W.Kohaku Media

Doodle World Deluxe – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Nate Peters and Acutis Games with publishing handled by NAMI TENTOU, Doodle World Deluxe is a double pack of indie titles originally developed for NES and ported to consoles. In Doodle World and Doodle World Redux, the player must save the land from the evil King Eraser. This title is available for Nintendo Switch and PC 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 publisher NAMI TENTOU for providing the copy of Doodle World Deluxe 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. I will be discussing the two titles included in this pack separately, with details for each of the games and their performance, the plot is rather light so I will be skipping this element.

Doodle World

Gameplay – Doodle World is a retro styled platformer set in a hand-drawn world, with the game playing out across the pages of a note book. Taking place over 5 worlds, made up of 3 stages each, the player must traverse each of the stages as they dodge hazards, jump on enemies and collect crayons. When the player collects 100 crayons, they get an extra life, which can be very useful as there are no continues in this game.

In the stages, there are bonus “pages” which will take the player to a single screen stage, where the player must try to collect all of the crayons on screen. There is also a special super crayon, which will make the player invincible for a short time. This invincibility can be very useful as not all enemies can be jumped on, such as the pencil and thumbtack foes that are in the game world. Players must be careful when using this however, as the timer for the crayon is low.

At the end of each stage, the player will encounter a boss that they must battle in order to clear the world. The bosses that appear will each have their own unique attack patterns, with some firing projectiles or charging at the player. Once all of the bosses have been beaten, the player will get an ending congratulating them on their success. If the game is a little tricky, the player will be able to play a special mode called Kids Mode.

This special mode is for players who want to enjoy the game in a more relaxed way, this gives the player extra lives, replacing the enemies with erasers and takes away the pitfalls. However, there is no way to continue after a game over, meaning players will still need to collect crayons to increase their lives. This mode is easier but it can still be difficult due to the performance issues the game faces (explained further below).

Doodle World Redrawn

Gameplay – this is a fully re-imagined version of first game, with all new stage layouts, tougher boss battles and even a new double jump ability. The core mechanics of the game remain mostly unchanged, aside from the new extra jump, which allows the player to reach higher platforms and cover ground faster. The bonus stages return in this title, with new layouts which offer a different experience for this release.

Just like the previous title, the player only has a limited number of lives and no continues. This makes collecting crayons for extra lives, getting the super crayon for invincibility and approaching the hazards with a level of caution. The bosses are more challenging in this release, making them more difficult for the player and allowing Redrawn stand on its own from the other title. This title also includes the Kids Mode feature.

In this title, the Kids Mode returns with easier stage layouts, a lower difficulty level for the bosses and the removal of hazards, just like the first version. However, the story remains the same in regards to the fact there are no continues, meaning that the player will need to focus on collecting crayons for extra lives. This is a little easier as it appears there are more crayons in both games, when using the Kids Mode, but the performance issues persist.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release, starting off with the overall performance of both games.

Performance – this title looks fairly solid, being ported up from an NES. However, there are some rather significant issues in regards to the general performance of the game, which unfortunately ruin the fun and flow of the experience. The first is the collision detection, which can inaccurate at times, leading to the player killing an enemy and dying at the same time. Next is a spawning error, which can place the player over a pit leading to them dying without escape.

There is also an unusual feel to the physics of the game, with noticeable lag when trying to run and jump, which will lead to errors and mistakes being made. This makes the character Doodle feel heavier than it should be, with jumps that don’t always go to full height, even when holding the button down for longer. All together, these issues combine to spoil what had the potential to be a fun and rewarding platform title, with a unique aesthetic.

Controls – the controls are very simple, with two buttons for running and jumping, the thumbstick/D-pad for movement and the two shoulder buttons activate the menu. But unfortunately, as discussed further up, there is lag that occurs quite often, where it feels like the movement of the game is dragging, which can lead to missed inputs. Sadly, the input lagging and difficulties with the controls affect all control methods in game.

Difficulty – this title shouldn’t be very difficult, but due to the issues it faces the game feels poorly balanced. The lack of continues increases this feeling, as the player will be sent back to the start of the game over and over. This may not seem like an issue but it spoils the Kids Mode, putting off the younger target audience from continuing to play. There is a save/load system that can be used, but it feels like a band-aid on a bullet wound.

Presentation – visually, the world presented in this release has a unique look and feel to it, given that it was originally made for the NES. The notebook aesthetic is not something I have seen before and I applaud the game for that. But with all of that shine, there are still some parts that feel unpolished and they cannot be hidden with CRT filters or extra color pallets. The music fits the game well, with a solid soundtrack that has perfectly captured the feel of an 8-bit cartridge game.

Final Thoughts – When I first got my hands on this title, I was impressed with the overall look and feel that the game was presenting. Having something unique that I had never seen before, which can be quite the rarity in the world of indie games, especially when it comes to the homebrew scene. However, as I got stuck into the game, the cracks started to show very quickly, which is unfortunate as this title was promising from the outset.

The game has a few unfortunate flaws, which spoil the overall experience and make for an unpleasant time during play. These are the lag that occurs throughout, the bugs involving the player getting stuck spawning above a pitfall and much more. Sadly all of these issues ruin the potential for the game to be fun, and I am not sure if it is an issue with the port or not. This means that I am not able to recommend this title as a full price purchase, as it is missing the polish needed to be great.

In the end, I give Doodle World Deluxe a final score of 2/5. This title has all the potential to be a fantastic platformer double pack, with a premise that is creative and could have been a smash hit for parents and kids, but sadly the issues it suffers from spoil the experience. If you do want to check this game out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be available below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Martian Panic – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by NYX Digital and published by Funbox Media, Martian Panic is an on-rails shooter where the player must battle wave after wave of Martian invaders. Set in a fictionalized 1950’s world, this rail gun shooter will take players all around the world to battle the alien menace. This title is available for Nintendo Switch, Windows PC and PlayStation 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 Funbox Media for providing the copy of Martian Panic 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. I will be skipping the story segment as there is a humorous storyline that unfolds during the course of the game, so I will be going straight into discussing the gameplay.

Gameplay – Martian Panic is an on-rails shooter, where up to three players are tasked with taking on 8 levels of arcade style shooting action. When starting a new game, the player can select from one of 6 different characters, including a kid obsessed with comic books, a travelling salesman and a high school cheerleader. After selecting their character, the player is able to select the stage they want to challenge and their selected difficulty level.

After all of these elements have been decided on, the player can jump into the action and start blasting the alien invaders. During the stages, the player will be armed with a pistol that can hold a total of 8 shots before needing to be reloaded. With this weapon in hand, the player can blast the alien invaders, racking up big points by building a combo of successful hits. But be careful as the aliens blast back, taking a life with each shot that hits the player.

It is also important to be careful of civilians, as they will be running around and trying to escape from the invaders. If the player is able to successfully rescue these civilians, they will provide rewards, including weapons, point bonuses and even extra lives. However, if the player accidentally hits the innocent people, a life will be lost. It is also possible to find power-ups and other items hidden inside trash bins and other containers, so blast the environment away.

During the course of the game, new enemies will be introduced, which will be stronger than the standard enemies needing multiple hits to take down. There will also be end of stage “boss battles” which will consist of the challenging battles, with a mini cutscene and a big fight to end the level. Once a level has been cleared, the next one will be unlocked for players to take on, introducing a new environment and story to explore.

As a rail gun title, the game uses forced gyro controls for this title when playing in docked or table top, which is the biggest issue with this title. Unfortunately, there is little in terms of refinement when it comes to the implementation of this. The cursor becomes unwieldy and it is not possible to aim the weapons effectively, leading to the cursor swinging from side to side, drifting across the screen and sometimes not responding at all.

There is also an unfortunate lack of polish with the gameplay, which can make it nearly impossible to beat the game on specific challenge levels. This is due to the way that enemies can act off screen, allowing them to hit the player before they are even visible. This significant fault can end a run on the highest difficulty in the blink of an eye, as there is only one credit and limited lives, wich will be lost due to this poor game design.

The last thing to discuss is the online ranking system, which allows players all over the world to compete for the highest score they can get. There is an individual high score leader board for each stage of the game, as well as the three difficulty settings and the number of players in action. There is also a monthly ranking system, allowing players to go for the top spot on a dedicated leaderboard that will refresh, for a new challenge each month.

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

Controls – the controls for this release are the biggest flaw of it, which is an unfortunate thing. The game forces the player to use the gyro controls whenever the system is connected to the TV, or the Joy-Cons are removed. This makes it difficult to play due to the inaccuracies of the gyro technology, as the cursor will become uncooperative with the player. The game can be played with a thumbstick cursor, but only in handheld, which is a poor overall design choice.

Difficulty – there are three difficulty settings for this release, which will affect the way that the game will play out. They are Cadet, which gives maximum lives, makes enemies weaker and provides unlimited credits. Then we have Ranger which only provides 3 credits, fewer lives and enemies are standard power. Finally is Ace, which has only one credit, the fewest lives and the enemies are the stronger, which is almost impossible given the issues that this game has.

Presentation – visually this title looks good for a HD reworking of a Nintendo Wii release. The graphical style works well, with vibrant colors that suit the 1950s setting, but sadly it is marred by slowdown and framerate issues. The cutscenes don’t really add much, but they have a humorous element to them. The sound is a good fit for this title, with some rather solid voice acting that breaks up the action, the music is well composed and is a good accompaniment for this game.

Final Thoughts – when I first saw this title I was excited to play it as I am a fan of on-rail shooters, having played Light gun titles for a large portion of my life. However, that excitement quickly turned to disappointment, as I did not have the amount of fun that I would have hoped with this game. On the surface, the concept is fantastic, with a charming premise of a B-movie shooter that all the family can enjoy. But sadly it doesn’t extend any deeper than that.

The game is riddled with numerous flaws that all combine to make an experience that has the potential to be less fun the more you play. There is slow down that happens throughout, with poor game design choices that negatively impact the gameplay, like enemies attacking off screen. The difficulty spikes due to its flaws make the game almost impossible to play on any level above cadet, as the player will be killed by a combination of unfair enemy placement and poor controls.

I am unable to make a recommendation for this title, aside from a sale purchase or if you can pick up the special physical gun pack (with a code for the game in the box), as that may make it a little more comfortable to play. There was some promise here, as the system it originally released on had a long history of good rail shooters, but sadly this didn’t make the jump very well. It can be fun if you are playing with friends, or if you aren’t taking it seriously, but outside of that it is likely to disappoint.

In the end, I give Martian Panic a final score of 2/5. This is an on-rails shooter that had all the potential to be a home run, but is sadly more of a foul ball, due to the flaws that it suffers from, with poor gyro control being forced on the TV, optimisation issues and unpolished game design. If you do want to check it 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 Steam version (HERE)

Skautfold: Usurper – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Steve Gal and published by Red Art Games, Skautfold: Usurper is a metroidvania style adventure, with eldritch horrors set in an alternative Britannia during the late 1800’s. This title is the sequel to Skautfold: Shrouded in Sanity, taking place a year after the events previous title. This title is available on the Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PlayStation systems, 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 Red Art Games for providing the copy of Skautfold: Usurper used for this piece via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the story of Skautfold: Usurper. When discussing the gameplay, I will be covering the core aspects of the title, as there are many nuances to the experience that must be experienced first-hand.

Story – taking place in an alternative timeline, in 1898 an otherworldly entity called the Citadel has crashed into the city of London, causing panic and releasing a fog of madness. After this event, the Empress Eleanor has assembled her royal forces to enter the Citadel, in hopes of finding a way to rid the city of the terror. Meanwhile, Waltham, the leader of the Veimar has employed his own forces to challenge the Navigator of the Citadel for his own, unknown purposes.

Gameplay – Sakutfold: Usurper is a search action RPG, where the player takes the role of Saragat, a Holy Knight who was revived by Waltham, by fusing his own damaged body with the corpse of the Knight. This has empowered the knight with new abilities, as he is now the only being that stands between the horrors of the citadel and the people of Britannia. This all takes place, while the mysterious Waltham guides the player through the Citadel.

The core objective of this title is to explore the Citadel, made up of a sprawling map that the player can explore, with new areas that will open up during the course of the game. In the different areas, the player will encounter various monsters and eldritch abominations, with the strength of these beasts changing depending on their location. There will also be horrific boss monsters in the Citadel, which will have relics that the player needs to progress.

These relics will provide the player with new abilities, empowering them further to get past the hazards and obstacles they will face. The relics include the ability to stick and jump off walls, break sealed doors and even levitate to fly freely through the Citadel. As this is a Metroidvania style of game, there will be a need to return to different areas, backtracking to get past hazards and uncover treasures that were unobtainable before, which can be eased by warp points and relics.

Alongside the relics that players can obtain is an arsenal of over 90 different weapons, which range from swords and axes to guns, bows and eldritch spells. These weapons can be collected from coffins that are scattered throughout the Citadel, with the ability to equip up to 4 different weapons at once. This allows players to change their strategy on the fly, which is important when fighting strong foes, as some weapons will deal extra damage if the enemy is weak to it.

There is also a companion system, which allows special entities to follow the player and assist them in their adventure. These include a spirit, a reaper and a fox, which will assist in combat to increase the strategic options in battle. This makes for an interesting experience, having to decide which familiar to use at any one time, adding further depth to the overall combat system. The familiars can also be strengthened if requirements are met.

Speaking of combat, there is a relatively deep combat system which uses a special system called “Guard Points”, which act as both a shield from damage and stamina for attacks. If the player takes damage or uses a weapon, they will lose Guard Points (referred to as GRD in game) at varying levels based on the enemy/weapon. When this meter is depleted, any damage that the player takes will reduce their HP, which will result in death when fully depleted.

During intense battles in this game, the player can use some defensive skills that will be affected by the GRD meter. The first is the dodge roll, which will allow the player to escape an attack, with the ability to gain GRD if the move is timed correctly. Then there is the Shield, which will reflect projectile attacks and potentially damage enemies if reflected with the right timing. These skills can mean the difference between life and death, especially when fighting many enemies at once.

When enemies are killed, they will drop a resource called Vitae (which can also be found in large containers), which is a very special currency that is tied to the progression of the game. The Vitae is used to level the player, by paying a set amount of points while at the navigator throne, either in the main base or one of the seats throughout the Citadel (the throne is also used to save the game). However, Vitae is not the only item needed to make Saragat stronger.

Throughout the construct that is the Citadel are chests, which will contain special stones called Yth. These are finite, with a limited number of them available throughout the entire game, and these are key to being able to strengthen the player. When levelling up, the player must pay an increasing amount of Vitae per level, but only 1 Yth stone, adding a level to one of eight stats to enhance the player and the efficacy of different weapons.

The player can also use vitae to increase their Devotion to eldritch gods, which will enhance the power of some of the spells. There is even the ability to reset the levels that players have chosen for their character, allowing them to take a different approach. However, this comes with a few caveats, as the cost to refund the levels are Vitae for the next level, a single Yth stone and if the player has bought levels in the ELD stat they will not be refunded.

There is a lot to do in this title, with a lot of exploration options and the ability to move around the game in a non-linear fashion. However, it is important to take care when exploring uncharted areas of the Citadel as the threat of death looms around every corner of this labyrinthine construct. If the player is killed, they will be sent back to the last throne they activated, while also losing a percentage of the Vitae that has been accumulated by the player.

Within the confines of the Citadel and the areas that surround it are many secrets to discover, with hidden paths and items, walls that can be destroyed and even optional boss battles. There is much to discover, with hidden interactions, powerful items and so much more. There is even the ability to modify the experience through modifiers, including a speedrun mode, difficulty modifiers and even a permadeath challenge where saves are disabled.

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

Controls – Skautfold: Usurper has a control layout that is complicated when starting the game, with a lot of inputs that need to be memorized to succeed. But the game does provide some tutorials for players to get adjusted to the gameplay, which does make it easier to adapt to the complex controls. When playing in either handheld or docked modes, the game is comfortable to play, with all of the inputs laid out in a comfortable way, regardless of the controller used.

Difficulty – this title is very challenging in terms of difficulty, as the non-linear nature of the game can lead players into dangerous situations. If the wrong path is chosen, players can enter areas that they are not prepared for, which will lead to a quick, messy demise and a loss of Vitae. It is also important to be aware that boss battles cannot be escaped, with a particular boss being easy to fall into without warning while exploring, and only has one weakness.

Presentation – the visual style for this title is reminiscent of Castlevania Symphony of the Night, with fluid and detailed sprite work, haunting backdrops and unsetttling character portraits. The game performs well, with no slowdown or lag issues during play, especially when fighting the gory and horrific blood soaked bosses. There is a fantastic soundtrack that builds tension and atmosphere within the setting of the Citadel, with music that adds a chilling feel to the world presented.

Final Thoughts – I had not played the previous entry in the Skautfold series, however, I have had a lot of experience with similar titles within the genre. That being said, this title exceeded all of my expectations and makes me want to explore the other games in this series. The narrative was engaging, the atmosphere really pulled me in and the gameplay loop was very challenging, but never frustrating during my time with it.

I have no issue recommending this game to those who are fans of the genre, as this embodies everything that Search Action games are about without being cryptic or confusing. I spent a lot of time with this game, trying (and failing) to beat the final boss, exploring the Citadel for hidden items and grinding out Vitae for upgrades. I am sure that I have only scratched the surface of the game with this review, as there is so much more to it but it would take all day to discuss.

In the end, I give Skautfold: Usurper a final score of 4.5/5. This title is a challenging and often brutal search action title, with horrific bosses in the form of eldritch abominations, haunting environments and intense combat that is wrapped in an intriguing narrative. The only negative is that the difficulty of the game may be off-putting to some. If you want to check this game 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)

Under the Hood – Steam Announcement

Hello there! I am pleased to bring you more news from our friends at Shady Corner Games, who have a new title that is due to be published in the near future. This title mixes classic brick breaking puzzle action, dating sim elements and some rather saucy scenes that will get your motor running. to learn more about their new title, check out the details below for Under the Hood.

We at shady corner are pleased to announce that we are gearing up to release another title in the near future. This newest release in the Shady Corner universe is centered on Silvie, the mechanic and face of Shady Lewd Kart, along with her family in a puzzle title filled with lewd brick breaking action. So read on to learn about Under the Hood.

Mature Content Disclaimer: this title is intended for adults only, with an age of 18+ only. If this content is uncomfortable for you, or you are under the age limit outlined above, then this is not for you. This title contains the following content.

Risque outfits, sexual comments and language, sexual situations and explicit depictions of sexual material.
Nudity including full frontal, partial, suggested and obfuscated nudity (via nightwear)
Explicit sexual interactions, where characters engage in oral and penetrative sex acts, as well as those of a fetishistic nature.
All characters featured in the game are of the age of 18 or older.

About the Game

In this busty brick breaking puzzler, the player takes the role of an assistant starting a new job at Trish’s Pit’s, a local garage that is run by a hardworking mother and her daughters. The duties for this new hire will involve taking the engines and breaking them down, all while trying to keep themselves from being distracted by their co-workers.

The player must take engines apart in challenging brick breaking action, bouncing their tools off of engine blocks and nuts to clear each of the stages. The player will then interact with the girls in the garage upon clearing their shifts, in a dating sim style similar to that of our other puzzle title Slime Girl Smoothies, along with unlocking special artworks and CG images.

Features of Under the Hood

Take on over 30 challenging stages of block busting action.
New mechanics that will keep players on their toes, including springs, belts and hazards.
Explore the stories of Slivie, Trish and Frankie that occur before the events of Shady Lewd Kart.
A collection of CG arts to unlock for those looking for something titillating.
Featuring voice work by SilkyMilk and Sarielle in steamy adult scenes.
Featuring artwork by the talented Pencilanon, Lynte, SkullZLatte and PixelboyMagazin.
Bonus Lock N Lewd content for those who own the Marble Maid game, with special unlocks for players to discover.

Meet the Girls!

Trish – the hardworking owner of Trish’s Pit’s and mother of Silvie and Frankie. A mature lady with a seductive gaze, a love of denim overalls and some rather ample assets that make her a favorite for guys who need an “oil change”.
Silvie – the elder daughter and the face of Shady Lewd Kart. This girl is a powerhouse in the Go-Kart scene, known for her skills with a wrench and some other more unorthodox “tools” in her box.
Frankie – the younger daughter and the tech expert of the garage. The teen may be lacking in some areas that her mother and sister are gifted in, but she makes up for it with her skills with a computer.

Check out the official Shady Corner Twitter (HERE) for more info about this title and to learn more about the other titles we have on the horizon. You can also go to the official steam page for Under the Hood (HERE), where you can wish list it to grab it as soon as we release it.

Ray’z Arcade Chronology – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – originally developed by Taito and M2, with publishing handled by ININ Games, Ray’z Arcade Chronology is a collection of shooters from the 90s. Play through all three entries of the RAY arcade series, with special enhanced variants of the 3D entries of the series. This release is available on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation systems, as well as special physical versions from Stritly Limited game (while stocks last) 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 PR Hound for providing the copy of Ray’z Arcade Chronology 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 title, I will be covering the individual titles in this release, providing some plot details where available and discussing the gameplay systems in release order.

RAYFORCE – 1994

Plot – In a distant future humanity constructs a massive neuro-network supercomputer called Con-Human, with the purpose to maintain the environment of the earth. This is to ensure the continued existence of earth and its inhabitants. However, this system does not last, as the mind of a cloned human becomes linked to Con-Human, leading to it becoming sentient and corrupting its mind. This leads to the machine attempting to exterminate that it was made to protect.

After a prolonged war with humanity, Con-Human was able to wipe out almost the entire population, leading the survivors to flee into space. After defeating the human resistance, Con-Human has altered the very earth itself, transforming it into an extension of his body which it plans to use to eliminate the rest of humanity. To prevent this, the remaining humans go on the offensive, planning to fight the genocidal machine even though it will destroy the earth.

Gameplay – RayForce is a pixel art scrolling vertical shooter consisting of 7 stages for the player to take on, each with a large scale boss battle for the player to take on. The player must shoot down wave after wave of enemies, dodge bullets and collect power ups as they make their way through the stages. The enemies that the player will face will have a range of attack patterns, while appearing in two separate layers of the screen.

The layer system of the game is the key selling point of RayForce, as it utilizes a very special weapon system which revolutionised shooters of the time. Like most vertical shooters, the player is armed with a standard shot that they fire directly up, this can be improved and strengthened by collecting power-ups. However, there is a special weapon that players can use in RayForce, the “LOCK ON LASER” which can target several enemies in the layer below to attack them.

These systems work together to create a system that is challenging, as the player will need to be aware of both levels of the screen. This is due to the way that enemies can move between layers, leading to players needing to quickly change the weapon they are using. The lock-on weapon is also important to getting a high score, as the weapon can target up to 8 enemies (when full levelled up), leading to huge combo scores.

There are local and online leaderboards for this game, where players can test their skills and try to reach the top spot, depending on the conditions set. There is also simultaneous co-op play in this release, where two players can work together to take on the machines and eliminate Con-Human together. When a player runs out of lives, they can jump right back in when continuing. Finally, there is a replay system where players can save a video of their best runs (available in all games).

RAYSTORM – 1996

Plot – in the year 2119, travelling into space has become a reality, with the world working together to expand humanity throughout the solar system. During this expansion, the government of earth establishes the Star Federation, which are responsible for maintaining peace and order in the colonies. However, by 2219, humanity has quickly expanded the colonies all the way to Orion, which has made it difficult for the federation to maintain control.

As the federation lost control, they implemented martial law which oppressed the inhabitants of the colonies, leading to the formation of rebellion. On the planet Secilia, the rebels establish the Secilia Foundation, beginning their fight for freedom. After countless battles, they defeat the Star Federation and Secilia plan to destroy the earth. This leads to a desperate struggle for the survival of the earth, as the R-GRAY ship is launched as part of OPERATION: RAYSTORM.

Gameplay – just like its predecessor, RayStorm is a vertical scrolling shooter where the player will battle against waves of enemies, as well as large scale bosses at the end of each stage. The game is broken up into 7 stages again, with a special 8^th stage against the final boss. The majority of the gameplay in this title remains the same, except for a few changes to the core mechanics that make this title unique from the first.

The new systems of this title are the changes to the Lock-on Laser system, which can be used in both layers of the playfield. This allows the player to target enemies below and infront of them, increasing the potential for big combos and approaches to the stage. There is also a new special attack that will deal significant damage to the enemies on screen. This needs to be charged after use, by successfully downing enemies.

There is also a new ship type that the player can do, with a different set of weapons that function differently to the standard set. These are a twin beam that replaces the standard spread shot, alongside a lightning style laser and a special attack that launches a huge explosion at the front of the ship. There is also two control options, offering a simplified way to play and these new systems offer a new approach for players each time they take on this challenge.

Just like the previous entry in the series, this title offers two player co-op gameplay with both players working together, as well as the inclusion of leaderboards that players can submit scores to. What makes this title, as well as its successor RayCrisis different from the RayForce title is the changes to the visuals. This title introduces polygon graphics, which replace the pixel art of the original title as well as a wider screen ratio rather than the narrow screen.

RAYCRISIS – 1998

Plot – as a prequel to RayForce, this is set during the events that led to the rise and rebellion of the Con-Human supercomputer. During the creation of Con-Human, a scientist attempts to bond the mind of a cloned human with the machine, leading to the system gaining sentience. After this, the computer begins its attack on humanity, laying siege to the earth as it attempts to exterminate the imperfect beings that created it.

In an attempt to bring the system back under control, a mecha-neurologist connects to Con-Human and attacks the machine from within using computer viruses. These viruses are called Waveriders, planted directly into the cybernetics link of Con-Human, in the mission Operation RAYCRISIS. This battle with the now sentient machine is the only way to bring it down, stopping the computers destructive plans and attempting to prevent it from causing any more damage.

Gameplay – RayCrisis follows the same core gameplay formula as the previously discussed games, however, this title has mechanics that make it unique from the rest. Introduced I this entry is the codename system, where players are able to enter their initials or a series of 4 characters/numbers to remember their records. This allows for players to experience another new feature to the series, the randomised map set.

When starting a new game for the first time, the player will go through the five stages of the game, battling waves of enemies and bosses. Then at the end of the stages and the battle with the final boss, the player is then given a ranking based on performance, with the details attached to that codename. Upon starting the game again, if the player enters the same code at the start, the player will be given a choice of new stages to play or the previous set.

As well as the new stage system, there is a dynamic difficulty mechanic tied to the Encroachment system, which is affected by the performance of the player. During play, the meter will increase as enemies fly past the player and as time passes, but the player will be able to lower the percentage on screen by quickly dispatching foes. If the meter is lower, enemies will become more aggressive, but if the meter is maxed the player is sent to the final boss.

This ties into the endings of the game, as there is a total of three possible endings that the player may get. There is a standard ending from playing the game normally, a bad ending if the Encroachment meter is maxed out and a secret ending if specific conditions are met. These different endings add to the replay value of this title, pushing players to do their best to try and get the special secret ending in a run.

The weapon systems of this game have been altered too, with a new bomb attack called the Round Driver, as well as the Hyper Laser if one part of the enemy is targeted with all shots. These special weapons give massive point boosts to the player score and can help with lowering the encroachment rate. There is also a special third ship that can be unlocked for players to experiment with, either by meeting special conditions or via a secret code.

And finally, just like the other games, the player is able to put their scores on a worldwide leaderboard, challenging other players scores in an attempt to reach the top spot. This release also pushes the 3D aspects of the game further, with a wider variety of on screen effects and varied locations that can be pulled from. But with all the advancements that the game made, it feels the slowest out of the three titles in this pack.

Now with all of the games discussed, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – as these are arcade games, the controls for the games are very straight forward, with only two buttons needed for the majority of the games. The inputs for all games are simple with shoot and laser as the default settings, with options to have bombs as inputs in RayCrisis and RayStorm. The menu, credit and start buttons are also mapped to the controller in accessible ways, but players can modify the buttons to fit their controller of choice.

Difficulty – these shooters verge into bullet hell territory, with a lot of enemy shot patterns that can make it very difficult to make it through the game without getting shut down. However, there are difficulty settings in all games for players to tailor the experience to their skill levels, with multiple options to help players make it through. This is likely the best shooting collection for players who want to get into the genre.

Presentation – as a set of arcade titles from the 90s, the visuals may seem primitive to some, but the graphical look to each of the games is still pleasing to the eye. The original graphics of these games still look good, with several options for filters and different aspect ratios, alongside new HD versions of RayStorm and RayCrisis in this pack. There is some slowdown in the 3D games, but this was present in the original versions of those titles, so it isn’t a fault of the system.

The sound design of these games is excellent with sound effects that have a lot of weight and impact to them, accompanied by a soundtrack composed by ZUNTATA, Taito’s in house band. The music that is featured in these releases is the original soundtrack that was included with the arcade versions, alongside a new arranged set of tracks for the games. There is also the inclusion of “arcade ambience” background sound that gives the feeling of playing in an actual arcade.

Final Thoughts – I am a fan of the Ray series of vertical shooters, having played the home versions of RayForce on the Sega Saturn and RayStorm on the PlayStation many years ago. So getting my hands on this collection was a real nostalgia trip, but it was also a new experience since I hadn’t played RayCrisis before. So for me it was a little bit of a mixed bag, as I knew what to expect from the first two but not the third.

I had a great time playing RayForce and RayStorm, but not so much with RayCrisis, as the changes to the gameplay systems, shorter play time and overall feel of the game were different to the others. This was rather jarring as there is no real way to know what to expect with each run of the game, which made it harder to make any real progress in terms of skill compared to the others. But, it will offer a great challenge to those who enjoy the random style of play.

I am happy to recommend this collection to all fans of the series, as it is likely the best way to enjoy the games, outside of owning the actual arcade hardware it was made for. Having the complete trilogy of Ray shooters in a single pack is one thing, but the bonus HD remasters of the 3D games, the arranged soundtrack, online leaderboards and even a replay system makes this the ultimate release for fans. However, I feel the price point is rather high for arcade games.

In the end, I give Ray’z Arcade Chronology a final score of 4/5. This is the definitive collection for fans of the Ray series of vertical shooters, with the original games presented as they were in arcades, with bonus HD titles and new arranged music that makes this an awesome, but pricey package. If you want to check this release out for yourself, each version of the game will be available below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Physical release (HERE)

Boo Party – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by CosmiKaneki in collaboration with shady corner and published by Eastasiasoft, Boo Party is a top down adventure set in a pixelated world of sexy monster girls. As a fearless photographer, you are tasked with capturing photos of the paranormal ladies that reside in an abandoned mansion. This title 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 Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Boo Party 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.

Mature Content Advisory: Boo Party has been rated as Mature and intended for Adults, this is due to the inclusion of strong language, sexual content, sexual situations and nudity. If you are under the recommended age rating for this title, or if you are uncomfortable with the content listed, please proceed at your own discretion.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the story.

Story – deep in a creepy forest lies an abandoned mansion, which has had many sightings of the paranormal. An oddball scientist has hired you, a freelance photographer to explore the site and capture evidence of the supernatural. Specifically, she wants you to get photographic proof of the ghosts and monsters that have been reported there. But what you discover inside the mansion is wilder than you would ever imagine.

Gameplay – boo party is a top down pixel art adventure, where the player has to explore the mansion, interact with the residents of the mansion and completed requests for them. When starting the game off, the player will only be able to explore a small area of the mansion, learning how to navigate the different rooms and areas. As the player progresses through the game, more areas will open up for the player to explore.

When the player encounters one of the spooky ladies at the party, they will make a request in exchange for a photo. These can include getting a hamburger for a vampire, stone statues for a gorgon and helping a witch with her magic demonstration. These quests can be completed by the player at their own pace, with most requests intersecting with others, leading to the player interacting with other ladies and even side characters.

When wandering the halls of the mansion, the player can talk to most of the party guests, getting information and items from them to complete quests. When the player completes a ladies request, the player will be to snap a photo of them and add it to their album. The player can speak to the scientist Lesbrock when a photo is obtained, receiving spirit points for each image captured, which can be used to buy items and open up new areas.

Alongside the exploration and item collection for requests are the mini games, which are tied to some of the quests that the player has been given. These mini-games are loving homages to the classics, including the games Toobin and Space channel 5. All of these mini games are unlocked during the different stages of quests, often needed to snap photos. When all of the photos are gathered, the player can proceed to the finale of Boo Party.

The last thing to mention for this release is the extra content that can be unlocked. After clearing the game, the player will be able to play a special time attack to beat the game again as quick as possible. There is also a gallery for the player to view photos that they have collected on the title menu, as well as the option to play a special version of one of the mini-games. These additional bonuses provide some replay value for the player after completion.

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

Controls – the controls are reminiscent of older adventure titles, with simple to use inputs for movement, menu navigation and interacting with the characters. Wandering around the mansion is pleasant, as the movement is smooth and the interactions with characters are responsive. There are a few minor flaws when playing the mini-games, but these can be adapted to very quickly and don’t affect the experience too much.

Difficulty – as an adventure title, there isn’t much in terms of difficulty, as the player is able to freely explore the mansion and work through the different missions in the game. If the player does get lost or confused, they can speak to a haunted painting, who provides clues and reminders of quests. There is some difficulty when it comes to the mini-games, as they are a significant departure from the rest of the game. However, there is a system that will let players skip these if they wish.

Presentation – Boo Party has a distinct visual appeal to it, with sprite work that looks like it was pulled straight from the 1990’s, which is quite pleasing to the eye. The artwork that is used for the girls has a cute visual appeal to it, with art that very pleasing to the eye. But if you aren’t a fan of nudity, then there is an option to censor the mature images or disable them entirely, making the game safer to play around others.

The soundtrack for this game is another masterpiece from the composer OSC, with a soundtrack that is funky, fresh and retro all at the same time. The music is the perfect complement to the tone and atmosphere of the overall game, with the different music tracks each having their own distinct flavour to them. There is also a little bit of voice work, which isn’t featured a lot in the game, but is a nice touch where used.

Final Thoughts – I had previously played the title Crawlco Block Knockers from CosmiKaneki, which I enjoyed greatly and when I saw Eastasiasoft announce this I was excited to get my hands on it. Suffice to say, I had a fantastic time getting hands on with Boo Party, as the narrative, characters and gameplay were fun and had a nostalgic charm. The mix of adventure, hidden object search and mini games did not get tiring and I finished my first play through in one session.

I have no issue whatsoever recommending Boo Party to those who are looking for a fun and charming puzzle adventure. There is so much crammed into this experience, it would take me ten thousand words just to cover them all. The references to pop culture, classic games and more as easter eggs for fans was a great touch, with my favourite being the references to a certain TV show about two brothers that hunt monsters.

In the end, I give Boo Party a final score of 5/5. This is one of the best adventure titles that I have played in a while, featuring a gameplay loop that doesn’t become repetitive, an art style and characters that feel unique, hidden details and references galore, and the boobs and butts are a bonus. If you want to check this title out for yourself (and you are of the appropriate age), a link to the game is below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Slime Girl Smoothies – Nintendo Switch Release Announcement

Hello! I have some exciting news to share with you, courtesy of our firends at Shady Corner Games and Eastasiasoft. Announced in the recent summer showcase, Eastasiasoft announced that the puzzle title Slime Girl Smoothies, from developer Shady Corner Games will be released on the Nintendo Switch this August.

Check out the press release from Shady Corner Games below to learn more about this exciting release. I have previously reviewed the game for Steam, which you can find (HERE), but please be aware that there will be some modifications made to the switch version as the original title contains explicit sexual content.

We at Shady Corner Games are pleased to announce that our saucy puzzle title Slime Girl Smoothies is coming to the Nintendo Switch! Through our partnership with Eastasiasoft, we have been able to get the ball rolling on a port of one of the biggest titles we have published to date. Check out the details below to learn more about the game.

The game was previously released on Steam, which you can find a demo for the game to try it out (HERE)

Mature Content Advisory: Please be advised that Slime Girl Smoothies is intended for adults only, with the potential for players to be exposed to the following:

Risqué outfits, sexual language, adult situations and nudity.
The creation and consumption of alcohol, with the implication that characters are under the influence.
Sexually charged scenes of an explicit nature featuring the player and/or the characters featured in the game.
Sexual scenes that may contain interactions related to BDSM and/or “extreme” kink content, viewer discreation is advised.
All characters featured in slime girl smoothies are age 18 or higher.

About the Game

Slime Girl Smoothies takes place at Slimey’s, a bar run by the sensual and seductive Berry, where you the player have applied to work as the new floor manager. In order to secure the job, you have to work shifts with each of the girls on staff, getting hands on experience with the way they mix drinks and maybe more.

In this puzzle game, you have to mix ingredients to make the requested drinks, getting the ratio right and following the formula on screen. Take your time getting placing the ingredients in the right spot, as there are a limited number of ingredients you can mix per drink. If you succeed, you may just see a wilder side of your new co-workers.

Slime Girl Smoothies features a mix of Puzzle gameplay, with dating sim style interactions, with each of the girls fully voiced by some of the best independent voice actors around. Alongside the fully voiced dialogue, there is over 100 frames of animation and 20 Cutscene Graphics to discover, with bonus modes to keep players coming back for more.

Features

Challenging puzzle gameplay, with unique drink mixing mechanics not seen before in a puzzle game.
The featured characters mix the drinks in a special way, using their “assets” to complete each order.
Fully voiced dialogue featuring a cast of voice actors that breathe life into the characters of Slime Girl Smoothies.
Enjoy a collection of images that will be unlocked as the game progresses, with more being added with each story milestone.
Enjoy a fully fleshed out story for each of the girls of the game, with Dating sim style interactions and character dialogue.
Featuring a soundtrack by the talented composer Altered Ego – (Twitter)

Meet The Girls of Slime Girl Smoothies!

Berry – The owner of Slimey’s, who has a sensual and seductive demeanor, taking charge of the girls that she is in charge of. She will oversee you in your new role, while working in the background managing the everyday workings of the bar. Voiced by Ivy Wilde – (Twitter)

Cherry – Berry’s daughter, who is the cheery and energetic member of the team. She will show you the ropes and get you to grips with the way they do things, but keep an eye on her as she can lose her inhibitions sometimes. Voiced by KumBomb – (Twitter)

Mint – one of your co-workers at the bar and the petite member of the team. She appears cold and has a passive aggressive nature to her, but could there be more to her than meets the eye and does she have a warmer side to her? Voiced by MB

Plum – one of your co-workers at Slimey’s and the most well-endowed of the three bar girls. She is a shy and reserved girl, with a nerdy side to her as a fan of Tabletop RPGs, video games and online culture, but maybe there is more to her than meets the eye. Voiced by Midnight Datura – (Twitter)

To learn more about Slime Girl Smoothies and our other games, check out the official Shady Corner Games Twitter (HERE), or if you want to keep up with our official publishing partner Eastasiasoft, you can find them on Twitter (HERE).

Beat ‘Em Up Archives (QUByte Classics) – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Piko Interactive and published by QUByte Interactive, Beat ‘Em Up Archives (QUByte Clasics) is a compilation of 2 brawlers from the Super Nintendo originally released in the 90s. Battle it out with wave after wave of men in the gritty Iron Commando and cleave your way through fantasy scenes in Legend. This title is available on all Console platforms, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank QUByte Interactive for providing the copy of Beat ‘Em Up Archives 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. As this is a compilation title, I will be discussing the two games with a brief description of the experience, with the overall package discussed after.

Legend – 1994

Plot – in the kingdom of Sellech during the middle ages, the son of the king, Clovis, seeks to harness the dark power from the imprisoned soul of Beldor and conquer the world. To prevent this plan from coming to fruition, the knight warriors Kaor and Igor set out on a quest to defeat Clovis. The two warriors battle their way through the kingdom, taking down all that stand in their way to save the land from evil.

Gameplay – Legend is a rather standard brawler, heavily inspired by titles from Capcom and SEGA, most notably the games Knights of the Round and Golden Axe. The player takes control of one of the two knights, armed with a sword, shield and special attacks to battle their way through each of the seven stages. The stages feature mid and end bosses, with story scenes between stages, then the next stage will continue.

All of the enemies will drop loot when defeated, which include health pick-ups, bonus points and magic which adds to their total stock. The combat is a little slow and clunky, with enemies able to interrupt attacks easily as the player characters have a shorter range. The special attacks that the player can use will either use up the magic collected or health, making for a risky yet rewarding trade-off.

If the player loses all their lives, they will get the chance to continue, but they will be returned to the start of the stage, which can be a significant setback. The stages themselves are fairly long, so being defeated will put the player back a fair amount. In an attempt to counteract this, there is an adjustable difficulty and speed settings available to the player. However, these don’t offset the weaknesses of the core game.

The last element of the game to discuss is the 2 player co-op. this allows 2 people to take on the action together and battle through the armies of evil together. Luckily, there isn’t any friendly fire against a comrade, which is a positive. There is also the option to share lives between players, but this can lead to some unrest as the dead player may steal lives while being reckless. If a player loses all their lives, they will be locked out of play.

Iron Commando – 1995

Plot – the Iron Commando Field Team are a crack unit of warriors, sent on a mission to stop the criminal group G.H.O.S.T. from capturing a radioactive meteorite. The team is made up of Jake, a soldier who has a mastery of firearms and Chang Li, a martial arts master with fists deadlier than any weapon. Together, they take on the members of this group in order to stop their evil ambitions.

Gameplay – just like Legend, Iron Commando is an arcade style brawler, where the player must travel from one end of the stage to the other while battling enemies. Inspired by titles like Final Fight and Streets of Rage, the foes that the player will encounter are typical street punk types, with the enemies becoming more unique as the game goes on. There are also vehicle stages, where the gameplay takes on a shooter style of play during the game.

As a brawler of the time, the player has the expected features in their move list, with punches grapples and throws. However, what makes this title different is the unusual way that items work. When enemies are defeated, they can drop items, including food, point items and a variety of weapons. To pick these up, the player must use a dedicated button, with the weapons having a limited number of uses before throwing them away.

This finite use system is common in most games of the genre, but in Iron Commando, when a weapon is picked up they are very limited in usage and often lack stopping power. Additionally, when the player is too close to an enemy, they will use standard attacks rather than the weapon which makes them redundant at times. There is also a limited special grenade attack, which appears to only be useful for knocking enemies back as it is also rather weak.

Much like the title Legend, the combat in this title sadly lacks refinement, as the player can easily be knocked down repeatedly preventing a chance for counter attack. This is most common when the enemies are armed with a weapon, especially the ones using firearms, as they can interrupt attacks and knock the player down with ease. The movement also feels sluggish in this game, with what feels like a lack of fluidity in movement for the most part.

Just like the other title in this collection, Iron Commando features 2 player co-op multiplayer, with both players working together. There is also a lack of friendly fire, which is a positive as that can be very frustrating when playing a beat ‘em up, due to the swarms of enemies on screen. The same option to share lives is also here, as well as being locked out when all lives have been lost.

Now with the two games covered from a gameplay standpoint, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – the controls for both of the games feel sluggish, with button presses feeling like they take longer to process than they normally do. This issue is most noticeable when playing Legend on the standard speed, as it feels like the characters are trying to move through molasses. The controls for the game are the same as their original releases on the SNES, which can be modified but otherwise it works reasonably well.

Difficulty – these games are brutally difficult, which makes their flaws stand out even more. There are issues with the damage balance, which is worse in Iron Commando, as the player can be taken down quickly when being swarmed with enemies needing a lot of hits to beat. The way that both games reset the player back to the start of the stage is frustrating, as it turns the games into a war of attrition as the stages are very long with no checkpoints.

Presentation – for a pack of SNES games, the games both look very good, with some solid sprite work for the time. However, Legend has assets that appear to be “heavily inspired” if not copied from the games that inspired them which is unfortunate. There aren’t issues with frame rate from what I was able to see in either game, but this may not be a universal experience. The sound is clear for the most part, with some decent enough music and sound effects.

Final Thoughts – when I saw this advertised, I was hopeful for a fun and challenging brawling double pack, but I did not have a good time with these games. The difficulty of both games is way too high, the stages are too long and it feels like a chore to play through even at the lower difficulty levels. There is a lot of frustration from this, because they had all of the potential to be good, but sadly they are bogged down by too many enemies and poor design choices.

The worst issues from a gameplay perspective were the unfair enemy patterns and swarming, which is what unfortunately hinders Iron Commando the most. Legend is better but that isn’t much when the game is so very slow, only made more bearable by the inclusion of a turbo mode. It is possible that there is fun to be had here when playing with another, but it doubled the weaknesses of the game during my experience.

I cannot recommend this title to anyone really, as it is a frustrating pack of games that get very repetitive very quickly, with the only saving grace of Iron Commando being the shooting stages. People say that there are many lost games that need to be seen, so that they can be appreciated for what they were, but sadly the titles in this pack don’t fit that bill. Both games were so frustrating to play, that I don’t think I will ever be able to finish them.

In the end, I don’t thing I am able to give a score to Beat ‘Em Up Archives (QUByte Classics). Both of the games are a relic of the past that should have stayed buried, as they attempt to emulate the titles that inspired them, yet sadly failed to be even half as good with the potential they had. If you do want to check these games out for yourself, a link to each version of the game is below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Classic Racers Elite – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – originally developed by Vision Reelle, ported to console by Zero Games Studios with publishing handled by FunBox media and 2Tainment, Classic Racers Elite is a racing simulation game with an emphasis on time. Take part in 12 championships using a variety of vehicles in this love letter to the 60s, an era of rock and roll, men without names and iconic cars. This title is available on PlayStation and the Nintendo Switch, 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 Funbox Media for providing the copy of Classic Racers Elite that was used for this review via the Keymailer platform. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. There is no plot for this release, so I will be going straight into discussing the gameplay.

Gameplay – the developers describe Classic Racers Elite as a “Hill Climb Racing Game”, with the goal of each race being to reach the finish as quickly as possible. This must be done by taking hard turns, flooring it on open stretches and slamming the brakes to get around hairpin bends. The game is made up of two distinct modes, the Championship and Free Race, with the first featuring 12 championship cups over 4 car categories.

All of the vehicles featured in this title are inspired by classic cars from the era, with a range of vehicle types from mini consumer cars, to rally cars and even high end motor sport vehicles. There is also the ability to select from 4 different cosmetic styles per car, giving them a different paint job which gives some variety to the aesthetic. The 16 cars are split into groups of 4 with new groups unlocked when the right conditions are met.

The cars themselves can also be difficult to control, with some of the vehicles being tough to handle at speed, which can be off-putting for newer players looking for an arcade style challenge. The racing is more akin to that of a simulation game, which can be very difficult for players to get to grips with. This can be made more difficult with the lack of track assistance, meaning players will likely take several attempts to complete a race.

When in the championship mode, the player must beat all of the races in a championship, using one of 4 cars that are tied to that specific level. However, this may not be an easy feat to accomplish, as the conditions to succeed in a race can be incredibly tough. The championships are split into time trial and slalom cups, taking place in 17 locations with a total of 50 tracks, using variations of standard race, reverse and Slalom layouts.

All of the races in the championship mode have a rather tight time limit to meet, which can be rather difficult to meet depending on the track. There is only one target time per track, which can be rather daunting for newer players of the genre, while also making it feel rigid and stiff. The single goal time for a track makes for a brutal and unforgiving gameplay loop, as a mistake will often mean restarting the race due to the time loss suffered.

This is made even more challenging by the design of the various track layouts, with race markers that have poor visibility when driving at high speed. By the time a turn can be registered by the player during the first few attempts, there is usually little time to respond. This will lead to collisions with barricades and track elements that can interact strangely with the cars, like traffic cones and tyre stacks that have the potential to flip cars.

Outside of the championships is the Free Run mode, where players are able to play through the unlocked tracks, practicing to get their times as low as possible. However, when starting the game for the first time, there are no tracks unlocked which prevents players from trying out the game without going into championship. Unfortunately, this can be difficult for players to get to grips with the controls and cars at the beginning.

Tied to both the championships and the free run mode are worldwide leaderboards, where players are able to compete all over the world as they battle for the top spot. This does add some replay value for the game, with the player being able to battle it out in time trials with players on all platforms. The leaderboard system is active in both the championship and free run modes, where players can use higher grade cars to set even better times.

There are some unfortunate issues with this release, as the physics have some issues during races, leading to the car bouncing around the track from the lightest bump. This is most present when trying to do the slalom races, as the car can be flipped over with the slightest contact with obstacles on the course. There are even issues with the way momentum works in this release, which can have cars going from full speed to a dead stop in a jarring way.

The last issues to discuss are the difficulties with visibility when racing. The speedometer is in the top right corner, with the track map in the bottom left, which can be distracting during high speed races. The map can be misleading as it only shows the road and not barriers, which can cause difficulty when navigating the tracks. There is also difficulty with visibility when using the different camera positions, which can obscure the track especially in the cockpit view.

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

Controls – the control system for this release has a simulation feel to it, with a marker at the top to show the wheel turn on screen. The steering is controlled by the left thumbstick and d-pad, with adjustable settings for the way the game handles which can be very useful. The other functions of the car, like the accelerator and break are controlled by the triggers and face buttons, which work well with all control types.

Difficulty – this can be a very difficult title, which may take several attempts to reach the goal target of each race stage. This is due to the single lap system that the game uses, meaning that there is no chance to regain time lost from a mistake. The vast majority of the tracks will need to be learned for players to be able to get the most out of the experience, as the mini map can be of little use and the lack of race line assists add to the difficulty.

Presentation – visually, this is a rather pleasing game, with nicely designed cars and tracks. However, there is some blur that can occur during races, especially when using the cockpit and front viewpoints, which can make navigation difficult. There aren’t any issues with the performance in terms of framerate, with a smooth and stable experience all round. The sound is rather basic, with some music that plays in the menus and standard sound effects during races.

Final Thoughts – to start, when I was looking into this title, I was expecting a more arcade style of racer, akin to that of Sega Rally or the original Ridge Racer. But when playing it the game feels more like the simulation motorsport games Gran Turismo and the Forza series, which I am not the biggest fan of. However, after enough time was spent with the game I gradually improved and eventually cleared all of the cups.

There are some flaws to the overall experience, with the track visibility and way that the physics/collision of the tracks can affect the game, along with the awkward HUD placement. It took several attempts to beat the vast majority of the track goal times, which ended up being a frustrating thing due to the tight time limits. This is due to the fact that any single mistake could lead to the car getting stuck, flipping over or just not being able to recover.

I’m not sure if I can make a general recommendation of this title, as I feel the skill ceiling for the game is very high compared to others in the genre. Those who are looking for a difficult challenge are likely to enjoy this, but I don’t think it is for most racing fans as the hill climb time trial gimmick could wear out its welcome quite quickly. The overall package has a lot of potential, but is lacking some of the polish that could make it a truly great racing title.

In the end, I give Classic Racers Elite a final score of 3/5. This is a challenging racing title that has a lot of potential, with unique track designs, a good variety of cars to unlock and plenty of cups to challenge, but there are some issues that tarnish what could be a great racing game. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below, with the game releasing on June 26th 2023.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

SENSEs Midnight – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Suzaku Games and published by Eastasiasoft, SENSEs Midnight is a survival horror title, inspired by the classics of the genre, featuring fixed camera angles and tank controls. Explore the Ikebukuro park, discover the secrets it holds and try to survive as vengeful spirits wander the park. This title is available on all major console platforms, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of SENSEs Midnight 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 off with the plot for SENSEs Midnight.

Story – Uesugi Kaho is an outgoing and adventurous college student and member of her school’s occult research club. When returning to Japan for a family visit, the other club members dare Kaho to investigate an infamous urban legend, The Midnight Door of Ikebukuro Walking Park. Kaho jumps at the opportunity to prove the legend true and capture positive proof of the paranormal, but entering the long abandoned park may be the worst mistake she will ever make.

Gameplay – SENSEs Midnight is a 3D survival horror, taking place in the haunted Ikebukuro Walking Park. The objective of this title is to solve puzzles, collect items and avoid the vengeful spirits that wander the grounds. To achieve the goals that the player needs to in order to survive, the player will need to investigate the park, using her PDA camera and her chat group to find clues on how to escape the nightmare.

As this is a survival horror inspired by the classics that birthed the genre, there is a use of fixed camera angles and tank controls. As the player moves from scene to scene, the camera will shift, making some areas difficult to navigate to attempt to confuse the player. In order to combat this, the player can use the PDA camera to look around in first person. This will provide better visibility and can also uncover some secrets hidden in the surrounding areas.

When moving around the park, the player will encounter the spirits of the dead, wandering the grounds in search of Kaho. When they are encountered, the ghosts will chase the player, trying to kill them and take their soul through the Midnight Door. In order to survive these encounters, the player must run away from the spirits and hide in special places. These spots are signaled by butterflies that the player can activate.

When hiding in these spaces, the player must control their breathing to avoid being detected by the ghost, moving an arrow on screen to line up with a meter that goes side to side. If the player manages to fill this all the way, they will be safe, often leading to the pursuer leaving them alone. But if the player is not able to achieve this, they will be found and even killed on the spot depending on the situation, as there is no way to fight back.

The spirits that wander come in different forms, with different amounts of damage that they can deal to Kaho. The weaker spirits will only do a little damage, slowing the player down for a few moments if they can escape. But if the spirits are stronger, there is the potential for the player to die instantly when caught, which will result in a game over and a loss of progress. To prevent significant set-backs, there is a single save point that players should use often.

By taking photos of the surrounding areas, the player will be able to discover hints and even visualizations of the lost. There are also points of interest scattered around the park, allowing the player to interact with them, either as investigation points or items to collect. However, the player must take care when picking up the items they find, as the inventory backpack only has only 4 slots for holding unique items at any time.

The items within the player’s inventory can be used to complete tasks, combined with other items to gain new objects and dropped to make space when needed. When an object of interest is found, but is not yet obtainable they will be highlighted in purple, meaning they may be useful later on. There are also special items that can be found called Magatama, which will protect the player from spirits, but will be destroyed when used.

At key parts of the story, the player will encounter environmental puzzles and obstacles that they will need to solve to progress. These can be as simple as finding the combination to a padlock, to finding a required item to remove an obstacle and solving complex puzzles. But there is an element of risk to these puzzles, in some instances, failure to complete some puzzles will result in hostile spirits being alerted meaning the player must hide.

The last thing to discuss for gameplay is the extra content of SENSEs Midnight, available when completing set conditions. If the player is able to beat the game, they will be able to access new game plus, allowing them to play through again with a different experience. The second is the bonus cosmetic content, which is made up of special costumes that the player can unlock, allowing the player to change their outfit during play.

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

Controls – the controls that are used for this game are very reminiscent of older survival horror games, utilizing tank controls as the main option for movement using the left stick/direction buttons. There is also the option for modern controls for those who want them, making it easier for first time players. All of the inputs used for the game functions are easy to use, with the camera inputs appearing on screen making it comfortable with all controllers.

Difficulty – there are no difficulty settings for this release, but that doesn’t affect the overall experience as the challenge of the game escalates slowly over time. When first getting into the game, it can be frustrating with the one hit deaths of some spirits and the cryptic puzzles, but these are adapted to quickly. If the player can keep their cool, stay aware of their surroundings and approach the puzzles with care, then their chances of survival will go up dramatically.

Presentation – visually, this title has a look to it that is reminiscent of the horror titles from the PS2, with dark colors and neon lights that bathe the game in an unsettling glow. This works very well both in game and during the cutscenes, which has some good animation for the most part, but does look stilted at times. The sound for this release has a good balance to it, with sound design that gives the game an eerie and haunting atmosphere to it, enhancing the overall presentation.

Final Thoughts – I grew up with survival horror titles during the 90s, with Resident Evil holding a special place in my heart, so getting to play this gave me that nostalgic feeling from playing those games. The control system works well for this title, with the tank controls offering a retro feel to the game which complimented the fixed camera angles. The atmosphere has an eerie and haunting feel to it, with the sound and neon glow adding to the experience.

There are some cryptic puzzles that took me a while to figure out, as well as missing some things that I had to find on a second play through, but this added replay value to the game. When returning to the game each time, there were new hidden details that I discovered which made it satisfying to play through again each time. If you are a fan of classic style survival horror, then I recommend this title as it will give you that much needed fix.

In the end, I give SENSEe Midnight a final score of 4/5. This is a very good survival horror game, with an atmosphere, narrative and gameplay mechanics of the classics that inspired it, while adding narrative elements and modernized touches that make it its own unique experience. 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)