Indie Bin: METAL MAX Xeno, SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy, Stay

From the embers of the Push Square Podcast rises Indie Bin – a feature that draws attention to some of the smaller games in PlayStation's busy release schedule. Once the Indie Bin is full, we'll put it out for collection in these consolidated articles featuring several pint-sized reviews. The metric here is simple: games we don't like stay Indie Bin and games we do like get taken Outdie Bin. Without further ado, let's crack on.

METAL MAX Xeno (PS4)

METAL MAX Xeno is the newest in a long line of METAL MAX entries where we control a tank to kill all the monsters ever, because revenge is an easy starting point for a game's plot. The only questions anyone needs to answer to enjoy this game are: do you like duff controls, forgettable sound design, and boring combat? If you answered yes then you probably still won't have that great of a time. Leave it in the bin next time. AR

Verdict: Indie Bin

SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy (PS4)

Is there a more kitsch game on the PS4? SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy replaces blood spurts with kittens and unicorn horns, as its bodacious band of babes break nails while wearing as few clothes as possible. This ultra-casual fighter mixes things up with a two-part energy bar, with the glittery gauge growing as you take damage, allowing you to unleash more special attacks. Knocks outs can only be unleashed when opponents are low on health, and you’ll need to toggle between your team of buxom wenches in order to recharge your stamina. For a title that doesn’t take itself too seriously, there’s a lot of effort been invested here: online lobbies come with their own set of titillating animated emojis, while cut-scenes revolve around breast gags and fanservice. It’s the kind of game that will give Waypoint an aneurysm, but it’s surprisingly not bad. SB

Verdict: Outdie Bin

Moonfall Ultimate (PS4)

It's difficult to think of anything positive to say about Moonfall Ultimate. The artwork is quite nice? Unfortunately, this 2D beat 'em up will bore you to tears with its woeful combat. No matter which of the three classes you pick, you have one melee attack - one - and a set of other abilities you can put skill points into. The brain-dead AI spam attacks at you regardless of your actions, there's very little feedback, the UI is awful, and almost nothing is explained properly. It feels like a game that came out in the early 90s, and not in a good way. ST

Verdict: Indie Bin

Stay (PS4, PS Vita)

This is an interesting cross between visual novel and puzzler that tells the story of Quinn, a therapist who's been kidnapped and hidden away in a dingy room with nothing but a computer. On the other end of a chatroom is you, who must select from a couple of dialogue options to help Quinn escape his predicament and keep him from going insane. The game's title comes from the fact that the time you spend away from the game can affect your relationship with the character, encouraging you to, well, stay. The writing is a little ham-fisted at times, but it deals with some heavy subject matter during its short runtime. Some obtuse puzzles aside, this is a clever little game that's doing something different. ST

Verdict: Outdie Bin

Words: Allen Reynolds, Sammy Barker, Stephen Tailby