If you liked Balatro, this mahjong-based game will be your next obsession

Aotenjo: Infinite Hands, a new game in early access on Steam, has arrived to captivate card game enthusiasts, combining the style of the popular Balatro with the classic mechanics of Mahjong. This game, inspired by the poker-based roguelike, presents a more sober and less flashy design approach than its predecessor, offering a calmer and more subtle experience. Since its release, Balatro has notably influenced the development of other games that seek to capture its essence, creating different versions that tackle various traditional games. Now, with Aotenjo, players have the […]

Aotenjo: Infinite Hands, a new game in early access on Steam, has arrived to captivate card game enthusiasts, combining the style of the popular Balatro with the classic mechanics of Mahjong. This game, inspired by the poker-based roguelike, presents a more sober and less flashy design approach than its predecessor, offering a calmer and more subtle experience.

Since its launch, Balatro has significantly influenced the development of other games that seek to capture its essence, creating different versions that tackle various traditional games. Now, with Aotenjo, players have the opportunity to explore a refreshing interpretation of Mahjong. The game includes a helpful tutorial that assists new players in learning the mechanics of Mahjong, providing an accessible experience even for those unfamiliar with the game.

Aotenjo is pure Balatro distilled in a mahjong game

Aotenjo is characterized by its intriguing mechanics, which include token enchantments and the ability to increase scores, allowing players to build hands against a constantly increasing total of points. Throughout the game, they will also face bosses that apply tricks, such as disabling certain suits. Players can spend the coins earned from victories to upgrade their tokens, fostering a dynamic and entertaining experience.

Despite its more discreet nature compared to Balatro, Aotenjo has its own appeal, offering a subtle pleasure in gameplay, although it is unlikely to replace its predecessor in daily gaming sessions. Currently, Aotenjo is available in early access on Steam with a 12% discount until February 2, making this an attractive opportunity for card game enthusiasts.

Steam DOWNLOAD

The early access launch of Hades 2 is delayed, but it’s not all bad news

Hades II, in early access form, will arrive in 2024, although not without a small delay, which is accompanied by good news.

Few games are more anticipated than Hades 2. Its first installment was a resounding success, to the surprise of both the studio and fans. The studio’s previous games were excellent but had gone relatively unnoticed in terms of public reception. However, Hades exploded in popularity from the very beginning. This has led them to be more cautious with its sequel. Knowing the high expectations people have, they have decided to release it as an early access title. With some bad news about it.

Steam DOWNLOAD

The early access release of Hades 2, which will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, has been delayed until the second quarter of 2024. Before its launch, there will be a technical test, which is also scheduled for the same timeframe. Originally, the game was intended to release its early access in the first quarter of 2024.

However, these bad news come with some juicy details that compensate for the extra wait. To begin with, the technical test will have much more limited content compared to what we will see in the early access. Moreover, with the early access, they intend to achieve two things simultaneously: polish the game with player feedback and advance the story and character relationships with each new update. Thus, it’s not just an early access but also somewhat an episodic version of the game within the early access.

While they don’t know how much it will cost to launch version 1.0 of Hades 2 and exit early access, they are currently focused on creating all the content to make the early access satisfying to play as a complete game on its own. So, even though we still don’t know its release date or price, one thing is certain: Hades 2 aims to be even bigger than its predecessor.

Steam DOWNLOAD

We already have a date for Dune: Spice Wars, the most anticipated game after the delay of the movie

The second part of the Dune movie may not be hitting theaters soon, but we will be able to enjoy Dune: Spice Wars much sooner than expected.

The writers’ strike is having many consequences, including the delay of many important films, such as the sequel to the new Dune movie. This is inevitable and right; writers have the right to fair compensation for their work. But that doesn’t take away our itch for more Dune. Fortunately, the video game industry has us covered on that front.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

Funcom has announced the release date for Dune: Spice Wars. Created by Shiro Games, this is a 4X strategy game that draws from Frank Herbert’s novels to create its own version of the universe, faithful but flexible enough to craft its own version of events. The game was released in early access in April 2022 and will be officially released on September 14th, 2023, on PC.

For those who may not know, a 4X strategy game is an empire-building strategy game in the style of Civilization or Hearts of Iron. The abbreviation 4X stands for explore, expand, exploit, exterminate; these games involve turn-based, board game-like gameplay where you carefully manage resources and terrain to expand your influence across space and time, ultimately dominating the entire scenario.

These are demanding but very rewarding games that will delight fans of board games, especially those who enjoy games with greater complexity in their rules.

Dune: Spice Wars has received significant updates since its early access release, growing exponentially since then. With six playable factions, spectacular aesthetics, and our tips on everything you need to know about Dune: Spice Wars, you have little excuse when it comes out on September 14th, both on PC and Game Pass.

Some of the links added in the article are part of affiliate campaigns and may represent benefits for Softonic.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Unveils Stunning New Trailer, Building Excitement for Upcoming Release

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most anticipated games of the year and the new trailer shown at Summer Game Fest just shows why.

If there’s one game eagerly awaited by fans of role-playing and Dungeons & Dragons, it’s Baldur’s Gate 3. After nearly three years in Early Access, where players have had the chance to play the first chapter and experienced numerous changes through a multitude of patches, Larian Studios has unveiled more of the game. The new trailer features actor Jason Isaacs, famous for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, portraying the character Lord Enver Gortash, a politician from Baldur’s Gate raised by a demon. This showcases the extensive journey that Larian Studios has undertaken in the game’s development.

A journey that will reach its conclusion, or begin its next stage, on August 31st when it officially launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. A journey that increasingly seems to be heading towards a potential Game of the Year title.

Baldur's Gate 3 DOWNLOAD