Posted on

Paradise Reimagined: POSTAL 2 Redux Aims for a Modern Overhaul with Ambitious Kickstarter Campaign

More than two decades after its controversial and chaotic debut, the infamous first-person shooter POSTAL 2 is poised for a significant comeback. A newly launched Kickstarter campaign, running until September 12, 2025, seeks to fund POSTAL 2 Redux, a complete, ground-up remake of the 2003 cult classic. This ambitious project is a collaborative effort between the original creators, Running With Scissors, the acclaimed porting specialists at Team Beef, and the publisher Impact Inked. The campaign aims not merely to remaster the original, but to fundamentally rebuild it on a modern engine, promising sweeping technical enhancements and new features designed to reintroduce the Postal Dude’s worst week ever to a new generation of gamers.

The project represents a pivotal moment for the franchise, leveraging community funding to realize an “uncompromising vision” of Paradise, Arizona. Announced alongside the previously revealed POSTAL 2 VR, this Redux version focuses on delivering the definitive “flat screen” experience. By turning to Kickstarter, the development trio aims to secure the necessary resources while engaging directly with the series’ dedicated fanbase, ensuring the final product aligns with the community’s expectations and pushes the boundaries of the original’s satirical and anarchic spirit.

The Core Architectural Shift: Migrating to Unity

At the heart of POSTAL 2 Redux is a fundamental technological migration from the original’s heavily modified Unreal Engine 2 to the modern, versatile Unity engine. This transition is the cornerstone upon which all other promised improvements are built. The original engine, while groundbreaking for its time, presents significant limitations for modern hardware, including its single-threaded architecture and constraints on memory management and rendering capabilities. The move to Unity provides the development team with a robust, multi-platform framework that is inherently designed for multi-core processors, advanced graphics APIs like DirectX 12 or Vulkan, and 64-bit operating systems.

This engine overhaul is not simply a port; it is a complete reconstruction of the game’s logic, assets, and systems within a new environment. This allows for native support of high-resolution displays, variable refresh rates, and modern controller inputs, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience out of the box on current-generation hardware. Furthermore, Unity’s sophisticated development tools and asset pipeline will enable the team to iterate more rapidly, implement complex new systems, and optimize performance far beyond what was possible with the two-decade-old technology of the original release.

Continue reading “Paradise Reimagined: POSTAL 2 Redux Aims for a Modern Overhaul with Ambitious Kickstarter Campaign”
Posted on

The King is Back: Our First Look at the Battlefield 6 Beta

After a couple of entries that felt like they were chasing trends, the Battlefield series appears to have found its footing again. The early access beta for Battlefield 6 is live, and I’ve spent the last couple of hours getting my hands dirty. I’m here to tell you that it feels like the franchise has finally returned to its roots, and it’s a welcome homecoming.

First of all, the queue. the queue for the game is huge and this is only the early access beta! seems like I’m not the only one excited for the return of battlefield.

From the moment you drop into your first match, it’s clear the futuristic atmosphere is gone. This game embodies the spirit of Battlefield 3 and 4, delivering a gritty, realistic combat experience that fans have been clamoring for. It’s a move that feels less like a trend and more like a confident return to the core identity of the series. The developers have brought back what made this franchise great, and they’ve done it with style.

The maps are a perfect example of this philosophy. They are large, sprawling battlefields that offer plenty of room for vehicles, flanks, and epic standoffs, but they’re not so big that you feel completely lost or that the action is too spread out. This allows for fast-paced gameplay that keeps you on your toes. There’s always something happening, whether it’s an intense firefight for a capture point or a tank column rolling over a hill. The pacing feels just right, keeping the energy high without sacrificing the tactical depth that defines the series.

One of the most impressive aspects of the beta so far has been the level of immersion. The environments are highly destructible, and there’s a unique satisfaction in watching a building you’re fighting in crumble around you. But what really sells the feeling of being in a warzone is the sound design. Playing Conquest with a headset on is an absolute sensory overload in the best possible way. The distant explosions, the crackle of gunfire, and the rumble of tanks all combine to create a soundscape that makes you feel truly in the thick of it.

Overall, my first impressions of the Battlefield 6 beta are overwhelmingly positive. It’s a return to form that many of us have been waiting for. The game is polished, the gameplay is fast and tactical, and the immersion is top-tier. It seems the king may finally be back to reclaim its throne. I can’t wait to see what the full release brings.

The beta is available in 2 weekend batches. Hoping to see you on the battlefield soldier.

What do you think of battlefield 6? do you like the return to the roots or do you like the futuristic aspect more? let us know in the comments below!

Posted on

RedOctane is back?!

This week, CRKD (the company founded by former RedOctane employees and the makers of the CRKD Guitar) announced a fire themed surprise coming this week.

Well, today RedOctane Games was announced. a new company founded by former RedOctane (Publisher of Guitar Hero and make of Guitar hero Instruments) crew, with another announcement with it. THE ARE MAKING A NEW RHYTHM GAME! In a blogpost RedOcatane games founder (and Embracer group CEO), Lee Guinchard wrote about how the rhythm game dream never died. from the death of RedOctane inside Activision, to the creation of the CRKD brand, making of the NEO S and CRKD Guitar, all the way through to RedOctane Games, The rhythm game dream has always been there. And now, is the perfect oppurtonity.

With the community connections CRKD made while making the CRKD guitar with people like Alec (ACAI28), JP (760creations), Jason (Jason Paradise), and Jake (A Wise Moose) and the people behind the YARG game, RedOctane Games plan to create a new rhythm game which “won’t be Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, Guitar Freaks or Rockband. This is something new. A rhythm game built with love, by people who care, with the community at its core in this fast-changing modern world we live in.”

As an avid 5 fret enjoyer, i did not expect a new rhythm game in the big 25 and especially not one which is community driven.

I’m very excited about the future of 5 fret. as the Lore Hero boys once said: “We eating good”

are you excited about 5 fret gaming? do you own and play and 5 fret games? let us know in the comments!

Posted on

Into the Ural Anomalies: A Personal Journey in Future War Tactics

A Turn-Based Battlefield Set in a Gripping Mystery
The story pulls you into a near-future Ural region plagued by disappearances and bizarre anomalies. As the commander of a Special Operations Forces (SOF) squad, your role is to investigate these disturbances, only to uncover a far more significant threat: an aggressive alien invasion.

What truly struck me was how the developers carefully built up the mystery. Mysterious geomagnetic events, people vanishing without a trace, and strange atmospheric phenomena create a compelling narrative hook. The storytelling gives weight to your tactical decisions. Every new mission site reveals more clues and ramps up the suspense, making it feel like you’re both a strategist and a detective.

Continue reading “Into the Ural Anomalies: A Personal Journey in Future War Tactics”
Posted on

CRKD Is teasing us. Again!

In a surprise announcement, CRKD (makers of the CRKD Les Paul guitar, NEO S controller and others. Includes members of RedOctane.) teased us with a flame Logo and a text that reads:
“They said the flame burned out over a decade ago. They Said the era of 5-fret music games was over. They were wrong. That was not the end. It wasn’t even the beginning of the end… but it was, perhaps… the end of the beginning.”
Then an image of the flame logo (also shown on the CRKD Les Paul) with a date for more info on August 6th at 9:00 am PT.

Usually when CRKD teases its after a long time of cooking. if i had to guess i think its either the reveal of a new game or the reveal of more instruments (maybe a drum set???). Either way, when CRKD cooks, we eat GOOD!

Very excited to see what CRKD will show, with only 2 days to go until we find out.

Do you have any guesses? feel free to tell us in the comments below!

Posted on

Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks – Maximum Carnage, Minimum Depth

A Year in the Fast Lane

After nearly a year in early access, where Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks was available for free, the game has officially launched with a price tag albeit at a discount. This shift in strategy raised my eyebrows. I can’t ignore the distinct feeling that the game initially aimed to capture the free to play crowd with the expectation of monetizing down the road, only to change course and put a price on it at launch. If you’re going to make that move, you have to deliver something exceptional something that justifies asking players to open their wallets after having gotten a free taste.

Booting up Speed Freeks, I found myself thinking: Is the final product compelling enough to warrant charging for it? From the get go, the answer seems to be a solid “maybe.” There’s no denying the fun factor the thrills and chaos that a Warhammer themed vehicular mayhem game promises are alive and well here. But with that enjoyment comes a creeping awareness of how quickly the excitement plateaus.

Continue reading “Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks – Maximum Carnage, Minimum Depth”
Posted on

The Legend of the Les Paul Reborn: A Deep Dive into the CRKD Gaming Guitar

Well, well, well. If this wasn’t the biggest surprise of 2025 (Even though it has been teased for months). A new Gibson Les Paul-style gaming guitar? I’m pretty sure that was on absolutely none of our bingo cards. But here we are, and for the 5-fret rhythm game community, it’s a momentous occasion. This week, CRKD launched their new Gibson Les Paul gaming guitar, and if you’re a veteran of plastic instruments, that name might ring a bell. Why? Because the CRKD team includes some of the original minds from RedOctane, the legendary manufacturers behind the classic Guitar Hero controllers. They’re basically the OGs of strumming and shredding, so we came in with high hopes. Let’s see if they delivered.

The Good Stuff: All Killer, No Filler

First off, let’s talk about the build quality. This guitar isn’t just a toy; it’s a genuine, premium piece of hardware. It feels sturdy, weighty, and absolutely fantastic in your hands. You won’t find any flimsy plastic here.

  • The Neck: The mechanical fret neck that comes with the Pro model is, without a doubt, the best stock neck I have ever had the pleasure of playing. The feel and responsiveness are truly next-level. This is where the experience of the CRKD team really shines through.
  • Connectivity: Connection is a seamless dream. The multi-platform version I reviewed connected to everything I threw at it-PC, Switch, PlayStation, you name it. The only one that didn’t work out of the box was Xbox, but even that can be solved with a RetroCultMods mini host adapter for an XBOX 360 connection. It’s almost as if they thought of everything. (And, next month the officially licensed Xbox model releases which supports PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series)
  • Community First: The CRKD team has been incredibly supportive and reactive to player feedback. It genuinely feels like they care about what the community wants, and that’s a rare and beautiful thing to see in the gaming hardware world.
  • Endless Customization: This guitar is a Swiss Army knife of rhythm gaming. The included mode switch lets you toggle between normal Guitar Hero mode, Fortnite Festival mode, custom keybinds, and even a special KeyJam mode that emulates a keyboard for maximum compatibility. I’m pretty sure this thing could probably do my taxes if I configured it right.
  • The Strum Bar: The hall effect strum sensor is a game-changer. It’s super responsive, and since it’s a hall effect sensor, it should be highly resistant to the kind of wear and tear that plagued older guitars. Here’s hoping this thing can withstand years of intense thrashing.
  • Full Controller Experience: This isn’t just a one-trick pony. The guitar has all the buttons of a normal controller, including two hall effect analog sticks and all the face and shoulder buttons. This means you don’t have to put your guitar down to navigate menus. (Festival players know the pain…)
  • Connection Options: You’ve got options for days. The guitar supports Bluetooth, wired, and dongle modes, and it even has a clever little compartment to store the dongle. No more losing that tiny piece of tech in the couch cushions. (RIP World Tour dongle. You are dearly missed 🙁 )
  • The App: The guitar connects to the CRKD app, where you will revel the number of the guitar (For example, mine is 5,311 out of 24,963). after the reveal experience you can use the app to configure any aspect of the guitar from key binds, to stum bar sensitivity and feedback and even the tilt angle sensor for Star Power!

The Not-So-Good Stuff: Minor Gripes and a Little Heartbreak

  • Haptic Feedback & The Encore: This is where things get a bit complicated. After spending a week with the guitar im not a huge fan of the haptic feedback on the Pro model’s strum bar. But, just before launch, CRKD announced that the upcoming Encore version would have the same hall effect strum bar but with mechanical switch feedback instead. This was a direct result of a last-minute reliability issue with the original switches. If I had known this earlier, I maybe would have gotten the Encore (but there are a few more considerations listed below).
  • Colorway Conundrum: This is my biggest personal gripe, and I’m convinced it’s a genius move by CRKD to get me to buy two guitars. The colorways are tied to the specific model. The Pro model, with its fantastic mechanical frets, only comes in a “Blueberry Burst” colorway. Meanwhile, the Encore, with its arguably less-desirable membrane frets, comes in a much prettier Black/Gold combo. My dream guitar-the Encore with mechanical frets-would require me to buy both and swap the parts (or just the encore and order a mechanical neck seperately), which is a significant hit to my wallet. You got me, CRKD.
  • Paint Job Woes: While the overall build is great, the paint job on my Blueberry Burst Pro model was a little subpar, with some jagged edges. I’ve also seen other users complaining about paint rubbing off, so that’s something to keep an eye on.

Final Thoughts & Score

Despite a few minor issues, the CRKD Gibson Les Paul is a huge step forward for the 5-fret rhythm game community. The build quality, the customization features, and the responsive design are all testaments to the fact that the CRKD team truly knows what they’re doing. The fact that they’re so supportive and reactive to player feedback makes this an even more exciting prospect.
It’s also worth giving a massive shout-out to the PDP Riffmaster. While it had its own shortcomings, it definitely paved the way and proved there was a market for high-quality new guitars, allowing the CRKD Les Paul to shred onto the scene.

Score: 8.5/10

This score is for the Pro model specifically. If the haptic feedback is improved in future iterations, or if the Encore model’s mechanical feedback proves to be excellent, this score could easily climb to a solid 9.0.

Posted on

All you need to know about the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase (July 25)

The latest Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, broadcast on July 31st, 2025, delivered a stunning and extensive look at the future of gaming for both the current Nintendo Switch and its highly anticipated successor, the Switch 2. The 25-minute presentation, dedicated entirely to third-party partners, showcased a diverse range of titles spanning multiple genres, from beloved RPGs and iconic remasters to major AAA releases and compelling new IPs.

The showcase solidified the robust support Nintendo’s publishing partners are providing for their hybrid platforms, with numerous titles launching across both consoles and many more exclusive to the new Switch 2. Here is a comprehensive overview of the biggest announcements.

RPGs Take Center Stage

Role-playing game fans have an incredible year ahead, with several major announcements leading the pack. The highly anticipated Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection was revealed for a 2026 release, promising a new canonical entry in the series that blends turn-based strategy with a deep narrative. Capcom’s announcement has already ignited significant excitement within the community.

Additionally, for all the JRPG fans:

  • FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles is set to arrive on September 30th, offering a definitive version of the classic tactical RPG with enhanced visuals and fully voiced dialogue.
  • OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, a prequel to the acclaimed HD-2D series, launches on December 4th. This entry introduces a customizable protagonist and over 30 recruitable characters, inviting players to shape their own adventure.
  • Persona 3 Reload brings its stylish blend of high-school simulation and dungeon-crawling to the Switch 2 on October 23rd, giving players another reason to dive into this modern classic.
  • From the creators of Octopath Traveler, the new action RPG The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales was announced for 2026, with a demo available for download today.

Major Action and Adventure Blockbusters

The showcase featured several high-profile action and adventure titles that are set to make a big impact on the Switch 2. One of the surprises is Star Wars Outlaws, the first open-world Star Wars game, which will launch on September 4th. Players will get to explore iconic planets and make crucial decisions as the scoundrel Kay Vess.

Other key announcements include:

  • Cronos: The New Dawn, a survival horror game from Bloober Team, which will take players on a time-bending journey between a dystopian future and 1980s Poland on September 5th.
  • Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are making their debut on the Switch 2 on November 13th, offering fans a chance to experience these enhanced remakes with upgraded graphics.
  • DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO arrives on November 14th with over 180 playable characters and high-speed battles.
  • Borderlands 4 is scheduled to unleash its signature loot-and-shoot action on October 3rd.

Beloved Classics Get Reimagined

Nostalgia was a strong theme, with several fan-favorite titles getting modern updates for a new generation.

  • Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted will bring the beloved tower defense game back on October 23rd with new levels and HD visuals.
  • PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC modernizes the 3D platforming adventure of the iconic yellow hero on September 26th.
  • Once Upon A Katamari is a revived take on the quirky franchise, arriving on October 24th with online multiplayer and customization options.

A Disappointing Trend in Physical Media

While the lineup of games is exciting, the excitement is tempered by a growing concern for physical media collectors. The showcase confirmed what many feared: a significant number of these third-party titles will be released as “Game Key Cards.” This controversial new format for the Switch 2’s physical releases means that instead of containing the full game data, the cartridges often only hold a download key.

For many gamers, the appeal of a physical release lies in owning the complete game on a tangible cartridge, ensuring its preservation for years to come. This new approach effectively turns a physical purchase into a download code, requiring a full internet download and leaving collectors with a cartridge that is essentially useless without an online connection. Titles like OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, Persona 3 Reload, and Star Wars Outlaws are confirmed to be adopting this format, which is a disappointing trend for those who value game ownership and preservation. It’s a compromise that forces gamers to choose between a digital download and a physical box that still relies heavily on online servers.

Sports and Competitive Gaming

Sports enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to this year.

  • EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 debuts on the Switch 2 on August 14th, featuring new gameplay systems and dynamic weather.
  • EA SPORTS FC 26 is kicking off on September 26th for both Switch consoles, with new Manager Challenges and cross-generation compatibility.
  • Apex Legends will drop on the Switch 2 on August 5th with an exclusive skin for early players.

The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase showcased an impressive and diverse slate of titles, ensuring a steady flow of high-quality games for Nintendo users into 2026. This extensive lineup demonstrates the ongoing commitment of third-party developers to the Nintendo platform and sets a thrilling precedent for what’s to come.

Posted on

The Art of Battle and Craftsmanship in Blades of Fire

Stepping into the world of Blades of Fire, I quickly realized that I was about to experience something special. Developed by the acclaimed studio MercurySteam, this action-adventure game invites players into the role of Aran de Lira, a firstborn of the King’s Ward, caught in the midst of a kingdom where steel is turned to stone by the spell of the newly crowned Queen Nerea. With only the legendary divine metal left in play wielded solely by the Queen’s monstrous army my journey began not only as a player but as an adventurer eager to forge a legend.

Continue reading “The Art of Battle and Craftsmanship in Blades of Fire”
Posted on

When Mechs Meet Monarchs: My Experience with Bonaparte

Bonaparte – A Mechanized Revolution offers a fresh and intriguing take on the French Revolution, set in an alternate 1789 Paris where the Bonaparte legacy continues through characters Céline or César Bonaparte. This turn based strategy game tasks you with navigating a politically charged landscape, deciding whether to defend the monarchy, push for reform, or fully embrace the revolutionary spirit. What makes this game stand out immediately is its blend of political intrigue and tactical military combat, where you must manage armies, recruit soldiers, and command colossal mechanized units on the battlefield.

Continue reading “When Mechs Meet Monarchs: My Experience with Bonaparte”