Ever wonder if a game is truly what it claims to be? Well, I can’t be the only one scratching my head over Artificial Detective. The latest trailer has me intrigued, especially the part where our detective hero confronts a robotic adversary with a drill that would make a dentist faint. Whether this game leans more on the detective side or the destruction derby side remains to be seen, but I’m cautiously optimistic. Let’s look into today’s gaming highlights and see what else is vying for our precious attention.
I’m unsure how much of a detective game Artificial Detective will be, but I enjoyed the bit in the trailer when your character attacks a robot with a massive drill

Speaking of sequels, Artificial Detective might not be one, but it feels like a mashup of your favorite detective stories with a hefty dose of sci-fi thrown in. This new action adventure from Vivix, a studio made up of former Dead Space, Control, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 developers, has us intrigued. The game was unveiled during the Xbox Partner Preview, and it looks like we’ve got a synthetic sleuth entering the spotlight.
In the game, you play as a robotic detective wandering through a futuristic city where humans have vanished. The landscape is run by robots and has some rather unfriendly animals infected with a bizarre nanotech plague. Sounds like a peaceful stroll, right? PC Gamer gave us a peek, and the trailer features your character wielding a massive drill against a robot adversary. Sure, not your typical detective tool, but who doesn’t love a little over-the-top action in their mystery-solving?
There’s something almost nostalgic about the premise, reminding us of classic noir tales, but with a shiny, cyberpunk twist. And while it’s unclear how much actual detective work you’ll be doing, the setup promises a refreshing break from the mold. Let’s watch closely to see if Vivix can deliver on the promise of a compelling, robotic whodunit.
Read the full article on PC Gamer
Primate, now streaming on Paramount Plus, is a well-crafted killer-chimp B-movie

On the other side of the industry, Paramount Plus has dropped Primate, a film that explores what happens when a chimp goes rogue. If you’re thinking this sounds like another cheesy creature feature, you’re half right. But according to Polygon, it’s one of the more well-crafted ones out there. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it nails what it sets out to do: entertain.
Now, we all know the formula by this point. A genetically modified chimp, some unsuspecting humans, and a whole lot of chaos. But what sets Primate apart is how it leans into its B-movie spirit without feeling like a low-budget mess. It’s fun, it knows what it is, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want for a weekend watch. Sure, it’s not going to win any Oscars, but it’s perfect for those nights when you want to switch off your brain and have a laugh or two.
So, if you’re in the mood for some killer-chimp action, Primate might just be the ticket. It’s the kind of film you can enjoy with friends while verbally critiquing every decision the characters make. Just remember to lock your doors, on the off chance your own pet has been watching and taking notes.
Read the full article on Polygon
Slay the Spire 2 beta patch rolls back some prior changes following player feedback

On the other side of the industry, Slay the Spire 2 is taking a page out of the “listen to your players” playbook. The latest beta patch is rolling back some controversial changes it had introduced. If you’re a fan of slinging cards as the Silent, you’ll be pleased to know that the Prepared card is moving back to its original state. Borrowed Time and Capture Spirit from the Necrobinder class also got their tweaks reversed, probably to the relief of anyone who saw their strategies get dismantled by the last update.
According to Eurogamer, player feedback was the driving force behind these changes, which is always refreshing to see. In a gaming world where studios sometimes feel tone-deaf to their communities, it’s nice to see one taking a step back and admitting, “Oops, our bad.” The changes were clearly not well-received. It’s good to know the devs are paying attention. If only more studios took this approach, we’d all be a lot happier.
Read the full article on Eurogamer
Upcoming Roguelike Action Platformer SlashZero Looks Like An Anime-Style Dead Cells (In A Good Way)

For the RPG fans, we’ve got a new kid on the block that might just scratch that action-platformer itch. SlashZero, the latest entry in roguelike chaos, has dropped a gameplay trailer that has us feeling some serious Dead Cells vibes. And it’s not just the frenetic gameplay that’s catching our eye. Kotaku reports that the visuals are top-notch, with anime-inspired graphics that could easily make you do a double-take.
What really stood out in the trailer were those aerial combos. You know that feeling when you pull off an impossible string of attacks and just feel like a gaming god? SlashZero might deliver that, judging by how fluid the combat looks. It’s all about timing and precision, which we all know can be a double-edged sword in roguelikes. But when it clicks, it clicks.
Now, I’m not saying it’s going to dethrone Dead Cells just yet, but with SlashZero’s promise of stylish action and potentially addictive gameplay loops, it could be a strong contender in our gaming rotation. If you’re into high-octane platformers with a sprinkle of anime flair, this might be one to keep on your radar.
Read the full article on Kotaku
Quick Hits
Daemon’s of the Shadow Realm made its anime debut, but did it really live up to the hype? You be the judge. Polygon
Ivy Road, home to the minds behind The Stanley Parable, is shutting down after their second game’s funding fell through. Tough break for innovative minds. Eurogamer
World of Warcraft players are debating if buggy MMO expansions are just part of the experience or a dealbreaker. Spoiler: they’re still mad. PC Gamer
Crimson Desert just got a hefty patch. If the game stole your life, it’s time to dive back in. Destructoid
PUBG’s spin-off had an epic fail, shutting down just two months post-launch. Early access isn’t always a safety net. So, whether Artificial Detective ends up being more about sleuthing or robot-drilling, it’s definitely on our radar. Let’s cross our fingers that it doesn’t turn into a snoozefest before showing off its true colors. Keep squeezing in those gaming sessions, they’re good for the soul, even if your backlog is laughing at you. Discord’s open, don’t be shy.