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)

Valis: The Fantasm Solider Collection – Steam Review

Overview – developed and published by Edia Co, Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection hits the steam platform, offering players the first three titles in the legendary side scrolling series. As the hero Yuko Asou, become the Valis Warrior and stop the evil ambitions that seek to destroy the earth, land of the spirits and the dream world. This version of the game is exclusively available for the Steam Platform, with a link to the release at the bottom of the review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Acttil for providing the copy of Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection 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 release, I will be discussing each of the titles on their own, with a segment discussing details of the plot and general game feel. Also, this release has the individual games separated as roms, allowing players to pick and choose which game they want, with a free launcher to run them as a front end.

Valis: The Fantasm Soldier – 1992

This is the first title, starting the series off with a bang. The player takes the role of Yuko Asou, a Japanese teen schoolgirl who has been chosen to wield the mystical Valis sword, becoming the Valis Warrior. As the legendary hero, she must protect the Earth, Land of Spirits and Dream World, which are being threatened by the demon lord. During her journey to combat this threat, Yuko must run, jump and slash through the enemies that get in her way.

The game is a side scrolling action platformer, where the player controls Yuko, moving her through each stage and fighting the enemies that appear with her sword. She can run, jump, slash and slide to get past the many obstacles in her way. Enemies will appear and attack the player, with Yuko needing to strike them down with her sword to get past them. These enemies will often take 1 or two hits to defeat but some will need more to take them down.

The player has a standard attack, which is a simple sword swipe, but by destroying emblems that appear in stages weapon power-ups can be found. These upgrades will give the player access to new attacks, including energy balls and a crescent slash. Picking up these items will replace the current power that players are using, making it important to hold onto the power players want. The power-ups that are present have letters assigned to them, making them easy to see.

During exploration, the player will be able to collect items like health ups and extra lives. These items will be scattered through the stages, with some of them being hidden in plain sight and others in areas that appear just out of reach. These bonus items are rewarding to find, acting as an incentive for players to look all around stages as they make their way through them. But be aware that time is ticking down so don’t take too long to search for hidden items.

Players can also use magic, which will provide special protections and abilities to help take down enemies much easier. At the end of each stage, the player will encounter a boss that will try to kill the player with an array of attacks, which will quickly drain Yuko’s health. The boss enemies will have varied attack patterns, which can deal a lot of damage, making them the toughest sections of the game. If the player survives the battle, Yuko will gain upgraded abilities.

Last for this entry is the cinematic scenes. During the course of the game, the player will see cinematic scenes that tell the story of Valis. However, the only disappointing thing about this is that the cutscenes are entirely in Japanese, with no apparent option for subtitles. This makes it difficult to enjoy these moments, with a single viewing being more than enough for those who want to experience all of the first game.

Valis II – 1989

Like its predecessor, this title is a side scrolling action platformer, with the warrior of Valis, Yuko, returing to battle another demon lord and save the realms again. Taking up her sword again, Yuko sets off on her quest battling monsters across a series of challenging platform stages, all framed in with animated anime style cutscenes. This title came before the PC-Engine Super CD version of Valis: The Fantasm Soldier, so the cutscenes are of a lower quality.

The gameplay loop is the same as the previous title, with the player moving through each stage, jumping from ledge to ledge and battling enemies. At the start of the stage, the player has a sword attack, with an energy ball projectile as standard. However as the player makes their way through the game, they will be able to pick up more powerful attacks, like rockets and wave slashes. When picking up a new power, the previous will be replaced.

Players can also collect upgrades for their character, increasing the overall strength, health and defence for Yuko. These power-ups appear during stages, which are less open than the previous game, keeping the player on a fairly linear path. When these are collected there are some visual elements that will change, like expanding the health bar and numbers next to attack powers. Players can also collect magic which is extremely powerful, but limited in its uses.

At the end of each stage, the player will encounter big boss opponents which are signalled with an on screen warning before the battle starts. The health for the boss appears on screen below Yuko’s, which is very helpful for players. The last thing to mention is the outfit changes, during the course of the adventure, Yuko will gain new armor which will change her overall appearance. This appears to have little impact, but is a good narrative plot point.

Valis III – 1991

After her last battle, a long time has passed and things seem to be peaceful. However, a new threat arises with the Dark World ruler, Glames at its core, who has been taking other worlds to keep his own alive. Trying to stop this, Cham a girl from the resistance against the ruler enters Yuko’s world, stealing the Valis Sword in hopes of stopping the dark king. But Yuko catches up and retrieves her sword, but with this turn of events a new adventure begins.

Following in the same style as the previous games, Valis III is a side scrolling action platformer, where players must battle their way through each stage. Yuko has a health meter and magic meter on screen, along with a sword that fills up between attacks. This sword meter determines the power of attacks that players can use, with the player unable to perform rapid strikes, which slows down the flow of action and making it more tactical.

Like the other games, players can also use magic attacks, which can be collected by destroying red markers. As magic is used, the player will deplete their MP and it must be replenished by collecting green gems, found by breaking the red markers. Players can also find attack upgrades, which will increase the length of the sword, allowing Yuko to perform stronger attacks in succession. These attack increases and magic powers last until the player is defeated.

This title has a heavy focus on platforming, with an increase in the pitfalls that are in stages, requiring players to slide to cross gaps or use the high jump ability. These sections increase the challenge, leading to a quick death if players are not careful. Just like the other games, there will be boss battles at the end of each stage, where the player is locked into a battle to the death. These battles can be fairly quick if players effectively use their magic power.

Between stages, there will be animated and voiced cutscenes, which are an improvement over the Valis II animations and closer to those of the first game (which was released last). There are also dialogue scenes that will occur during stages, with a text box that shows up on screen. The last thing to discuss, is the inclusion of two additional playable characters that can are added alongside Yuko, who will be added to as the narrative progresses.

Each of the playable characters have their own unique skills and magical abilities, with Yuko using her Valis sword and projectile attack. Then we have Cham, who is first to join the team, who has a long reaching whip attack unaffected by the power bar. Finally we have Valna, who is armed with a staff that can fire projectiles, but they are lower in power. The player can freely switch between characters, giving a greater level of strategy to the gameplay.

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

General Package – as this is a compilation, the games use a launcher, which is available for free and acts as a front end for the games. Then the games are available separately as DLC, allowing players to pick and choose which titles they want to add to their collection. The games in the collection also come with manuals and galleries, which can be located through the launcher, with videos playing in the PC media player and manuals as PDFs.

There is also the option for players to purchase a dedicated Artbook and Soundtrack as DLC, providing players with a collection of materials to peruse at their own leisure. These additions are a nice touch, as the soundtracks, visual assets and more that have been included in the bonus packages are a great touch for fans who want a little more. Both the Artbook and the Soundtrack can be viewed from the launcher front end.

Controls – in general the games control very well, but can feel a little slow to those who have not played Valis before. There is also the option for keyboard inputs, as well as controllers supported by steam controller profiles, allowing for players to enjoy the games however they want. This is most useful with devices like the steam deck, or other PC based handheld systems, with the ability to remap all of the inputs from the menus.

Difficulty – these are challenging games, which require a little skill to get through. If the player dies during any of the games, they will lose progress and will be sent to a checkpoint, but if all lives are lost the player can continue from the start of the stage. There has been some quality of life additions made to the games, which allow players to be able to make their way through each adventure a little easier. These are fairly simple, being a rewind and save/load states.

Presentation – the titles in this release look just as they did on the PC-Engine Super CD, which is nice as they maintain the aspect ratio of the screen at the cost of black bars. This can make some parts of the games look a little odd, but everything is nice and clear. For those who want it, players can increase the render resolution. The sound has been emulated perfectly, with all music and dialogue in cutscenes being nice and clear during play of each game.

Final Thoughts – I have known about Valis for many years, originally playing Super Valis IV on the SNES and the Mega Drive (Genesis) versions of the other games. So I was very excited to be able to get my hands on this collection. I can happily say I was not disappointed with this package, as all three games included in the collection are good fun and enjoyable to play. The bonus materials of manuals and galleries is a fantastic touch.

This is a solid collection, offering players the chance to experience the classic magical girl series, with the only downside being the lack of English translation for the first Valis title. The quality of this game, gives me hope that the other games in the collection gets released in the future. I have no issue with recommending this collection of games to anyone and everyone, the only thing I feel that may put players off is the way games are released as DLC.

In the end, I give Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection a final score of 4.5 out of 5. This is a solid collection of magical girl action titles, offering players a chance to experience an overlooked series, which has been locked to the dead hardware and the Nintendo Switch. If you want to check this package out for yourself, a link to the collection will be below.

Link to Steam version (HERE)

IREM Collection VOL.2 – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Ratalaika Games in collaboration with TOZAI games and IREM, with publishing by ININ games digitally, Volume 2 of the IREM collection blasts its way into the future with three titles coming to modern consoles. This collection of three titles have been locked on expired hardware for 30 years, with this being the first time two of them have left arcades. This release is available on all console platforms, with a link to each version of the title 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 IREM Collection Vol.2 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 release, I will be covering the feel of the individual games in chronological order, then move onto discussing the overall package of this release. I have also previously covered the first volume of the IREM collection, which you can find (HERE).

Air Duel – Arcade 1990 (Japan)

This title is a vertical shooter where the player must blast their way through 7 stages, blowing away the enemy forces that try to blast the player craft. At the start of a stage, the player will be able to select their craft between a jet fighter and helicopter. The jet fighter fires straight ahead, starting with a single shot. The helicopter fires thinner shots that have lower power, but can be aimed by moving the craft left and right.

Both aircraft have the ability to drop bombs, destroying all that they make contact with, as well as the shots by the enemy. These bombs are limited, with the only way to get more is to collect them from destroyed enemies, or by the player getting shot down. Enemies can also drop power-ups, which will provide the player with an increase to their shot power. Which will be lost if the player craft gets taken down by an enemy shot.

Enemies will try to swarm the player, with heavy artillery in the background trying to take the player out of the air. Most enemies can be taken down quite easily, with a single shot doing the job for the majority of foes. However, there will also be enemies that take substantially more shots to be eliminated, especially the end of stage bosses which are pretty resilient. If the player is fulfils special conditions, they will challenge a second run of the game at a higher difficulty.

GunForce – Arcade 1991/SNES 1992/SFC 1992(Japan/World)

This run and gun puts the player in the position of a gun fighter, who has parachuted into hostile territory to take down the alien threat to Mother Earth. This is an eight way directional shooter, similar to the Konami series Contra, with the player being able to run and shoot in all directions. The game takes place over multiple missions, with the player blasting away the army of the invaders that will swarm the player.

As the player makes their way through the stages, they will encounter large enemy vehicles like choppers, tanks and armored vehicles. The large mobile artillery can be destroyed if the player hits them with enough shots. There is also allied vehicles that appear, allowing players to board them and use their mounted weapons for a time. These vehicles are limited in their use, with damage being taken by them and forcing the player to disembark.

The player can find weapons dropped along the battlefield, with different weapon types that can be picked up. These include auto fire heavy weapons, explosives and fire, which last until the ammunition in the weapon pick up expires. Additional weaponry can be collected, but the existing gun will be replaced which makes for an interesting tactical option. Players can also collect more ammo for their guns, extending the use a little longer.

Alongside the running and gunning are platform segments, where the player will climb rocky cliffs, ladders and cross dangerous environments. These are challenging areas, as the player must keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, as there are deadly pitfalls in these areas. At the end of each mission, the player will encounter challenging boss fights. In these battles, the player must not only deal with the boss, but also swarms of enemies that will spawn in.

There are some significant differences between the arcade and home versions of GunForce. This is evident in the length of the game, as the Console version has a severely truncated gameplay experience, with an entire stage of the game being removed. The camera also behaves rather oddly, with the player being able to run into the edge, rather than being in the center which can lead to repeated death. These flaws and differences, makes for a less than enjoyable port.

GunForce II/GeoStorm – 1994 Arcade (Japan/World)

This follow up to the first GunForce is often seen as the predecessor to Metal Slug, the legendary military style shooter series from SNK and Nazca Corporation. In this release the player takes on another invading force, with the players taking the roles of Max and Lei. These soldiers must run and gun their way through 5 missions, where they will battle soliders, aliens and more as they make their way through a post-apocalyptic setting.

To make this game stand out from the previous title, the player dual wields weapons being able to cover two of the eight directions that players can fire in. As the player moves, they will encounter endless streams of enemies, which will need the player to stay on their toes or they will die in seconds. Thankfully, the player can run, jump and climb across the different missions, with the player being able to use parts of the stages to their advantage.

At the end of each stage, the player will encounter large dangerous enemies, which will be able to easily destroy the player during the encounters with them. These battles will put the player in a dangerous position, where the player must destroy a weak point to take them down. There will also be sections that function like mid stage bosses, with the player needing to destroy large enemies in order to progress onto the next section.

Like the previous game, this title also includes weapon upgrades and vehicles that the player can find. The weapon upgrades will improve the main weapon that the player holds for a limited time, lasting until the ammo runs out or the player dies. Then there are the vehicles, which the player will be able to ride until they break down or reach a set point. The vehicles will change between stages, but all of them will have mounted weapons.

New to this game are female POWs that can be rescued by the player and medals to collect. For all of the medals and rescues that are successful, the player will gain bonuses at the end of a stage. When the player clears a stage, they will receive bonus points and at different medal milestones, the player will rank up, with 7 different rankings. Unlike the other games in this collection, this title will also loop indefinitely, allowing for massive scores to be achieved.

Now with the gameplay for each title covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this package, starting with the additional features of the package.

New Features – for this collection, there are two game modes for each game, with a casual and classic mode. In casual mode, players will be able to rewind gameplay, use cheats, make save states and modify the game settings. The classic mode however, gives players a single credit to get the best possible score they can, adding it to the rankings when it is over. This allows all players to have an experience that fits their own style of play.

Controls – the controls for all of the games in this collection are carried over very well, with no issues when it comes to lag or delay. It will be possible for players to adjust all of their inputs, allowing for a variety of controllers to be used when playing the game. It is also possible for players to play the game with a single Joy-Con, letting players enjoy the game with another player at home or on the go. I do recommend using an arcade stick for these games, for an authentic experience.

Difficulty – all of the games are pretty tough, as they were designed for players to pump coins into the machines when they were originally released. All of the games are super tough, pushing the players to the limits of their skills as they try to make it through the hail of bullets. Thankfully the arcade titles have the ability to implement unlimited credits, with multiple difficulty settings that can be set. For those who struggle, the cheats can help them make it to the end.

Presentation – all of the visuals and sound have been brought over well, with the feel being as close to original hardware as possible. This means that any slowdown or stutter present in the original will be there, which is especially evident in GeoStorm/GunForce II where the slowdown occurs early on. These games still look and sound good in motion, sadly the console version of GunForce falls flat. For those who want it, there are also filters and settings to change how the games look.

Final Thoughts – I enjoyed the first volume of the IREM collection, so I was pretty excited to get my hands on this as I was aware of the links to GunForce and Metal Slug. I jumped into this expecting a pretty basic set of games, but they were enjoyable and the action was pretty fast paced. However, I was a little disappointed with the SNES/SFC version of GunForce, as it felt incomplete and a rather low quality port. But the overall package was satisfying.

The additional features for casual/challenge game modes, filters and cheats was a nice choice, which makes it easy for players to get to the end of the games and make the most of the experiences. If you are a fan of run and gun titles, then this will be for you and makes it easy to recommend this game. It is a nice collection of classic titles, which are just as they were when originally released, just be aware that the slowdown is how they were made and not the emulation.

In the end, I give IREM Collection VOL. 2 a final score of 4/5. This is a good collection of action shooter titles, offering a nice selection of games, offering two good platform shooters and a vertical SHMUP, which will satisfy the needs of those who are looking for action packed shooters. If you want to check this release out for yourself, a link to each version of the title is below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Shadow Corridor 2 – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Space Onigiri Games and published by Regista, Shadow Corridor 2 is the next entry in the horror series focused on stealth, survival and escaping horrific apparitions. As Shigure, you find yourself in a mysterious world after attempting to end the misery and sadness by jumping from your apartment balcony. This version of the game 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 Regista for providing the copy of Shadow Corridor 2 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. During the coverage, I will only be covering the core gameplay mechanics of the game. This is to prevent spoiling the experience for players. Also, please be aware that this game features graphic depictions of suicide, violence and domestic abuse, so if you are uncomfortable with this, check out the other content on the site. I also covered the first Shadow Corridor, which you can find (HERE).

Story – Shigure, who has been living a life of sadness wishes to end her life, jumping from the balcony of the apartment that she lives in. however, she finds herself in a mysterious coffee shop called the Dragon’s Whispers, tended by a man named Yakumo. The unusual barista informs her that she is in Ame no Yohira, an underworld filled with the corruption. Shigura must find Magatsukumari no Kami, the god of this underworld that has called her to this place.

Gameplay – like the first game, Shadow Corridor is a first person dungeon crawling horror game, placing the player in the underworld of Ame no Yohira. This underworld consists of randomly generated zones, each made up of multiple corridors, rooms and levels. While inside these areas, the goal is to locate Magatama, special beads that are filled with spiritual energy that make them glow. After collecting these Beads, the player must place them on a special alter to escape.

To help the player navigate the distortions of the underworld, a variety of items are available, including a cigarette lighter and Flashlight but these attract unwanted attention. Players can also find other items that are scattered throughout the halls, including keys to unlock doors and stones to use as markers. Players can also find souls within the dungeon levels that Shigure explores, which can be used in special shop points that can appear within the randomized layouts.

However, the player is not alone in these areas, as there are ghastly apparitions that roam the corridors. If these creatures locate the player, they will hunt them down and will only stop if the player hides, or they make contact and kill Shigure. For the player to be able to escape from the specters, they must find a spot to get out of the line of sight. This can be by hiding in a dark corner, behind objects and hiding inside spaces like cabinets until the creature leaves.

There are also defensive items that the player will be able to find and use. The most common of these is firecrackers, which can be used as a distraction for the enemy, as well as defeating them under certain circumstances. It is also possible to find special barrier talismans, to create safe spaces and even a gun if the player is lucky. But it is important to keep in mind, that the most important tool for survival is caution and stealth in the corridors.

When moving through the corridors, the player will make a medium amount of noise by simply walking. If they decide to run, they will be able to sprint for a limited amount of time, but at the cost of making a lot of noise and alert the monsters faster. The safest but slowest way to make it through the halls of the underworld is stealth, using crouch walking to produce the smallest amount of sound. This will take longer but provides a better chance at making it out alive.

The apparitions of the corridors will kill the player immediately, but those are not the only threat to Shigure. Within the boundaries of the corridors, insects, traps and the corruption of the environment itself can cause harm. When this happens, the health bar on screen will run down, with death occurring when it is empty. Thankfully, healing items can be found during exploration, which will vary in their restorative capabilities, but can be the difference between life and death.

If the player succeeds during their excursion or succumbs to horrors of the corridors, they will be returned to the home base of the Dragon’s Whiskers Coffee House. This is where the player will be able to prepare for their journey into the underworlds. Here is where players can equip special KARUTA Cards, which are cards that possess special abilities that can help Shigure succeed. The player starts of with a few cards and one slot, but more will be available over time.

These cards include providing a map that uses souls and a kit that gives the player items, making these cards an important factor in the success of the player. Then there is the coffee Menu, with a selection of drinks that players can select from. The player starts off with a basic cup of weak coffee, which provides a small soul collection benefit. But as the player collects coffee beans in the corridors, they will obtain new drinks that can be consumed and provide a greater benefit.

At the end of a successful run, the player will be given awards based on their performance, with these bonuses providing Magatama bonuses for players to use. The Magatama serve as a currency, allowing players to use them to buy new KARUTA cards to help them in the next exploration. Once a player has completed a stage, they will be able to move onto the next, or replay the stage to look for coffee beans, earn more Magatama and gain a better score/ranking.

Last to discuss is the general game feel. The game feels a little stiff compared to the previous game, with some issues with movement and the game itself. There are issues with the general performance, as the draw distance and rendering is very inconsistent. These flaws negatively affect the gameplay experience, due to being able to see items through walls, items not loading in correctly and some unfortunate loading lag which can be quite jarring.

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

Controls – the control layout is pretty easy to pick up, with the traditional twin stick first person movement style. There are action, crouch and run buttons on the face and shoulder/trigger buttons which are easy to use. Everything is laid out pretty well, making it easy for players to get into the action fairly quickly, with pop-ups to remind players of the buttons. The controls are comfortable to use, thankfully with little lag during play.

Difficulty – there are three different difficulty settings for this release, offering an experience for everyone that wants to give the game a try. These options are Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. The lower difficulty allows stages to be cleared with only 3 Magatama, but the other two need 5 and the encounter rates with the Apparitions is increased. The challenge is clearable but can make it feel like players are fumbling in the dark, due to the random generation of dungeons.

Presentation – Visually, the game looks okay but has some sadly glaring faults. The rendering on the Nintendo Switch system is very inconsistent, with assets popping in and out when just turning. This combined with awkwardly animated and rendered characters doesn’t help, as some it sadly makes the game look and feel a little cheap. The sound is well done, which is nice and the voice work is pretty good in contrast to the unfortunate visuals issues.

Final Thoughts – after playing the previous game in the Shadow Corridor series, this release excited me and appealed to me as a fan of Japanese horror. Sadly I found this to be a little disappointing. There are numerous graphical issues with the game, which are worse when playing the game in handheld mode. But they are less offensive when played on the big screen. I found things to be a little jittery too, with the occasional stutter during play due to the rendering troubles.

I am unsure if I can recommend this game at the minute, as the inconsistencies and difficulties of the game make it feel unpolished. I wanted to enjoy this game, as there is so much potential in Shadow Corridor 2, with the expanded narrative, KARUTA cards and the coffee menu systems. I hope that there is the chance for patches to be implemented to fix the issues, as right now it is a bit of an unpolished release that players may find difficult to play.

In the end, I give Shadow Corridor 2 a final score of 2.5/5. This is an unfortunately disappointing horror adventure, marred by issues with rendering and draw distance, which sadly spoil the potential for this to be a great experience. The building blocks are present, it just needs to be polished up a little more. If you wish to check this title out for yourself, a link to the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Clock Tower: Rewind – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – originally released by HUMAN Entertainment, Sunsoft and Capcom, with WayForward and Limited Run bringing it to modern platforms, the legendary cult Survival Horror officially comes west as Clock Tower: Rewind. As Jennifer Simpson, survive the horrors of the Barrows Mansion, called “the Clock Tower”, while being hunted by the hideous Scissorman. This title is available on all platforms, with a link to each game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank WayForward for providing the copy of Clock Tower: Rewind 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. I will be covering all of the main gameplay aspects without spoiling any secrets, I will also be covering the package as a whole, with the new features and bonuses.

Story – Jennifer Simpson, an orphan from Granite Orphange was adopted alongside other girls named Laura, Anne and Lotte. The benefactor is a wealthy recluse named Simon Barrows, who lives in a mansion called the “Clock Tower”. Upon arrival at the mansion, Mary, the woman who brought the girls to the mansion leaves to meet with Mr. Barrows. After some time, Jennifer goes to investigate, but after hearing a scream, she returns to the main hall and the horror begins.

Gameplay – Clock Tower is a 2D point and click survival horror, where the player must guide Jennifer through the Barrows Mansion, investigating clues and collecting items. The player does not directly control Jennifer’s actions aside from walking left and right, using a cursor that will highlight points to be investigated. By clicking an area or item of interest, Jennifer will interact with it, causing dialogue to pop up or potentially triggering an event.

When the player finds an item that is deemed important, they will pick them up and add them to the inventory. These items will often be used to complete puzzles, or used as steps in the completion in a puzzle needed to progress. If the player lacks the item they need, they will be unable to progress often triggering an event that will punish the player. However, if the player does have the item in their inventory, they will be able to use it and get closer to escape.

Speaking of escape, as the player is trying to guide Jennifer through the mansion, they will encounter the murderous Scissorman. This deformed child-like monster will hunt Jennifer through the mansion, trying to kill her with his massive scissors. The arrival of this beast can often be signalled by a scene, showing the death of one of Jennifer’s companions. When the creature appears, Jennifer will be put into a panic state and they must escape.

During these events, the player must find a hiding place for Jennifer or trigger a defense event. When a chase occurs, if Jennifer is caught by the Scissorman, a struggle will occur and if the panic button is hit enough, Jennifer may escape. But if the player is trapped and unable to shake off the monster, Jennifer will die and suffer a DEAD END. These poor outcomes can also be caused by events in the mansion itself if poor choices are made.

DEAD END and Scissorman events aren’t the only scenes that can play out. While Jennifer makes her way through the Clock Tower mansion, she may witness the deaths of her companions, through drowning or being defenestrated. Jennifer can also be put into story changing situations, where the mysteries behind the horrors can be uncovered. These scenes can be horrific, further building the sense of tension and dread of the mansion.

When Jennifer is attempting to navigate the mansion or encounters a panic event, she will become tired as her stamina is drained. This is shown by the color behind her portrait changing from blue, to orange to red. When this happens, the chances of her tripping over during movement, or becoming a victim of the Scissorman increases. The only way to recover stamina is to allow Jennifer to sit and rest, with the color returning to blue after a time.

While Jennifer makes her way through the mansion, it will be possible for the choices made to trigger an ending scene. There is a total of nine possible endings that can be triggered in the game, when this happens, the player will be able to start the game again and aim for another. If the player completes a special set of requirements, they will be able to uncover the true ending for the game, but this must be done without any mistakes.

Upon completion of the game, the player will be able to start again with the intro cutscene, or just jump right in. The ending that has been achieved will appear in the endings tab, allowing players to tick them off during their time playing. Players may also make up to three saves per version of the game, as there are two distinct playable versions of Clock Tower to play. The Main one that fans will want to start with is the Original version.

Then we have REWIND, which is a special modified version of the game containing additional features, enhancements and content that was added to the PlayStation 1 version. These changes that have been added make for a different experience, providing players with a new challenge. Then we have the bonus content that has been added to the game, giving players a museum of content to peruse between attempts at surviving the horrors.

Inside the extra menu, there are image galleries of the box art, manuals and more for players to look over. Then there are the motion comics, which are unlocked during the course of the game. These story segments are fully voiced and bring the panels to life. Then we have the bonus interview with the director and creator of Clock Tower, Hifumi Kono, which is split into numerous chapters. There is more bonus material, but I do not wish to spoil it.

Now with the gameplay and content covered, it is time to discuss the other elements of the game, starting with the controls.

Controls – as Clock Tower is a point and click title, the controls are very simple to pick up and use. The thumbstick controls the cursor, the face buttons control the interaction, inventory and panic actions. The front shoulder buttons control Jennifer’s movements, allowing the player to quickly move and run in the desired direction. All of these inputs work well, providing an experience that it responsive and as enjoyable as possible.

Difficulty – there isn’t much of a real difficulty curve to this game, as most of the experience is completed via trial and error. It can be a little frustrating at times when trying to figure out puzzles, as players can find themselves going in circles. This is due to items that need to be activated hiding in plain sight, with the player often missing items needed to progress. But if players have some time and patience, they will be able to get through this horrific adventure.

Presentation – visually the crisp spritework of the Super Famicom has been brought over perfectly, with all digitised characters and settings looking as crisp as always. The haunting and tense atmosphere, alongside the oppressive and nerve shredding audio have been perfectly preserved. This is in tandem with emulation features, opening theme and motion comics that compliment the original game very well, bringing the whole package together.

Final Thoughts – the original Clock Tower coming to the west has been a long time coming. The Super Famicom version has been fanlated and shared since 2001, which made this game a cult favourite in the horror community for years. So when I was given the opportunity to check this game out, I immediately lept at the opportunity to get hands-on with this game. I had an excellent time with this official release, and the new/bonus content was a wonderful addition.

I will say that this game is not for everyone, because the point and click system will be a little slow at times, as well as the trial and error nature of play. But if you give it a shot, you will find a horror experience that will keep you on your toes. The narrative twists, turns and multiple endings enhance the experience, giving players a reason to return to the tower time and time again. If you are a fan of horror and want something different, this is definitely for you.

In the end, I give Clock Tower: Rewind a final score of 4.75/5. This is a legendary horror title that is well deserving of its cult classic status, with an experience that is still as tense as when it first released, with additional content that makes this the definitive way to enjoy Clock Tower. If you want to check this release for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed and published by Grasshopper Manufacture in collaborations with NetEase Games, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered revives the cult classic from Suda51, Shinji Mikami and Akira Yamaoka. As Garcia Hotspur, take on the lord of the underworld during a quest to save his love Paula who has been kidnapped. This title is available on all 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 NetEase Games for providing the copy of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered 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 note, this title features sexual content, graphic violence and depictions of Suicide. If you are uncomfortable with any of these subjects or content, please click off this page and take a look at the other coverage that is available on the site.

Story – Garcia “G” Hotspur is a crass demon hunter, slaying hell spawn with his skull companion and former demon Johnson. After getting home from a hunt, he finds his lover Paula dead and he is attacked by demons. During this attack Fleming, the Lord of the Underworld appears and kidnaps Paula’s soul. Determined to reclaim his love that has been stolen from him, Garcia and Johnson traverse the depths of the underworld, laying waste to all in their path.

Gameplay – Shadows of the Damned is a third person action adventure, putting the player in the role of Garcia Hotspur, the foul mouthed demon hunter on a mission to save his love. In this horror styled adventure, travel through 5 acts, split into multiple chapters that span the depths of the Underworld. Each of the chapters progress in a linear fashion, with the player moving through hellish environments and battling Flemings demonic forces.

During exploration of the Underworld, the areas will be split into segments with gates separating them. Most of these gates will be unlocked just by eliminating the demonic threats in the area. However, there are special puzzle gates and baby gates, needing special requirements to be completed. Baby gates are the more common of the two, which require items to be fed to them like strawberries to open them up.

To battle the demons of hell, the player must use Johnson, the former demon who can transform into multiple weapons and serve as a light in the darkness. When moving around the different locations, Garcia will carry Johnson as a torch, illuminating the darkened passages of the underworld. Johnson in this form can also be used as a defensive weapon, allowing the player to knock back the demons, potentially destroying them if charged.

When Johnson is in his weapon form, he can use his bones as ammunition to kill the unholy armies of the underworld. The base weapon is the Boner, a revolver styled gun that fires single shots, dealing an average amount of damage to enemies. Then there is the Monocussioner, which is styled like a shotgun, dealing heavy damage up close to enemies. These two weapons are available from the start, being very useful in battle with the damned.

Weapons in this game have limited ammunition, with the chance to run out of bullets if the player is careless. But thankfully, there are ammo boxes that can be found in stages, extending the supply by a modest amount. If Garcia is in a pinch and low on ammo, Johnson can fire the Lightshot, a special concentrated light bullet that can stun normal enemies. When an enemy is stunned, the player can close in and deliver a gory coup de grace to them.

The demons will appear as the player makes their way through the stages, attacking relentlessly until they are taken down. But they are not the only threat to Garcia and Johnson during the quest to save Paula. The darkness will appear throughout the underworld, which will enshroud Garcia and hurt him if he is exposed to it for too long. The most common way of exorcising the darkness is by hitting a goats head with the Lightshot, but there are other ways.

There will be moments where the player must be in the darkness for extended periods of time. While exposed to the darkness, the player can solve puzzles, which will often involve shooting switches to open doors to progress. The player will need to travel through the darkness at points, which can be extremely dangerous and risk death. While in these areas, Garcia must consume human hearts to prevent his body from failing him.

The darkness can also empower demons, covering them in a layer of shadow and making them more deadly. To defeat these foes, the darkness must be expelled by hitting them with a Lightshot, allowing Garcia to kill them. Demons will also spawn from corpses while in the darkness, making for a hazardous situation that can lead to a quick death if the player is careless. The darkness does have benefits to it, as there is the chance for it to affect demons too.

When Garcia slays a demon, they have the chance to drop items that will be collected automatically. The most common item to drop are white gems, which will be added to Garcia’s bank and are used for the in game shops scattered through the underworld. In these shops, the player can purchase drinks which are the main form of healing lost health, with Hot Sake, Tequila and Absinthe available, providing varying amounts of recovery.

Red gems can also be found during the adventure, which are extremely important to progressing through the hells. These special blood red gems are used to upgrade Garcia’s weaponry and maximum health, with each subsequent upgrade giving the demon hunter more power. These gems can be bought from a special vendor, who will happily take the banked currency in exchange for these special, all powerful gems.

As the player makes their way through the Fleming’s domain, they will encounter powerful foes in challenging boss battles. These battles will lock the player in an arena, where they must dodge, dive and blast their way to survival in a multi-phase battle to the death. During these intense fights, the player must damage the weak point of the enemy until it breaks. If the player can successfully survive the encounter, they will be rewarded with a Blue gem

When a blue gem is collected, Garcia will attach it to Johnson, empowering him and unlocking new forms to be used in battle. These new forms are important to the quest to save Paula, as there will be stronger and increasingly deadly threats that will appear. These foes will require stronger weapons to defeat, like armored demons that need to be blown up, and the giant Hell Monkeys, which can only be annihilated by Johnson in his BIG BONER form.

But the game isn’t all bloody guts and gore, as there are special side scrolling shooter sections that appear during the adventure. These segments are in a colorful paper doll style, giving a brief reprieve from the crimson coated carnage. During the side scroller sections, the player can move all around the screen and aim/fire their weapon in a 180 degree arc. White gems will spawn in these stages and if players can collect them all, they will get a red gem bonus.

Last to discuss is the special remastered additions that have been implemented. In the Nintendo Switch release, the player can use gyro control aiming when looking down the sights. This grants players with the capability to fine tune their shots, which is useful for some areas as the aim can be a little wonky at times. Then there are the additional costumes, with new outfits and looks for Garcia that change how he looks during action and cutscenes.

Finally we have the implementation of New Game Plus. Once the game has been cleared, players can embark on the road trip through hell again. But this time they will carry over all of the items, upgrades and weapons that they had during the last run. Having access to the full arsenal of weaponry, upgrades and power boosts makes for a very fun time, offering higher replay value that the original release sadly lacked at the time.

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

Controls – there is a pretty easy to use control system in this release, with tutorials that teach the player how all of the mechanics work. It features a movement and aiming system that is similar to Resident Evil 4, with the camera trailing behind the player. The moment to moment action works well, with inputs being reactive and laid out in a comfortable way. The optional motion controls for aiming are also nicely implemented, allowing for more precision.

Difficulty – there are multiple difficulty options for this title, with an Easy, Normal and Hard setting that can be selected from the start of the game. If the player is able to clear the game, a Very Hard difficulty will be made available for the next attempt. In general the game is pretty challenging, with the boss battles being the hardest part of the game. But in general, aside from a few minor difficulty spikes, the experience is pretty solid and balanced.

Presentation – visually, the dark and menacing tone that the original release carries over well. The settings, enemy designs and the large scale bosses all look pretty good, with the most important elements of the lead characters looking the best. This release performs pretty well on the Nintendo Switch, with my experience suffering little in terms of frame drops or lag. The experience is pretty smooth when played in both Handheld and Docked play modes.

The sound design elevates the experience to something pretty special, created by Legendary Silent Hill composer, Akira Yamaoka. The score is heavy and atmospheric, with a sense of dread that permeates throughout. The main theme for the game is performed by British Punk Band, The Damned. There is English and Japanese voice over, featuring the talents of Steve Blum (Cowboy Bebop) and Paul Mercer (Resident Evil 4) in the English cast.

Final Thoughts – I had played Shadows of the Damned long ago, with some experience back when it first came out on Xbox 360, so I was very excited to get to grips with this remastered version of the game. I will say now, if you aren’t a fan of gross bloody violence, obscenity filled dialogue and dick jokes, this game may not be for you. There is that distinct SUDA51 style that is present throughout the game, with the subtle story details, character interactions and overall narrative all tied together well.

I did have a few minor hiccups during my time with the game, with a couple of glitches and a crash or two, but it didn’t sour my experience. I was fully invested in the game and narrative from start to finish, enjoying all of the intricate details that were present. So I have no issue whatsoever with recommending this game. If you played it when it first came out, you will probably have an even better experience with this new iteration, especially with the new game plus mode.  

In the end, I give Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered a final score of 4.5/5. This is a damned good trip to hell and back, with an engaging story, entertaining characters and jokes, challenging boss battles and an absolutely rocking soundtrack. This is the revival that Shadows of the Damned deserved. If you want to check this title 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)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)