Take command of the forces of life itself in BioGenesis, Stellaris’ new expansion, and enjoy significant improvements to performance and gameplay with the free 4.0 “Phoenix” update
STOCKHOLM — May 5, 2025 — Paradox Interactive today released the BioGenesis expansion and the free 4.0 “Phoenix” update for their grand sci-fi strategy game Stellaris. Available now on PC, BioGenesis offers players the opportunity to take command of the forces of life itself, adding overhauled genetic ascension, biological ships, a new player crisis path, three new origins, a new megastructure, and more. The free 4.0 “Phoenix” update, also available now for all players, refines core systems and adds more features to enhance both new and seasoned players’ experiences.
Players can purchase BioGenesis now as part of the Season 09 Expansion Pass, offering a 20% discount compared to purchasing separately, or individually for $24.99.
Highlights of BioGenesis include:
Overhauled Genetic Ascension: Choose from three distinct paths, Cloning, Purity, and Mutation, and customize your evolution.
Biological Ships: Command living starships that evolve alongside your empire.
New Player Crisis Path: Behemoth Fury: Unleash an unstoppable Behemoth on the galaxy.
Three New Origins:
Evolutionary Predators: Push the boundaries of Species Traits by unlocking and combining unique phenotype abilities to craft the ultimate adaptive empire.
Starlit Citadel: Solve the mystery of your empire’s biological attackers while boosting hyperlane choke-point strategies with early access to the Deep Space Citadel megastructure.
Wilderness: Begin as a sapient planetary ecosystem, a living gestalt of countless lifeforms united in harmony, seeking to spread its consciousness to the stars.
New Megastructure: Construct the Deep Space Citadel to defend your territory and better control hyperlane choke points.
And More: Seven new Civics, Phenotype Species Traits (16 new traits), two Biological Ship Sets, City Sets and Diplomatic Rooms, Reactive Species Portraits, new music, and 65 new events.
The free 4.0 “Phoenix” update brings new mechanics, quality-of-life updates, and other improvements, including:
Performance Improvements: Major overhauls to the population and trade systems keep gameplay running smoothly, even in massive, late-stage galaxies.
New Player Guidance and Game Pacing: Notifications and event systems have been refined to ease the cognitive load and make early-game choices more focused and impactful.
Quality of Life Improvements: From ship and species design to empire customization, many of the game’s core systems have been enhanced to increase player enjoyment and efficiency.
For more information about Stellaris, please visit www.stellaris.com.
About Paradox Interactive
Paradox Interactive is one of the premier developers and publishers of strategy and management games for PC and consoles. The players are located all over the world but some of the biggest markets are North America, Western Europe and Asia.
The game portfolio consists of popular franchises such as Stellaris, Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings, Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect, the Surviving games, Age of Wonders and Victoria. Paradox Interactive also owns the World of Darkness brand catalog.
Two iconic brands have created one legendary tribute to the DOOM Slayer’s relentless spirit, which will be given away alongside an in-store unveiling at Culture Kings George Street Sydney
Sydney, Australia, 5 May 2025 – Bethesda today revealed its one-of-a-kind custom Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorcycle inspired by the fast-paced, medieval aesthetic of upcoming video game, DOOM: The Dark Ages. Visually designed by the incredible artists at id Software and created with the support of Harley-Davidson, the build merges the legendary power and craftsmanship of the historic motorcycle brand with the raw, demon-slaying energy of DOOM, to deliver the ultimate fusion of power and style.
Australian fans can witness this engineering and design marvel during an exclusive launch event at Culture Kings on George Street, Sydney. The motorcycle will be given away to one lucky person, allowing them to ride like the Slayer.
Forged in fire and built for ripping and tearing to Hell and back, the first-of-its-kind Sportster S motorcycle features a custom-built dash around the fearsome head of the Slayer’s new DOOM: The Dark Ages new mechanised dragon, Serrat, with its mouth agape to house the front headlight. Ethereal neon emanates from the heart of the vehicle through considered lighting, while custom LEDs project the dragon’s glowing wings onto the ground. The entire build includes menacing demon rune decals as well as meticulously recreated Slayer armour details, all featured in the upcoming game. The experience of riding this dragon wouldn’t be complete without matching helmet and leather jacket, equally inspired by the medieval hellish aesthetic of the latest entrance to the DOOM franchise.”
Nigel Keough, Managing Director of Harley-Davidson ANZ, said “It is fantastic to see the transformation, of what is already an iconic motorcycle, into something out of this world. The team at Bethesda have done an amazing job in the creation of a custom design Harley-Davidson Sportster S, inspired by the DOOM Slayer’s dragon. We’re thrilled to be able to provide the opportunity for a lucky fan to ride this piece of gaming history on two wheels.
“Creating this DOOM: The Dark Ages motorcycle with the support of Harley-Davidson is truly a match made in Hell,” said Simon Alty, VP and Managing Director (APAC) at Bethesda Softworks. “The iconic motorcycle brand is renowned for its power and style, much like our legendary DOOM Slayer. What better way to celebrate the launch of the latest DOOM instalment than with an incredibly powerful mecha-dragon motorcycle. We’re thrilled for all the fans to witness this mythical beast brought to life”.
To celebrate the launch of DOOM: The Dark Ages and the exclusive DOOM clothing range, available at Culture Kings, Bethesda is hosting an in-store unveiling of the motorcycle at the George Street Sydney location on Friday 16th May 2025 from 7pm-9pm AEST. Attendees will step into Hell and bask in the majesty of the Harley-Davidson build in person, while enjoying a range of themed activities including photo moments, metal music, art, and more. DOOM fans, both new and old, won’t want to miss this chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Slayer’s world.
Local fans will have the opportunity to win the custom Sportster S motorcycle, bespoke leather jackets, helmets, and limited-edition tees alongside DOOM: The Dark Ages Collector’s Editions. For more information on how to enter, or to attend the Culture Kings launch event, please keep an eye out on Bethesda ANZ social media channels X, Instagram, and Facebook.
DOOM: The Dark Ages launches May 15, 2025 for Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. For more information, visit DOOM.com.
Marvelous Europe today revealed “Combat Basics,” the first in a series of gameplay system introduction trailers, for their upcoming dark sci-fi action game, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, ahead of its release for Nintendo Switch™ 2, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via Steam on 5 September, 2025. Offering a detailed view into the armored suit known as the Arsenal, as well as useful on-field tactics, it provides fans an exciting look at the fast-paced combat, as well as a glimpse of some of the titanic bosses waiting to challenge players’ skills.
Accompanying the latest video and to help fans prepare for the sequel, Marvelous Europe announced that the preceding game, DAEMON X MACHINA, is on sale on Steam with the deepest discount ever of 80% off its RRP through May 12. There’s never been a better time to suit up and experience the exhilarating action of the Daemon X Machina series!
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion “Combat Basics” gameplay system introduction trailer
Created and produced by Kenichiro Tsukuda and featuring stunning mechanical designs from Shoji Kawamori, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion takes the franchise in a dramatic new direction. Join the Reclaimers in their fight against the Axiom. Humanity’s battle for liberation begins now!
KEY FEATURES
A Titanic Evolution – Daemon X Machina’s high-octane armored action debuts on a new generation of platforms, bringing with it an epic sci-fi adventure, gameplay that’s accessible to newcomers, and an expanded scope sure to satisfy returning fans.
Build a Better You – Now a nimble suit of armor, each Arsenal can be fully customized both in design and in loadout, with the ability to craft or salvage new elements.
Together You Can Make a Difference – Cooperative and asynchronous multiplayer means players never truly fight alone. Team up with friends online to tackle the epic story and battles together.
Beautiful and Deadly – Explore an alien planet in an Arsenal as players battle against mechanical and organic enemies. Trek through the vast open world on foot, fly through the skies, or when all else fails, gallop on horseback across plains, swamps, mountains, and more.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is available for physical pre-order through participating retailers via the Marvelous Europe website in a standard physical edition with the full game on the physical disc or cartridge on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for an RRP of €69.99, and a physical Limited Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system only including a copy of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, an original soundtrack CD with 15 tracks, an art book, a set of three flight tags, a set of three patches, and an acrylic standee for an RRP of €99.99.
The title will also be available digitally on all platforms in a standard edition for €69.99; a Digital Deluxe edition, which includes the game and an expansion pack DLC featuring new story content and customization options for your Arsenal and Outer, for €89.99; and a Super Digital Deluxe edition, which includes the game, the expansion pack DLC, a digital soundtrack, and a digital art book, for €99.99. Digital pre-order options will be available soon.
The title will be published in Asia by Marvelous Inc. and in the Americas by Marvelous USA. More information can be found on the official website and on X @DXM_Game.
About Marvelous Europe
Marvelous Europe is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Marvelous Inc., developer of beloved Story of Seasons and Rune Factory games. Established in 2012, Marvelous Europe’s varied portfolio includes both third-party titles such as Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, Leximan, Cuisineer and Moonlight Peaks in addition to select Marvelous Inc. content.
Combining classic horror monsters and masked luchadors we dive right into the arcade mode of Oribe Ware Games’ Mostroscopy and see how this indie fighter plays as we run through multiple unique characters’ endings.
Mostroscopy – Gameplay
Mostroscopy is a fighting video game that takes up the aesthetics of the horror and Luchador films of Mexican cinema from the 1950s, with an eclectic roster of monsters and masked Luchadores and a simple gameplay style with a retro presentation.
Mostroscopy Developer: Oribe Ware Games Publisher: Seashell Studio Platform: Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch Release Date: 31 Oct, 2023 (PC), 31st Jan, 2025 (Console) Price: $19.99 USD
Not Recommended – “Mostroscopy’s wild mix of fighters dazzles, but limited modes, no online play, and combat that’s easy to master despite poor instruction makes it fade fast.”
Back in the ’90s for every fighting game that managed to pull in enough of a fan-base to survive through the generations, there were five or more that did not. In fact, even spin-offs of popular franchises still failed to take off at the time but this time allowed developers to experiment with strange and unique ideas. This led to game’s from popular publishers like Capcom’s Darkstalkers being fondly remembered but sadly abandoned and even some real strange creations such as ClayFighter from Interplay.
With a focus on absurdity and unique styling, ClayFighter never had a chance in the long run but that doesn’t mean it should be the end of experimentation. Now, Mexican development team Oribe Ware Games is looking to make their own mark with a Mostroscopy, a fighting game that looks to mimic the horror and Luchador films from the ’50s in a simple but stylish package. Is this unique presentation enough to pull off a victory or will Mostroscopy be shamefully unmasked?
Story
Mostroscopy appears to have a fairly interesting storyline to tell, especially since every fighter in the current roster, sixteen in total at the time of this writing, is made up of all manner of creatures and beings, but it just lacks any form of coherence. This is partially due to the fact that the only story mode that players actually can enjoy featuring these characters happens to be Arcade mode and even this lacks cohesion as we will go into momentarily, with each character having a starting comic-book style intro about their situation or why they are fighting, various winning dialogues against specific opponents, and then an ending comic-book style outro. The only issue is, almost all of the context for the scenarios are missing, with only one character, La Mujer Vampiro, having a note in her intro that players should read the comic first for context. The only problem is, the comic is not included in the game anywhere and is only available online for an extra $2.
This is an annoying limitation topped onto the already lacking cohesion of character stories. One character will start their storyline stating that they need to track down a book to seal a demon they made a deal with in order to get themselves out of that deal, only to end up teaming up with a “superhero” from space in the end instead. Or not solve anything at all, with a female werewolf Kitty hunting for someone to end her curse only to skip ahead to her descendants talking about her in front of a family painting with only two panels. Or even in the oddest of cases, a demon being told to “fix” a deal she made only to end her story burning down a party full of rich people.
That isn’t to say it is all bad, Mostroscopy is a real delight when it comes to seeing such an eclectic cast of characters coming together and fighting or making quips at one another, and once players complete enough arcade storylines, players can get the general gist of what is going on, but unfortunately even this is kept rather minimal and doesn’t make the best use of what the cast has to offer, especially since many of the introduction scenes do feature short visual novel style interactions as well, leaving us to wonder why most endings were kept so barebones.
Gameplay
Mostroscopy is a very simple 2D fighter that offers a roster of sixteen characters currently available for use. The developers have kept the game’s control mechanics as basic as possible to keep things accessible, but it might be a bit too basic even for those only vaguely familiar with the genre. Nowadays, many mainstay fighting games have implemented various easier controls for newcomers or those who want to pull off flashy combos without too much extra input under the guise of “Modern,” “Smart,” or “Simple” controls but Mostroscopy goes a step further by only having a basic attack button, special attack button, taunt, and a dedicated block button.
Despite the simple controls and standard attacks needing to connect to trigger auto-combos, there is actually quite a bit of depth still here for those who really want to master some characters. It is also worth noting though that some are absolutely busted balance wise, making them far superior to other characters. This includes a personal favorite, Luzbelle, whose fast movements and chargeable supers can not only fire off near undodgeable fireballs but even has a fully neutral charged special that can eliminate a third of an enemy’s health if landed, even if they are guarding or in the air. As mentioned, charging special attacks is something players can do, with each direction having a special that is unique to it and two levels of charge. Some are simply enhanced versions of the same attack while others will vary depending on the character. If a move is fully charged it will automatically go off and can deal devastating damage to the opponent.
The “Monstro” gauge that players build up during matches carries over between rounds and has a few uses though its best use is for triggering “Monstro Mode.” While in this mode all specials immediately are activated to their highest level, allowing players to dish out tons of damage with ease and some characters can even stunlock an enemy to the point of annihilating an entire round’s worth of health with a properly executed Monstro Mode and super use. Kitty’s ice-breath being the best example. Players can also expend portions of their gauge to guard-counter an enemy attack or push through an attacking opponent to attack from behind, using either two or one portion respectively to do so.
There are some variations and little mechanics that players can learn through the limited training mode, but unfortunately no actual training is really offered. No character combo strings are available to look at or even a proper input screen to the point that it took me looking through Steam, to find the aforementioned comic, to even learn how to perform a grab as was never stated anywhere within the game itself. Why taunt is given a button of its own when it only seemingly boosts the player’s Monstro gauge when completed twice instead of grab is anyone’s guess, let alone the numerous buttons that go unused on the Xbox’s controller. Anyways, as mentioned before, training mode is barebones and simply has players beating down a dummy enemy of their choosing and there is some more extensive training in the form of combo challenges.
Unfortunately some of these combo challenges seem to have incredibly poor tracking to the point that even nailing the full string of combos, which can still be quite varied despite the game’s simplistic nature, can lead to some hits not registering properly or not at all. It is also unfortunate that all combo challenges have to be completed in one go, no chance to stop and come back later to mix things up or take a break without starting from the first combo. Outside of this unfortunately, and the aforementioned arcade mode, the only other game mode available at the time of this writing is local versus mode where players can fight against one of their friends locally, against the computer, or watch two computers duke it out. There is no time attack mode or survival mode of any kind nor is online currently available, though it might be sometime in the future.
Audio & Visuals
One thing that Mostroscopy has in spades is style. By drawing inspiration from horror films from the ’50s and old luchador films the eclectic cast of characters is everything someone could hope for when it comes to bringing monsters and putting them up against masked men and women pulling off wrestling moves with style. There are countless stages to battle on, though some appear to be a bit smaller than others, and every stage has at least two variants. These include a technicolor style that is filled with grainy but effective coloration mimicking an old television while the other is a black and white presentation that is stylish but kind of detracts a bit from some character designs and special moves.
Mostroscopy does not feature any kind of voice work and instead only offers visual novel style or comic-book style dialogue depending on the sequence. Unfortunately, the English version of the dialogue has more than its fair share of spelling and grammar errors as well as missing punctuation. The soundtrack is incredible, offering a vast array of tracks that vary depending on the fighters as well as the stages they are battling on and if players happen to like a specific song they can access it at any time via the Jukebox in the main menu.
Overall
Mostroscopy has a lot of style and flourish, making the most of what it can with its insane sounding premise of pitting everything from undead, monsters, aliens, and more against luchadors in a 2D fighter but even though this is a fairly cheap fighter, it is also one that is rather lacking. While fun in short bursts, lack of any real modes outside of arcade and combo challenges at the moment means that even playing against a friend locally can lose its charm quickly. Combine this with a lacking storyline, no online play, and combat that, while a bit deeper than it seems, isn’t too hard to master, and Mostroscopy taps out far too quickly.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Two-Phase Event Introduces Playable Character Ezio Auditore da Firenze as the Team from the Time-Travelling RPG Unfold Mysterious Events in Familiar Historic Settings
HONG KONG – MAY 3, 2025 – Bluepoch Games and Ubisoft today revealed more details about their upcoming collaboration bringing iconic characters from Assassin’s Creed into the time-bending world of Reverse: 1999. Launching on iOS, Google Play, and PC this August, the first-ever globally synched update introduces the famous Ezio Auditore da Firenze of Assassin’s Creed as a playable character. The collaboration will happen in two phases, with each phase offering Assassin’s Creed crossover stories, events and more.
The partnership between Reverse: 1999 and the Assassin’s Creed franchise marks the first-ever globally synched version of Reverse: 1999. All servers will launch the collaboration events at the same time, ensuring equality and unified progress of rewards for players worldwide. Legendary Assassin’s Creed 2 character Ezio will make his debut in Reverse: 1999 during the collaboration. Each of the two phases of this crossover event will bring a fresh new story to the time-travelling game.
Phase I: Players will unfold the story in Renaissance Florence, following Vertin and her allies to follow cryptic clues across the streets of 15th-century Italy.
Phase II: The story shifts to mythic ancient Greece, where Vertin’s team gets caught in familiar events from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Reverse: 1999 is a 20th Century Time-Travel Strategic RPG. On the last day of 1999, The Storm descended. Players take the role of the Timekeeper, Vertin who witnessed the end of an era in the rising raindrops. What appears before you now seems to be an era long past. Vertin appears uniquely immune to the effects of The “Storm.” After these “Storms”, you’ll travel to different eras. With the help of your colleague Sonetto, seek out the arcanists from across time who, like you, can sense the moments of The Storm and help them escape their fate, lest they be “sifted out” of the timeline. Reverse: 1999 is a cinematic adventure that features stunning visuals that bend retro and modern aesthetics, full English acting with authentic accents, fantastic arcanists from different times and regions and much more!
Since its launch in October 2023 Reverse: 1999 has attracted over 30 million players worldwide and has topped charts in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Korea and more than 160 countries and regions around the globe. With more information on this new collaboration coming soon, players can get in on the action by downloading the game now on Steam, iOS App Store, Google Play and Windows PC.
To learn more about Reverse: 1999 visit the website.
ABOUT BLUEPOCH GAMES CO. LTD
Established in 2020, Bluepoch is an ambitious, passionate and globally-focused company. Our team has committed itself to exploring the vast potential of anime through the creation of dreamlike, immersive, and heartfelt games. Our imagination is as infinite as the starry universe.
ABOUT ASSASSIN’S CREED
Since it first launched in 2007, the Assassin’s Creed® series has sold more than 230 million games worldwide. The franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series in video game history. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed transcends video games, branching out into numerous other entertainment media.
ABOUT UBISOFT
Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew® and Tom Clancy’s The Division®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2023-24 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2.32 billion.
Fast-paced, approachable action combines with deep physics and soccer skills in a hero-based arcade sports game
SEATTLE – May 2, 2025 –Football Heroes League,the tactical soccer game with heroes, skills, and over-the-top multiplayer action from AAA veterans formerly of Treyarch, EA, and Pandemic Studios at Run Games, is out now in Early Access on Steam and Epic Games Store for PC, after its reveal and surprise release as part of Future Games Show at gamescom latam.
In the year 20XX, soccer has changed. As the sport’s popularity increases even further to where it drives all of society, it becomes a playground for where science and technology enhance the players to unseen levels. Now, the athletes use powerful elemental abilities to gain a leg up, deploy robotic defenses, and even modify their DNA to reach the pinnacle of excellence.
Take to the field in online 2v2, 3v3, and 5v5 casual and ranked matches as one of a roster of super-powered soccer stars, each with their own unique set of ball handling, scoring, and field control abilities. Play as attackers like Kenzo with abilities like a Spinning Bicycle Kick to score exciting goals. Play as defenders like Bun-E who uses her robots to stop shots from going in, and midfielders like Beckers whose balanced abilities make them a threat all over the pitch.
Beneath the over-the-top action of Football Heroes League lies a love for tactical soccer, with all phases of gameplay centered around rewarding smart play, and playing to the heroes’ strengths. Utilize easy-to-learn controls to trap the ball, pass it, and accurately aim at the goal amidst chaotic scenes with realistic physics.
Early Access versions will see five heroes available at launch, with new modes and characters added as development continues ahead of the multiplatform launch. Football Heroes League will be free-to-play, with a one-time All Character Bundle available along with special skins, recolors, and emotes for those looking to make a name for themselves in the arena.
“I’ve played soccer my whole life, and many of us here at Run Games play it competitively, and we wanted to find a way to fuse the rush of being on the pitch, and the tactics of soccer, with the fantastical action and approachability of arcade sports games,”said Run Games Creative Director Michael Marzola. “We want Football Heroes League to give you an appreciation for the depth of soccer, but with all the wild action you expect from video games.”
Football Heroes League is available now immediately following its reveal as a free-to-play title in Early Access on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, with version 1.0 launching on console and mobile platforms to be announced. Football Heroes League supports English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Portuguese (Brazil and Portugal), French, German, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, and Korean language text.
For more information about Football Heroes League, follow Run Games on X/Twitter, and check out the official Discord.
About Run Games
A Seattle-based studio founded in 2011 by veterans of Treyarch, Electronic Arts, Pandemic Games, with credits including the Tony Hawk series, Star Wars Battlefront II, and The Saboteur. Run Games both works with other studios to help bring their visions to life, supporting publishers like E-Line and Playstack, but also creates its own independent titles, particularly in the underserved arcade sports genre. The team aims to make games that feel great to play and bring people together, while fostering a healthy development culture where open communication, playtesting, and feedback create fun, sustainable titles.
ELDEN RING Nightreign, thestandalone multiplayer co-op action survival game by FromSoftware, Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., unveiled a new trailer to showcase an overview of the systems at players’ disposal to conquer the game’s various challenges in its harsh and unforgiving world. The network test was just a glimpse of the surface of the game’s malleability, as the world of Limveld can twist and change with each run.
Discover what awaits players when ELDEN RING Nightreign launches later this month by watching the new Gameplay Overview trailer below.
In ELDEN RING Nightreign, players must make split-second decisions about combat and exploration across a map that can fluctuate with different biomes, weapons, and enemies in order to become stronger, and outrun the encroaching circle of fire to be able to take on terrifying bosses at the end of each day. This culminates on the third day, where if players were successful in surviving the night must take on one of the Nightlords – new bosses for this version. Nightfarers must learn to cooperate to take down these challenges, combining their unique abilities together for an unparalleled experience in the ELDEN RING universe. All is not lost for those who fall in defeat. Unsuccessful runs will grant players relics to allow them to customize and upgrade their characters tailored to their personal play styles.
ELDEN RING Nightreign launches for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on May 30. Find out more about the game and the editions available to pre-order on the game’s official website: nightreign.com
INDIANAPOLIS – May 2, 2025 –Maze Mice, the time-freezing, mazerunning bullet heaven roguelite from developer TrampolineTales, the creator of smash hit Luck be a Landlord (500,000+ players on PC, 100,000 on mobile), darts onto PC and Steam Deck via Steam Early Access today.
Venture through a perilous attic as a plucky pipsqueak on a mission to survive ferocious felines. Time only moves when you do; plan each step carefully to sneak around napping cats. One bad move’s enough to wake them up, unleashing their wrath! Carefully survey the area and outrun tough tomcats to see another day.
Collect Dots and gain XP to earn offensive upgrades, health buffs, and other boosts for the best fighting chance in a rivalry as old as time. Sic stray Fleas on enemies to deal continuous damage, blaze a path with the Flame Trail, slather Syrup on foes to slow them down, or gnaw on a Sugar Cube for a sweet speed boost. There’s absolutely nothing mousy about these mice!
Mix and match upgrades for countless combinations while navigating every twist and turn, facing brand-new challenges rendered in a retro pixel aesthetic with a groovy soundtrack from the same composer as Luck be a Landlord. Set out on run after run, unlocking new upgrades and playable furry friends along the way.
“Seeing the love for Luck be a Landlord has really motivated me while working on my second commercial title, Maze Mice,” said Dan DiIorio, lead developer and founder of TrampolineTales. “I can’t wait to watch everyone skitter through mazes, achieve high scores, and unlock cheesy upgrades!”
Maze Mice is available now on PC via Steam Early Access. Languages supported include English, French, Italian, German, Spanish – Spain, Danish, Portuguese – Brazil, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Spanish – Latin America, Traditional Chinese, Portuguese – Portugal, Turkish, Thai, and Arabic.
For updates on Maze Mice, check out the game’s official Bluesky account, and run over to TrampolineTales’ website.
About TrampolineTales
TrampolineTales is run out of Indianapolis, IN by Dan DiIorio, sole founder, owner, and Lead Developer. After making several small indie titles, Dan made a big splash with his anti-capitalist roguelike, Luck Be a Landlord.
Kabam celebrates the upcoming launch of itspopular mobile fighter Marvel Contest of Champions on PC, the release of Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*,” and special in-game events. See below for a breakdown of what Marvel Contest of Champions has in store for this month.
EXPERIENCE THE BATTLEREALM ON PC THIS MAY
Marvel Contest of Champions is officially launching on PC with direct download on Thursday, May 15! Players can look forward to the classic arcade experience of modern, action-packed battles with over 300+ Champions–heroes, villains, and Kabam originals–With cross-play functionality, stunning graphics in full HD & 60FPS, and overhauled UI optimized for the platform. Gear up for launch and pre-register now through the official website to earn unlockable, exclusive milestone rewards when you enter The Contest on PC.
As with mobile, new events and stories will be released each month on PC, and the game will continue to grow its expansive roster of Champions to collect and rank up. Check out the official Gameplay trailer and stay tuned for more PC news as MCoC arrives on Steam later this year!
THUNDERBOLTS ENTER THE CONTEST–SUMMONER’S CHOICE REWORK RELEASE
The Contest is gearing up for epic battles as expert marksman and master martial artist YELENA BELOVA and the 2024 Summoner’s Choice (fan-voted) rework winner CYCLOPS (BLUE TEAM) are introduced to The Battlerealm! Players will have the opportunity to obtain Yelena Belova on May 15, while players can collect Cyclops Blue Team (Rework) on May 29.
YELENA BELOVA
Few can survive the brutal training and conditioning offered by The Red Room Academy. Yelena Belova not only survived, but was their best student. Now she finds herself in The Contest, utilizing her unmatched skills and ruthless efficiency to find and eliminate her targets one by one with cold, calculated attacks.
CYCLOPS BLUE TEAM (Summoner’s Choice Rework)
Scott Summers was recruited into the first generation of X-Men by Professor Xavier. He is a
formidable defender of mutantkind who works hard to protect mankind both from itself and from the Mutants who have joined the human-hating Brotherhood led by Magneto.
For more battle experience, join the team of misfits on special event quests and earn daily rewards with the…
Thunderbolts–7 Day Supply Drop: For a limited time, celebrate Marvel’s release of the “Thunderbolts*” by logging in everyday, to claim free rewards! From now, up until May 23, players can log in any time to receive a 7-Day Supply Drop Calendar where 6-Star Champions and unique rewards await.
“Steal My Thunder” Event Quest: New arrival Yelena Belova teams up with Red Guardian, and Winter Soldier to locate covert-ops while they wait for the heat to die down from last month’s event quest. Beginning May 7 through June 4, players can join the team as they respond to a job in a bug infected spot in the swamplands of The Battlerealm.
MORE QUESTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Heart of Fire: For one week only, beginning May 7 through May 14, players can open “Heart of Fire” crystals and receive valuable Champions and rewards!
“Phoenix Rising” Saga Chase Quest: Dark Phoenix has risen and is ready to accept challengers to test their might in The Battlerealm. Do you dare face this challenge? Those who defeat the darkness will be rewarded with the light as a 7-STAR PHOENIX will be added to their team! This Quest is only available from May 14, 11:00 AM PT to June 4, 11:00 AM PT, so do not delay! The path is clear. The goal is simple. Snuff Dark Phoenix or be consumed by their flames. Good luck!
Phoenix (Rework): Phoenix has been reworked with fresh cosmetics and mechanics. Players who have already obtained Phoenix will automatically receive the reworked character on May 5, while others will be able chase Phoenix during the “Phoenix Rising” Saga Quest.
Other Marvel Contest of Champions updates, including bug fixes, “Summoner: Declassified” side quest, “Valiant Gauntlet” challenge, and more can be found in the latest release notes HERE.
MARVEL Contest of Champions is now available on iOS and Android
