Since its launch in 2010, Humble Bundle has transformed the distribution of video games, offering bundles of titles under the ‘pay what you want’ model and donating part of its revenue to charitable causes. This revolution has not only benefited players but has also provided visibility to independent studios that would otherwise struggle to reach a wider audience. In this context, a group of veterans from Humble Bundle has introduced Digiphile, a new digital store that aims to refocus on collections and specially curated bundles of video games. A first bundle of excellent proposals […]
Since its launch in 2010, Humble Bundle has transformed the distribution of video games, offering bundles of titles under the ‘pay what you want’ model and donating part of its revenue to charitable causes. This revolution has not only benefited gamers but has also provided visibility to independent studios that would otherwise struggle to reach a wider audience. In this context, a group of veterans from Humble Bundle has launched Digiphile, a new digital store that aims to refocus on specially curated collections and bundles of video games.
A first bundle of excellent proposals
Digiphile will launch with a clear and simple model: it will offer two bundles per month, each with at least 5% of its profits allocated to charitable organizations. Additionally, 75% of the revenue will be allocated to the publishers, and there will be complete transparency in the revenue distribution, ensuring that every player knows how the funds are divided between the store and the supported causes.
The first package, titled Return of the Immersive Sim, includes titles such as the latest remakes and remasters of System Shock, as well as games like Peripeteia and Shadows of Doubt, at a maximum price of 20 dollars. This format is distinguished by limiting its catalog to temporary collections, avoiding a permanent showcase of games. The people at Digiphile have promised to implement measures against key reselling and ensure that 100% of the revenue generated by DLC goes to the publishers.
Another highlighted feature is the Digiphile Exchange, which will allow users to check if they already own a game in their Steam library and redeem unused keys for credits towards other titles available in the store. With the intention of growing as a community, Digiphile also aims to incorporate reviews, lists, and recommendations, similar to what Letterboxd has done in cinema.
The original version of System Shock 2, released in 1999, will be removed from Steam on October 10, 2025, according to an announcement from Atari, owner of Nightdive Studios. Although the game will be taken off the platform, those who already own it will still be able to download and play it from their library. On the other hand, all current and future owners of the new remastered edition, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary, will receive the original version for free. Buy it before it goes out of print This decision has sparked a mix of reactions among fans. The original version of System Shock 2 […]
The original version of System Shock 2, released in 1999, will be removed from Steam on October 10, 2025, according to an announcement from Atari, owner of Nightdive Studios. Although the game will be removed from the platform, those who already own it will still be able to download and play it from their library. On the other hand, all current and future owners of the new remastered edition, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary, will receive the original version for free.
Buy it before it gets discontinued
This decision has sparked a mix of reactions among fans. The original version of System Shock 2 usually costs €10, and is often found on sale for much lower amounts, such as €1 during Steam sales. In contrast, the remastered edition generally sells for €30€, which raises the question of whether the additional cost justifies the improvements. However, experts recommend the new version due to its superior graphics quality and performance.
A highlighted review from PC Gamer gave the remaster a rating of 85%, describing it as “a perfect complement” to the remake of System Shock 1. Critic Ted Litchfield emphasized that the remaster is the best way to experience this classic title today. Therefore, although the original version has an appeal due to its low price, many players might choose the enhanced experience offered by the remastered edition.
It is important to highlight that the original version of System Shock 2 is still available on GOG, where it is part of their Preservation Program. There are still no signs that it will be removed from that service, which provides an alternative for those who want to ensure they maintain access to this classic. In this context, it may be a good opportunity to acquire it before it is removed from Steam.
Immersive simulation games have become one of the most attractive genres within the video game industry, thanks to their meticulously crafted worlds, engaging gameplay, and narratives that adapt to players’ decisions. In this vein, Contrast Games, an emerging studio from Kazakhstan, has announced its first title called Welcome to Brightville, a game that promises to combine magic and steampunk technology in a highly reactive environment. A game that places great emphasis on its narrative and player decisions, Welcome to Brightville is presented as a first-person shooter […]
Immersive simulation games have become one of the most attractive genres within the video game industry, thanks to their meticulously crafted worlds, engaging gameplay, and narratives that adapt to players’ decisions. In this line, Contrast Games, an emerging studio from Kazakhstan, has announced its first title titled Welcome to Brightville, a game that promises to combine magic and steampunk technology in a highly reactive environment.
A game that places great weight on its narrative and the player’s decisions
Welcome to Brightville presents itself as a first-person shooter reminiscent of iconic titles like BioShock and System Shock, but with a unique identity. Set in a city where magic and technology intertwine, every player choice not only alters the environment but also influences the narrative and relationships with NPCs, creating a truly personalized experience.
The game will utilize the powerful Unreal Engine 5, allowing developers to deliver a flawless aesthetic that combines cyberpunk and dark fantasy elements. One of the highlights is its magical combat system, which allows players to combine spells to generate devastating effects and manipulate the environment to their advantage, in gameplay that recalls the dynamics of titles like Atomic Heart.
In addition, the game’s soundtrack will be interactive, responding to the player’s actions and enriching the combat experience with a musicality that will evolve in real time. Although the details are promising, fans will have to wait until 2027 to experience Welcome to Brightville, which will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and Epic Games Store. This new project could mark the beginning of a new era for immersive sims, challenging the expectations of the genre.
Nightdive Studios, known for its ability to remaster classic games like Turok and System Shock, is now turning its attention to the era of PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. In a recent interview with VGC, the studio confirmed its intention to revive titles from a generation that marked a milestone in the history of video games, although not without facing significant technical challenges, especially related to the complex Cell processor of the PS3. A challenge for which they believe there are many interesting games The goal of Nightdive is clear: to prevent important works from that era from being left in the […]
Nightdive Studios, known for its ability to remaster classic games like Turok and System Shock, is now turning its attention to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era. In a recent interview with VGC, the studio confirmed its intention to revive titles from a generation that marked a milestone in video game history, although not without facing significant technical challenges, especially related to the complex Cell processor of the PS3.
A challenge for those who believe there are many interesting games
The goal of Nightdive is clear: to prevent important works from the era from being forgotten. Stephen Kick, the head of the studio, explained that the work methodology is based on taking advantage of those games that have PC versions, which facilitates their adaptation to modern platforms through their KEX engine. “We are ready,” Kick stated, adding that the first step to take is to assess the availability of the source code and the quality of the assets, essential conditions to ensure a good remastering.
Throughout the interview, Kick emphasized the need to contact the original studios to discuss possible improvements and corrections that could be implemented in the remastered versions. He mentioned that numerous limitations, such as the frames per second rate and loading times, tend to be resolved almost naturally in the remastering process. However, addressing the specific challenges of the PS3 hardware will be a challenge that the team is prepared to face.
The generation of PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles is remembered for offering open worlds and impactful narratives in memorable titles. Nightdive Studios aims not only to revive these classics but also to preserve the history of video games in the face of the unstoppable advance of technology and the passage of time. The remastering of these gems from the past could bring back unforgettable experiences for players. According to some rumors, this initiative could pave the way for new versions of previously inaccessible works.
May has been a particularly intense month for video games, so it’s likely you missed some, and we are here to present them to you.
May is turning out to be a crazy month. We can hardly recall any other month in the history of video games that has seen the release of so many great games. However, this also means that many games have gone unnoticed, as it is impossible to keep up with everything. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We will guide you through all those games that you may have missed and that you should definitely check out. Because some of them are the best of the year.
INDIKA
On May 2nd, the first game from Odd Meter was released: INDIKA. A third-person game set in 19th century Russia. Putting ourselves in the shoes of Indika, a young nun with no family or anyone who loves her, she is accompanied on her journey to a nearby church by the voices in her head. Which belong to the devil. All resulting in an excellent narrative game, spectacular graphics, and simple but well-designed puzzles.
Crow Country
If you miss the classic Resident Evil games, you should try Crow Country. A game that visually resembles a refined version of the original Final Fantasy 7 while following the structure of classic survival horror games. Its greatest achievement is that it has managed to reinvent the ideas of these games, while still feeling like a completely contemporary game. Not just a tribute to the classics: an excellent survival game in its own right.
Braid Anniversary Edition
Perhaps we are no longer in 2008, but Braid is still Jonathan Blow’s masterpiece. A spectacularly beautiful and mechanically excellent game, which may not have aged as well narratively, but is still a cult game for good reasons. Now with improved graphics and a commentary by Blow himself, this is the definitive version of a game that has made its mark on the history of the medium.
Mullet MadJack
Frenetic, crazy, and aesthetically incredible, Mullet MadJack is a game that aims to do one thing and it does it excellently: be an arcade game that draws inspiration from roguelikes to create the best shooter of the year. Based on 90s anime, with dry humor and a narrative deeper than it appears, Mullet MadJack is a showcase of how it is still possible to create games with a clear classic flavor. Just modern.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
Everyone has fallen in love with Animal Well, but this month another puzzle game has been released that is a candidate to be the best of recent years. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a game by Simogo, creators of Sayonara Wild Hearts, who completely change their style with this game. Having to investigate a hotel full of puzzles, its impressive aesthetics and narrative accompany brilliant puzzles that require us to deeply engage with a game excellently designed down to the last detail.
System Shock
Sometimes a game from 1994 needs a remake that manages to convey what it did for the gaming industry thirty years ago. That’s the case with System Shock. A game that not only defined video games and without which games like Deus Ex, Dishonored, and Prey wouldn’t exist, but is also absolutely excellent in terms of design and art even today. Something that the remake polishes to the point of making it enjoyable as if it were 1994, but accessible as it is in 2024.
Sonar Shock
Inspired by System Shock, this game takes us from space to an equally terrible place: the ocean floor. Instead of a spaceship, a submarine. With aesthetics inspired by the final years of the Soviet Union in a mix of shooter, dungeon crawler, and immersive sim, this game offers us a crazy, intense, and brief but very tasty experience. Sonar Shock is a game from the 90s, but as it could only be made today.
Nine Suns
It hasn’t been released yet, but the demo promises that this platformer, which seems like a mix of Hollow Knight and Sekiro, can easily be one of the games of the year. Challenging combat, incredibly fun platforming, and an aesthetic with Asian inspiration, in the Tao, the game could very well be the big surprise of the year. And that’s why you should have Nine Sols on your list.
Algunos de los enlaces agregados en el artículo son parte de campañas de afiliados y pueden representar beneficios para Softonic.
If you want to take advantage of Steam’s spring deals to get the best games at an unbeatable price, we’ve got you covered.
Spring sales are happening on Steam. And you know what that means. It’s time to take out your wallet, put it on the floor, and let Gabe Newell put games in our library. But you may wonder, what should I buy? What deals are interesting? Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Because these are some of the most interesting deals you’ll find until March 21st.
One of the most popular horror games of all time and the 2021 GOTY for many people is now 70% off and at a ridiculous price. Less than ten euros. If you like creepypastas, cabins lost in the middle of the forest, and card games, this is the game of your dreams. And if you simply want a horror game that will surprise you? It’s also the perfect game to dive into headfirst.
If you like history, strategy games, or simply want to see how far you can make the most absurd decisions as a ruler before you get killed, Crusaders Kings III is the perfect game. It is also perfect if you want a game that takes many hours to learn all the systems it has to offer, providing even more hours of gameplay where the same events don’t have to repeat themselves twice in dozens of hours.
We don’t give much love to virtual reality games. And some are worth it. If you have a virtual reality headset and don’t have Half-Life Alyx, now you have it at a 66% discount. Why should you play it? First, because it’s Half-Life. Second, because for many it’s the Half-Life 3 that we have already accepted will never exist. If that’s not reason enough to dive in, what else can we say?
The reinvention of franchises doesn’t always go well, although that was not the case with God of War. Its reinvention as a father and Greek god in barbarian lands managed to bring back to life a saga that seemed already dead. Now you have it available with a 50% discount, to start getting excited until Sony decides to bring Ragnarok to PC.
Every now and then, good stories are needed. Funny ones. With a certain hidden depth for those who want to find it. For less than ten euros, you can have all that and more thanks to Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, an excellent trilogy of visual novels with investigation mechanics. The only way to improve it? Play it on a Nintendo DS. But that’s already more complicated.
From Software has many essential games, especially since the release of Demon’s Souls. One that never goes down in price is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. That’s why we recommend that, if you don’t have it, take advantage of buying it with a 50% discount. Not because it’s the best offer it has ever had, because it has already been at this price. But because it is a masterpiece and it doesn’t seem like it will have a greater discount ever.
Do you like role-playing games and have 100 hours to spare? Then you should definitely go for Persona 5 Royal, a game that has managed to popularize the Persona series among the general public. With a 50% discount, this is the definitive version of Persona 5. Both for everything it contains and for its unbeatable price.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition (€13.49 | -70%)
Maybe you like role-playing games, have 100 hours to fill, but you prefer western role-playing games. In that case, you have the definitive edition of Divinity: Original Sin 2, at a ridiculous 13.49 euros, to enjoy one of the best role-playing games of all time. How good is it? It is the previous game from Larian Studios, who would later develop Baldur’s Gate 3, which is heavily inspired by Divinity: Original Sin 2. That’s how good it is.
If there is a game that doesn’t need an introduction, it’s Red Dead Redemption 2. And for 19.99 euros, there aren’t many reasons to think twice. If you like the Wild West or Rockstar games, the creators of GTA, we shouldn’t have to waste words explaining why it should already be in your shopping cart. And by the time you read this sentence, it should already be in your library.
To finish, we have to recommend one of the hidden gems of 2023. One of the masterpieces that didn’t appear in many best of the year lists, but deserved it as much as all the GOTY winners. That is System Shock. A remake of the classic 1994 game that shaped immersive sims like Deus Ex, Bioshock or Prey. At a 50% discount, not taking advantage to discover one of the best games of recent years is a true crime.
