Survival

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...

My Friendly Neighborhood – Playstation Review

1Aug

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

My Friendly Neighborhood – Playstation Review

Did I pick up My Friendly Neighborhood because of it's art style? No. Was it because of the references and similar play style of Resident Evil? Also no. Well then it must have been because of Kyle's amazing review on the PC release which you can read here! Yeah... no. In all (embarrassing) honesty, I wanted to play this John Szymanski and Evan Szymanski's survival horror because it reminded me of that one episode of Angel where he was turned into a puppet. I'm not sure which kids would be entertained by sentient puppets but to each their own... After initially releasing on PC in July 2023, the puppets have made their way to the PlayStation Store this month. You can invite them into your library for £25.49! Let's take a look at what you'll experience shall we? Gameplay Imagine Resid...

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...

10Jun

By PaulNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Cairn – PS5 Preview

Climbing a mountain is one of those activities that seems exciting and life changing, but one that I will never actually do because of the risks, much in the same way as skydiving, spelunking, and weekend trips to IKEA. Cairn aims to deliver at least one of those experiences to you without the risk of flat pack divorce. Following Sony PlayStation's State of Play showcase on 4th June, a PS5 demo was released, and I wasted no time clambering into it. I'm amazed by The Game Bakers' apparent ability to turn their craft to vastly different genres of video game. From the ultra-fast twin-stick shooter Furi, to laid back adventure narrative Haven, and now a surprisingly deep mountain climbing/survival simulation. They've even tackled a drag-and-fling, top-down RPG about squids. Is there nothing...

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...

RuneScape: Dragonwilds – PC Early Access Preview

4May

By Jordan RookerNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

RuneScape: Dragonwilds – PC Early Access Preview

RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a new survival game twist on the classic IP of the same name. It came roaring into Early Access out of nowhere in mid-April, with developing and publishing by Jagex Ltd (RuneScape, Old School RuneScape). It may not be free like the previous games, but is still at a reasonable price point. You can pick it up today on Steam for £24.99. Solid Survival Gameplay with a touch of Dragons I honestly don't recall ever playing RuneScape growing up. The original launched in 2001 and that would have been the same time that I was more into Counter-Strike than anything else on PC. Before I really even knew what MMOs were. I wasn't friends with anyone that was playing it either, so I've only roughly known bits and pieces about it. RuneScape: Dragonwilds caught many by surprise...

25Apr

By StuartNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Darkwater – PC Preview

Recently released in early access on the PC, Darkwater aims to deliver something new to what some may call an overcrowded survival genre. Targon Studios has opted to take some of the best features of a number of similar games, jiggle them all into a nice pie, then bake it for 20 minutes at 180 degrees. With the hope that a nice pudding comes out. Were they successful? To find out I assembled some other members of the Thumb Culture team to hold my hand fill all the crew spots. Watch Out For The Darkness So, are you a fan of this genre? The Steam page lists a number of genres, action, adventure, casual, indie, RPG and strategy all feature. How would you describe Darkwater? Let us know, once you've read the review of course. Gameplay Starting up the game for the first time, you are asked ...

23Apr

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Forever Skies – PS5 Review

Originally released in Early Access back in 2023, and after a good amount of updates, version 1.0 of Forever Skies is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Coming to us from developer Far From Home, this base-building survivor title impressed us back when we previewed it in August 2023. But does the full release leave a positive impression? The Apocalypse Has Never Been So Peaceful As a fan of this genre, I was rather excited to finally get my hands on it after playing the demo. Have you already played Forever Skies on Steam, or have you been eagerly anticipating it as much as me? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the game in the comments below! But for now, let's get into the review and see what this game's all about, shall we? Gameplay Upon booting up...

10Apr

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

Crashlands 2 – PC Review

It’s not every day you crash-land into a sequel brewing in the shenanigan-shaped minds of Butterscotch Shenanigans. Crashlands 2 brings back our favourite intergalactic trucker, Flux Dabes; now older, wiser, and more than a bit crispy from corporate burnout. After a morally questionable marketing stint with the Bureau of Shipping, Flux returns to the alien planet Woanope for some R&R. Naturally, that idea lasts all of five seconds before chaos erupts, and you’re nose-deep in alien flora again. Now, before you get flashbacks of freezing in Don’t Starve Together, let me reassure you: Crashlands 2 is like the cosy, weird cousin who shows up with biscuits and chaos. It’s a survival game, sure, but with fewer existential crises and more synthwave glick-glicks. Let’s dive into this surv...