Dynasty Warriors: Origins - Visions of Four Heroes - PS5 Review

Dynasty Warriors: Origins - Visions of Four Heroes by developer Omega Force and publisher Koei Tecmo America—Sony PlayStation 5 review written by Nick with a copy provided by the publisher. #DynastyWarriorsOrigins #VisionsofFourHeroes

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Watch the Teaser Trailer for Stupid Never Dies Shown at The Game Awards 2025

Osaka, Japan, 11th December | GPTRACK50 Inc., the Netease studio headed by Industry veteran Hiroyuki Kobayashi, today revealed the very first information on its upcoming original title, Stupid Never Dies – a title created by a seasoned team of action-game developers with credits including such legendary series as Devil May Cry, DRAGON’S DOGMA, AND Resident Evil.

 

The title and its teaser trailer were first unveiled at The Game Awards 2025, held in Los Angeles on 11th December, 2025.

Presented in a music-video style, the newly released teaser introduces the world to the zombie protagonist, Davy, and the human heroine, Julia, performing to the game’s theme song.

The footage offers a glimpse into their personalities and relationship, while the fast-paced pop-punk track captures the game’s vibrant world and energetic spirit.

In the game, Davy will be joined by a cast of unique allies who support him as he ventures into another world where he will face off against a distinctive rogues gallery of iconic enemy monsters including werewolves, lizardmen, and skeletons in a fresh take on the Action RPG genre which GPTRACK50 have christened “Blazing Fast Growth”.

Further details regarding the story and gameplay will be revealed in future updates, so please stay tuned.

For the latest information and to add Stupid Never Dies to your wishlist, visit the Steam store page here.

 

About GPTRACK50 Inc. 

GPTRACK50 Inc. was established in Osaka, Japan, in October 2022 by President Hiroyuki Kobayashi with the mission of creating new entertainment IPs, primarily through the development of consumer video games for a global audience. The company aims to expand its original IPs beyond games, exploring cross-media opportunities such as live-action films, animation, and more.

The major past works of staff include the Devil May Cry series, the DRAGON’S DOGMA series, the Resident Evil series, and more.

• Official Website: https://www.gptrack50.com/en/
• Official X: https://x.com/GPTRACK50
• Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVDrsMW8vWS5iVRjkntf6Eg
• Official X: https://x.com/stupidnvrd

Article by: Susan N.

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CODE VEIN II OVERVIEW TRAILER SHOWCASES NEW COMBAT GAMEPLAY AND ALL-NEW PARTNER SYSTEM

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today released the official overview trailer highlighting the exciting new game play systems coming in CODE VEIN™II. The trailer offers a deep dive on character creation tools, Revenant combat, and an expanded look into the different environments that players will discover on the frontier. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., CODE VEIN II sends players on an epic narrative-driven journey where they wield time as a weapon, explore past and present versions of a collapsing world, and join forces with companions through the game’s dynamic Partner System. The title will launch on January 30, 2026, and is available now for pre-orders on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®. An upcoming CODE VEIN II Character Creator demo is available for free on January 23, letting eager Revenants use the game’s deep customization to create characters they can transfer into the final game after purchase. For more information on this title, visit www.playcodevein.com. 


View the CODE VEIN II overview trailer at the following link: https://youtu.be/8MFT2Jo7CN0


 

The overview trailer spotlights key features that players will utilize to survive  the post-apocalyptic world in CODE VEIN II. Combat in the game has been expanded, introducing new depth and strategy through enhanced Drain Attacks, Formae, and the Partner System. Drain Attacks are offensive maneuvers used to extract Ichor, an essential resource that fuels the player’s most powerful abilities. Using this Ichor allows players to unleash powerful attacks called Formae, which includes Weapon Formae that modify attacks and grant buffs, Bequeathed Formae that summon unique weapons for devastating strikes, and Defensive Formae that offer critical blocks, counters, and evasive maneuvers. Jails are specialized artifacts worn on the player’s back and further shape combat by altering stats, modifying Drain Attacks, and providing tactical advantages based on the encounter. 


The trailer also highlights the Restorative Offering, a mechanic where partners can restore the fallen Revenant Hunter with recovered health, though a cooldown leaves them temporarily incapacitated and unable to assist in battle. Newly added to the weapon roster, CODE VEIN II features the Twin Blades and Rune Blades, joining returning favorites such as the Bayonet, Halberd, Hammer, and Greatsword. These weapon types are supported by the expanded Blood Code system, which allows players to shape their combat style by unlocking and swapping between different Revenant power sets as they progress. Boosters allow players to unlock new key attributes and activate traits tied to Blood Codes and equipment, enabling players to create specialized playstyles.

Ahead of launch, players can dive into the CODE VEIN II Character Creator Demo starting on January 23, 2026. Offering 64 save slots that transfer directly into the final game, the Character Creator Demo allows players to experience the game’s deep customization system for the game’s protagonist Revenant Hunter, where players can customize their characters to great detail with a vast array of settings for body type, hairstyle, facial expressions, accessories, makeup and more. Players can also visit the hot spring at the MagMell Institute to view their character in different lighting environments and use Photo Mode to capture and save their creations.


CODE VEIN II features a deep narrative where players and characters are bound by blood, fate, and destiny, set in a future where the last remnants of humanity and Revenants struggle against a world on the verge of collapse. The player’s journey will span across haunting, post-apocalyptic landscapes including the flooded ruins of the Sunken City, The Undead Forest, the Corroded Scar, the isolated MagMell Island, and more. As the story unfolds, players will encounter legendary heroes, Revenants whose destinies intertwine with the world’s survival. The game also features distinctive gameplay for an action RPG, where players use blood drained from enemies to unlock a variety of powerful skills, build strategy for combat with Blood codes, and use unique weapons and equipment called Jails to overcome challenging foes and epic bosses. 

For more information on this and other products from Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., please visit www.bandainamcoent.com. Join the conversation on X at https://www.x.com/BandaiNamcoUS, check us out live on Twitch at https://twitch.tv/bandainamcous, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.
 

Article by: Susan N.

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Lords of the Fallen II First Gameplay Revealed in New Brutal, Bloodsoaked Trailer at The Game Awards

CI Games Thrills Audiences with a First Look at the Bone-Breaking Soulslike Combat of the Highly Anticipated Action-RPG; Also Releases Final Major Update for Lords of the Fallen (2023)

LOS ANGELES – Dec. 11, 2025 – Independent developer and publisher CI Games has revealed the very first look at gameplay of the highly anticipated action-RPG Lords of the Fallen II as part of The Game Awards (TGA). The hard-hitting new trailer, featuring a cover of “It’s a Sin” by chart-topping rock band Ghost, illustrates the game's brutal soulslike combat against an array of fearsome, towering creatures amid an expansive world characterized by its trademark dual realms. Built on Unreal Engine 5, Lords of the Fallen II launches in 2026 on the PlayStation®5 system, the Xbox Series X|S console systems, PC via the Epic Games Store, and is available to wishlist now.
 

Watch the First Lords of the Fallen II Gameplay Trailer on YouTube
 

Lords of the Fallen II, currently in active development, is a new soulslike action-RPG set in a human realm besieged by eons of malevolent gods, visceral magic, and unflinching defenders. 1,000 years after the fall of the dark god Adyr, a lone kingdom stands against the forces of the dead realm known as Umbral and its eldritch master.
 

This eagerly awaited sequel is bolder, braver, and bloodier. As the Lampbearer, players can rend enemies limb from limb with a brand new dismemberment feature and silence them forever with all-new executions in a fast and fluid combat system. An even greater wealth of enemy types and truly jaw-dropping boss battles will test even the strongest in solo play or best-in-class shared progression co-op and optional PvP multiplayer. Witness a first look at three fearsome bosses in this first gameplay reveal, including the metal-encased Heartroot Warden and his chain-wrapped greatsword, the bewinged Koydreth striking from his rune-etched mirror, and the colossal dragon Lingao the Souring Storm harnessing the power of wind and lightning.
 

“We are excited to share this first gameplay look for Lords of the Fallen II at the TGAs,” said Game Director, James Lowe. “Designed and developed in accordance with our players-first philosophy, we look forward to seeing the community’s reaction to the faster and more brutal combat, the significantly greater enemy variety, and the more spectacular boss battle showdowns. And this is just the beginning…”

Watch the Lords of the Fallen (2023) Version 2.5 Update Video on YouTube
 

Lords of the Fallen (2023) Version 2.5 Update
 

To satiate fans as they wait for the release of Lords of the Fallen II, CI Games has released the final major update for Lords of the Fallen (2023). Version 2.5 introduces extensive reworks to enemy and boss behavior across both Legacy and the all-new Veteran Mode, and more:
 

• Bosses Reborn: With combat now faster, tighter, and more aggressive, bosses, mini-bosses, and enemies throughout the game have received extensive behavior updates across both Legacy and Veteran mode, to increase the soulslike challenge. Bosses like Pieta feature refined combos and increased moveset variation while the Congregator of Flesh has received less staggering and tighter pacing. Mini-bosses will pressure players further with faster attacks, smarter positioning, and cooldown logic, while normal enemies go a step further with a new global cooldown system adding to their aggression, alongside faster spell recovery, and reduced attack distance.
• Veteran Mode: Beyond these refinements lies Veteran Mode — the ultimate test of skill and endurance. Here, many of Mournstead’s bosses have been further empowered with faster transitions, new attack patterns, and even more aggressive behavior. Those that conquer veteran mode will earn a final reward - the Veteran of the Veil breastplate with a unique item drop buff.
• Boss Weapons Reforged: Several boss weapons now feature new signature attack animations.

Version 2.5 is the culmination of over 70 updates forged through the feedback of more than 6 million players. For full patch notes, visit the official news feed.

CEO Marek Tyminski added, “We’ve been actively listening and engaging with our community since launch. This is exactly what they’ve been asking for and we’re delighted to provide it free for all owners - the final major update and the ultimate representation of our vision for Lords of the Fallen.”
 

CI Games will share more details in 2026 for Lords of the Fallen II ahead of its global launch. As fans wait for the sequel, new Lords of the Fallen (2023) players can enjoy a limited time discount of 50% off ($14.99, €14.99, £12.49) on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, the PlayStation®5 system, and the Xbox Series X|S console systems.
 

For more game information visit the official Lords of the Fallen website. Fans can also follow on YouTube, Instagram, X, Facebook, Reddit, or join the official Discord.

To learn more about CI Games, visit the official company website.
 

###

 

About CI Games

Founded in 2002, CI Games is an independent, global video games developer and publisher. The company has created internationally recognised and celebrated titles for nearly 25 years, including the acclaimed Lords of the Fallen and Sniper Ghost Warrior franchises. CI Games is currently developing the next major installment of the Lords of the Fallen franchise, as Lords of the Fallen II is due in 2026. For more information about CI Games, please visit www.cigames.com.
 

Article by: Susan N.

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Highly Anticipated Action RPG Lords of the Fallen II in 2026!

LOS ANGELES – Dec. 11, 2025 | Independent developer and publisher CI Games has revealed the very first look at gameplay of the highly anticipated action-RPG Lords of the Fallen II as part of The Game Awards (TGA). The hard-hitting new trailer, featuring a cover of “It’s a Sin” by chart-topping rock band Ghost, illustrates the game's brutal soulslike combat against an array of fearsome, towering creatures amid an expansive world characterized by its trademark dual realms. Built on Unreal Engine 5, Lords of the Fallen II launches in 2026 on the PlayStation®5 system, the Xbox Series X|S console systems, PC via the Epic Games Store, and is available to wishlist now.

Lords of the Fallen II, currently in active development, is a new soulslike action-RPG set in a human realm besieged by eons of malevolent gods, visceral magic, and unflinching defenders. 1,000 years after the fall of the dark god Adyr, a lone kingdom stands against the forces of the dead realm known as Umbral and its eldritch master.

This eagerly awaited sequel is bolder, braver, and bloodier. As the Lampbearer, players can rend enemies limb from limb with a brand new dismemberment feature and silence them forever with all-new executions in a fast and fluid combat system. An even greater wealth of enemy types and truly jaw-dropping boss battles will test even the strongest in solo play or best-in-class shared progression co-op and optional PvP multiplayer. Witness a first look at three fearsome bosses in this first gameplay reveal, including the metal-encased Heartroot Warden and his chain-wrapped greatsword, the bewinged Koydreth striking from his rune-etched mirror, and the colossal dragon Lingao the Souring Storm harnessing the power of wind and lightning.

“We are excited to share this first gameplay look for Lords of the Fallen II at the TGAs,” said Game Director, James Lowe. “Designed and developed in accordance with our players-first philosophy, we look forward to seeing the community’s reaction to the faster and more brutal combat, the significantly greater enemy variety, and the more spectacular boss battle showdowns. And this is just the beginning…”

Lords of the Fallen (2023) Version 2.5 Update

To satiate fans as they wait for the release of Lords of the Fallen II, CI Games has released the final major update for Lords of the Fallen (2023). Version 2.5 introduces extensive reworks to enemy and boss behavior across both Legacy and the all-new Veteran Mode, and more:

• Bosses Reborn: With combat now faster, tighter, and more aggressive, bosses, mini-bosses, and enemies throughout the game have received extensive behavior updates across both Legacy and Veteran mode, to increase the soulslike challenge. Bosses like Pieta feature refined combos and increased moveset variation while the Congregator of Flesh has received less staggering and tighter pacing. Mini-bosses will pressure players further with faster attacks, smarter positioning, and cooldown logic, while normal enemies go a step further with a new global cooldown system adding to their aggression, alongside faster spell recovery, and reduced attack distance.
• Veteran Mode: Beyond these refinements lies Veteran Mode — the ultimate test of skill and endurance. Here, many of Mournstead’s bosses have been further empowered with faster transitions, new attack patterns, and even more aggressive behavior. Those that conquer veteran mode will earn a final reward - the Veteran of the Veil breastplate with a unique item drop buff.
• Boss Weapons Reforged: Several boss weapons now feature new signature attack animations.

Version 2.5 is the culmination of over 70 updates forged through the feedback of more than 6 million players. For full patch notes, visit the official news feed.

CEO Marek Tyminski added, “We’ve been actively listening and engaging with our community since launch. This is exactly what they’ve been asking for and we’re delighted to provide it free for all owners - the final major update and the ultimate representation of our vision for Lords of the Fallen.”

CI Games will share more details in 2026 for Lords of the Fallen II ahead of its global launch. As fans wait for the sequel, new Lords of the Fallen (2023) players can enjoy a limited time discount of 50% off ($14.99, €14.99, £12.49) on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, the PlayStation®5 system, and the Xbox Series X|S console systems.

For more game information visit the official Lords of the Fallen website. Fans can also follow on YouTube, Instagram, X, Facebook, Reddit, or join the official Discord.

To learn more about CI Games, visit the official company website.

About CI Games

Founded in 2002, CI Games is an independent, global video games developer and publisher. The company has created internationally recognised and celebrated titles for nearly 25 years, including the acclaimed Lords of the Fallen and Sniper Ghost Warrior franchises. CI Games is currently developing the next major installment of the Lords of the Fallen franchise, as Lords of the Fallen II is due in 2026. For more information about CI Games, please visit www.cigames.com.

Article by: Susan N.

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Sacred 2 Remaster - PS5 Review

Sacred 2 Remaster by developers Jumpgate AB, SparklingBit and publisher THQ Nordic—Sony PlayStation 5 review written by Pierre-Yves with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

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Digital Extremes Reveals More Details About The Old Peace Story

LONDON, Ontario – Oct. 31, 2025 | Digital Extremes revealed further details for Warframe’s next Narrative Chapter, The Old Peace, arriving in December, during a haunted Halloween Devstream. Dark details were unearthed around The Devil’s Triad, a side story launching alongside Digital Extremes’ pinnacle Warframe update of the year. Featuring a complete narrative to discover, The Devil’s Triad introduces three new Protoframes and Gemini Skins, an expanded relationship and romance system, and a devilish new game mode: The Descendia. The studio also summoned a first look at Gyre Prime, game-changing Focus School Expansion enhancements, the Warframe on Android closed beta test for November, and teased the return of TennoCon (July 10-11, 2026).

“Much like our first set of Protoframes, we are taking a big swing with these new characters,” said Megan Everett, Community Director. “Everyone was expecting us to do something more ‘80s or 2000s themed designs and lore next for new humanoid Warframes, so naturally, we went gothic horror to keep you all on your toes. It gives us such a thrill now to see people’s reactions when they meet a new Protoframe for the first time, or when they discover who voices them, or are already planning how they want to customize their Gemini skin. We are so grateful for the community’s trust when we try something weird like this. I just hope the players are ready to make a deal with the devil to get to the bottom of what’s up with these three…” 

Highlights from the October Devstream include: 

Encounter The Devil’s Triad – three Protoframes bound by the dark legacy of Albrecht Entrati in The Devil’s Triad side story:

• Conjure connections with Protoframes for Wisp (Marie Leroux), Harrow (Father Lyon Allard), and the newest Warframe, Uriel (Vice Regent Grand Carnus Roathe), in an expanded romance & relationships system.
• Embody new cursed forms with fully voiced Gemini skins, brought to life with the voice talents of Elsa Perusin (Brawl Stars), Will de Renzy-Martin (Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake), and René Zagger (Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers / Endwalker).

Discover what lies beneath and survive The Descendia:

• Venture into the depths of a twisted tower to explore an ever-changing labyrinth. Battle through 21 randomly generated floors, increasing in difficulty with each level.
• Prepare for the unknown as floor layouts change weekly, except for one constant: every seventh floor promises a meeting with one of The Devil’s Triad.
• Barter with each Protoframe for various cosmetic and gameplay rewards.
• Collect audio transmissions to uncover the woes and hardships of the Triad to hear their full tale.
• Rest in Peace: checkpoints offer a smoother return to gameplay until the next weekly reset.
• Digital Extremes will share more information around the second new game mode to arrive in The Old Peace, The Perita Rebellion, in its November Devstream.

Enhance personal gameplay experiences throughout The Old Peace with larger-than-life ultimate abilities, and a brand new player profile cosmetic called Honoria (Player Titles):

• Teased during TennoCon’s gameplay demo earlier this year, each Focus School will receive its own brand new Ultimate, demonstrating the crushing might of the Unairu School.
• Meet with Marie Leroux (Wisp) after delving into the depths of The Descendia to unlock antique items needed to remember forgotten Focus Ultimates. More information around the rest of the Focus Expansion will be revealed in the November Devstream.
• Continue to customize the social aspects of Warframe with the first-ever introduction of Honoria for player profiles and showcase in-game feats for all to see.

Embrace new visual fidelity with Gyre Prime, a graphical remaster for the Operator and Drifter, and a Voruna Deluxe Warframe skin:

• Gyre, the dancing spark, will become the next Prime Warframe to recall the technological power of the Orokin Empire with an electrifying gilded design.
• Trek through the Origin System’s vast cinematic questlines with the upcoming graphical remaster, featuring new character models for the Operator and Drifter. Discover next-gen enhancements, with fresh faces, remastered hair, and makeup options for customization and technical improvements to gameplay
• As the promised community reward for hitting the latest Quest to Conquer Cancer charity fundraising milestone of $130,000 CAD, the development team teased the next deluxe Warframe cosmetic skin for Voruna via concept art. 

Equip some lucky dice and gear up at the nearest tabletop for a collaboration between Digital Extremes and Paizo, creators of acclaimed TTRPGs Pathfinder and Starfinder:

• Operation: Orias is a complete Starfinder x Warframe standalone adventure available now on Paizo’s storefront that blends the tactical sci-fi D20-based gameplay of Starfinder Second Edition with Warframe’s action-packed setting, lore, and characters.
• Control one of four iconic Protoframes, Arthur (Excalibur), Aoi (Mag), Lettie (Trinity), or Amir (Volt), in a non-canonical standalone adventure designed for 4-6 hours of play. 

Emerge into the new year and begin preparations for the latest IRL Warframe events and a new platform:

• TennoCon, the annual record-breaking celebration of all things Warframe and Soulframe, will return to Digital Extremes’ hometown of London, Ontario, July 10-11, 2026. More details for the show will be revealed soon.
• Digital Extremes will be kicking off its community world tour for 2026 to meet with fans, with TennoVIP events for Australia in Brisbane on Jan. 30, 2026, and Melbourne on Feb. 6, 2026.
• Opt-in to join the closed beta test for Warframe on Android, set to welcome a select number of players to try out the new platform later in November.

For more information about Warframe, please visit the official website, visit the new official wiki, or follow our Bluesky, Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok accounts.

About Warframe

Warframe® has evolved the looter-shooter genre since its debut on PC in 2013, becoming a multi-generational game with more than 85 million registered players across multiple console and mobile platforms. In this free sci-fi epic, players join an ancient class of warriors, the Tenno, and fight their way through an ever-expanding universe of more than 18 planets and 60 Warframes, with four open worlds to discover. With unrivaled customization, an intriguing narrative, and one of the most welcoming communities in gaming, players can define their playstyle and become an unstoppable force with a squad. Warframe’s success has led to the creation of TennoCon, where thousands of fans descend upon the heart of Digital Extremes’ creative operations in London, Ontario, annually to discover the future of the game. For more information about Warframe, please visit: www.warframe.com.

About Digital Extremes

Digital Extremes ranks as one of the world's top video game development studios. Originating 30 years ago with the co-creation of Epic Games' multi-million unit selling Unreal® franchise, including Unreal and Unreal Tournament, Digital Extremes went on to develop Dark Sector®, BioShock® for the PlayStation®3, the BioShock 2 multiplayer campaign, and The Darkness® II. The studio develops its games using its proprietary Evolution Engine and reached critical and commercial success with the free-to-play action game Warframe®, supporting a global community of 85+ million registered players across all major core gaming platforms. Digital Extremes is currently developing its new IP – Soulframe® – with additional updates coming soon. For more information about Digital Extremes, visit www.digitalextremes.com. 

Article by: Susan N.

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KAKU: Ancient Seal - PS5 Review

KAKU: Ancient Seal by developer and publisher BINGOBELL—PlayStation 5 review written by Jim with a copy provided by the publisher. 

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes.

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As a fan of all RPGs, I was naturally drawn to KAKU, an action RPG that promised an engaging experience. After watching a few trailers, I was intrigued enough to give it a try when the opportunity to review it arose.

KAKU is the story of a young boy named Kaku who will become a hero and save the world... so the story really isn't KAKU's strong point, and for an RPG, this is one of its flaws. The game starts with Kaku chasing a flying pigglet, and then he runs into an old man, and it goes from there. Honestly, it was very forgettable. It never explains why Kaku was chasing the pig, who ends up joining him on his adventures, and that the pig's name is Piggy (how original). During the cutscenes, I ran into a problem where the game wasn't voiced, even though one of the trailers had voice-over. A lot of the time, the text goes by too fast, and you're also trying to watch the scene at the same time. Another issue is when you're trying to fight and read at the same time while someone is talking during gameplay. It just doesn't work, and the trailer should never have had voice acting if the game itself has none. I am okay with there being no voice acting if done right, but it just feels wrong in this type of game. The characters do grunt and make noises at times, and I swear some of them even say their own names at times while making these noises. At times, the game tried to be funny, but to me it never hit the mark, and there were some bad translations, too, where I had to reread things to understand what it meant.

Gameplay started out fun, but quickly became repetitive as you only have two kinds of attacks, a standard weapon, and an 'armblade'. The armblade is used to lower the enemy's poise bar, and once it's empty, you hit them with regular attacks to do more damage. You will also unlock special moves by spending a type of currency in an upgrade tree. I had just about everything unlocked before I was even half done with the game, though. You also get a slingshot for ranged attacks with unlimited ammo for the standard pellets, but you'll have to craft three different kinds of pellets. One that is fire and can set enemies on fire or burn away certain obstacles, a lightning one that can paralyze enemies, and a poison one that poisons enemies. 

You can shoot the items you need for crafting to collect them, so this comes in handy except when you try to shoot something you see, but it won't hit because the game thinks it's too far away. If I can see it, I should be able to shoot it. This seems like a limitation you would run into on a PS2 game, not a PS5 game. You will also be able to craft healing items for stamina and health, along with one that makes your defense better for a short time and one that makes attacks do more damage for a short time. Shortly after starting the game, you will be able to use the awakening skill, which lets you become stronger for a short period of time. You fill this bar and your bar for special moves by attacking enemies. In-game statistics are shown by a bar for health and stamina that you use by running and using some attacks, a bar for your special moves, and a bar for awakening. It's a lot, if you ask me.

One of the enemy types in the game is called Ponpon. They are a bit like cavemen (but I don't understand why) if they are your enemy that they give you side quests. These side quests, while not numerous, provide a break from the main story and offer additional challenges. However, they don't significantly contribute to the main narrative, which is disappointing.

Piggy plays a significant role in the game. He can enable you to walk on water for a short time, disguise you as a Ponpon for a short time so you can sneak into Ponpon camps, assist with far jumps (although it takes a few seconds to do so), and teleport you to an area where you can buy upgrades for crafting, slingshot pellets, boost a few stats, and purchase new skills. In this area, you can use keys you find in the world to unlock trials. There are trials for each element in the game: wind, fire, water, and earth. There are combat trials, but most are puzzle trials. The puzzles in the game provided just the right amount of challenge—sometimes I had to try a few times, but I could always pass them after a while.

What I really like about the game is the four different lands you can go to. Each one is an element and an open world, so that you can go almost anywhere from the start. There are a few places you won't be able to go right away, but it isn't much, and each map is a decent size. It is fun to explore new areas, looking for chests, finding keys, and other such hidden goodies. But the in-game map is a pain to use and could have used a little work. Another nice touch the game has is that you can find different weapons and armor. Each one looks different and can act differently, like the weapon I liked has a chance of poisoning enemies. You can also attach runes to them to add perks like more health and stamina, among other things. 

You can find new armor and weapons on each map. You can also collect things called "trophies"??? from bosses that can be traded in to the old man from the start of the game for a new piece of armor. The problem with this is that to get the full effect of the boss's armor, you need two pieces of it, and you will have to beat the boss over and over again until you get the second piece. 

Each map also introduces a new side character, but they don't do much and are just added for the story. Even when they say they will fight beside you, they won't. One downside is that there is a lack of enemy variety: each land will have two or three unique enemies, but others will be just the same ones you see in every land, like boars, for example, which seem to be in every land.

Because I leveled almost everything to max so early in the game, it made it easy to beat regular enemies. Still, the boss fights are fun and can be challenging, like the puzzles — they are just the right difficulty on normal difficulty. I had to refight a few of them more than once, but I would get it after a few tries.

Graphically, the game looks pretty good, with some lovely scenery. Even though the game goes for a cartoony look, some areas are beautiful. Music gets the job done, but it's nothing memorable. Sound can be annoying at times, and during some cutscenes, the audio and visuals don't match. I also ran into issues with trophies not activating even after I did what I needed to get them. One was to beat one of the bosses for the first time, but I only got it after I beat it a second time. Another was to meet one of the side characters, but when I did it didn't unlock, so I won't be able to get that trophy unless I restart the game. 

Another issue I have is when exiting the pause menu, it takes a good few seconds, and this only happened after I beat one land. I don't know what made it start doing that, but it shouldn't be that slow. And then there is teleporting and changing areas; there are just a few too many loading screens for a game like this. I have seen other games do bigger maps with no loading. Lastly, I was surprised to see some minor swearing in the game. It's nothing too bad, but when you look at the game, it makes you think it's a kids' game. There are also moments when you see a frozen Ponpon that it says froze to death, and a giant worm monster eats a few of them alive. Nothing too graphic, but it should be known to parents of younger kids.

Overall, KAKU is an all-around average game. It's nothing grand, but it isn't the worst game I have ever played. It's playable, but could use a few more quality-of-life improvements. It feels BINGOBELL rushed it out for the holidays. Still, when it's releasing alongside some huge titles, it could have been delayed, using that time to fix the issues it had, and released early next year.


Score: 5.5 / 10

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Robots at Midnight - PS5 Review

Robots at Midnight by developer Finish Line Games and publisher Snail Games USA—Playstation 5 review written by Richard with a copy provided by the publisher.

 
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

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Do you want to bash your way through a series of hostile robots on a ruined planet? How about interacting with some really quirky non-hostile robot friends? You wanna get called a squishy for being the only known human on the planet? Well then, Robots at Midnight may be what you’re looking for.

In Robots at Midnight you take the role of Zoe, a young girl who used to live on a space station, but there was a robot uprising and she had to get shot off in an escape pod. Waking up from stasis, she is found by the robot Doug, and so begins her journey to get her robot helper back online, find a way back to the space station, and find out what has happened to her dad, all on the ruined world of Yob!

Now despite what the title would imply, the bulk of the game does not, in fact, take place at midnight. Zoe, like any reasonable person, sets out on her adventure during the day. What happens at midnight you ask? Well, you’ll have to find that out yourself. Gameplay is the same between daytime and midnight though, and there is no “time system”, so midnight occurs as a plot device not after a certain amount of time passes.

Robots at Midnight is an action RPG in the soulslike style. You have a stamina bar, a dodge, a parry mechanic, and different weapons and combos, and on death you return to the last campfire you lit and lose ten percent of your cash. All in all it isn’t really all that punishing material-wise, but having to make your way back to the last place you left off can be annoying if it’s a long walk.

So let’s talk a bit about general gameplay and exploration a little. For the most part you will be wandering around a few different environments beating up bots, looking for treasure, and doing some mildly unwieldly platforming. You have a sort of rocket propelled jump you can use while a charge gauge is full, but it kinda blasts you off in one direction at full power, so it isn’t that great for precision landings. It’s a good thing the platforming segments are generally pretty light.

Once you’ve decided to knock out some baddy bots, combat will be fairly standard soulslike fare. You have your stamina that depletes when taking an action such as rolling or attacking, you have a parry and guard as well. You also have a special move that charges pretty quick over time that also acts as a boosted dodge. Now, unlike standard soulslike combat, you can ragdoll almost all enemies. Which is…weird and can cause some issues, but can be kind of funny? You also have access to a glove that has a few interesting functions, such as a powered punch or a laser, which requires a charge gauge to fire/use.

I mentioned it just now, but you can ragdoll enemies if you hit them enough or with strong hits. By the way, it feels like strong hits only increase your stagger/ragdoll effect and not actual damage for some weapons, but I’d need some more testing to confirm that. Now, ragdolling still living enemies you’d think would be a good thing, right? Well, a third of the time the enemy falls over and it’s free real-estate. One third of the time they go flying and you have to decide whether you want to try and get a hit or two in or just wait until they come back and your stamina comes back. The last third of the time? They glitch out of the environment. Yes, this can happen on bosses. No, sometimes they cannot get back into the boss arena.

The combat itself can feel really clunky depending on your weapon choice. It isn’t the worst by any means, but it feels like you overcommit to almost any attack you do when using a heavy weapon. The light weapons aren’t an issue with overcommitting, but the decreased range tends to put you in targeting distance of enemies. Add to this that some enemies, or groups of enemies, can flinch you constantly and you better be prepared for some really cheap deaths. As an added bonus, there is a delay when drawing your weapon, so you need to take that into account on the first hit when getting into combat.

Oh, and I forgot to mention this, but you have a limited guard based on “tokens” tied primarily to the armour you wear. If you get hit while guarding you lose tokens. If you run out, you can’t block attacks anymore. As long as you have at least half a token you’re ok though. They recover over time, so playing a little more defensively is a perfectly fine strategy. Just be careful not to block while out of tokens, otherwise YOU might be the one getting ragdolled.

That’s it combat wise, but there are a few other issues I had with the game. The plot isn’t particularly explained very well, and not in a souls type “find the story yourself”, but in a “we only give you two thirds”. Honestly I finished the game and felt like I played a prequel or long demo for the main game. There aren’t many enemy types either, with tall lanky robots, short and round bots, and floating head types. Some of the bosses are a little more unique, but it takes a while to get to those. As a nice aside, there is a tutorial available in-game any time you pause in case you forget some of the controls, which is really nice.

The graphics and character design are pretty decent, and I did like the soundtrack, but neither are really stand-out. Ultimately Robots at Midnight is a pretty ok game, but it doesn’t really put itself super out there in terms of really catching you off guard in a good way. That being said, it is by no means a bad game. I actually had a lot of fun. Robots at Midnight is kind of like a more easily playable soulslike, or perhaps a casual souls type game. While the harder difficulty mode can pose a challenge at certain points, the base difficulty isn’t too tough for those unused to the gameplay or those looking for less of a challenge.

Robots at Midnight also features a crafting style upgrade mechanic where you can improve most of the weapons you acquire. In fact, this is where all your stats and bonus effects come from. Some gear may give increases to attack, defense token amount, recharge rate of the charge gauge, or even some demerits to balance other bonuses. Upgrading can get expensive however, so be aware of that and think about what weapons and armour you prefer to use.

Overall Robots at Midnight is a pretty fun title that doesn’t really bring much new to the table. It’s pretty short, but it’s also not super expensive either, so it’s not the worst tradeoff. While there are a number of bugs, quirks, and glitches, there isn’t too much that isn’t workable or solvable in some way. While I did have plenty of fun, it’s hard to say Robots at Midnight really stands out in the genre. If you’re looking for a quick and casual souls type style, Robots at Midnight may certainly scratch that itch, but for more veteran players of souls-style games, it would definitely feel lacking. Take a look at Robots at Midnight to see if you think it may be interesting, I certainly had fun with it.

 

Score: 7 / 10 

 

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Exciting Free Demo of Aspiel: Edge of Chaos Available on Steam!

Genoa, Italy – June 30, 2025 – Following its participation in the IndieMania festival, Sylpha Works is proud to present the trailer for Aspiel: Edge of Chaos, whose demo is available on Steam.

Aspiel: Edge of Chaos is a fantasy third-person action-RPG in which you explore the mysterious and cursed continent of Aspiel in search to face the great God of Death. The game’s PC release is scheduled for Q4 2025.

The Demo

Get a taste of Aspiel: Edge of Chaos with our new playable demo. Lasting about one hour, depending on exploration, it covers the beginning of the game. Venture through a deserted town, navigate a murky swamp and explore an abandoned mine before facing the red golem, your final boss. Along the way, meet memorable characters, from the enigmatic Erysia to the farmer Dassan, and undertake an important mission for him.

You can try Aspiel: Edge of Chaos demo for free now on its Steam page!

A Game of Action and Exploration

Traverse a vast land brimming with hidden and unique locations, side quests to complete and characters to meet, uncovering its lore as you go. Explore abandoned mines and ancient ruins, unraveling lost puzzles and treasures. Confront the battles that lie ahead and grow ever stronger to fulfill your duty.

The Story

The game revolves around Quartus’s journey, a former slave from the distant land of Valyka, who finds himself charged with the mission of eradicating the curse that plagues the continent. After receiving a magical power from a mysterious girl, you will travel across the plagued lands of Aspiel, heading to the head of darkness.

Links

Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3543940/Aspiel_Edge_Of_Chaos/

Website: https://sylphaworks.com/aspiel-edge-of-chaos/

Key features

• A semi-open dark fantasy world with many dungeons and different areas to explore
• Vast amount of items and equipments
• Heavy and light attacks, with many different weapons and move sets
• Many different spells for every situation
• Dash and parry to avoid attacks
• Perfect dash mechanic, recover stamina and mana with perfect timing!
• Attribute-based progression system
• Unique characters, quests and hidden lore
• Ancient puzzles around the world
• Designed for both controller and mouse & keyboard

ABOUT SYLPHA WORKS

We are two brothers from Genoa, Italy, who decided to embark on the adventure of developing Aspiel: Edge of Chaos four years ago. Our first goal was to create a vast and organic game, set in a fantasy world of our own design which players could freely explore and discover. We recently committed to releasing our game and founded Sylpha Works.

Article by: Susan N.

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Archmage Labs Announcing the Release of God of Weapons on Xbox Consoles!

June 10, 2025 | On June 12, God of Weapons arrives on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. This arena survival game mixes roguelike mechanics with action RPG elements and bullet hell chaos. It delivers fast-paced gameplay that rewards smart tactical choices. After earning glowing reviews on PC, God of Weapons is now coming to console—with a PlayStation 5 release planned in the coming months.

The game is developed by Archmage Labs, an independent studio based in Vietnam. Originally launched in 2023 on PC, it was warmly received and currently holds an 85% positive rating on Steam from nearly 4,100 player reviews.

Intense and Addictive Mayhem

God of Weapons is an isometric arena survival game combining roguelike structure, action RPG depth, and bullet hell intensity. Gameplay centers around surviving relentless monster hordes as you ascend the Tower of Zhor. The story revolves around the battle against chaos and destruction, all wrapped in a dark visual style.

Combat is automatic, leaving the player free to focus on dodging, positioning, and optimizing their loadout. With limited inventory space, smart gear choices are key to staying alive.

Players can equip a wide arsenal of melee and ranged weapons, plus a variety of accessories and special combat skills.

Levels in God of Weapons are procedurally generated, and each run is further varied by random gear, abilities, and enemies. Progressing unlocks even stronger weapons and gear for future attempts.

Key Features of God of Weapons:

• Arena survival gameplay
• Intense and dynamic combat
• Roguelike, action RPG, and bullet hell elements
• Swarms of unique monsters
• Strategic inventory and gear management

God of Weapons launches on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on June 12, 2025. A PlayStation 5 version is also on the way later this year.

Article by: Susan N.

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Tap Wizard 2 Headed to Nintendo Switch and Available on Xbox Right Now!

Tap Wizard 2, a new idle game with action RPG and shooter elements, will be released on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles on January 7. The title features an elaborate spell and skill system, as well as pixel art graphics in a retro fantasy style. Tap Wizard 2 will also hit Nintendo Switch in 2025.

Tap Wizard 2 is a game developed by TopCog, an independent American studio. Ultimate Games S.A. is the publisher of the title for Xbox One. Thanks to backward compatibility, the game also works on Xbox Series X|S.

The TopCog studio's title is an idle game with gameplay distinguished by its simplicity. In doing so, the game also offers elements familiar from other genres, including action RPGs, shooters and tactical games.

The player selects certain spells, special abilities and traits, and then the title wizard does his job, fighting against successive waves of dark forces. The mechanics used in the game allow the player to keep the acquired powers and abilities even in case of defeat.

A wide set of magical skills based on different elements (fire, ice, lightning, etc.) is at the player's disposal. Tap Wizard 2 also features an extensive character development system with a wide set of skills and spells. The fun is further enhanced by unique runes and totems.

Tap Wizard 2 Features:

• idle game with action RPG elements;
• accessible and engaging gameplay;
• a wide set of skills and spells;
• more than 25 different types of enemies;
• retro fantasy pixel art graphics.

The release date for Tap Wizard 2 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles is set for January 7, 2025. The game will also hit Nintendo Switch later this year.

Article by: Susan N.

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Journey Through the Most Metal Action RPG Coming to Steam in 2025

Rome, Italy, September 24, 2024 | Morbidware Studio and Stockholm Kartell unveil the game MÖRK BORG Heresy Supreme and announce the launch of an upcoming Kickstarter campaign.

Set in the grimdark fantasy universe of the MÖRK BORG tabletop RPG, the game is scheduled for release at the end of 2025 on Steam. Players can already follow on Kickstarter, and pledge their support for the game when the campaign starts in early October. Kickstarter backers will receive exclusive rewards at launch.

MÖRK BORG Heresy Supreme is a doom-metal action RPG set in the world of MÖRK BORG. Wretched antiheroes explore a side-scrolling, semi-procedural grimdark fantasy world, searching for a way to prevent the apocalypse or make the suffering worse.

• The world's loudest tabletop RPG brings ruin to video gaming - Take control of the vilest scum ever to crawl upon the earth and wander the dying lands of the original game through a graphic style inspired by the book. Evade deadly flails aimed to crack your skull open in a combat system both dynamic and unforgiving that’ll require a strategic, ruthless approach. Face horrific quests testing your skills to the brink of the Apocalypse. Literally.
• Journey through the dark path - You wake up in Galgenbeck, a decaying city under the shadow of the Cathedral of the two-headed Basilisks. A voice from its spires proclaims the world's end, demanding an offering to delay the inevitable. In the filthy alleys, a rumor spreads: those who appease this demand will receive Arch-Priestess Josilfa Migol’s blessing and be cleansed. As a cursed walker, plagued by visions of damnation, you seek salvation — any way you can.
• Gather Your Party - Cursed walkers in MÖRK BORG Heresy Supreme aren't heroes. In this dying world, everyone seeks salvation, wealth, or vengeance. You can form a party, but each companion has their own agenda. Betray them, and they'll turn their back or just stab you. Trust is rare in this brutal realm.
• Explore the Dying World - The world outside Galgenbeck’s walls is divided into regions, each one worse than the other. Locations and adventures are dynamically generated based on your progress and the quests you’ll stumble into. Quests, adventures, bosses, and special items reset on every playthrough. Explore the dying world but don't get lost in it. You won't get out alive.

• Getting Better (or worse) - MÖRK BORG Heresy Supreme doesn’t have XP or the like. Instead, you level up by performing certain actions during your adventures. When you level up, some of your characters’ abilities will get better, but some will get WORSE. The more you level up, the higher the chances you may lose something in the process. Can’t teach an old goblin new tricks! They’ll kill you.
• Miseries - The world crumbles as foretold in the Calendar of Nechrubel. Miseries (apocalyptic events) devastate the world as you delve deeper into the filth. The more you play, the more Miseries strike, bringing the doomsday closer. Some say they can be delayed, but prevention is heresy and the cost is unbearable.
• Omens - This world is unforgiving, but Cursed Walkers have a secret trick: Omens that can be spent to deal max damage, reroll an ability check in a crucial situation, absorb the damage from a fatal blow, or guarantee a safe outcome from wielding the Power of a scroll. So remember, you can rely on the fickle fates of alternate worlds tangled with the eyes of eldritch watchers if you want… just don’t tell the Inquisition.
• Arcane Catastrophes - Some classes can wield Powers from esoteric and ancient scrolls. In the dying world of MÖRK BORG, conjuring such witchcraft is never guaranteed. Every scroll has a chance to trigger an arcane catastrophe, and nobody can foresee what kind of disaster it could bring. You may get dizzy and start puking… or explode. However, some arcane catastrophes might even be better than the intended effect. Use at your own risk.
• RPG Elements - Every character has four abilities — Strength, Agility, Presence, and Toughness — that determine your likelihood of survival. They affect mechanics and interactions with the world, enemies, and other characters. Some encounters, events, and choices require you to roll a d20 modified by the relevant ability. You should always put your life in the hands of a die roll. That’s why it’s called die roll.
• The End is (always) - Once you gather the relics demanded by the two-headed Basilisk, travel to the Valley of the Unfortunate Undead to face Verhu and Gorgh. Can you appease them in time, cleanse your soul, and delay the apocalypse—or will your suffering lead to Heresy Supreme?

What is MÖRK BORG?

MÖRK BORG is a groundbreaking grimdark fantasy tabletop RPG by Pelle Nilsson and Johan Nohr of Stockholm Kartell. Unleashed upon the world in 2020, it won three gold ENNIES for Product of the Year, Best Writing, and Best Layout as well as silver for Best Game. MÖRK BORG’s dark, dying world is mid-apocalypse, and its wretched denizens cower in the shadow of the godlike two-headed Basilisks. Life is short, cheap, and full of terrors, but despite this, MÖRK BORG is currently enjoyed by thousands of players scattered around the globe, and the creative community surrounding it thrives.

Diego Sacchetti, co-founder of Morbidware, commented: “One day the MÖRK BORG rpg rulebook appeared in our hands and we were just like "this is perfect material for the next Morbidware video game". The narrative, the setting, the style and rules were so over-the-top in the greatest way possible and all design elements for a video game were so clear in our minds. We decided to contact Johan and Pelle to make this project happen and... well... here we are making together this amazing game.”

Johan Nohr of Stockholm Kartell, visual artist and cocreator of MÖRK BORG, added: “MÖRK BORG Heresy Supreme is a big milestone project and I couldn't be more pumped for it. Not only because Morbidware really GETS the grim world, the dark humor and the whole philosophy of the original game, but also for the amount of extra stuff we're creating specifically for this Kickstarter campaign. It's gonna be a damn fine video game, but we're not just making a video game. It's a whole apocalyptic package.”

Players can now wishlist the game on Steam and follow our Kickstarter campaign now.

ABOUT MORBIDWARE

Morbidware was officially founded as a game-developing company in 2024. The team worked together during the creation of The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia, but all members of the team have 10+ years in their fields of expertise, with self published indie games, screenwriting jobs for tv and cinema, and freelancing jobs for companies like Team17 and Headup Games. All the members are avid tabletop role-players and enjoy experimenting with new gameplay mechanics that independent productions bring into the gaming world. https://morbidwaregames.com/

ABOUT STOCKHOLM KARTELL

Stockholm Kartell is a creative coven of writers, designers and idiots playing and making rules-light, flavor-heavy tabletop roleplaying games about terrible, ending worlds.

Article by: Susan N.

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