Video Game News & Reviews from hardcore gamers.
Etheria: Restart, developed by XD Entertainment (XD Inc.), is a futuristic, turn-based strategy RPG transporting players into the remnants of civilization preserved inside a virtual world. Released globally on June 5, 2025, it’s available on iOS, Android, and PC via dedicated client and Steam wishlist.
Continue reading “Etheria: Restart – A Deep Dive into XD Games’ Ambitious RPG”When a new collectible card game (CCG) emerges, it’s not just about the mechanics or the art it’s about the vision, the passion, and the journey of the people behind it. I had the privilege of interview the team behind Gear Slayer CCG, a free to play multiplayer card game set in the vibrant world of Aurellia. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into the creative process, the hurdles they overcame, and the unique features that set Gear Slayer apart.
A Simple Premise, Beautifully Executed
Spilled! is a charming indie title that invites players to unwind as they clean up polluted waters, recycle waste, and rescue adorable marine animals. Developed by a solo creator who actually lives on a boat, the game’s authenticity shines through in every pixel. The premise is refreshingly simple: there are no wrong ways to play, no timers to stress over, and no pressure to perform. You’re free to take your time, explore at your own pace, and enjoy the gentle loop of cleaning, upgrading, and discovering new areas.
The game is intentionally short, with a playtime of about an hour, but that brevity works in its favor. Spilled! never overstays its welcome, keeping the experience fresh and engaging from start to finish. The level selector allows you to revisit any area at any time, making it perfect for those moments when you just want to relax and do a bit of good for the virtual environment.
First Impressions and Core Gameplay
Warship Survival Demo throws you straight into the chaos of naval combat, challenging you to survive as long as possible against relentless enemy waves. You start your journey with a modest torpedo boat, navigating open seas that quickly fill with foes. The core gameplay loop is simple and fast paced: sink enemy ships, dodge incoming fire, and collect experience to level up your vessel mid match. The game’s roguelike structure means each run is unique, with random upgrades and scaling difficulty that encourage replayability.
The demo currently offers two game modes, including an endless mode where the challenge ramps up the longer you stay afloat. As you progress, you can unlock various ship types destroyers, frigates, battleships, aircraft carriers, and even submarines. Each ship class has its own strengths and playstyle, but in the demo, you’re limited to one weapon per ship, which restricts tactical variety. While the game promises permanent upgrades and a prestige mode in the full release, these features are not yet available in the demo.
A New Standard in Hotel Management Simulations
Hotel Architect, currently available in early access, invites players to step into the shoes of a hotel owner and architect, blending creative freedom with the relentless pace and pressure of real world hospitality management. The game offers two primary modes: a structured career campaign and a more open ended sandbox experience. In both, you’re tasked with transforming rundown buildings or empty plots into thriving hotel empires, all while managing the unpredictable demands of guests, staff, and critics.
From the very first moments, Hotel Architect impresses with its vibrant, cartoon inspired graphics and a soothing soundtrack that sets a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. The visual style is inviting, and the use of bright colors and playful animations gives the game a distinct personality a sense of “soul” that’s often missing in more sterile management sims. This charm is further amplified by the game’s attention to detail in both décor and guest interactions.
A Unique Fusion of Genres and Folklore
Into the Restless Ruins, developed by Ant Workshop and published by Wales Interactive, is a roguelike deckbuilder that immediately sets itself apart by blending dungeon building, deck construction, and auto battler mechanics, all steeped in the eerie atmosphere of Scottish folklore. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, the game invites players to not just traverse dungeons, but to design them, card by card, shaping both their path and their fate with every decision.
The game opens in Eorisdale, a misty, foreboding region that serves as your introduction to the mechanics and lore. Here, you meet memorable NPCs like the Hen Wife and the Wulver, who offer critical upgrades and card enhancements. The folklore influence is palpable, from the boss battles against figures like The Grey Man (Am Fear Liath Mòr) to the presence of the Harvest Maiden, who promises to grant your deepest desires in exchange for toil and risk.
When I first launched Undivine, developed by Brainium Games, I was immediately struck by its haunting atmosphere and minimalist pixel art style. Available now on Steam and Nintendo Switch, with imminent releases for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, Undivine positions itself as a dark metroidvania infused with RPG elements. The game promises freedom of exploration, rewarding progression, and a world brimming with secrets a promise that both intrigued and challenged me as I delved deeper into its abyssal narrative.
Stepping into Builders of Greece is like opening a window to the golden age of the Hellenic city states. As someone who has always been fascinated by ancient history and city management games, I was eager to see how this title balances historical authenticity, strategic depth, and modern gameplay sensibilities.
Stepping into the world of Mycopunk, I was immediately greeted by a universe that feels refreshingly original. The game throws you into the boots of the New Atlas Hazard Crew, a ragtag team of robot rejects hired by the SAXON corporation for one last shot at redemption. The premise is simple but effective: you’re an exterminator, but instead of pests, you’re up against a planet wide fungal catastrophe that has corrupted both the environment and technology. The game’s opening moments set the tone perfectly there’s a quirky sense of humor, a dash of corporate satire, and a vibrant, almost cartoonish art style that stands out in a genre often dominated by grim, muted palettes.
A Kingdom on the Brink: Setting the Stage
The Succession of Changing Kings places you in the fraught shoes of a monarch presiding over a crumbling realm. Once prosperous lands have withered, trade has vanished, and your kingdom’s brightest minds are fleeing for greener pastures. The game’s opening moments immediately set a somber, almost desperate tone, immersing you in a world where every decision could spell salvation or doom. The world building here is genuinely impressive; the writing paints a vivid picture of decline, and the cast of characters you encounter each with their own quirks and motivations adds a layer of intrigue and dark humor that keeps the narrative engaging.
What struck me early on was how the game’s humor and personality shine through even in bleak circumstances. The dialogue is sharp, and the events are peppered with witty asides and clever references. This blend of grim stakes and levity creates a unique atmosphere, making the kingdom feel both lived in and unpredictable. It’s a rare balance that keeps you invested in the fate of your monarch, even as you brace yourself for the next disaster.
