Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International Edition Review – A Deep and Rewarding Classic RPG
Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered – International Edition offers a deep and rewarding RPG experience with its non-linear storytelling and complex gameplay systems, though it can be daunting for new players. The "International Edition" primarily adds text localizations for several European languages to the 2022 remaster, with minor bug fixes. Visually, the game features gorgeous HD visuals and art direction that shine on the Nintendo Switch, making it a compelling, albeit challenging, adventure for hardcore JRPG fans.
The Daily Grind: Which MMO feature is legitimately a ‘You think you do, but you don’t’ feature?
This article discusses the concept of 'You think you do, but you don't' features in MMORPGs, using Blizzard's initial reluctance to create World of Warcraft Classic as an example. It explores whether features like decay systems, which players often claim to want removed, might actually be beneficial for the long-term health of sandbox MMO economies.
Tennis Manager 26 launches today on PC, Mac and Mobile — a franchise first
Rebound has launched Tennis Manager 26 simultaneously on PC, Mac, and mobile, a first for the franchise. The new "MY PLAYER" mode allows players to create and manage their own professional tennis career, available on PC and as the sole mode on mobile. The PC version also features an updated interface and deeper gameplay mechanics.
Phasmophobia's Alan Wake Event Was Written By Sam Lake And Is A "Match Made In Heaven"
Phasmophobia has launched a limited-time crossover event with Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake franchise, featuring unlockable skins, reimagined maps, and new items. The event's story was written by Sam Lake, creative director at Remedy, and includes narration from Alan Wake's voice actor, Matthew Poretta. While not canon to Phasmophobia, this collaboration marks a significant milestone for Kinetic, with potential for future fitting crossovers.
Evil Inside Review For - PlayStation VR2 - A Nod To P.T. - The AmigaGuru Gamer Blog
Evil Inside VR is a short, P.T.-style horror experience for PlayStation VR2 that focuses on atmosphere and jump scares rather than complex gameplay. While its dark environments and sound design are praised, the game suffers from technical jank, slow movement, and a high price point for its limited content. It is recommended for VR newcomers or as a brief scare for experienced players, but lacks depth for those seeking more.
10 Years Later, Uncharted 4 Still Feels Ahead Of Its Time
Ten years after its release, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End remains a benchmark in the action-adventure genre due to its polished controls, animations, and detailed visuals. Naughty Dog's first PlayStation 4 title masterfully balances spectacle with authentic gameplay, offering a refined experience that respects players' time and continues to impress alongside modern releases.
Dark Fantasy Roguelike Deckbuilder Rogue Reigns Drops New Gameplay Trailer
Rogue Reigns, a dark fantasy roguelike deckbuilder from indie studio Venn Studios, has released its first gameplay trailer. The game features hand-drawn characters, procedural 3D worlds, and a unique party system where character decisions impact the team. It is set to launch in September 2026 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and mobile platforms.
Poll: Is Saros Better Than Returnal?
A poll asks players to compare Saros, the spiritual successor to Returnal, to its predecessor. While Saros refines gameplay and streamlines progression, some players find it less mysterious and more accessible than Returnal. The article discusses Housemarque's evolution from arcade titles to intense third-person shooters with both games.
Lord of Hatred is Diablo 4 at its best because it remembers Diablo 3 was good, actually
The Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred expansion revitalizes the game by incorporating lessons from Diablo 3, particularly in its skill tree and progression systems. The expansion introduces a new region, Skovos Isles, with a more vibrant art style, addressing criticisms of Diablo 4's previously muted aesthetic. With these changes and a new endgame structure, Diablo 4 now feels like a complete and compelling action RPG.
Marathon Review
Bungie's reboot of its 90s franchise, Marathon, is an extraction shooter that struggles to stand out in a crowded genre. While the gunplay is solid and reminiscent of Destiny, the game's narrative is poorly integrated, and its visual aesthetic, particularly the neon colors and blocky gear design, is an acquired taste. Server issues and a lack of map variety also detract from the experience, making it unlikely to be a memorable title for long.
Famed indie dev refuses to uninstall Baldur's Gate 3 even after finding Act 3 "too big" to finish:…
Indie developer Bennett Foddy, known for QWOP and Getting Over It, admits he has yet to finish Baldur's Gate 3 due to its massive Act 3. He finds the game's scope daunting and has kept it installed despite not actively playing, a sentiment shared by many players. Foddy also mentioned that he is looking forward to the release of Divinity.
MAC 2026 Announces Ken Levine, Yoko Taro and Jeff Gomez for One-Day Online Conference on Interactive Storytelling
The Modern Audience Conference (MAC) 2026 will host an online event on May 20, 2026, focusing on interactive storytelling in games and media. Featured speakers include Ken Levine, Yoko Taro, and Jeff Gomez, who will discuss practical insights into crafting engaging narratives and pushing genre boundaries. The conference aims to counter generic content by highlighting bold and human-centric storytelling approaches across various platforms.
Red Barrels co-founder talks the future of horror, 15 years of Outlast, and what’s next for the franchise
Red Barrels co-founder Philippe Morin discusses the studio's 15-year journey, the evolution of the Outlast franchise from single-player horror to the co-op experience of The Outlast Trials, and the future of horror games. Morin touches on the challenges of game design, the impact of streamers, and the studio's plans for new projects alongside ongoing support for The Outlast Trials.
Terra Cresta
Terra Cresta, originally released in 1986 in Japan, eventually launched on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, but its dated design and slow pace made it fall short compared to contemporary shooters. While it features a unique combining ship mechanic and power-ups, the game suffers from a lack of variety, a cruel death system, and an unsatisfying infinite loop instead of a proper conclusion.
Five Different Personalities. One Shared Journey
Jolly Match 3 - Puzzle Game features Tessa and four unique helpers, each with distinct personalities that influence gameplay. The article highlights how combining these different approaches, from Ruby's momentum to Frost's precision, leads to creative problem-solving and unique outcomes. The game invites players to explore various strategies in its Match-3 puzzles set within a baking competition journey.
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past is a 3D Metroidvania developed by solo developer Victor Abresol, focusing on exploration and movement-based gameplay. Players will unlock new traversal abilities to navigate a vast, interconnected world filled with ancient ruins and mysterious landscapes. The game is planned for a Q2 2026 release on PC, with console ports to follow, and features a demo currently available on Steam.
You're not paranoid—KCD2's devs gave Henry photo mode voicelines just to stop you abusing it for stealth…
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 lead designer Prokop Jirsa revealed that Henry's photo mode voice lines are intentionally designed to prevent players from using the feature for stealth. This detail is part of Warhorse Studios' philosophy of embracing emergent gameplay and quirky outcomes.
Directive 8020 review – Until Dawn in space
Directive 8020 is Supermassive Games' latest interactive sci-fi horror title, drawing inspiration from films like The Thing and Aliens. While featuring excellent graphics, solid voice acting, and an innovative 'Turning Points' system allowing players to revisit decisions, the game is hampered by a lack of context for choices and a rigidly linear structure. The narrative, set on an exoplanet as humanity's last hope, suffers from character development issues and excessive walking through dark corridors, ultimately scoring a 6/10.
Marathon risks watering down its best feature if it keeps listening to FPS fans
This article discusses how Bungie's new extraction shooter, Marathon, risks losing its unique identity by catering too much to player demands for simpler menu navigation and clearer icons. The author argues that the game's commitment to diegetic storytelling and frictional design, inspired by Soulslike titles, is its strongest selling point and should not be watered down.
The Achievement Pop-Up Effect: When Xbox Rewards Start Feeling Like Mini Jackpots
This article analyzes the psychological impact of Xbox achievements, explaining how their design, sound cues, and timing create a rewarding experience akin to mini jackpots. It discusses how achievements provide clear feedback on player progress, foster a sense of accomplishment, and can even encourage deeper exploration of game content.
