Concrete Genie: Game review (PS5)

A few years ago I fell in love with Playstation Plus' game Concrete Genie (affiliate link). This little gem about a boy being bullied by his schoolmates should't have had that effect on me. 

 

 

Concrete Genie bullies

In general this topic traumatizes me. Bullying is the reason why I didn't like Life Is Strange. That is the reason why I couldn't play as the killer in my all time favorite game, Friday the 13th: The Game.

So why Concrete Genie managed to steer clear of that trauma?

The reason must be the adorable spirits, the Genies. I can't get enough of them. I'm totally in love with them. I could spend hours just watching them.

 

 

 

Concrete Genie video game

In Concrete Genie you play as a boy called Ash, who is living near a dark town of Denska. Some time ago something terrible happened to Denska, and darkness consumed it. But now Ash finds a magic paintbrush, and he is then able to bring the town back to light. With his new friends, the genies. 

Say no to Move

By default on Playstation the game's setting has the painting minigame on Move motion function. If you hate Move as much as I do, be sure to change that setting. Then the painting is done with the right stick, and it's much easier that way. 

Ugh, I had so much trouble with Heavy Rain because of this stupid Move.

 

Is Concrete Genie worth it?

I can't recommend this game enough. I love it, or should I say the genies, too much. 

But there are some cons too.

I don't like the fighting against monsters towards the end, especially the big boss.

Hint: You can change the game's difficulty to easy. That's what I did.

Also way too often I'm having trouble seeing which designs the genies are requesting. That's so frustrating, for both the genies and the player. 

 

 

How long is Concrete Genie?

Concrete Genie is a relatively short game. My second playthrough took about 5 hours.

 

Cats in Concrete Genie

Yes, there are cats in this game. Or to be honest, I don't know if it's always the same cat. It probably is.

 

You can pet the cat, and the genies can pet the cat. So freaking adorable, both genies and the cat.

 

 

Is Concrete Genie free to play?

Concrete Genie is available for free on Playstation Plus Extra.

 

Concrete Genie gameplay (PS5)

Here's some of my Concrete Genie gameplay on Youtube:

 

Cats in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows (affiliate link) is an upcoming game, to be released on March 20, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, macOS, and iPadOS. The release has been postponed many times.

This time the assassins murder and cause mayhem in Japan, with two playable characters who have different abilities.

What got my interest about this game are the cats in it. 

The only previous Assassin's Creed-game I have played is Valhalla. And I only played it because you can get a cat in it. Like I infamously said: "How many people do I have to kill to get a cat?"

 

 

How to get a cat in Assassin's Creed Shadows

In Assassin's Creed Shadows, players have the opportunity to transform their Hideout into a sanctuary for various animals, including cats.

It seems to be a bit similar to Valhalla, but improved. The ways to customize your base are plentiful.

You can even get a kitten, and then it will grow to an adult cat. The game features different animations for adult cats and kittens, adding to the immersive experience.

To bring cats into your Hideout, you can pet them during your explorations, in many areas cats are abundant. Once befriended, these cats will reside in your Hideout, offering interactive moments such as petting. 

This aspect of the game allows players to create a personalized space that reflects their affinity for feline companions. 

 

"You had me at cats."

 

I'm not a fan of the Assassin's Creed-series, but it strongly seems that I'm gonna have to get my hands on Shadows at some point. When it's cheap enough of course.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive) (affiliate link)