Iron Meat: A Nostalgic Ride Down “Contra" Street

If you’re a fan of classic 2D run-and-gun shooters, then “Iron Meat” is a game that will take you on a nostalgic journey down “Contra Street.” While it isn’t trying to be a direct clone of the iconic Contra series, Iron Meat brings back that familiar feeling in its own unique way. With animations reminiscent of a “Heavy Metal” animated film, this game will have you reminiscing about the good old days of arcade gaming (minus the quarters).

Iron Meat is a fast-paced, run-and-gun shooter that immerses players in a world overrun by The Meat—an all-consuming interdimensional biomass. Players will battle against mutated victims and machines, dodge bullet barrages, and crush bosses in nine levels of gore-ific brutality. As Vadim, you must fight back against The Meat and stop the terrors spawned from scientist Yuri Markov’s experiments on the Moon.

Key Features:

• Multi-Phase Boss Fights: Iron Meat pays homage to classic run-and-gun titles with intense boss fights that have multiple phases. With three difficulty settings, players can test their skills, with higher difficulties offering even more challenging boss battles.
• Multiplayer Couch Co-Op: Take on The Meat invasion with a friend in 2-player couch co-op mode. Double the firepower, double the carnage, and double the MEAT!
• Over 30 Unlockable Skins: Customize your character with over 30 unlockable skins. Mix and match parts to create unique combinations, from a shark head on a robot body to a cowboy with demon wings.

Iron Meat isn’t just about nostalgia; the devs are delivering a fresh, 2D experience that makes you want to dive back into the world of classic arcade shooters through a game that the devs want to be bad ass in its own right. Whether you’re gunning down grotesque creatures or dodging environmental hazards, Iron Meat offers an action packed ride from start to finish. Grab another player... because it just makes sense.

If you’re lucky enough to score a physical copy, thumbs up! If not, no worries—it’s available digitally on Switch and PS5 for 10% off until October 10th. Suit up with a friend and… game on!

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Shadow of the Ninja Reborn... Reviewed: A Fresh Take on Retro 2D Gaming

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a must-play for fans of 2D retro games. This 2024 release offers clean 2D pixel graphics, smooth animations, and engaging gameplay that pays homage to the original 1990 “Shadow of the Ninja.” Younger gamers, who often find retro games too stiff, will appreciate the fluidity of this title, reminiscent of classics gems like Metal Slug.

Storyline:

In Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, you follow the Dark Assassins, Hayate and Kaede, from the Ryuha Shippu clan. Hayate, the future leader, and his senior, Kaede, embark on a mission not only for substantial rewards but also to liberate people from the antagonist’s tyranny. Hayate’s journey is as much about mastering his ninja skills as it is about controlling his temper, with Kaede ensuring he stays level-headed.

Gameplay:

The game features multiple modes, including the standard Arcade Mode and Time Attack Mode, where players can compete for the best times on online leaderboards (serving replay value for those craving competition).

Players can jump, attack, shadow step, and use various weapons and health items. The kusarigama allows for 360 degree long ranged attacks, you're able to wall run, suspend from scaffolding, stand on the handle of your blade for downward attacks mechanics add depth to the gameplay. Don’t forget to use your Ninjutsu attack when things get tough!

  Family Fun  

This game is perfect for family gaming sessions. While it supports two players, you can take turns, just like in the old days. Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, is available for $19.99 on Switch, Playstation, PC Steam, and Xbox. Physical copies available... here.

Audio:

The music and audio effects in Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn evoke a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of Streets of Rage, Final Fight, and even stages from games like King of Fighters '93 (or possibly from '95, it's been awhile). The retro vibe is strong... in a good way + it feels fresh and exciting.

Price:

While more stages or a stage creation feature would be a welcome addition, Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a solid experience at $19.99. A price point of $14.99 might be a sweet spot in my opinion, but the game offers plenty of enjoyment for its cost.

Story 4 - You know the story (as mentioned above), but... if there were an actual (skippable) cutscene in place after the initial splash screens, that would be great. There is a cutscene, but... you have to wait at the title screen before it begins. How many people are going to actually wait around to see it, if they even know its there? Let the cutscene get it's shine.

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

4.75 out of 5 Cool Points

 + Sophi 

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FTS: Monster-Collecting-and-Fusing RPG Cassette Beasts Hits Play April 26 on Steam, Microsoft Store & PC Game Pass

Monster-Collecting-and-Fusing RPG Cassette Beasts Hits Play April 26 on Steam, Microsoft Store & PC Game Pass

Capture unique creatures and transform into them to battle in this open-world adventure, coming Spring 2023 to Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch

STOCKHOLM – March 29, 2023 – Raw Fury has announced that indie developer Bytten Studio’s Cassette Beasts, the creature-collecting-and-fusing, turn-based battling, open-world RPG, will debut on PC via Steam, the Microsoft Store, and PC Game Pass on April 26, 2023. It will arrive later this spring on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox Game Pass.

Cassette Beasts puts a unique spin on monster-collector RPG adventures. On the remote island of New Wirral, people can use cassette tapes to transform into strange creatures and battle. You’ll need to explore the island and record a menagerie of mighty monsters to your trusty cassette tapes to gain their abilities and find a way home!

Discover over 100 awesome monsters to collect and transform into during turn-based battles. You can even combine two creatures together to make powerful new forms with shared elemental types, stats, and move sets using Cassette Beasts’ Fusion System! Some of your opponents have this ability, too, so you’ll need to get creative to win.

Side B Features:

• Transform into Monsters…with Cassette Tapes?! Faced with the constant threat of monster attacks, the residents of Harbourtown can fight fire with fire. Record a variety of special creatures, then play them back in the battle to take on their forms!
• Fuse Monsters Together: Merge with your companions’ monsters to transform into unique, fully animated fusions combining the strengths of both forms! There are thousands of creature-fusion combos to experiment with and discover.
• Explore a Rich Open World: Some monster abilities can be used in human form, which you'll need to get around, solve puzzles, and more. Glide, fly, swim, climb, dash, or turn magnetic in a colorful land brought to life with beautifully crafted monsters, ‘80s vibes, and a synthy soundtrack!
• Master a Deep Battle System: Use elemental chemistry to apply advantageous buffs or debuffs with your attacks, or even alter your opponent’s elemental type.
• Travel with a Diverse Cast of Companions: Never fight alone! Forge bonds with your partners and help them complete personal goals to become a better team. The strength of your relationship determines how well you’re able to fuse!
• Play Couch Co-op with Friends: Team up in local multiplayer for up to two players. Explore the open world, transform, and battle together as a duo!

 

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