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Tuesday - November 12, 2024
Monday - November 11, 2024
Sunday - November 10, 2024
Saturday - November 09, 2024
Friday - November 08, 2024
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Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy

2024-04-03

Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy Interview

Couchpotato interviewed Alexander from Atom Team about their latest game, Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy. A Kickstarter campaign for the game has already reached 2/3 of the funding goal.


» Continue reading the article...

RPGWatch

2024-01-07

Game of the Year Awards 2023 - Most Promising RPG

What is the most promising RPG of 2024? Like every year, you had your say. Check out the details to find out what games our visitors and editors think are most promising.


» Read the article

Recent articles










Picture Watch

Mass Effect
Box Art

Poll Watch

Are you concerned about the use of generative AI by game developers?
Yes, it will decrease the quality of games
16.28%

Yes, it will impact people's jobs / shift the industry
25.58%

Yes, but it is too early to say whether the net result will be negative
30.23%

No, it will increase the quality of games
11.63%

No, it will improve people's jobs
3.49%

No, it won't substantially change anything
3.49%

I don't have any opinion for or against it / don't know enough about generative AI to say
9.3%

Vote

Tuesday - November 12, 2024

Colony Ship - Anniversary Update

by Hiddenx, 20:07

Pladio spotted a new update for Colony Ship:

Anniversary Update

  • It’s been a year since release, so let’s roll out an anniversary update and celebrate:
  • Improved visuals in the Habitat, Factory, Maintenance, Heart, and Shuttle Bay
  • More exploration and interactions
  • New and expanded dialogues
  • New music tracks and portraits
  • New inventory filters
  • Balance improvements and fixes

To new players, we hope you'll enjoy the game. To 'old' players, thank you for your faith and support over the years. You helped us realize our dream and we’ll always be grateful to you.

Colony Ship

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Sci-Fi
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Non-RPG General News - ZERO Sievert Review

by Hiddenx, 20:04

PC Gamer reviewed the extraction shooter ZERO Sievert:

ZERO Sievert review

Learning to survive in this grim and deadly world is an uphill struggle, but even the smallest victory is deeply satisfying.

Have you ever considered what would’ve happened to Bill Murray’s character in Groundhog Day if he hadn’t got out of that time loop? If he’d just stayed living the same day over, and over, and over, with no happy ending?

That’s a little like what CABO Studio’s debut title, ZERO Sievert, can feel like—at least at first. An extraction shooter from a top-down perspective with similar graphical fidelity to the original Grand Theft Auto, it mashes up Escape From Tarkov-esque runs with a roguelike structure. You emerge from your bunker and head out to find supplies, grab weapons, and complete quests, before desperately trying to make it home alive. It's one of those combos that seems completely obvious in retrospect, and CABO certainly finds success with it.

[...]

ZERO Sievert
A tense and taxing but wonderfully engaging hybrid of singleplayer roguelike and extraction shooter.

Score: 85/100

Thanks Henriquejr!

Non-RPG General News

SP/MP: Unknown
Setting: Unknown
Genre: Unknown
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development

Details

Metal Slug Tactics - Review @ PC Gamer

by Hiddenx, 19:57

PC Gamer reviewed Metal Slug Tactics:

Metal Slug Tactics review

Metal Slug Tactics makes turn-based run-and-gun work with style… most of the time.

In the entire history of videogames, there have only been a few recorded cases of a studio performing the forbidden alchemy of transposing a game into another genre entirely. Until now, the most successful was probably R-Type Tactics (originally for the humble PSP, and now currently being remade), but I think the crown might have to go to Metal Slug Tactics.

[...]

Metal Slug Tactics
A smart, stylish adaptation that beats the odds to capture Metal Slug’s spirit in another genre, with a few irritating bugs.

Score: 76/100

Thanks Henriquejr!

Metal Slug Tactics

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Modern
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Avowed - No Romance

by Hiddenx, 19:52

The Nerd Stash thinks avoiding romance options is a smart move by Avowed:

Why Avowed Shunning Romance Options Is a Smart Move

Is romance dead?

Romance is hard. The prospect of “wooing” a potential partner is liable to strike fear into any teenager and young adult, what with all the social, societal and personal concerns. Arguably, it only gets harder as you get older. Romancing in games is often a lot simpler. It usually revolves around repeatedly picking the “romantic” dialogue option until you find your player character doing the dance with no pants with a companion. This rudimentary approach has many issues, so when Avowed director Carrie Patal says the upcoming RPG will not have a romance system, I think that’s a good thing.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Avowed

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

RPG General News - Neowiz to publish a Western RPG

by Hiddenx, 19:44

Gematsu reports that the publisher Neowiz and the studio Zakazane work on Noir Western RPG.

Thanks Couchpotato!

RPG General News

SP/MP: Unknown
Setting: Unknown
Genre: RPG
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development

Details

Wizardry 1 - Story about a Video Game Pirate

by Hiddenx, 19:37

Time Extension tells a story about a video game pirate:

Wizardry Co-Creator Shares Surprisingly Wholesome Story About A Video Game Pirate

"The day after Andy passed away, I got a letter in the mail from a Wizardry player"

We recently spoke to the co-creator of Wizardry Robert Woodhead for an article about the making of the Apple II classic, and during that conversation, we ended up chatting to the developer about his views on piracy and how they have changed over time.

This led Woodhead to share with us a particularly wholesome encounter he had with an ex-video game pirate earlier this year, which had arrived the day after he had learned that his friend and former programming partner Andrew C. Greenberg had passed away.

"The day after Andy passed away, I got a letter in the mail from a Wizardry player," Woodhead told Time Extension. "And the letter basically said, 'Dear Mr Woodhead, I enjoyed your game quite a lot, but I have a confession to make. I had a pirated copy of the game I didn't buy. Please find enclosed $300, which is the value of the game adjusted for interest and inflation to assuage my conscience.'

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Wizardry 1

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Dragon Quest III - FAQ

by Hiddenx, 19:30

Game Rant answers some questions about Dragon Quest III:

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake: Burning Questions Answered

With the release of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, players both new and old are preparing to revisit this classic JRPG. As a remake of a beloved game, there are many questions that fans will want answered before deciding whether to dive in. With this in mind, this guide aims to answer all questions both new and returning players will have about Dragon Quest 3 Remake.

When will Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake be released?
Answer: Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake will be released on November 14, 2024.

What are Dragon Quest 3 Remake's release platforms?
Answer: Dragon Quest 3 Remake will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Will Dragon Quest 3 Remake have a physical release?
Answer: Yes, Dragon Quest 3 Remake will have a physical version of both the Standard and Collector's Edition. However, these will only be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Dragon Quest III

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: J-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

The Adventurers - Preview @ TBL

by Hiddenx, 19:26

The Turn Based Lovers checked out The Adventurers:

D&D Retro-Inspired Tactical RPG The Adventurers Now Available – Hands-On

The Adventurers has just been released in Early Access on PC via Steam. It’s the perfect title for seasoned (old gamers sound better) gamers like me and possibly a great entry point for those wanting to dip their toes into RPG dynamics.

You start by choosing your party composition, which directly impacts the difficulty level. You can go it alone as a “Lone Wolf”—something I avoided out of fear for what awaited me (any Battle Brothers player knows what I’m talking about)—or opt for a middle-ground choice with two ex-soldiers in your team. Finally, there’s the easiest option (theoretically) with a starting party of three characters.

Once that’s done, you can set the difficulty for economic aspects and combat challenges. Next, you customize your initial character(s), selecting class and background from a solid variety of options. In my “short” playthrough, I went with a Warrior with a Bounty Hunter background and an Archer with an Acrobat background to highlight his sharpshooting skills and give a charisma boost.

As soon as you enter the world, a narrator provides some context to the story and starting point, then you’re immediately into gameplay, right near the first village. Here, you can buy the essentials and pick up your first quests (which, in my case, also turned out to be the last…).

Once that’s set up, we can start exploring the world, always keeping an eye on our resources: gold, used for purchases and paying wages; food, which is consumed as time passes during exploration; and supplies, needed to heal after battles and repair our equipment.

While exploring, you can set up camp to recover faster from your efforts and assign tasks to party members, like hunting, cooking, keeping watch, and so on. You’ll manage relationships with factions and various cities and roam the endearing world at your own pace.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

The Adventurers

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Skyrim - Olenveld Mod

by Hiddenx, 19:21

DSOGaming presents a Skyrim mod called Olenveld.

Thanks Couchpotato!

Skyrim

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

HeistGeist - Released

by Hiddenx, 19:16

The Cyberpunk RPG HeistGeist has been released:

HeistGeist - Launch Trailer

Get in, get the goods, get out. What could possibly go wrong? In this single-player, story-driven cyberpunk RPG, play as Alexandra - a street-smart thief on the run after a failed heist. Put together a team of unusual allies, pull off thrilling heists, and fight and hack using your deck of cards.

Thanks Couchpotato!

HeistGeist

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Cyberpunk
Genre: Card-Based RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard - At War with itself

by Hiddenx, 19:13

IGN thinks that Dragon Age: The Veilguard is at war with itself:

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Is at War With Itself

The sequel to Inquisition’s Dread Wolf story is trapped in an action game with no interest in the past.

There’s a line in our Dragon Age: The Veilguard review that has stuck with me throughout my own playthrough: “It’s hilarious that no one ever says the word ‘Veilguard’ out loud across the 100 hours I played of this dialogue-packed campaign, exposing a last-minute marketing pivot for what it was.”

While I’m nowhere near the 100-hour mark myself, that line is so far proving true – not a single character has mentioned The Veilguard. My team of D&D archetype oddballs may collectively be known as such in all the marketing, online articles, and the physical box itself, but within the world of Thedas they’re none the wiser. Imagine Tony Stark and Steve Rogers having no idea the world called them Avengers… that’s how odd it is.

A name that Rook, Varric, Harding, and the rest of the gang definitely do know, though, is Dread Wolf – the mythical moniker of former Dragon Age companion, Solas, as well as the original subtitle for this fourth entry in BioWare’s fantasy series. While ultimately it really doesn’t matter what this game is called, the more I play The Veilguard, the more it feels like it’s awkwardly in conflict with itself, torn into pieces that reflect two very different intentions – one a sequel to a decade-old RPG, the other a fresh beginning with no ties to what came before.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Timothy Cain - Game Simplification

by Hiddenx, 19:09

Tim talks about handholding in games:

Game Simplification

Thanks Couchpotato!

Timothy Cain

Details

Monday - November 11, 2024

Mirthwood - Review

by Hiddenx, 18:29

Gamer8 reviewed Mirthwood:

Mirthwood Review | Stardew Valley But Darker

[...]

Verily, Mirthwood doth take the cozy charm of Stardew Valley's life-simulation and grant it a darker, more ambitious twist, allowing players to delve into a vast and wondrous fantasy realm where they may explore, build, forge friendships, and carve their own tale. The game’s grand scope and rich atmosphere doth draw thee in, yet 'tis hard to disregard the pests and frequent drops in frame rate that oft break the spell of immersion. Though the life-simulation elements are merry and engaging, the combat doth leave much to be desired. Still, for a game wrought by but two humble creators, Mirthwood is a mighty feat, even with its rough-hewn edges.

Score: 80/100

Thanks Couchpotato!

Mirthwood

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Survival-RPG
Platform: Unknown
Release: Released

Details

RPGamer - News Roundup

by Hiddenx, 18:26

Couchpotato spotted a new news roundup for the last week at RPGamer.

RPGamer

Details

RPGFan - RPGs coming this Week

by Hiddenx, 18:25

RPGFan presents some upcoming RPGs:

RPGs Coming This Week, 11/10/24

In this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, we have a loaded slate headlined by the best RPG of 1988. Alongside it includes the sequel to one of the more acclaimed detective games of recent vintage, a spin-off of Sony’s Horizon franchise (with a blocky twist), and much more. It goes without saying, but 2024’s been a fantastic year for games, even if it wasn’t a good year for most other things. Anyway, let’s hop in!

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

RPGFan

Details

The Witcher: A New Saga - First Character Revealed

by Hiddenx, 18:22

Wccftech reports that British actor Jake Lampert will play a character called Branko in The Witcher 4.

Thanks Couchpotato!

The Witcher: A New Saga

SP/MP: Unknown
Setting: Unknown
Genre: Unknown
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development

Details

Mortismal Gaming - Five Hidden Gaming Gems

by Hiddenx, 18:19

Mortismal Gaming presents some hidden gems:

Five Hidden Gaming Gems Of 2024

Thanks Couchpotato!

Mortismal Gaming

Details

Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy - Early Access Release December 12

by Hiddenx, 18:17

The party-based RPG Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy will be released on December 12:

Early Access 12/12/2024

Greetings and salutations, friends!

Today, we are very excited to share our final update before Swordhaven is released into Early Access.

This long-awaited milestone is scheduled for December 12, 2024, when the game will finally arrive on both Steam and GOG.

There is still a lot of work to be done before we achieve the desired build quality, and everything is continually being tweaked, updated, and bug-fixed to provide the best experience possible. Here are some of the features we are currently working on.

First of all, let's discuss the stealth mechanics. As you know from the demo, we aimed to make stealth a more active and influential system than in our previous games. Now, stealth includes the ability to see enemies' detection zones and features a covert strike mechanic that allows you to land the first blow in combat for double damage.

We've added many more diverse special encounters to the world map, including additional battles, hunting and foraging options, and text-based adventures. They not only serve as a distraction from your main goals in the game but also provide special items, experience, and loot.

New locations are also in the works. We have added an extra layer of polish to the background-specific dungeons and improved those that every player will encounter.

We have also introduced new mini-bosses and enhanced the existing enemies with new skill sets and animations to provide a better overall combat experience.

Ironing out kinks is as important as introducing new content, so we've improved several features of character creation. We also added new combat and mundane animations, weapons, armour, crafting recipes, and much more.

See you on the 12th of December 2024!
Yours truly,
Atom Team

Thanks Couchpotato!

Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

The Adventurers - Early Access Release

by Hiddenx, 18:12

The tactical RPG The Adventurers has been released into Early Access - the Turn Based Lovers checked it out:

Tactics Open World RPG The Adventurers - Overview First Look

The Adventurers

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Sunday - November 10, 2024

Dragon Age: The Veilguard - The Good and the Bad

by Hiddenx, 16:25

GamingBolt evaluates Dragon Age: The Veilguard:

5 Things Gamers HATED About Dragon Age: The Veilguard And 5 That They LIKED

Thanks Couchpotato!

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Fight Life: Vanguard - Hands-On Preview

by Hiddenx, 16:21

The Turn Based Lovers checked out Fight Life: Vanguard:

Medieval Tactical RPG Fight Life: Vanguard – Hands-On

I mentioned it some time ago and included it in one of the early episodes of Indie Showcase, and now I’ve finally had the chance to try Fight Life: Vanguard. This tactical RPG, developed by StartImpulse and Two Cakes Studio, has a retro charm that strongly reminds me of classic Amiga titles.

The game is structured into chapters, where you can initially choose the character from one of the five available base classes:

  • Worker: Equipped with a pitchfork, this unit can later evolve into a Spear Unit and progress along that line of specialized units.
  • Militia: Starting with a simple club and makeshift shield, the Militia can develop into an advanced melee unit, gaining durability and combat prowess.
  • Savage: The classic berserker, beginning with an axe and evolving into units focused on maximizing damage and reducing enemy defenses.
  • Neophyte: The mage, capable of evolving into either a damage-dealing or support-focused unit.
  • Hunter: The archer, who can advance into more specialized ranged units or take the rogue path, emphasizing agility and precision.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Fight Life: Vanguard

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire - Review

by Hiddenx, 16:15

RPGFan reviewed Sky Oceans: Wings For Hire:

Sky Oceans: Wings For Hire Review

Having never played the classic Skies of Arcadia back in 2000 on the Dreamcast, the promise of similar sky pirate hijinks in Sky Oceans: Wings For Hire is intriguing. The developers are proud to present their creation as retro-inspired, and the character design, setting, and feel all hearken back to that acclaimed RPG. The game does not measure up to these grand influences, however. A combination of poorly-executed systems, uninspiring combat, and a bevy of glitches serve as a storm warning. So buckle in and batten down the hatches. There are choppy skies ahead.

[...]

When all is said and done, the negative headwinds are too strong for Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire to navigate successfully. The earnest story and varied, if simple, setting assets can’t make up for the obtuse systems and vapid, repetitive combat. The raft of graphical glitches and plotting bugs only adds to the terminal altitude loss. For the very committed, there may be enough content and exploration for a week or so. But with many better retro RPGs available, from indie to triple-A, the turbulence on deck is too great to warrant a recommendation to hire Glenn and his crew this time.

Score: 63/100

Thanks Couchpotato!

Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: J-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Baldur's Gate 3 - The Bloodletter Mod

by Hiddenx, 16:12

DSGaming presents a Baldur's Gate 3 Companion Mod called The Bloodletter.

Thanks Couchpotato!

Baldur's Gate 3

SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

The Adventurers - Roadmap

by Hiddenx, 16:08

Couchpotato spotted the roadmap for The Adventurers:

Early Access Release and Roadmap

Dear Adventurers,

As we approach the launch day, just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your invaluable feedback, insights, and enthusiasm. Your support has helped shape this game in ways that couldn’t have been imagined, and am truly grateful for every suggestion, bug report, and idea you've shared.

With release just a few days away, I am truly thrilled to announce that this is only the beginning of our journey and you can take a look at the roadmap below.

[...]

The Adventurers

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

RPG General News - Are Expansion Packs back?

by Hiddenx, 16:04

Mark Darrah asks...

Are Expansion Packs Back From the Dead in RPGs?

Thanks Couchpotato!

RPG General News

SP/MP: Unknown
Setting: Unknown
Genre: RPG
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development

Details

Outcast - A New Beginning - History

by Hiddenx, 16:02

C4G checked out the Outcast games:

The Most Obscure Action Adventure Franchise is a Real Hidden GEM!

Thanks Couchpotato!

Outcast - A New Beginning

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Sci-Fi
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Timothy Cain - Worst RPG ever

by Hiddenx, 15:57

Tim creates a very bad RPG:

Worst RPG Ever

Thanks Couchpotato!

Timothy Cain

Details

Crimson Desert - Teaser Trailer

by Hiddenx, 15:54

Couchpotato spotted a new trailer for Crimson Desert:

Crimson Desert - Official Hexe Marie G-Star 2024 Teaser Trailer

Source: IGN

Crimson Desert

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Dawn of the Ashen Queen - Review

by Hiddenx, 07:20

Wizard Worm reviewed the recently released dungeon crawler Dawn of the Ashen Queen:

Dawn of the Ashen Queen Review - A Fantasy World You Won’t Forget! (Dungeon Crawler)

Dawn of the Ashen Queen

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Dungeon Crawler
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Tower of Darkness - Released

by Hiddenx, 07:14

The dungeon crawler Tower of Darkness left Early Access:

Tower of Darkness

Tower of Darkness is dungeon exploration RPG. Choose one of the main exorcists and explore the tower to defeat the demons and obtain treasures. But be careful! The number of enemies and treasures in the tower is limited, so make good use of them.

Tower of Darkness

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Dungeon Crawler
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

RPG Crawler - RPG News Roundup

by Hiddenx, 07:10

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

RPG News Roundup (11-9-2024)

RPG Crawler

Details

Saturday - November 09, 2024

Xenonauts 2 - Development Update

by Hiddenx, 16:01

Couchpotato spotted a new development update for Xenonauts 2:

Xenonauts 2 Monthly Development Update!

Hello everyone - as we're now into the early days of November, it's time for an update on what we've been working on! The short answer is this: we made good progress in several areas last month, but frustratingly slow progress in one key area that has delayed the Milestone 5 prototype.

Milestone 5 / Strategic Improvements
Our main focus is still on getting the Milestone 5 prototype into a state where we can release it in beta for public testing. We were hoping that would happen last month, but we weren't able to make enough progress on the new strategy-layer mechanics. There were a few reasons for this, but the main one was that we continued to find new bugs that needed fixing after the Unity editor update mentioned in the previous update.

Thankfully, in the second half of the month we were able to better focus on implementing our new Supporter system. This system places four VIPs in each funding region who can be recruited as supporters by the Xenonauts to provide your organisation with a variety of strategic bonuses (more funding, faster research / engineering, etc.). Or they can be turned into panic-generating Infiltrators by the aliens. If you can recruit all of the supporters in each region, you also unlock a special regional bonus.

The Supporter system itself is now mostly functional, but we're still unsure how long it'll take us to connect it to the other game systems. For instance, the Doomsday Counter that is now active in the early stages of the game also ties into the Supporter system (with alien Infiltrators generating enemy Doomsday progress, and Xenonaut Supporters slowing it). We will also need to update the Infiltration UFO missions to turn neutral VIPs into Infiltrators if successful (where previously they simply generated Panic like other types of UFO mission), and so on.

Given what happened last month I'm not going to make any promises about when the Milestone 5 prototype will be ready - I'll just say we're working hard to get it into the hands of testers as quickly as possible.

New Missions
Milestone 5 adds new mission types - crash sites for the Battleship UFO, the two-part final mission (Operation ENDGAME), and two unique plot missions that take place on an alien orbital station (which appear around the point Cruiser UFOs start appearing).

The Battleship assets and crash site maps were completed some time ago, and this month we finished the final art assets and map setup for both halves of the Operation ENDGAME mission. The first mission on the alien orbital station is also at quite an advanced stage, with the custom art assets for that map now complete, but there's still further work to be done on the second orbital station mission.

Thankfully, this shouldn't cause delays - most of the remaining work is custom art assets, and we don't need the visuals to be final for the Milestone 5 prototype builds.

Alien Updates
Last month we added a new type of alien to the game, the Biter. These small insectoid aliens are more of a living weapon than a proper new species, as certain alien units can fire them towards enemy units - at which point they will charge towards nearby hostiles and try to bite them to death. Biters will expire within a few turns of spawning and have very low HP, but a pack of them can still pose a threat - particularly against units equipped with weapons that cost a lot of TU to fire (e.g. sniper rifles).

We also continued to make changes to our existing aliens to better differentiate them from one another. The main cannon on a Cyberdrone no longer acts like a giant plasma rifle, but is instead now a blast weapon that can inflict major damage across a large area (although it is now less likely to instantly kill a heavily-armoured soldier). We'll be finishing up some changes to the Mantid and Sebillian weapons this month too, which I'll explain in a future blog.

Illustrated UI Backgrounds
One of the coolest features in Xenonauts 1 was that the illustrated backgrounds of the strategic UI screens would upgrade as you progressed through the campaign, showing the way the new technological developments you had unlocked were changing your organisation. By the end of the game, characters had futuristic uniforms and the rooms were full of sci-fi equipment. Lots of players thought this really helped immerse them in the game.

Although implementing this in Xenonauts 2 involves repainting our existing (and perfectly fine) UI background art, we've decided the feature is cool enough that we've found some extra budget for it. Handily, the programming for this feature has already been finished, so as soon as the new artwork is done we can just slot it straight into the game. We started the sketch work for the new Research screen background last week, and hopefully you'll be able to see some results soon!

I'll leave the update there for this month - thanks for reading, and hopefully we'll have some good news on Milestone 5 in the coming weeks!

Xenonauts 2

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Sci-Fi
Genre: Non-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Dying Light: The Beast - Interview @ Gamingbolt

by Hiddenx, 15:59

Gamingbolt interviewed Tymon Smektala about Dying Light: The Beast:

Dying Light: The Beast Interview – Story, Map, Parkour, and More

Franchise director Tymon Smektala speaks with GamingBolt about Dying Light's upcoming standalone adventure.

It doesn’t seem like Techland’s post-launch plans for Dying Light 2 Stay Human are done just yet, though the studio has other irons in the fire as well. Next up for the zombie-slaying series is Dying Light: The Beast, a new standalone adventure starring the original game’s protagonist Kyle Crane, after having initially started development as DLC for Dying Light 2, before morphing into its own standalone project.

But why was that decision made? How has development progressed for the game behind the scenes? How will it differ from Dying Light 2’s action RPG offerings? What should players expect from the new map? Recently, we had the chance to ask Dying Light: The Beast’s developers about all of this and more. Below, you can read our interview with franchise director Tymon Smektala.

What prompted the decision to spin off Dying Light: The Beast as a standalone game, having started working on it as DLC for Dying Light 2?

We originally planned Dying Light: The Beast as the second DLC for Dying Light 2 Stay Human, but a significant narrative leak that we experienced in the second half of 2023 changed everything. Rather than risk spoiling the story for our most dedicated fans, we decided to act upon it and take a different approach. During discussions on what could make the project unique, we came up with the idea to bring back Kyle Crane. That idea sparked so much energy and creativity within the team that we quickly realized it could be something far bigger than “just a DLC”. That was definitely the turning point for us – we took a fresh approach, re-designed more than we initially anticipated, and started building Dying Light: The Beast as a full standalone game with new mechanics, a dedicated storyline, and an entire world for players to explore.

[...]

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Dying Light: The Beast

SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Apocalypse
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Drova - Forsaken Kin - Patch 1.05 released

by Hiddenx, 15:52

Patch 1.05 for Drova - Forsaken Kin has been released:

Roadmap & Patch 1.0.5 Released

Let's talk about the future of Drova!

Dear explorers of the Otherworld!

Today we’ve got some news for you but let’s start with the new patch first.

We have released patch version 1.0.5.

It contains, once again, quite a few bugfixes and small improvements. We have also released a tool via Steam which allows you to create and share custom translations via the Steam Workshop. The tool is a separated download in Steam.

[...]

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Drova - Forsaken Kin

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

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Dragon Quest III - Interview

by Hiddenx, 15:48

Couchpotato spotted a Masaaki Hayasaka interview:

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake interview: how the classic RPG was revamped for its PS5 debut

The game’s creator talks about retaining color palettes, fine-tuning the game’s map and adding new features.

The launch of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is fast approaching on November 14. We had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with the game’s producer, Masaaki Hayasaka, to chat about this stunning remake that brings back the iconic masterpiece in HD-2D.

How HD-2D graphics draw out the full potential of this retro classic
PlayStation Blog: HD-2D has become much more popular since games like Octopath Traveler. What are some of the unique characteristics of this visual style?

In a nutshell, HD-2D is a visual style that combines pixelated characters with 3D backgrounds. Personally, I think this style works better in retro titles. When the original game first came out, players roamed the world while picturing how beautiful the landscapes must be. HD-2D actually brings that world to life.

[...]

Dragon Quest III

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: J-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

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Metal Slug Tactics - Review @ Mortismal Gaming

by Hiddenx, 15:44

Mortismal Gaming reviewed Metal Slug Tactics:

Metal Slug Tactics - Review After 100%

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Metal Slug Tactics

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Modern
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: - Preview

by Hiddenx, 15:42

Fextralife checked out S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2:

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Will It Live Up To The Hype?

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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2:

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Apocalypse
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

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Exodus - Preview

by Hiddenx, 15:40

WolfheartFPS checked out Exodus:

Exodus could actually be the next big sci-fi RPG...

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Exodus

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Sci-Fi
Genre: Shooter-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: - Gone Gold

by Hiddenx, 15:37

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be released on November 20:

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl - Gone Gold

See you in the Zone, stalkers.

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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2:

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Apocalypse
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Friday - November 08, 2024

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Dev Livestream #1

by Hiddenx, 21:46

Couchpotato spotted a dev livestream for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Dev Livestream #1

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Historical
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details