Scrolling beat’em up fans rejoice! Capcom Beat’Em Up Bundle has elbowed its way onto PSN, the Nintendo eShop and the Xbox One Store. The surprise compilation – revealed during last week’s Nintendo Direct – contains Final Fight, Captain Commando, The King of Dragons, Knights of the Round and Warriors of Fate, as well as two games previously unavailable on consoles: Armored Warriors and Battle Circuit.

While reviews are generally positive, a few critics note that online play is far from stable. The lack of Capcom’s licensed games, such as The Punisher and AvP, was also brought up. Reviewers should know not to expected licensed stuff by now – obtaining rights to expired licenses is a massive headache for publishers, hence why it happens so rarely.

This week also sees the release of Ubisoft’s cinematic thriller Transference, the pleasingly daft visual novel 428: Shibuya Scramble – which gained full marks in Famitsu – and the whimsical nostalgic adventure The Gardens Between. Dungeon crawler fans may want to check out Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk – available on both PS4 and Switch – meanwhile, which gained a glowing review from God is Geek.

There’s Downward Spiral: Horus Station – a PSVR adventure set aboard a space station – to consider too, although with scores varying from 8/10 to 4/10 you may want to investigate further before opening your virtual wallet.

We’re also going to give Telltale’s RGX: Showdown a shout-out. This futuristic racer comes from the minds behind Split/Second and Burnout, priced at a low £7.99. The lack of reviews is rather concerning, however. Which such talent behind it, you’d think Telltale would tell the world it exists.

New release showcase:

Transference

Reviews:
3.5/5 – AOTF: “It’s a game worth checking out (though you might want to wait for a sale), but is far from the great narrative experiences other walking simulators have come to be known for”

3.5/5 – Game Rant: “As far as virtual reality games go, Transference isn’t the best, but it’s definitely one of the scariest. Anyone looking for a solid horror game will want to give it a go despite its shortcomings”

70% – New Game Network: “Transference is an enjoyable thriller that retains its effectiveness in a non-VR setting. Despite gameplay simplicity and underutilized live-action videos, the strong atmosphere and a few memorable scenes help this sci-fi adventure leave a lasting mark”

428: Shibuya Scramble

Reviews:
10/10 – PlayStation Lifestyle: “I have never played a game quite like 428: Shibuya Scramble. It’s hands-down the best visual novel I’ve ever experienced. Anything you could want in a VN it offers. Deep character development, a rich, meaningful story, humor, action, romance, you name it!”

8/10 – GameSpot: “From the first hour of the in-game day, you’ll be riveted by this story’s unexpected twists and turns. If you want a story- and character-driven game with a presentation you won’t see anywhere else, 428 is a game not to be missed”

7/10 – Push Square: “428: Shibuya Scramble is a fun addition to the PS4’s growing visual novel stable. Solve a kidnapping, thwart a viral conspiracy, and assist a hapless salesperson in taking off her giant cat costume: Spike Chunsoft’s zany story has charm to spare and is both funny and thrilling while it lasts”

Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle

Reviews:
7.5 – PSU: “A compelling and satisfying collection of prime side-scrolling brawlers from Capcom’s arcade heyday, though there are some missing titles and less bonus material then we’d like, Capcom Beat Em Up Bundle does justice to its selection, making it an essential prospect for fighting fans and co-op players alike”

7.5 – Xbox Tavern: “It’s a shame that when playing online with more than two players the game’s framerate dramatically spikes, but with that to the side, there’s little to scoff at. When all is said and done, the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle is a must have for fans of the genre”

7.1 – Video Chums: “If you’re a retro arcade fan then picking up a copy of Capcom Beat ’em Up Bundle is a must. That being said, don’t expect it to be a comprehensive compilation because it’s far from it”

The Gardens Between

Reviews:
9/10 – TSA: “While it’s not the longest game, it’s perfectly put together, and though the puzzles aren’t too difficult, the way they’re crafted should be praised as should the whole package”

7/10 – Push Square: “The Gardens Between is almost a truly great puzzle game, but it gets hung up in a couple of small areas. Gorgeous surreal environments pair with a perfect score to create a killer atmosphere for some of the most clever puzzle mechanics – complete with impressively consistent internal logic – that we’ve seen in some time”

6/10 – VideoGamer: “A seductive art style, hazy synth sounds, and some well-designed puzzles give The Gardens Between a pleasant mood, but it doesn’t stay in the mind long after the credits”

Downward Spiral: Horus Station

Reviews:
4/5 – Dark Station: “Downward Spiral: Horus Station is an atmospheric game that feels like the video game equivalent of Aram Khachaturian’s exceptionally melancholic Adagio from the Gayane Ballet Suite used during the Discovery montage from 2001: A Space Odyssey. I never knew exploring and interacting with derelict space vessel in VR was my jam – and it totally is now”

7.0 – PlayStation Lifestyle: “Downward Spiral: Horus Station isn’t without issues, but this is an experience worth having for PSVR owners. The Zero-G gameplay remains fun throughout, and a wide assortment of weapons and tools helps to allow players some freedom in the way they dispatch enemies”

4/10 – Push Square: “Downward Spiral: Horus Station neither succeeds nor fails in any spectacular fashion, and as such, it just sort of exists. This is a boring experience that doesn’t do anything truly unforgivable, but is also unsuccessful in offering anything worthy of talking about. Downward Spiral: Horus Station is a thing, but you really don’t need to experience it”

Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk

Reviews:
9.0 – God is a Geek: “Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk is a refreshing addition to the DRPG genre that is a must play for fans of Etrian Odyssey and those who enjoy NIS’ visual style”

7.9 – Video Chums: “Even with its flaws, Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk is one of the most enjoyable dungeon crawlers that I’ve ever played. The somewhat open-ended progression system and rewarding party growth mechanics make for one satisfying adventure”

7.0 – PlayStation Lifestyle: “Exploring every inch of the labyrinth is addictive, and its unique battle system and an in-depth character creation system will keep you busy for quite a while”

New digital multi-format releases:

Fishing Sim World
Anodyne
Hover
Scribblenauts Mega Pack
RGX: Showdown
8-Bit Armies
My Brother Rabbit
8 To Glory – The Official Game of the PBR

New on PSN:

The Chantry
Pixel Ripped 1989
‘n Verlore Verstand – Deluxe Edition
Blind
Warface
Legendary Fishing
Unearthing Mars 2: The Ancient War
Deployment
Little Dragons Cafe
Toon War

New on Xbox One store:

ACA NeoGeo: Cyber-Lip
Speed Brawl
League of Evil
I am the Hero
Wenjia

New Nintendo retail releases:

Broken Sword 5 – The Serpent’s Curse
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk
Candle: The Power of the Flame

Next week: FIFA 19, Forza Horizon 4 – Ultimate Edition, Life is Strange 2, Valkyria Chronicles 4, The Council – Episode 4: Burning Bridges, Fire Pro Wrestling World, The Walking Dead: The Final Season – Episode 2: Suffer the Children, Dragon Ball FighterZ (Switch), This Is the Police 2, Namco Museum Arcade Pac, Friday the 13th: The Game Ultimate Slasher Edition, Dakar 18, Valthirian Arc: Hero School Story, Metal Max Xeno, Atari Flashback Classics Volume 3, Giana Sisters: Twisted Dream – Owltimate Edition, Air Missions HIND, Pillar by Michael Hicks and Gonçalo Antunes, Creed: Rise to Glory, Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition, Jack N’ Jill DX, and Pizza Titan Ultra.