The world of video games is preparing to welcome a new innovative proposal with the announcement of Vholume, a first-person platformer that recalls the style of Mirror’s Edge. Developed by a small but talented team of three people, led by Léonard Lemaitre along with Nathan Grange and Niels Tiercelin, Vholume transports us to the dystopian city of Afro-Eurasia, where bureaucracy becomes a formidable enemy. A game of brutalist aspirations In this title, players will take on the role of Robert, a character whose goal is to restore his family’s ration ticket. Without […]
The world of video games is getting ready to welcome a new innovative proposal with the announcement of Vholume, a first-person platformer that recalls the style of Mirror’s Edge. Developed by a small but talented team of three people, led by Léonard Lemaitre along with Nathan Grange and Niels Tiercelin, Vholume transports us to the dystopian city of Afro-Eurasia, where bureaucracy becomes a formidable enemy.
A Brutalist Game of Aspirations
In this title, players will take on the role of Robert, a character whose goal is to restore his family’s ration ticket. However, the task becomes complicated in the face of a bureaucratic system that turns what should be a simple mission into an odyssey full of obstacles. Through a brutalist architectural environment, Vholume promises a solo narrative-driven gaming experience, setting itself apart from other titles like Straftat, known for its multiplayer focus.
Vholume stands out, moreover, for its elaborate movement system, which includes jumps, slides, and the ability to run on walls, allowing players to explore the environment dynamically. According to the first promotional materials shown on its Steam page, the game offers mechanics that make dodging obstacles and maneuvering at high speed visually spectacular.
Although a release date has not yet been confirmed, it is likely that Vholume will be released sometime in 2026, following the development timeline of previous Lemaitre projects. For those who can’t wait, it is recommended to play Lorn’s Lure, a game that also offers a platforming experience in an evocative environment while waiting for this new challenge. The gaming community will be on the lookout for more news related to this promising title that retains the essence of its creators’ previous works.
The game Straftat has been awarded the best FPS of 2024 by PC Gamer, highlighting its dynamic gameplay and unique aesthetics. This title, reminiscent of early 2000s arena shooters, has managed to capture players’ attention due to the intensity of its combat and the design of its maps, which feature brutal settings where players can immerse themselves in frantic matches. The only thing you have to pay for is the DLC if you want more content With the latest update, Straftat has introduced new game modes, including 2v2 and free-for-all, that […]
The game Straftat has been awarded the best FPS of 2024 by PC Gamer, highlighting its dynamic gameplay and unique aesthetics. This title, reminiscent of arena shooters from the early 2000s, has managed to capture the attention of players due to the intensity of its combat and the design of its maps, which feature brutal settings where players can immerse themselves in frantic matches.
The only thing you have to pay for is the DLC if you want more content
With the latest update, Straftat has introduced new game modes, including 2v2 and free-for-all, allowing for more varied interactions between players. These innovations have been well received by the community, which can now enjoy even more chaos and fun on over 150 maps available in the game.
Straftat is free to play on Steam, with limited microtransactions that focus only on map DLC. Players who wish to expand their experience can purchase over 150 additional maps for just €5.80, which also include weapons and customizations for their characters. The introduction of a support edition aims to fund the development of the creators’ next game, Babbdi2, allowing players to contribute to the growth of the studio.
In this recent update, in addition to the new modes and maps, the weapon randomization systems and user interface have been improved, aiming to keep the game fresh and optimize the user experience. With these constant additions and changes, Straftat maintains its relevance in an increasingly competitive online gaming landscape.
The Lemaitre Brothers, developers of the game, have emphasized that Straftat is a completely free experience, which sets it apart in a market saturated with incessant microtransactions. The game continues to receive regular updates that expand its content, ensuring that players have constant reasons to return.
STRAFTAT, the acclaimed free 1v1 arena shooter that recently won the Best FPS award of 2024, has released a substantial update that adds 30 new maps, 9 new weapons, additional features, and quality of life improvements to the game. This free update has been highly anticipated by the community, which can now enjoy the enhanced experience of the title developed by The Lemaitre Bros. Among the new weapons, the inclusion of a katana stands out, surprising many players due to how intuitive and satisfying it is in gameplay. Alongside it is a mine […]
STRAFTAT, the acclaimed free 1v1 arena shooter that recently won the Best FPS of 2024 award, has released a significant update that adds 30 new maps, 9 new weapons, additional features, and quality of life improvements to the game. This free update has been highly anticipated by the community, which can now enjoy the enhanced experience of the title developed by The Lemaitre Bros.
Among the new weapons, the inclusion of a katana stands out, which has surprised many players due to how intuitive and satisfying it is in gameplay. Alongside it is an AP mine and various experimental weapons from the 80s and 90s, such as the H&K CAWS and the G11, which bring a nostalgic and original air to the game. These weapons, which did not have a prominent use in their respective periods, seem to fit perfectly in the frenetic world of STRAFTAT.
Regarding the new maps, ReeperBahn, Patio, and Highwall have captured the attention of fans for their design and strategic possibilities. Each of these environments promises to offer new dynamics in the matches, although their full evaluation will have to wait until players experience them in depth.
An Absurdly Generous Game by Industry Standards
Despite what might initially be perceived as a simple expansion, the update includes a new cosmetic suit for the game’s peculiar characters, adding an extra touch of personalization. It is worth remembering that STRAFTAT is offered for free on Steam, with a 5 euro DLC that doubles the game’s content, which has been well-received by those seeking fresh and entertaining gameplay at no cost.
The developers have expressed their desire to create an FPS that they would enjoy playing, reflecting their commitment to originality and fun. With all these new features, STRAFTAT seems ready to keep its community immersed in the chaos and fun of its intense 1v1 battles.
The Steam Next Fest has reached a point where it has become essential. No one wants to miss it. All indie studios see it as their opportunity to stand out, and all mid-sized studios see it as their moment to make the leap beyond. Even AAA studios are joining in as a way to get a bit more publicity. And that means covering it is now a necessity. But you already know that we love the Next Fest. We love playing demos, keeping up with the latest in video games, and discovering hidden gems and not-so-hidden ones. That’s why we have […]
The Steam Next Fest has reached a point where it has become essential; no one wants to miss it. All indie studios see it as their opportunity to stand out, and all mid-sized studios see it as their moment to make the leap beyond. Even AAA studios are joining in as a way to gain a bit more publicity. That means covering it is now a necessity.
But you already know that we love the Next Fest. We love playing demos, keeping up with the latest in video games, and discovering hidden gems and not-so-hidden ones. That’s why we’ve curated a selection, just for you, of the must-play games you can’t miss for anything in the world. Because, if there’s one thing for sure, it’s that in this list you’ll find at least a couple of demos you’ll definitely want to play.
If you know Dead Cells, we don’t need to say more. Windblown is a game from the original creators of Dead Cells that takes the concept to 3D in a masterful way, refining the few loose ends it had. If you don’t know Dead Cells, besides encouraging you to go play right now, we can tell you that Windblown contains frenetic action, based on positioning and an absolutely fabulous dash, where the key is to be constantly moving at high speed through scenarios as magnificent as they are spectacular.
From intense battles, constant decisions, and tremendous customization in how we want to approach each of the fights, in this demo we still cannot test the great promise of this game: its co-op is for up to 3 people. But if it is even half as good as the solo game, we’re talking about a game of the year contender.
In this house, we really like Soulslike games, but none signed by From Software have truly captivated us. Perhaps that might change with AI LIMIT. Drawing much more from Bloodborne than from Dark Souls, although with aspects inherited from the latter as well, it is a game that rewards action over passivity to the point of bordering on hack’n’slash at times. This is aided by the fact that we don’t have a stamina bar to worry about, in one of the most radical changes we’ve seen within the genre.
That said, AI LIMIT still needs some adjustments and changes in its formula to be as good as it could be. Its bosses still feel rough and unfair, due to a parry that is somewhat unintuitive, unclear invincibility frames, and poorly telegraphed attacks. All things that can be fixed, make no mistake, and if they are fixed, we’re talking about a game with the potential to stand toe-to-toe with From Software games.
From Argentina with love, or at least with the intention to scare us, comes one of the most interesting horror games of recent years. With DNA from classic games like Clock Tower, Tenebris Somnia mixes pixel art graphic adventure elements with something we would never expect: live-action videos. In a masterful blend that helps enhance its atmosphere and the terror it evokes.
In this extended demo, different from the previous one we were able to try in a past Next Fest, we can see more puzzles, a bit of the game’s combat, and even the beginning of what seems to be a boss in the game. All of this convinces us that we are facing one of the most interesting and promising horror games of recent years.
If you had a Nintendo DS, it’s likely you played Trauma Center. Those games where we took on the role of a surgeon who had to perform impossible operations under insane conditions, using all the buttons and features of the console. If you played them, you probably feel nostalgic for them. This is something that also happens to BancyCo because the inspiration for Neo Harbor Rescue Squad is so evident that it’s endearing.
Here we don’t embody a surgeon, but a paramedic. This means that the cases are less severe in terms of difficulty, although just as urgent, with an added extra: since we are the first line of patient care, we have to perform triage. This means we will always have two or more patients to attend to, and we will have to decide whom to treat and which of their injuries to prioritize, taking into account their severity and overall condition. We have to make these decisions almost instantly. All of this comes with very fun yet tense mini-games, and a more than interesting accompanying story.
If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember the countless hours spent playing in the cybercafé. If so, you probably remember playing Unreal Tournament, Quake 2, or games derived from them, based on frenetic action and constant violence. Well, that’s exactly what STRAFTAT offers, in its purest form: 1v1 duels, best of 3, where the first to win 5 different maps wins, in playlists of completely randomized maps.
With an absolutely masterful level design, weapons that always feel great to wield and shoot, and intentionally ugly graphics from the creators of one of our favorite turbo indie games, BABBDI, STRAFTAT is the dream of anyone who wants a frantic and crazy shooter where only three things matter: skill, the setting, and the weapons. Just like in the old days.
At first, it feels strange. Clunky. Its animations are a bit odd. Its graphics are unusual. But as we progress and get used to it, we see how it’s intentional, and we adapt to it. The Spirit of the Samurai starts to click with us. And that’s when the real enjoyment begins.
This is a hack’n’slash and it is absolutely delightful. Allowing us to customize our own combos, it is a game where even the most common enemy can make us bite the dust if we are careless. This makes exploration, advancing cautiously, and dedicating all our resources to defeating each enemy essential. And doing so is tremendously satisfying. A deep game with a surprisingly interesting narrative, with great potential, and in the demo, it does not show us the other two playable characters: a very grumpy cat and a kodama with samurai armor.
Imagine being a young woman who sees spirits, and one day someone offers her the chance to stop seeing them. Only for that same person to end up revealing to her that she has the power of psychometry, to see the psychic residues left by objects and people in their wake, and that she must now work solving supernatural cases to pay off a debt incurred unintentionally. Because that is what happens to the protagonist of Urban Myth Dissolution Center, a delight that will enchant fans of urban legends and detective games alike.
With exceptional artistic design and prodigious writing, Urban Myth Dissolution Center has a very simple gameplay loop: we investigate a possible urban myth case on the Internet, verify its truthfulness, deduce which myth it is, and deal with the consequences. This is a classic detective game, with beautiful pixel art and a very original theme, carried out with prodigious grace; a game to watch closely.
