Bounding into Comics posted an opinion piece about Starfield:

Opinion: After ‘Starfield’ Was A Disappointing Disgrace, I Don’t Trust Bethesda With ‘Elder Scrolls VI’

Bethesda has been the gold standard for open-world RPGs. However, after Starfield and the Shattered Space DLC, I’m not so sure they are anymore. As someone who picked up Elder Scrolls from Oblivion and continued with Skyrim, it is hard to shake the feeling that Bethesda just doesn’t have the same spark. With Elder Scrolls VI still stuck in development limbo, questions are starting to arise about whether they can even pull it off anymore.

After the disappointment that Starfield turned out to be, I and many others wonder if it is time to consider what Elder Scrolls could become in the hands of a different studio. 

Starfield was an endless void. Not just space-wise, but content-wise. Marketing behind Starfield presented it as a vast, rich, universe worthy of exploration, taking Bethesda’s formula to a new level, but it fell painfully flat. (Kind of like No Man’s Sky.) 

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Some new Atomfall gameplay:

Atomfall NEW Gameplay Demo World

The strategy RPG The Adventurers will be released into Early Access on November 11 - a demo is available:

The Aventurers

The Adventurers is a turn-based tactical RPG set in a rich, high-fantasy world inspired by classic tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Lead a diverse party of adventurers as they explore an ever-changing world, engage in strategic combat, and manage the complexities of adventuring life. Take on costly quests, battle mythical creatures, and discover many wonders, as you make a name for yourself in a world filled with opportunities and dangers.

Turn-Based Tactical Combat
Master the art of strategy by harnessing the unique abilities, spells, and skills of your adventurers. Outthink your enemies by using the terrain to your advantage. As the world evolves, so too must your tactics; adapt your strategies and fine-tune your party composition to face increasingly dangerous threats. Every encounter demands sharp thinking, clever planning, and the perfect blend of power and precision to conquer even the mightiest adversaries.

Your Epic Saga Is Waiting To Be Written
Venture into a dynamic world where every journey holds new surprises. Caravans brave perilous roads, desperately hoping to evade ruthless raiders, while dense forests and towering mountains hide both mythical creatures and untold dangers. Discover ancient ruins brimming with forgotten relics and bustling cities alive with intrigue, where secrets wait to be unearthed.

Embark on quests that range from hunting down ferocious beasts and defending vulnerable villages to delving into shadowy conspiracies that could shake the realm. Each quest presents fresh challenges and rich rewards, pushing you closer to legendary status with every choice you make.

Become Legends
Forge your ultimate team of heroes by recruiting adventurers with distinct classes and powerful skills. As they grow stronger, unlock devastating abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Shape your party's strategy by customizing each character’s talents and attributes to craft a perfect blend of power and synergy. Keep your team in top form by managing their morale, health, and stamina - because every decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat as you prepare for thrilling adventures ahead.

Thanks Couchpotato!

Couchpotato spotted a new Age of Wonders 4 - Dev Diary:

Dev Diary #36: Intrigue Happenings

Hi everyone and welcome to today’s dev diary on Intrigue Happenings! My name is Michelle (@MichelleTriumph), narrative designer at Triumph, and I’m here to talk about the new Intrigue Happenings you will encounter during your time playing Age of Wonders 4: Ways of War! Lest you forget: Ways of War will release on November 5th, and is part of Expansion Pass 2!

Watch the recording of a Dev Stream with Michelle on our YouTube channel!

Be Warned, Ye Unspoiled

[...]

Siliconera reviewed Ys X: Nordics:

Review: Ys X: Nordics Isn’t Always Smooth Sailing

The Ys series is one where if you’re into the games, you’re really into it. It forgoes traditional JRPG conventions by having each game serve as an adventure in the life of protagonist Adol Christin, almost like a throwback to classic adventure novels. The newest title Ys X: Nordics aims to bring it into the swashbuckling world of piracy. However, that’s not exactly where the games strengths lie.

The story kicks off with Adol meeting Karja, a fierce “pirate princess,” on his travels. Inadvertently, a magical tether binds the two. This connection sets the stage for an action-packed journey during which the pair must confront a looming magical threat. Their dynamic avoids the overdone “reluctant partnership” trope. Instead, Karja actually accepts her bond with Adol pretty quickly, which brings a refreshing sense of camaraderie to their interactions.

[...]

Ys X: Nordics
This latest title in the Ys series takes us back to a younger Adol as he sets out on the open sea. Join him in his pursuit of the thrill of adventure! PS5 reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.

While the land-based exploration and fast-paced duo combat deliver the thrilling action Ys fans expect, the sea combat disappoints with its overly simplistic mechanics and slow pacing. Despite its shortcomings at sea, the game’s vibrant environments and energetic soundtrack make it a solid addition to the series.

Food For Thought

• One of the mana traversal abilities is so fun and I wasted a ton of time just playing with it.
• It's so jarring to have the land combat and traversal be faster than ever, yet sea combat be slow as could be.
• Having a character referred to as the "Pirate Princess" really helped sell this game as a "classic adventure"

Score: 7/10

Thanks Couchpotato!

Game Rant reports that Fantasian Neo Dimension will be the last complete game sountrack made by Nobuo Uematsu:

Why Fantasian: Neo Dimension Will Be Bittersweet for Classic Final Fantasy Fans

Although the Hawaiian studio Mistwalker gained notoriety in the late 2000s and early 2010s thanks to its work on acclaimed console RPGs like Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and The Last Story, the firm has primarily made mobile games in recent years, such as 2021's Fantasian. Unlike some of its more recent free-to-play efforts, Fantasian is an RPG in the traditional sense; it's entirely singleplayer, doesn't feature any microtransactions, and is narrative-driven. For a mobile game, it also had quite a lot of talent behind it. Fantasian was written by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series. Its soundtrack, meanwhile, was scored by the esteemed video game composer Nobuo Uematsu.

[...]

Fantasian: Neo Dimension Will Be The Last Game to Feature a Soundtrack Composed Entirely by Uematsu
Nobuo Uematsu has, without a doubt, defined a generation of JRPGs with his music. As such, many gamers, especially classic Final Fantasy fans, will likely be sad to hear that Fantasian: Neo Dimension will be the last game with a soundtrack written entirely by Uematsu, as previously mentioned. To be clear, this doesn't mean Uematsu is retiring; rather, he's simply taking a step back from video game composition so he can have more time to work on other music projects that he's passionate about. Uematsu will probably still write some theme songs here and there, but when it comes to composing entire soundtracks, Fantasian: Neo Dimension will be the last of his work.

[...]

Gamingbolt checked out Clair Obscur: Expedition 33:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Main Story is Over 30 Hours Long, Retails for $50

"We are a small team with an indie spirit, and we're creating something we believe is truly special," says Sandfall Interactive.

Sandfall Interactive recently debuted some new gameplay for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, its upcoming fantasy RPG, showcasing more combat and story-telling. It also revealed a star-studded cast of actors, including Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Ben Starr (Final Fantasy 16), Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3), and even the legendary Andy Serkis.

Of course, the visuals and aesthetics also look downright amazing. However, when pre-orders went live, some were surprised to see it retailing for $49.99 on Amazon. The developer has since clarified on Twitter that this is correct while promising over 30 hours of playtime for the main game. Side content is extra.

“We are a small team with an indie spirit, and we’re creating something we believe is truly special. We aren’t an AAA studio, this is our first game, and we want as many people to discover our world as possible.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

The Life Sim Sengoku Dynasty will be released on November 7:

Sengoku Dynasty - 1.0 Release Date

Youkoso!

It's no longer a secret that we want to launch the 1.0 version in November. There's just one question left to answer and our meeting in the garden has revealed a date! Are you excited?

Version 1.0 will be released on 7 November!

So meditate for a while before it begins. The update will be there in just 4 weeks!

Thank you for your great support!

If you have any questions or feedback for us, please post them here, on Discord or on our social media channels!

 Thanks Couchpotato!

Learn more about combat in Coridden:

All About Combat in Coridden

Greetings, Shifters! 

Let's talk about combat in Coridden! What should you expect?
If you’re eager to embark on a thrilling journey in the world of Coridden, let’s unravel the intricacies of its combat system. Here’s what you can expect:

Action-Packed RPG Adventure
Coridden is an Action RPG that places action and fluid movement at its core. Seamless transitions and dynamic maneuvers are what make battling in this world exhilarating. Your journey is designed to be a whirlwind of strategic choices and heart-pounding encounters.

Unleash Your Inner Beast
One of the unique features in Coridden is the ability to effortlessly switch between human and beast forms. Whenever you wish to change your strategy or regain stamina during a heated battle, shepshifting is as easy as a button tap. We delve into this transformative power more here.

All About Shapeshifting in Coridden
Today, we're embarking on a journey to explore shapeshifting in Coridden. Whether you've just discovered our game or you're already played the demo, understanding the art of...

Manage Your Stamina
As battles unfold, your character's stamina slowly depletes with each attack. What happens when you run low and need a quick recharge? Simple: switch forms! This shift offers a tactical refresh that can turn the tide in combat.

Choose Your Arsenal
In Coridden, flexibility is key. Equip yourself with a versatile mix of melee and ranged weapons. Switch between a trusty bow and an array of melee options like handaxes, swords, or spears. With so much variety, there’s a perfect weapon to suit every player’s taste.

Personalize Your Human Form
Customization is at your fingertips when choosing a class for your human form. Whether you wish to focus on elemental damage or bolstering your team through healing and support, the decision shapes your future skillset. Every choice opens a new avenue for personalized gameplay.

Explore Dual Skill Trees
Both your human and beast forms come with distinct skill trees. As you level up, be sure to examine each tree for fresh abilities that can help you conquer increasingly challenging foes.

Solo or Co-op: The Choice is Yours
While playing solo is possible, we recommend teaming up with at least one more person for an enriched experience. Collaborating with another player can enhance strategies and make conquering the dangerous world of Coridden all the more enjoyable.

Optimized for Gamepad Play
Although playable with mouse and keyboard, Coridden is optimized with a gamepad in mind. This means wielding your controller will provide the smoothest, most immersive experience.

Dive into Coridden’s combat with these insights in mind, and prepare for an exciting adventure!

Thanks Couchpotato!

RPGFan presents some upcoming RPGs:

RPGs Coming This Week, 10/20/24

A young Adol looking fierce in Ys X: Nordics, one of the RPGs coming this week
In this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, everyone’s favorite redheaded buccaneer finds himself in another snafu, but there are plenty more escapades to be had. From generational revenge tales to fantastical Wuxia adventures, the coming days look packed with promise, so let’s check out what’s in store.

• SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky – October 23rd (PS4, Switch, Windows)
• Card-en-Ciel – October 24th (PS5, XSX, PS4, XB1, Switch, Windows)
• Flint: Treasure of Oblivion – October 24th (Windows)
• Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven – October 24th (PS5, PS4, Switch, Windows)
• The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle (Exiting Early Access) – October 24th (Switch, Windows)
• Ys X: Nordics – October 25th (PS5, PS4, Switch, Windows)

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Splattercatgaming checked out Drova - Forsaken Kin:

A Gothic Inspired Dark Exploration RPG That Was Worth The Wait - DROVA

Couchpotato spotted new Remore: Infested Kingdom dev notes:

[Dev Note] World Time and Map : REMORE Exploration Milestones

Hello, survivors!
Today, we'd like to introduce some exciting new content related to stages.
In the previous dev note, [Stage System Overhaul], we introduced a major change where each map is the "smallest unit of experience," and allows players to freely move between them. This change creates a sense of "free movement," making the exploration of REMORE more immersive and ensuring that the overall game tempo remains engaging and not sluggish.

However, compared to the previous system, where each map had a clear "start and finish," the new freedom of movement introduced a challenge: it became less clear when to place a pause—or even a full stop—on expeditions. In other words, the sudden increase in freedom led to a loss of clear markers or milestones for exploration.

To address this and prevent players from feeling lost, with this new freedom, we’re introducing two systems that act as temporal and spatial landmarks: World Time and Map.

World Time: Bringing Expeditions to Life
World Time is a new system that dynamically changes the state of each map as the expedition progresses. However, since basing it on "real-time" could create unnecessary pressure in a game where strategic movement is key, the passage of time will instead be linked to the number of movement tiles in the free movement state or the number of turns during combat.

As a result, enemies on each map now have a "respawn time." If you revisit a map shortly after clearing all the enemies, it will remain empty. But after a certain amount of World Time has passed, enemies will respawn. Furthermore, if a map is left unchecked for a long period, more enemies will spawn. We'll delve deeper into this "Dark Shroud System" in a future dev note.

In addition to the introduction of World Time, the state of each map will now be saved. For instance, if you revisit a map where you previously opened a door, that door will remain open, and looted chests will stay empty. Through these changes, we aim to deliver a more immersive experience, making Remore feel like a truly interconnected world rather than just a series of isolated stages.

[...]

Couchpotato spotted a new Caribbean Legend dev diary:

Dev Diary V

Ahoy!

This dev diary won’t feature any sales pitches, sneak peeks, or triumphant reports. Put away your maps, cutlasses, and pistols — we’re having a serious conversation today. It’s your turn to speak and share your thoughts. 

Today's Items:

• Patch 1.4
• Plans for the future
• The Big Question
• FAQ

Patch 1.4
Eight months ago, we launched the game. Back in February, we decided to focus on two key things: lowering the entry barrier for new players (tutorials, notifications) and rapidly filling the game with as much content as possible — animations, quests, locations, ships, and more — for veteran players.

This focus allowed us to triple the size of our team, streamline our processes, and discover what we do best. However, it also created a significant amount of technical debt and exposed the game’s biggest problem — outdated controls and camera mechanics. Bugs frustrate veteran players, and the controls confuse new ones.

That’s why I decided not to rush straight into patch 1.5, but instead, release an intermediate patch — 1.4. In this patch, we’ll focus on fixing bugs and creating a new control and camera system.

The bugs are straightforward to fix, but the camera and control issues are more nuanced. The problem is that most new players rely solely on WASD, without actively using the mouse. This results in "tank controls". As for the the camera is too close to the player, doesn’t respond to character movement, spins sharply, and often keeps enemies out of view.

In other words, the game doesn’t fully support gamepads, which leads to a lot of frustration for new players who want to enjoy the game but can't. It took us some time and R&D to fully understand the root of the problem because, after so many years of development, our vision of certain things had become a bit blurred.

Without fixing this technical debt and addressing the controls, there’s no point in moving forward.

[...]

Noisy Pixel reports that the president of developer Nihon Falcom, Toshihiro Kondo, is open to discussion a localization of Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga.

Thanks Couchpotato!

The next big update for the Early Access title Stoneshard will be released on December 16:

Devlog: "Rags to Riches" Release Date

Hello everyone!

This is the final devlog dedicated to the upcoming “Rags to Riches” update, the largest one in Stoneshard’s history. So today, as promised, we’re happy to announce its release date - December 16th!

Plan your winter holidays accordingly - we almost can’t wait to show you the results of our work. But for now, this is a perfect moment to review the progress we’ve made over the past year and go through every addition to the game that will be waiting for you on December 16th. Let’s get started!

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Game Rant checked out the Fallout: Nuevo Mexico mod:

What to Expect From Fallout: Nuevo Mexico

While Fallout 5 is still several years out, fans of the Fallout franchise will have plenty of official and fan-made Fallout content to enjoy in the meantime. With Fallout: London recently released, plenty of upcoming updates for Fallout 76 still on the way, and a surprise reveal trailer from Fallout: Nuevo Mexico, the future of the Fallout franchise has never looked so bright.

Fallout: Nuevo Mexico is a fan-made mod for Fallout: New Vegas that will be coming exclusively to PC, with no plans for a console release announced yet. The project is still a work in progress, and allegedly, Fallout: Nuevo Mexico has undergone several changes since the last time it was shown off in earlier reveals. However, an up-to-date reveal trailer was recently released, giving fans a new taste of what to expect from Fallout: Nuevo Mexico.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Couchpotato spotted a new dev report for the Redemption Reawakened Mod:

Vampire the Masquerade: Reawakened Dev Report 4

IGN presents some gameplay of Mandragora:

23 Minutes of Mandragora Gameplay - Steam Next Fest

Thanks Couchpotato!

Adam Conover talked with Jason Schreier about the current video game industry crisis:

The Video Game Industry is in Crisis with Jason Schreier - 283

Thanks Couchpotato!

Viewport interviewed Darren Korb, audio director at Supergiant Games:

Hades 2 Composer Darren Korb Spills His Songwriting Process

Thanks Couchpotato!

Saturn is a futuristic RPG with turn-based combat:

Saturn - Official Trailer

Saturn — Official Announcement Trailer

Thanks Couchpotato!

Like every week the RPG Crawler sums up the computer and tabletop RPG news:

RPG News Roundup (10-19-2024)

Mortismal Gaming reviewed Metaphor: ReFantazio:

Metaphor: ReFantazio - Review After 100%

GamingBolt presents some info for Dragon Age: The Veilguard:

Dragon Age: The Veilguard - 15 Things You ABSOLUTELY NEED TO KNOW Before You Buy

The Full Story of Solas - Before You Play Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Thanks Couchpotato!

Terminal Gamer reviewed Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred:

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Review – Taming the Wild Beasts

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, the first major expansion for Diablo IV, takes the dark, gothic world of Sanctuary to new heights by expanding on both the story and gameplay.

With the return of Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred, as the primary antagonist, players will experience an increasingly malevolent world filled with new zones, dungeons, and enemies. One of the most exciting additions in this expansion is the introduction of the Spiritborn, a new playable class that adds a unique blend of primal magic and nature-based abilities to the game.

The Spiritborn: Masters of Nature’s Warriors
The Spiritborn class is the highlight of Vessel of Hatred, bringing a new and distinct playstyle to Diablo IV. Unlike other classes, the Spiritborn draws its power from the natural world and ancient animal spirits. Rather than traditional spellcasting or weapon-based combat, the Spiritborn utilizes creature warriors—summoning powerful animal spirits like a jaguar, gorilla, centipede, and eagle to fight on their behalf.

[...]

Conclusion
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is a must-play expansion that successfully builds on the foundation of Diablo IV with new, exciting content and a fresh, innovative class. The Spiritborn adds a unique twist to the game’s existing classes, providing a primal, nature-based playstyle that is both versatile and satisfying. The expansion’s story, new zones, and endgame content offer plenty of challenge and depth for both new players and long-time fans of the series.

Score: 9/10

Thanks Couchpotato!

Polygon takes a look at the studios that try to continue the legacy of Disco Elysium:

The many studios looking to continue Disco Elysium’s legacy

It’s Disco Elysium’s 5th anniversary

It’s been five years since Disco Elysium and its curious detective story, set in the fictional, post-communist city of Revachol, was released. Disco Elysium has since been heralded as one of the best games ever made, a testament to its complex conversation system and brilliant writing that blends a compelling mystery story with the deep world-building of Revachol’s failed revolution. Disco Elysium is one of those games that comes up again and again — a testament of what games can be.

After the game’s success came the internal and external pressures of what would come next, and Disco Elysium maker ZA/UM seemingly started cracking under the weight of it all. It also makes sense that the undoing of ZA/UM — and the rebuilding of Disco Elysium’s legacy — would be just as complicated as the game itself. ZA/UM, of course, still exists in some form, despite reportedly laying off its writing team: It has several job openings posted, including one published within the last month. ZA/UM also still holds the trademark for Disco Elysium in the United Kingdom, too.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Couchpotato spotted a new trailer for FATE: Reawakened:

Fate: Reawakened - Official Demo Trailer

The roguelite Dunebound Tactics has been announced:

Dunebound Tactics - Announcement Trailer

Lead your band of survivors on a perilous trek across unforgiving sands in search of a new home. Battle ruthless factions, scavenge dwindling resources, reshape the terrain to your advantage and make life-or-death choices in Dunebound Tactics, a Roguelite Turn-Based Tactical RPG.

Thanks Couchpotato!

DSOGaming reports that patch 1.02 for Fallout: London fixes over 300 bugs:

Fallout: London Patch 1.02 Released With Over 300 Fixes

Team FOLON has released Title Update 1.02 for its DLC-sized fan expansion mod for Fallout 4, Fallout: London. According to the changelog, Patch 1.02 comes with over 300 fixes, tweaks and changes. So, let’s take a closer look at it.

Patch 1.02 removes broken LOD clip volumes across the board. This should fix save corruption/save file issues in Islington world, Dump world, IWM World and St pauls world. However, this requires a rework of the LOD in these worldspace. Moreover, it will regenerate Previs and Precombines. This should fix various random/repeatable crashes and previsibility issues.

[...]

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

The Ancestors' Weapon Pack DLC for Zoria: Age of Shattering has been released.

Thanks Couchpotato!

Game Rant talked with Band of Crusaders' CEO Dominik Sypnicki and Art Director Kamil Mickiewicz:

How Classic RPGs Inspired Band of Crusaders' Real Time Combat System and More

Band Of Crusaders Devs Discuss Its Real Time Combat System And Classic RPG Inspirations 

Band of Crusaders is a medieval strategy RPG set in a fantastical 1350 A.D. Europe. Stepping into the shoes of a Grandmaster, players must lead a knightly order against invading demonic forces and those would see the chaos as opportunity. It's the first title from Polish studio Virtual Alchemy, which also describes it as a love letter to personal games they enjoy. Band of Crusaders' devs cited many inspirations, including some potentially unexpected classic RPGs like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Although Band of Crusaders' European folklore vibes might bring games like The Witcher to mind, this wasn't a direct influence.

[...]

When asked about Band of Crusaders' gaming inspirations, Mickiewicz explained they focused on games they loved as kids. This includes Heroes of Might and Magic 3, which Mickiewicz pointed out has similarities to Band of Crusaders' campaign map. Band of Crusaders features a fully-simulated overworld map where players move crusaders and events unfold in real-time. While Mickiewicz added Band of Crusaders' RTS map plays out more like Mount & Blade: Bannerlord or Wartales, Mickiewicz hopes it may also bring back memories of playing Heroes of Might and Magic games. Heroes of Might and Magic also inspired Band of Crusaders' music as another point of connection, with Mickiewicz explaining how creating authentic medieval music with real instruments and Latin vocalists was important:

We have a very similar take on music in our campaign map because we emphasize male vocals a lot, and our music is, to a large degree, recorded live. We quickly understood that we wanted to strike this very genuine medieval tone, so live recording would be super crucial for us.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Couchpotato spotted some gameplay for the action RPG Wuchang: Fallen Feathers:

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers - Official Gameplay Reveal Trailer

Mortismal Gaming reviewed Passageway Of The Ancients:

Check Out: Passageway Of The Ancients

Thanks Couchpotato!

Couchpotato spotted a trailer for the tactical RPG Sunderfolk:

Sunderfolk - Official Reveal Trailer

Couchpotato spotted a trailer for Eternal Strands:

Eternal Strands - Official Announcement Trailer

IGN presents a new trailer for AI Limit:

AI Limit - Official Trailer