Navigate five relationships as an exchange student posing as a wealthy heir
Los Angeles, California – August 25th, 2026 – Interactive Films has officially revealed FMV dating sim The Fame Game II: LA Heartbreaker, the sequel to The Fame Game: Welcome to Hollywood, with an all new trailer. Returning to the glamor and chaos of tinseltown, The Fame Game II: LA Heartbreaker introduces an all-new protagonist as he finds himself in over his head after fibbing about his past.
In The Fame Game II: LA Heartbreaker, players assume the role of He Shuhanm, an international student posing as a wealthy heir. As a newcomer to Hollywood, you must navigate relationships with five vastly different potential lovers. Each potential romance comes with its own risks as you protect your secrets, and decide who you can trust. Your choices shape your journey and ultimately determine whether you find true love, or find yourself heartbroken in Hollywood.
Hundreds of choices create branching relationship paths and outcomes. Can you keep your cover story from being debunked, or will you reveal the truth? Each choice you make will send the story in a completely different direction.
The Fame Game II: LA Heartbreaker will double as a vertical drama on Salty TV and an FMV dating sim. Filmed on location in Los Angeles, The Fame Game II: LA Heartbreaker already received a lot of interest with more than 200,000 players voting on the casting of its leading ladies.
For more information on The Fame Game II: LA Heartbreaker: Steam
About Interactive Films LLC Interactive Films (IF), a film and media subsidiary of Snail, Inc., was founded with the goal of reaching new video audiences, engaging enthusiastic viewers, and telling stories across various formats. IF is also the catalyst behind SaltyTV, a specialized film application designed to produce and showcase compelling short-form vertical content. The SaltyTV app is available for download from the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store.
About Snail Games USA Snail Games is a leading global developer and publisher, known for delivering innovative, immersive gaming experiences across a range of genres and platforms. With a legacy of technological innovation and a focus on community engagement, Snail Games is shaping the future of interactive entertainment. snail.com
Strategy fans worldwide can now join an online competitive and co-op playtest, while Gamescom attendees can go hands-on with TINY METAL 2 and PROJECT BLITZ
COLOGNE, GERMANY, Aug. 25, 2026 – Developer AREA 35, Inc. is bringing full theater battles to Gamescom, where attendees will have the opportunity to go hands-on with the anticipated tactical strategy warfare game TINY METAL 2 at Hall 10, Booth #C-70-D-071. For fans who cannot make it to Cologne, yet still want a chance to play the biggest TINY METAL game ever made, the fight is coming to them.
AREA 35 today announced that players around the world can now join the next TINY METAL 2 playtest, a limited-time online multiplayer-focused test built around both competitive and cooperative play, available now through September 13, 2026 EDT. Participants who complete one online match will also earn an exclusive Player Icon and Player Icon Background reward to carry into the full release of TINY METAL 2 on Steam.
Built around online multiplayer, the playtest lets commanders face off in Free for All or team up in Co-op across 10 multiplayer maps designed for battles of varying sizes, including large-scale scenarios that support up to 8 commanders.
“Gamescom gives us an incredible opportunity to put TINY METAL 2 directly into players’ hands, but we want the battlefield to extend far beyond Cologne,” said Hiroaki Yura, CEO of AREA 35 Inc. “This playtest is an important step for us because online competition and cooperation are major parts of what we are building. We are excited to have players around the world jump in, challenge each other, fight together and help us make the experience even stronger.”
The playtest will feature flexible, lobby-based online multiplayer, giving players the freedom to battle alongside or against friends, other participants and CPU-controlled commanders.
Participants will also experience the latest round of refinements to TINY METAL 2, with improvements across battlefield readability, pacing, audio and visual feedback, balance, and Commander abilities, all designed to make battles clearer, smoother and more satisfying.
TINY METAL 2 TAKES THE WAR TO LAND, SEA AND AIR The latest entry in AREA 35’s tactical warfare series is the most ambitious yet. TINY METAL 2 expands the grid-based strategy formula with battles spanning land, sea and air on the same battlefield, including naval warfare for the first time in series history.
Commanders will lead combined forces that include familiar land and air units, as well as battleships, submarines, transport vessels and other naval units. TINY METAL 2 also expands the series with a roster of more than 15 playable commanders, a large collection of Campaign and Skirmish maps, and new tactical systems designed around playing both together and against other commanders.
The game’s presentation is also taking a major step forward, featuring music by award-winning composer Go Shiina and performances by the Sydney-based Eminence Symphony Orchestra.
ALSO PLAYABLE AT GAMESCOM: PROJECT BLITZ Alongside TINY METAL 2, attendees visiting AREA 35’s booth can also experience PROJECT BLITZ, a fast-paced arcade party game set in the TINY METAL universe.
Designed for quick, social play, PROJECT BLITZ features short, objective-driven battles where changing objectives, environmental hazards and power-ups can quickly shift the momentum of a match. Easy to jump into but built around tactical decision-making, the game is designed to create lively, unpredictable battles with friends.
AREA 35 is using Gamescom as an opportunity to put the project in front of players, see how they respond and gather feedback that will help inform its future role in the TINY METAL universe.
About TINY METAL 2 TINY METAL 2 is in development by AREA 35, Inc. and will be published by AREA 34, Inc. when it releases in spring 2027 on PC via Steam and other platforms. The title is currently available to Wishlist on Steam.
About AREA 35 AREA 35, Inc. is a Tokyo-based game and entertainment development studio specializing in Unreal Engine. The company develops, publishes and expands original IP across entertainment, including the TINY METAL series, while also providing development and production services to major publishers and partners worldwide. Its capabilities span contract game development, rapid prototyping and vertical slices, look development and optimization, Unreal Engine consulting, concept art, localization and real-time film production. Beyond entertainment, AREA 35 applies its game-development and Unreal Engine expertise to digital transformation projects and custom applications for major companies.
Android users get their first look at the voxel art fantasy game next month
Seongnam, South Korea — August 25, 2026 | Publisher Kakao Games and developer Tiny Fun Games are excited to announce the first closed beta test for their mobile hack-and-slash RPG, Dungeons Arise. Android players in the United States of America and Taiwan can sign up to the closed beta test, which will take place this September, via the Google Play Store.
In addition to accessible one-handed combat, Dungeons Arise offers players the chance to explore mysterious dungeons in a beautiful, voxel art fantasy world. Dungeons Arise also promises a variety of unique heroes that can be added to a player’s team on their journey, a gameplay system where players can rebuild this ruined kingdom using collected resources, and the ability to match up against other players in a competitive mode.
Players can join the Dungeons AriseDiscord server for more information on the upcoming closed beta test.
The Dungeons Arise closed beta test is exclusive to Android users in the United States and Taiwan, and will take place next month.
About Kakao Games
Kakao Games (Co CEOs Taehwan Kim and Siwoo Lee) is a game company specializing in both publishing and development across a wide range of genres, from casual to hardcore titles on PC and mobile. Since its KOSDAQ listing in September 2020, Kakao Games has successfully developed and launched popular titles such as Odin: Valhalla Rising, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Eversoul, Guardian Tales, and PUBG: Battlegrounds, with multiple global releases on the horizon. Kakao Games remains committed to expanding its portfolio and exploring new opportunities in the evolving gaming landscape.
About Tiny Fun Games
Tiny Fun Games was founded in May 2024 by industry veterans with experience in game development and publishing at major game companies in Korea. Drawing on their extensive experience in developing and launching a wide range of games, the company aims to create innovative, high-quality titles for players around the world. Tiny Fun Games is currently developing Dungeons Arise, a strategy adventure RPG
Since launch on November 12th, 2024, Farming Simulator 25 has sold 5 million copies worldwide. Publisher and developer GIANTS Software announces it has reached this milestone just ahead of the world’s largest consumer video game expo, gamescom. Visitors can celebrate with the makers of Farming Simulator by enjoying interactive stage shows and a hands-on premiere.
“Wow! It’s remarkable to see so many new farmers joining our community”, says Boris Stefan, CSO and Head of Publishing at GIANTS Software. “We’re incredibly proud of how quickly it continues to grow, and grateful for the enthusiasm from our fans and newfound farmers. Beans & Alpacas is already falling on fertile ground, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone cultivate the red soils of South America when the expansion arrives.”
Announced: Bananas are Coming with Beans & Alpacas
With bananas, Farming Simulator 25 introduces a brand-new dedicated cultivation system: Virtual farmers take care of banana plantations after creating the layout, including setting up a railing system, defining rail counts and directions, and placing the washing stations for processing.
Adding new gameplay depth, Beans & Alpacas also introduces fungicides, which require farmers to spray bananas with fungicides when plant disease occurs. Bananas can be harvested manually with a machete, then hung on the rails to be washed and processed into pallets. Harvesting can be automated by hired workers. On Catuaí, the new map coming with Beans & Alpacas allows bananas to be planted and harvested year-round.
First Hands-on at gamescom, Hall 6
GIANTS Software attends gamescom in Cologne, Germany, from August 26-30. Located in Hall 6, the publisher and developer will present a broad playable line-up spanning Farming Simulator 25: Beans & Alpacas, Farming Simulator: Signature Edition on Nintendo Switch™ 2, Farming Simulator 26 for mobile devices, and Project Motor Racing.
Gamers can expect thrilling Bale Race competitions, giveaways (including the ever-popular straw hats), presentations with more info about Beans & Alpacas, and more. GIANTS Software will welcome partners, media representatives, and other industry contacts at its dedicated business booth B42 in Hall 4.2.
Farming Simulator 25 is available for PC, Mac, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. Beans and Alpacas will be available on October 27th as a separate expansion or an edition including the base game. Pre-orders are available on selected channels. The Beans and Alpacas Expansion is included in the Year 2 Season Pass, too, with savings of up to 30% compared to purchasing the content separately. GIANTS Software will also continue to release free content updates and user-generated content on the official ModHub. Visit the official FarmingSimulator website.
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About GIANTS Software GIANTS Software is a globally operating game developer and publisher headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland. Established in 2004, the company is known for creating the popular Farming Simulator franchise. With international teams, including offices in Erlangen (Germany) and Brno (Czech Republic), GIANTS Software develops and publishes simulation experiences worldwide. Beyond Farming Simulator, it is strengthening its position in the genre with Project Motor Racing and a global network of partners and industry ties. For more information, visit the GIANTS Software website.
About Farming Simulator With more than 40 million copies of the main series sold worldwide since 2008, the Farming Simulator franchise is leading in its genre. Available on all major platforms, the series features hundreds of authentic machines from renowned brands and offers compelling agricultural simulation with relaxing, family-friendly gameplay. It’s based on the powerful GIANTS Engine – built in-house to provide realistic physics, high-fidelity graphics, dynamic systems and extensive modding support. Visit farming-simulator.com for more information.
EA SPORTS FC™ celebrates the Class of ’27, honouring a new generation of ICONs and the defining moments that made them
EA SPORTS FC™ proudly welcomes the Class of ’27 ICONs to EA SPORTS FC™ 27 and the lineup of men’s ICONs to EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile, celebrating football legends through the defining moments that transformed remarkable careers into iconic legacies. Spanning generations, this new class honours players whose unforgettable performances and achievements captivated fans and earned their place among football’s immortals.
Among the new Class of ’27 are Sergio Agüero, Christine Sinclair and Pepe, each taking their place among football’s ICONs in EA SPORTS FC. They are joined by Lúcio and Yaya Touré, whose celebrated careers are now recognised with ICON status following their time as Heroes.
“To be named an EA SPORTS FC ICON means a great deal to me,” said Pepe. “I always played with intensity, passion, and complete commitment every time I stepped onto the pitch. Looking back on that journey, it’s a proud moment to see my career become part of FC’s ICON legacy.”
“To be the first Canadian named an EA SPORTS FC ICON is an incredible honour,” said Christine Sinclair. “Winning Canada’s first major international title was something we had worked toward for so long, and seeing what it meant for women’s soccer back home made us incredibly proud. To have that moment become part of my ICON story, and hopefully inspire the next generation, means a lot.”
Cemented in history, ICONs are reborn in EA SPORTS FC™. Experience unrivalled authenticity as some of football’s greatest-ever players line up alongside modern-day superstars in EA SPORTS FC™ 27, with 21,000+ players across 800+ clubs and national teams, 140 stadiums, and 35+ leagues.
Players who pre-order EA SPORTS FC™ 27 Ultimate Edition or Ultimate Plus Edition by August 31 can get one of the 18 new Class of ’27 ICONs or returning legends* for their Football Ultimate Team™ with an untradeable 85+ OVR International ICON Player Pack.
From last-minute winners to trailblazing transfers, discover the Class of ’27 and the moments that made them ICONs.
THE CLASS OF ‘27 AND RETURNING EA SPORTS FC™ ICONS
Class of ‘27 ICONs
Formiga (EA SPORTS FC™ 27 only)
Hege Riise (EA SPORTS FC™ 27 only)
Yūki Nagasato (EA SPORTS FC™ 27 only)
Raphaël Varane
Sergio Agüero
Tobin Heath (EA SPORTS FC™ 27 only)
Pepe
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Ellen White (EA SPORTS FC™ 27 only)
Christine Sinclair (EA SPORTS FC™ 27 only)
Returning ICONs
Zinedine Zidane
Ruud Gullit
Fernando Torres
Gianluca Zambrotta
Lúcio (former EA SPORTS FC Hero)
Andrea Pirlo
Yaya Touré (former EA SPORTS FC Hero)
Bastian Schweinsteiger
The football community can join the conversation across FC social channels and on the EA SPORTS FC™ Discord, celebrating the achievements of this year’s ICON roster and sharing their own nostalgic memories of football’s greatest players.
ICONS AVAILABLE IN EA SPORTS FC™ MOBILE TODAY
The Class of ’27 arrives in EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile today, with the roster of new men’s football ICONs available through in-game Challenges. Players can experience defining moments from legendary careers across four PvE matches inspired by iconic matchups, earning a special version of each ICON.
PRE-ORDER EA SPORTS FC™ 27 TODAY
Pre-orders are now available for EA SPORTS FC™ 27, which will launch on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. EA SPORTS FC™ 27 will be available worldwide to play on September 25, 2026 with Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Plus Edition early access beginning September 18, 2026.
For more information on EA SPORTS FC™ 27, please visit ea.com/fc27 and ensure you’re following our global social channels for all the latest upcoming news and announcements for EA SPORTS FC™.
Ziggurat Interactive also reveals new name, gameplay for C64™ game collection, Cosmi: Forbidden Forest & Beyond
Denver, CO. (August 24, 2026) – Modern retro publisher Ziggurat Interactive has announced that psychological horror title Sanitarium™ Enhanced is coming to PC (Steam, GOG), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch consoles. Meanwhile, Cosmi: Forbidden Forest & Beyond, a collection of Cosmi’s C64™ classics, has received a new name and new details ahead of release on PC (Steam, GOG), Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. Both trailers were revealed during the inaugural Pixel Arcadia showcase.
Return to the asylum and try to remember your past all over again in Sanitarium™ Enhanced, a modernised and improved version of DreamForge Intertainment’s award-winning cult horror classic from 1998. In this point-and-click adventure, available for the first time on consoles, you awaken as an amnesiac in a decaying asylum. Escape from your cell and into a genuinely terrifying world featuring villages of deformed children and other grotesque and mutated inmates as you figure out how you got there.
This updated version of the game adds modern features to the visually striking title, including full controller support for consoles and Steam Deck, never-before-seen bonus material, widescreen presentation, and other quality-of-life improvements.
Sanitarium™ Enhancedwill be released on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
Heading even further into the past is Cosmi: Forbidden Forest & Beyond, which brings together iconic titles Cosmi Corporation’s C64™ game catalogue. Going all the way back to 1983, the collection includes everything from pick-up-and-play shooters and platformers to adventure and simulation games with surprising depth.
Sharpshooters will love Forbidden Forest’s action, with this package including a medieval-styled remake of the original game, so that you can live that bardcore life, as well as digital comic book stories, box art, and bonus material so you can go behind the scenes, too. Forbidden Forest and Beyond the Forbidden Forest are joined in the collection by Aztec Challenge, Caverns of Khafka, Seal, Delta Man, Chomp!, Chernobyl: Nuclear Power Plant Simulation, Spite & Malice, and Navcom 6: The Persian Gulf Defense.
Cosmi: Forbidden Forest & Beyondwill be released on Windows PC viaSteamandGOG, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
About Ziggurat Interactive
Since its founding in 2019, Ziggurat has published over 130 titles, from retro classics to all-new IP franchises. With games currently available across all major PC and console platforms, Ziggurat reaches a wide variety of gamers across all ages, genres and playstyles.
Ward off a centuries-past cataclysm with up to 10 players in debut Steam demo starting today
HANGZHOU, China – Aug. 24, 2026 –Among Shadows, the asymmetric PvP social deduction game set during an ancient apocalyptic infection from TMXN Games, cleanses the corrupted land on PC via Steam on Friday, 24 September, 2026. Check out the debut demo now through Monday, 31 August.
Plague and chaos ravage a once-prosperous country, turning the lands into a blighted living hell. Trace the infection to its source and halt its spread as a faithful Envoy of the Order of the Secret Fire.
Engage in fast-paced action combat as one of ten distinct Envoys, each wielding specialized techniques. Master the blade as Samurai, cast devastating lightning bolts as Wind Talker, or unleash holy strikes as heavy-armored Paladin.
Stay ever-vigilant, as Apostles from the Underworld hide among the group, plotting to sabotage the mission. Devious creatures flood the realm once the Blood Moon rises, forcing the Envoys to defend the Lord and his citizens. Slaughter hordes of rotting undead while avoiding deadly traps set by scheming Apostles attempting to assassinate the Lord and claim bloody victory.
Investigate with a keen eye: infection can emerge anywhere, from an inconspicuous village well to a forbidden cult gathering. Collaborate with fellow Envoys to cleanse each source of infection.
Scavenge materials and collect scrolls across the map to forge lethal weapons and unlock advanced spells. Return to the church each night to call a Judgment, comparing notes over voice chat to root out traitors before they strike at the worst possible moment.
“Among Shadows blends heart-pounding soulslike combat with social deduction elements rooted in a corrupted fantasy world,” said Wuji Wei, Producer, TMXN Games. “Envoys and Apostles around the world can join the demo today for an early glimpse of the full experience before the game enters Early Access on Friday, 24 Sept.”
Among Shadows will be available for $10.99 on PC via Steam Early Access, including language support for English, Korean, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese. For more information, follow the team on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, join the community on Discord, and search #AmongShadows on social media.
About TMXN Games
Founded in 2022, TMXN Games was formed by a group of experienced creators who share the same creative vision. The studio takes pride in their flexible work culture, resulting in a more efficient workflow than traditional larger studios. They are hard at work on their debut soulslike social deduction game Among Shadows.
There was once a time when literally every movie was given a video game of some kind. Many of these ranged from being only a few hours long and downright disastrous to being shining gems that were the outliers of the movie game genre, and many of those happened to be those tied to The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien’s books and Peter Jackson’s film trilogy created a wealth of material that thrived on early console generations but beyond direct movie adaptations other games were developed years later and a few of these happened to slip under the radar. One such game was The Lord of the Rings: War in the North which tells a side-story of a small group of heroes setting out on an adventure of their own, one meant to help pave the way for the Fellowship’s movements. So now that the game has been released slightly enhanced by Aspyr Media as The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition, is it worth diving into all these years later?
Story
The game begins partway through the first film, in the small village of Bree where the ragged town is suffering under heavy rain and a few travelers are hunkered at The Prancing Pony inn. Here, the trio of heroes, Eradan the Dunedain Ranger, Andriel the elven battlemage, and Farin the dwarven warrior, are meeting with Aragorn having heard of a vital update and mission. Aragorn informs the three that the Black Riders have been sighted nearby and have torn through the forces of men stationed in a nearby outpost in search of someone and that someone will soon be on their way to Bree in search for safe passage.
As such, Aragorn cannot investigate himself and tasks the three to venture out to Fornost, a large area of ruins to the north where the forces of Sauron are meant to be gathering under the command of a twisted former human warrior that is now corrupted by the dark lord’s influence into being his “right hand man,” Agandaur and eliminate them, or at the very least serve as a distraction to bring the majority of the forces away from where Aragorn plans on traveling. As such, the trio begins their adventure to chase after Agandaur, leading them on a separate mission that crosses paths more than a few times with familiar faces all in an effort to help ensure that the Fellowship can make their way forward.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North tells the same untouched story as it did back in 2011 and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sure, it is a bit bare-bones when it comes to depth as none of the three characters that players can play as in their party have much backstory, but the core storyline is strong and fits in perfectly with Tolkien’s lore and the setting of Middle-Earth it is meant to take place in. With this combination fans of The Lord of the Rings will find themselves overjoyed to see cameos of their favorite characters or stopping by signature locations to fight in or simply visit while passing through. There are even little dialogue trees players can have with NPCs throughout the various villages, some of which update as players progress through the game and revisit later on.
There are many minor side-quests here and there that players can undertake in villages and peaceful locations but none of these are complicated. Some provide some extra world building but most tend to focus on simply giving players something extra to do and give the world a more lived in feeling than sending the trio from battlefield to battlefield. That being said, there are some major side-quests as well that focus entirely on how well players are paying attention at times and secrets they uncover along the way, these side-quests spanning across multiple locations and being quite in-depth for the type of game that The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is.
Gameplay
At its core The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is an action RPG through and through, but not like a modern one that tries to muddy the formula with various other elements or try to add in a stamina meter or respawning enemies and the like, just a classic hack and slash game brought fifteen years into the future. New to this version of the game is the fact that players can swap between the three members of their party at will rather than selecting only one member of the trio to fight as at any given time. Thankfully, regardless of who the player is playing as, the AI will take control of the other two and fights admirably enough and uses their skills effectively, though they won’t use potions if players supply them. Should the player or a member of the party be downed, they can be revived by simply going over and holding A for long enough to bring them back to their feet, though failure to do so will result in a game over and return to the latest checkpoint.
The combat itself is fairly straightforward as mentioned before. Every character mostly controls the same way with a collection of light and heavy melee attacks and different ways they can be chained together into combos as well as their own version of a ranged attack with the ranger utilizing arrows, the dwarf bolts, and the elf an infinite but needing to regenerate supply of magical blasts. Regardless of who players are controlling, players can lay into enemies and, if they are really laying it on thick, can send an enemy into a critical state where they can be executed with a flourish and boost of XP. This will trigger a “Hero Mode” where the player will deal increased damage, chain together hits for more XP, and trigger executions even faster. The trio all share XP though there will always be some variation depending on which characters level up first and grow a bit stronger.
Each of the three characters have their own unique set of skills that they can learn, some passive, some active that require mana to utilize that will regenerate while dealing damage to enemies or using a potion. Some, like the Ranger’s, allow for stealth attacks and brutal finishing blows or long-range use of arrow tricks while the dwarf is a tankier force with many skills drawing aggro and buffing his allies. The elf on the other hand serves a dual role that can see her healing the team while protecting them from projectiles while also unleashing arcane arts of her own. This essentially breaks the team down into a dps, tank, and healer, but it is more complex than that thankfully. There is also a slew of armor and weaponry players can find and purchase to strengthen their party though some of it will have certain level and stat requirements such as strong weapons requiring a certain Strength level.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is fairly rote when it comes to standard level progression as, outside of the occasional secret tucked off slightly in a corner, players will be moving from battle arena to arena and taking on enemies until they vanish, occasionally calling in an attack from the giant eagle they befriend early on if they have some magical feathers available. That is far from a bad thing but it also means that progress is straightforward without much random branching or variation. One nice note is that the title supports both online and local co-op, meaning up to three players can play together at the same time without any issue, each taking the role of one of the heroes.
It is interesting to note that while we didn’t experience any bugs with our time in the game per se, we did experience multiple instances where massive quantities of items spawned in a random location either inside of a town, floating in the air in a level, or half-embedded in the ground. These items ranged from everything to the bonus weapons provided with the game’s launch to massive quantities of healing potions, eagle feathers, and other boons. This was obviously an unintentional glitch but not something that broke the game by any means.
Audio & Visuals
It isn’t much of a stretch to say that The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition was simply given a quick pass-over to bring the game up to 4K standards with a solid frame rate that makes it far better than the original but this is not a fresh coat of paint here. Plenty of the janky animations and movements remain here and there and while it is nice to see armor and weapons change as players equip them, the actual character models leave a lot to be desired, especially in conversations. Literally every character model, including the giant eagle, Aragorn, Gandolf, and others, will likely enter a default facial expression after they are done saying their lines in a conversation, eyes half-open and mouth slackjaw, which is rather amusing looking on a massive eagle but an issue nonetheless. Thankfully the enemy executions and dismemberment are nice and brutal still.
The voice work throughout the game is fitting with the cast sounding like they are a perfect match for the setting, though it is worth noting that obviously the team did not acquire the original actors to reprise their roles here in the game but the replacements sound similar enough. The background music is also fitting for a game set in Middle-Earth, though it is a bit too similar in some combat stages.
Overall
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition dropped out of the shadows as quickly as it vanished into them back in 2011 only this time this janky action game has the time to be appreciated for what it is. A classic somewhat dated action game without the random frills worked into modern games at a discount price. With a new journey to venture on with familiar faces and locations along the way that many may have never seen before, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition is a satisfying action game even with its issues.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
– Chaotic local multiplayer fun from the creators of Windjammers 2 –
PARIS (August 24, 2026) – Amateur entomologists Dotemu (Absolum, MARVEL Cosmic Invasion) have just surprise-released Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing!, an all-new free party game that’s the bomb. Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! stars colorful bug heroes in ever-changing arenas where well-timed Pome-Grenande help splatter your opponents across local multiplayer with up to eight players. Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing!’s announcement and launch trailer just debuted at the Pixel Arcadia retro showcase as a thank you from Dotemu to the legions of retro gaming fans around the world. Blast into chaotic showdowns and show your rivals the sting of defeat in Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing!, live now as a free download on Steam.
A bite-sized new release from the renowned retro-inspired developers at Dotemu, Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! features cheeky humour and fantas-tick buggy gore across five modes absolutely crawling with fun: last-bug standing Death Battle, richest-bug-wins Coin Battle, hold on to your hat Crown Battle, splatter-spreading Paint Battle and the ultimate mix-it-up Party Battle, which combines all playable game modes together. Featuring 15 playable characters, each with dedicated gameplay and special attacks to master, Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! is sweet as a honeybee for fans looking for an ant-astic good time.
Compound-eyed blasters will spot a familiar face among the fray hailing from one of 2025’s most acclaimed releases, the genre-evolving, breakout rogue ‘em up hit Absolum. The blade-wielding Galandra hops into Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! alongside the Jaroba arena, which channels Absolum’s captivating fantasy universe, in the Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! Absolum Pack premium DLC. Galandra won’t let pests get the butter(fly) of her; wield her iconic colossal sword and Necrotic Wave ability to squash any and all opponents. The Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! Absolum Pack is available now for €1.99.
Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! is fueled by arcade-style action classics fans know and love, adding bite-sized party fun with unique features like special attacks and levels modifiers for a swarm of mayhem. The highly replayable, “just one more round” battles span 15 playable bug-filled areas, each with its own gameplay twist. Trap your opponents in Bugville, swim the currents of the Sewers and, of course, avoid the dreamcrushing spoon’s attacks in the Kitchen. Don’t wing it – use each environment to your advantage and get those fly wins.
Don’t bee-lieve us? Try it now for yourself, free on Steam and bug out with Dotemu at www.dotemu.com.
About Dotemu
Dotemu is a French publisher and developer specializing in revitalizing legendary pop culture franchises across video games, TV and cinema by releasing original PC and console games that feel like a dream come true to play. Dotemu crafts entertainment with heart in collaboration with passionate creative partners for fans around the world, both through games that revitalize a beloved IP and titles set in original universes that modernize the classic fun of all-time favorites.
Dotemu has published and developed a number of global top-sellers including the award-winning games Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4, and NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound, as well as the new, innovative breakout hit IP Absolum. Dotemu’s development and publishing work also supported the release of the acclaimed Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes, Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!, Metal Slug Tactics, Windjammers 1 and 2, Pharaoh: A New Era, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and more.
Dotemu is currently working on Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Deathmaster, Theos: Cities of Myth and unannounced projects planned for 2026 and beyond.
PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S Join Nintendo Switch and PC at Launch
Top Hat Studios, Inc. anddeveloper Kyle Thompson, the creator behind beloved Metroidvania hits Crypt Custodian and Islets, are thrilled to reveal that Well Dweller will release on September 22, 2026. Initially revealed during the Nintendo Indie World showcase, the whimsical dark fairy-tale Metroidvania will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, alongside the previously announced Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam) versions. The native Nintendo Switch 2 edition will also join, featuring higher-resolution graphics and enhanced texture quality.
Additionally, the studio is excited to confirm that Well Dweller will be available with Xbox Game Pass on day one, giving members access to the full game at release. Xbox players can join Glimmer’s journey on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC.
Watch the new Well Dweller Release Date Trailer:
Created by Kyle Thompson, one of indie gaming’s most recognized developers in the Metroidvania genre, Well Dweller is a dark, bizarre, and twisted mythical adventure. Following the well-regarded Crypt Custodian and Islets, Thompson’s latest game invites players into a wretched kingdom full of charming characters.
Play as Glimmer, a tiny bird armed with a matchstick who must burn the wicked queen to save his family before they become part of her royal gown. Venture into a whimsical but morbid landscape and battle terrifying beasts while gaining new abilities and expanding the world. Discover secrets, mysteries, and the riddles that rot in the underbelly of this wretched queendom.
Well Dweller will be available on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on September 22, 2026. For more information, follow the official social channels.
