The most surprising indie of the year is inspired by Zelda, Bloodborne, and features a little mouse as the protagonist

There are games that are easy to predict will do well. All the numbers are in their favor, the studio is well-liked, and they are talked about positively on social media. But sometimes that’s not enough. If its development has been bizarre, it has been very expensive, or the studio is in a precarious situation, it is perfectly possible that just being a success is not enough. It may need to break the scales to be considered a triumph. And it could very well be that one of the most anticipated indies of the year, Mina the Hollower, is in that situation. Some inspirations in the […]

There are games that it’s easy to predict will do well. All the numbers are in their favor, the studio is beloved, and they are talked about positively on social media. But sometimes that’s not enough. If its development has been bizarre, it has been very expensive, or the studio is in a precarious situation, it is perfectly possible that simply being a success is not enough. It may need to break the scales to be considered a triumph. And it could very well be that one of the most anticipated indies of the year, Mina the Hollower, is in that situation.

Some inspirations in the sleeve

Mina the Hollower surprises because it does not hide its inspirations. It doesn’t even try to. It is a game heavily inspired by The Legend of Zelda, but specifically by the 2D games of the franchise that came after A Link to the Past, the last game released for Super Nintendo. Embracing what Nintendo did in games like A Link to the Past, Oracle of Seasons, and Oracle of Ages, Mina the Hollower takes them as inspiration to create its own identity.

Because it is true that it draws a lot from them. It has an isometric perspective of 3/4, a pixel art aesthetic similar to that of a Super Nintendo, and a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzles, but it is not exactly like a Zelda. Not only because Mina is a little mouse with a clear purpose: to discover why the spark generators that power the Dark Island are failing. But also because it has another great inspiration: the games from From Software.

Where in Zelda we only have one sword, in Mina The Hollower we have a whole variety of weapons to choose from. Each of them encourages a different playstyle, which is enhanced by a secondary weapon, in the style of Castlevania, with limited uses. This promotes combat in a way much closer to a 2D Bloodborne than to any The Legend of Zelda.

This makes the game have a higher level of difficulty than we would expect in this type of games. Something unexpected from a game that, while set in a pseudo 18th century gothic environment, is inhabited by adorable anthropomorphic animals. But where there are also deadly traps, castles filled with monsters, and of course, poisonous swamps. Just in case the influence of From Software wasn’t clear.

A study that has given it all

Additionally, Mina has to achieve something even more important than discovering what is happening on Shadow Island. She has to sell well and quickly. Why? Because the fate of her studio depends on it. Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Mina The Hollower, has stated that they are on the brink of bankruptcy and, if the game is not an immediate success, they may have to close their doors.

Now, this doesn’t seem to be a problem. Yacht Club Games are the creators of Shovel Knight, a game released in 2014 that delighted fans of retro platformers in the style of the NES. With exquisite pixel art and a devilish difficulty, it has created an entire franchise around it adored by an enthusiastic audience. The reason? The quality of their games and the care dedicated to them, establishing Yacht Club Games as a hallmark of quality.

Moreover, this is reflected in the numbers. Mina the Hollower is currently the sixth most wished game on Steam. This means that, even in the most conservative forecasts, it should reach six figures in its first twenty-four hours without any issues. If marketing and enthusiasm are on point, it could reach seven. But that remains to be seen.

Will Mina the Hollower be the next big indie hit? Everything points to yes. It is a beautiful game that is causing a sensation on social media and comes from a studio known for delivering excellent results. Whether that will be enough remains to be seen, given its situation. But we won’t have to wait long: Mina the Hollower will be released for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S on May 29. And barring a major catastrophe, we could very well be looking at one of the games of the year.

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IO Interactive has done the impossible with 007 First Light: to create a James Bond for millennials

James Bond is a mythical character. Ian Flemming’s creation has had a huge impact on popular culture, not without good reason. His elegance, sarcasm, and ability to adapt to the times is absolutely enviable. Also a little frightening. That doesn’t take away from the feeling that someday the times will leave him behind. It can’t be that he can always adapt, take on a new form for a new generation, and still remain appealing. But at IO Interactive they seem to believe the opposite and have wanted to prove it with their new game, 007: First Light. A James Bond […]

James Bond is a mythical character. Ian Flemming’s creation has had a huge impact on popular culture, and for good reason. His elegance, sarcasm, and ability to adapt to the times is absolutely enviable. Also a little frightening. That doesn’t take away from the feeling that someday the times will leave him behind. It can’t be that he can always adapt, take on a new form for a new generation, and still remain attractive. But at IO Interactive, they seem to believe the opposite and have wanted to prove it with their new game, 007: First Light.

A different James Bond

The biggest peculiarity of 007: First Light is that it presents us with a James Bond before he becomes 007. His first mission is not even as a spy. As a soldier in the British Army, he accidentally gets involved in a MI6 mission and decides to follow (and of course, disobey) orders when he finds himself in a situation that overwhelms both him and his future superiors. This will ultimately lead him on the journey that this game represents: his training, his first missions, and the discovery of a great conspiracy that will earn him the title, officially, of 00.

Because the charm of this game is that it is James Bond, but not exactly. The 00 program no longer exists and is being revived, James Bond is not yet the suave badass we know and everything has a more youthful and straightforward touch. A bit John Wick, a bit young adult, almost like a version of James Bond from the famous 90s series The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones.

Also, it is a game by IO Interactive, the people behind the excellent Hitman games. This translates to the fact that a good part of our missions will require us to know how to infiltrate, remain unnoticed, and gather information. However, since we are not a 00 agent, without a license to kill. This means that although it resembles Hitman in structure and form in its missions, the absence of assassinations gives it its own personality: it feels like a methodical spy job.

Because the most surprising thing is that it also has a more dynamic component. As if it were a Naughty Dogs game, like Uncharted or The Last of Us, sometimes things get out of hand and give us a license to kill. In those cases, shootouts, chases, and set pieces of things exploding and collapsing follow one after another, and the game is a pure spectacle of adrenaline. But especially regarding combat, IO Interactive’s work is nothing short of excellent. Their shootouts are exquisite, and their fistfights are fantastic, even able to give one or two lessons on the subject to Sony’s most beloved internal studio.

But he is still James Bond

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still have everything we expect from a James Bond story. All the classic characters from his stories are present. M, Q, and Miss Moneypenny make their appearance, although they do so in a way that is different from what we are used to. They have a different and more contemporary role.

The entire Q team also appears, with whom we will have to work closely, because an important part of the game involves James Bond’s gadgets. Having to choose between two and three before each mission, what we can do will also depend on what we decide to equip ourselves with. A poison dart is not the same as a blinding laser that can also be used to break locks and chains, just as a pen that launches explosives is different. And in those decisions, not only the kind of James Bond we want to be is defined, but also how much of a James Bond this game is: it is impossible to progress without resorting to our gadgets.

In addition to our charm. Because he is still James Bond and part of what we can do is to come out on top by lending an ear to the people we meet. Although that will spend a series of action points that we will only recover by successfully taking actions, so it will only be a last resort for the trickiest situations.

But that is the charm of 007 First Light. It wants us to feel like James Bond. Also in wearing a Rolex, driving an Aston Martin, and getting out of a situation that isn’t going as we planned by pulling off a tremendous bluff, but it works. Because that is part of the character’s identity. Of what he is. And IO Interactive understands this and manages to implement it brilliantly with a few masterful strokes.

Just a contemporary James Bond

In the end, the charm of this James Bond is that he is not the James Bond of our parents and grandparents. He is a millennial James Bond, irreverent and completely contemporary. He still has the traits typical of the character, but he also has other different aspects: he has his own personality.

This helps that the story is set in the present. It focuses on the dangers of AI, the need for the human touch, and how people cannot be replaced by machines in truly important matters. That no machine can or should make decisions for a person. Because it makes it feel like it speaks to us and does so in elegant, simple, and interesting terms. As movies and books about James Bond used to do.

With a planned release on May 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and a release in the third quarter of the year for Switch 2, 007 First Light is one of the most interesting releases of the year. A proposal that offers us a different, yet very current, James Bond that could captivate the audience in ways they do not expect. If they give it the chance.

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PlayStation will not release its most beloved games on PC from now on

Jason Schreier, a video game journalist from Bloomberg who already talked about this information last March, has confirmed on Bluesky that the CEO of PlayStation Studio, Hermen Hulst, told his employees last Monday that the company will release its narrative games exclusively for PlayStation consoles. This will only affect games that provide a single-player experience, like Ghost of Yotei or the recent Saros, but not games that are multiplayer experiences, like Marathon or the anticipated Marvel Tokon. PlayStation wants you to play its games on its console This is […]

Jason Schreier, a video game journalist from Bloomberg who already spoke about this information last March, has confirmed on Bluesky that the CEO of PlayStation Studio, Hermen Hulst, told his employees last Monday that the company will release its narrative games exclusively for PlayStation consoles.

This will only affect games that provide a single-player experience, such as Ghost of Yotei or the recent Saros, but not games that are multiplayer experiences, like Marathon or the anticipated Marvel Tokon.

PlayStation wants you to play its games on its console

This is something that has been rumored for months, but there was no confirmation until now. This means that anyone who has played Sony games on PC, such as God of War or Ghost of Tsushima, will need a PlayStation 5 to play their sequels.

Although it is a commercially sensible measure, as it provides reasons to buy their hardware, it is also being perceived among users as a move against PC gamers. Many of them have invested their time and money in the games they have released on PC and have no interest in switching to console, even if they are interested in the franchises they have developed. This demonstrates a disconnect between the player base and Sony’s business interests.

Moreover, it does not seem to fit the economic reality of these titles. All of Sony’s narrative titles have sold millions on PC, extending their lifespan.While it is true that they have also faced, on more than one occasion, compatibility issues and less than optimal performance.

Pending official confirmation, it seems that PC users will no longer be able to enjoy Sony titles on their platform.

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The most underrated The Legend of Zelda can be played on PC, but you won't find it by its name

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is one of the most divisive games in the franchise. On par with Zelda II: The Adventure of Link in terms of division among fans, it is one of those games that seems to evoke as much passion as hatred among the franchise’s fans. This has not stopped a group of modders from deciding to create an unofficial port for PC called Dusk. A change from Nintendo for an FPS or to be more precise, it was called. Because after talking with New Blood Interactive, the video game studio behind the FPS […]

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is one of the most divisive games in the franchise. On par with Zelda II: The Adventure of Link in terms of division among fans, it is one of those games that seems to evoke as much passion as hatred among the franchise’s fans. That hasn’t stopped a group of modders from deciding to create an unofficial port for PC called Dusk.

A Nintendo Change for an FPS

Or to be more precise, it was called. Because after speaking with New Blood Interactive, the video game studio behind the FPS named Dusk, they decided to change the name to Dusklight to ensure that there would be no errors or overlaps of any kind. Something that New Blood Interactive has tried in good faith at all times, going so far as to state that Twilight Princess “is the CEO of New Blood’s favorite Zelda, so all of this is a very funny coincidence.”

Dusklight offers a new way to play The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess without limitations. With the ability to play at higher resolutions, no frame rate limits, the option to add mods, and the ability to play on PC, it is a must-have for fans of the original. And the perfect opportunity to give it another chance for those who didn’t like it.

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The new game from the creators of Yakuza has two important things: jazz and Snoop Dogg

RGG Studios, creators of the Yakuza franchise, have showcased their new title, Stranger Than Heaven, in a 30-minute Xbox Presents. Focusing on all aspects of the game and how they differ from their most famous franchise to date, they wanted to present to the world how it is a small change of direction from the Yakuza saga. An expansive game related to the Yakuza, starting its story in 1915 and spanning 50 years across five eras and five cities (Kokura, Fukuoka in 1915; Hiroshima in 1929; Minami, Osaka in 1943; Atami, Shizuoka […]

RGG Studios, creators of the Yakuza franchise, have showcased their new title, Stranger Than Heaven, in a 30-minute Xbox Presents. Focusing on all aspects of the game and how they differ from their most famous franchise to date, they wanted to present to the world how it is a small change of direction from the Yakuza saga.

An expansive game related to the Yakuza

Starting its story in 1915 and spanning 50 years across five eras and five cities (Kokura, Fukuoka, in 1915; Hiroshima in 1929; Minami, Osaka in 1943; Atami, Shizuoka in 1951; and Kamurocho, Tokyo in 1965), the protagonist is Makoto Daito, a young American-Japanese who leaves the USA to seek his fortune in Japan, fleeing the racism of his homeland. There, he not only ends up joining the yakuza but also finding a profession, becoming an important music promoter.

Something that RGG Studios has promised is that music will be of great importance in this game. Being able to memorize sounds from all over the game, including those from our enemies’ attacks, the birth and growth of Makoto’s musical empire will be an important part of the game. This will be contributed by cameos from famous people, as RGG Studios has accustomed us, this time from musicians, as both Snoop Dogg and singers Tori Kelly, Satoshi Fujihara, and Ado will appear in the game.

Another important part of the game is its relationship with the game franchise. Although they have not wanted to go into details, they have hinted that the origin of the Tojo Clan, the main clan of the Yakuza saga to which its protagonists belong, will be seen in this game. And already in the first two Yakuza, as well as in 6, a certain Makoto Tojo was mentioned as the founder, who has never been described, but who could very well be the very Makoto Daito.

In addition, the game will include a new combat system where we will control each part of the protagonist with each of the triggers. With the right ones, their right limbs; with the left ones, their left limbs. Adding a contextual layer to make a system that has been systematically criticized in the Yakuza more dynamic.

Still without a release date, they have given a window. Stranger Than Heaven will be released this winter, sometime between late 2026 and early 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5, available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. So, whether you’re a fan of Yakuza or not, Stranger Than Heaven is one of the most interesting games to come in the near future.

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If you're concerned about the PC performance of Nioh 3, go download its demo right now

The games developed by Team Ninja have been criticized for their poor performance on PC at initial launches, as evidenced by recent titles like Rise of the Ronin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Despite promises of improvement, these games were released in a problematic state, with frame rate drops and bugs that ruined the experience for many players. A game with more than acceptable performance However, a ray of hope has appeared in the form of the Nioh 3 demo, which has shown significant performance improvements compared to […]

Games developed by Team Ninja have been criticized for their poor performance on PC at initial launches, as evidenced by recent titles like Rise of the Ronin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Despite promises of improvement, these games were released in a problematic state, with frame rate drops and bugs that ruined the experience for many players.

A game with more than acceptable performance

However, a ray of hope has appeared in the form of the Nioh 3 demo, which has shown significant performance improvements compared to its predecessors. This demonstration is considered a remarkable advance, offering players a first look at the game before its full release. The system requirements have been provided, highlighting that the game is playable on moderate hardware configurations.

To run the Nioh 3 demo, the minimum requirements include an Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor, along with 16 GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT graphics card, while the recommended specifications suggest an Intel Core i5-10600K or an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti for 1080p and 60 fps.

Players who have tried the demo indicate that by enabling the FSR 3 option, they can maintain a smooth performance of at least 60 fps, allowing for adjustments in graphical quality to higher levels without compromising gameplay. However, it was also reported that some users experienced slight drops in the frame rate when transitioning to the game’s open world.

Despite the improvements, an attempt to play Nioh 3 on the Steam Deck resulted in a poor experience, suggesting that this platform may not be suitable for the title. With the release of the demo, Team Ninja seems to be on the right track to redeem itself in front of its player community, who are hoping for a more stable release in the future.

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Anthem comes back to life after the server shutdown thanks to its fans

In a context where players’ trust in video game companies is at a critical point, recent server closures, such as those of The Crew, Anthem, and New World Aeternum, have exacerbated this distrust. Users are increasingly frustrated by the lack of guarantees regarding the games they love so much. However, the gaming community has begun to take matters into their own hands, showing a significant effort to keep the history and legacy of video games alive, regardless of their initial popularity. Resurrected from the dead A clear […]

In a context where players’ trust in video game companies is at a critical point, recent server closures, such as those of The Crew, Anthem, and New World Aeternum, have exacerbated this distrust. Users are increasingly frustrated by the lack of guarantees regarding the games they love so much. However, the gaming community has started to take action, showing a significant effort to keep the history and legacy of video games alive, regardless of their initial popularity.

Raised from the Dead

A clear example of this initiative is the experiment carried out by YouTuber And799, who has started working on a project to revive Anthem on PC through local servers. In a recent video, he showed how the game can function under these conditions, despite still having significant limitations, such as the inability to access online features, including profile management, which depended on BioWare’s servers. Nevertheless, the gameplay itself runs correctly, giving a glimpse of what a return to life for the title developed by BioWare could be.

However, And799 has been clear in warning that what has been presented is just a first glimpse and that their project, still in the conceptual phase, requires much more work before becoming a complete and functional experience for players. This has emerged shortly after the official closure of Electronic Arts’ servers, highlighting the community’s interest in preserving a game that, although it was not a commercial success, has a dedicated fan base.

The dedication of the players to revive titles like Anthem underscores a wider trend in the world of video games, where preservation becomes a priority, even for those games that did not reach the peak of popularity. Meanwhile, fans are eager to see how this project evolves and whether a definitive version will be achieved that they can enjoy in the future.

If Papers, Please were a zombie game, it would be the new viral hit on Steam

The video game Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, released in January 2026, has quickly conquered the Steam market, standing out as one of the best sellers with nearly 5,000 reviews and a 77% positive rating. This title presents itself as a reinterpretation of the acclaimed Papers, Please, but set in a zombie apocalypse, where the guards must decide who lives and who dies in the face of an unknown virus. A game that is sweeping among streamers The game invites players to take on the role of an inspector at a checkpoint, where they must inspect citizens for […]

The video game Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, released in January 2026, has quickly conquered the Steam market, standing out as one of the best sellers with nearly 5,000 reviews and a 77% positive rating. This title is presented as a reinterpretation of the acclaimed Papers, Please, but set in a zombie apocalypse, where the watchers must decide who lives and who dies in the face of an unknown virus.

A game that is taking the streaming world by storm

The game invites players to take on the role of an inspector at a checkpoint, where they must inspect citizens for symptoms of the virus. However, despite its intriguing premise, the game’s development has received criticism for its lack of depth and the routine that sets in with moral decisions. Unlike Papers, Please, which is filled with ethical dilemmas and deduction elements, Quarantine Zone feels monotonous, with a simple checking process that lacks the excitement expected in high-tension situations.

The developers, Brigada Games, have tried to diversify the experience by including base management mechanics and a shooting minigame, although these additions have been perceived as ineffective and, in some cases, boring. Critics suggest that the experience would benefit from a more narrative-focused approach and survivor control, creating more varied and morally complex scenarios.

Despite these criticisms, the success of the game highlights the importance of an engaging premise and the effect of promotion through influencers, a crucial aspect in the current landscape of video games. With the combination of a powerful idea and effective advertising, Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is changing the dynamics of the game in the PC market.

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Valve wants the Steam Machine to be like a console, and for that, it is pushing for a highly requested accessibility measure by fans

Valve is working on the new Steam Machine, a device that promises to offer PC gamers a gaming experience similar to that of home consoles. From the very beginning, users will be able to turn on the machine, log into their Steam account, choose a game, and start playing without complications. To achieve this accessibility, Valve is modifying the conditions for a game to obtain the ‘Verified’ stamp, which has been a distinctive element of the Steam Deck. Verified easier than ever According to statements from Lawrence Yang, a designer at Valve, the upcoming Steam Machine […]

Valve is working on the new Steam Machine, a device that promises to offer PC gamers a gaming experience similar to that of home consoles. From the very beginning, users will be able to turn on the machine, log into their Steam account, choose a game, and start playing without complications. To achieve this accessibility, Valve is modifying the conditions for a game to obtain the ‘Verified’ stamp, which has been a distinctive element of the Steam Deck.

The easiest verification ever

According to statements from Lawrence Yang, designer at Valve, the next Steam Machine will have “fewer restrictions” for a title to receive verification. This is significant as the new system will have more power and will not be limited by the technical restrictions of portable devices. If a game is already ‘Verified’ on Steam Deck, it is very likely that it will also be on Steam Machine, which translates to greater clarity for consumers when making purchases.

Currently, more than 13,000 games are compatible with Steam Deck, and the Steam Machine catalog is expected to be even broader. This will allow players to enjoy a rich library without worrying about configuration issues or inconsistent performance, something that has historically been one of the frustrations of PC gaming.

In addition, Valve has paid special attention to hardware, introducing the Steam Controller Puck, a wireless receiver that also serves as a charging base for the remote control. This innovation aims to reduce interference and complications, allowing users to play “without touching anything,” thus reinforcing the idea of simple and accessible gaming.

While the price of the Steam Machine has not yet been revealed, it is speculated that it should be set below 500 euros, maintaining a competitive focus in the current market of consoles and gaming devices.

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Battlefield 6 confirms the delay of its second season amid a constant bleed of players

Recent data shows that Battlefield 6, from Electronic Arts, has sold over 10 million units since its launch, but is facing a significant loss of players. According to SteamDB, the title has recorded a peak of 75,000 concurrent users on PC, suggesting a precariousness in its community. In light of this situation, EA has made the decision to delay the launch of the highly anticipated Season 2 until February 17, in order to implement improvements based on feedback received from players. The game is experiencing significant issues This move indicates the […]

Recent data shows that Battlefield 6, from Electronic Arts, has sold over 10 million units since its launch, but is facing a significant loss of players. According to SteamDB, the title has recorded a peak of 75,000 concurrent users on PC, suggesting a precariousness in its community. In light of this situation, EA has made the decision to delay the launch of the highly anticipated Season 2 until February 17, in order to implement improvements based on feedback received from players.

The game is experiencing major issues

This movement indicates the studio’s willingness to prevent the new season from having an immediate negative impact, which could result in greater fragmentation of the user base. As the number of players decreases, EA faces the challenge of revitalizing interest in the game. In this sense, Season 2 has been deemed crucial for its long-term viability, as a negative reception could push the player count down to as low as 30,000 or 40,000 in the following months.

To calm the situation while players wait for the new season, update 1.5 will be released on January 20, which will include bug fixes and balance adjustments, as well as the Gelifuego event, which will feature a mini-battle pass of 25 levels. This patch is designed as an “oxygen balloon” to retain current players and provide new content before the more significant changes of Season 2.

With the pressure to reverse a complicated situation, EA’s long-term strategy to monetize Battlefield 6 largely hinges on the success of this upcoming update. The gaming community will closely watch the decisions the studio makes in the coming months, as the future of the shooter will largely depend on how they respond to these threats and opportunities.

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