Broforce
Dev: Free Lives
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Without a doubt one of my favorite games last year was Broforce by Free Lives and Devolver Digital. So why is the game at PAX then? Well it is still in Early Access and it has yet to be released on PlayStation 4. At their PAX booth, they were showing some of the standard levels but we had them fire up the Aliens specific levels. At PAX South, the Aliens content was a little buggier, which I enjoyed as the game calls for over the top mayhem. The PAX East build contained the exact same content as what is currently in the Early Access version.
Expect the same familiar gameplay as all other Broforce levels. In story mode, players can team up with up to four characters to put an end to terrorism and rescue hostages. Each character is a spin-off of famous 80s/90s action heroes. You’ll see heroes who represent characters like Rambo, Men in Black, Chuck Norris, etc. All characters come with a primary and secondary weapon, as well as a special attack. All levels are completely destructible, which only adds to the chaotic fun. Other modes include competitive multiplayer and a design your own level option. Broforce will becoming out of Early Access later this year and released on PlayStation 4 as well.
Xeodrifter
Dev: Renegade Kid
Publisher: Gambitious
Xeodrifter is a Metroidvania style game and has previously been released on the Nintendo 3DS and on Steam. Renegadge kid have teamed up with Devolver’s sister company Gambitious to release Xeodrifter on PlayStation 4 and the PS Vita come Spring of 2015. As mentioned before, gameplay is Metroidvania-styled and players will be traveling through the galaxy and exploring multiple levels. As you set out in these different worlds, you’ll be blasting and platforming your way through different planets as you attempt to rebuild your spaceship to make an eventual return home to your galaxy.
Jotun
Dev: Thunder Lotus
Heavily influenced by Shadow of the Colossus, Jotun is an action-exploration game centered around Norse mythology. With everything in the game hand-drawn, Jotun has a distinct look and contrasts the brutal action on screen. During the course of the game, players will take control of a character named Thora. She has to face the gods and the challenges that come with being in Viking purgatory.
The action in Jotun is slow and methodical. Players must strategtize their attacks and use the shadows of the god as guides as to when they might attack next. In this man to man combat, players will have a primary attack and a heavy attack. Primary will do minimal damage but should be used in conjuction with more heavier-charged up attacks. When the gods fall, it is then time to deliver punishing blows to their head. In our hands-on, we were able to send ice structures back at Odin to deal even further damage. The developers have a motto for their game “Beat the odds to impress the gods”. We look forward to the challenge when this releases later for PC in 2015.
Moon Hunters
Dev: Kitfox Games
Moonhunters first came on the scene during PAX Prime 2014 in Seattle. At that time, they launched a Kickstarter campaign which far exceed their expectations. Due to the popularity, Kitfox is now able to bring their game to PC, PlayStation 4, and PS Vita.
The game is based on mythology and you’re in search of the missing moon. 1-4 players can set out to set up their tribe. Players actions will be remembered and effect their legacy for generations to come. The world is randomly generated and contains over 100 plus locations. The world is procedural which will keep things fresh for extended playthrough. There are six different characters to choose from and there is a progression system for each one. Overall, the in-game action is sword and spell based. We’re excited for this one as the Kitfox team already has a solid foundation in place.
Severed
Dev: Drinkbox Studios
Drinkbox Studios is best known for bringing the game Guacamelee to many various platforms. Now the team is busy working on a PlayStation Vita exclusive title called Severed. Due to the fact it is a Vita-only title, the gamed mechanics are built around touch-based combat mechanics. Players will go on the offensive and defensive as they progress through many of the games enemies. Drinkbox consider their game an RPG light. There are upgrade paths for players and abilities can be gained from various totems found through the game. As players defeat enemies, you then take their “severed” body parts to upgrade equipment. In our brief playthrough of the tutorial, Severed proved to be challenging yet rewarding. Do not think of this game as some Fruit Ninja with a better story. Drinkbox is cooking up another solid release here, it’s just too bad we have to wait till the Summer to play more.
Titan Souls
Dev: Acid Nerve
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Having a bad day? Want to be punished even more than your crappy job does? Well, sit down and strap on some Titan Souls. The team at Acid Nerve have your best intentions in mind, afterall dying is inevitable.
Titan Souls is a game of boss battles, 20 to be exact. Each with their own unique attacks and weaknesses. Players will need to exploit the faults of the titans and then consume their power. The kicker here is the main character of the game only has one weapon which consists of a lone arrow. As quickly as you can strike the opponent, you can summon the arrow back and continue on with the fight. Titan Souls will appeal to those who like challenging gameplay, constant boss battles, and dying. The game is part of the PlayStation Spring Fever sale and will release on the PlayStation 4 on April 14.