Ale Abbey – Monastery Brewery Tycoon

Ale Abbey is from a company called Hammer and Ravens. Long-time readers may remember that they tossed me a game called Razerewire:Nanowars that I was once the world score leader on. I no longer am.

Well played Draco.

Anyway, I picked up a copy of Ale Abby because for years they posted screenshots and sent me little pictures, and I knew I didn’t want to miss it. It took a little longer than I would have liked, but it was well worth the wait.

The concept is very simple. You get put in charge of an abbey, this abbey worships beer, so get to brewing. You quickly learn the basics of how to put together a recipe, make booze, and build rooms. This is all very easy at first. Later on, when towns want special brews with certain levels of strength or flavors made with certain ingredients, it does get a bit more challenging, but only slightly. As the game tells you when you can’t pay your bills, this isn’t the Dark Souls of tycoon games. Pick up a couple orders that give you half up front and half when it’s filled, and you are on your way back to brewing.

At no point did I ever feel like I hit a point where I felt like I was so far in the hole I couldn’t keep playing, and my first attempt, I screwed up pretty bad by not paying the bandits cash or ale to leave my carts alone. This cost me a lot of money, more than it would have cost me to keep them happy.

I also made some bad choices on when to build new rooms, which hurt my ability to brew. My second run went much smoother when I paid attention to profit margins, bandits, and when to build. Keeping some booze in the basement, only building when you have extra money lying around, and remembering this is a marathon, not a race, are the keys here.

Ale Abbey has been a pleasure to play, and will be in my rotation of games to play for a long time. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

American and Euro Truck Simulator 2, PS5 and Xbox Release Confirmed

No, this isn’t a truck or a rumor. Many fans have waited a very long time and held out hope. Listened to rumors aplenty. As you can see from the picture, a screenshot from the PS5 North America store, they are coming to the consoles.

You may have also seen an earlier post from this week for “Road Kings,” Focus Entertainment & Saber Interactive’s Next-Gen Truck Sim, Revealed at Gamescom ONL (PC, PS5, XSX). In the coming year, fans of the truck driving genre are about to eat well, but does this mean it will be a hard time for Road Kings? As much as I love Focus Home, this may not be great news for them with Eruo and American truck already having a large fan base, many of whom have watched streams for years waiting for this moment.

Regardless, enjoy the trailer below for American Truck Simulator (unrelated to the announcement itself, it’s just for show), and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

HELL LET LOOSE VIETNAM ANNOUNCEMENT

eam17 and Expression Games have shared a world exclusive with the reveal of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, a new game from the world of their hugely successful 2021 tactical first-person multiplayer shooter – Hell Let Loose. In this platoon-based, hardcore FPS you alone are not a hero. Victory can only hope to be achieved through teamwork, tactics, strategy and communication with your squad. Ensure victory against the enemy. Nothing else matters.  

Set during the Vietnam War, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam offers existing and new fans a high caliber gameplay experience of authentic warfare where teamwork is the key to success. Experience 50v50 player battles across stunning, sprawling maps with careful attention aimed at creating an authentic, atmospheric and historically sensitive experience of events that occurred during armed conflict that occurred in Vietnam, between 1965-1973. Retaining the gameplay base that fans loved from the first title, this is a brand new experience, utilising combined arms, with air, water, armour, infantry and support weapons that encapsulates the theatre of war feeling beloved by fans of the original title.  

Game features: 

  • Welcome to the Jungle – You and your fellow soldiers will be thrown into dramatic terrains and engage in warfare across 6 new Vietnam maps.​
  • Aerial Units – Allowing fully operational helicopters for troop deployment and fire support.  These units play a pivotal role in transporting soldiers to landing zones, delivering supplies to the team in tactical locations, conducting reconnaissance and offering aerial firepower.
  • Patrol boats – Take control of heavily armed vessels, such as iconic U.S. patrol boat, the PBR.
  • Tunnels – The North Vietnamese forces can construct extensive tunnel networks, offering strategic advantages for surprise attacks and troop movements. This means that mastering tactics will become essential to winning the battle.​ 

While Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is being developed, Team17 and Expression games continue to be committed to their amazing community and can confirm players of the original Hell Let Loose can expect new content and continuous support. You can join the community now on Discord.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is available to wishlist now on Xbox, Playstation , Epic Game Store and Steam.  

Announcing: Tropico 7 

Slip into El Presidente’s (suspiciously white) uniform again: Tropico 7 offers great power, great challenges – and even greater opportunities than ever before. Shape the landscape to your needs, construct complex city layouts, and look down on your opponents in the council. And as if dealing with Penultimo wasn’t cumbersome enough already, you’ll also have to fight against a new opponent: Victoria Guerra.

Tropico 7 releases in 2026 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5. Play it day one with Game Pass.

A continuous campaign, 10 scenarios, 20 sandbox maps, and endless numbers of randomly generated maps give you all the space you need.

Move mountains and raise islands: The new terraforming feature lets you adapt Tropico’s landscape to fit your megalomaniac dreams.

Strategically place buildings to make use of synergy effects that help you increase your citizen’s satisfaction and industrial productivity.

Issue decrees based on your political standing and meet factions in the new council where you ignore their demands – or persuade them to a BIG DEAL

Ragnarok M: Classic Global Brings Old-School MMORPG Action to PC and Mobile This September

Gravity Interactive is proud to announce that Ragnarok M: Classic Global will officially launch worldwide on September 3, 2025. The beloved MMORPG that reignites the magic of the original Ragnarok Online has already captivated millions of players across Asia, and the global version will soon be ready to welcome adventurers everywhere for a true return-to-roots experience.

Built for both MMORPG veterans and newcomers, Ragnarok M: Classic Global stays true to its legacy with a one-currency economy, allowing players to grind for it all without pay-to-win shortcuts. With its nostalgic art style, community-driven world, and classic gameplay loop, Ragnarok M: Classic Global delivers the authentic classic MMO adventure that fans of the genre have been waiting for.

This global launch marks the first time Ragnarok M: Classic Global will be available across multiple regions simultaneously, featuring full cross-platform play between PC, iOS, and Android. Pre-registrations are now open, with exclusive rewards awaiting those who sign up before launch.

On launch day, players can expect:

  • Faithful classic content – jobs, maps, and monsters from the golden era of Ragnarok Online.
  • One-currency MMO economy – all items can be earned through gameplay.
  • Cross-platform access – seamless switching between mobile and PC.
  • Global servers – connect with friends and guildmates worldwide.

Ragnarok M: Classic Global launches on PC, iOS, and Android on 3 September 2025.

“Road Kings,” Focus Entertainment & Saber Interactive’s Next-Gen Truck Sim, Revealed at Gamescom ONL (PC, PS5, XSX)

From humble beginnings as a rookie driver to rising as a seasoned owner-operator, players will carve their own reputation navigating tough competition, forging valuable partnerships, and braving unpredictable hazards.

Road Kings challenges you to manage routes, cargo, and client demands in a world where the journey shapes your career. Drive long distances in faithfully recreated branded trucks, and explore biomes filled with rich detail, iconic landmarks, and unpredictable challenges.

“We are thrilled to start on another exciting journey with our longtime partner Saber Interactive,” said John Bert, Managing Director at Focus Entertainment Publishing. “Road Kings is a project that truly combines Saber’s technical expertise with Focus Entertainment’s passion for immersive simulation experiences. Together, we’re aiming to deliver a deeper gameplay experience and a more dynamic adventure for players. We can’t wait for fans to get behind the wheel and discover everything this new title has to offer.”

“As a native Floridian, it is awesome to see parts of my home state recreated in Road Kings. I spent hundreds of hours on those roads as a kid, and now we are bringing them to life in a game that creates a new category in the simulation space. I am so happy to be a part of this journey and personally loved playing the game,” said Matthew Karch, Saber CEO.

Take the wheel of a 40-ton semi, hauling cargo across the coastal plains of the American South. Manage multiple jobs, trailers, and routes, from busy Jacksonville to the shady streets of historic Savannah.

Starting as a rookie driver, encounter cunning rivals, helpful allies, dangerous weather, and treacherous roads as you take on long-haul deliveries to carve out a reputation as a veteran owner-operator in Road Kings’ immersive world.

Grow your reputation, push through dangerous situations, face down rivals, and take on long-haul deliveries in a living, reactive world:

  • Take control of your truck in a next-gen simulation where every aspect matters, from weight, wear, brakes, torque, tires, and transmissions to dynamic weather and road surfaces. Drive long distances in faithfully recreated, customizable branded trucks.
  • Dive into a changing world, where a ruthless corporation is expanding across the South, threatening catastrophe in the name of profit. When disaster strikes, only you can make it through. Rescue communities, deliver critical supplies, and prove that out on the road, a helping hand can make all the difference.
  • Make your own Road Kings story by earning reputation with drivers, dispatchers, and agencies. Choose a path to success by diversifying clients, or become the star vendor for just a few. Go further with asynchronous multiplayer: join or create a company, and climb the global leaderboards.
  • Hit the open road, traveling through breathtaking landscapes inspired by the real-life Florida-Georgia border. Navigate interstates with road signs, mind your diesel, watch for troopers, and follow service regulations, as cutting corners can hit your wallet, your clocks, and your reputation.

Road Kings is planned for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Wishlist now!

Endless Night: The Darkness Within Steam Beta Review

Endless Night: The Darkness Within is a Beta that was tossed my way by Little Guy Games, which is always appreciated. Now this isn’t a typical review; I won’t be tossing out any numbers or recommendations here beyond whether I think the game is worth keeping an eye on. But if you want a spoiler, it definitely is.

The premise is simple: you play as Jake, a man with a darkness deep inside him. This platformer task has you solving different puzzles, fighting horrific creatures, and nightmares, all in an attempt to help Jake discover a truth hiding somewhere in his subconscious.

Now that all sounds pretty, and most people would think that is interesting, but is the gameplay fun? If you like platformers, then yes. The jumping is very fluid, even at this early stage. Better yet, the hover mechanic is beautiful. Missing jumps never felt like anything other than my own fault.

Is this game going to be amazing? I don’t know it is a bit early to tell, does it have the potential to be? Absolutely. The puzzles are challenging but fair, the battles are fun, and the platforming is top-notch. I can also see this being a sleeper hit for the speed-running community for some reason.

Keep an eye on this one, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition is an old-fashioned RTS from Relic Entertainment that they were kind enough to send me. The game was originally released back in 2004, and if you have fond memories of playing this as a child and think this will bring that back, I honestly can not tell you if that’s true. I never played the original release. What I can tell you is that it has been a long time since I sat down and played an RTS where I just zoned out and enjoyed building a base, teeing up some troops, and just watching the mayhem unfold. And for that, thank you, Relic.

For the Emperor

Now graphically, the game looks better than ever, but the game still isn’t as good as most modern games. So if you are looking for this game to be a modern masterpiece, you will be very disappointed. It is, however, a very nice upgrade from 21 years ago.

The controls are simple and easy, and are pretty much on par with any other RTS, with 90% of the controls working from the mouse as you would hope, and being able to do some quick commands from the keyboard. On easy or normal, this isn’t at all necessary, but on hard, it makes a very big difference.

This brings me to the very few complaints I have. None of them are major, but while the game will run on just about anything these days, when battles get massive, there can be some frame rate drop on slower machines. On the bright side, I did this on my laptop and was purposely seeing if I could make it happen, and it never happened during normal gameplay. Just be aware that if you are riding that line on the recommended specs, don’t try to hit that cap on troops and vehicles for the hell of it.

Next, there is no keybinding. This doesn’t bother me personally, but the few negative review on Steam seems to mention it. I get it in a way since most games have it now, but to me it isn’t worth being upset that they didn’t add it to a game that never had it to begin with, and it was never important to do anyway.

At the end of the day, the game is called the definitive edition, and for $30 you get everything the game has ever offered, in the best-looking version that has ever been offered. Does it have its issues? Yes, is it perfect? No. Is it worth the price? Absolutely. This 8/10 experience truly is the definitive experience. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Captain America: Brave New World

Some time has passed since Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Sam Wilson faces his first crisis as Captain America. When former Cap and friend, Isiah Bradley, tries to assassinate former Hulk antagonist, now president, Thad Ross without any recollection, it’s up to Sam to prove his friend’s innocence. With his new Falcon, Joaquin Torres, they find a network of conspiracy and mind control led by a familiar foe out to not only ruin Ross but make him the thing he hates the most…

Captain America: Winter Soldier is one of the best movies in the MCU. Brave New World feels like a dumbed-down callback with unused Hulk sequel assets. Anthony Mackie tries his best to keep this weak script afloat, but he ultimately fails. Giancarlo Esposito gets wasted as a villain who ultimately doesn’t go anywhere; bless the man for trying. What really cripples this movie is Harrison Ford phoning in his performance as Ross; the late William Hurt damn near played the obsessed, power-hungry general in Incredible Hulk as well as the smaller return cameos in the MCU til this. The main villain is the Leader, who was also set up in the Incredible Hulk movie, and he looks godawful. He also doesn’t have his psychic powers from the comics, nor does he want to dominate a world of gamma-radiated evolved monsters. He’s a salty, sickly looking broccoli man who spouts your typical end-credits spiel. And Red Hulk is basically a glorified cameo in the end. The action scenes are fine. The movie runs at a decent pace and isn’t overly long.

In the end, Cap 4 isn’t the worst I’ve seen from the MCU ( I’m looking at you Thor: Love and Thunder ) but it’s totally skippable. Fantastic 4: First Steps gave me hope for the MCU and I’m hoping Mackie will get some good Cap time in the next 2 Avengers movies, but until then, stick to the Chris Evans trilogy. May the gaming gods bring you glory.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (sn1)

During an exploration on the moon, a strange object was found. A space dumpster. Inside the long sealed empress of evil, Rita Repulsa, is unleashed to conquer Earth. Zordon, an ancient alien wizard, and his trusty robot servant Alpha 5 spring into action. Zordon has Alpha find five teenagers with attitude from the nearby city of Angel Grove. Jason, Zack, Trini, Billy, and Kimberly were chosen to become the Power Rangers, the only heroes mighty enough to stop the forces of evil…

If you grew up as a 90’s kid as Savior and I did, this show is peak nostaglia as you can get. Fighting, monsters, a colorful giant robot fighting said giant monsters- what else can any kid ask for? Hell, I was a Power Ranger for Halloween the years I wasn’t Batman. The first season with the classic 6 rangers is lightning in a bottle. The core 6 had good chemistry and for the first 60-episode season, it is it cool seeing the characters grow. For example, Billy starts as a weak, stereotypical nerd who gradually becomes the team’s tech wizard as well as a competent, confident fighter. The show’s structure is aligned with self-contained episodes but the multi-part arcs are some of the show’s highlights. The evil Green Ranger arc that introduces the legendary Tommy into the group is still awesome all these years later. The original Zords are iconic: the Mastodon, Triceratops, Pterodactyl, Sabre-Tooth Tiger, Tyrannosaurus, and the Dragon Zord. The theme is one of my all-time favorites and I still smile each time I hear it; the music all around kicks ass.

Like many show’s there’s some dull episodes here and there. Because of the use of Japanese footage, there is quite a bit of repetition to the Ranger and Zord scenes. This show looks goofy and over the top, but to a charming degree. A couple of times in the first season, plotlines do repeat, just slightly altered. As a kid I remember thinking Bulk and Skull, the comic relief bullies, were annoying, and they are, but they grew on me. Rita is a goofball villain with a shrill voice and neither her or her lackeys are competent, but damn if it isn’t funny.

In the end, Power Rangers is a fun, goofy, kids show but it’s still plenty of fun. Whether you’re riffing it with friends, or getting hyped whenever you hear “It’s Morphin Time!”, the first season of Power Rangers is a good, light-hearted time in our dreary world I recommend. May the power protect you.