I knew going in that Riven was a remake of an older game, but it took me a while before I remembered the full original title: Riven 2: The Sequel to Myst. The title might conjure up an older, more opaque era of gaming. That’s a great reason to remake a game. With a classic story and even more classic puzzles, the original Myst games should be a staple. Unfortunately, as we a lot of old games, it can be a pain to get working. Even then you have to contend with old interfaces and antiquated menu. That’s why game remakes have so much potential. So does the new Riven stand toe-to-toe with the classic?

The Remake of the Sequel

The first Myst came out in 1993. It was pretty unique then for being a peaceful, methodical puzzle game. That’s less rare today than it was then, but it’s still pretty remarkable. Myst wasn’t just a series of riddles and puzzle rooms. It was a whole exploration game in a bizarre fantasy world. The puzzles were often dependent of the player’s understanding of the setting. They were also famously intuitive but nevertheless, people loved that adrenaline rush of solving the puzzle and hopping into the next book (there’s a fair bit of magical book hopping).

Riven is, as the original title declared, the sequel to Myst. This remake is a full 3D environment, that you can navigate like any first person game. Mobility is still limited, which gets frustrating when you are searching for the door to get you to the platform 5 feet below you. Just jump! (You can’t.) Besides moving and observing, you can interact with some objects. You also carry a notebook stuffed with valuable information, including some scene setting from Myst, to catch you up on the major players. The world is well realized, but you still can only do so many verbs.

Timeless Art, but New

As for the 3D environments themselves, they rule. Riven is on a dusty Mediterranean-looking island filled with weird statues and magical devices. You’ll see a lot of pretty domes, and some alien looking palm trees. Riven always had incredible artwork, so seeing it realized with this level of fidelity is a treat, even if this is your first visit.

Is this Riven remake a good game? That’s kind of a tricky question to answer! Even when they were first released, these games were extremely niche. Some kids played Duck Hunt and some kids played Sonic the Hedgehog but the super nerds played Myst and Riven. There’s a lot of reading; there’s a lot of looking. This is a game that really feels like a book. Some people like to read books! Myst fans were passionate in the 90s, and I am sure there is a new generation of little dweebs who want to solve a fantasy mystery.

Rosetta Stone Puzzle

Is this the best version of Riven you can play? Almost definitely. I’m sure there are some people nostalgic for the low-res photo style of the original, or the clunky point and click controls. This Riven plays smoothly and is miles more accessible. Unless your interest is academic, even if you found yourself an old copy and somehow got it working, why would you subject yourself to 90s menus? The real core of Riven is the story, the setting, and the characters, and I think this easily is the best way to experience them.

Is Riven a masterpiece that modern games should be drawing from? Listen- game design has come a long way in the last 30 years. Since the indie boom of the early 2010s, an interesting new puzzle game drops practically every week. Some of them still blow me away. Papers Please. Return of the Obra Dinn. Shadows of Doubt. Paradise Killer. Case of the Golden Idol! All of these games owe a lot to Myst and Riven, and all of them have built off that foundation.

If I could only pick one puzzle game to bring to a desert island, I probably would not choose Riven. Fortunately, that is not the case. It’s fascinating to see this missing link of game design. It’s nice to dig into some genuinely excellent writing and art. The puzzles are as opaque as they ever were, which is what a lot of people like about them. I think we need more remakes like Riven, that capture as much as they can about how games felt back then. That’s how we move forward, that’s how games get even better.

***PC code provided by the publisher for preview***

The post Riven Review – A Great Update to Riven: The Sequel to Myst appeared first on COGconnected.

School is out! Which makes it a perfect time to go to Hogwart’s Legacy. It is COGconnected’s duty, and and joy, to gather the hottest game deals into this one article to help you out. Here is a potpourri of games to play.  Here’s a mix of games you may be interested in – Hogwart’s Legacy leads the charge for Potterheads. But fear not for the rest of the you. There are some other great franchises to choose from – Miles Morales, God of War and an old standby – The Master Chief himself!  Hopefully, there will be a game or two that will pique your interest. 

Unicorn Overlord – $49.96 (Save 38%)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) – $70.00 (Save 12%)

Hogwarts Legacy – Nintendo Switch – $49.96 (Save 23%)

Just Dance 2024 Edition – Nintendo Switch – $39.99 (Save 50%)

Hogwarts Legacy: Digital Deluxe Edition – PlayStation 5 – $44.99 (Save 55%)

Dead Space PlayStation 5 – $39.96 (Save 11%)

God of War (PC) – $32.57 (Save 50%)

Cyberpunk 2077 (PC) – $17.49 (Save 65%)

HALO: THE MASTER CHIEF COLLECTION (PC) – $12.49 (Save 75%)

Did you grab some sales this weekend? Let us know in the comments below. If you’re looking for some hardware deals we’ve found some great steals available too right here!

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The post Jump into Hogwarts Legacy Now That School’s Out & It’s on Sale appeared first on COGconnected.

School is out and with it comes some monitor madness! So it’s time for some weekend hardware deals that will set you up for sizzling summer gaming. COGconnected has scoured the internet looking for any deals. This time, Samsung leads the charge with great monitor deals. You’ll find budget and medium tier deals below but if you want something more high end, they are having deals on those as well. In addition, there are some solid deals on gamepads and headphones too.

SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey G55A QHD 165Hz 1ms FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor with HDR 10 – $298.00 (Save 40%)

Samsung 24″ Odyssey G30A FHD 144 Hz Gaming Monitor – $148.00 (Save 41%)

KOORUI Computer Monitor 27 Inch, 100Hz FHD Gaming Monitor – $129.99 (Save 28%)

8Bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad for Switch/Switch OLED, PC, macOS, Android, Steam & Raspberry Pi with Storage Case (Black Edition) – (Save 30%)

8Bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad for Windows PC, Android, Steam Deck & Raspberry Pi –  $25.89 (Save 30%)

Xbox Core Wireless Gaming Controller – $58.88 (Save 21%)

Controller for Nintendo Switch, Switch Controllers Left and Right Support Vibration/6-Axis Gyroscope and Wake-up Function – $30.19 (Save 25%)

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX Wireless Multiplatform Amplified Gaming Headset for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac with 48+ Hour Battery – Pink – 600 SERIES MAX Edition – $119.99 (Save 25%)

Corsair HS55 Surround Gaming Headset (Leatherette Memory Foam Ear Pads, Dolby Audio 7.1 Surround Sound on PC and Mac, Lightweight, Omni-Directional Microphone, Multi-Platform Compatibility) Carbon – $72.24 (Save 24%)

Did you grab some summer sales? Let us know in the comments below. And be sure to check in again as we have frequent weekend deals!

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The post School Is Officially Out and This Weekend Is Monitor Madness appeared first on COGconnected.

Cartoon Network and Saturday morning animations hold a dear place in the hearts of many. The iconic design and daring humor led to programming which is still considered a highlight of the medium. #Blud summons the spirit of the era to create a vampire-themed dungeon crawler that aims to be both a nostalgic trip and a fresh adventure. Will it satisfy your thirst for excitement, or will it just suck?

You play as Becky Brewster, a brash and boisterous high school girl who’s new to the neighborhood. With strange happenings occurring in the environment, you must dig deep into your vampire-hunting heritage to halt the demonic invasion. The world is packed with interesting characters and leads to amusing conversations. Each interaction is accompanied with polished animation which amplifies their personality. It’s clear that Exit 73 Studios has a lot of love for the world of toons as each chapter is presented as a new short. Title cards are reminiscent of classic Warner Bros and Hannah-Barbera shows and help to add authenticity to the experience. Although the story is straightforward, the elements surrounding it make it a fun and addictive adventure.

Let Me Just Update My Status

Anchoring the youthful premise, social media plays a large part of the game with all menus being integrated with the protagonist’s phone. Missions appear on your Facebook-style timeline with comments giving you extra tasks and hints to complete your objective. It’s a great way to manage all components of the game in a way that develops the narrative. You can even take selfies with enemies to analyze their weaknesses so that you can determine the best method of attack. While none of these elements are uncommon, they are implemented in a fresh manner.

With your hockey stick, you whack the crap out of any creature you encounter to ensure your safety. The game progresses developing the combat by allowing you to block projectiles, dig up enemies that burrow, throw pencils and more. This creates a fun but quite basic system that is easy to pick up and play. There are a strict number of foes each having distinct attack patterns that require you to strategize in battles. Although new enemies are periodically introduced, they never serve up a significant challenge but instead offer more variety.

Bosses culminate areas and are a highlight of the adventure. The incredible animation shines as nuances with their posture signal attacks and allows you to react and counter. These build to become more epic towards the latter segments of the game adding interesting twists to battles.

The Same Old Thing

Most missions tend to evolve around the collection of items which requires you to tediously search every nook and cranny of environments. Although some puzzles are included within, the simple, repetitive tasks can lead to frustration. These typical fetch quests lack the imagination that the visuals exude, resulting in some disappointing gameplay segments. Side missions are also by the book, often with collection-based tasks that you’ll most likely skip over. While missions are given context and maintain a pleasant pace, the lack of variety hinders the experience.

Each aspect of the presentation is wonderful. From the 90s-inspired visuals to the joyous soundtrack, #Blud is a delicious treat. Characters bounce across the environment and strikes include fun and exaggerated animations that add further character. For example, when killing the Dracula-esque character, he falls into the ground accompanied by a tombstone. It’s little things like this that add to the overall presentation elevating the entire experience.

An Endearing Journey with Unique Flair

#Blud is a fun adventure that carves its own niche due to its incredible art direction and presentation. Combat is straightforward but small additions that are periodically introduced help to keep it feeling fresh. Bosses are a joy and lead to some stand-out segments that are a highlight of the journey. The mission design is a little lackluster with a reliance on collectathon missions and fetch quests which can lead to some frustrating moments. While the game sticks to the conventions of the genre, it manages to deliver a charming and engaging experience that fans of classic cartoons and dungeon crawlers alike will appreciate.

***A Steam code provided by the publisher for review***

The post #Blud Review – Cute Cartoon Charm appeared first on COGconnected.

Wild Bastards declares itself to be the spiritual sequel to the stylish 2019 shooter Void Bastards. If you played that game, it probably made a lasting impression. It’s not the first shooter to employ a comic book style (would that be 2003’s XIII?) but where other games kind of look like generic cels, Void Bastards looked like the style of a particular artist. Studio Blue Manchu is fairly small, and you can feel the personal touch. Do you want to get locked in a particularly crazy graphic novel? Now is your chance.

Dreams in the Void

Though the original Void Bastards drew inspiration from games like System Shock, that wasn’t quite how it felt to play. Rather than an immersive world or a story, Void Bastards played out as a roguelite. In the game, you navigate through nodes on a map as you complete cyclical runs. Between missions you can adjust your character and loadout. You worry about resources that your character carries and also bigger resources that drive the meta-game.

Void Bastards was a really great setup for a game, but it quickly ran out of steam (no pun intended). The procedurally generated space station rooms can only arrange themselves in so many combos. Though I am sure there are squintillions of permutations, the different modifiers and enemy types weren’t enough to really hook. me. This is a good game, it just needs more to it.

High Noon on the Edge of the Galaxy

More is here. Wild Bastards is changing the Void Bastards formula in a couple of critical ways. First off are the characters. I don’t really remember the characters in Void bastards. I remember a blur of discontented barrel chested loudmoths. Wild Bastards flips the script by setting up a squad. It’s the kind of team that could really use those short videos Team Fortress 2 used to run. There are 13 different characters and they play reasonably differently. The ability trees are different for each character and they all fit into fun shooter archetypes.

A further divergence takes us down to a planet’s surface! Void Bastards felt dark and sterile. Wild Bastards has environments that are as colorful as its characters. There are snowy cliffs and verdant woods, and all of this does wonders for breaking up some of the sameyness of the shooting. This specificity shows great ambition. You are going to remember particular characters in particular fights on particular planets. You might even pick one as your main.

Ragtag, Infinite Potential

The best things Wild Bastards has going for it is the potential for diversity. Unfortunately, that kind of thing is hard to assess with the game still in development. The shooting mechanics feel good to play, though the busy graphics may be too much for some. Maybe I’m out of practice with FPS games, but I had to give my eyes a rest between levels. The content in the game already feels much tighter than the developer’s previous effort but how can you judge the quantity of a thing that is still being made?

That’s going to be the critical question: can Wild Bastards keep its high level of energy going in the long haul? I think signs are promising. I especially like the way the relationship system is shaping up. It proves that the developers understand that the characters are the real hook, and if people want to hang out with them, they will want to play the game. I think they are on to something. I thought the tone landed on the right side of the maniac LOL random humor that makes me roll my eyes in Borderlands. It’s clear that Blue Manchu knows this game needs to impress, and I will be very curious to track the development of Wild Bastards. Maybe, like a desperate team of specialists brought together, they just might bring this plan together.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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The post Wild Bastards Is About Some Very Particular Bastards appeared first on COGconnected.

After a 14-year hiatus, 2024 sees Ubisoft release two Prince of Persia games in the space of 4 months. While both share the same 2D perspective, The Rogue Prince of Persia distinguishes itself through its addictive gameplay loop, stylized aesthetic, and drip-fed narrative. This makes each new run a captivating experience that evolves with time. With Dead Cells co-developer, Evil Empire, at the helm, will this new entry possess the regal quality needed to reign supreme amidst the abundance of roguelike titles?

Determined to prove yourself as a worthy successor to the crown, you decide to bypass your father’s instructions and take it upon yourself to protect the land’s citizens. After facing the large threat of the Huns, you succumb to their army’s powerful magic and sheer volume. As they seize the capital, you flee with your mentor. With redemption at the forefront of your mind, you use the mystical bola to rewind time and learn from your previous mistakes to save Persia. Each time you dig a little deeper into the narrative and learn about the supporting cast and their incentives. Evil Empire skillfully intertwines story and gameplay, giving more purpose to delve back into the world for another run.

Take a Bow

Just like Dead Cells, The Rogue Prince of Persia is a slick and stylish action-filled adventure. You will need to quickly react and respond to the variety of enemies and situations you find yourself in to reach the next area. Combat is fast, so you must use every skill available to overcome obstacles. You can unleash a series of quick attacks, charge to deliver a devastating blow or kick your opponent across the screen, stunning them and allowing you to take advantage of the situation. In addition to this, you can also leap over your opponent to avoid incoming attacks and strike from above to be the ultimate weapon.

The level of choice that permeates the game allows you to alter the experience at each stage. In terms of weapons, you can select between daggers, a javelin, a tabard, and much more. Each is different and changes how you approach battles. For example, the claws allow you to quickly release a series of strikes with a special triggering with each kill. Conversely, the broadsword is a slower two-handed heavy weapon with a more deadly impact. You also have access to projectile items to harm foes from afar. These continue the same trend of offering fantastic variety to allow you to personalize your experience. In addition to conventional items like the bow, you can also use a grappling hook to pull enemies closer and Berude’s gauntlet to perform a huge ground smash. All of these elements combine to create an intoxicating combat system that will keep you hooked for hours on end.

Majestic Movement

The franchise is renowned for its elegant movement that allows the Prince to effortlessly parkour across the environment. The Rogue Prince of Persia’s implementation of this ethos is remarkable. Each location includes design features that allow you to wall run from platform to platform by holding the trigger. There’s a surprising level of freedom with this as the scenery and backgrounds are interactable. This means any wall is useable to reach your desired location. Evil Empire even includes challenge rooms dedicated to platforming segments which helps to capture the spirit of the series. Narrowly dodging spikes and timing your jumps to avoid spinning blades has never felt better and helps to embed the franchise into the Roguelike genre.

Maps are procedurally generated with Wells dispersed that allow you to fast travel across the area. This is useful for revisiting the merchant, forging weapons, or quickly collecting leftover items. Fast travel simplifies exploring regions with deviating paths, making it much easier to fully discover the entire area. This is particularly important as you will want to customize your build in preparation for upcoming, harder sections.

The Crown Jewels

You will periodically come across medallions on your run and can equip up to four at a time. Each has several levels and you can upgrade these by sacrificing medallions for new ones that will complement your abilities. The medallions vary with some emitting knives upon use, increasing your health or rewarding energy allowing you to create a unique build for your run. These perks and other weapons can be purchased in the hub area which will increase the probability of stumbling across these in subsequent playthroughs. Due to this, you gradually have more options available creating diverse methods to reach your objective.

Each aspect of the presentation is spectacular. The comic book-style visuals with vibrant colors help to distinguish the game from other releases in the franchise. Performance is solid with only the odd hiccup in its current early access state. Combined with the Eastern-infused soundtrack and impact sound effects, the overall design is sumptuous and is an ideal way to refresh the series with a new and exciting twist.

The Rogue Prince of Persia is a brave and beautiful step in a new direction. Sprinting through the area feels incredible, thanks to the seamless integration of parkour into the gameplay. Combat is fast and slick, creating an addictive quality that keeps you coming back for more. Currently in early access, the future for the latest iteration in the Prince’s tale has the potential to be the crown jewel of the series.

***A Steam code provided by the publisher for review***

The post The Rogue Prince of Persia Is a Timeless Majesty appeared first on COGconnected.

Homeworld 3 is the latest game in the highly regarded 3D space combat tactical simulation series from Blackbird Interactive. As such, Homeworld 3 has an elevated bar of excellence to uphold. Cutting to the quick, or TLDR, fans of the series can relax, Homeworld 3 not only clears the bar, it pushes the bar higher.

Homeworld 1 & 2 has already seen remasters back in 2015. So Homeworld 3 not only must meet the quality of those remasters but, hopefully, exceed them. Homeworld 3 has the advantage of what current day hardware to do so. Not only from a graphical perspective, but from a gameplay one too. This means larger scale battles fought not only in space but also in introducing line of sight and cover strategies.

In Homeworld 3, the element of realism extends to the battles. Ship damage is persistent. Battle scars will remain from mission to mission until the damage is repaired. Your fleet and its composition track across missions. Lost ships and personnel are truly lost. The accumulative result is a game that ups and makes the stakes feel real. The game also contains deft little touches such as chatter from ships’ captains and smaller craft pilots, who pass along critical information.

The setting for Homeworld 3 is a timeline 100 years after the events of Homeworld 2. Karan, who is the protagonist of the earlier games, has become a myth and the basis for religious devotion. After the events of Homeworld 2, Karan led the fleet to examine a new spatial phenomenon, called, “The Anomaly.” It poses a possible threat, as reports have come in stating it can swallow up hyperspace gates and other planets. Karan did not return from the expeditions and listed as missing.

A New Crisis

In Homeworld 3, a fresh crisis has arisen. The Hyperspace Gate Network is failing. So they launch a new expedition to find Karan, if she still exists, with her cybernetic connection to her capital ship. Karan is the key to solving the crisis.

The game starts at the homeworld of Hiigara with a new Fleet Commander, Imogen S’Jet. She has just completed her cybernetic connection with the mother-ship Khar-Kushan. The whole introduction has a Star Trek: The Motion Picture vibe, where a newly refurbished Enterprise leaps into action ahead of schedule. To further up the dramatic ante, they send the fleet on a mission communications blackout. Someone or something has turned hyperspace into a weapon, and Imogen S’Jet and the fleet must prevent total galactic collapse.

With a tutorial that teaches you how the game interface works, the first mission trains you how to control the fleet. You’ll head to Facility 315, which is a Mothership Production Facility. Here you will install a module that allows the Khar-Khasan to come to full operational status.

You can see from the game menu and layout that Blackbird Interactive have taken great care to provide information in the clearest and cleanest manner possible. Also, the design of the screen layouts keeps clutter to a minimum. The main game screen has interfaces arrayed at the corners of the screen. The upper left corner contains items related to the mission at hand. This includes items such as Mission Objectives, game time, and fleet population. You can also pause the mission.

Homeworld 3 Game Menu

The upper right corner shows the overall status of the fleet. The fleet comprises the Mothership, carriers, Resource Controllers, strikecraft such as Recon, Interceptors, and probes. It also shows which of the Command vessels – the Mothership or the Carriers – are creating new strikecraft or probes. Also, from this menu, you command further research into vessel types to enhance their capabilities.

On the bottom left of the screen are Movement and Attack commands for the strikecraft. You can control the strikecraft individually or as a unit. Unit commands allow for the designation of formations and postures. Using each provides tactical advantages that you need to decide upon during battles. For example, strikecraft in an aggressive stance will not use cover. To do so, you must put them into a neutral stance.

When you pick a craft – be it a squad or an individual craft – a movement menu pops up in the bottom right hand corner. Here, options such as attack, move to a designated point, stop, patrol, guard, or use advanced capabilities are available.

In the bottom center of the screen are a Sensor Manager icon and Group Control icons. The Sensor Manager switches the view to a 2D representation of the mission area. This view simplifies the mission area and is a great aid in planning out mission strategies. It also highlights your fleet’s fog of war situation in terms of what your sensors reveal. It also points out any line-of-sight issues you must compensate for when making fleet movements.

Megaliths!

For line-of-sight combat, HomeWorld 3 introduces megaliths. These are the huge remains of space derelicts from an ancient civilization. Megaliths are the equivalent of battlefields with differing elevations. You can use them as funnels to trap enemies in or hide in the megaliths to use for ambushes.

The Group Control is a cluster of ten hot keys you can assign squads to. This allows for quick access to the squads. Most useful when the combat situation becomes intense. Remember, you can slow the gameplay down or outright stop the mission to allow for strategy sessions.

From the game’s main menu, you have access to the various game modes which include tutorials, the campaign, multiplayer, skirmish – against an AI opponent, War Games – an all new, coop capable multiplayer mode. The game allows the player to tailor the game to their own personal preferences. You can change key bindings to set up a control scheme that works best for you. There is also the choice to use the traditional control scheme of the previous games or to use the newly implemented one.

Blackbird Interactive commitment to Homeworld 3 is apparent with every aspect of the game. They have taken great effort to make Homeworld 3 the best Homeworld yet. The amount of improvements and enhancements over the previous games in the series is clear from every aspect of the game. They have big expectations for this game and a vision for its future.

Future Roadmap

Their roadmap for the rest of 2024 and into 2025 is a testament to that. There will be free DLC drops in June, August and Q4. July and October will see paid DLC made available. In 2025, the free and paid DLC drops will continue.

Homeworld fans can take heart the latest game in the series sets new benchmarks for the franchise. The new line-of-sight gameplay mechanics make for even more challenging space combat strategies. The gameplay depth is greater, the customization is deeper, and the replayability is longer. Homeworld 3 oozes quality across all aspects.

***PC code provided by the publisher for review***

The post Homeworld 3 Review – Superb Space Combat Simulator appeared first on COGconnected.

There are certain games that tackle a genre from a different perspective to create something brand new yet familiar. Superhot did this with its movement-based time mechanics which perfectly blends First Person Shooter traits with a puzzler. Sneaking up the same path is Children of the Sun. With its unique approach to scoping and sniping enemies, will this tactical shooter hit the mark?

Betrayed and mistreated by The Cult, you play as The Girl and are determined to extinguish each member of the sadistic group until you find The Leader. Although the narrative isn’t delivered in an overt manner, you gather scraps of information about the group from each scenario. This bolsters the story as you progress and gives further incentive for your assassinations. While there is a story to latch on to, it’s secondary to the addictive gameplay. I would have liked further emphasis on the interesting scenario, however, it never delves deeper than being merely a premise for your objective.

The Single-Bullet Theory

Your goal is simple, eliminate all the cultists who roam the environment before you, however, there is one catch. You only have one bullet. What unleashes is a thrilling tactical sequence where you must direct your singular projectile through multiple enemies to complete your objective. At first, you need to scour the area and tag foes. Some can be hidden away and may require you to shoot your bullet to discover their whereabouts. Once you’ve located each enemy, then it’s time to work out the optimum route to complete annihilation.

Upon pulling the trigger, you follow the bullet toward your target and after a successful assassination, re-aim your projectile to take out another enemy. Soon you will pinball the bullet throughout the environment to stylishly murder each member of The Cult. Working out the order is an absolute thrill as you will need to consider the line of sight and positioning of foes. As you progress, more options become available which adds additional layers to the gameplay. One feature allows you to bend bullets so that they can swerve past obstacles to deliver a sick headshot. This opens up a range of possibilities that allow you to experiment with your order of kills.

X Marks the Spot

Particular parts of enemies will glow and hitting them in these areas will allow you to redirect your bullet mid-flight. This is particularly useful as the enemy variety develops. Certain characters require you to shoot from a distance and build up enough speed to pierce their armor while others may require you to bypass a shield. Due to this, you may need to venture out in one direction and then maneuver back to eliminate your target. The options and methods available are plentiful which makes the journey to your objective in each level feel distinct.

Levels are scored and linked to the online leaderboards which encourages you to replay missions to beat your previous effort. You can gain multipliers through quick multiple kills, using the environment to cause explosions and much more. This leads to experimentation to deliver as much chaos as possible to gain the highest score. As targets have a set route, not only do you need to consider your path but you also need to take into account the timing so that the execution of one leads to another. It’s devilishly addictive and adds to the longevity of the game.

Dark, Dingy and Delicious

The high-contrast, gritty visuals of Children of the Sun help to create a weathered aesthetic that drips with atmosphere. Each greasy location is smothered with filth and captures the hideous nature of the cultists that dwell there. Locations vary from murky motels to sleazy streets, each adding further gameplay depth and personality to the experience. The overall presentation is further heightened through its audio. Haunting drones and soft synths add to devious ambiance to create an incredible aesthetic which is to die for.

Children of the Sun is a twisted take on a tactical shooter. Surveying your surroundings to identify your prey before sending a solitary bullet for complete eradication is a blast. The development of the premise through special skills, challenges and end-level scores helps to make the game endlessly replayable. While I would have liked a little more focus on the interesting story that bubbles underneath, the intoxicating gameplay will sink its seedy hooks deep into your psyche, ensuring countless hours of adrenaline-fueled excitement.

***A Steam code was provided by the publisher***

The post Children of the Sun Review – Freak on a Leash appeared first on COGconnected.

2011 was a banner year for action RPGs. That year saw the release of two of the most influential games of all time, Dark Souls and Skyrim. Fans were still besotted by both games when Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma appeared in 2012. The game was quirky, janky, and original, but bugs, player misunderstanding, and the long shadow of Skyrim and FromSoftware kept Dragon’s Dogma out of the reach of real appreciation. That began to change when, in 2013, Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen was released. Adding a ton of new content, fixes, and major improvements, Dark Arisen was a rare do-over success story. Fans of the genre paid attention. Now, 10 years later, it’s safe to say that a large number of ARPG players have hoisted Dragon’s Dogma to the top of their lists of personal favorites.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is only a few weeks away. The hype is near-Dark Souls intense. From what we’ve seen — and a few lucky folks have played — the sequel is an amazing leap forward. Now’s a great time to appreciate what the original game did so brilliantly. Aside from graphics that have understandably lost some luster, much of Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen remains an absolutely compelling experience.

Moving Pawns

Obviously, AI-controlled NPCs were not invented by Capcom and Dragon’s Dogma. However, Dragon’s Dogma elevated the role of a player-controlled NPC to a whole new level in the form of Pawns. In a real sense, Pawns were a precursor to Elden Ring’s Mimic Tears. In Dragon’s Dogma, a player’s main Pawn is a controllable ally with unique gear, skills, and an upgrade tree. The Pawn levels up with the player and shares most of the main character’s potential to explore and fight.

Adding another original mechanic, online players can hire Pawns belonging to other players. The hired Pawns come with their own gear and skills, and the player can add to their equipment in the form of permanent gifts. Pawns can be rated, Uber-driver style, and players can see their ratings. Overall, the Pawn system is fantastic and is making a return in Dragon’s Dogma 2, undoubtedly with even more depth.

Take a Welcome Vocation

A staple of fantasy RPGs is some sort of class system. You know, sometime early on you decide on a preferred play style — or maybe two — and you roll a character that’s a mage, tank, ranged fighter or healer, or some combo platter version. In Dragon’s Dogma, classes are called Vocations. There are nine of them, and, as long as you have enough Discipline Points you can swap to another at any time. Your Pawn can switch vocations, too, though only to the basic versions.

In games like Elden Ring, trying to fully develop more than one build often results in being a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. The game rewards focusing on one or two stats and sacrificing others. That’s why the Vocation system is so appealing. You can switch your Vocation to counter a specific enemy or situation. There’s no pressure to be exclusive or fail.

Climb Aboard

When it comes to combat mechanics, Dragon’s Dogma both innovates and honors established ideas. There are light and heavy attacks, a pretty awkward dodge roll, and the ability to block with a shield. Long before Lies of P, Dragon’s Dogma introduced the term “perfect block.” Tied to a specific skill called Deflect and choice of gear, perfect blocks knock back enemies, add I-frames, and briefly slow time.

FromSoftware’s games still don’t generally allow players to mount enemies for deadly attacks, but doing so is a core mechanic in Dragon’s Dogma. From the exciting tutorial on, players are encouraged to jump onto boss monsters and attack vulnerable spots, Monster Hunter style.

Get Started Now

While the game’s detail and textures don’t exactly scream 2024, Dragon’s Dogma still has a fantastic, classic-fantasy art style, excellent music and sound design, and well-written and voiced characters. The story is engaging and the gameplay remains stellar a decade later. Available on every platform and including all DLC, playing Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen remains a compelling and enjoyable experience. While we wait for the sequel, now’s a great time to try the original.

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Fortnite enthusiasts are in for a treat as the game introduces two exciting Lego-themed experiences: Lego Raft Survival and Lego Obby Fun, now available for free within the expansive online universe. These additions mark the beginning of a series of Lego-inspired adventures set to unfold throughout the year, promising fresh and immersive gameplay for players of all ages.

The advent of the so-called Lego Islands brings forth a new realm of possibilities within Fortnite, crafted using the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). In Lego Raft Survival, players delve into a captivating Lego Pirates theme, where survival takes center stage. Collaborating with fellow adventurers in multiplayer mode, players must navigate treacherous waters, fending off the notorious Blackbeard while gathering essential resources to fortify their rafts against cannonfire and other perils.

Meanwhile, Lego Obby Fun offers a nostalgic journey reminiscent of Fall Guys, presenting the first official Lego-themed obstacle course within Fortnite. Designed by seasoned Lego artisans, this sprawling course boasts over 300 levels of platforming challenges, providing endless thrills for up to nine companions to tackle alongside you.

While some may find themselves less captivated by the allure of Lego collaborations, Fortnite stands as a veritable hub of diverse entertainment, consistently delivering dynamic and engaging experiences to its vast audience. The game’s ability to constantly reinvent itself and offer fresh content ensures its enduring appeal among gamers of all ages and interests.

Season 2 of Fortnite Festival witnessed the introduction of yet another iconic persona into the game’s expansive universe: none other than the incomparable Lady Gaga. This collaboration marked a convergence of two cultural phenomena, as fans were treated to the spectacle of Gaga’s larger-than-life persona seamlessly integrated into the vibrant world of Fortnite. The event not only showcased the game’s capacity for innovation but also demonstrated its ability to transcend traditional boundaries of entertainment.

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If you’ve been dying to play NHL 24 on Steam, then … you’re out of luck. Sorry. But Tape to Tape, now in Early Access from developers Excellent Rectangle, is hoping to fill the void and bring some hard hitting, high scoring hockey action to the PC. From my time so far with it, Tape to Tape has some fun, fresh ideas that bode well for its future, even if it still needs some polishing.

There are three modes to choose from. You can Practice, and learn the game’s controls and hone your stickhandling, passing and shooting skills. There’s Play Now, which lets you take on the CPU or up to three other humans locally. Lastly, there’s a Campaign, in which you lead a motley team of rag-tag grinders through a full season. Campaign is the main draw and the one you’ll spend the majority of your time in.

Fresh Ideas

Tape to Tape brings a twist to the hockey formula that sets it apart from some of the more traditional titles. It’s not trying to be a realistic hockey sim like EA’s NHL series. Instead, it’s a more casual roguelite, in which each playthrough will unfold differently depending on the choices you make. As you progress through a season in Campaign mode, you’ll reach decision points. Here you can choose among various options. Maybe practice, and improve your team’s skills. Or you can rest, and let them heal. Or you might be offered a random story event (told in text form), that brings a surprise outcome. There’s a definitely a feeling of ample replayability in Tape to Tape’s roguelite structure.

As for the hockey itself, it feels pretty good. Controls are responsive and smooth. Core hockey plays like passing and shooting work well using the controller buttons and stick. Despite the casual and arcade-like presentation, it’s got surprising depth with the ability to aim shots at the net for top-corner goals, and take hard slap shots by holding X. I was even able to pull off a few thrilling one-timers. But maybe my favorite part of the games themselves was the hard hitting. Pressing the B button and laying out an opponent flat on the ice was a highlight that made me consistently smile.

Surprisingly Deep

The depth extends to upgrading your players. Earn points (presented as “pucks”) and spend them in the Blademaster Shop. You can buy improved Attributes like speed or hitting power. You can buy special Skills such as the Spin-O-Rama that allows you to twirl around defensemen with a press of the Y button. Lastly, you can even buy new players to beef up your roster. All in all, there’s lots of layers to this game that will pull you in more than some casual titles.

Being an Early Access game, Tape to Tape has some things to work on. There’s a Player and Team Creator mode, but it seemed bugged whenever I tried it. I’d get stuck, unable to progress or, worst of all, I was even unable back out. I had to fully restart the game to fix it. There also seems to be no way to access the Shop to spend your points while you’re in the middle of a play through. I was only able to visit the Shop by closing and re-starting my saved game.

The Final Word

This title has some fine-tuning to do. But overall, Tape to Tape has a lot of positives. Its biggest plus is that the basic gameplay — the hockey — is really fun. It’s colorful, humorous and presented in a fresh visual style. It might still need some time in the minors for conditioning but this is a hockey game that’s shaping up to be a contender.

** A Steam game code was provided by the publisher **

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Lunar Chilli has officially released the highly anticipated full version of Time Survivors on PC via Steam. You can purchase it right now on the platform for just $3.99 with a 20% launch discount. Hurry up and grab your copy before the offer ends on 22 January.

Expanding upon the groundwork established in the free-to-play Time Survivors: Chapter 0, the complete game broadens the journey by introducing fresh levels, characters, and challenges. These additions deepen the player’s engagement with the game’s delightfully anachronistic world.

In Time Survivors, you will embark on an extraordinary rogue-like bullet heaven adventure across time, now featuring expanded content. Engage in five distinct historical eras, and confront a diverse range of foes and formidable bosses. All the while uncovering the hidden secrets throughout the game.

Here are some key features of the full game:

Key Features of the Full Game:

– 12 Iconic Historical Characters: Join forces with legendary figures, each now with unique abilities. Team up with the likes of Cleopatra, Abraham Lincoln, Tesla, Napoleon, and many more.
– 5 Diverse Stages with Unique Mechanics: Explore more of history, from the glacial Ice Age to the sands of Ancient Egypt, each stage with its gameplay twists.
– 93 Enemies and Bosses: Battle against a wide array of adversaries, including the daunting T-Rex.
– Steam Achievements: Challenge yourself with achievements that test your strategic prowess.
– Resource Exchange System: Use in-game gold to trade for rare resources, adding a strategic layer to your progression.

The full version still retains its innovative graphical meta-progression system introduced in Chapter 0. It allows deeper customization and strategic choices for your character build. Moreover, you can even enjoy it on the Steam Deck as well.

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Steam has implemented new guidelines to enhance transparency regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games available on its platform. Developers are now required to disclose detailed information about how AI is utilized both in the development process and during the execution of their games.

The latest update to Steam’s Content Survey, completed by developers during the game submission process, introduces a dedicated AI disclosure section. This section mandates developers to provide insights into the specific application of AI in their games, categorizing it into two distinct types: pre-generated and live-generated.

Pre-generated AI usage encompasses content such as art, code, and sound, generated using AI tools during the development phase. Valve, Steam’s parent company, will evaluate pre-generated AI content during its pre-release review, treating it on par with non-AI content. Compliance checks with Steam’s Distribution Agreement, ensuring the absence of illegal or infringing content, will also be conducted alongside an assessment of alignment with marketing materials.

In the case of live-generated content, which involves AI tools actively influencing the game while it is running, developers face additional scrutiny. Alongside providing details in the Content Survey about the measures taken to prevent illegal content generation during gameplay, a new reporting system for players has been introduced. This in-game overlay system allows players to easily report any encountered illegal content generated by AI during gameplay.

The introduction of these guidelines and reporting systems is significant in an industry where the use of AI has sparked debates and concerns among developers regarding potential job displacement. Some companies, like Square Enix, are actively embracing and incorporating AI into their development processes, reflecting the evolving landscape of game development. Steam’s move toward transparency aims to address these concerns while fostering responsible AI integration within the gaming ecosystem.

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Steam, the renowned PC gaming platform, has enjoyed success for almost two decades. Its popularity soared even higher after recently witnessing an extraordinary milestone in its history, breaking records for concurrent users. On January 7, the platform hosted an impressive 33,675,000 users online simultaneously, marking a new zenith in its popularity, as reported by Steam DB, an entity dedicated to tracking various data related to Valve’s gaming platform. This achievement follows Steam’s previous record-breaking day on January 6 when over 10,837,000 players were actively engaged in games, surpassing the 10 million in-game players mark set in January 2023.

The list of top-played games during this record-setting period predominantly features stalwarts of the platform. Valve’s own titles continue to dominate, with Counter-Strike 2 boasting more than 1.2 million players and Dota 2 exceeding 730,000 players on January 7. Additionally, the enduring appeal of Team Fortress 2 is evident, with nearly 160,000 players contributing to its inclusion in the top 10. Noteworthy mentions in the list include popular multiplayer titles such as PUBG: Battlegrounds and Rust.

Baldur’s Gate 3, the ambitious RPG from Larian Studios, showcased its staying power with close to 300,000 concurrent players on January 7, outpacing heavyweights like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3/Warzone. Indie sensation Lethal Company made a significant mark with over 200,000 concurrent players, further illustrating the diverse gaming landscape that contributes to Steam’s success.

As Steam propels into 2024, the platform’s trajectory remains poised for continued growth. The platform saw an unprecedented 14,535 game launches in 2023, a notable increase from the previous year. This surge in game releases underscores Steam’s central role in the gaming industry, outpacing other platforms in terms of diversity and volume of game offerings. With these remarkable milestones, Steam solidifies its standing as a powerhouse in the digital gaming realm.

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Steam, the powerhouse in the PC gaming realm, has pulled back the curtain on its “Best of 2023” list, providing gamers with insights into the top-performing titles based on sales and playtime across various platforms, including PC, Steam Deck, VR, and controllers.

The categorization comprises Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers, with the top 12 games in each group earning a coveted spot in Platinum. Steam’s data spans from January 1, 2023, to December 15, 2023, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the gaming landscape.

Top Sellers by Gross Revenue: Platinum Reigns Supreme

Leading the charge in the Top Sellers category by gross revenue are an elite dozen games making it to the Platinum tier. The lineup features heavyweights such as Apex Legends, Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, Hogwarts Legacy, Lost Ark, Cyberpunk 2077, Dota 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Destiny 2, Counter-Strike 2, Sons of the Forest, and Call of Duty HQ (MW III, MW II, and Warzone).

New Releases in 2023: Platinum Unveils Fresh Hits

The Platinum tier for New Releases in 2023 by gross revenue introduces stellar newcomers, including Street Fighter 6, Starfield, Cities: Skylines II, Remnant II, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, Payday 3, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, FC 24, Hogwarts Legacy, Sons of the Forest, and Baldur’s Gate 3.

Most Played: Measured by the Masses

The Most Played category, gauged by peak concurrent players, crowns titles that resonated with the gaming community. The Platinum Tier, marked by over 300,000 peak players, comprises Goose Goose Duck, Sons of the Forest, Hogwarts Legacy, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Counter-Strike 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, Destiny 2, Apex Legends, Dota 2, Starfield, and Lost Ark.

Early Access Graduates: Rising Stars in Revenue

The top Early Access graduates, ranked by gross revenue, include Sun Haven, Ready or Not, Baldur’s Gate 3, Wartales, Marvel Snap, Everspace 2, My Time at Sandrock, Farlight 84, Against the Storm, Dave the Diver, Demonologist, and Disney Dreamlight Valley.

Steam Deck Games and Controller Play: A New Dimension

Exploring the top Steam Deck games by daily active players reveals standout titles like Elden Ring, Dave the Diver, Hogwarts Legacy, The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, Baldur’s Gate 3, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Grand Theft Auto V, Half-Life, Starfield, Vampire Survivors, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, and Cyberpunk 2077.

Daily active controller players took center stage with the most-played games, featuring Call of Duty HQ, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, Rocket League, FIFA 23, Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, FC 24, Street Fighter 6, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Starfield, NBA 2K23, and Apex Legends.

VR-Exclusive Experiences: A Virtual Wonderland

The top VR-exclusive experiences, determined by gross revenue, showcase the immersive wonders of Boneworks, Blade & Sorcery, Bonelab, Beat Saber, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2, Gorilla Tag, Half-Life: Alyx, VTOL VR, Pavlov, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR, Into the Radius, and Ghosts of Tabor.

Steam’s “Best of 2023” offers a panoramic view of the gaming landscape, highlighting the games that resonated most with players and defining the year in PC gaming.

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We’re gamers. We’re used to surprises. Sometimes these are negative, like leaks, hacks, delayed games, and layoffs. Often though, we’re surprised by something good, like an unexpectedly great game or a game that defies the odds and evolves from terrible to awesome. Here are just a few of 2023’s happy surprises.

10. Metroid Prime Remastered

One of gaming’s most beloved titles, Metroid Prime got a bright, shiny remaster thanks to the folks at Retro Studios. Game technology has moved far beyond the capabilities of the Game Cube. Metroid Prime Remastered was released for the Nintendo Switch last February and in addition to seriously upgraded graphics, the Remaster also brought the controls up to modern standards and added some fun Easter eggs.

9. Super Mario Bros. Movie

Here’s a real surprise. The track record of films based on games has been spotty, at best. The live-action Mario movie from 1993 is hot garbage. So no one really expected the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie to be anything more than an hours-long Nintendo commercial. Despite a paper-thin plot, the Super Mario Bros. Movie had great animation and colorful visuals, with voice acting from pros like Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Charlie Day, and Chris Pratt. Sure, it was still an ad for Nintendo, but an entertaining one.

8. Sea of Stars

Sometimes Indie games go for style over substance. Sometimes they have great art but poor gameplay or a warehouse full of tech issues. Now and then, though, an indie game hits on all cylinders. At first glance, Sea of Stars is a pretty standard pixel art style action RPG. Some of that’s true, but what’s also true is that Sea of Stars has an excellent plot, great characters, engaging mechanics, and a refined visual style. The surprise here is how much life is left in a familiar genre, if in the right hands.

7. Dave the Diver

Speaking of hit Indie games, Dave the Diver was one of the year’s most original releases and it has found a surprisingly large fan base. Part action adventure, part economic sim, and part pixel-art RPG, Dave the Diver is also partly based on a real-life person.

6. Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty DLC

Few games disappointed people as much as CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077. Following The Witcher 3’s mammoth success, Cyberpunk’s massive number of technical issues and unfinished content left gamers pretty angry at the developer. Three years later, Cyberpunk 2077 is now one of the best action games on the market. Constant updates, technical and narrative improvements, and the new Phantom Liberty DLC have made Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 a must-play RPG.

5. Lethal Company

Sometimes games are more than the sum of their parts. Not only is Lethal Company still in early access, it has relatively primitive, stylized graphics and still-missing content. This survival horror game is surprising for the loyal and energized fan base it has spawned, and for its addictive gameplay that’s tense, challenging, and fun.

4. Hogwarts Legacy

Sure, the films are beloved and the books are a cultural phenomenon, but let’s be honest, video games based on the Wizarding World franchise have all pretty much sucked. While it’s no surprise that the release of Hogwarts Legacy was a bit tainted by the controversy around author J.K. Rowling’s transphobic comments, it is surprising that Hogwarts Legacy overcame the, well, legacy of bad Harry Potter games to be an excellent action RPG.

3. Hi-Fi Rush

Infused with rhythm and music, Hi-Fi Rush has a colorful, lively art style and animation, incredible action, and a baller soundtrack full of licensed songs and original music. Addictive gameplay and finely tuned mechanics made Hi-Fi Rush a hit. Maybe the biggest surprise is how much gamers realized they missed playing a simple action game that was just lots of fun.

2. Lies of P

For anyone seriously addicted to Soulslikes, there was no game more surprising this year than Lies of P. Gorgeous to look at, mechanically sophisticated, and polished to a sheen, Lies of P was an homage to FromSoftware to the extreme. I mean, many gamers thought it was a worthy stand-in for Bloodborne 2.0 or the next Sekiro game. There were many, many Soulslikes released in 2023. None were better than Lies of P.

1. Baldur’s Gate 3

No one even remotely familiar with Larian Studios should have been surprised by Baldur’s Gate 3. Not to mention it had been cooking in early access for a long time. Great acting, great gameplay, great visuals, and music: Baldur’s Gate 3 has all of them, taken to a surprisingly high new standard. So what’s the surprise? Baldur’s Gate 3 seemed like it was poised for greatness.  But lots of games show promise, only to face plant on release day. Not so Baldur’s Gate 3. It surprised us by being everything we thought it could be.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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Steam, one of the leading platforms for digital gaming distribution, has introduced a new feature known as “Private Games” as part of its recent privacy settings update. This enhancement offers users greater control over the visibility of their gaming activities on the platform.

Outlined in a detailed blog post by Valve, the Private Games feature allows Steam users to selectively hide specific games from their profiles. This privacy option comes into play right from the moment a user adds a game to their cart. By marking a game as private, users can conceal crucial details such as ownership, in-game status, playtime, and overall activity related to that particular game.

The primary objective of this update is to provide Steam users with an additional layer of control, enabling them to curate their gaming profile according to their preferences. While users may choose to share most of their gaming library with friends, the Private Games feature empowers them to keep a few titles exclusively for their own enjoyment.

To implement this privacy setting, users can designate a game as private either directly in their shopping cart by selecting “For my account: private” or within their game list and Steam Client Library. This flexibility ensures a seamless and personalized approach to managing game visibility.

Valve has also introduced some notable changes to the shopping cart, particularly for those enrolled in the Steam Client Beta. With the introduction of Inline gifting, users can now purchase gifts for multiple friends and themselves in a single transaction. Additionally, shopping carts have been synchronized across all devices, streamlining the user experience.

While these features are currently available in the Steam Client Beta for testing, Valve is expected to roll them out for all users once the beta phase concludes. These updates align with Steam’s ongoing commitment to providing a user-friendly and customizable gaming platform that caters to the diverse preferences of its community.

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As the curtain descends on 2023, Valve has introduced a delightful Year-in-Review tool on Steam, inviting players to embark on a journey through their gaming exploits over the past year. This feature-rich tool provides an in-depth overview of individual gaming statistics, offering insights into the most-played titles, preferred genres, achievement milestones, and more.

The Steam Year-in-Review page goes beyond mere statistics, injecting a playful spirit into the reflection process. Players can uncover their unique gaming footprint and delve into quirky comparisons with the broader gaming community. The tool encourages users to share their personalized results across various online platforms, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among gamers.

In line with the festive spirit, Valve has crafted a humorous promotional video to highlight the key features of the Steam Year in Review. The video adds a touch of levity to the reflection process, making the journey through one’s gaming highlights an entertaining experience.

The introduction of this year-in-review feature by Valve aligns with the broader industry’s mission to celebrate the rich tapestry of gaming experiences. With each major platform offering its own variation of this annual reflection, gamers worldwide are provided with a unique opportunity to reminisce about their gaming achievements, discover trends in their preferences, and share their gaming highlights with friends and fellow enthusiasts.

To uncover your gaming journey of 2023, simply visit the Steam Year-in-Review page, where a treasure trove of gaming insights awaits. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player, Valve’s Year-in-Review promises a nostalgic and amusing exploration of the digital landscapes you traversed in the gaming realm throughout the year.

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Roughly two years after the release of Tales of Arise, a new narrative chapter unfolds in the form of a story DLC titled “Beyond the Dawn.” My initial encounter with Tales of Arise was enjoyable. The prospect of more content left me uncertain, questioning whether I truly needed or desired an extension of the original experience. The fundamental features and gameplay loop persist. They mirror the base game closely—interested readers are encouraged to explore our initial review of Tales of Arise. Nevertheless, Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn commences at a measured pace. It gradually gains momentum and evolves into an experience that, while not revolutionary, manages to justify its existence.

Set one year after the events in Tales of Arise, Beyond the Dawn aptly delves into the post-game lives of the main cast and several side characters. The introduction of Nazamil, a new character holding significance in the DLC’s narrative, contributes a different dynamic to the established ensemble. The primary narrative succeeds in updating players on the trajectories of their favorite characters. But the DLC feels simultaneously rushed, clocking in at 10-15 hours, and also artificially lengthened as well. Reconnecting with the original characters proved satisfying. Sadly, the newly introduced storyline failed to resonate with me on a profound level.

Start at the Beginning

Accessible through the main menu, Beyond the Dawn can be started regardless of the player’s progression in the base game. Character levels start at 65, irrespective of whether you have beaten the main game or not. It is recommended to have beaten the game. For returning players, the DLC offers the convenience of additional rewards based on their accumulated time with Tales of Arise.

In tandem with the new narrative, Beyond the Dawn introduces a number of fresh skills and abilities for all characters. While the overall gameplay remains intact from the original Tales of Arise release, I mostly forgot how to play the game. Jumping into the fray at level 65, contending with resilient adversaries, required a few hours to reacquaint myself with the combat mechanics and fight as efficiently as I once did.

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn serves as a nostalgic reunion with beloved characters from years past. However, the necessity of additional closure remains a subjective matter, especially considering the already satisfying conclusion offered in the base game. It’s worth noting that Tales of Arise significantly contributed to elevating the long-running series into mainstream recognition. Beyond the Dawn seems more akin to a modest project. It’s a subtle reminder of the Tales franchise as it bridges toward an eventual next release. While not a groundbreaking expansion, Beyond the Dawn manages to carve out its space, offering both familiarity and a subtle nod to the franchise’s enduring legacy.

*** A review code was provided by the publisher ***

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Are you looking for PC games that you can play on your Steam Deck without any issues? If yes, then we have good news for you. The Winter Edition of Fanatical’s Play on the Go Bundle is out now with some amazing offers and titles. Moreover, all the games included in this edition are Steam Deck Verified, meaning you don’t need to change any settings.

In this offer, you will get the chance to purchase three games for $5, five games for $7, and eight games for $10. It includes many hidden gems, one of the titles that stands out is the Zombie Army Trilogy by Rebellion Developments. The game features some of the best gunplay, along with gruesome gore. The online co-op multiplayer makes it even more fun.

Super Catboy is also on the list with its weirdly charming and platformer action. It combines feline agility with awesome superpowers. You will need to pass through obstacles and cunning enemies in this tribute to the 16-bit golden era of the genre. If you are looking for something more terrifying, then check out Pathologic 2. It is a survival-thriller game with a haunting atmosphere that takes place amidst a plague in a small town.

There are other amazing games like the time-manipulating puzzle Arise: A Simple Story, the 3D platformer Castle on the Coast, and the Kaiju simulator Terror of Hemasaurus. Check out the full list below:

– Super Catboy
– Garden Story
– Terror of Hemasaurus
– Jack Move
– Castle on the Coast
– The Tarnishing of Juxtia
– Arise: A Simple Story
– Zombie Army Trilogy
– Beyond the Long Night
– ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree
– The Smurfs – Mission Vileaf
– Hero’s Hour
– Roki
– Home Sweet Home EP2
– Pathologic 2
– Moonlighter

Hurry up and grab the best titles in Fanatical’s Play on the Go Bundle.

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RIPOUT, the horror FPS, launched in Early Access on October 24th. The first project developed by Pet Project Games, an indie studio developed in 2020, RIPOUT will seem familiar to fans of Deep Rock Galactic.The Early Access trailer oozes with Aliens-like atmosphere, and immediately intrigued me. With smooth-looking gameplay and a uniquely designed “Petgun”, the trailer reminds you of Duke Nukem gameplay. This makes sense, given they share the same publisher, 3D Realms. A big fan of Deep Rock Galactic and horror games, the vibe of Ripout made it a must-play for me. Does it live up to its mighty sources of inspiration? Read on to find out.

Sentient Weapon Soldier

It’s the year 2084, and humans have lost the war against aliens. They also managed to create mutants through regenerative tissue technology that have also begun to wipe them out. Humans being the downfall of humanity? Imagine that. You wake up from cryo sleep Master Chief-style, a “Sentient Weapon Soldier”. Your goal? Investigate what has happened and try to survive. The best bet is to track down the location of the fabled safe-haven called Sanctuary. The story is not what you play this style of game for. Additionally, it is not what I would recommend RIPOUT for. The story, while not necessary, makes a nice addition.

Better Together

Up to 3 players can play RIPOUT together. Let me be clear (Barack Obama voice), Co-Op is the way to play this game. All marketing, all advertisements, all information about RIPOUT refer to it being a Co-Op game. Playing with friends greatly improves the quality of your experience with RIPOUT. Playing solo really exacerbates the game’s issue with repetitiveness, and boredom will come quickly. A creature popping out of the vents and scaring your friends is where the game really shines.

Sigourney Weaver Atmosphere

RIPOUT really nails its atmosphere. Music and sound are crucial to any piece of horror, and RIPOUT crushes it. The audio immersion, through music and sound cues, is really well done. The world gives really strong Aliens vibes, and the creatures are genuinely creepy. I found myself feeling discomforted several times in my playthrough in the best of ways. Horror often utilizes cheap jump scares, but that is not the case with RIPOUT. Pet Project Games clearly had a design in mind, and they executed it extremely well.

Find ‘Em,  Build ‘Em, Put ‘Em in a Stew

If you are familiar with the gameplay loop of Deep Rock Galactic, you will understand how RIPOUT plays. Your Sentient Weapon Soldier and his PetGun, along with any Co-Op teammates, start each entry at your shuttle hub. The shuttle hub serves as a home base. Here is where you will use the schematics and materials you find to build weapons and gear. Additional weapons such as the Shotgun, Laser Gun and gear like Beetle Leg armor are built by resources gathered in game. The loadout is built, a mission is selected, and the team heads off into space. 

My Precious Little PetGun

The best part of RIPOUT is the PetGun. The PetGun is your sentient weapon that serves as the basis of any weapon you use. The PetGun is launched out at enemies, dealing damage and tears parts off of them. In addition, the PetGun can seek out Critters, which are limited boosts such as laser beams or shields that get added to your character. The PetGun serves as a really unique and fun addition and helps RIPOUT stand out from similar games.

Fleeting Fun

A quest states that your shuttle is running low on fuel. Blasting off to another derelict ship, you scour the levels of the ship, fighting off creatures, while trying to track down some fuel deposits. Rinse and repeat. Difficulty will scale, new weapons will be found and built, and new creepy enemies will be discovered. The gameplay loop, however, stays largely the same. Go to another derelict ship that looks uncannily like the last one. Find “x” resource or “y” clue that gets you closer to Sanctuary. Rinse and repeat. My Co-Op partner and I, while enjoying the atmosphere, mechanics, and gameplay, quickly became bored of the missions’ similarities. It was hard to play for more than an hour or two at a time without losing the desire to play. 

Sanctuary: The Friends we Found Along the Way

RIPOUT does a lot of things quite well. The creepy horror atmosphere, the smooth FPS gameplay, Co-Op design, and PetGun all make for a game worth playing. However, the repetitive mission structure and maps make it a game worth playing only for short periods of time. The Co-Op focus allows for a ton of fun with friends, but the aforementioned structure halts the fun after an hour or so.  For their first game, Pet Project Games, in what is clearly THEIR pet project, have a lot to be proud of. All things considered, if you are looking for an affordable horror FPS akin to Deep Rock Galactic, you could do much worse than RIPOUT.

***PC code was provided by the publisher for review***

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As perpetually hopeful gamers, we’ve all ridden the hype train, hoping a long-anticipated game would fulfill its promises. In general — and this is probably not surprising — we’re disappointed. Few things in life match our fantasy of perfection. Every once in a while, though, we’re pleasantly surprised. Ecstatic, even. Maybe a game comes out of nowhere and is amazing, or a game we crossed all of our fingers and toes would be good actually is. Here are a few of 2023’s best video game surprises so far. Oh, and a couple of disappointments, just for balance.

Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon

Armored Core fans have been waiting for nearly a decade for FromSoftware to return to its mecha roots. But after all the success the developer has had with the Soulsborne games, they were worried, too. Would the new Armored Core just be Dark Souls with mechs? Another concern was accessibility. After new-player friendly (well, that’s relative, I guess) Elden Ring sold a bajillion copies, AC acolytes fretted that the new game wouldn’t be hardcore enough. As it seems to do lately, FromSoft managed to make everyone happy. Armored Core VI was fast, furious, and a respectful new bearer of the tradition. It was both challenging and not overwhelming for new players. Was any of this a total surprise? Maybe not, but it could have been disappointing.

Diablo IV

For most fans of the Diablo franchise, the series peaked at the second game. Everything after that was the subject of various amounts of derision, scorn, and internet disdain, fair or not, and disregarding that some people liked Diablo 3. Not to mention, Blizzard has not been exactly drama-free. Given those factors, it was a relief that Diablo IV was released to generally positive reviews from critics and fans. It feels like Diablo 2 updated for a new generation of tech and players raised on MMORPGs. And just recently, the Season 2 update (Season of Blood) has been released and the news is positive. Things move faster, the XP grind is more satisfying and experimenting with new builds is less expensive.

Starfield

Starfield was on the best surprises. When Starfield finally hit the digital shelves, there was an interesting sound: the immense collective sigh of relief that, not only did Starfield exist, but it was pretty darn good. After all, it was first announced in 2018. That’s a long time for something to go astray. Maybe the best surprise was how relatively bug free it was, at least compared to other Bethesda games. Unfortunately, the hype for Starfield fell off pretty quickly. A great many fantasy fans were just not into the sci-fi setting. It might not be the next Skyrim, but at least it wasn’t another Fallout 76.

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty

We don’t need to revisit the debacle that was Cyberpunk 2077’s launch. It singlehandedly torpedoed CD Projekt Red’s sterling, Witcher-based reputation. However, thanks to a steady stream of fixes, updates, and patches, Cyberpunk 2077 continued to improve. With the Phantom Liberty DLC, the game finally assumed must-play status. Well, maybe not must play, but can play, and enjoy. The DLC added all sorts of improvements to various systems, a new area and lots of quality-of-life features. Gamers who have angrily set aside Cyberpunk 2077 should dust it off and dive in again. They’d be surprised as it is one of the best surprises of 2023

More Surprises and a Massive Let Down on Page 2…

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From XSEED Games and Marvelous, taking place in the Rune Factory universe comes Silent Hope, an isometric action RPG dungeon-crawler. The adorable visuals, gorgeous character design and sound are lovely, giving an engaging fantasy anime ambience. Along with some recognizable elements from Rune Factory like woolies and those familiar cows, Silent Hope is cuteness overload. Though overall, a little lacking.

After the King silences his kingdom and flings himself into the Abyss leaving behind a ruined kingdom, the princess mourns her father. Her tears encase her in the form of a giant crystal teardrop. In true anime fashion. Finally in desperation, the princess sends out a prayer and seven heroes come forth from the Abyss. In Silent Hope you play as one of the seven heroes, each with a unique fighting style, and delve into the Abyss to fight enemies and search the depths below for the King. Along the way you fight adorable enemies like murder bunnies, adorable poison bees and cute punch-slinging sheep.

Fight, Craft, Rinse and Repeat

In Silent Hope, you pick one of the seven heroes and drop into the Abyss. It’s a single player, so that might be a missed opportunity to go dungeon hopping with friends. But once you’ve traversed the Abyss and killed as many enemies as you can stomach or cleared every floor of a dungeon, you return to the base camp. The different floors of the Abyss have different themes and immersive visuals, each one a beautiful design with an engaging atmosphere.

Get somebody else to do it

There’s not much to be done up on the surface when you’re not dungeon crawling. Rune Factory fans expecting to take care of animals, craft and cook by yourself, cast that aside. You fight some enemies, get back to the surface, place your order to one of the other idle heroes waiting on the surface and they’ll do the work for you. At base camp, you can go to the forge and have another hero create or upgrade weapons and accessories for you, provided you have the right materials. At the kitchen, a hero will make dishes that you take with you to the abyss, these are equipped before you dive in and provide unique benefits.

Crafting, farming and gathering materials from animals take time. So while you wait, it’s back to the dungeon with you. The little idle animations of each of the heroes at work are super cute though. Heroes have different outfits and classes you can switch to once you level up enough or fill in the needed requirements to unlock them. In the dungeons you collect recipes, gather seeds and other materials and treasures then head back to the surface. Next, put in some requests for what you want made then back to depths below to pass the time.

Uninspired Combat

For my first venture out into the Abyss, I chose a caster because, duh, Magic. In combat you will have to acquaint yourself with the dodge button, which has a cooldown time. Some heroes’ dodge function allows them to phase from one point to another. Others simply perform a dash, so choose a character that best suits your preferred play style.

The combat in a nutshell is unsatisfying. The fighting and attacks feel rigid and aiming takes a bit to grasp for the long range class heroes. As you level up and get more abilities it is somewhat more fun. Enemies are boring and stiff. Fighting feels like a chore in the not fun way. To compensate for the off-putting enemies, the game simply multiplies enemy numbers to increase the difficulty as you advance. This might not be so bad and provide a challenge save for the fact that sometimes there’s barely any space to move freely and coordinate. Heroes with the ‘dash’ dodge will have trouble navigating crowd control comfortably. Especially in the early stages where you’re too weak to just cut enemies out of the way.

While in the dungeons you can sometimes find crystal fragments of the princess’s tears. These allow you to switch out your hero for another from the surface and continue your expedition. Additionally some floors will have trials for extra rewards, if you choose to take them on.

There’s a story here… somewhere

Silent Hope has a simple story. To give the game a reason for why you’re back- flipping every other hour into a dark hole filled with murderous creatures. It’s simple and nothing to write home about. Just there to get the game moving.

The princess, who is the only character with a voice, gives hints and clues when she tells of the Kingdom before the King vanished. She regales you with stories of the kind of person her father was and injects little lines of humor here and there. It is a little jarring when she starts repeating some lines over and over again. Especially at the base camp. While you’re in the dungeons, some clues can be found. Like messages recorded in the king’s voice and it’s up to you to piece together what happened.

Silent Hope has an interesting and fun idea, playing into the silent protagonist trope. Overall, the concept is bogged by shallow gameplay execution and enemies that feel janky and unrefined. It does however thrive in it’s endearing design. Though it might be a little more enjoyable if you’re here solely here for quick dungeon runs, but even that aspect falls a bit short.

***Nintendo Switch code provided by the publisher for review***

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It’s certainly been a long wait for the market shoppers. Almost eight years ago the indie studio Meowsa (very on-brand) announced their game debut with Mineko’s Night Market. The fans eagerly keeping up with updates for the Japanese-inspired social simulation game had to wait longer than they expected, but it sure amped up the excitement.

Now the Market is here, will the game live up to the high expectations? Will it allow us to immerse ourselves in our Ghibli Studio fantasies through this narrative-driven adventure? Well, like most things in life, it fulfills certain expectations and falls short in other aspects.

What is Mineko’s Night Market?

If you’re just hearing about it, Mineko’s Night Market tells the story of Mineko, a young girl who moves to a small Japanese island named Mt.Fugu with her dad. The Nikko legend says this tiny island used to be a thriving farming paradise. Back when Nikko, previously known as Abe if you played last year’s demo, showed up as the mythical creature that brought good luck to the farmers. Some folks tell stories of him tragically vanishing from the island, while others say he got chased away. The legend changes depending on who’s telling it.

Nonetheless, you will meet this Japanese-inspired folk deity. You’re actually responsible for ensuring its safe return to the island. This involves numerous tasks within the townsfolk and even facing the town’s mysterious “agents”, the Japanese Men in Black. 

Mineko’s Night Market pays homage to Japanese culture through a heartwarming tale that intertwines folkloric lore and contemporary social issues. The art, resembling the Emakimono style, combines traditional Japanese elements with a modern digital approach, creating a unique approach to the genre.

What You Can Expect

Your adventure begins as soon as you arrive on the island. Within a day you’ll meet quite a few oddballs and even some hairballs. If you were wondering when you get to see some kitties, do not fret, you will come across more than one around the island. You can also expect genuinely humorous responses from every interaction in the game, which will help you slowly forge relationships with these small-town characters. And when I say slowly, I mean it.

Unfortunately, in this story-driven game, you have to do certain tasks in a specific order to unlock cool stuff and new places. Mess up, like forgetting to buy something at the market when you’re a newbie entrepreneur, and you’re stuck doing the same old arts and crafts. Picking up flowers and hairballs for three days can tire you out, although petting those wild kitties makes up for some of it.

If the repetitiveness of small tasks doesn’t bother you, maybe the limited access to different areas will. Despite the map expanding as you complete tasks, you only get a few bus rides each day to explore. You’ll burn through your whole day in just two bus trips, so make sure to plan ahead.

An Arduous Journey

You’ll mostly find easy tasks, though the instructions for getting the most wood or rocks with your tools can be a bit confusing. But don’t worry, a little practice will help you figure it out in no time. Whether you’re picking flowers or chopping trees, gathering materials for your shop should be your top priority when you start your small business.

Eventually, you will collect enough of these to craft some artisanal goodies that can be either gifted or sold at, you guessed it, the Night Market. The mini-games for crafting will vary depending on your materials; making bouquets will be relatively easier than sewing a J-Pop idol body pillow. All that hard work will be worth it once you continue to grow your little business and help restore the prosperity of Mt. Fugu Island.

Mineko’s Night Market has finally arrived. It lives up to everyone’s expectations, despite its limitations. It serves as a visually stunning tribute to Japanese folklore and culture, while also providing a humorous social simulation. And it’s a dream for those who have longed for a healthy and heartwarming relationship with your dad.

***A Steam key was provided by the publisher***

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Frontier Developments is set to delight fans of Planet Zoo with the upcoming release of the Oceania Pack. This exciting expansion for the ultimate zoo simulation experience also came with an announcement trailer. Launching on September 19th on Steam at a reasonable price of $9.99, this expansion promises to bring a wave of new content to the game.

Watch the trailer here:

In this thrilling expansion, players can anticipate the arrival of five species from the sun-soaked shores of Oceania. These include the North Island Brown Kiwi, Tasmanian Devil, Little Penguin, Quokka, and the Spectacled Flying Fox.

The Oceania Pack doesn’t stop there; it also introduces a stunning collection of over 200 scenery pieces inspired by the Pacific region’s natural beauty. From natural building materials to intricate wooden carvings, vibrant floral embellishments, and exotic plants, players have the tools to transform their zoos into island paradises.

As if that wasn’t enough, zookeepers will have the opportunity to dive into a brand-new campaign scenario, collaborating with Bernie Goodwin and his daughter to construct a fresh wildlife park.

Excitingly, the pack will launch alongside a complimentary base-game update, delivering a host of extras and enhancements. These additions include glass Viewing Domes, the introduction of a new Temperate biome tailored for Oceania, and more.

Planet Zoo enthusiasts, mark your calendars for September 19th and set sail for an unforgettable journey to Oceania!

SOURCE

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