Category: gaming news

The Darkest Files released

The Darkest Files, the spiritual successor to the award-winning Nazi resistance game Through The Darkest of Times from award-winning German indie studio Paintbucket Games, was released today on Steam for PC and Mac. The game is available for a suggested retail price of €19.99 / £16.99 / US$19.99. To celebrate the launch, there is a 10% discount!

The Darkest Files, the spiritual successor to the award-winning Nazi resistance game Through The Darkest of Times from award-winning German indie studio Paintbucket Games, was released today on Steam for PC and Mac. The game is available for a suggested retail price of €19.99 / £16.99 / US$19.99. To celebrate the launch, there is a 10% discount!
Watch the The Darkest Files Launch Trailer
The Darkest Files is a historical investigation and trial game. Players take on the role of Esther Katz, a young, ambitious prosecutor in post-war Germany, as she investigates unsolved crimes from the Nazi era based on true events.To do this, they interview witnesses, search for clues, and finally bring the perpetrators to justice, where they must try to prove their theory of how the crime was committed.
On her exciting and emotional journey into the 1950s, the protagonist Esther Katz becomes part of the team of the famous historical figure Fritz Bauer, who actually investigated such cases as a public prosecutor in Frankfurt at that time.
“After nearly four years of intensive development, we are overjoyed to finally present The Darkest Files to the public. We are deeply touched by the many positive reviews from the press and they confirm our vision for the game,” said Jörg Friedrich, Game Director and CEO of Paintbucket Games. “Our greatest wish is that The Darkest Files will reach a wide audience, entertain them and make them think about the fundamental questions of what we as a society declare a crime and how we ultimately distinguish right from wrong. Fritz Bauer’s legacy deserves to be discovered by as many people as possible, and we are proud to be able to make a small contribution through our game.
Game FeaturesPlayers interview relatives, witnesses, and suspects to uncover the truth behind meticulously researched historical casesThey delve into the testimonies through Esther’s inner eye in first-person mode – they can interactively relive the events from the perspective of the person giving the testimony and understand the actions to confront suspects with contradictions and find additional clues.Conclusions must be drawn and evidence evaluated.On a drawing board, a theory of the crime is reconstructed, which players can then take to court to prove.However, the game also allows them to go to court with any theory and achieve different outcomes for each case. It is quite possible that a culprit will go unpunished.The lovingly and elaborately designed building of the prosecutor’s office can be explored. The player can discuss the case with colleagues or their boss Fritz Bauer, learn more about their backgrounds, explore the archives, or simply exchange ideas in the kitchenette.Since the successful Kickstarter in April 2024, the office cat Marlene has also moved into the prosecutor’s office.Full voice output (English)Beautiful 3D graphics with a cell shading effect that makes the game look like a walk-in pulp comic from the 1950s.
Historical Background
Fritz Bauer was a German attorney. As a Jew and outspoken opponent of the Nazis, he was dismissed from his post and sent to a concentration camp. He emigrated in 1936 and continued to oppose the Nazis from exile.

After the war, he returned to Germany and worked as a public prosecutor. He is best known for being a key informant in the arrest of Holocaust organizer Adolf Eichmann and for initiating the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials in the 1960s.
In Through The Darkest of Times, the spiritual predecessor to The Darkest Files, players organize the resistance in Nazi Berlin. The game has won numerous national and international awards, including the German Game Developer Award in the categories “Best Indie Game”, “Best Game Beyond Entertainment”, and “Best Story”. At the German Game Developer Award 2020 it was nominated for “Best German Game” and won in the category “Best Serious Game”. At The Game Awards 2020, it was the first German game to be nominated in the category “Games for Impact”.
For more information about The Darkest Files and Paintbucket Games, visit the game’s website, BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Monster Hunter Wilds™ Title Update 1 Makes a Splash with New Challenges and More on April 4!

Scrubs in Bubbles
Last seen in Monster Hunter Rise™, Mizutsune slips into the Forbidden Lands on April 4. Starting at Hunter Rank 21, players can unlock the mission to hunt Mizutsune by speaking with Kanya in the Scarlet Forest, but hunters should prepare for the leviathan’s graceful attacks and immobilizing bubbles or risk ending up in the wash. At Hunter Rank 41 and above Tempered Mizutsune will also begin appearing in the environment overview. Arch-tempered Rey Dau will also debut in an Event Quest for players above Hunter Rank 50, offering an increased challenge beyond that of Tempered monster hunts, plus a new Rey Dau Gamma armor-set to forge as a reward. The Hunter Rank 50 mark will also unlock a mission to once again hunt Zoh Shia, after which the fearsome monster will appear during the Wyvern’s Wakening in the Ruins of Wyveria for additional hunts and the ability to gather Zoh Shia parts for high-rank hunter and Palico equipment.
 
Arena Quests, Challenge Quests, and Free Challenge Quests will also appear starting with Title Update 1. Challenge Quests and the newly introduced Free Challenge Quests will only appear as limited-time Event Quests. Arena Quests and Challenge Quests can be completed by up to two players using pre-determined equipment. Meanwhile, Free Challenge Quests have no equipment restrictions and can include hunting parties of up to four players. All of these quest types can be completed solo, cooperatively in cross-platform online multiplayer, or using Support Hunters. Replay for faster clear times and earn a spot on the Expedition Record Board for special pendants as rewards. New Event Quests will continue to appear on the Quest Board and will include opportunities earn special armor, quickly raise your Hunter Rank, collect cooking ingredients, and more.
 
Gathering Forces and New Hunting Choices
Title Update 1 introduces the Grand Hub to Monster Hunter Wilds – a massive gathering space for hunters to engage in new ways, such as competing in the new Barrell Bowling minigame to earn useful items and pendants. Hunters can also gather in the Grand Hub to observe the village of Suja’s traditions, including the Diva’s occasional vocal offerings sung at night. Talking to Tetsuzan in Suja after reaching Hunter Rank 16 unlocks the Grand Hub, at which point the Squad Information Counter will relocate from the Windward Plains so hunters can conveniently manage their Squads in the communal area. The entrance to the Grand Hub will also host the Expedition Record Board, where the newly added Arena Quests’ fastest global clear times will be displayed alongside Arena Quest limited bounties.
 
Each season, a unique celebration will be held in the Grand Hub. These will begin with the Festival of Accord: Blossomdance, which runs from April 23 to May 7. During festivals, the appearance and available meals in the Grand Hub will change, and hunters can obtain limited-time equipment, gestures, Pop-Up Camp decorations, and more. In addition to seasonal Event Quests, most previously held Event Quests will also make a return. Arch-tempered Rey Dau will appear as part of an Event Quest near the conclusion of the festival from April 30 to May 21.
 
Don’t be Blandgonga
Looking to style out more than just your hunter? A new free outfit for your trusty handler Alma will be introduced in Title Update 1, and following a certain side quest the ability to change her glasses will be available. Classic gestures are also making their return as free DLC in Monster Hunter Wilds, alongside Cosmetic DLC Pack 1 that is being offered as a stand-alone item and included for Premium Deluxe Edition and Cosmetic DLC Pass holders. In addition to all of the fun cosmetic options for your hunter and Palico, Cosmetic DLC Pack 1 will also include new Camp Gear options for your Pop-Up Camps throughout the Forbidden Lands. Additional Paid DLC not included in Cosmetic DLC Pack 1 will also be available.
 
There is another update planned at the end of May, including a collaboration with another Capcom title, a function that allows you to see the Endemic Life you’ve captured, and some other adjustments. Please also keep on the lookout for more information regarding the second free Title Update coming to Monster Hunter Wilds this Summer.

Autopsy Simulator hits the slabs on April 3rd

 Team17 and developer Woodland Games are bringing Autopsy Simulator, a first-person medical-horror experience, to PS5 and Xbox on April 3rd! In Autopsy Simulator, players will take on the role of a practice pathologist and study realistic case files, created in collaboration with real-world forensic doctors, to help guide their examination and dissection of anatomically accurate bodies and determine each subject’s cause of death.

Alongside their powers of deduction, players will be able to use a variety of medically authentic tools and procedures, certified by a real-world pathologist, to learn more about each body as they peel back the layers of individual cases and unravel the mysteries surrounding each death.   

Autopsy Simulator also includes Autopsy Simulator: Dead Memories, a self-contained, narrative-driven psychological horror experience set in 1990s New Orleans that follows the story of Jack, a middle-aged pathologist whose life has taken a turn for the worse after a personal tragedy. Players will unravel a gripping mystery as Jack battles his inner demons while performing a range of medically accurate post-mortem procedures. 

  • Gruesome anatomical detail and medically certified autopsy procedures: Dissect anatomically accurate bodies using a range of autopsy procedures authentic to real-world practice pathology 
  • Realistic true crime scenarios: Study a range of case files designed by real-life pathomorphologists and forensic doctors and use what you learn to guide your approach to each autopsy 
  • Self-contained story mode with simulation gameplay: In Autopsy Simulator: Dead Memories, follow a gripping personal mystery while performing medically accurate autopsy procedures vetted by a certified pathologist 
  • Free play ‘Autopsy Only’ mode: Learn the ins and outs of practice pathology bycompleting unique autopsy scenarios and unravelling the mysteries of death 

Focus, Games Workshop & Saber Announce “Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3

While there isn’t much news, and by that I mean any news or even anything to show about it aside from a single still frame sent out really. It has been announced Space Marine 3 is in development. Focus has also made it known that Space Marine 2 will continue to receive updates. Here is a statement that was released. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

“We have been honored by the incredible response from fans following the launch of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. We will continue to support the game with exciting content and regular updates in the coming years. Today we are thrilled to announce that the adventure will continue with Space Marine 3. Players can look forward to an immersive campaign, a multiplayer mode, and innovations that will redefine the standards of third-person action games. Developed in close collaboration with Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 will take the genre to new heights by introducing large-scale battles that are even more spectacular,” said John Bert, Deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, a subsidiary of the PULLUP Entertainment Group.

“Space Marine 2 has proven to be a transformative game for Saber. It is the culmination of everything we have learned about game development in our 25 years in the business. We are now starting to develop Space Marine 3, a game that carries with it tremendous expectations from our rapidly expanding fanbase. While we will continue to support and grow the Space Marine 2 universe over the coming years, we will take all our learnings and apply them to an even bigger and more spectacular game for the third installment. We view this as an opportunity to create a true love letter to the Warhammer 40.000 universe,” said Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive.

More information on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 will be revealed at a later date.

1.1 Update For Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop Introduces New Ways To Work And Play

For those of you who remember my review of Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop Review (Steam) and decided to give it a go, the new 1.1 update is out and features some new ways to play the game, below are some of the details and the trailer. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

The update introduces seven brand-new vending machines and five powerful omen upgrades, giving players even more ways to customise a run. Working with the existing Frantic (timed) and Focused (untimed) game modes, these new additions offer different ways to get s**t done! 

The new vending machines provide valuable buffs, from increasing job earnings to boosting the likelihood of attracting customers from a specific faction, while the new omen upgrades deliver game-changing advantages – like the ability to survive a fatal job – ensuring every run feels fresh and rewarding.

In addition to the new upgrades, the update brings a host of quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable repair journey.

 “SAND,” tinyBuild’s Diesel-punk Multiplayer Mech Game, Hits Steam Early Access April 3

Publisher tinyBuild and indie developers Hologryph and TowerHaus are thrilled to announce that SAND, the action-packed, mech-fueled, multiplayer action game, will launch onto Steam Early Access on April 3, 2025! Trek across vast open-world dunes in groups of up to six players, customize your mech fortress, and battle against other iron beasts and their crews to claim your fortune.

SAND is set in an alternate-history, diesel-punk world – the ruined planet Sophie – where an ecological disaster has evaporated the oceans. All that’s left are humans and their Trampler mechs, titanic mechanical moving structures that can traverse Sophie’s sprawling wasteland. Working alone or in teams, humanity now scours Sophie’s sprawling deserts, scavenging for hidden riches and fighting to keep them.

Players got a taste of SAND’s unforgiving terrain and intense gameplay with a demo that was ranked among the top 10 most played in Steam Next Fest last year, as well as a highly successful open playtest that attracted over 200K testers. Early access will introduce loads of improvements along with continued development to keep players coming back to Sophie.

Early Access Features

  • New cities, points of interest and way more loot
  • Undead NPCs that roam cities and engage in combat with players
  • New environmental hazards such as minefields
  • Revamped controls for Tramplers
  • New Trampler customization options, including new compartments and a new chassis option

New gameplay content and features will be added throughout early access in regular updates, and a development roadmap will be available at launch detailing what to expect from the future of SAND.

To learn more about SAND, visit the game’s website, and follow along with the latest updates on X and Discord.

‘Iconic Anime’ Samurai Pizza Cats Are Coming BACK! (ALL Platforms – 2026)

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the beloved 1990s anime Samurai Pizza Cats, a brand-new video game is officially in development. Alongside this announcement, a special trailer featuring the original voice cast has been released!



The show first aired in Japan on February 1, 1990. Kyatto Ninden Teyandee is a sci-fi, action-comedy animated show set in Edoropolis, a city inhabited by anthropomorphic robotic animals. The series gained international recognition in the early 1990s when it was localized as Samurai Pizza Cats and broadcast worldwide and has maintained a dedicated fanbase to this day.

The new game, Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past, is being developed by Dutch studio BLAST ZERO (creative team behind Jitsu Squad) and will be globally distributed by Red Dunes Games from the United Arab Emirates. Designed as a 2D Action RPG, the game allows players to seamlessly switch between members of the Pizza Cats, utilizing their unique abilities to solve puzzles and engage in thrilling battles within the world of Little Tokyo. The newly released trailer shows a stunningly faithful recreation of the anime’s cel animation style, along with a sneak peek at in-game footage.

Notably, the Japanese trailer’s script is being supervised by Satoru Akahori, the original screenplay writer.English cast from left to right:Sonja Ball (Polly Esther) Dean Hagopian ( Seymour “The Big Cheese”) Rick Jones (Speedy Cerviche) and Terrence Scammell returning as (Guido Anchovy, Narrator)The trailer also features an impressive voice cast reunion from both the English and Japanese show.The English cast includes Rick Jones (Speedy Cerviche), Sonja Ball (Polly Esther), Terrence Scammell (Guido Anchovy,  Narrator) and Dean Hagopian returning as Seymour “The Big” Cheese.The Japanese cast includes Kappei Yamaguchi (Yattarou), Ai Orikasa (Pururun), Ikuya Sawaki (Kitsunezuka Ko’on-no-Kami), Naoki Tatsuta (Karasu Gennarisai) and Kenyu Horiuchi (Narrator). Seiichirō Yamashita joins the cast as Sukashii, taking over the role from Jurota Kosugi, his senior at the same talent agency.To commemorate this special occasion Kappei Yamaguchi, Ai Orikasa, and Seiichirō Yamashita have shared their thoughts:

Kappei Yamaguchi (Yattarou) — How did it feel to record Yattarou’s voice again after so long?

“Yattarou, alongside Ranma, is one of my foundational roles as a voice actor. When I first heard about the game, I was absolutely thrilled, and now that it has become a reality, I couldn’t be happier. I was especially surprised to learn that the game is being developed in the Netherlands! It felt amazing to say ‘Tenkamuteki no Daishōri!!’ (‘Unrivaled, ultimate victory!!’) again. I love Yattarou so much!”

— What was it like reuniting with the original cast? And what are your thoughts on Seiichirō Yamashita joining as the new voice of Sukashii?

On reuniting with the original cast: “Hearing Kon-chan (Ko’on-no-Kami) and Gen-chan (Gennarisai) banter, Kenyū-san’s witty narration, and the Nyankī squad’s signature introductions—it was like stepping back into the recording studio from all those years ago. I was also blown away by how faithfully the trailer recreated the original animation style. The love and dedication from the Dutch development team truly shine through. And of course, a big thank you to Seiichirō Yamashita for bringing Sukashii to life!”

— What are your thoughts on the 35th anniversary of Kyatto Ninden Teyandee, which continues to be loved both in Japan and overseas as Samurai Pizza Cats?

“Congratulations on 35 years of Kyatto Ninden Teyandee! Over time, I’ve been hearing more and more people say, ‘I loved Teyandee!’ and it makes me so happy. The fact that this series continues to be loved not only in Japan but also overseas is truly special. This is a work that I will cherish forever, and Yattarou will always be an irreplaceable part of my career.”

Ai Orikasa (Pururun)
— How did it feel to record Pururun’s voice again after so long?

“I was deeply moved by the quality of the visuals. The passion of the game development team for this series was so evident, and it made me incredibly happy. Seeing Ko-on-no-Kami and Gennarisai’s interactions was exciting, and I was delighted to say Pururun’s signature catchphrase once again.”— What was it like reuniting with the original cast? And what are your thoughts on Seiichirō Yamashita joining as the new voice of Sukashii?

On reuniting with the cast: “Even after 35 years, this series remains as vibrant as ever in my heart. The moment I stepped into the studio with Kappei-san and the rest of the team, Pururun’s lines just came naturally. Seiichirō Yamashita did a fantastic job as Sukashii—he really captured the character’s essence.”

— What are your thoughts on the 35th anniversary of Kyatto Ninden Teyandee, which continues to be loved both in Japan and overseas as Samurai Pizza Cats?

“Even our post-recording gatherings (laughs) were a blast! I truly believe the camaraderie among the cast and crew translated into what audiences loved about the show. It is such an honor to be part of a series that continues to be cherished after all these years. Please continue to support Kyatto Ninden Teyandee!”

Seiichirō Yamashita (Sukashii) — Were you familiar with Kyatto Ninden Teyandee before? What was your experience recording for the trailer?

“To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with Kyatto Ninden Teyandee before this project. It’s incredible to be involved with a series that predates my birth. The recording session was truly special—I had the privilege of performing alongside legends like Kappei Yamaguchi, watching them work up close in such a dynamic setting.”

— How did you feel about taking over the role of Sukashii from your senior colleague Jūrōta Kosugi?

“Even now, I feel like it’s too great an honor to say I’ve ‘inherited’ the role. This is my first time stepping into a character previously portrayed by another actor, and I was deeply conscious of preserving the image of Sukashii that fans hold dear. The encouragement from the production team was invaluable, and this has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.”

— What are your thoughts on the 35th anniversary of Kyatto Ninden Teyandee, which continues to be loved both in Japan and overseas as Samurai Pizza Cats?

“Stories have a way of leaving lasting impressions on people, and the love for Kyatto Ninden Teyandee has endured over decades. To see that love manifest in a brand-new game is truly extraordinary. This opportunity is a treasured milestone in my acting career, and I hope fans continue to support the series for years to come!”

Digimon Story Time Stranger Coming in 2025!

DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER is designed to be the perfect entry point to the series for RPG enthusiasts. The game’s multiple settings in both the human and digital worlds sets the stage for exploring the deep bond between people in the human world and creatures called Digimon, who reside in the Digital World. Players must work together with them, forging bonds, and evolving their Digimon’s abilities to unravel the game’s mystery and save the worlds. To do so, they journey between the two worlds, even across time and venture deep into the intricate Digital World revealing never-before-seen elements of the world of Digimon.

Fortunately for players, they can tame and recruit the Digimon they discover in their journey, training them to fight. Customization and developing strong bonds with Digimon is a unique element to the game, and the key to success in strategic, turn-based combat. With an intriguing story and setting, memorable characters including a vast array of Digimon with unique abilities to discover, updated battle systems and more, DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER is the next evolution for the beloved series and a must-play game for fans of anime-inspired RPGs. 

DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER will include both Japanese and English VO with localizations in English, Neutral Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. 

Become the Biggest Streamer on the Planet in Youtubers Life 3 – Stream Together! Coming this Year on PC!

UPLAY Online is thrilled to announce that Youtubers Life 3 – Stream Together!, the third chapter in the beloved franchise that has seen over 2.5 million gamers become professional content creators worldwide, is coming to PC this year. This new installment promises to take the climb from humble creator to influencer stardom online, where every view counts and each live stream becomes a step forward on your path to success. Why not wishlist the game on Steam today, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

Youtubers Life 3 – Stream Together! invites players to a colourful content creator universe where your heart and dedication to become streaming’s number one is tested in real-time against other players, all hunting for the same recognition. Start from simple beginnings with your single digit follower count, and craft your streaming empire, earning new followers, brand partnerships, collabs and everything money can buy. Go from a simple empty room to a luxurious mansion with your own swimming pool or your garage with a fancy car collection!

Here’s what you’ll experience as a budding content creator: 

Real-Time Online Competition: Battle for the top spot on global rankings, where you can win or lose followers in an engaging online card game, create mind-blowing VODs to skyrocket your subscriptions, and post iconic photos on Instalife for those coveted likes.

Dream Home Customization: Begin with nothing and end with everything, design your Youtuber’s paradise with a swimming pool, cinema, and your elite car collection. Your house is your canvas!

Upgrade and Expand: Elevate your streaming career by upgrading your gear, from better PCs to the latest consoles, and hire professional staff to manage your empire, ensuring your growth is as exponential as your views.

Brand Deals: As your fame grows, so do the opportunities to make cash. Negotiate with the hottest brands for sponsorships that could amplify your channel revenue, making more money to buy more expensive things!

Exclusive Events: Your calendar will be your new best friend as you get invites to the coolest events in town, where you can snag unique items and network with other virtual influencers for collaborations.

Announcing Cast n Chill – Cozy Idle Fishing

We’re excited to announce Cast n Chill, a cozy idle fishing game for PC where you explore tranquil lakes, rivers, and oceans. Catch rare fish, upgrade your gear, and reel in legendary catches – all with your loyal pup by your side.

Like Rusty’s Retirement, it can run passively on your desktop or be actively played. Cast n Chill Steam