Chernobyl’s Dark Secrets: The Story Of The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series So Far

With nearly a decade and a half on the clock between S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl and the last entry in the series, Call of Pripyat, everyone can be forgiven if they cannot remember the key story details from those previous games. Just in time then is this handy primer, aiming to fill in whatever narrative blanks you may have between the last entry in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series and its upcoming instalment. Although GSC has made a point to say that no prior knowledge of the series is needed, why not join us as we dive into the series’ irritated history.

NOTE: The following contains major spoilers for the entire S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series to date. Although we don’t know exactly how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will fit into the canon, if you haven’t completed the original trilogy and plan to, we recommend bookmarking this and coming back later!

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl


Taking place in the year 2012, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl depicts an alternate reality where a second nuclear disaster occurred six years prior, resulting in many of the inhabitants of Chernobyl, known as ‘The Zone’, being mutated or outright killed by the catastrophe. Emerging from this hellish scenario are Stalkers, a rugged sort of scavenger that roam across The Zone in search of treasures and abandoned artefacts. Players are cast as the Marked One, a Stalker who has a mysterious S.T.A.L.K.E.R tattoo on his left forearm (hence the name). 

With no memory of his past, and trapped in a convoy carrying several unconscious and dead Stalkers, our protagonist is soon brought to Sidorovich, a seasoned Stalker who discovers a PDA on the Marked One with a simple message – kill an individual named ‘Strelok’. After Sidorovich awakens the Marked One, he is tasked with rescuing a fellow Stalker called Nimble who is being held captive by a conclave of savage bandits. 

After liberating Nimble, it is soon revealed that Strelok and his followers were the first group of Stalkers to reach the centre of the Zone, where the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is located and more pressingly, a mythical artefact called the Wish Granter that will give whoever finds it whatever they desire in life. Naturally, the Marked One is tasked with tracking down Strelok and so his true odyssey begins in earnest.


After working with other local Stalkers, the Marked One reaches an especially irradiated area called Agroprom. After exploring this area – including the Agroprom Research Institute – our protagonist discovers the location of a now-abandoned laboratory called Lab X-18. This, as it turns out, was the location where the aptly named ‘Brain Sorcher’ was developed, a terrifying device that uses Psi-emissions to turn humans into zombies. As if that wasn’t enough, it turns out there is another lab, Lab X-16, located under a factory in Yantar.

After obtaining a Psi-helmet which protects against these deadly Psi-emissions, the Marked One raids Lab X-16 whereupon he is given a vision of Strelok, which sets him on a path to the Agropom Underground in search of him. After being rescued following a near-death experience, it is revealed that the Marked One is actually Strelok himself and that the Wish Granter is a trap to lure people towards emitters like the Brain Scorcher. 

After pushing through The Zone and the various fanatical stalker factions that worship the Wish Granter, Strelok arrives at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant only to find himself embroiled in a three-way battle between the army remnants and a special forces operation known as ‘Monolith’. Once the battle has concluded, Strelok discovers a massive terminal housing an intelligent entity known as the ‘Common Consciousness’ that tells Strelok everything about who he was before his amnesia kicked in and the history of the Zone.

After the Common Consciousness provides answers to all of Strelok’s queries, he offers the player a choice – stop the Common Consciousness from performing its experiments (such as the creation of the Brain Scorcher) on the denizens of the Zone, or, merge with it in order to maintain its existence. In the canon ending, Strelok kills the scientists who provide the Common Consciousness with its power and leaves the facility. Later, Strelok can be seen in a verdant environment filled with all manner of flora and fauna, as he falls asleep, wondering if the choice he made was the correct one.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky


A prequel that unfolds several years before the events of Shadow of Chernobyl – and recounting the events that lead to that game’s starting point – S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Clear Sky focuses on Scar, a mercenary with unusual genetic gifts thanks to the emissions of The Zone. After joining the Clear Sky faction, Scar is commanded by its leader, Lebedev, to stop a mysterious group from reaching the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and uncovering the secrets that are held within.

Believing that if the group is successful calamity will be brought to the world at large, Scar pursues the group to Yantar, whereupon he understands that a member of the group, Strelok, has obtained a special helmet which prevents him from being damaged by the emissions from the Brain Scorcher. After nearly catching Strelok, Scar battles through the newly activated Monolith forces that have arrived at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant as part of a three-way skirmish that also involves Strelok. 

After the power plant releases an emission which disables everybody both in and around its perimeter, Scar’s fate is left unknown, while the ending shows a newly brainwashed Strelok accepting his new identity as the Marked One.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat


Kicking off after the events of Shadow of Chernobyl, S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Call of Pripyat pulls the veil back on the Zone as a massive number of Stalkers make their way to its centre in a bid to find whatever treasures and artefacts that they can. To capitalise on this, the Ukrainian government commences ‘Operation Fairway’, a broad helicopter recon mission, laying the groundwork ahead of a full-scale attack on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. However, because nobody can have nice things in the Zone, all of the helicopters involved in the operation crash. The player, cast as Major Alexander Degtyarev, is dispatched into the Zone to investigate the crash sites to ascertain what happened. 

After confirming that the helicopters were shocked out of the sky with bursts of electricity, Degtyarev realises that a number of the survivors from the various helicopter crashes have made their way to an evacuation zone deep within the seemingly sealed-off city of Pripyat. You set off in pursuit, hoping to find them alive and learn more about the events.

Sometime after arriving at Pripyat, however, Degtyarev encounters Strelok who explains in detail the secrets which lay at the heart of the Zone. Soon enough, Strelok, Degtyarev and other survivors that have joined the pair in Pripyat find themselves under attack by an overwhelming host of enemies. Though Call of Pripyat has multiple endings for each of its characters, they all allude to the fact that the Zone is actually expanding in size and could eventually reach beyond the borders of Ukraine and envelop Europe.

shop for stalker 2


So whether that was a nice trip down memory lane or you simply needed a lore dump before jumping into the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe for the first time, you are now primed to venture into the Zone. The only thing you need now is a copy of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and thankfully, you can grab one of them over on the Green Man Gaming store right now!

Witching Stone Is An Adorable Match-3 Roguelike Puzzle Game

There are a lot of roguelikes out there, but one subgenre that’s been popping up recently is the Match-3 puzzle roguelike. Think Puzzle Quest, but with permadeath and different mechanics. If you’ve not played Puzzle Quest, then you can consider this a recommendation for that as well.

In the simplest terms, Witching Stone is a puzzle roguelike where you match gems in specific orders in order to cast spells. For example, a spell might require two upside-down triangles to cast, while another might require an upside-down triangle, a circle, a square, and then another upside-down triangle. If you manage to match just do the two upside-down triangles, you’ll cast the first spell, but if you manage to match the second one, you’ll get both spells.

So far so simple – that’s where the roguelike element comes in. As you fight through different battles you’ll get new spells, new passive buffs like more health or mana, as well as little badges which can alter your spells by allowing them to steal health, or inflict special statuses. You have to pick and choose where you’ll go to try and get new buffs or upgrades, and eventually fight a boss to get to the next level.

Boasting a cute pixel art style as well as a great soundtrack, which would be enough of a draw for some people on its own, the main draw here really is just the combination of the core puzzle gameplay and it’s roguelike elements. Managing to end up with six spells that are all cast in one five-match sequence is an amazing experience, and if you can build that around different abilities or badges, you’re in for a really good time.

All in all, I managed to unlock nearly everything in the game in around 10 hours, and I’ll definitely be jumping back from time to time purely because it’s such a great experience. So, if you’ve been looking for a bite-sized game, one that actually saves your runs too, then Witching Stone is the answer, and you’ll not regret it.

How Dragon Age: The Veilguard Is Set To Return Players To BioWare’s Golden Era

I don’t think it’s especially unreasonable to posit that if you’ve been a Dragon Age fan since the series started in 2009, the last ten years have not been easy. At all. With the previous game in BioWare’s ongoing RPG franchise, Dragon Age Inquisition, releasing back in 2014 and its successor flirting with the various circles of development hell during that time, it’s honestly something of a miracle that Dragon Age: The Veilguard is set for release at all. And yet, that’s exactly what’s going to happen – October 2024 will see Dragon Age: The Veilguard finally see the light of day and here is why we believe it is set to return eager adventurers to BioWare’s golden era.

A Direct Continuation Of Dragon Age Inquisition

Rather than kick off an entirely new story filled with new and unfamiliar characters, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a direct continuation of the events chronicled in 2014’s Dragon Age Inquisition. Ten years after that game’s conclusion, Veilguard looks set to succeed as it welcomes players back to the fold to take up arms against Solas, the chief antagonist of both Dragon Age Inquisition and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. In addition to Solas, players can also expect to see more friendly, familiar faces, such as Varric and potentially others that BioWare have yet to confirm, such as Leilana. As such, Dragon Age: The Veilguard almost feels like the Avengers: Endgame to Inquisition’s Avengers: Infinity War, weaving together an almost seamless continuation of an already epic saga that fans have been deeply invested in for more than ten years.

Fresh Art Direction And Technical Sheen Coalesce To Create A Visual Showcase

Though Dragon Age: The Veilguard is indeed a direct continuation of Dragon Age Inquisition, you might not initially know it by looking at the various media for the game. With a shift to a more stylised, almost animated look that leaves behind the much more straightforward and relatively flair-free designs of previous games, Dragon Age: The Veilguard doesn’t just look appreciably different from its predecessor, but the shift in art direction has also resulted in many more colourful and vibrant environments that do a grand old job of showcasing the Tevinter Imperium like never before. Beyond the new art direction, Dragon Age: The Veilguard also makes the most of contemporary rendering techniques, boasting high-end ‘ultra’ ray tracing settings resulting in eye-stroking reflections, shadows and ambient occlusion. Another neat touch is that as your group accumulates damage, it will show on their faces and bodies within cutscenes too, adding a real sense of visual consistency to the whole affair. Put simply, Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be a treat for the eyes and then some.

Character Creation That You Can Lose Yourself In

Long before you take the first steps in your epic odyssey, Dragon Age: The Veilguard enshrouds players in its character creation suite, which I’m aggrieved to report, is horrendously in-depth and will likely sap a good chunk of time away from you. Known as ‘Rook’, Dragon Age: The Veilguard allows you to tailor its central protagonist in a dizzying number of ways. Once you’ve chosen your race from dwarves, elves, humans and qunari, followed by a class choice of mage, rogue and warrior, you can also specify which faction your Rook belongs to, diversifying them yet further still. When you get to the cosmetic side of things, this is where things can become obsessive, as you pour over every physical aspect of your hero’s appearance and Dragon Age: The Veilguard provides you with the tools to tailor Rook exactly how you want to.

New Specialisations Provide Long Missed Character Customisation Opportunities

Though Dragon Age: The Veilguard only provides a trio of classes to choose from at the beginning, newly implemented specialisations allow you to broaden your horizons further with a further three subclasses unlocking as you progress later into the game, tapping neatly into the lore of the Dragon Age universe to boot. Mages can become Death Callers, Evokers and Spell Blades. Rogues can become Saboteurs, Duelists, Veil Jumpers and Veil Rangers. Finally, Warriors can become Slayers, Reapers, Champions or a Darkspawn destroying Grey Warden.

Furious, Yet Thoughtful Action-Packed Combat

Furthering the real-time combat systems seen in Dragon Age Inquisition, Veilguard’s combat works similarly on first inspection, allowing players to pause the combat while fighting to target new enemies, use abilities from handy radials and generally get a good vantage of the battlefield to help galvanise their strategy. Pretty standard, yet satisfying stuff then. However, Dragon Age: The Veilguard also looks to provide additional depth via an expanded loadout system and viscerally satisfying execution kills, too.

A Magical Realm Overflowing With Stories And Lore

One of the most attractive aspects of the Dragon Age franchise since its inception is the notion that you were the main character in a fully fleshed-out, fantasy world where lore oozed from every nook and cranny. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, that idea of a world that is overflowing with a sense of place, lore and stories continues as players find themselves once again drawn to the world of Thedas. This time however, the oppressive Tevinter Imperium serves as the primary backdrop to the proceedings, as players must navigate the complex geopolitical struggles that have marked the seat of Dragon Age’s longtime oppressive imperial force, all the while diving into the lore and personal stories of the denizens that choose to make a life there.

Companion Choices Help To Drive An Overarching Non-Linear Narrative

Of course Dragon Age: The Veilguard wouldn’t be a Dragon Age, or indeed, a BioWare game if it didn’t fully embrace companions and a nonlinear narrative. Thankfully, BioWare’s latest looks set to do both with aplomb. Not only will your companions have their own personal backstories, quests and, of course, ample romance opportunities, but so too will they notice things that are happening both within the group and in the world at large. With a total of seven possible companions that can be brought into your group, Dragon Age: The Veilguard also does a great job of tracking how your actions – in dialogue, combat and the choices that you make in key story events – will affect their perception of you. This is thanks to a Telltale style notification informing you what a companion thought of your actions and if they will remember it for later on.

The Lighthouse Marks An Overdue Return To Meaningful Hub Areas

One element of BioWare’s games that is often overlooked is how effectively it leverages downtime to strengthen bonds with both your companions and the events that are happening both to them and around them. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, this approach is very much at the forefront of its design as its hub, an area called the Lighthouse, allows you to speak to your companions, further your relationships with them and even unlock new companion-centric quests. In addition to other incidental NPCs that can be interacted with, the Lighthouse also serves a second important purpose. The Lighthouse allows players to not just dive into the history of Veilguard’s primary antagonist Solas, but also play quests that form his lived experience, resulting in Rook talking to their companions about how these stories affect their perception of Veilguard’s shiny-headed, big bad. It’s a great way to make hub areas feel worthwhile again, as they used to with older BioWare efforts, and I’m absolutely here for it. 

Best Games To Play Whilst Waiting For Assassin’s Creed Shadows

If you are anything like us, the recent delay to Assassin’s Creed Shadows – pushing it back to 2025 – has left a shuriken-shaped hole in our gaming schedule. After all, having to wait a few more months can feel like an eternity if you were really looking forward to the game, but never fear, the good thing about the gaming industry is that there are bound to be countless other games to occupy your time.

Whilst there are a lot of open-world games out there that you can delve into to pass the time whilst you wait for AC: Shadows, our focus here is on the setting, the feeling and ultimately the vibe. We’re not after just other games with similar gameplay, because those would just mean a list of other Assassin’s Creed and probably Elden Ring. No no, we’re going for something better than that. 

Nioh 2

Quite simply put, Nioh 2 is a gem of a game. It puts you in the shoes of a protagonist who’s part Yokai, which means that they can absorb the power of the demons running amok in Japan and take their form to help in fights. As you would expect from a Koei Tecmo game, there are loads of weapons and playstyles to choose from, and it boasts arguably one of the best co-op systems of any game in the genre. It’s also just a huge amount of fun, with an excellent story bursting at the seams with historical characters from the Sengoku period.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands out from most of the FromSoftware games as, while you can take different paths through the game, it lacks some of the typical tropes, such as build variety, and, dare we say it, actually has an overtly told story. You play as Wolf, a character who’s sworn to protect their lord, and on the eve of a great war, has gained the ability to come back from the dead. You’ll need to slay demons, humans, and mighty apes to succeed in your quest in this Action Soul-like.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

If you’re looking for something a bit more tactical to pass the time, then Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is the ideal choice. A hardcore tactical stealth game, Shadow Tactics sees you take control of a whole group of amazing characters, including a ninja and a samurai, each of whom has their own skills and abilities to learn and master in their pursuit of overthrowing a rebellion and uncovering some seriously deep conspiracies. The gameplay is genuinely some of the best in the genre, and it nails its Edo-period setting.

Like A Dragon: Ishin!

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is an action-adventure that takes the amazing series from Ryu Ga Gotoku into the age of the samurai. That means you can expect all of the chaotic action and borderline slapstick violence alongside plenty of fascinating characters, all sorts of mini-games, and a beautiful world to explore. It’s just a lot of fun, and if you’re looking to inhabit this era properly, you could do a lot worse than investing in a copy of Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Ghost of Tsushima

Ultimately, Ghost of Tsushima might be the game most similar to Assassin’s Creed Shadows on this list and that’s not a bad thing. It follows Jin, as he fights his way through Tsushima Island and practically single-handedly repels a Mongol invasion. A brutal action adventure, it offers a stunning open world to explore and even has an incredibly cool black-and-white visual mode to play if you fancy feeling like you’re in an old-school samurai film. Plus, with a sequel recently announced there is no better time to experience Ghost of Tsushima.

KILL KNIGHT Is A Maelstrom of Blood, Violence and Absurdly Good Fun

Sometimes all that is needed to make a great game is great gameplay. As demonstrated by early games like Pac-Man and Galaga, it’s often easy to forget – what with games becoming increasingly complex – how much fun pure, arcade-style gameplay can be. Enter KILL KNIGHT.

Doing away with almost anything that can be considered “superfluous” – honestly, we are surprised it has a menu or soundtrack – KILL KNIGHT drops you into a world filled with eldritch horrors and asks you to destroy everything and leave no trace of life (or unlife) in your wake. Descending through a range of arenas across five fatal layers in the otherwordly Abyss, you’ll get new weapons and abilities, come across new enemies, and even find new traps to avoid.


With KILL KNIGHT, it’s all about pure violence, to the point where your aim is just to rack up a new high score and try and climb leaderboards. When we say arcade, we mean arcade. Each arena isn’t likely to last you long, especially at first as you adjust to surprisingly challenging difficulty spikes. However, as you get better at the game, you’ll find your scores – and therefore your abilities – going up exponentially, and the chase to be the best is a hard one to beat. 

Outside of just the pure violence of it all, there are also challenges to overcome, which ensures you can unlock the full potential of your Knight’s Arsenal and evolve your playstyle for the challenges ahead. There are also a host of different modes and difficulties to experiment with, such as Sever Mode, which combines all five layers of the Abyss into one, all-consuming arena challenge.

By no means a complex game, KILL KNIGHT is some of the most fun you can have right now if you’re looking for pure, unbridled violence with a beautiful old-school aesthetic and an excellent soundtrack. What’s not to love about that?

Metaphor: ReFantazio – Everything You Need To Know

Emerging from a team of developers at Atlus responsible for the legendary Persona JRPG series, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an all-new, tremendously promising genre effort that both embraces and iterates upon everything that made the Persona series so beloved in the first place.

With that in mind, from release date to PC specifications and demo details, here’s everything you need to know about Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Release Date

Metaphor: ReFantazio has been officially confirmed for a full release on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X and PC via Steam on October 11, 2024. Metaphor: ReFantazio will not release for Nintendo Switch or Xbox One platforms as of this writing, while an Epic Games Store release date also remains unannounced at this stage.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Demo

Before Metaphor: ReFantazio lands on digital store shelves, players will be able to get stuck in early thanks to a special prologue demo that is available to download now on all platforms. Not only does the Metaphor: ReFantazio demo allow eager players to tackle the opening act of the full game, but any progress made in the demo will handily carry right over into the finished article, too.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Atlus 35th Digital Anniversary Edition – What Do You Get?


In addition to the standard version of Metaphor: ReFantazio, folks with deeper pockets can also plonk some additional stacks down for the, wait for it, Metaphor: ReFantazio Atlus 35th Anniversary Edition. And breathe. This fancy edition raises a glass to the long, storied history of developer Atlus and provides the following goodies to that effect:

  • Digital Base Game
  • Digital Artbook
  • Digital Soundtrack
  • Atlus 35th Digital History Book
  • Atlus 35th Digital All-Time Best Soundtrack
  • Over 50 DLC costumes, Battle BGMs, and Jingle Sets including:
    • Shujin Academy School Uniform
    • Golden Yasogami High School Uniform
    • Gekkoukan High School Uniform
    • Seven Sisters High School Uniform
    • St. Hermelin High School Uniform
    • Jouin High School Uniform
    • Samurai Garb
    • Etrian Odyssey Series Classes Costume

Metaphor: ReFantazio Pre-order Bonuses


No matter which version of Metaphor: ReFantazio you pre-order, you’ll nab a whole host of digital treats which will encompass the following:

  • Archetype EXP Chest Set containing:
    • 10x Hero’s Incenses (Increases Archetype Experiences by 100)
    • 5x Hero’s Fruits (Increases Archetype Experiences by 500)
  • Adventurer’s Journey Pack containing:
    • 30,000 Reeve (In-game currency)
    • 5x Expensive Medicines (Restores 200 HP to one ally)
    • 5x Revival Medicines (Revives an ally)
    • 3x Magical Breads (Gradually recover MP while in a dungeon)
    • 2x Stale Blackbreads (Deals 300 Almighty damage to one enemy)

Metaphor: ReFantazio Story


Opening on the fantastical United Kingdom of Euchronia, Metaphor: ReFantazio kicks off its story in earnest as the assassination of Euchronia’s King causes a tidal wave of chaos to sweep through the realm. Casting players as a young lad belonging to the Elda tribe who, thanks to his inheritance of forbidden arcana, finds himself shunned by wider society, Metaphor: ReFantazio sees players meet with Gallica, an enigmatic, yet powerful fairy that aids him on his journey.

Clearly something of a kind fellow, the player protagonist’s main quest is to lift a mysterious curse on his childhood friend, who just so happens to be the crown prince of Euchornia that the world believes was assassinated a decade ago. Also, cue lots of twists, and turns, unveiled mysteries and, of course, a whole bunch of super memorable companion characters each with their own personalities, motivations and fates. Bring it on I say. 

Metaphor: ReFantazio Gameplay


Metaphor: ReFantazio is a JRPG that comes from many of the same creative talents that worked on the Persona series so it’s clear that there is some degree of shared design DNA on display here, but nonetheless, Metaphor: ReFantazio still elects to do things somewhat differently in various ways.

Metaphor: ReFantazio boasts a great deal of world exploration and this is achieved in two main ways. The first is through wandering around local environments and will be familiar to anyone who has played a JRPG in the last twenty years, in that you guide your characters around a fully 3D world from a third-person perspective, talking to NPCs, kicking off battles, going into shops, taking on side quests and all that sort of business. Secondly, when you’re looking for wider-scale travel, the nattily named “gauntlet runner” is a great big stonking base on legs that can whisk you away from one city to the next.

Elsewhere, Metaphor: ReFantazio embraces a somewhat unique class-based system where once each character becomes powerful enough, they can awaken an ‘Archetype’ which allows them to synergise the abilities of different job classes in a way that wasn’t possible previously, leading to some rather neat party compositions as a result.

Aside from a more straightforward visual presentation that deliberately eschews the popping comic design panels and colours of the most recent Persona games, perhaps the biggest way that Metaphor: ReFantazio separates itself from its more well-known older stablemate is in the combat system. Turning away from the exclusively turn-based combat system of the Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio instead goes for a blended real-time and turn-based approach to smashing up baddies where Squad Mode provides turn-based battles for harder enemies, while Fast Mode allows players to dispose of lower level foes in quick fashion, keeping things trucking along at a decent pace as a result.

Fans of the social elements seen in the Persona games will also find much to love in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Much like the Persona series, time management is paramount here, as players have to balance diving into dungeons, hunting for bounties and completing quests during the day, with the need to build bonds, bolster virtues and strengthen friendships with party companions – all of which can empower your group in different ways depending on what you choose to prioritise.

Where Can I Watch The Latest Trailer?

The latest trailer for Metaphor: ReFantazio is available to watch right now and you can catch it directly above. Focusing in on the Metaphor: ReFantazio prologue demo which is available to download now, this trailer provides a kaleidoscopic view of everything that this morsel offers, showing off everything from some story beats, exploration, pre-rendered cutscenes and a whole heap of combat to boot.

PC System Requirements


Much like the Persona games before it, Metaphor: ReFantazio certainly doesn’t require a beastly PC rig to get an attractive technical presentation. Put simply, if you have a CPU, GPU, and RAM combo from the last seven years or so, you should be able to run Metaphor: ReFantazio rather comfortably. You can catch the latest PC system requirements for Metaphor: Refantazio below.

MINIMUM:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-3470 or AMD FX-6300
  • Memory: 6 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti, 4GB or AMD Radeon R7 360, 4GB or Intel Arc A310, 4GB
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Storage: 93 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: 720p @ 30 FPS. A CPU with AVX support is required.

RECOMMENDED:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-7600 or Ryzen 5 2600
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, 4GB or AMD Radeon RX 480, 4GB or Intel Arc A380, 6GB
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Storage: 93 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: 1080p @ 60 FPS. A CPU with AVX support is required.

Rogue Waters: A Pirate Roguelike With Plenty of Story

If you yearn for the thrill of seafaring adventures and the power to summon mythical beasts like the Kraken, Rogue Waters is your ticket to pirate paradise. As its name suggests, Rogue Waters is a roguelike, but one with a heavier emphasis on story than a lot of others in the genre. You take control of Cutter, a pirate aiming to be captain one day and who regularly ends up in ship-to-ship battles, boarding them and getting into some good old-fashioned swashbuckling.


Taking place in a turn-based format, your aim is to either disarm enemy cannons aimed at you or try and take out some of the crew to make the next part easier. Once the battle part is over, you board the enemy ship and end up in tactical combat to take over the ship. Utilizing a variety of tactics to outsmart and overcome your foes, you can employ clever manoeuvres, such as trapping enemies between your units or using ropes to reposition them strategically, while also utilizing firearms for ranged attacks.

It’s a lot of fun, and battles only get more complex the further into each run you get, because as with any roguelike worth its (sea) salt, things change. During each run, you can nab things like new weapons, new units, and even the chance to summon the Kraken at points to smash into huge groups of enemies. 

Word of warning – there’s a fair amount of reading to be done in Rogue Waters, but it’s for good reason as you’re meant to feel like an important piece in the story – you are a Captain after all – not just a random bystander. That means you’ll have to navigate conversations with your crew, other pirates, and other strange entities as piece together the story surrounding the secrets.

The roguelike genre is an increasingly crowded one, so it’s even more important for games to do things a little differently to stand out – and that’s certainly the case here. In Rogue Waters, the gameplay will keep you coming back for more but it’s the story, and the writing, that’ll make you want to see it through to the end.

Indie Game Round-Up – October 2024

The best indie games in October have a surprising lack of general Halloween vibes. That’s not a complaint, it’s just an observation, but you never know, maybe we will get jumpscared by a few shadow drops as the month progresses. In the meantime though, we’ve made a little list of some of the cool indie games that are confirmed to be out this month.

Whilst there is a bit of an action focus to the list, there’s still enough variety that no matter who you are and what you like you should be able to find something to scratch whatever itch you’re suffering from. If you can’t, then we recommend talking to your doctor, because we’re really not here to give medical advice.

Kill Knight – 3rd October

A good arcade-style game is always worth playing and Kill Knight is exactly that. Playing the part of a once loyal knight sentenced to eternal sufferance, you must wield an absurd array of weaponry as you fight through hordes of demons whilst trying to survive. It looks utterly over-the-top, and should be a great fit for anyone who wants a game they can simply drop into for a pure hit of adrenaline as and when they need it.

Sky Ocean: Wings for Hire – 10th October

Do you like sky pirates? Of course you do, everyone likes sky pirates, and that’s probably what’s powering our excitement for Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire. Sky Oceans is an open-sky game where you get to lead your motley crew of pirates through a big journey, engage in turn-based dog fights, and just generally be charmed by the beauty of it all. It also has a demo out right now, so what are you waiting for?

Transformers: Galactic Trials – 11th October

Transformers: Galactic Trials is an arcade racing game cum fighting game that features the Transformers. In the event you need more information, for some reason, the game has 11 different playable characters that you can level up and customize, 10 different levels to learn and master, and split-screen play as well. It looks like an excellent choice for those with siblings or (big) kids.

Blazing Strike – 17th October

It’s time for an indie fight game, so get your boxing gloves, strap on some extra hands, and start stretching those wrists. Blazing Strike has fighters battling it out to either help reinforce the evil governments of the world, or to try and stand against them. It’s a cool concept for a fighter, and it looks absolutely gorgeous, and very heavily inspired by the early PS1 fighting games, which certainly tickles the nostalgia sense in our brains.

Fear the Spotlight – 22nd October

The sole horror entrant on the list, Fear the Spotlight was technically released over a year ago but thanks to a partnership between developer and Blumhouse Games, will be getting another bite at the release cherry this month. A PS1 era-inspired third-person horror adventure, Fear the Spotlight currently sits on a ‘Very Positive’ rating on Steam and should be top of everyone’s Halloween lists this year.

Streets of Rogue 2 – 22nd October

Streets of Rogue 2 could end up being a frontrunner in game-of-the-year discussions, just so long as it builds on how good the first game was. The pull here is that it’s completely free-form, and allows you to play with your friends and try to overthrow a corrupt government in countless different ways as a load of different characters. Expect carnage, and you won’t be disappointed.

Lynked: Banner of the Spark – 22nd October

Lynked: Banner of the Spark is a roguelike hack-and-slash game that also throws in town-building mechanics as a way to switch up the meta-progression. It looks wonderfully colourful, has full co-op, and could be another excellent addition to the world of co-op roguelikes, which is constantly growing and will eventually consume us all. Also, you can befriend cool robots.

Underworld Overseer – 31st October

If you dream of being the bad guy in VR, then you’ll probably love Underworld Overseer. Playing like a VR Dungeon Keeper, you are tasked with being the evil overlord of a dungeon, and then plan out where to put traps, demons, the undead and more, all with the aim of wiping out the incoming adventurers. You even get to cast spells as well, which sounds like a blast.

Why We Are Excited For The Last Plague: Blight

This blog article is a sponsored piece for The Last Plague: Blight

2024 may well go down as being the year of the survival game. There have been plenty of excellent genre options released this year, including the likes of Enshrouded, Nightingale, Bellwright, Core Keeper, Soulmask, and even interesting offshoots like Abiotic Factor or Palworld. Survival game fans have had plenty to choose from, and there’s still more to come.

In fact, fans will be getting another survival game soon – October 3rd to be precise – with the release of The Last Plague: Blight. It looks to be shaping up as a compelling debut entry from developer Original Studios, so we thought we would tell you exactly why we are excited about it and why, therefore, you should be too.

Why We Are Excited For The Last Plague: Blight


When it releases on October 3rd, The Last Plague: Blight, like many other survival releases over the years, will be launching into Steam’s Early Access, and frankly, there are few genres better suited to this model of release. With such an emphasis on repetition, be it gathering new materials or working towards upgrades, survival games are naturally less impacted when a new content patch drops or an update requires starting a new world.

When you do jump in, you will find yourself in a world ravaged by a new mysterious, disease known as Blight. It has decimated humanity and although, thankfully, you have managed to escape, you have been into the wilderness, and need to learn to survive on your own. The result of all of this is a survival game that’s a bit more grounded than most currently on the market.

For example, instead of seeking out monsters for assistance or magic to help you fight, you’re going to be chopping wood to create a home, boiling water to ensure it’s clean, and treating your materials to make sure they actually last what lies ahead. The building mechanics also enable a full freeform experience, allowing you to build your base wherever you see fit. It’s going to be a lot tougher than most survival crafting games, but we are betting there are a fair amount of people looking for that right now.


Where you decide to build your base will be important, because not only will you be up against more realistic crafting mechanics but you will also need to survive against the elements themselves, along with whatever wild beasts stray too close to your camp, or your path to the next objective. Combine this with an in-depth injury and wound system – if you don’t look after yourself you’ll end up suffering until you can properly heal yourself – and you have a game ideal for those seeking a realistic survival experience.

Surviving alone can be hard – especially in The Last Plague: Blight – so you will be pleased to hear that there will be a co-op mode available during its Early Access phase which means you can try and fight against the cold and uncaring world with a friend. There are even future plans for the ability to collaborate and trade with NPC survivors, meaning you can create and foster some in-game friendships to help you survive the Blight.

This is but a small snapshot of what The Last Plague: Blight has to offer when it launches into Early Access on October 3rd and if you have been waiting for a new, realistic take on the open-world survival genre it’s definitely one that you should be excited about. Plus, if you can’t wait until then – or if you simply want to jump in a try it out for yourself – there is currently a free demo available over on Steam, so there really is no excuse.

Why Until Dawn™ Deserves It’s Remake Treatment

Long before British developer Supermassive Games would scare the collective pants off of everybody with its Dark Pictures Anthology series, The Quarry and most recently its Dead by Daylight tie-in, The Casting of Frank Stone, it manifested Until Dawn into reality back in 2015. As we now sail past its ninth anniversary, Until Dawn is tipped to get a remake on PC and PlayStation 5 platforms next month so it feels timely to explore just why Supermassive Games’ most well-regarded horror effort is deserving of a remake.

Originally intended to be a first-person PlayStation 3 title focused on that console’s decidedly shonky PlayStation Move controllers, it didn’t take long for the talented folks at Supermassive Games to take over development duties and realise that Until Dawn would be much more effective as a traditionally controlled, cinematic horror adventure – and that’s precisely what we got.

Taking place from a third-person perspective, with an emphasis on cinematic flair, Until Dawn very successfully tapped into the teen slasher horror staples of the late 1990s and 2000s. Chiefly, this was achieved by putting players in rotating control of a group of eight temperamental and frequently bickering teens as they attempt to survive on the distinctly spooky Blackrock Mountain until, you guessed it, dawn.

Very deliberately embracing all of the best and worst aspects of that shopworn cliche, Until Dawn nonetheless felt extremely fresh and compelling when it was released back in 2015 because it shamelessly waded into those waters with complete conviction. Certainly, while Supermassive Games has broadened its output quite significantly since then Until Dawn still feels unique enough and stuffed with enough old-school thrills to be worth the price of admission.

It can be easy to take for granted just what degree of toil and artistry is required to make those old-school horror thrills feel both keenly palpable and satisfying for fans of the genre, and yet, Until Dawn managed to pull it all off with aplomb. Genuinely creepy and terrifying in appropriately equal measure, Until Dawn deftly mixed old-fashioned jump scares with the creeping dread of more contemporary fare alongside some delightfully wicked camera work. From sudden quick shots to some unseen horror leaping out of the darkness, to long panning, close-to-the-floor shots of some undefined terror slowly making its way through the shadows, Until Dawn’s direction is clearly influenced by horror movie cinematography and as such, Supermassive Games’ first horror effort remains held in deservedly high regard. 

When it comes to the remake, fans will be pleased to hear they still have a lot to discover and appreciate in terms of this camera work, as developer Ballistic Moon has tightened up some shots, implemented entirely new ones and engineered every frame to better serve its characters and their enduring peril. The Until Dawn remake goes even further still, boasting a reworked prologue which adjusts the pacing of the narrative, allowing players to spend more time with the main characters prior to the main story kicking off.

Contributing significantly to Until Dawn’s so-thick-you-could-cut-it atmospherics is the location itself. Like all the most iconic horror locales, Until Dawn essentially gives its location main character status, with the eerie, snow-dappled log house of Blackrock Mountain, together with the surrounding areas, providing a stirring backdrop to the horror adventure shenanigans which are playing out on screen. 

Of course, Until Dawn wouldn’t be able to deploy its horror as effectively as it does if it wasn’t for the cast of characters that must navigate their collective way through this all-consuming nightmare. Ably anchoring Until Dawn’s engaging cast of characters, Supermassive Games breakout effort is also notable for starring some recognisable Hollywood faces too, including the likes of Oscar winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody), Hayden Panettiere (Heroes, Nashville) and Brett Dalton (Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD). Much more than just names for the sake of having names, Until Dawn’s cast of characters is supported by fully motion-captured performances from actors on the stage, big and small screen and this lends a dramatic quality to each performance that helps Until Dawn to age better than it otherwise would have.

Another reason for Until Dawn’s original success was that it underscored its distinctly cinematic presentation with a non-linear narrative where the player had a great many opportunities to shape the story depending on their choices in key situations. Not only did Until Dawn properly empower the player with the agency needed to direct their own story, but it also provided the title with a great deal of replay value, a pair of facts that a new generation of players will surely appreciate when they get their mitts on the Until Dawn remake.  

Already visually sumptuous, remake studio Ballistic Moon nonetheless found a number of ways to embellish Until Dawn’s retina-stroking visual presentation yet further still. First and foremost, a change of game engine is in order. Making the leap to Unreal Engine 5, the Until Dawn remake leverages the technical advantages of Epic’s cutting-edge engine to embellish those atmospherics like never before. With much higher quality physical materials, improved lighting, more complex environments and a step change in character model detail and animation to better support those great performances even more, Until Dawn in its remade form can confidently make a case for being one of the best looking horror games of recent years.

Beyond all of the aforementioned changes and improvements, the Until Dawn remake also brings additional collectables, secrets and new small areas to keep players busy when they’re not wetting themselves with terror – a fact that players both old and new will surely appreciate. 

An often underrated genre effort, Until Dawn earns its remake by fearlessly leaning full-tilt into its take on stereotypical horror movies from decades ago in a way that few other titles have managed to successfully pull off. All in all, though the remake of Until Dawn leans a little more towards the conservative when we compare it to from-the-ground remakes – such is the desire of Ballistic Moon to thankfully hew close to the source material – the uplift in fidelity, together with a reworked prologue, improved camera and added collectables all serve to put an extra sheen on a modern horror classic that an all-new generation of gamers deserves to experience on the latest gaming hardware.

Elsie: A Promising & Entertaining Mega Man Roguelike

Elsie is a roguelike game that draws inspiration from the Mega Man series and adds a healthy dose of randomness and challenge. It’s a tough game that requires patience and skill, however, for those willing to put in the effort, Elsie offers a deep, replayable experience with a wide variety of character builds and a high level of difficulty.

Graphically, it’s got a lovely, retro pixel art style which is perfect to help you identify when you are about to be overcome by an onslaught of bullets. The good news, however, is you can always activate your parry at the right time to avoid taking damage. You’ve also got a cool dash attack, your weapon to fire, and a couple of spells as well.

Elsie’s replayability and variety come from the weapons, spells, and passive upgrades you can discover throughout your runs. The meta-progression is solid, with you often being able to grab at least one new thing in between runs, and the way it handles its levels is really interesting.

Each world in Elsie features multiple bosses. Defeating them unlocks the true boss, a hacked robot. Once defeated, you bring them back to your base to learn more about the story. It’s a unique and engaging concept, although some players might find the difficulty a bit challenging but overall, I’ve been having a great time with it.

Whilst there is a small amount of bug squishing that still needs to be done – a few of which could be run-ending – I am sure the developers, Knight Shift Games, will sort them out in future patches. All-in-all, however, Elsie is a great roguelike for those looking for a unique, interesting mixture of chaotic platforming and bullet hell genres.

Everything You Need To Know About S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the next entry in the widely acclaimed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series and puts players into a world filled with danger, mutants, and strange anomalies that go against the very laws of physics. It’s a dangerous world, and with the previous entries so beloved by fans and critics alike it’s no surprise that people are early anticipating a new entry in the series, especially as we’ve not seen one since 2009.

As a result, there are a lot of people hungry for more details on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and we’ve got those details for you right here. So, rather than wasting your time with any more intro, let’s get into everything we know about S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl from its release date to details on its gameplay, multiplayer, and even the system requirements. 

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Release Date

stalker 2 release date

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl has experienced several delays due to various factors, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which directly affected GSC Game World, the Kyiv-based studio behind the game. Originally slated for an April 2022 release, the game has since been pushed back regularly with a now-confirmed release date of November 20th 2024.

Given the challenges the development team has faced, the delays are understandable, but anticipation has only grown with each announcement. Fans of the series have waited over a decade for a true sequel, and it appears that GSC Game World is committed to delivering an experience worthy of that wait. The game will be released on multiple platforms, including PC and Xbox Series X|S, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Story

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series is known for its richly detailed world and its narrative focus on the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, a mysterious area surrounding the infamous nuclear power plant. Set in an alternate reality where a second explosion at Chornobyl occurred in 2006, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 returns players to this irradiated and anomaly-filled wasteland.

In Heart of Chornobyl, players take on the role of a lone “Stalker” — a scavenger, explorer, and bounty hunter who ventures into the Zone in search of artefacts, which are valuable remnants of anomalous activity. The main story follows the player’s journey through the Zone, as they unravel a complex and branching narrative that involves multiple factions, each with their own agendas, rivalries, and moral dilemmas.

Developers GSC Game World have also hinted that Heart of Chornobyl will feature philosophical undertones, exploring themes of survival, morality, and the nature of humanity in extreme conditions which should be welcome news to fans of the series.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Gameplay

The gameplay of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl builds on the open-world, first-person survival mechanics of its predecessors, offering a seamless blend of survival horror, exploration, and intense firefights. Unsurprisingly the world of the Exclusion Zone is vast, dynamic, and unpredictable, with both hostile mutants and other Stalkers constantly posing a threat, and GSC Game World has stated that the new game will feature the most extensive and detailed depiction of the Zone to date, and it will be fully explorable from the outset.

At its core, however, Heart of Chornobyl remains a survival game. Players will need to manage their health, hunger, and radiation exposure while scavenging for weapons, ammunition, and supplies. The environment itself will also pose a significant challenge, with radioactive hotspots, anomalies (invisible zones of distorted physics), and deadly weather conditions constantly requiring players to adapt, whilst encounters with mutants and hostile factions can be sudden and brutal, forcing players to rely on a combination of stealth, quick thinking, and firepower.

Fans will also be glad to hear that customization and progression remain important aspects of gameplay in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Players can upgrade their equipment, such as weapons and armour, using materials and items scavenged from the environment and crafting and repairing gear will be crucial for survival in the harsh conditions of the Zone. Additionally, Heart of Chornobyl will feature an expanded quest system, with side missions offering unique rewards and insights into the world’s lore – we can’t wait!

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Multiplayer

stalker 2 multiplayer

Although the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has traditionally been a single-player experience, GSC Game World has confirmed that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will feature a multiplayer component, which is expected to be released as a free update after the game’s initial launch. While details about multiplayer are still limited, we do know that the mode will focus on PvP (Player versus Player) experiences, drawing on the intense firefights and tactical gameplay that define the single-player campaign.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Trailer

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl System Requirements

stalker 2 system requirements

As a next-gen game built with cutting-edge technology, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is going to push your rig to its limits. With that in mind, here are the current Minimum and Recommended system requirements for PC:

MINIMUM:

  • OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600X / Intel Core i5-7600K
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
  • Storage: 150 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: SSD

RECOMMENDED:

  • OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X / Intel Core i7-9700K
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 8GB / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8GB / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB
  • Storage: 150 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: SSD

Buy S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

shop for stalker 2

Make sure you’re ready to delve into a strange, mysterious, and terrifying world by buying S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl here. Get a great price and shop in safety before descending into the very unsafe world of the Exclusion Zone.

The Best Weapons In Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Get ready to slice through hordes of zombies with the best weapons in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. This iconic survival horror game is back with a remastered edition, offering a fresh take on the original Dead Rising experience. So whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the series, here are five of the best weapons to dominate the undead apocalypse in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster.

Best Weapons in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

We’re going to level with you for a second, there are very few wrong choices when it comes to what could be considered the best weapons in Dead Rising. Given how incredibly silly the game is at its core if a weapon brings you joy, you should use it. That being said, however, this list of top weapons mainly focuses on weapons that do good damage or have good durability. Regardless of your weapon of choice, however, happy zombie hunting!

Excavator

Location: Crislip’s Home Saloon (North Plaza)

As it turns out, tools that are designed to break through concrete and whatnot are also very good at dealing with zombie hordes. With its powerful spiral blades and good attack range, the Excavator is a truly brutal weapon. It delivers incredible damage at a rapid pace, and its wide arc can hit multiple zombies at once, making it ideal for clearing hordes. While it may be slightly slower than some other options, its sheer power and stylish design more than compensate.

Small Chainsaw

Location: Space Rider Rollercoaster (Wonderland Plaza)

Don’t be fooled by its size. The small chainsaw may seem less intimidating than its larger counterpart, but it packs a surprising punch. It turns out that the smaller sibling of everyone’s favourite Evil Dead arm accessory is a powerful weapon in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster thanks to its light nature and surprisingly good lifespan. The small chainsaw is a reliable and efficient tool for dispatching enemies and it can be easily stored in your inventory, making it a valuable backup option when you need a quick and powerful solution. You will have to beat Adam the Clown to unlock this little beast, but once you’ve done so you’ll have a much easier time cutting through hordes.

Ceremonial Sword

Location: Colby’s Movieland (Paradise Plaza)

Defeating Sean Keanan will unlock the powerful ceremonial sword, a worthy reward given its exceptional ability to cut through swathes of undead like a knife through butter. Delivering absurd damage, the ceremonial sword has surprisingly good mobility, and can even be thrown for a dramatic finishing move. So if you’re looking to channel your inner demon hunter, this sword is a must-have and while Frank may not have Dante’s acrobatic skills, he can still unleash devastating attacks with this weapon.

Lawn Mower

Location: Crislip’s Home Saloon (North Plaza)

Zombies and grass might have more in common than anybody would realise, but the only thing we can think of for sure is that neither of them is happy with you bringing the lawn mower out. A versatile and entertaining weapon, the lawn mower is effective against zombies both in its push mode, shredding them as you move, and in its handheld mode, delivering powerful blows. Choose the method that suits your playstyle and enjoy the carnage.

Servbot Mask

Location: Child’s Play (Paradise Plaza)

Look, we had to put one in here that wasn’t just about damage. Sometimes you need to just stop an enemy from seeing you, and for those times, there’s nothing better than plonking a Servbot mask onto their head. This stops them from being able to see – meaning they stumble around even more than usual – and whilst it can also be used to attack things, and that’s great and all, the main draw is definitely putting it on the best-dressed zombie and enjoying a brief respite from all of the horror and chaos that being slap bang in the middle of a zombie apocalypse entails. 

shapez 2 Is An Automation Fanatics Dream

There’s a very specific sub-section of gamers out there that live for efficiency above all else, not least when it comes to their games. We don’t mean playing games quickly or speedrunning, well not in this case at least, but it means that the simple joy they get from correctly automating a process in a game is one that can’t be matched by anything else. If you’re one of those gamers, then you’re going to want to play shapez 2. 

shapez 2 is, in its simplest form, a game all about building up a massive – and we mean massive – shape-building factory and making it as efficient and automated as possible. That’s it. A quintessential example of a game that’s not for everyone, and anybody who wants more than that isn’t going to find it here, it’s an exceptional example of the factory-building genre that’ll have fans salivating over every turn and cog. 


Unsurprisingly, given the nature of the game, It takes a long time to get to the size you’ll eventually hit, but every step of the journey brings with it new challenges and tools, and new heights of optimisation to reach. It’s a good-looking but simple-looking game in terms of pure visuals, but the gameplay is anything but. There is a certain type of pleasure to a game that’ll bring you nothing but joy, as you sit back and watch your factory do everything you designed it to do, and then it allows you to build something new to make it even more complex.

Essentially, if you like sorting out factory lines in games like Satisfactory, Factorio, or any other automation strategy game, then shapez 2 takes that specific feeling and makes it into one exceptionally well-made game that you are going to love.

Everything That’s New In Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Easily one of the best purveyors of remakes and remasters in the games industry today, Capcom looks set to continue that streak with this month’s Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, a full-fat remaster of 2006’s zombie-mashing odyssey that few would have expected. Thankfully while Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster keeps the core design of the original title fiercely intact, Capcom has nonetheless made great strides to make a remake that feels appropriately refreshed on current-generation gaming hardware. So without further ado, here is everything new that Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brings to the table for new and old fans alike.

Completely Updated Visual Presentation Brings The Undead To (Un)Life

As with just about any remastering effort worth its salt, one of the marquee selling points of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is the substantial visual uplift the game has received over its 2006 source material. Taking full advantage of Capcom’s immensely scalable and capable RE Engine, Frank West, the thousands of zombies surrounding him and Willamette’s favourite mall have all arguably never looked better. Not only does the shift to Capcom’s latest iteration of the RE Engine result in smoother and more detailed visuals, but a lot of attention has been given to subtle details such as increased facial detail, more realistic physical materials and of course, much better blood splatters than what we saw in the original Dead Rising.

Fully Voiced Characters – At Last

A world away from the frequent silence of the original Dead Rising (an odd set of circumstances considering how loud and brash the game otherwise was), Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brings a fully voiced cast of characters to the fore. Though characters from the original are now given a voice where they didn’t have one previously – such as mission giver Otis, for example – his witterings can be skipped if you so choose. Notably as part of this voice acting refresh, other previously voiced characters have been recast, including main protagonist Frank West.

Auto Saves Are Here To Save Your Controller (And Your Progress)

I dread to think how many poor OG Xbox 360 controllers were crushed or ruined in the hands of rightly aggravated players when after dying, they realised that Dead Rising hadn’t saved their progress automatically beforehand. Now a thing of the past, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster employs a checkpoint system similar to the one seen in Dead Rising 2: Off The Record. What this means for the uninitiated, is that should Frank die, players can just continue after the most recent cutscene or area transition. Happy days all around.

You Can Run And Gun Without Worry

Though it might seem like a small thing that is easily missed, in the original Dead Rising, our boy Frank could hold and shoot a gun, but couldn’t run while doing so. That changes for Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster where our intrepid journalist can blast and dash with ease, though ammo should still be used frugally wherever possible.

A Smarter, More Deadly Undead Horde To Contend With

Despite what the majority of popular culture might tell us about zombies and their seeming lack of intelligence, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster runs contrary to that line of thinking, bestowing the vast, festering horde with a cleverness that was almost completely absent from Dead Rising’s original outing. Now, zombies not only have improved pathing, so they can find their way around furniture and other such environmental obstacles easier than before, but they will actively try and force Frank into corners and other difficult-to-escape nooks and crannies to boot. Oh, and cop zombies will occasionally decide to shoot their firearms too, which is something else that they didn’t do before, so that’s nice.

Survivors Also Gain A Grey Matter Upgrade, Too

It’s not just the zombies who have gotten smarter for Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, the numerous survivors that you’ll encounter in the game have too. No longer will they dumbly run into a horde of zombies if one exists between them and their objective, but instead they’ll look to skirt around the horde rather than just stumbling into it. Simply put, survivors are now much more aware of their mortality which is objectively great for your stress levels.

Survivor Affinity Gives You More Reasons To Care

In Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, survivors aren’t just a monolith of sometimes clumsy, randomly effective companions. Thanks to the new survivor affinity system, if Frank gives each survivor various items according to their unique preferences, they will reward him with improved efficiency in combat, not to mention the ability to find valuable PP stickers for our granite-jawed hero, too.

Expanded And Refined Environments

It’s not just the visuals that have had a significant overhaul in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, the environments have also been meaningfully updated. Ranging from the significant to the not-so-significant but still neat, changes to Dead Rising’s mall include handy yellow paint that helps to direct you to your next objective and a new rooftop staircase that makes shepherding survivors to freedom easier than ever before. Elsewhere, there are additional elements in the environment that can be used to smash the undead hordes, such as the fruit hanging on the trees at the plaza entrance and a shiny new blender which can be discovered in the security room.

Get All The Endings Much More Quickly

One of the most thoughtful additions that Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brings to the dance is a fast-forward feature. Now, while such a feature might not seem especially great on its own, it does mean that when you’re pursuing one of the seven different endings that the game boasts, you can skip forward precisely to the point in time where you need to do something different in order to trigger it. No more waiting around, then. Huzzah!

A Change Of Threads

Taking inspiration from Dead Rising 3, Frank can now change his wardrobe in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster by simply popping into a clothing closet and picking from any costume that he has on hand. Hey, if you’re killing zombies and psychopaths, you need to do it looking your best, right?

Reworked Camera Functionality

One area that has been quite heavily reworked for Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is the camera mechanic that sits at the core of the game. For a start, the number of photos that Frank can snap leapt from 30 to 100, and the camera itself can now be upgraded, allowing Frank to use things like flash photography to stun enemies. Finally, the erotica category of photos has been replaced with outtake photos.

Can’t wait to experience these changes for yourself and spend many happy hours taking on the undead in a myriad of creative ways? Then why not grab your copy over on the Green Man Gaming store – you would be braindead not to!

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Is A Preposterously Over-The-Top And Entertaining Action Game

You’ve probably seen a lot of hype around Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and If you’re not familiar with the series, we’re here to tell you that it’s well-deserved. The long-awaited sequel to the fan-favourite third-person action shooter, Space Marine 2 is an absurdly violent and gory third-person action game that fuses melee and ranged combat in a way that makes you feel like you are slap bang in the middle of an action movie. 

Alongside a hugely enjoyable campaign, that can be played either single-player or co-op and tells a compelling story set in the 41st Millennium, Space Marine 2 also manages to pack in fully-fleshed out PvE and PvP game modes too. In essence, what we’ve got here is an impressive action game that can do it all – as long as it all is violence, carnage, and lots of fun. 

In the campaign, you follow the epic journey of Titus, a valiant Space Marine with a seemingly impossible mission. To complete this mission, he must trust in his powerful arsenal of weapons – including his trusty chainsaw sword – as he faces all manner of Necron enemies. Whilst the campaign is fairly traditional in its execution, the other modes offer more freedom in how you play and experience the Warhammer 40,000 universe. There are a handful of different classes to choose from, and a lot of the fun comes from not only mastering your own class but learning how to work together with others to become a brutally efficient killing machine. Have we mentioned that the game is violent? That seems important and worth repeating.

Alongside it’s incredibly slick action, which feels great at all times, it’s also a stunning game to look at. The alien worlds you traverse are beautiful, despite the copious amounts of viscera, and the graphical fidelity is such that you’ll wish you could explore and maybe just pull up a nice rocking chair and take a nap. You won’t be able to do that though, because there’s always more action to be found in this incredible sequel that is sure to please fans and newcomers alike and keep them coming back for more. For the emperor!

How Final Fantasy Versus XIII Fell And Arose Again As Final Fantasy XV

All the way back at E3 2006 (oh E3, how I miss thee), Square Enix would announce the next chapter in its tentpole JRPG mega-franchise. Spearheaded by not one, but two Final Fantasy titles destined for Sony’s PlayStation 3 console, attendees and watchers of the show would be introduced to Final Fantasy XIII, which would go on to release in 2009, and Final Fantasy Versus XIII, which would go on to not be released – at least in its initial form anyway. At this point in time, Final Fantasy Versus XIII was set to be directed by Tetsuya Nomura, the very same chap who had directed the 2005 CG movie, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, before going on to direct Final Fantasy VII: Remake, which would release in 2020. So at the very least, there was a comforting pedigree steering that particular ship. 

The initial reveal of Final Fantasy Versus XIII showcased a title that was very much at odds with the somewhat lighter, more shiny sci-fi themes that were glimpsed in the reveal for its series stablemate, Final Fantasy XIII. Leading with weighty quotes from Shakespeare about the nature of man, good and evil, Final Fantasy Versus XIII not only set its stall out as an epic, gothic RPG, but it also introduced us to the character that would go on to be the main protagonist of Final Fantasy XV ten years later – Prince Noctis. Though we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here.

After an extended period of silence, it soon came to light that the direction that Final Fantasy Versus XIII was taking was at odds with ideas held by members of the development team, causing the game to be postponed. Compounding this delay was the fact that Square Enix was also grappling internally with technological barriers posed by both the ageing PlayStation 3 hardware and its Crystal Tools engine that was powering Final Fantasy XIII. Essentially, the engine was causing so many internal issues that members of the development team working on Final Fantasy Versus XIII were constantly being pulled into supporting the development of Final Fantasy XIII, just to make sure that the highly anticipated title shipped in a reasonable timeframe. 

Making things even worse still was that when Final Fantasy XIII Versus did finally start development in 2010, it was almost immediately shoved straight into development hell again because Square Enix’s second bite at the MMO apple, Final Fantasy XIV, was struggling badly on release. In fact, that might be selling the situation short because Final Fantasy XIV had suffered such a botched launch and was riddled with so many bugs and technical problems that the team decided to rebuild the whole thing from scratch. Can you guess which Final Fantasy title had its developer resources seconded to aid in this venture? Yep, that’s right – once again the team working on the long-gestating Final Fantasy Versus XIII was once again pulled off the project to fight fires located elsewhere. 

By the time 2011 rolled around the world was somewhat shocked to discover that Square Enix had decided to release a new trailer for Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Intriguingly, this latest batch of footage would show that Final Fantasy Versus XIII had taken something of a right turn, easing up on the relentless grimdark of its original reveal in favour of a lighter, more grounded setting, together with glimpses of green-stuffed rural areas that were utterly missing from its initial unveiling. Beyond an obvious tonal shift, this latest trailer for Final Fantasy Versus XIII not only gave eager fans a look at the two new characters that would eventually resurface in Final Fantasy XV, Noctis’ pals Ignis and Gladiolus, but also a peak at the real-time combat would also feature, including Noctis’ natty ability to teleport across the battlefield.

Though it wasn’t called Final Fantasy XV by name at that point, what we saw in 2011 was essentially the first bonafide footage from the game that would take that name and release a good five years later. Under the stewardship of new director Hajime Tabata, Final Fantasy Versus XIII completed its transformation into Final Fantasy XV and in doing so found itself formally integrated into the Fabula Nova Crystallis universe, sharing common themes and lore with other titles that exist within that setting.

More than that, Final Fantasy XV presented the series at large with something it had never seen before – a truly seamless open world which begged to be explored and in which secrets and side quests could be found in abundance. Further afield, Final Fantasy XV would innovate yet further still, giving players the first proper JRPG road trip odyssey that no games before or after have dared to mimic. This resulted in a genre-defining offering that made it easy to buy into its quartet of impossibly well-styled protagonists, because Final Fantasy XV invited you to be with them during all of their ups, and downs, countless banter and even when they’re just off goofing about cooking meals, fishing and more besides. Put simply, if you were a long-time Final Fantasy fan who was becoming burned out on the series, or a franchise newcomer looking for an epic JRPG that did things a bit differently, Final Fantasy XV was and remains a superlative entry in Square Enix’s long-running marquee intellectual property. 

Ultimately what we got with Final Fantasy XV was a title that somewhat violently pushed back against the angsty, dark origins that Final Fantasy Versus XIII promised a decade earlier. With Final Fantasy XV, we had a title that very much extolled the values of brotherhood, friendship and togetherness in direct opposition to what looked to be the brooding and almost stiflingly grim tone that Square Enix’s latest offering was shooting for in a previous life.

Taking all of that into account, while Final Fantasy Versus XIII’s metamorphosis was long-gestating and certainly very drawn out, the result was arguably worth it and helped to give Square Enix’s most recognisable franchise a sorely needed shot in the arm. All the same, it’s difficult to not keenly feel a pang of curiosity about what could have been had Final Fantasy Versus XIII stuck to its original vision and not found itself as comprehensively railroaded as it did, time and time again.

How REKA Uses Its Setting To Stand Out In A Crowded Genre

Roaming open-world adventures with a dollop of crafting on the side are ten a penny and to say it’s something of a shopworn concept at this point would be an understatement. Enter then REKA. The debut effort from Emberstorm Entertainment, REKA meaningfully separates itself from other open-world crafting adventures thanks to, amongst other things, its unique central protagonist and its utterly refreshing setting.

Rather than taking root in some banal and uninspired post-apocalyptic setting, REKA instead unfurls its tale within a fantastical take on the 19th-century Slavic countryside, where autumnal woodlands spread as far as the eye can see and the overbearing blaze of the summer season feels like it will never return. Making ample use of its evocative setting, REKA puts players into the shoes of its titular heroine who just so happens to be an apprentice to the legendary witch Baba Jaga, an odd arrangement that creates its own opportunities and problems in equal measure. 

At its core, REKA is a two-part odyssey. Initially, as an apprentice witch, Reka undertakes her arcane studies from a humble starting point, completing quests, foraging for magical herbs, brewing potions and choosing to help or stifle the fortunes of the nearby villagers who often wander close to the magical conclave. As the game develops, REKA impresses upon players the need to explore and discover through its naturally opulent, procedurally generated landscapes, as all manner of settlements, mysterious characters and areas which abound with stunning flora and fauna manifest in front of your very eyes.

Speaking of opulence, despite the charming and somewhat twee look of REKA’s art direction, there is something of a grave, overarching story at play too. As a close apprentice of Baba Jaga, Reka is arguably the best placed to investigate the various unholy, unsavoury and generally dastardly deeds that her master indulges in on a daily basis. Do you bring to light Baba Jaga’s distressing secrets and gruesome deeds, or do you ignore them and simply choose to live out your life in ignorant bliss as a busy, albeit somewhat complicit, witch. And it is here where the second part of REKA’s design comes into sharp focus.

The second half of REKA is really about fully embracing all things witchy and it’s very much this side of REKA which helps to further detach it from the weaponised tedium that can so easily affect games of this ilk. As a witch, Reka has access to all manner of spells, conjurations and invocations that provide her with the means to affect the world surrounding  her. From more subtle spells that allow Reka to simply turn on the lights in her witchy abode (more on that in a bit) or conjure a veritable golden brown tornado filled with the discarded leaves of autumn, to the powerful invoking of ancient arcane rituals to summon the dormant spirits of REKA’s sprawling woodland realm, developer Emberstorm Entertainment knows precisely how to make players feel as empowered as its titular, supernatural protagonist.

That feeling of power also extends to Reka’s ability to influence and control the local wildlife. By channelling her magical abilities, Reka can not only tame the various animals and other beasties that make up the realm but so too can she take them along on her jaunts around the world or even take them back to the bewitching cottage Reka calls home. Supplementing Reka’s skills in charming the local fauna, our talented witch is also readily capable of cleansing evil spirits that lurk in the dark corners of the world too, not to mention aid Baba Jaga in her own mysterious quest to upset the natural order of the world by unearthing a veritable bounty of buried secrets and forbidden magic. 

With feelings of inviting homeliness typically tied up with the autumn season, it should perhaps come as little surprise that REKA makes the most of this time of year, permitting players to not only sling a variety of spells as a powerful witch, but maintain their own enchanting abode to boot. Sure, while REKA fully allows players to cosily build, upgrade and rearrange their very own witch cottage however they see fit, it also prescribes a functional side to REKA’s cottage building too, enticing players to invest in all kinds of specialised apparatus that no witch should be without, such as summoning circles, potion brewing pots and much more besides. All of this offers up a wealth of progression opportunities to keep wannabe witches glued to the screen. 

In a fashion not at all unlike Studio Ghibli’s endlessly imaginative adaptation of Howl’s Moving Castle, Reka’s magical home can also quite literally move across the world too. Appearing like a house sat atop a massive pair of strident chicken legs (because why not?), Reka’s home cuts quite the haunting figure as it effortlessly stalks across the world. More than that, just the sheer fact that REKA allows players to move their home ‘base’ in this way and effectively have it travel alongside them as they explore the game world, means that this is yet another way in which REKA seeks to stand apart from its genre contemporaries, where homes tend to be very much rooted in a single location. 

Essentially a cosy open-world, base-building adventure that just so happens to also be a surprisingly in-depth witchcraft simulator, REKA deftly uses its unique setting to properly stand out in a genre that is becoming both overcrowded and oversaturated with far less ingenious offerings. Perhaps where REKA succeeds most keenly is in how it encourages players to become one with and work alongside the world, rather than just blindly mining it for resources in the most trite way imaginable. By giving players the ability to strike up fellowships with the various animals and spirits of REKA’s autumnal realm, not to mention the capacity to grow and nurture all types of life, it really feels like Emberstorm Entertainment has seized on something here that no other offering in the genre is really doing right now.

Of course, if you just want to kick back inside your walking chicken house with a warm brew, and work on the arrangement of your various plant pots, herb racks and potion cupboards while the storm-bruised clouds lazily blow a swirl of gold and brown leaves outside the window, then well, you can do that too.

Indie Game Round-Up – September 2024

The best September indie games will help you ease into the cooler months of the year and find some fun with friends, on your own, in the stars, and even with… dogs?! That’s right, it’s once again time for our monthly round-up of upcoming indie games, and like usual we’ve got a lot of cool games to look forward to this month.

So, whether you’re looking for a good time, a hard time, a bad time, or a morally questionable one, we’ve got something here that’s sure to satiate your hunger for new games. Plus, it’s always important to support and shout out indie developers, especially as we head towards the big AAA releases season in the lead-up to the Holidays. So here we go!

Star Trucker – 3rd September

A space-trucking simulator, as the name very much suggests, Space Trucker plonks you in the cab of a space-faring lorry as you drive around the universe, hauling loads and making money. Unsurprisingly, it’s a very chilled-out time, and while the trucker genre isn’t for everyone, there are plenty of people out there who’ll enjoy just riding through the beauty of space in search of the next load of salvage to transport and sell. 10-4, good buddy!

WHAT THE CAR? – 9th September

The “WHAT THE” series of games are all intensely silly and abstract and with WHAT THE CAR?, it looks like developer Triband will continue along those same lines. This time, you take on the role of a car – and other assorted vehicles and non-vehicles – for some unhinged racing with new mechanics thrown at you around every corner. Oh, and there will be plenty of laughs, obviously.

Terrorformer TD – 9th September

It’s fair to say that tower defence games, when done right, are a genre at their finest. The mix of new towers to unlock, strategies to master, and enemy types to overcome can be a great challenge, but in a less full-on manner than, say, an action game. Terrorformer TD looks like it could be the next great entry in the genre with procedural map design and a lot of interesting mechanics around cards and tile control. Plus, it has a very charming graphical style tying it all together.

Satisfactory – 10th September

Satisfactory is one of the most in-depth crafting and automation games around, and having spent a fairly long time in Early Access, it’ll finally fully launch into 1.0 this month. If you like finding resources, crafting new items, creating factories, and a little bit of exploration, then you’ll love this. It’s also great in co-op, provided you can find other people to enjoy it with that is.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines – 12th September

What could be better than being a dog with a grappling hook? How about two dogs with grappling hooks? Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is a lovely-looking action-platformer sequel where you guide two dogs through different worlds and different challenges, all designed to make the most of their unique gifts. It just looks like a lot of fun, and why wouldn’t you want a piece of that?

Demonschool – 13th September

Demonschool is a tactical RPG with a heavy focus on story and managing your social status – with 15 other characters – with a dash of horror thrown in for good measure. Likely to be instantly recognisable to fans of the Persona series, due to some similar elements, Demonschool does boast a vastly different visual style, however, as well as a handy rewind ability, which helps get an advantage in combat. From where we are sitting, it looks like it’ll tick just about every box, and it’s sure to delight visual novel fans who may be looking for a little more gameplay than is typical for the genre.

Enotria: The Last Song – 18th September

Anyone who has read one of these round-ups before knows we love a good indie Soulslike. So enter Enotria: The Last Song. Pulling inspiration from Italian folklore, you play as the Maskless One who must not only face off against tough foes but also try to save reality from the Canovaccio. It also has a gorgeous art style and unique mask mechanic, that directly impacts your character skillset. Bellissimo!

Frostpunk 2 – 20 September

After a small delay from its original July release window, Frostpunk 2 looks as though it’ll be a fitting upgrade to the truly harrowing original. Expect more impossible decisions, more struggles for your people to try and overcome and no doubt even more unique and horrifying endings to uncover. If you want a strategy game that doesn’t pull its punches on the hard decisions, then this is sure to deliver.

EXOcars – 25 September

Rounding out this month’s list we have VR racing game, EXOcars. Racing in virtual reality can be pretty exhilarating, if not a little nausea-inducing for some, experience and EXOcars looks like it will be nailing that experience. Based on real-world physics, you have to manage your speed and your suspension to overcome and defeat the other racers. It also has asynchronous multiplayer so you can take your customizable car out into the digital wilds and beat your friends around their favourite tracks – awesome!

Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver At 25 – Why We Need A Remaster

Ever since Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver stalked onto the scene a quarter of a century ago, it’s fair to say that the trials and tribulations of its spectral protagonist, Raziel, have lingered long in the memories of those who were lucky enough to play it back in the day. With a whole new generation of gamers having now either not played Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, or don’t even know what it is at all, it’s on the 25th anniversary of Crystal Dynamic’s finest hour that we believe a remaster is long overdue. Here’s why.

A Genuinely Captivating Narrative

For the uninitiated, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is actually a sequel of sorts to Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, a grisly top-down action RPG which released for the PC and PSOne consoles earlier in 1996. Taking place roughly 1500 years after the events of Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, Soul Reaver shows us a world devastated by the corrupted Pillars of Nosgoth. A collection of pillars that are essential to the balance of life in the world, their guardians were killed by Kain only for Kain to refuse to sacrifice himself to save them, damning the entire world of Nosgoth as a result. What a lovely fellow.

Instead of merely just letting players continue to take control of that game’s vampiric protagonist Kain, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver instead shifted focus to Raziel, one of Kain’s most trusted vampire lieutenants. Naturally, with older vampires being a fairly evil and paranoid sort, Raziel finds himself subsequently betrayed by Kain before being ‘reborn’ as a wraith courtesy of the Elder God, a hidden deity that controls the Wheel of Fate, an ethereal mechanism by which souls are reincarnated. With nothing but a burning vengeance in his soul (or whatever is left of it), Raziel becomes hellbent on killing Kain and in doing so we see themes of redemption, moral ambiguity and more all become woven into the grand tapestry of Soul Reaver’s narrative.

A World Of Opulent Devastation

There is perhaps no better avenue to become fully immersed in the blood-soaked plight of Raziel than to take in the environments which surround him. Soul Reaver invites the player to explore the depths of Nosgoth, a thoroughly destroyed world where the opulence of its past has been summarily replaced by a dark gothic nightmarish labyrinth of sprawling ruins, twisted metal and endless chasms. Exploring this gothic hellscape is also pleasingly much more interesting than just traipsing about in the traditional sense, as Raziel isn’t just capable of all the usual running and jumping one would usually expect, he can also use his massive wings to glide around the environment in ways that can only be described as being tremendously satisfying. 

As such, a fully remastered Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver would prove to be an arresting prospect, to say the least, as Raziel’s world would find itself wonderfully embellished by higher resolution, improved framerates and a greater attention to detail than was possible when the game released all the way back in 1999.

Two Realms For The Price Of One

With Raziel finding himself newly reborn as a wraith, he also gets the added ‘bonus’ of being able to hop from the physical realm into a more incorporeal, spectral realm on command. It’s here where Soul Reaver’s commitment to environmental storytelling comes into play as the world twists and turns itself into an alternate vision of the physical realm, though here Raziel’s ability to physically interact with the environment is greatly limited. Much more than just a fancy gimmick, the dual-realm system is arguably the centrepiece of Soul Reaver’s action adventure design and game director Amy Hennig, who would later go on to work on the Uncharted games and next year’s Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra absolutely made the most of it too. 

Imagine the scenario – you’ve reached the end of a long path which concludes into a massive room where all manner of destroyed walls and rubble block the way to your destination and Raziel seemingly has no other route to take. By switching to the spectral realm, our ghostly protagonist may continue his tortured journey just by simply walking through it. When shifting into the spectral realm, though Raziel cannot interact with any physical objects such as the array of blocks and switches which form the basis of Soul Reaver’s puzzle-solving foundations, he can walk through water and other such elements of the environment that would otherwise prove to be impassible in the physical realm and it’s the use of this dual realm mechanic which give rise to some truly fiendish puzzles that have absolutely stood the test of time.

Perfectly Judged Progression And Combat

The kicker to all of Raziel’s funky, realm-shifting powers is that he needs to earn them by defeating each of Kain’s vampire lieutenants before having a showdown with the big bad himself, adding a truly satisfying feeling of progression to the whole affair. Bringing Soul Reaver’s combat system into sharp focus and starting off with just his trusty claws, Raziel can inflict a reasonable amount of damage on the various vampiric foes and spine-chilling horrors that he encounters during his otherworldly odyssey, though he can also make use of various weapons laying about in the physical realm too such as spears, staves, torches and more. 

Beyond such violent applications, Raziel can also dispatch his enemies by throwing them into environmental hazards such as flaming pits, endless chasms, spike-adorned walls or even just regular old sunlight if your foe happens to be of the vampiric persuasion. The dual realm mechanic also has combat applications, with certain enemies only able to be damaged in the spectral realm, while Raziel himself will simply switch to the spectral realm rather than present players with a game over screen if he suffers too much damage in the physical realm, cleverly side-stepping the usual zero health fail state. This is just one more example showing how Soul Reaver didn’t do things at all by the book and was all the better for it.

There’s Just Nothing Like It 

It’s perhaps telling that in the twenty-five years since Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver stole itself into our hearts and minds, there’s not only been a gaping hole in the medium for a spiritual successor of some sort but so too has a full-fat, full-sugar re-release been conspicuously absent all of that time. With its beautifully dark tale of vengeance and twisted morality underscored by an intoxicatingly grim world destroyed by corruption, plus a dual realm system that permits a creative latitude of level design that other titles struggle to match, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is absolutely overdue a remaster – especially as this masterpiece celebrates its momentous 25th anniversary.