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Gothic-Style ARPG Asterfel Launches First Playtest Ahead of Steam’s Medieval Fest!

Choose your path and quell the ancient god that torments the island in this 2000s throwback RPG

[Cologne, Germany – April 17, 2026] — Pick up your sword! The first playtest for Asterfel launches today, and it will be featured in Steam’s Medieval Fest. Play as a shipwrecked survivor new to the island of Asterfel, where every choice you make is vital to your fate. Choose between one of three different factions to align yourself with, learn more about the island through immersive quests, and defeat powerful, punishing enemies. Will you be able to free the island of Asterfel from itself and from an ancient god’s wrath?

Missed it? Check out the Asterfel Playtest Trailer!

About Asterfel:

  • A Cursed Island Shaped by Greed – Besieged by conflict, the King’s magical mines have stirred up mutant terrors, and roused an ancient God from its slumber. Nature and magic have become erratic, and dead things crawl out of their graves to wreak havoc.
  • Three Factions, A Nation Divided – Three factions rule over the divided island of Asterfel: the Crown Wardens, the rebellious Kindred, and the magical Scholars. Choose which to work with, or lend your sword to all, as you decide on your path. 
  • Let Steel And Magic Lead Your Way – An intense, in-depth combat system allows you to wield swords, bows, or magical runes to cast spells. Whether up close or afar, tackle fights your way. Mix up your play-style and upgrade your abilities to overcome the odds.
  • Choose Your Own Fate – You are a shipwreck survivor, new to Asterfel. Take on quests, align with factions, gather resources, and craft your own gear.
  • A World That Fights Back – Discover arid landscapes, dense jungles, and ancient ruins, where terrors lurk behind every corner. The further abroad you travel, the more difficult enemies become. 

Get a Closer Look with the New 13 Minutes of Asterfel Alpha Gameplay Video!

Join the Asterfel playtest TODAY on Steam, do not tarry! Don’t forget to drop a wishlist to stay in the loop about Asterfel’s development. The island of Asterfel awaits you.

About Mysteria Studio UG

Mysteria Studio UG is an established German indie game development studio with a worldwide team, founded in 2012. We strive for high visual quality, engaging gameplay, and technical excellence to offer gamers the best possible experience.

The team behind Asterfel is deeply influenced by iconic titles like The Witcher and the Gothic series. We’re committed to crafting a world that feels alive.

For more information, visit: https://mysteriastudio.com/

Airship survival RPG Echoes of Elysium receives its biggest update yet

Update 0.18 introduces new power jump, glider progression, overhauled beginning player experience, and much more

Los Angeles, CA – April 17, 2026 – Loric Games and Snail Games USA have just launched the largest update yet for their airborne open-world survival RPG crafting game Echoes of Elysium, now available on Steam Early Access. Major Update 0.18 is a big step toward making Echoes of Elysium feel better the moment you jump in, while also adding more depth to how you move and interact with the world.

This update radically reworks how the game introduces itself so it’s clearer, smoother, and easier to get into. There’s now much more room for player expression through movement, with a new Power Jump ability that lets you launch yourself further and higher, adding a lot more mobility. Your glider now has a progression system where it’s something you earn, craft and upgrade over time, making it a core part of your journey. This update also brings 150 unique items, and hints have been completely reworked to be more helpful and less intrusive. Alongside all of that, there’s a large pass on fixes, performance, and polish across the game, based directly on player feedback. You can check out the full patch notes here.

“Update 0.18 is a massive step forward for the game, especially if you’re just jumping in or bringing friends along for the first time,” said Loric Games cofounder and CEO Brian Johnson. “We’ve spent a lot of time reworking the first-time experience to make things feel more natural, clearer, and less overwhelming. A lot of the early friction points from player feedback in Discord and both positive and negative reviews have been smoothed out, and systems should introduce themselves in a way that makes more sense as you play.”

This is just the beginning, as Loric has shared the Echoes of Elysium roadmap, teasing plans to deliver ongoing updates focused on stability, accessibility, and quality-of-life – including critical fixes, expanded localization, controller support, ship customization, and Steam Deck support. The roadmap includes continuous improvements and content updates delivered between two major content expansions planned for 2026.

Set in the enchanting world of Elysium, where ancient mechanisms coexist with serene skies and breathtaking landscapes, players must set sail for adventure in airships of their own design. Your fleet is more than simple transport, but your base of operations where you can transport supplies, craft materials, and engage in aerial combat against an armada of adversaries.

Work alone or with friends in up to 6-player co-op as you uncover the mysteries of a forgotten paradise where danger lurks in the form of soul-powered clockwork beasts. Gather, craft, and grow in power as you fight for survival across a fractured landscape of diverse environments. Harvest unique resources to craft vital tools, contraptions, and airships, all aiding in your defense and exploration. Everything you would normally do on the ground in survival RPGs happens in the sky for a unique airship-focused experience.

About Loric Games
Loric Games, a venture-backed game development company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, stands at the forefront of creating immersive online gaming experiences. With a commitment to innovation, Loric Games continues to captivate audiences worldwide. loricgames.com

About Snail Games USA
Snail Games is a leading global developer and publisher, known for delivering innovative, immersive gaming experiences across a range of genres and platforms. With a legacy of technological innovation and a focus on community engagement, Snail Games is shaping the future of interactive entertainment. snail.com

Wuthering Waves reveals a slew of new content ahead of second anniversary celebrations

Version 3.3 – ‘Reverbs From The End of Galaxies’ – of Kuro Games’ action-RPG launches 30th April, with new quests, weapons, a new area, and Expedition Motorbike liveries from some of the biggest names in games.

GUANGZHOU, CHINA, Friday 17th April 2026 – Kuro Games has revealed details about the Version 3.3 update for its award-winning action-RPG, Wuthering Waves, as the free-to-play game prepares to celebrate its second anniversary.

Subtitled ‘Reverbs From the End of Galaxies’ and set to launch on 30th April at 11:00 (UTC+8)*, the update invites players to mark the milestone with a slew of new content, including three new main quests and a host of free rewards, together with a two-part collaboration event that rewards players with new Expedition Motorbike liveries from the likes of Resident Evil, PRAGMATA, and Angry Birds. Comprehensive information about Version 3.3 was revealed in a livestream to the community, which is available to watch on the official Wuthering Waves YouTube channel.

Version 3.3 – Reverbs From the End of Galaxies

The new update will introduce two additional Resonators to the game: Hiyuki, a member of the Special Response Force with Glacio attributes, and Denia, a Startorch Academy student with Fusion attributes. Players will also be able to expand their arsenal with two new weapons ‘Frostburn’ and ‘Forged Dwarf Star’, and their wardrobe with Morney’s new outfit, ‘Plush Dream’. A new area, Dimmr Plains, will make its debut for players to explore, while those looking to test themselves in combat can challenge themselves with a new Tactical Hologram: Sigillum.

Reverbs From the End of Galaxies also comes with a barrage of optimisations to heighten the experience, including: 

  • A new outfit accessory system – Equip and change compatible Accessories for select Resonators
  • Enhanced Expedition Motorbikes – A new aerial mode ability, and a new module, aerial tactics
  • UI updates – Optimized the UI for the Resonators, Team, Data Bank, Guidebook, and Backpack pages; added new ways to view and switch a Resonator’s “Resonance Mode” within some of the game’s interfaces; added Convene animations for some 5-Star weapons in the “Absolute Pulsation” Weapon Convene
  • Graphics & Performance – Proprietary mobile frame generation designed to enhance in-game performance on mid-range mobile devices, helping maintain a steadier and more comfortable frame rate while also reducing power consumption; an “Anisotropic Filtering” graphics option on PC, enabling improved texture quality, sharper surface textures, and enhanced overall visual clarity; DLSS Super Resolution will support DLAA; on compatible PCs, enabling DLAA allows the game to deliver finer image quality with greater visual detail when rendered at native resolution
  • Game Client – The Resource Cleanup feature on mobile will now allow you to remove certain map environment resources; with the Resource Download Options feature on mobile, the minimum resources required to run the game will be further reduced in Version 3.3.

A series of reward codes have also been released today, giving players free in-game consumables. The three codes, FACEALEPH1, 2NDANNIVERSARY, and EVERSHINE, are valid through to Sunday 19th April at 15:59 UTC (08:59 PDT, 11:59 EDT, 16:59 BST, 17:59 CEST)

  • FACEALEPH1 Astrite x100, Premium Resonance Potion x4, Advanced Energy Core x5
  • 2NDANNIVERSARY Astrite x100, Forgery Premium Supply Ⅱ x2, Shell Credit x40000
  • EVERSHINE Astrite x100, Premium Tuner x20, Advanced Sealed Tubes x5

Kuro Games has also revealed that ‘To the New World’, a Wuthering Waves World Tour, will take place later in 2026. Beginning in Shanghai before travelling to Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, and Los Angeles, the To the New World concerts will bring Wuthering Waves to life, with songs and music from the game performed live. Tour dates will be released in the coming weeks, and more details will be shared on the game’s official X channel.

Wuthering Waves is available on the official website, on the App Store, Google Play, Mac App Store, and PC via The Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Steam.

* Version 3.3 Global launch times:

Wednesday 29th April 20:00 PDT (Los Angeles, Seattle)
Wednesday 29th April 23:00 EDT (New York, Toronto, Atlanta)
Thursday 30th April 04:00 BST (London, Lisbon)
Thursday 30th April 05:00 CEST (Paris, Berlin, Warsaw)
Thursday 30th April 12:00 JST (Tokyo)
Thursday 30th April 13:00 AEST (Melbourne, Sydney)

About Kuro Games

Founded in 2014, Kuro Games main focus is to create high quality, original games that push the boundaries. For over a decade Kuro Games has strived to bring more diverse, innovative, and enjoyable services to its players. Kuro Games independently developed Punishing: Gray Raven, which was well received with warm response from players around the world. With over 30 million downloads worldwide, its recently released new open-world ARPG Wuthering Waves is receiving the same public reception.

RUNEFEST TICKETS ARE SET TO GO ON SALE 30TH APRIL

Get ready to party like it’s (Level) 99, as Jagex’s flagship real-world event returns to Birmingham, UK bigger than ever before.

Friday, 17th April 2026, Cambridge, UK – Jagex: The RuneScape Company is today announcing tickets for RuneFest 2026 will go on general sale on Thursday, 30th April at 16:00 BST (08:00 PT, 11:00 ET, 17:00 CEST). Taking place across two days at the NEC in Birmingham, UK on 3rd and 4th October, RuneFest 2026 will be the biggest held to date, doubling the 2025 capacity to a record 6,000 players, 300+ Jagex staff and dozens of creators converging from around the world to celebrate the franchise in its milestone 25th anniversary.

The event is the prime opportunity for ‘Scapers old and new to meet their favourite JMods and creators in person, share stories of their adventures across Gielinor and Ashenfall, and of course find out what’s in store for them in-game over the months ahead and beyond.

RuneFest 2025 Highlights

RuneFest 2026 will feature two grand stages, with JMod and creator panels entertainment, and behind the scenes content running in tandem, together with additional evening entertainment. The main stage will be the focus for classic RuneFest content, including Roadmap Summits for RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds and the Golden Gnome community and creator awards, all live-streamed to an audience of hundreds of thousands on Saturday. The stage will also feature a surprise 25th anniversary-themed Opening Ceremony, and all-new entertainment featuring special guests.

Two tiers of tickets will be available: Standard tickets which includes full access to RuneFest across both days and an jam-packed goodie bag, and an all-new Gold ticket tier which includes additional benefits and an upgraded goodie bag that includes an exclusive RuneFest 2026 Gold Trim Rune Armour figurine by YouTooz. Tickets to last year’s event sold out in less than 5 minutes, so players looking to make their way to the IRL world of RuneScape will need to be quick to avoid disappointment.


Players can secure RuneFest 2026 merchandise with a range of pre-order items available alongside ticket purchases, including personalised short and long-sleeved T-shirts featuring their in-game name, the all-new long-sleeve tee range exclusively available on pre-order, and the official RuneFest ‘26 hoodie. Players can also pick up collectible items like the limited-edition Skill Chip Box, designed to showcase this year’s set. With early bird pricing available and several items – including all personalised apparel – exclusive to pre-order, this is the best way for players to guarantee their preferred styles and sizes ahead of the event. All pre-orders will be available for collection at the Birmingham NEC during RuneFest weekend.

RuneScape and Old School RuneScape are available now on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android, complete with cross-platform progression and play on PC and mobile. RuneScape: Dragonwilds is available now on Steam Early Access.

Full ticket details:
Standard Ticket – £210 plus booking fee

  • Access to both days at RuneFest 2026
  • An exclusive RuneFest goodie bag

Gold Ticket – £375 plus booking fee

New for 2026, Gold tickets give attendees the highest possible level of access at the show, including:

  • Access to both days at RuneFest 2026
  • ​An upgraded goodie bag with an exclusive RuneFest Gold Trim Rune Armour Figurine by Youtooz, never to be reproduced or resold
  • ​15% discount on all merch store purchases at the event 
  • ​Exclusive early access to merch store 
  • ​Reserved Gold seating area at front of main stage 
  • ​Priority booking for LAN area slots​ 
  • Priority booking for meet & greet area slots

About Jagex

Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, Jagex: The RuneScape Company, is a leader in creating deep and engaging forever games that empower communities across PC and mobile. Our MMORPG franchise, RuneScape, is played around the world and has welcomed over 300 million player accounts.

As RuneScape enters its 25th year in 2026, we are accelerating our strategy to expand RuneScape into a broader ecosystem of forever games and connected experiences, grounded in a renewed commitment to integrity and fair play. This includes the reduction of monetisation mechanics, as well as the launch of RuneScape: Dragonwilds into Steam Early Access in 2025, representing a major step in building a multi-genre future for the RuneScape universe. Jagex: The RuneScape Company remains focused on building enduring worlds, empowering player-led innovation, and laying the foundations for the boldest era in RuneScape’s history.

For more information, visit www.jagex.com. 

Capcom’s Sci-Fi Adventure PRAGMATA Blasts Off to the Moon Today

Now Available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™ 2, and Steam

London (April 17, 2026) Today Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, is proud to announce the long-awaited PRAGMATA™ is out now across the globe. After years of anticipation, the highly acclaimed sci-fi action-adventure game is now available across PlayStation®5 (PS5™), Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™ 2*, and PC via Steam.

To watch the PRAGMATA launch trailer.

Developed by the studio behind the Resident Evil™ and Devil May Cry™ series, PRAGMATA transports players to the moon. The story unfolds aboard a futuristic lunar station that has mysteriously lost contact with the Earth. Sent in to investigate, space farer Hugh Williams quickly runs into trouble before a curious android with the appearance of a young girl comes to his rescue. Given the name Diana, she joins Hugh in exploring the lunar station in search of a way back to Earth.

Throughout their journey, Hugh and Diana are hunted by a hostile AI who controls the facility, and players must combine the unlikely duo’s unique abilities to survive the threats that await them. PRAGMATA features unique action-puzzle combat where Diana hacks enemy Bots to expose their weaknesses so Hugh can blast them with an arsenal of firearms. Between battles, the pair can enjoy the respite of the Shelter. In this safe haven, Hugh and Diana share heartwarming interactions and can trade collectable materials for upgrades to take on challenges like massive boss fights.

“We’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time,” said PRAGMATA producer Naoto Oyama. “The development team has been working passionately on this project for many years, and the community has been there every step of the way. It may have taken some time, but we feel we’ve created something truly unique and special for you. Thank you so much for your support. We’re so happy everyone can finally experience Hugh and Diana’s unforgettable adventure today.”

Alongside the standard version, a Deluxe Edition is also available, which includes the Shelter Variety Pack. This bundle offers additional cosmetic outfits, a weapon skin, emotes, extra Shelter background music, and an in-game library of rare art. Players can also get a taste of the thrilling action that awaits in the full game with the PRAGMATA Sketchbook demo, downloadable for free via the PlayStation Store,  Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop, and Steam.

The languages featured in PRAGMATA include full voice over for English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (with Simplified and Traditional text options), plus additional text support for Polish and Arabic.

A selection of songs from the PRAGMATA original soundtrack are also available to stream now via music services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and more. Additional tracks from the game’s full original score are also planned for release next week, starting on April 24, 2026.

For all the latest updates on PRAGMATA, please visit the official website.

About Capcom

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil™, Monster Hunter™, Street Fighter™, Mega Man™, Devil May Cry™ andAce Attorney™. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Tokyo, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com  or news.capcomusa.com.

Capcom, and the Capcom logo are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. or other countries. Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil and Street Fighter are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

Stephan Reichart transfers leadership of game events GmbH to Frederik Hammes

Cologne, April 17, 2026 – Effective May 2026, Frederik Hammes will assume the role of managing director of game events GmbH, succeeding Stephan Reichart, who has chosen to step down at his own request. Hammes brings over 20 years of experience in the industry, including a longstanding tenure as managing director at Travian Games, and a deep understanding of the games sector across multiple perspectives.

To ensure a smooth transition, Reichart will continue to support the new managing director until the conclusion of gamescom dev in August 2026. Europe’s largest developer conference, previously known as devcom, will be held under its new name for the first time this year. In addition to gamescom dev, game events GmbH is also responsible for organizing a range of key industry events, including the German Computer Game Awards. The company is a subsidiary of game – the Association of the German Games Industry.

“Stephan Reichart is a distinguished veteran of the German games industry whose passion and commitment have left a lasting mark. Over several decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the conference landscape, first through his own event companies and later as Managing Director of game events GmbH. Under his leadership, gamescom dev has evolved into a premier event for game developers. His extensive network, keen sense for innovative formats, and personal dedication have been instrumental in establishing game events GmbH in its current position. On behalf of the association, I would like to express our sincere thanks for his outstanding contributions,” says Felix Falk, Managing Director.

“It has been both an honour and a privilege to contribute to the development of devcom – now gamescom dev – since 2017, and to build and lead the exceptional team at game events GmbH since 2019. Together with our association and Koelnmesse, we have successfully navigated unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. I am deeply grateful for the continued trust and support of our shareholders throughout this journey. Further advancing the German Computer Game Awards and shaping gamescom dev alongside such a dedicated team has been immensely rewarding. Both events are now ideally positioned for continued success under Frederik’s leadership, whom I hold in the highest regard both professionally and personally. From October, I will be turning my attention to new projects, which I greatly look forward to. I remain sincerely appreciative of the many valued collaborations over the years and wish all my colleagues continued success in the future,” says Stephan Reichart, outgoing Managing Director of game events GmbH.

“This year, gamescom dev is launching in a new format, featuring a fresh name and an even closer integration with gamescom, the world’s largest gaming event. Following strong growth in recent years, the time is right to take the conference to the next level and further elevate its international profile. At a time when developer conferences worldwide are undergoing significant transformation, this presents a unique opportunity to set new standards through clear focus and renewed momentum. I very much look forward to shaping this next phase together with the team,” says Frederik Hammes, Managing Director-designate of game events GmbH.

About gamescom dev:

gamescom dev is Europe’s leading game developer event, the official developer conference of gamescom, and one of the most important global platforms for developers, publishers, and industry professionals. Throughout the year, gamescom dev provides a space for meaningful exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaboration — always guided by the values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. gamescom dev and all its branded formats are developed and organized by game events GmbH, a subsidiary of game – the German Games Industry Association.

About gamescom:

gamescom is the world’s biggest leading event for the entire gaming community and industry. gamescom 2026 will take place from August 26 to 30. The event will kick off on August 25, 2026 with gamescom Opening Night Live. In addition, gamescom latam in São Paulo and the gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show in Bangkok will take place over the course of the year. gamescom is jointly organized by Koelnmesse and game – the German Games Industry Association.

Etrange Overlord Review

Etrange Overlord

Developer: Gemdrops, Superniche
Publisher: NIS America
Platforms: PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $49.99 USD – Available Here

Overview

There’s always room for some experimentation in the video game industry and while many of those experiments come from indie developers, Japanese developers also often take a swing with something unique and different. The only problem is, many of these more unique titles tend to never see the light of day in English but now NIS America is branching out further from Nippon Ichi Software and looking to bring an unique little game that is as ridiculous as it is charming. Featuring the creator of the Disgaea franchise behind the helm and developed by Gemdrops and SuperNiche, Etrange Overlord does what it can to prove that even niche developers can punch up when given the chance.

Story

Without even the grace of a title card Etrange von Rosenburg is marched out to the guillotine where she is accused of plotting an assassination of the king, a crime she herself says she never even would think of. But rather than give those executing her any semblance of joy she takes her execution like a noble and arrives in hell, looking immediately for sweets to satisfy her sweet tooth. Instead she runs into a trio of demons intent on beginning her torture but after a thorough beat-down by Etrange’s magical powers, the three not only grovel but even transform into enhance devils willing to do her every bidding and start assisting on her journey.

Rather than seek revenge against those who plotted against her or whatever false allegations were made up that ended her life, Etrange simply wants to have a happy new life down in hell even if it means taking over everything in her path to do so. Thankfully, or perhaps not so thankfully, her beloved pet and personal maid were also executed in similar fashion and soon join her in hell, leading to Etrange gathering quite the menagerie of companions that only grows more complex as she continues her adventures through hell, seeking to topple whatever may stand in her way of a comfortable sweet-filled life all while occasionally breaking into song with her new allies along the way.

Etrange Overlord plays almost everything completely straight-faced even in the most ridiculous of situations. Estrange herself is an absolutely overpowered monster of a character that it is hilarious to see her questioning why her own compatriots are cowering in fear of her latest accomplishments. Either that or she’ll transform into something so absurd that she’ll wipe out her whole team while trying to partake in a battle of wits. In fact, the whole reason that vengeance doesn’t even cross her mind is that she believes that the kingdom itself was beneath her in the first place and that if she actually cared enough to eliminate the empire, she could have done so in an afternoon and this villainess aspect is played through and through to some great laughs. This is especially well-done when combined with the way that Etrange reacts to her companions joining her side and actually acting like they like her, something that she literally had to remember the definition of. 

These small things build up to plenty of humor throughout the story from Etrange herself but her companions are just as hilarious. While we won’t spoil what exactly happens here, nearly every major foe that she comes across ends up joining her side either because she was already their ally, sheer terror, or because they want the sweets she is always craving. Watching these characters interact makes for some excellent comedic moments and it really helps that to support all of this humor is a genuinely impressive overarching storyline to back things up.

While the moment to moment storytelling is rather simple, the grand narrative, especially the ones that are told through side-stories that players can visit optionally and give players a look at the human realm and the plans of the so called “heroine” are outstanding, especially given the villainess storylines that have grown so popular lately. Combine this with the fact that the narrative pushes players beyond hell and even to heaven itself to question the meaning of one’s fate and Etrange Overlord goes above and beyond with telling Etrange’s adventures for a better life… or in this case afterlife.

Gameplay

Etrange Overlord is a rather simplistic game that sees players traveling around a small overworld with items that players can pick up, used for cooking or upgrading a character’s weapons, and finding stages to challenge. These stages are designated, usually, as little towers that tend to have multiple hidden conditions for extra bonuses if players manage to complete them. All include completing the stage, but some bonus objectives include things like never being hit by an environmental trap, never losing a companion, or winning quick enough. Shortly into the game players will obtain a vehicle that serves as Etrange’s mobile-base that includes shops and upgrade stations as well as the ability to bust through boulders.

The combat in the game is simplistic almost to a fault, with the biggest variation coming from what each stage might ask players to do. Most simply involve killing enough enemies while others involve defending a certain character for a period of time, gathering items faster than the enemy team, or even capturing and holding bases. Once players obtain a party of four almost every battle going forward will allow players to select four characters to bring into battle with each character having their own strengths and weaknesses. Estrange for example has long distance attacks while her pet cat is agile and uses melee attacks but is more vulnerable to taking damage. During combat players can swap between allies at will as well as order them to target enemies, victory conditions, or objects to help dictate how their AI works. Should a party member fall in combat they can be revived simply by moving over to them and holding square to pluck them out of the dirt.

The most unique element to Etrange Overlord‘s combat is the Lane System which works something like a conveyor belt of items. Along these lanes various items such as attack boosts, shields that absorb attacks, cake that heals, and “special attack” unlocking stars will slide along. Other things such as bombs that can be picked up and thrown at enemies, especially during gimmick bosses, and dangers can also travel along these lanes. Players can customize the way lanes are set-up such as the various bonus items that appear and even power them up at the mobile base. Similarly, items obtained from winning a fight or in the world can be used to boost the strength of a character’s weapon, including how many projectiles they can shoot and more, and even cook food that will provide a temporary boost to the entire team for the next fight.

One thing that really does stand out, as mentioned a bit earlier, are the boss battles. Almost every boss fight has some unique mechanic that players will need to take advantage of to properly defeat them and it generally involves something only available on that stage. This means players will need to do some quick thinking sometimes to defeat a foe. That being said, the game does start to feel quite repetitive after a while since the core combat rarely feels like it changes things up enough to feel worthwhile, especially if players have focused their upgrades on their favorite characters and blow through even tougher stages with ease.

Audio & Visuals

Etrange Overlord sticks to a familiar art style and does a solid job of it, working with chibi character models that persist even in dialogue sequences. These character models are lightly detailed and it would have been nice if there were a bit more variety to level design as well since, other than later areas in the game, most of the locations players battle and travel through are quite simple. It must be said that the character design, as simple as it is, is still top notch and what one would expect from these developers.

Etrange Overlord only offers the original Japanese voice track but this is for its benefit as it features quite the line-up of stellar voice actors to fill the character roles. Etrange herself is outstanding as a villainess and even Hololive’s Watame voices Sweetia, her maid. Another character that we won’t spoil here is also voiced by another Hololive member, Fubuki, so fans of the VTubers will be in for quite a treat here. The soundtrack for the game is somewhat of a mixed bag unfortunately and that is due to the fact that although the game billed itself as a musical, the only actual singing comes during short sequences at the end of every major stage which are a bit underwhelming despite the dramatic flair of it all. The rest of the game’s soundtrack during exploration and combat is similarly rather generic.

Overall

Etrange Overlord may not look like the type of game that will impress at first glance but appearances can be deceiving. This villainess story is not only quite deep but filled with humor and clever writing, making for an endearing journey that players will want to see through to the end, especially with some stellar voice work for the cast. There are a few stumbles along the way, such as the lack of musical numbers and the game’s core combat being repetitive after a while but despite these drawbacks this Etrange’s journey is certainly one to remember.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

UNDERWATER CITY BUILDER LIFE BELOW ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE WITH NEW TRAILER

Trailer showcases the hazards and challenges players will face on May 26th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Leicester UK – 17th April 2026: Kasedo Games and Megapop today announced that their upcoming underwater city builder Life Below will launch exclusively for PC on May 26, 2026.

Alongside the announcement, a brand-new trailer has been released, offering a deeper look at the hazards and systemic challenges players must overcome to restore life beneath the waves.

Life Below delivers a fresh and distinctive take on the city-building genre crafted in collaboration with marine biologists and acclaimed video game writer, Rhianna Pratchett. Players must grow their reef, attract diverse wildlife to increase biodiversity, and carefully evolve entire underwater ecosystems to withstand a constantly shifting tide.

The new trailer highlights the fragile nature of coral reefs and how players must understand and adapt to ever changing conditions, from both natural and external events. Invasive species, coral bleaching, jellyfish swarms, warming waters, as well as pollution waves and oil spills are just some of the challenges that players will face as they look to pull their coral reef from the brink of collapse.

In addition, Life Below will feature in the upcoming Earth Appreciation festival on Steam, where players will be able to get an in-depth look at the game ahead of launch. A live developer stream will take place on April 25th showcasing new gameplay, mechanics and insights from the Megapop team.

Life Below is coming to Steam on May 26, 2026. Players can wishlist the game now via Steam or join the community on Discord.

ABOUT KASEDO GAMES

Kasedo Games work closely together with enthusiastic & talented indie developers from around the world to publish ‘Triple I’ titles that players will love.

Through our vast knowledge of producing, PR, marketing and distribution, we always strive for quality games made by quality indie teams and we understand that every game and every studio has different requirements. The support, creative freedom and platform we provide means we can make great games happen without forgetting their roots.

Titles under the Kasedo label include: ‘IXION, ‘Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus I & II’, ‘City of Gangsters’, ‘Filament’, ‘Rise of Industry 1 & 2’, ‘Project Highrise’ and ‘Crowntakers’.www.kasedogames.com

ABOUT MEGAPOP
Megapop is an independent game studio based in Oslo, Norway, and a proud member of Oslo Game Hub. We create premium strategy games for PC and console, built on originality, depth, and the science of fun. With a legacy of globally featured and top-ranking games, we bring a deep current of experience into every new project. We’re currently developing Life Below, a genre-bending city-builder where you shape the fate of a coral reef from nature’s point of view—a true reef builder. 

TURTLE BEACH UNVEILS THE ALL-NEW STEALTH PRO II WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET — FLAGSHIP SOUND, COMFORT, AND FLEXIBILITY – WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Certified Hi-Res Wireless Audio and Dolby Atmos® Spatial Audio Deliver Higher Audio Quality for a More Accurate and Immersive Gaming Experience.

The Exclusive CrossPlay 2.0 System Supports Up to Four USB Wireless Transmitters, Wirelessly Switch between Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and More. Unidirectional 9mm Floating Microphone Features AI-based Noise Reduction For Broadcast-Quality Communication.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (17 April, 2026): Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH), revealed the all-new Stealth Pro II wireless multiplatform gaming headset which distinctly sits at the audio summit as the complete gaming peripheral. The Stealth Pro II is the successor to the highly lauded Stealth Pro and represents both Turtle Beach’s legacy of gaming sound and the future of premium audio versatility. As the latest and ultimate gaming headset, the Stealth Pro II Wireless Gaming Headset is for anyone who demands flagship-level audio and microphone performance, seamless device switching and stunning design.

The Stealth Pro II lets you hear what you’ve never been able to hear before — but could it stand up to the master of stealth himself? To find out, Turtle Beach tracked down the world’s last surviving ninja, Jinichi Kawakami, and flew him from Japan for the ultimate IRL showdown. One gamer. One ninja. One headset. With the advanced audio of the Stealth Pro II, the gamer was able to capture every sound the ninja made. It was the ultimate stealth showdown highlighting Turtle Beach’s legacy of gaming sound and stunning audio performance. If the Stealth Pro II can hear a ninja, it can hear anything. Visit the Turtle Beach website to put your Ninja hearing to the test.

The Xbox® version of the Stealth Pro II Wireless Gaming Headset delivers unrivalled audio across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox® One, PC, PlayStation® 4 & 5, & Bluetooth® equipped mobile devices while the PC & PlayStation® version shines across PC, PlayStation® 4 & 5, & Bluetooth® equipped mobile devices. Both models feature Japan Audio Society certified 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res Wireless Audio, 60mm Eclipse™ dual drivers, CrossPlay 2.0 multiplatform switching, simultaneous 2.4GHz ultra-low latency wireless and Bluetooth®, Active Noise Cancellation, Dolby Atmos®, and dual 40-hour swappable batteries for an uncompromising audio experience. The anodized aluminum and soft-touch materials create a refined, premium design, while memory-foam ear cushions and a mesh fabric suspension headband provide exceptional comfort for long gaming sessions. With an RRP of $549.95, Stealth Pro II delivers meaningful upgrades over its predecessor in terms of sound fidelity, connectivity, and comfort for both gaming and high-fidelity music listening. The Stealth Pro II launches in Australia May 29 2026, and is available for pre-order starting today at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers globally.

“The Stealth Pro II represents the pinnacle of Turtle Beach gaming audio. The convergence of innovation, form, sonic clarity and comfort makes this, our flagship headset, the absolute new standard by which all other gaming headsets will be judged,” said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach. “With Certified Hi-Res Wireless Audio and powerful 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, Stealth Pro II delivers extraordinary sound fidelity that lets gamers hear every detail of the action. And with our CrossPlay 2.0 system, players can seamlessly switch between up to four platforms and devices at the touch of a button. What our teams have achieved here is remarkable – this is the headset that truly bridges the gap between high-performance gaming audio and premium listening.”

Below is the full list of Stealth Pro II features designed to deliver exceptional gaming audio lifestyle experiences:

  • Certified High Resolution Wireless Audio

Certified by the Japan Audio Society, an organization known for its rigorous standards and commitment to audio excellence, the Turtle Beach Stealth™ Pro II delivers true 24-bit/96kHz wireless high-resolution audio* via an ultra-low-latency 2.4GHz USB connection. From the quietest details to the most powerful moments, you’ll enjoy an audiophile-grade listening experience that brings your games and music to life.

*Available on PC or other systems supporting 24-bit/96kHz output.

  • CrossPlay 2.0 Multiplatform Wireless Audio

CrossPlay 2.0 lets you seamlessly switch between up to four platforms at the touch of a button. Includes one transmitter dock and one transmitter. Additional transmitters sold separately.

  • Advanced Active Noise Cancellation

Stealth™ Pro II offers adaptable noise cancellation with four internal microphones that reduce background noise, keeping you focused in any environment.

  • 60mm Eclipse™ Dual Drivers

Large 60mm Eclipse™ dual drivers with dedicated woofers and tweeters deliver powerful bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs for an immersive listening experience.

  • Broadcast-Quality Floating Microphone

The uni-directional 9mm floating microphone delivers exceptional clarity with AI-based noise reduction and convenient flip-to-mute control. Fine-tune sensitivity, noise gate, and EQ via the Swarm™ II app.

  • Dolby Atmos® Spatial Audio

Dolby Atmos® creates a true three-dimensional soundstage, placing audio all around you for precise positioning and deeper immersion.

  • Dual Swappable 40-Hour Batteries

Two 40-hour rechargeable battery packs enable continuous, uninterrupted gameplay, with a charging dock that keeps your spare powered and ready.

  • Built-in Beamforming Microphones

Integrated beamforming microphones focus on your voice while reducing background noise, providing clear communication even without the boom mic.

  • Simultaneous Wireless + Bluetooth®

Listen to audio from two devices at once with simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth®, with independent volume controls for easy audio balancing.

  • Premium Design for Comfort and Durability

Designed for comfort and durability with anodized aluminum, soft-touch materials, and memory-foam ear cushions with ProSpecs™ glasses relief, plus a reinforced design and included hard case for added protection.

  • Anywhere Audio Customisation

Connect to the Swarm™ II companion app to access a custom 10-band audio EQ, microphone EQ, sensitivity & noise gate adjustments, and get the latest firmware.

  • Easy Access to Audio Presets

Quickly switch between 4 built-in Turtle Beach audio presets, including Bass Boost, Signature Sound, Treble Boost, and Vocal Boost.

  • Multiplatform Compatibility Xbox Model:

Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation® 4 & 5, PC (Windows 10 & up, USB 2.0 or higher), and Bluetooth® equipped mobile devices.

  • PC Model:

Compatible with PC (Windows 10 & up, USB 2.0 or higher), PlayStation® 4 & 5, and Bluetooth® equipped mobile devices.

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach products and accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

About Turtle Beach Corporation

Turtle Beach Corporation (the “Company”) (www.turtlebeachcorp.com) is one of the world’s leading gaming accessory providers. The Company’s namesake Turtle Beach brand (www.turtlebeach.com) is known for designing best-selling gaming headsets, top-rated game controllers, award-winning PC gaming peripherals, and groundbreaking gaming simulation accessories. Innovation, first-to-market features, a broad range of products for all types of gamers, and top-rated customer support have made Turtle Beach a fan-favourite brand and the market leader in console gaming audio for over a decade. Turtle Beach Corporation acquired Performance Designed Products LLC (www.pdp.com) in 2024. Turtle Beach’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Exchange under the symbol: TBCH.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Except for historical information contained in this release, statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. Statements containing the words “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “goal,” “project,” “intend” and similar expressions, or the negatives thereof, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any person, that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management.

While the Company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that its goals and strategy will be realised. Numerous factors, including risks and uncertainties, may affect actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company or on its behalf. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs on imported goods and other trade restrictions, the release and availability of successful game titles, macroeconomic conditions affecting the demand for our products, logistic and supply chain challenges and costs, dependence on the success and availability of third parties to manufacture and manage the logistics of transporting and distributing our products, the substantial uncertainties inherent in the acceptance of existing and future products, the difficulty of commercializing and protecting new technology, the impact of competitive products and pricing, general business and economic conditions, risks associated with the expansion of our business, including the integration of any businesses we acquire and the integration of such businesses within our internal control over financial reporting and operations, our indebtedness, liquidity, and other factors discussed in our public filings, including the risk factors included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company’s other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company is under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement after the date of this release whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

METRO 2039: JOURNEY INTO THE DARK HEART OF POST-APOCALYPTIC MOSCOW

Experience the most shocking METRO adventure yet

Sydney, Australia, 17th April 2026: After a thrilling cinematic and gameplay reveal in collaboration with Xbox, we’re excited to announce METRO 2039, the long-awaited next chapter in the METRO saga, from acclaimed storytellers, 4A Games. METRO 2039 is coming to Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, Steam and Epic this winter (Australian summer).

The official reveal showcases METRO 2039’s handcrafted, story‑driven single‑player FPS campaign, claustrophobic immersive atmosphere and psychological horror.  The 15-minute stream featured talking heads from 4A Games’ Jon Bloch (Executive Producer), Andriy mLs Shevchenko (Creative Director) and Pavel Ulmer (Co-Creative Director & Lead Audio Designer), as well as a stunning 6-minute reveal trailer and gameplay tease.  The gameplay itself was captured using a mix of gameplay and real-time cinematics, giving fans a glimpse of the series’ haunting environments, stunning visual fidelity and iconic METRO equipment, including the signature weapons and wristwatch during a heart pounding mutant combat encounter.

WATCH THE REVEAL TRAILER HERE:

THE YEAR IS 2039.

For a quarter century, the last survivors of nuclear war have been locked in bitter conflict deep in the Metro tunnels beneath the poisoned city of Moscow. Now, the underground factions are unified under one banner – the Novoreich, led by a new Fuhrer: the legendary Spartan, Hunter.  The Fuhrer promises salvation and a new life for the people on the surface but in reality, communities remain trapped deep within the Metro, flooded by propaganda and misinformation, suffering under his authoritarian regime.

You play as The Stranger, a recluse haunted by violent waking nightmares, forced to undertake a harrowing journey back down to the Metro, a place he swore he would never return to.  The Stranger will be a fully voiced lead protagonist, making a notable step towards deeper immersion in METRO’s iconic atmospheric storytelling.

A CLASSIC METRO STORY, TOLD FROM A UKRAINIAN PERSPECTIVE.

4A Games was born in Ukraine, and still remains majority Ukrainian, but now with a team that spans over 25 different nationalities united by a Ukrainian spirit of determination and pride for their projects.  Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has impacted and directly shaped the development of METRO 2039, with its story shifting to focus acutely on choices, actions, consequences, and the cost of securing a future.  While told from a distinctly Ukrainian perspective, METRO 2039 remains an authentically METRO story.  Now working primarily from two locations in Kyiv and Malta, the goal remains the same: to create an experience that is unmistakably METRO.

METRO 2039 is developed in Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion, and in Malta. 4A Games continues to support its homeland and team members in Ukraine in every possible way.  If you wish to contribute, we can recommend the Official Fundraising Platform of Ukraine: United24: https://u24.gov.ua/

Be the first to learn more by registering for updates at METRO2039.com and follow us on X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube with @MetroVideoGame. To find out more about 4A Games, please visit the official website at www.4a-games.com, follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/4aGames and Twitter www.Twitter.com/4agames.

About METRO 2039:

METRO 2039 is the next landmark FPS from acclaimed storytellers, 4A Games. Journey into the dark heart of post-apocalyptic Moscow in a harrowing conflict for the very soul of the Metro. Experience the most shocking METRO adventure yet in a powerful single-player story that weaves exploration, survival, combat and stealth across a hauntingly beautiful but deadly world with unparalleled immersion.

Learn more about METRO 2039 here: www.metro2039.com

Inspired by the worldwide best-selling METRO book trilogy by Dmitry Glukhovsky.

About 4A Games:

4A Games is an award-winning, multinational video game development studio known for its immersive, story-driven experiences and technical ambition. Founded in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2005 by industry veterans with a shared passion for AAA-quality games, the studio has established itself with the METRO series, building one of the most acclaimed narrative-led FPS franchises in gaming.

Now headquartered in Malta, with the majority of the development team still located in Ukraine, 4A Games has over 200+ talented team members from all over the world, with diverse and unique backgrounds that bring countless years of experience and love towards creating deep, memorable experiences for our audience.

About DEEP SILVER:

Deep Silver is the home of captivating gaming worlds from the gripping post-apocalypse of METRO to the twisted paradises of Dead Island to the authentic Medieval landscapes of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. For more information, please visit www.deepsilver.com.