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Roguelite Mining Meets Tower Defense: Now Optimized for Endless Corporate Extraction: ITER-8 Available Now

Did you meet your mining KPIs yet? We’ll circle back for that report ASAP

LONDON (March 9, 2026) – Pilot your mech-drill into colossal alien pillars. Collect resources, come back to defend your base. Reach the top, no matter how many operators it takes. ITER-8, a roguelite mining and tower defense mashup, is available now from publisher Fireshine Games and developer fluckyMachine on PC for $12.99 with a 25% discount at launch https://store.steampowered.com/app/2832310/ITER8/

Congratulations, Operator No. 8, you have been randomly selected for the ITER Corporation’s exciting vertical ventures department. Drill the pillars that encircle our homeworld, extract essential resources and try not to get obliterated in the process. If you fail, don’t worry, your replacement will be along shortly – probably with a better attitude. Today’s release was accompanied by a new training video showcasing just what goes into your exciting new role:

Master the art of roguelite mining, extraction automation and tower defense in ITER-8’s journey, where every Operator is expendable. Carve through sprawling caves packed with resources and puzzles while extracting rare upgrades to reinforce your base and survive swarms of hostile mechanoids, all in pursuit of the impossible: reaching ever closer to the top, one doomed, replaceable Operator at a time.

Remember, in space, no one can hear you scream – and to do so is a waste of valuable company time. You wouldn’t want to force ITER to replace you so soon, would you?

Catch the latest updates on ITER-8 and other Fireshine Games titles here:https://fireshinegames.co.uk/

About fluckyMachine 

Based out of Warsaw, Poland, fluckyMachine is a two-person studio created by Veronika Harkavenko and Piotr Karski. While she’s busy creating the quirky and whimsical art illustrating their games, he brings them to life through coding, programming, and everything else. ITER is their third game.

About Fireshine Games

Fireshine Games is a global publisher of digital and physical video games based in London, England. With a passion for discovering unique indie gems and helping them reach players worldwide, Fireshine pairs hands-on support with genuine creative collaboration. Established in 2014, Fireshine has built a growing portfolio of acclaimed digital titles, including Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, while also partnering with leading studios to bring major digital hits to physical release, such as Lies of P from Neowiz, Balatro from Playstack, and Jurassic World Evolution 3 from Frontier Developments. Fireshine Games is part of the EG7 group of companies.

Aether & Iron Dev Diary #2 Reveals the Orchestral Magic Behind the Game

Two-time Grammy winner Christopher Tin and Grammy nominee Alex Williamson discuss scoring the alt-history RPG

Issaquah, WA, USA – March 9th, 2026 – Seismic Squirrel has released the second behind-the-scenes developer diary for Aether & Iron, spotlighting the game’s original orchestral score. Titled “How We Scored Aether & Iron with a Real Orchestra”, the video features two-time Grammy winner Christopher Tin and Grammy nominee Alex Williamson discussing the creative process behind the game’s musical identity.

In the episode, Tin reflects on what first drew him to the project: the rich possibilities of its alternate-history setting.

“What immediately drew me into the game was the IP itself,”Tin explains.“The world the team was creating was really exciting to me, largely because of the musical opportunities it offered when writing the score.”

Aether & Iron launches on Steam on March 31, 2026, featuring full English voice acting and text localization support for English, Spanish (Spain & Latin America), French, German, Polish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese – Play the demo and wishlist Aether & Iron now on Steam!  

About Aether & Iron: 
Set in an alternate 1930s New York transformed into a vertical city by the discovery of “aether”, a key component to newfound anti-gravitational technology, Aether & Iron follows Gia, a smuggler navigating crime syndicates, political conspiracies, and fragile alliances. Players shape Gia’s story through meaningful decisions, with every choice influencing relationships, outcomes and the fate of the city itself. The game features writing talent with credits on Mass Effect, Far Cry, and Sovereign Syndicate, with an original score composed by two-time Grammy Award winner Christopher Tin and Grammy nominee Alex Williamson, best known for their work on the Civilization series. 

About Seismic Squirrel
Seismic Squirrel is a talented and passionate team of both industry veterans and enthusiastic newcomers. We share a strong desire to tell fascinating stories supporting engaging gameplay mechanics. 

Unseen Diplomacy 2 Leaves The Shadows With 1.0 Launch on March 16th

Early Access comes to a close as the VR spy adventure gets another update

Bude, United Kingdom – March 9th, 2025 – Triangular Pixels are thrilled to announce that its VR espionage adventure Unseen Diplomacy 2 is leaving Early Access on March 16th on both Meta Quest and Steam VR platforms. While the 1.0 version marks a major milestone, the team is still planning further updates and refinements after launch. The game is also taking part in the Women’s Day Event on Steam until March 15th which highlights games by women-led studios.

Since entering Early Access in September 2025, the developers have worked closely with the community, taking their feedback to make Unseen Diplomacy 2 more accessible, intuitive and fun, as well as adding a whole slew of new content and features. This resulted in four major updates, with another one being planned for the full launch to round out the experience.

The 1.0 update will include Quest 2 support, a new climax mission and additional climax areas, expanding the game’s intense moments, alongside adding the ability to buy health and inventory upgrades for extra flexibility when planning missions. The update will also introduce achievements and includes various bug fixes and polish, delivering a more refined and satisfying spy adventure.

“Early Access gave us the opportunity to build Unseen Diplomacy 2 alongside our players, and their enthusiasm and feedback have been invaluable,” said Katie Goode, Creative Director at Triangular Pixels. “We’re very happy to announce that the game is now almost fully ready, and reaching this milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the community’s support. We can’t wait to put the 1.0 version in their hands and for new players to join in on the spy action on March 16th.”

Key features:

  • High-stakes operations: utilize stealth, strategy, and quick thinking to steal assets, gather evidence, sabotage obstacles that will slice, dice, zap, crush, burn or call the guards, and escape unseen
  • Dynamic and replayable missions: every playthrough is unique, with missions providing fresh challenges. You can play through the Campaign or hop into Quick Play to share your results with friends and do your daily exercise 
  • New gameplay mechanics: in addition to the locomotion-based stealth, the game features clipping and rerouting wires, hacking computer terminals, enemy robots, disguises, photography, and shooting
  • Strategic spymaster gameplay: manage your agency, recruit agents, and deploy them on missions to gather intel and outmaneuver enemy counterspies
  • The Director Graph System: developed by Triangular Pixels, this system allows for generating dynamic, procedural levels that adapt to the play area, hardware, difficulty settings and gameplay preferences, as well as making the process of creating content much easier and allowing level designers to hand craft the flow of levels
  • Mixed reality integration: Meta Quest 3 players will be able to experience the spy world in their living space, blending the virtual with the real world.
  • Accessibility: The game comes with new support for those with tremors, one handed play, stretching arms for shorter players, difficulty control and also supports those needing standing and seated play.

Unseen Diplomacy 2 currently still available now in Early Access on Meta and Steam for $15.99 / €14.99 / £12.99.

About Triangular Pixels

Triangular Pixels is a BAFTA nominated Cornish independent games studio, founded over 10 years ago by ex-Sony London Studio developers. Triangular Pixels has a passion for fun, light hearted, and manic gaming that is fun to share. They have previously released Unseen Diplomacy and Smash Hit Plunder, and collaborated on projects with other developers like XR Games, Vive and Ramen VR. Triangular Pixels also developed VR tools such as Technie Collider Creator, Technie Virtual Console, and Technie Scene Palette.

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta Launches 28 April 2026 on Nintendo Switch in Europe & Australia

Marvelous Europe Releases New Party Battle-focused Trailer for the Nihon Falcom Classic Action-RPG, Announces Digital Discount for Pre-Orders 

London, UK — 9 March 2026 — Marvelous Europe today announced that Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta, Nihon Falcom’s classic action-RPG updated with a rearranged musical score, will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch™ in Europe and Australia on 28 April 2026. The title is also now available for digital pre-order on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch for £24.99 / €29.99, standard boxed editions are available from £34.99 / €39.99. Experience the dynamic party-based combat demanding ever-changing tactics, explore the vast and untamed land of Celceta with the aid of a robust mapping system, and help young adventurer Adol Christin regain his lost memories in a thrilling adventure!

Experience a timeless chapter in the storied RPG franchise making its debut on Nintendo Switch™, filled with duplicitous schemes, treacherous geography, and secretive characters. As the adventure that immediately follows the events of Ys X, and laid the groundwork for gameplay systems that would be seen in Ys VIII and beyond, Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta is a special opportunity to go deeper into the series’ history and see the evolution that continues to drive its remarkable longevity.

Explore and map your way across a dangerous landscape, taking advantage of a unique tag-team party combat system that allows for creativity and strategy. Seek the truth of Adol’s past against the musical backdrop of a refreshed soundtrack. Re-awaken the spirit of adventure, exclusively on Nintendo Switch™, in Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta.

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta Key Features

  • Exhilarating Party-based Action: Strategic party battles challenge players to change their tactics on the fly, and allies can pick up powerful new abilities in the midst of battle that can help them gain the advantage against powerful enemies.
  • Dynamic Exploration of a Dangerous Land: Celceta is a vast and mysterious land, filled with interesting people and thrilling adventures. Players can take advantage of a robust mapping system as they discover all the challenges and rewards that await.
  • Enhanced Musical Experience: The sweeping score guiding Adol’s journey through Celceta returns, along with a newly recorded, re-interpreted version, allowing players to choose their own auditory adventure. 

Developed by Nihon Falcom and published in Europe and Australia on Nintendo Switch™ by Marvelous Europe, Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta will launch on 28 April 2026. The title will be published in America by XSEED Games. For more information visit the official site at https://marvelousgames.com/games/ys-memoire-revelations-in-celceta. The title has been rated PEGI 12 / USK 12.

About Marvelous Europe

Marvelous Europe is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Marvelous Inc., developer of beloved Story of Seasons and Rune Factory games. Established in 2012, Marvelous Europe’s varied portfolio includes both third-party titles such as Sakuna: Of Rice and RuinLeximanCuisineer and Moonlight Peaks in addition to select Marvelous Inc. content. 

THE MOUND: OMEN OF CTHULHU AVAILABLE JULY 15, 2026

The cursed land will welcome its first groups of explorers this summer.

Lesquin, France, 9 March 2026 – Following a noteworthy announcement and a first glimpse of gameplay during the November Xbox Showcase, ACE Team and NACON, in collaboration with four experts of the genre, unveil what makes The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu unique: a purely cooperative gameplay experience, featuring a group of explorers during the Conquistador era, who must survive horror and madness. The Mound will be available on July 15, 2026, on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

You and your companions are on the deck of your galleon. El Capitán has given you a contract to fulfill: gather as much wealth as possible, find a missing person, locate an ancient fort, and, if possible, return safe and sound from this perilous expedition. As soon as you set foot on the shore, at the edge of the jungle, a vague sense of dread takes hold. In this jungle, treasures and mysteries await you, but so do unspeakable entities ready to make you regret ever setting foot in their territory.

At the beginning of each expedition in The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, players form a group of up to 4 explorers and choose a contract to complete. Their mission is to collect treasures and identify new areas of the island to explore. They must act quickly because the longer the expedition lasts, the more numerous and dangerous the creatures become. The inventory is limited, and the basic weapons encourage avoiding conflict and defending oneself rather than playing aggressively.

The other danger that awaits the adventurers is the loss of their sanity. Faced with the cosmic horrors they confront, the players gradually fall victim to hallucinations: an ally appears as a monstrosity (or vice versa), an apparently harmless plain is actually a deadly pit, bushes seem to come to life, a rain of blood falls without warning… If the explorers return alive from their journey, El Capitán will be pleased… But he already has other contracts to offer them.

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s cosmic horror short novel, The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu invites players to form a squad of 2 to 4 members to embark on an uncharted continent in search of a legendary city containing invaluable treasures.

The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu launches on July 15, 2026, on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

All NACON games and accessories: nacongaming.com

About NACON
A company within the BIGBEN group, NACON was created in 2019 to optimize its expertise and leverage synergies in the video game market. Comprising 16 development studios, AA game publishing, and the design and distribution of premium gaming peripherals, NACON brings 40 years of experience to benefit the world’s gaming community. This unified center of excellence strengthens NACON’s position in the market and creates unique opportunities for innovation and competitive advantages. More information: www.corporate.nacongaming.com

About ACE Team
ACE Team is an independent video game development studio based in Santiago, Chile, known for creating unique and acclaimed titles like ‘Zeno Clash’, ‘Rock of Ages’ and ‘The Eternal Cylinder’. Founded by brothers Andres, Carlos, and Edmundo Bordeu, the company develops games for PC and major consoles, having earned multiple industry awards for its innovative and ambitious IPs. The studio has nearly two decades of experience in the games industry and is one of the leading game developers from Latin America. For more information: https://www.aceteam.cl/.

FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE FLOATING CASTLE IN ECHOES OF AINCRAD, LAUNCHING IN JULY 2026

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today announcedEchoes of Aincrad, a new action RPG set in the breathtaking floating castle of Aincrad from the Sword Art Online universe where every battle could be your last. Players will get to create their own hero and dive into the game, facing the many challenges ahead by mastering dodges, parries and well-timed attacks. Echoes of Aincrad will launch on 10 July 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam.

See the full-length Echoes of Aincrad announcement trailer below:

Echoes of Aincrad invites adventurers into a dynamic and vibrant world filled with challenges and unforgettable encounters, becoming a “player” in the game through an extensive avatar customization will place them as the true hero of this story. As the story progresses through quests and missions, players will be able to adapt and upgrade their equipment, weapons, and attributes, and select special skills to match their preferred playstyle while growing stronger as they level up. But they will not journey alone, the outcome of real-time combat will also rely on the chosen partner for each outing, deciding the stance they should take during fight, more aggressive or supportive, and as that bond deepens, players will unlock their partner’s powerful abilities.

Adventurers will explore diverse cities and beautiful environments, from serene plains to perilous dungeons filled with secrets, facing monsters and bosses that will test their skills and resolve until the end.

Pre-orders are available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, offering a Weapon Pack bonus and three editions:

  • Standard (Base Game)
  • Deluxe (Base Game, Expansion Pack including the Expansion DLC and Day 1 Starter Pack consumables, plus early unlock of Death Game Mode)
  • Ultimate (all Deluxe content plus the “Unanswered//butterfly” Bonus Contents App featuring a Special Anime, Digital Artbook, Digital Soundtrack, and an exclusive Armor Pack)

Echoes of Aincrad launches on 10 July 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XIS, and PC via Steam.

For more information about titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu.

About Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S.  

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is a leading global publisher, developer, and distributor of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.

Producing intellectual property for a global audience, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, and production capabilities of Reflector Entertainment.

Based in Lyon, France, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is known for bringing many of the entertainment industry’s top franchises such as PAC-MAN™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, ACE COMBAT™, DARK SOULS™, and ELDEN RING™ to EMEA and ANZ markets.

For more information, please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu 

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

WWE 2K26 Review

WWE 2K26

Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K
Platforms: PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $69.99 USD – Available Here

Overview

Can you believe it’s been over 25 years since this franchise was first released? Once SmackDown! to SvR to WWE [enter number here], to say this storied namesake has had a rich, yet complicated legacy is putting it lightly. We are now at WWE 2K26, which looks to continue to push the series forward with a tagline of “The Show Never Stops”. With over 400 Superstars, new modes, new features, and the same core gameplay, can this little entry make a notch amongst the best, or is it to be forgotten with time? Let’s find out.

WW2 2K26 Gameplay

Story

I guess if you want to talk story, you need to look no further than MyRise mode, which is actually pretty great this time around. Labelled “The Comeback”, this story basically puts the main character at the centre of a failed comeback, where they return to the ring after years missing – only to lose in their first match back. They must then attempt to prove themselves over the course of several chapters, travelling the world as they choose to handle the situation as a heel or face. Sure, it’s not crazy or a major change in many ways for the franchise, but it is easy to follow and equally entertaining. I personally have not cared too much for MyRise in the past few years, so I felt it was nice having a greater narrative focus for this entry.

The other “Story” in 2K26 comes in the form of CM Punk. Yes, the man who no one would ever expect to return to the WWE has been back for a moment, and this mode celebrates his rise from the independent scene, up to his current place on top of the mountain. I say this every year, but Showcase modes are not my thing. I don’t like being forced into sequences, as I feel it kills the immersion. CM Punk’s story is mostly told nicely here (where is Jeff Hardy though?), but at this point, I just want Showcase to find a new way to show off a top Superstar, allowing for absolute engagement, rather than a paint-by-numbers approach that can be frustrating due to the game’s own shortcomings. 

Gameplay

I don’t think I have been so excited in a moment to talk about gameplay in a WWE game, as I have played them all. From the first to the last and everything in between, I have never missed an entry. Every single year, it’s two steps back, one step forward (if that). It has been that way for the longest time, as for a franchise that pats itself on the back for longevity, it certainly knows how to fumble the ball when it tries to evolve. This year, however, it’s simply one step forward. That’s it. No backwards movement, no incredible leaps, just what feels like a focus on polishing older gameplay for a more fluid experience. It’s kind of nice, and a welcome breath of fresh air for a franchise that rarely gets time to simply exist without silly additions.

Speaking of silly additions, however, there are some new gameplay features in this entry. We now have interactive entrances, adding a new menu on the hub that allows your inputs to change the way entrances play out. You can fire pyro, add random generic taunts, and so on by hitting specific buttons. Maybe someone can find value in this that lasts more than a second, but I found it to be rather lacklustre. The same goes for the new pre-match square-ups, which basically work the same way. Taunting or running at an opponent may sound like a fun way to start a match, but honestly, I did that with friends anyway, and I find this to be an odd addition that doesn’t feel needed. 

There are some returning match types for this iteration. “I Quit” matches work a lot like they did years and years ago, where players have to beat their opponent to a pulp and have them scream those two words after enough damage is dealt with a small mini-game. Three stages of hell are just three special match types in a 2 out of 3 falls format. We have seen it before, but it’s fine to see it again. Dumpster matches are interesting, as you have to close a dumpster lid on an opponent by throwing them in. Not a deep match type, but certainly different. Add in the enhanced and polished gameplay to the usual TLC, Ladder, Rumbles, and so on, and you have a ton of fun to be had just by playing the surface level of the game. That is where I like to stay personally with these titles anymore, and sometimes that is for good reason.

My main critique with WWE 2K26 comes in stuff that isn’t really going to be noticed by all, but will be there if you go looking. I am speaking about the monetisation. With DLC featured literally everywhere, there are a lot of ways to fall into an open hand for something. Need this wrestler? Pay up. Want this version? Pay up. MyFaction is buried in this kind of monetisation, and it’s exhausting. Sure, the mode can be fun, and there are some changes, but ultimately, it is just a lootbox machine that thrives on virtual currency. Let’s face it, this is a great iteration of the game, and I am happy with that. Just because you’re refining your product, however, does not mean it deserves to be pieced apart for more money. Again, it won’t affect everyone, but I do think 2K can do better with this in the future.

The rest of the modes are the meat. The cores that keep you playing. I am talking about creation suite, which is expanded upon and still the best character creation in my opinion for any game over the whole industry. It’s crazy that they continue to upgrade the process here, but with more slots and more options, it is great to see this mode handled with such care. Universe mode is basically back to let players go through the ranks as the talent of their choice, with a new roster draft arc in tow to mix things up a bit. We also have MyGM, the returning GM mode, now featuring new options with Eric Bischoff in the crosshairs.

The Island returns this year and yet again, my feelings are complicated. I love the silly stories, the voice acting, and all of the effort made to make this feel like a real place. That said, VC is at the centre of all of this, and the monetisation of it all makes it feel not worth it. Sure, the match types are fun, and I like interactivity, but for a game that will surely lose online service in a year, I just find it hard to commit to what this title has to offer for this mode. 

There are so my options and modes within this experience, it’s hard to really describe them all, as it really is something for everyone. I know I will never be a major fan of MyGM or Showcase, but that is fine. Those modes are there for someone else, and I love the standard exhibition fare along with the creation suite. This year’s improved and refined gameplay makes all of this fun, as when the game is good, the rest of the additions make sense. It isn’t perfect, but it all comes together better this year, and that is a huge accomplishment. 

Audio

I don’t know where Booker T has been all my life, but having him on commentary is just exceptional. It’s refreshing to hear the new commentary; we get a new soundtrack. It’s a bit of a mix, with some nostalgic surprises for us older players that are sure to bring a smile to faces as they boot up the jukebox. Everything else is about what you would expect. MyRise voice acting is hit and miss. The sound, most of the time, is great with themes and entrances, but grunts and random individual crowd noises can be a little off. Nothing perfect, but not a lot to complain about. 

Visuals

It’s crazy that some of these models look the best they have ever looked, while others are a bit of a miss. That has always been the norm, though, right? There is something really odd about hair this year. Long hair twists around the necks of Superstars and looks odd, while other animations, like mouth movements to spoken dialogue, rarely sync. When you put the rest of the production on top of those flaws, it almost buries them. However, it is a little frustrating to still see visual issues when you are a returning player. The videos, the arenas, and so on look exceptional, and while some may have qualms with minor choices of design, 2K26 still looks great when it needs to.

Overall

The Show Never Stops is an interesting tagline for WWE 2K26 as it shows off the endurance of this brand. Despite feedback, it keeps coming back and this year, it seems to be in a good place overall. While some of the new features here kind of fizzle, the game at its core feels fun, and that is actually all most ever wanted. Sure, you could complain about roster, or the way its padded out. You can complain about the features not having a massive pop. You can’t however be upset with gameplay that is fun to play. This franchise took a long time to get here with that, and it enhances everything and we have a powerhouse of an entry because of it. While not perfect, WWE 2K26 is a stunner and a welcome surprise from 2K.

WWE 2K26 – Gameplay

The Show Never Stops. WWE 2K26 is here and bringing your favorite Superstars to consoles yet again. We dive into the features head on, with a first look into MyRise as a comeback takes a halt. We then try out a few matches before dabbling with the all new The Island mode, where we join Rhea to dabble in darkness.

WWE 2K26 – Gameplay

WWE 2K26 steps back into the ring with the most expansive wrestling experience in franchise history, combining simulation realism with fast-paced arcade spectacle. Featuring an enormous roster of current Superstars, Legends, and Hall of Famers, players can relive iconic WWE moments or create entirely new rivalries across multiple game modes. This year’s Showcase Mode focuses on CM Punk, allowing players to revisit defining matches from his career alongside fantasy dream encounters that reimagine wrestling history.

The latest entry introduces new and returning match types including Inferno Match, I Quit, and Three Stages of Hell, alongside enhanced environmental interaction, improved stamina and reversal systems, and deeper customization tools. Expanded MyGM, Universe Mode, and Creation Suite options give players unprecedented control over shows, rosters, and championships, while updated entrances, commentary, and presentation push WWE authenticity further than ever before. Whether competing online, managing brands, or building your own Superstar legacy, WWE 2K26 delivers a complete sports entertainment experience.

WWE 2K26
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Steam)
Release Date: March 13, 2026 (Early Access: March 6, 2026)
Price: $69.99 USD

Available here – https://wwe.2k.com/2k26/

Summary:

Recommended – “WWE 2K26 has a massive comeback when it comes to gameplay this year, bringing back fun physics and enjoyable matches. The monetization however, is a massive weight that puts a light stain on what may be 2K’s most impressive release in some time.”

Check out our review for WWE 2K26 here!

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Resident Evil: Outbreak spiritual successor Outbreak: Shades of Horror launches on PlayStation 5

Available now with cross-platform multiplayer and PlayStation 5 Pro enhancements!

Blast zombie hordes to bits over PlayStation Network with up to three friends.  Plus, enjoy the full game offline in solo play, level up a diverse cast of characters, dive into current and past seasonal events, prepare for the upcoming Story Mode, and so much more.

The power of Unreal Engine 5.7 and PlayStation 5 combine in Outbreak: Shades of Horror, a premium survival horror playground that can be enjoyed offline in single player or online in up to four-player co-op.  Outbreak: Shades of Horror launches for PlayStation 5 today at an MSRP of $29.99 USD.  Please note that international pricing may vary.

This PlayStation 5 release follows the publication of the content-rich PC version via Steam and the Xbox Series X|S version.  The game takes full advantage of PlayStation 5’s abilities, including compatibility with HDR & 4K resolution, support for Activity Cards, and more.  All versions of the game will receive the following new content to celebrate the game’s arrival on PlayStation 5:

Spring Season Arrives:  Ahh, finally…a warm and relaxing spring.  Well — not so much in the Sakura Ridge district!  The Cypress Reel hub world has been adorned with tranquil decorations, and new masks can be unlocked to customize your characters with by completing Seasonal Challenges.  Adventure through the scenic but deadly Sakura Ridge map in both Invasion and Raid Modes; cherry blossoms and a shrine highlight this ruined retreat.  Players joining the action on PlayStation 5 will be also able to enjoy previously released seasonal content, including all cosmetics and special maps released up to this point!

Cross-platform Multiplayer:  No matter which version of the game your friends own, you can all flee the town and toast zombies together with cross-platform online co-op multiplayer.  This feature is available day-and-date with today’s PlayStation 5 release, so newcomers can immediately queue up with their friends on Xbox Series X|S and Steam and raze hell!

PlayStation 5 Pro Enhancements: Those playing the game on PlayStation 5 Pro will experience the tragic beauty of Cypress Ridge in greater detail than ever before.  Extensive hardware ray racing beefs up reflections, shadows, global illumination, and lighting quality.  Add rock-solid performance to the mix, and this smooth and stunning wasteland is best explored on PlayStation 5 Pro.

In addition to these fresh features, players can also blaze their own trails through the exhaustive content already available in the Steam and Xbox Series X|S versions of Outbreak: Shades of Horror, including:

Modern Survival Horror:  Find and manage resources, engage in modern gunplay and melee combat, build contraptions and defenses, and much more as you do battle with the scourge of the night.  Quickly switch between third and first-person views at the push of a button to hunt the undead the way you please!  All of the game’s content is available both offline in single-player and in online co-op over PlayStation Network.  Password-locked lobbies and cross-platform multiplayer are both supported in online co-op play.

Cypress Reel:  This expansive hub world serves as a gateway to the content of Outbreak: Shades of Horror. Join a lobby, switch between available Survivors, get acclimated to the game’s controls and weapons, redeem and customize clothing and cosmetics, and access core game modes in both offline in single-player and in online co-op over Xbox Live.

Raid Mode:  Save civilians and make it to the extraction point in this action-packed gauntlet.  Defeat enemies to find important weapons, ammo, and items, but don’t take too long; as you spend more time in one of many maps, enemies become stronger and deadlier.

Invasion Mode:  The undead are closing in on your position, and you need to defend the innocent denizens of Cypress Ridge!  Fortify your defenses with buildable traps, turrets, and stations before hordes of zombies come to ruin your day.  Make sure you protect your Furos generators, or else you’ll find yourself without the resources to stay alive as the action ramps up.  Enjoy unique modifiers that keep the experience novel every round!

Mini-Games:  In between matches, hang out in the Cypress Reel Arcade to enjoy a host of frenetic mini-games!  Can you survive the Boss Rush gauntlet? Will you be able to skip a creepy rural town in Looming Dread?  Test your reflexes as you escape a flooding subway tunnel in Collapse!  Experience a taste of the chaos plaguing Cypress Ridge in Main Street Retro.  While short and sweet, these mini-games will put your skills through drills!  Plus – with adjustable difficulties, there are always new challenges to face.

Chromatic Split: Enhanced Edition:  Enjoy the classic three act prequel to the main game, now enhanced with new weapons, items, and mechanics. Can Lydia get essential information from her contact in the Cypress Ridge underground before it’s too late?

Trials of Hank:  While Lydia is traversing the underground in Chromatic Split, fan-favorite Hank hits the rooftops in this over-the-top side campaign where the answers to all of life’s problems are lead, explosions, and more lead!  Will Hank complete his mission, or will the monsters that haunt the Cypress Ridge skyline be too much for him to handle?

Photo Mode:  Access a rich set of tools and controls to take frighteningly beautiful snapshots of your adventures at any time. Offline, the action will pause so you can stage detailed scenes and scout your surroundings, whereas online the action will continue so your co-op partners don’t suddenly find themselves unable to play.  Film at your own risk!

Thirteen Unique Playable Characters:  Choose between a diverse cast of playable Survivors with different classes, abilities, stats, and loadouts.  When playing as any character in any mode, your progress levels up that character and also helps complete challenges. You’ll earn XP, Ferret Tickets, new items and weapons, and other surprises as you play more and more!

Plenty of Unlockable Content:  As players progress and level up their characters, they’ll find ways to unlock all kinds of customizations: earn shirts, glasses, hats, weapon skins, and even whole outfits.  Once unlocked, any cosmetic can be used with any playable character in any combination; the possibilities are endless!

Challenges and Events:  Alongside the aforementioned new Winter Wonderland event, seasonal and game-crossover events begin immediately with a Halloween celebration and DINOBREAK-themed content and cosmetics. Players can enjoy fun decorations in the theater, thrilling seasonal maps, special challenges to complete, and unique rewards to earn.  In addition, test your mettle with Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Lifetime challenges.

And that’s not all!  Purchasing Outbreak: Shades of Horror on PlayStation 5 entitles customers to future updates such as fresh content for existing modes, new seasonal events and game-crossovers, and Story Mode as they’re available.

Once you try the game out for yourself, please let us know what you think!  We want to hear all of your thoughts and feedback so we can make Outbreak: Shades of Horror the best game it can possibly be.  Please consider joining our Discord server, where you can leave your thoughts and feedback.

Finally, we will be in person at PAX East 2026 at the end of the month!  Stop by booth 16105 to try out a selection of our games including a special Outbreak: Shades of Horror demo.  We’ll be handing out trading cards, selling discounted game keys and all kinds of merch (including a special PAX East 2026 exclusive item!), and we’ll even be giving away some incredible prizes.  See you in Boston from March 26th to March 29th!

Enjoy fighting off legions of zombies in the battle to escape Cypress Ridge, and keep on survivin’!

From the Developer:

“At long last, Outbreak: Shades of Horror delivers its brand of survival horror madness to PlayStation 5 with PlayStation 5 Pro enhancements,” says Julia Wolbach, co-founder of Dead Drop Studios.  “Players new to Cypress Ridge will find themselves with plenty of content to experience, including the two heart-pounding adventures Chromatic Split: Enhanced Edition and Trials of Hank, two previous seasons worth of bonus cosmetics and levels, the new Spring seasonal event with unique masks to earn, and mountains more.  With cross-platform multiplayer now available across all versions of the game,   PlayStation 5 gamers will be able to survive or die trying with their friends regardless of which platform they play on!”
 

Platforms and Pricing:

Outbreak: Shades of Horror is now available on PlayStation 5 at an MSRP of $29.99.  USD International pricing may vary.  The game is also available on PC via Steam and on Xbox Series X|S.

About Dead Drop Studios:

Dead Drop Studios is an indie game developer and publisher created and run by a husband and wife duo, Evan and Julia Wolbach, which focuses on creating retro-style survival horror games for the modern gamer. Their current title, Outbreak: Shades of Horror, is built in Unreal Engine 5.7 and brings a thrilling next-generation survival horror experience to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Medieval Survival RPG Bellwright Surpasses 1 Million Units Sold on Steam Early Access

Coming to consoles alongside 1.0 launch. Developers will be at GDC.

Culver City, CA – March 6, 2025 –  Donkey Crew, in partnership with Snail Games USA, has revealed that their popular medieval open-world survival RPG Bellwright has surpassed 1 million units sold while still on Steam Early Access. It was recently announced that Bellwright will be coming to PlayStation 5 as well as Xbox Series consoles upon hitting its 1.0 launch.

Bellwright is a medieval open-world survival RPG where you can establish and expand your own settlements, liberate the land and assist its villagers, and recruit others to your cause while learning more about a life you had to leave behind. Command your forces, prove your valor through combat, and cement yourself as the hero of your people. Since its premiere in April 2024, Bellwright has seen numerous content updates, with the biggest being its Maiden Voyage update, adding the new Halmare Isles map, which is roughly 25% the size of the original game! At over 10 square kilometers, this region includes all new story-based quests with multiple progression lines, expanded armor and equipment, new animals and buildings, and introduces a Loyalty & Faction system.

“Achieving this milestone is a clear indication for us that we are on the right track in our development. Seeing all the feedback and players enjoying the game is the best reward for our hard work and it fuels our motivation for improving the game and reaching new heights as we move through Early Access towards 1.0 release.” Florian “Chadz” Hofreither, Creative Director and Project Lead from Donkey Crew will be available for interviews at GDC 2026, March 9-13 at Booth #1238.

Bellwright: Website | Steam

About Donkey Crew 

Donkey Crew is an independent studio made up of talented, experienced developers from every corner of the world. Starting as a small team of passionate gamers working together within a large Mount & Blade modding community, the group grew into a professional company developing indie titles. Based in Wroclaw, Poland, Donkey Crew continues their journey as an indie developer while growing and expanding. www.donkey.team/

About Snail Games USA 

Snail Games is a leading global developer and publisher, known for delivering innovative, immersive gaming experiences across a range of genres and platforms. With a legacy of technological innovation and a focus on community engagement, Snail Games is shaping the future of interactive entertainment. snail.com