Ahead of the game's launch in a couple of weeks, Lyrical Games and One More Level released an overview trailer for action RPG Valor Mortis. The five-minute video, narrated by James Alexander (voice of protagonist William), gives an introduction to the game's story, combat, transmutation abilities, upgrade systems, and exploration. The game is set to release for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on October 13, 2026, priced at $39.99. Valor Mortis is billed as combining brutal, methodical combat; Metroidvania-inspired levels; and a narrative shrouded in horror and conspiracy taking place in an alternate Napoleonic Wars. The game follows William Dowsett, an English soldier who volunteered for Napoleon’s grand army, who wakes up on a battlefield with no memory. He is forced to choose between the competing voices of Napoleon (voiced by Vincent Cassel) and a mysterious rebel fighter called the Shrike.   The post Valor Mortis Overview Trailer Released appeared first on RPGamer.

THQ Nordic and Campfire Cabal have released the first major Steam Early Access update for historical-themed tactical RPG Expeditions: Samurai. The update includes a raising of the number of party members available in ten of the game's levels from four to six, with enemy numbers also increasing to compensate, as well as adding the ability for companion characters to participate in dialogue skill checks, an option to carry and move (explosive) barrels, new character creation options, more alert enemies, new items, UI upgrades, and more. The full update notes can be found here. Expeditions: Samurai is the fourth title in the series, following Expeditions: Conquistador, Expeditions: Viking, and Expeditions: Rome. The game is set in a version of early 1600s Japan where William Adams’s role as Japan’s first European Samurai is usurped by the player character on account of them arriving first. Arriving onboard the Dutch frigate “De Albatros” as the new leader of a crew of privateers, players are drawn into a civil war, with their choices determining the fates of their crew and the future of Japan.   The post Expeditions: Samurai Early Access Update Expands the Party appeared first on RPGamer.

Tyrillion has released a demo for its fantasy tavern-management RPG Everybody's Stranger. The demo is available for PC via Steam and is said to contain around four hours of content. The full game is in development for PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch, though a release window has not been announced. Everybody's Stranger sees players running an inn located in a desolate swamp that is frequented by numerous adventurers. Players are able to plant vegetables, fish, create seasonal dishes for their guests, use relics to attract different heroes or villains, add facilities such as weapon crafting and tailoring, building furniture, and upgrade their inn. In addition, a special monocle will let them encounter lost souls and other secrets as they try to uncover their history and why they are at the inn in the first place. Each NPC also has their own story to uncover, with full voice acting.   [foogallery id="202453"]   The post Tavern RPG Everybody’s Stranger Demo Released appeared first on RPGamer.

Back in February this year, I saw Iron Lung in theaters, and I adored it and all the creative ways it adapted the feeling of the original game. It got me thinking about video game movies in general, their production, and how they've been approached as creative projects over the years. I then fell into a research rabbit hole for several months. Fortunately for me, I have WiFi and a shovel. This is going to be a short series of editorials covering different video game movies based on RPGs, examining why they do or don't work, and what can be learned from these films. For this first entry, we'll be looking at three different movies: Borderlands (2025), Warcraft (2016), and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023). These three are currently stand-alone films, and can be evaluated on their own merits. These three represent a range in quality that I find revealing. --- [caption id="attachment_202395" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Cate Blanchett as Lilith in the Borderlands movie.[/caption] Borderlands: Barely an Adaptation When I chose to watch Borderlands for this project, I knew it was a bad movie. To me, the trailers made it look like such a horrendous misunderstanding of what made the Borderlands games good, it would be interesting to pick it apart. I was wrong. The movie is such a disaster it failed to even be bad in an interesting way. It feels like the production started with an original script, then partway through put a Borderlands coat of paint on it purely for name recognition. It's franchise mining: trying to build a movie series based solely on a recognizable name without putting in the effort a good movie needs. There’s no true Borderlands spirit in this thing. The best way to demonstrate these failings is with the very opening. In each game, Markus, a gun merchant, gives a narration over a series of 2D illustrations, setting up the game's setting and basic premise. It's the voice acting that makes these, because they’re delivered like Markus is telling a campfire story: he's dramatic, he draws the listener in, and you can hear in his voice when he's describing a good guy or a bad guy. These are a consistent element of the games. They're good openings because they get the player caught up on what they need to know to understand the story. This feels like an easy thing for the movie to adapt; the format for the opening is built-in. However, the movie opens with Cate Blanchett’s Lilith narrating exposition about vaults and a prophecy, in a way that fails to setup the stakes or clearly establish the world. To fail to even take an established formula into account, something easy to adapt, shows to me the movie's production did not seriously consider what makes Borderlands what it is. I would not even object to doing the opening differently in the movie if it was inventive or subversive in some way, that's part of the fun of adaptations. The lack of effort is glaring from the beginning. This is the most disappointing aspect of this movie: not that the movie itself is bad, but that seemingly little to no care was taken in creating the adaptation. Between the casting, Cate Blanchett's terrible wig, to the mangling of beloved characters, and the utter blandness of the film's visuals, it's hard to overstate just how little this movie has to do with the Borderlands games. Even if it was what I originally expected, and it was just a bad adaptation, it would have been preferable to the husk we got. --- [caption id="attachment_202398" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Toby Kobbell as Durotan in Warcraft (2016).[/caption] Warcraft: It's Okay The next movie on my list is Warcraft, which is a mixed bag: The orcs look good, the actors playing human characters don’t seem to have been given any strong direction; the spell effects are cool, the visual design rarely seems to draw from the source; young Khadgar is adorable, and Garona is a pretty lady in too much body paint. As a longtime player of World of Warcraft, it's fun to point and yell "I get that reference!" but that doesn't make for a good movie. Which is too bad, because I do think the potential was there. It still might not be a movie for everyone, but I think there is potential for a good fantasy movie in Warcraft's story. Be aware of spoilers ahead for the movie Warcraft and the game Warcraft: Orcs & Humans. The central conflict of both involves an army of hostile orcs invading a continent and fighting to conquer the human kingdom already there. In the movie, the story ends with the humans successfully fighting off the orcs, and they celebrate their victory, their city safe for now. On the orcs' side, the orc protagonists we’ve been following are either in hiding or dead. It's the expected ending, the humans being the good guys triumph over the evil orcs. Thing is, that's not quite what happened in the game. In Orcs & Humans, there are two campaigns, one for each side. The human one is most similar to the movie, where the orcs are fought off and the human kingdom is saved. However, the ending declared canon by future games is the orcs' campaign, where they win. The human city is razed, and the human survivors flee by boat to another human kingdom for refuge. How much more interesting, and how much more unique, would the movie have been if it ended in tragedy? It's a stronger sequel hook too; where are the refugees going to go? How will they retake their kingdom? This phenomenon, where there's potential for something unique and interesting but is almost always left unfulfilled, is also a common feature of the writing in World of Warcraft. Perhaps the movie is a more faithful adaptation than I first thought. I did not do much research into the actual production of these movies for this project, but with Warcraft being such a mix of things that work and things that don't, I'm curious what the experience was like. Some people who worked on this movie cared, I'm sure of that, just as I'm sure others were phoning it in. Am I correct, or is something else going on? What kind of production results in a movie like this? These questions are beyond the scope of this article, but it’s something I’m left pondering. --- [caption id="attachment_202399" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The main cast of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. From left to right: Sophia Lillis as Doric, Justice Smith as Simon, Chris Pine as Edgin, and Michelle Rodriguez as Holga.[/caption] Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves: The One People Like The last movie for today is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Though saying this movie is based on a game is technically correct, it's also insufficient. Honor Among Thieves is a fantasy heist movie, and to me that is a more complete description of the film. This is a movie people like, even outside of Dungeons & Dragons fans, and I think I know why. Dungeons & Dragons is an interesting thing to talk about in terms of adaptation, because yes, it has its own world, lore, and characters, but that's not the main draw for most people. It’s a system for telling stories, a scaffold to be built upon. Honor Among Thieves understands this, and that's why I think it works. It's not a story about the world of Faerûn; it's about this particular group of characters going on an adventure in Faerûn, using the setting and rules of the game to decide how the story will play out. By necessity, the rules in video games using D&D have to be strict. There’s no DM to negotiate with, just a computer that needs to know what to render. The trade-off is that video game adaptations of D&D are more accessible: it'll tell you what you can and can't do, and it eliminates any embarrassment caused by getting the rules wrong in front of a group of people. On the other hand, tabletop D&D requires the player to have a lot of knowledge or references on hand in order to fully participate. The trade-off there is, depending on the DM, the limit really is the players' imagination; it allows for fun and weird scenarios the game-makers couldn't have anticipated. My favorite scene in Honor Among Thieves is when Doric, a tiefling druid, is spotted spying on the vault to be robbed, and is chased out of the city. She shape-shifts constantly: into a mouse so the armored guards have trouble grabbing her, into a bird when she falls from a tower, back into a tiefling when needed, and into a deer when she just needs to run. Technically, this goes against the rules of the game, since there are specific limits on how many times a druid can use Wild Shape, and Doric definitely exceeds them here. The movie ignores that because a scene where a shape-shifter is being chased is fun! D&D isn't about the rules; it's about making stories together, so that's what the movie is about. --- The Lesson Now that I've covered all these movies, what is there to learn from them? I was hoping to come away from this with a more intellectual or complex conclusion, but I do think the big takeaway here is that in order to make a good adaptation, the people working on it need to care. I do think it's that simple at the end of the day. They need to care not just about the thing they're making, but to have some knowledge and respect for the source material. They don't even need to be fans, just understand what it is people love about the original, and to have the resources to do it justice. This is why I believe the best video game movie adaptations are yet to come. This is why I mentioned Iron Lung at the top of this article, even though the original game is not an RPG. Within the past few years, there have been video game movies that were well-received by general audiences: there’s Detective Pikachu, a Pokémon movie even non-fans enjoyed, and the Sonic films are also well regarded. People who love video games are more and more entering into the industry, people who understand what it is about these stories people find compelling, and why they would want to see them on the big screen. The best RPG movies are yet to come. The post RPGs at the Movies appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Freshly Baked Games and publisher Future Friends Games announced that retro-fantasy action RPG Queen’s Domain will release on September 30, 2026. The game, inspired by FromSoftware’s King’s Field series, will be available for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Queen’s Domain is set on the Isle of Neasied. In search of their father, players wash up on its shores and soon must uncover the dark secrets of the island. They wield the Legendary Holy Sword Endu, which they can use to fly between platforms, with over fifty other weapons available to find and upgrade. The combat makes use of a stamina meter, special attacks, and over twenty secondary throwing weapons, with a large variety of enemies, mini-games, and bosses to take on. A demo is currently available on Steam.   The post Queen’s Domain Releasing End of October appeared first on RPGamer.

Oxalis Games announced that its cozy life-sim RPG Moonfrost will release on Steam Early Access on October 12, 2026. The game is currently expected to spend around six months in Early Access, with the initial version including the first half of the game's main storyline. Moonfrost tasks players with helping to rebuild a struggling village that has been devastated by meteor storms. As a Frost Hunter, players are able to use the eponymous powers of Moonfrost to transform fallen meteors into various structures. As players rebuild the people's homes and business, forming relationships in the process. IT also includes various other life-sim elements such as farming, crafting, gathering, fishing, cooking, and caring for livestock.   [foogallery id="202431"]   The post Moonfrost Coming to Steam Early Access in October appeared first on RPGamer.

World Pets is a fun addition to Fallout 76, especially for players who have spent years filling their C.A.M.P. with pets and now get to bring them into the wasteland. Fallout 76 has come a long way since its original launch, and Bethesda continues to build on Appalachia with new stories, map expansions, and features. The game has now received nearly 70 free updates; Bethesda used its latest presentation to preview what is coming next and how the wider Fallout ecosystem continues to support players. From Fallout Shelter surpassing 250 million downloads to Fallout 4 Creations generating more than $10 million in revenue share for community creators, the presentation highlighted just how much Bethesda has continued to invest in the franchise. RPGamer had the chance to get an early look at the upcoming Fallout 76 roadmap, including World Pets and several features planned for future updates. The biggest new feature coming to the Winter update is World Pets, which finally lets C.A.M.P. pets accompany players beyond their homes and into the Appalachian wasteland. Dogs, cats, Radhogs, and Deathclaws can join their owners on adventures, fight enemies, and level up over time. Pets can also provide passive benefits, with different species offering different bonuses, giving players an incentive to bring a particular companion along depending on what they are doing. The feature is a considerable expansion of the existing C.A.M.P. pet system, which previously kept these animals confined to the player's home. [caption id="attachment_201848" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A feline companion joins the fray.[/caption] Pets can be managed through a new section of the Pip-Boy, while the existing C.A.M.P. Pet Command Wheel has been expanded with commands such as Stay, Follow, Attack, and Defend. They also have their own furniture, and Bethesda plans to introduce more variants over time, including additional Deathclaw variants. Pets cannot permanently die, instead becoming downed when defeated, and other players can even help revive them. Bethesda also expects adding large numbers of pets at public events to have little effect on performance, something the team specifically addressed during the live Q&A. World Pets will also tie into the continued expansion of Bounty Hunting. The system introduced with Burning Springs is expanding into Skyline Valley, where new contracts and rewards will be available. Marshall Canton, a Robobrain taking on the persona of an Old West lawman, will serve as the region's new bounty host. Skyline Valley itself is also being refreshed with improved forests, terrain, and weather effects, giving players another reason to revisit the area. The presentation also showed off Hideouts, another major addition coming to Fallout 76. These areas can be approached at different difficulty levels, meaning some should be manageable alone while others will be better suited to a group. The encounters are designed to be more substantial than standard exploration, and the team compared their difficulty and structure to raids. Players who have invested heavily in their gear should be able to tackle them alone; however, Hideouts offer some flexibility depending on the chosen difficulty and character build. The Drifter is also set to appear as a bounty hunter who can compete with players for rewards, adding another complication to these encounters. [caption id="attachment_201849" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A perfectly normal afternoon in Appalachia.[/caption] Looking further ahead, Bethesda has already confirmed Raven Rock as a major Fallout 76 expansion planned for 2027. The expansion will serve as a prequel story to Fallout 3, marking another major step outside the game's familiar Appalachian setting. During the Q&A, Creative Director Jonathan Rush also discussed the team's plans for future raids, confirming that the developers consider raids a complete feature and intend to add more, though he stopped short of revealing where the next one will take place. The Q&A also touched on several smaller additions and future possibilities. Raven Rock will feature a largely open-world region built around the Appalachian Mountains. Bethesda is also looking at opening previously inaccessible buildings, improving Shelter features such as HDR, shadows, and resizing, and continuing to expand C.A.M.P. customization. Some ideas, such as allowing existing C.A.M.P. companions to travel into the world or adding pet battles, are not currently on the roadmap, though the team did not rule them out completely. World Pets is a fun addition to Fallout 76, especially for players who have spent years filling their C.A.M.P. with pets and now get to bring them into the wasteland. It is only one part of what Bethesda has planned, with Bounty Hunting expanding into new areas, Hideouts offering another challenge for players to tackle, and Raven Rock providing a much larger expansion down the road. After nearly eight years of updates, Fallout 76 clearly still has plenty of life left in it, and this latest roadmap shows that Bethesda is continuing to find new ways to expand the game. The post Fallout 76 Roadmap and World Pets Preview appeared first on RPGamer.

Summer is always crazy for me, and this year was no exception. Summer programming and outreach kept me incredibly busy throughout the last few months. I also had some time for myself, finding time for a few summer hikes, exploring new conversation areas, learning to find fossils, and visiting friends whenever my schedule was open. It was truly wonderful, even if the heat was a pain to deal with. While I am sad summer is over, we are moving into fall, which is my favourite season. I haven't been apple picking since I was a child, and I had the pleasure of going with a friend, where we ate apples along our walk and filled our bag until we couldn't anymore. With fall having arrived, it also means more gaming time. Extra Life is happening in November, so I'm prepping for that. Beyond reviewing things for the site, I hope to knock out a few things from my half-started pile, such as Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined, Atelier Yumia, and, new to the pile, Wolverine. I played some great games the last three months, so I can only hope I close out the year with some new favourites! For this feature, I’m focusing only on games I haven’t written articles or reviews about. If you would like to read more of my in-depth thoughts, check out the following: * The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante Review * Lunar: Eternal Blue Review * Montabi Review * Palm Sugar: A Village Story Review --- The RPGs I Played The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales: I am usually not a fan of Zelda-clones, and in general that style of game doesn't often appeal to me. I ended up borrowing The Adventures of Elliot from work and was pleasantly surprised by how much I wanted to explore the world and its story. I bought the game after my loan was finished, and while it's taken me a bit, I can officially say I have gotten all three endings. I don't know if I love how obtuse it is to get them, since I did have to use a guide, but I truly loved seeing and putting together the pieces of both Elliot's story and the transformation of the Beast Tribes. I also don't always pay full attention to soundtracks, but I adored this one because the music always felt on point with what was happening in the story. The Adventures of Elliot was truly a pleasant surprise for me, and I am so happy I got out of my comfort zone to give this game a try. Metaphor: ReFantazio: I LOVED THIS GAME. I knew I would, but I didn't realize how much I would adore it from start to finish. I get that it's just fantasy-Persona, and I am completely fine with that. I loved the characters, the world, the villain, the political intrigue, the different archetypes, and how they could be upgraded. There was so much to enjoy here, and while I didn't complete all of the game's "social links," I did manage to complete the majority, and I loved all of the smaller stories that were at play here. If the inevitable sequel happens, I'll be demanding that it be pumped into my veins upon release.   --- All the Non-RPG Goodness I didn't play a lot of non-RPGs over the last three months, so there are only two games to discuss in this category. First is a game called Find Your Words, which was a very short-and-sweet game about kids at summer camp and making friends with each other by helping them with tasks, playing games, and exploring the map. The game is completely free and took me less than two hours to complete. The other game I completed was the new Supermassive Game, Directive 8020, which I don't get all the hate for. I loved the plot twist; I thought the characters were interesting, and I only accidentally killed one of them... I thought that was pretty good given in their games I often have very little in the way of survivors. It's not a perfect experience as it has some small performance issues, but nothing that I would consider outrageous. I also loved the little nods to House of Ashes in this story. It's definitely one I wouldn't mind replaying with a friend, just to see how much the final outcome would change. --- Whatcha Playing Now, Sam? I loved The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, so naturally I wanted my suffering to continue by playing its recently released sequel, The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian. My goodness, I thought the choices were mean in the first game, but Prince Jerian takes things to a whole new level of pain. Our review will be coming soon, as I'm still putting together my thoughts. I started a whole new playthrough to see if I could find success in new choices. We'll see if I succeed! After that, my goal is to dig back into my half-started pile, as I have a small stack of things I started and would love to go back to. Fall is here, which means there is a huge chance I could knock a few more titles out of the ever-growing backlog! --- 2026 Game Tally Games Completed: 30 # of RPGs Completed: 17 # of Non-RPGs Completed: 13 # of Games Purchased: 12 The post Backloggin’ the Year – Sam’s Sojourn, July to September 2026 appeared first on RPGamer.

Owlcat Games revealed another companion character in its upcoming cRPG Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy. Lord Captain Aspyce Chorda is a renowned Rogue Trader with a fearsome reputation and a habit of relieving boredom in brutal ways, leading to her joining the player character after she becomes involved in an Inquisitorial investigation. She has high confidence and social skills alongside knowledge of Xenos lore, while in combat she is able to boost ally morale and intimidate enemies while being able to adeptly use both melee and ranged weapons. A follow-up to Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy sees players control an acolyte of the Inquisition in the backdrop of the catastrophic event known as the Noctis Aeterna. They embark on various investigations accompanied by their warband, which includes both loyal Imperials and Xenos. The game is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a release window not yet announced. A closed beta version is currently available on PC for all those who have purchased one of the game’s Founder’s Packs through its official website.   The post Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy Introduces Aspyce Chorda appeared first on RPGamer.

Kakao Games and XL Games have released a behind-the-scenes developer documentary video for MMORPG ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom. The seventeen-minute video, in Korean with English subtitles available, features insights from various members of the development team about the ideas, design choices, and features in the game, including snippets of work-in-progress gameplay footage. ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom is the latest title in the ArcheAge series and is planned for worldwide release on PC in Q2 2027. The original ArcheAge fantasy MMORPG released for PC in Korea in 2013, with an international release following in 2014 before its servers were shut down in 2024. Another title, ArcheAge Chronicles, is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S and is set fifty years after the events of the original game.   The post ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom Gets Developer Documentary Video appeared first on RPGamer.

TiMi Studio Group announced that mobile title Monster Hunter Outlanders will release internationally on October 29, 2026, with a Chinese mainland release to follow in 2027. The free-to-play title will be available on both iOS and Android, with pre-registration available now. Game producer Dong Huang and Capcom's Monster Hunter series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto provided video messages ahead of the release. A licenced spin-off to Capcom’s Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Outlanders sees up to four players join forces to hunt monsters on the mysterious island of Aesoland, with the game retaining the usual Monster Hunter loop of accepting quests and using rewards to update and create new equipment. The player is an Adventurer, one who travels the world and uses adventuring and engineering skills to hunt, as well as taking on particular roles when working together. Players create their own customised Fated Adventurer, but can also play as other story Adventurers they encounter in the game. Players can choose to play as either the Fated Adventurer or a story Adventurer in most parts of the game, though some content will only be available for the Fated Adventurer.       The post Monster Hunter Outlanders Releasing in October appeared first on RPGamer.

Sega and Ryū ga Gotoku Studio released a new trailer for Stranger Than Heaven.The two-minute video gives an introduction to one of the time periods and locations that players will visit in the game: the district of Kokura in 1915 Fukuoka. It shows the sights protagonist Makoto witnesses as he arrives in Japan and some of the activities players can participate in. Stranger Than Heaven starts in 1915, following a young Makoto Daito as he boards a ship in San Francisco seeking to travel to his mother’s homeland of Japan. Showing his rise to success as a master showman, the game takes players to five different locations and time periods in Japan over the next fifty years as Makoto produces a wide variety of acts and becomes involved in various events. Stranger Than Heaven is set to release on January 15, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.   The post Stranger Than Heaven Showcases Kokura appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Studio Sever and publisher HypeTrain Digital have announced Agent of Strange: Arrival, a free standalone prologue to upcoming thriller RPG Agent of Strange. The Arrival prologue will release for PC via Steam on October 8, 2026. It includes the first chapter of the game, providing an introduction to its world, core mechanics, and decisions. Agent of Strange is a new title from some of the team behind The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, with other members going on to found Schisma Games and creating direct follow-up The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian. The game is billed as a narrative roleplaying sandbox thriller set in the early 20th-century occult city of Brocken, which has been taken over by the Traum Family, a clan of aristocrats who entered a forbidden passage called the Red Door and came back changed. Players control an undercover agent working for a secret conspiracy seeking to defeat the Traum Family, with players able to choose their character's cover, actions, and beliefs. It is said to feature an open narrative as players choose which actions and missions to take as well as who to trust, and when events may happen. The game features 2D side-scrolling exploration with 3D graphics, with confrontations that can be resolved through combat, persuasion, deception, or avoidance.   [foogallery id="202358"]   The post Agent of Strange: Arrival Prologue Releasing in October appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Yahya Danboos released its first official teaser trailer for action RPG Luminous Nights. The game is inspired by Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II alongside the One Thousand and One Nights Arabic folktale collection. It is currently in development for PC and planned to release in 2027 via Steam. Luminous Nights follows Faris, a modern 14-year-old boy who is suddenly transported into Noor City, a city in another world undergoing an endless night. Its people are threatened by Afreets, evil djinn controlled by the Masked King, and Faris teams up with fairy companion Sahar, who can transform into a sword, to battle the Afreets while searching for a way home. The game is said to feature fast-paced battles with ground and aerial combos, defensive manoeuvres, and magic, as players explore Noor City's rooftops, markets, tunnels, ruins and palaces.   [foogallery id="202341"]   The post Luminous Nights Gets First Official Trailer appeared first on RPGamer.

Welcome to the latest edition of RPGamer's round-up column, where we look back at some of the articles that we have posted over the intervening period. This article is designed to give reminders of some interesting content and stories that our readers might have missed.     --- Editorial Content * Nocturne Review Story-driven, rhythm-combat RPG Nocturne carries the beat of a digital afterlife. Michael Baker discovers that while its concept may sound like an odd mash-up, genre-wise, Pracy Studios makes it work. * Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow Review Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow brings an unusual timing-based combat system to an anime-inspired RPG. Although its darker atmosphere and interesting ideas show some promise, Inami Jones finds that repetitive battles make the game difficult to recommend. * Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition Switch 2 Impression Dragon Quest XI received a dedicated Switch 2 version this week. Matt Masem reports that the new version finally bridges the gap between portability and home console fidelity for the game. * Brigandine: Abyss PAX West Impression Brigandine: Abyss is a strategy RPG covering the story of the returning Abyssloa Empire. Available now on PC and consoles, RPGamer got to spend a bit of time with it at PAX West.     --- Major Headlines * Lufia I & II The Sinistrals Saga Announced for 2027 Clear River Games and Taito have announced Lufia I & II The Sinistrals Saga. The collection will include the first two games in the Lufia series and is set to release on PC and consoles next year. * Armed Fantasia, Directorate Novitiate Development Purportedly Discontinued Digital Bros, parent company of publisher 505 Games, announced that it has discontinued development on Wild ARMs spiritual successor Armed Fantasia. The company also stopped work on urban RPG Directorate Novitiate. * Action RPG Dawngazer Announced Good Smile Company and Monochrome Corporation have announced action RPG Dawngazer. The game is the first revealed title in the new Ignisphere IP, and is being directed by Unicorn Overlord director Takafumi Noma. * Titan Quest II Fully Releasing on PC, Consoles in January THQ Nordic and Grimlore Games revealed a full release date for Titan Quest II. The action RPG, which has been in Early Access on PC for just over a year, will launch on PC and consoles in January. * Mercenaries Grace: Black Feather and the Golden Right Arm Announced RideonJapan announced a new title in the Mercenaries tactical RPG series. Mercenaries Grace: Black Feather and the Golden Right Arm will release in Japan in November, with an English release planned to follow. * Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Final DLC Announced Owlcat Games revealed its fourth and final planned story DLC for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Processional of the Damned will release in December and add new companion Stella. * Toada Brava Kickstarter Campaign Underway Good Smile Company and Monochrome Corporation have announced action RPG Dawngazer. The game is the first revealed title in the new Ignisphere IP, and is being directed by Unicorn Overlord director Takafumi Noma. * Nighthawks Out Now * Nocturne Out Now A pair of notable RPGs received short-notice releases this week. Wadjet Eye Games and The Curiosity Engine’s vampiric text-based adventure RPG Nighthawks and Pracy Studios's story-driven, rhythm-combat RPG Nocturne are both out now.     Other News * Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World Details Scouting, Joint Battles * Stranger Than Heaven Shows Major Characters, Showbiz Gameplay * Persona 4 Revival Broadcasts Additional Game Details * Occult Turn-Based RPG WANE Announced * Stellar Blade Switch 2 Demo Now Available * Blighted Pushed to 2027 * Fallen Tear: The Ascension Console Release Set for Next Year * Hellcard II Releasing in February, Demo Available * Dungeon Treaders Demo Released * Superhero Action RPG Undefeated: Genesis Demo Available * Calame Gets Updated Demo, Co-Publisher * Let’s Build a Dungeon Early Access Release Set for February * Critical Shift Undergoing Public Playtest * Stupid Never Dies Video Goes for Another Bite * Wildmagic Frontier Shows Co-op Gameplay * Vaewolf Receives Story Trailer * Manafinder II Gets New Teaser Trailer * New Release Round-Up (September 24, 2026) --- Podcasts * Bonus Episode: Direct Discussion – Q&A Quest In this special bonus episode, we discuss the recent Nintendo Direct. We also discuss announcements from BlizzCon. The post RPGamer Round-Up: September 20 – September 27 appeared first on RPGamer.

Returning to the game world of Erdrea on the Nintendo Switch 2 finally bridges the gap between portability and home-console fidelity. Dragon Quest XI is a highly regarded JRPG here at RPGamer. When it originally released in 2018 on the PS4, it reviewed as a 4.5/5 and was praised for being “a rich tapestry of individual stories woven together” with “a wealth of content even beyond the first credit roll” and having a “gorgeous aesthetic." A year later, a Switch version was released as Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition. Some small content was cut, and the graphic fidelity was slightly diminished, but an entire 2D mode was added in from the Japanese 3DS version of the game, along with some bonus mid-game story sections. This time, it reviewed as a 5/5, with much praise heaped on most every gameplay and artistic element. Fast forward yet another year and we here at RPGamer were crowning it our #1 RPG of the Decade.  Having played both the original PS4 version and the Switch release extensively over the past eight years, I was anxious to see how the newest port handled. Returning to the game world of Erdrea on the Nintendo Switch 2 finally bridges the gap between portability and home-console fidelity. After spending some time in the early chapters of Dragon Quest XI S — from the quiet paths of Cobblestone to the sprawling streets of Heliodor — the performance upgrades are immediately apparent. The graphic resolutions that occasionally muddied the original Switch release are gone, replacing blurry foliage and washed-out character models with crisp, vibrant visuals. The iconic character designs of Akira Toriyama pop with an impressive level of sharpness, particularly during close-up dialogue scenes and dramatic cuts in battle. [caption id="attachment_202298" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The slimes are more shimmery, and every blade of grass is clearly defined.[/caption] From a purely technical standpoint, the game offers two modes for exploring all DQXI has to offer. Performance Mode offers a steady 60fps with a resolution of 1080p while Quality Mode drops the frame rate to 30fps but allows the resolution to increase to 1440p when docked. Practically speaking, what that translates to is stable frame rates, eliminating the minor stutters that previously occurred when sprinting through densely populated areas like Heliodor's lower ward or galloping across the open fields of the Emerald Coast. Environmental pop-in, while still present in minor capacities far in the distance, is drastically reduced. Grassy plains feel fuller, textures on cobblestone roads and castle walls are noticeably cleaner, and lighting effects appear much richer during sunset transitions. Playing the game docked on a large 85” LED television was a most visually impressive Dragon Quest experience. Equally impressive are the improved load times. Transitioning between the overworld, city districts, and battle arenas now takes only a brief second or two. This near-seamless pacing makes random encounters and sidequest backtracking feel significantly less tedious, maintaining a swift momentum throughout the opening hours. [caption id="attachment_202299" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Every part of the adventure seems to pop with crisper details all around, including that protagonist's mop-top hairdo.[/caption] It should be noted that the Switch 2 version of the game does not feature any new content; it is purely an increased graphical port of the original Switch version. There is also sadly no upgrade path for previous Switch version owners nor a method for importing one’s save from the previous version to the new Switch 2 version. Despite all that, no one had to twist my arm into starting a fresh playthrough of one of RPGamer’s and my personal favorite games. While they’re not necessarily busy adding features to a bunch of older games, it’s commendable that Square Enix is seemingly committed to porting many older Switch titles forward, as evidenced by their recent Switch 2 versions of multiple Final Fantasies, Kingdom Hearts, Octopath Travelers, and Star Ocean Second Story R ports. Whether played docked on a large screen or in handheld mode, the Switch 2 presentation delivers the newest, excellent way to experience the Luminary's journey throughout Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition. For players who skipped the original Switch release due to visual trade-offs, or those looking for a reason to revisit Erdrea, this upgraded performance brings the title much closer to its PlayStation 4 and PC counterparts while keeping all the expanded content of the Definitive Edition intact. Disclosure: This article is based on a build/copy of the game provided by the publisher. The post Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition Switch 2 Impression appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer RideonJapan has announced a new title in its Mercenaries tactical RPG series. The eighth title in the series, Mercenaries Grace: Black Feather and the Golden Right Arm, will release for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in Japan in November 2026. An English version is said to be in development. Like previous entries in the series, Mercenaries Grace: Black Feather and the Golden Right Arm takes place in a fantasy world and sees players commanding a mercenary company in a standalone story involving a kingdom's struggle for succession. The game will feature a change to the series' usual grid-based tactical combat system, switching to a chess/shogi-style turn system where only one character on each side can act per turn. Source: Gematsu   [foogallery id="202281"] The post Mercenaries Grace: Black Feather and the Golden Right Arm Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

Sega and Ryū ga Gotoku Studio released new media and information for Stranger Than Heaven. Firstly, they provided a set of new screenshots and brief details for the game's main characters: * Makoto Daito (portrayed by Yu Shirota) -- A half-Japanese, half-American man. After facing persecution in America, he sets out for Japan. * Yu Shinjo (portrayed by Dean Fujioka) -- A half-Japanese, half-British man and lifelong friend of Daito. Seeking a new life in Japan, meets Daito aboard the ship taking them both to Japan, and they decide to stick together. * Orpheus (portrayed by Snoop Dogg) -- A globe-trotting merchant offering wares of dubious legality. He discovers Daito on his ship, and teaches him the harsh realities of life in Japan. * Heigo Yashima (portrayed by Akio Otsuka) - A successful merchant in Kokura who mentors Daito. * Tae Matsumoto (portrayed by Moeka Hoshi) -- A café waitress in Kokura and yakuza member's mistress. * Suzy Day (portrayed by Tori Kelly) -- A talented singer who starts to rise through the world of show business after meeting Daito. * Kiyoshi Otsuru (portrayed by Tokuma Nishioka) -- A stylish and authoritative old man. * Takashi (portrayed by Satoshi Fujihara) -- Daito's sworn brother and a gifted pianist whose passion for music is rekindled after Daito discovers his talent. * The Veiled Stranger (portrayed by Cordell Broadus) -- A man stationed in postwar Japan. * Keiko Shirai (portrayed by Ado) -- The diva of wartime Osaka. * Genzo Iwaki (portrayed posthumously by Bunta Sugawara, voiced by Takashi Ukaji) -- The influential big boss of Kure. * Tadashi Hataoka (portrayed by Takashi Ukaji) -- A swaggering, violent yakuza from Kokura. * Takeo Godai (portrayed by Takaya Kuroda) -- A skilled craftsman of few words. * Suekichi (portrayed by Kouhei Tsuji) -- Daito's carefree but dependable sworn brother. * Tetsuya Hama (portrayed by Yasukaze Motomiya) -- A young yakuza from Kure and Iwaki's right-hand man. * Amaru (portrayed posthumously by Tupac, voice actor to be announced) -- A man in hiding in Japan. * Kimura (portrayed by Daisuke Shiba) - An easygoing nightclub worker in Kamurocho. Meanwhile, the companies also released a new gameplay video. The five-minute video gives an introduction to the game's show business gameplay elements, where players find music inspiration and collaborate with composers to arrange performances for songs, as well as produce performances by managing performers, stage effects, and more. Stranger Than Heaven starts in 1915, following a young Makoto Daito as he boards a ship in San Francisco seeking to travel to his mother’s homeland of Japan. Showing his rise to success as a master showman, the game takes players to five different locations and time periods in Japan over the next fifty years as Makoto produces a wide variety of acts and becomes involved in various events. Stranger Than Heaven is set to release on January 15, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.   [foogallery id="202221"]   The post Stranger Than Heaven Shows Major Characters, Showbiz Gameplay appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher Good Smile Company and developer Monochrome Corporation have announced action RPG Dawngazer. The game is the first title in the Ignisphere fantasy intellectual property, which is also the name of the studio founded by Unicorn Overlord director Takafumi Noma, who is acting as director on the game. Few details about the game have been revealed at this time, but it is said to take place in a world made up of numerous nations and races. It is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2, and is currently planned to release in 2028. In addition to the game, multiple light novel projects and merchandise such as figures are in development. Source: Gematsu   The post Action RPG Dawngazer Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

In its latest earnings report, Digital Bros -- parent company of publisher 505 Games -- announced that it has discontinued development of both Wild Bunch Productions's Armed Fantasia and Nesting Games's Directorate Novitiate. The future status of both games and development studios is currently unclear. Armed Fantasia was announced in 2022 as a spiritual successor to Wild ARMs, with series creator Akifumi Kaneko acting as lead game designer and scenario writer. It was revealed alongside intended Shadow Hearts successor Penny Blood, with the games undergoing a shared Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. The game features a "Westernpunk" setting, with players able to explore land, sea, and air in vehicles and participate in turn-based combat. The latest update, posted in March 2026, stated that the team had completed a vertical slice build of the game. Directorate Novitiate was announced in 2025 for a Steam Early Access release and is an urban fantasy action RPG. It is planned to follow Mercury, who balances her everyday life with working as an assassin involved with the syndicate known as the Directorate. It features action combat combining third-person shooting and magic spells, with players able to utilise flashy Gun Kata moves. The post Armed Fantasia, Directorate Novitiate Development Purportedly Discontinued appeared first on RPGamer.

Square Enix released new screenshots and details for Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World. The new details cover the game's Quick Scouting system, as well as Joint Battles involving multiple monster parties. The latest entry in the spin-off series to Dragon Quest, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World sees players befriend monsters and use them in battle. Normally, players will recruit new monsters by engaging them in battle and using a Show of Force. However, players can also try and recruit monsters automatically. They can throw a hunk of meat in front of a monster in the field; when it approaches, the player's monster will rush in and do a Show of Force themselves without the player needing to engage in combat. There are various different types of meat available to try and entice monsters with. At some point in the game, players will gain access to the Scout Run at the paddock Witherwood, where they can encounter rare monsters not found in the wild and which are only available through Quick Scouting.     Meanwhile, players will occasionally find themselves blocked by massive monsters. These battles will require protagonists Bianca and Nera to work together; whoever the player is controlling will be in charge of the main party, while the other will control the reserves. Joint Battles see each party having shared HP and MP gauges apply all of its monsters. Enemy monsters in these battles will have Pet Hates, specific actions that will increase their Rage Gauge if the player performs them; filling the gauge will see the monster unleash stronger attacks, but afterwards they will become exhausted. In addition to story battles, additional Joint Battles can be found at the arena and taken on with other players in co-op. Finally, Square Enix introduced another character in the game and some additional monsters. Almira, voiced by Grace Saif, is beloved by the people of Witherwood for her kindness and commitment to attending the Archeagles. However, with the appearance of the Evil Eye, the Archeagles' and Almira's whereabouts are unknown. Meanwhile, additional monsters debuting in the game include Hammerhood honcho, See slug, and Panda pilgrim. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World stars Bianca and Nera from Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride. The duo meet by chance, with both searching for a way to cure the illnesses of their fathers and resolve to work together. Their adventure sees them becoming monster wranglers who rely on allied monsters that they have captured, bred, and raised to battle. The game will release for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 on December 3, 2026. A demo is currently available.   [foogallery id="202199"] The post Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World Details Scouting, Joint Battles appeared first on RPGamer.

Of Threat and Threnody Imagine a digital afterlife, a post-mortal coil of 1s and 0s within which dwell the mental shades of folks willing to pay for the right and the upkeep. That is Maya, and it's been a thousand years since all contact with the physical world was severed following a mysterious blackout. Just restoring the sun to its proper place took thirty-three years to accomplish, and corrupted data floods the bandwidth every four years to cause even more chaos. This is news to the protagonist, a young, newly deceased cancer patient named Karma, as he has roughly eight minutes on his personal record when he hears about it. Somehow, he is the first client to be uploaded into the system since the blackout, and this causes issues with his registration that make him uniquely suited to surviving the mess of a situation that is Maya and its presiding artificial sapience, Nocturne. The situation grows increasingly grave over the course of the game's eight chapters and roughly ten hours of core narrative gameplay. Automated Crawlers proactively dispatch corruption where they find it, often to the detriment of the remaining digital citizenry. Of the four appointed system admins, three are at odds over what to do, how to do it, and whether the ends ever justify the means. The fourth is simply nowhere to be found. Through all of this, Karma's one goal is to locate his brother, who uploaded a few years ahead of him, but drama can't help but complicate things. And what drama it is! In a corrupt world slowly losing its war against decadence and deletion, the themes of cyclical self-destruction are prevalent--a point which Nocturne herself hammers home in the final plot sequence. There is coercion, betrayal, strange revelations and things better left unknown. In his quest to locate his brother, Karma sees it all, and the question in the end may well be, "Which is more important, the family you seek or the family you find along the way?" [caption id="attachment_202028" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Someone should reboot the Sun.[/caption] Combat in Nocturne takes center stage in the most literal way possible, as everything is beat-rhythm based. The developers recommend a keyboard for this game; however, as my laptops are either underpowered or overheated, the Steam Deck was the only viable option, and that worked quite well for me. The main beat-rhythm sections feature four lanes of notes, mapped to the left shoulder, right cursor, X, and right shoulder buttons. This looks rather random in the game's battle tutorial explanation, but the four buttons align perfectly with the thumbs and pointers on both hands. The A button for attacks is a little harder to work with, but it can be reassigned to another button if necessary. In battle, the main goal is to survive to the end of the song. While it plays, energy bars for both Karma and the enemy will charge up. Karma can stock up to three hits, then unleash all stocked damage at once with the A button, while the enemy usually only attacks when its energy reaches full. Just before an enemy attacks, there will be a flash and a chance to strike for a critical hit while its guard is down. Reducing an enemy to zero health won't end the battle, but it will stagger the foe for a short while, during which time Karma can stock more energy and regenerate health. [caption id="attachment_202027" align="aligncenter" width="640"] No, this is not a boss. Things just get hairy in the later chapters.[/caption] The beat-rhythm aspect is what helps keep things going. The penalty for missing beats or hitting mines (red notes) is that Karma's energy gain is momentarily paused, and the enemy's energy may receive a boost at the same time. Playing the game well increases his ability to attack and reduces how often he gets hit. Every enemy has its own tune, with non-boss mobs having two bonus tunes that can be unlocked with high performance grades. Additionally, there's an arcade in the main town with a record of all battles and tunes unlocked thus far for the player to enjoy during or after the main game. There are also many types of specialized equipment and other secondary systems available, including a riposte mechanic, but these aren't necessary for the basic gameplay at Beginner level. Difficulty can be changed at any save point, thankfully, but it's important to note that difficulty is mainly scaled by the frequency and pattern of notes in the battle sequences. Some songs will still be fast and furious at the lowest difficulty. For the non-combat rhythmic sequences, clearing out corruption or doing the occasional special skills check, the base difficulty appears to be set, which makes these some of the biggest challenges in the game. In combat, it's not uncommon for specific mobs to mess with the lanes in some fashion, making them temporarily shorten, clog, vanish, or otherwise be obscured. In one particular major battle sequence, it even becomes a five-lane setup with A as the middle lane. But in the non-combat sequences, things get wild and weird, with the lanes shifting, bending, rotating, or wandering off elsewhere as the player is trying to hit all the right notes. The skill check in the middle of Chapter 4 is a high-speed, five-lane nightmare for those (like this reviewer) who found Beginner difficulty enough of a challenge for the main game. [caption id="attachment_202024" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Retreat in F-this-minor.[/caption] Music is obviously the most important aspect of this game, with strong tunes for all enemies, and lyrics sung during some of the major boss battles, but the art aspect is equally well-matched to the game's narrative. Scenery gradates between the soft, soothing colors of an intended virtual Eden and the jarring dark shades of things going off the rails. The art style largely forgoes outlines in the scenery, lending an element of impressionism as well. The scenery itself appears strongly coded towards Japanese and Chinese design aesthetics that match up with the narrative's philosophical leanings. Nocturne manages a tight narrative in its ten-hour run, and the beat-rhythm aspect both helps to pad out the relatively small number of mobs in the game and keep things interesting. The spritework is fluid, and the animation poetic. While the concept may sound like an odd mash-up, genre-wise, Pracy Studios makes it work.   Disclosure: This review is based on a free copy of the game provided by the publisher. The post Nocturne Review appeared first on RPGamer.

Owlcat Games has announced its fourth and final planned story DLC for cRPG Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. The Processional of the Damned will release in December 2026. It is available as part of Season Pass 2 alongside the third DLC, The Infinite Museion. The DLC includes new storyline content integrated into the main game, with a new playable companion, the miraculist Stella. She is a frail-looking unsanctioned psyker treated as a miracle by the Ecclesiarchy who is able to manifest her powers by shedding tears of blood and showing cracks in her skin. In addition, the DLC will also add a new Archetype, the Zealot. It is melee-focused and specialises in dealing bludgeoning damage. It will introduce a new Madness feature, which can affect all companions, as well as new Arch Enemy and Aeladari foes, and more. Further details can be found here. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is currently available digitally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. It sees players leading a ship of personnel as they explore the dangerous Koronus Expanse. As a Rogue Trader, players are given great leeway in their dealings on behalf of the Imperium, making decisions that have rippling effects throughout the universe.   [caption id="attachment_202176" align="aligncenter" width="308"] Stella concept art[/caption] The post Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Final DLC Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

Sky Castle Studios released a new trailer for its tabletop-style deckbuilding tactical RPG Wildmagic Frontier. The nine-minute video features Ify Nwadiwe, Jasmine Bhullar, and Jenna Stoeber, who go through a short adventure involving battles on diorama arenas. The video comes following the game surpassing its $100,000 goal in an ongoing Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. The campaign is set to run until October 16, 2026. Those who pledge at least $40 will receive a digital copy of the game as part of their backer rewards. Wildmagic Frontier sees players recruiting companions, while building decks and taking on expeditions solo or with up to two friends. Expeditions are built around tactical battles taking place on dioramas created through physical and 3D sculpting. Players can create characters and miniatures through Sky Castle Studios's Hero Forge tool and import them into the game. Between expeditions, players return to their Frontier town to unlock new characters, mechanics, and adventures. The game is in development for PC.   The post Wildmagic Frontier Shows Co-op Gameplay appeared first on RPGamer.

Welcome to RPGamer's new release round-up. In this column, we look to provide our readers with details on the major RPGs released since our last update. Please note we do not currently include Early Access releases where the game is still in development. Pricing is shown in US dollars before application of any discounts, local pricing may vary. --- Aniimo Platform: iOS, Android (previously released on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) Publisher: Pawprint Studio Developer: Pawprint Studio Available: Apple App Store, Google Play Store Price: Free-to-play with in-game transactions Creature-collecting RPG Aniimo sees players collect, battle, and interact with Aniimo in the open-world realm of Idyll. The game features a mechanic called Twining, where players merge with their Aniimo to use their abilities. The newest beta will let players explore the world through the eyes of their Aniimo, include new Aniimo and Aniimo forms, add a new region, let players customise their home, and introduce a Diamond Egg Heist PvP mode. Those looking to read more can check out Jordan McClain’s SGF Play Days impression. --- CONTROL Resonant Platform: PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S Publisher: Remedy Entertainment Developer: Remedy Entertainment Available: Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store Price: $59.99 Action RPG CONTROL Resonant is a sequel to 2019 action-adventure title CONTROL and set in the same universe as the Alan Wake series. The game sees players control Dylan Faden, a human with extraordinary powers, who is deployed by the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) during a supernatural crisis. Battling a strange cosmic entity and various other threats overwhelming Manhattan, Dylan looks to harness his newfound powers while also searching for his sister, FBC Director Jesse Faden. Those looking to read more can check out Jordan McClain’s review of its PlayStation 5 version. --- Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked Platform: Xbox Series X|S (previously released on PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Meta Quest) Publisher: Resolution Games Developer: Resolution Games Available: Xbox Store Price: $29.99 Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is created in partnership with Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro, and looks to combine gameplay systems of Demeo with Dungeons & Dragons’s classes, actions, and lore. It features tabletop-emulating graphics and co-op turn-based combat with cross-platform multiplayer support for up to four players. The Xbox Series X|S release comes alongside the launch of its Campaign III: Twilight’s End DLC. --- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (previously released on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch) Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Square Enix Available: Nintendo eShop Price: $39.99 Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age was originally released for PlayStation 4 in North America and Europe in 2018, winning RPGamer’s 2018 Game of the Year Award, with the enhanced S version released on Nintendo Switch in 2020 and PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2021. Additional content in the S version of Dragon Quest XI includes new story scenarios exploring each of the main cast members’ backstories, the option to switch between HD graphics and 16-bit sprite mode with new quests, English and original Japanese voice-overs, fully orchestrated field and battle music, and an increased battle speed option. Save transfer between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions is not supported. --- Fallen Tear: The Ascension Platform: PC Publisher: CMD Studios Developer: Winter Crew Available: Steam Price: $24.99 (10% launch discount) Metroidvania Fallen Tear: The Ascension follows Hina, a young boy seeking to learn the truth about his past. On his journey, he bonds with various characters to obtain new skills and abilities while taking on dangerous beasts and corrupt gods. The game is said to feature locales that respond to player actions with choices that also impact Hina’s journey and his companions. A console release is planned for next year. --- Nighthawks Platform: PC, Mac, Linux Publisher: Wadjet Eye Games Developer: The Curiosity Engine Available: Steam, GOG Price: $19.99 (10% launch discount) Vampiric text-based adventure RPG Nighthawks puts players in a world where the existence of vampires has become public knowledge and their existence is tolerated. Players take on the role of a vampire who arose six months prior as they attempt to make their way in the changed world. The game is written and designed by Richard Cobbett (who previously contributed to Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, and Not Tonight), with art from Ben Chandler (Unavowed).. --- Nocturne Platform: PC Publisher: Pracy Studios Developer: Pracy Studios Available: Steam Price: $19.99 (10% launch discount) Story-driven, rhythm-combat RPG Nocturne is set in a digital afterlife and follows Karma, who hoped to be able to reunite with their brother in a promised utopia. However, they instead awaken in a decaying world where a millennium has since passed. They explore the remain of its corrupted world, looking to find the source of its destruction and save it from permanent deletion. Those looking to read more can check out Michael Baker's review. --- Qliphah in Providence's Shadow Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch Publisher: Arc System Works Developer: Arc System Works, UnitePlus Available: Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop Price: $24.99 Tactical timeline RPG Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow set in a collapsed Tokyo as reality is eroded with entities known as Aberrations roaming its streets. The game follows delivery boy Souma Hoshigami, who is attacked by an Aberration and put into a “half-turned” state. He is rescued and taken into custody by police investigator Rena Hizuki and forced to help her investigate ongoings surrounding the situation, including a demonic narcotic flooding the streets, cursed body-carved glyphs, and a mysterious cult. Those looking to read more can check out Imani Jones's review of its PlayStation 5 version. --- The Relic: First Guardian Platform: Xbox Series X|S (previously released on PC, PlayStation 5) Publisher: Perp Games Developer: Project Cloud Games Available: Xbox Store Price: $34.99 Action RPG The Relic: First Guardian is set in the apocalyptic world of Arsiltus. Formerly prosperous, the destruction of a great relic saw Arsiltus swallowed by the void and turned into a land of death. Players are tasked with finding the pieces of the relic in order to close the void. Players can choose between different weapon types, with character growth based entirely on equipped runes, items, and more. A Nintendo Switch 2 release is planned for on October 9, 2026. --- Ved: Recure Platform: PC Publisher: SummerClip Developer: SummerClip Available: Steam Price: $17.99 (15% launch discount) Action roguelite Ved: Recure puts players in the role of a corporate worker who awakens in another world with a mysterious tower, robots, and stranger weather patterns. This world is supposedly a treatment from Demeowrge, the God of Games, for those who have lost their passion for gaming, with its subjects encouraged to fight and explore to restore their passion. Players partner with seven playable characters, each with their own combat style and progression path. --- Yami Kids Platform: PC Publisher: Yanako RPGs Developer: Yanako RPGs Available: Steam Price: $13.99 (20% launch discount) Dark fantasy monster taming RPG Yami Kids follows twins Yuki and Yumi Yami in a world where people battle using monsters called Oni. Players control one of the twins, who is orphaned at a young age before being trained as a battler, while the other twin follows them around as a ghost. The game’s world features Simulated Battles that take place during the day and Shadow Duels that take place at night involving real monsters. If players lose a Shadow Duel, they are sent to the Underworld, where they can find unique items, visit mysterious places, and perform other activities before they make a deal with the being of the Underworld to return to the world of the living. --- Sales Links * Steam * GOG.com * Epic Games Store * The Humble Store * PlayStation Store (North America) * PlayStation Store (Europe) * Xbox Store * Nintendo eShop (North America) * Nintendo eShop (Europe) The post New Release Round-Up (September 24, 2026) appeared first on RPGamer.

Of Threat and Threnody Imagine a digital afterlife, a post-mortal coil of 1s and 0s within which dwell the mental shades of folks willing to pay for the right and the upkeep. That is Maya, and it's been a thousand years since all contact with the physical world was severed following a mysterious blackout. Just restoring the sun to its proper place took thirty-three years to accomplish, and corrupted data floods the bandwidth every four years to cause even more chaos. This is news to the protagonist, a young, newly deceased cancer patient named Karma, as he has roughly eight minutes on his personal record when he hears about it. Somehow, he is the first client to be uploaded into the system since the blackout, and this causes issues with his registration that make him uniquely suited to surviving the mess of a situation that is Maya and its presiding artificial sapience, Nocturne. The situation grows increasingly grave over the course of the game's eight chapters and roughly ten hours of core narrative gameplay. Automated Crawlers proactively dispatch corruption where they find it, often to the detriment of the remaining digital citizenry. Of the four appointed system admins, three are at odds over what to do, how to do it, and whether the ends ever justify the means. The fourth is simply nowhere to be found. Through all of this, Karma's one goal is to locate his brother, who uploaded a few years ahead of him, but drama can't help but complicate things. And what drama it is! In a corrupt world slowly losing its war against decadence and deletion, the themes of cyclical self-destruction are prevalent--a point which Nocturne herself hammers home in the final plot sequence. There is coercion, betrayal, strange revelations and things better left unknown. In his quest to locate his brother, Karma sees it all, and the question in the end may well be, "Which is more important, the family you seek or the family you find along the way?" [caption id="attachment_202028" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Someone should reboot the Sun.[/caption] Combat in Nocturne takes center stage in the most literal way possible, as everything is beat-rhythm based. The developers recommend a keyboard for this game; however, as my laptops are either underpowered or overheated, the Steam Deck was the only viable option, and that worked quite well for me. The main beat-rhythm sections feature four lanes of notes, mapped to the left shoulder, right cursor, X, and right shoulder buttons. This looks rather random in the game's battle tutorial explanation, but the four buttons align perfectly with the thumbs and pointers on both hands. The A button for attacks is a little harder to work with, but it can be reassigned to another button if necessary. In battle, the main goal is to survive to the end of the song. While it plays, energy bars for both Karma and the enemy will charge up. Karma can stock up to three hits, then unleash all stocked damage at once with the A button, while the enemy usually only attacks when its energy reaches full. Just before an enemy attacks, there will be a flash and a chance to strike for a critical hit while its guard is down. Reducing an enemy to zero health won't end the battle, but it will stagger the foe for a short while, during which time Karma can stock more energy and regenerate health. [caption id="attachment_202027" align="aligncenter" width="640"] No, this is not a boss. Things just get hairy in the later chapters.[/caption] The beat-rhythm aspect is what helps keep things going. The penalty for missing beats or hitting mines (red notes) is that Karma's energy gain is momentarily paused, and the enemy's energy may receive a boost at the same time. Playing the game well increases his ability to attack and reduces how often he gets hit. Every enemy has its own tune, with non-boss mobs having two bonus tunes that can be unlocked with high performance grades. Additionally, there's an arcade in the main town with a record of all battles and tunes unlocked thus far for the player to enjoy during or after the main game. There are also many types of specialized equipment and other secondary systems available, including a riposte mechanic, but these aren't necessary for the basic gameplay at Beginner level. Difficulty can be changed at any save point, thankfully, but it's important to note that difficulty is mainly scaled by the frequency and pattern of notes in the battle sequences. Some songs will still be fast and furious at the lowest difficulty. For the non-combat rhythmic sequences, clearing out corruption or doing the occasional special skills check, the base difficulty appears to be set, which makes these some of the biggest challenges in the game. In combat, it's not uncommon for specific mobs to mess with the lanes in some fashion, making them temporarily shorten, clog, vanish, or otherwise be obscured. In one particular major battle sequence, it even becomes a five-lane setup with A as the middle lane. But in the non-combat sequences, things get wild and weird, with the lanes shifting, bending, rotating, or wandering off elsewhere as the player is trying to hit all the right notes. The skill check in the middle of Chapter 4 is a high-speed, five-lane nightmare for those (like this reviewer) who found Beginner difficulty enough of a challenge for the main game. [caption id="attachment_202024" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Retreat in F-this-minor.[/caption] Music is obviously the most important aspect of this game, with strong tunes for all enemies, and lyrics sung during some of the major boss battles, but the art aspect is equally well-matched to the game's narrative. Scenery gradates between the soft, soothing colors of an intended virtual Eden and the jarring dark shades of things going off the rails. The art style largely forgoes outlines in the scenery, lending an element of impressionism as well. The scenery itself appears strongly coded towards Japanese and Chinese design aesthetics that match up with the narrative's philosophical leanings. Nocturne manages a tight narrative in its ten-hour run, and the beat-rhythm aspect both helps to pad out the relatively small number of mobs in the game and keep things interesting. The spritework is fluid, and the animation poetic. While the concept may sound like an odd mash-up, genre-wise, Pracy Studios makes it work.   Disclosure: This review is based on a free copy of the game provided by the publisher. The post Nocturne Review appeared first on RPGamer.

A Shadow of Its Potential I’ve always enjoyed RPGs that are willing to experiment, which is what first drew me to Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow. Set in a distorted version of Tokyo where strange phenomena spread across the city, the game follows delivery boy Soma Hoshigami and investigator Rena Hizuki as they become caught up in a growing supernatural crisis. Soma's transformation leaves him caught between human and monster, while Rena is trying to uncover the truth behind the Aberrations and other strange phenomena spreading across the city. There is a good idea at the heart of the game, but the execution is so poor that it never comes close to realizing its potential. Battles in Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow use a timing-based counter system. Whenever an enemy attacks, a small circle expands toward a larger one, and pressing the matching color button when they overlap counters the attack. If the timing is missed, the dodge action can cancel the attack and give the player a chance to try again. Successfully countering several attacks will eventually down an enemy, leaving it open to heavy damage before the process starts again. Soma Hoshigami and Rena Hizuki also have their own attacks and abilities, all of which come with cooldowns. Swapping between the two characters can help keep abilities available, but it unfortunately fails to make the battles themselves more interesting. Most regular enemies require a full cycle of counters and downs before they can be defeated, usually ending with an ultimate attack. That might be reasonable for tougher enemies, but having to repeat the same process against regular foes makes battles drag on far too long. [caption id="attachment_201567" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Keeping an eye on the timeline.[/caption] Difficulty options are available for players looking for a greater challenge, and higher settings also provide more research points, which can unlock additional upgrades. Unfortunately, the increased challenge mostly comes from giving enemies higher levels and more health, turning fights into battles against damage sponges. The same problems remain on every setting, with fights following the same basic pattern. Progression does at least offer more than traditional leveling, as completing battles grants access to passive skills. Most of these amount to relatively small stat increases, although some have a greater effect on character builds by improving one stat at the expense of another. Even then, the impact is difficult to notice in practice, and these abilities rarely change how battles are actually played. Outside of combat, Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow uses a world map reminiscent of the ones found in Shin Megami Tensei games, with locations represented as selectable points across the city. These locations become investigation candidates depending on the current chapter and mission. Players have little freedom in deciding where to go, as missions clearly indicate which locations to investigate. Reaching one triggers a visual-novel-style cutscene that moves the story forward. It is a simple way of handling exploration; the downside is that the world feels like a menu. There is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, but the repetitive gameplay makes progression feel like a slog. The story has an interesting premise, but Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow gets into it almost immediately without giving the setup any time to establish itself. Soma Hoshigami is caught in the middle of a conflict and absorbs something from the Aberrations, the monsters threatening the city, which turns him into a mutant. Mutants are effectively considered dead and are treated as such, yet Soma mysteriously retains his humanity. Rena Hizuki, the other main character, is initially cold and aloof toward Soma, and her character leans heavily into familiar anime tropes. The game also tries to inject some humor into the story, but it usually falls flat. [caption id="attachment_201568" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Aberrations are truly grotesque.[/caption] That said, there are clearly some interesting ideas here. The spread of the "Tiny True" drug and a mysterious cult working behind the scenes give the story some decent concepts to explore. The problem is that the writing focuses too much on telling the player what is happening instead of showing it, while plot conveniences and occasional deus ex machina moments make the narrative increasingly difficult to take seriously. Soma and Rena's relationship also develops over the course of the story, but the progression never feels particularly organic. Like the gameplay, the story has some strong ideas but never does enough with them, which is a shame because the atmosphere is actually quite effective. It feels like a missed opportunity to do something more interesting with the setting. The visuals are rather basic, sticking to a simple anime-inspired style, albeit with a more distinctive, darker presentation. Character models are serviceable, but the environments are where the presentation suffers. Because of the game's structure and the lack of any real exploration, battles repeatedly take place in the same handful of areas. As for the cutscenes, the visual novel-style scenes are generally fine, and, in some ways, preferable to the repetitive 3D environments used throughout the game. The soundtrack is also unremarkable, although it is certainly not bad. Regular battles have a decent beat to them, while the music becomes a little more tense during boss fights. Nothing really stands out, though, aside from the opening theme, which is a fairly catchy anime-style track. Sadly, Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is a slog from beginning to end. The combat is repetitive from the start, as every fight becomes the same sequence of counters and finishing attacks. The progression system has plenty of upgrades to unlock, but they all leave the same tedious combat intact. The story has some interesting ideas; the writing fails to make them work, and the decent atmosphere is wasted. The basic visuals and repetitive environments are another drag on the experience. Although there are a few good ideas here, the game is simply not much fun to play. RPGamers who want something different may find Qliphah worth a look, but it is ultimately difficult to recommend. Disclosure: This review is based on a free copy of the game provided by the publisher. The post Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow Review appeared first on RPGamer.

It's a fun tactical RPG that reminded me of Fire Emblem at times, but has a fun twist to how you fight. Brigandine: Abyss is a strategy RPG from Happinet and NIS America taking place after a century-long effort to thwart the ambitions of the Abyssloa Empire. However, a new Empire has risen and players are tasked with standing against them as one of six different campaigns. It access to tons of unique units through multiple campaigns, all with different defensive and offensive abilities and attacks. Players can form a force tailored to their tactics from over a hundred different human and monster units. The PAX West demo opened up six hours into the game, with players controlling the Samura Clan. The mission is to take your units into combat at a story-based battle objective and emerge victorious. The battle scene opened with a small voiced cut scene giving the details of what is going down in the world. The game shows the units players will be facing and lets them choose a team that will be best suited to fight back. If the player or enemy's enemy leader dies in combat, the whole unit is destroyed, and this results in perma-death for your leaders. Players can, however, buy tokens in game to revive your fallen units.     During combat, players have some advantages they can take advantage of. For example, players can use terrain height to combat units from afar while also gaining the effect of that terrain. It requires strategic unit placement, as well as some defensive moves in make the most of unit abilities, like a heal can only be used at a certain range. This means players can waste a turn reforming their forces if they keep their healer too far from the frontlines. There is over two hundred hours of gameplay for the game's Story Mode of the game, as well as sixty-plus hours of Mission Mode content. It features a total of six major factions; the Samura Clan is one of those six major factions. It means there is an awful lot of time for players can sink into it, especially those who enjoy tactics-based games, but it does at least include a speed-up button to make the battles go more quickly. I enjoyed the demo offered at PAX West. This was my first time playing this game series, but it's a fun tactical RPG that reminded me of Fire Emblem at times, but has a fun twist to how you fight. It appears to be well-paced, fun, and entertaining for someone who enjoys tactical RPGs.   The post Brigandine: Abyss PAX West Impression appeared first on RPGamer.

THQ Nordic and Grimlore Games announced that action RPG Titan Quest II will fully release on January 19, 2027. The full version of the game, which has been in Early Access on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store since August 2025, will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The full version will be priced at $49.99/€49.99 on PC or $59.99/€59.99 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Titan Quest II is a follow-up to 2006 title Titan Quest and is inspired by Greek mythology. It sees Nemesis, Goddess of Retribution, corrupting the Threads of Fate and condemning all those who oppose her to eternal punishment. Players control a hero fighting alongside the gods, aiming to change fate, with the game including online co-op multiplayer.   The post Titan Quest II Fully Releasing on PC, Consoles in January appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Studio Kobako released a demo for its dungeon-crawling RPG Dungeon Treaders. The demo is available for PC via Steam and including the game's core mechanics and early gameplay across its dungeon's first floor. Dungeon Treaders is a party-based dungeon-crawler with players choosing a party of up to six members from five races and eight classes. It is based on the Dungeon Settlers Japanese web novel series by Goroku Takahashi, with characters from the series appearing as recruitable mercenaries. Players are able to replace face icons and full-body portraits with their own images, as well as sound effects and background effects.   [foogallery id="202113"]   The post Dungeon Treaders Demo Released appeared first on RPGamer.

CMD Studios and Winter Crew announced that they are partnering with Maximum Entertainment for the console release of Metroidvania Fallen Tear: The Ascension. The game, which fully released on PC through Steam today after six months in Early Access, will be coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch in 2027. Fallen Tear: The Ascension follows Hina, a young boy seeking to learn the truth about his past. On his journey, he bonds with various characters to obtain new skills and abilities while taking on dangerous beasts and corrupt gods. The game is said to feature locales that respond to player actions with choices that also impact Hina’s journey and his companions.   [foogallery id="202128"]   The post Fallen Tear: The Ascension Console Release Set for Next Year appeared first on RPGamer.

Asteristic Game Studio has begun its Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for 2D turn-based RPG Toada Brava. The campaign is looking for $35,000 in funding and is set to run until November 6, 2026. Those who pledge at least $25 ($20 for a limited time) will receive a digital copy of the game, currently estimated for 2028, as part of their backer rewards. Toada Brava looks to blend classic JRPG inspiration from titles like Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG, and Vagrant Story with 2D animation, and features a setting inspired by Latin American landscapes and culture. The game follows Kako, who lives on a ranch with his mother Matilda. After the Duke of Santacrúz seizes their land for gold extraction, Matilda is arrested and Kako is himself captured after trying to rescue her. In prison, Kako assembles a motley crue that attempts to escape to freedom. The game’s combat system makes use of timed button presses to deal extra damage or block enemy attacks, with players also able to use music-based magical attacks through a variety of instruments. A demo is currently available on Steam.   The post Toada Brava Kickstarter Campaign Underway appeared first on RPGamer.

Pracy Studios has released its story-driven, rhythm-combat RPG Nocturne. The game, which has spent a decade in development, is available now for PC via Steam, priced at $19.99 with a 10% launch discount. Nocturne is set in a digital afterlife and follows Karma, who hoped to be able to reunite with their brother in a promised utopia. However, they instead awaken in a decaying world where a millennium has since passed. They explore the remain of its corrupted world, looking to find the source of its destruction and save it from permanent deletion. The game features a ten-plus-hour story with skill-based rhythm combat featuring a symphonic rock soundtrack recorded with the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra. It features six difficulty options, which include per-column-autoplay, as well as an Arcade Mode featuring 101 playable tracks and rare trophies.   [foogallery id="202080"]   The post Nocturne Out Now appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Rhinotales Studio is running a playtest for its turn-based tactical RPG Critical Shift. The playtest is available through Steam, and includes the game's first three missions and six of the game's planned eleven playable agents. The developer also recently released a new 30-second gameplay teaser trailer, viewable below. Critical Shift is set around a top-secret research station in Antarctica called ICE-1, known to hold reality-bending objects, sends a distress signal before communications are cut off. Players command a squad of elite agents sent to investigate the station, located under the ice and host to hundreds of scientists and soldiers. They will encounter a number of threats as they explore the underground complex, including creatures with a hive intelligence and the creations of an insane AI. The game is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.   The post Critical Shift Undergoing Public Playtest appeared first on RPGamer.

In this special bonus episode, we discuss the recent Nintendo Direct. We also discuss announcements from BlizzCon. The post Bonus Episode: Direct Discussion – Q&A Quest appeared first on RPGamer.

Wadjet Eye Games and The Curiosity Engine have released vampiric text-based adventure RPG Nighthawks. The game is available now for PC, Mac, and Linux through Steam and GOG. It is priced at $19.99, with a 10% launch discount available until September 29, 2026. Nighthawks puts players in a world where the existence of vampires has become public knowledge and their existence is tolerated. Players take on the role of a vampire who arose six months prior as they attempt to make their way in the changed world. The game is written and designed by Richard Cobbett (who previously contributed to Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, and Not Tonight), with art from Ben Chandler (Unavowed). It underwent a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in 2018.   The post Nighthawks Out Now appeared first on RPGamer.

GPTRACK50 and Sega have released the second entry in their “Deep Bite” video series for action RPG Stupid Never Dies. The five-minutevideo sees Director Eiichiro Sasaki talk about the overall cycle of the game. Players are tasked with trying to get Davy as far as they can into its dungeon with the time limit. Between runs, players can get new gear and body hacks, as well as unlock additional level up upgrades, new skills, and new permanent abilities. Each time Davy enters the dungeon, he starts at level 1, but swiftly gains level. The dungeon is made up of multiple overlapping layers from different worlds, with players able to choose which worlds to go into from certain points, potentially skipping layers to get at better loot within the time limit. Experience is gained by defeating enemies, and at certain levels, Davy is given three skill upgrades to choose from. Each time players return to the mall, their level up speed increases, allowing them to make faster progress through the ever-shifting dungeon. In addition, the game's demo has been updated following player feedback. The demo, available on PC and PlayStation 5, now has improved enemy targeting, with it now being easier to hit enemies on the ground or in the air, as well as new Combat Camera Assist option able to be turned on or off in the settings. Stupid Never Dies is set in the aftermath of the Great War, where humanity is on the brink of extinction and the world is ruled by monsters including werewolves, lizardmen, skeletons, and more. It follows bottom-rung zombie Davy, who discovers the human girl Julia frozen to death in a freezer in a shopping mall. Falling in love at first sight, he resolves to bring her back to life and, in a twist of fate, steals a meal that grants him powerful new abilities. Stupid Never Dies will release on PC and PlayStation 5 on October 21, 2026.     The post Stupid Never Dies Video Goes for Another Bite appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Nextale has released an update for its demo of isometric tactical RPG Calame. The update to the demo, available on Steam, adds a new playable faction, a new Camp hub, and various visual and gameplay refinements. In addition, the developer announced that it is partnering with Shine Publishing and Radical Theory as co-publishers for the game. It is currently planned to release for PC later this year, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions following in 2027. Calame is set in realm of Westalia, where players lead a rebellion against the tyrannical King of Light. Players customise their army with melee specialists, ranged fighters, mages, and support classes, including level-ups, skill unlocks, and legendary gear. The game also includes a reactive choice system where decisions made during conversations and events can directly alter the Rebellion’s political alignment and grant passive traits that reshape playstyles, faction relationships, and the story. In addition, a special Legend resource allows players to actively rewrite and manipulate the battlefield environment mid-combat.   The post Calame Gets Updated Demo, Co-Publisher appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Wolfsden LLC has released a new teaser trailer for turn-based RPG Manafinder II. The 40-second video marks the game's involvement in the Mexican Entertainment System 2026 Steam event and shows a mixture of combat and exploration in its Spanish language option. Manafinder II is set in a distant future to Manafinder, where humanity has been all but eradicated, and its ruins are filled with the misanthropic Purged. The game follows Rey, seemingly the last human survivor, who elects to live out his life in isolation until his Luperci friend Remus brings him important news. The game will feature a story that lasts around ten to twelve hours, with additional side content bringing the total content to around twenty hours. It is planned to release on PC in 2027 and is available to wishlist on Steam.   The post Manafinder II Gets New Teaser Trailer appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher Skystone Games and developer Thing Trunk announced that co-op roguelike deckbuilder Hellcard II will release in February 2027. The game, a follow-up to 2024 title Hellcard, will be available for PC and currently unspecified consoles. In addition, the companies have released a free demo for the game on Steam. Hellcard II sees up to four players can join together to take on tabletop-style papercraft dungeons. The game introduces new core attributes for its characters, as well as persistent loot and equipment.   The post Hellcard II Releasing in February, Demo Available appeared first on RPGamer.

Shift Up has released a demo for Stellar Blade Complete Edition, its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release of the sci-fi action RPG. The demo comes ahead of its full release on November 5, 2026 (12am KST on November 6, 2026), with pre-orders available. The demo release comes alongside a new teaser trailer showing the game's upcoming Bayonetta collaboration arriving on all platforms on the same day as the Complete Edition release, adding four new outfits to the game. Stellar Blade originally released for PlayStation 5 in 2024, with a PC version following in 2025. The game sees protagonist Eve and her allies from the 7th Airborne Squad from humanity’s off-world refuge attempting to reclaim Earth from the monstrous Naytiba. Upon landing, Eve encounters an Earth native called Adam as well as 5th Airborne Squad member Lily, who offer their support as Eve comes to Xion, the last remaining city on Earth. Those looking to read more about Stellar Blade can check out Ezra Kinnell’s review of its PlayStation 5 release. Shift Up recently announced a follow-up, Stellar Blade: Blood Rain.   The post Stellar Blade Switch 2 Demo Now Available appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Drinkbox Studios announced that it has pushed back the release window for 3D Metroidvania-style action RPG Blighted. Previously planned to release for PC and Nintendo Switch 2 this fall, the game will is now planned to release in 2027. The latest title from the Nobody Saves the World and Guacamelee! developer, Blighted sees players battle through a “psychedelic western nightmare” as they try to reclaim the memories of their people, whose dead are buried with seeds planted in their brains that grew into trees bearing fruit imbued with memories. Players control the sole survivor of the village after Sorcisto consumes its populace, destroying its forest, and infecting the world with a deadly Blight. They to reclaim their ancestors’ memories before being overtaken by the Blight, which offers both power and danger, acting as a dynamic difficulty system that alters the player, enemies, and the world. The game will include drop-in/drop-out co-op multiplayer.   (March 2026 gameplay trailer) The post Blighted Pushed to 2027 appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher Chorus Worldwide and developer Indie-us Games have released a demo for Undefeated: Genesis, a superhero-themed action RPG. The demo for the game -- a follow-up to 2019 title Undefeated -- is available now on Steam. The game is planned to be released next year for PC and PlayStation 5. Undefeated: Genesis puts players in the role of Albert Hartree, known as Al. A keen hero admirer, he is suddenly transported to the alien planet Voltissia obtaining extraordinary powers in the process. He joins forces with the Enelf, a group of survivors from a civilisation that was destroyed five hundred years prior, seeking to protect others while finding out more about Voltissia and find a way home. Players are able to fly freely around Voltissia and unlock new powers as they battle ferocious mutants.   [foogallery id="201953"]   The post Superhero Action RPG Undefeated: Genesis Demo Available appeared first on RPGamer.

Clear River Games and Taito have announced Lufia I & II The Sinistrals Saga, a remastered collection of the first two games in the Lufia series. The collection, containing Lufia & the Fortress of Doom and Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals, will release for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. Physical editions will be available for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Both games are turn-based RPG originally developed by Neverland and released for Super Famicon/Super Nintendo. Lufia & the Fortress of Doom released in Japan and North America in 1993, published by Taito. The game is set 100 years after a band of heroes defeated the evil Sinistrals, gods seeking to rule over the world. However, the Sinistrals make their return, with the game following a player-named hero -- a descendant of one of the original heroes -- and a mysterious girl named Lufia, who set out to seal away the gods once more. Meanwhile, Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals released in Japan in 1995, published by Taito, with a North American release from Natsume following in 1996 and a European release from Nintendo in 1997. The game follows the events a hundred years prior to those of Lufia & the Fortress of Doom, following the hero Maxim and his soon-to-be-legendary party. The game also received a reimagining as an action RPG in 2010's Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals on Nintendo DS.   [foogallery id="201913"]   The post Lufia I & II The Sinistrals Saga Announced for 2027 appeared first on RPGamer.

Welcome to the latest edition of RPGamer's round-up column, where we look back at some of the articles that we have posted over the intervening period. This article is designed to give reminders of some interesting content and stories that our readers might have missed.     --- Editorial Content * CONTROL Resonant Review With the trippiest of worlds, CONTROL Resonant’s presentation and paranormally corrupted Manhattan headline an atmospherically standout experience. Jordan McClain finds that, further bolstered by strong combat fundamentals and a great but dizzying plot, RPGamers are sure to encounter something that resonates. * Another Eden Begins Review Wight Flyer Studios’s free-to-play RPG Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space has been reworked into the gacha-less Another Eden Begins. Alex Fuller finds that while offering an enjoyable traditional RPG experience, it doesn’t really manage to stand out from the crowd. * The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante Review Can a man truly change his lot in life? Sam Wachter reports how text adventure RPG The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante tasks players with leading a man to either his destiny… or his doom. * The Magic and Mastery of Kingdom Hearts: A First-Time Player’s Retrospective Austin Langer is a newcomer to Square Enix and Disney's Kingdom Hearts series. Exploring its merger of Disney charm and rich lore, he finds that the first game delivers an unexpectedly engaging mechanics-driven adventure. * Fate/EXTRA Record Preview Fate/EXTRA Record, the remake of PSP title Fate/EXTRA, is due to arrive worldwide in January. Alex Fuller was able to get an early look ahead of the game’s appearance at Tokyo Game Show. * Harvest Moon: Echoes of Teradea Preview Natsume’s Harvest Moon series returns with a new entry next month. Alex Fuller had the opportunity to learn more about Harvest Moon: Echoes of Teradea ahead of its release on PC and consoles.     --- Major Headlines * Terranigma Releasing in January, Physical Editions Announced Clear River Games announced that the modern re-release for Terranigma will arrive in January. It also announced varied physical editions for the game, plus new features added in the release. * Edge of Memories Releasing in November Despite the closure of developer Midgar Studio, NACON is still releasing Edge of Memories. The action RPG will release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S in early November. * Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Director’s Cut, PS5 Release Date Announced ZA/UM announced a free Director’s Cut update for Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, releasing on PC in a couple of weeks. The studio also announced that the game’s PS5 version will arrive in early November. * Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita Announced KIWIWALKS has announced action RPG Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita. The game, set in the world of WitchSpring, is set to release on PC and consoles next year. * Of Ash and Steel Console Release, Expansion Announced tinyBuild and Fire & Frost Studios have announced a console release for Of Ash and Steel. The open-world fantasy action RPG will also be receiving expansion DLC.     * One Fenix Down Pushed to November Regalcraft Games announced a delay for One Fenix Down. Previously set for later this month, the turn-based RPG will now launch in November. * Kingdom of Night Coming to Consoles in November DANGEN Entertainment announced a console release for Kingdom of Night. The pixel-art action RPG, released on PC last year, will arrive on the new platforms in November. * Aether & Iron Coming to Consoles Seismic Squirrel is bringing decopunk narrative RPG Aether & Iron to consoles next year. It is also releasing a new free content update adding another pair of side quests to the game. * Stranger Than Heaven Gets TGS Livestream Sega and Ryū ga Gotoku Studio held a livestream for Stranger Than Heaven to kick off Tokyo Game Show. The livestream featured discussion on the game, plus a look at various gameplay elements. * Nihon Falcom, NEOWIZ Announce Licensing Agreement for The Legend of Heroes III Remake Nihon Falcom announced it has signed a licensing agreement with NEOWIZ for a remake of The Legend of Heroes III: The White Witch. The game is the first title in the Gagharv trilogy, originally releasing in Japan in 1994.     Other News * Diablo V Announced, Diablo IV Coming to Switch 2 This Week * Keep Driving Heading to Consoles This Month * Gachiakuta: Breakout Releasing Next Year * Action Roguelite Ved: Recure Releasing Next Week * Deified Fully Releasing Next Week * Flowstone Saga Released on Switch * Trinity Trigger DX Released on Switch 2 * Curve Games Publishing Wyldheart * Crooky The Game Releasing on PC, Mac Later This Year * Kingdoms of the Dump Update Released * Doki Monsters: Quest Switch Update Released * Dosa Divas Update Released * Alchemic Beasts Meet Goal in New Kickstarter * Warota: I Live Next to The Demon King’s Castle LOL Coming to Steam Early Access in November Media and New Releases * Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Overview Trailer Released * Final Fantasy Resonance Gets TGS Trailer * Capcom Shows More of Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance * Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance Goes Through Remaining Boosted Actions * Fate/EXTRA Record Spotlights Its Playable Servants * Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Gets New Trailer * Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World Gets New Gameplay Trailer * Persona 4 Revival Trailer Teases Teddie * Persona 4 Revival Brings on Naoto Shirogane * Stranger Than Heaven Gets First Character Trailers * Stupid Never Dies Bites into Action * Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement Receives Gameplay Trailer * Frosthaven Gets Gameplay Trailer Ahead of Full Release * Crymelight Opening Movie Released * CONTROL Resonant Gets Early Launch Trailer * New Release Round-Up (September 17, 2026) --- Podcasts * RPG Backtrack 370 – Space Oddity Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy won second place for RPGamer’s “Biggest Surprise of the Year” award in 2021. On this week’s show, we take a trip into space to reminisce about why this game was a surprise hit amongst the staff. We are Groot. * Episode 454: Everything Sucks – Q&A Quest This week in Q&A Quest, we grapple with the poor state of much of the industry. We also prepare for the show to be off for a few weeks. The post RPGamer Round-Up: September 13 – September 20 appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher Megabit and developer Milky Tea released a new trailer for action roguelite Vaewolf. The minute-long video gives an introduction to the game's story premise, where the survivor of a werewolf attack on an elven village sets out on a mission of revenge after becoming empowered with both werewolf and vampire transformations. Vaewolf is set in a supernatural version of the Lake District in Viking-era England. The game sees players embark on runs taking them through three distinct regions while freely transforming between elf, werewolf, and vampire forms and unlocking permanent upgrades between run. It is currently set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. Those looking to read more about Vaewolf can check out RPGamer's preview from its announcement last month.   The post Vaewolf Receives Story Trailer appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Springloaded announced an Early Access release date for development simulation title Let's Build a Dungeon. The game will release on Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview for PC on February 11, 2027. It is currently expected to spend around a year in Early Access. A demo is currently available on both Steam and the Xbox Store. Let's Build a Dungeon sees players manage a game studio creating an MMORPG. Players manage staff, development schedules, advertising campaigns, and press relationships while crafting their own game with quests, towns, monsters, and dungeons, and are able to jump in their created world. In addition to its Campaign Mode, it includes a sandbox Creative Mode, a co-op Just Build Mode, and a Dungeoneering Mode where players explore curated creations.   [foogallery id="201985"]   The post Let’s Build a Dungeon Early Access Release Set for February appeared first on RPGamer.