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.

Where The Magic Happens – The Best Disney Video Games Of All Time

While sprawling amusement parks and beloved animated movies often spring to mind when you think of the House of Mouse, the company has also produced a wealth of video games over the last three decades. Beyond the classic 2D platformers of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, Disney has delivered a diverse range of titles and with the highly anticipated Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed on the horizon, there’s no better time to revisit the best Disney games ever made.

13. Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers (NES)

Released on the humble NES home console back in 1990, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers is a side-scrolling, 2D platformer which invites one or two players to get stuck in. Though far from stellar and certainly much too short, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers nonetheless does an entertainingly wholesome job of putting people in the really rather tiny shoes of Chip and Dale, as they pick up objects to smash enemies and leap and dash across a range of themed levels in a bid to rescue a missing kitten. D’aww. Nowadays, you can play Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers as part of the Disney Afternoon Collection which was released for PC, Xbox One and PS4 back in 2017.

12. Disney Speedstorm (PC, Consoles)

A free-to-play kart racer from developer Gameloft, Disney Speedstorm is actually a surprisingly decent genre effort for a number of reasons. Not only does it play very responsively and boast a vivid visual presentation that makes good use of current hardware, but it also does a good job of assembling Disney folks from all manner of properties, allowing players to play as characters from Monsters Inc., Beauty and the Beast, Mickey Mouse, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. Unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, as its free-to-play monetisation strategies mean a good chunk of grinding awaits those unwilling to unburden their wallets.

11. Disneyland Adventures (PC, Xbox)

Less of a game in the strictest sense and more of an experience, Disneyland Adventures almost feels like an extension of the advertising arm for Disney’s most famous amusement park. Filled with collect-a-thon style tasks, a spread of uneven minigames and a whole lot of trotting about, it’s fair to say that as a game, Disneyland Adventures hardly thrills. However, as a Disneyland ‘sim’, Disneyland Adventures excels as it provides an unparalleled digital replication of the Happiest Place on Earth and encourages players to meet and frolic with a range of classic Disney characters. Great for the little ones and adults alike, if you want to tide yourself over until your next visit to the real-life thing, this is the next best thing.

10. The Lion King (Super Nintendo)

The video game adaptation of Disney’s most iconic film of the last 30 years was always going to come under a whole heap of scrutiny and luckily, for the most part, it delivers a platforming romp that deftly echoes its big-screen counterpart. Essentially splitting the game into two halves, players take control of a young Simba in the first half as the heir apparent leaps about the African plains, defeating enemies and using his adorable roar to progress through puzzles. Predictably in the second half, Simba matures into a full-sized lion-beast and gains access to a range of combat-focused moves as the game shifts in tone accordingly.

Doing a great job of matching the movie’s memorable audiovisual presentation (an impressive feat considering the limitations of the 16-bit hardware of the time), The Lion King is a great Disney video game adaptation that sadly finds itself undercut by a punishing level of difficulty, mainly due to an abundance of enemies on screen at once and all-too-frequent blind jumps that must be taken on faith.

9. Hercules (PSOne)

Much like its strapping protagonist, Disney’s Hercules video game adaptation is brash, colourful and loud in ways that fans of both the movie and side-scrolling action efforts will surely appreciate. Cast as the titular Olympian, Hercules is a combat-focused platformer that has our well-meaning meathead smashing up all manner of baddies from the depths of Greek mythology. With an eye-opening blend of 2D art and 3D visuals, Hercules certainly looks the part, though an overly safe adherence to the gameplay style of the Disney titles from the older 16-bit era, albeit with a far shinier veneer, means that Hercules doesn’t stand quite as tall in this list as his namesake might suggest.

8. QuackShot (Sega Genesis)

Often overlooked, QuackShot was yet another standout Disney-licensed effort of the 16-bit console era that lingers long in the memories of those who were lucky enough to play it. As you might well infer from the title, QuackShot has players taking control of a predictably grumpy Donald Duck as he sets off on a journey to claim a bountiful lost treasure belonging to a great duck king of antiquity. A well-pitched mixture of platforming, puzzle-solving and with a dash of side-scrolling blasting and a hefty helping of Disney whimsy to boot, QuackShot has the ornery waterbird using a rather unique gun that can fire out popcorn, bubble gum and plungers as he blasts his way to a towering fortune.

7. Castle of Illusion (Sega Genesis, PC, Xbox)

Disney’s Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (to give its longer, more exasperating title), was widely regarded as one of the best non-Sonic The Hedgehog platformers on Sega’s 16-bit Genesis system when it popped onto store shelves back in 1990. Putting players in the big, ungainly-looking yellow shoes of Mickey Mouse, Castle of Illusion has our iconic-eared hero leaping his way through gorgeously realised 2D worlds as he attempts to rescue his beloved Minnie Mouse from a dastardly witch. With an audiovisual presentation that pushed the envelope of what one would expect from 16-bit hardware, together with some super responsive platforming shenanigans and enough Disney charm to weigh down Dumbo, Castle of Illusion is a great slice of Disney platforming that everybody should play.

Wonderfully, Castle of Illusion was remade in a 3D art style (whilst maintaining the 2.5D gameplay) back in 2013 for PC and console and can be nabbed right now on those respective digital stores.

6. World of Illusion (Sega Genesis)

Much like the excellent Castle of Illusion before it, World of Illusion is a splendid little 2D platformer that once more has Mickey Mouse tangling with a nefarious magician in order to find a way home (what is it with Mr. Mouse and rogue arcane practitioners?). Where World of Illusion meaningfully separates itself from its predecessor is in the inclusion of a two-player cooperative mode which sees both Mickey Mouse and his frequent friend Donald Duck leaping onto the noggins of enemies and learning new spells that allow them to swim, fly and much more besides.

5. Epic Mickey (PC, Consoles)

An entirely original and unexpected Disney romp from the mind of Deus Ex and System Shock designer Warren Spector, Epic Mickey envisions a scenario where our titular protagonist finds himself imprisoned in a mysterious world which is a dark reflection of Disneyland itself (Main Street U.S.A. being renamed as ‘Mean Street’ should give you an idea of where they were going with this).

A fully 3D platforming adventure, where Epic Mickey excels is in how it enables Mickey to leverage a magic paintbrush to conjure up quantities of paint and thinner that can be used to alter the very structure of the environment in ways that felt genuinely innovative for the time. Throw in an unexpectedly introspective look at Disney and its amusement parks and it soon becomes clear that Epic Mickey deserved far more than the muted commercial response it received on release. Here’s hoping its remaster gets a better reception!

4. Disney Dreamlight Valley (PC, Consoles)

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a life sim that since its release in 2022 has proven to be enduringly (and often horrendously) engaging in ways that have proven troublesome for social calendars all around the globe. As an original adult character visiting their Disney buds from the past, you’ll get to customise your Dreamlight Valley settlement to your liking, invite a whos-who of Disney royalty to visit and take part in the proceedings as you complete quests for your residents, harvest the land, craft equipment, make new friends and all that other lovely, warm fuzzy stuff. I wasn’t joking either – it’s really best that you don’t have any social life of any kind before playing this, because you certainly won’t have one after you start.

3. DuckTales (PC, Consoles)

Easily one of the most fondly remembered Disney games in this list, DuckTales is based on the late 1980s Disney television show of the same name and is a stellar little platforming effort in its own right. Though the plot, which has Scrooge McDuck travelling the world to make his hoarded fortune even larger by robbing a bunch of lost treasures, held little water, DuckTales nonetheless played magnificently as Scrooge leaps and wallops (with his trusty walking stick) his way from the depths of the Amazon to the cold vacuum of the Moon in search of his precious treasure.

Absolutely stuffed to the brim with Disney charm and enough legitimately challenging platforming to keep even the most committed genre fan grinning from ear to ear, players who aren’t crusty enough to remember DuckTales in its original 8-bit incarnation can get stuck into DuckTales: Remastered, an entirely revamped and superbly remade take on that Disney classic courtesy of the talented folks at WayForward.

2. Kingdom Hearts (PC, Consoles)

Kingdom Hearts is a third-person action RPG that sees a young lad called Sora flanked by his loyal friends Donald and Goofy, as they leap across and into various Disney worlds in order to save his missing friends from a mysterious darkness known as the Heartless. From the dusty streets of Aladdin’s Agrabah to the vibrant messiness of Andy’s playroom in Toy Story and so many other iconic locations, Kingdom Hearts is a veritable kaleidoscopic dreamscape of different iconic Disney characters and locales that just beg to be explored.

What keeps the Kingdom Hearts games from claiming the top spot in this list – and again, this is just the opinion of this scribe (you’ll find plenty to the contrary) – is the sanity-eroding story which becomes far too convoluted, far too quickly, across the many games in the series. Coupled with some gorgeous visuals and great voice acting performances, the sugar rush appeal of leaping in and out of various Disney worlds with a massive cast of Disney characters is an evergreen attraction. You just need to decide whether you want to either dig into that almost impenetrable narrative or just ignore it altogether and stay for the ample quantities of Disney fan service.

1. Aladdin (Sega Genesis, PC, Consoles)

Disney’s Aladdin is everything you could want – at least in the words of this humble scribe – from a licensed Disney video game. From the beautifully animated sprites that deftly evoke their big screen counterparts to the precise and ultra-responsive 2D platforming, perfectly judged level of difficulty and a frankly spot-on recreation of Alan Silvestri’s finger-rapping, earwigging movie soundtrack, Aladdin is the quintessential Disney game that everybody should play regardless of their age. Want some amazing news? Aladdin is available as part of the Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King twin pack on modern platforms – so there is literally no reason not to enjoy it in all its glory!

Dome Keeper Is Worth Staying In The Ground For

Dome Keeper launched back in 2022 and was already a brilliant little roguelike, however I found it to be a little too minimalist for my needs at the time. Two years later, however, it’s emerged back on my gaming radar following a massive update back in July, which brought with it a shocking amount of new content including its new Guild Assignments system.

For the uninitiated amongst you, vanilla Dome Keeper is a captivating blend of mining and tower defence with a dash of roguelike variety for good measure. You find yourself stranded on an alien planet, tasked with protecting your transparent dome from relentless waves of monstrous attackers. To survive, you must delve deep into the planet’s crust, gathering valuable resources to upgrade your dome’s defences.

The new Guild Assignment system, however, introduces a fresh challenge mode to the game. Instead of the standard gameplay, these assignments offer unique scenarios that will pose a challenge for new and existing players alike. For example, you might be tasked with defending against one specific type enemies, navigating a new and unusual map layout, or racing against the clock to gather certain resources. This adds a significant amount of variety and replayability, as it also gives you the chance to purchase new unlocks as you complete these special missions. 

For me, that has basically meant I have been provided with more purpose, which was lacking for me previously. Suddenly every run is a challenge run, and one in which I can unlock a brand-new meta upgrade. It’s just a joy. It means you can delve into the mines below your little base in new ways, fight off waves above ground in different configurations, and enjoy a bunch of new monsters and gadgets as well. Plus, they’ve added a new loadout menu to prepare for the launch of multiplayer, and if there’s anything that’ll get me even more into the game, it’s the chance to do so with a mate or two. 

Dome Keeper had an excellent base experience at launch, but I really feel like the A Keeper’s Duty update (to give the update its full dues) has completely reinvigorated the game. It’s a joy to play, and if you’ve been umming and ahhing about Dome Keeper, I can honestly say there has never been a better time to jump in.

Earl Vs The Mutants Is Hillbilly Vampire Survivors

The joys of Vampire Survivors are all well-documented at this point. Despite being a seemingly minimalist game, and spawning a litany of genre stablemates, there’s just something about moving around mowing down ridiculous hordes of enemies as you go that is incredibly satisfying. The good thing about inspiring a whole genre is that often the games that come after you tend to bring something new to the table. This is exactly the case with Earl vs. the Mutants, which takes the formula, plonks it into a jeep with a mounted turret, and adds just a dash of affable Hillbilly into the mix. 

The result of all of this is a game that feels immediately familiar but offers a significantly faster-paced experience. Unlike the more deliberate progression found in other games, Earl vs. the Mutants keeps players in constant motion thanks to the jeep and while the game doesn’t emphasize acquiring new weapons as frequently as some other titles, it compensates by providing a steady stream of passive upgrades. These enhancements gradually improve the character’s capabilities by increasing factors such as bullet quantity, size, and impact force.

Unsurprisingly, it’s all a lot of fun, and to add to the excitement, players can occasionally find drones that provide assistance by creating defensive barriers or collecting items. It’s a tried-and-true gameplay loop that feels excellent and as an added bonus, there are some passive upgrades for players to buy as a reward for completing levels. Whilst it might not be quite as complex as some of the other offerings in this genre, it’s no less enjoyable. 

In fact, it’s arguably a better choice for new entrants to the genre than something like Death Must Die or Champion Shift. There’s an innate comedy of boosting over a hill only to land on a huge group of barrels and exploding yourself into nothingness that you really can’t find in other games. If you want to get into the bullet heaven/Vampire Survivors-like genre, and you’re not sure where to start, Earl Vs The Mutants is a great choice. It’s also ludicrously cheap too.

How Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Evolves The Test Drive Unlimited Series

Though the eye-searing sheen of Microsoft’s Forza Horizon games might convince more contemporary players that the whole open-world racing shtick was pioneered by The House of Xbox, that whole template was actually conceived much earlier by the Test Drive Unlimited titles way back in the dark mists of 2006. Now with some thirteen years on the clock since the last entry in the series, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is here in a bid to not only return the series to its past glory but also to meaningfully evolve it beyond what the series has accomplished to date.

The Pearl Of The Orient Provides An Evocative, Peerlessly Glossy Playground For Petrolheads

Arguably any open-world racer is only really as good as the world in which you find yourself motoring around in and right away Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown makes a bold statement in that regard. Taking place in current-day Hong Kong Island that has been fully recreated to a 1:1 scale, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown makes the most of that city’s synergy of man-made and natural beauty, inviting players to speed beneath the fixed gaze of toweringly glossy skyscrapers in the Fortress Hill financial district, tear around the tree-lined streets leading up to Victoria Peak, or just lazily cruise past the iconic, though slowly moving, Peak Tram. 

The boldness of this open-world choice is underscored by the fact that despite its alluring spectacle, Hong Kong as a videogame setting has been woefully underused and so feels resolutely fresh as a result. Certainly, outside of the street-level grittiness and compelling urban intimacy previously glimpsed in the excellent Sleeping Dogs, it’s fair to say that the Pearl of the Orient still has a whole heap of untapped potential as a videogame setting, to say the least.

An Extreme Attention To Car Detail Like Never Before

As much as Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown exercises a very high amount of detail in its recreation of Hong Kong Island as a sprawling explorable landmass, so too has developer KT Racing also gone the extra mile (and then some) with its visual showcasing of the cars that will be zipping around the island. Boasting extreme attention to vehicular detail, every car in Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is an opulent approximation of the real-life article. From the slightly depressed, though ultra-sleek lines of the Bugatti Chiron through to the robust, yet low-key attractive everyday design of the 2010 Audi Q7, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown absolutely makes screen-stealing superstars out of its vehicular cast in a way that few other games successfully manage. 

Beyond just the visual side of things, every one of the rides that you can hop into in Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is fully functional and featured to boot. Encompassing everything from fully interactive windows, togglable sunroofs and completely functional engines, KT Racing’s loving fixation on its broad spread of motor vehicles is far more than just skin deep.

Clan Warfare Gives Meaning To Your Open World Odyssey 

Though Hong Kong Island is undeniably an attractive realm filled with all manner of different events in which you can take part, developer KT Racing has provided a real foundation for wanting to do all of it by virtue of its clan warfare system which serves as the basis of its progression systems. Much more than just some rote open-world playground filled with icons, every race or event that is successfully tackled you are awarded with varying amounts of money and reputation, with the former being used to (you guessed it) purchase shiny new cars, while the latter plays directly into the clan warfare system that sits at the heart of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.

Essentially, when you earn enough reputation in Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown you will gain the attention of the two ruling clans of Hong Kong Island – the elitist Sharps and the rebellious Streets – who will approach you separately to do special missions and events exclusively for them. Naturally, choosing one over the other doesn’t just exclude you from a whole heap of events (naturally encouraging replayability as a result), but it also results in different cars being made available to you as well.

Progression And Discovery Are King

Though winning races to make some towering stacks and reputation is great and all that, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown won’t just throw these events into your lap. Instead, wannabe street racers are encouraged to very much wander off the beaten path to find the best that Hong Kong Island has to offer beyond just what the in-game map tells you. 

When you’re not taking part in special missions, guarding truck convoys filled with expensive goods, transporting eye-wateringly expensive hypercars from one location to another or progressing with one faction or the other to unlock new races, schedules and locations, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is ostensibly about embracing the spirit of progression and discovery and in both cases, KT Racing’s latest effort looks to offer a bounty of riches and then some.

Immersing Players Into The Identity Of A Full-Time Online Street Racer

Taking advantage of the numerous leaps and bounds that have occurred in online multiplayer technology and connectivity that have happened since Test Drive Unlimited 2 raced onto the scene in 2011, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is very much about forging an entirely separate online identity that solely revolves around cars, street races and the Hong Kong competitive racing scene as a whole. 

Very much geared towards fostering a social space with your entirely customisable avatar and car collection, whether you’re in the glittering Solar Hotel or in one of the many car dealerships or meeting places, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is as much about meeting new folks and expressing your passion for car racing and collecting as it is about the actual racing itself. And let’s be honest, if I was minted enough to own a Bugatti Chiron, I’d probably be spouting off about it to like-minded folks too.

Ready to live out your petrolhead fantasy? Then be sure to secure your copy of Test Drive Unlimited over on the Green Man Gaming store. You never know, you might save yourself some cash and will certainly gain a reputation as a smart, savvy shopper!

Cataclismo: A Glorious Smashing of LEGO and Tower Defense

Hooded Horse just might be one of the most exciting publishers around right now. Outside of the incredible Manor Lords, they also launched Against the Storm last year, and Empires of the Undergrowth this year. There are loads of other good games too, but the one I want to talk about today is Cataclismo, which is sort of like if LEGO and a zombie horde survival game had a weird, video game baby. 

At its core, you get to design and build your own fortresses on an incredibly granular level in true sandbox style. How granular this building is, however, is pretty hard to express so just imagine building using virtual LEGO and you will have a pretty good idea. It doesn’t stop there though, because as you’re building your castle up, and trying to make it look as good and as strong as possible, you have to fight off hordes of zombie-like horrors from the Mist.

These horrors will probe your defences during the day but it’s at night that they truly test your building skills. And we aren’t just talking one night, because Cataclismo tasks you with withstanding the onslaught night after night. It all sounds simple, but the way you have to micro-manage the running, upkeep and defence of your fortress is a constant, but thoroughly enjoyable, struggle. There’s also no end to the joy each player can have as they find their preferred construction style; whilst some will delight in the ability to create literal marvels, others will be happy to just make a nice box fort and be done with it. 

Pleasantly, both strategies are solid, provided you master your different units and gain new unlocks as you survive each horde. What’s more, there are three game modes to enjoy and muck around with, each of which keeps the core gameplay while still feeling meaningfully different. In this humble Stone Mason’s opinion, it’s already a very good game and considering it’s in Early Access, it’s only going to get better from here.

Ten Things We’re Looking Forward To In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines 2

Thirteen years is certainly a long time to wait for any game and yet fans of 2011’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, including myself, will tell you that by all accounts Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 looks to be worth it and then some. So with that in mind, here are ten things that we’re looking forward to most about Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 when it releases next month.

Laying Down The Lore

With its galaxy-spanning narratives and endless conflicts, the Warhammer 40,000 setting is stuffed to the brim with rich lore that often reaches from one story to another. Space Marine 2 looks to be no different in that regard, with dynamic character conversations, audio logs, cutscenes and more all fleshing out the struggle that Lieutenant Titus and his Ultramarine brethren are experiencing against the intergalactic Tyranid threat. Put simply, Space Marine 2 will utterly immerse you in the lore of the grimdark Warhammer 40,000 universe and I am absolutely here for it.

Campaign Co-Op That Lets You Bring In Some Mates To Fight For The Imperium

Even though 2011’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine boasted co-op, it was wholly restricted to separate Exterminatus missions, which were essentially a take on the traditional horde mode game type rather than anything more substantial. For the sequel however, developer Saber Interactive has gone the extra mile, allowing up to three players to take on the Tyranid and Chaos forces together in a full-sugar, full-fat cooperative campaign.

Operations Keep The Co-Op Goodness Flowing

Beyond such a delectable main course, Space Marine 2 also offers up an additional PvE cooperative mode in the form of ‘Operations’, a connected three-player co-op mode that ties directly into the main campaign. Providing players with various missions to accomplish, these Operations also offer much-appreciated glimpses into the narrative beyond Lieutenant Titus’ own struggles.

Next Generation Visuals That Bring The Grimdark Of Warhammer 40,000 To Life

There’s no denying that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a hugely attractive effort – I mean just look at it. Lavishly decked out in cutting-edge visuals which bring the visceral escapades of the Adeptus Astartes to vivid life, Space Marine 2 is a visual showcase with spectacle to spare as hundreds of foes can be seen (and slaughtered in appropriately violent fashion), while the destroyed worlds and environments that are synonymous with the grimdark of the Warhammer 40,000 universe stretch off into the horizon.

A Violently Immersive Soundscape

Though Space Marine 2 is absolutely shaping up to be a stunning-looking genre effort, its visual presentation is just one-half of the sensory excellence that it hopes to impart to players. Also set to greatly impress is the sound design of Space Marine 2, encompassing a cacophony of roaring Bolter fire, the squelching of enemy bodies as a Chainsword buzzes through bone and gristle, explosions that rip through the earth and sends mud flying through the air and so much more. The sound design in Space Marine 2 more than matches its impressive graphics.

Enter The Tyranids (And The Chaos Marines)

Moving on from the largely Ork-laden cast of baddies seen in the first game, Space Marine 2 has elected to bring on an all-new group of really rather quite bad dudes for the Ultramarines to deal with. In the place of Orks come the Tyranids – a massive, swarm-like alien race from beyond the limits of the current known universe. Spreading like a plague throughout the universe and murdering, infecting and defiling all races equally, the Tyranid hive-mind will provide even the most hardened Space Marine with the sternest of tests as they attempt to stem the infestation. Oh and also the hulking, largely unbeatable Chaos Marines are popping along for the ride too. So that’s nice.

Eternal War Brings PvP-Focused Modes To Keep You Blasting Away

Not content to merely present players with a bombastic story campaign and an additionally chunky Operations cooperative mode, Space Marine 2 also brings a trio of PvP-focused modes to the table, where players take up the opposite sides of the Ultramarines Chapter and Chaos Marines respectively. Annihilation is a classic deathmatch style mode where the winning team is the one with the most kills, while Capture and Control has you occupying a zone that changes its location throughout the match, with the winning team being the one that has occupied the zone for the longest time. Seize Ground meanwhile, tasks each side with capturing and defending three different specific zones on each map.

An Expanded Class-Based System

Whether you’re batting for the folks in blue or you’re down with that Chaos lot, Space Marine 2 provides no less than six different classes for players to embrace as part of their intergalactic struggle. With the Assault class, you’re looking at a role where, because of a predictable emphasis on high damage and close-range combat, they become the perfect soldier for punching through enemy lines. The Bulwark meanwhile, as the name suggests, is the damage soaker of the group that can use a huge shield to not only eat damage but to protect their teammates too. The Heavy class is a big fan of oversized weapons that deal out huge amounts of damage, though the weight of such an arsenal directly translates into reduced movement speed. With a focus on stealth and single-shot, long-range damage, the Sniper does pretty much what it says on the proverbial tin. Then we have the Tactical class, representing the closest thing Space Marine 2 has to an all-rounder role that proves equally competent at dealing both long and short-range damage. Finally, the Vanguard is all about agility and speed, making them the optimal class for nabbing objectives and hitting the enemy’s flank when they least expect it.

A Never Ending War That Will Continue Long After Launch

Not content to merely present players with a chunky story campaign and the additional ‘Operations’ focused PvE campaign, developer Saber Interactive has also committed to a wealth of post-release updates and extra content. Though the post-release content roadmap has yet to be published as of this writing, we can certainly expect to have a wealth of free new missions, maps, weapons and much more as Space Marine 2 storms into the future and adds content to its Eternal War PvP and Operations based PvE modes. Bring it on.

A Varied Array Of Weapons & Tools Fitting For The Adeptus Astartes

Though the numerous Space Marine chapters are highly disciplined, walking engines of war, it’s really in the depths of their extremely high-tech arsenal that the Adeptus Astartes present the biggest threat to its enemies. From the traditional Chainsword that makes mincemeat of enemies in close quarters, to the trusty Heavy Bolter, Camo Cloak, Bulwark Shield and so much more, Space Marine 2 doesn’t just give wannabe Ultramarines a couple of weapons and send them on their way, but rather a sizable arsenal of different weapons and tools that can be used to turn the tide of any battle. There may only be war in Warhammer 40,000, but in Space Marine 2, there are also smart ways to fight that war too.

How Frostpunk 2 Brings Back The Series Brutalist Strategy In A New Way

It was probably after desperately stealing some medication from someone’s ailing grandfather in 2014’s This War Of Mine, that I realised developer 11 Bit Studios had a real grasp of brutalist tactics and more pointedly, a handle on making the player twist their moral compass in the name of survival. There was nothing quite like it in 2014 and with the release of Frostpunk in 2018, that particularly gut-punching school of game design was given a much broader sweep and scale, tasking armchair leaders with taking care of an entire city locked in the midst of a climate apocalypse.

Some six years later, Frostpunk 2 seeks to bring back the series’ focus on brutalist strategy as it once more calls upon players to shepherd a population of desperate survivors towards the goal of their ultimate survival, all the while dealing with both external and internal pressures that relentlessly seek to imperil their very existence. That said, Frostpunk 2 does all of this against a somewhat different backdrop.

In Frostpunk 2 players assume the role of the Steward, an overseer of the interconnected city districts of New London and it’s a vocation that on the surface seems similar to the roles and responsibilities the player had in the first game. However, whereas the first Frostpunk title was very much a grim, survivalist nightmare with little hope for a better future, Frostpunk 2 instead shows us a world where prosperity can be attained, despite human nature. Certainly, much like its predecessor and other post-apocalyptic yarns, Frostpunk 2 keenly understands that the biggest threat to humanity is, you guessed it, humanity itself and so the sequel largely runs with this notion as its core message throughout.

As one might expect then, moral conundrums come thick and fast and in a world where just about everything that could go wrong does go wrong, and usually rather incredibly badly, Frostpunk 2 forces players to choose between awful and less awful outcomes regularly. For example, with a sizable younger workforce, you can pull them out of your child shelters (assuming you set them up in the first place) and send them down to work in your newly fashioned, but somewhat unsafe, Advanced Coal Mine. What do you do, however, when you discover that the mine has experienced a fault which could lock the young folks inside, effectively killing them, yet all the while their doomed toil results in key ore being processed to keep the lights on in your city?

Very much dovetailing into the idea of civilization progression that Frostpunk 2 is presenting is the biggest functional difference that 11 Bit Studio’s ambitious sequel brings over its predecessor, the Council. A conclave of various represented factions that each have their own skin in the game and which must provide you with a majority vote (out of 100) on whichever laws you attempt to create and pass, the Council is a central and very much macro part of Frostpunk 2’s brutalist strategy gameplay.

With outsized egos, odious politics and religious beliefs representing the array of factors that can influence decision-making in the Council, Frostpunk 2 ensures players aren’t just concerned with resource hunting and moral decisions but are also focused on chasing votes and appeasing factions to get what they want. Need to pass a law for increased technological innovation to improve crop yield for the sparse months ahead? Sure, such a law might make the technologically-obsessed Engineer faction happy, by the same token it’s likely to annoy the Foragers who shun such advances and instead believe in the natural bounty of the land. This can subsequently lead to conflict on other issues at a later date. Of course, if you’re feeling especially dictatorial, you may simply declare a state of emergency and bring a brutal crackdown on those who oppose you, splintering friends and family through violence and ensuring your political opponents know that you really aren’t someone to be messed with. 

There are no good choices in Frostpunk 2, just marginally less terrible ones that still leave you with a gaping, all-consuming vacuum of utter blackness where your heart used to be. More so than the first game ever did, Frostpunk 2’s embrace of brutalist political strategies and myopic attitudes raise an uncomfortable mirror to the real world itself. Certainly, a glut of hastily made and panic-stricken decisions will affect those the worst-off in society the most, while the more affluent and capable find themselves largely insulated from the consequences of such choices.

Lest New London ends up an omnishambles of colossal proportions then, Frostpunk 2 invites players to attempt to strike some sort of balance that sees them keeping at bay the critical crises that threaten the city in its near term, while balancing the probability and risk of longer term crises and how they might unfurl further down the road.

You will never make everyone happy and it would be folly to try and do so, and yet, Frostpunk 2 asks the player to maintain a careful balancing act of the various factions in place via its new Council system. To that end, don’t be surprised if Frostpunk 2 has you ending up like some sort of maddened, attention deficit loon, as you struggle to balance the plates around you and/or just go into emotional tunnel vision and only deal with those immediate issues that loom largest on your radar.

Ultimately, the only thing colder than the expansive frosty wastes and frigid tundra which surrounds New London are the decisions you must make to keep the whole thing ticking over, and it’s very much these brutal decisions – in a seeming age of prosperity – that Frostpunk 2 looks to bring, once more, to the forefront. Bring it on.

Everything You Need To Know About Star Wars Outlaws

Quite possibly the most promising Star Wars title in years, Star Wars Outlaws reimagines the Lucasfilm space opus as a huge open-world extravaganza, tasking players to strap on the boots of a rugged smuggler who must traverse, shoot, sneak and steal their way across the galaxy in an epic odyssey that takes place between Star Wars movies The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.  

Be sure to keep this guide in your favourites as we cover everything you need to know about Star Wars Outlaws including the release date, beta details, digital deluxe edition details, character list, story details, gameplay details, the latest trailer and more.

Star Wars Outlaws Release Date

Star Wars Outlaws has been officially confirmed for a full release on PS5, Xbox Series S/X  and PC via Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store on August 30, 2024. Star Wars Outlaws will not be released for PS4, Nintendo Switch or Xbox One platforms as of this writing, while a Steam release date also remains unannounced at this stage.

Star Wars Outlaws Early Access

Star Wars Outlaws Early Access – which allows players to get stuck into the game 72 hours early – will be available to anybody who purchases either the Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition or Star Wars Outlaws Ultimate Edition.

Star Wars Outlaws Pre-order Bonuses

For pre-ordering any version of Star Wars Outlaws, you’ll gain access to the Kessel Runner Bonus Pack, which includes a unique cosmetic for your Trailblazer spaceship and a cosmetic pack for your trusty speeder. Lovely.

Star Wars Outlaws Special Editions – What Do You Get?

Besides the base version of Star Wars Outlaws, two special editions are available to players who would like to go the extra parsec. The Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition provides the following goodies:

  • Star Wars Outlaws base game
  • Season pass
  • Up to 72-Hours Early Access

The Star Wars Outlaws Ultimate Edition meanwhile dishes up all of the below:

  • Star Wars Outlaws base game
  • Season pass
  • Up to 72-Hours Early Access
  • Rogue Infiltrator Bundle
  • Sabaac Shark Bundle
  • Digital artbook

Star Wars Outlaws Season Pass Contents

Should you purchase either the Gold Edition or Ultimate Edition of Star Wars Outlaws, or just purchase the Season Pass separately, you’ll gain access to awesome additional content, including:

  • Two post-release story expansions that broaden the universe of Star Wars Outlaws with all new characters, quests, missions and more
  • Exclusive access to the Jabba Gambit mission at launch in which Kay must do a job for Jabba the Hutt to get her new acquaintance, the slippery droid ND-5, off the figurative (and perhaps a literal) hook. 
  • Access to the Kessel Runner Character Pack which provides Kay and Nix with a range of character aesthetics that have a somewhat Han Solo-ish vibe to them.

Star Wars Outlaws Story

The plot which acts as the roaring engine behind Star Wars Outlaws’ galaxy-spanning adventures puts players in the role of Kay Vess, a down-on-her-luck scoundrel looking for that one big heist that gives her the more tranquil life that she has so long desired. Unfolding between the events seen in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Kay together with her steadfast companion Nix must blast, outwit and rob their way across the galaxy, flipping loyalties from one criminal syndicate to the next all the while staying underneath the radar of the all-seeing Galactic Empire as they seek both freedom and fortune in equal measure.

Star Wars Outlaws Gameplay

Coming from Massive Entertainment, a studio which firmly established its Disney open-world bona fides with 2023’s excellent Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Star Wars Outlaws is certainly in good hands to say the least. Broadly speaking, Star Wars Outlaws is split into roughly two very different portions – third-person, planetside adventuring and space-bound travel with more than a bit of intergalactic dogfighting on the side.

Starting with the latter, the Star Wars universe presents a sizable amount of real estate for wannabe scoundrels to explore. As such, this means Kay will use her Trailblazer starship to take her everywhere from the myriad dusty dunes and marketplaces of Tatooine to the glittering skylines of Coruscant as she searches for that one big payoff to set her (and Nix) up for life. Of course, Kay is hardly the only scoundrel out there looking for an outsized piece of the pie and combined with other criminal syndicates and the Galactic Empire itself, space combat is an unavoidable part of her job description when it comes to exploring everything the galaxy has to offer. 

By using her trusty Trailblazer starship which can be upgraded throughout the game, Kay can employ all manner of laser cannons, missiles and more to disable or outright destroy her enemies as she takes on everything from junk fighters to top-of-the-line Imperial Tie-Fighters. Much more than just a fancy bit of travel and combat among the stars, Kay can also take on various different space missions for each of Star Wars Outlaws’ four main factions, resulting in everything from straightforward search and destroy missions, to escort sorties, salvage retrieval and more. Really though, it’s when Kay and Nix put their feet on terra firma that Star Wars Outlaws truly opens up. 

Unfolding like a cross between the Uncharted games and Massive Entertainment’s own Division titles, the on-foot sections of Star Wars Outlaws are a punchy hybrid of ferocious third-person ranged and melee combat, tight-knit cover shooting and with a dash of stealth for those who wish to be neither seen nor heard for as long as possible. By establishing contrasting relationships with the four criminal syndicates in Star Wars Outlaws, Kay and Nix can take on unique faction missions that not only push the story forward further but allow our cheeky protagonists to gain new skills and abilities to boot. 

Blissfully when you land on a planet, you won’t be on-foot for all of it either, since Kay’s speeder (which is also pleasingly upgradeable), isn’t just used for swiftly taking our crafty duo from place to place, but also packs enough firepower to deal with other nefarious folk that fancy their chances. Finally, it’s also worth keeping an eye on the scope of your criminal pursuits since if you cause too much destruction or draw too much attention, the Galactic Empire will send increasingly powerful forces after you in a manner that somewhat mirrors how the police star system works in the Grand Theft Auto games.  

Where Can I Watch The Latest Trailer?

The latest trailer for Star Wars Outlaws is available to watch right now and you can catch it directly above. Chronicling the gameplay revealed during this year’s comprehensive Ubi Forward presentation, the latest trailer for Star Wars Outlaws provides a kaleidoscopic look at everything you can get up to in Ubisoft’s next open-world effort. From tricky stealth to furious third-person shooter combat, breathless exploration, faction dealings, space combat and so much more, this latest trailer does a sterling job of getting just about anyone with a pulse excited for Star Wars Outlaws when it releases this August.

Now that you know everything you need to become the galactic rapscallion you’ve always dreamed of, it’s time to lock yourself in for the galactic adventure ahead by picking up Star Wars Outlaws over on the Green Man Gaming store.

How Capcom Became The Masters Of Remasters And Remakes

It’s fair to say that the notion of remastering or remaking a title of any renown inhabits the same mind space as creating a new title from scratch. Sure, while you effectively have a source material of sorts to start from, versus nothing for an entirely new title, you still must wrestle with that same overall objective of presenting a gaming experience to players that is attractive and compelling in the current era. What’s more, however, there is one prominent risk that remakes are particularly vulnerable to, and that is when studios listen a little too much to their inner voice and over-tinker, often breaking what was perfectly fine in the first place and creating a demonstrably worse final product as a result.

One developer that has seemingly managed to walk this perilous tightrope with deft aplomb, however, is Capcom. The Japanese developer/publisher has over the past two decades done a superb job of remastering, remaking and re-releasing versions of its classic back catalogue to an all-new generation of gamers. Far from being the sort of lazy, penny-pinching and thoughtless remasters that we’ve so often seen elsewhere, Capcom instead treats its properties with respect, with an eye on the past, to ensure that the essence of those games is maintained while keeping an eye on contemporary expectations of game design.

With a back catalogue that contains so many bonafide genre classics, that have arguably stood the test of time, Capcom runs a heightened risk of remastering or remaking its titles in such a way that it fails to meet such expectedly lofty expectations. Yet in recent times, the Japanese studio’s remake and remastering acumen has proven to be practically unassailable thanks to a largely superb run of Resident Evil remakes that have managed to capture the imaginations of series veterans and newcomers alike.

Resident Evil (Gamecube, 2002)

Speaking of Resident Evil, Capcom’s remastering journey arguably began with its legendary 1996 survival horror opus. First released on Nintendo’s beloved Gamecube console back in 2002, the Resident Evil remake (simply known as ‘Resident Evil’) kept the basic structure of the original game fully intact, maintaining the fixed camera perspectives of the PSOne original version all the while entirely remaking its visual presentation with all new high detail character models and re-rendered backgrounds. 

Not only did 2002’s Resident Evil remake keep the essence of Capcom’s survival horror classic completely intact, but the developers went beyond their original aesthetic remit, expanding the inventory of the player, reworking puzzles, introducing new enemies, new weapons and whole new areas that didn’t feature in the original game. A thoroughly eye-opening example of what a remake of a classic could and should be in the hands of a careful studio, the Resident Evil remake appealed to both fans of the original and franchise newbies at the same time by so faithfully recreating its classic source material and making additions to it that only enhanced the overall offering rather than detracting from it.

Mega Man Maverick Hunter X (PlayStation Portable, 2005)

Not long after, Capcom would continue to stretch its legs by embarking on a series of remakes from its popular platforming shooter series Mega Man, the pinnacle of which (at least in the words of this humble scribe), would be Mega Man Maverick Hunter X. Maintaining Capcom’s own heady calibre when it comes to remakes, Mega Man Maverick Hunter X was a completely faithful remake that played exactly how its source material, Mega Man X, did all the way back in 1993. Alongside a smattering of quality-of-life improvements, Mega Man Maverick Hunter X also boasted a complete visual overhaul, allowing the title to appeal to an all-new generation of gamers in 2005 on Sony’s PSP handheld.

Ironically, it wouldn’t be until many years later that Capcom’s talent for brilliantly remaking its titles would truly be put to the test – and subsequently given the praise it deserved – with 2019’s Resident Evil 2 remake. Already regarded as one of the best sequels of all time, remaking Resident Evil 2 was no mean feat not least because expectations were sky-high and fans wouldn’t accept anything less than a masterful remake of one of the best survival horror games ever. As it turns out, Capcom was more than up to the task, beautifully re-imagining the urban horror of the 1998 original with a modern-day visual presentation that entirely ditched the traditional fixed camera perspective for an over-the-shoulder, roaming third-person perspective and in doing so gave 2019 a true Game of the Year contender.

Resident Evil 2 (PC, 2019)

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the house that Street Fighter built, however. In an attempt to swiftly capitalise on the outsized success of its Resident Evil 2 remake, a reimagining of Resident Evil 3 appeared just one year later to a decidedly mixed critical reception. Though the Resident Evil 3 remake certainly looked the part and boasted some eye-searingly cutting-edge visuals that still look incredible today, the game itself was a shade of the 1999 classic it attempted to reinvigorate. This was largely thanks to a whole heap of content that simply didn’t make it in the remake alongside a massive reduction in puzzles for the player to solve. All in all, the Resident Evil 3 remake was a relatively shallow and poorly executed effort – especially in light of the so-recent stellar Resident Evil 2 remake – and marked a rare blemish on Capcom’s otherwise near-spotless remake record.

Taking the right lessons from both what the Resident Evil 2 remake did well and what the Resident Evil 3 remake didn’t, Capcom would embark on its most ambitious – and arguably successful – project yet in 2023 – a full-fledged remake of Resident Evil 4. Perhaps more than any other series entry before it, Resident Evil 4 holds a special place in the series pantheon due in no small part to its shift into three-dimensional environments alongside a hugely satisfying retooling of Resident Evil’s somewhat clunky controls and adjacent combat systems. Coupled with an all-new enemy that shifted away from the traditional shamblers and an endlessly evocative setting in the deepest and darkest rural Spain, it’s clear that the smattering of Game of the Year awards that Resident Evil 4 earned back in 2005 were well-deserved indeed.

Resident Evil 4 (PC, 2023)

With the Resident Evil 4 remake Capcom utterly outdid themselves. While 2023’s remake did indeed boast the opulent audiovisual presentation that we all expected, Capcom went a few steps further and carefully adjusted certain aspects of the original 2005 release to make it more palatable for current players. Perhaps the best example of this is the infamous fight with one of the game’s villains, Krauser. In the original 2005 release, this fight was entirely driven by a series of QTE (Quick Time Event) sequences, where the player simply had to press specific button inputs at particular times to get through the scene. In essence, the whole ‘fight’ was a barely interactable cutscene and, well, that wasn’t great.

With the Resident Evil 4 remake though, Capcom has instead made the fight a proper scrap with maximum player agency as it relies on the new knife combat and parry systems that have been specifically engineered for the remake and as a result makes the whole encounter feel like a memorable one, rather than a cutscene with knobs on. In addition, the Resident Evil 4 remake also encompassed a broad range of other thoughtful changes over the original that did not adversely affect the core experience, such as new enemies, side missions, non-mandatory stealth sections and so much more besides.

Okami HD (PC, 2017)

And all of this is without even mentioning some of the more low-key remastering efforts that Capcom have delighted players with over the past couple of decades. From the superb Okami HD to the bombastic Devil May Cry Collection and even the more recent Monster Hunter Stories titles, Capcom hasn’t just been smartening up these beloved games for a new generation of players, they’ve also crucially preserved them in ways that I wish other publishers would consider instead of just letting them fade into the ether.

Looking to the future, the upcoming Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster also looks to be a remake in the truest sense – one that boasts an entirely refreshed audiovisual presentation and introduces a number of quality-of-life fixes that enhance the essence of Dead Rising, rather than changing it wholesale. By putting out obscenely polished efforts that stay true to the originals, along with maintaining a careful balancing act of knowing what to change and what to leave well enough alone, it’s clear why Capcom should be considered the masters of remasters and remakes. Long may it continue.

Indie Game Round-Up – August 2024

August looks set to be one of the strongest months for top-tier indie games not only this year but possibly in the last few years. Regardless of what genre you are a fan of, you are going to have something incredible to look forward to this month.

There were some many options for the month that we’ve actually had to cut a few really cool games from our list. Regardless, it’s still longer than normal though so let’s get right into things with the best indie games for August.

Kitsune Tails – 1st August

Kitsune Tails is first on our list, and it looks delightful. The game has you old-school platforming your way through a land inspired by Japanese mythology as a kitsune with amazing abilities. Along with the truly perfect old-school graphics, there are also plenty of outfits to unlock, special mechanics to master, and a wealth of characters to meet as well. As we said, delightful.

Realm of Ink – 2nd August

Good lord, this game looks good. Realm of Ink is an action roguelite game where you take control of a swordswoman called Red, who has to try and break free from the chains of her destiny within a book. The setting means that every aspect of the game looks as though it was created using a calligraphy brush but it’s not just got amazing visuals, the gameplay looks incredibly slick as well.

Creatures of Ava – 7th August

Creatures of Ava is a game all about saving wildlife as you’re placed on a strange planet and have to try and stop the spread of a horrifying infection. You’ll not only have to save the creatures but also study them and figure out how to tame them so that they can lead you to where you need to go. It looks wonderful, and we can’t wait to play it.

Cat Quest III – 8th August

Despite its premise, the Cat Quest games are genuinely a lot of fun, especially if you’re a younger gamer or a parent playing with your kids. The next game in the series, Cat Quest III takes the series and puts it into the realm of pirates, which means notably more seafaring, but still plenty of the usual cat puns and combat to enjoy. The split-screen co-op is what really helps make this series special though, so we’re glad to see it making a return in the latest entry. It’s going to be a-meow-zing.

SteamWorld Heist II – 8th August

The SteamWorld series has been a constant gift to gamers, bringing a huge range of well-made, genre mash-ups that look amazing and are just as great to play. SteamWorld Heist 2 is the latest entry in the SteamWorld-verse and the good news for fans of the first title in this particular series is this one looks to build on the same turn-based tactical fights that made the original so much fun but add to it with more mechanics and plenty of new characters to love.

Level Zero: Extraction – 13th August

Extraction games are about to become one of the most interesting genres out there. They’ve been constantly building since Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown really kicked things off, and Level Zero: Extraction looks to be the next true contender for the top spot. It takes the natural tension of the genre and turns it up by adding in actual horror elements, thanks to its terrifying monsters. The cool twist though, is that you can play as one of the aliens and actively hunt other players – let’s see you do that in Tarkov!

Streets of Rogue 2 – Delayed

Streets of Rogue 2 is a serious contender for game of the year, provided it delivers on being better than the first game. For the uninitiated, Streets of Rogue 2 is the sequel to a game which was basically what happens when you splice the immersive nature of Dishonored with the humour of long-form improv. The result is a roguelike where the answers are infinite and with a far larger world, more classes and more mechanics to play, we are excited. It’s also fully co-op, although fair warning, you may end up feeling more like enemies than friends.

Tactical Breach Wizards – 22nd August

What if you could command a unit of elite wizards as they took out bad guys while breaching high-tension situations? Well, good news, because that’s exactly what Tactical Breach Wizards is all about. This turn-based game has you guiding your group of wizards through tactical situations to try and take out a conspiracy plot. You’ll need to mix and match spells and clever tactical decisions to come out on top, but hey, at least you can rewind time.

Core Keeper – 27th August

Finally, we have Core Keeper. Core Keeper has been in Early Access since early 2022, but even in the state it launched in, it was already a wonderful take on Terraria-style survival games. It’s evolved substantially since then, and the full release adds in extra goodies including new spellcasting mechanics and classes. It’s also co-op with up to eight players, and it’s rare we get to mess around in a world with so many of our friends without it being in an MMO. This is definitely one to watch.

Everything You Need To Know About Level Zero: Extraction

Level Zero: Extraction is a heart-pounding, cooperative survival horror game that plunges players into a terrifying subterranean world overrun by monstrous creatures. Combining elements of stealth, action, and resource management, this intense experience is poised to redefine the extraction shooter genre, offering a thrilling new challenge for players.

Be sure to keep this guide in your favourites as we cover everything you need to know about Level Zero: Extraction including the release date, early access details, gameplay details, latest trailer and more.

Level Zero: Extraction Release Date

Level Zero: Extraction will be released into Early Access via Steam on August 13th, 2024. Currently, there are no plans for it to be released on the Epic Games store – at least certainly not in Early Access – and there is currently no confirmation of a console release for PlayStation or Xbox.

Level Zero: Extraction Early Access Details

As mentioned above, Level Zero: Extraction will be following the tried and tested format of launching into Early Access to build up its unique take on PvPvPvE gameplay with player feedback front and centre. In the words of the developers Doghowl Games: “We believe that Early Access is the ideal model for ensuring Level Zero: Extraction evolves in the best possible way. Even though we’re proud of the work we’ve already put into the project, the Early Access launch will allow us to significantly expand the game with broader community feedback in mind.“

Currently, Level Zero: Extraction plans to be in an Early Access state for approximately 12 months however that could change depending on feedback and changes during development. They have also published what they call a ‘Living Roadmap’, which gives potential buyers a clear indication of what to expect from the game now and into the future. Features and improvements listed on the Roadmap for future expansion include new weapons, locations, cosmetics, an entire endgame section – including bosses and locations – and an anti-cheat system.

Level Zero: Extraction Gameplay

Officially described as a multiplayer extraction horror game with high-stakes asymmetric PvPvPvE and FPS combat, Level Zero: Extraction is looking to shake up the extraction genre with a unique take on the genre that combines elements of titans like Escape From Tarkov with horror contemporaries like GTFO.

Players are plunged into a terrifying subterranean world, where they must scavenge for valuable resources while evading hordes of monstrous creatures and rival player-controlled mercenaries. Teamwork is paramount as you coordinate efforts, strategize your approach, and make split-second decisions to survive with up to two other players. As with all extraction-based games, stakes are even higher than normal due to the potential for players to lose their hard-earned loot and equipment if they fail to successfully extract after their run.

Every corner of the underground complex is a potential death trap. Limited resources, dwindling supplies, and the constant threat of unseen horrors create a relentless atmosphere of tension as players must carefully manage their equipment, conserve ammunition, and rely on teamwork to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. The claustrophobic environments and haunting sound design immerse you in a world of fear, where survival is a precious commodity.

Where Level Zero: Extraction really looks to set itself apart in the genre, however, is with its asymmetric PvPvPvE combat. You will not only take on other player-controlled mercenary teams, but you will also come up against environmental hazards during your runs and even player-controlled monsters. That’s correct, in Level Zero: Extraction you can even play as one of the terrifying monsters and head out in pursuit of the mercenaries. This entirely unique inclusion adds a whole new level of complexity, depth and dread to a game that was already dripping with it.

Where Can I Watch The Latest Trailer?

The above Early Access Hype Trailer – put together before its week-long delay – provides a good glimpse into how gameplay within Level Zero: Extraction will play out. Interspersed with clips from its recent, and hugely popular, Beta and Steam NextFest demo phases, it already demonstrates a great understanding of exactly how to combine its many genre inspirations to create something truly unique. It also looks surprisingly well polished given it’s Early Access plans.

Embark on Epic Adventures With Our Summer Sale Top Picks

Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than diving into new worlds and exciting adventures from the comfort of your home? Well, good news because the Green Man Gaming Summer Sale is now live and offers incredible discounts on over 4,000 of the hottest PC games going. Whether you’re a fan of magical realms, futuristic dystopias, or serene animal sanctuaries, there’s something for everyone and to help you out, we’ve carefully selected ten game worlds that are so captivating, we’d drop everything to explore them in real life.

Hogwarts Legacy

Destination: The Magical World of Hogwarts

Hogwarts Legacy invites you to step into the shoes of a young witch or wizard attending the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Set in the 1800s, long before Harry Potter’s time, this open-world RPG allows you to explore the castle and its surroundings in exquisite detail. You can attend classes, learn spells, brew potions, and uncover hidden secrets within the school’s ancient halls. The enchanting landscapes and magical creatures you’ll encounter make this a dream vacation for any Potterhead and with stunning visuals and a deeply immersive story, Hogwarts Legacy promises to be a spellbinding experience for all.

FINAL FANTASY XV

Destination: The Vast World of Eos

FINAL FANTASY XV takes you on an epic journey through the vast and breathtaking world of Eos. Join Prince Noctis and his loyal friends as they embark on a quest to reclaim their homeland from an invading empire. Seamlessly blending open-world exploration with adrenaline-pumping combat, Eos invites you to discover breathtaking landscapes. From bustling cities to serene shores, and dense forests to towering peaks, every corner of this vibrant world is a visual masterpiece. Combine that with the camaraderie among the characters, as well as the emotional depth of the story, and you have a journey that is definitely worth taking.

Stray

Destination: A Futuristic Urban Jungle

Stray offers a unique perspective on a dystopian future, where you play as a stray cat (hence the name) navigating a neon-lit city inhabited by robots. As you explore this beautifully designed urban jungle, you’ll solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and evade dangerous threats. The game’s atmosphere is both eerie and captivating, with a rich narrative that unfolds through your feline adventures. Although perhaps an odd choice for this list, Stray’s world is a testament to the creativity and artistry of game design, providing a fresh and engaging experience that stands out in the crowded landscape of video games and is certainly memorable.

Tchia

Destination: A Tropical Paradise Inspired by New Caledonia

Tchia transports you to a vibrant tropical archipelago inspired by the real-life beauty of New Caledonia. An open-world adventure game, it lets you explore lush landscapes, interact with the island’s inhabitants, and even shape-shift into animals and objects, whilst the charming art style captures the essence of island life. Whether you’re climbing mountains, sailing across turquoise waters, or playing the ukulele, Tchia offers a relaxing and immersive experience and it’s a perfect virtual getaway for those seeking a slice of paradise and for whom its real-life inspiration is just out of reach.

NieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition

Destination: A Post-Apocalyptic Earth

NieR:Automata plunges you into a hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic world where androids battle to reclaim Earth from alien machines. It combines intense combat, thought-provoking storytelling, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack to create an unforgettable, albeit fairly apocalyptic, experience. As you navigate through decaying cities and lush ruins, you’ll uncover deep philosophical questions about humanity, existence, and consciousness and its unique blend of action and narrative means it’s a game – and a destination – that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

Dinkum

Destination: The Australian Outback

Dinkum offers a charming and laid-back adventure set in the Australian Outback. A life-simulation game in the vein of the likes of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, you build your own town, farm crops, raise animals, and explore the rugged landscape. With a relaxing pace and whimsical art style, Dinkum makes for a delightful, Aussie escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re fishing in a billabong, mining for precious resources, or interacting with friendly townsfolk, Dinkum provides a cozy and engaging experience that we certainly wouldn’t mind visiting from time to time.

Backpack Battles

Destination: Dynamic Battlegrounds of Strategy and Skill

While not a physical destination, Backpack Battles offers an exhilarating mental escape that rightly deserves a place on this list. This strategic showdown invites you on a journey through diverse battlegrounds, demanding quick thinking and tactical brilliance and with every match, you’ll embark on a new adventure, outsmarting opponents and overcoming thrilling challenges. As far as we are concerned, it’s a perfect getaway for those seeking a stimulating auto-battle puzzle or a heart-pounding challenge.

Planet Zoo

Destination: Immersive Wildlife Habitats

Planet Zoo lets you design and manage your own zoo, creating stunning habitats for a wide array of animals. From savannas to rainforests, each exhibit can be customized to provide the perfect environment for its inhabitants, all whilst keeping a focus on the animal’s welfare and conservation. With its detailed graphics and realistic animal behaviours, Planet Zoo offers a rewarding and educational experience, Besides, who doesn’t like to take a trip to the zoo when on vacation?

Bear and Breakfast

Destination: A Cozy Woodland Retreat

Bear and Breakfast invites you to run a charming bed and breakfast in the heart of a cosy forest. As Hank the Bear, you’ll renovate and decorate your inn, manage guests, and uncover the secrets of the surrounding woods whilst being delighted by the game’s whimsical art style and relaxing gameplay loop. Whether you’re crafting new furniture, cooking delicious meals, or exploring the forest, Bear and Breakfast provides a heartwarming escape that we won’t mind going down to the woods for.

Distant Bloom

Destination: An Alien World of Wonder

Distant Bloom takes you, as an interstellar botanist, to an alien planet teeming with strange flora and fauna to explore, collect samples, and uncover its mysteries. With lush, otherworldly environments that are a visual treat, filled with colourful plants and curious creatures, you are encouraged to immerse yourself in the beauty and intrigue of this alien landscape. Distant Bloom offers a sense of wonder and discovery that will captivate fans of exploration and adventure games and is probably one of the few alien landscapes we aren’t too scared to visit.

With these incredible games on offer – plus many, many more –  the Green Man Gaming Summer Sale is the perfect opportunity to embark on new adventures and explore captivating worlds. So why not take a vacation to fantastic gaming destinations this Summer and immerse yourself in their stories? Shop the Green Man Gaming Summer Sale here and happy gaming!

Dragon Eclipse Is Slay the Spire Meets Pokemon

Dragon Eclipse has not long hit Early Access, and while it’s a little light on stuff to do right now – what with it currently only having one run boss, three difficulty levels and a few different monsters and tamers to pick from – it’s already an incredibly cool take on the roguelike deckbuilder that has got us excited for what’s time come.

That’s because it takes all the classic bits you’d expect from the genre spawned by Slay the Spire, and then adds in a bunch of Pokemon mechanics. Just like choosing your starter Pokemon, you’ll pick a loyal companion monster to begin your adventure and then, building out your team, you’ll select three additional creatures, each with unique stats and passive abilities in order to try and ‘be the very best’ on a roguelike run.

As you progress you also earn special berries after each battle, which can be spent on special upgrades for your monsters. If you put four berries on a single monster, it then – perhaps unsurprisingly, if you are a Pokemon fan – evolves. This upgrades the general stats of your beastly companion and also upgrades their unique card, enabling you to choose one of three different options for a brand-new effect. It’s so incredibly cool, and while there aren’t that many creatures in the game right now, every new creature has three different potential play-styles, which enables a huge variety through mixing and matching monsters.

As long as Dragon Eclipse keeps to its planned development roadmap – and we have no reason to believe it won’t – and adds in new levels and more monsters as it goes through its Early Access phase, it’s going to be an absolutely stellar game. That’s not to say you should sleep on it right now, it’s already a lot of fun and is surely only going to get better. So if any or all of this sounds good to you, then go and check it out, because it’s a great way to spend a few hours of your time, and it also means you can pick it up every few months to see what’s new – a pleasant perk of Early Access games.

Wayfinder Is Finally The Game We All Wanted

Originally launched last August, Wayfinder was a live service game with seasonal updates, regular new characters and the vast array of microtransactions you would expect from a Free-to-Play game. Whilst fun, however, it suffered many of the trappings most new F2P games suffer, including concerns around its monetisation and the typical launch server issues. This was then all compounded when the developer and publisher parted ways and fans were left in limbo.

Well, those fans can rejoice, as Wayfinder is now back as a premium-priced co-op action RPG that has maintained the same satisfying loot and gameplay mechanics but done away with the aggressive monetisation and always online elements. The result is a game that people were clamouring for at the start, and it sort of gives you hope that other promising live service games – that failed to crack the tough F2P market – could be converted in a similar fashion. Whether they will or not remains to be seen but Wayfinder has at least laid out a blueprint for how to do it well.

Just like its original iteration, it’s still an action RPG at heart with a host of unique characters you can choose from, each of whom has a different role and skill set to master. They are all fun to play in their own ways and can be decked out with whatever weapons you want as well as given passive buffs, armour and all the typical accotriments.

While you can play solo, and it’s definitely fun to do so, the game really sings in multiplayer when you’re all playing your role and working together. This is perhaps unsurprising – given its original online F2P nature – but it’s nice to see that developers Airship Syndicate have been able to keep the core multiplayer experience so good despite the removal of every other online element (monetisation, struggling servers etc.)

As you would expect from any game with the term RPG in its description, there’s a huge volume of stuff to do, loads of fights to get stuck into, and plenty of unlocks hidden around the world. Overall it’s just a very satisfying experience, and its resurrection is a kind of boon for the game preservation cause too, because Wayfinder is no longer tied to expensive server costs and so can instead live on in your game library and be picked up and played as you want, when you want, for however long you want. You know, like how we would all like all games to be.

Death Must Die: One Of The Best Vampire Survivors-likes Out There

We don’t think we are providing blistering insight when we state that the sheer number of Bullet Hell and Vampire Survivors-like games available on Steam nowadays is overwhelming. Honestly, it’s hard to get through a single page of games on Steam without it feeling a bit like an assault course – dodge 20 similar titles before collapsing for a nap and dreaming of whether Vampire Survivors has plagued us with a million copycats. Is this a curse, or a sign of a genre renaissance? That kind of depends on the individual.

Thankfully, despite the plethora of options now available in the genre – and the questionable quality of some of them – there are some great options out there for fans. One of those great options is Death Must Die. Whilst it isn’t a game about Death dating too many people simultaneously – a little John Tucker Must Die joke there for you – it is an exciting and interesting mix of Bullet Hell gameplay and Diablo-style loot and skill trees that certainly scratches an itch. 

You take control of one of several heroes who’ve been tasked with killing Death, which is, unsurprisingly, a pretty hard task. In order to achieve it, you must run around finding upgrades to your skills – and there are plenty – as well as talking to different Gods who give you blessings that can also be upgraded. The ultimate aim is to try and craft a build that will allow you to survive Death (quite literally).

What’s more, you can specialise in status effects, special attacks, summons, and spells, and each of the available characters fits a different style of play slightly better than the others. You can also use the skill trees to do things like give a character a permanent dragon companion which can only be a good thing. Be warned, however, as there is a risk and reward system in place that means you can increase your chances of finding epic loot at the expense of further empowering Death’s minions.

Death Must Die stands above a lot of the other games in the genre, so if you’re looking for one that feels a bit more hands-on it’s a great choice that stands out thanks to its great gameplay, incredibly satisfying upgrade loop and its surprisingly sassy Gods.

The Best Games Like Flintlock: The Seige of Dawn

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is releasing later this month and promises to bring a slightly lighter, more accessible touch to the burgeoning Soulslike genre. Although it’s arguably the first game to be marketed as Souls-lite, it shares enough of its tougher namesake genre’s DNA to enable us to hand-pick out some of the best similar games you should check out. 

Each of the selected games allows for different playstyles and a few even have guns for you to mess around with too. So whether you’re just trying to bide your time until you can grab Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, or you’re done with the game and want a bit more to explore, here are our picks.

Remnant II

First up is Remnant 2, the follow-up to the smash-hit Remnant: From the Ashes, which could also be on this list, so consider this a cheeky second entry within the first entry. Remnant 2 builds upon everything the first game did well and does it better, which means even more immersive areas to explore, wilder builds to test out, and cooler guns than ever before.  It’s absurdly replayable, has full co-op, and the DLCs that have come out so far are sublime. If you’ve got any interest in putting builds together and facing off against weird eldritch tree monsters, then Remnant 2 will satiate you in a way that no other game can manage. Do. Not. Miss. Out.

Bloodborne

Bloodborne is probably one of the big influences on Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, because it’s also one of the biggest influences on the genre as a whole. It’s a standout in FromSoftware’s borderline-flawless output and has the player fighting through a constant stream of eldritch horrors and unknowable monsters, all to try and survive the night. While guns are more of an additional bonus here than a main source of damage, it has the same fast-paced combat, all of the gore you could want, and a truly sublime story. It’s an exceptional game, and every day that passes where we don’t get a remaster announcement or a PC port is another day we stray further from heaven.

Nioh 2

Nioh 2 is an absurdly fast-paced action RPG where you take control of a character who can turn into Yokai and summon spirits to help them out in battle. You can also master a wide range of skills and weapons, and if you choose to use the first weapons, even learn how to do a flying body press and feel like a professional wrestler. It also has one of the best co-op setups of any Souls-like going, with you being able to set up a multiplayer room and then choose your mission from there. It’s a huge amount of fun, there is a lot of stuff to do in the game, and if you add in the DLC too, you’ll be playing for the rest of the year pretty comfortably.

Elden Ring

It wouldn’t be much of a list if we didn’t include Elden Ring. Quite simply one of the best games ever made, Elden Ring’s open world is consistently beautiful and shocking, full of characters who are engaging and terrifying. he ways you can play and explore are almost infinitely varied. It’s got everything, and if you also choose to try out the seamless co-op mod or the Convergence mod, then you’ll get even more out of it. Now there is even the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, which adds a whole new massive region to explore, complete with new mechanics, weapons, and bosses. If you want a game that really feels epic, then you want Elden Ring, and you want it now.

Lies of P

Finally, we’ve got Lies of P. This game finally answers the question “What if Pinocchio was the hero of a story and also had to fight against unknowable evils?” – which is an important question, we’re sure you’ll all agree. It’s a fairly fast-paced souls-like/action RPG hybrid that’s packed with plenty of style and an utterly unique story to boot. It’s also got a good focus on the unique benefits of being a puppet – a rather unique feature, granted – and while it might not be the best game on the list, it’s still a huge amount of fun and one of the newer entries into the genre.