Narrative
Ongoing coverage on Narrative.
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Here’s The Great New Tactics Game You Should Be Playing–And I Don’t Mean Fire Emblem Or Zero Company
Ex Sanguis is a highly recommended tactics game that builds upon the strengths of Othercide with a snappier roguelike gameplay loop and streamlined mechanics. While it may lack the deep narrative of its predecessor, its satisfying combat and rewarding progression make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Elder Scrolls Online’s rumors system offers ‘an old-school questing and narrative scavenger hunt experience’
The Elder Scrolls Online is introducing a new 'rumor system' on September 28th, designed to offer a less guided, 'old-school questing and narrative scavenger hunt experience.' This system categorizes quests into Whispers, Plots, and Conspiracies, with increasing difficulty and requiring players to connect clues without extensive UI guidance.
Faraday Blues: Rewrite Your Family’s Fate Across Three Shattered Realities
Faraday Blues, a surreal sci-fi adventure game, is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2027 with Xbox Cloud Gaming support. Developed by Serenity Forge, the game allows players to rewrite tragic choices across three interconnected visual novels by manipulating relationships and memories using character cards. The narrative features 64 reality-altering endings and is a personal project for Game Director Zhenghua Yang, co-creator Satchely, and narrative director Kevin Ye.
Review – Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – Reunion (Switch 2)
The Nintendo Switch 2 port of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – Reunion is praised as the definitive way to experience the game, offering a smooth, visually appealing performance. While the action RPG's core story and gameplay are solid, the narrative is criticized for veering into fan fiction territory, and the DMW system is deemed bizarre and inconsistent, though it shines in the final moments.
Why Blizzard Stopped Protecting The Overwatch Formula To Save The Game
Blizzard is embracing changes to Overwatch's core formula, including a new Perk system and a year-long narrative arc, to revitalize the game and surprise players. Associate game director Alec Dawson stated that the team is no longer afraid to innovate, aiming to expand the definition of Overwatch while maintaining its status as a top competitive shooter.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Is The Series’ New Peak
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is hailed as the new high point for the series, blending deep interconnected stories with intricate RPG systems. The game features a unique sci-fi setting, a flexible structure allowing players to tackle stories in any order, and expertly designed tactical combat. Its layered narrative, gorgeous visuals, and impressive orchestral score contribute to a sprawling masterpiece.
Rumi and Jinu: On Some Showing Compassion, Making a Difference
This article discusses a pivotal narrative decision made by the character Rumi in the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, focusing on her choice to change her perception of Jinu. The decision is highlighted as crucial to the film's overall story.
Rumi’s Last Stand: A Battle Already Won
The article discusses the final battle of Rumi's journey against Gwi-Ma, highlighting Gwi-Ma's taunt about Rumi's inability to fix herself or the world. It frames the conclusion as a moment where Rumi's personal struggles are central to the narrative.
The Green Light Review
The Green Light review highlights a game that starts intriguingly with a stealth mechanic but quickly devolves into repetitive delivery quests. The article expresses disappointment that the experience ends abruptly just as it begins to gain momentum.
Weekend Discussion - September 12, 2026
This weekend discussion post from September 12, 2026, covers various topics including a conversation with Matt Groening about The Simpsons' future predictions, a new card game based on Dangeresque, Lobo movie scenes, fighting game art, and music from Kings of Leon. The author also shares personal gaming interests, including platformers, puzzle games, shooters, RPGs, and compelling narratives.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Celebrates Successful Launch With Accolades Trailer
The Blood of Dawnwalker has received a highly favorable critical reception following its launch, with an accolades trailer celebrating its success. The game is praised for its unpredictable adventure, engaging combat, innovative mechanics, and compelling story, particularly its unique human and vampire dichotomy.
Wolverine Only Aims As High As Its Stout Hero
Insomniac Games' Wolverine is a solid, cinematic action game that serves the character well but fails to leverage the studio's creative strengths. While the visual presentation and character performances are commendable, the combat lacks weight, flow, and depth, feeling rote and unrewarding. The narrative offers an emotional perspective on Logan and sets up future X-Men universe developments, but the gameplay remains largely unremarkable.
Marvel’s Wolverine Everything To Know
Marvel's Wolverine will feature a drastically different narrative and intricate combat mechanics for Wolverine's moveset. This article provides an overview of what players can expect from the upcoming game.
Weekend Discussion - September 5, 2026
This weekend discussion covers various topics including Dunkey trying Star Wars Zero Company, a promo for Abbott Elementary, Pablo Torre's commentary on the Dodgers, and a Pitch Meeting episode. It also features musical selections from Seth MacFarlane and encourages reader engagement via Shacknews Chatty and Discord.
Not Since Mass Effect Has A Sci-Fi RPG’s Choices Broken My Heart Like Exodus
Archetype Entertainment's upcoming sci-fi RPG, Exodus, offers a compelling narrative with impactful choices and emotionally resonant characters, despite initial skepticism about its talking animals. The game, developed in collaboration with sci-fi author Peter F. Hamilton, features stunning visuals, natural character animations, and a unique consequence system where player decisions can affect entire civilizations across generations. The preview highlights engaging combat and a refreshing take on the genre, drawing inspiration from titles like Mass Effect and films like Interstellar.
Until Dawn 2's sun-kissed horror gets a PS5 release date - and the studio behind last year's brilliant Dispatch is involved
Until Dawn 2 is set to launch on January 28th for PlayStation 5, shifting from its original alpine setting to a sun-kissed tropical island. Developed by Firesprite Games with narrative input from AdHoc Studio, the game will feature returning actor Peter Stormare as Dr. Hill and promises a deeply layered story with player choices impacting the outcome. A Deluxe Edition and pre-order bonuses are also available.
Double Fine’s Keeper Surprise Launches on PS5 Today
Double Fine Productions' wordless puzzle game Keeper has launched on PlayStation 5 today, in addition to its existing availability on Xbox Series X/S and PC. The game features a sentient walking lighthouse exploring a strange land with a bird, offering environmental storytelling and engaging puzzles with stellar art direction and soundtrack. This release follows Double Fine's return to independence after splitting from Microsoft.
A behind-closed-doors demo of The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past has been a great reminder: CDPR's writing is some of gaming's very best
A preview of The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past, an upcoming expansion releasing 11 years after the base game, highlights CD Projekt Red's exceptional writing and quest design. The demo showcased a seamless continuation of Geralt's story and intricate narrative choices that echo the quality of the original game's acclaimed expansions.
A Victory that Only Comes Through Surrender
The article discusses a poignant line of dialogue from K-Pop Demon Hunters, where the character Rumi reflects on her journey to overcome her "patterns." This moment is highlighted as a significant emotional beat in the game's narrative.
Mira: A “Wild Child” Turned Warrior
This article delves into the character of Mira, describing her as a "wild child" within the Huntrix crew whose outward bravado masked deeper emotional pain. It touches upon her narrative arc and character development.