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The Legend of Zelda Series: Where to Start? Part 1
One of the longest-running franchises in video game history, clocking in at forty years in 2026, The Legend of Zelda is also one of the most diverse. Every game in the series has something unique to offer in terms of setting and gameplay. Our goal for this feature is to provide information on excellent starting points for anyone curious about this series and its numerous titles. The Zelda universe is one of excitement and constant transformation. This first half focuses on its first twenty years, from 1986 to 2006. If you are interested in the later titles, look forward to our second part, which will arrive later this week.
By Andi Privitere , Alex Fuller , Sam Wachter , Casey Pritt , Cassandra Ramos , Pascal Tekaia , Amaan Bhimani , Michael Baker , Jordan McClain , Ezra Kinnell , Matt Masem , and Kelley Ryan
A Brief Introduction
The Legend of Zelda series began with a man and a game of make-believe. A young Shigeru Miyamoto would wander around in the nature surrounding his family home in nature, crawling into caves and seeking out adventure. In 1986, The Legend of Zelda was born from Miyamoto's childhood exploration, and it would eventually become one of the most iconic and unique series under Nintendo's stewardship. With twenty mainline games and numerous remakes under its belt, the series has consistently innovated and experimented through each console era. Whether it was finding ways to utilize the Nintendo DS's two screens or Wiimote waggling, Nintendo constantly showed that they were willing to take risks with the series, even if it didn't fully pay off.
Zelda is always defined by that childlike sense of wonder and exploration across a wide world, usually Hyrule, but sometimes other fantastic lands. Rife with a multitude of oft-appearing races from the mountainous Goron and avian-like Rito to the aquatic Zora and forest-dwelling Kokiri, worlds are steeped in long-standing legends and filled with towns, treasures, fairies, and a variety of wretched creatures and enemies. When the forces of evil and darkness arise and descend upon the land, it is the duty of a hero embodying courage, who comes in many faces and across many times, but always as Link, to restore light and peace to that land. Usually wielding the blade of evil’s bane – the Master Sword – and always sporting a wide variety of magic and tools, players must navigate deep, winding dungeons while solving a multitude of puzzles. Along these adventures, Link is often in search of the divine Triforce, also wielded by Ganon and Princess Zelda, the three of whom are fiercely entangled in a struggle of good and evil that echoes eternally throughout the ages.
Given that there are so many Zelda games, it's important to note that there are multiple timelines, though in the grand scheme of things, they don't really matter all too much. Each of the games within the timelines has different gameplay mechanics or characters that are important, but not so much that the player will need to do a massive deep dive to understand things. The goal for this feature is to determine where the series' best starting points are, while also highlighting titles of interest and sharing how accessible they are now, their unique elements, and if they could be a potentially great game for a newcomer. There is always a debate as to whether Zelda is an RPG. We are not here to have that discussion. We're here to share why RPGamers love this series, and if you haven't tried it, why you should take the plunge!
The Legend of Zelda
Available on: NES, GameCube (via The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition ), Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Switch Online
The first game in the series is iconic for its one-liners and overworld, but its gameplay has since been outdone time and time again. Like many of its peers on the NES, it's cryptic at every turn and filled with enemies that deal serious damage and shuffle around the screen erratically. Meanwhile, dungeons blend together through their generic layouts and basic puzzles, even if they have a tense atmosphere and an air of mystery. Its refusal to hold players’ hands gives its world a unique sense of danger and adventure, but the price for experiencing that thrill is periodic confusion and frustration.
Beyond its flaws may lie a satisfying quest, but only for those with the courage to push through or the wisdom to use a guide. Though easily accessible through the Nintendo Switch Online service, newcomers should steer clear of it because of both its difficulty and its average quality which fails to represent the best of the series. Instead, it's something to come back to with a few of Link’s adventures under one's belt, after which its better parts can shine through and a greater level of respect for it can be found. — Amaan Bhimani
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Available: NES, GameCube (via The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition ), Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Switch Online
As the black sheep in the canonical entries of the series, 1987’s Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is certainly the most different of the bunch. Eschewing the top-down perspective of the first game and other 2D games in the series, Zelda II instead restricts the birds-eye view to an explorable overworld and adopts a side-scrolling mode for both combat and exploration in towns and dungeons, with some platforming mechanics thrown in for good measure. In combat, enemies can block, jump, and use high and low strikes, and Link can return these in kind. Further, Zelda II has action RPG mechanics that remain exclusive to this game. Instead of gaining strength through items, weapons, or hearts, Link instead has Attack, Magic, and Life stats, which are leveled up by defeating enemies, with each stat affecting his damage, spell-casting ability, or damage received. Accrued experience is reset upon losing all lives, with extra lives being another of Zelda II ’s unique features, making the later parts of the game quite a high-stakes adventure due to the possibility of losing all accrued experience.
All in all, Zelda II is an odd amalgam of later 1980s video game design, and is the game that is the biggest product of its era — the RPG mechanics evoke Dragon Quest , side-scrolling elements resemble Castlevania , and combat has a beat ‘em up style evocative of contemporary arcade and NES titles. Another part of its identity and product of its era is the game’s challenge: Zelda II is hard, and probably one of the best representations of the NES-era “Nintendo hard” difficulty. There are semi-random encounters on the overworld, with black silhouetted enemies that will surround and swarm Link. The overworld and the game’s backstory have an oppressive atmosphere, as well. Being a direct sequel to the first game, Ganon remains dead, but his minions seek to kill Link to retrieve his blood, which can revive Ganon if sprinkled on his ashes, resulting in one of the scariest Game Over screens of all time. Further, the core of the game’s plot sees Princess Zelda (a different one from the first game) cursed into a perpetual slumber, caused by her brother’s inquiries into the secrets of the Triforce; only by finding the Triforce of Courage can Link awaken her.
While the Nintendo Switch Online service offers the most modern and convenient option to play, original NES carts are relatively abundant and won’t break the bank, and GBA carts of the “Classic NES series” version can usually be found even cheaper. The game is also available on the GameCube’s The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition , though this can be difficult and expensive to procure. If players are looking for a hardcore experience and something different gameplay-wise, Zelda II is worth a shot, but beware, it’s not for the faint of heart… or courage. — Jordan McClain
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Available on: SNES, Game Boy Advance, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch Online
Released in 1991, A Link to the Past saw the series make the jump into 16-bit territory, with an entry that returned to the original’s top-down roots while also introducing a plethora of what would become franchise staples, like Link’s Master Sword, along the way. Canonically, it even predates the NES duology, though it is set so far in the distant past that it might as well be wholly standalone. The game sees a young Link awoken one stormy night by a telepathic call for help from nearby Hyrule Castle. Following his uncle, who also received the summons, Link frees Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil wizard Agahnim, who is attempting to free Ganon from the Dark World in which he is imprisoned. Link sets off on an adventure to find three magical pendants, which will allow him to wield the mythical Master Sword, the only weapon that can defeat Agahnim. Players are in for quite an adventure, particularly since defeating the malevolent wizard is only the beginning of Link’s quest…
A Link to the Past marks a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the series. As a distant prequel, it requires absolutely no knowledge of prior entries, while eliminating the contentious gameplay design choices of the previous installment. Aside from its huge gameplay influences on the gaming world as a whole, the Zelda series itself has continued using elements first introduced here. Gameplay is smooth, music is great, and the 16-bit sprites and pleasing graphics have aged remarkably well. It is also far more approachable than either of its predecessors in terms of difficulty, and cryptic puzzles and issues caused by poor translation are a thing of the past. It is a wonderful adventure that both young and old will be able to enjoy, which itself has seen a direct sequel in A Link Between Worlds . The game is also extremely easy to acquire, with re-releases over time on Game Boy Advance, Wii, Wii U, and 3DS, but is currently available as part of the Super NES Classic mini-console and is included as a Nintendo Classic via the Switch’s Virtual Console. — Pascal Tekaia
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Available on: Game Boy, Game Boy Color (DX Version), Nintendo Switch Online
Link’s Awakening is one of the most novel and interesting entries in the series, as it lacks the familiar setting of Hyrule and series staples like the Triforce or the eponymous Princess Zelda. Instead, after setting sail for a foreign land after the events of A Link to the Past , Link’s ship crashes and he finds himself stranded on Koholint Island, where he meets a strange, bizarre cast of characters — including Chain Chomps, Goombas, Yoshi from Mario , and even Kirby — and has to find his way back home by awakening a deity, the Wind Fish, on top of a mountain, by finding eight musical instruments.
If players are coming into the series and have absorbed elements of it by osmosis (Ganon, Triforce, Zelda, etc.), Link’s Awakening offers something relatively distinctive, with a peculiar, surreal atmosphere and characters unlike much of the series’ typical fare. Further, for those looking for a shorter adventure, Link’s Awakening fits the bill, being a relatively brief and straightforward adventure - much shorter than Breath of the Wild and less cryptic than the original Legend of Zelda on NES. Despite its brevity, a lot of love and interesting thematic elements, from paranoia to outright absurdism, are evident in the dungeon and enemy design. For players who choose this as an entry point, play the DX version of the game for the Game Boy Color, which is also available through the Nintendo Switch Online service. The original black-and-white version, which hasn't aged well, has yet to be brought to Nintendo's subscription service and remains on the original Game Boy. — Jordan McClain
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Available on: Nintendo 64, GameCube (via The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition ), Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch Online
The Legend of Zelda ’s first foray into the 3D realm produced one of the most noteworthy games of its generation, and one still often regarded as among the greatest of all time. One of the seminal titles of the Nintendo 64, the game heavily involves time travel and sees players controlling both a young and more grown-up Link, who is able to time travel by placing or removing the Master Sword from its pedestal. Another major innovation is the titular Ocarina of Time itself, which allows players to teleport, influence the time of day and weather, and more, providing ample opportunities to immerse players into its world and offering them new mechanics. There are many gamers out there who still fondly remember the songs and their effects.
Ocarina of Time demonstrates many elements that have since become commonplace, not just in the series, but in gaming as a whole. Its Z-targeting system has become a crucial part of many 3D games since, while its open world demonstrates an acutely impressive blending of exploration, puzzle-solving, and engaging combat that has remained a prime example to this day. The game’s level design also provides plenty of top-drawer experiences, including numerous superb boss encounters.
While playing its impressive Nintendo 3DS port is now much more challenging, the original Nintendo 64 version is readily available to play on Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service. It’s an important piece of gaming history well worth experiencing and a great place to start. — Alex Fuller
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Available on: Nintendo 64, GameCube (via The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition ), Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch Online
Although an unconventional first choice, this direct sequel to Ocarina of Time , which was released in the year 2000, may be an excellent introduction for the right person. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask follows Link on a somber quest to save the denizens of a parallel world from the impending fall of the moon in three days. Many familiar faces appear as alt-universe versions of Ocarina of Time characters. Still, this game offers a deeper exploration of the emotional lives of its cast, so they are no less interesting even if you don't recognize the callbacks.
Challenge seekers may appreciate how Majora's Mask refines mechanics established by its predecessor and raises the difficulty a notch. By design, it's hard to clear every dungeon within the in-game clock's allotted 72 hours; instead, players are meant to reset back to the dawn of the first day before the moon touches down, keeping key items that enable easy catch-up. Something of an acquired taste, this unique feature allows NPCs to move according to a set schedule, imbuing them with a lifelike three-dimensionality unprecedented for its time.
Please be aware that the Nintendo 64 version requires your console to have an Expansion Pak accessory installed. Much like Ocarina of Time , Majora's Mask is also playable via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. In 2015, we received a 3DS remake that largely remains faithful to the original, while introducing a few gameplay changes and its own brand of stylistic charm. Just steer clear of the GameCube version made available as part of The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition , rightfully maligned for its many bugs. — Casey Pritt
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages / Oracle of Seasons
Available on: Game Boy Color, Nintendo Switch Online
Those who enjoyed Link’s Awakening and seek a similar experience can’t go wrong with the Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons duology. Released in 2001 on the Game Boy Color, these games were the result of an attempted remake of the original Legend of Zelda . Because they are a late release for the Game Boy Color, they squeeze every drop of graphical fidelity out of the tiny system and are a visual treat to play through.
Why are these two games always brought up together? Because while each game is a standalone title, they can be linked together to make one long, cohesive Zelda experience. When one game is finished, the game creates a clear-data password that a player enters in the other game, changing some events, and creating a different final boss scenario that functions as the true ending of both games. Owners of the original hardware can even forgo the password that players enter and use a link cable to connect the games. In addition to the link functionality, playing on a Game Boy Advance unlocks an additional shop with some bonus items. There was going to be a third game, creating a trilogy with each game relating to a different aspect of the Triforce. Oracle of Seasons was about power, Oracle of Ages was about courage, and the third proposed game would have been about wisdom. However, this proved too complex, so some ideas from the third game were incorporated into the other two.
One might expect slight Pokémon -like differences between the games, but that’s not the case. Each game functions as a unique game, with the same gameplay and visuals as Link’s Awakening . Both games are packed with content, taking over twenty hours each to fully complete. They start with a similar premise, where a Sage of the Triforce is kidnapped, and Link must rescue them. The titles themselves hint at each game’s gimmick, with Oracle of Seasons allowing Link to switch between any season, while Oracle of Ages lets Link jump between two different periods in time.
Picking which to play first depends heavily on one's play style preference. Oracle of Seasons focuses on combat and action, while Oracle of Ages focuses on puzzles and story. Many fans recommend starting with Seasons and linking into Ages , as the bonuses from Seasons can help with the gameplay of Ages . Others recommend Ages first, due to the excellent story. At the end of the day, they are both amazing games, and either one makes an excellent start to the duology and the series as a whole. Owners of a Nintendo Switch have easy access to both of these games with a basic Nintendo Online account, though linking the two games is only available via password; but finding two cartridges that still have a functioning save battery is a far greater challenge. Given the prices of retro games, perhaps the convenience of Nintendo Switch Online is the better option. Either way, this duology is a delight to play. — Kelley Ryan
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
Available on: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch Online
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords is a truly unique experience in the Zelda franchise, sitting within the Vaati trilogy that includes Minish Cap and Four Swords Adventures . Originally released on the Game Boy Advance on the same cart as the Link to the Past port, it’s the rare Zelda title that was released in North America prior to landing in Japan. Featuring mandatory multiplayer, with two to four players exploring randomly generated dungeons, players must work together to surmount increasingly challenging goals, conquering each of the game’s “epics” by finding keys on the way to the game’s static final level, Vaati’s Palace. Players will need to conquer all three epics and complete a boss gauntlet to see the game’s full story.
Four Swords was later released as a single-player game for the Nintendo DS, as well as being available for download briefly on the 3DS. As of June 2024, the GBA version is also available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, with both local and online co-op play. As it required quite a bit of hardware and coordination to play — those who wanted to experience the game must have a copy of the game, their own GBA, and a link cable — few players have experienced the title, so while it’s a spectacularly terrible place to start your Zelda journey, it’s still a fascinating title to dive into for those with a little patience, and a few friends to drag along for the experience. — Andi Privitere
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Available on: Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Switch Online
In terms of gameplay, this 2004 GameCube exclusive is a solid Zelda experience, if not a terribly bog-standard one. The story begins with Link taking up the legendary Four Sword, which divides him into "four-who-are-one," to pursue a shadowy figure resembling himself. Anywhere between one and four people can take control of these Links, together tackling a series of stage-based missions. This is a departure from the usual formula of a solo player adventuring through an open world, but it makes for a good time whether alone or with friends. In multiplayer mode, each person controls the game with a GameBoy Advance connected to the main console and uses their GBA's screen to see inside caves and other nooks and crannies, allowing the party to move somewhat independently and keeping the TV screen clutter-free.
In an ideal world, Four Swords Adventures could be an excellent way for experienced Zelda gamers to introduce new players, particularly younger ones, to the series. However, this title has yet to receive any port or remake love from Nintendo, and acquiring a GameCube, a copy of the game, plus anywhere between two and four GBAs with the appropriate link cables is a bit of a tall order. Let's hope we don't have to wait too much longer for this delightful entry to be brought into the online co-op age! — Casey Pritt
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Available on: Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch Online
To say that The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was a polarizing game before it came out would be an understatement. When the game first showed off its cel-shaded, cartoony art style, many fans decried it for looking childish. Despite initial misgivings, most people who played the game thought positively of it and still look back on it fondly. Those same cel-shaded graphics are now seen as having aged well compared to more realistic games of the time. The gameplay takes what worked in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask and improves upon it. It also had the most involved story in a Zelda game at the time, with some memorable characters, particularly the pirate captain Tetra.
The Wind Waker would make for a great starting point in The Legend of Zelda series. It has all of the hallmarks one would expect of a game in the series: the Triforce, the Master Sword, Princess Zelda, Ganondorf, puzzles, dungeons, and various sidequests. The gameplay is more modern than in the early Nintendo 64 titles, with more fluid combat and being able to control the camera freely. While this game does reference Ocarina of Time , the callbacks are not intrusive, so a newcomer wouldn't feel like they are missing anything if they played Wind Waker first. The setting is something of a double-edged sword, as the Great Sea is largely unique to the series, and sailing can be tedious. The ocean is mostly featureless, and it takes a long time to get anywhere, even late in the game with the ability to warp. There is an HD remaster of The Wind Waker, which not only improves the graphics and implements some use of the Wii U Game Pad, but also adds the Swift Sail item, allowing for faster travel on the water.
While many Wii U games made the jump to the Nintendo Switch, no such port was ever done for The Wind Waker HD . The original GameCube game is currently available on the Switch 2, but only as part of Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack. Not only does this premium subscription tier cost more, but the game lacks the additions and improvements of the HD version. Regardless of how one plays it, it's an excellent game that can serve as a great entryway into the Zelda series. — Cassandra Ramos
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Available on: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Switch Online
Co-developed by Capcom and Flagship, The Minish Cap was first released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance as another fantastic iteration of the classic top-down formula established by series greats. This time, Link gains the ability to shrink to the size of a mouse, a whimsical power that both hinders and helps his quest by turns. For example, basic enemies our protagonist could normally best with ease now loom large and require boss-level efforts to defeat. Conversely, Link also gets to run along rafters, easily slip through holes in walls, and learn the secrets of the legendary pint-sized Minish people.
Beyond its hallmark mechanic, this game's combat, puzzles, and story were all clearly crafted with care. In terms of tone, it's not afraid to get silly — perhaps best epitomized by Link's grumpy hat, Ezlo — but stops short of full camp. Two decades later, the whole package holds up well. In addition to its original GBA release, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is currently playable with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. This title could make a great potential starting point for those who want something a bit fanciful. — Casey Pritt
In addition to all of the games listed above, we also have a small bonus section for some of the other earlier Zelda releases. The first part of this section covers the late 1980s cartoon series, which loosely follows the events of the first game and shares some similarities with the comic series released around the same time. The second part briefly considers the CD-i games produced by Philips Interactive Media in the early to mid-1990s.
The Legend of Zelda cartoon
Available on: DVD
For gamers of a certain age, the phrase, “Well, exkyuuuuuze me, Princess!” provides a certain (for lack of a better word) nostalgia. The Legend of Zelda cartoon ran with the Mario Bros. cartoon show for a season or two, providing a Friday afternoon anchor after four days of being hooked on the brothers.
Was it a good show? Most decidedly not. But for young gamers in the early elementary grades, it was fun. As we grow older now, we can look back on those years and wonder what the heck we were thinking, but the memories are weirdly enjoyable — as long as we never bother to look up either of these cartoon shows ever again. Some things are best left to the fuzzy haze of childhood.
But, with the promise of a Legend of Zelda movie in the nearish future, the cartoon series may yet see some payoff. I cannot have been the only person who, when sitting through the start of the Super Mario Bros. movie in 2023, immediately started mumbling along to its adaptation of the original cartoon’s plumber-rap intro theme as it played. There shall undoubtedly be some form of homage or easter egg for us to appreciate, and it might very well be an “exkyuuuuze me!” moment. We can look forward to that without ever looking back, however. — Michael Baker
The Legend of Zelda CD-i Games
Available on: Phillips CD-i
So you want to play the Phillips CD-i Zelda games...
Link: The Faces of Evil -- DON'T
Zelda: Wand of Gamelon -- DON'T
Zelda's Adventure -- ...different, but still don't.
These games are cursed objects that, when seen by the player, can never be unseen again. For your safety and others, consider saving a life by never playing these titles. If you're curious, watch it on YouTube , but even then... don't do that.
Thanks for reading the first part of our Where to Start guide on The Legend of Zelda series. We hope that it is useful and helps others enjoy a much-beloved series, and welcome readers' own thoughts on the best entry points and play order. Wherever one chooses to jump in, there are going to be many hours of enjoyment waiting for them.
The post The Legend of Zelda Series: Where to Start? Part 1 appeared first on RPGamer .
Dec 17
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Gets New Quests, Locations, and Characters on December 16thAfter receiving an emergency broadcast from Professor Medulin, players can venture to the Red Forest for hours of new story content.
Dec 15
Review: Forestrike Will Test Your Skills
Forestrike , a roguelike about martial arts fights and the power of premonition, sounds like it makes so much sense. Go on a journey. Enter basically your “mind palace” to work out a fight in your head. Implement it in reality, based on your foresight, to ideally survive and keep moving forward. If you manage to learn exactly what you should and do everything right. There are times it can be great! But when it isn’t, I’ve found it can be the most frustrating roguelike I’ve ever played.
A foreign Admiral placed Emperor Lun Liao under his spell, and Yu is one of the few who sees exactly what’s going on. As such, our warrior heads out under one of multiple Masters and Paths in order to deal with the Admiral and save the country. This means using the power of The Cold Eye, The Leaf, The Monkey, The Storm, and The Tiger to win, with only Master Talgun and The Leaf available initially. While you will head through the Moongate and practice using foresight to deal with the situation, you need to go through everything in reality, with no practicing, to understand the full scope of this political thriller and discover the truth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCbJLFTjgbo&t=1s
While it’s never guaranteed that a roguelike will feature a fantastic story, or even offer any explanation at all, Forestrike offers an explanation and intent. Granted, you absolutely need to earn it! (Not to mention, I had to unlock my favorite Master.) Which is frustrating due to the difficulty. After seeing the outcome, I do think it is interesting. However, I’m not a fan of a design decision that means you lose access to certain options once beating a run with them. I feel like narratively, more could have been done with it, not to mention I really liked certain run types a lot. I do appreciate how the narrative does tie in to the repetitious nature of things and explains the foresight ability.
When a Forestrike run begins, you choose a Master. This influences the techniques and moveset you get. You then head into fights against The Admiral’s forces. So an initial tutorial match will involve three enemies and Yu, with a task of surviving and perhaps accomplishing an optional goal for additional rewards. (For example, clearing it in under 10 moves.) Since Yu has three health and a heavy hit could knock out more than one, being careful is critical. Enemies come at you one at a time, and certain types have specific patterns you can memorize. You can use attacks or Techniques you’ve learned, and if you collected the right resources perhaps block or dodge an attack. When you win, you might get an active or passive Technique. These involve precise button presses and perhaps even resources. Once the first fight is done, you can see the map and determine which road (and experiences) you’ll face that run.
While Forestrike is a roguelike, in that we are picking a path, building a “deck” of moves, and should expect to try multiple times before we succeed, there are ways in which it doesn’t work like one. As a result, I feel like that weakens part of the experience. For example, the fights against foes felt random sometimes. I’d find myself in situations where I couldn’t win, even if I was doing things “right.” Also, unlike a more traditional roguelike, if you lose you don’t start off in a better place next time. You begin with nothing carrying over. As such, it can get incredibly frustrating going through an attempt. Things might go great and you’ll get situations that take advantage of your Techniques. But more often than not, I found myself outclassed.
I also felt like not all Masters’ paths were created equal. Some of them can be really cool and fun! The Leaf is a good start, and I enjoyed The Storm. The Monkey is my absolute favorite. However, I hated The Tiger, even though I really liked Buton as a character. Perhaps it’s just me, but it seemed like some were more creative and offered more opportunities for success depending on your choices and implementations of Techniques.
Forestrike features an interesting concept and aesthetic I appreciate, but can feel unbalanced. I happened upon many situations where I felt like I couldn’t win, which was even why it took longer to prepare this review. I like the story and the way some of the martial arts movesets work. I just wish it didn’t often feel like chance so heavily affected my odds of success.
Forestrike is available for the Switch and PC.
The post Review: Forestrike Will Test Your Skills appeared first on Siliconera .
Dec 13
Endnight Games announce Forest 3 at The Game Awards – and it’s even weirder than normalThe post Endnight Games announce Forest 3 at The Game Awards – and it’s even weirder than normal appeared first on The Escapist .
Dec 12
Forest 3 Announced by Endnight Games, Apparently Set on An Alien WorldFrom facehugger-like aliens to massive creatures, the apparent sequel to Sons of the Forest is going all out with its premise.
Dec 12
New Release Round-Up (December 11, 2025)
Welcome to RPGamer's new release round-up. In this column, we look to provide our readers with details on the major RPGs released this week. Please note we do not currently include Early Access releases where the game is still in development. Pricing is shown in US dollars before application of any discounts, local pricing may vary.
Angeline Era
Platform: PC, Mac
Publisher: Analgesic Productions
Developer: Melos Han-Tani, Marina Kittaka
Available: Steam , GOG.com , Itch.io
Price: $24.99 (20% launch discount)
Angeline Era is a non-linear 3D action adventure RPG set in a world of humans, fae, and angels. It follows ex-soldier Tets Kinoshta, who allies with angel Arkas Gemini to find the secrets behind the mothership Throne, which lays dormant behind a fierce storm. The game is said to last around twenty to thirty hours as players explore the world. It features a “Bumpslash” combat system where players automatically attack when they bump into enemies.
Mamon King
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
Publisher: LiTMUS
Developer: LiTMUS
Available: Steam , Nintendo eShop
Price: $12.99 (35% launch discount)
Mamon King is a monster-raising RPG similar in vein to the Monster Rancher series. The game sees players raise Mamons summoned from another world and put them another others' Mamons in tournaments. Combat features turn-based one-on-one battles, with 38 unique Mamons to summon and over 170 skills to use.
Netherworld Covenant
Platform: PC, Mac
Publisher: Infini Fun, CriticalLeap
Developer: MadGoat Game Studio
Available: Steam
Price: $19.99 (20% launch discount)
Netherworld Covenant is a tactical roguelike RPG with Soulslike combat. The game is set in a fantasy world ravaged by a catastrophic disaster. It puts the player in the role of a survivor, which is tasked with reclaiming lost souls and cleansing the world of its corruption. Players explore procedurally generated labyrinths, where they face off against corrupted heroes and demonic lords.
Potions: A Curious Tale
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (previously released on PC)
Publisher: Stumbling Cat
Developer: Stumbling Cat
Available: PlayStation Store , Xbox Store , Nintendo eShop
Price: $19.99
Potion-crafting RPG Potions: A Curious Tale puts players in the role of a young witch named Luna. She and her cat companion Helios explore seven storybook biomes while crafting various potions for offensive and defensive purposes as well as solving puzzles. The game's console release comes alongside the free "Temple of Spirit" update, which adds new endgame content.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (previously released on PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch)
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Available: Nintendo eShop
Price: $59.99 (free for owners of Nintendo Switch Anniversary Edition )
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world RPG that takes players to the icy province of Skyrim in the north of Tamriel. Players control a customised character known as the Dragonborn on a quest to defeat Alduin the World-Eater while also undertaking numerous quests and activities around Skyrim as they see fit. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game includes enhanced graphics and performance, as well as mouse control support, motion controls, and Amiibo support.
The Temple of Elemental Evil
Platform: PC (Steam release, originally released on PC in 2003)
Publisher: SNEG
Developer: Troika Games
Available: Steam
Price: $9.99 (10% launch discount)
The Temple of Elemental Evil is based on The Temple of Elemental Evil adventure module and utilises Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 Edition rules. It takes place in the Greyhawk campaign setting created by Gary Gygax, on a planet called Oerth, which has a 30% axial tilt, generating greater seasonal weather variation that is controlled by magic. The game sees players investigate a ruined temple outside the village of Hommlet that was dedicated to a demoness’s cult, where bandits have started appearing. The Steam version is said to build upon the work of the Circle of Eight and Temple+ modding communities.
Traveler's Refrain
Platform: Nintendo Switch (previously released on PC)
Publisher: indie.io
Developer: Red Essence Games
Available: Nintendo eShop
Price: $19.99
Song-casting RPG Traveler’s Refrain puts players in the role of Traveler, a lone wanderer searching for his lost love. Armed with his magical bouzouki, Traveler adventures through a forbidden forest, battling abominations, solving puzzles, and discovering the truth behind the ruins of a forgotten world within. The enchanted bouzouki allows players to unleash song-spells that blend magic with melee attacks into combos, rewarding timing and rhythm. In addition, its music is able to reveal pathways, shift the environment, and solve puzzles. Players also encounter allies and foes of both human and machine variety as well as multi-phase boss battles.
Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (previously released on PC (non DC version), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2)
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Ryū ga Gotoku Studio
Available: Steam , PlayStation Store , Xbox Store
Price: $49.99 ($14.99 for those who own original PC release)
Yakuza 0 is a prequel to the long-running Yakuza/Like a Dragon series. The game is set in 1988 and follows younger versions of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they are caught in a turf war between warring yakuza clans. The Director’s Cut version adds new story cutscenes, a new “Red Light Raid” online multiplayer mode with 60 unlockable playable characters, and English and Chinese voice overs.
Yakuza Kiwami / Yakuza Kiwami 2
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (previously released on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2)
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Ryū ga Gotoku Studio
Available: PlayStation Store ( Kiwami , Kiwami 2 , bundle ), Xbox Store ( Kiwami , Kiwami 2 , bundle)
Price: $19.99 individually, $29.99 bundle
Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the first game in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise. The game follows Tojo Clan lieutenant Kazuma Kiryu after he emerges from prison and gets involved in a search for ten billion yen stolen from the group. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a remake of PlayStation 2 title Yakuza 2 and is set a year after the events of the first game, seeing series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu dragged back into the world of organised crime.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (previously released on PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S)
Publisher: Owlcat Games
Developer: Owlcat Games
Available: Nintendo eShop
Price: $49.99 (10% launch discount)
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader sees players leading a ship of personnel as they explore the dangerous Koronus Expanse. As a Rogue Trader, players are given great leeway in their dealing on behalf of the Imperium, making decisions that have rippling effects throughout the universe. It has received two expansions, Void Shadows and Lex Imperialis (to be released on Nintendo Switch 2 at a later date), with two further expansions planned.
Where Winds Meet
Platform: iOS, Android (previously released on PC, PlayStation 5)
Publisher: NetEase
Developer: Everstone Studio
Available: Apple App Store , Google Play Store
Price: Free-to-play
Open-world action RPG Where Winds Meet is set in the years leading to the start of the Northern Song Dynasty in China (second half of the 9th century CE). Players take on the role of a wandering swordsman, who must choose whether to uphold their moral code or live for themselves in a time ravaged by fighting. The game features fast-paced, Wuxia -style combat, and implements many aspects of Chinese martial arts. Those looking to read more about the game can check out RPGamer’s impression from an early PlayStation 5 review build of the game.
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The post New Release Round-Up (December 11, 2025) appeared first on RPGamer .
Dec 11
Endnight Debuts Forest 3
One of the more enigmatic reveals of tonight’s Game Awards has proven to be a first look at Forest 3, the new game from Endnight. In the debut trailer, we see a spaceship-bound character, presumably returning to Earth, who is suddenly sucked through a portal or wormhole, and then crashlands on a dangerous and disturbing alien planet, filled with strange creatures and, in one case, a vaguely humank-like abominations.
There’s not much more to learn from the first look, but The Forest and Son of the Forest were received very positively by the community of survival horror fans, so there’s good reason to be hopeful about this new third entry. No word yet on a release date or platforms for the newly announced Endnight game.
Dec 11
The Last Of Us Co-Creator Bruce Straley's Next Game Is A Witchy Adventure Called Coven Of The Chicken Foot
Wildflower Interactive, the new studio formed by The Last of Us co-creator and game director Bruce Straley in 2022, has revealed its inaugural game: a witchy adventure called Coven of the Chicken Foot. Revealed during The Game Awards 2025, Coven of the Chicken Foot is described by the studio as "a single-player adventure about the bonding of an old witch and a peculiar creature as they attempt to fulfill a coven's oath." In the reveal trailer, we get a look at the game's unique companion-based gameplay where Gertie, the elderly witch, must work with an oddball creature to solve puzzles, overcome challenges, and platform through this vibrant world. Wildflower says your "creature-companion can observe, learn, and develop new behaviors based on contextual situations," but adds that the creature is a fully realized character with their own motivations, surprises, and interests.
"The dungeons have been plundered and the monsters long slain," a press release reads. "As heroes move on, an elderly witch quietly gets to work. Gertie has long awaited her moment to prove herself to the coven. Having pledged to counter the so-called 'heroes' and their unbridled pride, she'll require the assistance of an odd creature." Coven of the Chicken Foot will see players, as Gertie, venture into dark dungeons, lush forests, catacombs of fallen heroes, mucky bogs, and more, a press release says, but she's not your typical hero. "She won't be swinging swords or double-jumping her way past dangers," it continues. "Instead, she must learn to work with and adapt to her peculiar companion to survive." While Gertie talks and the creature makes noises, Wildflower Interactive says these two adventurers intentionally do not share a common tongue, adding, "Players are driven to discover the creature's true intentions themselves" and that "through environmental storytelling, [we] let the world itself reveal the narrative, inviting players to discover the story firsthand." Get another look at Coven of the Chicken Foot with the screenshots below: Coven of the Chicken Foot is in development for PC, but there's no word on when the game will launch. What do you think about this game's reveal? Let us know in the comments below!
Dec 11
Avatar: Fire and Ash Soundtrack: Every Song in James Cameron’s Sequel
Avatar: Fire and Ash is filled with an iconic soundtrack and two original songs to elevate the feel of the movie. Music composer Simon Franglen returns with lush sounds and a foresty feel that elevates the soundtrack from Avatar: The Way of Water. Ahead of the global release of the upcoming movie, here’s every song […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
Dec 11
Every Game Shown At Day Of The Devs – The Game Awards Edition 2025
The Game Awards may be one of the biggest events of the year, but I have just as much excitement from the indie event that precedes it, Day of the Devs. Seeing such innovative games from a wide range of indie developers makes me optimistic about the future of the industry, and this year was no exception. If you missed the latest showcase, here's a recap of every game shown in order of appearance.
Awaysis
Developed by 17-BIT
This physics-based dungeon crawler has you and a group of friends swinging oversized weapons in a variety of bright 3D environments as cute, bipedal animals, like foxes, birds, and frogs. Indie devs sure like frogs, huh? This "co-opetition" game has you battling alongside and against your friends, slashing through a level together and then swinging at your teammates when you come to the end. Awaysis drops next year on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Lucid Falls
Developed by Eldamar Studio
This horror game, steeped in surreal fantasy, has players navigating hazy forests, damp caves, and abandoned cabins to discover the truth of Lucid Falls. You'll also have a pyramid artifact you can use to alter gravity and a flashlight-like crystal, which we see used to stun enemies, Alan Wake-style. You can wishlist Lucid Falls, which aims for a 2026 release, on Steam .
Rockbeasts
Developed by Licthund
This slice-of-life game has you managing a band of humanoid, Bojack Horseman -like animals. The game combines rhythm mechanics, branching dialogue, and resource management to put the player in control of every aspect of the band's lives.
Stretchmancer
Developed by Triangle Wave
This adventure allows the player to push and pull walls and ceilings to distort rooms and solve puzzles. Wide chasms aren't a huge deal when you can just pull a distant ledge towards you, and the spaces between bars in a jail cell can become the size of doorframes if you stretch them long enough. I can also tell just by looking that it's a game that'll make me nauseous, but it's pretty cool nonetheless. You also play as a frog person. Indie devs sure like frogs, huh?
Virtue and a Sledgehammer
Developed by Deconstructeam and Selkie Harbour
This surreal, low-poly game blends action with trippy visuals and a somber narrative. You take a sledgehammer and literally destroy your past, breaking down the walls of your childhood village and smashing the robot inhabitants. That said, it's still a narrative-first game, with sequences of cinematic, interactive fiction.
Beastro
Developed by Timberline Studio
Beastro is part animal-run cafe, part deckbuilder roguelike. As you prepare dishes for the adventurers who visit your town, those adventurers go on quests and retrieve resources to help you better run your restaurant. I particularly like how the card-based combat is stylized to look like paper art held up on sticks.
Un:Me
Developed by Historia
In Un:Me, you play as a girl trapped inside her own mind with three other versions of herself – and it's up to you to figure out which one is the real soul and which are the imposters. As you wander through this mind palace, you'll also encounter different horrifying scenarios depending on which soul is in control of the body at that moment. Each person is afraid of something different, the creator says, and this is meant to represent that. As for me? I'm afraid of this game.
Soundgrass
Developed by Soundgrass Studio
This experimental music game was developed by a composer and sound designer named Marcel Enderle. While it also includes a "deep science fiction narrative" and "survival elements," the main gameplay we see is of audio-based puzzle solving; each plant on this alien planet emits a sound and can react to both light and noise. It's a little abstract and hard to wrap your head around on paper, but the gameplay trailer makes it a little more comprehensible.
The Dungeon Experience
Developed by BONE Assembly
When presenter Lauren Scott teed up The Dungeon Experience during today's show, she was at a loss for words on how to describe it. After seeing it myself, I completely understand. It's an "Adult Swim" type of game (think High on Life), with bright colors, goofy character designs, and a comedy-forward attitude, somehow escalating its absurdity every few shots. It's not super clear what the gameplay will look like, but it's also not really the kind of game you play for the mechanics, you know? There's an extremely drawn-out part of the trailer where the player presses two nipple buttons; depending on whether or not you think it was funny probably determines whether this is the game for you.
Scramble Knights Royale
Developed and published by Funktronic Labs
What if Link's Awakening was a battle royale? Scramble Knights Royale takes that premise and pushes it to the extreme, dropping players in a top-down world complete with dungeons to explore, bosses to battle, and special items to collect in order to prepare for a showdown when the obligatory battle royale storm circle condenses all the players to the center of the map. It also has a claymation aestehtic, which looks very charming.
Mirria
Developed by Carl Burton
The last time I played a spot the difference game was in a kid's magazine at my dentist's office. Mirria takes the concept and makes it much more sophisticated and atmospheric. You're presented with a collection of 3D environments mirrored at the base, and your task is to make the top match the bottom by turning on lights, rotating objects, and performing other small adjustments.
Big Hops
Developed and published by Luckshot Games
This 3D platformer is inspired by games like Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild, leaning on physics-based controls and items to aid in exploration. It also stars an adorable, cel-shaded frog – indie devs love frogs, huh? He can cling to walls, swing with his tongue, and use a variety of veggies to aid in platforming. It's been in development for a while, but it will finally launch next month on January 12.
CorgiSpace
Developed by Adam Atomic (Adam Saltsman)
If you liked the simplicity of UFO 50, this game might be for you. This is a collection of retro-style games made in PICO-8 by solo developer Adam Saltsman, bringing together a handful of 8-bit games he's been working on for "the last year or so." Complete with mini-Metroidvanias, Tetris-inspired titles, and a logic puzzle that uses dinosaurs. If you want to check it out, it's available right now on Steam.
Into the Fire
Developed and published by Starward Industries
Being a firefighter at a volcano seems like an uphill battle, but Into The Fire makes it look exciting. You're equipped with a firehose, an extinguisher shotgun, and water bombs to fight fires, along with a classic fireman's axe to break down walls if needed. It launches into early access sometime in the first half of 2026.
Dogpile
Developed by Studio Folly and Toot Games
Many elements of dogpile look familiar – it's got the same art style as Gubbins, it's got the structure of Suika game, and it's got deckbuilding and roguelike mechanics as well. Despite that, it comes together into something unique and charming that I really want to play – and lucky for me, it's out today.
Unshine Arcade
Developed by mardt
This game has you stuck in an abandoned arcade (Sunshine Arcade, with the "s" burned out) and is half twin-stick roguelike and half psychological horror. In the roguelike, you play as a frog in a UFO (indie devs love frogs, huh?), fighting off various alien enemies and getting upgrades from gacha balls. Meanwhile, you'll try to escape the creepy building, potentially with the help of a Tamagotchi-like pet in one of the machines.
Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth
Developed and Published by Hyper Games
Moomintroll, the lovable Finnish cartoon character some people think is on the verge of taking the world by storm , is starring in his own game, following last year's Snufkin game. In this story, Moomintroll wakes up from his hibernation before any of his friends and family, and has to explore a cold world all on his own. If you're caught up in Moomin mania, you can check out a demo today.
Demon Tides
Developed and Published by Fabraz
Inspired by the 3D Sonic the Hedgehog games, Demon Tides is a sequel to Demon Surf, promising more rail grinding and speed-based platforming. If it looks familiar, that's because it was actually shown at last year's Day of the Devs as well. Today, we got a new trailer, along with a proper release date: February 19, 2026.
Frog Sqwad
Developed by Panic Stations
If you paid any attention to this showcase, you know that indie developers really like frogs, and it's clear Panic Station is no different. This co-op game has you and up to seven friends scouring the sewers for food to bring to the insatiable Swamp King. You can swing with your tongue and eat food to get bigger, all while flopping around in a procedurally generated, physics-based playground. It will launch sometime in 2026.
Astromine
Developed and published by Alientrap
This survival game is set in a fully destructible voxel solar system. You can fly from planet to planet, set up bases, and fight monstrous aliens, which are also made of destructible voxels. There are even massive alien boss fights, which span the entirety of a procedurally generated planet and can affect the landscape. If that wasn't enough, you'll find rival robot factions building bases of their own, which you'll need to wipe out if you want to stay safe.
Find Your Words
Developed and published by Capybara Games
Capybara Games developed Grindstone, one of my favorite games of all time, and Find Your Words couldn't be more different, but I'm still very excited. It follows a nonverbal kid named Oscar as he helps kids around his summer camp. You solve puzzles and communicate by using symbols in a communication binder, similar to how nonverbal people might communicate in real life. It looks extremely cute, and it's designed by two dads of nonverbal kids who wanted to represent their children in a game. It'll launch on Steam in 2026 for free, and I'm very excited.
Xcavator 2025
Developed by Mega Cat Studios
The showcase closed out with Xcavator 2025, a game for the NES, of all consoles. It's a bit of self-promotion, given that iam8bit helped revive it with the Video Game History Foundation, but it's an undeniably cool concept nonetheless. It's a finished version of an unfinished game developed by Chris Oberth. All proceeds also go to the Video Game History Foundation , which helped us at Game Informer create our digital magazine archives , so it's all for a good cause.
Day of the Devs is a non-profit organization. If you'd like to donate to support future indie showcases, you can do so on its website . Which of these games (if any) do you plan to check out? Let us know in the comments!
Dec 10
FARMING SIMULATOR: SIGNATURE EDITION NOW AVAILABLE FOR NINTENDO SWITCH 2Farming Simulator: Signature Edition is out now on Nintendo Switch™ 2. Publisher and developer GIANTS Software delivers the most feature-rich and family-friendly farming experience for Nintendo’s latest console yet. Signature Farming Experiences From managing fields and forests to raising livestock and building a thriving agricultural empire, Farming Simulator: Signature Edition offers endless possibilities: Production chains, […]
The post FARMING SIMULATOR: SIGNATURE EDITION NOW AVAILABLE FOR NINTENDO SWITCH 2 appeared first on Capsule Computers .
Dec 9
Longtime Tekken Director And Producer Katsuhiro Harada Is Leaving Bandai Namco
Longtime Tekken director and series producer Katsuhiro Harada has revealed he will leave Bandai Namco at the end of 2025. Harada, whose credits include not only Tekken but the SoulCalibur series, Pokkén Tournament, and more, said he wanted to reach the Tekken series' 30th Anniversary, which happened last December, as a major career milestone and is ready to move on. He says he will leave Bandai Namco at the end of the year, but has been asked by the publisher to appear at the Tekken World Tour Finals at the end of January, and he will be attending as a guest. Alongside this news, Harada has released "TEKKEN: A 30-Year Journey – Harada's Final Mix" on SoundCloud, as he has always wanted to perform as a DJ at a tournament but never had the chance. "So instead, I will be releasing – for the first and last time – a 60-minute Tekken DJ-style nonstop mix (DJ mix), personally edited by myself, together with this announcement," Harada writes in his announcement post on X. "Listening to it brings back many memories. Thank you again, sincerely, for all these years." In Harada's announcement post, he talks about his love of arcade fighting games, his journey with Tekken and game development, and how he sought the advice of longtime mentor Ken Kutaragi, former CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, commonly referred to as "The Father of PlayStation," and "received invaluable encouragement and guidance," noting that "his words quietely supported me in making this decision." Alongside news of Harada's departure, the Tekken X account released a statement that says the following regarding Harada's upcoming leave: "Katsuhiro Harada, who has long led numerous projects including the Tekken series, will be leaving Bandai Namco. This comes as the Tekken series finishes celebrating its 30th anniversary, a milestone he deeply contributed to as executive director and executive producer on the franchise. Harada-san is making an appearance and meeting with the Tekken community at the 'Tekken World Tour 2025 Global Finals' Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) and Top 20 finals, held in Malmo, Sweden, on January 31 and February 1, 2026." The statement also includes words regarding the future of the Tekken series, and they read as follows: "To our fans, rest assured that we are fully committed to future development and content plans for Tekken 8. We will continue to take community feedback on the game and its content to heart to ensure that we uphold the vision and spirit built by Harada-san, dedicating our utmost efforts to ensure the legacy of the Tekken series continues as a fighting game franchise beloved worldwide. We express our deepest gratitude for Harada-san for providing us with vision and continued success over the years." On that note, Harada mentions in his announcement that, "Over the past four to five years, I've gradually handed over all of my responsibilities, as well as the stories and worldbuilding I oversaw, to the team, bringing me to the present day," so it sounds like the Tekken series is in good hands. Harada's Tekken journey goes all the way back to the beginning, where he was a voice actor for Marshall Law, Yoshimitsu, and Kunimitsu in the first Tekken. In Tekken 2, he voiced Marshall Law and Yoshimitsu once more. With Tekken 3 in 1997, not only did Harada voice Yoshimitsu and newcomer Forest Law, but he also directed the game. Since then, he's been a creative lead on the series through 2024's Tekken 8. You can read Game Informer's Tekken 8 review here . Do you have any favorite Harada memories? Drop them in the comments below!
Dec 8
DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER Free Download (Build 21048446 + ONLINE)DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER Direct Download: DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER is a cozy, 4-player online co-op jumpscare horror simulator about friendship and togetherness. Think of it as a fun haunted house experience with friends… except you’re in a huge pitch-black forest that might be cursed and may contain serial killers, paranormal activity, or wild animals. Or maybe… […]
The post DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER Free Download (Build 21048446 + ONLINE) first appeared on WorldofPCGames .
Dec 8
Who Is Joy Boy in One Piece: His Relation to Luffy, Explained
Joy Boy is a crucial figure in One Piece. He was first mentioned on a Poneglyph, which was read by Nico Robin at the Sea Forest. Since then, Joy Boy has only grown in importance. Not only is he a legendary figure, but he is also inextricably linked to Luffy, the captain of the Straw […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
Dec 7
No Wonder Madara Uchiha Feared Him: Hashirama’s Most Underrated Recon Ability Made Him the Ultimate Spymaster In Naruto
If you thought, “Wait, Hashirama? A spymaster? Weren’t they just tossing around forests and giant Buddhas?” then get ready. Of all the crazy stuff in Naruto Shippuden – big summons, Susanoo showdowns, tailed-beast nukes, Team Kakashi drama, Sasuke revenge plots, and endless filler – the scariest power in the whole series didn’t explode, roar, or […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
Dec 5
Silent Road, a Psychological Horror Taxi-Driving Game, Announced for PCIntroducing Silent Road, a first-person psychological horror game where you play a taxi driver working the night shift in a forested region of Japan known for an unusually high suicide rate and sights of supernatural phenomena. The further you get into the night, the scarier it gets.
Dec 5
Traveler’s Refrain Coming to Switch Next Week
Developer Red Essence Games and publishing platform indie.io announced a Nintendo Switch release for Traveler’s Refrain . The song-casting, story-driven action RPG -- which released on PC via Steam earlier this year -- will arrive on Nintendo Switch on December 11, 2025, priced at $19.99.
Traveler’s Refrain puts players in the role of Traveler, a lone wanderer searching for his lost love. Armed with his magical bouzouki, Traveler adventures through a forbidden forest, battling abominations, solving puzzles, and discovering the truth behind the ruins of a forgotten world within. The enchanted bouzouki allows players to unleash song-spells that blend magic with melee attacks into combos, rewarding timing and rhythm. In addition, its music is able to reveal pathways, shift the environment, and solve puzzles. Players also encounter allies and foes of both human and machine variety as well as multi-phase boss battles.
The post Traveler’s Refrain Coming to Switch Next Week appeared first on RPGamer .
Dec 4
Avatar: 15 Most Mesmerizing Flora and Fauna of Pandora, Ranked
Most of us may have come across the lush moon called Pandora after watching James Cameron’s Avatar franchise. But did you know that this place has expanded its magic through video games, Broadway shows, books, and other media? So now, we know more about its flora and fauna than ever before. From glowing forests to […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
Dec 4
Review: Harvest Moon Home Sweet Home Is Underwhelming
I just don’t know about the Natsume original Harvest Moon entries sometimes. Sometimes, we’ll get one that’s passable and seems to at least get what we’d want from a Bokujou no Monogatari farming fame, like Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos . But then it seems like all lessons learned are forgotten. That’s when a game like Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition comes up and feels so lifeless, shallow, and oversimplified that it offers no motivation to keep playing.
As in past Harvest Moon games, things begin with our avatar moving from the city to the country. In this case, we’re heading back to Alba at the request of a childhood friend. The town’s faded as folks leave for the lure of city life. (Which I understand, after seeing what the day-to-day looks like over a fifteen hour period!) This means tending some land, raising some animals, doing some light gathering, and fulfilling some fetch quests to advance the campaign, increase your stamina, and become a more adept farmer. While there’s also the idea that we’re helping the town grow in the process, that revitalization doesn’t feel as evident in Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home as it does in other farming games such as Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar or Fields of Mistria .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvWRsKieTRs
Part of this is due to the routine we develop and interactions we engage in throughout Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home compared to other Story of Seasons style farming games. We start with five hearts of stamina, and we only gain more as chapters go on and we get additional stamina. We go through our very flat and bland looking environments for our standard farming tasks. Part of this involves button mashing on field spaces to till the land and plant crops, since actions automatically happen based on context and don’t require switching to specific tools. Each day primarily consists of tending crops via planting and watering, then feeding and caring for animals. If you have energy left, then it’s off to town to check on requests or maybe to head to forested areas or water for gathering and fishing.
“But Jenni, don’t all farming games involve these tasks?” Yes, they do. But they also make it entertaining and feel worthwhile via better pacing, animals that don’t seem to get stuck on areas, NPC dialogue that makes them feel like memorable and interesting individuals, and incentives that make your progress feel meaningful like relationships, farm growth, and town growth. None of Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home feels worthwhile. Characters are flat and look very generic. I didn’t feel a drive to earn money and improve my homestead.
Images via Natsume
The generic nature applies to everything. In addition to reused assets from past Natsume original Harvest Moon games, such as the aforementioned Winds of Anthos , nothing feels implemented well. The lighting system and textures used makes items feel disconnected and not part of a cohesive world. While there is some effort to set the main character and love interests a part a bit, any other NPCs look incredibly generic and built from the same template. It sometimes feels like the character is running “above” the ground or floating, due to design decisions, rather than walking through the world. And because of the art direction, there’s a lot of open space and asset models that seem like they were purchased from a generic pack instead of crafted for a specific theme and this game. In Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar , as an example, it feels like everything is original and made to create a sense of flow and belonging, even though the animals and crops will look similar to ones in past games.
Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home also doesn’t feel comfortable to play. Tending crops sometimes led to me working on one I didn’t intend to or fertilizing the wrong one. The stamina system is terrible, and basically force you into only caring for your farm and perhaps talking to a few folks each day. While it isn’t too difficult to get Happiness to get through the chapters, earning it never feels satisfying. There’s so little to do and see, and that made me want to stop playing. Instead, I’d tend my farm each day, then immediately go back to bed. Even the overhead camera perspective almost made feel like that was forced into place to distract from the fact that the environments are so bland.
Images via Natsume
There are so many great farming games, and you should play one of them instead of Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition . Hell, off the top of my head I could recommend Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Dinkum, Fantasy Life i, Tales of Seikyu, and Fields of Mistria. Even Winter Burrow could qualify, since we grow mushrooms in the basement. This game doesn’t control well, has poor pacing, features a lifeless story, and looks so generic. Unless you’re 100% dedicated to playing every game with Harvest Moon in the game, I promise you that you can do better.
Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition is available on the Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
The post Review: Harvest Moon Home Sweet Home Is Underwhelming appeared first on Siliconera .
Dec 4
Winter Burrow – ReviewWe may officially still be in fall, but it already feels like winter. With the weather getting colder and the days growing shorter, it’s the perfect time to stay inside and bundle up with a cosy game or two. There is perhaps not a more appropriate time to take a look at Noodlecake’s Winter Burrow, a cozy take on the survival genre. Can this small tale of survival provide the perfect counterweight for the harshness of the season? Story Opening with a heart-wrenching premise, Winter Burrow tells the story of a little mouse that tries to survive winter on his own for the first time. His parents have died, and our intrepid little orphan returns to the burrow that he grew up in. Upon arrival, he discovers that the burrow is in a terrible state and his aunty, who was supposed to take care of it, is nowhere to be seen. With winter slowly but surely creeping up on him, our tiny protagonist has little choice but to restore his old home to its former glory, so that he at least has a place to stay out of the cold. And then there’s the mystery of his missing aunty to solve… Graphics There is a quiet sense of restraint present in Winter Burrow’s visuals. The game’s hand-drawn world is brought to life through subtle, understated animations. The color palette contrasts the harsh whiteness of the snow-covered world with warm pastel browns, effectively using these colors to convey the coldness of the outside with the cosiness of the burrow itself. This isn’t a game that is about visual spectacle or cutting-edge graphics, but it does a lot with a little, and it deserves every bit of credit for that. Sound There is no voice acting in Winter Burrow -mice don’t talk after all- but that doesn’t mean that the game’s soundscape is devoid of life. Whether it’s the swirling of icy winds or the crackling fire inside the burrow, there is a noticeable texture to the game’s ambience. This is supplemented by a soft, subtle soundtrack that feels fitting for the peaceful yet desolate winter forest setting. Gameplay By combining its core gameplay with farming sim elements, Winter Burrow makes for a surprisingly cozy take on the survival game genre. The core loop is familiar from the get-go: you find yourself in a derelict version of your parents’ old burrow, and with the coldness of winter creeping up on you, you need to get into action. Your first order of business is to get a fire going, and next is a place to sleep. That means going outside to gather resources, with which you can repair the broken furnishings of your home, as well as make new ones. The core gameplay loop revolves around you venturing into the wilderness, seeking out materials and using these to craft things. There is a constant sense of progress, as you unlock new crafting recipes, including ones you can find hidden in the wild, with the game gently nudging you in the right direction but still giving you ample freedom when it comes to deciding how you fill in “surviving”. Despite Winter Burrow’s cosiness, that “surviving” element is still fairly prominent. You’ll need to keep an eye on your stats, making sure you eat and sleep enough. While you’re out in the wild, the edges of the screen slowly start to freeze up, visually indicating the effects that the cold has on your mouse. You’re not the only critter living in the woods either, and you’ll need to defend yourself from other animals like hostile bugs -or even hunt them for food. It’s worth mentioning that Winter Burrow does have the option to turn off spiders, just in case you happen to be arachnophobic. Playing through Winter Burrow’s story takes roughly six hours, although we found that it is very easy to get lost in the plethora of things to do. From knitting different pieces of clothing for your little mouse, many of which provide bonuses against the cold, to tending to the mushroom farm you eventually set up in the burrow’s cellar, this is a fantastic little game to cozy up with as real-life winter weather rages on outside your windows. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want their mouse to survive the season, but wants it to be comfortable and cozy while doing so, then Winter Burrow has you covered as well: we didn’t need that hammock, as our mouse had a perfectly fine and functional bed, but it just looks so darn cute. We understand that Winter Burrow isn’t going to be the kind of game that is going to appeal to everyone, and the €19.50 RRP is a tad high to give this one a go on a whim. However, the limited niche that Winter Burrow appeals to will absolutely adore this, so if you happen to be part of this niche, we urge you to give Winter Burrow a chance. Conclusion As cold as Winter Burrow’s setting may be, this is the kind of game that warms your heart as you play it. Compared to the drama and bombast of AAA titles, the stakes are surprisingly low, yet because everything hinges on the survival of a little mouse, they couldn’t be higher. We never felt pressured to progress the story and were able to tackle Winter Burrow at our own pace. This is the kind of game that happily accommodates that mindset, and although danger is never completely out of the picture, Winter Burrow feels cozy first and foremost. It’s the perfect game to cozy up with, under a blanket and with a cup of tea or hot cocoa by your side, and at this time of year, that’s all we could ask for.
Dec 3
The ForestAs the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
