Category: Gaming

  • Steam Indie Festivals August 2025: Indonesia, Ukraine, South Korea

    Steam Indie Festivals August 2025: Indonesia, Ukraine, South Korea

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam is hosting three regional showcases to promote local games globally without a main page banner.
    2. Hari Game Indonesia 2025 features 86 Indonesian games, including notable titles like Kriegsfront Tactics and Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream, running until 22 August.
    3. The Ukrainian Games Festival 2025 offers discounts of up to 90% on popular games, running from 14 to 21 August.
    4. The BIC Festival 2025 promotes experimental and genre-blending games, active from 8 to 29 August, but currently has no discounts.
    5. These festivals help local developers gain visibility and provide players with a variety of games outside the usual release schedule.

    Steam is currently running three regional showcases that present chosen selections of local games to a worldwide audience, all without the excitement of a main page banner. Each of these events is a third-party festival organized by local industry groups or event planners, creating a direct link for studios to engage with players globally.

    Hari Game Indonesia 2025

    Ongoing until 22 August, Hari Game Indonesia 2025 is led by the Asosiasi Game Indonesia and highlights 86 games made in Indonesia. Notable titles include the tactical RPG Kriegsfront Tactics and the narrative-focused Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream, showcasing the nation’s entry into genres that have mostly been ruled by Western and Japanese developers, although there are no visible discounts for these games at this time.

    Ukrainian Games Festival 2025

    The Ukrainian Games Festival 2025 started on 14 August and runs until 21 August. This festival features substantial discounts of up to 90% on popular franchises like S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Metro, Cossacks, and Sherlock Holmes, according to Gagadget’s reports.

    BIC Festival 2025

    The BIC Festival 2025: Busan Indie Connect Festival, which has been active since 8 August, will continue until 29 August. This festival is known for promoting experimental gameplay and genre-blending titles, granting international players access to projects that might otherwise stay regional. However, there is currently no specific information on discounts available.

    By allowing local associations to create their own event pages, Valve is broadening the reach of unique regional projects. For players, these festivals offer a regular stream of games outside the typical release schedule, while developers gain more visibility during the busy summer period.

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  • Nearly 400 Positive Reviews in One Day for New Steam Roguelike Game

    Nearly 400 Positive Reviews in One Day for New Steam Roguelike Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Perspective Change: Bendy: Lone Wolf shifts from first-person horror to a top-down, roguelike style, focusing on Boris the Wolf.

    2. Evolution from Predecessor: Originally intended as a retelling of Boris and the Dark Survival, it evolved into a distinct game with new features.

    3. Release and Platforms: Launched on August 15, 2025, and available on multiple platforms including Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

    4. Gameplay Mechanics: Players navigate randomly generated hallways, gather resources, set traps, and face high-stakes chases from ink-drenched monsters.

    5. Pricing and Upgrades: Priced at $19.99 on Steam, with free upgrades for previous owners of Boris and the Dark Survival, rewarding early supporters.

    The Bendy series has flourished in spooky hallways and ink-filled shadows since the release of Bendy and the Ink Machine in 2017, thanks to its mascot’s horror appeal. Now, the latest addition, Bendy: Lone Wolf, has made its official arrival on Steam. This game changes the perspective from first-person horror to a top-down, roguelike style, focusing on Boris the Wolf as he navigates through the corridors of Joey Drew Studios.

    A New Chapter in the Bendy Saga

    Originally, Lone Wolf was meant to be a detailed retelling of Boris and the Dark Survival from 2020. However, it evolved so much that it became a distinct game altogether. Despite this, many players still view it as an enhanced version of its predecessor. According to the developers, it includes fresh combat mechanics, new challenges, additional content, and “an actual ending.” Fans who previously owned Boris and the Dark Survival can enjoy Lone Wolf on Steam at no extra cost.

    Launch and Availability

    Bendy: Lone Wolf was released on August 15, 2025, and is available on PC via Steam, along with PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. A physical version for PS5 and Switch is set to be released on October 24, thanks to Silver Lining Interactive.

    As you take on the role of Boris, you’ll traverse randomly generated hallways filled with ink-drenched monsters from the Dark Puddles. Players will need to gather resources, set traps, and strike when the moment is just right. The Ink Demon will create high-stakes chases or force you to find hiding spots when its heartbeat draws nearer.

    Pricing and Recommendations

    On Steam, Bendy: Lone Wolf is priced at $19.99, with similar pricing across console stores, albeit with slight regional variations. Taking into account the free upgrade for those who own Boris and the Dark Survival, early supporters are being rewarded for their dedication, while new players are charged what is effectively mid-range pricing. The developers advise using a controller for the best gaming experience.

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    Nearly 400 Positive Reviews in One Day for New Steam Roguelike GameNearly 400 Positive Reviews in One Day for New Steam Roguelike Game

     

  • Asus Teases ROG Xbox Controller Launch at Gamescom 2025

    Asus Teases ROG Xbox Controller Launch at Gamescom 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus is set to unveil a new ROG controller for Xbox and PC at Gamescom 2025.
    2. The teaser video confirms the new controller will have a centrally placed Xbox button for compatibility.
    3. It’s unclear whether the controller will be wired like the ROG Raikiri or wireless like the Raikiri Pro.
    4. Features include a glowing ROG logo, an audio jack, and four back buttons.
    5. The controller will be launched during Gamescom 2025, with a press event on August 19.

    It’s been over two years since Asus introduced the ROG Raikiri and Raikiri Pro controllers designed for Xbox consoles and PCs. Recently, the company has hinted at a new controller that it intends to unveil at Gamescom 2025.

    Teaser Video Insights

    The news came through a YouTube Shorts clip, which revealed some exciting aspects of the forthcoming controller. The video indicates that the fresh ROG controller will feature an Xbox button centrally placed, confirming compatibility with Xbox systems.

    Wired or Wireless?

    However, it’s still unclear if this will be a wired controller like the ROG Raikiri or a wireless version similar to the Raikiri Pro. Even if the new controller is wireless, it might not have the same wireless capabilities as the Raikiri Pro, which connects to Xbox consoles solely via USB cable.

    Nonetheless, given that other third-party controllers, including the 8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode Controller – Rare 40th Anniversary Edition (priced at $89.99 on Amazon) and the GameSir G7 Pro Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition, can connect to Xbox consoles wirelessly, Asus may very well be in a position to launch a wireless option for Xbox.

    Features and Launch Date

    The teaser also reveals that the controller features a glowing ROG logo when it’s turned on. Additionally, it is equipped with an audio jack and four back buttons, similar to those found on the ROG Raikiri Pro.

    Asus has confirmed that the controller will be launched at Gamescom 2025, which kicks off on August 20 and continues until August 24. Furthermore, the company will host a press event on August 19 to showcase new products, likely including this upcoming controller. On top of that, Asus has mentioned that there will be a detailed presentation on the ROG Xbox Ally on August 20.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Adds 100th Exclusive Game for PC in 2025

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Adds 100th Exclusive Game for PC in 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has added its 100th game, 9 Kings, in 2025, achieving a milestone of 100 titles this year.
    2. 9 Kings, a roguelike kingdom-building auto-battler, is currently available on PC only through Game Pass and is in early access.
    3. The game, developed by Brazilian indie team Sad Socket, sold over 250,000 copies in its first week and received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam.
    4. The first wave of Game Pass titles includes 9 Kings, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Aliens: Fireteam Elite, and Rain World, with more releases scheduled.
    5. Upcoming Game Pass titles include Frostpunk 2, Ball x Pitt, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2, while three titles have been removed from the service.

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has reached a milestone with the addition of its 100th game in 2025, introducing 9 Kings to the platform. This marks a significant achievement, as 100 titles have been added to Game Pass this year. 9 Kings is a dynamic roguelike kingdom-building auto-battler, crafted by the Brazilian indie team Sad Socket and published by Hooded Horse.

    Availability and Platform

    Currently, 9 Kings can only be played on PC, and there are no announcements regarding its release on Xbox. It is accessible through both PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate as part of Game Preview.

    Developer Background

    Sad Socket, co-founded by Andre Young and Rafael Melo, operates out of São Paulo and New York City. The studio launched 9 Kings in early access on Steam on May 23, 2025. The game quickly received acclaim, earning a “Very Positive” rating with a 92.94% user score based on 11,551 reviews.

    Launch Success

    In its first week, 9 Kings sold over 250,000 copies, and within a month, it surpassed 400,000 sales, making it one of the most successful launches in the Brazilian gaming scene. The developers plan to keep the game in early access until about May 2026, after which they aim to bring it to consoles.

    Game Pass Lineup

    The addition of 9 Kings is part of the first wave of Xbox Game Pass titles, announced on August 5, 2025. In addition to this new roguelike city builder, subscribers can also play Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which launched on August 7, Aliens: Fireteam Elite on August 12, and Rain World.

    Upcoming Releases

    The second wave of Game Pass is set to arrive on August 19, featuring exciting day-one releases like Herdling on August 21 and Gears of War: Reloaded on August 26 for both PC and Xbox Series S|X.

    Future Additions

    As the year progresses, Game Pass members can look forward to Frostpunk 2 for Xbox Series S|X on September 18, Ball x Pitt on October 15, Keeper on October 17, Ninja Gaiden 4 on October 21, and The Outer Worlds 2 on October 29, all available as day-one releases on PC and Series S|X through Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.

    Departing Titles

    Sadly, as of August 15, three titles have been removed from Xbox Game Pass: Persona 3 Reload, Anthem, and Farming Simulator 22. Nonetheless, Xbox Game Pass continues to refresh its library with over 100 new additions this year, including fresh titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, Mafia: The Old Country, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and Grounded 2.

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  • Battlefield 6 Leak: Two Larger Maps to Improve Casual Gameplay

    Battlefield 6 Leak: Two Larger Maps to Improve Casual Gameplay

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited map sizes in the Battlefield 6 playtest lead to faster kills and less strategic gameplay.
    2. Producer David Sirland confirms that larger maps will be available at launch on October 10th.
    3. Mirak Valley will be the largest map at launch, allowing for 0.588 square kilometers of exploration.
    4. Eastwood, a California-inspired map, is expected to be released in Season 1 content and features a significant bridge.
    5. Concerns arise over Battlefield 6’s direction towards more casual gameplay, especially with the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

    One frequent issue noted during the Battlefield 6 playtest is the limited size of the maps. The small spaces result in faster kills and a lack of the strategic gameplay that fans of the series are used to. Producer David Sirland has assured gamers that more expansive maps will be available when Battlefield 6 launches on October 10th. Thanks to a diligent dataminer, players now have more insight into the dimensions of these environments.

    Upcoming Map Insights

    The 1BF Telegram channel released the latest leaks regarding Battlefield 6. By analyzing files, Reddit user Happysufigeee provided visuals that compare Mirak Valley and Eastwood to current maps. EA has confirmed that, from the nine maps available at launch, Mirak Valley is set to be the largest. Players will have the ability to explore 0.588 square kilometers, which should enhance strategic planning and allow for flanking maneuvers against opponents. This area is particularly substantial when compared to one of the playtest maps, the Siege of Cairo.

    The Mystery of Eastwood

    Eastwood remains more enigmatic since it’s not anticipated to be part of the initial launch version. Happysufigeee believes that this California-inspired map will debut in Season 1 content. The datamined information hints that Eastwood will feature a bridge, which could serve as a focal point for teams during gameplay.

    Producer David Sirland mentioned that the maps in the Battlefield 6 playtest are designed to be smaller on purpose. These compact battlegrounds promote more player interactions. They might also help uncover bugs that might not be visible in slower-paced game scenarios. Still, some fans are concerned that the game is leaning too much towards a casual experience.

    Concerns About Game Direction

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is anticipated to come out in November, and this series is often seen as easier to pick up than its competitor. Nonetheless, many testers of Battlefield 6 are not drawn to a game that seeks to deliver quick thrills. Other elements, like the flick look feature that allows players to swiftly rotate 180 degrees, could make the game mechanics overly simple.

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    Battlefield 6 Leak: Two Larger Maps to Improve Casual Gameplay

     

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  • Ayaneo Pocket S2 Shipping Resumes Next Week, All Orders by September

    Ayaneo Pocket S2 Shipping Resumes Next Week, All Orders by September

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo Pocket S2 shipping will restart next week, fulfilling all orders, with a goal to complete shipments by the end of August or early September.
    2. Early bird pricing for the Pocket S2 is available until August 19, with prices at $440 for 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, and $501 for 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
    3. The Ayaneo Pocket S2 features a 6.3-inch 1440p IPS screen, Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 processor, and an 8,000mAh battery.
    4. The device includes an aluminum frame, TMR joysticks, expandable storage, USB-C 3.2 port, and an audio jack.
    5. A pro version of the Pocket S2 offers a 10,000mAh battery, faster charging, 16GB of RAM, and storage options up to 1TB.

    Following its announcement in June, the Ayaneo Pocket S2 has been on the crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo, for backing. Ayaneo started to ship some devices to early supporters in late July, even though the crowdfunding campaign is set to end on August 19. Recently, an update on the Indiegogo page has disclosed that shipping will restart next week along with additional information.

    Shipping Updates

    In the latest post, Ayaneo has confirmed that shipping for the Pocket S2 handheld will recommence next week, and this time, all orders will be fulfilled, not just a limited batch of 30 units like in July. The company also stated its goal to ship all orders by the end of August or at the beginning of September, having improved the production process to tackle its backlog. Buyers will receive tracking information through email.

    Early Bird Pricing

    There are still a few days remaining before the crowdfunding campaign concludes, providing an opportunity for those interested to purchase the Ayaneo Pocket S2 at the early bird price of $440 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and $501 for the version with 12GB of RAM and 256GB (the original prices are $440 and $561 respectively). To entice undecided buyers, Ayaneo has mentioned that any orders placed in the next 7 days (starting from August 16) will be shipped by late August or early September.

    Device Specifications

    The Ayaneo Pocket S2 is a handheld device running on Android, featuring a 6.3-inch 1440p IPS screen. For those looking for an OLED display, the Ayaneo Pocket EVO is available, offering a 7-inch 120Hz OLED screen priced at $459 on Amazon. The Pocket S2 utilizes the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 processor and boasts a battery capacity of 8,000mAh.

    In addition, it comes with an aluminum frame, TMR joysticks, expandable storage, a USB-C 3.2 port, and an audio jack. There is also a pro version that has a bigger 10,000mAh battery, faster charging, a replaceable D-pad, 16GB of RAM, and storage options up to 1TB.

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  • Fairgames Cancellation Debunked Amid Sony’s Live Service Issues

    Fairgames Cancellation Debunked Amid Sony’s Live Service Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Michael Pachter initially suggested that Fairgames was canceled but later clarified he misinterpreted the situation.
    2. Sony’s focus on live service titles has faced criticism, highlighted by the quick shutdown of the hero shooter Concord.
    3. Jade Raymond’s departure from Haven Studios raised concerns about Fairgames’ development status.
    4. Reports indicated that a pre-alpha version of Fairgames received negative feedback, leading to speculation about its future.
    5. Despite challenges, Sony remains committed to live-service games, which generated 40% of first-party software sales in Q1 2025.

    Earlier, gaming expert Michael Pachter seemed to indicate that Fairgames was canceled. This project from Haven Studios is a multiplayer extraction shooter being created for PS5 and PC. However, Pachter has since clarified that he misinterpreted the situation during his podcast. Nonetheless, the PS5 title has encountered issues, joining other problematic live service PlayStation games.

    Criticism of Live Services

    In a recent episode, Pachter voiced his concerns regarding Sony’s focus on live service titles. He pointed to the hero shooter Concord as a case in point, which was shut down by PlayStation just two weeks after launch. Back in May, Sony announced that Jade Raymond, the founder of Haven Studios, had departed from the company. Pachter inferred that this departure meant Fairgames was no longer in progress.

    Miscommunication and Speculation

    As he mentioned to Destin Legarie, “I made a mistake. I said Jade was let go, and I guessed it was canceled. I really don’t have any information about the game. Feel free to quote me, I honestly don’t know.” Pachter does have some justification; there have been troubling signs for Fairgames. In May, reports surfaced about a pre-alpha version that did not impress. Many players described the gameplay as “super clunky” and unenjoyable, leading to speculation that PlayStation might decide to cancel the game.

    Sony’s Commitment

    Regardless of Fairgames’ future, PlayStation is committed to live-service games. In an investor call, Sony CFO Lin Tao acknowledged the company’s difficulties but pointed out that PS5 titles like Helldivers 2 and Gran Turismo 7 are generating consistent income. In fact, the Games as a Service (GaaS) model represented 40% of Sony’s first-party software sales in Q1 2025.

    Despite facing criticism, publishers are finding that games with regular updates can be very profitable. These games aim to create a loyal community that continually buys new content. In contrast, single-player games might find it harder to keep players engaged over time.

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  • AOC Unveils Affordable 420Hz Gaming Monitor with Fast IPS & HDR400

    AOC Unveils Affordable 420Hz Gaming Monitor with Fast IPS & HDR400

    Key Takeaways

    1. AOC’s new gaming monitor features a 420 Hz refresh rate, with a standard 240 Hz when using HDMI, and can be overclocked via DisplayPort.
    2. The 24.5-inch Fast IPS monitor has a 1080p resolution and DisplayHDR 400 certification for vibrant visuals.
    3. It offers a rapid 1 ms (GTG) response time and includes blue light reduction, DC-dimming, and flicker-free technology for comfort during long gaming sessions.
    4. Gaming features include a G-Menu for quick adjustments, Dark Boost for improved visibility in dark scenes, and 92% DCI-P3 color coverage with a Delta E<2 rating. 5. The monitor is priced at CNY 1,599 (about $223) and may be available internationally in the future.

    AOC has unveiled a new gaming monitor in China that boasts an impressive refresh rate of 420 Hz. When linked through HDMI, the monitor runs at a standard 240 Hz. However, users can overclock the display to reach its full potential by connecting via DisplayPort.

    Display Features and Performance

    This monitor is classified as a Fast IPS screen, offering a 1080p resolution and supporting Adaptive Sync technology. The 24.5-inch monitor also holds DisplayHDR 400 certification, which AOC claims will provide gamers with vibrant and detailed visuals.

    Responsiveness and Comfort

    AOC emphasizes that the Fast IPS panel has a rapid 1 ms (GTG) response time, ensuring smoother and more responsive gaming experiences. Additionally, the monitor includes hardware-level blue light reductions, along with DC-dimming and flicker-free technology for more comfortable long gaming sessions.

    Gaming Features and Color Accuracy

    The monitor comes packed with gaming-focused functions like a G-Menu for quick adjustments and Dark Boost, which enhances visibility in dark game settings. Furthermore, the Fast IPS display provides 92% DCI-P3 color coverage and is “professionally calibrated” with a Delta E<2 rating.

    As for pricing, the AOC 25G4K has launched in China at CNY 1,599, which is about $223. While there’s no official announcement regarding its release outside of China, AOC typically offers its products globally. Therefore, this high refresh rate 1080p monitor may soon be available for international customers.

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    AOC Unveils Affordable 420Hz Gaming Monitor with Fast IPS & HDR400

     

  • Free Horror Game with Unique Blinking Mechanic Trends on Steam

    Free Horror Game with Unique Blinking Mechanic Trends on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Free Game Launch: Singularity Studios released a new horror game called Vigil on Steam on August 15, 2025, which quickly became popular, ranking 3rd in the “New & Trending” chart.

    2. Unique Blinking Mechanic: Vigil features an innovative gameplay mechanic where player blinking, tracked by a webcam, impacts the game experience, making it reminiscent of horror elements from Doctor Who.

    3. Animatronic Monster: The game includes a monster that moves closer when players blink, similar to animatronics from Five Nights at Freddy’s, enhancing the horror aspect.

    4. Storyline and Setting: Players navigate an underground facility with the goal of disposing of boxes while uncovering unexpected twists and threats.

    5. Positive Player Feedback: Since its release, Vigil has received around 20 positive reviews, highlighting the effective combination of real-life blinking detection and eerie atmosphere for a genuine horror experience.

    Singularity Studios, known for the popular game Schrödinger, has launched a new free title called Vigil on Steam. This short horror game became available on August 15, 2025, and quickly climbed the “New & Trending” chart, now sitting at the 3rd position.

    Unique Gameplay Mechanics

    One of the standout features of Vigil is its innovative blinking mechanic. The horror aspects draw inspiration from the Weeping Angels, a fictional alien race from Doctor Who. As the developers suggest, the best way to enjoy Vigil is by using a webcam (Logitech C920x curr. $59.99 on Amazon), which tracks player blinking.

    Interestingly, when players blink, an animatronic monster—reminiscent of those from Five Nights at Freddy’s—gets closer, even if it’s in plain sight. Players can also opt to play without a webcam since the developers have included a keyboard-based alternative for those without one.

    Engaging Storyline

    In this free Steam game, players find themselves in a vast underground facility. The main objective is to dispose of boxes, but as they advance, they soon realize they are not alone, leading to unexpected twists.

    Feedback on Vigil has been quite positive thus far. Since its launch, the game has garnered around 20 reviews, all of which are favorable. Some players have pointed out that the real-life blinking detection, combined with the eerie atmosphere, creates a genuine horror experience. For more insights into Vigil, check out the video below.

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  • Classic Souls-Like RPG Launches with 1,000 Overwhelming Reviews

    Classic Souls-Like RPG Launches with 1,000 Overwhelming Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Successful Launch: Black Souls launched on Steam on August 16, receiving over 1,000 reviews and an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating within just one day.

    2. Niche Indie RPG: Originally a 2017 doujin RPG Maker game in Japan, it gained underground fame for its dark storytelling and Souls-like elements, now being published worldwide with English support.

    3. Unique Gameplay: The game features traditional turn-based combat, a tense active-time battle system, significant player choices, and multiple endings, enhancing replayability.

    4. Mature Themes: Black Souls explores psychological horror and themes of despair, trauma, and distorted fairy tales, with explicit content warnings that may deter casual players.

    5. Revival of Niche Titles: The game’s success showcases a growing interest in older niche RPGs being revitalized for mainstream platforms, indicating a demand for innovative and experimental gameplay.

    Black Souls has officially launched on Steam as of August 16, and in just one day, it has already received over 1,000 reviews with an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating. This is quite impressive for a niche indie RPG. The game’s sudden popularity on the Steam platform is attracting attention from both devoted Souls-like enthusiasts and players in search of something darker and more innovative within the RPG genre. While this title isn’t entirely new, its debut is surprising and shows a significant interest in cult RPGs gaining wider recognition.

    A Brief History

    Originally released in 2017 as a doujin RPG Maker game in Japan, Black Souls gradually earned underground fame for its dark take on fairy tales and its Souls-like vibe. Although it wasn’t widely available outside its dedicated community, passionate fans produced translations and guides that kept it alive on the internet. Developed by the Japanese studio Otaku Plan, it is now being published worldwide with English support. The setting is the “Lost Empire,” portrayed as a world choked by a mysterious mist that turns people into monsters. The game combines traditional turn-based combat with grim storytelling. At first glance, the art style may resemble a classic JRPG, but the combat utilizes a tense active-time battle system. Player choices are significant too, featuring multiple endings, branching paths, and a progression system that allows players to shape their characters in various ways.

    Themes and Content Warnings

    The narrative is heavily infused with psychological horror, weaving in themes of despair, trauma, and distorted fairy tales into its world. It is important to note that the game contains unsettling subjects, including explicit content warnings for sexual themes, extreme violence, substance abuse, and self-harm. Earlier versions of the game experienced censorship issues regarding certain story elements. For Steam to have approved this version, many original aspects had to be cut, which has left some players dissatisfied. Nevertheless, the overall reaction has been positive.

    The initial feedback on Steam is largely favorable, with nearly a thousand reviews at the time of writing. Players appreciate the blend of horror, RPG mechanics, and exploration, with some mentioning that it’s a unique case of a game that deepens as you continue to play. Additionally, Black Souls is quite lightweight in terms of system requirements, needing only a 3GHz processor and 4GB of RAM to run.

    A New Chapter for Niche Titles

    Rather than being a completely new release, Black Souls feels more like a long-awaited entry onto a mainstream platform. Its quick success on Steam indicates a strong demand for older niche titles revitalizing themselves. However, the game’s themes and tone may require considerable patience, potentially deterring more casual players. Yet, there are many gamers who appreciate experimental RPGs that blend deep themes with traditional role-playing elements. The game also has a sequel, Black Souls II (2019), which expands on the same dark fairy-tale universe, although it has yet to be officially released on Steam.

     

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