Windrose

Developer; Publisher: Windrose Crew

Type of Game: Open World Survival Pirates

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Coming Soon

Price: N/A

I’m gonna be honest here… I can’t tear myself away from this demo! Even though it’s called a demo, it doesn’t feel like one at all. I haven’t felt this way since I played Ys Nordic for five hours, wondering if the devs had released the full game by accident. I’ve put in a little 20 hours and loved every single minute of it! Windrose doesn’t do anything different per say, but it nails what it does while rocking a pirate theme. We haven’t had a solid pirate game since Assassin's Creed Black Flag. Right now, Windrose is definitely sailing in the right direction. There was a moment during a three-hour gameplay session where froze on me. Granted I assume playing but I gave my feedback in their survey for the dev team to fix in the near future. For a demo, the starting area is massive! It’s very generous and a fantastic kick-off for a game that’s on the way soon. Can’t wait to see more!

People of Note

Developer: Iridium Studios; Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Type of Game: Turn-Based JRPG Rhythm Game

Platform: Steam

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Price:

Remember High School Musical? This new turn-based JRPG in the same spirit, which I find really interesting. I never thought a musical would fit into this kind of game, but it's working out for this one.

Beating people up with your voice and guitar riffs sounds pretty kickass. It has all the classic turn-based combat trappings, but it also lets you put in special inputs to deal more damage. Press a button at the right time and Voilà! Paper Mario and Expedition 33 comes to mind when playing this. Not a fan of turn-based combat? If battling against country singers, rappers, metalheads, and the like sounds appealing to you. Then People of Note might win you over.

Dinoblade

Developer; Publisher: Team Spino

Type of Game: Soul-Like Dinosaur Action

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Q3 2026

Price: N/A

Ah, this takes me right back to the PS2 days when games were a bit more out there—wacky even! I really miss that vibe and I'm so glad some remember it. Dino Blade revives some of that charm we’ve lost nowadays. I mean, a huge dinosaur with a massive sword? It's has Dark Souls combat but way less brutal while still keeping me on my toes? Sign me up! It might seem like an asset flip in some areas, but man, Dinoblade has some serious potential if Team Spino plays their cards right.

Replaced

Developer: Sad Cat Studios; Publisher: Thunderful Publishing

Type of Game: Cyberpunk 2.5D Platformer

Platform: Steam

Release Date: April 14, 2026

Price: N/A

Always down for some 2.5D platformers! Replaced is one of those cinematic types where the movement feels pretty intentional, kind of like Prince of Persia. That said, I noticed that in a few spots the movement wasn't super responsive. I remember trying to jump over a log at the start but could never make it over, and my character kept tripping over it. Maybe I’m don't got the timing down, or is there something else going on?

Honorable Mentions

Parasite Mutant

Developer; Publisher: IceSitruuna

Type of Game: Bio-Survival Horror Active-Turn Based RPG

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Coming Soon

Price: N/A

It’s been a while since I’ve played a game like Parasite Eve. Although, it’s way too similar; even down to the really annoying fixed camera angles. The real-time combat with pause starts to feel pretty stale since there’s not a lot of variety from what a played. Those fixed camera angles in certain areas are going to make or break this game, as I’ve discovered early on.

That part where you’re stuck on a one-way path with hardly any room to move around… drives me crazy! And the worst part? Random battles are a thing, just like in those classic JRPGs. With backtracking becoming apparent in the demo, I’m already dreading the final version. That’s definitely my biggest complaint about this game. Whether IceSitruuna will fix this remains up in the air. The main character is pretty though, if nothing else.

There you have it folks! Here are my thoughts on the demos I’ve checked out—both the good, the bad, and the ugly. I always try to give the smaller developers a shot to show what they can do. Everyone goes through a similar process as the big names. even if they have different approaches; the standards are still the same. “So, is it good or not?”. I’ve got my own preferences, but I get that not all games, big or small, are created equal. I’m just here to share what stands out to me with a group that might feel the same way. There’s so much coming out every day, but I’m excited to highlight what catches my eye. Catch you all in the next one!

Now that the year of the horse is in full swing. I’ve put together a list of titles that are definitely worth checking out (maybe). Let’s take a look!

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Code Vein II

Developer/Publisher: Bandai Namco

Type of Game: Soul-like Action RPG

Platform: Ps5, Xbox X|S, Steam

Release Date: January 30, 2026

Price: $70 (Base), $90 (Deluxe), $100 (Ultimate)

Demo Availability: Nope

Even though there’s a lot of sequel fatigue since that’s the industry meta these days. Code Vein II seems to stand out from the typical “high-budget” clutter. It offers a ton of customization for your character, whether you’re playing as a dude or a gal. Male characters often don’t measure up to those available for female characters. I’m happy to see a developer putting in some real effort for a change. I’m waiting for a sale because I’m not sure I can get used to shelling out $70.

Lost and Found Co.

Developer: Bit Egg; Publisher: Gamirror

Type of Game: Hidden Object Point & Click

Platform: Steam

Release Date: February 11, 2026

Price: TBA still!?

Demo Availability: Yes!

Hey! Remember that game I mentioned a while back? Well, it finally has a release date! If you haven't checked out my preview yet, give it a look when you can. It's a super cozy hidden object game that mixes in some Japanese mythology for fun. I'm a bit puzzled that there's still no price listed, even with the release date announced. We'll have to wait and see what happens as we get closer I guess?

Crimson Desert

Developer/Publisher: Pearl Abyss

Type of Game: Single-Player Action Adventure RPG

Platform: Ps5, Xbox X|S, Steam, Mac (Yes, its a thing)

Release Date: March 19, 2026

Price: $70 (Base), $80 (Deluxe)

Demo Availability: Nope

A game that fits this year's zodiac animal, since I've got to keep things a bit thematic. South Korea been making strides in the single-player arena with titles like Lies of P and Lost Eidolons to name a few. It's a bit of a surprise for a country that’s focused on online multiplayer experiences (MMOs, Starcraft 2, and so on). Following the success with Black Desert, Pearl Abyss is now releasing a single-player game—what a twist! An approach that developers and publishers might want to consider going forward. A potential topic for the newsletter?

Pragmata

Developer/Publisher: Capcom

Type of Game: Science Fiction Action Adventure

Platform: Ps5, Xbox X\S, Steam, Switch2

Release Date: April 23/24, 2026

Price: $60 (Base), $70 (Deluxe)

Demo Availability: Yes!

Wow! A huge publisher is launching a new IP? That's wild, and it's nice to see for a change. Whether it actually plays out well for them, only time will tell. Remember those hacking minigames you often find in games? What if we mix those in while you’re shooting? These mechanics could make or break this one. We’ll see how it goes soon!

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Developer: TT Games; Publisher: Warner Bros Studios

Type of Game: 3D Beat em Up Action

Platform: Ps5, Xbox X\S, Steam, Switch2

Release Date: May 29, 2026

Price: $70 (Based), $90 (Deluxe)

Demo Availability: Nope

When I was starting to think the Batman Arkham Series by Rocksteady done for good. Here comes a game that brings back the same combat style, but in Lego form! It’s been a minute since I played a Lego game, but I've always heard great things about them over the years. This one seems like it's gonna be as awesome while also being a spiritual successor. I can’t wait!

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Honorable Mentions

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire

Developer: Fumi Games; Publisher: Playside

Type of Game: Boomer Shooter

Platform: PC (Steam), Xbox, PS5, Switch2

Release Date: March 19, 2026

Price: TBA

Demo Availability: Nope

I always been wanting more media having an art style similar to those old Disney cartoons but could get until recently. Love to see it and encourage others to do more with it.

Banquet for Fools

Developer/Publisher: Hannah and Joseph Games

Type of Game: Party Based CRPG

Platform: Pc (Steam, GOG)

Release Date: January 23, 2026

Price: $20

Demo Availability: Yes!

This CRPG has no standard races (Humans, Dwarfs, Elfs). Got me looking at it twice and certainly more unique than the usual fantasy fare.

Screamer

Developer/Publisher: Milestone S.r.l.

Type of Game: Arcade Racing

Platform: Pc (Steam and Epic), Ps5, Xbox X\S

Release Date: March 26, 2026

Price: $60 (Base), $70 (Deluxe)

Demo Availability: Nope

Apparently this is part of old franchise from the PS1 days laid dormant until this game coming out. Always down for more racing games!

Alright, folks! Here are the games that grabbed my attention during the first four months of the Year of the Horse. Some of these titles are pricier than usual. It’s a sign of the times, but at least the games presented here seem promising. Whether they’re worth that price tag is still up in the air. Anyway, we're kicking off the new year on a high note with this one. Catch you all in the next one!

I've been writing for Game@Boba for over a year now, and I'm thinking it's time to take this brand to the next level. I figured being at the conventions circuts would be good for it. Unfortunately, 2025 hasn't been kind to me—I've faced a lot of setbacks, most of it being towards financials. Which wasn’t what I had planned since I wanted to start with smaller venues first. But delays kept popping up, and I ended up debuting at one of the bigger shows instead. I dove into the lions den instead, and that three-day weekend turned out to be a total disaster. If it weren’t for a friend of mine saving my behind during the second hour of the first day. I probably would not have come back.

Even though things got off to a rough start, I learned a ton and I'm amazed that I managed to create anything from it at all. Given everything I went through leading up to my debut, it’s wild. Since I’d never tried this before, I didn’t expect much after all the setbacks I faced. What I went through was the worst-case scenario to any vendor. But you know what? I’m kind of glad it happened because it gave me a wake-up call about what can go wrong. The little I’ve earned so far has shown me that there’s real potential in being part of them. So, I'm going to continue doing them!

Piling up Wins

After that whole ordeal, I continue trucking forward and the wins afterwards started piling up. Granted, these are little victories but that’s is all I needed to keep up the momentum.

Little by little, I'm adding elements to better showcase our brand as the year unfolds. The images I have shared so far don’t reflect Game@Boba’s at all. But trust me, everything happening in real life and on Substack is part of a bigger strategy. The aim of Game@Boba’s is to show all things pop culture. Hosting these shows is another avenue to do that. Plus, it gives me a chance to connect with our customers during these events. Plus it grows the brand while introducing people to what I bring to the table. There's a method to my madness!

Where to go from here?

Right now, I’m wrapping up the year with one more show before taking a break. Got meetings lined up for next year, securing spots for new shows, and boosting my income. I been very busy these past few months.

2026 is going to be a big year for Game@Boba, taking things to the next level. Realizing the awesome opportunities that come with these shows. It has pushed me to dive into doing more starting next year. There’s a lot on my plate, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s time to level up! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The video from their official YouTube channel, linked above, caught me and everybody else off guard. As they always tend to do many times before though much different than their past announcements.

The new VR headset has been in the works for a while. Finally saw that along the new controller and an improved Steam Machine. That’s right! This is not the first time Valve has tried to dive into the hardware space.

About a decade ago, Gabe and co. made their initial attempt. The reaction back then was pretty… mixed… to say the least. Dare I say… an understatement.

The first version of the controller still has a loyal fanbase, the 2015 Steam Machine didn’t have the same luck. So, why didn’t people back then jump on board with it? There are actually a bunch of reasons!

• Partner with the brand, Alienware (mixed reception with customers)

• Multiple versions of Steam machines making it confusing to potential customers and even Steam users weren’t interested. With prices going up depending with version you pick.

• Linux-based was not what it was concurrently compare to 10-years ago.

There are tons more reasons, of course, but that’s what I thought and a lot of others felt back then. Ten years later, Valve is giving it another shot again and caught a lick. So what changes have they made that has folks excited this time around?

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Steam Controller

Looking at this new version compared to the 2015 model is like night and day! This 2.0 design sticks to what Xbox has been doing since the 360 days. A tried and true controller design everyone follows! The only real difference? Two trackpads right under the thumbstick. It’s a similar feature to what the Steam Deck has and they nailed it. There’s also an extra buttons for extra button mapping and there’s not much to complain about here!

Steam Frame

From I gather from its webpage, the Steam Frame is not like the Meta Quest where its open-source. This is not surprising since SteamOS is Linux-based with Proton at the forefront. Still, its nice to hear that Steam Frame can used for other application, not only Valve’s operation system. Assuming those programs can run on it that is.

Steam Machine

Now the thing I’ve really been focused on is that thing that has everyone buzzing.

One of the best, but kinda overlooked, aspects of the Steam Machine is how you can make it your own!

Not a lot of folks give it credit, but I definitely will! Customizing the Steam Machine to fit your mood or style could lead to a whole wave of creators focused on this feature. It might even blow up like the Nintendo Switch line. You never know!

Finishing Thoughts

While it’s not the console everyone expected, it’s more like an entry-level PC, and Valve has made that super clear! Sure, the specs aren’t mind-blowing, so the price needs to be right for it to take off. The custom jobs on the front cover could be a big draw to get folks excited about it. I’m all in on having this in my living room like a console, no matter what. For those watching from the sidelines? Given the current console market, even though Valve didn’t hype up the Steam Machine as a console... a lot of people are eyeing this as their next “console”. Nonetheless, the Gabe Cube is shaking things up, and I can’t wait for it to hit the scene! 2026 could not have come soon enough.

Sources

Steam Controller 2.0

Steam Frame

Steam Machine

Powerful Steam Machines coming in 2015 by MyBroadBand

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion

Developer: Tribute Games Inc. ; Publisher: Dotemu, Gamirror Games

Type of Game: Retro-styled Beat ‘em up with co-op

Platform: Nintendo Switch Platforms, Ps4/Ps5, Xbox Platforms

Release Date: Late 2025?

Price: TBA (To be Announced)

Demo Availability: Yes

Kicking off is a throwback beat ‘em up featuring your beloved Marvel heroes (not connected to the MCU). A nostalgic vibe reminiscent of arcade games from two decades ago. You can take on enemies solo or team up with friends. Also couch co-op? Yes, please!

BEYBLADE X EVOBATTLE

Developer/Publisher: FURYU Corporation

Type of Game: Online PvP with offline single player content

Platform: Steam, Nintendo Switch Platforms

Release Date: Coming Soon?

Price: TBA (To be Announced)

Demo Availability: Yes

I never imagined Beyblade would still be around after all these years since I was 10! Trying out the demo for the new game definitely took me down memory lane and proved that the brand still has some legs.

. However, the gameplay feels pretty limited, mainly focusing on attacking and countering your opponent. I might have missed something since the demo was quite brief, but it leaves me a bit concerned about how lasting the game might be.

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Shadow of The Road

Developer: Another Angle Games; Publisher: Owlcat Games

Type of Game: Turn-Based CRPG Steampunk Edo-Period Japan

Platform: Steam

Release Date: TBA (To be Announced)

Price: TBA (To be Announced)

Demo Availability: Yes

Imagine mixing Edo period Japan with steampunk and some epic mythical battles—sounds awesome, right? It’s not as brutal as the Xcom series, but you’ll still face a good challenge. The game combines turn-based strategy with some CRPG aspects similar to Baldur’s Gate. Your choices and dialogue can influence events while you play, making each run unique. When testing the demo, there were some critiques, but honestly, the differences from when I tried their private playtest are pretty minor. The graphics haven’t really changed, though they did add some solid voice lines. Since there’s no release date yet for Shadow of the Road, Another Angle and Owlcat definitely have time to polish the game. It’s looking promising, and I hope they nail the final product. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Bladesong

Developer: SUN AND SERPENT creations; Publisher: Mythwright

Type of Game: Weapon Crafting Sim

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Late 2025?

Price: TBA (To be Announced)

Demo Availability: Yes

Here’s something really special—I’ve never come across a developer doing anything like this! Taking a minor mechanic from other games and making it the whole focus? That’s some serious out-of-the-box thinking! Plus, it’s cool how they’ve mixed in some text adventure elements throughout the game.

Vending Machine Co.

Developer/Publisher: Rogue Duck Interactive

Type of Game: Cute/Relaxing Vending Machine Business Sim

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Early 2026?

Price: TBA (To be Announced)

Demo Availability: Yes

This particular business sim really stands out among the others with its unique art style, and honestly, I’m loving it!

It reminds me of another game, Lost and Found Co. and no its developed by another studio.

It gives me vibes from another game I enjoyed, Lost and Found Co., but just to clarify, it’s from a different developer. Don’t get confused now! You’ll be figuring out what to sell and improving your vending machines at various spots, all while trying to rake in some profits! Just a heads up, though—that’s pretty much the main focus of the game.

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Bubsy 4D

Developer: Fabraz; Publisher: Atari

Type of Game: Mascot 3D Platformer

Platform: PC (Steam, GoG, Epic), Nintendo Switch Platforms, Ps4/Ps5, Xbox Platforms

Release Date: 2026?

Price: TBA (To be Announced)

Demo Availability: Yes

I’m pretty surprised about this too! It’s wild to see Busby making a comeback, especially after the mixed reviews for Paws on Fire. He did release a retro collection this year, so he’s been active in the scene. But as we look at this new adventure, how does it stack up after the demo? The gameplay seems solid, and maybe Busby finally has a decent game on his hands. It’s nice to see the developers being thoughtful by keeping his one-liners to a minimum. However, I’m not a fan of how Busby often get dissed by those around him—except for his nephew, of course.

The latest Steam Next Fest has wrapped up, after Halloween, although most of the games featured don’t really match the spooky vibe. Here’s another piece highlighting some promising titles that will be hitting the marketplace shortly. It’s still a mystery whether they’ll actually be worth playing, but we’ll know soon enough once they release!

Sure, physical copies are great, but they can come with their own set of hassles and risks too. Check out the image below from Nintendo’s support page for the Switch 2, with my own little tweaks added.

I've got another story to share down the line, but instead of complaining, I've got a potential fix for it. Quick story: I popped into my local library recently and grabbed a few things from their used book sale. One of the treasures I found was a Blu-Ray, and I noticed something interesting on it after I sorted through my haul.

You not only receive a physical copy of something (in this case, two of them), but there's also a digital code included! Of the same content to physical version may I add.

This got me thinking, and I had a lightbulb moment where I asked myself: "Why don’t game developers and publishers push the boundaries of what we already know?"

Hang tight with me for a sec, okay?

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This needs to be more common

Some developers already have a version of this where you can download extra stuff. Like in-game items and all the other stuff that we're already used to.

Why not go the extra mile to add more value, especially since we're shelling out a premium for these items? It would be awesome to get a digital code for the same game along with the physical copy, don't you think? This idea would benefit console users. Plus it gives them another reason to keep buying physical copies.

My suggestion would create good will towards customers. Attract more loyal fanbase for any future projects going forward.

Sure, what I’m asking for might be trickier to pull off than it looks. But some developers, like Krome Studios, have proven it’s doable. It definitely makes for some interesting conversations at lunch at least.

How can it effect game sales going forward?

This concept might hurt sales for digital products. But it could function as a "loss leader" to attract folks to the developer's other games. The groundwork is already set; it’s about moving forward if talks take place. This is particularly relevant for the indie scene, as the big players wouldn’t consider it. Smaller developers, who don’t have much to spend, need every edge they can get to shine in such a packed market.

But how developers and publishers choose to handle it is their call. These suggestions are thoughts at the end of the day. I thought it’d be better to share them than gripe about it.

What's your take on this? Good or bad… I would like to know!

Alternatively, Kuro Games, Wuthering Waves appeals to some of the audience members reading this.

Several MMORPGs currently available are still persisting, but the landscape has changed. Among these holdouts are titles like World of Warcraft and many others. Specifically, I am referring to Square Enix's Final Fantasy 14, which was launched globally for PC users on September 30, 2010. Following a poorly received launch, it was shut down on November 11, 2012.

After nine months, on August 13, 2013, Final Fantasy 14 made its comeback with a new title: A Realm Reborn, marking a fresh beginning. This was pretty unprecedented for an MMORPG at the time, and it turned out to be a huge success, still trucking along as I write this.

So, you might be wondering why I'm bringing up this particular MMO right now. Well, just like everything else, all good things come to an end. Final Fantasy 14 has been on a decline since its recently expansion last year. What's going on? There are a bunch of reasons, but one big factor is that its older sibling, Final Fantasy 11, has been reaping the benefits. I'm curious to dig into why that is.

Dawntrail Reception

The latest expansion of Final Fantasy 14, Dawntrail, didn’t get much buzz from its community. When you stack it up against previous expansions since 2013, it falls short. On the gameplay front, it’s pretty solid! But when it comes to the story content? It just doesn’t quite measure up to what came before.

The cracks in FFXIV started to show after the release of Dawntrail. And let’s not forget, it’s been around for twelve years and still going strong! The folks working on it have either moved on, aged a bit, or are just juggling too many other projects. But those who left after Dawntrail dropped were on the hunt for a new place to land. For a few of them, that meant heading back to their roots in Final Fantasy XI.

Welcome Back to Vana'diel, Friend!

Convincing folks to leave an MMO they've poured countless hours into is no easy feat. Usually, players start to drift away when developers make changes that don't sit well with them. If issues go unaddressed for a couple of months, many will just pack up and move on for good. In the case of FFXIV players, they often find themselves returning to its predecessor! The influx of FFXIV players hit FFXI’s largest server, Asura, so hard that the producer/director, Yoji Fujito, had to make an official statement!

I've never seen this before, but since people are still playing World of Warcraft, it's not that surprising. Plus, FFXI has been around since the PS2 era. Who would have thought there'd be a comeback for an old MMO? It's true when people say: what’s old is new again!

Finishing Thoughts

The influx of new and returning players to Final Fantasy XI demonstrates that individuals are open to trying things regardless of their age. This serves as a strong argument against the concept of "forever" games, as nothing maintained by humans can last indefinitely without eventually declining. Even the most dedicated players will experience burnout and seek new experiences, even if they are similar to what they have previously enjoyed. In this age of "planned" obsolescence, it is uncommon to see old MMORPGs maintaining their official servers. Not counting community-run servers that is!

Square Enix fans are really lucky compared to other gaming communities, and they should definitely appreciate it. It's a refreshing tale, especially considering the current state of the video game industry. Enjoy it while it last as they say…

Hope this feel-good story did something for you! Until next time!

Sources

Final Fantasy 14 Fan Wiki; A Realm Reborn

The Gamer's Why Did The First Version of FF14 Fail?

TechSpot’s Twenty-three years after launch, Final Fantasy XI servers are overwhelmed by a new wave of players

Final Fantasy 14 Dev Team

Automation’s article on Square-Enix’s decision of ending FFXI service

Developed by Akatsuki Games and Tookyo Games, Tribe Nine is a 3D Action RPG Brawler. With Rui Komatsuzaki as the lead artist, alongside Kazutaka Kodaka (Creator of the Danganronpa franchise) at the helm.

What was supposed to be another slam dunk turned out to be a complete disaster for those involved. The issues? A constant online connection dependent on “gachapon” mechanics, all wrapped into one package. Launched on August 9, 2024, on PC (Steam) and mobile devices (iOS & Android). Lasting only nine months before giving out an end-of-service announcement.

The question I have throughout this duration was, why wasn’t this a price game for retail, say at $50? Why did the people making this game feel the need to make a live-service game? Hence, where I need to dive in and piece together between these three questions of:

• Where did it begin?

• Why do they do it? And more importantly…

• Any solutions?

Let’s get started, shall we?

Where did it begin?

Putting live-service elements in a single-player format is already a red flag. Having the gameplay play like a traditional action game despite targeting mobile players? Spells disaster, and we saw the results of what Tribe Nine’s current state is. A case of wanting their cake and eating it too. Despite developing a game for two completely different audiences. Tribe Nine to me started as a game meant for a one-time buy. Until a higher up told them to add all the online elements to make more revenue. Of course, these are my assumptions, and I could only speculate on what happened since I’m not there in person.

Tribe Nine's gameplay is pretty good, which shocks me when I decided to play it for myself. It’s your standard action game, albeit it a lower skill floor to accommodate mobile users. Difficult to boot as well, for you do need to know what you’re doing. You know, playing the game? Otherwise, you won’t get far in Tribe Nine. Not ideal for mobile players for simplicity is ideal in that particular space.

Why do they do it?

Based on my assumptions is the mindset of “Every else has done it in our industry, so why not us as well?” The intrusive elements seem shoehorned into an otherwise serviceable game. A waste of talent of those involved in Tribe Nine, in what should be another successful franchise. Granted, Tribe Nine has a TV series for its multimedia plan, akin to Yu-Gi-Oh!. Making a mobile game to accompany with is smart business for a new IP. Unfortunately, this strategy didn’t work as intended, and here we are facing an EOS page.

Solution?

I like to at least attempt to provide a solution and not write off those in free fall. Since Tribe Nine’s end of service date is months away. If you’re going to have a game where an online component is important. As well as adding frequent content drops throughout the life span of your game. Following what fighting games have done could be a solution.

Give the option for those who want to have a particular character. People wanting to get characters and future ones should be an option as well.

I remember when this method was a bad practice for customers a few years ago. This method is still seen as such, depending on who’s asking. In this new age of nickel and diming players, what’s considered bad is now seen as the lesser evil. Time does reveal all, huh?

In case of a sudden EOS, it gets trickier because there’s no proper procedure for this sort of thing. Megaman X Dive was the best example I found so far. Capcom gave it an offline version to buy once all the monetization components were taken out. Long after its initial service ended.

Tribe Nine could go a similar path if the developers and publishers wish to do so. It’ll be a win-win for them and the customers. Assuming it gets a rerelease at all. This method isn’t perfect, but there’s no such thing as a “perfect method”. Which way for developers and publishers? You decide.

Closing Thoughts

As a customer, owning games is already challenging enough. Requiring a constant internet connection to even play it? Makes me, abe others, not invest too much into it. Unless you’re Fortnite, Lol, Counter-Strike, or whoever game people are still playing. Tribe Nine, as a franchise going forward, remains in limbo until further notice. It’s a wait-and-see what happens to this game once November 27th comes.

Wish them luck!

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Sources

Tribe Nine Still Has a Fighting Chance As a Different Type of Game

Provided footage from games I played and recorded.

Valve has been on a tear after the success of Steam Next Fest. Which I find funny in hindsight. Considering there have been criticisms about their games not getting seen. Well, this has resolved for the most part, and while not perfect, it’s a good start. It’s been hard to keep up at times, depending on the month. Late May into June, I saw two festive events from Steam merge with each other. Zombies vs Vampires fest, and right after that is TurnBasedThursday Fest.

All appetizers towards the main course, which is Steam Next Fest, to start the summer off! Five games I want to showcase to you. As always, these games are a wide range of genres that interest me, and you too. Changing the format a little bit, where I would give a quick overview and personal thoughts of each game. No more than five sentences long. Keeping things snappy and not bogging things down. Let’s go!

Table of Contents

Dead as Disco

Artis Impact

Lost and Found Co.

Hell is Us

Dead as Disco

Developer/Publisher: Brain Jar Games, Inc.

Type of Game: Third-Person Cyberpunk Rhythm Beat ‘em up

Platform: PC (Steam)

Release Date: Coming Soon

Price: N/A

What do beat ‘em ups and rhythm games have in common? When you get in the flow… it feels like you’re dancing in a way. Dead as Disco takes this feeling and runs with it (for better or worse). Similar to Tango Gamework’s Hi-Fi Rush but set in a cyberpunk setting. Combat might be too on-rails despite my initial excitement. Might have to do with the rhythm side of the game, something to keep in mind.

Artis Impact/Meji Spa

Developer/Publisher: Mas

Type of Game: Hand-Drawn Pixel Art Turn-Based JRPG

Platform: PC (Steam)

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Price: N/A

Developed by one person, this JRPG takes on a more laid-back approach in its storytelling. In the POV of Akane and her AI companion, BOT, throughout. Enhanced through its unique manga panel cutscenes.

Not your average JRPG, so sure, but doesn’t hide its influences. Hand-drawn animations combined with a competent battle system. Albeit a bit too basic as of the time of writing. August can’t come soon enough for me! (This particular demo takes place at a hot spring.)

Lost and Found Co.

Developer: Bit Egg Inc.; Publisher: Gamirror Games

Type of Game: Isometric Cozy Hidden Object

Platform: PC (Steam)

Release Date: TBA 2025

Price: N/A

I haven’t played a hidden object game since the early 2000s featuring Nancy Drew. Lost and Found adds its spin on the genre, but is very Japanese throughout. An animal turned human intern, helping its patron goddess get her original form back. Working at a startup to help your quirky customers with whatever their requests are. Discovering where the items are could surprise you, as it did for me.

Hell is Us

Developer: Rogue Factor; Publisher: Nacon

Type of Game: Semi-Open World Action Adventure RPG

Platform: PC (Steam)

Release Date: September 4, 2025

Price: $49.99

The highest-budgeted game I’ve showcased on Steam Next Fest findings so far (minus Mecha Break). Appears to be a soul-like game, while it’s not? At least Hell is Us features a protagonist who is not a bystander this time around. Features themes related to the human condition, and might have a winner on our hands. If the combat improves, as the animations feel unfinished in the demo version.

Honorable Mentions

Chrono Gear: Warden of Time

Developer: Team Chrono Gear, GalaxyTrail; Publisher: holo Indie from Cover Corp

Type of Game: Time Manipulation 2D Retro Platformer

Platform: PC (Steam)

Release Date: Coming Soon

Price: N/A

Here we have a fan game, but with the IP holder giving them the green light to put a sticker price on it for commercial use. A great retro-inspired platformer in the making, even to those who don’t know what a V-tuber is.

What a way to kick off summer for 2025! A mixture of indie and high-budget games to feast on, with different genres to choose from. Doing these articles helps me broaden my tastes. Anyone else who might find these helpful as well is a bonus. If they are willing to give themselves a chance to dedicate time to one demo that might interest them. We’re living in what is to be the golden age for customers within the video game realm. Happy gaming!

Additional Sources

Artis Impact Dev YouTube channel

Flamberge

Dual Gear

Long Gone Days

Path of Exile 2 was the first early-access game I’ve ever bought with real-life cash, and I do not regret my purchase. For the most part, anyway…

Of course, I have my issues with it, as do everybody else, unlike so many other companies. Grinding Gear Games listens to its community…Up until their Dawn of the Hunt update screw everybody over anyway.

I reached the final phase of the second act before ending there. I had my fill and shelved it until summer 2025. My time with POE 2 made me take a step back on a few things. Early access tends to be a hit or miss, never in between. Get me thinking of some early access titles, and figured I would walk down memory lane. Got three titles in mind at the top of my head. Out of those three, only one of them made it out of this phase to marginal success. The others, and still to this day, are abandonware left behind by their developers.

Let’s take a look at them, shall we?

Flamberge,

One of the first early access games I followed was when Steam used to have the Steam Greenlight program. It was a good idea at first, but it didn’t go very far; thus, Valve canned the project.

What caught my eye was its simultaneous turn mechanics into the Strategy RPG formula. Both parties make their moves at the same time to gain an advantage for their side.

I was on my turn-based binge at the time and wanted something new. Played a defunct demo somewhere in 2017 and enjoy its potential. Little did I know that Flamberge would never finish.

Almost a decade later, and here I am wondering what happened to this game? Been digging around and found traces of where the developer went. HYDEZEKE (msb) had been doing other things, but finishing Flamberge. The latest project this developer worked on was Wheel World, published by Annapurna Interactive.

Before that, smaller projects to build a portfolio with Flamberg smackdab in the middle of it.

Flamberge was written off as abandonware by those paid for its potential. HYDEZEKE, meanwhile, “ran” with the money to better pastures.. No official statement from HYDEZEKE to explain the situation at hand at the time of this writing. Very unprofessional while having Flamberge still available for sale to this day. Getting an unlucky customer who might stumble onto it, not knowing the backstory.

Unfortunately, a good proof of concept was abandoned to be used as a stepping stone. Quite a shame, but paved the way for Arco, which is Flamberge but fully-realized.

The still available demo that they put out made me a fan! I’m giving these guys my money instead.

Dual Gear,

was another game I followed alongside Flamberge. Another turn-based strategy game, but takes its inspiration from Front Mission, Xcom, and Valkyrie Chronicles.

As someone who grew up watching Mecha anime and the short-lived Megas XLR on Cartoon Network. Dual Gear was right up my alley, and I devoured the pre-alpha demo, which is still available, enough!

Dual Gear was been in development sometime in 2015, if the website is anything to go by.

July 12th, 2023, was the last update from Orbital Speed Studio, and it left a bad taste in my mouth looking at it again.

Ten years went by, and nothing from the developers, and many people left frustrated.

The comments above are what set me off the most. Here’s a public entity that had supporters, and they got ghosted. This is unacceptable and will not make any excuses for it. Small team or otherwise for everybody can get this work done. At least there’s Phantom Brigade or the upcoming Mecha Simultactics to scratch that itch.

Long Gone Days,

Unlike the last two on this list thus far. This I Dream finished their game and published it through Serenity Forge. Their game debut on October 10, 2023, after what seems like a long development since 2016. I was still in high school when I discovered this game! I've forgotten about it since and wrote it off like all the others until this showed up on my Steam feed two years ago.

I couldn’t believe that a game I used to follow:

1. Developers kept working on it.

2. Made updates even if used sparingly

Long Gone Days is still to this day the only game that managed to get released as intended in my life so far. All while maintaining expectations for the fans.

A three-man dev team from Chile (shout out to South America again)! Spent about seven years. The lead dev spent most of her time long before 2016 (2008!) before bringing in two more members to help finish.

Beating out the last two in this article, which isn’t saying much for the bar having been so low. Anything with any form of completion beats the competition.

Long Days Gone advertises itself as a modern-day JRPG, and I have to call this out for it’s not that per se. More of an adventure game with turn-based mechanics sprinkled in. Want to correct that for an otherwise well-made game with a minigame where you take on a sniper role.

Not long of a game either, as I completed it in under twelve hours, but glad it’s finally here. Long Days Gone fulfills what the developers wanted to do. A lot more than Flamberge and Dual Gear could ever hope for.

Closing Thoughts

Being pro-indie isn’t easy for like any of the big boys in the video game industry. Even the little guys can disappoint you, too; sometimes harder than the giant corpos. Smaller teams don’t have the luxury to take losses like their larger counterparts. A mistake can/would destroy them since they have fewer resources to throw around. Despite this, there are some in the wild who take it for granted. Granted, they don’t pass, but still a shame to see. I am thankful for those who proved otherwise. Something I keep in mind when wading through the “trash heap” of Steam and the like.

All part of the game, and searching for gems is always worth it!

Sources

Flameburg Dev’s X’sTwitter using Nitter

Steam Greenlight turns to Steam Direct

Arco Official Website

Dual Gear Dev '“defunct” website

Dual Gear Facebook/Meta Page

Good Things

Concerns

Game-Key Card

Region Locking?

Closing Thoughts

The biggest Nintendo Direct came and went while the gaming world stood still. With good reason since:

• It’s an hour long

• Their next console (Switch 2) is on it and coming very soon (June 5th)

Of course, I have to cover the direct so I can tell you what I thought about it!

The Good Things

The Switch 2 reveal is what I and many others could’ve hoped for. A more powerful Switch, which is on par (to an extent) with their competitors.

Nintendo is always at least a generation and a half behind Sony and Xbox. Now they're beefing it up with the Switch 2, which some customers and developers have been asking for since 2017. This is where it ends for me, and I would like to pose a question…

At what cost?

I’m asking because there are drawbacks that you should consider before purchasing. Things you should know.

Concerns

The first thing I noticed once the console reached its release date was: “Where is the price for the console?” June 5th, 2025, is confirmed, which is crazy even for Nintendo standards. The fact that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour doesn’t come built into the console, while being at $10, was a sign of things to come.

Right after the direct Nintendo quietly put up its price on its website.

A $150 (or your home country’s currency) increase compared to the current Switch. Considering the alleged power increase, I didn’t mind it at first since some have been asking for a more powerful Nintendo console. What set the internet on fire was the cost of games for it.

Upon seeing the price tag, I now see why Nintendo kept the info hidden until after the direct. This looks to be setting a standard for others going forward for first-party games. This is awful from the customer’s point of view. Making matters worse is the $80 price tag being the Digital version! As someone who goes out of his way to buy physical copies. My heart sank… or at least it’s about to until I found out about people spreading misinformation since the direct. The $90 physical that’s thrown around? For my Euro brothers and sisters, that is their reality. Despite my clearing up the pricing, it depends on which US state you live in. It’ll feel like you’re paying $90, and I’ve unfortunately lived in a state where software is taxed. This jump in MSRP is still BS!

Not to mention, only selected Nintendo games will be at a $80 price point. Others Donkey Kong Bananza, are kept at $70. There is no consistency on what first-party Nintendo games are getting at down the line.

Just when it gets bad, some of the upcoming Switch 2 games would have me boiling.

Game-Key Card

Physical lovers… I’m sorry for breaking your heart, but that’s going to be harder going forward.

This game-key card function, if I understand this correctly, the cartridges for some games don’t have the entire game on them. Therefore, you need to download the game through the game keycard.

You, the customer, are paying top dollar for an “SD card”!

Unfortunately, consoles have been moving in that direction since the 8th generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U). Switch games are pretty obvious to tell.

Buying PlayStation and Xbox games isn’t much better, as I bought Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and it came with two discs. One of them is purely for downloading the rest of the game!

So we’re looking at a stronger Nintendo console with higher variable-priced games for higher profile IPs. Which you don’t “own”, by the way. The days of just “plug & play” from consoles have been going away since 2014.

Region Locking Kind of?

If that wasn’t enough, Big N technically brought back region locking for the Switch 2. I say technically, as Nintendo only did it to their home base, Japan.

They thought this one through to curb purchases from foreign customers. As if they knew the Switch 2 prices for the rest of the world were going to give them clapback.

According to sources I found, Nintendo made this move to help those at home base purchasing easier. The Japanese Yen is pretty weak at the time of this writing.

Based on the info, Japanese customers are paying the equivalent of what everybody else is paying for.

Closing Thoughts

While the Nintendo Direct was pretty good when it comes to showcasing the console. It came at the cost of higher prices for games, among other things. Nothing from the Switch 2 lineup showcases very much besides a spec upgrade. Sony’s PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X were the same way when they first came out. These consoles are essentially locked-down PC's. People buy consoles for how unique they were, and that’s gone. Not to mention, handheld hybrid consoles are a dime a dozen these days. Nintendo now needs to compete with Valve's Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally, etc.

Customers have choices, and money’s tight at the moment. Nintendo’s new console can be a hard sell for some despite its legacy exclusives, especially for families, since Nintendo is always known to be a console for that market. I’m sticking with the original Switch since it is getting support a little longer.

Despite my concerns, don’t let me stop you from making your own decisions with your money. Hope this helps in making an informed decision!

Sources

Nintendo Switch 2 Official Website

Mario Kart World Official Website

Nintendo Game Key Card Overview from Nintendo Customer Support

Nintendo EU (Ireland) Mario Kart World Price

Nintendo UK Mario Kart World Prices

Nintendo Japan Switch 2 Website

Nintendo Switch 2 Tech Specs

Steam Deck Page

2025 has just begun, and I’m starting it with some demos I managed to play from Valve’s first Steam Next Fest of the year. Just in time too, as I went through a short but brutal winter! I got some games for you and a diverse selection to choose from. Shorter than my first outing but packed with just enough information to make an informed decision.

Developer: Lizard Smoothie; Publisher: NEOWIZ

Type of Game: MOBA, Rougelike Co-op

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Sometime in May 2025?

Price: N/A

Refreshing to see a game having MOBA gameplay that’s not used in a PvP setting. The shape of Dream reminded me of Toadman Interactive and Fatshark’s Bloodsports. TV. A co-op MOBA defense game back in 2015. Ahead of its time but never took off. Never thought I’d be seeing another developer taking another shot at it ten years later. Shape of Dream does things differently by incorporating rogue-like elements into cooperative play.

Star constellations are the driving theme in this game. Leveling your character’s passives is in the form of a constellation. In a matter of those in Greek myths.

Choosing where to go has constellation patterns.

Wanna play an MOBA that’s not a toxic environment? (minus co-op anyway) The shape of Dream is something to look out for!

Developer/Publisher: Amazon Seasun Games

Type of Game: Online PvP/PVE Mecha Shooter

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Mid to Late 2025?

Price: Free to Play

Mecha Break is what happens when FromSoftware decides to make an Armored Core game with a multiplayer component. Or they team up with another developer to create the multiplayer to what Call of Duty does for their games. Not the case here, but Mecha Break is the closest thing to an Armored Core game in a PvPvE setting.

Not only does it allow you to play against others, but it also offers co-op to play alongside friends. As a live service, variety is paramount provided as long as it supports and the demand is there. Mecha Break is on the right path so far.

Exploration opportunities abound, so you can take a break from the fighting if you want.

I can’t wait to live out my mecha pilot dreams! Whenever the release date is, but not anytime for presentation, it was pretty rough when I was playing it. The gameplay is on point, though!

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Developer/Publisher: Landfall

Type of Game: 3D Platformer

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Coming Soon

Price: N/A

Wanna play a platformer that’s like modern Sonic? Haste Broken Worlds has got you covered. What separates this game from Sonic is that it has roguelike elements. You know? Pick a path and get as many advantages as you can… The whole shebang!

A bit confusing at first on how the grading system works when it comes to landing during platforming.

Going as fast as possible from stage to stage and getting the best grade possible is the main goal of Haste1. Stay ahead of it as things fall apart all around you. Gotta Go Fast!

Developer: Studio Far Out Games; Publisher: KONAMI (Digital Entertainment B.V.)

Type of Game: Isometric Vehicular Arcade

Platform: Steam

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Price: $29.99 or in your country’s currency

An isometric driving game in a semi-open world format with destructive environments? You got my attention! Pretty rare for a game like Deliver All All Costs to have this kind of gameplay. I’m also surprised to see Konami, of all companies, publishing this game. I laughed a few times at the absurdities of trying to deliver customers’ items. Set in the 1950s, so everything related to that time is shown throughout in spades. It does not take itself very seriously at all!

The graphics are serviceable, but when the game goes cinematic, it looks like an upscaled PS2 game.

While not a knock for me, it’s something to keep in mind. Playing on a controller is a must for Deliver at All Cost despite having decent keyboard controls. You’re playing one-handed most of the time. Get a controller!

Developer: Mega Cat Studio, Programancer; Publisher: Retroware

Type of Game: Retro 2D Side Scroller

Platforms: Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo

Release Date: Coming Soon

Price: N/A

Had to play this due to being a fan of the AVGN web series. This is not James Rolf’s (creator) first time doing this sort of thing. Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures was back in 2013 and 2016, but the reception remained mixed, looking past the AVGN branding. Despite upholding games of the past, it went a little too far into frustration for players. This third outing looks to be much better, keeping frustrating elements of old-school platformers to a minimum. Expect to die a lot, though…

Starting the game off with a selection screen like those old Megaman games? I’ll see you!

Another Next Fest in the books! As always, is there anything you find interesting on here? Let me know in the comments below! I have a poll if you want to do that as well!

If you want to read up on demos, I did on previous Next Fests. Check out the article I wrote last year in October here.

The idea stuck for Valve and here we are five years later rebranding to Steam Next Fest.

As for myself, I check back on some games I tried, followed, and/or wishlist. I want to see what developers are coming along on their games. Some games I played either made the landing (minus some flaws). Or turned out to be stinkers which well…that’s life for you. You win some and you lose some. The October edition of Steam Next Fest is no exception to this. I will be looking at games released sometime after Next Fest has concluded and what the reception will be after some time passes. Those that haven’t been released yet don’t apply. Let’s get started!

First on the list is Neon Blood, developed by ChaoticBrain Studios and Gammera Nest. A pixel-art cyberpunk adventure game with JRPG turn-based combat. I mention the combat being bare-bones even for turn-based standards after playing the demo. Maybe after its release things will get better?

Unfortunately, it is not the case and the reviews pointed out the same things I did when playing the demo. So the flaws remained an issue even after launch. On top of being short for an adventure game taking about three hours to complete. The Monkey Island series took longer than that!

With the $19.99 price point, Neon Blood is part of the “wait for a sale” club. Looks like BearBoneStudio’s Minds Beneath Us won out so give that a look instead.

The Spirit of the Samurai by Digital Mind Games, when playing the demo, I was enthralled by its art style. Stop-motion animation for a video game is pretty rare these days which was why I initially got on board. Although playing through the demo felt pretty linear and the controls needed refinement. I chalked it up to playing a vertical slice and waited at launch to see if things were different. This game had the unfortunate situation of optimization issues on its release. The developers worked on the problems one week later and confirmed this.

What surprised me was they did another update on the game.

These timely actions help the Spirit of the Samurai regain some footing. A lesson to learn for anyone looking in is having a successful launch makes a good first impression. Judging the game itself, however, my fears turn out to be true. A linear experience that goes against Metroidvania norms since it’s known for doing overworld exploration. The clunky combat doesn’t help matters being a main part of the game.

Fans of the genre would be disappointed in an otherwise barebones entry to metroidvania’s. At $19.99 or equivalent, a linear Metroidvania could be a pro to some if the Spirit of the Samurai’s art style caught your eye. Otherwise, it’s another member of waiting for a sale.

Last but not least, Divine Dynamo Flamefrit is enjoying a “successful” launch but there are some issues that need addressing. This game is part of a preorder bonus to another game, Card-en-Ciel which is also published by Inti Creates.

Intended to be an internal April Fool’s joke but turned into a fully realized game.

For an April Fool’s joke, it’s impressive, and can appreciate the developers having fun. How does Flamefrit fare as a game, however? From what I played from the demo, a solid foundation, and concept (Isekai tropes aside). Pulling a power ranger Megazord transformation to battling giant monsters is the highlight of this game. Add simple controls with an art style reminiscing to the Super Nintendo days for just $6.99. Issues I have seen from other people were what you’re playing in demo lasting two levels longer, lack of collectibles, and fighting mobs felt pointless beyond some upgrades sprinkled through the under two-hour period you be spending on it.

For a game made purely out of an in-joke. It doesn’t seem worth it unless you’re passionate about anything related to Inti-Creates. Playing the demo alone is more than enough, to be honest with you… For something similar to Flamefrit, I found a title called Kokoro Clover published by Phoenixx Inc. offering more content with a new entry coming out soon. Go for that instead.

Wrapping up

Looking through these again, I’m glad I didn’t invest in these titles as much it pains me to say. These games while serviceable have flaws that could be dealbreakers to many in their genre. This is the reality of the indie space unfortunately as one has to wade through many duds in order to find gems. While I’m not buying these games anytime soon, that does not mean the same for you guys. Don’t let me stop you from giving them a shot. As mentioned previously, all of these games mentioned above have demos for you to try. So there’s no harm in testing them out to come to your own conclusions.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure as they say.

Yes, the year of the snake is almost upon us, and what better way to end 2024 than with some upcoming games I’m personally watching next year. Or at the very least, put them on my wish list to revisit later. I counted in my one hand, five games I’m looking at coming into 2025. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Developer: Omega Force; Publisher: Koei Tecmo

Type of Game: “Musou” Hack & Slash

Platform: Pc, Xbox, Ps5

Release Date: January 17, 2025

Kicking it off is Dynasty Warriors Origin, a franchise that is a “return to form.” Omega Force and Koei Tecmo’s recent outings for this series in the Musou genre haven’t been adequate even for their standards, and it is just trotting along in relative mediocrity. The last shake-up was Dynasty Warriors 9, where they attempted an open-world setting, which didn’t work out for them. Origin looked to elevate over anything they put out in the last decade.

I took a look at the trailer it’s nothing like their past outings. Origin kept what the Dynasty Warriors represented while making changes to its formula which was needed for a long time. The gameplay looked less mindless compared to previous entries. DW Origins appears to have actual effort this time around and felt compelled to put it on the list. What surprised me was a demo being available for those curious to try. Defiantly doing a playtest on it before release!

Developer: Warhorse Studios; Publisher: Deep Silver

Type of Game: Open-World Medieval Immersive Sim RPG

Platform: Pc, Xbox, Ps5

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Fixing their mistakes from their first outing, Here’s an RPG set in a country not talked about nor shown in entertainment, Central Europe! More specifically, the Czech Republic, which was called Bohemia and used to be a vassal state for the Holy Roman Empire during the 15th century. This is a treat for those who want a historically authentic experience. Kingdom Come Deliverance II is the game that will turn heads and win for AAs!

Developer/Publisher: Monolith Soft

Type of Game: Sci-Fi Fantasy JRPG

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Release Date: March 20, 2025

My personal anticipated game I’m getting on day one for sure is a Wii U exclusive that’s finally being put on the Switch. Just in time before Nintendo’s next console makes its presence in the world. Xenoblade Chronicles X was in purgatory on a console that didn’t sell well. There were Wii U games that have been ported over to the Switch over the years. Super Mario 3D World, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, Pokkén Tournament, and many more. Xenoblade X looks to finally be moving to the family as well. I cannot wait to pilot Gundams in this vast sci-fi adventure. Albeit in short bursts, this JRPG is longer than the new ones in the franchise! Took me 92 hours to get through Xenoblade 3 not excluding the DLC… How long will this game take me I wonder?

Developer/Publisher: SNK Corp.

Type of Game: 2D Fighting Game

Platform: Pc, Xbox, Ps5

Release Date: April 24, 2025

After 26 years since the release of Garou: Mark of the Wolves and anything Fatal Fury related once King of Fighters took the reins. City of the Wolves looks to be the successor to Fatal Fury and a direct sequel of the mentioned Garou. I’m confused on the title but still very excited to see this long awaiting that SNK fans and fighting games players alike can get their hands on. What’s the difference between Fatal Fury and King of Fighters you might ask?

Fatal Fury gameplay is a traditional 1 vs 1 affair compared to its younger brother who has focused on team battles (3v3) since its inception. Trailers for this title recently have shown it looked to be completely different from King of Fighters as well. Despite retaining the SNK art style the company has been known for. City of the Wolves will have different gameplay mechanics, and characters are not present in KoF but are only in Fatal Fury. As well as characters crossing over in between. While I’m no fighting game junkie, this fighting game takes me back to simpler times.

Developer/Publisher: 11-bit Studios

Type of Game: Narrative-driven Sci-fi Survival

Platform: Pc

Release Date: Q1 2025 (Late Winter/Early Spring?)

The demo (which you can still play) of this title came out of nowhere during Steam Next Fest some time ago. It is a game that for me fulfills the idea of having different clones of myself being in different professions. Though having to do that while trying to survive on a hostile planet all by myself usually doesn’t come into play. That’s exactly what The Alters is and doing something different compared to its contemporaries in the genre. This is a narrative-driven- single-player survival game which was unheard of considering these types of games are multiplayer-focused. Perhaps that is why I’m interested in The Alters in the first place. Doing outside the norm like what 11-bit Studios doing is admirable and hopefully translates on launch day. Wish them luck!

Honorable Mentions

Despite what I said at the beginning of this post, I couldn’t help giving out some honorable mentions here.

Developer/Publisher: Toukana Interactive, Kurzgesagt - in a nutshell

Type of Game: Cozy Asteroid Base Builder

Platform: Pc

Release Date: TBA 2025

Developer/Publisher: Level5

Type of Game: Fantasy Farming Sim

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Release Date: April 2025

That’s all I got for you guys—ending off 2024 with upcoming games that interest you as it did for me. Also proves daily that good games on every level of production are still a thing. But only if you’re willing to expand your horizons, even if the games shown here are not what you’re into. Have a good Christmas and see you in 2025!

Sources

Internet Game Database

Wiki Pages of Wii U Games that would ported to the Switch

I recalled after the 10th mainline title and its sequel being the last of traditional turn-based in the mainstream after FF10 was where Final Fantasy kept trying to reinvent itself, leading to an identity crisis as well as Square Enix being mismanaged even at the time of this writing, despite their latest outing being Final Fantasy 16 and the second part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. Despite their positive reception to player feedback. It didn’t meet the company’s “expectations.”

Many reasons for this are evident from the outsider’s perspective, as Square Enix's business strategies thus far have been poor at best. The many projects they’ve canceled and the resources accumulated from them led to their mainstay titles picking up the slack, which hasn’t worked out for them thus far.

I’m not going over Square’s missteps right now, for they made a gap in the market for someone else to make a high-budget traditional turn-based video game. This is not to say games like old-school Final Fantasy are dying. Persona 5 took the world by storm with its stylish presentation and music. Who could forget the massive success of Baldur Gate 3? The slew of indie titles of all sizes releasing every day on Steam? Or older Final Fantasy titles that have people still buying and playing today? Turn-based gameplay in the RPG space is alive and well, but what do these two games have in common? Their gameplay isn’t as much of a focal point as the presentation they brought to the players.

Persona 5, in particular, oozes style from the art direction to its UI design.

The gameplay is standard turn-based fare, but the developers’ presentation of P5 as a whole to players made it successful. This continues to this day and influences many games across genres. Hence, a new studio in France, Sandfall Interactive, comes in with its offering to the genre and hopefully makes some waves.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Upon looking them up, Sandfall Interactive was formed in October 2020 and comprised ex-Ubisoft employees. If the information provided is accurate, they made a good decision, considering Ubisoft is a dumpster fire concurrently. Now, what exactly is Clair Obscure: Expedition 33?

Well, it is a turn-based RPG inspired by JRPGs with French influences. Considering the developer’s background, this is unsurprising, and it shows in their trailers on YouTube. Some things stood out for me upon watching Sandfall’s trailers.

Their UI? They’re taking notes from Altus, at least in combat encounters.

Expedition 33’s combat, while turn-based, made strides in changing the formula to have real-time elements (Reaction enemy attacks, quick time events, etc.) akin to both Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi RPG series.

Personally? This is an excellent first step in improving/innovating the turn-based formula, which is sorely needed in this space. Granted, what Sandfall brought to the table isn’t new per se, as much as Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is a love letter to old JRPGs with a French touch and modern accessibility. The plot and world of the game had me interested as nicely, mainly because it reminded me of Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

But it has a mostly adult cast (I recalled only one being a young adult, aka teenagers), which I appreciated Sandfall for. Ironically enough, I have concerns with its combat, for the camera angles doing specific actions would be nauseating after a while, and hopefully, they’ll add options to mitigate it. Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is a game I have been yearning for despite the potential flaws.

It is a game that Square Enix and detractors of turn-based RPGs say won’t sell in the current year. Yet here comes a relatively high-budget turn-based JRPG-inspired game releasing sometime next year. I will be keeping an eye out for when it does come.

Sources

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Steam Page

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Website

Sandfall Interactive Website

Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth didn't meet expectations for Square Enix.

*This article will have my gameplay, but I lost all the footage because I was dumb! I’m going to use other people’s footage, but this won’t happen again next time! Thank you for understanding*

Developer: YCJY Games

Type of Game: Road Trip Management RPG

Platform: PC (w/MAC & Linux)

Release Date: TBA (To be announced)

First game on the list brought me back to when I played a lot of The Oregon Trail, 5th edition, in 3rd grade.

Except this time, I’m a high school grad with not much going for summer break in early 2000s Sweden, and it shows. The goal is to get to your old friend’s house before the end of the week so you can play video games together. From its synopsis, I noticed that you, the player, are attending a concert. There could be different scenarios upon release. Along with random encounters, each new playthrough adds replayability. The creativity in its “battles” is what we all face on the road, besides maybe hitchhikers catching a ride.

Keep Driving surprised me, and if we get a more concrete release date, I will be keeping an eye out for it on its release day.

Developer: ChaoticBrain Studios, Gammera Nest; Publisher: Meridiem Games/Astrolabe Games

Type of Game: Turn-Based Adventure Game

Platform: Pc, Switch, PS5/PS4, Xbox

Release Date: Nov 26, 2024

Next on the list is an adventure game that brought something different to the formula… turn-based JRPG combat! Admittedly, I got caught off guard by that and thought it was interesting to have such a system. As of the time of this writing, the turn-based mechanics are as bare-bones as they get. It serves its purpose but needs something more to keep it from going stale throughout the game’s progression. I am already doing the “pressing X plus some buffs to win” strategy, which plagues turned-based games. Whether or not it has been rectified by release remains to be seen.

Developer: Digital Mind Games; Publisher: Kwalee

Type of Game: Stop Motion Metroidvania

Platform: PC (Steam/Epic)

Release Date: December 12, 2024

A metroidvania occurs in what seems to be Sengoku, Japan, playing as a samurai with a cat companion. Who doesn’t like having pets as your greatest allies? You can even play as the cat and another character who wasn’t playable in the demo. What caught my eye personally was the stop-motion animation, and I would love to see more pieces of media using this art style. Combat looked stiff despite feeling good to play, but maybe that was the point, considering the stop-motion presentation. In any case, I’m looking forward to its release two months from now—a little gem in a saturated genre.

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Developer: Fallen Tree Games; Publisher: Kwalee

Type of Game: Isometric Open-World Police Sandbox

Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox

Release Date: Q4 2024 (Fall/Winter)

It has been some time since a GTA-Inspired game was placed in an isometric angle while taking a point-of-view of a cop instead of the usual vigilante/ criminal. It might turn some people off, but The Precinct would’ve been called a copycat otherwise. As the new kid on the block in the police force, you’ll be doing what police do in real life. Writing tickets, apprehending stragglers, the whole shebang that cops do. Minus the big set pieces spicing things up. I would venture to say The Precinct resembles Rockstar’s L.A. Noire with significant differences. This is a day one buy for me as I have been looking for a game resembling old-school GTA Rockstar used to make. Without having to use a launcher outside of a platform, I prefer to use.

Developer: GRUMPY

Type of Game: Hack & Slash Roguelike Dungeon Crawler

Platform: Xbox, PS5, PC

Release Date: Q4 2024 (Fall/Winter)

Grumpy saw Stellar Blade and thought, “We want in on that!” So they did and how DISORDER was developed. Unlike its inspirations, Disorder took another direction as a dungeon crawler with roguelike elements since they don’t have capital, which Shift-up has. While the heroine is beautiful, the combat she partakes in is not… Under-cooked is the term I would use to describe Disorder’s combat. Functional, but animations need some work for some of the skills I encountered and tried out. The developers clearly made the demo with one hand, considering that their heroine movement is pretty good *wink*. I am putting this on the back burner and will probably forget about it. Oh well, you can’t have everything be a home run!

Developer: INTI CREATES

Type of Game: Top-Down Pixel 2D Action

Platform: Pc, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch

Release Date: Winter 2024

This final game takes me back to simpler times despite my distaste for the whole “transported to another world,” or Isekai’s if you will. Unlike the slop Japan piling on, Flamefrit, at least in the demo, briefly mentions it and never again. It makes me wonder why even bother having that story element there in the first place. Despite my displeasure, A top-down action adventure with pixel art for the old souls in the back. My favorite thing about Flamefrit is getting into the boss fights via Power Ranger Megazord’s vs.. the Kaiju of the week, except it’s more like a solo endeavor akin to Kamen Rider. Tired tropes aside, Divine Dynamo Flamefrit is a callback to more simple times.

That’s all I can fit into this post without getting too long. All these games shown here still have demos available (Keep Driving doesn’t have it anymore for some reason, so oops.), so you can try them out even if you missed the event. They wouldn’t be on here otherwise, so if any game you see caught your attention and you have a Steam account, give them a shot!

They even sweeten the deal by giving you a demo, and the base game price is cheaper than the PS5 version!

So it seems like they’re on the right track, but I did say to wait and see if they can keep up the momentum. A few months later, Square Enix fumbled yet again! This time, however, is especially egregious, as a game they happen to publish got caught in the crossfire. The game I’m talking about is Little Goody Two Shoes, developed by AstralShift.

What Happen?

How I describe what the game is upon first impression is- 90’s anime Horror RPG Maker adventure game with higher production values. It features a day/night cycle, many mini-games, German cultural influences, and anime tropes, all while sheltering a witch out of the public eye who is religious.

I played the demo (which is still available) last year at a Steam Fest months before the official release. Despite not being the target audience, I enjoyed my time with it, as it succeeded in its art direction and creepy-pasta elements.

Too bad both Square and Astrashift botched their potential by being incompetent in the latest marketing stunt…

How the situation started came ahead: Square Enix was promoting the game in October this year, with Halloween coming up soon and Little Goody Two Shoes’ 1st anniversary happening on the same day. To put it into basketball terms, this was an easy layup from a marketing standpoint! They didn’t do that and opted to instead of misrepresenting the game at an event where it felt out of place.

While the game does have elements where you can form relationships with three other characters of the same gender, you don’t have to since LGTS1 has multiple endings. You can also play through the game without romancing anybody, should you choose to do so. It's up to the player at the end of the day, as it should be.

I have to ask… Why put LGTS in that type of event in October? A few months ago would’ve been more appropriate, but we’re in October. Halloween is coming soon! A simple post along the lines of:

“We’ll give you quite a spook for Halloween by celebrating Little Goody Two Shoes’ anniversary! Don’t let its cute looks fool you, for there’s something unsettling underneath it all. It’ll be on sale for (insert whatever percentage here) off on October 31^st.”

Would’ve done more for LGTS than whatever Square’s doing. So easy to do, but alas...

Consequences

To say Square Enix screw up LGTS marketing is an understatement. They’re entirely tone-deaf and misrepresenting this game. My ire goes towards whoever’s handling Astrashift’s social media, who isn’t helping and attacking potential customers.

Even if this were the case, I would like to see some evidence of these accusations from the developers. It would’ve been better if they hadn’t addressed this in the manner they’re doing and worded things differently. Most of the discussion surrounding LGTS was what I asked earlier: why are you doing a Pride event for a game that doesn’t fit what you’re promoting during the month of October?

What they should be doing is asking why Square Enix botched up their game’s marketing. Better yet, where was Astrashift when this was going down? After all, they made Little Goody Two Shoes; shouldn’t they also be marketing the game, not just Square?

These are the questions people should be asking, but they got lost in the sauce with the sh*t-slinging. We may never know in the near future. Astrashift looks very unprofessional on these posts and needs to address Square Enix's screw-ups and non-involvement in marketing their games. This sort of “damage control” isn’t helping these matters, only leading to confusion and petty squabbles, which don’t address any core issues at the matter.

Results

After that ordeal, it had two peaks on the weekend before dropping back to between 40 and 30 players playing. Whether these are new players or old ones coming back, I can’t say anything beyond speculation other than that it should be higher. It looks like the quote: all press is good; press doesn’t hold water this time.

It’s a shame this happened to a game that holds its weight and ends up getting shafted by Square Enix and Astrashift. Their sheer incompetence, especially Astrashift's, hampered Little Goody Two Shoes and any future projects by misrepresenting their game and not addressing any of it.

However, LGTS is still worth a look, as I’m just a messenger. Whether or not to purchase despite what happened didn’t deter you, then, by all means, don’t let me and what’s going on any thought.

I’d rather get Omari instead than deal with all of this thank you…

Source

Square Enix Twitter with Nitter Frontend (I'll never X/Twitter!); JP account of Square Enix

Little Goody Two Shoes SteamDB

LGTS Steam Page

A previous entry of Square Enix’s if you want to check it out. Compete in contrast to their actions from before.

I would look up what I want on my computer or phone, then purchase it on my Switch with as little deviation as possible. This is the “get what you need and get out quick” method if you will, and I have been doing that for some time now. However, somebody has to wade through the garbage pile to find gems! In that regard, I saw something nice to share with you all! I present to you Sega Ages!

What is Sega Ages?

Sega Ages is similar to HAMSTER’s Arcade Archives, as these retro labels are about bringing back classic titles to the current generation. As the name suggests, Sega Ages focuses exclusively on games from Sega's history. Besides some quality-of-life features, the games remained intact and can be played exactly how they were back in the day. Also, only digital downloads are available, so physical lovers are out of luck again. Sorry!

M2 was the developer handling this project, and as shown in their past works, this was their forte.

Have you ever noticed those retro game collections on whatever platform you watch/play on? (YouTube, official website, etc.)

Thanks to the people from M2. You have seen them a lot lately, so give them their flowers!

Catalog

Unfortunately, the selection of games that came onto Sega Ages is small. It’s a shame since they had a solid start for releasing classic Sonic The Hedgehog on September 9th, 2018.

It also doesn’t seem that M2 will be adding more with their last released game, Herzog Zwei, on September 24th, 2020. Herzog Zwei is a rare example of a real-time strategy game for consoles long before Halo Wars came into the picture.

I bought two of the nineteen games in the Sega Ages catalog: the JRPG Phantasy Star and the early arcade classic Shinobi.

Something I should mention about Shinobi is that you can’t buy it from the eShop at the moment.

I am still trying to understand why, beyond some educated guesses like Sega Genesis for Nintendo Switch Online, there is a conflict of interest. M2 stopped working with Sega, for they moved on to other projects. Of course, we couldn’t forget about licensing issues that might be hard to acquire for these old games. There are potentially many reasons, but we will never know for sure. Thankfully, there is a workaround in purchasing Shinobi, for I found that Best Buy, of all places, still has codes for it.

I bought it there, and it still works for the time being. That is very interesting, but with that out of the way, what are you getting when purchasing a game from the Sega Ages catalog?

Presentation

After downloading, you're greeted with an awesome intro when you run the game, which gets you pumped to play it!

Similar to seeing a trailer in a movie theater, except the trailer is the feature film itself. Right before the title screen, Alex Kidd, one of Sega’s mascot characters from their early days, presents your game of choice.

Overall, the presentation was well-crafted, and I prefer it to HAMSTER’s Arcade Archives series.

Content

The features you get, besides industry standards, are unique to each game you purchase. Phantasy Star has a bestiary for every mob you have faced. Shinobi, meanwhile, has a toggle option called Time Reverse to rewind the game as you see fit.

From these two games I own, I see a lot of care being put into each of them. They could’ve easily just done what HAMSTER did for their stuff, which’ll be satisfactory for most. But they didn’t, and I appreciate the dedication to making each Sega Ages game feel unique. Lastly is the Ages mode, where you play the same game with modern enhancements, which is good to have options for getting a boarder audience. Old heads get to play the game as intended in one mode, while newcomers can play another with some quality of life changes. Win-win for everybody!

Final Thoughts

While it is a shame that only nineteen games, M2 managed to make before moving on. It would’ve made an interesting competitor to Arcade Archives, but alas... It wasn’t meant to be… Theatrics aside, despite its short run and exclusively on Nintendo Switch, it is still a nice collection of titles—similar pricing to Arcade Archives at $7.99 each or the equivalent exchange rate in your country.

Another hidden gem inside the haystack that is the Nintendo eShop.

Previous Related Article:

Sources

Deku Deals website with links to “delisted” Shinobi game (Target listing link doesn’t work)

Best Buy’s Listing of the Shinobi Digital Download

Desktop version of My Nintendo Store Shinobi Listing

Sega Ages Official Website

It is a shame but not unfound, as peering into more of their situation shows more in a different light. Yes, Microsoft did not give Tango and other studios they owned over the years a chance. Tango Gameworks themselves, however, weren’t doing so hot behind the scenes either. I’m going to uncover what happened before their breakout hit, which was Hi-Fi Rush.

What Happen?

When Tango Gameworks made their announcement back in May 2024, most people and publications I found discussing their closure always bought up Hi-Fi Rush. Not their other games, which came before… Just that one. Even their official social channels put Hi-Fi Rush before any of their previous titles! I’ll even admit that I didn’t know anything about Tango until Hi-Fi Rush came out on January 25, 2023. I own Ghostwire Tokyo on the Epic game store for free, which they developed and was released on March 25, 2022. I had never thought of looking them up until recently and looking at their past projects on Steam opened my eyes.

I recall enjoying The Evil Within when it was released a decade ago (Wow, ten years ago?). The timeline checks out when Tango Gameworks was founded on March 1st, 2010. Four years later, they made a game reminiscing about Resident Evil, so they hit the ground running. Tango's eventful closure took shape between the company's founding and the development of The Evil Within.

ZeniMax Media

According to the Games Industry. Biz, Tango was acquired by Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax, on October 28, 2010. About seven months after Mikami created his company. What he said when the deal became official quoted:

I’m sure it was the case back then when Mr. Mikami made a sound business decision. Nobody, not even the creator of Resident Evil himself, could have foreseen Tango Gamework’s future.

Here Comes Microsoft

After all that, Microsoft acquired Mikami’s parent company, ZeniMax, on its official blog on September 21, 2020. Finalizing their purchase a year later, on March 9th.

Tango was developing Ghostwire Tokyo around this time. It was released one year after the ZeniMax purchase on March 29th. One thing that gets left out is that two weeks before Ghostwire's launch, there was a visual novel prequel that you can still play for free.

This is where I think the cracks are starting to form at this point. While not a bad idea to have a companion piece to a main game. Perhaps having it as a separate piece of media and not baked into the game itself, all while having it for free, might be attributed to the overall cost of Ghostwire Tokyo. Also, people who bought & played the game have polarizing views. Either you like it, or you don’t.

Common criticisms of Ghostwire Tokyo include the busywork amplified by the barren open world and a repetitive gameplay loop akin to how Ubisoft designs its games. Despite its uniqueness, Ghostwire Tokyo's potential is hampered by its fatal flaws. It sold well, but not enough for Microsoft, and Hi-Fi Rush also didn’t move the needle for them. Therefore, it is sent to be shelved before another publisher swoops it up.

Back to the Present

Unfortunately, Ghostwire Tokyo laid the foundation for Tango Gamework’s eventful closure. Microsoft's layoffs and selling off their assets accelerated the process. Their last hurrah, Hi-Fi Rush, did well but not enough for Microsoft, so they were set to be canned. Shinji Mikami was long gone by then and founded a new studio, Kamui INC.

Thankfully, Player’s Unknown Battleground publisher Krafton saved Tango from extinction and got the Hi-Fi Rush IP from Microsoft. While not the best idea for them either, it is better than being scrapped altogether. Second chances are rare nowadays, and whoever’s left from Tango Gameworks should seize the opportunity in their new lease of life.

Leave a comment

A happy ending despite being an exception to the rule. I wish them the best.

Sources

Krafton acquires Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi Rush IP from Xbox

Tango Gameworks acquisition will transfer around 50 out of the original 100 staff

The Real Reason Your Favorite Game Studios Are Getting Closed Instead Of Sold

Xbox Executive Hints At Reason For Tango Gameworks Closure

Founder and studio head Shinji Mikami to leave Tango Gameworks

Shinji Mikami founds new studio, Kamuy Inc.

Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami explains why he left Tango Gameworks and founded Kamuy 

Estimated Net Revenue of Hi-Fi Rush from Steam Revenue

GamesRadar’s Resident Evil creator thought the studio he helped form "would be safe as long as they continued to make Hi-Fi Rush games," but Microsoft shut it down anyway

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