Mike, Author at Thumb Culture

31Jul

By MikeNo Comments

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 Mike2 Comments

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'...

13May

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

The Precinct – PS5 Review

The majority of videogames are all about death and destruction, and it's not often you play as a character on the right side of the law. That's why I was so intrigued when developer Fallen Tree Games announced The Precinct. Taking on the role of rookie cop, Nick Cordell Jr., players will attempt to bring peace to the mean streets of Averno. After being officially unveiled last year, The Precinct is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. And I'll be taking a look at the PlayStation 5 version today. Just like the developer's previous title, American Fugitive, there's clear inspiration taken from the early Grand Theft Auto games. But, does upholding the law and bringing criminals to justice make for a fun time? Welcome To The Precinct, Rookie. Fresh out of the academy a...

9May

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Spellcaster University – PS5 Review

The original Steam release of Spellcaster University was developed and published by Sneaky Yak Studio back in 2021. If you want to learn more about the PC release, why not check out our original review? But for now, four years later, we have developer Red Art Games to thank for this new console version. This latest edition is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. For this review I got my hands on the PlayStation 5 version. I Wish My Time at University Was This Magical Everybody has imagined having magical powers at some point in their lives, right? Whether it's daydreaming about receiving a Hogwarts letter whilst you should be paying attention in school, or wishing that you could just disappear after a particularly awkward interaction,...