Double-Fine bounces back with RAD, a post-apocalyptic roguelike with a funky fresh ‘80s vibe.
Despite being gobbled up by Microsoft, it’s launching on all major formats via Bandai-Namco. It isn’t the last multi-format Double-Fine production in the pipeline either – Psychonauts 2 remains multi-format too. Phew!
RAD is a fine example why Microsoft acquired the studio – review scores are mostly clocking in at 8/10, with many critics claiming its one of the best roguelikes around. Due to the ability to mutate into different creatures, it remains fresh for quite some time.
Remnant: From the Ashes goes big on co-op action role-play, developed by Gunfire Games – a studio purchased by THQ Nordic just days ago. IGN called it “punishing and grotesque, but exciting and beautiful all at the same time†while God is Geek praised the core gameplay loop. Scores are a mixture of 8s and 9s so far.
Erica is a surprise release, meanwhile, revealed by Sony during Gamescom. It’s an FMV thriller set in the middle of a life-long murder mystery. Ape Out – one of Microsoft’s Gamescom Game Pass reveals – also launches on Thursday. If the Switch version is to go by, we’re in for a good time.
Another two RPGs are vying for your attention too. The PS4 gets a belated release of the popular MMO Black Desert, which has gone down rather well on Xbox One. You’ll find the trailer below.
Square-Enix’s Oninaki is a different beast, based around picking different Daemons to take into the real-time battles. It’s due on PS4, PC and Switch this Thursday.
The full list of new releases can be found below. Other highlights include Life is Strange 2: Episode 4 – Faith, the Kirby-alike platformer Whipseey and the Lost Atlas, monochrome brawler Pato Box.
New release showcase
RAD
8/10 – The Metro: One of the best roguelikes for a long time, whose randomised abilities work perfectly to add variety and unpredictability to its tale of an 80s style post-apocalypse.
7.6 – IGN: RAD is deeper and more challenging than it looks, making it a super fun post-apocalyptic adventure that’s always fresh.
8.0 – God is a Geek:Rad is a great roguelike that constantly evolves to give you plenty of options the more you play, with unique mutations and a different world to explore on each playthrough.
8/10 – Destructoid: I’ve had a lot of fun with RAD, even though I can tell I’ve really only scratched the surface. Trying to work with suboptimal body modifications is pretty funny in and of itself, and discovering new mutations and lore has been intriguing. I don’t think any studio other than Double Fine could have made the post-apocalypse this entertaining.
6/10 – GameSpot: Double Fine’s hyper-colorful take on an ’80s synthpop apocalypse makes for some gratifying nostalgia at the best of times, but there’s a reason why, eventually, we all moved on to grunge.
Remnant: From the Ashes
9.0 – God is a Geek: It’s a game with a great core loop that will keep you coming back for more, which is especially important in a game that requires multiple playthroughs to see everything it has to offer. If indeed you ever do see it all. Most importantly, Remnant: From the Ashes is just a damn good action RPG
8.0 – IGN: Remnant: From the Ashes is a co-op action-RPG that’s punishing and grotesque, but exciting and beautiful all at the same time. Despite the occasional difficulty spikes and slightly disappointing gear system, the thrill of finally beating a boss that’s had your number for hours is unmatched.
8/10 – Cultured Vultures: From the Ashes is a brilliant game that takes what is good about Soulsborne and combines it with a satisfying co-op shooter.
3.5/5 – Hardcore Gamer: Though not immune from a technical mishap here or there, the overall product may come off a little too void — deliberately so in some cases — but on the basis of gameplay above all else, Remnant: From the Ashes shines as a solid, at times wonderful, foundation Gunfire can hopefully build on.
2/5 – Slant Magazine: Even when Remnant isn’t actively shooting itself in the foot, it never entirely succeeds. Melee combat exists but never feels viable against the many foes that fly, explode, or have status-afflicting auras. Because co-op unfairly increases the difficulty when a partner’s gear level is higher than your own, you’re better off tackling each region solo.
Oninaki
Life is Strange 2 – Episode 4
Black Desert
Erica
New digital multi-format releases
- ONINAKI
- Life is Strange 2: Episode 4 – Faith
- Path of Sin: Greed
- Remnant: From the Ashes
- Mekabolt
- Strength of the Sword: ULTIMATE
New on PSN
- Erica
- Illusion of L’Phalcia
- Arcade Archives VS. GRADIUS
- Project Nimbus: Complete Edition
- Afterlife
- Black Desert
- Doughlings: Invasion
- Gravity Error
- Roarr! Jurassic Edition
- Pig Eat Ball
New on Xbox One store
- Whipseey and the Lost Atlas
- Gift of Parthax
- Ape Out
- Pirates of the First Star
- Rex Rocket
- Smoots Summer Games
- Pato Box
- Gnomes Garden: Lost King
New Nintendo retail releases
- Terraria
- Snooker 19 – The Official Video Game
- Panda Hero
- Dead Cells – Action Game of the Year
Next week: Astral Chain, Control, Wreckfest, Blair Witch, The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut, Hunt: Showdown, Knights and Bikes, MXGP 2019, Decay of Logos,Agent A: A puzzle in disguise, The Dark Pictures Anthology – Man of Medan, The Ninja Saviors: Return Of The Warriors, Crystar, Vambrace: Cold Soul, Headspun, SubaraCity, KAMIKO, Hookbots, and Newt One.