Stomp into the debut demo with expedition mode and simulation lab ahead of Steam Next Fest
SHENZHEN, China – 7 October 2026 –Cats in the Shell, a mech-building roguelike auto battler from Tencent and NetEase veterans at Raven Studio and publisher Infini Fun, rockets onto PC via Steam Early Access on Wednesday, 20 January 2027. Check out the debut Steam Next Fest demo today ahead of the event.
In this debut demo, get behind the helm of a Syma mech and face the escalating challenges of Expedition Mode. Battle powerful mechanoids, discover new gear and resources, and cobble together an unbeatable Syma.
Tinker with Syma profiles in the new Simulation Lab: select any two blueprints and simulate a battle between them in seconds. Share blueprints with friends or grab inspiring ideas from top-ranked players on the global leaderboard. Customize builds with unlimited modules and unleash surprising chain effects to prepare for future battles.
Command one of sixdistinct metal beasts to climb to the top in high-risk, high-reward battles against formidable ironclad adversaries. Choose from a wide selection of feline pilots, complete with their own active abilities and battlefield discipline. Mix and match archetypes, modules, and more than 1,000 pieces of equipment in five designated sockets to forge unstoppable configurations primed for battle.
Explore four futuristic biomes in a high-octane story campaign. Upgrade Syma after each fight and seek out unexpected synergies to dominate the combat zone. Confront relentless bosses in PvE campaigns, or outsmart pilots around the world in asynchronous PvP mode. Adapt to new challenges, tear through the opponents, and rack up 10 accumulated victories to become an ace Syma pilot in Cats in the Shell.
“After rounds of internal and public playtesting, Cats in the Shell has gathered valuable feedback since its reveal to guide our future directions,” said Alex Dong, director of Raven Studio. “Today, fellow feline pilots can go hands-on with the debut Steam Next Fest demo in both PvE and multiplayer modes, and we look forward to sharing more news in the near future!”
Cats in the Shell will be available on PC via Steam Early Access, with English, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Simplified, and Traditional Chinese language support. To stay up to date, follow the developer on X, join the community on Discord, and search #Catsintheshell on social media.
About Raven Studio
Founded by a collective of industry veterans, Raven Studio aims to create games beyond formulaic production, with a heavy emphasis on a player and gameplay experience first mindset.
Transferring previous work experience from Tencent, NetEase, SNK and more, the team was founded on a firm foundation of technical skill, and is dedicated to bringing its wildest ideas to life through its debut roguelike auto-battler title, Cats in the Shell, currently in development.
About Infini Fun
Infini Fun is a dynamic new publisher, established in 2024, with a global focus. It specializes in publishing multi-platform games for PC and consoles, and providing developers with essential funding and technical support. Its services extend to platform porting, localization QA, and design consulting, covering every aspect of game development.
With a team boasting over 15 years of publishing experience, they meticulously handle each project, embarking on every exciting journey with developers, and striving to become the bridge between developers and players.
BECROWNED Debuts New Look During The Horror Game Awards, Confirming PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 Along With PC Release
Top Hat Studios, Inc. and 13th Street Studio brought BECROWNED’s lo-fi nightmare to the Horror Game Awards today with a new trailer, revealing that the surreal horror experience will arrive on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in Q1 of 2027.
Watch the BECROWNED Release Window & Console Announcement Trailer here:
The new trailer showcases the darker, stranger direction BECROWNED has taken since it was originally announced several years ago. While early impressions drew comparisons to classic staples of the psychological horror genre, the game has since evolved dramatically, now encompassingthe lurid atmosphere of 1970s and 1980s grindhouse cinema and the surrealist dark satirical humor of 70s French horror. It is further shaped by unique Russian cultural and literary references that reflect the game director’s unique perspective.
In BECROWNED, players step into the role of Richard Torrance, a self-willed yet deeply dissatisfied man who believes happiness is something to be seized through sheer force of will. However, underneath his domineering mantle lies a gnawing emptiness that no achievement can satisfy. The player will navigate a complex web of Richard’s relationships – both inside and outside of the strange dimension he finds himself in – to determine his ultimate fate.
The more he pursues the simple yet elusive concept of happiness, the further Richard is drawn into bizarre, disturbing, and surreal places that should not exist…but remain very real. As he descends into a nightmarish world where reality and madness begin to blur, his desperate need for control becomes an obsession, forcing him to question whether the greatest threat to his own salvation is himself or those around him.
BECROWNED is scheduled to launch simultaneously across PC and all announced consoles in Q1 2027. The game is currently in development for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
Trailer spotlights enhanced anime-inspired visuals; original Dead of Darkness now available on Steam and GOG with 40% discount
Osterholz, Germany – 7th October 2026 – Solo developer, Retrofiction Games is today thrilled to announce Dead of Darkness 2 – an intense, old-school, 2D survival horror with a strong emphasis on story and lore, is now in development for PC via Steam and GOG, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Retrofiction Games will be self publishing on PC, while eastasiasoft will be handling console ports and publishing.
The game debuted during the Horror Game Awards Halloween Showcase, where a brand new announcement trailer revealed the handcrafted pixel art, 90’s anime-inspired animations and nailbiting survival horror action that awaits players.
A direct sequel to the Dead of Darkness, Dead of Darkness 2 enhances the original’s crunchy sprite-based aesthetic to deliver higher detailed visuals, full 2D isometric gameplay and more frames of animation. Narratively, it builds upon the deep and chilling lore established in the first game, introducing a fresh cast of characters and an eerie new location to explore: the deeply sinister town of Goldren Creek.
When Jun Takehara finds a wounded little girl in the Appalachians, her search for help takes her to Goldren Creek, where she is soon pulled into a nightmare of unspeakable horrors; what she uncovers in the town’s depths will change her life forever.
From today, those looking to catch-up with the original Dead of Darkness can purchase it digitally on GOG, where it currently has a 40% launch discount. The same discount is also available for those looking to pick the game up via Steam.
Dead of Darkness 2 – Features
Strong Narrative and Rich Lore. Dead of Darkness 2 features a cast of 28 characters, each with their own story connected to the larger mystery. Every note you find, object you examine, and room you explore holds details that bring you closer to Goldren Creek’s disturbing secret.
Character Switching. Seamlessly switch between up to three characters during certain sections of the game. Use their different positions to solve puzzles, conserve resources, and outsmart your enemies. A shared item box lets you quickly exchange items between characters.
Limited Resources and Inventory Management. Ammo and healing items are scarce, so use them wisely if you want to survive the horrors of Goldren Creek. Combine healing items to craft more potent medkits, upgrade weapons with parts, and manage your inventory weight to stay agile.
Arsenal of Weapons. Fight back with everything from knives and axes to submachine guns and flamethrowers. Every weapon comes with its own advantages and drawbacks, including damage, status effects, equip load, and attack speed. Choose your loadout carefully. Survival may depend on it.
Clues and Exploration. Search files, examine items, and investigate your surroundings to uncover clues. Use what you discover to solve puzzles, unlock secrets, and reveal hidden pathways.
Dead of Darkness 2 is now in development for PC and consoles. It is available to wishlist now via Steam, GOG and PlayStation Store.
About Retrofiction Games
Founded by Germany-based indie developer Markus Neuert, Retrofiction Games is dedicated to crafting story-driven experiences that combine the best of both old and new styles of gaming, with a special love for horror themes and adventure elements.
MACCLESFIELD, UK – 7 October, 2026 – Independent video game publisher Silver Lining Interactive today announced a global publishing partnership with Studio Abattoir to bring an ambitious psychological horror RPG title The Pines to players everywhere.
In The Pines, players step into the boots of Edward Walker, a burnt-out former detective seeking solace at a remote, secluded therapy retreat following a cold case. Beneath the calm exterior and promises of recovery lies a dark conspiracy. CombiningAlan Wake-style paranoia, open-world investigation, and a unique choice-driven Stalker System, players must unravel the secrets of the woods before the wellness retreat turns deadly.
“You find yourself in this deeply unsettling world, and you buy into the reality of it instantly. It takes maybe three seconds before the panic sets in and you realize you have to get out. From there, it’s just paranoia, gut-wrenching horror and brutal consequences.” said Ross Griffith, Head of Marketing at Silver Lining Interactive. “Helping Studio Abattoir bring an atmosphere that terrifying to life is an absolute thrill.”
“We built The Pines around a twisted premise: a self-help book came to life and it’s just as bad, if not worse than you imagined – it’s absolutely horrifying, and all your choices might have unforeseen consequences,” said Kevin Jochems, Founder of Studio Abattoir. “Partnering with Silver Lining Interactive gives us the platform, reach, and independence needed to deliver The Pines without compromises. We can’t wait to welcome players to The Pines retreat, and see who makes it out alive.” About The Pines
WELCOME HOME… MISTER WALKER
After a case went cold, former detective Edward Walker is exhausted and desperate for peace. His therapist advises him to travel to The Pines, a secluded retreat that promises quiet, recovery, and therapists on site. It seems like the perfect place to leave his troubles behind. It isn’t. Beneath its calm exterior, something is deeply wrong.
A PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR RPG
The Pines is an open world waiting to be explored, but it is no vacation. Dark things lurk among the trees. Discover its secrets, get to know its residents, and uncover the truth behind the retreat’s carefully constructed facade. Your choices matter. They shape not only Edward’s story, but also the lives and fates of those who live there. Grow stronger, smarter, and more persuasive. Join various groups and factions, each with their own stories, and shape Edward Walker to fit your playstyle. Talk, fight, or investigate your way through the dangers you face. And if all else fails… run.
FAST AND FLUID COMBAT
While guns and ammunition are scarce, tools are plenty. Wield bats, axes, and many more weapons as you face the dangers hunting you from the dark.
Dodge, parry, and strike at the right moment. Survival depends on timing, awareness, and sometimes… something very sharp.
THE RESIDENTS OF THE PINES
The Pines is home to a wide variety of residents from all walks of life, each carrying their own history, trauma, and secrets. What initially feels a warm and welcoming community gradually reveals itself to be something far more unsettling.
Everyone has a story. Everyone has a motive. And no one is quite who they claim to be.
ONE BIG CONSPIRACY
Nothing quite adds up. Minor details refuse to align, and the more you investigate, the harder it becomes to ignore the feeling that everything is connected. Edward Walker must uncover the truth behind The Pines. All while trying to stay sane… and alive.
ONCE A DETECTIVE, ALWAYS A DETECTIVE
Being a former detective comes with its perks. You notice details others overlook, connect clues that don’t seem related, and uncover hidden truths through investigation.
Gather evidence, piece together stories, and decide who to trust. Because a good decision is an informed one.
A UNIQUE STALKER SYSTEM
The Pines uses a unique Stalker System where your actions have consequences. Say the wrong thing, cross the wrong person, or dig too deep, and a resident who once seemed harmless may return as a stalker, haunting you throughout the forests of The Pines. You, however, are not defenseless. Grow strong enough, and you may be able to turn the tables and confront your pursuer. The forest remembers… and some residents never forget.
About Studio Abattoir
A game studio from a basement. Quite literally. After years of working in corporate film and 3D animation, Kevin Jochems, born and raised in the Netherlands, discovered Unreal Engine while creating client work. He soon became obsessed with game development. Four years later, that obsession has grown into The Pines, the first major game project from Studio Abattoir. The Pines is being developed by solo developer Kevin Jochems, with additional 2D art support from Daphne Betten for the key artwork. Yaron Mesika contributes motion capture and voice acting.
The Pines reflects the studio’s focus on atmospheric, story-driven games with a strong visual identity, blending cinematic storytelling, psychological horror, player agency, and RPG mechanics. About Silver Lining Interactive
Silver Lining Interactive is a collaborative video games publishing house based in the North of England. Founded by seasoned industry professionals with one goal: make games publishing feel like a partnership. With a passion for fostering creative talent and great games, the team is committed to bringing innovative, high-quality games to players worldwide, physically and digitally.
Free Hardcore Mode launches alongside first DLC, Protect & Serve, allowing players to take the fight to the spiders
London, UK (07/10/2026) – Ten Image Publishing today revealed a series of updates for Huntsman, from OnTheHouse Studios, with Hardcore Mode free to all players, combat based new story add-on Protect & Serve, and a tease of upcoming future skin packs. Huntsman’s free Hardcore Mode launches Oct 26th and the full game is available to buy now on Steam here. Protect & Serve will be available to buy on Oct 26th, here. The announcement trailer is below.
Huntsman’s story of genetic experimentation and rampaging arachnids continues. For existing players who want a challenge, the free Hardcore Mode adds a second Huntsman spider in multiple locations, limited saves requiring players to discover save discs before use, updated Orb Weaver attack speeds and randomised door codes.
Protect & Serve continues the story of Huntsman, picking up shortly after the main game’s credits but this time putting you in the shoes of a local police officer. Swapping a flashlight for a handgun, this DLC brings combat to the game with its own dedicated mode, story and missions to complete, set in a new hidden location within Atherton Labs.
Synopsis:
A lone survivor barrels into a police station carrying wild tales of monstrous experiments, giant arachnids and a research facility full of corpses. As officers investigate the mysterious lab, the true nightmare begins to unravel itself and the world realises how close it came to being second on the food chain. But the spiders are dead. The researchers are dead. Everything is safe…
Except one lone door, hidden behind storage crates, is missed on first inspection. Your curiosity leads you to examine closer and find another part of the facility. The nightmare isn’t over. The horrors in a police report are suddenly in front, above and behind you. And they are very, very hungry.
There’s nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. So grab your gun, it’s time to stand and fight.
Huntsman will also receive two new cosmetic skin packs, Nature Pack and More Spiders Pack. The details of these are safely wrapped up and guarded by eight legged monsters but a full reveal will happen soon.
Huntsman’s free Hardcore Mode launches Oct 26th and the full game is available to buy now on Steam here. Protect & Serve will be available to buy on Oct 26th, here.
About Ten Image Publishing
Ten Image Publishing is focused on supporting the best up and coming horror and horror adjacent games in the aAA space, providing long term plans to create lasting brands.
About OnTheHouse Studios
OnTheHouse Studios is the work of solo developer, Jory House, a lifelong arachnophobe and avid horror fan, who is channeling that fear and knowledge into his first title, Huntsman, to create a truly terrifying experience. The studio is dedicated to creating challenging and immersive experiences for all players.
Scale a 660 meter tall offshore wind turbine, repair faults and escape a Lovecraftian nightmare in this tense first-person climbing horror
London, UK (07/10/2026) – Ten Image Publishing today revealed Below The Blades from Dillion Muse, a first-person climbing survival horror set on an isolated wind turbine far out at sea, home to a chilling mystery and a stalking monster. Play the demo now with the full launch coming to Steam on Nov 12th for $5.99 / £5.29 / €6.15.
You need answers. Marsh Offshore Energy needs someone willing to climb its tallest creation: Turbine 46. Now you’re alone, scaling the 660 meter megalith with only a simple tool belt to complete the job. But you’re not alone for long. A Lovecraftian horror from beneath the waves has no intention of letting you escape Turbine 46.
Below The Blades challenges players to remain calm under pressure as they balance grip strength and stamina against the raging storms and stalking horror. Players drawn to the demanding first-person traversal of games such as Idols of Ash, Lorn’s Lure and White Knuckle will find a familiar challenge in Below The Blades, where every meter climbed leaves you further from safety and closer to whatever is hunting you on the tower.
Features
Judge your remaining stamina and grip strength by the pace of your breathing and the shaking of your hands
Minimal UI challenges you to choose and use tools on your belt while dangling from ladders without the safety of an inventory screen
Retro-inspired low-poly visuals paired with cinematic storms and lightning
An unpredictable predator stalking you across the turbine
A mystery to uncover with multiple endings based on your choices
Developer Dillion Muse said, “I thought about how stressful it would be to hang from a ladder with one hand while using the other to repair a panel, knowing your stamina and grip are draining the whole time. Then I thought, what if something was stalking you, too? When you’re scared, your instinct is to move faster, but in Below The Blades, rushing makes you more likely to slip, run out of stamina, and get caught. That tension is what the whole game grew out of.”
Play the demo now with the full launch coming to Steam on Nov 12th for $5.99 / £5.29 / €6.15.
About Ten Image Publishing
Ten Image Publishing is focused on supporting the best up and coming horror and horror adjacent games in the aAA space, providing long term plans to create lasting brands.
About Dillion Muse
Dillion Muse is a multidisciplinary creator and artist working across video production, 3D art and game development. Below The Blades is his first commercial game, combining his background in visual storytelling with a love of atmospheric horror and immersive, player-driven experiences.
Incremental survival horror invites you to eat the world, starting now with an amuse-bouche demo ahead of Nov 16’s main course (spoiler, it’s braaaaaaains)
London, UK (07/10/2026) – Ten Image Publishing announced Night of the Idle Horde, an incremental survival horror game from developer, myradann. The demo is available now on Steam here. The full game launches Nov 16 for £4.59 / $4.99 / €5.19 here. The announcement trailer below.
Eat the world. Night of the Idle Horde invites players to build their very own horde of flesh eating zombies, spread the infection across regions and topple humanity in this incremental idler. For players who want to pause their braaaaains, switch to Desktop Mode and customise the layout as you let the apocalypse happen in the corner of your screen.
Spend resources on permanent zombie upgrades or overwhelm enemies with a horde of cheap (expendable) flesh eaters
Automate brain collection with rats, crows, bats and chickens as mini resource harvesters, then upgrade their abilities to collect resources offline
Hunt down humanity’s last settlements by toppling Regions, each with their own Game Changer modifier system
Play tactically and organise your horde layout for maximum effectiveness; put Spitters behind Brutes, let Runners lead the charge and move your minions on the fly
Unlock Sigils, dark magic that can temporarily boost stats or summon allies to overwhelm enemy defences
Zombie types, automations, mutations, Sigils, Regions. Choose how the end of the world arrives
Desktop Mode allows players to brighten up their spreadsheets with mini carnage
The demo is available now on Steam, featuring 5 zombie types, 5 automations, 14 mutations, 5 Sigils and 1 Region. The full game launches on November 16.
Drenched in pixel blood, guts and viscera, Night of the Idle Horde takes inspiration from one of the most beloved zombie films of all time, Night of the Living Dead, which celebrated its 59th anniversary since its US release on Oct 4, 1968.
Developer myradann said, “Night of the Idle Horde is a love letter to B-movie horror classics, and much like a world ending virus, it’s evolved throughout its development time with feedback from the community. I’m incredibly proud of how well the game walks the line between background idler and challenging incremental game.”
The demo is available now on Steam. The full game launches Nov 16 for £4.59 / $4.99 / €5.19.
About Ten Image Publishing
Ten Image Publishing is focused on supporting the best up and coming horror and horror adjacent games in the aAA space, providing long term plans to create lasting brands.
About myradann
Myra Boholst is a full-time indie game developer based in El Paso, Texas. She has been creating games since 2015.
She has released three PC games: Reigning Cats, Exoplanets, Politiks and, most recently, Void Salvage. She is passionate about creating games that are fun, chaotic, and unforgettable.
Manila, Philippines – October 6, 2026 – Indie game developer Yangyang Mobile is excited to announce that High Times – Dating/Cooking Sim, a dating sim where players help customers deal with their problems with donuts, will be part of Steam’s Cooking Fest. The game would have a 25% discount on October 13 to 20, the biggest discount on High Times since it launched.
The way to a person’s heart is donuts. With its dynamic hand-drawn comic-book art style and relaxing lo-fi soundtrack, High Times puts players in charge of a special donut shop frequented by a colorful cast of characters. But High Times is more than
just a cooking sim: the donuts you serve customers can affect their moods and help them make decisions that will change their personal lives.
Get Cooking and Find Love
In High Times, players need to solve cryptic orders and decide which mood best fits a customer’s state of mind. They have a variety of flavors and toppings in their arsenal, which can help customers find the solution to their emotional turmoil… or leave them with more problems than before.
But it’s not just the customers. As you build new relationships and reconnect with people from the past, you might find that helping customers deal with their emotions would prepare them to face your own.
Game Features:
Donut Therapy: Pay close attention to your customers’ stories to cook the perfect mood-altering treat. The right ingredients at the right time can solve even the most complex emotional problems.
Cafe Progression: Grow your business by creating and evolving recipes. Earn tips to purchase more than 100 store decorations, and unlock advanced tools to tackle more elaborate culinary challenges.
Relationships with Consequences: Discover the stories of 30+ diverse customers. Six of these characters are romanceable, allowing you to use “donut woo” to win their hearts. With multiple endings per customer, your choices lead to genuinely different outcomes.
Premium Visual Novel Presentation: Experience a rich, immersive world featuring a full English voice cast, a catchy theme song, an original soundtrack and fully animated cutscenes.
High Times – Dating/Cooking Simwill have a 25% Discountfor Cooking Fest (October 13 – 20)
About Yangyang Mobile Yangyang Mobile is an indie game studio based in the Philippines. Founded by couple John and Danni Pineda in 2015, they’ve focused on narrative games. Previously they’ve released four titles, including The Letter and Love Esquire. Devoted to diversity, nearly half the studio are women and/or members of the LGBTQIA community.
At one point there was a time that fans of Dragon’s Dogma thought the franchise would never continue and then after over a decade of waiting, Dragon’s Dogma 2 arrived and while it had some rough edges, for many, including myself, loved it for its various issues due to the world, combat, and ever-changing encounters.
Then, when the creator of the game stepped away from Capcom entirely, it left many wondering if it would ever be given the same treatment as its predecessor and thankfully, two years later, not only has Capcom managed to deliver with Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen but far surpasses Bitterblack Isle and its finite dungeon with Norgan, a sprawling new icy land teeming with plenty of opportunities for fans to enjoy and newcomers to experience for the first time ever with numerous quality of life features that have been made to the title since launch.
Story
It is worth noting that players will need to get a short while into the base game, at least to the primary city of Vernworth, before they can access the DLC. It is also worth noting that the DLC cannot be accessed from any post-game content in the base-game, meaning players will need to start a New Game+ in order to do so. Either way, as players head to Vernworth they will be able to speak with Captain Brant who has two new pieces of information for the player. The fact that rumors are circulating about yet another Arisen has been found in the frozen wastes and the Queen is planning on sending soldiers to investigate, and that a number of mysterious dungeons have been uncovered throughout the land, ones that only the Arisen, with a proper tool, can open.
Once players learn of the way they will reach Norgan, they’ll set out into the snowy wasteland and immediately be greeted by a blinding blizzard and hostile enemies that pack far more of a punch than even late-game enemies did, shredding through dragonforged armor and shrugging off dragonforged end-game weaponry as if it were nothing. This rough introduction sees the player getting knocked out and waking up in a small village that has managed to stay strong against the cold and wild harshness of the Norgan wastes, giving players everything they need to make their first foothold in this new dangerous realm as they find themselves acclimating to the villagers and their needs first before beginning to track down the mystery of this “other Arisen” which quickly turns into a fairly complex and far more interesting narrative than most of the base game had to offer.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s core storyline was always something of a mixed bag despite the way that the narrative could flow all on its own thanks to the way fights could play out and random encounters in the field, but even then while the story started off strong and had a lull in the middle, especially in regards to the Beastren nation, it ended on a very strong note and while players won’t need to get to that point to access Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, it is worth noting that the storyline for Dark Arisen is far more enjoyable and nuanced than the core game’s. While we will avoid spoilers here, by keeping the amount of NPCs that players interact with in a smaller, tight nit group, not only can players feel a bit more like a growing group of allies, especially after completing a number of side-quests for them, but also that every venture out into the frozen wastes of Norgan are a risk worth uncovering the mystery that awaits them.
This mystery is one that is also filled with a fair share of twists and turns as well, something that came as a pleasant surprise and even one that, shockingly, gave the player a choice at one point that would likely play out incredibly differently if players opted for the more destructive route. This adds some extra depth to the main storyline all while still making sure to give players the same organic storytelling that Dragon’s Dogma does better than any other RPG. One minute players might be fighting against a group of barbaric brutes only to be swept down on by a griffon, forced to battle both foes or clinging to the griffon’s back and slashing at its head and wings or, since I played a Wayfarer specialized entirely on rogue skills, planting bombs on its head and detonating them.
Or in another case, fighting against a Norgan Troll and pulling weapons out of it to deal massive damage only for its wide-ranging attacks to smack into a Snowfoot (a Norgan variation of the Ogre) pitting both monsters against one another with our party caught in the middle, nevermind some other end-stage “large monsters” we won’t spoil here that are brand new. Yet in another case, we found ourselves scouring through the remnants of a ruined castle only to find a set of keys that were completely unrelated to any signified quest and opened the inner doors to discover a plethora of loot and special Arisen-only books that granted special abilities, one of many little side-treks that can uncover special locations or new battles that players may never see without going off the beaten path.
Gameplay
Now it is worth noting that, for the most part, Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen still plays and controls the exact same way as the original game, only with additional elements added in the Norgan region as well as within the twelve new dungeons that have been added throughout the core game. That being said, if you are like me and haven’t played the original since completing it back in 2024, there are a number of improvements that have been made right out of the gate. First and foremost players will have access to six skill slots at a time rather than four, something essential for fans who want to get the most out of their class or mix things up with the Wayfarer’s multi-class system. Other improvements include improved ally pawn AI, extra commands such as sending them out to explore the local area to obtain items or return for a high five, and even an Eternal Ferrystone for players who are in New Game+, relieving the worry of having to save ferrystones and make long treks or travel via oxcart.
Of course, once players head to Norgan things take an entirely different turn. Now as mentioned, the game still plays the same as before as there are no new vocations, but enemies in Norgan pack a punch and players will soon find that their best gear is practically nothing compared to the first set of gear that they can have crafted at the blacksmith, nevermind the main aspect of loot drops in Norgan, the artifacts. Artifacts come in a variety of different levels and even come in basic, ancient, and rare forms and must be identified by the town elder at the cost of rift crystals. Players can also sell unidentified artifacts for rift crystals if need be, or if they know they’ll be low quality compared to what they already have or doesn’t fit their playstyle nor their pawns, such as a level 1 aegis artifact.
The artifacts then will be identified in a random roll of the dice it seems like, with higher levels and rarity providing a better chance at obtaining stronger weaponry, armor, or items, including the region’s new collectible. These items will then have varied stats as well as bonuses attached to them but cannot be upgraded in any form, though they can also provide various stat boosts of their own such as increased frost defense, slash resistance, or even improve the amount of damage dealt to certain enemy types. The artifact hunting is all a luck of a draw, to the point that one of the first few missions saw my main character obtaining a pair of daggers that were far superior to anything else I acquired until three quarters through the lengthy DLC campaign. So this means that players are basically gambling with whether they’ll obtain something good or not every time and most often, selling them for cash afterwards or dumping them in storage for later.
It is interesting to note that, as mentioned earlier, Norgan does have its own set of collectables and Port Crystals as well, meaning players cannot bring Waystones from the normal game and use them in the frozen wasteland. The game more than makes up for it however by offering built-in Port Crystals at most important locations and providing players more than a few pretty quickly, giving them plenty of ways to set up their own teleportation routes. As for the collectables, players will now be searching for “Norgan Ducats” that can be traded for rare items at the village inn in the same manner as Seeker Tokens. These rare items range from simple curatives to headgear that allows players to see artifacts through walls, a very expensive and unique looking set of armor we couldn’t obtain yet during our time with the DLC, and even a book that unlocks an extra augment slot for both the Arisen and their main Pawn.
Now, once players are actually out and exploring Norgan they’ll notice quite a few differences. The land is not only ice covered but layered and packed with things to see and do. There are totem-like shrines players can uncover that each relate to one of the game’s classes and can be used to unlock an enhanced skill for said class for free (discipline, but players will likely have tens of thousands to spare), and further boons at the cost of flame offerings that can only be obtained by clearing the mysterious dungeons back at the main game. Players will also make use of grappling hooks to climb up sheer cliff faces to make new paths, deal with harsh blizzards that will literally white-out the player’s map and leave them stumbling in the snow and freezing them if they haven’t equipped freeze-preventing cloaks or are using a heat stone, and plenty of other hazards.
The world itself can change depending on if there is a blizzard or not, as dangerous death drops can be hidden by mounds of snow waiting for players to step onto them during a blizzard, where they would have been obvious if the skies were clear. Similarly, entire pathways can be opened up should enough snow be on the ground as players can climb the snow or literally take a massive fall into a snowbank and suffer no damage at all, something that is impossible on a clear day. It is also interesting to note that players can also bring a little friend with them on most excursions, who will eventually grow to be quite helpful in fights as players complete more side-quests involving the village. Freki, the village’s resident direwolf, can be taken with the player and while she will initially only sniff out treasures when given meat and retreat from combat, she will actively howl and draw enemy attention, grab and drag downed Pawns to the Arisen to resurrect them, and more once they’ve bonded enough. There is even a unique bonus players can obtain that makes them move quicker and lose less stamina when traveling with Freki.
As for the various enemy types that players encounter, it must be said that there is a very good difference between what players encounter in the base game and what is offered in Dark Arisen. Yes, some foes are the exact same such as the Griffon, Gorechimera, and Goreminotaur, but other larger foes have been entirely reworked with new movesets, weaknesses and afflictions that they can unleash on the player and their team. Brand new smaller enemies also appear and are quite vicious to the point that running on ahead can be quite dangerous, as they’ll aggressively target the player if they aren’t careful and dodging around incoming blows. This makes for a new and satisfying level of challenge that players will find satisfying as they test their old skills against new foes, especially once they’ve gotten themselves re-equipped with a full set of Norgan designed gear.
There are two notable elements that have also been added in this DLC and that is a Spirit Compass and the “Eye of the Sphinx.” The Spirit Compass is something that will help guide players to their objective through a blizzard, so it is usually situational at best, but the Eye of the Sphinx is a real treat thanks to the fact that it literally highlights the location of every “massive enemy” currently available and where they are on the map. It does not say what enemy they are, but it does make hunting down the big epic fights all the easier, rather than simply hoping to stumble upon them.
The new Lost Rites dungeons that players will acquire the offering flames in as well as special set weaponry and armor that is specific to each dungeon have their own unique traits as well. While the first of these dungeons are simple affairs of fighting through enemies and taking on a boss at the end, other dungeons require players to take on very specific requirements to even enter them, be it venturing in with only the Arisen and their Main Pawn, no hired pawns with them to assist, another requiring players have no attribute skills to make it so they must utilize scattered explosive barrels and poison jars to eliminate physically immune foes. These little dungeons offer a taste of what players can expect before entering into Norgan as well as items required for unique permanent buffs from totems in the region, making them useful to visit and an appropriate challenge at the same time.
Audio & Visuals
The graphics for Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen remain fairly the same as they did in the base game but the design of Norgan, the new enemy types both small and large, and the armor are exceptionally well done. The region is a real treat as treading through the snow covered land can make players feel truly lost at times, especially amidst a blizzard where their only guide is a compass or the flames of enemy torches at a distance, ready to pounce. The various pieces of equipment are all brand new and feature a nice variation compared to what is found in the base game and while most of it is specifically designed to look like heavy-clothing or padded armor for the cold, there are exceptions that are more eccentric and enjoyable looking as well.
One thing that is worth noting is that some of the spell effects for “grand” spells that have been unlocked by obtaining their upgrades through totems are absolutely gorgeous looking and have new lingering effects on the terrain. In fact, one of the best elements of the terrain in the game is fighting in the snow. Battling against a slew of enemies and nailing one with a grappling hook to send it flying into a snow drift, pouncing on them for a ground execution, all while leaving a divot in the snow is a sight to see and this is especially true when fighting large monsters who will carve massive swathes in the snow as they attack wildly or cast high-grade spells in an attempt to take down the player.
The voice work for the game is handled well enough, though players shouldn’t expect too much difference from the type of voice work they had in the base game. The set NPCs in the town are voiced well and so are some of the key characters that make up the game’s story. As for the soundtrack, it didn’t appear that there were any new pieces of background music during my time with the game, though that may have been due to my time between both games, but either way the same theme songs and epic fight music that players are treated to, especially upon slaying a massive foe, are as enjoyable as they were originally.
Overall
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen takes the strengths of the base game and focuses on them to make a tight, more coherent story that not only keeps players engaged by offering numerous locations to explore and a smaller location with decently handled NPCs, including a pet direwolf, but also plenty of new foes to challenge along the way and new obstacles that will force players to challenge themselves at the same time if they wish to succeed. Of course, the same friction and janky elements from the base game still remain, but for many these are part of what made Dragon’s Dogma 2 so enjoyable and that remains true here, making this DLC a must have for anyone that enjoyed the original game and also delivering a well-paced narrative for newcomers who have yet to touch the game in any way.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Dream Team Supreme, the co-op, kaiju battling, boss-rush deckbuilder from developer Big Adventure, builds up momentum with a major demo update featuring two new kaiju to conquer: Bushido Beetle and the furious fungi King Mycol.
Save the day while crushing hostile kaiju as the two-headed robot Super Supreme alongside a trusty scientist copilot together with a friend, or solo. Build up two distinct decks of cartridges, and find the right synergies to defeat fearsome foes. Battle giant monsters in boss rush scenarios, giant ramen noodles, refrigerators, tsunamis, and more, mixing and matching scientists’ distinct cartridge decks to create hundreds of different strategies. Upgrade the decks and Super Supreme after each victory!
For the first time, fight Bushido Beetle, an intense insect that builds up its strength to potentially overwhelming levels. Take on King Mycol, a marauding mushroom using spores to inflict poison and drain strength. The new demo also features new levels, locations, and decisions, with two pilots to play as and 25 new mods to equip to Super Supreme, along with a variety of quality of life settings including new graphics settings and co-op cursor display.
Dream Team Supreme’s new demo is currently available on PC via Steam, with the full game launching on PC and console this Q1 2027. Conduct research on Dream Team Supreme and developer Big Adventure on Twitter, Bluesky, TikTok, and Instagram, experiment with fellow scientists in the official Discord community, and search the hashtag #DreamTeamSupreme on social media.
About Big Adventure
Big Adventure formed like Voltron to master making and releasing engaging roguelike deckbuilders. We’re award-winning, experienced, and passionate game devs who value player feedback, rapid iteration, and fun factor. Each of our team members, including experience with PikPok and Fox & Co, is a shareholder in our startup and we’re based in not-so-sunny Wellington, New Zealand. We’re thrilled to be sharing our debut game, Dream Team Supreme, with you.
