SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA –DECEMBER 2, 2025 – Today, Ubisoft is launching Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch™ 2, bringing the epic adventure of Naoe and Yasuke in feudal Japan to Nintendo players.
The Nintendo Switch™ 2 version has been carefully optimized to preserve the richness of Shadows’ experience while embracing the freedom of playing anywhere, anytime. At launch, players will have access to all free post-release content, including the Attack on Titan exclusive mission available until December 22. The Claws of Awaji expansion will be coming early 2026.
On Nintendo Switch™ 2, Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces several Switch‑specific features designed making player’s experience seamless and intuitive. These include touchscreen navigation for menus and maps, targets 30fps for smooth gameplay in docked and handheld modes, offline play after download, and a game-key card physical edition for digital installation.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers cross-progression via Ubisoft Connect, letting players continue their journey seamlessly across all platforms. In-game store content is unified across platforms, so items purchased on Nintendo Switch™ 2 are shared with linked accounts. The game will be available for AU$89.95 on the Nintendo Store.
For the latest news about Assassin’s Creed Shadows and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.
Since it first launched in 2007, the Assassin’s Creed series has sold more than 230 million games worldwide. The franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series in video game history. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed transcends video games, branching out into numerous other entertainment media.
About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew® and Tom Clancy’s The Division®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards, and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2024–25 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €1.85 billion. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.
TOKYO — Nov. 29, 2025 —Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis, the psychological rhythm adventure co-developed by Alliance Arts and WHO YOU, brings internet brain rot to a new rhythmic reality in April 2026 on PC via Steam alongside a demo update today, as revealed during INDIE Live Expo.
Ever heard of Yunyun, the angelic internet sensation? No? How!? Avid anonymous poster (and possibly psychotic shut-in) Qtie aims to change that by spreading Yunyun love on social media until the entire planet matches her obsession. Spread degenerate copypasta across the web by tapping out love notes on her keyboard to the tunes of 30+ intense denpa tracks.
One itty bitty, kind of important detail…Yunyun might not exist. While Qtie’s feelings are real, the winged wonder may be a figment of her imagination. Navigate music-induced fantasies as she attempts to win the affections of her soon-to-be sweetheart. Somehow, this parasocial situationship may lead to the destruction of the world. Oh well, all is fair in love and war, and if Qtie can’t secure Yunyun’s affections… no one can.
Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis corrupts the whole world on PC via Steam with an updated demo. Look forward to the new denpa world order when the full game launches in April 2026, with English, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, and Polish language support.
Alliance Arts is a new Tokyo-based publishing company committed to the creation of captivating games, and behind titles including The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily, Touhou Dungeon Maker: The labyrinth of heart, and Marisa of Liartop Mountain.
TOKYO — Nov. 29, 2025 —INDIE Live Expo, the live digital showcase connecting indie game fans worldwide with more than 100 million total views since its 2020 debut, spotlighted 100+ titles’ worth of world premieres, new trailers, and content updates this past weekend.
Indie Live Expo came out swinging with world premieres, including 2D scrolling adventure Avemary Rocket – Captain Patchwork – by Shuhei Miyazawa (Raindrop Sprinters), Studio Pixel (Cave Story+), and room6, launching on PC via Steam in 2026. Korean developer Vittgen revealed the illustrative adventure game All Adrift coming to PC via Steam in 2026. Additionally, developer Ichthys and publisher CRITICAL REFLEX announced a December playtest for souls-like metroidvania Being and Becoming.
Pixelated Milk announced a January 2026 playtest for its supernatural pixel art JRPG SacriFire, and developer Wild Dog revealed excavation simulator Keep Digging’s 2.0 content update coming this winter. Pajama Llama Games’ aquatic colony sim Flotsamlaunches into 1.0 on PC via Steam Thursday, Dec. 4th, 2025. Pugstorm’s popular sandbox adventureCore Keeper arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on Wednesday, Jan. 28th, 2026.
213℉’s hack-and-slash roguelike TSURUGIHIMEwill hit Early Access in 2026. Developer Katanalevy’s Dead Format brings 1990s psych horror to PC via Steam very soon on Dec. 10th, 2025. WONDER POTION’s hit action platformer SANABI debuted free DLC on PC via Steam Nov. 27th, and will come to Nintendo Switch this winter. Publisher PARCO GAMES announced developer RexLabo unveiled a horror-themed teaser for an unrevealed title coming in 2026.
2P Games, the publisher powering INDIE Live Expo’s grand prize-winning Sultan’s Game, supported fellow indies with a publisher showcase:
In addition to the online festivities, a new partnership between INDIE Live Expo and BitSummit has been announced. More details will be shared in future announcements.
“Indie games have had a momentous year. Both this year’s award winners and the games announced throughout this weekend’s showcase are a testament to the endless creativity that exists within game development,” said Ryuta Konuma, Founder and CEO, Ryu’s Office. “Many thanks to our sponsors, media partners, and millions of fans across the world. We couldn’t do it without all of you.”
Go hands-on with select titles from this weekend’s showcase at a discount during the INDIE Live Expo Steam Sale beginning today until Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2025.
Check out every game highlighted during last weekend’s showcase on the official INDIE Live Expo Website, and rewatch the stream here. Developers, publishers, and content creators can keep up with the latest global indie news with the free INDIE Live Expo Letter. Rewatch this April’s INDIE Live Expo broadcast here. For more information, please visit the INDIE Live Expo website, follow @INDIELiveExpoEN on Twitter, and search for #INDIELiveExpo on social media.
About Ryu’s Office
Ryu’s Office offers in-depth marketing solutions for smartphone, console, arcade, and PC games in Japan. They are particularly focused on the planning and production of numerous live broadcasts based out of Japan for the gaming industry. To learn more, visit the official Ryu’s Office website.
Fortnite players can soon channel their inner immortal demon slayer—Ember and Blade cosmetics arrive with the game’s launch in 2026.
[November 24th, 2025] — LINE Games announced a cross-title collaboration with Epic Games to coincide with the 2026 launch of Ember and Blade on the Epic Games Store. As part of the collaboration, exclusive Ember and Blade cosmetics will arrive in Fortnite, giving players the chance to wield the fiery style of the upcoming action RPG within one of the world’s most popular battle royale titles. These cosmetics will be available at launch and included with all purchases of Ember and Blade on the Epic Games Store.
In Ember and Blade, play as Fenrix, a cursed immortal bound to an endless cycle of death and rebirth. Once a man, now a weapon of divine punishment, he descends into the burning depths of Oblivion to stop the rise of the archdemon Asmodeus. Every death reshapes his path, driving him closer to mastery as he unlocks relics, forges new weapons, and turns his curse into divine power.
Key Features of Ember and Blade
Heavenly Blessing and Limitless Strategies – Your journey is blessed by the abilities of unique angels! Unlock powerful Awakening Skills by combining skills bestowed by angels and discover a universe of infinitely evolving strategies.
Hellsent Boss Encounters – Twisted Judicators of Fate who sold their souls to become demons for reasons of their own, obstruct your path with immense power and deadly attacks. Achieve victory through meticulous planning, perfect timing, and the power of immortality.
Truth Concealed Beyond Death – Death is not the end of the story, but a new beginning. The secrets of the universe gradually come to light through countless cycles of death and rebirth. What deep, dark truths lie beyond the twisted web of fate?
Otherworldly Visual Art – A stunning yet delicately balanced setting, unique characters with vibrant colors and striking forms, and captivating visuals produced by outstanding visual effects and dynamic battle scenes await you.
Ready to slash into the ethereal world of Ember and Blade? Wishlist the game on the Epic Games Store and Steam.
About LINE Games
LINE Games, a subsidiary of LINE Yahoo, is a Seoul-based publisher and developer dedicated to creating and publishing games across PC, console, and mobile platforms. With a portfolio spanning action RPGs, narrative adventures, and multiplayer experiences, LINE Games brings distinctive titles from Korea to players worldwide. Its in-house studio, Nine Lives, is a small team of 15 industry veterans, with experience across globally recognized titles, dedicated to delivering high-quality, memorable game experiences.
Visual novels come in many kinds of lengths and forms. Some of the best around happen to be hours long experiences with branching paths that could take the story in wild directions. At the same time, other extremely memorable ones happen to be rather short but impactful thanks to either incredible writing, unique twists, or unique gameplay worked into the genre. Sacrifice for Sale happens to be one of the latter, offering a unique approach to handling choices and endings from sole indie developer Daniel Klautsch. With an interesting premise and a unique way to navigate the many branching paths, is Sacrifice for Sale worth opening up for?
Story
An unnamed vacuum Salesman is down on his luck and desperate to make a sale after seemingly striking out after numerous attempts. Upon selecting a home with a nice birdhouse out front he knocks on the door only to find that the resident isn’t prepared to slam the door in his face. Instead she cautiously inquires about who the Salesman might be and even about the product itself and, one way or another, the Salesman ends up inside the house. This only reveals a big bloodstain right near the front door, the woman they were talking to happening to be a zombie, and a powerful beast woman knocking their lights out the second they arrive inside.
As the Salesman comes to, they can try to figure out more about their surroundings, the pair of girls themselves, or even just straight up play dead but it quickly becomes clear that these two are a pair of cultists and, as a door-to-door Salesman that no one cares about, the player has just been served up to them on a silver platter as the next sacrifice that might just bring their ritual to fruition. It will be up to the player to make use of their questions, choices, and even silence to try and find a way out of being sacrificed, though what fates may await them at the end of the branching paths might be just as strange.
Having a branching storyline is nothing new for a visual novel but when it comes to Sacrifice for Sale and the massive number of dialogue options players can select or even choose to ignore makes for a rather extensive number of variations. Through these numerous variations players will learn a bit more about what makes each girl tick a bit better and potentially use it to find a better ending the next time through. None of the actual knowledge learned in a past playthrough is carried over so players will still need to follow each dialogue choice properly to hopefully avoid a bad ending or ending up at an ending they’ve already seen before. This is one issue that does seem to be a bit apparent with the game’s branches is that many happen to intertwine and either double-back on themselves or result in the same ending, only slightly changing how players got there.
Both characters that the Salesman interacts with have their own unique personalities and ways that the player can approach them, trying to learn both their actual names rather than just their nicknames and even why they ended up joining the cult in the first place. Since none of the player’s interactions carry over between runs then players may see completely different sides to some characters depending on how their initial interactions play out. The writing is rather engaging and trying to uncover all of the secrets throughout this visual novel is quite the task. Despite being only a half hour or so for a single run, with subsequent runs being a lot faster thanks to the ability to skip past-read dialogue, there is a lot of content to be found here and surprising emotional depth for both Vinny and even Mia, though trying to survive the latter one will take some surprising effort.
That being said, thanks to the way the branching paths work, players may find themselves struggling to figure out how to get down the correct choice path to reveal a new secret or obtain an ending they’ve yet to obtain. Ironically, Sacrifice for Sale offers sixty-nine achievements that not only tie to endings but also little revelations and twists that players can pull off as well, working as something of a guideline as to how many secrets and potential endings players still have yet to uncover in this short visual novel that hides a surprisingly sprawling web of choices.
Gameplay
One of the key elements that helps set split visual novels into two separate categories is whether or not players are given any actual choices throughout the game. Those that don’t are kinetic visual novels while those that do feature branching pathways that can lead to different routes and endings and Sacrifice for Sale embraces that in spades. In a fairly unique format at that. Unlike a standard visual novel that will pull up choices to select from at set times, Sacrifice for Sale instead presents players with countless choices throughout standard dialogue with the two characters they interact with and ironically this can often involve being completely silent as well.
While talking to characters there will often be certain bits of dialogue that are highlighted in that character’s color, Pink for Vinny, Blue for Mia, and Green for the Salesman. Using the analog stick players can select a piece of dialogue they want to interact with and comment on it there, making a choice that may send them down an entirely different story branch or perhaps changing nothing at all. Similarly players can often simply press RB to stay silent and advance the dialogue without commenting or replying back to the character. What makes things interesting here is that since there are well over fifteen different endings, with at least seventeen being the highest number obtained, the variations and how to end up at these endings are wildly different and can be rather difficult to discern.
For example, there are countless ways to interact with both Vinny and Mia and building rapport with them can also play various roles in how they may question and respond to the player further down that route. Being brutally cold may instantly lock the player into being sacrificed without any hope for changing things while trying to build some empathy with the pair might see other options unlocked, providing new ways to avoid death or take on a different form perhaps entirely. Previously selected dialogue will be grayed out but that doesn’t truly help too much thanks to the fact that there are still potential routes hidden away behind choices built on choices, creating a spider-web of selections that even after spending hours trying still keep some unique interactions hidden away. This creates a rather unique presentation of choices and interesting dynamic as players try to figure out just how they might try to save their hides from being sacrificed, whether it be through pleading, charm, bluffs, or even submitting entirely.
The game is lacking a bit of some bonus features that one would expect from a visual novel. There is no “ending” collection shown somewhere to indicate what endings players have already obtained while playing the game though some endings do provide tips to obtain other endings, though these tend to only involve avoiding the bad end players may have just ended up in. Similarly while there are ten save slots available, there is no quick-save on consoles or quick-loading. It is nice to note that players can press RT to skip through all previously seen dialogue if they are trying to rush through and test their luck on a new route.
Throughout Sacrifice for Sale on Xbox Series X we did experience a number of bugs though these may be fixed before the game’s full launch on the console. These bugs ranged from the game not progressing past the start screen, vanishing text that would no longer load in text boxes that required a fresh reload, and a number of misspelled words scattered throughout the game’s varied routes. While the latter isn’t too much of an issue, the former two are problematic and while restarting the game does fix the issue most of the time, it would be nice to see these patched before launch.
Audio & Visuals
Sacrifice for Sale is a fairly basic visual novel that keeps itself to a rather bare minimum. The player character, the Salesman, is never given a character portrait of their own, instead the only two character portraits in the game are Vinny and Mia but it is nice to note that they are lovingly detailed and presented as well-designed monster girls. Both character portraits have a number of unique poses and expressions but most action is simply represented by sliding the portraits around or zooming in, there is no Live2D aspect here. The backgrounds are similarly rather simplistic in nature presented in grayscale compared to the character portraits outside of a dream sequence. It is interesting to note that some haunting text can appear from time to time flashing across the dialogue box hinting at things and moving to provide some extra emphasis to certain character actions.
There is no voicework of any kind in Sacrifice for Sale and even the sound effects are kept to a bare minimum with various thuds, stabbing noises, or slashing sounds being roughly all there is. The background music is fitting enough with a number of solid tracks to listen to as players make their way through each short playthrough, the track changing properly to fit how the player’s current situation is unfolding.
Overall
Sacrifice for Sale may be a rather short visual novel but it is far from a simple one. Thanks to a unique approach to its choice mechanic, players will have an entire web of interactions with the limited cast of characters as they try their best to talk their way to safety by being friendly, flirtatious, sneaky, or even just being miserable. There are some lacking elements here and there such as lacking extras, bugs, and misspelled words but for a ten dollar indie visual novel, this monster girl and cult focused title is certainly worth picking up.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
New map explores the iconic Scottish countryside, including species and landmarks. Players will also find an array of new weapons.
STOCKHOLM – Dec. 1, 2025 – Expansive Worlds, a creative division within Avalanche Studios Group, announced that theHunter: Call of the Wild’s new DLC, Scotland Hunting Reserve, as well as the new Premium Trophy Mount Pack, will launch on PC, PlayStation and Xbox on December 9.
Amidst breathtaking, atmospheric scenery and legendary landmarks, players will hunt a rich roster of 17 animals inspired by Scotland’s most iconic species on the Tòrr nan Sithean map. The Scotland map DLC will launch for $11.99. Check out the Scotland Hunting Reserve’s beautiful scenery in the new trailer below.
Scotland Hunting Reserve – Key Features:
An immersive Scottish environment. Explore six unique biomes in Late Summer/Early Fall:
Caledonian Forest
Purple Heather Moorland
Grass Hills
Wetlands
Highlands
Rainforest
Exclusive new weapon, the Benelhag 12GA. A versatile semi-auto shotgun featuring a tubular magazine, it can load birdshot, buckshot, and slug, so it’s great for hunting all sorts of game.
Iconic landmarks for players to discover including weathered castles, ancient ruins and coastal caves.
This reserve comes with 17 iconic animals, including five new species, three animal remasters and a great one.
Alongside the new Scotland map, there will also be a new Premium Trophy Mount Pack for players to take their lodge customization to the next level featuring 16 new plaques, 40 new platforms as well as new textures so players can display their greatest hunting achievements, all for £3.39/$3.99/€3.99.
Additionally, as part of a free content update, Patch 8.4, all players will be able to enjoy Trophy Lodge filtering and improvements.
About theHunter: Call of the Wild theHunter: Call of the Wild is the world’s #1 hunting game, offering an immersive hunting experience to millions of players every month. Developed in close collaboration with its passionate community, the game offers a thrilling outdoor adventure for seasoned hunters and those eager to explore the wonders of nature from the comfort of their home. Since its 2017 release, theHunter: Call of the Wild has continuously expanded, now featuring a large and diverse roster of animal species across 15 unique reserves worldwide – from the expansive plains of Africa to the dense forests of North America and the towering peaks of Nepal. theHunter: Call of the Wild is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft Store (including PC Game Pass), Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
About Expansive Worlds Expansive Worlds is a creative division within Avalanche Studios Group and a leading developer and publisher of outdoor games. Since 2007, Expansive Worlds has been devoted to delivering highly immersive outdoor gaming experiences for millions of players. It is best known for the long-standing and successful theHunter franchise, as well as the open-world fishing game Call of the Wild: The Angler. Expansive Worlds develops games using the proprietary Apex engine, enabling vast open worlds with endless creative possibilities. Learn more at www.avalanchestudios.com/divisions/expansive-worlds.
About Avalanche Studios Group Avalanche Studios Group is a leading interactive entertainment company offering a wide range of games and live services from creative divisions Avalanche Studios, Expansive Worlds, and Systemic Reaction. Its portfolio includes the Just Cause franchise, theHunter: Call of the Wild, Generation Zero, Rage 2, and Call of the Wild: The Angler. Founded in 2003, Avalanche Studios Group draws from nearly two decades of open-world experience. All its games are developed using the proprietary Apex engine, enabling vast and dynamic worlds, full of emergent gameplay and endless creative possibilities. Learn more at www.avalanchestudios.com.
See the New Cinematic Trailer Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch
December 1st, 2025 – The holiday season, a time of celebration, gifts, and grand rewards in World of Tanks, is about to begin. This year acclaimed British actor Benedict Cumberbatch joins the festivities as the official Ambassador for the World of Tanks Holiday Ops 2026 event. Known for his intellect and magnetic presence, Cumberbatch brings a fresh approach to leadership – one marked by calm, strategy, and clever guidance on the battlefield.
Holiday Ops 2026 kicks off on December 5, 2025, and continues through January 12, 2026. Players can look forward to a magical winter adventure filled with festive missions, dazzling rewards, and holiday surprises. Benedict Cumberbatch welcomes tankers in the holiday garage, giving special assignments and creating a truly unique atmosphere. Players will be able to earn exclusive celebrity-themed rewards, including his in-game appearance as a tank commander, complete with the original voice.
The New Cinematic Trailer Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch
“I’m thrilled to be part of World of Tanks’ Holiday Ops this year,” said Benedict Cumberbatch. “It’s a game that celebrates strategy, teamwork, and thinking a few steps ahead. I really enjoyed collaborating with the team and bringing a new flavor to that world – along with a bit of festive spirit.Wishing all the players a fantastic holiday season.”
Alongside the in-game festivities, the World of Tanks team continues its annual holiday tradition of debuting Holiday Ops brand-new original short film. This year’s story follows Sebastian, a shy office worker who can’t quite find the courage to talk to his crush, Sarah. Enter Benedict Cumberbatch as a witty, slightly eccentric therapist who helps him face his fears through clever, unconventional exercises. The result is a warm, funny, and gently surreal story about courage, connection, and a shared love of World of Tanks – a festive reminder that bravery often begins in the most unexpected ways.
About World of Tanks
World of Tanks is the first team-based, massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to tank warfare. Throw yourself into the epic tank battles of World War II with gamers all over the world. Your arsenal includes over 800 armored vehicles from 11 nations, carefully detailed with historical accuracy.
Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry. Its 15 offices around the world include studios in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, Tokyo, Vilnius, Belgrade, and Kyiv. Millions of players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. Its flagship products include the free-to-play hits World of Tanks, World of Tanks Blitz, World of Warships, World of Warships: Legends, and World of Warships Blitz.
We suddenly find ourselves trapped as a potential sacrifice for two monster girl cultists in Team Iota Games’ Sacrifice for Sale. Watch as we talk, flirt, and bluff our way through this visual novel and still find ourselves left in the dark about some endings.
Sacrifice For Sale – Full Playthrough
Sacrifice For Sale is a dark, atmospheric pixel-horror adventure that places you in the shoes of a man desperately searching for his missing sister. Your investigation leads you to the remote town of Nachtfeld, a place suffocated by superstition, secrecy, and a sinister local “charity” that promises miracles at a terrible price. As you explore decaying streets, abandoned homes, and unsettling ritual chambers, you’ll uncover a story built around sacrifice, manipulation, and the lengths people will go to for salvation.
Every choice you make pushes the narrative into deeper moral territory. With branching paths, intense dialogue encounters, and disturbing discoveries around every corner, Sacrifice For Sale combines cinematic storytelling with classic pixel-art tension. Solve puzzles, interrogate suspicious townsfolk, and confront the horrors lurking beneath Nachtfeld as you inch closer to the truth — and the cost it demands.
Sacrifice For Sale Developer: Daniel Klautsch Publisher: Daniel Klautsch Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam) Release Date: 25 May 2024 Price: $7.99 USD
Recommended – “Sacrifice for Sale offers an engaging storyline with branching paths and tense monster girl cultists that creates a fun indie visual novel despite minor flaws.”
You never really know where the next indie game might be drawing inspiration from for its retro-inspired title. There are tried and true classics that can be referenced in any genre and when it comes to run-and-gun arcade shooters, the options are numerous. This includes the likes of Contra, Metal Slug, and even a classic favorite of mine, Sunset Riders. What few would have been looking for however happens to be a game that developers Zenovia really pulled out of nowhere for inspiration for its neon-soaked cyberpunk themed pixel game, and that is Wild Guns of all things. Featuring numerous inspirations from this unique pull from the early ‘90s and putting their own spin on things, how has Neon Inferno ended up?
Story
Set in the cyberpunk styled future of New York City in 2055, players can take on the role of either Angelo Morano or Mariana Vitti. Angelo is an orphan who was taken in by the Don of “The Family,” which is the remains of the Italian Mafia, and trained his whole life as a killer to serve him. Mariana was a spoiled rich kid who took to the streets for thrills only to pickpocket Angelo one-day and find herself knee-deep with The Family, changing her name to join the organization’s criminal side. Regardless of who players select to play as, they will be assigned a mission to hunt down a member of the Yakuza set to leak information to the NYPD before being able to choose from three other missions in any order.
New York City in this cyberpunk dystopia is rife with corruption, ranging from its police force all the way through to government officials and taking these people down is exactly what players will be doing until the major twist is revealed that sets them down their last few missions in a row. As mentioned earlier, there is minimal actual difference between what happens in the story between playing as Angelo or Mariana other than some minor differences as they all play out the same way. The story itself isn’t anything groundbreaking, with the game’s only real twist being predictable for anything set inside of a mafioso family, though the different types of enemies and bosses players will face off against are rather unique given the game’s setting.
It is rather unfortunate though that, thanks to there being no notable differences in story and the fact that the story mode is ultimately the only game mode available, since Arcade is just story mode with one life, that the game doesn’t really have much to offer past its two or three hour long runtime depending on how much players struggle with the game’s difficulty.
Gameplay
Players have one objective when it comes to the eight or so missions in Neon Inferno and that is to kill everything in their path or make it to their objective all while staying alive themselves. This is a run-and-gun style arcade shooter to its core and while many stages feature stopping points where players must slay every enemy to continue, there are a few locations that they can simply run through as well depending on skill and status. The unique thing about Neon Inferno is that there are no healing elements nor are there really lives to work with. Players take damage from any attack they receive, be it from a bullet, blade, or explosion and will carry it forward throughout the level until they eventually die. Thankfully, on most difficulties there are checkpoints scattered throughout each mission and players can select to restart from their most recent checkpoint at full health.
There are three difficulty options to choose from when playing through the story mode with Novice being the easiest by giving players more health, less complex firing patterns from enemies, Medium which gives players a slight boost in health and easier enemies as well as more frequent checkpoints that match what is offered on Novice, and finally Hard. Hard mode is identical to the game’s Arcade Mode with limited player health and complex enemy patterns only players are able to have checkpoints here and there within missions. As for the Arcade Mode, players must survive all the way to the boss and defeat it to complete a level in a single life, though as mentioned this is the only other game mode beyond Story Mode. It is worth noting that the title does feature couch co-op with each player controlling one of the two playable characters which is a nice touch, especially for a run-and-gun shooter like this one.
Beyond checkpoints and having a health system there are a few other elements that give Neon Inferno a unique feeling and that happens to be bullet deflection and an element taken directly from Wild Guns, the ability to have enemies in the background and foreground and needing to shoot at them or dodge their attacks to deal with them separately from enemies directly on the player’s own direct path. Any green bullets, missiles, or bombs fired by enemies can be deflected away, often directly at the assailant with a well-timed swipe of the player’s blade for increased damage and holding the button down can trigger “adrenaline” which slows time and allows for players to aim the deflected bullets wherever they want, including at enemies in the background. Adrenaline is limited and recharges over time and not every green item can be deflected, some are merely destroyed but it is a useful tool especially against some bosses.
The Wild Guns dynamic of enemies appearing in the background and foreground is an interesting one but also one that can be a bit limiting. To attack these enemies players must hold the bumper and aim a reticle (that has a fast and slow toggle) to fire at these enemies but unfortunately this leaves them completely still. This means players are meant to mostly take potshots at enemies in these situations while staying mobile to avoid enemies on the main pathway and dodging incoming fire from the background. Thankfully, most attacks from off-screen and homing attacks are shown through warning indicators so players know where to avoid or dodge and avoid damage. It is as chaotic as it is fun, but also kind of annoying in later levels even on an easier difficulty, and far worse on harder difficulties.
One thing that Neon Inferno does wonderfully is keep players engaged through ever-changing level set-ups. Actual enemy types are a bit limited but not only are boss encounters all multi-stage, but every mission has unique elements to it too. Many feature different elements such as riding on a vehicle of some sort and swapping lanes to avoid civilians and obstacles, needing to platform jump around obstacles or climb through hazards, and even face off against mini-boss style enemies partway through some stages. In fact, some stages even feature little elements where players can have enemies fight one another either through leaving different factions alive to shoot at one another for a moment or directing homing attacks and lead them into another enemy instead, offering plenty of variety so players never quite know what to expect per stage.
Depending on player performance they will be given a star rank and money to spend at a “weapon shop” available between missions. The five star rank is locked to Hard mode only which is disappointing and the weapon upgrades are similarly disappointing. Not only are players only allowed to have one at a time and cannot grab an upgrade mid-mission, but they have limited ammo and, when swapped to in the middle of a fight, must be used until their ammunition runs out. This makes these upgrades feel rather pointless especially since almost all of them are also incredibly useless in combat with only one feeling notably powerful, the homing shot and this is only thanks to how effective it is at tracking bosses and the way many zip to the background.
Audio & Visuals
Zenovia has done a fantastic job creating a retro-looking cyberpunk aesthetic to Neon Inferno, be it from the neon-lit city streets players will battle through to the large robotic monstrosities players will face off against, the team has done a wonderful job here. Combine this with optional CRT lines and filters to help give the game a unique look and there is a real nice touch to almost every graphic in the game, especially since every level features a unique theme to itself as well. There is also some nice spritework done for the little “cutscenes” and visual differences between the two characters in these scenes.
There is no voice work of any kind in Neon Inferno which is a bit of a disappointment outside of a character’s death grunts. Thankfully though the title does sport a wonderful sounding soundtrack that works wonderfully with the game’s aesthetics.
Overall
Neon Inferno draws inspiration from the run-and-gun classics and even one that most never have likely even heard of to create an engaging and challenging experience that can really push the player’s skills to their limits. Perhaps a bit too far at times so be ready for some real challenges here with some bosses. With a wonderful aesthetic and soundtrack to back it up, this retro-styled game looks as great as one can expect from an indie game, even if it is only a couple of hours long in the end for the price.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Sandbox adventure surpasses 4 million players; digs onto Nintendo Switch 2 alongside an action-packed automation update early next year
LONDON (Nov. 29, 2025) – Pugstorm and Fireshine Games are thrilled to announce Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, an enhanced version of the beloved sandbox adventure launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on Jan. 28, 2026, and available as a free upgrade to all existing owners on Nintendo Switch.
Upgraded and enhanced to utilize the power of Nintendo Switch 2, Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features improved graphical fidelity and an increased framerate, targeting 60FPS alongside visual improvements to lighting, shadows, water quality and particle effects.
Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition also includes native co-op support for up to eight players, twice as many as the original Nintendo Switch version. Core Keeper players playing on the original Nintendo Switch will also be able to join eight-player co-op sessions when connecting to a session hosted by a player on Nintendo Switch 2.
VOID & VOLTAGEUPDATE
Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches alongside the Void & Voltage Update, a major new content update coming to all platforms as a free download on Jan. 28.
Introducing a brand new biome to explore – Breaker’s Reach – along with new enemy types and the colossal new robo-boss S.A.H.A.B.A.R, the Void & Voltage Update expands the world of Core Keeper with explosive action, automation-themed equipment and destructive new weaponry.
Take the fight to the Void with the blazing new Flamethrower and powerful Minigun, while setting off on your path to creating the Advanced Automation Table, a crafting bench that introduces multiple new tools to streamline life in the underground.
Enhance your farm with the Robot Farm Arm and Seed Extractor Machine, grab loot with the Item Collector, and engineer fully automated systems with the Conveyor Belt Splitter, Shredder, Incinerator, Critter Catcher and much, much more, in a massive new update coming for free to all Core Keeper players.
Core Keeper is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will release on Jan. 28, 2026. For the latest information, follow Core Keeper on X and join the community on Discord.
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About Pugstorm
Pugstorm is an award-winning development studio specialising in juicy pixel art games that will make your inner dog bark with joy. For more information, please visit pugstorm.eu.
About Fireshine Games
Fireshine Games is a global publisher of digital and physical video games based in London, England, with a focus on finding fun and bringing innovative indie gems to players around the world. Originally established in 2014, Fireshine Games has built a portfolio of digital titles and indie sensations, including award-winning titles Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, while partnering with studio giants to bring digital hits to physical release, including Lies of P from Neowiz, Balatro from Playstack, and Planet Zoo: Console Edition from Frontier Developments. Fireshine Games is part of the EG7 group of companies. For more information on Fireshine Games and its titles, visit the official website at fireshinegames.co.uk.
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