The Forest News & Guide & Mods

All News

Sentenced to Be a Hero Animation Studio Has Also Made These 5 Underrated Classics Sentenced to Be a Hero, a new anime that started airing on January 3, 2026, earned an overwhelmingly positive response. The first episode, Punishment: Kuvunji Forest Withdrawal Support, has been rated 9.4 on IMDb. As it turns out, this is not the only masterpiece created by Studio KAI. Following is the list of the top […] This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire

Jan 6

DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER Free Download (Build 21083898 + Online)DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER Direct Download A very simple co-op jumpscare horror experience where you and friends walk through a pitch black forest and try to stay quiet. Reach 8:00 AM without screaming or making a loud noise, or everyone dies. You will scream, shout, and probably laugh. FINAL FANTASY II Free Download WHAT YOU DO […] The post DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER Free Download (Build 21083898 + Online) first appeared on WorldofPCGames .

Jan 5

Hating Cancer and The Cutthroat Catharsis of Total Chaos As a teenager, I watched my grandma fight and defeat breast cancer. For over a decade, my family smiled through every milestone, whether it was a birthday, an anniversary, or something else, happy my grandma could be a part of it. My wife and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into this world earlier this year and my grandma hasn’t met her. She never will, because in 2023, she died due to returning cancer complications, and I wasn’t there. I was in France for a work trip, and I still so vividly remember the call I got that terrible evening. I remember the once delightful smells of the noodles before me, which quickly turned nauseating; I remember telling my coworker I had to leave, recognizing that he instantly knew what I had learned; I remember seeing a sunset so beautiful that words don’t do it justice, as if grandma was telling me, “I’m better now,” on my way back to the hotel, where I’d spend hours crying, wishing I could see her one more time, wishing I could squeeze cancer like a rotting orange, ridding this earth of its putrid juices. Wesley and his Grandma I have always hated cancer – it takes and it takes and it kills and it infects and it taints and it threatens indiscriminately. I like to believe my grandma is in a better place, wherever or whatever that might be; surely she’s not suffering anymore, right? But she did at one time, and my grandpa, who has since told me countless times he’s ready to depart from this world to see her again, does, and my mom, who slowly watched her mom fight relentlessly a battle she’d eventually lose, does, and I do. Still, I have always hated cancer, but now I really, really hate cancer. The rest of the this piece contains spoilers for Total Chaos Total Chaos is a horror game in all the ways the genre typically entails. There’s blood and gore and monsters and jump scares and terror. But Total Chaos is also a catharsis, letting me take all manner of makeshift weaponry straight to the heart of a rot. Every thwack and swing, every gunshot, brought a smile to my face as I ripped through a mysterious disease rotting Tyler, both the protagonist and antagonist, to the core as he battles cancer, depression, and the recklessness with which those diseases affect not just the diagnosed, but everyone in its blast radius. Fort Oasis was once a vibrant mining town that Tyler and his wife called home. But home became a cage for Tyler and his wife, the former unable to leave this now-decrepit place, the latter desperate to return to the mainland and be closer to family. Critically, she also cannot take the pain of watching Tyler’s cancer and subsequent depression morph him into someone unrecognizable, someone capable of crafting together sticks, rocks, nails, and hammer heads into weapons of destruction that he uses to lay waste to the cancerous hordes stumbling through Fort Oasis. These hordes consist of a few types of enemies that all blend into a lifeless amalgamation of blood, gore, and muscular atrophy. I could criticize this, but cancer is lifeless – void of the humanity which it feasts on – and so their design is apt. Like cancer, they are once recognizable conglomerations of cells that have become something I care not to give the space to breathe, and so I hack away at every. single. one. The game often encourages me to run ahead to safety; instead, I recklessly use each item in my inventory to guarantee every monster stays down and dead forever, bashing lifeless bodies long dead as I imagine each as a cell unable to stop growing, like the ones that attempted to desecrate my grandma’s beautiful soul. This is a horror game for them, but not for me. It is catharsis. Like the enemies my hatred gorges on, maze-like levels shed their mystery and become my stomping grounds for catastrophe. I search every nook and cranny for crafting supplies, medkits, and rotten food to continue my insatiable appetite so that the beatings can continue. Total Chaos is a constant fight between a game with mechanics like health, hunger, and bleed, and my desire to kill just one more monster in her name. Throughout my 12 hours with Total Chaos, Tyler’s voice morphs into a melody encouraging me to go on. I’m reminded of the countless times I squeezed my grandma’s hand, asking – no, begging – her to keep fighting. And she did, for me, so I did, for Tyler. She just wanted to be free. He just wanted to be free. Defeating cancer is to outlast that poison. Cells scream in agony as chemo ends their torment, but so, too, does the rest of the body. Defeating cancer is to outlast those cells, for as the poison kills them, it also kills you. And so I continued surviving in Total Chaos, trudging through hedge mazes filled with exploding corpses, concrete forests, and flesh-ridden buildings, and deeper to the black, rotting, festering core of Tyler’s expanding ache. The finale: I must outlive Tyler. He is Tyler. Tyler is Tyler. One man desperate to fight, to restore… …the other, desperate to rest. There, and only there, did the bloodshed end as I pummeled Every. Single. Bullet at my disposal, straight into the heart of this pain. Then, he was free. The credits rolled. The chaos was over. But both darkness and light remained, hovering over Fort Oasis, watching over what was left. I like to believe Tyler is in a better place, wherever or whatever that might be; surely he’s not suffering anymore, right? If you or someone you know is struggling with cancer, the Cancer Support Community toll-free hotline is open 7 days a week and can be reached at 888-793-9355.

Dec 26

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora gets a new expansion called From AshesPeople who have been enjoying Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora are in for some exciting news. The first-person action-adventure game gets a new sub-region within the Ravaged Kinglor Forest area of the map, with a series of story-quests and other content added. It’s obviously no coincidence that the release of this paid DLC comes hand in hand with the similarly titled movie Avatar: Fire and Ash. While you don’t have to watch the movie to play the DLC, the devs have said that From Ashes is supposed to expand on the movie’s story and allow players to experience it in a more personalized fashion. But anybody can probably enjoy the new weapons, enemies, and tasks. You can buy For Ashes separately, or get the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – From the Ashes Edition to have the DLC included in your purchase. Still want more? The Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Complete Edition contains the base game in addition to all DLC content.

Dec 22

All 3 Avatar Movies, Ranked Worst to Best Given how James Cameron is known for creating cinematic brilliance with his films, the Avatar franchise is no exception. From floating mountains to glowing forests and deep blue oceans, he transformed Pandora into the kind of place that feels real and fantasy-like at the same time. And then, he divided that magical experience into three […] This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire

Dec 22

Tiny Bunny – ReviewThe subject of today’s review is a horror visual novel inspired by the Russian short story of the same name, written by Dmitry Mordas. Tiny Bunny tells the tale of young Anton, a boy who is adjusting to a new town in Russia whilst dealing with visitors from the forest. In this review, we will be discussing the non-linear horror game developed by Saikono and published by Serenity Forge. We’ll keep it spoiler-free, making sure we don’t give too much away from the main story itself. Story The story is told from Anton’s perspective, a 12-year-old Slavic boy who lives with his mother, father, and younger sister, Olya. After moving away from the city and into a more rural house near a forest where children have gone missing, Anton prepares himself for his new start. However, his sister is plagued by an ‘owl’ staring at her at night from behind her curtain, and Anton himself worries about the secrets of the forest. Adjusting to a new school, new feelings, and new friends is as easy as it would be for a 12-year-old with thick-framed glasses. This, along with being plagued by vivid nightmares and struggling to understand just what is really going on in his small town, Anton goes out to investigate to discover just exactly why children have gone missing this winter. Perhaps something to be wary of is that some mature topics come forth in the story. For example, not too far from the beginning, an animal is harmed with a rather descriptive account of the fact, accompanied by audio. This may require some players to take a break between chapters to catch their breath before proceeding. Graphics Being a visual novel, the game focuses mainly on beautiful artwork that looks almost as if it comes straight out of your grandmother’s fairytale books. The game features atmospheric black-and-white artwork designed by producer Saikono Joker. The game is mostly entirely in greyscale, which adds to the Slavic wintery environment in which the game takes place. Due to the genre of the game, this also adds more tension and depth to the already grim-looking forest, Anton’s dilapidated house, as well as the period the story finds itself in, namely the late ’90s. Furthermore, the dialogue itself is put in a faded black box, which gives the impression of a frozen-over window, along with a font that works well with the story yet remains properly readable. It is a pleasant experience to see that even in these tiny details, the game tries its best to keep one as immersed as possible. Lastly, there isn’t too much animated artwork going on. Instead, the game will shake its artwork or zoom in or out to emphasize whatever is going on. Once again, this brings forth the impression that you are reading an old tale, rather than just booting up the next visual novel, almost making the player part of the entire experience. Sound As mentioned earlier, the game tries its absolute best to keep the player as immersed as possible within the story. During the story, sound cues are a major part of this. Creaking wooden planks, cold winds blowing past your ears, a mysterious flute coming from outside… Tiny Bunny really delivered whatever they thought plausible to add to the already intense atmosphere. Besides sound cues, there is also occasionally some music playing in the background. Usually, this is a tune that is canon to the story, and happening in the moment, rather than just some music slapped on the current artwork. An example is when Anton mentions hearing an odd flute from outside. Once this is told to the player, they too will hear the aforementioned music. The soundtrack itself consists of 74 songs, all existing between 30 seconds and a proper 3 minutes, and can be bought separately or bundled with the game on Steam. Gameplay Tiny Bunny is, in essence, a visual novel. This means there is a LOT of reading. You have your typical artwork with text, but occasionally, the players will get to make a choice. These choices affect whatever happens later in the story and can even change the ending depending on what was chosen earlier during gameplay. Because the game mentions a lot of Slavic or dated things, sometimes non-native players may be puzzled as to what is being said. Luckily, the developers added a nifty feature that, whenever such a thing occurs, an ‘i’-icon will light up to explain the lore behind it. This way, terms such as ‘Babai’ will make sense to players who had to read the word twice before understanding. Conclusion Tiny Bunny is a beautiful visual novel that emphasizes atmospheric horror over the overdone jumpscare games in a wintry area. It combines the innocence of a 12-year-old with Slavic folklore tales, whilst keeping it realistic to prevent the story from becoming too whimsical. With winter going on and nights covering our windows, Tiny Bunny is sure to be a pleasant experience, which will make you think twice about opening your curtains at night.

Dec 21

No Rest for the Wicked Together Update to Add Multiplayer Developer Moon Studios announced a new major Steam Early Access update for action RPG No Rest for the Wicked . The " No Rest for the Wicked Together" update will release on January 22, 2026, and add co-op multiplayer to the game. In addition to the co-op combat, it includes weapon updates, shared resources and homesteads, and more, with up to four players able to join together in shared persistent Realms. Those who wish to try the update early can access a public beta test build. A twenty-minute video discussing the update and its features can be viewed below. The latest title from the studio behind Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps , No Rest for the Wicked is billed as a visceral, precision action RPG set in an original world. The game takes place on an island called Isola Sacra, which is in turmoil following the passing of King Harol and the emergence of a plague known as the Pestilence. Players control a Cerim, a member of a group of mystical holy warriors sworn to defeat the Pestilence. A full release window has not been announced, with the game also planned to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Its Steam Early Access version is currently undergoing a 30% sale from its regular $39.99 price. The post No Rest for the Wicked Together Update to Add Multiplayer appeared first on RPGamer .

Dec 19

Latest ‘Wicked Inside’ Stream Lifts the Veil on No Rest for the Wicked Together, Detailing the Highly-Anticipated Co-op Update with Gameplay Walkthrough Ahead of Jan. 22 ReleaseMoon Studios Treat Fans to a Behind the Scenes Look at the Beautifully Brutal Action-RPG and Invites Players to Join the Public Beta Now Independent developer Moon Studios, creators of the eagerly anticipated Soulslike Action-RPG No Rest for the Wicked, and critically-acclaimed titles Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the […] The post Latest ‘Wicked Inside’ Stream Lifts the Veil on No Rest for the Wicked Together, Detailing the Highly-Anticipated Co-op Update with Gameplay Walkthrough Ahead of Jan. 22 Release appeared first on Capsule Computers .

Dec 18

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. Sales Links Xbox Store PlayStation Store (North America) PlayStation Store (Europe) Nintendo eShop (North America) Nintendo eShop (Europe) Steam GOG.com Epic Games Store The Humble Store 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

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.