Exploring the latest gaming highlights and releases

What’s the hottest item on every gamer’s wishlist this year? According to a recent poll conducted by Multiplayer.it, it’s the remastered collection, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy, which garnered a whopping 34% of votes. This collection arrives on PS Plus just as the Enhanced Edition hits the shelves, making it a must-have for fans of the series.

Sand Land: A unique adventure

Now, let’s pivot to something a bit less mainstream but equally captivating. Have you heard of Sand Land? I mean, it’s not as widely recognized as the titans like Dragon Ball, but it’s the last manga from the legendary Akira Toriyama. Recently, it has made a resurgence with a feature film, an animated series on Disney+, and a brand-new game brought to life by Bandai Namco and developed by ILCA.

Set against a backdrop of a drought-ridden world where water is more precious than gold, Sand Land follows the young demon prince, Belzebub, as he embarks on an epic quest with the wise sheriff Rao and the crafty demon Thief. Their mission? To find a legendary spring that could alleviate the suffering of countless families—especially the impoverished ones. But, as fate would have it, their journey hits a snag when raiders damage their jeep, forcing them to swipe a small army tank. This reckless move draws the ire of the king, who hoards water reserves to sell at exorbitant prices, sparking a conflict that promises to be dramatic and intense.

Gameplay and mechanics of Sand Land

In our review of Sand Land, we noted how the game elegantly blends action, RPG elements, and vehicular combat into a colorful adventure. However, it’s not without its rough edges; at times, the gameplay feels a tad too slippery, and the balance could definitely use some rethinking. Still, the vibrant world and engaging story keep you coming back for more.

Soul Hackers 2: A futuristic battle

Switching gears, let’s talk about Soul Hackers 2, which throws us into a tech-driven future where mythical creatures can be summoned using devices known as COMP. Here, a dangerous faction called the Phantom Circle aims to unleash an apocalypse, while the AI Aion creates two clever avatars to thwart this disaster.

As a player, you’ll guide Ringo and Figue through a narrative that expertly balances the philosophical tones of Shin Megami Tensei with the deep character development seen in Persona. The turn-based battles grow increasingly complex, challenging players to exploit enemy vulnerabilities to secure victory. But it’s not all smooth sailing; the monotony of dungeons can disrupt the otherwise brilliant pacing, and while the progression system is solid, it’s heavily reliant on random encounters for party composition. The framework works well, but certain structural aspects can weigh down the overall experience.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted

Next up is the Full Time Edition of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted, which bundles the standard and VR versions of the first three chapters of this iconic horror series. Adding new modes while retaining the eerie atmosphere that fans know and love, this edition has also seen a recent adaptation into a film.

As a night guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, your job is to survive five harrowing shifts where animated puppets come to life with deadly intent. From your surveillance room, you’ll monitor security cameras and track the movements of these lethal automatons, all while wrestling with the tension of gameplay designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Battlefield V: The return to war

Bringing historical warfare to life, Battlefield V captures some of the most crucial scenarios of World War II, emphasizing environmental destruction. Get ready for both thrilling single-player missions and competitive multiplayer experiences for up to sixty-four players. The expansive maps and diverse classes offer plenty of strategies to explore. Have you caught our latest review of Battlefield V?

What to expect from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy

With the Enhanced Edition now available on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy offers a remarkable collection of the first three episodes from GSC Game World. This series has a cult following, and it’s easy to see why. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, and players will delve deep into the Zone, confronting various dangers. The initial chapter, Shadows of Chernobyl, might feel a bit rough around the edges, but the sequels refine the experience, offering improved structures, better-organized missions, and enhanced graphics.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising

Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising emerges as a direct evolution of the Arc System Works experiment that brought the mobile game by Cygames into the fighting genre. The core formula remains intact but now includes simplified commands for newcomers, while seasoned players can enjoy the depth that Arc System is known for.

Humankind: Shaping civilizations

On a different note, Humankind offers a turn-based strategy experience that allows players to shape a civilization from the dawn of time to the present. This love letter to the 4X genre introduces a twist—players can combine different cultures throughout the eras, creating unique civilizations that reflect their choices, both strategically and ethically. Battles unfold directly on the map, reminiscent of tabletop wargames.

Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life

If you’re in the mood for something more relaxing, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a modern remake of one of the franchise’s beloved titles. This farming simulator takes you to the Forgotten Valley, where you can cultivate fields, raise animals, and build friendships while time gently flows by. It’s a welcome escape from the chaos of contemporary gaming.

Gloomhaven: Mercenaries Edition

Last but not least, Gloomhaven: Mercenaries Edition faithfully adapts the renowned board game into a challenging tactical RPG. Every decision feels like a chess move, and one wrong step could have dire consequences as you lead a team of mercenaries through dungeon traps and lethal creatures.

PlayStation Battle Engine Aquila: A classic returns

Wrapping up May’s releases, we have the classic PlayStation Battle Engine Aquila, a shooter that places you in command of a powerful war vehicle. Your mission? Make a difference in the bloody clash between Forseti and Muspell amidst a post-apocalyptic landscape where much of the land is submerged underwater.