Assemble an Unlikely Team of Heroes and Decide Their Fate in this Tactical Turn-based RPG
Nicosia, Cyprus (August 26, 2024) — Publisher Owlcat Games, alongside developer Another Angle Games, are excited to unveil Shadow of the Road, an artful blend of CRPG and turn-based combat set in alternative 19th-century Japan. Shadow of the Road is among the first titles being published by Owlcat Games and embodies the features that the new publishing arm is built on: complex and interesting characters, deep narrative, unique setting, and turn-based combat mechanics. The game will launch on PC via Steam.
Watch the Shadow of the Road Announcement Trailer here:
In Shadow of the Road, explore the rich tapestry of alternative 19th-century Japan as the Boshin War approaches a bitter and bloody end. Players will immerse themselves in a world that combines tradition and modernity, and Japanese mythology and steampunk technology. Enter the struggle between the Shogun and the Emperor, and delve into captivating narratives, leading a diverse group of adventurers through a dynamic, enchanting realm where decisions shape destiny.
Key features of Shadow of the Road:
Your Story: Join a daring journey led by Tokugawa’s spymaster, who recruits ronin warriors Satoru and Akira to protect a boy with immense, uncontrollable powers. As the adventure intensifies, they are joined by characters, each of whom has their own history and motivation. Together, they confront escalating challenges, striving to reclaim their honor and change the course of the war.
Your Choices: Every choice guides these characters along unique paths, shaping who they become. Player decisions will determine if they form new bonds, sever lifelong friendships, or mend family ties.
Your Team: Take on the role of a master strategist and become an entire team of characters with a variety of backgrounds and skills, each with their own motivations, desires, and fears… and set them on unique paths.
Your Fight: Experience turn-based combat with a samurai tactical vibe. Each team member brings unique abilities to the battlefield, and their personal goals and relationships influence every encounter. Master these dynamics and strategic maneuvers to lead the team to victory.
About Owlcat Games
Owlcat Games is a developer and publisher with a passion for RPGs and narrative-driven games. From our beginnings as a small group of games industry veterans obsessed with the idea of making our dream games a reality, we have grown into a truly international company, with our headquarters in Cyprus and more than 450 employees spread across offices in various countries. We are continuing to expand and take on new hires from around the world, and we also get together every week to play tabletop games in the office and on Roll20 online.
About Another Angle Games
Another Angle Games is a game development studio created by enthusiasts with experience in gaming and post-production. The team members at Another Angle Games are experienced producers and screenwriters, and above all, a good pack of like-minded individuals.
Defeat hellish monsters in Pyrene – an upcoming fast-paced dungeon-crawler by French indie studio Two Tiny Dice, available September 13 on Steam.
After the commercial and critical success of FORWARD: Escape the Fold, solo-dev-turned-studio lead Christophe Coyard is back with a game that borrows from its predecessor’s ideas all while building upon every single one of them. Pyrene officially launches onSeptember 13 2024 on Steam (PC & Mac) and prepares to show off its shiny new title to roguelike dungeon-crawling fanatics.
With multiple playable characters (including a stoat), a variety of distinct biomes and a ton of unlockable items, this first look at Pyrene will give Two Tiny Dice fans and newcomers alike a taste of this brand new experience. Unite with your fellow villagers to confront the sinister Demon Herensuge and his horde of hellish fiends, hell-bent on shattering the tranquility of your homeland. Use your deck-building skills to make it out of the unforgiving dungeons of the Pyrenees alive.
Developed by a team of passionate roguelike, dungeon-crawler players – Pyrene will feature the standard elements all roguelike enthusiasts expect with a robust deck-building system and a unique combat approach that rewards you the more you play.
Key features:
Mythological Setting: Pyrene is based on Basque mythology, a never-before seen pantheon in video games.
Strategic Decision-Making: Balanced between ease of play and strategy, Pyrene presents deep deck-building elements that intertwine with its dungeon-crawling gameplay to force you to think before making any move.
Unique Characters: Play as a diverse cast of characters from your village, each one possessing unique skills, mechanics and magic. Tailor your deck to your hero to make the most of each run!
Built for Replayability: With a wide range of objects, biomes, relics, talismans & spells, no two runs are the same and you will be able to develop ingenuous strategies to navigate the game’s story and endless modes YOUR way.
About Two Tiny Dice and the making of Pyrene
Following the release of Forward: Escape the Fold in March 2022, Christophe realized the potential of fast-paced card-based roguelikes and decided to work on a new, more ambitious title. Joined by Jeanne and Marion, artist and writer respectively, the trio started the journey to create Pyrene. With more features, a complex storyline and deep gameplay, the game aims to bring a refreshing take on the roguelike deck builder genre.
[Pittsburgh, PA] – Prepare to step into the darkness in two exciting, atmospheric adventures as Haplo Games, in collaboration with Mega Cat Studios and Video Game Sage, bring the award-winning Tenebra 1 and Tenebra 2 to the Nintendo Entertainment System today.
Tenebra 1 casts you into the depths of darkness where light is your only ally and shadows your greatest foe. Winner of the 2022 Best Puzzle Game at the Game of the Year – Planeta Sinclair Awards, this critically acclaimed atmospheric puzzle game is here to challenge your intellect like never before. Can you outshine the darkness as you guide a lost soul to safety? With 31 levels of brain-busting puzzles, you’ll need to move torches, slide lights on rails, and reignite forgotten braziers to fend off the encroaching gloom.
But wait—there’s more! The adventure doesn’t end there. Tenebra 2 picks up where the shadows left off, plunging you back into a labyrinth of darkness with even more twists, turns, and tools at your disposal. With 35 levels of intricate puzzles, narrow gaps to squeeze through, pressure plates to activate, and hidden paths to discover, your puzzle-solving skills will be put to the ultimate test. The darkness might be eternal, but your wits will light the way!
Key Features:
Tenebra 1 & 2: Two games, two times the puzzle-solving fun!
Light the Way: Manipulate light sources, unlock gates, and outsmart the shadows.
Brain-Teasing Challenges: 66 levels combined, filled with mind-bending puzzles that will make you question everything.
Old-School Save System: Classic NES-style password system for progress saving.
The all-women and femmes speedrunning event also reached the incredible milestone of over $1 million lifetime donations
August 26, 2024 – Games Done Quick’s all-women and femmes summer speedrunning event Flame Fatales, which ran from August 18-25, concluded yesterday with over $118,000 raised for the non-profit Malala Fund. The week-long speedrunning marathon took place online and was broadcast on Games Done Quick’s Twitch channel.
This year, viewers watched speedruns of contemporary and older games alike, including Super Mario 64 DS, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Splatoon 3, Portal, and much more. Some highlights include an intense final boss attempt in the Chrono Trigger Any% Vortex Save by Jerikandra, achieving a New Game+ world record during the Sonic & Knuckles run by SnowballSMB, and much more. Additionally, during a Bayonetta 3 run, a new milestone of lifetime donations raised for all Flame Fatales events was reached, now totaling over $1 million.
Organized by GDQ’s Frame Fatales community, Flame Fatales – and its winter sister event Frost Fatales – aim to highlight the women, femme, and nonbinary gamers of the speedrunning community while raising money for charity. Flame Fatales 2024 benefits Malala Fund, a non-profit that works to secure free, safe, and quality education for girls around the world.
For fans looking for more, additional exciting speedrun marathons are just on the horizon. Awesome Games Done Quick marks its return January 5-12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Since 2010, Games Done Quick has partnered with some of the world’s most impactful charities, including AbleGamers, Doctors Without Borders, Organization for Autism Research, and Prevent Cancer Foundation, uniting people globally through popular speedrunning events. To date, Games Done Quick events have raised more than $51.7 million in total for charity.
Games Done Quick is a series of charity video game marathons. These events feature high-level gameplay by speedrunners raising money for charity. Games Done Quick has teamed up with several charities in its 14-year history, including Doctors Without Borders and Prevent Cancer Foundation. To date, Games Done Quick has raised over $51.7 million for charity.
About Malala Fund
Malala Fund is working for a world where all girls can learn and lead. Malala Fund advocates for resources and policy changes needed to give all girls a secondary education, invests in local education activists and amplifies the voices of girls fighting for change.
Your space freighter will run out of power in six months – food rations long before that. Hope to die, or for goodness’ sake, pray that everyone else does
BEHIND GOD’S BACK – Aug. 26, 2024 – Publisher CRITICAL REFLEX (Buckshot Roulette) and developer Wrong Organ (How Fish is Made) invite you to join the damned crew of The Tulpar when the sci-fi psychological horror game Mouthwashing launches on Steam on Sept. 26, 2024. The news was revealed in an all-new trailer debuted during IGN’s Gamescom coverage.
When the Pony Express’s interplanetary freighter Tulpar goes off course, its five crew members find themselves stranded with a diminishing supply of resources. As they face the threat of starvation and endure crippling isolation, the crew must fight back paranoia and hallucinations as they come to realize the question is not whether they will survive, but when they will perish… and who will be responsible.
Key Features
Inescapable Isolation: Explore claustrophobic corridors as time closes in on you.
Immersive Storytelling: Every detail tells a story. A keen eye is key.
An Unfolding Narrative: Uncover the truth about your captain, your crew, and your cargo.
Descend into Madness: Question everything, trust nothing. Not even your own mind.
Mouthwashing is part of a spine-tingling lineup of indie horror games under the CR Channel publishing label, which CRITICAL REFLEX announced last year. The collection includes Mike Klubnika’s viral hit Buckshot Roulette, free found-footage horror game TELEFORUM, and three upcoming titles: horror-sim Regular Home Renovation Simulator, horror fishing adventure Drowned Lake, and surreal hand-painted adventure Flawless Abbey.
Mouthwashing is available to wishlist on Steam. A free demo is also available to play on Steam. For more information, follow CR Channel on Twitter, and join the CR Channel Discord community for the latest news, engaging discussions and more.
About Wrong Organ
Wrong Organ is a game development studio with a focus on creating low-poly horror games. The founding team met at Futuregames, a Swedish game development education organization. They collaborated on various projects, eventually releasing one called How Fish is Made. Towards the end of their education, the team decided to establish Wrong Organ, with the intention to continue creating similar games. You can stay updated on Wrong Organ’s latest project, Mouthwashing, by following them on Twitter and joining their Discord.
About CRITICAL REFLEX
CRITICAL REFLEX is an indie game publishing label on a mission: find kick-ass games, make sure they’re at their best upon release, and put them in front of as many gaming fans as possible. Members of our team have worked with a lot of successful indie projects, launched a dozen crowdfunding companies, and now we’ve come together to publish games that we love! www.criticalreflex.com
About CR Channel
CR Channel is the CRITICAL REFLEX publishing label focusing exclusively on indie horror. Join the Discord here: https://discord.gg/FrzN8srBfy
New York, NY (August 26, 2024) — A godfather of vehicular combat games has returned. Today, Atari — one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — announces the all-new Fatal Run 2089, based on the 1990s classic. Fatal Run 2089 is set for a 2025 release on PC on Steam and Epic, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
Fatal Run 2089, developed by MNSTR Studio, utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to deliver high-fidelity action at blistering speeds. Set in a rich post-apocalyptic fantasy landscape across four distinct global regions, drivers will battle against the clock through 20 levels, each with hairpin turns, branching paths, hidden shortcuts, and explosive set pieces. The clock isn’t all you’ll have to worry about as you race through the badlands—stay alert and fight off other road-raging enemies with your arsenal of weapons, or bash them off the road with a selection of seven different vehicles.
Watch the Fatal Run 2089 announcement trailer:
In the aftermath of a comet collision that bathed Earth in deadly radiation, humanity’s remnants have formed fierce factions of wasteland warriors. In Fatal Run 2089, you join a courageous group of scientists known as the ‘Engineers.’ Your critical mission: transport ARCs—advanced clean energy devices designed to purify the atmosphere—to essential population hubs worldwide.
As you take the wheel of your chosen vehicle, the urgency mounts. Your ARC’s integrity is diminishing with every passing moment, but deft maneuvering and bold driving will help recharge the device. Keep your foot on the gas and your weapons primed, for in this post-apocalyptic chaos, a new elite force has emerged, determined to halt your progress. Time is running out—will you deliver the salvation the world so desperately needs?
Key Features of Fatal Run 2089 Include:
Race through four diverse landscapes, each filled with branching paths, hidden shortcuts, and explosive set pieces that keep every run intense and unpredictable.
Face off against four formidable bosses, each with unique abilities and tactics that will test your driving skills and push your strategic thinking to the limit.
Conquer classic arcade-style challenges, where you must race against the clock and manage ARC decay. Fail to deliver your payload in time, and you’ll need to restart your mission.
Collect currency during your runs to enhance your vehicle with powerful upgrades. Tailor your ride with custom modifications to gain an edge in the toughest encounters.
Choose from seven distinctive vehicles, each with unique performance traits. Whether you prefer a nimble, agile ride or a heavy-hitting powerhouse, your choice will shape your strategy. You can only select one vehicle per run, so choose wisely!
Fatal Run 2089 is a modern reimagining of Fatal Run, a futuristic battle-racer released in 1990 for the Atari 2600 and 7800 consoles. Released only in Europe, Fatal Run has become a fan and collector favorite both for its gameplay and relative scarcity.
Fatal Run 2089 launches on Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, and Xbox One and Series X|S in 2025. Learn more at the official website.
About Atari
Atari is an interactive entertainment company and an iconic gaming industry brand that transcends generations and audiences. The company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment, and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 unique games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, and RollerCoasterTycoon®. The Atari family of brands includes game developers Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios, the publishing label Infogrames, and the community-based sites AtariAge and MobyGames. Atari has offices in New York and Paris.
Atari shares are listed in France on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN Code FR0010478248, Ticker ALATA) and OTC Pink Current (Ticker PONGF).
In a galaxy far far away we step into the shoes of Kay Vess who, along with her cute companion Nix, search for a new life only to find themselves quickly mixed in with some of the worst criminals in the galaxy and working alongside these criminal syndicates in Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws.
Star Wars Outlaws – Gameplay
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Explore distinct locations across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, a scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted.
Star Wars Outlaws Developer: Massive Entertainment Publisher: Ubisoft Platform: Windows, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 Release Date: August 30th, 2204 Price: $69.99 USD
Recommended – “Star Wars Outlaws may have all of the style and feel of Star Wars but its lackluster combat and stealth mechanics hold it back despite solid exploration and Nix’s cute and useful assistance.”
We take on the role of the Chosen One as we begin our adventure into familiar yet brand new territory steeped in Chinese mythology as we battle against demons and bosses of all kinds, including the secret boss, while running through the entirety of Black Myth Wukong’s first chapter.
Black Myth: Wukong – Chapter one – Full Playthrough
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.
Black Myth: Wukong Developer: Game Science Publisher: Game Science Platform: Windows, PlayStation 5 Release Date: 20 Aug, 2024 Price: $59.99 USD
Recommended – “Black Myth: Wukong is an impressive action RPG with some flaws, offering a wonderful series of boss rushes steeped in Chinese mythology and enough combat variation to keep things fresh at every turn.”
Smurf the date! On October 24th, embark on a grand adventure to the farthest reaches of Smurf imagination
Paris, France – August 26, 2024 – Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a sleeping Smurf?
Get ready to dive into an all-new adventure in the Smurfs universe with the 3D platformer from Ocellus Services: The Smurfs – Dreams, where the most fantastical dreams meet the darkest nightmares. Watch the new gameplay trailer now for an epic preview of the incredible journey that awaits, through the wildest dreams of your favorite Smurfs.
Ocellus are renowned for their expertise showcased in Marsupilami: Hoobadventure. Praised by both critics and players alike, this platformer breathed new life into the iconic character within videogames.
Check out the special editions of The Smurfs – Dreams below!
Reverie / Day One Edition: Pre-order now on Nintendo Switch – PlayStation 5 – PlayStation 4
The Full Game
3D Lenticular
Stickers Sheets
Digital Thief Skin
Digital Soundtrack
Digital Artbook
Digital Deluxe Edition: Soon available on PC (Steam, Epic Game Store, GOG)
Digital Thief Skin
Digital Artbook
Digital Soundtrack
About The Smurfs – Dreams:
Gargamel has devised a new diabolical plan to capture the Smurfs. The infamous character has cast a cunning spell on the sarsaparilla bushes, the delicious favorite treat of the Smurfs, plunging them into a deep sleep. Embark on a dreamlike expedition where you must face the challenge of awakening all the Smurfs before the diabolical Gargamel reaches the village. This epic journey will thrust you into a gaming experience as thrilling as it is unpredictable, for in the world of dreams, excitement can shift at any moment into the mystery of nightmares.
The fate of the Smurf Village rests in your hands. To save it, get ready to embark on a journey to the farthest reaches of imagination!
Features:
Solo or co-op – Foil Gargamel’s machiavellian plans alone or team up with a friend for a smurf-tastic two-player gaming experience.
Immerse yourself in the Smurfs’ imagination – Each dream unfolds a unique gaming adventure with its own set of accessories, puzzles, and unveils surprises.
Set out on an adventure – Explore 4 dreamy worlds, with 12 levels and 16 mini-levels to complete and discover the secrets of the Smurf Village.
A character that reflects you – Gather all the magic orbs to awaken every Smurf and bring the village back to life. collect patterns to customize your character with new clothing and unlock various surprises throughout your journey.
A Magical artistic direction – Discover a unique and colorful artistic style that evolves as you explore different dreams.
Whether you’re playing solo or with a friend, immerse yourself in enchanting or nightmarish realms, and explore the dreams of your favorite Smurfs by traversing levels with diverse gameplay in a unique adventure where each Smurf has its own special abilities. This 3D platformer offers exciting challenges and captivating puzzles to solve, providing total immersion in a magical world where imagination comes to life.
The Smurfs – Dreams is scheduled for October 24th, 2024 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in physical and digital edition, and on PC (Steam, GOG, Microsoft Store, Epic Game Store) and Xbox One|Series in digital edition.
About Microids
Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.
About Ocellus Services
At Ocellus Services, we are passionate experts in the art and development of stylized video games. Collaborating with industry leaders, we also cultivate our own universes within Ocellus Games. Our team is capable of overseeing the entire creative process, from pre-production to post-production, adapting our skills to projects of any size, genre, or platform. The games, brands, and videos we have contributed to have amassed billions of downloads and views, showcasing our impact in our favorite industry, gaming!
About Peyo Compagny
Peyo Company is an entertainment enterprise dedicated to promoting and perpetuating Peyo’s work and legacy to new generations by creating new content, products, and experiences for fans of all ages. Founded in Belgium by Véronique Culliford, the company encompasses all creative and commercial activities related to Peyo’s work: Johan & Peewit, Benoît Brisefer, and, of course, the famous little blue characters, the Smurfs. Peyo Company’s various activities are managed by four subsidiaries:
Peyo Productions oversees the production of audiovisual content.
Peyo Distribution handles the commercial distribution of the audiovisual catalog.
Peyo Licensing is the global license holder for consumer products, publishing, and entertainment.
Peyo Creations encompasses the studio activities, creating new drawn works and stories.
Peyo Company and its members are dedicated to perpetuating and promoting the artistic and cultural legacy of Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo, around the world.
Sometimes, a beloved developer will sneak up a release on ya, and for the better in this case. Years ago, I got to give Attack of the Friday Monsters a spin, which was lovely and full of imagination and warmth. Today, Millennium Kitchen is back with another slice-of-life adventure in Natsu-mon:20th Century Summer Kid on the Nintendo Switch. Can this one hit those same vibes as the first, or is this a vacation worth passing on? Let’s find out.
Story
Even though there is plenty to do, the narrative here is where the heart of the game lies mostly. Players take the role of a young lad named Satoru, who lives with his parents in a travelling circus. Due to a stop in Yomogi Town, he gets to stretch his legs a little bit and stay for a month with other kids in an ideal environment to make an unforgettable summer. Every day has different, simplistic adventures to get into, which is what this gem is all about. There is something special about adolescence, it’s the same reason we value our nostalgia for that period until our last days, and Natsu-mon is about making those very memories in the best way possible. Sure, you won’t see a ton of action, but the heart is here and present throughout this little gentle adventure.
Gameplay
I should start here by stating Natsu-mon:20th Century Summer Kid is absolutely built like an open-world game, as you get to fully explore the town at your will. In some ways, it borrows a lot of gameplay trinkets from some of the Switch Zelda titles, like a cape to hover over gaps, a stamina system, and so on, yet still manages to feel like its own experience as you explore and interact with townspeople. The stamina system here has no health deductions, but instead puts a timer on Satoru’s energy, meaning the more you do, the quicker the day will get away from you. It’s a bit interesting, but can make it hard to explore as you always focus on the day’s ending. Sure, I would love to see the sights, but time always seems to be ticking and energy puts a bit more urgency to get as much done as possible.
The activities themselves are a lot of fun but don’t always feel as engaging. Players can fish, collect stickers, catch bugs, and so on, which kind of has some air of a lovely “cozy” adventure. There is also a bit of a story to latch onto, with characters holding events that you can participate in, so the freedom here is to utilize your time however you see fit, but to soak in this summer as much as you can. There is certainly a lot to do at any given moment, but I don’t know how engaging or important some of these tasks compare to each other in terms of entertainment.
That said, there is something nice about a game that has this type of focus. If you want a collect-a-thon, there is plenty here to scratch that itch. You want to feel like you’re part of this town and fall in love with some jovial souls? That’s here too. It may not seem like a lot in retrospect, but Satoru’s journey here is all about escapism, and the player simply gets to experience it through his eyes. Those wanting more action may not be too impressed, but I found my days here filled with wonder and some charming interactions.
Audio
This may be Natsu-mon‘s strongest element. From the soundtrack that holds some stunning tunes to some of the most atmospheric effects I have heard in an adventure, the audio is wonderful here. There is something special about the way the cicadas chirp or the breeze hits the trees here that makes it hard not to take it all in. There is a lot of spirit brought by the sound team to the adventure, and most beats are hard not to appreciate as you trek along for the summer.
Visuals
I like the art style here mostly. The environments are lovely and everything animates well enough, but I did notice a couple of issues from time to time. When the world gets busy, the game has some moments of stutter. Nothing crippling or game-breaking, just kind of noticeable, in the same way Princess Peach: Showtime had a while back when it was released. The colors however are very pleasing, and the child-like drawings found in the menus really do connect the summertime experience very well to the narrative at hand.
Overall
We all need a summer getaway sometimes. Natsu-mon:20th Century Summer Kid is just that but through the eyes of our past. It’s about reliving those minor memories that felt special before anxiety, doubt, and adulthood kicked in. While it may kind of cap itself into a very kid-friendly adventure, it never falls short of heart or charm. It’s great to see a little title find life late into the Switch lifespan, and those looking for their next great getaway are sure to find a very pleasing time with Sotoru here.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
