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Nullstar: Solus Review | TheXboxHub
Nullstar: Solus is a precision platformer that excels in its movement mechanics and handcrafted level design, offering a gripping experience for genre fans. While the game struggles to introduce new mechanics after its tutorial, its strong presentation and replayability make it a flawed yet entertaining addition to the genre.
ChildStory Review | TheXboxHub
ChildStory is a mysterious and immersive indie game that draws heavy inspiration from The Legend of Zelda series, particularly Majora's Mask. Despite some minor polish issues with item interaction and stamina management, the game offers a compelling narrative with dark yet hopeful ambience, encouraging exploration through its well-designed world and rewarding backtracking.
Saint Slayer: Spear Of Sacrilege – Brutal 8-Bit Action To Consoles And PC
Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege, a retro-inspired gothic action game by Lillymo Games, is now available on PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. The game features brutal 8-bit style combat, chiptune soundtracks, and a dark narrative set in a reimagined 1698 Europe. It also includes local two-player co-op with friendly fire enabled.
Shuhei Yoshida Says Former SIE CEO Wanted to Remove Him From First-Party Development
Shuhei Yoshida revealed in an interview that former Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan removed him from his first-party development role in 2019 because Yoshida refused to follow Ryan's "ridiculous" requests. Yoshida, who had led first-party development for 11 years and worked on titles like Ghost of Tsushima, was then moved to support indie game development. He stated that this transition was more significant to him personally than leaving the company later to work freelance, where he now has the freedom to discuss other platforms like Nintendo and Xbox.
Fallout: New Vegas Remaster Unlikely Since Bethesda Lacks “Engineering Know-How”, Says Avellone
Designer Chris Avellone believes a remaster of Fallout: New Vegas is unlikely because Bethesda lacks the necessary engineering expertise. He noted that Bethesda's past acquisition of source code from Obsidian Entertainment for a small bonus indicates their limited capability to recreate the game. While both studios are now owned by Microsoft, Avellone suggests Bethesda should first attempt a Fallout 3 remaster to gain experience.
Game Devs Reveal the Hidden Complexity Behind Pause Buttons
Game developers are revealing the surprising complexity behind implementing pause buttons, a feature often taken for granted by players. Implementing pause mechanics requires careful consideration of physics engines, multiplayer synchronization, and engine-specific solutions, with different genres and platforms presenting unique challenges. This behind-the-scenes look highlights the intricate problem-solving involved in creating seemingly simple game features.
Why the Xbox Game Pass Core Shakeup Sent Players Scrambling
Recent changes to Xbox Game Pass Core have prompted players to re-evaluate the service's value, with a shift towards a more curated, smaller library of games. This shakeup has led to discussions about subscription fatigue and the appeal of digital marketplaces like Eneba as alternatives for game purchases. Ultimately, the decision to stick with Game Pass Core depends on individual player priorities, balancing online multiplayer access with the desire for a broader or more novel game selection.
Pragmata's Android Heroine Amiibo Is the Cutest Thing Y... | TAG
Capcom's upcoming game Pragmata has an android heroine that has been turned into a cute Amiibo figure, available for pre-order despite the game's multiple delays. Additionally, a free fan remake of the 1999 PlayStation exclusive Medal of Honor has been released, and Polygon has published a gift guide for gamers.
Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege Review – A Brilliant NES Throwback That I Hated Playing
Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege is a brutally authentic NES-style action platformer that, despite its expert craftsmanship, did not resonate with the reviewer personally. The game features a gory, gothic aesthetic, challenging gameplay reminiscent of the 8-bit era, and a story that unfolds through optional dialogue and multiple endings. Available on PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5, it successfully emulates its retro inspirations, earning a 4 out of 5 rating.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Rated in South Korea, Further Fueling Release Date Announcement Rumors
Halo: Campaign Evolved has reportedly been rated by South Korea's Game Rating and Administration Committee, fueling rumors of an upcoming release announcement. The game is allegedly scheduled for a July 28th launch, with early access starting July 23rd. This potential new entry in the Halo franchise is rumored to feature new factions and prequel missions focusing on Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson.
ChainStaff Review | TheXboxHub
ChainStaff is a brutal action platformer from Mommy's Best Games, featuring a unique art style inspired by 70s and 80s album covers. Players utilize the titular ChainStaff, a versatile weapon that functions as both a spear and grappling hook, to overcome challenging enemies and bosses. The game offers a difficult but rewarding experience with multiple difficulty levels and moral choices that impact gameplay.
PowerWash Simulator 2 - Adventure Time Pack Review | TheXboxHub
The Adventure Time Pack DLC for PowerWash Simulator 2 successfully blends the show's vibrant aesthetic with the game's core mechanics, featuring cel-shaded graphics and iconic locations from Ooo. While some new tools and character interactions feel like minor additions, the overall experience captures the spirit of Adventure Time and provides a satisfying return to the game.
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss Review | TheXboxHub
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is a first-person sci-fi horror game that focuses on investigation and puzzle-solving, set in the deep ocean. Players control an occult investigator named Noah, uncovering mysteries at a mining station. While praised for its striking visuals and impressive mechanics like clue analysis and sonar, the game can sometimes feel confusing with aimless wandering and a familiar Lovecraftian presence.
10 RPGs Under 30 Hours That Tell a Complete Story | TAG
This article argues that shorter Role-Playing Games can be more memorable and accessible than longer ones, especially for busy adults. It highlights ten RPGs that offer complete stories in under 30 hours, including Disco Elysium, Citizen Sleeper, and Pentiment, discussing their unique strengths and completion times.
I found out the hard way that Linux is not a dad-friendly gaming OS, and maybe neither is the PC
The author details his struggles with PC and Linux gaming while trying to play with his son, highlighting issues with controller connectivity and Microsoft account logins. These frustrations led him to rely on cloud gaming services like GeForce Now for a smoother co-op experience. The article concludes that PC gaming, especially on Linux, still faces accessibility challenges that can hinder family gaming time.
This GameCube Jacuzzi Design Is Peak Retro Gaming Home Decor Goals
A fan has designed a concept for a GameCube-themed hot tub, blending retro gaming nostalgia with home decor trends. This design reimagines Nintendo's iconic purple console as a functional jacuzzi, highlighting the enduring appeal of the GameCube and the growing interest in gaming-inspired interior design.
Long Before Friendslop, Portal 2 Made Co-Op Cool
Portal 2's 15th anniversary is being celebrated by reminiscing about its innovative cooperative mode, which predated many modern social gaming trends. The game's dual-protagonist co-op campaign, featuring unique puzzle mechanics and charming characters, is highlighted as a precursor to current "friendslop" and co-op-focused titles. The article also notes its early cross-platform play between PC and PlayStation 3 as a remarkable feat for its time.
Slay The Spire 2 Crashes Again—Fans Rage With Review Bo... | TAG
This week's gaming news includes the release of Pragmata on April 17 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch release on April 24, accompanied by a Diana Amiibo. Square Enix is releasing the Final Fantasy 7 Ascend the Shinra Building board game for $40, focusing on cooperative strategy. Additionally, the developers of Invincible Vs have acknowledged and plan to address issues with rage quitting during the game's open beta.
PlayStation Plus Hidden Gem: Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix 💎
Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, a modernized port of the 1996 arcade classic, is highlighted as a hidden gem available via PlayStation Plus Premium. This puzzle game features Capcom characters battling with colored gems and crash gems, offering various modes and rebalanced gameplay for hours of competitive fun.
Capcom’s Pragmata debuts to overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam: ‘Most fun I’ve had in a AAA in forever’
Capcom's new intellectual property, Pragmata, has launched to overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, with 96% of players recommending the game. Players are praising its classic yet innovative gameplay, particularly the dual hack-and-shoot mechanics and the emotional adventure of its characters, Hugh and Diana. Critics have lauded the title as a refreshing departure for Capcom, reminiscent of beloved single-player games from the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 eras.