Helldivers 2, considered one of the most important cooperative shooters in the industry since its release nearly two years ago, continues to evolve. Arrowhead Game Studios, the developer behind the title, has been working hard to improve the game’s performance and stability, which has caused delays in the arrival of new content over the past few months. However, creative director Johan Pilestedt has revealed that the studio is experimenting with a new rogue-lite mode that could drastically change the gaming experience. A roguelite mode for the masses In his response to a player on Twitter, Pilestedt […]
Helldivers 2, considered one of the most important cooperative shooters in the industry since its release almost two years ago, continues to evolve. Arrowhead Game Studios, the developer behind the title, has been working hard to improve the game’s performance and stability, which has caused delays in the arrival of new content over the past few months. However, creative director Johan Pilestedt has revealed that the studio is experimenting with a new rogue-lite mode that could drastically change the gaming experience.
A roguelite way for the masses
In his response to a player on Twitter, Pilestedt confirmed that there is a prototype of this rogue-lite mode in development. Although not many additional details have been provided, the announcement has generated excitement among the community. The typical structure of a roguelike, which includes shorter runs, procedural mission generation, and progressive upgrades, seems to fit perfectly with the squad incursions that characterize Helldivers 2.
Regarding game optimization, Arrowhead has significantly reduced the size of the title on PC, from 154 GB to 24 GB thanks to collaboration with Nixxes Software. A public beta patch is already available for users on Steam, allowing more players to access this optimized version in a matter of days or weeks.
It is estimated that a major update, which could include the highly anticipated rogue-lite mode, will be available in early 2026. Despite the challenges faced by the studio during this time, the community remains hopeful that these improvements and new features will revitalize the experience in Helldivers 2.
Eleventh Hour Games (EHG), developer of Last Epoch, has announced that its upcoming expansion, titled ‘Orobyss’, will be free for those who already own the base game. Those who purchase the game once the expansion is released will also receive access at no additional cost. This decision shows the studio’s commitment to players, reminding them of the promise made during their Kickstarter campaign in 2018. Completely free of controversy However, along with the expansion, a new class called ‘Paradox’ will be introduced, the price of which has not yet been revealed. This inclusion has generated speculation about a possible ‘pay to win’ system, although […]
Eleventh Hour Games (EHG), developer of Last Epoch, has announced that its upcoming expansion, titled ‘Orobyss’, will be free for those who already own the base game. Those who purchase the game once the expansion is released will also receive access at no additional cost. This decision demonstrates the studio’s commitment to players, reminding them of the promise made during their Kickstarter campaign in 2018.
Completely free of controversies
However, along with the expansion, a new class called ‘Paradox’ will be introduced, the price of which has not yet been revealed. This inclusion has generated speculation about a possible ‘pay-to-win’ system, although there is no concrete evidence suggesting that this new class will be excessively powerful or unbalanced compared to existing classes. Judd Cobler, founder of EHG, has argued that each class will follow an innovative design, although the community’s concerns about game balance are valid.
Since its acquisition by Krafton in July, fans have been alert to how this ‘AI-first’ policy of the parent company could influence EHG and its development approach. However, Cobler has assured that there will be no changes to the studio’s creative philosophy, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the intuitive design and player experience focus that has characterized Last Epoch. Despite these reassuring comments, the fear that Krafton’s aggressive practices may impact development remains latent.
In the immediate future, EHG is focused on hiring new staff and preparing for the launch of Last Epoch on PlayStation 5, which could affect the usual pace of game updates in the upcoming seasons. The ‘Orobyss’ expansion is scheduled to be released next year, but the community is eagerly awaiting the news that will be revealed in the upcoming seasons.
Stellar Blade, the video game developed by the South Korean studio Shift Up, has experienced notable success since its release in mid-2024. Although the title was initially well received on PlayStation 5, its performance on PC after its release a year later has exceeded expectations. The gaming community has responded positively, establishing Stellar Blade as a recognized brand in the world of video games. Is Stellar Blade coming to Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S? In a recent financial results conference, Shift Up announced that it has ambitious plans to expand the availability of Stellar Blade to new platforms, […]
Stellar Blade, the video game developed by the South Korean studio Shift Up, has experienced remarkable success since its release in mid-2024. Although the title was initially well received on PlayStation 5, its performance on PC after its release a year later has exceeded expectations. The gaming community has responded positively, establishing Stellar Blade as a recognized brand in the world of video games.
Is Stellar Blade coming to Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S?
In a recent financial results conference, Shift Up announced that it has ambitious plans to expand the availability of Stellar Blade to new platforms, thereby seeking to increase brand recognition and sales. Among the options considered are the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Xbox Series X|S, suggesting an interest in diversifying its audience beyond PC and PS5.
According to reports from sources like Windows Central, Shift Up plans to implement various promotional activities and take advantage of seasonal events to attract an even wider audience on PC and PS5. The studio has expressed its intention to leverage holiday promotions as part of its marketing strategy.
However, the release of the game on other consoles may depend on the contractual terms with Sony, which acts as the publisher of Stellar Blade. This could mean that they would need Sony’s approval to launch the title on additional platforms, adding a layer of complexity to their expansion plans.
Meanwhile, the commercial performance on PC and PS5 has aligned with the studio’s expectations, and the success of the launch on Steam indicates that interest in the game remains strong, even months after its release. With this, Shift Up is in a strategic position to maximize the potential of Stellar Blade in the competitive video game market.
When Ghost of Tsushima was released in 2020, millions of players fell in love with Jin Sakai’s adventure. Many believed that this game, which seemed a bit of a mix of genres, would not succeed (some even said it looked like the Japanese copy of an Assassin’s Creed). To the surprise of many, the game was very well received. And in my case, I liked it so much that I thought it was impossible for a sequel to be justified. Luckily, I am dedicated to playing and analyzing games, not to deciding which video games get developed and which do not. Today I come to tell you how much I liked Ghost of […]
When Ghost of Tsushima was released in 2020, millions of players fell in love with Jin Sakai’s adventure. Many believed that this game, which seemed a bit of a mix of genres, would not succeed (some even said it looked like the Japanese copy of an Assassin’s Creed).
To the surprise of many, the game was very well received. In my case, I liked it so much that I thought it was impossible for a sequel to be justified. Fortunately, I am dedicated to playing and analyzing games, not to deciding which video games are developed and which are not.
Today I come to tell you how much I enjoyed Ghost of Yōtei, the few flaws it has, and the reasons why you should be playing it right now (or ask for it as a Christmas gift, as I’m sure you’ll find some offer in a few months).
Atsu, a tormented protagonist who grows with us
While the story itself is not innovative: Atsu’s family is murdered by a group of masked outlaws called the Six of Yōtei, and she vows to locate them and take them down one by one, the protagonist playing Atsu (Erika Ishii) delivers such a strong performance as an unflinching killer that I was completely drawn into her bloody quest for revenge.
No matter how much other characters remind her seriously of the devastating nature of revenge, she continues to destroy her enemies. It seems that she enjoys it.
The story is also told at a very comfortable pace, as it adapts to us. If we go on certain main missions, we will unlock key memories from our past life, and if we play as a vigilante across the northern plains of Japan, the story will take a break, allowing us to proceed at our own pace for a while.
That said, the story is worth it. No matter how great the open world of Yōtei is (one of the best I’ve played), which can make us lose sight of the initial goal of the game, the main story is worth playing and enjoying. It’s an epic soap opera.
Brutal gameplay, especially its battles
The battles in Ghost of Yōtei are wonderfully brutal. While you can make your way through Ezo with some basic knowledge of dodging, blocking, and striking with a katana at the right moment, the frequent fights become more exciting as you learn to use the dual katanas, the spear, the bow, and the huge ōdachi.
Key confrontations never lose their challenge, as Atsu surrounds herself with imposing generals who are twice her size, knowing that a few blows are enough to finish her off.
I play many challenging action games, but after more than 30 hours of duels and fights, I still am not powerful enough for my enemies to fall before me with barely any effort, and therefore, I do not get bored.
The constant challenges of this game encourage you to improve in each discipline to ultimately become a completely relentless assassin. Additionally, the game urges you to learn with each weapon, as enemies are not defeated equally easily with all weapons; rather, each weapon has its preferred counter (for example, to defeat spearmen, nothing beats using dual katanas).
In that sense, the game does not force you to learn, but encourages you to do so to make the experience an easier and more enjoyable journey. And I believe that is the best way to treat a player who is striving to learn your rules and adapt.
Ezo is the most beautiful place you have ever seen in your life with a controller in your hands
Together with Assassin’s Creed Shadows (also set in historical Japan and analyzed here), Ghost of Yōtei is the game with the most beautiful graphics I have ever seen.
This delivery is a tribute to the natural beauty of Japan, in the ginkgo trees and distant mountains, the spring plains and rivers teeming with fish (which you can spear for dinner).
This is a world created to be admired: you navigate with sight and sound, instead of with a screen map. The wind tells you where to go to continue the story, but I really felt free to wander, and it is in that wandering where you find incredible side stories and moments of tranquility.
It is charming that you can use the PS5 controller to grill fish on your campfire, play the shamisen, or paint strokes on the canvas; returning to Atsu’s memories in familiar places allows you to relive his life before it was ravaged by violence.
The music, which combines rhythms of the Old West and traditional Japanese instruments, reminds me that it is about 17th century Japan seen through an American lens.
Yōtei complicates things too much: there are not too many distractions, things to collect, people to recruit, or bases to build. It is simple, and I have found it very easy to enjoy. Whenever I got bored of pursuing a goal, it was easy to find something else to do.
A game worth experiencing… at least once in a lifetime
It may be a simple story at its core, but it has absorbed me more than any other game of its kind. Even after hours and hours, I still feel a spark of excitement every time Atsu draws his sword with determination at the beginning of a battle.
And finishing it feels sad, not because the ending is, but because it means it’s time to move on to another adventure and I’m sure it won’t be as much fun. Playing the role of Atsu is one of those experiences that I will remember for many years.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection has had a problematic start, receiving a “mixed” reception on Steam and mostly negative reviews on its PlayStation 5 version. This title, which aims to pay homage to the iconic video game series, has disappointed many players due to severe input latency issues and other technical glitches. According to tests conducted, the PS5 version has 108 milliseconds of latency, significantly higher than on other platforms like Switch 2 (73 ms), Xbox Series X (51 ms), and PC (22 ms). A game unworthy of Digital Eclipse Users have highlighted a series […]
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection has had a problematic start, receiving a “mixed” reception on Steam and mostly negative reviews on its PlayStation 5 version. This title, which aims to pay homage to the iconic video game series, has disappointed many players due to severe input latency issues and other technical glitches. According to tests conducted, the PS5 version has 108 milliseconds of latency, significantly higher than on other platforms like Switch 2 (73 ms), Xbox Series X (51 ms), and PC (22 ms).
An improper game from Digital Eclipse
Users have highlighted a number of issues, including audio problems, a high price, game errors, and deficiencies in the rollback netcode, a system that should improve the online experience. Another critical point is the absence of lobbies to play online with friends, a feature that is expected to be added in future updates.
Despite the negative reviews, Digital Eclipse has released a hotfix that improves some of the existing issues, including the audio quality in online play. Players, however, continue to express their dissatisfaction; a highlighted comment describes it as a “complete failure,” reflecting the frustration felt by many fans of the series.
On the other hand, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection includes a documentary about the series, which could attract fans of video game culture, despite the criticism. The inclusion of narrative content promises to provide enriching context about the legacy of Mortal Kombat, even though the return in terms of gameplay and performance still leaves much to be desired.
Many times it seems like everything has already been invented. How is it possible to innovate when we already live in the future? This seems especially true in video games, a medium where it feels like everything has already been done. All mechanics are standardized, conforming to genres and control mappings that are familiar to any player who has spent a little time with them. But even so, when we delve into the realm of indie games, there is always something that surprises us. For example, a game that Sony has dedicated a lot of love to in its events for a couple of […]
Many times it seems like everything has already been invented. How is it possible to innovate when we already live in the future? This seems especially true in video games, a medium where it feels like everything has already been done. All mechanics are standardized, conforming to genres and control mappings that are familiar to any player who has spent a little time with them. But even so, when we delve into the indie scene, there is always something that surprises us. For example, a game that Sony has dedicated a lot of love to in its events for the past couple of years.
Baby Steps was released discreetly last week, but not without making some noise. Having appeared in several PlayStation State of Play events, it caught attention for the uniqueness of its premise: we embody a man who, after spending hours watching One Piece lying on the sofa in his parents’ basement, finds himself teleported to the universe of a video game. But after so many hours lying down, he doesn’t even know how to walk. And he is too proud to admit it.
Walking is more mechanically complex than it seems
With that premise, Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzzillo, and Maxi Boch, creators of the little boy, make a brilliant game of exploration and self-discovery based on a single premise: what if walking were extremely complicated? And not in a Death Stranding way, which was hard but satisfying. Really complicated.
To make our protagonist, Nate, walk, we have to press the triggers and tilt the left stick of our controller. Each trigger controls one of the legs, and the stick controls the rest of the body. This means that if we press the left trigger, the left leg will lift. If, in addition to pressing the left trigger, we move the left stick, it will move the left leg forward, backward, or sideways. In this way, we will have to try to control Nate’s movements, from his clumsy trot to more precise movements, to achieve his goal. First, to find a bathroom to take a leak, and then, a more ambitious one: to reach the top of the mountain in front of him.
Of course, the game doesn’t make it easy for us. Although at first it’s normal to fall, we quickly get used to walking with a certain fluidity. But what would be trivial in any other game is a real challenge in Baby Steps. Going up a slope, not to mention climbing stairs, crossing a plank, or passing through a particularly narrow path is a particularly difficult challenge. If there is any kind of obstacle or we have to do something more complex, like climbing a wall, it can become almost impossible.
To improve in life, you have to take one step at a time
But that is part of the charm. Baby Steps is aware at all times of the challenge it poses and never punishes us, or not without offering us a bit of comedy in what it does. In that sense, it reminds us of the most hilarious moments of Dark Souls: it may throw a giant stone ball at our face, but isn’t there something comical about it, as if it came straight out of Humor Amarillo? And Baby Steps does the same.
Sometimes we fall off a cliff, or we step wrong and get swept downriver, losing all the progress we had made, but it never feels entirely frustrating. Partly because it’s comical how Nate moves and seems unfazed by all his misfortunes. Partly because of its open-world design. Whenever we fail, we arrive at a new place, an area we hadn’t seen before, or a new way to advance to where we had been before, showing us that failure as such does not exist in Baby Steps: only the possibility of discovering something new and, perhaps, even the opportunity for an even greater triumph.
This relates to the themes developed in the game. Nate is a person with ambitions and desires, but too scared to pursue them, who opens up frustratingly slowly throughout the game. And all the game mechanics relate to that narrative. How, in order to advance in life, it is necessary to take risks and make mistakes. That there is never anything from which we cannot return, because we are never going to do anything that is not a path that someone has walked before.
Baby Steps is, in many ways, the first true walking simulator. Because it truly focuses all its purpose on walking. And if you are interested in what we have shared about it, you can find it available for PC as well as for PlayStation 5.
The release of Terminator 2D: No Fate has been postponed from October 31 to November 26, due to changes in tariff rates that have affected the shipping of the necessary components for the physical editions of the game. This decision was communicated by Reef Entertainment, the developer of the title, which emphasized its commitment to releasing all editions simultaneously, both physical and digital. “We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding, and we regret this new delay,” the company stated. Donald Trump, worse than the T-1000 This delay is part of a broader context, where changes in the […]
The release of Terminator 2D: No Fate has been postponed from October 31 to November 26, due to changes in tariff rates that have affected the shipping of the necessary components for the physical editions of the game. This decision was communicated by Reef Entertainment, the developer of the title, who emphasized their commitment to releasing all editions simultaneously, both physical and digital. “We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding, and we regret this new delay,” the company stated.
Donald Trump, worse than the T-1000
This delay is part of a broader context, where changes in global trade tariffs have caused delays and price increases in various products, including many video games. Recently, there have been price increases for consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation 5, which has raised concerns among consumers about the economic impact these decisions may have on the entertainment industry.
Terminator 2D: No Fate focuses on the struggle of Sarah Connor and John Connor against Skynet, leading them to star in a futuristic war where the survival of humanity is at stake. Players will have the opportunity to control both characters in different levels and face the machines that threaten to eradicate humanity.
The game will be available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. In addition, two physical editions will be offered: a standard edition, which will be priced at €60, and a collector’s edition at €120€. The latter includes several special items, such as a collectible arcade coin, a full-color manual, and a collector’s case.
The gaming community eagerly awaits the new release, although uncertainty remains regarding the pricing situation and its effect on future products in the sector.
Director Naoki Hamaguchi has assured that sales of Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth have improved since a financial report from Square Enix, published in September 2024, revealed a low initial performance. In statements to Automaton, Hamaguchi highlighted that the second installment of the Remake has performed successfully on both PS5 and PC. “I know some fans have expressed concerns, but please rest assured that we will be able to deliver a high-quality third chapter,” he confirmed. A game that has managed to take flight The development of this third game is already underway, with […]
Director Naoki Hamaguchi has assured that sales of Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth have improved since a financial report from Square Enix, published in September 2024, revealed an initial poor performance. In statements to Automaton, Hamaguchi emphasized that the second installment of the Remake has performed successfully on both PS5 and PC. “I know some fans have expressed concerns, but please rest assured that we will be able to deliver a high-quality third chapter,” he confirmed.
A game that has managed to take flight
The development of this third game is already underway, with Hamaguchi indicating that much of the content is playable and that the team is focused on refining the game. “The direction and shape of the game are firmly established. At this moment, the team is united around perfecting everything,” added the director.
It is important to note that both Final Fantasy 16 and 7: Rebirth showed lower sales performance according to the financial report from May 2024. This report, prepared before the releases of both games for PC, raises questions about Square Enix’s release strategy. FF16 arrived on PC 15 months after its release on PS5, while Rebirth made its debut on the new system in January 2025, almost a year after the console version.
Square Enix has expressed its intention to “aggressively pursue” a new strategy to attract PC users. This includes the plan to launch titles such as the third part of the Final Fantasy 7 remake simultaneously for PC and consoles, in a move that contrasts with past mistakes related to temporary exclusives. This strategy could mark a significant change in the way the company approaches the market, seeking to adapt to the demands of current players.
The Shift Up team is in the midst of a whirlwind of speculation following the success of their game Stellar Blade, released on PlayStation 5 and PC. This week, the South Korean developer plans an announcement that has generated great anticipation among the gaming community, particularly after the release of an enigmatic image that has sparked a flurry of theories on social media and forums. Is it Silent Hill f? Since its debut, Stellar Blade has positioned itself as one of the surprises of 2024, achieving a positive reception and a loyal fan base. However, the recent […]
The Shift Up team is in the midst of a whirlwind of speculation following the success of their game Stellar Blade, released on PlayStation 5 and PC. This week, the South Korean developer plans an announcement that has generated great anticipation among the gaming community, particularly after the release of an enigmatic image that has sparked a myriad of theories on social media and forums.
Is it about Silent Hill f?
Since its debut, Stellar Blade has positioned itself as one of the surprises of 2024, achieving a positive reception and a loyal fan base. However, the recent image, which shows an unusual hallway for its previous settings, has led players to speculate about its possible implications. Although Shift Up has not revealed concrete details, it is expected that the mystery will be resolved in the coming days.
The most discussed hypotheses include a potential collaboration with iconic franchises like Resident Evil, especially considering that Capcom will be involved in another project from the studio, Goddess of Victory: Nikke. However, the unsettling atmosphere of the image has also led some to think of a partnership with Silent Hill, which will release a new installment, Silent Hill f, this very week.
In addition to the collaborations, some players suggest that the announcement could refer to new downloadable content for Stellar Blade or even the possibility of a port for Nintendo Switch 2. With the secrecy surrounding the reveal, the community is eager, and speculations continue to grow. Undoubtedly, the coming days will be crucial to understanding the future of Shift Up and its enigmatic project.
Shift Up Corporation has confirmed that the highly anticipated sequel to Stellar Blade is in full development, as revealed in a recent financial report from the company. Since its initial release, the title has captured the attention of players on both PlayStation 5 and PC, quickly reaching the figure of one million copies sold. Sales on PC, in particular, have surpassed the console version’s pace by 19 times, solidifying Stellar Blade as a true phenomenon in the world of video games. The plan is to continue the saga as a […]
Shift Up Corporation has confirmed that the highly anticipated sequel to Stellar Blade is in full development, as revealed in a recent financial report from the company. Since its initial release, the title has captured the attention of players on both PlayStation 5 and PC, quickly reaching the milestone of one million copies sold. Sales on PC, in particular, have surpassed the console version’s pace by 19 times, solidifying Stellar Blade as a true phenomenon in the world of video games.
The plan is to continue the saga as a franchise
The South Korean study not only seeks to maintain the DNA of the original game but also aims to expand its universe with a broader world and significant gameplay improvements in this new installment. “Our goal is to establish the saga as a long-term franchise,” commented Shift Up, who hopes that this new chapter will surpass the success of its predecessor. The positive reaction from the gaming community has reinforced the potential of this sequel, generating high expectations about its development.
Shift Up’s plans include the possibility of launching Stellar Blade 2 before 2027, which would undoubtedly reduce the wait for fans of the franchise. Additionally, options are being considered to bring the first installment to the future Nintendo Switch 2, which could further expand the player base and strengthen the saga’s presence in the market.
With the confirmation that “the wheels are already turning” for the development of this sequel, Stellar Blade is shaping up to be one of the most important action sagas in the current landscape. As Shift Up continues its work, fans of the series are eagerly awaiting what promises to be new adventures in a world full of action and excitement.
