Today’s Gaming News Roundup
Official news just dropped that’s got the gaming world buzzing harder than a hacked drone in Night City. We’ve also got some propaganda from Squad 22: ZOV. Let’s get into the details!
“Official” Russian Military game depicting invasion of Ukraine released on Steam as Yunarmy propaganda
Yesterday, a new game titled Squad 22: ZOV was released on Steam, offering players a simulation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The game boldly claims to be “officially recommended by the Russian Military,” sparking considerable buzz and controversy within the gaming community. Developed by a studio named Red Star Interactive, this title aims to provide a real-time strategy experience that puts players in command of Russian forces.
The release has caught the attention of gamers and critics alike, who are curious about the blend of politics and gameplay. The developer’s choice to market the game with such a provocative endorsement raises questions about its intentions and reception. Strangely, Steam has allowed this game on the store when the game has been “officially recommended by the Russian Military for use as a basic infantry tactic manual for cadet and Yunarmy training”.
Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel is now Cyberpunk 2, and is therefore about burial mounds, bows and pottery
Big news, Cyberpunk fans! CD Projekt has officially dropped the “Project Orion” codename and revealed that their next Cyberpunk RPG will go by the straightforward title of Cyberpunk 2. According to their latest earnings report, this exciting sequel has just entered pre-production, a crucial phase where the creative team hones the game’s vision but hasn’t started actual development yet. Currently, 96 talented folks are working on Cyberpunk 2, which is a solid start compared to CD Projekt’s other projects like The Witcher 4 with 422 people and the multiplayer Witcher spin-off, Project Sirius, with 49 team members.
While CD Projekt hasn’t guaranteed that Cyberpunk 2 will be the final name, explaining it simply means “another game in the Cyberpunk universe”, this naming choice already adds a neat layer to the worldbuilding fans love. The studio is clearly juggling multiple projects, including an unannounced original game called Project Hadar with 19 people on board, showcasing their ambitious slate ahead. We can’t wait to see how Cyberpunk 2 evolves from this early stage and what fresh twists it will bring to the dystopian future we all love!
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
Nintendo updates mobile app ahead of Switch 2 launch, adding GameChat and screenshot upload
Nintendo has rolled out a significant update to its mobile app, just in time for the highly anticipated launch of the Switch 2. This update introduces the brand-new GameChat functionality, allowing players to communicate more seamlessly during multiplayer sessions. Additionally, the app’s screenshot upload feature has been enhanced, making it easier and faster for gamers to share their in-game moments with friends and social media.
These improvements come as Nintendo continues to build excitement and support around the upcoming Switch 2 console, aiming to enrich the overall gaming experience. While specific game titles weren’t mentioned in the update, the new features will undoubtedly benefit popular multiplayer games on the platform. With these enhancements, Nintendo demonstrates a clear commitment to community engagement and user-friendly technology for its expanding fan base.
Elden Ring Nightreign review
Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, begins with the humble Wretch class, armed only with a club and ragged clothing, setting the stage for a uniquely thrilling early experience in Limgrave. Players eagerly scavenge mismatched armor and crucial treasures, making that first encounter with a Site of Grace feel like a divine power surge. This initial scramble crafts some of Elden Ring’s most memorable, player-driven stories, standing out for their emergent nature alongside the game’s static lore.
However, as players grow stronger, the raw excitement fades, replaced by a godlike hunger for more Albinauric skulls. FromSoftware’s new release, Elden Ring: Nightreign, takes a bold departure by embracing a flippant tone, sacrificing the immersive worldbuilding the studio is known for while amplifying its quirky elements. On the bright side, Nightreign seems designed to recapture that deeply satisfying early-game feeling, making it a fascinating, if divisive, addition to FromSoftware’s modern catalogue.
In this captivating segment, the writer highlights the rewarding experience of progression in a game where every small achievement feels monumental. Players find even the dull smithing stones glowing with newfound value, likened to shimmering silver, emphasizing the game’s attention to detail and player investment. Each minor increase in character stats is portrayed as a heroic journey, making incremental improvements deeply satisfying.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer review
If you’re a fan of classic point-and-click adventure games, you’ve probably heard of 1993’s Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers, a standout title praised for its sharp writing, sensible puzzles, and unforgettable Cajun protagonist. This game set a high bar for thriller mysteries on PC, influencing many future games, including the Kathy Rain series. Released in 2016, Kathy Rain swaps the ‘90s New Orleans author vibe of Gabriel Knight for a ‘90s-era biker chick and journalism student, diving into a plot about conspiracies involving a grandparent’s death.
While the original Kathy Rain had a somewhat murky storyline involving cults, trauma, and Elder Gods that only became clearer with a 2021 Director’s Cut, its sequel, Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer, reportedly offers a more straightforward narrative. Though you might want to finish the first game to fully understand the sequel, Kathy Rain 2 doesn’t require a re-release to make sense. For fans of intriguing mysteries and solid point-and-click gameplay, this series continues to deliver an engaging experience worth checking out!
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
My main challenge with To a T was trying to work out what To a T actually is
Over the course of playing To a T, the author experienced a series of eye-opening realizations that completely upended their initial understanding of the game. Spanning roughly five to six hours, the gameplay journey was marked by a persistent struggle to decipher the game’s core intent and mechanics. The author admits to never having played a game that required so much effort just to figure out what it was trying to do, highlighting how To a T challenges conventional gaming expectations in a profound way.
Interestingly, full comprehension of To a T’s purpose and design didn’t come until the final credits rolled, leaving the author reflecting on the experience well after finishing. This narrative isn’t structured as a traditional review but more as a personal exploration of the game’s enigmatic qualities. While specific developer names and release dates aren’t mentioned, the piece captures the mystique and depth of To a T, inviting players into an intriguing puzzle that rewards patience and thoughtful engagement. Just a heads-up: the write-up contains spoilers, so proceed with caution if you want to preserve the mystery!
There’s a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game coming to Meta Quest 3 and SteamVR
The iconic heroes in a half shell are making an exciting leap into virtual reality with their brand-new title, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City. This marks the Turtles’ first-ever VR adventure, promising fans an immersive experience that brings the action right up close to their eyeballs. The game is set to launch next year and will be available on Meta Quest 3 as well as SteamVR platforms, giving players multiple ways to dive into the iconic Empire City setting.
While the developer details aren’t mentioned, the announcement alone is enough to get TMNT fans hyped for this fresh take on the beloved franchise. The VR format suggests a hands-on, dynamic gameplay style that could revolutionize how players interact with Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. With a 2024 release window, gamers can start counting down the days until they can step into the sewer and fight alongside their favorite heroes in full 3D!
Movement abilities will always be the best abilities in games
In a fascinating exploration of game mechanics, a recent theory highlights that movement abilities often provide more consistent enjoyment than combat skills in many games. The author, who has been increasingly preoccupied with this idea, actively seeks out examples across different titles to support it. While the article doesn’t specify exact game names or developers, it emphasizes the universal appeal of fluid movement systems over traditional combat-focused gameplay.
This insight encourages players and developers alike to reconsider what makes gameplay truly engaging. By focusing on how movement abilities enhance player experience, the theory sheds new light on game design priorities. Although the piece doesn’t mention specific release dates or studios, this fresh perspective invites a deeper appreciation of the role that mobility plays in making games fun and memorable.
Persona 4 remake is on the way, according to one annoyed voice actor
Exciting news for JRPG fans: a remake of the beloved Persona 4 is reportedly in the works! This info came to light thanks to Yuri Lowenthal, the talented voice actor behind the iconic character Yosuke, the clumsy bicycle-crashing sidekick from the original 2008 game. Lowenthal shared his frustration on social media about Atlus, the developer, not wanting to bring him back to reprise his role, which has since sparked buzz and was later deleted.
While Atlus has yet to confirm the remake officially, Yuri’s slip-up hints that the studio is revisiting this classic school days JRPG, much to the excitement of longtime fans. Given the original Persona 4’s lasting popularity and the ongoing success of the series, a remake could be a fantastic way to introduce this story to a new generation with updated visuals and gameplay. Stay tuned for more updates on this potential revival from Atlus!
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
What’s Your Take?
Here’s a challenge for you: dive into something outside your usual playstyle this week, maybe a Cyberpunk mission or a new Nintendo indie title, and see how it broadens your gaming horizons. After all, the real game is discovering what you never thought you’d love. Keep those controllers charged and your curiosity fired up!
