Tag: video-games

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 Friends, Cattle 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 here. Don’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.

Critically Acclaimed The Nameless – Slay Dragon: The Mythic Epic Update

Check it out on Steam

This  exciting update is the publisher’s response to months of enthusiastic player feedback and focuses on refining game mechanics, adjusting combat balance, and massively expanding content to better cater to the diverse preferences we identified in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a new adventurer, a challenge seeker, or someone who enjoys a more laid back experience, this update offers a multitude of fresh perspectives and exciting new experiences for everyone.

The Mythic Epic update brings:

  • A brand new ending – bringing the total number of discoverable endings to six, each one of them entirely based on your decisions
  • Character Traits – to help you further tweak your characters enhancing all abilities from combat actions to crafting and trading in a number of ways
  • Four new melee-oriented professions – creating even more synergies with spellcasting professions and further enriching combat strategies
  • A “Heavy Warrior” profession – a beastly hulk who can use defensive stats to bolster offensive power, tailored for players who enjoy tanky characters
  • New Game+ – for those who have completed the game. Carry over your saves with new benefits, including additional trait slots for all characters, enabling them to create even more powerful builds to tackle tougher challenges in subsequent playthroughs
  • The new “Mythic Epic” mode – our gift to players who crave self-imposed challenges. This new mode introduces a Mythic phase for certain enemies, as well as unfathomably powerful Mythic-level foes
  • An “Unlimited Rest” mode – a more laid back adventure that allows you to rest your party as much as you want without sacrificing time-limited rewards and content, the best of both worlds!
  • Many new map events, character dialogues, and boss fights adding as much as 30% more content!

Exploration is as important as combat!
Observe, listen, think, communicate, act, you need to use all possible skills to find your own path. Adventures are not only full of choices, but often require a bit of luck.

Wait… there’s more! The Nintendo Switch version of The Nameless: Slay Dragon is currently in active development and is expected to launch in 2025!

Available on Steam, The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a fantasy-themed, tabletop-inspired, turn-based RPG that took a solo developer six years to craft. Since its release on Steam in September 2024, it has received over 1,100 reviews with an overall 91% review rating (“Very Positive”).

505 Pulse to publish Among the Trolls

505 Pulse, the indie focused label of 505 Games, is proud to partner with Avantgarden to bring Among the Trolls, a first-person survival adventure game, to Steam Early Access in 2025. The collaboration is set to deliver a fresh, captivating experience that challenges players to survive and uncover mysteries in a vibrant, untamed wilderness.  

Set on a secluded Finnish archipelago, Among the Trolls invites players to explore lush forests, survive against the odds, and unravel ancient mysteries tied to their lost relatives. The game emphasizes a dynamic, living world where player actions not only affect survival but also influence the environment and its creatures.  

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Avantgarden on reigniting the Among the Trolls project. They embraced the concept with passion” said Fabrizio Faraoni, Sr. Global Brand Manager from 505 Pulse. “There was a community of players, eager to know more about the status of the project. We worked for a long time behind the scenes, and we are finally ready to show early glimpses of the game they are putting together. A truly unique experience that blends survival mechanics, rich storytelling over the stunning Finnish landscape.”

Game highlights  

  • Immersive survival gameplay: Gather resources, craft tools, and hone your survival skills in a dynamic world that responds to your actions. 
  • Dynamic exploration: Discover hidden paths, solve environmental puzzles, and encounter mythical beings in a richly detailed Finnish wilderness. 
  • Living ecosystem: Thrive in harmony with a nature that reacts to your choices, offering a unique blend of exploration and strategy. 
  • Compelling narrative: Gradually uncover the truth behind your relative’s disappearance and the ancient lore of the Nordic forests.

Among the Trolls offers a compelling mix of exploration, survival, and storytelling that stands out in today’s gaming landscape. By launching on Steam Early Access, the development team aims to involve the gaming community in shaping the game’s evolution, ensuring a polished and engaging final experience.  

“We see Among the Trolls as an opportunity to deliver a different take on the survival genre and shape it with the help of its dedicated community,” said AvantGarden’s Creative Director Giorgio Macellari. “Our partnership with 505 Pulse allows us to deliver this vision to a global audience.”

Players eager to embark on this adventure can wishlist the game on Steam here and stay updated on its development progress. 

DISCORD – https://discord.gg/fkC24Q3ymj

TWITTER/X – https://twitter.com/AmongTheTrolls

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/AmongTheTrolls

INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/AmongTheTrolls

[News] Roguelite Dungeon Crawler Cryptical Path Releasing on PC on Jan. 29

 Old Skull Games officially revealed the release date for its roguelite dungeon crawler, Cryptical Path. Launching on Steam on January 29, 2025, Cryptical Path sees players controlling the Architect, building their own path and navigating an ever-changing labyrinth within which they’ve been summoned. The game pushes the boundaries of the roguelite genre as it is the very first action roguelite builder that allows players to add a new creative angle to their style of gameplay.

An action roguelite that makes you the Architect of your adventure

In Cryptical Path, players dive into a universe where every run is theirs to shape. The goal is simple: reach the boss and defeat him. But there is a twist. Thanks to a unique feature, players can place their own rooms in the dungeon, creating their own path and influencing the challenges ahead. This gameplay mechanic adds a new layer of optimization and a unique depth to the roguelite genre.

A journey designed by roguelite fans

Aimed at action roguelite enthusiasts, Cryptical Path stands out with its dynamic and ever-evolving gameplay, where every decision in configuring the dungeon can reshape the course of the adventure. This modularity gives players control over their experience while preserving classic genre staples like progression through repeated attempts, diverse enemies, and intense combat. 

Cryptical Path’s key features:

  • Rogue-builder: The ability to carve your dungeon, increasing the replayability and the control you have in each and every run.
  • Immersive world: Explore a 2D side-scroller within beautifully crafted 3D environments.
  • Fast paced action: Embody the Architect, a dynamic character that can dodge, dash and slash in the blink of an eye!
  • Constant progress: Unlock powerful items and choose which talents to master.