Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Overwatch's new motorcycle-riding DPS hero Shion originally had a Devil May Cry-like style meter for skill combos, and she arrives today in Season 3
Overwatch's new damage-dealing hero, Shion, who rides a motorcycle, is now available in Season 3. Originally, Shion was designed with a Devil May Cry-style combo meter, but Blizzard simplified her abilities due to player complexity concerns. Season 3 also introduces a new Hybrid Map called Neon Junction and a new battle pass.
Analyzing Mouse: P.I. For Hire's audacious worldbuilding - Narrative Notebook #4
This analysis delves into the ambitious worldbuilding of Fumi Games' debut title, Mouse: P.I. For Hire. The article examines how the game blends a 1920s rubber hose animation style with noir and cosmic horror elements, exploring the developers' intent to create a rich narrative despite its 'boomer shooter' gameplay roots. It also discusses the game's controversial attempts to incorporate real-world political commentary, particularly concerning fascism and minority representation, and how these elements sometimes fall short.
Final Fantasy Resonance lead says games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are leading a turn-based resurgence because "creators who grew up playing JRPGs" are now making them themselves
Final Fantasy Resonance director Hiroto Furuya believes the resurgence of turn-based RPGs is driven by creators who grew up playing JRPGs and are now making games themselves. He points to titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur's Gate 3 as examples of this trend, suggesting a broader movement to revisit and rework nostalgic gaming experiences.
Edge of Memories Preview
Edge of Memories, an upcoming action RPG, presents a compelling premise of a world plagued by the Corrosion and a protagonist who can control it. However, the demo reveals significant issues with uninspired exploration, repetitive combat lacking depth, sluggish controls, and uneven presentation. Despite a strong narrative setup and visual potential, the current build feels unpolished and fails to capitalize on its strengths, leaving the final product uncertain.
The Daily Grind: What would you recommend as a gamer’s *second* MMORPG?
This article discusses recommendations for a gamer's second MMORPG, distinguishing it from introductory gateway MMOs. It suggests that while games like World of Warcraft are good first choices, more complex options like EVE Online or Wurm Online might be too difficult for a second experience, proposing an intermediate difficulty range is needed.
'Survivor is absolutely Lara's past, but she is not beholden to that now' — Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis director says Lara Croft is in 'her prime' in the reimagined entry and the Survivor trilogy 'helped shape who she is'
Crystal Dynamics has confirmed that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is narratively and gameplay-wise connected to the Tomb Raider Survivor trilogy. Game director Raul Siqueira stated that while the Survivor games represent Lara Croft's past, she is now in her prime in Legacy of Atlantis, having learned from those experiences. The game is set to release on February 27, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis experience director says 'reimagining' the 1996 game allows Crystal Dynamics to retain 'iconic' moments while still offering 'creative leeway'
Crystal Dynamics director Jeff Adams explained that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a "reimagining" to allow for creative freedom while retaining iconic moments from the 1996 original. The game will feature a new Lara Croft voiced by Alix Wilton Regan, updated gameplay mechanics inspired by the Survivor Trilogy, and a new Focus Mode. It is set to launch on February 27, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Fortnite Maker Confirms How It Uses Generative AI to Help Create Concept Art and Designs for New Skins
Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, has revealed its use of generative AI tools in the creation of concept art and designs for new character skins and in-game locations. This provides a behind-the-scenes look at their design process.
Halo: Campaign Evolved reignites Halo's longest-running argument
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, will introduce sprinting, a feature absent in the original but present in later installments. Creative director Max Szlagor and executive producer Damon Conn discuss how the addition of sprinting and other features like destructible vehicles are intended to modernize the gameplay while remaining faithful to the original's tone and challenge.
Crimson Desert's New DLC To Bring Fan-Requested Additions
Pearl Abyss is planning DLC for Crimson Desert that will expand on the backstories of playable characters Damiane and Oongka, addressing fan feedback about their underdeveloped narratives. The developers have acknowledged the need for a more cohesive story and are incorporating player suggestions into upcoming updates.
Evening Reading - June 15, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming topics, including discussions on Destiny 2 and the potential for Destiny 3, new indie game previews like Rhythm Heaven Groove and Grave Seasons, and a look back at cut content from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The article also highlights Shacknews's commitment to original content and its merchandise.
With so much uncertainty swelling around Xbox, Senua is the action-adventure shot in the arm that the Hellblade series deserves
Ninja Theory's upcoming action-adventure game, Senua, set for a 2027 release on Xbox Series X, PC, and PlayStation 5, aims to deepen player engagement with more combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving. Studio head Dom Matthews stated that feedback on Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 indicated a desire for more gameplay, leading the team to focus entirely on this new title to enhance combat fluidity and enemy variety. The game is described as a more balanced action-adventure experience, drawing parallels to Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and will feature a structured narrative within a larger, interconnected world, avoiding an open-world approach.
Top Setups for Every Class – Expert Game Reviews
This guide provides expert-recommended builds for each class in Torchlight 2, focusing on optimal skill point distribution, stat priorities, and gear tips for various playstyles. It details how builds work, the impact of stats like Strength, Dexterity, Focus, and Vitality, and offers beginner-friendly options like the Engineer Sword & Board Tank and Embermage Frost Control.
Out of Words Preview – A Handmade Co-Op Adventure About Finding Your Voice
Out of Words is a co-op platforming adventure game developed by Kong Orange, Wiredfly, and Morten Søndergaard, featuring a unique handmade aesthetic with stop-motion and photogrammetry. The game focuses on the relationship between two friends, Kurt and Karla, who lose their voices and must communicate to overcome challenges in a surreal inner world. Planned features include local, online, and cross-platform co-op.
Meccha Chameleon lives up to the hype as the next great party game—so if you haven't played it yet take this…
Meccha Chameleon has quickly become a popular party game, selling one million copies in its first four days. While the game offers immense fun limited only by player creativity, some rough edges, like a temperamental dropper tool, are present. Despite these minor flaws, its potential for endless fun, combined with various modes and modding capabilities, suggests it could become a long-lasting hit in the genre.
Gothic 1 Remake Review
Gothic 1 Remake reimagines the 2001 cult classic RPG with updated graphics, a larger world, and improved quests while retaining the original's challenging gameplay and atmosphere. The game features a third-person action-adventure perspective with a focus on survival, exploration, and meaningful player choices. Despite its demanding system requirements, Gothic 1 Remake is a strong recommendation for RPG fans, available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Wisdom of Nym: Speculating on Final Fantasy XIV Evercold’s new tank job
This article speculates on the potential new tank job for Final Fantasy XIV, considering various weapon and armor possibilities based on in-game lore and character designs. The author explores concepts like dual shields, hammers, power armor, and chainsaws, weighing their pros and cons against existing game mechanics and series history.
WoW Factor: What are the pros and cons of World of Warcraft in 2026?
This article analyzes the pros and cons of the MMORPG World of Warcraft in its current state, comparing it to other games in the genre. Strengths include a vast open world, diverse race and class options, a rich endgame, and a vibrant art style. Weaknesses identified are the mandatory subscription model, the game's age showing in its dated combat, and the near impossibility of catching up on the extensive story content.
007 First Light: How IO Interactive Gets Bond Right
IO Interactive's "007 First Light" successfully captures the essence of James Bond, offering a compelling "year-one" origin story. The game excels in its characterization, particularly through Patrick Gibson's portrayal of a younger, developing Bond, and its modern, critical take on contemporary issues like artificial intelligence and corporate excess.
Virtue and a Sledgehammer Preview – Therapy is for people without sledgehammers
Virtue and a Sledgehammer is a game that explores destructive coping mechanisms for trauma, allowing players to smash through environments as a form of therapeutic release. Creative Director Jordi de Paco discusses the game's design, balancing visceral destruction with narrative depth and player empathy towards the robotic characters. A demo is available on Steam ahead of its planned release later this year.
