Retro

Class of Heroes 3 Remastered – Switch Review

15Sep

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Class of Heroes 3 Remastered – Switch Review

Dungeon crawlers are an acquired taste, but sometimes the allure of a long-lost Japanese gem is too tempting to ignore. Class of Heroes 3 Remaster, developed by Acquire Corp and published in the West by PQube, is one of those titles. Long stranded in Japan since its original PSP/PS3 release, this remaster out now on Nintendo Switch and Steam finally lets us enrol in Preciana Institute, Draken Academy or Takachiho College and experience the quirky, grind-heavy world our friends in Japan have known for over a decade. Class of Heroes 3 Remaster - Just missed the Master Grade The real magic here is seeing games that were once locked away in Japan finally crossing the seas. It’s exciting to watch these once-region-bound titles get a second life in the West. Have you ever longed for a favourit...

11Sep

By JoseNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Gears of War: Reloaded – PS5 Review

The iconic alien horror shooter best known for its over-the-top gore, its unironic use of macho bravado, and its high-adrenaline action is back (once again). That's right this is a review of Gears of War: Reloaded. The Coalition, the Xbox Studios developers behind this gory chainsaw party, could have delivered just another lazy, half-hearted remastered game like we have unfortunately grown used to in recent years, looking at you The Last of Us. Instead, they have delivered a significant visual upgrade compared to its 2015 remastered Xbox version. Welcome to the War (again)! Nearly 20 years since its exclusive release on the Xbox 360, Gears of War has arrived on the PlayStation 5. The remastered game, rebranded as Gears of War: Reloaded, signifies the end of an era known as the console wa...

Chronicles Of The Wolf – PC Demo Preview

20Jun

By JoseNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Chronicles Of The Wolf – PC Demo Preview

Chronicles Of The Wolf is a metroidvania so fiercely loyal to its source material that it could have fooled me into believing it was made in the early 90s. As cliché and overused as it may sound, the game is a true love letter to the roots of the genre. Whilst the game is available now on Steam this is a preview article of the demo only. A Nostalgic Throwback, For Better And For Worse As soon as you open the game, your senses teleport you back to a time when the internet made strange noises, phones had long curly cords, and televisions were as heavy as modern fridges. The menu options, the eerie retro music, and the 32-pixel resolution all work together in harmony to deliver an incredibly immersive experience. Let's check it out. Gameplay You play as Mateo Lombardo, an initiate of ...

20May

By StuartNo Comments

PC Reviews, Retro Reviews

Farming Simulator 16-Bit – PC Review

Now we all know that Farming Simulator games have been around for a long time. Now it's time for a new entry to the franchise, and whilst you've already guessed, just pretend you didn't know. We have gone old school, with Farming Simulator 16-bit Edition! Giants Software has released an absolutely iconic-looking game for new and old hardware. Featuring a limited run of a physical Sega Mega Drive cartridge, which, unfortunately, at the time of writing, was sold out. As well as the PC download if you want to give it a little play through on your computer. Farming, but not as we know it! I'm a big fan of the franchise and have spent many hours playing the fully fledged versions of the game both with friends and on my lonesome. Would the 16bit retro version keep me as occupied? It's time to ...

26Feb

By Jordan RookerNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Turbo Overkill – PS5 Review

Turbo Overkill is an intense retro shooter by Trigger Happy Interactive. Previously only available on PC, thanks to publishing by Apogee Entertainment it is now available on consoles. If you want to grab a PS5 version you can do so for around £16. If you're looking for your next Doom-esque throwback while awaiting The Dark Ages, then take a moment to read this review. Trust me. The Most Colourfully Lethal Boomer Shooter There have been at least a couple of other Doom-like boomer shooters that have come my way in my time writing for Thumb Culture. Each had its own bit of flair but still not quite as visual of one as Turbo Overkill. The colour palette is nothing less than a striking, modern retro too. Must be that cyberpunk theme I suppose. But check out my thoughts of this pc gone consol...

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Launched In New Layouts

5Feb

By CharlotteNo Comments

News & Updates

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Launched In New Layouts

It's not often a press release lands in my inbox and has me feeling all kinds of wave of nostalgia. And then I came across the news that 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is now available in updated EU layouts including a UK layout! Retro Is The Future The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a love letter to the days of classic gaming. Retro styling really does come together with modern technology in this keyboard it looks amazing. Of course the fact it now comes in five new European layouts is also pretty amazing. These include: 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard - N Ed. (German QWERTZ Layout) 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard - N Ed. (French AZERTY Layout) 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard - N Ed. (Spanish ES Layout) 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard - N Ed. (Nordic NORD Layout) 8BitDo Mechanical...

27Jan

By KatNo Comments

PC Reviews

Tyrant’s Realm – PC Review

Tyrant's Realm is a roguelite action-adventure inspired by classic PS1 visuals. Tyrant's Realm was developed by Team Tyrant and published by Skystone Games. Explore procedurally generated dark fantasy worlds, battling through dangers that evolve with each run. Learn from each depth and work your way through the maps to reach your end. Or end goal? Whichever comes first! I could have just asked for the scroll nicely? Tyrant's Realm is now available on Steam with a 15% off introductory offer until 30th January. But is this worth £7.22? Let's find out. Gameplay The gameplay of Tyrant's Realm is very simple, with the same controls applying as for any soulslike game. Roll, block/parry, move and attack. Handily the controls are also displayed at the bottom right if you ever forget! They ...

26Nov

By Charlotte1 Comment

News & Updates

TheSpectrum Has Arrived…Again

We first revealed the news of the return of The Spectrum from PLAION and Retro Games Ltd back in August. And now it's officially on sale! This modern recreation of Sir Clive Sinclair’s legendary ZX Spectrum retains its original design while incorporating today’s technology. An 80s Icon The Spectrum is the first to faithfully replicate the design of the iconic 48k ZX Spectrum. At the time the Commodore 64, BBC Micro and ATARI 800XL shared a common aesthetic. This same aesthetic became synonymous with home computers. Which is what set the ZX Spectrum apart. It had a look and feel that had not been seen before. The Spectrum aims to bring back that nostalgic feeling to retro fans. Focusing on an authentic looking, sleek, minimalist design worthy of any display cabinet. Widespread accessibil...

4Nov

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

Karate Survivor – PC Review

Ever wanted to be an ‘80s action hero but with a twist of absurdity? Enter Karate Survivor, where the streets are your dojo, your fists are your tools, and the teeth you collect from fallen enemies are the key to growing stronger. Developed and published by Alawar, this roguelike is most similar to Enter The Gungeon and Binding of Isaac, but focuses on an arcade feel and using your fists and melee weapons instead of more ranged ones. With heart and humour, it's perfect for anyone who dreams of clearing out bad guys with a plastic flamingo. The game is available on Steam for the introductory price of £3.86. Karate Survivor: Tooth Collecting, Bread Breaking, and ‘80s Arcade Action Karate Survivor is calling your name if you’re ready to dive into a roguelike that trades bullet hell chaos fo...

Croc Legend of the Gobbos Remaster Coming Soon

3Nov

By Charlotte2 Comments

News & Updates

Croc Legend of the Gobbos Remaster Coming Soon

Argonaut Games has announced its much-anticipated Croc Legend of the Gobbos Remaster. The game will launch digitally in December 2024 on consoles and Windows PCs as an exclusive on GOG. The fun doesn't stop there though. Argonaut Games has partnered with Rock It Games to release the physical and special Collector’s Editions of Croc Legend of the Gobbos Remaster. Physical pre-orders from Rock It Games begin today for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, lasting until December 10, 2024. With physical orders aiming to ship in Q2 of 2025. Additionally, a Gobbo plush will be available for purchase from the Rock It Games website. Read on to find out more about these physical standard and collectors editions! Yazaree! Croc Legend of the Gobbos Remaster follows the heartwarming journey of an en...