Move over, Battle Royale—WARDOGS is here to reclaim the tactical shooter throne. Published by Team17 and developed by the newly independent BULKHEAD (the creators of Battalion 1944), this 100-player FPS just dropped its announcement trailer and it’s looking like the modern successor to Battlefield we’ve been waiting for.
What is WARDOGS?
Inspired by the legendary Arma 3 “King of the Hill” mod, WARDOGS throws three rival teams into a massive 256km² Eastern European sandbox. Forget shrinking circles and extraction zones; here, it’s all about holding the Control Zone.
Key Features:
Three-Way Warfare: 100 players split into three distinct teams, creating chaotic and unpredictable frontlines.
Cash is King: A persistent economy system where every action—revives, transports, and kills—earns you cash. This money stays with you from match to match, letting you invest in better loadouts, vehicles, and gear.
Destructible Battlefields: Fortify buildings or level them to the ground. The terrain evolves as the fight progresses.
Combined Arms: It’s not just boots on the ground. Expect tanks, helicopters, and jets to dominate the skies and soil.
Realistic Pedigree: Developed on the War Dynamics Framework (Unreal Engine 5) with input from real-world ballistics and aerospace experts.
When can you play?
The game is slated for Steam Early Access in 2026, with a full multi-platform release (consoles) expected in 2027. If you’re tired of “hero shooters” and want a return to gritty, large-scale tactical depth, this is the one to wishlist.
Fun Fact: The devs are working directly with Sa-Matra, the original creator of the Arma 3 mod, to ensure the soul of the gameplay remains authentic.
If you’re a fan of the golden age of strategy games (think classic Fire Emblem vibes), you need to check out Dark Deity, published physically by the legends at Super Rare Games!
Set in the world of Terrazael, this game takes everything we love about the genre—deep turn-based combat, branching class trees, and high-stakes storytelling—and gives it a modern polish.
Why it’s a must-play:
Massive Roster: Recruit 30 unique characters, each with their own backstories and motivations.
Insane Customisation: Over 50 unlockable classes to ensure your squad is built exactly how you want it.
The “Grave” System: No permadeath frustration here—instead, characters suffer permanent stat injuries if they fall, adding stakes without losing your favourite units forever.
Classic Aesthetic: Beautiful pixel art and a sweeping soundtrack that feels like a love letter to the 16 and 32-bit eras.
Whether you’re a veteran tactician or a newcomer to the grid, Dark Deity delivers a rich, challenging experience that’s hard to put down.
Grab your copy, rally your heroes, and save Terrazael!
Tacticians, it’s time to return to the island! The massive Update 1.2 for Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch has officially arrived, bringing a host of new features, power-ups, and quality-of-life improvements to sharpen your strategy.
Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or a fresh soul on the shores, here is what’s waiting for you in the latest patch:
What’s New in Update 1.2?
Blessed Relics System: Take your gear to the next level! You can now obtain Blessed versions of Relics—more powerful variants with boosted effects or removed penalties.
New Talent Skills: Every character just got a major power spike! We’ve added two new Talent Skills per hero: one to boost core attributes and another to trigger those game-changing Partnership effects more often.
The Morale Boost System: Tired of leaving units behind? Now, characters who sit out of an expedition have a chance to gain “Ambitious” or “Enthusiastic” buffs, giving them extra skills and stat boosts for the next run!
Chaos Encounters: We’ve replaced Random Encounters with the new Chaos system, offering more unpredictable rewards and unique dice-roll bonuses.
Combat Streamlining: We heard your feedback! Combat is now faster and punchier, with adjusted enemy counts and snappier dialogue so you can focus on the tactics.
Hotfix 1.2.13: We also just pushed a small follow-up patch to fix a bug with the Executioner passive and improve localization clarity.
Available Now On: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch
Ready to defy death again? Jump back in and show the Witch what her Champion can really do!
Find out more here – https://kakaogames.com/en-us/Lost_Eidolons_Veil_of_the_Witch/
Space is cold, but the action is heating up. Dive into the festive “Battleshooter” event, earn exclusive rewards, and bring some Yuletide cheer to the crushing vacuum of the frontier.
Commanders, attention on deck!
The sensors are picking up something unusual in the neutral zone. It’s not another pirate fleet, and it’s not a Void anomaly. It appears to be… tinsel?
That’s right. The holiday season has officially arrived in Starborne: Frontiers, and it’s bringing a cargo hold full of festive chaos. The community has affectionately dubbed this year’s festivities the “Battleshooter” event, and if you’ve logged in the past 24 hours, you know exactly why: the only way to spread cheer out here is with overwhelming firepower.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to jump back into the pilot’s seat, or if you’re a daily grinder looking for the next big challenge, this is the most wonderful time of the year.
Here is your briefing on what to expect during the Starborne: Frontiers holiday event.
The Atmosphere: Frost and Firepower
The developers over at Solid Clouds usually do a great job of setting the mood, and this event is no exception. Forget the usual drab greys of military stations; the Frontier has received a festive makeover.
You can expect a complete UI reskin, with snowy overlays, twinkling lights adorning your station, and a suitably epic, jingle-bell-infused soundtrack to accompany your orbital bombardments. It’s a great contrast—managing high-stakes sci-fi warfare while your home base looks like a futuristic gingerbread house.
The “Battleshooter” Mechanics: How to Play
This event isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s about grinding for limited-time loot.
While the specifics can tweak year to year, the core loop of the holiday event usually revolves around a special Event Campaign Map.
Special Event Nodes: A new sector has opened up, filled with frosty enemies and special challenges. These battles are often tuned differently than the main campaign, requiring you to rethink your usual fleet compositions.
Festive Currency: Forget standard credits for a moment. Every victory in the event sector awards you with special holiday currency (think “Snowflakes,” “Baubles,” or “Data-Canes”).
The Holiday Shop: This is where the magic happens. You take that hard-earned festive currency to a temporary shop to exchange for high-value items.
The Loot: What’s Under the Tree?
Why are we calling it the “Battleshooter”? Because you’re going to have to shoot a lot of things to get the prizes you want. And this year, the prizes look worth the grind.
Typically, Starborne events offer two tiers of rewards:
The Essentials: The event shop is usually stocked with discounted upgrade materials, XP boosters, and standard recruitment tokens. It’s the perfect time to power-level that legendary unit you pulled last month but haven’t had the resources to max out.
The Exclusives (The Big Draws): This is what we are all here for.
New Holiday Units: Often, a brand-new unit is introduced that is thematic to the season—think ice-based weaponry or ships with unique “freezing” crowd-control abilities.
Festive Skins: Nothing says “I own this sector” like blasting an enemy flagship while your dreadnought is painted in aggressively festive red and green patterns or wearing a giant Santa hat. These skins are usually time-limited and become rare status symbols later in the year.
3 Quick Tips for Maximising the Event
Don’t go into the holiday free-for-all blind. Here’s how to get the most out of your playtime:
Energy Management is Key: Event nodes usually cost energy. Don’t blow your entire daily allowance on standard resource farming until you’ve completed your event goals for the day. The event is temporary; the main campaign is eternal.
Check for Unit Bonuses: Sometimes, specific units receive stat buffs during the event or grant bonuses to the amount of event currency dropped. Check the patch notes in-game to see who you should be fielding.
Prioritise the Shop: Don’t just buy random items. Look at the exclusives first. Can you earn that unique unit purely through gameplay? If so, make that your number one goal. Upgrade materials will always be around; limited-time ships will not.
Dismissed!
The Starborne: Frontiers holiday event is a fantastic time for the community. The servers are busy, chat is active, and everyone is chasing that shiny new loot.
So, charge your railguns, wrap some tinsel around your fusion reactor, and get out there, Commander. Those snow-covered space pirates aren’t going to blow themselves up.
Happy Hunting and Happy Holidays!
Are you enjoying the “Battleshooter” event? What’s your favourite new skin? Let us know in the comments below!
For fans of monster-catching RPGs, the name “EvoCreo” has been around for a while, delighting players on mobile platforms. But now, this fantastic adventure has made its way to Steam, and I’m here to tell you why you absolutely need to check it out!
If you’ve ever yearned for a game that captures the spirit of classic monster-catching titles while offering its own unique charm, EvoCreo is it. From the moment you step into the vibrant world of Zenith, you’re greeted with a sense of nostalgia mixed with fresh excitement.
What Makes EvoCreo Special?
1. A Rich World to Explore: Zenith is a sprawling land teeming with diverse environments, from lush forests to scorching deserts and mysterious caves. Each area feels distinct and offers a variety of Creo (the game’s monsters) to discover and capture. The pixel art style is beautifully rendered, making every new location a joy to behold.
2. Hundreds of Unique Creo to Catch: This is where EvoCreo truly shines! There are over 170 Creo to encounter, each with its own unique design, elemental type, and abilities. Catching them all is a thrilling endeavour, and the diversity ensures that every team you build will feel distinct. The designs are imaginative, ranging from adorable critters to powerful beasts.
3. Deep and Engaging Combat: EvoCreo features a turn-based combat system that is easy to learn but offers surprising depth. Strategic planning is key as you utilise your Creo’s elemental strengths and weaknesses, as well as their diverse skill sets. Status effects, synergy between Creo, and smart switching can turn the tide of any battle. You’ll find yourself constantly tweaking your team and experimenting with different moves to create the ultimate combination.
While its brothers, the X-1 and X-2, laid the groundwork for the “Miniature MS” era in the game, the X-3 arrives as a powerhouse that trades the safety of the ABC Mantle for sheer, overwhelming raw power.
Here is everything you need to know about the “Skull Heart” and how to pilot it to victory in the 750-cost environment.
The Stats: A 750-Cost Apex Predator
The X-3 enters the game as a 750 Cost Raid unit, designed to hunt down the most fortified supports and generals alike.
HP & Armour: Boasting high HP for its size, it lacks the Anti-Beam Coating Cloak but compensates with localised defence.
Mobility: It is exceptionally nimble. With the Flap Booster and Forced Injector skills, the X-3 can stay airborne or dance through a crowded battlefield with ease.
Skill Highlight: Heavy Attack Kai: This new skill allows the X-3 to charge and unleash its heavy attack even while mid-air, making aerial ambushes its signature move.
Weaponry: The Muramasa Blaster
The X-3 is defined by its iconic Muramasa Blaster, a weapon that functions as both a high-output beam rifle and a terrifying “chainsaw” of 14 beam sabres.
Weapon
Type
Combat Utility
Muramasa Blaster (Gun)
Ranged
An instant-stagger beam shot with high damage. Ideal for initiating.
Muramasa Blaster (Melee)
Melee
Massive reach and priority. Its heavy attack is a devastating multi-hit combo.
I-Field Hand
Defensive/Sub
A unique sub-weapon that nullifies incoming ranged beam damage from the front while active.
Chest Gatling Cannons
Sub
An instant-stagger beam shot with serious damage. Ideal for initiating.
Scissor Anchor
Sub
Classic Crossbone tech used to stun and pull enemies into your melee range.
Unique Gameplay Mechanic: Max Output (T)
Like the other Crossbone units in GBO2, the X-3 features a specialised transformation/buff mode. By dealing melee damage, you fill a Skill Gauge. Pressing the touchpad button activates Max Output (T):
Full Repair: Instantly recovers HP for your Head, Back, and Leg parts.
Enhanced Performance: Drastically increases attack power, movement speed, and thruster efficiency.
I-Field Overdrive: Your I-Field Hand lasts longer and becomes more effective at absorbing incoming fire.
Shield Piercing: Melee attacks during this mode penetrate enemy shields and nullify certain defensive buffers.
Pro Tips for the “Skull Heart”
To make the most of Tobia Arronax’s signature machine, keep these tactics in mind:
The Aerial Menace: Use your Flap Booster to gain height, then charge your Heavy Attack Kai while descending. Most players don’t look up until it’s too late.
I-Field Timing: Don’t just hold the I-Field. Use it to close the gap against Beam-heavy Generals (like the Nu Gundam or Unicorn). It negates the stun, letting you walk right through their primary fire.
Combo Extension: The X-3 can chain its Muramasa Blaster into its Heat Daggers. A common high-damage string is: Stagger (Gun) -> Downswing (Blaster) -> Dagger follow-up -> Anchor -> Finisher.
Manage the Gauge: Don’t pop Max Output the second it’s ready. Wait until your legs are damaged or you are about to engage in a decisive 1v1 to maximise the “part repair” benefit.
Final Verdict
The Crossbone Gundam X-3 is arguably the most aggressive unit in the game’s current 750 meta. It requires a pilot who isn’t afraid to get messy in close quarters but has the discipline to manage its unique I-Field defences.
Cellar Door Games, the acclaimed studio behind the Rogue Legacy series, is back with a darkly ambitious new project: Neath. Forget charming heroes and familiar fantasy—this is a journey into a world warped by cosmic horror, where you must defy a fickle god within a terrifying, inverted tower. Get ready to have your tactical RPG expectations flipped upside down.
The Twisted Setting: An Inverted Tower and a Fickle God
The world of Neath is one of decay and darkness, but its most defining feature is the inverted, irradiated tower that plunges downward into the earth from above. This is your challenge—to ascend this colossal, corrupt citadel.
The Tower of Neath: Unlike typical high fantasy, this environment is a place of Eldritch dread, filled with grotesque creatures and a pervasive sense of fear.
The Divine Decree: Taboos: The tower is governed by a capricious, undivine being whose ever-changing laws, known as Taboos, constantly rewrite the rules of each run. One expedition might punish a specific attack type, while the next might make all healing impossible. You must adapt your strategy on the fly, or perish.
Deeper Combat: A Fluid Tactical Roguelike
Cellar Door Games is taking a significant step out of their comfort zone with Neath, moving into the tactical RPG genre, but with their signature roguelike twist.
Key Mechanical Innovations:
Fluid Turn Order: The order of turns is always shifting. A core part of the strategy is manipulating this order, dictating the actions of both your warriors and your enemies.
“Engagement-Locking”: When an enemy targets one of your “fragile warriors,” that teammate is gripped by fear and locked in place. Your primary goal is to disrupt the foe—knocking them away, shoving an ally to safety, or making a sacrifice—to save your party member before the enemy attack resolves. This turns every encounter into a tense, desperate puzzle.
Party Building: You’ll recruit a band of warriors throughout each run, each bringing new abilities and esoteric synergies. Building the right combination of skills to handle the ever-shifting Taboos is crucial for survival.
Inspiration: The developers cite deep inspiration from both video games like Into the Breach and tabletop games like Mansions of Madness, promising a fresh, darker take on the genre.
Roguelike & RPG Progression
Like its Rogue Legacy predecessors, Neath will feature persistent elements that make each failure feel like a step toward success.
Defy Fate: You can use “Fate’s Die” to interact with the gods, trigger special events reminiscent of classic 90s dungeon-crawlers, and even reshape your destiny. Be warned: playing games with providence always has a consequence.
Shape Your Settlement: The humble town of Shale serves as your hub. You can invest resources and manage a serfdom to unlock new skills and customize your playstyle before each perilous climb into the tower.
Neath is currently planned for release in 2026 and has already captivated fans of both tactical RPGs and cosmic horror. It promises a challenging, dark, and endlessly replayable experience where the rules are constantly changing, and the only constant is the pressure to survive.
The trenches are rumbling with the biggest shake-up to artillery and maps in recent memory! Hell Let Loose Update 19 has officially dropped, bringing a new Eastern Front city, game-changing vehicles, and a total overhaul of the artillery mechanics. Get ready to adapt, Commander, because the battlefield just got a whole lot more strategic.
Welcome to the Eastern Front: Smolensk
The star of Update 19 is undoubtedly the brand-new map, Smolensk. This isn’t just another field or forest; it’s the largest, most densely packed urban environment HLL has ever featured, placing you right in the intense combat of the 1943 Soviet offensive (Operation Suvorov).
Massive Urban Warfare: Expect brutal, close-quarters fighting through bombed-out residential districts and the city’s industrial heart.
Verticality is Key: For the first time, you’ll be fighting across multiple floors of triple-story, enterable buildings, forcing both infantry and Commanders to constantly look up for threats.
Unique Design: The map is carved by both train tracks and the wade-able Dnieper River, creating natural lanes and choke points that redefine tactical movement and flanking opportunities.
Keep your head on a swivel—Smolensk promises to be an absolute meat-grinder that rewards tactical urban combat prowess.
Artillery Reborn: SPAs and The New Artillery Squad
The biggest mechanical shift in Update 19 targets the long-range firepower of artillery, aiming for a more strategic and less spam-heavy experience.
New Vehicle Type: Self-Propelled Artillery (SPA)
Say hello to mobile death! Update 19 introduces Self-Propelled Artillery vehicles across all factions.
Faction
SPA Vehicle
Soviet
KV-2
US
Sherman M4A3 105
German
Sturmpanzer IV Brummbär
These vehicles bring the power of artillery right to the front lines, allowing for rapid deployment and relocation, adding an entirely new layer of tactical mobility and counter-artillery play.
Static Artillery Changes
The traditional static guns have undergone a significant rework:
New ‘Artillery Squad’: Static artillery is now exclusively available to a new dedicated squad type.
Supply Cost: Guns must now be built with 50 Supplies, adding an element of teamwork and resource management.
Vulnerability: Static guns can now be dismantled or destroyed by the enemy team, introducing a new high-priority target for flanking units.
These changes are designed to make artillery less of a ‘fire-and-forget’ experience and more of a coordinated effort, tying it directly into the Commander’s supply and resource management loop.
Across the Board Enhancements
Beyond the major headlines, Update 19 delivers a range of important quality-of-life and balance improvements:
Armor Adjustments: All Light, Medium, and Heavy tanks have been rebalanced to ensure their speeds and performance are more historically accurate and consistent. Recon tanks have also received slight buffs to speed and health.
New Bipod Weapons: New weapons featuring bipods have been introduced, including the M1918A2 BAR and the FG42, offering new options for suppressive fire.
UI Customization: Players can now toggle on/off information shown on the KIA screen and network instability icons, allowing for a cleaner and more personalized Heads-Up Display.
Update 19 is a monumental release for Hell Let Loose, promising to shake up the meta with its focus on strategic map control, mobile firepower, and coordinated resource management. The chaos of Smolensk and the high-stakes world of the new artillery system await!
What are your first impressions of Smolensk? Have you tried out the new SPAs yet? Let us know your thoughts on Update 19 in the comments below!
Calling all fans of reverse-horror strategy and classic tactical games! The Victorian-era underworld is calling, and developers Quest Craft have finally thrown open the gates of their much-anticipated Kickstarter campaign for Ghost Keeper. This isn’t just another indie game—it’s a spiritual successor to beloved old-school titles, ready to put you in charge of the supernatural elite.
What is Ghost Keeper?
Imagine a tactical simulation where you are the architect of fear. Inspired by genre classics, Ghost Keeper flips the horror script, making you the master of a spectral crew of eccentric Ghosts, ferocious Beasts, and powerful Demons.
Set in a beautifully grotesque 19th-century England, your mission is simple: terrorize the mortals, set intricate traps, and harvest their sweet, sweet fear. But beware—a pesky, ghost-hating organization known as The Brotherhood is always on your trail, forcing you to constantly adapt and outsmart your living adversaries.
Reverse Horror Tactics: Command a team of unique supernatural minions with individual skills and personalities.
Victorian Grotesque: Marvel at the detailed, eerie, and sometimes bizarre setting of 19th-century England, complete with a peculiar and malicious narrator.
Sandbox Strategy: Each level is a distinct sandbox, offering multiple paths to victory and encouraging varied, strategic approaches to scaring.
The Campaign Goal: Not Greedy, Just Evil!
The team at Quest Craft is refreshingly transparent—the core mechanics of Ghost Keeper are already built and playable! The Kickstarter isn’t about starting from scratch; it’s about giving the final push to expand content, add polish, and unleash the ultimate scaring experience.
The campaign is aiming for a modest goal of approximately $15,070 USD / €12,500 EURO (55,000 PLN) and runs until Monday, January 26, 2026.
Pro-Tip from the Imp: The developers have hinted that hitting one of the first Stretch Goals could trigger an Early Access launch in Q1 2026—a lot sooner than the official 2026 release date!
Exclusive Rewards for the Master Keeper
Pledging your support comes with some wonderfully wicked rewards, allowing you to not only secure your copy of the game but also leave your mark on the underworld:
Pledge Tier Examples (Approx.)
Reward Highlights
$13 USD (Early Bird)
Steam Key at Launch
$21 USD (Deluxe)
Steam Key, Digital Soundtrack, HD Wallpapers
$71 USD (Design Council)
Design-Vote Access (on minion skills, map props, etc.), Private Dev Diary
$150 USD (Name a Mortal)
All above + Name an NPC Mortal in the game
$502 USD (Your Scream in the Game)
All above + Your processed voice used as a panic/terror sound
$5,024 USD (Create a Minion)
Co-create a minor ghost or beast with the developers!
Stretch Goals: Expanding the Horror
Surpassing the initial funding target will unlock a host of terrifying new features for all players:
Additional Maps and Minions: More locations to haunt and more monstrous recruits to command.
New Creature Class: Expanding your strategic options with an entirely new class of supernatural being.
Professional Voice-Over: For heightened immersion in the grotesque narrative.
If you’re ready to embrace the dark side and lead your fearsome legion, the Ghost KeeperKickstarter campaign is the perfect way to make sure this reverse-horror gem bursts through the gates of hell and onto your screen.
Will you seize the opportunity to become the ultimate Ghost Keeper?
Ghost Keeper on Kickstarter – https://shorturl.at/GfSIU
The fight isn’t over, even if the Empire is! Fans of the grim, resource-management focused tactical strategy of Shardpunk: Verminfall have a reason to get excited. Developer Clockwork Pile and publisher Retrovibe have officially announced the sequel, Shardpunk 2, and it looks like the fight for humanity’s survival is about to get a serious upgrade.
If you enjoyed the XCOM meets Darkest Dungeon vibes of the first game—with its pixel-art steampunk aesthetic and brutal permadeath—then buckle up, because the next chapter is set to ramp up the tension and the tactical depth.
The Fall of an Empire, The Rise of an Outpost
While the original Shardpunk: Verminfall was all about a desperate scramble for survival as you fled the rat horde through the ruins of the Capitol, Shardpunk 2 shifts the focus. The Empire may have fallen, but the human fight continues from a new, consolidated position.
This sequel puts you in command of a human outpost, mixing the intense, turn-based tactical strategy the series is known for with deeper elements of RPG, survival, and resource management.
The New Threat: You’ll be preparing for an “evolving threat,” suggesting the vermin horde might be getting smarter, tougher, or just plain nastier in their tactics and mutations.
Command and Conquer (Survive!): The outpost serves as your hub for gathering your team, scavenging for vital resources, and getting ready for the next brutal encounter. This suggests a more permanent base-building or management layer than the FTL-like node progression of the first game.
Core Gameplay: Strategy, Survival, Steampunk
The heart of Shardpunk is its unforgiving turn-based combat, and it’s set to return with added layers of complexity.
Turn-Based Tactical Battles: Expect grid-based levels where positioning, cover, and the smart use of your team’s unique abilities are the difference between a successful scavenging run and a total squad wipe.
Deeper Resource Management: The tension in the first game came from the constant pressure of limited resources, stress mechanics, and the looming threat of the infinite rat swarm. Shardpunk 2 is likely to expand on this, with the outpost acting as a permanent drain that you need to feed with successful missions. Decisions about who gets the last medpack or what resources to prioritise for crafting will be more crucial than ever.
Character and Tech Progression: Just like Verminfall, you’ll manage a motley crew of survivors, each with their own skills and steampunk arsenal. Upgrading gear, unlocking new character abilities, and managing the stress and shortcomings of your team will be key to long-term success.
When Can We Get Our Hands on It?
The brilliant minds at Clockwork Pile have set their sights on a 2026 release date for PC via Steam.
Given the developer’s commitment to community feedback during the development of the first game, they are planning to release proper alpha demos for Shardpunk 2. This is fantastic news, as it means fans will have a chance to shape the game and get an early taste of the action. Keep an eye on the Steam page and official channels for updates on when those demos might drop!
Time to Wishlist!
If you’re a fan of high-stakes, uncompromising turn-based strategy with a wonderful pixel-art aesthetic and a genuinely oppressive atmosphere, then Shardpunk 2 should be right at the top of your Steam wishlist.
The combination of tactical combat and deep survival-management is exactly what we need to scratch that brutal-indie-gem itch. The Empire may be gone, but the war for the human race has just begun!
Are you ready to man the outpost and fight the vermin? What features are you most excited for in Shardpunk 2? Let me know in the comments below!
In the crowded landscape of indie games, sometimes a simple rule can create profound complexity. Enter Unto Deepest Depths, a punishing new roguelite and turn-based strategy game from McCollum Games, poised to challenge veteran tacticians and newcomers alike. With a core mechanic that forces perpetual motion, this dark fantasy adventure ensures every single turn is a high-stakes decision.
The Rule That Changes Everything
At its heart, Unto Deepest Depths is a turn-based tactical game. You build and command a party of units, navigating procedurally generated maps and conflicts. But here’s the key twist: Every unit must move and attack every turn.
This simple constraint fundamentally alters the rhythm of battle:
No Camping: Forget turtling up! You can’t sit back and wait for the enemy to come to you or spend a turn solely buffing your troops. You are constantly advancing, forcing you to prioritize targets and positioning with brutal efficiency.
Destructive Dominoes: Since all units must act, careless attacks can put your own allies in harm’s way. Using a powerful but area-of-effect ability might wipe out a handful of foes, but if it forces your Lancer into a dangerous position next turn, was it truly worth it?
Depth in Simplicity: Unlike games with complex action-point economies, each unit has only a basic movement and one core ability (an attack, a heal, or a summon). The depth comes not from the number of choices, but from the consequence of the choices you’re forced to make given the movement mandate.
Building Your Descent Party
Your journey isn’t just about tactical combat; it’s also about strategic resource management and party building. As you venture through the depths, you’ll earn experience to:
Hire and Promote: Expand your roster with various unit types—from basic Peasants to more specialized units like Knights, Archers, Mages, and Healers. Promotions unlock Elite and specialized units, broadening your combat options.
Upgrade Wisely: You can spend resources on powerful unit upgrades. These might be simple health boosts or damage bonuses, or more complex buffs like death saves or bonuses for adjacent allies. With an upgrade-tree structure and limited resources, you must carefully choose who to specialize and how.
The Dark Unknown
The game promises a grueling roguelite experience. Each run will take you through five unique, procedurally generated biomes, culminating in encounters with menacing creatures and powerful bosses.
The procedural nature of the conflicts, combined with random challenges and events you’ll face along the way, ensures no two expeditions will be the same. The narrative centers on venturing into the unknown to “vanquish the horrors below,” providing a dark fantasy backdrop to the unrelenting tactical challenge.
Unto Deepest Depths is one to watch for fans of demanding turn-based strategy. The promise of a game where a single, simple rule creates a vast ocean of strategic possibility is an exciting prospect. Prepare to descend—just remember, you can never stand still.
Unto Deepest Depths is currently in development by McCollum Games, with a planned release date of December 11, 2025. You can find the demo and more information on its Steam page.
It seems the world of virtual sports has a new contender, and it’s coming in hot with a unique perspective. Developed by Sloclap, the studio behind the martial arts hit Sifu, Rematch is making waves by taking the beloved sport of football (soccer) and giving it a high-octane, arcade twist. Dubbed by some as “Rocket League without cars,” this game is all about lightning-fast reflexes, deep strategy, and, most importantly, team coordination.
The Elite Edition is the premium offering for those ready to dive deep into the competitive arena from day one. Let’s break down what makes Rematch tick and what the Elite Edition brings to the pitch.
The Core Gameplay: Skill, Speed, and Strategy
Rematch is a 5v5 online multiplayer experience played from an immersive third-person perspective, where you control a single player on your team. Forget managing a full squad; here, every action you take is critical to your team’s success.
Key Features that Shine:
Arcade Football with Substance: The game is designed to be accessible but incredibly hard to master. It strips away the complexity of fouls and offsides, focusing purely on the core mechanics: dribbling, passing, tackling, and shooting. The controls feel fluid, allowing you to pull off flashy moves like rainbow flicks and deft defensive dribbles.
The Power of Teamwork: This is where Rematch truly excels. It’s a skill-based game with a level playing field—there are no player stats to worry about. Victory hinges entirely on player skill and, crucially, tactical collaboration. A stack of individual stars will almost always fall to a well-organized team.
Non-Stop Action: Matches are quick, intense, and non-stop. There are no pauses, meaning the adrenaline rush is constant. The inclusion of a “mercy rule” prevents steamrolling, ending games early if a four-goal lead is reached, keeping the match momentum tight.
A Unique Visual Flair: Sloclap’s background in fluid, expressive animation shines through. The ball-handling and tackles look kinetic, all set against striking, almost futuristic backdrops like space stations.
What’s in the Elite Edition?
The Rematch: Elite Edition is tailored for the most dedicated fans who want to maximize their experience and customize their look right away. It’s essentially the ultimate cosmetic and progression package.
Elite Edition Exclusive Content
Description
2x Captain Pass Upgrade Tickets
Instantly grants access to two season’s worth of premium Battle Pass content and rewards.
Glitcher Trainers
Exclusive, futuristic-style footwear for your player.
Blazon Augmented Reality Cage
A unique, vibrant visual effect that celebrates your goals and animates your matches.
Blazon Cap, Buckler Tank Top, Pattern, & Jewel Set
A comprehensive suite of exclusive cosmetic items to personalize your player’s look and profile.
Blazon Player Background & Title
Custom elements to make your profile stand out in the lobbies.
For the players who want to jump into the competitive flow, the Elite Edition gives you a wealth of customization options and a head start on seasonal rewards.
The Verdict: Is It Your Next Addiction?
Rematch has all the makings of the next great arcade sports title. It successfully captures the core excitement of football and distills it into a format that is both easy to pick up and incredibly deep to master. The constant action and reliance on team strategy make every match a memorable, heart-pounding experience.
However, as with many new online-only games, early criticisms often point to initial technical hiccups like server desync and bugs. While these are common “launch woes” that developers typically address quickly, the core fun and addictive nature of the gameplay are undeniable.
If you are looking for a highly competitive, skill-based, multiplayer experience that rewards tactical play and delivers instant action, Rematch: Elite Edition is a game you should not miss. It’s a refreshing, innovative take on a classic sport.
Are you planning to jump into the action? What are you most excited about: the skill-based gameplay or climbing the Ranked Elite ladder?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game brimming with legendary gear, from the meticulously crafted Witcher sets to powerful relics scattered across the Northern Realms. While many players focus on the iconic silver and steel blades, there are some lesser-known, yet equally fascinating, weapons that often go unnoticed. One such weapon, shrouded in a bit of mystery and a charming name, is the Sword of Convallaria.
Unlike the grand quests for Aerondight or the intricate scavenger hunts for mastercrafted Witcher gear, the Sword of Convallaria is a more subtle find, often acquired through chance or a keen eye for exploration. It’s not a sword tied to a epic narrative or a powerful monster hunt, yet it holds a unique charm and can be a surprisingly effective early to mid-game blade for Geralt.
What is the Sword of Convallaria?
The Sword of Convallaria is a steel sword, meaning it’s primarily used for combating human foes and certain beasts. While its stats might not rival the absolute best swords in the game, it often boasts respectable damage and can come with useful enchantments depending on where and when you acquire it.
But what makes it special, beyond its practical application?
It’s the name itself. “Convallaria” is the Latin name for the Lily of the Valley, a beautiful and fragrant flower often associated with purity, happiness, and a return to happiness. This poetic name gives the sword a distinctly un-Witcher-like elegance, a stark contrast to the grim and bloody world Geralt inhabits. It sparks the imagination: Was it forged for a noble knight? A lovesick bard? Or perhaps it’s simply a whimsical naming convention by a forgotten smith?
Where Can You Find It?
The beauty of the Sword of Convallaria (and a bit of its elusive nature) is that it doesn’t have a fixed, guaranteed location like many other unique items. It’s primarily found as:
Random Loot: Keep an eye out when opening chests, defeating human enemies, and exploring bandit camps. It can drop as a named relic item.
Merchant Inventories: Sometimes, blacksmiths and armorers in various regions, particularly in Velen or Novigrad, might have it in their rotating stock. Checking in regularly can pay off.
This randomness adds to its allure. Discovering the Sword of Convallaria feels like a genuine stroke of luck, a pleasant surprise amidst your adventures.
Why Should You Care?
For many seasoned players, the Sword of Convallaria might seem like just another steel sword. However, for those who appreciate the smaller details and the lore that permeates every corner of The Witcher 3, it’s a delightful discovery.
Early to Mid-Game Power Spike: If you find it early on, its stats can easily outperform generic swords and carry you through a good portion of the early game.
Aesthetic Appeal: The name itself is a conversation starter and a unique piece of flavor in your inventory.
The Thrill of Discovery: Because it’s not tied to a specific quest, finding it feels like a genuine reward for thorough exploration.
Next time you’re traversing the war-torn lands or exploring a forgotten ruin, keep an eye out for this charming blade. The Sword of Convallaria might not be a game-changer, but it’s a testament to the rich detail and hidden wonders that make The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt an unforgettable experience.
Have you ever found the Sword of Convallaria? What were your thoughts on it? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Sword of Convallaria The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – https://soc.xd.com
We have just received the news that the upcoming Cold War-gone-hot tactical shooter, ’83, has been delayed, pushing its Early Access launch from the anticipated 2025 window to early 2026.
For a game that has already faced a tumultuous development history—including being shelved and then spectacularly revived by Blue Dot Games—any delay can sting. However, after looking at the reasoning behind the decision, the community should breathe a sigh of relief.
A Cold Dose of Reality: The Steam Next Fest Feedback
The heart of the delay lies in the recent Steam Next Fest demo. While the demo gave players their first proper taste of the large-scale, 40v40 combat between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, the feedback was, frankly, mixed. Players loved the core concept—the promise of “accessible realism”—but flagged several key areas that needed serious work:
Janky Movement and Animation: Transitions and terrain interactions were not as fluid as a modern tactical shooter demands.
The UI Experience: User Interface elements were a major point of criticism, with the current design feeling clunky and dated.
Gunplay Polish: While the goal is realism, the feel of the weapons—the recoil, the visual feedback, and the camera shake—needed refinement to hit that sweet spot of realistic and fun.
The community spoke, and Blue Dot Games listened. This isn’t a nebulous, vague “we need more time” announcement; the developers have provided a clear, actionable roadmap for the next few months, focusing specifically on these core criticisms.
What the Extra Time Will Deliver
The delay isn’t a pause—it’s a pivot to polish. Blue Dot Games is using the extra time to tackle the feedback head-on:
A Complete UI Overhaul: The new User Interface is being completely replaced to improve clarity and usability for the Early Access launch.
Destruction Comes to the Battlefield: They are rolling out an early destructibility system, a significant technical undertaking. Imagine a vehicle tearing through a defensive line or a well-placed explosive blast opening a new flanking route—this is a genuine game-changer for tactical play.
Refined Realism: Everything from the gunplay to the fluidity of movement and even the visual fidelity of era-authentic gear is getting a dedicated development pass.
Quality Over Crunch: The Right Choice
In an era of rushed releases and “ship-it-now, fix-it-later” mentalities, this decision is a powerful statement.
’83 already has a passionate fanbase, many of whom are spiritual successors to games like Rising Storm 2: Vietnam. This community deserves a game that honours its legacy and delivers on the promise of an intense, large-scale Cold War battlefield experience.
The disappointment of waiting longer is momentary. The regret of an unfinished, poorly received launch would last forever. By pushing the Early Access launch into early 2026, Blue Dot Games is making the necessary investment in quality. They are choosing to deliver a great first impression that will resonate with both tactical FPS veterans and newcomers.
Let’s look forward to early 2026. The Cold War may have been delayed, but when the call to arms finally arrives, we can be confident we’ll be fighting on a much better battlefield.
What are your thoughts on the ’83 delay? Do you prefer a finished product later, or are you eager for Early Access now? Let us know in the comments!
