Games

Simmers have been eagerly awaiting the Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack for its promise of family dynasties. Unfortunately, it follows a familiar pattern – many of its key features were actually introduced in a free base game update just before the pack launched. This is often a fun surprise for players, as they might not even realize the groundwork was already in place. In fact, one of the most talked-about additions from Royalty & Legacy was quietly rolled out in a recent, large update to The Sims 4.

I was stoked to see Saber Interactive announce Turok: Origins at The Game Awards! It’s been ages since a proper Turok game – the last one was the reboot back in 2008. We’ve gotten a few remasters and that Turok: Escape from Lost Valley game a few years back, which was pretty different, being an isometric title. Honestly, it’s been way too long since we’ve had a full-on Turok experience, and Turok: Origins is already looking promising!

MENACE, the new game from strategy experts Hooded Horse, is a departure from their previous title, Battle Brothers. Instead of a gritty fantasy setting, MENACE takes place in the harsh environment of space. As I’ve previously shared, I was very impressed with the demo – the combat is excellent, choices feel natural, and the game is visually stunning. Like Battle Brothers, MENACE focuses on challenging but rewarding gameplay, so fans of the original will likely enjoy this new experience.

Those who enjoy Jujutsu Kaisen understand that strength isn’t everything in the complex world of the series. Battles rely on a mix of special agreements called Binding Vows, unique cursed energy, and the incredibly powerful Domain Expansion. Most sorcerers aim for a technique that guarantees a hit, but the author, Gege Akutami, introduced Kinji Hakari, a character who breaks the established rules. Hakari stands out from the typical powerful fighters and ancient curses as a high-stakes gambler who treats battles like a game, proving that luck can be the most dangerous weapon when wielded by someone skilled.

Gaming trends aren’t limited to specific types of games; they also affect settings, how games are played, and visual styles. A growing trend is the use of a visual style reminiscent of the original PlayStation (PS1), and Forgotten Blood is a great example. Several indie horror games are using this low-poly, slightly unsettling look to evoke a nostalgic feeling. It’s also a way for developers with limited resources to create a unique atmosphere. While it might seem odd to think of the PS1 as ‘retro,’ the console is over thirty years old, and graphics have improved dramatically since then. Forgotten Blood could appeal to players who fondly remember 90s video games, and its soulslike gameplay might attract a modern audience on Steam.

The way many of us are reacting to Crimson Desert says more about us as gamers than about the game itself. After being let down by several hyped releases, we’ve become cautious, almost expecting disappointment. We still want to be excited by ambitious games, but we’re hesitant to fully commit. Crimson Desert is a good example of this – it shows why so many players are now naturally reserved, even when something promising comes along.

After a 25-year gap, Bethesda’s new universe, Starfield, generated enormous excitement before its 2023 launch. However, the game received a lot of criticism from players who felt it didn’t live up to expectations. While critics generally liked Starfield – giving it an 83 on Metacritic and calling it an excellent RPG – fans weren’t so impressed. Even three years later, Steam reviews remain “mixed,” with players frequently criticizing the game’s outdated Creation Engine, constant loading screens, and uninspired exploration. The recently released Shattered Space DLC hasn’t fared much better, currently receiving a “mostly negative” rating.

Before the two-year gap in the story, we saw glimpses of the Four Emperors, like Whitebeard and Shanks fighting at Marineford. However, they became truly significant after that, establishing dominance over the New World. The series has now fully explained the Emperors’ power and influence, making it obvious why the Navy struggles to control that dangerous part of the sea.

Outside of well-known series, there aren’t many fantasy games played from a first-person perspective. While the selection is limited, the best ones truly stand out, whether they focus on action-packed shooting or the traditional role-playing experience. We’ll be ranking these games based on how well they’re made and how immersive their fantasy settings are.