Mike, Author at Thumb Culture

17Sep

By MikeNo Comments

Frostpunk 2 – PS5 Review

I was a big fan of Frostpunk when it released on consoles in 2019. Fast forward six years later, and console gamers finally get their hands on Frostpunk 2. Developer 11 bit studios first released their follow-up title in 2024 for PC (Thumb Culture even reviewed that version), garnering positive reviews across the board. But how does the console version fare? Is this city building, survival title a big improvement over the original game? Let's find out! Put a Jacket on; It's a Bit Nippy Outside! It may be worth noting that this is the first time I've played Frostpunk 2, so there won't be much comparison to the PC version. If you've got any thoughts or opinions on the original release, I'd love to hear them! Let me know in the comments below, but for now, it's on with the review! Game...

20Aug

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Sengoku Dynasty – PS5 Review

Sengoku Dynasty started life in Early Access on Steam back in 2023. Thumb Culture even previewed it! Then — after a year of updates — the full game launched in November 2024. Now, developer Superkami have released their feudal Japan simulator for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Today we'll be reviewing the PlayStation 5 version. Current Steam user reviews cite some technical and performance issues, but will that be the case on Sony's hardware? Sengoku Dynasty is available from the PlayStation Store from the 21st August, priced at £24.99. I Studied the Blade… and the Axe… and the Hammer. Since I never played Sengoku Dynasty when it was in Early Access, nor its full PC release, this review won't be comparing the two. However, I'd love to hear your thoughts on how the game has imp...

31Jul

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Lucy Dreaming – PS5 Review

The 90s were a decade filled with some truly fantastic Point and Click games. Many of which are still fondly remembered to this day. Unfortunately, the genre seems to be more of a rarity in today's gaming landscape! So, when developer Tall Story Games announced Lucy Dreaming was coming to consoles, I just had to review it! Lucy Dreaming was originally released on Steam in 2022, with a "Very Positive" review rating from players. At a glance, this looks like a wonderfully British-themed adventure full of witty writing and clever puzzles. But, is that truly the case? Lucy In the Sky With... Nightmares? From Day of the Tentacle to the Deponia series, I've played a bunch of point-and-click games over the years. That said, I'd love to hear some of your recommendations! Let me know in the co...

10Jul

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Star Overdrive – PS5 Review

Are you ready for an adrenaline-fuelled, high-speed adventure on an alien world? Star Overdrive, developed by Caracal Games, is an action-adventure title set in a sprawling open world. Star Overdrive was originally announced last year as a Nintendo Switch exclusive. Now, the game is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with this review focusing on the PS5 version. With several fun-looking gameplay elements and a genuinely striking visual style, is this the next must-play indie title? Who Needs a Sword and Shield When You Can Have a Keytar and Hoverboard? With Star Overdrive already available, I'd love to get your thoughts on the game if you've played it! Why not leave a comment and let us know how you found it? But, for now, it's on to the review! Story Our h...

Building My First Gunpla: HG 1/144 GN-002 Gundam Dynames

1Jul

By MikeNo Comments

Features

Building My First Gunpla: HG 1/144 GN-002 Gundam Dynames

I've been a pretty casual fan of the Gundam franchise since childhood. Upon discovering Mobile Suit Gundam Wing one night on Toonami, it's been something I've enjoyed on and off for more than two decades. Recently, I've started watching Gundam 00 and decided it was finally time to get my first Gunpla! As someone who's been building and collecting various LEGO kits over the years (much to my wife's dismay), and finding constructing them gives my mental health a big old boost, it was time to give Gunpla a go. Short for Gundam Plastic models, these require a bit more care and attention than LEGO sets. Unfortunately, I'm pretty clumsy with fiddly things. Which likely meant I would probably end up getting frustrated and scrapping the kit halfway through. So, join me in my very first Gunpla k...

Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game – PS5 Review

26Jun

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game – PS5 Review

There's no better way to describe parkour than the word "cool". Perhaps not the most eloquent way to describe something, but leaping from rooftop to rooftop whilst performing aerial acrobatics is just bloody cool. Unfortunately, there aren't nearly enough games based around the sport, and the ones we do have aren't too impressive. Thankfully, developer MLMEDIA has just released version 1.0 of Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game! Initially released into Early Access on Steam in May 2024, the game is now available for consoles. Today, we'll be reviewing the PlayStation 5 version, although it's also available on Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. With the average Steam review score sitting at "Overwhelmingly Positive", I was certainly optimistic about the console iteration! Flip, Ju...

16Jun

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Zombie Cure Lab – PS5 Review

I've played a tonne of zombie video games over the years, from open-world titles to playing as a zombie itself! However, I don't think I've ever come across anything like Zombie Cure Lab. A base building colony sim game that allows you to recruit zombies? Sounds interesting! Developed by Thera Bytes and published by Aerosoft, Zombie Cure Lab was originally released on Steam in Early Access in December 2022. Now, over two and a half years later, we have the full release on consoles, with this review focusing on the PlayStation 5 version. But, how well does it translate to consoles? Playing an UNO Reverse Card on the Zombie Virus When the world is overrun by zombies, all hope seems lost. Thankfully, it isn't all doom and gloom, as those smarty-pants scientists have concocted a cure that...

9Jun

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Nice Day for Fishing – PS5 Review

Viva La Dirt League is a YouTube comedy skit channel that I was admittedly unfamiliar with prior to this review. But, with over 7 million subscribers and more than a decade making videos, they're clearly a popular group. Now, with the help of developer FusionPlay and publisher Team17, they're making their very first videogame based on their Epic NPC Man series: Nice Day for Fishing! Despite not knowing the YouTubers beforehand, I've always enjoyed a good fishing mini-game in many titles. So, what could be better than a full game based around it? If you're a fan of VLDL then we'd love to know your thoughts on the game in the comments below. Or better yet, send me some video recommendations! Mornin'! Nice Day for Fishing, ain't it? Welcome to the world of Azerim! This world is full of m...

22May

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Oppidum – PS5 Review

Open-world survival crafting games are relatively commonplace in today's gaming market. That said, I'm always excited to try any new ones, especially when they look as intriguing as Oppidum! Created by developer EP Games, Oppidum is a story-driven adventure for one to four players, with a charming art style and simple yet rewarding combat and crafting mechanics. Recently released for PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X|S, and PC, a Switch version of the game is coming soon. I'll be playing the PlayStation 5 version for this review. Could this be my next gaming obsession? Or will it be just one of many underwhelming titles in the genre? Let's have a look! Cats and Crafting and Co-op, oh my! Oppidum opens with a relatively robust character creator, with more than enough optio...

21May

By Mike1 Comment

PlayStation Reviews

City Bus Manager – PS5 Review

Originally released on Steam in 2024, City Bus Manager has finally made its way to console! Available for PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, how will this version fare against its PC counterpart? Developed by PeDePe GbR — a team that has a history with bus simulator titles — City Bus Manager has been very well received on Steam, with a Very Positive review rating. Today, I'll be trying out the PlayStation 5 version, and as always with these sorts of games, I have a number of questions. First and foremost being: how well does the keyboard and mouse control scheme translate to a controller? No Late Buses On My Watch! Whilst maybe not the most exciting game on paper, I was still very much looking forward to playing City Bus Manager. Management sims can be a lot of fun! If you'...