Lost in the Open – A Brutal Roguelike Tactical RPG To Release on PC & Steam Deck Later This Year!

Now I am working my way through the demo, but I didn’t want you guys to miss out on the chance of checking it out for yourself, which you can do here. Also, check out all the great info they sent me along with the trailer at the bottom.

Today WhisperGames has partnered with indie game studio Black Voyage Games to release Lost In The Open, a brutal, plot-driven roguelike tactical RPG, coming to PC and Steam Deck later this year.

Black Voyage Games’ debut title blends strategic combat, resource management, and survival mechanics into a moody, low-fantasy world. The international team consists of a former Toca Boca developer, a Mexico-based art director, the composer of Parkour Legends, and a 2D animator with experience working with Japanese game studios, all united by a passion for deep, punishing gameplay and unforgettable atmosphere.

Staying alive means choosing wisely

Lost in the Open takes place in a gritty medieval world, where players take control of King Nrvesk, the target of a failed assassination. Accompanied only by two of his loyal bodyguards, he must escape across a vast procedurally generated overworld as he is pursued relentlessly by enemy forces. Players will face tense battles, branching events, and meaningful choices. To survive, they will need to recruit wisely, fight desperately, and repent for Nrvesk’s bloody past.

This is not your run-of-the-mill survival hack-and-slash either. Every choice you make will affect the outcome of your campaign. Every playthrough will be different. You never know if that distant light in the forest will be a merry band of merchants keen to share their wares, a bloodthirsty band of opportunistic thieves, or something far more sinister…


  •  An Indispensable King:
     Command the battlefield with Nrvesk, but upon losing him, your game is over. There are no second chances.
  •  Tactical Grid Combat: Outsmart, outflank, and outmanoeuvre your enemies on an 8-directional battlefield where every position matters.
  •  Squad-Wide Progression: Forge your company’s identity with powerful upgrades that are redefined every run.
  •  Survival Through Attrition: Bleeding, broken, and hunted. Endure… and become a deadly weapon of your own.
  •  A Narrative on the Run: Stay moving and stay sharp! Escaping your pursuers means venturing deeper into unexplored lands, a new choice awaits your decision at every turn.

So please, give it a play, check out the outstanding trailer below, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Endzone 2 Steam Review

Endzone 2 was recently released from early access to 1.0, and Assemble Entertainment was kind enough to send me a copy to check out. I always appreciate this and like to get it out of the way upfront, as most of you know by now.

The game has been met with mixed reviews on Steam for quite some time now, and with a city builder, this is always one of those things I see and take with a grain of salt. We, as fans, are usually quite picky. One thing is out of place, and we tend to be a bit mad about it. Let’s look at this piece by piece and see where maybe this comes from.

The Endzone 2 takes place right after the first Endzone. Humans are now resettling into the world after a nuclear apocalypse, and the world is a bit irradiated. No, it isn’t the story, as cliché as it is, cliché is for a reason; it works.

This brings us to the controls; they work. They work well. Even if you read the Steam reviews, nobody complains about the controls. The controls are what you would want: fluid, easy to use, and pretty intuitive. No, they aren’t perfect, but nothing is.

This brings us to graphics. Yes, this is pretty universally the issue. I have mentioned in reviews before my hatred for this idea that darker is the only way to get across a dark and gloomy atmosphere. This game breaks the rule of feeling that way. The vast majority of the time, while playing the game is so dark, especially seeing anything is a nightmare. Even messing with my monitor settings only did so much.

All in all, if you enjoyed the first game and can get passed how dark this game can be, there is no reason why you won’t love this one. For me, I will stick with the first game as this game dove far deep into saturating everything in darkness to be enjoyable. It was a 5/10 experience that I have no intention of repeating. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

The Wandering Village PS5 Review

The Wandering Village on PS5 was sent my way by Stray Fawn Studio, for which I am grateful. I had previously played this on Xbox, and I must say that there seem to be some substantial changes over that time. The opening, as an example, now includes a beautiful anime-style video that wasn’t there at first.

The game takes place on the back of Onbu

In a world being rampaged by a poisonous plant, your tribe finds itself on the back of a massive creature called an Onbu. This traveling giant is content to ferry you around and let you live on the resources that grow on it. In turn, you care for it and guide it, if you can get it to trust you.

The game is a classic city builder at its finest, and a solid story has been naturally built in. As the people living on the last known living Onbu and the only people traveling the world, it has fallen on you to collect ancient seeds that might be able to be planted to fight back against the poisons that are destroying the world.

The game looks magnificent, and the controls are great. My only gripe is that a few times when trying to click on certain objects, the camera angles get a bit weird, but this is a minor annoyance and never really ruined the gameplay for me. Just watching my characters build things and live their lives as my lumbering creature travels the world to different biomes is a nice experience.

Another nice experience is the characters you meet along the way, many feel desperate for your help without coming across as sad and pathetic. They are hopeful while still giving off a sense of urgency. It is a nice touch, you don’t often get. At a $30 price point, I have no complaints about this game, and with everything just being included by the in-depth tech tree that is still small enough to allow multiple play-throughs on various difficulties, there is a lot to love here, definitely a 9/10 experience for fans of the genre. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Scum Steam Review

Scum recently transitioned from early access to 1.0, and Gamepires sent me a copy, which I greatly appreciate. SCUM prides itself on being the most realistic open-world survival game on the market, and honestly, it might just be. Where most games are happy to let you just eat anything to refill your hunger, what you eat matters here.

The story is no slouch either, you find yourself on SCUM island, a place for criminals to work of their crimes by entertaining the masses. Death doesn’t save you, as you are revived and sent back to the start of your attempt to be the last one standing. Ok, so that part doesn’t really make any sense. To be fair, none of us is playing a game with a genitalia modifier for the story anyway, right?

A few words of warning, the requirements to play this game are hefty. For the first time ever, my laptop struggled, and it struggled hard. I have more than the minimum requirements, and I still find myself messing with settings. Also, ignore the negative reviews you find on Steam for the most part. Many of them are long-time players, with over 1000-2000 hours, complaining about what isn’t in the game or how their ideas weren’t used, etc. While some of them are perfectly valid, they do ignore the fact that the game is incredibly detailed.

The multiplayer aspect is amazing, the base building is very in-depth, and while the learning curve is pretty steep, you are rewarded with a one-of-a-kind experience. Everything needs to be balanced in this game, from your diet to weight management with your inventory, but not to such an extent that I ever felt like the game was a chore to play.

I do have a few small issues, and you will see these are pretty common complaints. Melee combat is basically as clunky as it gets. The learning curve is also huge, making the game pretty much impossible to just dive right into. The community also isn’t always exactly the most inviting, either. You can find great people in it, don’t get me wrong, but others are pretty much the definition of toxic and take the last man standing part very seriously.

So is it worth the $40, however? As a survival fan, absolutely, it is a 7/10 experience that I don’t regret for a moment. Just maybe avoid it if you don’t have the time or patience to learn it. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Empyreal PS5 Review

Empyreal on PS5 is an action RPG, which I think is fair to call a soulslike, that doesn’t tell you that’s what it is. Secret Mode sent me a copy of this to check out, and I had a great time playing it. They also did a great job lulling me into a false sense of security.

The game starts out with a letter explaining to a young man that he is inheriting a family mission. To explore a monolith full of treasure and secrets. This results in us fast-forwarding to the present day, when you, an elite mercenary, show up to search the monolith that everyone else has failed to truly discover the purpose of.

You start off meeting some people who honestly aren’t thrilled to meet you, except the bartender. The man in charge sends you through the front door of the place, but doesn’t bother telling you that the place essentially spits you back out after you get through the hallway.

The game employs a card system where you enter the monolith, and it informs you if the area is Very Easy, Very Hard, or somewhere in between based on your gear score. The look of the game is to enter the place, find stuff to upgrade your gear, and challenge new places. This moves the story along and lets you find new gear and upgrade certain shops and NPCs.

Unlike most games of this type, where skill means more than gear, they took a very different approach here. If you aren’t upgrading your gear, rerolling stats, and abilities, you will find yourself dead and having to go back to easier places to grind for gear. The first couple of hours, this doesn’t seem all that necessary until you notice the bosses and such getting a bit harder. Then the levels, which do not have a map, start taking more out of you as you have to explore more and more.

The game itself is a ton of fun; it looks and plays great. It isn’t going to match games like Dark Souls, obviously, but it has a nice sci-fi feel to it, and you aren’t limited to a sword. You can smash enemies with a shield or blast them with a /huge gun. The game is definitely a 7/10 experience. The price is $30, so I might wait for a sale if you are on the fence, but if it is something you are definitely looking forward to, feel free to pull the trigger. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Drug Dealer Simulator PS5 review

For those who have been waiting, it is finally over. Drug Dealer Simulator has finally hit PlayStation. Now, many of you have already read my review of Drug Dealer Simulator (Xbox Review), and if you have, you honestly do not need to read this one. The people who sent me the game over at Ultimate Games have done a great job making the experience pretty great across every console.

From the start, a typical day starts like this. Use your laptop to contact Eddie and tell him how much of each drug you want. Then go pick them up from the drop-off point and bring them home. Hopefully, you don’t get nailed by the cops and really screw yourself over. Don’t worry, early in the game, this is pretty easy to do. From here, you set up your deals again with the laptop. Use your table to split your drugs up into smaller quantities and make your deals.

With more experience between versions, I can say right from the start, I found it worth it, just not selling weed and only selling amphetamines. This was where you could spend some of your money to mix baking soda with your drugs. This could take your 100 grams and turn it into 130 grams.

This was just my preference, and you can obviously do whatever you choose. This is honestly one of my favorite aspects of the game. For the most part, if you don’t like dealing with something, you just don’t.

The price point for this game is also fantastic, $25 for a game with hours of time to play, a story to follow if you want, dealers to hire, and more property to rent than you can shake a baggy of dope at, and the ability to customize them into little hide outs and drug houses is amazing. I also find it relaxing to just rummage through garbage to find jewelry and stuff to sell to help launder money to pay for it all.

The game is an 8/10 experience. If you like simulators like this, this is probably the best one out there. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Cattle Country Saddles Up For a July 11th Physical Release

Indie publisher Silver Lining Interactive is thrilled to announce that the physical edition of Cattle Country, the cosy Wild West life-sim, is riding into town on July 11, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch

Developed by Castle Pixel and digitally published by Playtonic FriendsCattle Country invites players to settle down on the pixel prairies as a budding pioneer. Build your ranch, raise cattle, befriend townsfolk, and soak in the slow, satisfying rhythm of frontier life, with a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re crafting, farming, or just watching the sunset after a hard day’s work, there’s no shortage of down-home charm.

The Cattle Country physical edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch is available to pre-order now from the Silver Lining Interactive store page hereDon’t miss your chance to grab a copy and start the coziest cowboy adventure of the summer!

About Cattle Country

Here is a taste of some of the wild adventures awaiting you as you become part of this small community of settlers, and part of a story that’s as old as these hills. Welcome to Cattle Country

Ranchin’ and Handcraftin’ – Work the land, raise cattle, and build your dream homestead from sunup to sundown under the wide-open skies.

Swappin’ Stories – Meet the townsfolk, lend a hand, and earn your place among these big-hearted neighbours.

Beware of Bandits – Not all folks are friendly in Cattle Country. Keep your guard up and protect what’s yours from bandits and cattle rustlers!

Rodeos to Romance – Forge deep bonds or fall in love with one of 18 romanceable characters. Life’s richer when shared.

Buried Treasure – Brave the mines in search of riches, rare metals, and secrets left behind by outlaws.

Trackin’ Game – Hunt, explore, or just take in the wild. Critters big and small roam the land, and are waiting to be discovered.

Don’t delay! Get ready to add Cattle Country to your cozy physical PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch collection today! Pre-order now from Silver Lining Direct

MegaDrive/Genesis Cartridge – Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition

Every so often, I get to bring my collector friends a bit of good news, and as a long-time fan of the Farming Simulator series, this one is super exciting to bring you. Strictly Limited Games and Giant Software are bringing you a 16-bit Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Version of Farming Simulator 22. No, this is not a way to late April Fools’ Day gag. The store link is right here. Farming Simulator 16-bit Edition Enjoy the trailer below along with even more details.

Deluxe edition’s Price is $69.99

This unique retro adaptation of Farming Simulator will be available in two collectible formats: a Limited Edition, launching on May 14, 2025, and a Deluxe Edition, arriving in July 2025. Both editions will be available exclusively through the Strictly Limited Store. Each Strictly Limited edition will include an exclusive green cartridge, produced in a total quantity of only 1,000 units worldwide. The green cartridge is unique to the Strictly Limited Store and will not be available elsewhere, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors. The Limited Edition will retail at €49.99, while the Deluxe Edition—which includes additional collectible content—will be priced at €69.99.

In addition to the Strictly Limited store exclusive editions, a separate edition featuring a black cartridge will be made available by Strictly Limited to select retail partners such as Amazon for the global market and VideoGamesPlus in North America. While the content of the game remains the same, the cartridge color and packaging will clearly distinguish the retail version from the Strictly Limited exclusive editions.

A rare opportunity awaits retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of the Farming Simulator series to experience the franchise in a fresh format, reimagined with the authentic feel of classic 16-bit gameplay. Both editions are fully compatible with Mega Drive/Genesis-like retro hardware and reflect Strictly Limited’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating gaming culture through high-quality physical releases.

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.

Hotel Architect Steamfest Demo Review

Another hit from Steam Fest, Hotel Architect was sent to me by Pathos Interactive and Wired Productions. This game, as the name implies, tasks you with building a hotel. it is quite similar to games like Project Hospital in that your goal is to build a successful hotel, but this game lacks comedy and is more serious.

The most important aspect of any game like this is how it feels to build anything, and I have to say this game is second to none. The typical controls are here and are very intuitive. Simply pick the foundations button, pick a starting and ending point, and boom, you have a room. Switch over to your interior walls and add some walls and doors, and you are good to go. Want to add some floors and wallpapers? It is point-and-click and done. Want to add it to the entire room all you have to do is hold shift, point to a wall or floor, and done. This mechanic also applies to assigning a role to a room such as a bedroom or kitchen.

There are maps to play in right now, I won’t touch on them all but the first two are almost like tutorial maps. The first one has nothing special going on and will teach you the ropes on how to build rooms, set up your kitchen with a menu, and hire staff. The second one is based on Greece which gives you access to a beautiful beach and sweltering heat. You will need to use fans and air conditioning to keep rooms cool so your guests don’t complain.

The Greece-inspired map will also teach you about setting up a bar, and a new type of guest called Brats. These guests have very high standards. They want the nicest rooms, high-end meals and drinks, and a place to sunbathe. They are also willing to spend the most money.

This is where the game gets tricky and interesting, some guests like backpackers won’t spend much money but are happy with a bed and the bare essentials. Others want more stuff like access to a gym or a bar and specific meals. Finding a balance isn’t easy, and even harder is finding a way to make the low-end guest not even want to show up at all so the high-end guest book the rooms.

I won’t grade a demo, but I will say you should all definitely give it a shot. This one is on my list of games I want for the full release. (Pathos if you read this hook a Savior up) so get out there and build some hotels for Steam Fest, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.