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!

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!

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.

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.

Embark on an Epic Cycling Odyssey: Wheel World Gears Up for Global Release

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.

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Agefield High: Rock the School – A Nostalgic Dive into Early 2000s Teenage Mayhem

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.

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Sledding Game: A Deep Dive into Max’s Viral Creation

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.

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Pile Up! 1.0: A Monumental Leap in Vertical City-Building

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.

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PATA-PATA-PATA-PON! A Deep Dive into the Patapon 1+2 Replay

The steady, rhythmic pulse of the war drum echoes once more as one of gaming’s most unique and beloved franchises marches onto the modern stage. Bandai Namco and Sony Interactive Entertainment have released Patapon 1+2 Replay, a comprehensive bundle that resurrects the classic rhythm action-adventure titles for a new generation of players and returning veterans alike. This remastered collection, available now for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam, doesn’t just preserve the infectious charm of the originals; it enhances the experience with a host of technical upgrades and new features, inviting players to once again take on the mantle of the “Mighty” and lead the adorable, one-eyed Patapon tribe on their grand quest.

This release packages the two critically-acclaimed titles, originally launched in 2007 and 2008, into a single, definitive edition. It’s a celebration of a series that masterfully blended strategic squad-based combat with the primal appeal of rhythm gameplay. The core premise remains as captivating as ever: you are a deity to a race of creatures who live and die by the beat of your drum. Your divine intervention is channeled through four simple, yet profound, commands, creating a gameplay loop that is both immediately accessible and deeply strategic. This bundle serves as a perfect entry point for newcomers and a nostalgic, upgraded homecoming for those who first marched to the beat over a decade ago.

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Boxelware Unveils Aquapark Tycoon Demo on Steam, Plunging Players into Themed Water Park Management

Independent game development studio Boxelware, acclaimed for their ambitious space sandbox title Avorion, today announced the launch of an extensive public demo for their upcoming simulation game, Aquapark Tycoon. Available now on Steam, the demo offers a significant taste of the creative and managerial challenges awaiting aspiring water park moguls, complete with the intriguing introduction of “Theme Worlds,” initially featuring Pirate and Ancient styles.

This initial dive into Aquapark Tycoon aims to give genre fans a robust experience, allowing them to design, build, and manage their dream aquatic entertainment complexes. The demo release is strategically timed with the Cozy & Family Friendly Games Celebration 2025 (running May 29 – June 1), though Boxelware has confirmed the demo will remain accessible indefinitely beyond the event, ensuring ample opportunity for players to get their feet wet.

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