Who could have guessed that the classic Carlo Collodi children's novel would be become the inspiration for an amazing soulslike game? This week's show features Pascal, Ryan M., and Wheels, where we discuss Lies of P. One thing is for sure, it's not like the Disney movie. The post RPG Backtrack 346 – I’ve Got No Strings appeared first on RPGamer.

Square Enix released new screenshots and details for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. The latest update focuses on new additions include in the remake of the first game. The remake includes additional story content, part of which helps connect the game to Dragon Quest III. This content sees players seek to summon and gain the aid of the great spirit Rubiss by visiting the faeries, who are said to have a deep connection her. In order to summon her, players will need to find the Dream-Whisperer, the leader of the faeries, who has gone missing. The remake also includes additional new events, including trouble involving Tantegel's soldiers, visiting a mage who studies keys, and encountering cave-dwelling dwarves. Other new content includes new dungeons, new monster foes, and mysterious nature-imbued ingredients that can be found scattered around the world. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will release on October 30, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Dragon Quest I-III make up the Dragon Quest series’ Erdrick trilogy, with Dragon Quest III (which received the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake in 2024) taking place before the events of the first two games. The first Dragon Quest was initially released for the NES/Famicom in Japan in 1986 and in North America in 1989, while Dragon Quest II was first released for NES/Famicom in 1987 and in North America in 1990.   [foogallery id="177978"] The post Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Showcases First Game’s New Content appeared first on RPGamer.

gaDeveloper Two Horn Unicorn is working on cartoon-style action RPG Life Slash Death. The game is in development for PC and Mac, though a release window has not been announced. A demo version is currently available to download via Steam, which lets players access the first two locations in the game with a limited pool of skills and loot. Life Slash Death puts players in the role of a "representative of office plankton", who is transported to a fantasy world. His attempts at returning to his world are rebuffed by those able to open such portals, and his attempts at eliciting help end up drawing him into a conflict between worlds. The game's story is billed as focusing on humour and fun, with its world including unicorns, wizards, living vegetables, and more.   [foogallery id="177956"]   The post Action RPG Life Slash Death in Development appeared first on RPGamer.

Square Enix announced new physical releases for a number of Final Fantasy titles. Firstly, the company announced the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade & Rebirth Twin Pack for PlayStation 5, which contains both Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the first two parts of the planned Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. It will release on December 4, 2025, and is priced at $59.99. In addition, Square Enix announced both the Final Fantasy VII (Original) + Final Fantasy VIII Remastered Twin Pack and a Final Fantasy IX physical edition for Nintendo Switch. These will release on December 9, 2025, each priced at $39.99. All three editions are available to pre-order now.   The post Further Final Fantasy Physical Releases Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

Bandai Namco released a new story trailer for action RPG Code Vein II. The four-minute video gives a quick introduction to the game's premise, where the player-created protagonist travels back 100 years to the past with the assistance of a mysterious girl called Lou MagMell to try and rewrite the fate of the world, including appearances from its major characters. Code Vein II will release on January 30, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A follow-up to 2019 action RPG Code Vein, the game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity’s existence is hanging by a thread. The sudden emergence of a threat known as the Luna Rapacis has seen Revenants — humans with supernatural abilities that come at the cost of severe bloodlust — transformed into creatures called Horrors.   The post Code Vein II Story Trailer Released appeared first on RPGamer.

Silver Lining Interactive announced that it will be releasing a physical edition of FusionPlay and Team17 Digital's fishing RPG Nice Day for Fishing. The physical edition will release for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on November 21, 2025. It is available to pre-order now through Silver Lining's online store for £34.99, as well as selected local retailers. Nice Day for Fishing released digitally for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch earlier this year. The game is a licenced title based on the Viva La Dirt League sketch group’s Epic NPC Man series. Players control the fisherman Baelin, who must defend the town of Honeywood through the only profession he knows after the world’s adventurers go missing. The game sees players engage in fishing battles to fulfil quests, grow stronger, and gain new spells and equipment. Players need to equip the right bait and time their attacks to succeed. Baeilin will travel through the Honeywood forest to the Azerim coast on his adventure, while finding resources that can be used to rebuild Honeywood to its former glory.   The post Nice Day for Fishing Physical Release Landing in November appeared first on RPGamer.

THQ Nordic announced Sacred 2 Remaster, a remaster of the 2008 isometric action RPG Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, will release on November 11, 2025. The remaster will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, priced at $19.99 on PC and $24.99 on consoles. Developed by SparklingBit, the remaster will include refined combat and gameplay, high-resolution textures, UI improvements, and all of the game’s post-launch content updates, including its Ice & Blood expansion. Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is set in the fantasy realm of Ancaria, where a substance called T-Energy acts as the source of all life and magic. The High Elves are the dominant race on Ancaria; however, a factional struggle has seen the T-Energy grow increasingly out of control and cause chaos in the world. Players can choose from seven classes, with the game featuring two campaign paths, Light and Shadow, which intersect at various points during the game.   The post Sacred 2 Remaster Releasing in November appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher Fellow Traveller and developer Jump Over the Age have released a free localisation update for Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. The update adds French, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese language options for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a follow-up to Citizen Sleeper and combines visual novel storytelling with die-based tabletop gameplay mechanics. The game takes players to a brand-new location, where they control a new Sleeper, a company-owned android who has managed to flee to the Starward Belt, a remote asteroid cluster at the edge of the Helion system. Trying to build a new life for themselves, they will need to guide their ship and recruited crew through a system-wide crisis. The game features a larger area to explore than the first game, as well as new gameplay systems and mechanics. Those looking to read more about Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector can check out Zach Welhouse's review of its PC version.   (French version, Japanese and Simplified Chinese versions also available) The post Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector Adds French, Japanese, Simplified Chinese Localisations appeared first on RPGamer.

Welcome to RPGamer's new release round-up. In this column, we look to provide our readers with details on the major RPGs released this week. Please note we do not currently include Early Access releases where the game is still in development. Pricing is shown in US dollars before application of any discounts, local pricing may vary. --- Absolum Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch Publisher: DotEmu Developer: DotEmu, Guard Crush, Supamonks Available: Steam, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop Price: $24.99 (10% launch discount) Beat-’em-up action RPG Absolum sees players fighting as one of four rebels in the fantasy world of Talamh, which was shattered after wizards caused a magical cataclysm. With magic untrusted by the common people, Sun King Azra took advantage, enslaving wizards and putting loyal subordinates in charge of his conquered realms. Players join the rebels, under the mentorship of Uchawi and the Root Sisters, who utilise a forbidden magic, and seek to topple Azra’s grip on power. --- Battle Suit Aces Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch Publisher: Trinket Studios Developer: Trinket Studios Available: Steam, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop Price: $24.99 (10% launch discount on Steam) A new title from the Battle Chef Brigade developer, card-battling RPG Battle Suit Aces is said to be inspired by classic mecha anime series. The game follows mech pilots on a hunt for alien superweapons. Turn-based combat sees players send out pilots to attack monsters and defend their ship. Between missions, players court different factions, befriend pilots and crew, and make various dialogue choices. --- Blue Protocol: Star Resonance Platform: PC, iOS, Android Publisher: A PLUS Japan, Crunchyroll Developer: Shanghai Bokura Available: Steam, Epic Games Store, Apple App Store, Google Play Store Price: Free-to-play MMORPG Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is billed as a licensed expansion upon Blue Protocol, an MMORPG that was released in Japan in 2023 before shutting down in January 2025 with a planned western release cancelled. The game is set on the fantasy land of Magna on the planet Regnas, which in Blue Protocol was said to be ruled in the past by a group of god-like beings known as the Bapharian Divines and is filled with a mystical light known as Engram. It promises an open world filled with quests, dungeons, and raids. Combat is fast-paced and will let players swap combat styles at any time, with players able to customise their characters. --- Blood of Mehran Platform: PC Publisher: Blowfish Studios Developer: Permanent Way Game Co. Available: Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store Price: $24.99 (15% launch discount on PC) Blood of Mehran is an action RPG said to be drawn from "Arabian Nights" folk tales. It sees legendary warrior Mehran seeking to set down his sword, but the ambitions of others, force him to take up his blade once more. --- Cairn: Mathair’s Curse Platform: PC Publisher: Ross McRitchie Developer: Ross McRitchie Available: Steam Price: $19.99 (10% launch discount) Turn-based RPG Cairn: Mathair’s Curse is set in the fictional world of Albaness, which is inspired by the Scottish Highlands in the early 2000s. The story follows the adventure of a young boy named Alex and his friends, who must save their hometown from a curse cast by a mysterious cult. The game is billed as a JRPG with “plenty of Scottish humour”. It features a turn-based battle system, party management, and puzzle solving. --- Cthulhu Mythos ADV Lunatic Whispers & The Isle Of Ubohoth Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch (previously released on PC) Publisher: Gotcha Gotcha Games Developer: Gotcha Gotcha Games Available: PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop (links not yet available) Price: TBA Visual novel/tabletop-style RPGs Cthulhu Mythos ADV Lunatic Whispers and Cthulhu Mythos ADV The Isle Of Ubohoth see players guiding a group while confronting eldritch creatures and solving riddles. Dice rolls are used for many actions, with the success rate determined by the character’s statistics. Lunatic Whispers sees sees players waking up in a hospital with two companions and no knowledge of how they got there, while The Isle Of Ubohoth sees the protagonist cursed by an unknown entity while visiting an island. --- Dicealot Platform: PC Publisher: Yogscast Games Developer: goodviewgames Available: Steam Price: $14.99 (20% launch discount) Dicealot is a roguelike dice-builder. It takes place in the chaotic realm of Camelot where King Arthur has been cursed. Queen Guinevere must rally the loyal Knights of the Round Table. The game features Farkle-inspired combat as players aim to stack combos with their dice rolls. --- Disgaea 7 Complete Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (previously released on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch) Publisher: NIS America Developer: Nippon Ichi Software Available: Nintendo eShop Price: $69.99 Disgaea 7 Complete is an enhanced version of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless including the original game, all of its DLC, and a new adventure involving the Netherworlds from past Disgaea titles, plus other content. It takes place in the Hinomoto Netherworld Cluster, a netherworld inspired by Japanese culture that is losing its “Bushido” lifestyle after being taken over by the corrupt Oedo Shogunate. The story follows lazy samurai Fuji and Hinomoto otaku Pirilika, who collect an odd assortment of allies as they search for the Seven Weapons of Origin in order to defeat the Shogunate. Those looking to read more about Disgaea 7 Complete can check out Amaan Bhimani's review. --- House of Necrosis Platform: PC, Linux Publisher: Warkus Developer: Warkus Available: Steam Price: $11.99 (10% launch discount) House of Necrosis is a turn-based horror RPG with PS1-style 3D graphics. It sees players trying to survive as they wander through the endless halls of the mansion that change every time they enter. --- Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch Publisher: Ocean Drive Studio, Kakao Games Developer: Ocean Drive Studio Available: Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop Price: $24.99 (20% launch discount on Steam) Roguelite tactical RPG Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is set in the same world as Lost Eidolons, though is stated to be fully standalone and not require any previous knowledge. The gameplay features roguelike and streamlined elements, and will see each character having a single class with fixed weapons and armor, though players will still be able to unlock new skills and upgrade gear. It had been in Early Access since November 2024. --- Lost in Fantaland Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch (previously released on PC) Publisher: Game Source Entertainment Developer: Supernature Studio Available: PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop Price: $14.99 Tactical roguelite deckbuilder Lost in Fantaland follows an adventurer dragged into another world. Players choose a class and fight through its randomly-generated world. Combat takes place on eight-by-eight gridded battlefields, with players able to carry over persistent upgrades across playthroughs. --- Rise Eterna 2 Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch Publisher: Forever Entertainment Developer: Forever Entertainment, Makee Games, Ricci Cedric Design Available: Steam, GOG.com, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop Price: $19.99 (10% launch discount) tactical RPG Rise Eterna 2 is a sequel to 2021 title Rise Eterna and its 2023 prequel Rise Eterna War. The series is inspired by titles such as Fire Emblem, with grid-based tactical combat. Rise Eterna 2 sees players taking on the role of Jacht, a loyal soldier in the Athracian Empire as two families vie for its throne. He seeks to reclaim his empire’s lost glory, as well as destroy the Heroes Army of Lua (the first game’s protagonist).. --- Shrine's Legacy Platform: PC Publisher: indie.io Developer: Positive Concept Games Available: Steam Price: $19.99 (20% launch discount) 16-bit top-down action RPG Shrine’s Legacy is set in the magical world of Ardemia. The game sees Dark Lord Aklor returning after being banished for centuries, with his minions invading the land. Rio is the direct descendant of the hero who banished him and heir to the Sword of the Shrine, who is rescued by the mage Reima, with the duo seeking out the fabled sword and attempting to unite the eight elements in order to defeat Aklor. Players control both Rio and Reima; solo players can switch between the characters as they wish, while co-op sees one player controlling each character. Rio focuses on melee combat, while Reima uses magical spells. --- Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch Publisher: refint/games Developer: Nihon Falcom Available: Steam, GOG.com, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop Price: $34.99 Crossover fighting game  Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga originally released for PlayStation Portable in Japan in 2010. The game uses combat based on the engine behind Ys Seven, featuring a selection of characters from the Ys series and the Trails in the Sky trilogy, plus Trails from Zero‘s Lloyd Bannings. In addition to its story mode, it includes local multiplayer for up to four players, with online multiplayer added to the new release. The localisation is based on the fan translation created by the Geofront group. --- Sales Links * Xbox Store * PlayStation Store (North America) * PlayStation Store (Europe) * Nintendo eShop (North America) * Nintendo eShop (Europe) * Steam * GOG.com * Epic Games Store * The Humble Store The post New Release Round-Up (October 9, 2025) appeared first on RPGamer.

Do Demons Dream of Horned Sheep? Disgaea 7 Complete combines the base game of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless and all DLC into a neat package with some extras that'll go a long way for the most devoted of series fans. While available in Japan on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch for over a year, NIS America made it a Switch 2 exclusive for its western release. The system's high specs offer a smooth-as-butter experience, while the included DLC and extras make it the definitive edition of the game. With the original being a top contender for the series' best, there's no better way to jump into Disgaea now than with Disgaea 7 Complete. Demon warriors who love deceit and hate honor populate the Hinomoto Netherworld, but Hinomoto fanatic and teen billionaire Pirilika believes that the ancient code of bushido, once the honorable law of the land, can be restored by her hands. However, her journey hits a snag as soon as it begins, when a petty argument with a noodle shop owner snowballs into violence. However, Fuji, a ronin with a colossal debt on his head, steps in and offers her a pricey security detail until she finishes her quest. The problem? Fuji has a deadly allergy to empathy, and Pirilika has no shortage of it. But with Fuji's debt closing in and Pirilika being too eager to let her beloved Hinomoto lose more of itself, they get along with each other and pick up any demon strange enough to join their side. [caption id="attachment_177669" align="alignnone" width="640"] Cut down no-good shogunate officials and pesky troublemakers to restore the way of the warrior.[/caption] Quirkiness is the defining trait of this series, and the straightforward storyline gets derailed pretty quickly by dastardly villains, a hyperviolent little girl who claims to be Fuji's daughter, and other weirdos of various shapes and sizes. Even the main cast is written to be silly and unserious. The irony of a deadpan demon like Fuji restoring bushido is pointed out repeatedly, while Pirilika's obsession with Hinomoto is likened to anime fans and Japanophiles who go a little too far with their fanaticism. Ceefore, the first to join the duo on their quest, has an unhealthy love for explosives and weapons, while another party member has an endless appetite that eats through Pirilika's massive fortune in days. It's a rowdy bunch with a mission that no one else in Hinomoto cares about, but they have fun with it and players become party to their shenanigans, watching as they lose all their money in Casinomoto or try to take a dip in succubus-haunted hot springs. Those acquainted with mid-tier anime will find themselves at home, but other audiences might be put off by the humor and writing, which is self-indulgent, corny, and propped up by countless running gags. Mileage will vary, but this is a gameplay-heavy series, and, at worst, the story still serves its most basic purpose of setting up unique battles and giving characters a personality outside of combat. [caption id="attachment_177671" align="alignnone" width="640"] In Disgaea, your options are only as limited as your imagination.[/caption] Battles are strategic and grid-based, with many bells and whistles to set it apart from the rest of the genre. The first of the series' distinct mechanics is lifting and throwing. While the tower attack from previous games is absent, characters can still be stacked on one panel, and all lifted units will provide the lifter with stat boosts. Once lifted, units can also be thrown to reach otherwise inaccessible areas or to reposition them behind an enemy for a backstab bonus when they attack. The series' penguin-like mascots, the Prinnies, even explode when thrown, making them ideal for crowd control and toppling defensive enemies. Throwing also affects another unique mechanic: Geo Effects. Battlefields are adorned with prisms called Geo Symbols that add buffs or debuffs to compatible panels when thrown onto them. The Geo Effect "Counter Hits + 1" lets units counterattack once more than they usually would, while the legendary EXP +50% effect is central to certain grinding strategies. They also have serious offensive potential, as destroying colored Geo Symbols in a specific order can trigger a screen nuke and flip the script on the enemy. Disgaea 7 brings two main additions to the formula: Jumbification and Hell Mode. By Jumbifying, any unit can supersize themselves and dominate the battlefield like a Kaiju, while Hell Mode is a superpowered state only accessible to the main cast that doubles their utility in a flash. If Jumbification is a sledgehammer to be swung wildly for total destruction, then Hell Mode is a scalpel for precision and high-stakes plays. With two new tools in the toolbox, Disgaea 7 expands player options through the roof and battles are fast and free-flowing because of it. [caption id="attachment_177711" align="alignnone" width="640"] The grind to create the ultimate army is exhausting, but a worthy endeavor.[/caption] Outside of the story, players can explore the Item World and Martial Dimension to improve equipment stats and train units respectively. The former is randomly-generated on each entry, while the latter adds five grind-friendly stages to the stage select screen. The last of the main gameplay features is the new online ranked battle system which lets players pit their armies against each other. All other features have to do with breaking the game by building the most overpowered teams to walk the face of the Netherworlds, and it makes this goal as attainable as possible through the EXP and stat-distributing Juice Bar, an exploitable gacha system, simple side quests with good rewards, and the Dark Assembly, whose members can be bribed into passing bills that gift units with new and improved abilities. Once the credits have rolled, it's up to players to decide what they want to make their next goal. They can complete the postgame and DLCs and call it a day, build a level 9,999 juggernaut of a character, or go all in and shoot for 100% completion. The story is the calm before the storm, and while the game is perfectly enjoyable at surface-level, it gives back for the time and effort players put into it. The downside is that causal players may not feel incentivized to continue after the credits, and that full engagement means spending well over a hundred hours. Some may find themselves addicted, and they'll likely become series fans for life, but it is a big ask, especially with the strategizing required for an optimal playthrough. Disgaea 7 Complete adds even more content to the mix. The new Nethertime Support Force campaign sees the cast spar with characters from previous games and offers a new unit in series regular Asagi Asagiri. Also joining the fray is the superboss Rakshasa Baal. Luckily, Hell Mode can now be used by all units instead of just the main cast, and the cap on stats has been upped to an absurd 999,999,999. This is all on top of the seven DLC stories and over twenty additional characters released for Disgaea 7 throughout the years. Unfortunately, the new campaign and all of the DLC stories have no voice acting, but that's the only thing working against them. [caption id="attachment_177817" align="alignnone" width="640"] Each chapter closes with a skit full of slapstick humor and references to popular anime.[/caption] The English voice cast is high energy and filled with household names, while the Japanese is consistent and matches the Japan-inspired setting of Hinomoto. However, the English voices deserves some additional recognition because it's immediately apparent that all of the actors are having way too much fun voicing their roles, and it makes even the most elementary of jokes land well. It could be seen as excessive, but it blends seamlessly with the tone and the writing. Like the writing and acting, the soundtrack is decidedly anime, which is to say spirited and catchy. Tracks like "Hinomoto & Rock" and "Peerless Blade" stand out for their J-rock instrumentation, and the shamisen and other traditional Japanese instruments feature in almost every track, giving the soundtrack a distinct feel and making it well worth a listen even outside of the game. Disgaea 7 on the original Switch was known for poor performance and the Switch 2 version provides a much-needed upgrade by running at 60fps. Differences between performance mode and graphics mode are marginal, and visual quality is consistently high between handheld and docked modes. Other visual elements are similarly consistent, if unexceptional. The colorful and cartoony artstyle fits the series perfectly, but the story is told through static portraits and text, while battle animations, even at their craziest, won't be winning any awards. The game's difficulty stems from trying to understand the ins and outs of every mechanic, and though the main story only has three major skill checks, the first of the three comes within the first hour, which can be rough on newcomers. The hub area's Cheat Shop can adjust enemy strength and EXP gain, but it isn't enough to trivialize foes, and while tactics are important, it can't make up for low stats. Both difficulty and longevity will vary from player to player, but the average player is likely to be challenged a handful of times and spend over twenty hours on the main story. [caption id="attachment_177818" align="alignnone" width="640"] Bushido is a pathway to many abilities some demons consider to be unnatural.[/caption] The gameplay loop and humor of Disgaea is not for everyone, but for those curious about Nippon Ichi's flagship series, Disgaea 7 Complete is a demonically good time and a playground for gamers who can't get enough of seeing big numbers get even bigger. The move up to the Switch 2 remedies the ill performance of the original game, while the added content is sure to please fans who held out for the complete edition. Like an all-you-can-eat buffet, Disgaea 7 Complete will be heavenly for the hungry and hellish for those with weak stomachs, but one way or another, it's got something you can't find anywhere else. Disclosure: This review is based on a free copy of the game provided by the publisher. The post Disgaea 7 Complete Review appeared first on RPGamer.

Epictellers Entertainment launched a Kickstarter campaign for its upcoming turn-based RPG Starfinder: Afterlight. The campaign, which is set to run until November 6, 2025, has already surpassed its initial funding goal and met all its stretch goals. Those who pledge at least €30 (c. $35) will receive a digital copy of the game. The title is expected to launch in Early Access for PC in Q2 2026, with the full release set for 2027. Starfinder: Afterlight is set in Paizo’s Starfinder tabletop RPG universe and is being developed for PC. The game features turn-based combat based on the rules of Starfinder Second Edition. It lets players assemble and lead a crew of misfits, each with their own stories and moral dilemmas. They venture into the Pact Worlds, discovering cosmic wonders and facing a threat that looms over the entire galaxy, with the game billed as featuring a branching narrative with hundreds of unique paths based on the player’s choices.   The post Starfinder: Afterlight Kickstarter Campaign Live appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Nordcurrent announced roguelite adventure game I Am Machine. The title will launch on PC via Steam on November 6, 2025. A demo of the game will release on October 10, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Steam Next Fest running from October 13-20, 2025. I Am Machine is set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a machine uprising that left humanity on the brink of destruction. The player takes on the role of Erik, a man turned into cybernetic warrior and determined to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Erik ventures in hostile biomes filled with mechanical threats and environmental challenges, facing off against enemies in real-time combat with melee and ranged weapons. Players are able to steal enemy abilities and turn them against their former owners. They can also customise Erik's weaponry with over one hundred upgrades. Defeated enemies yield scrap metal that serve to craft defensive installations for the player's hideout such as turrets and laser systems.   The post I Am Machine Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Sandfall Interactive and publisher Kepler Interactive revealed that a free content update is in development for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The reveal comes alongside the announcement that the game has sold over five million copies worldwide since its launch earlier this year. The update will include: * A new, playable environment, with the party taken to a new location with new enemy encounters and other surprises * New late-game challenging boss battles * New costumes * New text and UI game localisations for Czech, Ukrainian, Latin American Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian, bringing the total to nineteen languages supported Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with combat that utilises a free aim system to let players target weak points, as well as to dodge, parry, and counter in real time. The game is set in a world where a being called the Paintress wakes and paints a cursed number upon a monolith, which causes everyone of that age to turn to smoke and disappear. As the number counts down, expeditions set out in the footsteps of previous failures to try and end the cycle of death once and for all. Those looking to read more about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 can check out Ryan Costa’s review of its PlayStation 5 version.   The post Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Free Update in Development appeared first on RPGamer.

DMM GAMES and Shiravune announced that they have delayed the planned PC release of Aquaplus and Tamsoft's Utawarerumono Zan. Previously planned to release later this month, the action RPG spin-off to the Utawarerumono series will now release via Steam on December 16, 2025. Utawarerumono Zan was originally released for PlayStation 4. It features the cast of Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception and offers a condensed retelling of its story across a selection of stages. The game also includes online multiplayer for up to four players. Those looking to read more about Utawarerumono Zan can check out RPGamer’s review. A follow-up, Utawarerumono Zan 2 was released in Japan in 2021, with DMM GAMES and Shiravune recently announcing an international PC release.   [foogallery id="154259"] The post Utawarerumono Zan PC Release Delayed appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer World Eater Games and publisher DANGEN Entertainment announced that Bittersweet Birthday will release for PC on November 11, 2025. The boss-focused action RPG will be available through Steam, GOG.com, the Humble Store, and itch.io, priced at $19.99 and supporting English, Spanish, and Japanese language options. A demo for the game, which was updated last month, is available on Steam. A console release is planned to follow at a later date. Bittersweet Birthday is billed as “a story-driven action RPG where every battle is a boss fight”. It puts players in the role of a protagonist, known simply as the Boy, who wakes up in an unknown location without knowing how they got there and with no recollection of their past. They follow the directions of a mysterious voice while trying to escape a group of pursuers. Other major characters are Rocc, the hotheaded Guardian of a secluded village who must always be prepared to face the wrath of a being called the Great Evil; Vega, the singer and guitarist of metal band Metal Fang, which is performing their retirement concert; and Cerie, a smiling ghostly lady who is the sole resident of an abandoned mansion. Gameplay is said to combine Soulslike and bullet-hell elements, with players needing to learn enemy attack patterns while mastering timing and precision. Outside of battle, players can explore a town and complete sidequests while obtaining mementos that can shape their combat style.   [foogallery id="177832"]   The post Bittersweet Birthday Celebrating November Date appeared first on RPGamer.

11 bit studios and Digital Sun Games announced that a closed playtest for Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault will begin on October 10, 2025. The closed playtest will be available on Steam, with interested participants able to sign-up through Steam or the game's Discord. A sequel to 2018 action RPG Moonlighter, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault continues its predecessor’s mix of shopkeeping and dungeon-crawling, with returning protagonist Will and his companions stranded in a mysterious dimension. Players are able to select from an array of melee and ranged weapons as Will explores the eponymous vault, where both riches and danger await. Between runs, Will aims to haggle and charm his customers into purchasing the items he finds on his explorations. Players can customise Will’s shop to help gain more sales as well as invest in the village’s local businesses to help upgrade gear and unlock other opportunities. Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault will release on Early Access for PC via Steam and the Windows Store from November 19, 2025. The full game is planned to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, though a window has not been announced.   The post Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Closed Playtest Starting This Week appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Singularity 6 released its newest update for open beta free-to-play fantasy life-sim Palia. The "Fall Fantasy: The Spiritfest Spectacle" update is available now and builds upon the new content added in the recent Of Barns & Briars update as well as adding limited-time events. Additions in the update include a new ranching animal: the Goobi. They are adoptable at Ranching Level 10, coming with multiple traits, and rewarding players with rare flowers, including the Heartdrop Lily and Elderwood Lotus. Players can also now invite others into their barns to help them care for animals, with the update also adding new pen organisation options. Other content includes new Spiritfest Quests, new Halloween-style decor, and more premium store additions. The full patch notes are available here. Palia is currently available in open beta on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The game is set in a world where humans are considered a legendary race that disappeared thousands of years ago. Players are able to form and build relationships, including romance, with a diverse cast of NPCs, as well as interact with other players. The game is intended to cater to those who want to uncover the secrets behind humanity’s disappearance, as well as those who’d rather live an idyllic and quiet life in a lakeside village, with lots of customization options.   The post Palia Brings Its Fall Fantasy: The Spiritfest Spectacle Update appeared first on RPGamer.

Arc Games and Snapshot Games announced the first major Early Access update for Frosthaven. The "Awakening Protocol" update will launch on October 23, 2025. It includes a new narrative arc, three new playable heroes, new gameplay features, and more. The new storyline sees players taking on the Unfettered, an uprising of machines left to rust who unite under an enigmatic leader. In addition to the three new heroes, the update also adds five new boss fights, over eighteen new quests, over forty new items, and new building upgrades, including the new Town Hall building. The Town Hall allows players to take on new sidequests and upgrade their party's abilities. The update also adds new unique Challenge objectives that offer additional risk and reward for players. Frosthaven is fantasy tactical RPG based on the board game of the same name and a spiritual successor to Gloomhaven. It sees players using action and movement cards that work together with cards held by their teammates. Players will also build up their outpost, building and upgrading structures that unlock new features and mechanics. The Early Access version is available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, with the full release expected in 2026.   [foogallery id="177801"] The post Frosthaven’s First Major Early Access Update Launching Later This Month appeared first on RPGamer.

Let me paint you a picture. You buy a new RPG that lights your screen up with beautiful RGB colours that shine directly into your retinas like a straight shot of dopamine. You start the game, and you are presented with a blank avatar with the simple implied instruction of “Create Your Character”. You tweak the sliders ever so slightly so that Gordon Ramsay, in all his British glory, is perfectly replicated on your screen. You look up, and the sun has gone down. You spent five hours making Gordon Ramsay. You have work tomorrow. Gordon Ramsay looks back at you with disappointment. Damn, your recreation is perfect. You have experienced or heard these types of tales before: “I spend more time customizing my character than I do playing the game”. Time investment signals importance because time is money, and we are all broke. Therefore, character creation must be a major priority for players. But why? And, are there other adverse effects of loving customization? [caption id="attachment_167729" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Baldur's Gate III offers extensive character creation options.[/caption] The Importance of Self-Expression Specifically in Western society, great importance is placed on individualism. Think about Voltaire and Rousseau during Europe’s Enlightenment period, y’know, the stuff you had to learn in high school. Being able to express oneself, whether physically or verbally, is the cornerstone of a person’s personality and individuality. As academics Kim, H. & Ko, D. state, “Self-expression allows people to distinguish themselves from others, to reflect their own beliefs and needs, and validate their own self-concepts” ([1], p. 4). Characters or avatars are the player’s virtual visual representation, effectively a full skin suit (or animal suit, or other being). So, when players can make small tweaks to facial muscles to the hue of blue of their nail polish that don their character’s bodies, they are exercising their ability and desire to express themselves. Customization sucks up precious gaming time because of the importance of representation and self-expression. We all want to be true to ourselves. Therefore, when we enter a video game, we are excited to craft our beliefs, play styles, and ideas onto a physical canvas that is the character. This is quite intrinsic to the human psyche: we want to decide how we look and, subsequently, how we are perceived. But can the opposite happen? Can the playable character’s visual representation change how players act? The Proteus Effect Yee & Bailenson[2] proposed the Proteus Effect in 2007: the effect that a player changes their behaviour based on their character’s visual representation. This hypothesis is based on behavioural confirmation, self-perception theory, and deindividuation theory. Listed here are the basic details of each theory: * Behavioural confirmation: the expectations of person A cause person B to behave in ways that align with person A's expectations ([2], p. 272). * Self-perception theory: person A “observes their own behaviour to understand what attitudes may have caused them” ([2], p. 273). * Deindividuated theory: when person A is in a group, their behaviours will match the group's (for better or worse) ([2], p. 273). Yee & Bailenson argue that these theories operate similarly in virtual environments as in reality, except for deindividuation. In reality, it is impossible to separate our physical representation from our identity; therefore, deindividuation only really occurs in large groups. In virtual environments, separation can occur since our physicality is not transferred into the virtual space. So, players can use their character as a uniform and create a new self, similar to how uniforms in groups (like cults) can make an individual part of a collective. They used two studies to support their theory: * Players were placed in a virtual reality space and interacted with a researcher reading a strict script. Players were able to see their character’s physical features for 60-75 seconds ([2], p. 280). Yee & Bailenson proposed that the closer the player was and the more willing they were to disclose personal information to the researcher, the more attractive their character was.[caption id="attachment_177618" align="aligncenter" width="479"] The different avatars participants were given ([2], p. 282)[/caption] * Players were placed into a virtual reality space and played the “ultimatum game”. This is when player A is given a sum of money. Player A proposes a split with player B. Player B can either accept the offer or reject it, leaving both with nothing. Height was manipulated for player A and Yee & Bailenson theorized that the taller the character is, the “more confident” and “willing” they will be “to make unfair splits” with players with shorter characters ([2], p. 282). In both experiments, Yee & Bailenson’s hypotheses were correct. Players with more attractive characters were more open about themselves and would stand closer to the researcher. Players with taller characters were more aggressive and unfair in negotiations. In other words, there is evidence that a player’s character can influence and change the player's game behaviour. Application From a researcher’s point of view, this is super cool: behaviour prediction based solely on visuals opens doors to so many more possibilities and experiments. For the causal gamer, what can they glean from this academic study? I believe Yee & Bailenson's research paper lends a critical eye to the subtle ways game developers and companies’ show (and possibly manipulate) how they would like players to behave. In video games that feature premade characters, their physical features can determine the vibe and expectations of the game. Take recently-revealed Pokémon spin-off Pokémon Pokopia. The September 2025 trailer showcases a cute young female playable character with short brown pigtails and a fun purple vest. Even the male character follows the same silly-looking design. Therefore, we can conclude that The Pokémon Company wants players to act in a wholesome way, matching the nature of the video game. Obviously, there are other factors at play here: video game aesthetics, themes, and tone that influence pre-made character designs. [caption id="attachment_176316" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pokémon Pokopia's announcement trailer focuses on a cute female character option.[/caption] Games with extensive character creation menus shape player attitude. If you create a character who looks like a cowboy, you may suddenly find yourself acting more like a cowboy, complete with "yee-haw"s and "howdy"s. Albeit an exaggeration, physical self-representation, virtual or not, changes how people act and behave. In these cases, the Proteus Effect may act more like a feedback loop: the player makes a character based on their beliefs, and the character’s physical attributes influence the player’s in-game behaviour. Either way, our physical representation, whether real or virtual, has the potential to affect players in subliminal and unconscious ways. So, yes, spend five hours making a Gordon Ramsay look-alike avatar, but don’t be surprised if you start talking in a British accent. --- Sources: [1] Kim, H. & Ko, D. (2007). Culture & Self-Expression. Frontiers of social psychology: The self. [2] Yee, N., & Bailenson, J. (2007). The Proteus Effect: The Effect of Transformed Self-Representation on Behavior. Human Communication Research, 33(3), 271–290. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2007.00299.x The post Character Creation Goes Both Ways: The Proteus Effect appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Yacht Club Games announced that it is delaying the release of top-down adventure Mina the Hollower. The game had previously been planned to release on October 31, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Though it has not yet provided a new release date, the developer has stated that the delay will not be lengthy, with the time being used to add final polish and balancing. Mina the Hollower features 8-bit, Game Boy Color-inspired graphics and underwent a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in 2022. The game puts players in the role of Mina, who studies the earth with the use of a special Hollowing technique that allows her to move quickly underground. She embarks on a mission to save a cursed island, using her whip and various other weapons and trinkets.   [foogallery id="174007"] The post Mina the Hollower Delayed appeared first on RPGamer.

Since its release date announcement at Tokyo Game Show, Bandai Namco released new details and screenshots for action RPG Code Vein II. The new information covers the game's Partner characters, weapon options, and character creation. Code Vein II is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity’s existence is hanging by a thread. The sudden emergence of a threat known as the Luna Rapacis has seen Revenants — humans with supernatural abilities that come at the cost of severe bloodlust — transformed into creatures called Horrors. Players control a customised protagonist, who travels back 100 years to the past with the assistance of a mysterious girl called Lou MagMell to try and rewrite the fate of the world.     Players are joined by various allies in the game, who can become Partners by storing their essence in a core on the protagonist's back. This lets the protagonist summon them as an ally in battle with their own strengths and weaknesses. In addition, players can choose to Assimilate with them instead, which enhances their abilities and unlocks powerful attacks. Valentin Voda is their heir to a famed Revenant lineage and former head of the MagMell magical research institute. Noah G MagMell is a human-turned-Revenant who was part of the MagMell institute and acts as the personal bodyguard to his friend Valentin. Josée Anjou is a Revenant who rules the Sunken City and protects humanity's last survivors, but is haunted by her past failure to prevent destruction in the past. Holly Asturias is a Revenant doctor with great healing powers who is trying to find a way to treat the Horrors. Lyle McLeish is an exceptional swordsman seeking to reclaim a certain location, but is known for being reckless. Finally, Lavinia Voda is the current head of the MagMell institute. Descended from the Progenitor Revenant, she tasks Lou and the protagonist with travelling to the past to save humanity.   [foogallery id="177749"]   Players have access to a variety of weapons, with rune blades and dual swords joining the one- and two-handed swords, bayonets, halberds, and hammers from the previous game. As players fight, they drain ichor from their foes, which is used for powerful Forma attacks. Code Vein II includes new Forma attacks as well as new skills. Meanwhile, previous Blood Veil attacks are now part of a new Jail equipment system, which includes new attacks and actions. Code Vein II will release on January 30, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game is available to pre-order now in multiple editions, include a Bandai Namco Store-exclusive physical Collector's Edition.   [foogallery id="177723"] The post Code Vein II Gets More Screenshots, Details appeared first on RPGamer.

Koei Tecmo and Omega Force has released new screenshots and details for upcoming The Legend of Zelda spin-off action RPG Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. The update reveals five new characters, with four appearing to be playable in the game. Argasta is the intellectual head of the Gorons and a long-time friend of returning character King Rauru. Kia is a Zora princess whose excellence in martial arts and resolution offer encouragement to her people. Krafika is the head of the Rito tribe who may not be great at speeches, but has a strong sense of duty and is quick-witted in battle. The last likely playable character is Aldy is a member of the Gerudo tribe who being he game serving under Ganondorf. Finally, Lanaria is assigned by King Rauru to act as Zelda's maid. She is gentle, a fast worker, and curious about mystical beings. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a canonical tale in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom duology, telling the story of the Imprisoning War in Hyrule’s distant past, which ultimately led to the events of Tears of the Kingdom. The game will release for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 6, 2025. Source: RPG Site   [foogallery id="177765"] The post Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Reveals More Characters appeared first on RPGamer.

Nearly every interesting gameplay element is offset by frustrating implementation, begging the question as to what was "remastered" and what was left from the original release. The Class of Heroes trilogy was released annually in Japan from 2008-2010. While the first two titles were brought overseas relatively soon afterwards, the third title was never localized outside Japan. After a fifteen-year wait, the classic Japanese dungeon crawler Class of Heroes 3 has now finally made its way to Western shores in the form of a remaster. Class of Heroes 3 Remaster is a fascinating case study of its genre, serving as both a nostalgic blast from the past for dedicated fans and a firm warning for modern players of what old-school DRPGs are like. A deep and rewarding core is unfortunately hampered by a punishing difficulty curve and other outdated elements that may be difficult for many to look past. For those with a love of classic DRPGs, the game might offer some enjoyment; for everyone else, it is a demanding experience that is hard to recommend. The game's narrative takes place in a school setting, where players are tasked with creating a party of adventurers to take on dungeons. Early on, the game presents a choice of three different schools to attend. While the flavor text suggests this is an aesthetic choice, it surprisingly alters a player's starting region, available teachers, and quests. This inventive approach to its opening is an interesting feature that could perhaps prompt fans into multiple playthroughs. However, a lot of the plot points that follow are contrived and boring, often relying on cheap anime tropes like a teacher who speaks in innuendo. The story is clearly not the main focus, as the game's sole purpose is to send players into the dungeons to grind, fight monsters, and collect loot. [caption id="attachment_171034" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Players are offered three schools to enroll in at the start of the game.[/caption] One of the game's few strengths is its interesting character creation and customization. Players can create a party from a wide variety of fantasy races, including classics like elves and dwarves, as well as unique options such as the cat-like Felpurr and the celestial Diaboro. The class system is even more expansive, boasting 45 different options, including bizarre choices like the Otaku or Tsundere classes. The possibilities for party composition are nearly endless. A refreshing feature is the ability to swap a character's class at any point, which allows effortless experimentation with new skills and abilities. This removes the penalty often associated with picking the wrong class and encourages players to explore new roles. The problem is that it ends up offering far too much choice and makes it difficult for newcomers to pick a balanced party, with certain classes being very tricky to use. For example, sages start with very little HP and never deal even a tiny fraction of the damage compared to other party members, while also failing to heal effectively. The same can be said for heavy magic user classes, which are ineffective during the first dozen hours of play, and begs the question of how many have been added to pad the options rather than considered gameplay benefits. Class of Heroes 3 Remaster features another system that initially seemed interesting but inevitably falls flat. The relationship chart system adds to the deep party customization, letting players create a web of attraction and repulsion between party members. These relationships, which have no bearing on the story, provide in-battle synergy and buffs, adding another layer of depth for min-maxing players willing to put in the effort to figure out how it all works. However, the in-game explanations for this system doesn't help much, and nearly a dozen hours into the game the buffs are rarely of any benefit in battle. That said, party members being repulsed by each other at least causes few problems. [caption id="attachment_177611" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Outside HP/MP, leveling up provides only paltry stat boosts.[/caption] The turn-based battle system of Class of Heroes 3 Remaster is where some players might hope that the deep customization truly pays off, forcing strategic engagement from the very first dungeon. Combat occurs in the first-person view common to the DRPG genre, where a player commands a party of six characters, arranged in a front and back row. This positioning is critical, as back-row units are typically limited to long-range attacks and support spells, while the front line absorbs the bulk of physical damage. Sadly, throughout the dozen or so hours played, the back line’s long-range attacks and offensive magic proved completely useless. Damage from front-line attackers can be 10-20 times greater, leaving the back line healers as the only worthwhile contributors. The promise of so many customizable party options is nothing more than an empty gesture, with only a few specialized builds truly viable for surviving the brutal early battles. "Brutal" is truly the only way to describe the opening of Class of Heroes 3 Remaster. After nearly an hour spent customizing characters and exploring menus and settings before the first dungeon, the first battle still provided a party wipe after only two rounds, losing all progress. Despite great care in selecting more traditional RPG archetypes -- minus offensive magicians -- the second time around, and saving much more frequently, the difficulty never lets up. Players' parties of six can encounter monster groups of up to fifteen enemies arranged in a maximum of three rows of five. There is no pattern of difficulty in encounter or number of enemies; first-floor encounters can contain as many as fifteen difficult monsters, while delving multiple maps deep may produce multiple, simple single-enemy battles in a row. Players' survival hinges almost entirely on finding decent weapons and armor, yet the systems for doing so are needlessly opaque. A paltry selection of expensive gear is available in school stores, though gold hard to come by, but the most significant path to power -- the Alchemy System -- is delivered with minimal explanation, forcing the player to experiment with crafting formulas that are poorly documented, if at all. This lack of instruction transforms a core element of progression into a frustrating trial-and-error grind, leaving the party reliant on random, inconsistent drops from dungeons rather than strategic use of the hub’s facilities. Treasure chests are frequently left by monsters after a battle, but woe to the player that opens every one, as most are booby trapped in some fashion and can inflict crippling status effects on party members that further increase the difficulty. [caption id="attachment_177612" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Learning about the relationship system is at least interesting.[/caption] The visual presentation is serviceable, retaining a clean, classic feel that honors the game's handheld origins, though it lacks the polish expected of a modern remaster. Dungeon exploration and the 3D environments are competent, but the overall graphical fidelity is distinctly dated, giving the game a budget appearance. Musically, the soundtrack is fine; it provides appropriate background themes, yet none of the melodies are particularly memorable. Ultimately, both the graphics and sound design deliver a functional experience that gets the job done without ever managing to impress. Given the relentless difficulty and the frustrating lack of polish across every core system, the ultimate fate of this long-awaited title is disappointing. The deep class and customization features remain tantalizing, yet the erratic balance, useless back-row positions, and opaque alchemy system constantly undermine the game's potential. Nearly every interesting gameplay element is offset by frustrating implementation, begging the question as to what was "remastered" and what was left from the original release. Ultimately, the remaster label seems to apply mostly to the translation, leaving players with a game that feels less like a tribute to a classic and more like a time capsule of the genre’s most punishing and archaic tendencies. Disclosure: This article is based on a copy of the game provided by the publisher. The post Class of Heroes 3 Remaster Deep Look appeared first on RPGamer.

Tactics Ogre has a legacy, and it's being rereleased in a definitive form with Tactics Ogre: Reborn. In our review, Sam Wachter shares her experience waging war across Valeria.