Gaming
Indie Gaming First Impressions: Titan Souls
Sitting down with ACID NERVE’s Titan Souls is an experience I can only describe as nostalgic. Reminiscent to huddling under my bedside-table lamp in a struggle to get as much light as possible onto the screen of my Game Boy Colour. Stepping into its quaintly retro world with nothing but a bow and a single boomerang-like arrow feels like a charming return to the simplicity of the past. This simplicity seems to be the core from which Titan Souls’ gameplay draws from, with only two buttons to sprint, roll and fire your arrow, alongside fully 3D controls with the analog stick or D-pad.
Basics out of the way, I set about heading up the lonely path towards a creepy door adorned with a pulsating eyeball. Naturally, I shot it, and proceeded through the open archway. Standing at the bottom of a huge structure, I was met with what sounded eerily like rhythmic basketball dribbling. You can imagine my disappointment when it was in fact not basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo who greeted me, but a weird, dodgy looking mass of bouncy green slime that proceeded to squish me repeatedly till I learned to kill it. Welcome to Titan Souls, eh?
However! My tentative first steps were not for nothing. From this simple, albeit fun and well-designed fight, I was given insight into how the mechanics of the game work and would continue to work throughout. I learned that my character would die if hit once. I learned that after using my arrow to expose the weak-point of a boss, they too could only handle one hit. My first fight also taught me to be observant and I quickly discovered an interesting theme that linked together the game’s introductory bosses.
Bosses, which similarly to the first, were designed in a way that quietly and sub-consciously teaches players how to deal with the progressively more difficult challenges that fighting these Titan Souls present. Over the course of the next twenty or so minutes, I had defeated the game’s tutorial bosses and opened a gate to the larger world beyond.
It is in this larger world that Titan Souls really becomes quite lovely. A subtle nod to classics of the past like Shadow of the Colossus, I was given complete freedom to roam about wherever I pleased, albeit without my chirpy horse companion. Regardless, I found myself quite taken by the atmosphere of mystery and isolation. The game’s accompanying soundtrack wafts a similar simplicity but remains beautifully orchestrated, fitting each individual environment like a glove.
And that’s that really. My experience thus far with Titan Souls has been rather lovely. Coming off the back of recent heavy hitters like Bloodborne and Battlefield: Hardline, it’s nice to be able to just sit down, chill out and not have the constant threat of painful death loom over my head like a big green slime monster… wait a minute!
Gaming
Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game
Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.
Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.
Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.
What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Gaming
ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games
Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.
In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.
According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.
In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!
Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Gaming
Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5
It appears that many
are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.
We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.
「Stellar Blade」 Physical Package Secrets⚠️#StellarBlade #PS5 #Disc pic.twitter.com/WQSzKUSDQ4
— StellarBlade (@StellarBlade) April 22, 2024
It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.
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