Video Game News & Reviews from hardcore gamers.
Short and sweet: the first gameplay trailer for Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown is now live.
This story-driven survival strategy game set in the Star Trek™ universe puts you on the bridge of the U.S.S. Voyager—and your decisions reshape both the ship and the crew. With consequences.
Love a character who didn’t make it in the original series? In Across the Unknown, you decide what happens.
Above Snakes is a new isometric world-building and survival game, developed by Square Glade Games and published by RedDeer.Games. Released on September 4, 2025, the game is now available on consoles (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X|S).
Continue reading “Above Snakes is an Atmospheric Adventure in the Wild West”
London, UK – Outright Games, a global publisher of interactive family-friendly entertainment, has officially announced its partnership with the NBA to release the upcoming title, NBA Bounce. Developed by Unfinished Pixel, this exciting new arcade-style basketball game is set to launch on September 26, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Outright Games as their first venture into the world of sports organizations.
The game is designed to be accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, offering intuitive controls and multiple difficulty settings. I had the incredible opportunity to get a hands-on preview of NBA Bounce with the developers at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, and I can confirm that the experience was a blast. The game lives up to its promise of fast, fun, and rewarding gameplay.
Walking through the hallowed halls of Gamescom 2025, I was invited to play one of the most anticipated titles on the horizon: Pearl Abyss’s Crimson Desert. In a world filled with countless promises of next-gen glory, this game is a refreshing splash of reality. I had the absolute pleasure of getting my hands on a 50-minute demo, a hands-on experience that was as generous as it was spectacular. It’s a true testament to the game’s quality that I left with not only a handful of memories but also an entire, uncut recording of my own gameplay on a USB stick. What a way to get a souvenir! It’s one thing to hear about a game’s stunning visuals, but another entirely to be able to rewatch and dissect your own awe-inspiring journey through its world.
From the very moment I stepped into the sprawling continent of Pywel, I was struck by its sheer scale and breathtaking detail. This is no static backdrop; this is a living, breathing character in itself. Rendered with meticulous detail by Pearl Abyss’s proprietary “BlackSpace Engine,” the world vividly experiences various natural phenomena, from dynamic lighting that shifts with the time of day to realistic weather patterns that can change in a flash. My demo took me from a chaotic battlefield to serene natural environments, and I found myself getting momentarily distracted from the main objective, captivated by a scenic vista of towering rock cliffs and majestic mountain ranges. It’s the kind of game where you might just forget your quest objectives for a minute or two, lost in the sheer beauty of a new landscape.
The gameplay, too, feels incredibly fluid and dynamic. Traversal is a particular highlight. Beyond the classic horseback riding where your trusty steed can be summoned to your side at almost any time, a feature I’m already emotionally attached to you can also take to the skies. The “Crow’s Wing” ability allows you to glide across the air, offering an exhilarating and efficient way to navigate the vast map. For those who want more maneuverability, the “Axiom Force” skill adds another layer to traversal, allowing for strategic repositioning both in exploration and in the thick of combat. Combat itself is a joy, offering a wide array of strategies that go beyond simple button mashing. You can fluidly switch between multiple weapons, from swords and shields to bows and arrows, and adapt your style to the situation. The “Axiom Bracelet” is a game-changer, enhancing attacks with elements of fire, lightning, and ice. I had a blast watching fire-enhanced arrows explode on impact and freezing enemies solid with an ice-infused sword, only to shatter them with a follow-up blow. For a perfectly balanced mix of finesse and controlled chaos, you can even fire an “Artillery Whistling Arrow” to call in allied forces to lay down fire on a designated location, which is incredibly useful for taking down enemy structures or clearing out large groups.
Of course, no game is perfect. During my demo, I had a brief but humorous encounter trying to get into a building to save someone. I spent a few moments trying to figure out if a particular door was an inaccessible part of the scenery or just needed a little more, shall we say, persuasion. But this is the kind of minor polish a game receives on its way to launch. It’s a testament to the game’s overall quality and stability that these were the only small hitches I encountered.
The narrative, even in the brief glimpse I got, felt rich and compelling, drawing me in immediately. You play as the protagonist, Kliff, who finds himself entangled in a violent rebellion after a fierce ambush by his enemies, the Drunken Black Bears. It’s a story of loss and reunion, as Kliff fights to get back to his comrades and allies, taking on formidable bosses along the way. I had a blast facing off against a massive Black Bear opponent, a foe whose sheer size rendered grappling skills ineffective, forcing me to rely on dodges and strategic strikes. Later, the final boss of the demo, Cassius Morton, was a perfect test of skill, wielding a mace and shield with deadly precision. These battles were not just tests of brute force but required strategic thinking. The moment I lifted a broken pillar, a result of our battle’s destruction, to deliver a finishing blow to Cassius, felt incredibly epic and truly highlighted the game’s dynamic combat system.
What truly sold me on the game, though, was the team behind it. The developers were on-site, super receptive to feedback, and genuinely enthusiastic about their creation. This kind of open dialogue with the community is what turns a good game into a great one. Overall, Crimson Desert is shaping up to be a monumental fantasy RPG. It’s a game that respects your intelligence, rewards exploration, and wraps it all in a visually jaw-dropping package. It’s the kind of experience that makes me excited to see what the future holds for this title.
The gaming world is abuzz following the announcement at the Future Games Show Live from Gamescom 2025: Katanaut, the highly anticipated action roguelite, will officially launch on September 10th. Developed by the solo indie studio Voidmaw LLC, this game promises a brutal and beautiful blend of high-octane combat and unsettling mystery. Its release on Steam marks the culmination of a dedicated development process, with the PC version now feature-complete and ready for players to dive into its pixelated carnage. The studio has also hinted at plans to bring the game to consoles in the future, expanding its reach beyond the PC platform.
This eagerly awaited title draws inspiration from classic metroidvania and 2D action-platformers, but molds them into a distinct and unforgiving roguelite experience. The game is set aboard a massive space station that has fallen prey to a mysterious calamity. Players step into the shoes of a lone protagonist tasked with navigating this doomed vessel, where once-human inhabitants have been twisted into monstrous horrors. The narrative and environmental design work in tandem to create a palpable sense of dread, as the station’s halls and sectors slowly contort and warp the deeper you venture.
At its core, Katanaut offers a punishingly difficult combat system reminiscent of soulslike games, where every encounter is a high-stakes duel. Success is not guaranteed by brute force but by a combination of quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and precise execution. The game’s combat mechanics are designed to be fluid and responsive, allowing for a wide range of offensive and defensive maneuvers. Players will be able to utilize a diverse arsenal of unlockable melee weapons, guns, and even magic-like abilities. This variety is a key technical feature, encouraging players to experiment with different weapon combinations and builds, from aggressive close-quarters brawling to more tactical, ranged engagements.
The game’s replayability is driven by its unique blend of handcrafted and procedurally generated levels. This ensures that no two playthroughs are exactly alike. One run might present a straightforward path with manageable enemy encounters, while the next could be an intense gauntlet of unexpected challenges and ambushes. This procedural element adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, forcing players to adapt on the fly rather than relying on memorized layouts. The sheer number of unlockable items, skills, and perks further enhances this dynamic, offering a vast progression system that rewards exploration and persistence. Every death is designed not as a setback, but as an opportunity to learn and evolve, allowing players to refine their strategies and uncover new synergies between their chosen abilities.
Visually, Katanaut is a masterclass in pixel-perfect design. Every element, from the intricate character sprites to the expansive and unsettling environments, has been meticulously crafted by hand. This deliberate aesthetic choice creates a nostalgic yet modern visual style that perfectly captures the unsettling beauty of the game’s cosmic nightmare setting. The attention to detail is evident in the subtle animations, environmental storytelling, and the grotesque designs of the mutated enemies. The pixel art isn’t just for looks; it serves to heighten the atmosphere and immerse players in this dark, dystopian world.
Complementing the stunning visuals is a captivating synthwave soundtrack. Composed by a single, immensely talented musician, the score is more than just background music; it’s an integral part of the game’s identity. The soundtrack’s pulsing rhythms and atmospheric synths heighten the energy of every battle, creating a sense of urgency and chaos. Simultaneously, it effectively paints the somber and eerie atmosphere of the space station’s darkest corners. This sonic landscape enhances the emotional impact of the gameplay, transitioning from frantic, adrenaline-fueled tracks during combat to more minimalist, tension-building melodies as you explore the desolate corridors.
Katanaut arrives on Steam on September 10th as a formidable action roguelite that skillfully merges classic genre elements with modern, technical depth. Voidmaw LLC has crafted an experience defined by its challenging, souls-like combat, diverse build options, and a procedural level design that ensures endless replayability. The game’s unique pixel art style and immersive synthwave soundtrack combine to create a deeply atmospheric and visually striking world. For players who relish high-stakes combat and are ready to confront a cosmic nightmare, Katanaut promises a challenging and rewarding journey. The available demo offers a glimpse into this intense world, inviting players to test their mettle before the full launch. With its a commitment to quality and a passion for the genre, Katanaut is poised to make a significant impact on the indie gaming scene.
Outright Games and Universal Products & Experiences have lifted the veil on a new gameplay trailer for DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party, an upcoming video game for consoles and PC. This title, inspired by the wildly successful streaming series Gabby’s Dollhouse and the soon-to-be-released theatrical film, promises to bring the whimsical world of Gabby, Pandy Paws, and their feline friends to interactive life. The game is set to launch on September 19, 2025, for a wide range of platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
This new reveal offers a detailed look into the magical dollhouse, showcasing a vibrant array of activities and environments designed to capture the spirit of the show. Players can join Gabby and Pandy Paws as they journey through the dollhouse to throw the ultimate party. The game is built around a progressive unlocking system, where players explore new worlds and activities as they advance. This includes visiting the Crafting World with Mama and Baby Box, dancing with DJ Catnip on Caturn, and baking delicious treats with Cakey in Sweet Treat Mountain. These worlds are not just static backdrops; they are packed with unique challenges and surprises that directly mirror the beloved episodes from the series.
The gameplay trailer highlights the game’s core mechanics and design philosophy, which emphasizes accessibility and creative fun. A key feature is the inclusion of over 40 mini-games scattered throughout the dollhouse, adding significant replay value. These bite-sized experiences range from rhythm challenges and crafting tasks to carnival-style attractions, ensuring there’s something to appeal to every type of young player. The developers have clearly focused on creating a variety of engaging activities that are both fun and easy to understand.
A notable design choice, and one we truly appreciated when we had the chance to play with the developers at Gamescom, is the control scheme and character movement. The game features simplified, accessible controls that make it easy for young children to pick up and play without frustration. This is particularly evident in the way Gabby navigates the environment. The character moves in a 2D plane rather than a complex 3D space, which makes traversing the screen and interacting with objects intuitive and straightforward for younger gamers. This thoughtful design consideration demonstrates the amount of care and attention that went into making the game truly accessible and enjoyable for its target audience.
The game builds on the incredible success of the Gabby’s Dollhouse series, which has become a global phenomenon since its debut in 2021. Created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, the show has consistently been a top performer on Netflix, with Nielsen data from this year showing it as the most-viewed streaming original series for kids. The series’ popularity has led to its expansion into a comprehensive franchise, including an award-winning toy line, extensive publishing, and even appearances at Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks.
This game, along with the upcoming theatrical release Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, marks a significant expansion of the IP. The film, directed by Ryan Crego and produced by Steven Schweickart, boasts an all-star cast, including Laila Lockhart Kraner returning as Gabby, with new additions like four-time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan as Grandma Gigi and Oscar nominee Kristen Wiig as the eccentric cat lady Vera. The movie’s plot sees Gabby on a road trip that leads to a quest to save her cherished dollhouse, setting the stage for a grand cinematic adventure that complements the game’s narrative.
A central theme in Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is local two-player co-op gameplay. This feature encourages families and friends to play together, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared fun. The game allows for customizable characters, letting players personalize their experience and further immerse themselves in the dollhouse world. The ability to play side-by-side with a friend or family member is a crucial element that aligns with the series’ core message of friendship and collaborative fun.
The game’s design is heavily rooted in the “growth mindset” philosophy of the series, which encourages flexible thinking and learning from mistakes. This is integrated into the gameplay through various challenges and activities that require problem-solving and creative expression. Whether it’s baking a cake, creating a craft, or solving a puzzle, the game provides a safe and encouraging environment for kids to experiment and learn. The inclusion of co-op play elevates this, as players can work together to overcome obstacles and celebrate their successes, reinforcing positive social interactions.
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is shaping up to be a must-play experience for families, offering a faithful and engaging adaptation of the beloved series. From its vibrant environments and diverse mini-games to its thoughtful, accessible design, the game is a true celebration of imagination, creativity, and friendship. The new gameplay footage gives a promising glimpse into a world where players can explore, create, and party with Gabby and her friends, making magical memories together. It’s clear that Outright Games, in collaboration with Universal, has poured a lot of heart into this project, ensuring it lives up to the playful spirit of the source material.
The Rusty Lake universe is expanding once again, and this time, it’s taking us back to where it all began. During the highly anticipated Future Games Show, indie development studio Rusty Lake lifted the veil on their new premium title, Servant of the Lake. This new point-and-click puzzle adventure is a return to the series’ roots, both literally and thematically, and promises to deliver the same surreal, unsettling atmosphere that has captivated millions of players worldwide. The announcement came with a brand-new trailer and a highly immersive, real-world demo experience at Gamescom, which we were lucky enough to get a hands-on look at.
The game’s setting is a major point of interest for long-time fans. Servant of the Lake is set within the infamous Vanderboom house, a location central to the lore of Rusty Lake: Roots. The game takes place during the era of Aldous and William Vanderboom, placing players in the shoes of a new housekeeper at the estate. This narrative choice is a deliberate and masterful move by the developers, allowing them to delve deeper into the complex and twisted history of the Vanderboom family. The time period is a significant one, as it precedes many of the events chronicled in Roots, offering a fresh perspective on the family’s origins and the mysterious rituals that govern their lives. As a housekeeper, the player will be tasked with seemingly mundane chores like “straightening the family portraits” and “doing the laundry,” but as is characteristic of the series, these simple tasks will inevitably give way to “complex experiments” and a far more sinister reality. This blend of the ordinary and the surreal is a hallmark of the Rusty Lake design philosophy and is perfectly suited for a narrative that explores the psychological decay of a family line.
The game’s narrative will weave a dark, intricate tapestry of events that happened decades before Rusty Lake: Roots. Players will get to explore each room of the Vanderboom house, not as a casual observer, but as an active participant in the unfolding drama. The central mystery revolves around the housekeeper’s goal: “Can you survive the weekend?” This simple question sets the stage for a tense, puzzle-driven adventure where every solved riddle brings the player closer to a chilling truth. The developers have a proven track record of creating a rich web of interconnected stories, and Servant of the Lake is poised to fill in a crucial piece of the larger Rusty Lake universe.
Rusty Lake has always been celebrated for its distinctive visual and puzzle design, and Servant of the Lake appears to be a continuation of this tradition. The game is a classic single-player, point-and-click adventure, a genre that has seen a resurgence in the indie scene. The game’s engine and underlying mechanics are built to support a narrative-first experience, with puzzles tightly integrated into the story progression. Unlike many adventure games that feature combat or action-based challenges, the Rusty Lake series focuses exclusively on puzzle-solving and exploration, a decision that allows for a more contemplative and atmospheric experience. The puzzles themselves range from logical and mechanical to abstract and symbolic, often requiring players to think outside the box and connect disparate pieces of information.
The technical specifications for the game are designed to ensure broad accessibility. The game will be available on Steam for PC, as well as on iOS and Android, indicating a design that scales well across different platforms. The minimum system requirements are modest, with a recommended processor of 2.4GHz Dual Core and 1GB of RAM for PC, and 200MB of RAM for macOS, ensuring that a wide range of devices can run the game without issue. The game’s 2D, hand-drawn art style is not only aesthetically pleasing but also allows for a small file size, contributing to its accessibility. The intricate, often unsettling artwork is a key component of the game’s atmosphere, drawing players into the strange and surreal world of Rusty Lake.
The reveal of Servant of the Lake was not confined to a digital trailer; Rusty Lake created a truly standout experience at Gamescom. At the Indie Arena Booth, they constructed a life-sized, ornate carriage, a replica of one of the game’s iconic elements. This immersive setup was a stroke of genius, allowing convention-goers to step directly into the game’s world. We saw the booth during our time at Gamescom and were immediately drawn in by its unique and atmospheric design. The life-sized carriage served as the hub for a playable demo, offering a tangible connection to the game’s haunting narrative. The developers also orchestrated a real-world mystery, inviting attendees to “hunt for clues across the show floor to turn in for Rusty Lake merch.” This interactive element extended the game’s puzzle-solving philosophy into the real world, creating a memorable and engaging experience for fans.
The game and its booth were so well-received that Servant of the Lake has been nominated for both ‘Best Mobile Game’ and ‘Best Booth’ at the 2025 Gamescom Awards. These nominations are a testament to the developers’ commitment to quality and innovation, not just in their game design, but in their marketing and fan engagement as well. The immense community support is also evident from the comments on the announcement, with fans expressing excitement and longing to play the game on their preferred platforms, including queries about Google Play and Chinese app markets. The combination of a strong game concept and an exceptional, interactive presence at a major gaming event has positioned Servant of the Lake as one of the most anticipated indie titles of the coming year.
Servant of the Lake represents a significant return to the core of the Rusty Lake universe. By placing players in the historic Vanderboom house during a critical period, the game promises to enrich the series’ lore while delivering the signature surreal puzzles and atmospheric storytelling fans have come to love. The developers’ innovative approach to their Gamescom booth, creating a life-sized, immersive carriage, not only garnered industry recognition but also provided an unforgettable, hands-on experience for attendees. This new title, with its focus on classic point-and-click mechanics and its deep connection to the existing narrative, is set to be another compelling chapter in the ever-expanding and mysterious world of Rusty Lake. We can’t wait to see what secrets the Vanderboom estate holds when the full game is released.
Indie publisher Bold Head Interactive and developer Pentapaw Studios have launched Yarn Guardians, a spirited 2D twin stick action adventure available from august 14th on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Nintendo Switch. Stepping in as one of five quirky, flying cat “Guardians,” players explore lush, hand drawn fantasy biomes packed with secrets, whimsical NPCs, and larger than life boss encounters. The game’s art style and original soundtrack by Void Omen add charm and depth, making Yarn Guardians an eye catching title for both gamers and industry professionals.
Blood Strike, the mobile and PC battle royale shooter from developer and publisher NetEase Games, just received a major content drop on August 15. Engineered for speed and excitement, Blood Strike thrusts players into high density firefights across diverse maps, offering quick matches, intense respawns, and a play anywhere experience. The game is free to play and easily accessible for Android, iOS, and PC. Making it a perfect case study for high performance, mass market gaming.
Written by Hamudi Mhamamid
Stepping into the world of Killing Floor 3 transports me back to those golden days of 2014 gaming, where frenzied team based shooters like Left 4 Dead and Call of Duty Zombies kept me glued to my seat. Set in 2091, the game thrusts you into the role of a Nightfall operative, fighting alongside up to five teammates against the relentless waves of Horzine’s monstrous zeds. That familiar sense of escalating tension paired with frantic strategies instantly hooked me, a beautiful blend of nostalgia and fresh challenges that never lets up.
What I love most is how Killing Floor 3 captures that classic round based intensity without trying to reinvent the wheel. The AI-driven zeds have been smartly redesigned to be faster, deadlier, and more tactical, making each encounter pulse acing and unpredictable. But it’s the raw excitement of facing these creatures with a squad that truly shines, the adrenaline while coordinating your attacks, rushing to revive fallen teammates, and managing resources is just electric.
