Kickstarter release date of March 17th announced as ex-ZA/UM founding member joins the team
London, U.K. – March 11th, 2025 – Longdue has unveiled the atmospheric debut teaser for its in-development ‘psychogeographic’ RPG, Hopetown, alongside new details about the key talent shaping the project. The studio is also excited to announce that Hopetown’s Kickstarter campaign will launch on March 17th, with a pre-launch page featuring a limited set of early-backer rewards live now.
Longdue can reveal that Lenval Brown, the unmistakable voice of Disco Elysium’s narrator, whose unique timbre and gravitas are instantly recognisable to those in the know, will be closely involved in the project and voice a key character in the game, as teased in the latest trailer for Hopetown.
“It feels good to be back—to step into something new,” says Lenval Brown. “There’s nothing like bringing a world to life, shaping a story that’s been waiting to be spoken into existence.”
Martin Luiga, founding member of the ZA/UM Cultural Association, writer of the first short story in the Disco Elysium universe and writer of 7 characters in Disco Elysium, has also joined the Longdue team.
“I am pleased to share my experiences with Longdue to help them craft the narrative and systems for Hopetown, playing to the strengths that the narrative RPG genre has achieved thus far and attempting to innovate upon them to tell a rich story based in equal parts on what has been, what is and what could be,” said Martin. “I am confident that the team can deliver a worthy addition to the canon of Western RPGs. I call upon the fans of the RPG and adventure genre to back the Hopetown Kickstarter to help us make the game.”
Lenval and Martin are joined by Piotr Sobolewski, who oversaw a team of 15 that worked on Disco Elysium and were instrumental in shaping the game’s signature mad, gnarly energy into something smooth, cohesive, and deeply immersive. Alongside them, a growing roster of creative talent from the RPG space and beyond and beyond is bringing Hopetown to life.
“At Longdue, we’ve built—and continue to build—a team with real horsepower: Disco Elysium contributors, AAA stalwarts, indie artisans—all champing at the bit to unleash their talents,” says Grant Roberts, Narrative Lead at Longdue, “Hopetown is what happens when you bring those minds together: a rich, reactive world, razor-sharp writing, and an RPG that purrs with depth and atmosphere.”
The studio is excited to share more about Hopetown when its Kickstarter launches on March 17th, including deeper insights into the team behind the game, its psychogeographic and journalism mechanics, the mining town setting, and more
What Is Hopetown?
In Hopetown, words are your deadliest weapon, and every choice leaves its mark. Set in a mining town caught between decay and transformation, shaped by ambition, exploitation, and the fragile systems that bind society together, you step into the role of a rogue journalist—a chaotic, self-destructive provocateur who sees humanity as inherently selfish and cruel. Unapologetically cynical and dangerously unhinged, you thrive on poking at bruises, pulling at loose threads, and watching what unravels.
A Town of Contrasts
The town itself is an arena of extremes. The suffocating darkness of the mine’s depths mirrors the buried truths of its inhabitants, while the surface world—glittering with the promise of progress—is steeped in corruption and power plays. It’s a place where survival depends on who controls the story, and where every decision ripples outward, reshaping not just the world, but yourself.
Innovative Mechanics
Building on the legacies of Disco Elysium and Planescape: Torment, Hopetown introduces systems that creatively explore player agency. The psychogeography system is pivotal in how players interact with the game world: emotions, memories, and conversations replace traditional mechanics like keys and levers, becoming the tools that unlock doors, alter landscapes, and reshape relationships. Progress isn’t just about solving puzzles or finding items—it’s about navigating the protagonist’s fractured psyche and the ripples it creates in the environment.
Meanwhile, a new journalism-based RPG system gives you the tools to craft stories that shape the world—and yourself. Will you embrace chaos as a gonzo journalist, spinning wild, attention-grabbing narratives? Will you twist reality as a conspiracist, bending events to suit your worldview? Or will you dig deep as a calculated investigator, exposing brutal truths to spark rebellion—or sow complacency?
A Crucible of Choices
The mining town is more than a setting—it’s a crucible. What truths will you reveal? What lies will you tell? Will your words inspire hope or destruction? Will you reshape the systems of power, or will they consume you?
Every Word Matters
This is a game where everything transforms everything else. Every word you choose matters. Every decision carries weight. And every story you tell changes the world—and the fragile systems that hold it together.
Why Back Hopetown?
Backing Hopetown isn’t just about funding—it’s about building a community, backing a vision and casting a vote. Longdue is an independent studio daring to create the kinds of games bigger studios won’t or can’t make—games that challenge their players and let players challenge the games back. With Hopetown, Longdue is building a movement for Disco-Like narrative-driven RPGs that don’t shy away from complexity, emotion, or ambition.
Longdue is an independent studio founded focused on creating psychologically deep, narrative-first experiences. Longdue is here to make its mark as a meaningful and consistent voice in the cRPG space. It is currently developing its debut title, Hopetown.
Take on robotic Norse gods to bring down Odin in this brutal action roguelite
LONDON, UK – March 11, 2025 – Prepare to duke it out against the god of war in Odinfall, an intense action roguelite available now on Steam Early Access.
Take on an army of robotic Norse gods at the dawn of the second Ragnarok in brutally fast, intense twin-stick action. Equip wild modifiable weaponry, upgrade your skills, unlock over-the-top abilities, and carve your path through destructible levels in a savage post-apocalyptic Viking future.
Try, die, and try again, choosing from a variety of playable characters each with unique skill trees. Stampede foes as a Viking Moose, punch gods in the face as the Cyberserker, slice through mobs as a Dark Elf, mine gold as the Dwarf, or dual-wield miniguns twice your size as a Gnome. Defy death in a fight for men and moose-kind in an epic battle against hordes of enemies and colossal bosses in a Norse-mythological future to MAKE. ODIN. FALL.
Odinfall Features:
Multiple upgradable characters with unique abilities.
Fast-paced twin-stick shooting and melee combat.
Outlandish weaponry.
Destructible environments across procedurally-generated levels.
Colossal bosses.
Upgrades, abilities, skill trees & MORE!
Right from the start of Early Access, Odinfall is content complete and playable from start to finish, with additional quality of life improvements to come throughout the duration of Early Access.
Odinfall is available now on Steam Early Access for £10.99 GBP / €12.99 EUR / $12.99 USD, with an additional 20% launch discount available until March 20th.
About Ember Paw Games
Ember Paw Games is an indie game studio based in Skövde, Sweden. We want to make colorful and chunky games for you to enjoy!
About Fireshine Games
Fireshine Games is a global publisher of digital and physical video games based in London, England, with a focus on finding fun and bringing innovative indie gems to players around the world. Originally established in 2014, Fireshine Games has built a portfolio of digital titles and indie sensations, including award-winning titles Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, while partnering with studio giants to bring digital hits to physical release, including Lies of P from Neowiz, Balatro from Playstack, and Planet Zoo: Console Edition from Frontier Developments. Fireshine Games is part of the EG7 group of companies.
Lead your Squad and dominate your opponents like never before in this revolutionary new strategy auto-battler!
Brisbane, Australia, March 11th, 2025 – Game developer, The Tea Division, in association with Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield, are proud to unleash their revolutionary auto battler Vanguard Exiles on Steam Early Access today for $14.99 / €14.79 / £12.79. A redefined take on the genre, prepare yourself for a competitive strategy gameplay experience unlike any other! Whether taking on opponents in PvP, or opting to go solo, Vanguard Exiles offers new scenarios in each round ensuring no two turns are ever alike!
Blurring the lines between an online card game and a board game with possibilities too vast for a traditional tabletop setting, it’s easy to see how this description fits. Imagine a tabletop strategy game where the board constantly rearranges itself with each round, with players given one of innumerable Squad combinations to control. Set in a fantasy post-World War I diesel punk era where magic and technology fuse, your goal is simple: conquer enough territory to end the round in victory, where your strategy and decisions on the battlefield will be all that stands between you and a glorious victory…or a crushing defeat.
In Vanguard Exiles, each Unit has its own identity, with its own distinctive look and a unique array of traits and abilities. To further this, each Squad has its own makeup, consisting of different combinations of Units and Actions. Combat happens automatically, but as mentioned earlier, this is no typical auto-battler. Strategy is key, and you’ll have to play smart, making tough tactical decisions to ensure your victory.
Vanguard Exiles offers an immense ruleset of complex mechanics, all happening under the hood, aiming to teach players the nuances of gameplay rather than intimidate them. After each round, you’re even able to see what your chances of victory were. Win or lose, the option to see what the odds were in your favor (or stacked against you) certainly adds perspective to gameplay. Every game teaches you something new, offering unprecedented room to hone your strategy against other players, likely working at refining their own playstyles. The possibilities are endless!
If you’d like to familiarize yourself with Vanguard Exiles before buying it, there’s a demo currently available on Steam, offering an abridged single-player mode to get you facing off against an AI opponent and familiarize yourself with the many of the game’s Units and Actions available. The real meat of the game comes from squaring off against opponents in PvP and the Early Access release offers that along with new Units and Actions.
More content will be added to Vanguard Exiles throughout the Early Access period such as new Units, Actions and Factions, Zones and Biomes, Ranked leaderboards, Tournaments, a dedicated single-player campaign, and the ability to permanently own your unique squad (the permutations of which are countless!).
“Vanguard Exiles combines tabletop design with digital design into a unique and eclectic gameplay experience,” said Richard Garfield, game designer of Vanguard Exiles. “The variety offered by the game is exciting, and skillful play introduces all sorts of unexpected novelty. My favorite thing in game design is having an interesting space to explore – like with Magic: the Gathering and Keyforge. Like those games, Vanguard Exiles is deeply interesting, and I am delighted to share it with a broader audience!”
“Vanguard Exiles is the deepest, most exciting project I’ve been a part of in my over 25 years in the games industry,” said Mark Rowley from The Tea Division. “Vanguard Exiles is a sprawling labyrinth of tactical depth that offers endless possibilities. I’ve been blown away by the creative strategies our players have come up with and have been eagerly awaiting this launch so I can watch everyone learn from each other and test out tactics I never would have thought of. That’s why we added Spectator Mode, so players can learn just by watching!”
The Tea Division is a remote studio based in Brisbane, gathering an assortment of passionate veterans, many of whom have worked together for decades, collectively having worked on over 100 games, spanning over 20 years of console, mobile, PC, indie and AAA video game development. A dynamic and innovative game development studio, their track record for delivering efficient solutions in a timely manner remains flawless, without ever compromising quality or service.
With extensive experience in leading/development, The Tea Division can spearhead an existing project, or become an extension of the workforce to help realise their vision. Operating as a work for hire studio, there is no shortage of expertise in executing full platform ports, embedded team solutions, full project delivery, co-development and project firefighting.
Vanguard Exiles is The Tea Division’s first self-published and fully owned title; a new style of Auto-battler designed by legendary game designer, Richard Garfield.
Farming Simulator 25, which garnered international acclaim following its November release and sold more than three million copies so far, has now received its first official Pack. Publisher and developer GIANTS Software adds one of the most advanced agricultural innovations: the NEXAT system.
All-in-One Machine Revolutionizes Field Operations Manufactured by the German innovation leader of the same name, NEXAT (“Next Generation Agriculture Technology”) marks the world’s first holistic crop production system. A robust, versatile carrier vehicle, featuring a working width of 14 meters, enables farmers to complete the arable tasks with a single machine that allows the integration of all relevant tools.
Lowering the Number of Machines, Increasing Efficiency From tilling and seeding or planting to fertilizing, crop protection, and harvesting with interchangeable implements that are hooked onto the wide-span carrier vehicle, real and virtual farmers gain various benefits: Fewer machines in the field, accelerated field operations, a significant yield bonus and an overall increase in sustainability through soil-friendly technology.
Four New Brands, 12 New Machines In addition to the state-of-the-art NEXAT carrier vehicle, including the NEXCO harvesting module, other brands are included in the pack: Einböck, Geringhoff, and Väderstad return, while DAMMANN, Evers Agro, and Wienhoff make their debut in the Farming Simulator franchise. The NEXAT pack includes seven brands and 12 new machines to ensure a range of implements for spraying, seeding, planting, fertilizing, harvesting and tillage.
Farming Simulator 25 is available for PC, Mac, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. A Year 1 Season Pass is obtainable, which includes the NEXAT Pack, two more packs and a major expansion – fans save up to 25% compared to getting the content separately. GIANTS Software will also continue to release free content updates and user-generated content on the official ModHub. Visit the official Farming Simulator website.
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About GIANTS Software
GIANTS Software is an international game developer and publisher from Switzerland, established in 2004 and known worldwide for creating the popular Farming Simulator franchise. Self-sufficient with offices in Switzerland (Zurich), Germany (Erlangen), USA (Chicago) and the Czech Republic (Brno), the team is committed to position itself as a leading publisher in the simulation genre, with Project Motor Racing to be introduced to the racing scene soon. The company maintains a global network of partners and close ties with respective industries.
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 games feature hundreds of authentic machines from renowned brands and offer 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.
About NEXAT
NEXAT was founded in 2017 by Felix and Klemens Kalverkamp and is based in Rieste, Germany. With more than 140 employees, NEXAT is one of the most innovative agricultural machinery manufacturers worldwide. The crop production system developed by NEXAT is already operating on three continents due to global demand. The NEXAT system enables maximum yield potential to be developed with maximum conservation of soil and resources. In doing so, the young company draws on the more than 50 years of expertise of the Kalverkamp founding family, which is expressed in numerous product developments and awards in agricultural technology. The gold medal for the NEXAT system in 2022 (Agritechnica Innovation Award) and the Agrifuture Concept Award (Agritechnica, DLG, 2023) reflect NEXAT’s innovative strength.
The Legendary Classic Returns – Embark on your quest for vengeance, available digitally on all platforms now!
London, UK – 11th March 2025 – Beyond the Ice Palace 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 platforming cult classic, launches today on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S,Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, GoG, and Epic Games Store. Developed by Storybird Studio and co-published by PQube and PixelHeart, this modern revival of the legendary action-platformer delivers fast-paced combat, challenging traversal, and hidden secrets, all wrapped in a stunning gothic pixel-art world.
After an unprecedented 37-year wait, gaming history has been made with the release of Beyond The Ice Palace 2, shattering records as the longest gap between an original game and its sequel. When the first Beyond The Ice Palace captivated players on platforms like Amiga, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum in 1988, few could have imagined that fans would wait nearly four decades for a continuation of the beloved fantasy action platformer.
The sequel honours its pixel-art roots while introducing modern gameplay mechanics that appeal to both nostalgic fans of the original and a new generation of players. “We wanted to create something that respected the cult classic status of the original while bringing the experience into 2025,” says the development team. “This release isn’t just a sequel—it’s the culmination of a gaming legacy that spans multiple generations of players and technology.”
WIELD THE CHAINS THAT ONCE IMPRISONED YOU – RECLAIM YOUR THRONE!
The ‘Cursed King’ rises from the abyss, wielding the chains that once bound him, now transformed into powerful weapons. Set in a dark fantasy kingdom teeming with secrets, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 challenges players to explore hidden chambers, defeat colossal demons, and uncover powerful upgrades in a relentless quest for vengeance and redemption.
Whether playing on PC or digitally on consoles, players this week across all platforms can experience the Cursed King’s legendary return to form.
Key Features
Reclaim Your Throne as the Cursed King – Embark on a journey of vengeance, hunting for the sacred arrow shards to unlock your full power.
Dynamic Combat and Exploration – Master the chains that once bound you, turning them into a weapon of destruction and a tool of traversal.
Secrets of a Fallen Kingdom – Discover hidden chambers, uncover powerful upgrades, and reclaim lost treasures to aid you in your quest.
Strategic Upgrades – Collect power crystals to enhance your abilities, preparing you for battles against colossal bosses.
Classic Meets Modern – Merging retro-inspired pixel art with modern gameplay, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 revitalises the series for both longtime fans and newcomers.
AN UNFORGETTABLE SOUNDTRACK BY A GAMING ICON
Composed by Allister Brimble, a legendary video game composer, the epic soundtrack for Beyond the Ice Palace 2 enhances every moment of exploration and combat.
Brimble’s past works include:
The Plucky Squire (2024)
X-COM: Enemy Unknown (1995)
RollerCoaster Tycoon series (1999/2002)
Alien Breed (1995)
Driver 1+2 (1999/2000)
Bringing a haunting, immersive soundscape, Brimble’s score ensures that Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is as thrilling to hear as it is to play.
A LEGACY OF COLLABORATION
Developed by Storybird Studio and co-published by PQube and PixelHeart, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 embraces the best of classic platforming while introducing fresh gameplay elements. PixelHeart, known for reviving forgotten classics, ensures the game honours its legacy while delivering a modern experience.
PHYSICAL EDITIONS ARRIVING 13TH MARCH – PRE-ORDERS STILL AVAILABLE!
For collectors and retro gaming fans, Beyond the Ice Palace 2launches physically on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on 13th March 2025.
Pre-orders are still available! Secure your physical copy now and be among the first to unbox this legendary return.
Málaga, 11-03-2025 – In case you missed it, yesterday it was announced that, for over 50 years, Comic-Con International® (“San Diego Comic-Con®” or “SDCC®”) has been the ultimate event where popular arts come to life. Now, thanks to an agreement facilitated by IMG Licensing, SDCC is setting roots outside the United States for the first time in its history, making its European debut in Málaga, Spain.
This historic milestone would not have been possible without the institutional support of the Junta de Andalucía and the Málaga City Council, who have firmly committed to making Málaga the European capital of popular arts.
SDCC Málaga: The Official Destination for Popular Arts in Europe San Diego Comic-Con has always been much more than just an event: it is the place where the future of popular arts is written. Now, that legacy continues in Spain. From September 25 to 28, 2025, Málaga will host the first official San Diego Comic Convention licensed event outside the United States.
Fans and creators from all over the world will gather in a space designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate, ensuring that Europe establishes itself as a key player in the global history of popular arts.
A Launch Event Filled with Creators, Industry Leaders, and Fantasy The international expansion of San Diego Comic-Con was officially announced today, March 10, at an event held at the iconic Gran Hotel Miramar in Málaga.
The event, presented by renowned actor, director, and screenwriter Santiago Segura, included the participation of the President of the Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla; the Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre Prados; David Glanzer, Chief Communications & Strategy Officer of San Diego Comic Convention, the organization behind SDCC; and Jaime López-Francos, CEO of DENTSU Spain & Portugal.
David Glanzer stated: “We’re very excited to celebrate comics and the popular arts, and share Comic-Con’s unique spirit, with audiences in Europe. We couldn’t have found a more vibrant, welcoming, and creative city to begin this exciting new chapter for fans and creators.”
Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, President of Andalusia, highlighted: “For the Andalusian government, supporting this event means solidifying Andalusia as a reference in digital art and pop culture, backed by the most powerful gathering of talent.
Andalusia is an undeniable cultural and tourism powerhouse, and that has been a key asset in attracting this event—one that places the Andalusian cultural industry within the digital and technological sphere.
I am confident that the expansion of San Diego Comic-Con to Málaga will be a total success after these three years, also thanks to the support of the network of professionals and local businesses participating in the event.”
The 400 m² Salón Royale of the Gran Hotel Miramar was transformed to host this event, which brought together more than 200 exclusive guests from the worlds of film, entertainment, television, comics, and illustration, including Álex de la Iglesia, Carolina Bang, Paco Plaza, Daniel Sánchez Arévalo, Natalia Verbeke, Paloma Bloyd, Eva Ugarte, Tamar Novas, Icíar Bollain, Carlos Areces, and Joaquín Mazón, as well as representatives from iconic brands in the industry.
One of the highlights of the event was the exhibition of a unique collectible item: the Infinity Gauntlet, inspired by the iconic artifact of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. Designed by Gentle Giant Ltd., this gauntlet was created to house six precious gemstones known as the Infinity Collection of Gemstones. With over 150 carats and a value of more than 25 million dollars, it was crafted by Adam Mirzoeff, president of East Continental Gems, under the creative direction of Darren Romanelli (DRx). First presented at SDCC 2022, this piece now symbolizes the continuity of the event’s legacy in Málaga.
The event concluded with a spectacular performance by the 501st Legion, whose members, dressed as Stormtroopers and Darth Vader (Star Wars), guided attendees to the closing cocktail.
Guests were able to enjoy an exclusive atmosphere with a themed cocktail, where they were surprised by a flashmob in which some of the attendees revealed themselves as professional dancers, blending in with the guests to the rhythm of the iconic Mission Impossible soundtrack. As a final surprise, the cocktail also featured another guest star: the droid R2D2, who walked among the attendees to greet them.
The production included cutting-edge technical displays, featuring a 25 m² stage, a 5×2 m LED screen, lighting, special effects, and professional sound. Additionally, the event was streamed live to audiences worldwide.
The Countdown to San Diego Comic-Con Málaga Begins With this blend of entertainment, fantasy, and more institutional speeches, the event marked the official start of what promises to be a historic occasion that will establish Málaga as the new European epicenter of popular arts.
This first official licensed convention in Europe will provide a unique opportunity to bring communities together, showcase emerging talent, and lay the groundwork for innovative moments in global entertainment.
About IMG IMG is a global sports, events and representation company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks.
The event is supported by the Public Company for Tourism and Sports Management of Andalusia, under the Ministry of Tourism and Andalucía Exterior; and has the institutional support of the Málaga City Council and the Andalusian Digital Agency, which operates under the Ministry of the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue, and Administrative Simplification.
Warsaw, 11th of March 2025 – The team at Gaming Factory has made the decision to set a new launch date for JDM: Japanese Drift Master on May 21st, 2025.
From the very beginning, our guiding principle has been quality. Every drift, every car, every road has been carefully crafted to bring the most immersive open-world drifting experience possible. After careful consideration, we believe that taking extra time for the final polish is the best course of action to deliver a game that meets and exceeds expectations. We are confident that this additional time will allow us to refine every detail, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience from day one. The support, feedback, and enthusiasm of our community have been instrumental in our journey, and we remain committed to making JDM: Japanese Drift Master the best it can be.
About Japanese Drift Master
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a simcade experience that blends simulation and arcade elements, creating a thrilling yet accessible racing experience. The realistic physics backbone ensures that each car has its unique handling, allowing you to feel its weight as you take corners or brake at high speeds. The arcade layers added on top help with managing the car at high speeds and ease cornering. From the very start, we focused on delivering realistic driving physics while maintaining an enjoyable balance between authenticity and fun.
Story The game takes players into the world of Japanese car culture and offers a story full of competition, friendship, ambition, and emotion, presented in the form of dynamic Japanese comic book frames. You will follow the story of Touma, a Polish driver who dreams of making a name for himself on the local street racing scene. With the help of his Japanese friends, he dives deep into the competition but quickly learns that fierce rivals are standing in his way. Will he manage to reach the top? Drama, action, and even love await the players.
High-speed cars
JDM: Japanese Drift Master allows players to get behind the wheel of licensed cars from iconic brands, now also including Honda. Each vehicle has been recreated to provide a realistic driving experience, whether racing on the track or drifting around the winding roads of Japanese mountains. Test them in different events, from fast track races and intense drift challenges to time trials and special head-to-head battles and drag showdowns.
Tuning and modifications
JDM features advanced vehicle tuning and customization options that allow players to fully customize their machines. From installing a new ECU to adding that over-the-top bōsōzoku exhaust – it’s all in the game! Tuning a car is simple and clear and if the players really want to push their cars to the limit, the most advanced parts will unlock fine tuning – every single car in the game can be adjusted to be a grip or drift beast or an all ‘rounder if that’s the desired preference.
Made for all players
We’re continuously adding presets for a wide range of racing wheels and sim-driving hardware to ensure a seamless experience. Additionally, we’re developing a robust key binding system that allows you to customize virtually any device connected to your PC—perfect for hardware without a dedicated plug-and-play preset. This feature will be available at launch, giving players full control over their setup. And if you prefer a controller or keyboard, don’t worry—JDM: Japanese Drift Master is designed to be just as enjoyable no matter how you play!
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a single-player, narrative-driven, racing experience developed on Unreal Engine 5. The game launches on Steam, GoG, and Epic Store on Mary 21st, 2025.
Journey across war-torn 19th century Japan in Team NINJA’s open-world action RPG!
Hertfordshire,11th March 2025 – Today, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer Team NINJA announced that their open-world action RPG, Rise of the Ronin, is now available digitally on Windows PC via Steam®. Originally released for PlayStation®5, the epic Bakumatsu era tale takes players on a historic journey where a masterless warrior, a ronin, must fight to forge their own destiny through the chaos of war and political unrest. The Steam® version supports various PC features, including ultra-wide monitor combability, 8K resolution, 120 fps, 3D audio, and more.
Start your journey across 19th century Japan with the launch trailer of Rise of the Ronin on YouTube
In Rise of the Ronin, fans will play as a ronin in 1863 Japan in turmoil. With Japan’s fate now in their hands, players will encounter various historical figures and factions with differing ideologies, and make significant decisions such as whether to confront or defend them. Players will also be able to form special relationships with some characters thanks to the “Veiled Vow” system, which will allow them to freely shape their own experience of the Bakumatsu period.
Throughout this epic journey, players will explore the mixed cultural landscapes of Edo, Yokohama and Kyoto. The changing scenery is reflected with each season that passes. For example, cherry blossom trees bloom in the spring, and leaves turn red in the autumn. Furthermore, players can use a grappling rope to climb onto rooftops or a glider to soar through the skies, giving them the opportunity to immortalise their favourite views using photo mode.Rise of the Roninwill put players’ skills to the test with an accessible yet deep combat system in which they will need to adapt their strategy and weapons against their enemies. To overcome the obstacles awaiting them, fans will wield a variety of melee and ranged weapons, while being able to customise them to adapt their combat style to the possibilities offered by the game.
In addition, the PC version of Rise of the Ronin includes new exclusive features:
8K resolution support
DirectX 12 Ultimate support
Ultra-wide and super ultra-wide monitor compatibility
120fps support
Ray tracing support
3D audio support
Customisable keyboard and mouse controls
AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution support
NVIDIA DLSS and Reflex support
UI menu with mouse click ability
Intel XeSS graphics technology support
Rise of the Ronin is now digitally available on Steam®. Everyone who purchases the game before 2nd April will receive an early purchase bonus which includes four combat styles; Hayabusa-ryu for katana, Hayabusa-ryu for naginata, Nioh-ryu for katana and Aisu Kage-ryu for katana, the Iga Ninja armour set, and the Iga Ninja’s katana. For more information, visit the official website,
ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.
KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warrior’s series, the fan-favourite NINJA GAIDEN and fighting entertainment title DEAD OR ALIVE. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of Gust, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com
Throughout their last few Monster Hunter titles Capcom has been trying to evolve the games in different ways. Monster Hunter World began with telling a more involved storyline and grander scale battles while its expansion, Iceborne, saw a pseudo-open style map that allowed for more open exploration. Following this, Monster Hunter Rise introduced a riding Canyne ally to zip through locations while limiting the size of areas greatly. Now Capcom has returned with Monster Hunter Wilds, seeking to combine a little bit of both past titles and expand upon them even further in a way that not only takes this long running franchise and masters the addictive gameplay loop it is known for but creates an addictive open-world style capable of really letting the hunting and monster mechanics shine when the story isn’t getting in the way.
Story
Out as part of an expedition team into the “Forbidden Lands” that have been rumored to be uninhabited by humans for thousands of years, a group of hunters from the hunters guild led by Fabius is tasked with investigating this uncharted region of the Old World with the player’s created character and Palico along for the ride. Upon reaching the edge of the Forbidden Lands, they make the shocking discovery that a young boy has been horribly wounded by a mysterious monster called the “White Wraith.” With no way to track down his home, the hunters take in Nata and continue to investigate only to find out that numerous tribes have settled into the Forbidden Lands’ various locations, each having their own customs to coexist with the land and its unique properties.
After finally making some headway with the initial tribe of locals, the player’s hunter and the rest of the hunters are given Seikrets, raptor-like creatures that are fearless mounts in battle, to assist in their journey for finding Nata’s home only to discover along the way that a mass outbreak throughout the Forbidden Lands and incredibly extreme weather patterns seem to tie into the very thing they are searching for. This is proven as during one hunt, the target of their hunt is slain not by the player’s hunters and allies, but by the powerful chains of the White Wraith itself, showing that this dangerous creature is far more than an apex predator, it is something capable of destroying entire ecosystems if left unchecked, making it the guilds duty to not only track down Nata’s family, but put a stop to this menace once and for all.
Monster Hunter Wilds takes a fairly hardline stance towards making players follow its storyline which is unfortunately a bit too predictable and formulaic to really stand out for how long it drags on. The story itself is serviceable enough and the characters that make up the hunter’s guild are a bit more fleshed out than one would expect, including everyone’s favorite blacksmith Gemma that might be a bit familiar for longtime fans and the new handler Alma, but many of the new characters players meet along the way are a bit lacking, even if players try to interact with them in-between quests. The only real character of note is Nata, who goes from a boy tormented by the horrors of the monsters into learning the truth behind them and the strength that it takes to stand against them. Well, him and a horribly underutilized Wudwud that talks in metaphors. This wouldn’t be too much of an issue, storyline wise, if it wasn’t for the countless sections that saw players forced into slow walking sections as characters talk, walking into the predictable monster appearance or ambush that will kick off that monster’s introduction and subsequent hunt.
This level of basic, relatively simple storytelling remains true through the first set of credits and big “reveals” to even the second major finale as well. There are a few little interesting side-quests here and there but mostly players will find the story rather lacking especially since it was actually attempted to try and show growth here compared to past Monster Hunter games. Perhaps this is a sign that these characters can shine in the future, but for now, Monster Hunter Wilds storyline remains only a slightly dressed-up curtain to the main meal that is, of course, hunting monsters.
Gameplay
The greatest part of Monster Hunter Wilds, even during the hand-holding storyline, is whenever the player is out in the field tracking down and hunting their target monster or, in the case of free roaming, deciding to target one that is roaming around and beat it up enough to trigger the hunt order. The standard gameplay loop of hunting a monster down and using its parts to create new weaponry and armor to hunt the next bigger monster down is as entertaining as ever and faster than ever before. It is interesting to note that Monster Hunter Wilds has not added any new weapons to the fourteen current weapons but they have all been given some tweaks in various ways, both to make them feel more fluid in use and to work with a few extra systems implemented into the title.
The first of these systems happens to be “Perfect Guards” that can be pulled off by weaponry that allows for blocking such as the Great Sword that can then follow-up with a powerful counterattack, “Power Clash” that sees the player’s hunter enter a clash with the monster using their weapon and, if victorious in the clash, send the monster sprawling and a personal favorite of mine, the “Offset Attack.” An offset attack is triggered when a large weapon such as a hammer or hunting horn lands just at the same moment as a monster’s strike, sending the enemy monster reeling and giving the player plenty of time to capitalize on their opening. Nothing feels as satisfying as nailing a electric-shooting Rey Dau with a rising uppercut using the hammer and snapping one of its horns off as it goes sprawling into the sands only to get slammed down by a full big bang combo.
It is interesting to note that a lot of weapons also feel as if they have been tweaked to be a bit more mobile than before, giving players a little extra movement with some of the stiffer heavier hitting weapons, though this is also thanks to the “Focus” mechanic. The Focus mode allows players to not only pull up a targeting reticle that allows them to aim at specific parts of the monster, but also highlight another new mechanic in the game, wounds. As players attack a monster, it is hit by environmental traps, or even other monsters, they can begin to see damage appearing on its body that can eventually burst open into a bleeding wound. When the player targets a wound they will be able to perform a special attack that, in many weapons’ cases was a unique combo finisher in the past, and dish out not only a ton of damage as well as stagger and knockdown damage, potentially sending the monster sprawling while also obtaining a drop item from the creature as well, such as a scale, fang, claw, etc.
These wound breaks work hand in hand with breaking or slicing off monster parts as well, giving players even more opportunities to earn drops from their target monsters while making some fights easier to handle, though the title itself remains mostly the same difficulty as before especially once players reach the endgame and begin targeting tempered monsters, alpha monsters, and other harder versions of previously hunted creatures. In many ways, Monster Hunter Wilds will still play similar to past versions of the entry, with players being accompanied by their Palico on solo hunts who will help them with a variety of abilities, that can be expanded upon with side-quests, but a new ally is also at the player’s side almost all the time, their Seikret. As mentioned before, the Seikret is a raptor-like mount that players can summon to ride to any monster location automatically, sharpening their weapon and preparing items along the way, or even in the midst of battle. Proper timing of calling in the Seikret for help can see players dodge large attacks from enemies or give them distance to heal up and even use them as a launching point to try and mount the monster, making them the player’s second best friend behind their Palico. They can even have a second weapon kept in the saddle, allowing players to either swap to a different weapon type entirely mid-fight or a different element if they find themselves at a disadvantage.
It is interesting to note that while players will generally use the fast travel system to simply skip around the five major locations to hunt monsters, utilizing both the primary camp and pop up camps that players can set in predetermined locations, the title is in fact completely open world. Players, if they choose, can freely roam through to all major locations without fast traveling at all, though this is hardly the most effective way to travel. In fact, players will find that they will mostly be popping out their own portable barbecue to cook stat boosting meals between fights as there is no main hub this time around to serve as a starting location for every hunter. This means that, should players wish, they could ride out of their camp on their Seikret, hunt down a Rathalos then immediately go and target the Quematrice they saw during the fight without breaking stride other than to carve up rewards, no longer requiring any return to base between free-roam hunts.
As for hunting with others, players will find that they no longer need to create special rooms to invite players to join them, they can straight up invite up to three other hunters to fight alongside them, bringing up to four players hunting at once. Of course, an SOS flare can be fired during hunts to put out an online open request that anyone can answer and join the hunt. For those who prefer to keep things a bit more simple or reclusive, there is even an option to turn on “support” hunters only where NPC hunters from the game’s story will only appear to SOS calls, giving players mostly free control of the hunt’s flow while still having some backup.
Audio & Visuals
Monster Hunter Wilds features a wide array of locations for players to hunt monsters in and, depending on the timing and the location, these locales can have even more differences at any given moment. Fighting against a large scale monster in a desert may seem plain but battling it again, only this time in the midst of a sandstorm and dodging lightning bolts makes the fight feel all the more intense. Along these same lines there are lush forests to venture through, freezing depths that can frost the player’s character, and of course a sludge-filled fire region as well. All of these locations can have various events happening to them that can change up the way monsters act and how players might need to equip themselves, and fighting through these locations is rather impressive, though it must be said that the Scarlet Forest is perhaps the best amongst these sprawling multi-layer locales. The monster designs, ranging from small to the large scale monsters are as superb as ever, with returning monsters looking as impressive ass ever, especially in some cases where a few have been given significant improvements since their last appearance, while a few newcomers are instant winners. Alongside this players will have plenty of their own equipment to work with and the designs are as familiar as they are varied, with almost every piece of armor having two cosmetic variants though even then players can choose to aim for “style” over protection by using layered armor that simply changes the appearance of the equipped gear.
The voice work throughout Monster Hunter Wilds is handled quite well, with the English voice actors portraying their characters solidly, though Nata can be a bit annoying at times. It is interesting to note that this is the first game in the franchise that allows the Palicos to have English voice acting rather than the Felyne meows that they always have before. Players can choose to change this option at any time if they want, but it is a nice touch to actually have the Palico chime up about what they are doing without relying on subtitles in the middle of a fight. As for background music, the game features a solid soundtrack and sound effects that helps make fights feel impactful and intense, especially when it comes to utilizing some of the heavier hitting weapons in the game or pulling off a properly offset attack.
Overall
Monster Hunter Wilds proves that Capcom can still find new and interesting ways to make an already addictive game all the more enjoyable. With new hunting mechanics in the form of the wound system and various clashes that vary depending on the weapon type, never mind the tweaks many weapons have received themselves, players will find the gameplay loop of hunting monsters, upgrading their gear, and hunting even more just as enjoyable and addicting as before, especially with this new open-style exploration available. It is just a shame that it takes quite a lot of handholding to get there and a storyline that feels like it could have been so much better at the same time.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Fallen Bannersdungeon pack and free Update 45 base-game patch is now available on PC/Mac. Starting today, players can venture into two new four-player dungeons, Exiled Redoubt and Lep Seclusa. Fallen Banners and Update 45 arrive on consoles March 26.
To start things off for ESO in 2025, the Fallen Banners introduces two new PvE dungeons that feature their own personalized storylines, characters, challenges, unique boss battles, and secrets. Players will earn unique rewards, including item sets, collectibles, and Achievements as they battle their way through the new content with up to three other players (four total).
To access the Fallen Banners dungeon content, players are required to have an ESO Plus membership. However, later this year, additional ways to access this content will be made available—stay tuned for updates. All the details on both the Exiled Redoubt and Lep Seclusa can be found on the ESO official website.
Accompanying Fallen Banners is Update 45, a free base-game patch, providing all ESO players with a series of fixes, additions, and improvements to the game’s core experience. As part of this patch, several starter zones have received visual updates to better match the high level of detail seen throughout the rest of ESO.
Additionally, this base-game patch brings various quality-of-life improvements, including faster starting mount speeds, reworked Craft Champion stars that don’t need slotting, and better visibility for Mundus Stone boons, with more updates expected throughout the year. All the details on Update 45 can be found here.
Also new to ESO this month is the Cyrodiil Champions PvP test campaign, running from March 24 – March 31. During this test, players will choose between seven set classes that are locked to specific abilities, attributes, and items. Cyrodiil Champions is part of an effort to improve performance and stability in ESO’s open-world PvP experience, and player feedback during this test will be critical to shaping the future of Cyrodiil PvP. You can find out more about the test with this recent developer Q&A.
This month marks ESO’s 10-Year Anniversary Guild Celebration from March 12 – 21. This Celebration includes a Guild Summit where community leaders will discuss feedback with ESO developers as well as in-game rewards for all players. For more information, visit our blog. Then in April, look forward to learning more about our future plans in the 2025 ESO Direct on April 10; more details coming soon.
For the full patch notes for both Fallen Banners and Update 45, visit our official forums. The Fallen Banners dungeon pack and Update 45 are now live on PC/Mac and arrive March 26 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
