The Messenger
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Messenger across the outlets.
Exploring Sabotage Studio's creative strategySabotage Studio president and creative director Thierry Boulanger discusses the studio's strategy for financial and creative sustainability in the current video game industry downturn. He highlights the success of their self-published turn-based RPG Sea of Stars, funded partly through Kickstarter, and the decision to release substantial free DLC for the game.- But What a Beautiful Sunset It Is: Sea of Stars Sunset Edition Marks the Final Update for the Game, Available NowSabotage Studio has released the final update for their JRPG, Sea of Stars, titled the Sunset Edition. This update includes a new cinematic opening, revisited balancing, and new key art. The game is now available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, with a physical Collector's Edition planned for later this year.
Sea of Stars gets final Sunset Edition update as Sabotage says goodbye to its JRPG hitSabotage Studio has released the final update for its acclaimed JRPG, Sea of Stars, titled the Sunset Edition. This free update for existing owners includes a new cinematic opening, revised balancing, and new key art. The studio has now fully transitioned to its next project, codenamed Project Sparrow, after seven years of development on Sea of Stars.- Daily Video Game Deals Apr 24 – Slime Rancher 2, DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake, Star Ocean: The Second Story R, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, WiZmans World Re;Try & MoreDaily video game deals for April 24, 2026, include significant discounts on titles such as Slime Rancher 2, DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake, and Star Ocean: The Second Story R. These deals are available across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Nintendo Switch eShop deals – lowest prices ever for Plucky Squire, Team Sonic Racing, TMNT: Splintered Fate, moreThe North American Nintendo Switch eShop is featuring new deals, including the lowest prices ever for games like Plucky Squire, Team Sonic Racing, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. The article lists a comprehensive selection of discounted titles available for purchase.
Going Platinum: I Missed a Bunch of Trophies in The Messenger, But Playing It Again Was a PleasureThe author reflects on replaying The Messenger to achieve the Platinum Trophy, a rarity in his current gaming habits. He praises the game's smooth controls, humor, charm, and presentation, calling it a favorite among modern games inspired by NES classics.
How can your game win the 'attention war?' Turn to storytellingThis article discusses how game developers can combat the 'attention war' by focusing on strong narrative design and player engagement, rather than trying to compete with other platforms. Examples like The Messenger and Detroit: Become Human illustrate how compelling storytelling and interactive presentation can deeply involve players. Developers are encouraged to take creative risks and trust their writing to create memorable experiences.
Feature: I Played Kingdom Hearts for the Very First Time, Here's What I Liked and What I Didn'tThe author shares their first experience playing the original Kingdom Hearts, finding enjoyment in the Disney crossovers and the game's relatively straightforward nature. However, they express dislike for the Gummi Ship segments and the boss fight against Ursula, while also voicing concern about the series' notoriously convoluted story.- Opinion: I Played Kingdom Hearts for the Very First Time, Here's What I Liked and What I Didn'tA first-time player shares their experience with the original Kingdom Hearts, highlighting the nostalgic appeal of Disney worlds and characters as a major positive. Criticisms include the repetitive Gummi Ship segments, a frustrating Ursula boss fight, and concerns about the series' notoriously convoluted story.
- Daily Video Game Deals Mar 17 + Blades of Fire, Killing Floor III, REYNATIS, Frostpunk 2: Ice Breaker, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland, Hogwarts Legacy, Little Nightmares III, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince & MoreDaily video game deals for March 17, 2026, offer discounts on a wide variety of titles including Blades of Fire, Killing Floor III, REYNATIS, Frostpunk 2: Ice Breaker, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland, Hogwarts Legacy, Little Nightmares III, and DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince. Savings are available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms.
- The Best Nintendo Switch eShop Sales From The ‘Blockbuster Sale’ – TouchArcadeTouchArcade highlights fifteen discounted games available during the Nintendo Switch eShop's 'Blockbuster Sale'. The list features a variety of genres including RPGs, action games, and platformers, with notable titles like Persona Collection and Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 available at significant price reductions.
THE MESSENGER - Ninja Gaiden DemasteredThe Messenger, a new pixel art ninja platformer from Sabotage Studio and Devolver Digital, is set to release on August 30, 2018, for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The game features a unique mechanic allowing players to switch between 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetics and gameplay styles, paying homage to classic NES and Super NES titles like Ninja Gaiden.- The Best Nintendo Switch PlatformersThis guide rounds up the best platforming games available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. It includes a variety of titles, from classic 2D side-scrollers to modern 3D adventures, featuring both first-party Nintendo franchises and popular third-party releases.