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Bushcraft Simulator revealed. How long will you survive in the wild forest?

Bushcraft Simulator, a new survival game with roguelike elements, is heading to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2. The player will find himself in a wild forest, where he will have to demonstrate his bushcraft and survival skills. Bushcraft Simulator is expected to be distinguished by realism and varied and well-balanced gameplay. The simulator harks back to games like Green Hell and The Forest, but at the same time is expected to provide a number of its own solutions and mechanics. The release date will be revealed at a later date.

Polish studio A2 Softworks (e.g. Gatewalkers and Climber: Sky is the Limit) is working on Bushcraft Simulator. The publisher will be Ultimate Games S.A., which is known for, among other things, the well-reviewed Ultimate Fishing Simulator series and the best-selling Thief Simulator 2.

Bushcraft Simulator | Official Reveal Trailer

Bushcraft Simulator (Steam): https://store.steampowered.com/app/3352150/Bushcraft_Simulator

Roguelike survival in the wild forest

Bushcraft Simulator is a realistic simulation game with roguelike and survivalist elements, in which the player fights for survival on an island cut off from the world and overgrown by wild forest. The player must survive as long as possible in a hostile environment with only limited resources at his disposal.

The idea of the game refers to the art of survival and coping with wildlife. The gameplay will focus on survival, but it will not lack gathering, crafting, exploration and combat. The issue of taking care of the basic needs of the character, i.e. health, eating, hydration and warmth, among others, will play a very important role.

Bushcraft Simulator with unique survival mechanics

As announced by the developers, Bushcraft Simulator is to be distinguished by its realistic approach to survivalism. Making water will require the player to obtain and process the right raw materials (e.g. charcoal, sand, etc.) and then apply them in the right order. When setting up a camp, the player will have to properly plan sleeping areas, shelters and campfires to ensure comfort and safe survival of the night. It is worth noting the mechanics in which the type of campfire affects the amount of heat generated and how long it burns.

Another important element is the exploration of the wild forest, which will require the player to plan the equipment necessary for the next stages of the game. Skillful weight management and preparation of the right set of tools will be crucial and may determine survival. In the game, in addition to fighting wildlife, the player will encounter mysterious signs and structures.

This is a game that should appeal to fans of bushcraft and survivalism. Certainly players who appreciate productions in the style of Green Hell, The Forest or Valheim will find something for themselves in Bushcraft Simulator. The game focuses on realistic aspects of survival, which can be found in vain in other productions with similar themes. The simulator will be distinguished by a thoughtful combination of realism and varied and intriguing gameplay,” says developer from A2 Softworks, Andrzej Stroiński.

The player will feel as if he is on a lonely expedition, where – relying only on himself and simple tools – he must obtain drinking water and food. Gathering, hunting and fishing are only a part of the skills that will come into play. Thoughtful construction of shelters, orientation in the field, making simple tools, lighting fires, tying knots, and working with wood and other materials will also play an important role.

Bushcraft Simulator – main features:

  • the struggle for survival in the wild forest;
  • collecting and crafting;
  • shelter creation;
  • exploration, combat and uncovering secrets;
  • roguelike survival.

The game’s release date has not yet been set. Bushcraft Simulator is set to launch on PC first, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Fast-paced Tactical Defense RTS: IDUN – Frontline Survival Takes Over Steam!

Succeed as the dominant force in strategic battles against endless swarms of vermin

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – 21 Jan. 2025 – IDUN – Frontline Survival, the intense RTS defense game from the former chief visual effects director of the multi-million-selling Battlefield series, drops on PC via Steam today, courtesy of developer IDUN Interactive and publisher Surefire.Games.

Engage in a compellingly chaotic combination of RTS action and tactical tower defense to wipe out relentless alien swarms overwhelming the screen. Command a varied arsenal of combat tools in real-time, from repositionable drag-and-drop turrets to point-and-shoot orbital cannons, leveraging their strengths to overcome challenging scenarios.

Explore several diverse modes and complete fist-pumping missions, including defending the collection base, escorting nuclear vehicles, and protecting mining carts. Execute a strategic plan of defense by deploying destructive tanks, blade-spinning fans, flesh-melting turrets, and sturdy barriers to block vicious waves of extraterrestrial vermin.

Extract vital resources across multiple dynamic maps to unlock critical upgrades in an epic main campaign. Strengthen defenses through the advanced tech tree, enhancing turrets and troops for tougher battles, then enhance the home base to gain access to new units and tactics, increasing tactical options and creating new combinations for each battle.

IDUN – Frontline Survival blends classic RTS elements with strategic tower defense gameplay to provide a fresh experience for both novice and battle-hardened commanders,” said Gustav Hagerling, former Battlefield serieschief VFX director and founder of IDUN Interactive. “Join the force and get ready to confront loads of foes today!”

“One of the elements our early testers have really enjoyed about IDUN is the ability to control and move units dynamically, rather than just placing static towers and letting them run automatically,” said Henry Zeng, Director, Surefire.Games. “We wanted to create a more hands-on experience that combines the best of tower defense and RTS elements, giving players more agency and strategic control over their defenses. We know this approach might not feel like a traditional tower defense game for everyone, but we hope its unique twist resonates with players looking for something fresh.”

IDUN – Frontline Survival is now available on PC via Steam for $14.99, with full English voice-over, and Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese language text localization.

To learn more, follow IDUN – Frontline Survival on X and Bluesky, as well as developer IDUN Interactive on Facebook and Instagram. Join the community on Discord and search #IDUNGame on social media for the latest information.

About IDUN Interactive

Gustav Hagerling, former chief visual effects director for the Battlefield series, founded IDUN Interactive with a vision to create immersive gaming experiences. Their first title, IDUN – Frontline Survival, reflects this commitment to high-quality games with a strong focus on gameplay, ensuring every workflow and decision enhances the player experience.

The studio embraces open development, sharing progress with the community to gather feedback and refine its games. It prioritizes short development cycles, allowing players to test and shape the game early. Its dedication to player satisfaction includes customization options such as localization, mod support, and multi-platform compatibility.

By valuing inclusivity and diverse perspectives, the studio fosters innovation through collaboration. With small, flexible teams, every member plays a crucial role in crafting games that resonate with players worldwide.

About Surefire.Games

Surefire.Games is a video game publisher dedicated to connecting global games with the expansive Chinese market while helping indie developers reach a worldwide audience. Leveraging its expertise gained from collaborating with industry giants like Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, Ubisoft, CD Projekt Red, and Koei Tecmo, Surefire serves as a bridge to expand the reach of games across borders. Its mission is to provide a seamless, one-stop publishing experience, empowering indie developers with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed globally.

PRE-ORDER TEMPEST RISING TODAY, LAUNCHING APRIL 24 ON STEAM

Experience all-out RTS action with Tempest Rising’s first multiplayer demo, playable now as part of Steam’s Real-Time Strategy Fest

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Jan. 20, 2025 – A new era of warfare is almost here. Tempest Rising, the highly anticipated, modern real-time strategy game coming April 24, 2025, from Saber Interactive’s 3D Realms label and Knights Peak, is available to pre-order today on PC via Steam. Today also marks the world debut of Tempest Rising’s first official multiplayer demo, playable now until February 3 as part of Steam’s Real-Time Strategy Fest. Experience high-stakes base-building, resource management, and all-out action between unique factions in this true spiritual successor to the RTS classics of the ‘90s and 2000s.

The Standard Edition of Tempest Rising, featuring two faction-based campaigns as well as skirmish mode and competitive multiplayer, is available to pre-order today for $39.99. Players can also pre-order the game’s Deluxe Edition for $49.99, which includes:

  • One week of advanced access to the full game, including multiplayer and skirmish mode
  • A digital artbook showcasing the art and lore of Tempest Rising
  • The full digital game soundtrack, featuring 43 tracks from legendary Command & Conquer composer Frank Klepacki plus community favorites like Michael Markie, Hexenkraft, The Witcher composer Adam Skorupa,and Sigurd Jøhnk-Jensen

Pre-order either edition to unlock the “Commander Pack” DLC at no extra charge, featuring a variety of exclusive in-game cosmetics, including bonus player icons, skins, cursors and more.

During Tempest Rising’s first multiplayer demo, going on now through February 3, players can battle each other for dominance on three maps: Alps (2v2), Overgrown Oasis (1v1), and Altitude (1v1). Players can also experience the game’s PvE skirmish mode against AI opponents for the first time.

About Tempest Rising

Tempest Rising transports you to a battle-scarred 1997 in an alternate timeline where the Cuban Missile Crisis went nuclear. Experience two epic campaigns with unique factions and deeply rewarding gameplay that keeps the focus on strategy and skill. Take full command of the battlefield as you build up your base, lead your armies into combat, and execute bold strategies to emerge victorious.

Key Features

  • Classic RTS base-building with fast, fluid, hard-hitting combat and tons of customization
  • Command two asymmetrical factions, each featuring unique harvesting models, resource systems, and distinct rosters of units for drastically different playstyles
  • Two epic single-player campaigns with between-mission cutscenes to drive the story
  • Skirmish, custom games, and ranked multiplayer matchmaking with Glicko-2 rating

Grab your Tempest Rising pre-order today before the game launches on April 24, with one week of advanced access available for Deluxe Edition owners! For the latest news and updates, follow Tempest Rising on X/Twitter and Discord.

About Saber Interactive

Saber Interactive is a worldwide publisher and developer consisting of 13 studios in the Americas and Europe. Creating games for all major platforms based on original and licensed IPs, Saber’s titles include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, Jurassic Park: Survival, Turok: Origins, World War Z, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, SnowRunner, and Expeditions: A MudRunner Game. Founded in 2001, Saber is known for two decades of development partnerships with leading developers and publishers, including producing The Witcher 3:Wild Hunt for Nintendo Switch, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Crysis Remastered, and many others. Learn more at https://saber.games.

About 3D Realms

Redefining AAA – Action, Attitude, Adrenaline, 3D Realms has rocked the world for almost 30 years by publishing unforgettable, iconic games like Duke Nukem, Terminal Velocity, Shadow Warrior, Death Rally, Max Payne, and more recently Ghostrunner, Ion Fury, Cultic, Tempest Rising, Phantom Fury and RIPOUT.

Led by industry veterans, 3D Realms is a proud member of Saber Interactive, with a mission of publishing games for grownups. Unapologetic and uncompromising, we’re not afraid of being who we are and being damn good at it – for everyone’s benefit. For more information, visit 3drealms.com.

About Knights Peak Interactive

Knights Peak Interactive, a division of MY.GAMES, is a game publisher partnering with diverse developers worldwide. Committed to equality, it supports both emerging and established studios in reaching new heights in global markets and brand development. Knights Peak views games as portals to immersive stories, offering players a multitude of adventures in a welcoming environment. For details, visit: https://www.knightspeak.com.

Massive DPS (Deals Per Second) Incoming with 90% Damage Reduction to Your Wallet: Daedalic Publisher Sale Now Live!

Attention all gamers and bargain hunters!

Hamburg – Germany, 20.01.2025 – Are you ready to witness the ultimate loot drop of savings? The Daedalic Publisher Sale (internally abbreviated as “DPS”) is here, raining down legendary discounts on Steam with prices slashed by up to 90%! Get ready to fill your library with some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed titles in gaming history. This is your moment to shine – and your backlog’s moment to grow.

Spotlight on the Awesome Deals:

  • Yield! Fall of Rome10% off (Released today, your chance to rewrite history has never been cheaper!)
  • Hidden Deep 64% off (the recent multiplayer alpha had the depths buzzing with dead friends.)
  • Wild Woods 20% off (Grab your friends and kittens, the wild ride awaits! We just released the first update after release.)
  • New Cycle50% off (Survive and thrive in a world where every decision counts.)
  • Barotrauma 50% off (NASA believes there could be life on Europa, we KNOW there is and we rather would have had it differently!)

But wait, there’s more! We’re cranking up the savings to max DPS with jaw-dropping discounts of up to 90% on:

  • The hilarious and heartwarming Deponia series.
  • The darkly tactical Iratus: Lord of the Dead (the debut game from the current Heroes of Might and Magic makers!).
  • The critically acclaimed stealth masterpiece Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun.
  • The epic narrative adventure Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth.
  • And many bundles offering even deeper discounts! (Yes, you can save while you save.)

Deals This Crazy Won’t Last Forever! Don’t let this opportunity slip away like loot from a defeated boss. The Daedalic Publisher Sale is your one-stop shop for pure gaming bliss – and maybe a little inventory overload.

Sale Ends [February, 3rd, 6pm GMT]! Get in now and secure your treasures before the clock runs out. Remember, a good deal waits for no one!

Shop the Sale Now: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/DaedalicPublisherSale2025

About Daedalic Entertainment

Daedalic Entertainment is a renowned publisher supporting indie developers for over 17 years, bringing their titles to every major gaming platform. The line-up of games is comprised of a diverse variety of unique titles, focusing on 4 distinct areas: story-telling, strategy, co-op-games, and wholesome games. With an international team of around 45 employees, Daedalic is currently working with various development studios to create a new line-up of innovative games across consoles and PCs to market. Recent hits include New Cycle, Barotrauma, Unrailed!, Potion Tycoon, Deponia, Shadow Tactics, Inkulinati, Hidden Deep, Fling to the Finish! and more.

In regards to future titles please look out for upcoming games like Reveil, Capes, Woodo, Magin: The Rat Project Stories, Edge of Sanity, Wild Woods, and many more. Since April 2022 Daedalic Entertainment has been a subsidiary of the French publishing house Nacon.

It’s time to slither like it’s 1976 in Cube Snake, a futuristic 3D remake of the 2D classic, live on Steam for PC today!

It’s like the original, but now you can climb on walls, there’s a local hi-score, an intense frenzy-mode and the snake is vegan! 

Bari, Italy, January 23rd 2025 – Digital Artist Hub and Indie Game Developer Kabum is proud to announce the launch of Cube Snake, a simple yet addictive remake of the classic Snake games, available on Steam now for just $2.99 today!

Play the game on Steam now

Welcome to the dystopian cyberpunk world of Cube Snake, where players navigate a 3D cubic environment, testing their munching and slithering prowess. With an isometric perspective and refreshing climbing mechanics, Cube Snake fuels the classic Snake game with more dimensions, colours and music!

In Cube Snake, the challenge is to gather fruit pouches while dodging your own tail and avoiding plummeting off the edges of the game’s 3D world, if you ever played Snake before, you already know this much. The game was designed for endless replay value, and currently features a local three letter high-score, like on all our favourite arcade machines.

“Cube Snake is our first step into the world of game development,” said Teresa Romano, CEO of Kabum. “We created it to first and foremost have fun, working with student developers, we decided to give them the opportunity to say ‘I sold a game on Steam!’ to inspire them to continue their journeys in the industry, whilst allowing folks to play a fresh take on the classic games many grew up on. It’s been an excellent learning experience for us. If you play, why not share your high scores with us?

About Kabum:

Kabum is a digital artist hub and independent game development studio based in Bari, Italy. The studio creates innovative content for video games, commercials, and cinema, specializing in 3D animation, visual effects, and virtual reality. Kabum  has now launched Cube Snake, its first project as a development studio, and has other indie game projects in the works. The studio is passionate about storytelling and human interaction, and is dedicated to delivering engaging and emotionally resonant content.

Antstream Arcade 2024 Retrospective: PlayStation, Disney, and Retro Games Galore.

The world’s leading retro gaming platform celebrates the past year and looks ahead to more retro gems and exciting announcements in 2025. 

London, DATE, 2025: Antstream Arcade, the world’s leading retro gaming platform, is excited to look back at a retro packed 2024 as it sets its sights on making 2025 bigger and better than ever. In this latest blog post, the team shares how the service debuted on PlayStation and iOS, welcomed a selection of iconic Disney titles, added a staggering 120 new retro games to the Antstream Arcade collection, and hosted more than 50 tournaments for the community in the last year.

Steve Cottam, CEO, Antstream Arcade, said: “2024 was incredibly rewarding for Antstream, as we welcomed amazing new platforms, partners, and licensed titles to the family. 2025 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet and we can’t wait to share more with our community and the games industry in the coming months.”

2024 saw Antstream Arcade debut on three new platforms – iOS, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, bringing more than 1,300 licensed retro classics to new audiences, and making the service the most widely distributed retro cloud gaming platform in the world. Players also saw some beloved titles join the catalogue, including a selection of iconic Disney games (including Aladdin, The Lion King and The Jungle Book), Net Yaroze games, arcade titles, NES games, and many, many more. 

2025 is already shaping up to be the biggest yet, with more indie games, more big IP’s, new systems (including Pico-8 this January), new tournaments, sponsored events, new social channels, and even more ways to play as Antstream Arcade adds even more platforms and ways to play. 

About Antstream Arcade 

Antstream Arcade is the world’s largest retro gaming platform, providing access to over 1,300 licensed titles. Our exclusive streaming service delivers seamless, instant access to the entire catalogue of classic games on modern devices, enabling players to dive back into iconic blockbusters and a thriving community of retro fans, all in one place. With new games added every week and curated challenge modes, competitive global leaderboards, and weekly tournaments, join the millions of subscribers already playing on PC, mobile, and console.

Sparks Fly as Infold Games Launches Trailer for Infinity Nikki’s “Firework Season” Update

Version 1.2 to light up PlayStation 5, PC, iOS, and Android on January 24th

Singapore, January 20th, 2025. – With New Year’s international illuminations still fresh in the mind, Infold Games can today lift the lid on Infinity Nikki’s exciting new “Firework Season” Update, heading to PlayStation 5, PC, iOS, and Android on January 23rd.

This vibrant update – which launches alongside the captivating New Bloom Festival – introduces a dazzling array of content to immerse players further into the whimsical world of Miraland.

Players will be able to set sail from Flora Wharf to discover the Firework Isles, a collection of enchanting islands steeped in the legend of the Fireworks Sprite. The islands feature Songbreeze Highland – which offers stunning panoramic views – the serene and enduring Crescent Shoal, a hidden and tranquil natural cave, and the lively Camp Kaboom.

An expansion to the storyline ‘Glowing Fireworks’ will also let fans join Nikki and Momo on an adventurous journey to the islands as they prepare for the Carnival of Fireworks. Unexpected challenges arise, leading to an epic showdown with the new boss, The Dark Bouquet. 

“Fireworks Season” also includes an array of dazzling new outfits (both free and paid), fresh activities and mini-games, and – excitingly – the New Bloom Festival, which brings the Linlang Empire’s rich traditions to Florawish, offering players a chance to experience a festive celebration full of music, lanterns, and even firecrackers. The season as a whole will run from January 23rd right through to February 25th.

By participating in the events, players can unlock a variety of exciting rewards: up to 20 free pulls, over 3,500 Diamonds, and two exclusive outfits. Additionally, as a token of appreciation for the community’s continued support, the Heartfelt Gifts Store will feature a selection of nine free outfits over three versions.

As a final bonus, Infold Games can also announce the upcoming release of the first Infinity Nikki OST on all major music platforms under the label FoldEcho. The album features fan-favorite tracks such as Find My Way, the theme song for the Dream Warehouse, and \\\Nikki Nikki///, along with many other trial themes, animation scores, and trailer music.

Since its launch at the end of last year, Infinity Nikki has garnered over 20 million downloads and widespread critical acclaim. Meticulously crafted to deliver a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience, the game seamlessly combines dress-up gameplay with cozy activities like fishing, animal grooming, and story-driven quests. 

With its vibrant characters and breathtaking locations, Miraland is a world brimming with wonder and charm. Players have embraced this cozy, whimsical open-world adventure, where fashion intertwines with exploration. Infinity Nikki is packed with delightful surprises and endless charm, from gliding over stunning landscapes and solving puzzles to grooming adorable pets and uncovering hidden wonders like ghost trains and soaring paper cranes.

About Infinity Nikki

Infinity Nikki, the fifth installment in the beloved Nikki series by Infold Games, is a cozy open-world adventure where platforming, puzzle-solving, dress-up, and more come together for a unique experience. Powered by the UE5 engine and available across multiple platforms, the game invites players to dive into a world of creativity and exploration.

About Infold Games

Infold Games is an international business brand created by Papergames. Based in Singapore, Infold Games strives to develop creative projects with strong emotional connections and immersive experiences to inspire and encourage players around the world. It is well regarded for the Nikki series and the Love series with more than 400 million downloads worldwide. The team is currently developing AAA projects including Ballad of Antara and Project: The Perceiver as well as the next installment of the Nikki series, Infinity Nikki, a whimsical open-world adventure.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Developer: Forever Entertainment
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $59.99 – Available Here

Overview

He’s the leader of the bunch…you know the rest. Donkey Kong is one of gaming’s most prominent faces and has been for decades. When Retro Studios released a follow-up for the Wii, the big guy came back in true form with Donkey Kong Country Returns. Nintendo have decided to give the Switch a port of the hit title to give us one shot of DK as the platform starts its sunset. Does Donkey Kong Country Returns HD prove as a worthy port, or is this one title best left in our memories? Let’s find out.

Story

After a volcano erupting signals trouble, Donkey Kong and Diddy awaken to find their jungle kingdom in peril. The banana hoard is missing, and the Tiki Tak Tribe have used mind control over the other animals, causing chaos everywhere. The duo sets out on a new adventure to stop Tiki Tong, while slowly getting their bananas back once and for all. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD doesn’t supplement the narrative, but it was fine years ago and still holds up well enough today. Sure, more context pointing to a future installment would have been nice, but this title is a port for the sake of a port, and that is perfectly fine here with this release. It’s still a fun romp to swing through.

Gameplay

I think the first thing to address is what this game is. If you remember the Country franchise, the gameplay works in almost the same way, with Donkey Kong running through side-scrolling stages in the pure platformer we would expect. Diddy is less of an equal partner in the fare, acting as an extension of the life-bar that gives the duo the ability to float with Diddy’s jet pack. If the duo takes too much damage, Diddy runs away and DK must handle things on his own until a new barrel is found. Yep, for Diddy fanatics like myself, the change of speed is an adjustment, but this is still a very fast and fluid platformer that hits the right notes a majority of the time. 

The big difference here is the difficulty. Donkey Kong Country Returns has always been a challenging platformer. We knew that when it originally released and that is even more-so true now. Maybe I am just all these years older and less patient, but this game really tested me this time around. The game is so polished and well crafted in design that everything still feels fair and there is even adjustments you can make to this, but expect this one to be quite a chompy trek if it has been a while since you played a proper 2D platformer outside of Mario or Kirby.

The game utilizes “new” mechanics to mix things up, as DK can shoot to the background, where players go back and forth with the perspective. Personally, this has never been my favorite gimmick – but this title kind of made that type of gameplay more popularized, and it still is a functioning (if not mildly frustrating) technique that keeps us fluidly steaming through each stage. This is more of a port of the 3DS version, so the extra content is mainly from that title, with little different outside of the new world that entry introduced and a few more collectibles to snag to get the coveted completion overall.

It’s hard to review something that was considered close to perfect back then with older, more bias eyes now. Platformers haven’t really gotten easier, but time and innovation has evolved since, and DK just doesn’t have the same punch in this adventure all of these years later. This is still a grand experience, but one that I think can be summed up as an exciting jolt when it launched that has since found a place in the shadow of the original 3 titles since as those games still have yet to really be beat, even though they released over 30 years ago now. That doesn’t mean this adventure isn’t still great or that many would even disagree with that opinion, but I think it does show that Rare delivered something that was just out of reach with Retro. There just isn’t as much personality with this version, and it suffers due to that.

Audio

The music is great. While not the same funky beats, they do capture the essence. I still see playlists recommended for this soundtrack for good reason – as it is one of the best collection of tunes that Kong has ever had in his history. There is just something so ambient about the way the effects blend with the music, and that is truly a special sight (or sound) that still resonates in the Switch port here.

Visuals 

The graphics are fine. The models look great and really pop with color. There is something to say about everything looking “too clean” with the HD upgrade, but most will like what they see here as the game is still a visual wonder for when it released that holds its footing just fine in this era. Sadly – as with a lot of modern Switch titles, there are slight moments of slowdown for the performance that can be a tad nagging. Sure, a lot of games have this – but for such a precise, challenging platformer, they stick out, despite being minimal. 

Overall

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD exists, doesn’t it? For fans of the game, this release will find a comfortable place in its modern space, and that is really what is was made for. Sure, there is something to say about the value of a port that may not have retained a ton of weight all of these years later, but if every other publisher can bring back old favorites, there is still a lot of good reason Nintendo can bring this one out to round out the library for the platform. Gripes aside, this is still one of the better Wii titles and a highlight of his illustrious history, making it a necessary pickup for purists and fans worldwide.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

WARNER BROS. GAMES, NETHERREALM STUDIOS, AND RTS ANNOUNCE MORTAL KOMBAT 1 PRO KOMPETITION: SEASON 2 PROGRAM

New Season of Global Esports Program to Feature $255,000 USD Total Prize PoolSeason 2 Trailer Reveals New Look at Upcoming Characters Conan the Barbarian & T-1000 Terminator

Sydney, Australia – Jan. 20, 2025 – Warner Bros. Games, NetherRealm Studios, and RTS have announced the schedule and program details for the Mortal Kombat 1 Pro Kompetition: Season 2, marking the return of the global esports program featuring Mortal Kombat 1. Kombatants of all ranks will have a chance to kompete for a cut of the $255,000 USD prize pool across a variety of live, in-person events in North America, Latin America, South America, and Europe, as well as multiple online tournaments.

Season 2 will begin with Pro Kompetition Mexico, an in-person event hosted in Mexico City on Feb. 22, and the program will culminate at the Final Kombat World Championship, scheduled for September 2025. For more information or to register for an event, visit the Mortal Kombat 1 Pro Kompetition online hub.

A new trailer for the Mortal Kombat 1 Pro Kompetition: Season 2 was released, including highlights from past events, along with a new look at upcoming guest fighters, Conan the Barbarian and T-1000 Terminator. Conan the Barbarian will be released on Jan. 22 as part of the early access period for Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Expansion owners, followed by wide availability on Jan. 29. Featuring the likeness of actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the role of the title character, the towering warrior from the Conan the Barbarian (1982) film will be available for use during tournament play when Season 2 begins. The official Conan the Barbarian gameplay trailer will be debuted during Kombat Kast, giving fans a deeper dive on this powerful fighter. Release timing and availability for T-1000 Terminator will be announced at a later date.

The road to the Final Kombat World Championship will have four different paths. There will be 10 in-person events, each with 1 vs. 1 double-elimination brackets where players can earn points towards their global leaderboard ranking. The top eight players with the most leaderboard points from in-person events will earn a spot in Final Kombat.

Mortal Kombat 1 Pro Kompetition in-person events include:

  • Pro Kompetition Mexico – Mexico City, Mex. (Feb. 22-23)
  • Viennality – Vienna, Austria (March 1-2)
  • Texas Showdown – Houston, Texas (March 28-30)
  • gamescom latam – São Paulo, Brazil (April 30 – May 4)
  • Combo Breaker – Chicago, Ill. (May 23-25)
  • CEO Fighting Game Championships – Orlando, Fla. (June 13-15)
  • Brussels Challenge – Brussels, Belgium (Spring/Summer 2025)
  • Evo 2025 – Las Vegas, Nev. (Aug. 1-3)
  • Blink Respawn – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Summer 2025)
  • VSFighting – Birmingham, U.K. (Summer/Fall 2025)

The winner of the Pro Kompetition event at Evo will also automatically qualify for a spot in Final Kombat.

Additionally, players can kompete in online Pro Kompetition tournaments based on their location, with divisions and sub-divisions broken out by geographic region, including the North American League (North America East and North America West), InterKontinental Kombat (Europe East, Europe West, Oceanic, and Middle East), and Liga Latina (Brazil, Mexico, South America North, and South America South). Each regional division will have two online qualifier events and one online regional final, with 10 online players earning a spot in Final Kombat – two winners from the North American League, four winners from InterKontinental Kombat, and four winners from Liga Latina. Please note, participation in online tournaments will not award points towards the global leaderboard. Players must participate in any of the 10 in-person events to add points to their leaderboard ranking.

The remaining finals spot will be awarded to the winner of the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) event, an open in-person tournament that will be held at the Final Kombat location. The winner of the LCQ will round out the 20-player field kompeting in Final Kombat.

All 20 players kompeting in Final Kombat will be split into four groups of five players and kompete in a round-robin format. The top two players from each group, eight total, will advance to the final bracket and kompete in a double-elimination format, with all players starting from the winner’s side. The winner of the final bracket will become the Final Kombat World Champion. Exact timing and location for Final Kombat will be confirmed at a later date.

The Pro Kompetition will allow fans to experience all of the high level match-ups and heated battles with more than 100 hours of live kompetition over 20 days, which can be viewed at Twitch.tv/NetherRealm, YouTube.com/MortalKombat and Facebook.com/MortalKombat.

Pro Kompetition participants will have an opportunity to kompete in tournament matches with characters from Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns, the recent expansion for Mortal Kombat 1,the latest instalment in the acclaimed videogame franchise developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios. Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns is available now digitally for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, the Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), including a story expansion with playable fighters Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, Conan the Barbarian (available beginning Jan. 23), and T-1000 Terminator (release date to be announced).

For more information on the Mortal Kombat 1 Pro Kompetition: Season 2, please visit the online hub.

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About Warner Bros. Games

Warner Bros. Games is a part of Global Streaming and Games for Warner Bros. Discovery and a premier worldwide publisher, developer and licensor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all platforms, including console, handheld, mobile and PC-based game titles. Additional information can be found at WBGames.com.

About NetherRealm Studios

NetherRealm Studios is a leader in the development of interactive entertainment, and the creator of the billion-dollar Mortal Kombat franchise. Mortal Kombat has spawned two theatrical films, multiple television series, and has sold more than 80 million games to date. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the award-winning NetherRealm team has been working and creating games together since 1992. Additional information about NetherRealm Studios can be found at NetherRealm.com.

About RTS

RTS was founded with the goal of fixing the gaming and esports ecosystem chiefly around evolving the creator business model, avoiding bad brand deals, and developing sound esports strategies. RTS is the convergence of talent management, brand consulting, and gaming expertise. Led by a diverse team, RTS empowers growth by helping creators, brands, events, and publishers make a long-term impact across the industry. The company works with some of the biggest talent, events, and brands including RTS co-founder Imane “Pokimane” Anys. RTS also owns and manages with Sony the Evolution Championship Series (Evo), one of the oldest and most storied events in esports. To learn more, visit https://www.rts.gg/.

Mortal Kombat 1 Software © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by NetherRealm. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Mortal Kombat, the dragon logo, NetherRealm Studios, NetherRealm logo and all related characters and elements are trademarks of © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. PEACEMAKER and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25). THE BOYS™ © 2025 Sony Pictures Television Inc. and Amazon Content Services LLC. All rights reserved. Based on the animated series Invincible by Amazon Content Services LLC and the comic book Invincible by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley. INVINCIBLE and any related images are registered or otherwise protected trademarks of Robert Kirkman, LLC. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved. SKYBOUND, SKYBOUND GAMES and any related logos are registered or otherwise protected trademarks of Skybound, LLC. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Conan, Conan the Barbarian (R) and (C) Conan Properties International LLC. The GHOST FACE Mask is protected by registered copyrights of Easter Unlimited Inc. GHOST FACE MASK, THE ICON OF HALLOWEEN and GHOST FACE LIVES are registered trademarks of Easter Unlimited, Inc. All rights reserved. ©2025 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Terminator 2: Judgment Day, T2, T1000, and any depiction of T1000 are trademarks of Studiocanal S.AS. All Rights Reserved.

WARNER BROS. GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25)

Watch the opening cinematic of SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada, available in early access now

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is now available in early access on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC for players that pre-ordered the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition. To celebrate, you can discover the Opening Movie of the game that presents important characters and plotline that relates to the solo mode missions:

In SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada, players choose their Magus, an AI companion that will accompany them on the field and form a bond. They will then go on PvPvE missions to collect AO Crystals and survive the numerous threats at the surface, monsters, or other Drifters.

The game also comes with a PvE mode, The Amasia Investigation, that focuses on the relationship between Alba, a young Drifter, and Ada, his Magus as they discover the reason for the fall of Amasia.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is set torelease on 24 January 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Early access is now available for players pre-ordering the Deluxe and Ultimate versions.

For more information about SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada and other titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.eu, or follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bandainamcoeu/.  Join the conversation on X at https://twitter.com/synduality.