Category: Gaming

  • Helldivers 2 Announced: Surprising Features and Changes Revealed

    Helldivers 2 Announced: Surprising Features and Changes Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Helldivers 2 is being adapted into a board game by Steamforged Games and Arrowhead Game Studios.
    2. The board game will offer a cooperative tactical experience for 1-4 players, focusing on missions against alien foes.
    3. Community reactions are mixed, with doubts about Steamforged’s reputation for balancing gameplay versus miniatures.
    4. Some players hope the board game will emphasize strategic gameplay rather than just showcasing miniatures.
    5. A crowdfunding campaign for the game will launch on April 8 on Gamefound, with more details to be announced soon.

    The fight for Super Earth is ongoing, but it’s not what many would think. On March 13, a fun post on X shared that the cooperative action of the popular shooter Helldivers 2 is transitioning to a board game format.

    Exciting Development

    This tabletop version is being created by Steamforged Games in collaboration with Arrowhead Game Studios, the minds behind Helldivers. Steamforged is a recognized name in the board game industry, having adapted popular video game series like Monster Hunter and Devil May Cry for tabletop play. Helldivers 2: The Board Game will offer a cooperative tactical experience for 1-4 players, where an elite Helldivers squad confronts alien foes and undertakes missions. The goal is to capture the thrilling action of the original game, translating its dynamic gameplay into a different medium.

    Community Reactions

    However, the response from the Reddit community has been mostly doubtful regarding this news, primarily due to Steamforged Games’ uneven reputation. Critics claim that the company tends to emphasize miniatures over balancing gameplay, raising questions about the overall quality of the board game. On the flip side, some Reddit users express cautious hope that the board game will emphasize tactical strategies from the video game instead of merely serving as a display for miniatures.

    Upcoming Crowdfunding

    The crowdfunding effort is set to begin on April 8 on Gamefound, allowing interested players to keep track of and support the initiative. Details about pricing, stretch goals, and what the game will include are still under wraps, but Steamforged Games has assured that further information will be shared soon.

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  • OneXPlayer OneXSugar: New Nintendo DS Style Handheld Coming Soon

    OneXPlayer OneXSugar: New Nintendo DS Style Handheld Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. One-Netbook has been very active recently, launching multiple devices under the OneXPlayer brand while competitors like Anbernic have been quieter.
    2. The OneXFly F1 Pro was released at $1,149.99, just before Ayaneo’s similar product, the Ayaneo 3.
    3. Other new releases include the OneXPlayer X1 Pro and OneXPlayer G1, both featuring unique designs.
    4. One-Netbook teased a new device called the OneXSugar, which has a ‘transformable’ design for different gaming setups.
    5. The OneXSugar will be officially announced at a ‘Tasting Experience’ event in China, with a similar event in Los Angeles for fan feedback and a chance to win the device.

    One-Netbook has been quite active in recent months, especially when compared to its competitors. While Anbernic, known for its busy schedule, hasn’t released any new products for some time, One-Netbook has launched multiple devices under the OneXPlayer brand.

    New Products

    A notable release is the OneXFly F1 Pro, currently priced at $1,149.99 on Amazon, which was launched just before Ayaneo could respond with the similar Ayaneo 3. Following this, One-Netbook also launched the OneXPlayer X1 Pro and the OneXPlayer G1, both of which have distinct designs.

    Exciting Tease

    Amid these product launches, One-Netbook has teased an interesting new device named the OneXSugar. This gadget, created in partnership with Sugar Cubes, is said to have a ‘transformable’ design. An early prototype of this device can be seen in the video above. Essentially, the OneXSugar appears to allow for both horizontal gaming handheld use and a Nintendo DS-like dual-screen setup, made possible through a series of hinges.

    One-Netbook and Sugar Cubes haven’t fully revealed the device yet or provided any details about its availability. Instead, One-Netbook has mentioned that the OneXSugar will be officially announced during a ‘Tasting Experience’ event in China next week. Additionally, there will be a similar event in Los Angeles, where the company is looking for feedback from fans. There’s also a chance to win a OneXSugar! For more details, check out the LA Gaming Tournament Google Form.

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    OneXPlayer OneXSugar: New Nintendo DS Style Handheld Coming Soon
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  • $2 Steam Shooter with 160K+ Positive Reviews on Sale

    $2 Steam Shooter with 160K+ Positive Reviews on Sale

    Key Takeaways

    1. Multiplayer Focus: Battlefield 1 emphasizes multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to 64 players to engage in team-based battles with various combat vehicles and Behemoths that can influence battle outcomes.

    2. Diverse Soldier Classes: Players can choose from four soldier classes (scout, medic, assault, support) and upgrade them to unlock new weapons and equipment, enhancing the gameplay experience.

    3. Single-Player Mode: The game features a single-player mode called War Stories, which includes standalone missions set in different locations of the First World War, though it is less emphasized compared to multiplayer.

    4. Critical Reception: Since its release in October 2016, Battlefield 1 has received positive reviews, with an 86% approval rating on Steam and a Metascore of 88, praised for its visuals and multiplayer options but criticized for historical inaccuracies and short single-player missions.

    5. Affordable Pricing: The game is generally priced around $40 on Steam but is available at a significant discount during sales, making it appealing to new players and maintaining a strong player community.

    Battlefield 1 plunges gamers into high-stakes multiplayer conflicts set during the First World War. Staying true to the franchise’s roots, combat showcases a wide array of weapons, as well as tanks, aircraft, and even horses. Players have the opportunity to control enormous Behemoths like zeppelins, armored trains, and battleships, which can dramatically shift the outcome of battles, even when the odds are stacked against them. The four different soldier classes—scout, medic, assault, and support—can be individually upgraded to unlock new weaponry and equipment, ensuring an exciting and evolving gameplay experience.

    Single-Player Experience

    There’s also a single-player mode known as War Stories, where players traverse various locations from the First World War through multiple standalone missions. Nevertheless, the primary emphasis is on multiplayer gameplay, where as many as 64 players can participate in team-oriented skirmishes. The game features shifting weather, destructible environments, and a grand musical score that creates a cinematic feel, garnering much acclaim from reviewers. The diverse battlefields span from the devastated terrains of France and Italy to the frigid fronts of Russia and the arid deserts of Egypt, providing a rich and engaging experience.

    Release and Reception

    Created by DICE in collaboration with Electronic Arts, Battlefield 1 launched in October 2016. Since its release, it has gathered close to 160,000 reviews on Steam, with an impressive 86% of them being favorable. On Metacritic, it boasts a Metascore of 88 and a user score of 7.4. The German publication GameStar commended the game for its stunning visuals and extensive multiplayer options. However, they pointed out the brevity of the single-player missions and the historical inaccuracies present in the game. With numerous automatic weapons and rapid gameplay, many feel it resembles a Second World War shooter more than a First World War one.

    The standard price for the game is approximately $40 on Steam. Nevertheless, during the Steam Spring Sale, the Battlefield 1 Revolution package is discounted by 95%, bringing the price down to about $2 until March 20. This edition contains the base game along with all released downloadable content. Despite being a few years old, Battlefield 1 still retains a large community of players, making this discounted offer particularly appealing for fans of shooters. As reported by SteamDB, the game reached a peak of 13,908 concurrent players within a 24-hour period during the time of this research.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Rumored Price: $400 or More at Launch

    Nintendo Switch 2 Rumored Price: $400 or More at Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 two months ago, with more details expected at the April 2 Nintendo Direct event.
    2. Analysts believe the Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s biggest launch, with the company stockpiling up to eight million units.
    3. Initial sales figures for the Switch and PlayStation 5 were 2.7 million and 4.5 million, respectively, which may have been affected by stock shortages.
    4. Price predictions for the Switch 2 vary, with estimates ranging from $399 to $499, influenced by Nvidia’s pricing for components.
    5. Overall expectations for the Switch 2’s launch are high, with significant stockpiling and uncertainty around pricing.

    Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 around two months ago, but there was little information shared about the new console. Since then, the company has remained silent regarding any updates. They are anticipated to reveal more details during their upcoming Nintendo Direct event, which is set for April 2.

    Anticipations for the Launch

    As reported by Takashi Mochizuki from Bloomberg, many analysts are optimistic that the Switch 2 will be Nintendo’s most significant launch to date. To prepare for this, the company is reportedly stockpiling up to eight million units, which would exceed the initial sales of both the Switch and PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $499 on Amazon). For context, the sales figures for these consoles were 2.7 million and 4.5 million, respectively, but those numbers might have been impacted by early stock shortages.

    Uncertainty Around Pricing

    However, there seems to be less consensus among analysts regarding the launch price of the Switch 2. Some speculate that Nintendo might price the new console at $399, aligning with earlier rumors. On the other hand, Mochizuki notes that others predict a price closer to $449 or even as much as $499, primarily because Nvidia is charging Nintendo between $130 and $150 for each Tegra SoC. Consequently, the Bloomberg editor suggests that the Switch 2 might “cost $400 or more,” indicating that it could surpass that $400 mark.

    Conclusion

    In summary, while details about the Switch 2 remain sparse, expectations are high for its launch. With significant stockpiling and varying price predictions, it will be interesting to see how Nintendo approaches this new console in the coming weeks.

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  • Radeon RX 9070 Price Hike Linked to MSRP Drop and AMD Rebate

    Radeon RX 9070 Price Hike Linked to MSRP Drop and AMD Rebate

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s initial pricing for the Radeon RX 9070 was lower than expected, leading to elevated retail prices due to stock hoarding by retailers.
    2. AMD introduced a rebate program for RX 9070 GPUs, focusing on those at base clock speeds, but not uniformly applied across all retailers.
    3. There is a significant price disparity between premium RDNA 4 GPUs and lower-end models due to lack of price reductions from AMD.
    4. Supply issues have contributed to high prices, with AMD claiming that more shipments will eventually lead to better pricing at MSRP.
    5. Consumers may face inflated prices due to limited alternatives in the GPU market, as Nvidia has been criticized for stopping production of older models too soon.

    A recent video from Hardware Unboxed sheds light on the reasons behind the elevated prices of the Radeon RX 9070. One reason is that AMD set prices that were lower than what retailers had anticipated. To help bridge this gap, a rebate program has been introduced, but it specifically targets RX 9070 series GPUs that operate at base clock speeds.

    Production Timeline and Pricing Surprises

    The manufacturing of RDNA 4 graphics cards kicked off in late 2024, several months prior to AMD’s official introduction of the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. Retailers began hoarding stock, while AMD had initially suggested a higher price of over $549 and $599. Many gamers found the pricing to be surprising, making the RX 9070 XT appear to be a great deal when compared to the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti.

    Rebate Dynamics and Market Manipulation

    In order to maintain profit margins, AMD has rolled out rebates for retailers, but these adjustments are not being applied uniformly across all stores. There’s a hint of greed involved as well. While most rebates focus on MSRP models, both manufacturers and retailers profit more from overclocked versions that come with RGB lighting. Without AMD reducing prices on the more premium RDNA 4 GPUs, a significant price disparity exists between these and the lower-end models.

    Supply Challenges and Market Response

    Another factor contributing to the unexpectedly high prices for the Radeon RX 9070 is supply issues. David McAfee, AMD’s Corporate Vice President and General Manager, addressed claims of inflated pricing. He asserts that as shipments increase, partners will be able to offer more GPUs at MSRP. Although there was a substantial influx of RDNA 4 cards upon release, inventory has since diminished.

    Hardware Unboxed also touched on problems related to RTX 50-series supply and how they impact the broader market. Nvidia has been criticized for ceasing production of previous models too soon. Because of the lack of alternatives, consumers ended up paying inflated prices for graphics cards even before the Blackwell models were released.

    While AMD and Nvidia provide assurances, it’s understandable for buyers to feel doubtful. Looking back at previous GPU launches, gamers should be prepared for a lengthy wait for more stock at MSRP prices.

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    Radeon RX 9070 Price Hike Linked to MSRP Drop and AMD Rebate

     

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  • Steam Spring Sale: 10 Discounted Souls-like Games for Challenges

    Steam Spring Sale: 10 Discounted Souls-like Games for Challenges

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nioh Series Discounts: Nioh (80% off) and Nioh 2 (50% off) offer challenging gameplay with high replay value, ideal for fans of tough action games.

    2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order: This title combines Souls-like mechanics with a Star Wars theme, currently available at a 90% discount, while its sequel is 50% off but has performance issues.

    3. Remnant Series: Remnant: From the Ashes (75% off) and Remnant II (50% off) provide a gun-focused take on the Souls-like genre, featuring co-op gameplay and a unique experience.

    4. Another Crab’s Treasure: This lighthearted game inspired by FromSoftware titles offers challenging gameplay and is currently 40% off, making it a great entry point.

    5. Lies of P: A standout title blending elements from Bloodborne and Sekiro, Lies of P is a must-play at any price, with upcoming DLC enhancing its appeal.

    The Steam Spring Sale has arrived, bringing massive discounts on hundreds of thousands of games. There’s truly something for everyone. If you’re a fan of Souls-like games, there are several titles that may catch your eye. This selection features both classic and recent games, many of which offer great replay value.

    Nioh Series Offers Big Savings

    Nioh (80% off) and Nioh 2 (50% off) unlock new challenges after you complete your first run. Developed by Team Ninja, who many believe helped create the “git gud” genre with Ninja Gaiden, these games are incredibly tough. Players will encounter tricky traps and relentless foes throughout the game world. With determination, you can easily invest hundreds of hours into both titles.

    Star Wars Takes a Souls-like Turn

    In a surprising move, EA and Respawn Entertainment blended Souls-like features into Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order back in 2019. The game includes many classic elements of Souls games, like respawning enemies, bonfires, parrying, and interconnected maps, but it’s less punishing with the stamina system. It’s currently available for a 90% discount on Steam, though you will need an EA account to play. Its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is also discounted by 50%, but the PC performance is somewhat lacking.

    Remnant Series: Gun-toting Souls Experience

    The best way to explain Remnant: From the Ashes (75% off) and Remnant II (50% off) is to call them Dark Souls with firearms. While this is a simple description, both games offer much more complexity. Some hardcore Souls fans claim they are a bit easier, but your experience may differ. Plus, they feature a built-in co-op mode, making them perfect for playing with friends.

    A Nautical Twist on Challenges

    Another Crab’s Treasure from Aggro Crab Games pays homage to FromSoftware titles, with areas like The Sands Between. Despite its lighthearted theme filled with sea-related puns, it provides quite the challenge. This game had a low starting price and now comes with a 40% discount, making it a good time to dive in.

    Anime Dark Souls

    Code Vein, humorously nicknamed anime Dark Souls, is Bandai Namco’s spin on the genre. It’s designed for co-op gameplay with friends or AI companions, although skilled players can tackle it solo. While it may not boast the polish of a FromSoftware game, you’ll find plenty of Dark Souls influences, including a boss battle reminiscent of Ornstein and Smough. You can snag it on Steam with an 85% discount.

    Unique Mechanics in The Surge Series

    The Surge (87% off) and The Surge II (85% off) take the classic Souls gameplay and add fresh twists. Each game introduces unique mechanics, like targeting and severing enemy limbs for upgrades. The first game is set in a massive factory that loops back on itself, while the sequel features multiple distinct areas.

    Lies of P: A Must-Play Title

    No list of Souls-like games would be complete without Lies of P. Although it has been on sale for a while, this is one game you should definitely check out, even at full price. It merges the finest elements of Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, sometimes outshining even FromSoftware’s works. The developer, NeoWiz, announced new DLC will be released later this year, making now the perfect time to grab it and sharpen your skills.

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  • Radeon 860M Outperformed by Radeon 760M in Initial Benchmarks

    Radeon 860M Outperformed by Radeon 760M in Initial Benchmarks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Radeon 890M GPU is AMD’s top-tier integrated graphics option, known for its high performance.
    2. The Radeon 860M GPU underperformed significantly, lagging 40-45% behind the Radeon 780M and 25-30% behind the Radeon 760M.
    3. The 860M is essentially a rebranded version of the 760M but does not perform as expected.
    4. The Asus Vivobook 16 M1606K, which features the 860M, may have performance issues due to being a low-cost model that could be underclocked.
    5. More testing is needed to fully understand the performance of the Radeon 860M, and casual gamers should be cautious when considering it.

    AMD often promotes its top-tier Radeon 890M GPU, and for good reason—it’s among the fastest integrated graphics options on the market. However, the Radeon 860M, a lesser model, doesn’t get much attention in their marketing efforts. It’s easy to understand why AMD might want to downplay this particular GPU after testing our first laptop equipped with the 860M.

    Performance Comparison

    During our experience with the Asus Vivobook 16 M1606K, which features the integrated Radeon 860M, we found the GPU to be underperforming compared to the Radeon 780M, lagging behind by about 40 to 45 percent. Moreover, it was roughly 25 to 30 percent slower than the Radeon 760M, which it is meant to replace, as per our benchmark findings detailed below. While this is just a single instance of the 760M, this initial performance is quite disappointing for what should be a midrange iGPU from AMD’s new Ryzen AI CPU series.

    Concerns About Specs

    It’s puzzling that the 860M underperforms compared to many 760M laptops, especially since it is basically a rebranded iGPU that shares the same number of unified pipelines and RT cores as the 760M. Our specific model of the Vivobook 16 could potentially have been underclocked, given that it is a low-cost budget option. More testing with additional samples is certainly necessary for a clearer understanding. Until more data is available, casual gamers looking for solid performance from the Radeon 760M should proceed with caution.

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  • New TMNT Tactical Takedown Game Launching in May 2024

    New TMNT Tactical Takedown Game Launching in May 2024

    Key Takeaways

    1. Somber Narrative: The game features a darker story where the Ninja Turtles are dealing with the loss of Shredder and Splinter as they approach adulthood.

    2. Conflict Among Friends: The Turtles face challenges both from new enemies and from each other, causing their friendships to become strained.

    3. Dynamic Gameplay: Levels transform with each turn, introducing new areas, opponents, and challenges to enhance player engagement.

    4. Visual Style: The game’s art style is reminiscent of a graphic novel and board game, featuring simplistic animations and game piece-like characters.

    5. Developer Reputation: Strange Scaffold, known for previous successful titles, is developing the game, suggesting a level of quality and reliability.

    A fresh turn-based game based on the Ninja Turtles is set to launch in May on Steam. It appears to delve into a rather somber narrative featuring the mutated turtles. In a world where both Shredder and Splinter have passed away, the Turtles, now nearing adulthood, find themselves in a phase filled with angst.

    Conflict Among Friends

    As they face off against foes and each other, their bonds slowly begin to fray. In the absence of Shredder, the Foot Clan is now led by a new figure, who is causing chaos throughout the city. This is reflected in the gameplay, which features around 20 levels designed to “highlight each Turtle on their own.”

    Dynamic Gameplay

    What makes this game unique is how these levels are constantly transforming with each turn, introducing fresh areas, opponents, and challenges to keep players engaged.

    The visual style sits somewhere between a graphic novel and a board game, with action figures representing both the Turtles and their adversaries. The animations are quite basic and don’t show much character movement. Instead, the characters resemble pieces on a game board. It doesn’t come across as particularly innovative and has a rather old-fashioned look. However, similar styles have been successfully executed in past titles like Hitman GO and Lara Croft GO, so there is hope that the developers will refine this aspect before the game is released.

    Developer Reputation

    Strange Scaffold, the team behind this project, has a solid track record with titles such as El Paso, Elsewhere, and I Am Your Beast, so it seems that the game is in capable hands. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is set to launch on May 22nd.

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  • New Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine Game Announced by Games Workshop

    New Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine Game Announced by Games Workshop

    Key Takeaways

    1. Massive Success: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has sold over 4.5 million copies, becoming one of the most popular Warhammer titles on Steam.

    2. Development of Space Marine 3: Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment are officially developing Space Marine 3, although details about the game are currently limited.

    3. Transformative Impact: Saber Interactive describes Space Marine 2 as a transformative game for their studio and aims to create a tribute to the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

    4. Future Support: Saber plans to continue supporting and expanding the Space Marine 2 universe with new missions and upgrades in the coming years.

    5. Current Discounts: Space Marine 2 is available at a 35% discount for the Gold Edition on Steam, making it the most-played Warhammer game on the platform.

    Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has become a massive success, with over 4.5 million copies sold, making it one of the most popular Warhammer titles on Steam. Given this achievement, it’s no wonder that Games Workshop, the stewards of the Warhammer brand, has decided to allow Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment to continue their work on the franchise.

    Exciting News for Fans

    Saber Interactive has officially announced the development of Space Marine 3, with them taking the lead alongside Focus Entertainment. However, the details surrounding this project remain scarce, as “specific details on gameplay, setting, and factions are tightly under wraps” for the time being.

    Saber Interactive mentioned that Space Marine 2 “has proven to be a transformative game” for their studio, and they see it as a chance to create a genuine tribute to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. They also stated that they will continue to “support and grow the Space Marine 2 universe in the years to come.”

    What to Expect Next

    The release of the new game “is likely years away.” In the meantime, Saber is putting in effort on Space Marine 2 to “deliver a jaw dropping lineup of new missions, additional upgrades and more enemies to introduce to the business-end of your bolt rifle.”

    In related news, Space Marine 2 is currently available at a discounted price. You can purchase the Gold Edition on Steam, which comes with a season pass, at a 35% discount. Right now, Space Marine 2 holds the title of the most-played Warhammer game on Steam.

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  • Get a Unique Zombie Game for Free on Steam Now

    Get a Unique Zombie Game for Free on Steam Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse: The Beginning is free on Steam until March 18 as part of the Steam Spring Sale 2025.
    2. The game, launched in 2018, focuses on choices, manipulation, and dark humor rather than action-packed gameplay.
    3. Players control Hank, a retired rabbit salesman, and his dog Larry, navigating a post-apocalyptic world through scavenging and negotiation.
    4. Reception has been mixed-to-positive, with praise for its humor and storytelling, though some find the pace slow.
    5. After March 18, the game will return to its standard price, so players should claim it before the deadline.

    A pretty interesting story-focused zombie survival game is available on Steam for free, but it’s only for a limited time. Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse: The Beginning can be claimed at no cost as part of the ongoing Steam Spring Sale 2025. This offer allows gamers to permanently add the title to their libraries before the promotion ends on March 18.

    Game Overview

    Initially launched in 2018, the game brings a fresh take to the zombie genre, swapping out action-packed gameplay for choices, manipulation tactics, and a hefty dose of dark humor. Players take on the role of Hank, a retired rabbit salesman, along with his dog buddy Larry, as they traverse a post-apocalyptic world by convincing others to tackle the dangerous tasks for them. The gameplay focuses heavily on scavenging, trading, and negotiating instead of direct fighting, making it a more laid-back yet tactical experience.

    Reception Insights

    When it comes to feedback, the game has garnered mixed-to-positive reactions, with users appreciating its humor and engaging storytelling, although some have pointed out its slower pace. While it might not suit everyone, it presents a unique free opportunity for those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences with a funny twist.

    If you’re keen, you can claim Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse: The Beginning for free on Steam until March 18. After this date, it will revert to its standard price.

    Watch the Trailer

    Don’t forget to check out the launch trailer for the game below.

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