Plus original Nintendo Switch owners will receive a performance update with all enhancements when playing on Nintendo Switch 2!
MINNEAPOLIS – Nov. 3, 2025 – Nickelodeon and GameMill Entertainment are excited to announce that the epic fantasy-action RPG Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny will arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 digitally December 5 and physically* via game key card on December 12. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game will feature increased resolution to 1240p and 60 FPS, as well as improved lighting, particle effects, anti-aliasing and more!
Additionally, digital and physical owners of the original Nintendo Switch version of Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny will be able to access these same enhancements when playing on Nintendo Switch 2 with a free performance update for the game, expected to launch alongside the Switch 2 digital release.
Embark on a grand quest inspired by tabletop fantasy RPGs and Nickelodeon’s most beloved franchises in Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny! Slash, bash, cast spells, and strategize your way to victory against a variety of enemies in fast-paced and fluid ARPG combat. Choose from a roster of legendary characters from across the Nickelodeon universe such as Timmy Turner, Leonardo, Jimmy Neutron, SpongeBob SquarePants, Susie Carmichael, Katara, and more, upgrade your weapons, and master new abilities in solo play and local co-op for up to four players!
Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny is licensed by Nickelodeon, developed by Fair Play Labs and Petit Fabrik, and published by GameMill Entertainment.
* Physical via game key card in North America
About GameMill Entertainment
GameMill Entertainment, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a third-party publisher of console and mobile games for passionate fans around the world. Development platforms include PC, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft consoles including the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Sony consoles including the PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4, and mobile devices. With development across the globe, GameMill is a source of entertaining and fun games for all ages. For more information, visit https://gamemill.com.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 46th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films.
About Paramount Consumer Products
Paramount Consumer Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by a diverse slate of consumer brands, Paramount Consumer Products’ portfolio is based on content from platforms including Paramount+, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), cable networks (including MTV, Nickelodeon and Showtime), and Paramount Pictures. Additionally, the division operates Paramount Game Studios. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises.
Unique weapon setups, lovely details, relentless action – Starting today hell plays to the player’s tune
Belgium, November 3, 2025 | Devil Jam, the latest game from indie developer and publisher Rogueside Games, is available for PC starting today. In this hand-drawn action spectacle, possessed instruments become weapons that automatically play to the groove of the metal beat. Every beat is a hit, every riff is an attack: Welcome to hell, where tempo, timing, and rhythm decide victory or defeat. The survivor-like game can be purchased on Steam for 7,99 USD / EUR. There is a 10% discount within the first two weeks.
“We wanted to make a game that feels like a good metal song: a powerful intro, fast tempo, one solo after another, and a finale that cries out for an encore,” says Baue Olbrechts, Lead Designer at Rogueside. “Devil Jam is our love letter to riffs, rhythm, and spectacular action set against a hand-drawn backdrop.”
As a musician longing for a better future who signs a contract with the devil, players venture down to hell and give the performance of their lives. Equipped with possessed instruments, every run in Devil Jam becomes a unique jam session: the instruments play automatically to the beat and become deadly weapons against hordes of grim enemies, rival rock stars, and fanatical groupies
Out Now! – Devil Jam:
Devil Jam is available today via Steam for Windows PCs. Release dates for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S will be announced at a later date.
Key features of Devil Jam:
Possessed instruments as weapons, automatically played in sync with the metal beat
Fast paced and action packed combat in the depths of hell
Hand drawn hellscapes and characters with meticulously crafted effects
Mighty bosses that demand both skill and strategy
Unique inventory with 12 slots and more than 4.93 quadrillion possible combinations for custom weapon setups and powerful synergies
Further information about Devil Jam and Rogueside Games can be found on the official website, on Steam.
About Rogueside Games
Rogueside is an independent Belgian game developer on a mission to bring joy and excitement to players all over the world. Their team is made up of dedicated game enthusiasts who are passionate about crafting quality games that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether it’s through quirky characters, breathtaking visuals, or puns galore, the studio is dedicated to crafting games that bring a smile to your face and leave you with a sense of joy and satisfaction.
Shanghai, China – November 3, 2025 – Infold Games has proudly claimed multiple honours at the 2025 NYX Game Awards, celebrating the studio’s creativity and craftsmanship across two of its titles, Love and Deepspace and Infinity Nikki.
Love and Deepspace earned the Grand Prize for Mobile – Best Experience and Gold Winner for Mobile – Best Game Design, recognising its emotional depth, cinematic storytelling, and technical excellence. Launched globally on January 18, 2024 for iOS and Android, the title invites players into a richly rendered interstellar romance where connection and courage intertwine. Its recognition at NYX highlights the game’s innovation in blending narrative intimacy with high-fidelity visuals on mobile platforms.
Meanwhile, Infinity Nikki captured Gold awards for PC Game – Best Art Direction and PC Game – Open World, a testament to its stunning visual identity and imaginative world-building. Infinity Nikki continues Infold’s legacy of artistry and exploration, presenting a seamless blend of open-world gameplay and fashion-driven creativity that has captivated global audiences ahead of release.
“These awards reflect our team’s passion for creating experiences that connect with players on both an emotional and artistic level,” said a spokesperson for Infold Games. “From Love and Deepspace’s intimate sci-fi romance to Infinity Nikki’s boundless open world, we’re honoured to see both celebrated by the NYX jury.”
Blind Judging Process
The NYX Game Awards implements a blind judging process to ensure impartiality and recognise creators purely for their craft and contribution to the global gaming landscape. Each entry is evaluated by expert developers, critics, and industry professionals based solely on quality and relevance to the judging criteria.
“Games are more than pixels on a screen. They’re worlds you can enter, experiences you can feel, and stories that linger long after the console shuts off. From epic AAA titles to outstanding indie stories, the NYX Game Awards celebrates all creators transforming ambition into experience, and imagination into worlds we want to explore again and again,” said Thomas Brandt of the IAA, which organises the NYX Game Awards.
About Infold Games
Infold Games is the international business brand launched by Paper Games in 2022. Headquartered in Singapore, the company has established branches in several major cities around the world, including Los Angeles and Tokyo. As Paper Games’ global publishing and development platform, Infold Games aims to build closer and more localized connections with players worldwide, while preserving the creative DNA that defines Paper Games. With the mission “Create a Life beyond Amazing,” Infold Games is committed to providing outstanding experiences for global players and enhancing the international presence of the Paper Games brand.
Infold Games was ranked 18th on Pocket Gamer’s list of the Top 50 Mobile Game Makers of 2025. Its titles include Infinity Nikki, winner of the Apple Design Award for Visuals and Graphics, and Love and Deepspace, which received the Best Mobile Game award at Gamescom 2025 and has attracted over 70 million players worldwide.
About NYX Game Awards
The NYX Game Awards recognizes exceptional innovation, creativity, and excellence in the gaming industry. The award promotes inclusivity and diversity by recognizing outstandingachievements across all levels of game development, from Indie to AAA titles. By honoring the best in gaming, the competition aims to inspire the next generation of developers and redefine what’s possible in interactive entertainment.
The love for horror games and films has always remained high, especially around this time of year with Halloween’s last gasps still lingering in the chill air. That means that the survival horror genre as a whole has often survived with signature franchises seeing either full remakes or continuous sequels in recent years, even if some of them have moved a bit away from the survival aspect. This had led to many indie developers making their own mark on the genre that hearken back to the more classic elements of survival horror and in 2021 Dual Effect and PQube made one of the most direct homages to classics like Resident Evil possible with Tormented Souls. Utilizing nearly every gameplay element to let fans relive the genre at the time, the horror game quickly became a hidden gem and now the developers are back to continue Caroline’s journey with Tormented Souls 2. The question is, has Dual Effect managed to strike gold twice or is this one simply retreading old ground?
Story
Tormented Souls 2 positions itself as a bit of a strange entry for both those who played the original as well as those who didn’t touch it at all. Considering the first game had three different endings, it chooses to follow the “best” ending route and make it canonical to the story of the first in order to continue Caroline and Anna Walker’s journey after surviving the events at Wildberger Hospital. That being said, it does not elaborate at all for newcomers what the relationship actually is between these two sisters despite describing them both as twins and adoptive sisters, meaning newcomers will be completely lost as to what their real dynamic from the original game was and how twisted it happens to be. It is worth noting that despite this strange way of handling the story continuity, the plot itself is mostly self-contained so players jumping in at this point won’t have to worry too much about losing the narrative.
Anyways, a few months have passed since Caroline and Anna managed to walk out of their nightmarish reunion but these two still bare the scars of what happened there, with Caroline still missing her eye and Anna suffering from hallucinatory bouts where she seems to sketch horrific things in a trance-like state. In an attempt to try and find a group that may be able to diagnose and help Anna with these issues, the sisters have made their way down to Chile where a mysterious clinic in the town of Villa Hess claims that they can help Caroline with her problems. Upon arriving at the remote location, Caroline and Anna are greeted by the nuns that run the convent that the clinic is based in, but it only takes a few moments of rest to see their moment of peace shattered once again as Caroline awakens to find the nuns have taken Anna for a mysterious ritual, meaning that it is up to Caroline to brave the horrors once more to save her sister, even if it means facing off against untold nightmares and once again traversing through the “other realm” to do so.
Tormented Souls 2 manages to deliver a chilling atmosphere throughout the player’s time in Villa Hess’s different locations, as this sequel expands the length and scope of the title significantly compared to the original, making it nearly twice as long as the first, but it is unfortunate that the story itself is still rather half-baked despite the larger scale. Don’t get things wrong, as mentioned earlier the title delivers chills through its atmosphere and designs alone as players will be finding themselves navigating tight narrow corridors, dimly lit or only lit by a lighter rooms where danger could be lurking just one step further into the darkness, and it is here where it manages to tell its atmospheric storytelling the best, but it’s just a shame that the general story lacks such impact and a large portion of the environment itself is simply effective windowdressing.
The title once again features plenty of little twists and supernatural encounters as Caroline tries to save her sister, but Caroline herself, let alone the array of people she encounters along the way, don’t really have much in the way of personality here. There are plenty of notes that players can find that help provide some extra context behind the twisted zealots that run the town but the title desperately needed to expand upon the Walker sisters a bit more, especially Caroline’s unique abilities, or at the very least make her more of an interesting protagonist as she simply falls flat here, with only a few fairly cheesy interactions being some of the better highlights through the minimal cutscenes scattered here and there. It is also worth noting that the title does feature two separate endings and players will most likely stumble into the first one first before realizing the far more in-depth steps required to obtain the more fulfilling “good” ending..
Gameplay
As one would expect from a game looking to be a tribute to the classics, this sequel retains many of the elements that survival horror thrives on, except for an inventory limit of course. Instead what remains is the same as in the first game, fixed camera angles that shift as players move through locations, tank controls to navigate, and some clunky weapon handling for both firearms and melee weapons. The few things that have changed are the ability to turn off tank controls and allow for easier movement, though considering the nature and location of enemies and traps as well as how moving too quickly through some locations can mess with the player’s movements thanks to the aforementioned fixed camera angles can make this a bit challenging.
In fact, there are a few elements players can try to mitigate if they want a somewhat easier experience, including a difficulty option that makes enemies weaker and autosaves frequently, but those looking for the true experience will stick with the standard difficulty where “tapes” must be used to save the game, limiting how many saves a player can make, limiting the ammo and healing items they can find, and of course making enemies as dangerous as possible. It is also worth noting that Caroline is still deathly afraid of the dark to the point that being within total darkness, or near complete darkness, will freeze her up until players move into the light or open up her lighter and if they linger too long in the dark, she’ll die outright.
This adds another layer to the already challenging nature of surviving the halls of the convent and other areas players will need to navigate through in Tormented Souls 2 as players will often find themselves needing to creep forward into the darkness with only a lighter, hoping to find a candle to light or a breaker box to flip and turn on the lights, usually running into an enemy along the way that they’ll need to either try to avoid or run away from back to where it is safe to actually confront them.
Combat is as straightforward as it was in the last game with little change, though players can swap between equipable items quickly using the right analog stick, as Caroline must stand and aim at enemies and fire away with one of her make-shift weapons or use a melee weapon in close proximity, though this isn’t really recommended unless players are finishing off an already fallen foe to try and save ammo. Ironically, on the Xbox version at the moment, the displayed buttons for using weapons are not correct which can lead to some initial confusion but isn’t much of an issue. Enemies move quickly and attack fairly quickly as well, with some having long-range attacks as well so players will likely need to their best to avoid enemies when they can, though this is easier said than done as the “dodge” mechanic that allows Caroline to back-step away from an attack is only usable when she has a weapon aimed. This means that it is impossible to “dodge” an attack while running other than hoping the enemy will miss their often cheap feeling attacks.
It is worth noting that while many survival horror games will see players needing to balance what enemies they dispatch and what ones they avoid, Tormented Souls 2 seems to focus mostly on eliminating foes when possible. This is primarily thanks to their annoying persistence and ability to hunt players down the second they walk into a room, even down lengthy hallways, as well as the fact that dispatched enemies stay gone forever and there is a lot of backtracking to be done throughout the game, in fact the backtracking is almost a bit too excessive even when compared to the first entry. This is thanks to the many puzzles players come across, doors that can be unlocked for shortcuts, and more. Also, if players are aiming correctly and using melee to finish off downed foes, then they’ll generally want to trade ammo for safety as health items tend to be few and far between, though they do come in three different sizes to fit Caroline’s health status which is nice and, again since there is no inventory limit, trying to stock up is useful.
The puzzles throughout Tormented Souls 2 remain as delightfully challenging as ever, with some being as straightforward as properly hunting down the correct items and using them the right ways, such as finding pieces of a hacksaw to put together and sawing off a frozen hand, only to then have to cook said hand on a stove to free a cylinder held within. These multi-step puzzles start simple but can grow to be quite complicated, especially when a few then involve having to decipher various clues through texts players have read or key items they have picked up. Even some optional areas once again see players needing to pay attention to their environment to either get clues on how to properly complete a puzzle or simply brute force it, but more often than not it requires some out of the box thinking and some real tough head-scratchers that will leave players a bit puzzled if they haven’t been paying attention. It is interesting to note that not every puzzle is required, though the optional ones offer incredibly useful rewards, such as upgrades to the players weaponry or an entirely new weapon in and of itself.
As said earlier, a lot of these puzzles do require backtracking despite players not having an inventory limit and this is usually because the most recently obtained puzzle piece or solution requires traveling all the way back to a previous area and finally open up a door or break through a lock/wall that was barring the way and required a highly specific item to access. This is alleviated a bit by unlocking various doors but it doesn’t stop the problem. It is also interesting to note that while the map (when acquired for a location) does show where puzzles remain unsolved, it does not feature quality of life aspects such as color coding rooms where items or enemies remain like other survival horror games have recently done.
Audio & Visuals
Easily one of the best parts of Tormented Souls 2 happens to be its level design and how detailed the tightly packed atmospheric hallways and paths can feel as Caroline navigates through the game. The fixed camera angles make sure that players are able to see only so much at a time, keeping up the creepy feeling especially when trying to navigate through with the dim light of a single flame, not knowing when an enemy or horrific part of the environment might be unveiled. Unfortunately, the same cannot quite be said about the actual character models or the enemies themselves. While bosses have a unique aesthetic, generic enemies that players encounter feel less interesting than the last game which at least had a theme compared to this time and Caroline’s model, as well as most other character models, are surprisingly low quality despite the detailed backgrounds.
As far as the voice work is concerned, the same voice actresses for Caroline and Anna return but unfortunately their voice work is still rather subpar and not even bad enough to qualify as cheesy. The rest of the cast’s voice work is similarly poor and cutscenes feel oddly paced sometimes. Thankfully the game is wonderful as far as atmospheric sounds go, be it the wandering of an enemy, the whisperings of nightmares when traveling through a dark area, or just the tense slight silence broken up with comforting save room music, the soundtrack for the game is exceptional.
Overall
Tormented Souls 2 is a delightfully creepy game that pulls together so many of the classic survival horror elements and makes them feel fresh again all while giving players a few options to modernize if they so wish. This sequel expands greatly upon the scope of the original while offering so many challenging puzzles that push players to think out of the box most of the time and combat that, while a bit stiff and unwieldy at times, feels challenging since players will want to make every bullet, or nail, count. That being said, it does feel like the developers chose to play it safe in regards to the storyline and many of the weapons that Caroline obtains, retreading old ground as often as players will need to backtrack through the game itself, making this atmospheric horror game one that might feel a bit too familiar at times despite its new story and setting.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake takes us back to the beginning. In the first title, we take on the start of our hero’s journey as he heads out to save a princess from the evil Dragonlord. In the second entry, we hop a few generations of peace to see a new terror strike the lands. We then set out to find a rambunctious Prince who is a pivotal part of forming the party that will be the key to rebuilding and protecting the land that was won long ago.
DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake – Gameplay
DRAGON QUEST I & II HD‑2D Remake brings the first two pillars of the Erdrick Trilogy into stunning modern form. Remade by Artdink under Square Enix, this dual release merges beloved classic RPG adventures with new narrative content, quality‑of‑life upgrades, and refined combat systems. Players assume the roles of descendants of Erdrick as they battle darkness enveloping Alefgard and venture across expansive lands, dungeons, seas, and hidden realms to save their world.
While retaining turn‑based combat, the remake deepens it with fresh mechanics like scrolls and sigils that unlock enhanced abilities, new dungeons, and an underwater region in Dragon Quest II never before seen in the original. The remake also introduces brand new scenarios that tie the two games more closely into the greater Erdrick storyline, with expanded story arcs, encounters with previously unseen characters, and updated dialogue to enrich the experience.
Scheduled for worldwide release on October 30, 2025, it launches on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Windows.
DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake Developer: Artdink Publisher: Square Enix Platform: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC(Steam) Release Date: October 30, 2025 Price: $59.99 USD for standard edition
Recommended – “Despite some pacing issues and age at the core of the gameplay mechanics, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is an excellent retelling of two classic and very different experiences that fans will be elated to revisit or play for the very first time.”
NICOSIA, Cyprus – Oct. 30, 2025 – PublisherDigital Vortex Entertainment and game developerDream Dock today announce their publishing partnership forDREADMOOR, a horror-fishing adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world. Both teams are committed to delivering this high-quality, distinctive IP to a global audience.
DREADMOOR quickly made a splash among fans of dark, atmospheric adventures: just 10 days after its announcement in April 2025, the game amassed over 40,000 wishlists, and already ranks in the top 600 most-wishlisted games on Steam with minimal marketing thus far. This strong interest has set a positive trajectory for the title, with a clear roadmap aiming for its full release in Q4 2026.
DREADMOOR is a dark first-person horror fishing adventure game. Anglers explore both land and sea, fishing for a wide variety of aquatic creatures lurking in the depths, and fighting their way through a flooded wasteland filled with danger and mystery. The game draws inspiration from titles like DREDGE, Metro Exodus, and Resident Evil. It features cinematic storytelling, psychological tension, crafting, and addictive fishing mechanics.
“We’re building an IP that goes far beyond fishing in the apocalypse,” said Rostislav Fedorov, CEO at Dream Dock Studio. “Partnering with Digital Vortex Entertainment allows us to scale production, refine the vision, and bring DREADMOOR’s madness to a global audience.”
“At Digital Vortex Entertainment, we were captivated by Dream Dock’s clear vision for the game and their approach to creating a haunting fusion inspired by Lovecraftian horror and post-nuclear survival. It’s a unique and powerful project, and we’re excited to help bring their dark and beautiful world to a wide audience”, said Alex Izotov, CEO of Digital Vortex Entertainment.
Follow updates and share your feedback by joining the official Discord server, following the game on X/Twitter, and adding it to your Steam Wishlist.
About Digital Vortex Entertainment
Digital Vortex Entertainment is a new publisher made up of game industry veterans who have worked on titles such as Atomic Heart, Lost Ark, PUBG Battlegrounds, and more, not limiting themselves to specific genres or game formats, and always striving to create games they themselves would like to play.
About Dream Dock
Dream Dock is an independent game studio based in Kyrgyzstan and founded by three former colleagues who left their high-paying roles at top game companies to pursue a shared creative vision. Collectively, their experience includes six years at industry leaders such as Playrix, MY.GAMES, Saber Interactive, and Owlcat Games. With a portfolio that spans AA and AAA projects, the studio is dedicated to crafting original, emotionally resonant worlds. DREADMOOR, a fishing survival adventure, is their debut IP.
The Katamari Damacy series has always been one that felt like a bit of a fever dream, especially when the first one was released in 2004. Playing as a tiny green Prince and rolling a ball around to pick up coins and grow in size to the point of rolling up entire buildings made this humorous series as memorable as its wild soundtrack and unique style. This made it a bit of a surprise that, despite releasing a couple of remakes over the last few years, the franchise has actually been dormant for well over a decade with no brand new console release until now. Now, we have Once Upon A KATAMARI set to make its first step onto consoles once again after such a long period of time and bring with it brand new content, has the series managed to maintain its glorious ridiculousness?
Story
Few people like cleaning up their home, let alone when they have to spend a whole day clearing out the various pieces of clutter that they’ve gathered over the eons. So when The King of All Cosmos and The Queen task The Prince to clean his own room while they are tidying up and finding odd objects themselves, it only makes sense that the ever flamboyant King would grow rather bored. As such, when he finds a scroll among a box of random items, he decides to perform a number of tricks with it, using it as a baton, and much more before sending it flying into the air so high it breaches into space, shattering through planets and stars and bursting open to reveal that this wasn’t just any normal scroll, but the Cosmos Scroll and it happened to destroy both the Earth and its moon when it burst open.
With the stars once again destroyed, The King orders The Prince that they best get to cleaning up the even bigger mess that was just created and that the best way to do it this time is by going back in time using the S.S. Prince space-ship/time travel machine. Since the best way to gather up energy and restore the stars in the present is to go back before everything fell apart and make new stars once more. With The Prince first arriving in Edo era Japan, this is only the first of many stops they’ll have throughout numerous eras and well over fifty different levels tasking them with all kinds of missions, ranging from simply making as large of a Katamari ball as possible to gathering only specific items, or even limiting themselves to aim for the most expensive or “gains” earning collection possible.
One Upon A KATAMARI thrives with its crazy nature and any fan of the franchise wouldn’t have it any other way. The King of the Cosmos is as ridiculous as ever when it comes to issuing orders to The Prince while the stages that the players must roll around in all have their own unique elements that are just as zany as can be. The fact that every stage is set within a certain era also helps contain the chaos a bit to help keep some of it feeling cohesive while also keeping the narrative a bit tighter, especially with the many theme based levels players will be challenged to take on.
These can include gathering tumbleweeds or gold rushing in the Wild West, collecting demons in a Feudal Japan era, or even collecting philosophers in ancient Greece. It is also nice to note that not only do some levels feature in-level scenes that are just as ridiculous when triggered but also, after a certain number of levels in each area, players are treated to just as ridiculous looking of an animation featuring the King of All Cosmos or The Queen being involved in something completely off-the-wall, always making sure to give players a laugh as they progress.
Gameplay
For those who are uninitiated in the Katamari Damacy series, everything revolves around players taking on the role of the diminutive Prince and rolling around a “katamari” which is an ultra-sticky ball-like object that gathers up everything in its path relative to its size, with small objects like tacks or dominos starting things out usually before it grows large enough to rolling up entire groups of people, buildings, and beyond should the level require it, all within a time limit or item limit. Once Upon A KATAMARI brings with it the classic control scheme of having to use both analog sticks to roll the katamari around or a “simple” scheme that allows players to roll it with only one stick and using the other to rotate the prince around the ball to help direct where it rolls.
The S.S. Prince serves as the player’s primary “hub” that contains mostly side-things as well as their method of traveling between the different eras available that players unlock by completing levels in previous eras. The ship itself doesn’t offer a whole ton of options itself and mostly serves as a record keeper of things players have done, the size of certain “stars” and “planets” they’ve helped create, and customizing their very own Cousin. While players can choose to play as The Prince and dress him up with little accessories obtained through the game, players can also select to play as one of many pre-created Cousins that they have rolled up in levels, or create their very own from scratch. This small bit of customization isn’t too much, but it is a bit of a nice touch even though I can see many people simply altering The Prince himself.
Outside of the ship is where players will find the various eras that they can walk around in and see a few oddball sights as well as the levels. Every level has its own unique mission, as mentioned before, and these can range wildly from gathering up a specific number of a certain type of item only, gathering up as many items as possible to simply grow as large as possible within the time limit, reaching a certain value amount or other type of amount within a specific number of items rolled up, and more. Some of these levels can be quite challenging, especially those that require specific items that will see players needing to either effectively use their katamari rolling skills as quickly as possible or accessing secret or hard to reach locations after trial and error, making these levels as much of a puzzle as they are obstacle courses to eventually glue to the katamari.
There is a very nice balance between the level challenge and rarely will players feel like they are actually being overtly punished or held back. In fact, players can clear a stage with the lowest possible grade of D and still advance, it is only through another factor that players might find their progress held back by. A new mechanic introduced in Once Upon A KATAMARI are some collectables that include “presents” that unlock aforementioned customization items as well as Crowns. Every level has three crowns hidden throughout its wildly varied structures and while players may initially find it optional to simply roll up and gather these crowns if they come across them, eventually there are certain stages that require the player to have obtained a certain number, meaning that players might have to return to previous stages to obtain these missed crowns. Thankfully, players don’t need to acquire every single one and there is a lot of lenience here, meaning it is entirely possible to avoid bothering with a full completion of a level players may have found annoying or challenging to complete.
Outside of these new collectables there are also “freebies” that have been added to the game. These freebies are basically simple items such as a magnet, sonar, rockets, and time stop watch, that players can use once for a bit of help, with magnets drawing nearby objects directly into the katamari, the sonar pointing towards collectables, the rockets giving players a boost until they run out, and time stop freezing the timer and anything moving that may be hard to pick up. The freebies are a decent little addition but feel a bit lacking as they barely offer any notable change to the gameplay nor do they last long enough to feel worthwhile, especially some are positioned in hard to reach locations. This being the largest change makes it feel like while the game still has everything that fans love, especially with an entirely new set of levels and storyline, it doesn’t really innovate or change. Though the saying if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it feels quite apt here.
One other addition to the game happens to be KatamariBall which is a multiplayer versus mode where up to four players compete against one another to roll up the largest amount of items and return them to space-ships that jump from point to point in the level, while also either trying to roll up other players or avoid them to deposit your own katamari. Playing against bots makes the mode feel a little lifeless while playing online against other players does bring a certain level of delightful chaos, including a whole new set of Freebies that are exclusive to the mode, though it is doubtful this mode will keep players attention for long compared to the classic gameplay.
Audio & Visuals
It is clear that, despite not having a hand in any development of past Katamari games, RENGAME knew exactly what fans of the franchise adore for this quirky series. Rather than trying to modernize the game’s graphics or smooth things out as much as possible, the team has kept all of the rough looking edges that make the game look just like a classic PlayStation 2 title only running incredibly smoothly with so many bright and vivid colors and absolutely ridiculous things to gather up in the katamari ball. The level designs are also wildly varied and thanks to the Era theming feature plenty of variety both in their overall theming as well as the items players will be rolling up. It is also nice to note that both the in-level cutscenes and the artwork used for the humorous little scenes involving The King or Queen are replicated perfectly from how fans will remember.
There isn’t any notable voicework throughout the game other than screaming or animal noises when players pick up humans or animals with the Katamari ball but it is nice to note that the title does boast an exceptional soundtrack. Players can choose to have their own favorite songs from the game play during replays but for the most part every level has its own theme and, once again, thanks to the Eras that players will travel through these songs are incredibly varied as they fit the nature of the time period players are rolling through. That being said, there is something absolutely delightful when rolling through a Jurassic level only for some J-Pop to start blasting in the background if players choose to shuffle the music.
Overall
Once Upon A KATAMARI may play it safe in many regards, only adding in a few extra elements to the tried and true formula that fans love, but it does deliver more of just that, what fans love. The brand new off-the-wall storyline works perfectly as a backdrop to the themed levels that are as ridiculous and fun to roll through that fans could hope for. This makes Once Upon A KATAMARI an easy recommendation for anyone who liked past games in the series as this is truly a fresh step forward for the franchise, albeit small, and a great way for newcomers to experience katamari for the first time.
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Race Across 12 Thrilling Tracks and New Arena Modes in the New Monster Truck Racing Adventure Featuring PAW Patrol®
Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, in collaboration with Nickelodeon, officially launches PAW PatrolTM Rescue Wheels: Championship on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC. This release brings the beloved rescue pups to life in their first ever monster truck racing adventure.
PAW Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship expands the world of PAW Patrol® with a dynamic roster of characters, including Roxi, Boomer, and Mayor Humdinger, who appear as playable for the very first time. Featuring visuals and characters that feel true to the TV show, fans can fully immerse themselves in the PAW Patrol universe while racing iconic monster trucks across 12 thrilling tracks and three arena locations, including Adventure Bay, Scallywag’s Island, the Mountain, and Foggy Bottom.
Racers can perform tricks and mid-air stunts to earn boosts, unlock signature moves, and collect Pup Treats and special objects to gain an edge in each high-speed competition. The brand new Arena mode adds an engaging twist, shifting the focus from racing to collecting and exploration. With Arena challenges, Pup Cup tournaments, and enhanced tracks, PAW Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship builds on the core racing formula with fresh variety and exciting new ways to play.
Designed with accessibility at its core, the game features intuitive controls suitable for children as young as three, while still offering depth through unique character abilities, new modes, and enhanced features that reward strategic gameplay. Families can also race together in local co-op mode, creating fun experiences for younger players, parents, and older siblings alike.
“We’re thrilled to bring PAW Patrol’s monster truck racing experience to families worldwide,” said Stephanie Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games. “The addition of beloved characters like Roxi, Boomer, and Mayor Humdinger, combined with our accessible yet exciting racing mechanics, makes for a fun gaming experience for PAW Patrol fans of all ages.”
Since its launch in 2013, PAW Patrol – which is produced by Spin Master Entertainment, airs on Nickelodeon and streams on Paramount+ – has grown into one of the world’s most popular preschool franchises. With new seasons, spin-off shows, and interactive experiences, the pups continue to inspire children across the globe.
PAW Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championshiplaunches today on all major consoles and PC. To learn more, visit OutrightGames.com.
About Outright Games
Outright Games is a global video games publisher with a focus on bringing quality family entertainment to a worldwide audience. Founded in 2016, Outright Games has established its place in the market delivering engaging interactive games of beloved entertainment licences globally. Outright Games brings stories and characters to life with titles including favourites such as Peppa Pig: World Adventures with Hasbro, DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos with Warner, Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova and Paw Patrol: Grand Prix with Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of The Nine Realms with NBC Universal. With an Outright Games title there will be fun for all the family to enjoy.
Build your dream homestead, raise a family, and enjoy new seasonal surprises in the latest update, free for all players.
Burton-on-Trent, UK – 31 October 2025. Saddle up and settle in as the free Family Life update for Cattle Country, the acclaimed cozy frontier life-sim from Castle Pixel and Playtonic Friends, is available to download now for PC via Steam, PlayStation and Xbox with Nintendo Switch following shortly.
This wholesome new update expands your frontier experience with heartwarming family interactions and charming Halloween-inspired events, all wrapped up with a wagon-load of quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes to make ranch life smoother than ever.
What’s New in the Family Life update
Build Your Frontier Family You can now marry, start a family, and raise a child on your homestead. Spouses and children have their own unique routines and behaviours, from tending crops to fishing on lazy afternoons. Watch your loved ones lend a hand around the ranch, share meals, and make your farm feel more alive than ever.
Home Life & Family Activities Chat with your spouse or child to get help around the farm:
“Pick Crops!” – They’ll harvest crops until evening.
“Help Me Out!” – They’ll gather up to 20 items a day from nearby equipment.
“Relax” – They’ll wander the farm, fish, or enjoy the day at their own pace.
Your family keeps the home fires burning, quite literally, making breakfast and dinner, lighting fireplaces, and adding a little extra warmth to your homestead.
More Comfort and Customisation updates
Sit Anywhere: Pull up a chair or relax on the couch wherever you like.
Starting Farm Layouts: Choose your dream plot from Islands, Hills, River, or Mountains.
Smarter Crafting & Cooking: Craft and cook directly from nearby chests for easier organisation.
Building Upgrades: Expand your coop, barn, and shed with fresh new looks and bigger capacities.
Halloween Festivities Celebrate the spooky season frontier-style with:
Festive decorations and themed cosmetics
A mysterious Crypt Maze (with an optional combat challenge and hidden reward)
Pumpkin carving, a communal cauldron for hearty soup, and a friendly tarot reading to test your fate
For the full list of new features and fixes, check out the community post here.
Whether you’re a wide-eyed greenhorn or a seasoned rancher, Cattle Country’s Family Update adds new ways to live, love, and thrive beneath the prairie skies with a sprinkle of Halloween mischief to keep things lively.
So dust off those boots, gather the family, and make your mark on the frontier. TheCattle CountryFamily Life update is available now as a free content update for all players on PC via Steam, PlayStation and Xbox with Nintendo Switch following shortly!
About Cattle Country
Cattle Country is a cozy frontier life-sim where players can build their dream homestead, raise livestock, craft tools, and carve out a peaceful life beneath the wide Western skies. Set in a charming Wild West world, the game invites you to connect with a kind-hearted community, share stories, and maybe even find love among 18 romanceable characters.
But it’s not all sunshine and prairie roses! You’ll still need to protect your land from bandits and uncover the secrets hidden across the plains. Whether you’re mining for treasure, tracking wildlife, or tending your herd, Cattle Country blends heartfelt storytelling with laid-back frontier living.
Cattle Country is now available digitally on PC viaSteam ($18.99, £14.99, €18.99) PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch ($24.99, £19.99, €24.99 all consoles).
About Playtonic Friends
The studio that brought you Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, Playtonic launched their publishing arm, Playtonic Friends to be a helping hand to indie developers around the world. Established in February 2021 Playtonic Friends has helped bring incredible titles such as B.P.M, Demon Turf, Blossom Tales 2 and Lil Gator Game to wider audiences.
About Castle Pixel
Castle Pixel are a small creative indie dev team based in the US and Canada. They are devoted to making big new adventures inspired by the classics they grew up with! Get ready for a new experience from the team that brought you Blossom Tales and Rex Rocket.
Today, Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, is thrilled to release the Retro Party Pack for NBA Bounce.
Developed by Unfinished Pixel, this colorful party basketball game brings the joy of the sport to players of all ages and skill levels. Featuring fun game modes, deep customization options, and the excitement of playing as official NBA mascots, NBA Bounce invites everyone, from lifelong fans to first-time players, to hit the court, share the fun, and feel the magic of basketball together.
Now, with the new Retro Party Pack, players can relive historical basketball! Step on to the court in vintage jerseys to honor iconic legacy teams like the Charlotte Bobcats, New Jersey Nets, Seattle SuperSonics, and Vancouver Grizzlies, and try out retro Hardwood Classic logos from teams like the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat.
Alongside these classic throwbacks, players can experience brand-new ‘Party Mode’ effects featuring shape-shifting 3-point lines and rims for an extra challenge! Make your shot before the basket shrinks, and equip the old-school basketball, classic sneakers, and newsboy cap to unlock a blazing newspaper trail and score in vintage style.
NBA Bounce and the Retro Party Pack are available now on PlayStation 4®, PlayStation 5®, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
