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.
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.
Future War Tactics: SOF vs Alien Invasion – Turn-Based Strategy is one of those indie releases that drew me in with its promise of tactical depth and a grim, near future plot. As a fan of turn-based strategy, I was excited to see how this title would carve its own niche. Here, I’ll take you through its world, gameplay mechanics, visual flair, and most honestly my personal experience with its strengths and frustrating flaws.
What’s up, skaters and gaming enthusiasts! We just got our hands on the freshly dropped Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. This Unreal Engine-powered remake bundles two absolute legends of the skateboarding genre into one slick package. Does it nail every trick? Not quite. But as an overall experience, it’s a solid, pick-up-and-play title that feels right at home on Nintendo’s latest handheld.
The Good Vibes: What THPS 3 + 4 Gets Right
First off, let’s talk about the flow. This game loads incredibly fast. Seriously, you’ll be dropping into your next session before you can even say “ollie.” For a portable console like the Switch 2, that’s a massive win, making those quick gaming bursts genuinely quick.
If you’re new to the world of grinds and manuals, don’t sweat it. The tutorial here is surprisingly in-depth without being a total drag. It teaches you the ropes, from basic movements to chaining combos, and it does it efficiently, so you’re not stuck watching endless pop-ups when all you want to do is shred.
And the stages? Oh, the stages! You’re getting a collection of iconic levels from both THPS 3 and THPS 4. From the bustling streets to the more outlandish locales, the nostalgia hits hard, and they’re still fantastic playgrounds for racking up those high scores. Plus, there’s a big selection of characters to choose from, whether you’re sticking with the legends or trying out some fresh faces.
Speaking of hitting hard, the music selection is absolutely killer! It’s a fantastic mix, blending those iconic tracks from the old games that’ll have you humming along, with some fresh new tunes that fit the vibe perfectly. It really keeps the energy high while you’re grinding rails and pulling off insane combos.
Finally, the short session times are a perfect match for the Switch 2. Whether you’ve got five minutes on the bus or an hour chilling on the couch, you can jump in, land some sick tricks, and feel like you’ve accomplished something without needing to commit to a marathon gaming session. It’s truly built for on-the-go play.
The Bails: Where It Stumbles
Now, let’s get real. While the game looks fine, the graphics aren’t exactly blowing us away. It feels more like a slightly polished Switch 1 port than a true next-gen visual upgrade. Don’t expect mind-bending textures or hyper-realistic character models. It gets the job done, but it won’t be winning any beauty contests.
The biggest kickflip to the face for many long-time fans, especially those who grew up with THPS4, is the altered campaign for Pro Skater 4. Instead of the semi-open-world, mission-based structure with character progression that made the original so unique, Iron Galaxy (and let’s be real, probably Activision calling the shots) decided to reformat THPS4’s campaign to be in the style of THPS3. This means timed sessions and a more linear challenge structure. As some players have pointed out, it feels like the “soul” of THPS4’s progression system is gone, replaced with “cookie-cutter arcade score points.” It’s a huge letdown for those who cherished the original’s unique approach, stripping away the free-roam and the satisfying stat point gains.
And speaking of annoying, there’s already paid DLC even before the game officially dropped. Mostly skins, but it’s still a bit of a bummer to see extra content locked behind a paywall right out of the gate.
Then there’s the physical release situation: no cartridge for Switch 2. If you’re a collector who loves having those game cards, you’re out of luck. The “physical” version is just a code in a box, which is a pretty disappointing move for a console that prides itself on its physical media.
Oh, and for those hoping for a robust online experience reminiscent of THUG2 or THAW, some players are reporting that multiplayer is completely botched and feels practically non-existent. So, if online sessions are your jam, you might want to temper your expectations.
The Verdict
Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a mixed bag, but ultimately, it leans towards the positive. It’s a fantastic way to revisit two classic skateboarding games with modern controls and a snappy pace that’s perfect for portable play. The quick loads and accessible tutorial make it easy to jump in, and the iconic levels are as fun as ever.
However, the visual upgrade isn’t massive, and the changes to THPS4’s campaign are a genuine disappointment for many veterans who loved its original, more open-ended design. The pre-launch DLC and the lack of a physical cartridge are also minor annoyances.
If you’re a casual fan looking for some nostalgic shredding on the go, or a newcomer wanting to experience the magic of THPS for the first time, this package is a solid, enjoyable ride. Just be prepared for THPS4 to feel a little different than you remember, and don’t expect a groundbreaking visual overhaul. It’s a good time, but it’s not quite a perfect 1080.
Overall: A nice package, perfect for pickup and play on Nintendo Switch 2!
Every once in a while, a video game achieves legendary status not through technical brilliance or big-budget spectacle, but by embedding itself deep in the memories of those who grew up with it. For me, Little Fighter 2 is that game. a cornerstone of my childhood and a constant reminder of joy, camaraderie, and shared discovery. With the release of Little Fighter 2 Remastered in July 2025, the door has opened wide for a new generation to experience what shaped so many of us, while longtime fans like myself are granted the gift of rediscovering a beloved classic with a fresh coat of paint.
The gaming world is abuzz as developer Messhof, renowned for their critically acclaimed Nidhogg series, alongside publisher Annapurna Interactive, unleash their latest creation, Wheel World. This innovative open-world cycling racer, a significant departure from Messhof’s previous work, officially launched on July 23, 2025, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, where it’s also available via Game Pass. Priced at $19.99, early adopters can take advantage of a limited-time 10% discount, making it an enticing proposition for both racing enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Refugium Games is set to transport players back to the chaotic yet charming era of early 2000s high school life with their upcoming title, Agefield High: Rock the School. This single-player, story-driven open-world adventure aims to channel the rebellious spirit of classic titles like Rockstar’s Bully, injecting a fresh, cinematic twist that promises to resonate with anyone who ever navigated the social minefield of teenage years. Currently in development for PC and consoles, the game places players in the shoes of Sam Tatum, a senior with one last shot to make their mark in a new town and school.
The game’s core appeal lies in its commitment to authenticity, striving to evoke a genuine sense of nostalgia through its vibrant aesthetic and a carefully curated pop-punk soundtrack that defined the turn of the millennium. From the moment players step into Agefield, they’ll be immersed in a world where every decision, from skipping class to sneaking into tattoo parlors, shapes Sam’s legacy. This isn’t just a game; it’s a meticulously crafted sandbox designed to capture the essence of youthful freedom and the pursuit of unforgettable memories.
The independent gaming landscape has recently witnessed the emergence of a unique multiplayer experience, “Sledding Game,” developed by the solo visionary, Max, operating under the moniker “The Sledding Corporation.” This title has rapidly ascended to viral status, captivating millions across social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram with its blend of unadulterated fun, innovative social features, and a touch of delightful chaos. The recent unveiling of a narrated trailer at the Open Sauce showcase further cemented its appeal, with Max himself elucidating the game’s core tenets: aimless enjoyment, immersive proximity chat, dynamic ragdoll physics, and an overarching sense of lighthearted silliness. The trailer also offered a glimpse into upcoming player customization options, including charming new animal characters such as a panda bear and an arctic fox, signaling a continuous evolution of the game’s aesthetic.
This burgeoning success story is a testament to the power of authentic game development and community engagement. What began as a personal side project for Max has organically transformed into a widely anticipated release, propelled by his transparent and engaging documentation of the development process across various online channels. The game’s early traction, evidenced by its significant viewership, underscores a strong resonance with players seeking a refreshing and accessible multiplayer experience.
The strategic city-building genre is poised for a significant evolution with the impending launch of Pile Up! version 1.0 on July 23, 2025. Developed by Remoob and published by Catoptric Games, this unique title has garnered substantial anticipation, evidenced by over 100,000 outstanding wishlists on Steam. Its full release is set to be a major event, featuring a prominent Daily Deal on Steam’s front page with a 50% discount, making it an accessible entry point for new players and a rewarding culmination for its dedicated early access community.
The journey to this milestone has been marked by strong media attention and influencer engagement, with outlets like Eurogamer, Automaton, and Game Developer providing coverage. Prominent content creators such as RealCivilEngineer, Blitz, and Wanderbots have also showcased the game, contributing to its growing visibility and community excitement. This widespread recognition underscores the game’s innovative approach and its appeal within the broader gaming landscape.
Dungeon Stalkers is a free‑to‑play third‑person PvEvP dungeon‑crawler developed and published by ONEUNIVERSE Co., Ltd., scheduled to launch in Early Access via Steam on August 13, 2025. Originally developed by Studio HG, the entire team has since been rebranded under ONEUNIVERSE, ensuring continuity in vision and execution.
The game marries classical dungeon exploration with extraction‑style gameplay: players dive into procedurally shifting dungeons, gather loot, fight monsters and rival players, and attempt to extract safely before time runs out, all while adapting to dynamically changing dungeon conditions.
