Matt Gander 
Publisher Artifex Mundi regularly releases hidden object mystery games on Xbox One. As most have a free trial, I’ve played the vast majority – somewhere in the region of fifty(!) to date. These are, understandably, very samey, combining light puzzle solving with single-screen hidden object mini-games. I’ve never reviewed one, but I’ve always felt that …
The UK retail chart sees its first new arrivals of 2024 this week. Three of them, no less, with two managing to debut within the top five. The Last of Us: Part II Remastered was the highest charting new physical release, entering at #3 in the all formats top 40, and at no.1 in the …
This week’s line-up of new releases closer resembles a typical week in October or November. We can only assume publishers hope any store credit acquired at Christmas hasn’t burnt a hole in digital wallets yet. That, or perhaps they believe everyone has…infinite wealth. The biggest releases of the week, if not the entire month, are …
Modern-day life has taken its toll on an unnamed young woman, resulting in restless sleep and bad dreams – dreams that just so happen to resemble a bullet hell shoot’em up. Playing as the girl’s soul, it’s a case of parrying attacks to weaken enemies before finishing them off in the guise of Honno-Chan, the …
Both Sony and Nintendo launch first-party games this week. Whereas The Last of Us: Part II Remastered involves splattering brains, Another Code: Recollection aims to test your grey matter, taking the form of an investigative adventure with puzzle solving and clue collecting. As the name suggests, it’s a collection of older titles – specifically Another …
Play through the tutorial for this vertically scrolling shooter and you’ll be duly informed how to move, shoot, and unleash a smart bomb. Then, mere seconds later, you’re abruptly thrown back to the main menu. This sets the tone for Nephenthesys perfectly, with this being an incredibly straightforward entry in the genre that has little in …
This week’s UK retail is a peculiar one, with several unexpected re-entries. It’s EA Sports FC 24 that takes the top spot this week, knocking Hogwarts Legacy to #2. Then at #3, it’s the return of Mortal Kombat 1, thanks to a price cut. The bloody brawler is currently available for £25.99 at Amazon and …
This vertically scrolling shooter makes itself known by its stylish presentation that packs more shades of pink than the recent Barbie movie. It also quickly becomes evident that developer Last Boss 88 knows what makes for a rich experience, with around a dozen modes available from the outset ranging from Caravan Modes to a Super …
Turning Prince of Persia into a Metroidvania isn’t a concept particularly ‘out there’ considering the original was a side-scrolling adventure with labyrinth-like levels. It is peculiar that it’s arriving before the troubled Sands of Time remake, however. You’d think that project would take priority. Reviews for The Lost Crown went live a few days ago …
The Monty Mole Collection was just the beginning, it seems. IP holders Pixel Games UK, based in Luton, has revealed a second retro re-release due on Switch this month. The classic puzzler Chip’s Challenge, often associated closely with the Atari Lynx, arrives 25th January on the eShop for £2.99. As cheap as chips, you could …
By 1993, developers had long maxed out what was possible on the humble NES. Prison City resembles a game from this era – something that would have dazzled late NES owners alongside such gems as Kirby’s Adventure, Batman: Return of the Joker, and Mighty Final Fight. Although, it would have definitely required a few additional …
Who announces a new mini console during January? PLAION does, which makes sense seeing it’s due for release at the end of March. THE400 Mini is a 50% scale recreation of 1979’s Atari 400, and will come bundled with an enhanced version of the CX40 Atari joystick for £99.99 (€119.99 / $119.99.) It’s promised to …
A while ago whisperings of a Felix the Cat retro compilation emerged, containing two 8-bit games originally published by Hudson – now under Konami’s wing. Today, the collection has been made official…and there’s a twist in the tale. This collection is being created in association with Limited Run Games, powered by their Carbon Engine. Konami …
Next week is looking promising for the Switch, being the busiest line-up we’ve seen for a good month or so. This week isn’t bad at all either, especially if you’re of the retro persuasion. Shinorubi is a modern take on the shoot’em up genre, presented in widescreen and featuring chunky visuals. The colour palette is …
The first retail chart of 2024 has been published, and somewhat predictably, it’s rather stagnant. There is a belated new arrival, though – expansion pack The Sims 4: For Rent enters at #16. It appears to have launched last month, but for whatever reason, has only just charted. Mafia Trilogy, Ring Fit Adventure, and It …