The Alters starts as a base sim adventure but quickly becomes something heavier. You don’t just optimise workflows, you mediate between fractured selves while a deadline creeps closer. It’s definitely more narratively driven than deep simulation sandbox - it’s sparse but sharp. Presented wonderfully, well-paced and worth your time.

First of all: it’s good. I’m always for happy FromSoft to try stuff, and this was a really interesting idea. If you’re relying on two multiplayer randoms, you may be in for a bad time - it can be a bit of a dice roll, but solo is absolutely doable. It’s hard to play this and not have thoughts of a FromSoft live-service game, and so long as it wouldn’t distract from their usual approach… I’d be kinda down for it! This is multiplayer Elden Ring with drips and drabs of content and mechanics from all over the From archive - it might not be what you want from them, but it’s really fun.

Probably justifiably copped flak because 2016 and Eternal were so strong… Combat feels looser, less refined, and the focus on the shield seemed to me to just slow things down and funnel one type of gameplay. Mech/dragon bits drag, story’s forgettable. Music’s also a step down, given the unfortunate (lack of) Mick Gordon situation. Still fun though.

It’s real! A24 and Alex Garland are making a live-action Elden Ring film with Bandai Namco. Details are scarce, but the world is obviously ripe for exploration, and Garland rules. Hopefully George R. R. Martin and Vaati are consulting!

It happened! I’ve had trouble getting into this type of game, but they’ve done it. Clair Obscur’s haunting beauty is very cleverly combined with slick turn-based combat, which is punched up with realtime mechanics like parrying and dodging. Diverse and satisfying buildcrafting, a great story, an intriguing world, compelling characters and excellent VA - and all atop an unforgettable soundtrack. It’s focused, emotional, confident, and it all works. A rare gem that proves a vision and creative freedom can trump budget and team size. Ripper game.

Revenge of the Savage Planet delivers vibrant, absurd comedic exploration across bizarre alien worlds; scan oddball creatures, gather resources, and metroidvania your way through areas with new abilities. A wild ride bursting with personality, which can also be played co-op. It stumbles in spots, but if its offbeat, slapstick charm is down your alley, there’s more than enough to hook you here.

A serene and visually stunning photography sim offering exploration and artistry in equal measure. Photo-realistic worlds, authentic camera controls, and contemplative soundscapes capture the beauty of nature and feel of real photography. Occasional bugs and performance dips, but still a unique, soothing experience worth trying if the premise is at all your thing.

Analyst mauronl has shared Devolver Digital’s 2024 investor highlights, revealing lifetime revenue of their top ten major IPs. Aussie-made Cult of the Lamb leads the bunch with over $US90M! Devolver now plans to double down on hit IPs with sequels, DLC, and definitive editions, while shifting to smaller third-party budgets and developing for Switch 2 after strong success on the original.

I cannot overstate how much I love Blue Prince. It’s an absolute masterclass in design, and oozes thoughtful passion. Every mechanic interlocks with intent, it rewards curiosity without ever hand-holding, exquisitely links story and gameplay, and its puzzles are a seemingly endless cascade of satisfying eureka moments. Smart, stylish, deep - Blue Prince instantly joins the ranks of the best puzzle games of all-time. Go in blind, bring a notebook.

I’ll say it: it’s not bad. Shadows won’t win any gamedesign awards, but it’s fun. Looks gorgeous and actually tries a couple of bold things (for Ubisoft standards), but gets lost in its own systems and identity at times. Feels like a noble swing at evolving the series, but ends up more empty than inspired - it’s impossible to ignore how far behind this type of design is. Still, there’s fun to be had, beautiful visuals to behold, and I respect the effort.