in the prologue. But as the narrative unfolds, players will be introduced to Karja, the secondary protagonist that is linked to Adol. These two form the Cross Action system, which replaces the traditional party from other games.

This Cross Action system is split into two specific styles of play, Solo and Duo Mode. While in Solo Mode, the player controls one half of the team (which can be switched freely) with the other acting independently, allowing both characters to attack enemies. In Duo mode, the active character will call the partner to their side, with both of them attacking in unison. This lets players deal massive damage to a target, which is especially useful against bosses.

While moving through the different areas, split into open exploration zones and dungeons, the player will encounter enemies. The Griegr are undying foes that can only be defeated by the player team, having taken over the different regions that the player can explore. These creatures come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on where they are found, with some common variants appearing across the world.

Both Adol and Karja have a simple combo string that can be used in Solo Mode, along with an aerial combo that can be used when in the air. The pair also have access to special attacks, using SP to perform them which will regenerate during the action. There are also special Mana Burst skills, which can be used for simple puzzle solving, such as creating frozen platforms and burning away thorns. In solo, players can also dash, letting them move at a higher speed.

Then there are Duo Mode actions, where the player can unleash a much higher amount of damage, with longer combo strings that the pair perform together. There are also unique special attacks, using a significant amount of SP with devastating results. The Duo Mode is the only way that players can guard attacks, with the deflected damage being added to the Revenge Gauge, which deals even more damage based on the multiplier that has been reached.

While engaged in battle, there will often be multiple enemies to dispatch, which is where the lock-on system comes into play. This lets players target a specific enemy, moving onto the next when defeated or manually switched. It is important to be aware of all enemies in the surrounding areas, as some are able to attack from a distance, or use status effects on the player. These effects include poison, paralysis and curse which is the most dangerous of them all.

The most common attacks that enemies will use are low damage, which can be easily avoided or blocked during battle. Then there are the more dangerous strikes, which must be defended against in specific ways. Attacks that are highlighted blue must be dashed through, with success leading to a powerful counter attack. Then there are the red strikes, which are devastating if they are not blocked. But take care in battle, as enemies can guard break in battle.

Players can also encounter enemies that are shielded, taking reduced damage until the shield on their health bar is broken. To effectively take the enemy shield down, the player can use special attacks that have the Break skill attached to them, dealing significant damage to shields. Some enemies can also regenerate their shields, extending the battle by needing another break to finish them off and make some progress.

At set points during each chapter, there will be powerful boss opponents that must be defeated to move on. These encounters are much more challenging compared to standard enemies, with the chance for defeat being higher. If either character is harmed, items like potions can be used to recover damage. If one is incapacitated, the other can revive them at the cost of half their health, but if both die the game is over, and the player must retry or load a save.  

Defeated enemies will drop treasure and resources for players to collect, adding all that is dropped to the player inventory. These item parts can be used for crafting, which allows the player to improve their equipment and strengthen the team. Players can also discover treasure chests, scattered across the various islands of the Obelia Gulf. These boxes hold many rewards that will be very useful to the players during their quest.

Eliminating the undying Griegr will also give experience to the duo, levelling them up at set milestones and giving them increased abilities. But levelling isn’t the only way to make Adol and Karja more powerful. During the adventure, special Mana Seeds can be collected from chests, hidden treasure points and rewards for interacting with special rune stones. These items are very important, as they affect the duos combat capabilities.

There is a system called Release Lines, a segmented skill tree that is opened up as the duo levels up. The sections are called depths, with slots for Mana Seeds that are unlocked with Mana points. Filling the slots provide different benefits based on the seed used, allowing players to create different builds for Adol and Karja, unique from each other. New skills can also be unlocked when specific slots are opened, expanding the character capabilities further.

New weapons, armor and accessories can be collected during the adventure. Adol will wield a sword, with Karja using an Axe and Shield, which fit their unique combat styles and special skills. More powerful weapons will increase the ATK and BRK stats, damaging enemies and shields more effectively. Armor increases DEF and VIT, providing more damage mitigation and health. Accessories provide a host of benefits that can affect a variety of stats.

During the adventure, the player will be granted new special abilities, called Mana Actions. These mysterious powers, allow for previously unreachable areas to become open for exploration. Players will be able to obtain the power of the Mana String, a whip-like stream of Mana, letting the player swing across great gaps. There is also the Mana Ride skill, which lets players ride the Gullinboard across dangerous bodies of water, and more to be discovered.

Now, the player isn’t only restricted to travelling the Obelia Gulf on foot, as Adol and Karja helm the Sandras, a ship that was to be dismantled. This grand ship allows the team to cross the seas of the Obelia Gulf, separated into multiple regions that contain islands and landmarks to discover. At the helm of the ship, the player can sail across the waters, exploring within boundaries that gradually expand as the story moves along.

When sailing the ship, the player can manually adjust the speed or use the auto system, providing a more hands-off approach. If players want to reach their destination faster, they can activate the Mana Sail, granting a boost for a time. At the start, the player has only a single charge that charges up over time. Air currents will appear on the water, giving the Sandras an additional boost to acceleration and charging the Mana Sail faster.

There are three camera angles that players can use, including Dynamic mode, which puts the viewpoint behind the helm of the ship. During travel across the waters, enemy ships can be encountered that will engage the Sandras in battle. Take the battle to the Undying Fleet and sink their ships with cannonballs, shells and more. It is also possible to board some ships, starting wave based battles that provide rewards for wiping out the Griegr aboard.

Griegr will also occupy islands within the Obelia Gulf, which the player will be able to recapture and liberate from the undying control. These assaults on the Griegr strongholds are split into two stages, with the first being a sea battle, where beacons and enemy ships must be destroyed. Then there is the land battle, with a mini dungeon and a boss at the end. After completion, a rank and rewards will be earned based on performance of these repeatable missions.

The crew of the Sandras will start off small, but as the adventure progresses the player will rescue Griegr captives, who will join the ship and provide benefits. The player can step away from the helm of the Sandras and freely move around the ship, interacting with the crew and use the facilities. Though starting off small in the beginning, players can unlock access to crafting food and potions for use in battle, as well as merchants and other benefits.

Moving on, there is the island system which really makes this entry stand out. Throughout the Obelia Gulf, the player will encounter islands that they can disembark upon. These islands may be relatively small, with only a few areas that contain enemies and some treasures to obtain. However, there are several islands that will have a large enemy presence, or are settlements, where players can interact with the inhabitants and buy wares from the merchants.

Players can also obtain side quests while travelling through the regions, provided via letter from the raven Hugill, the crew of the Sandras when away from the helm and the island residents. These missions are optional and will provide a variety of rewards, so if players have time it is advised to take them on. There will also be crew conversations, where the different characters will talk to each other, offering some insight on different events that have occurred.

Last to discuss is the mysterious Viewpoint Isle, a mysterious isolated island that Adol will visit alone. The strange island exists in a time separate from the rest of the game world, with an old man who lives by himself. But this island isn’t as peaceful as it may seem, as Griegr roam the different areas of the strange land. These excursions will occur at key moments in the story, with each visit testing the capabilities of Adol and the Mana Actions he has obtained.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – the control scheme for this release is nice and comfortable during play, with the action flowing smoothly with zero lag. I had the occasional hiccup during play, as I mixed up the hotkeys for SP skills and dodge/dash, but it didn’t ruin the gameplay experience. Luckily, there are on screen displays for some key actions, as well as tutorials to refresh players. The only issue I had was some awkwardness with the sailing controls, which felt a little clunky at times.

Difficulty – there is a total of 5 difficulty options, ranging from Easy to Nightmare and Inferno. The lower end of the difficulty scale offers a more relaxed experience, focusing on the story rather than the heat of battle. Then there is the Hard option which is the recommended option for fans of Ys, and finally Nightmare and Inferno are the most brutal challenges. There is also an assist system for combat on both land and sea, which can help players that may struggle.

Presentation – from a visual perspective, this game is very pleasing to the eye, with an anime style to the overall presentation that is present throughout. The character designs for both the 3D models, along with the drawn portraits work well, filling the different characters with life. There is a Norse/European look to the game world, taking inspiration from the real world Viking and Norman people. There is also a heavy use of Norse mythology in this setting.

The use of Nordic theming extends not only to the visuals, but elements of the music can be attributed to traditional Norse compositions. The overall soundtrack is balanced well, with calm and ambient compositions, contrasting well with the intense and fast paced tracks. There is both English and Japanese voice over, with the dub cast featuring the talents of Cherami Leigh (Dorohedoro), Micha Solusod (Soul Eater) and Anairis Quinones (My Hero Academia).

Final Thoughts – Ys has been one of the longest running franchises in gaming, launching all the way back in 1987, with a legacy of quality and engaging narrative behind it. I can say that this experience is another solid step forward, upholding the legacy surrounding it. I was fully invested in the narrative throughout my time playing it, with the character interactions further elevating it. The action flows smoothly, offering a satisfying and reactive combat experience.

There was a single flaw I had with the game, which was the slightly cumbersome sailing. It started off a little rocky, but got better the more I played and I found the sea battles to be a lot of fun. I very much enjoyed the Duo system, with the two playable characters playing off each other very well. There is so much to love about this game, with the whole package tied together perfectly. I have no issue with recommending this game to everyone, even if you have never played Ys before.

In the end, I give Ys X: Nordics a final score of 4.75/5. This is a fantastic action RPG and another excellent entry in the Ys franchise, offering an engaging narrative, solid utilization of real world inspirations and fresh gameplay mechanics, elevating the experience and making it stand out on its own. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below.

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)

S. Prysm Destroyer – Steam Review

Overview – developed and published by MaidsWithGuns, S. Prysm Destroyer is a 2.5D Platform run and gun shooter, where players control a giant mech to destroy the creatures that threaten humanity. As the mech pilot Amor, control the Prysm Destroyer and eliminate the Primordial beasts, which have forced the remnants of humanity to live in domed sanctuaries. This title is currently available exclusively for steam, with a link to the game at the bottom of the review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank the rep who provided the copy of S. Prysm Destroyer that was used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of the review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. This title is light on plot, so I will be moving directly onto discussing the gameplay for this release.

Gameplay – S. Prysm Destroyer is a score focused platform shooter, with an action style that is reminiscent of Contra, with fast paced action and 8 way directional shooting. As the mighty mecha, the player can run, jump, use a jet pack and shoot through a series of stages that loop with ever increasing difficulty. The objective of each stage is to reach the goal, destroying the beasts that appear, while avoiding the hazards and obstacles of each level.

The action plays out in standard run and gun style, with the player running left and right, and being able to blast enemies with reckless abandon. The player starts each stage with a standard rapid fire blaster, allowing the player to shoot and aim as they run. However, the player is unable to shoot directly down or diagonally down in motion, going prone instead. To remedy this, the player can use the aim button, locking them in place to aim in all 8 directions.

As the player makes their way through each zone, they will encounter enemies that appear above and below them. Players are able to shoot through thin platforms, allowing players to strike enemies from a safer position, but enemies can also fire through these platforms. As the player is platforming, they will be able to jump through and drop down from the thin platforms, allowing for a lot of mobility during a run in the game.

During a run, the player will be able to collect power-ups by destroying boxes and enemies. These upgrades are temporary, lasting only a limited time as the on screen icons fade out. The items that can be collected include even faster rapid fire, spread shot and additional turrets to kill enemies faster. There are also health upgrades that can be collected, restoring damage taken for a limited time, alongside shields that nullify damage temporarily.

What separates this release from others in the genre is the inclusion of permadeath. Players have a single life to clear as many stages as possible, with the run ending when the meter is depleted. The player will get a results screen when a run ends, showing their score, stage reached and time spent playing with the highest score added to the leaderboards. Players can also unlock costumes for Amor to wear, which she will show off during the game.

The last thing to discuss is the special “gimmick for this release. During the course of a run, the player will encounter glowing gems, which will activate a temporary ultimate state, with an animation of Amor and Prysm Destroyer together. These states grant the player a special weapon for the duration, consisting of a flaming Katana, a frost thrower and lightning guitar. These three powers really knock the gameplay up a notch and really make it stand out.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – this release has an arcade style to the controls, offering players a quick and easy pick up shooter. The game uses a three button input system, with the jump/jetpack, shooting and aim lock buttons laid out pretty easily, with responsive inputs that are very snappy. The game supports keyboard inputs, but the recommended way to play the game is via controller, with steam offering a variety of supported controllers.

Difficulty – S. Prysm Destroyer is a tough game and I don’t think there is an end point, as it appears the game will just loop stages with increasingly tougher enemies. The damage that enemy attacks will deal to the player will increase the further players get, with different colors signifying their power. This goes from white all the way up to gold, which is the max I reached before I hit a wall. It takes a while, but when you get in the groove you can go far.

Presentation – there is a low poly style to the game, with chunky models with an old style screen filter over the top, giving the feel like the action is observed through a monitor. This gives the game a retro sci-fi shooter style, which is further enhanced when combined with the sprite work for Amor that appears on the screens HUD. The sound is nicely done, with some exciting music and some minimal voice work. I really liked the touch that the thunder guitar power added.

Final Thoughts – this is a fantastic run and gun shooter, which I discovered through social media and I was happy to take the opportunity to check it out. I will say that it may be a little difficult for players, with a little bit of jank here and there, but it is a fun time. I spent several hours playing the game, and climbing all the way to the no2 spot on the global leaderboards. This was satisfying, as I saw my progress and skills increasing the more I played the game.

There is also the rewarding costuming system, which I was able to unlock over half of them, with some of them just out of my reach at my current skill. But, I plan on returning to the game to get the rest of them. This is also a good title for those who are looking for a solid challenge, with speedrunning rewards available. The fast paced action, challenging gameplay and easy to play nature make this a super easy recommendation for me to make.

In the end, I give S. Prysm Destroyer a final score of 5/5. This is an excellent platforming shooter, with fast paced chaotic action, a rewarding gameplay loop and plenty of content in a modest package, making for an easy to pick up game that is lots of fun, all for a really low cost of admission. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to the game is below. There has also been an announced release for the Nintendo Switch coming in the future.

Link to Steam version (HERE)