Game Details
| Size | 420 MB |
| Region | USA |
| Genre | Action, Adventure |
| Format | 7z / ISO |
| Year | October 20, 2009 |
| Console | PSP |
The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun (2009) is an action-adventure platformer developed by High Voltage Software and published by D3 Publisher. Based directly on Jay Stephens’ stylized Cartoon Network animated series, the game brings the globe-trotting, cryptozoological adventures of the Saturday family to life on the PlayStation Portable.
Rather than standard linear brawling, it blends puzzle-platforming with a unique monster-taming mechanic, effectively capturing the show’s Saturday-morning cartoon magic.
Story & Premise: The Cryptid Apocalypse
The narrative operates as a standalone “lost episode” that fits right into the continuous lore of the television show. The Saturday family—a team of secret, specialized scientists who protect the world’s hidden monsters (Cryptids)—discovers a catastrophic plot orchestrated by their architectural nemesis, V.V. Argost.
Argost has discovered ancient secrets detailing the “5th Sun.” By tracking down and brainwashing powerful, legendary Cryptids scattered across the globe, he intends to trigger a reality-altering cataclysm to rule over humanity. Controlling Zak Saturday and his family, players travel from the dense jungles of South America to forgotten underwater laboratories to gather the Cryptids first and dismantle Argost’s global threat.
Back Cover Description
CONTROL THE CRYPTIDS. SAVE THE WORLD!
The cryptids are real, and they need your help! Take control of Zak Saturday and his family’s incredible arsenal to stop V.V. Argost from executing the ancient prophecy of the 5th Sun. Use Zak’s unique psychomimetic powers to physically control massive cryptids, explore dangerous, uncharted ruins, and battle hordes of enemy mercenaries!
- Over 30 Playable Cryptids: Don’t just fight them—tame them! Mind-control exotic beasts like the Fire-cat, Fiskerton, and Zon to solve intricate puzzles!
- True Cartoon Presentation: Dive into an authentic story featuring the official voice actors, stylized cel-shaded graphics, and custom animation segments!
- High-Tech Gadget Exploration: Use Zak’s signature weapon, The Claw, to grapple across bottomless pits, hack ancient computer terminals, and execute striking combos!
Key Gameplay Features
- Psychomimetic Cryptid Control: Zak possesses a rare genetic ability to telepathically link with and control Cryptids. Throughout the levels, players encounter various wild beasts. By initiating a quick rhythmic mini-game, Zak can ride or command them, utilizing their specialized elemental powers (like freezing water, shattering stone walls, or breathing fire) to bypass environmental hazards.
- The Claw’s Grappling Mechanics: Zak’s primary tool is The Claw, a high-tech staff with a retractable hand. The level design leans heavily on this gadget, requiring players to swing across ceiling anchor points, pull down distant levers, and lasso enemies mid-combat to throw them into environmental hazards.
- Family Assistance Framework: While you primarily steer Zak through the 3D side-scrolling stages, his family members are closely integrated into combat. Players can collect tokens to call in localized support strikes—such as his father Doc deploying heavy energy shields or his mother Drew swinging her fire-infused sword to clear out clusters of mercenaries.
Short Review: Vibrant Fan Service with Linear Pacing
The Good
- Flawless Visual Translation: High Voltage Software did an exceptional job capturing the show’s distinct visual identity. The polygon models perfectly match the sharp, angular character designs of the cartoon, and the colorful, cel-shaded art style looks bright and crisp on the PSP screen.
- Fun Monster Variety: Getting to experiment with over 30 distinct Cryptid types keeps the puzzle-solving engaging. Figuring out which monster’s unique attribute is needed to unlock a secret pathway provides a highly rewarding loop.
The Bad
- Highly Linear Level Layouts: Despite traveling to exotic locales, the actual stage paths are incredibly straightforward. There is very little room for open exploration, and veteran platforming fans might find the pacing a bit too guided.
- Repetitive Combat Scenarios: Outside of the boss encounters against villain icons like Van Rook or Argost, standard combat consists of repeatedly spamming basic attack strings against identical groups of masked mercenaries, which can feel monotonous over long sessions.
Screenshots
