Brussels, Belgium, November 4th, 2025 – Get ready to roll the dice and shape your fate. Independent studios eSolu and Team Mojo Games today announced Odds Chronicles, a tactical roguelite RPG launching on Steam and Epic Games Store in 2026, with versions for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S arriving later. In this adventure, every roll changes both the battlefield and the story, blending tabletop-inspired chance with deep tactical strategy.
In Odds Chronicles, you play as Evryn, a fallen royal bodyguard whose defeat at the hands of the tyrant Hyria sparks a journey across shifting lands and branching destinies. Stranded in the mysterious Tavern outside of Time, Evryn must reclaim honor, face powerful enemies, and uncover secrets that stretch beyond revenge. Along the way, additional heroes with unique dice loadouts and playstyles will join the adventure.
Combat plays out on diorama-style battlefields where positioning, line of sight, and clever use of abilities are key. Each roll of the dice generates Strength, Dexterity, and Magic resources that fuel attacks, trigger powerful combos, and unlock Wild Dice to turn the tide when you need it most. Every decision, from when to unleash a skill to how you adapt to an unlucky roll, can change the course of battle.
Between runs, the Tavern grows with new allies, upgrades, and skills unlocked through Memory Shards. This persistent progression system ensures every journey feels meaningful, while randomized events, shifting storylines, and branching choices keep each run unique.
Key Features
Dice-driven tactical combat on grid-based battlefields with terrain elevation, and line-of-sight mechanics
Branching adventure with evolving story events shaped by your decisions
Multiple playable heroes, each with unique dice pools, skills, and playstyles
Replayable roguelite progression with permanent upgrades and expanding Tavern features
Strategic relics, consumables, and dice enhancements to build your own approach
Atmospheric, tabletop-inspired visuals that bring the world of Lynn to life
Stay Updated
Players can wishlist Odds Chronicles on Steamand Epic Games Store today to follow the game’s development and be the first to know when new updates are revealed.
About the Developers
Odds Chronicles is co-developed by eSolu and Team Mojo Games, a collaboration between five industry veterans and a talented junior team. With more than 75 years of combined experience across PC and console development, art, engineering, and production, the studios bring both expertise and fresh creativity to the project. United by a shared passion for role-playing games and tabletop adventures, the teams set out to create a game where dice-driven chance meets tactical depth and narrative exploration.
The charming yet chaotic RTS-inspired roguelite officially enters Early Access.
[November 4, 2025] – Step out into a world under siege by a mysterious corruption in Beyond the Grove, available now in Early Access via Steam. Inspired by real-time strategy and roguelite genres, this autobattler puts you in control of an army of mushrooms and golems to defeat the evil forces that have appeared just beyond your once peaceful grove.
As you command your fun-guy forces in Beyond the Grove, adapting becomes the key to victory. Set markers to gather your troops. Summon mighty elemental Golems to turn the tide of battle. And rush back into the fight after facing defeat with abilities more powerful than before. The goal to stop the corruption is clear, but how that goal is met is up to you!
Key Features:
Strategic Combat: Strategize your army to maximize your victory. Place down rally markers, create Golems, and watch them get to work. Outsmart your enemies whenever you get the chance to adjust your troops’ positioning and composition.
Golem Crafting: You won’t get far in Beyond the Grove without your Golems. There are over 50 distinct Golems, forged by combining seven elemental types. Different combinations are a must to overcome the corruption.
Retreat and Grow: Blessings are powerful traits that enhance the abilities of your troops. With over 100 of them available, you’ll need to use them wisely if you find yourself facing defeat. Regroup after upgrading and coming up with a new gameplan so that you can continue the fight!
Make some room for your mushroom army by grabbing Beyond the Grove on Steam now!
About Not a Duck
Not a Duck is an independent game studio founded by former members of the corporate world who want to build games that provide rewarding experiences that don’t require players to invest the time and energy traditional strategy games demand. The studio is working on their debut game, Beyond the Grove, a charming RTS-inspired autobattler.
November 4th, 2025 – Wargaming and AMC Networks announced today an apocalyptic crossover between the iconic television series The Walking Dead and World of Tanks. From November 6 until November 17 Battle Pass Special: The Walking Dead lets players recruit five fan-favorite characters from the series as crew members and earn exclusive themed rewards, including a custom H3 tank in a rugged 3D style, haunting 2D styles, thematic 3D attachments that transform vehicles into symbols of survival, and more.
Five legendary survivors await tank commanders ready to face chaos: the steadfast leader Rick Grimes, and the ruthless Savior Negan, both available with zero perks through the Chapter Progression. Three more can be unlocked in bundles: the sharp-eyed survivalist Daryl Dixon, the fierce warrior Michonne, and the manipulative tyrant, The Governor. These warriors of the wasteland bring their tenacious spirit to any tank crew and come with custom voiceovers, with The Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus voicing his legendary character, Daryl Dixon.
The Battle Pass Special: The Walking Dead features the perfect tank to plow through the dangers of this deadly new world – the H3, wrapped in its threatening “No Sanctuary” 3D Style. The H3 was built to strike fear as it rolls onto the battlefield, with its worn and weathered exterior covered with wire mesh, chain-link fencing, and barbed wire for added menace. On closer inspection, players will notice the tank is filled with signature items from the series, including Daryl’s motorcycle and crossbow, Negan’s bat, “Lucille,” Michonne’s katana, and Rick’s sheriff’s hat.
To truly own the apocalyptic battlefield, players can outfit their vehicles with a collection of The Walking Dead-themed decals, inscriptions, and 3D attachments — each one a relic of survival from a world long gone. Among them is the “Walker Bait System,” echoing the tactics of survivors who used music and noise to lure or redirect the dead; the “Saviors’ Machine Gun,” marked by a scratched-in “Saviors” tag and wrapped in Negan’s iconic red scarf; and many more, each telling its own story from the apocalypse. All these 3D attachments can be mounted on a wide range of vehicles.
Stay sharp and hold the line, commanders, because the hordes won’t stop, but neither will we. Push through the chaos for rewards that are worth every round spent.
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.
About AMC Networks
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and is the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The Company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite original franchises including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.
Sydney, Australia, 4th of November, 2025 – Milestone continues its deep dive into Screamer’s gameplay with the second part of a video interview featuring Game Director Federico Cardini and Milestone Development & Creative Director Michele Caletti, this time focusing on the Echo System, a pillar of both the game’s narrative and mechanics.
The Echo System revolves around two key resources: Sync and Entropy. Sync can be built passively or intentionally, by performing the Active Shift, a timely upshift that complements the vehicle’s automatic transmission. Sync acts as a versatile resource: it can be spent to Boost or to Shield against enemy attacks. Sync thus rewards players for skillful racing and well-timed actions, granting both racing and fighting advantages.
Importantly, using Sync generates Entropy, the energy that powers the two offensive mechanics called Strike and Overdrive. Strike is a short but lethal attack that can make enemies explode, while Overdrive is a powered-up state of the vehicle that brings with it high risk in exchange for high rewards. Overdrive boosts speed, grants temporary shielding, and enables knocking out opponents; however, a car in Overdrive will explode if it crashes into a wall. While Strike uses only part of the Entropy, Overdrive consumes it all, making strategy and wise deployment of both options essential to success.
In Screamer, races evolve dynamically as Sync and Entropy are built and spent, while differences in character abilities and vehicle handling create unique challenges every lap, both offline and online, where teamwork-driven racing will thrive.
Scheduled for release in 2026, Screamer will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
About Milestone
Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone is one of the leading and longest-established racing game developers and publishers in the world. The +300 people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™, Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame, the acclaimed Hot Wheels Unleashed™, as well as its own IP, RIDE. For more information, please visit https://milestone.it/
Create your dream sheepdog and herd colorful sheep with your friends across beautiful landscapes in this relaxing party game
[Lyon, France – November 3rd, 2025] — The wait is over, sheepherders! Ultimo Disco is excited to announce that Sheepherds!, the colorful, canine party game,is officially launching on PC via Steam on November 17th. After several successful playtests and a Steam Next Fest demo (play it now!), the full version of Sheepherds! will give players access to all 22 maps, 19 different dog breeds, and a plethora of different silly outfits to show your unique paw-sinality while you herd fluffy sheep to collect their colorful wool. Alongside the full game, players can look forward to a variety of bonus content, including an additional Supporter’s Pack DLC, packed with additional goodies for the most dedicated of sheepdogs, and the Sheepherds! original soundtrack (OST), so you can bring those relaxing Sheepherds! vibes with you from the pastures to your everyday life!
Imagine being the goodest dog as you dutifully heard colorful sheep alongside your canine companions. Work together to guide sheep across lush meadows, through tides, and make their way to their pens safe and sound, all while enjoying some chill-worthy tunes. Turn up the difficulty and take on optional challenges or just relax and herd with your friends in this cozy co-op party game hybrid.
Key Features:
Master the flock – The sheep follow and influence each other, just like in real life. Learn to manage them like a good sheepdog, by positioning yourself strategically and barking at just the right moment! Or, just do whatever: after all, you’re a dog.
Spice it up with bonus challenges – Add an extra layer of depth with optional challenges designed to test your skills and teamwork. These features provide a rewarding experience for those seeking more engaging gameplay, while remaining entirely optional for a relaxed session.
Not just any dog – your dog – Turn your well-earned treats into exciting rewards! Unlock a variety of stylish accessories, colorful outfits, and unique skins to personalize your sheepdog. From corgis to pugs, choose from 15 different lovable breeds. Mix and match your favorite combinations to create a look that perfectly reflects your style and makes your dog stand out in the flock.
Small scope, big heart – Sheepherds! doesn’t try to do everything—it focuses on what matters most: cooperation and playfulness. Every detail, from the sheep’s behaviors to the lovingly crafted landscapes, is designed to deliver a polished experience that will leave you smiling.
Herd with friends near and far – Although it can be enjoyed solo, Sheepherds! is designed to be played together, whether you’re side by side on the couch or connecting from across the globe. The game supports both local co-op and a fully integrated online multiplayer mode, making it easy to team up with friends wherever they are.
Sheepherds!will launch on Steam along with the Supporter Pack DLC and original soundtrack (OST) on November 17th. Check out the Steam Next Fest demo to get in on the fluffy fun today, and don’t forget to drop a wishlist! The pups would appreciate it greatly.
About Ultimo Disco
Ultimo Disco is an indie team based in Lyon, France, formed by five passionate developers who collectively bring 29 years of experience and 11 released games. Most team members previously worked at Mi-Clos Studio.
About Yahaha Games
Yahaha Games is the publishing partner behind Sheepherds!. Backed by Yahaha Studios, a 3D UGC platform and Diamond Sponsor at GDC 2023, the label launched in 2024 and is dedicated to bringing standout indie titles to global players.
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.”
