Category: Gaming

March 6, 2025
Epic Games Store Unveils March 2025’s Third Free Game
Key Takeaways
1. Them’s Fightin’ Herds is free from March 6 to March 13, usually priced at $19.99.
2. Mortal Shell will be available for free from March 13 to March 20, typically priced at $29.99.
3. Mortal Shell has a “Mixed” rating on Steam with over 7,000 reviews, criticized for confusing level designs and limited gameplay variety.
4. The game features stamina management, unique weapon movesets, and four character classes (Shells) with different playstyles.
5. A limited-time exclusive DLC for World of Warships will also be free from March 13 to March 20.
Epic Games Store has launched this week’s free game giveaway. As noted before, the current title available at no cost is Them’s Fightin’ Herds, which usually retails for $19.99 and has received a fairly positive rating from players. You can claim it for free from March 6 until March 13 at 16:00 UTC.
Upcoming Free Game
Following this, a new free game will take its place, and it’s an action RPG called Mortal Shell. This title, which will also be free soon, typically sells for $29.99 without any discounts. It will be available for claiming from March 13 at 16:00 UTC until March 20 at 16:00 UTC.
Game Ratings and Features
When it comes to the game itself, Mortal Shell does not enjoy as high ratings as many previous free offerings on the Epic Games Store. Specifically, it holds a “Mixed” rating on Steam, having garnered over 7,000 player reviews. This could be attributed to its confusing level designs, which some players describe as overly maze-like.
Critics have also pointed out the limited variety and depth of the gameplay. It reportedly features only a few weapons and character classes, which may make it less engaging for repeated playthroughs. On the positive side, Mortal Shell incorporates a combat system reminiscent of Dark Souls, which adds to the challenge.
Gameplay Mechanics
This soon-to-be-free game requires players to manage their stamina, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the combat experience. Each weapon in Mortal Shell comes with its own unique moveset and special abilities. Additionally, there are four distinct Shells (character classes) that offer varying playstyles and stats.
The narrative of the game is designed to be cryptic, urging players to piece together the story through exploration and interactions with non-playable characters (NPCs). For more details about this upcoming free title, see the video linked below.
In addition to Mortal Shell, the Epic Games Store will also be offering a limited-time exclusive DLC for World of Warships. This will also be available for free during the same period, from March 13 at 16:00 UTC to March 20 at 16:00 UTC. The package includes:
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Tags: Epic Games Store, Mortal Shell, Them’s Fightin’ Herds
March 6, 2025
GeForce RTX 50 Laptops Lack ROPs Found in Desktop Models
Key Takeaways
1. Nvidia’s Blackwell-based RTX 50 graphics cards may have a small portion lacking Render Output Units (ROPs), potentially affecting both desktop and laptop models.
2. Manufacturing defects are usually caught before shipping, but some issues may slip through, raising concerns about Nvidia’s RMA plan.
3. The GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are likely candidates for the ROP issue due to their use of the GB203 GPU.
4. The recent earthquake in Taiwan might have damaged up to 20,000 wafers, impacting the supply of RTX 50 laptop variants.
5. The RTX 50 series is facing supply chain challenges, including scarcity of RTX 5070 cards and performance-related issues, as reported by DigiTimes.
Even though Nvidia mentioned that only a “small portion” of its Blackwell-based RTX 50 graphics cards are lacking ROPs (Render Output Units), the issue could possibly go beyond just its desktop products. Reports from Heise.de and Hardwareluxx indicate that certain laptop models may also be impacted.
Production Concerns
Typically, most defects like these are expected to be caught and fixed during the manufacturing process before the products are shipped. However, it’s possible for some issues to get missed, and we can only hope that Nvidia has a solid RMA plan ready for such situations.
Potentially Affected Models
It is still unclear which specific models are impacted, but the GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 might be likely suspects, as they utilize the same GB203 GPU found in the desktop RTX 5080 and 5070 Ti. Even if all ROPs are intact, the RTX 50 laptop variants face additional challenges. Reports say that the recent earthquake in Taiwan could have damaged as many as 20,000 wafers.
Supply Chain Issues
The exact number of these wafers belonging to Nvidia remains uncertain, but the current scarcity of RTX 5070 cards and the delayed launch of RTX 50 laptop variants imply that the company may have experienced some loss in stock. Additionally, a report from DigiTimes reveals that the RTX 50 series is facing some performance and driver-related issues.
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Tags: NVIDIA, ROP issues, RTX 50
March 6, 2025
Retroid Update: Fixes for Pocket Mini Display Issues
Key Takeaways
1. Retroid has launched a teaser campaign for the Pocket Classic and Pocket Flip 2 while updating on the Pocket Mini’s issues.
2. The Pocket Mini, released last summer, is compact and performs well compared to larger devices like the Ayn Odin2.
3. Initial units of the Pocket Mini had color scheme discrepancies compared to what was advertised.
4. Display issues with the Pocket Mini involve improper rendering of shaders, which Retroid initially thought could be fixed via software.
5. It has been confirmed that the shader issue is a hardware problem, leading to an expanded return policy for dissatisfied customers.
Retroid has launched a new teaser campaign for the Pocket Classic and Pocket Flip 2. At the same time, the company has shared some updates regarding the Pocket Mini and its persistent display troubles.
Pocket Mini Performance Recap
The Pocket Mini was released last summer, featuring compact dimensions of 165 x 77 x 16.5 mm and weighing 215 g. It performed comparably to the significantly larger Ayn Odin2 (currently priced at $449 on Amazon) in demanding emulator tasks. Retroid didn’t experience the usual production delays associated with long-run gaming handhelds, but some initial units were shipped with a different color scheme than what was shown on their website.
Display Issues and Updates
After release, it became clear that the Pocket Mini struggled with displaying shaders properly. Instead of looking correct, filters and scan lines appeared distorted and uneven. Retroid initially thought they could fix this by collaborating with Qualcomm, possibly through a software update.
Hardware Problems Confirmed
Sadly, they have now confirmed that this issue will not be resolved that way. The Pocket Mini’s failure to render shaders is attributed to a ‘behavior of the screen.’ This implies that the problem lies within the hardware itself rather than being due to faulty software. Consequently, Retroid has expanded the return policy for the Pocket Mini for customers who are dissatisfied with their devices. More details can be found in the screenshot below.
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Tags: display issues, Pocket Mini, Retroid
March 6, 2025
Survival Shooter Game in Chernobyl Now Just $5.99, 80% Off!
Key Takeaways
1. 80% Discount: Chernobylite Complete Edition is available on Steam for $5.99, down from $29.99, until March 13.
2. Game Setting: Players take on the role of Igor, a physicist exploring the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to find his missing fiancée, facing supernatural threats and military groups.
3. Complete Edition Features: Includes all free seasonal updates, extra maps, new creatures, weapons, game modes, and several DLC packs for enhanced gameplay.
4. System Requirements: Minimum specs include Intel Core i5-2500K, 8GB RAM, and GTX 660; recommended specs are i7-4790K, 16GB RAM, and GTX 970 for better performance.
5. Atmospheric Survival Horror: Chernobylite Complete Edition is ideal for fans of survival horror, featuring exploration, base-building, crafting, stealth, and combat elements.
Survival horror enthusiasts seeking their next adventure might want to take a look at this. The Chernobylite Complete Edition is an immersive and suspenseful RPG that takes place in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, and it’s currently being offered at an impressive 80% discount on Steam. The price has been slashed to merely $5.99 from its regular $29.99, making this the best deal yet. This offer will be available until March 13.
Game Overview
Created by The Farm 51, Chernobylite places players in the role of Igor, a physicist who returns to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone years after the catastrophe in search of his vanished fiancée. But players must be wary of more than just radiation; they’ll encounter supernatural threats, aggressive military groups, and other stalkers all striving to survive. The game features a blend of exploration, base-building, crafting, stealth, and combat.
Complete Edition Features
The Complete Edition enhances the overall experience. In addition to the main game, players receive all free seasonal updates, extra maps, new creatures, weapons, and new game modes. It also includes several DLC packs, such as the Zone Bard Pack, Red Trees Pack, and White Rose Pack, providing extra customization options and content.
System Requirements
For those curious about performance, the minimum requirements are an Intel Core i5-2500K, 8GB of RAM, and a GTX 660. For improved visuals and smoother performance, the recommended specifications increase to an i7-4790K, 16GB of RAM, and a GTX 970.
With its lowest price to date and all DLC included, Chernobylite Complete Edition is a fantastic choice for fans of atmospheric survival horror. The promotion lasts until March 13, so there’s still a chance to decide if you’re ready to venture into the Zone.
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Tags: Chernobylite, survival horror, The Farm 51
March 6, 2025
FSR 4 vs FSR 3 vs DLSS: FSR 4 Outperforms FSR 3 in Quality
Key Takeaways
1. Major Improvements in FSR 4: AMD has significantly improved FSR 4 compared to FSR 3, resolving many previous issues and enhancing overall image quality.
2. Enhanced Visual Effects: FSR 4 addresses ghosting and improves transparency effects, offering sharper images and richer textures in games like Horizon Forbidden West.
3. Motion Stability Advancements: FSR 4 shows better motion stability and rectifies pixelation and anti-aliasing issues, outperforming FSR 3 and the previous DLSS CNN model.
4. Competitive Landscape: Despite improvements, Nvidia’s DLSS “Transformer” model still offers superior image quality and anti-aliasing compared to FSR 4, particularly in extreme motion scenarios.
5. Performance Trade-off: While FSR 4 shows significant advancements, it comes with a performance cost, running slower than both FSR 3 and DLSS CNN in certain scenarios.
Ever since the introduction of FidelityFx Super Resolution (FSR), AMD has been trailing behind Nvidia in the realm of image reconstruction. The gap in quality has been significant, but with the launch of FSR 4, AMD is determined to bridge this divide. The new FSR 4 has adopted a machine-learning approach similar to Nvidia’s DLSS and Intel’s XeSS, indicating that FSR 4 could finally match the latest version of DLSS.
Major Improvements Noted
Digital Foundry conducted an analysis that shows AMD has significantly enhanced FSR 4 when compared to its predecessor, FSR 3. Their testing reveals that FSR 4 has resolved many of the problems that were evident in FSR 3, and in some cases, completely eliminated them.
Enhanced Visual Effects
For example, FSR 4 has addressed the ghosting issues seen in particle effects that were problematic in FSR 3. DF observed a clear enhancement in particle effects in games like Horizon Forbidden West and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Moreover, the transparency effects on materials such as glass and water have also made notable progress.
Furthermore, FSR 4 delivers a much higher quality of images with richer textures and surface details. In DF’s tests, the visuals generated by FSR 4 in Horizon Forbidden West appear sharper and significantly cleaner.
Motion Stability Improvements
When it comes to motion image stability, FSR 4 again shows a significant advancement over FSR 3. DF highlights that FSR 4 rectifies pixelation and anti-aliasing issues, which is very clear in Horizon Forbidden West. While FSR 3 struggles to maintain a stable image during movement, FSR 4 offers a vastly improved performance without visible artifacts.
According to DF, FSR 4 outperforms the previous DLSS Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) model in terms of image quality. AMD’s transition to machine learning has enabled FSR 4 to produce superior visuals compared to DLSS CNN. For instance, FSR 4 retains more details and a steadier image in Horizon Forbidden West than its DLSS counterpart.
A Competitive Landscape
That said, the new DLSS “Transformer” model is still said to be a step ahead of FSR 4. Nvidia’s latest DLSS technology yields images with greater detail and superior anti-aliasing compared to FSR 4, resulting in a clear difference in image quality between FSR 4 and the DLSS Transformer.
This trend continues when all three image reconstruction techniques are tested under conditions of extreme motion. In Horizon Forbidden West, for example, FSR 4 does not keep up with the DLSS Transformer regarding motion stability.
While it is clear that FSR 4 represents a substantial improvement over FSR 3.1 and is also superior to the DLSS CNN model, the new machine-learning technology does come with a performance trade-off. DF shows that the RX 9070 XT runs Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart at 4K with FSR 4 performance significantly slower compared to both FSR 3 and DLSS CNN. However, it’s worth noting that the DLSS Transformer also has a higher cost than DLSS CNN.
In summary, the new image reconstruction technologies from both Nvidia and AMD have advanced beyond their predecessors, but they do incur performance costs.
To sum things up, FSR 4 is a considerable leap forward from FSR 3. AMD has made substantial improvements and resolved nearly all issues that plagued earlier versions of FSR. Thus, owners of RDNA 4 cards can finally enjoy a much better image reconstruction solution.
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Tags: DLSS Transformer, FSR 4, Radeon RX 7800 XT
March 6, 2025
New Epic Games Store Free Game Giveaway for March Available Now
Key Takeaways
1. Mages of Mystralia was available for free on the Epic Games Store until today at 16:00 UTC.
2. Them’s Fightin’ Herds, a fighting game by Mane6, will replace Mages of Mystralia and will be free to download until March 13 at 15:59 UTC.
3. The Epic Games Store only offers the standard version of Them’s Fightin’ Herds, not the Deluxe Edition.
4. The Windows version of Them’s Fightin’ Herds requires low system specs: 8 GB RAM, 750 MB VRAM, and a dual-core CPU with 2 GHz.
5. Reviews highlight the game’s friendly tutorial system for players but note a limited character selection as a drawback.
The Epic Games Store has been offering Mages of Mystralia for free since last week. This promotion will end today at 16:00 UTC, after which the store will introduce Them’s Fightin’ Herds, a fighting game created by Mane6. This game is available on Linux, macOS, Windows, and the latest consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, which is currently priced at $299 on Amazon.
Game Edition Details
It’s important to understand that the latest offer from Epic Games only applies to the standard game and does not include the Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition comes with a Season 1 Pass that provides extra content. Additionally, Epic Games only offers the Windows version of this game, while Steam provides ports for both Linux and macOS. For those interested, the Windows version is designed to work on most systems, requiring low specs like 8 GB of RAM, a GPU with 750 MB of VRAM, and a dual-core CPU with a minimum base clock speed of 2 GHz.
Gameplay and Reviews
According to a review video that can be seen below, Them’s Fightin’ Herds is friendly for both new and experienced players due to its thorough tutorial system. Other reviewers have also given it fair feedback, however, the small number of characters is often mentioned as a drawback. The game will be available for free download from the Epic Games Store starting at 16:00 UTC today and lasting until 15:59 UTC on March 13.
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Tags: Epic Games Store, Mages of Mystralia, Them’s Fightin’ Herds
March 6, 2025
Retroid Pocket Classic Design Unveiled: Sega Saturn 6-Button Option
Key Takeaways
1. Retroid is currently focusing on the Pocket Classic instead of the delayed Pocket Flip 2.
2. The Pocket Classic will have a unique six-button layout inspired by the Sega Saturn Controller.
3. The Pocket Flip will be available in multiple color options and will feature two sets of shoulder buttons.
4. The Pocket Classic’s design includes a gently curved back for improved user comfort.
5. The launch dates for the Pocket Classic and Pocket Flip 2 are still unclear, but pre-orders are expected to start simultaneously.
Retroid has yet to launch the Pocket Flip 2. Instead, the focus has shifted to the Pocket Classic, which the company first hinted at nearly a month ago at the same time as the Pocket Flip 2. Just yesterday, the brand revealed the Pocket Classic’s front design in various colors.
Color Variants and Features
The company has confirmed the Pocket Flip will be available in the following colors:
All of the options listed above will come with two sets of shoulder buttons, designed similarly to the latest Anbernic vertical gaming handhelds, including the RG40XX V (currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon). However, Retroid has mentioned that the Classic 6 will replace the standard ABXY button layout with a unique six-button configuration. Those who pay close attention will recognize this design from the Sega Saturn Controller, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Europe and North America this year.
Design and Ergonomics
The Pocket Classic features a gently curved back, which should enhance user comfort. While a component that looks like a battery cover is present, it appears to be just for show. It’s still unclear when Retroid plans to launch the Pocket Classic or Pocket Flip 2. Historically, it seems likely that pre-orders for both devices will begin at the same time.
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Tags: Retroid Pocket Classic, Retroid Pocket Flip 2, Sega Saturn Controller
March 6, 2025
Stardew Valley Switch Update Fixes Crashes and Bugs
Key Takeaways
1. The November 1.6 update for Stardew Valley introduced new gameplay features but also increased bugs, particularly on the Nintendo Switch.
2. Players reported issues such as text errors and crashes linked to artifact troves, prompting an apology from the game’s creator, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone.
3. Barone is the sole developer and is committed to addressing player complaints and fixing bugs quickly.
4. Stardew Valley has a large player community, with a peak of 236,000 players on Steam in March 2024, despite limitations for Switch players.
5. Barone’s ongoing updates for Stardew Valley may have delayed the release of his next project, Haunted Chocolatier, but fans are content with the current game’s new content.
The pixel art style of Stardew Valley might give the impression that the game is simple. Yet, the RPG has a surprising amount of depth, especially since the November 1.6 update introduced new gameplay features. Sadly, this added complexity has led to increased bugs. The recent update for the Switch has caused some crashes, leading the creator to extend an apology. A new fix has been released to tackle issues that came with the 1.16.15.1 patch.
New Features and Bugs
The last update for Stardew Valley brought new features, including the ability to recover lost items. Although it faced delays due to complaints from other platforms, certain bugs managed to affect the Nintendo Switch. Players reported issues like occasional text errors and more significant crashes linked to artifact troves. However, aside from these hiccups, players could still enjoy farming and building relationships without much trouble.
Developer Response
Gamers often aren’t very forgiving when they come across serious bugs in games. In Stardew Valley’s case, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone is the sole developer behind the project. Since its launch in 2016, Barone has continuously added new content. When issues pop up, he is quick to address player complaints and deploy fixes.
Player Community and Future Projects
Thanks to its less intensive graphics, Stardew Valley has gained a large player community on both PCs and consoles. The game reached a record peak of 236,000 players on Steam in March 2024. However, Switch players face some limitations, including a straightforward method for installing mods. Nonetheless, Barone ensures all versions remain up-to-date, with new features rolling out across platforms.
Barone’s dedication to maintaining Stardew Valley might have delayed the release of his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. Regardless, the steady influx of new content keeps most Stardew Valley fans content to wait for what’s next.
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Tags: ConcernedApe, Nintendo Switch, Stardew Valley
March 6, 2025
GeForce RTX 5070 Benchmark vs RTX 4090: Surprising Results
Key Takeaways
1. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 samples showed lower performance than expected, with an average G3D Mark of 27,105, placing it just below the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU in benchmarks.
2. Nvidia’s claim that the RTX 5070 would perform like the RTX 4090 for $549 is considered exaggerated, as the card struggles to match the performance of previous models like the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti.
3. The introduction of Multi Frame Generation (MFG) allows the RTX 5070 to reach near RTX 4090 performance in some scenarios, but overall comparisons show it lagging behind in most tests.
4. The desktop RTX 4090 outperforms the RTX 5070 by an average of 41.4%, raising questions about the ethical implications of Nvidia’s marketing claims.
5. The upcoming AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT may challenge Nvidia’s position in the GPU market, offering competitive performance and pricing.
Three Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 samples have shown up on the PassMark benchmark platform, and their performance is lower than what was anticipated. There have been reports that the benchmark faced problems with Blackwell cards due to the discontinuation of 32-bit framework support; however, a patch is now available. It remains uncertain if the RTX 5070 samples benefited from this update or if they are still unintentionally limited. The samples achieved an average G3D Mark of 27,105 during the testing, which included runs in DirectX 9-12 and a GPU Compute benchmark. This score places the GeForce RTX 5070 just beneath the GeForce RTX 4090 in the overall ranking, but it’s essential to note that this refers to the mobile version of the chip (RTX 4090 Laptop GPU) and not the stronger desktop variant.
Nvidia’s Promises
When Nvidia introduced the GeForce RTX 5070, they stated that the desktop graphics card would deliver RTX 4090 performance for only $549. Clearly, this was an exaggeration from Jensen Huang, as the RTX 5070 would need to match the RTX 4090 in a single synthetic or gaming benchmark to justify such a claim. Thanks to Multi Frame Generation (MFG) helping out and ignoring potential latency issues, the Blackwell card has shown it can reach RTX 4090 performance levels. In our detailed review of the RTX 5070, we found that with MFG x4, the newer card could achieve 87 FPS in Star Wars Outlaws (at 4K, with ultra settings and ray tracing). In comparison, the older Ada Lovelace card performed around 90 FPS in our tests with regular frame generation and ray reconstruction. Therefore, Nvidia’s statement holds some weight, albeit it’s quite flimsy.
Performance Comparison
The benchmark results for the GeForce RTX 5070 on PassMark highlight the card’s struggle to outperform earlier desktop models like the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti. However, during our tests, the Blackwell card generally performed slightly better than the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti. The desktop version of the RTX 4090 is significantly ahead, boasting an average performance advantage of +41.4% over the RTX 5070. While GPU enthusiasts might have sensed that Team Green’s assertion was highly subjective, one can question the ethical nature of claiming that the RTX 5070 provides RTX 4090 performance concerning the average consumer’s understanding. Ultimately, it may not matter much for the RTX 5070, as the launch of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, with their attractive prices, solid performances, and fewer availability concerns, could give Team Red a head start in the GPU market.
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Tags: GPU Performance, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, PassMark
March 6, 2025
Bloodborne and Sekiro Inspired Souls-like Game 40% Off on Steam
Key Takeaways
1. Neither Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice nor Bloodborne will have sequels soon, if ever.
2. Lies of P is a blend of elements from both games and is currently 40% off on Steam.
3. The game features a health-regain mechanic after blocking attacks, requiring precise timing for effective defense.
4. Players can break enemy weapons, and the game has a linear map design for exploration and quest completion.
5. Lies of P offers multiple endings, a 30-hour playtime, a New Game Plus mode, and an upcoming story-driven DLC titled Overture.
Neither Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice nor Bloodborne will be receiving a sequel in the near future, or possibly ever. If you’re looking for a combination of the two games all wrapped up in a single package, then Lies of P could be the perfect fit for you. Right now, it’s been marked down by 40% on Steam. The game boasts over 45,000 positive reviews on the platform and has also received favorable feedback from critics.
Gameplay Mechanics
Lies of P incorporates a mechanic similar to Bloodborne, allowing players to regain health after successfully blocking an attack. However, this can only be achieved during a short time frame, which discourages players from simply playing defensively. While this defensive strategy can be effective, it becomes less useful as the game progresses. Eventually, players must master the timing of perfect deflections against enemies, much like in Sekiro.
Exploration and Combat
With enough practice, players can even break their foes’ weapons, which significantly lowers the damage they deal. Lies of P features a clear, linear map design, enabling players to return to earlier areas to complete any missed quests. Technically, the game doesn’t have traditional ‘classes’; instead, it allows you to select from three different weapon types.
Replayability and Future Content
Based on your choices during gameplay, Lies of P provides the option for multiple endings. Completing the game once, including all side content, should take around 30 hours. Additionally, there’s a New Game Plus mode that allows you to carry over your progress while unlocking new content, dialogue, and interactions.
Furthermore, Lies of P is set to receive a story-driven DLC expansion later in the year. Titled Overture, it was announced last month and will reveal the backstory leading up to the events of the main game. This promotion is available until March 11, giving you time to check out some reviews before deciding whether to make a purchase on Steam.
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Tags: Bloodborne, Lies of P, Steam