Tag: Early Access

  • New Single-Player MMO in Early Access: Players Are Loving It

    New Single-Player MMO in Early Access: Players Are Loving It

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Gameplay Features: Erenshor uses AI-controlled SimPlayers instead of human players, allowing them to level up, gather loot, and organize raids independently.

    2. Community and Feedback: The game has a friendly community, no microtransactions, and is developed by a solo creator who actively considers player feedback.

    3. Nostalgic Appeal: Players appreciate the nostalgic feel of the game, drawing comparisons to classics like EverQuest and RuneScape, making it suitable for solo play.

    4. Early Access and Pricing: Priced at $20 with a 10% launch discount until April 21, players receive access to four classes, a large world, and extensive content for the price.

    5. Current Limitations: Issues include an outdated interface, clumsy controls, tedious conversation mechanics, imprecise combat, and criticisms of the game world’s graphics and design.

    Erenshor is a single-player MMO that takes place in a vast fantasy realm, featuring four unique classes: Arcanist, Druid, Duelist, and Paladin. In this world, AI-controlled SimPlayers take the place of human gamers. They level up, gather loot, and independently organize raids. These SimPlayers emulate genuine player actions, forming guilds and communicating, affecting the game environment. The towns and factions react dynamically based on the player’s choices, and any NPC can be attacked, leading to consequences. The demo of Erenshor received positive feedback, and on April 14, the game entered Early Access. Just two days later, it had amassed over 250 reviews on Steam, with 93% being favorable. SteamDB shows that the MMO has surpassed 1,000 concurrent players at peak times, indicating a strong community interest.

    Nostalgic Appeal

    Reviews highlight that players particularly value Erenshor’s nostalgic feel, making comparisons to iconic games like EverQuest and RuneScape. As a solo MMORPG, it attracts individuals who may have limited time or prefer to play alone without the pressure of participating in online groups. The lack of microtransactions, a friendly community, and a committed solo developer who actively considers feedback are often praised. Nevertheless, the game has its issues. The interface and controls are frequently described as clumsy and outdated, and it lacks quality-of-life features such as quest trackers and minimaps. Conversations can sometimes require players to type specific words, which may feel tedious. Combat is another area of concern, featuring imprecise auto-attacks and no clear aggro system. While the SimPlayers are a notable highlight, their behavior can come off as overly scripted. Some players also view the world as too barren and the graphics as old-fashioned or unattractive.

    Pricing and Content

    Erenshor is currently in Early Access, priced at $20. However, until April 21, Burgee Media is offering a 10% launch discount, reducing the price to about $18. For this amount, players receive a solid foundation: four playable classes, a vast world comprising over 36 unique zones, more than 800 items, and hundreds of different NPCs. The current level cap is set at 35, which will also be the maximum at launch. The developer estimates that playtime will range from 100 to 150 hours, but those who want to optimize their characters might invest even more time. The Early Access period is anticipated to last approximately 18 months. For those who are unsure, a free demo is available to test the game before making a purchase.

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  • Steam Reviews Critique Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt Update

    Steam Reviews Critique Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Path of Exile 2 has seen increased player numbers since the Dawn of the Hunt update, but ongoing complaints could hinder growth.
    2. Players are frustrated with overly powerful enemies and a slow progression system, leading to mixed reviews on Steam.
    3. The game, launching in early access in December 2024, emphasizes strategic combat and intricate skill trees but has weakened skills in the recent update.
    4. Negative reviews are rising, focusing on long boss fights, weak player attacks, and technical issues like frame rate drops and crashes.
    5. Community concerns highlight the challenges of early access games, with players seeking a balanced and fulfilling progression experience.

    Path of Exile 2 has seen a rise in players since the release of Dawn of the Hunt on April 4th. However, this growth could be hindered if complaints about the update persist. The main issues revolve around overly powerful enemies and an already slow progression system that has become even more frustrating. Recent reviews of Path of Exile 2 show these concerns, resulting in mixed ratings on Steam.

    Early Access and Comparisons

    Launching in early access in December 2024, Path of Exile 2 is an action RPG often likened to the Diablo series. Yet, there are crucial differences, including POE 2’s focus on more strategic and deliberate combat. Fans of Grinding Gear Games enjoy the intricate skill trees that allow for distinct character builds. The recent update has weakened various skills, causing many players to consider starting fresh characters. Unfortunately, some gamers feel that this effort may not be worth the time.

    Mixed Reviews Persist

    Overall, Path of Exile 2 still holds mostly positive reviews on Steam. But the number of negative ratings is increasing. One highly read review criticizes the duration of boss fights and the lack of power in player attacks. Another concern involves frame rate drops and crashes that emerged with the Dawn of the Hunt release. Grinding Gear Games has implemented several hotfixes aimed at resolving the most urgent issues, but other problems might take longer to fix.

    Community Concerns

    The backlash regarding the recent changes in Path of Exile 2 emphasizes the challenges players encounter with early access games. Major gameplay modifications are common since the title is still being developed. Ideally, Grinding Gear Games will create a fulfilling sense of progression without overwhelming players. Striking that right balance can be tough and causes confusion about what players can expect from the final version of the game.

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    Steam Reviews Critique Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt Update

     

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  • New Dealer Simulation Tops Steam Charts with 99% Positive Reviews

    New Dealer Simulation Tops Steam Charts with 99% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Positive Reception: Schedule I entered Early Access on March 24 and received around 1,800 reviews, with 99% being favorable.

    2. Gameplay Overview: Players act as drug dealers in Hyland Point, starting with no money or connections, and must grow plants and manage their operations.

    3. Exploration and Strategy: The game allows exploration of Hyland Point, requiring players to build networks, establish trade routes, and prepare for conflicts with rival cartels and police.

    4. Engaging Mini-Games: The developer has incorporated mini-games for tasks like planting and harvesting, adding depth to the gameplay.

    5. Pricing and Demo: The game is priced at $20, currently available for $16.99 with a 15% launch discount, and a free demo is offered for players to try before buying.

    We recently talked about Schedule I, a simulation game about drug dealing that gained attention on Steam with its demo version. On March 24, the game officially entered its Early Access phase and has received a very positive response since then. Just a day after its release, Schedule I had gathered roughly 1,800 reviews, with an impressive 99% of them being favorable. At the time of this writing, it was also occupying three top positions on SteamDB, ranking high in categories like “Trending Games,” “Popular Releases,” and “Hot Releases.”

    Dive into Hyland Point

    In Schedule I, players take on the role of drug dealers in the dilapidated coastal town called Hyland Point. You start with zero money and no connections, just a small-time dealer aiming to hit it big. Your adventure kicks off in a rundown motel room, which serves as your secret base, where you begin to grow your first plants discreetly. Getting started requires hands-on effort—literally. Players must care for the soil, select the right seeds, manage lighting, keep an eye on growth, and handle the harvest all by themselves. The developer, TVGS, has turned these chores into engaging mini-games, adding a layer of depth to the grind.

    Building Your Empire

    However, cultivating plants is only the start—achieving success demands more than just a knack for gardening. Players must establish a network, recruit their initial crew, and oversee the distribution of their products. The expansive world of Hyland Point is available for you to explore, whether you prefer walking, driving, or even skateboarding—exploration is rewarding. The more strategic your trade routes, the better your operations will run. But remember, the city isn’t just yours. Competing cartels are looking to claim your territory, and the police are always a looming danger. Conflicts can erupt at any moment and are resolved using fists, makeshift weapons, or firearms. To stay on top, you’ll need to be prepared for anything.

    Pricing and Availability

    TVGS, the developer and publisher, has set the standard price of Schedule I at around $20. To celebrate the launch of Early Access, the game is currently offered at a 15% discount, lowering the price to $16.99. Not sure if it’s the right fit for you? The free demo allows you to try it out before making a purchase.

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  • New Sandbox MMO with Terraforming Launches in Early Access Soon

    New Sandbox MMO with Terraforming Launches in Early Access Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. BitCraft Online is a sandbox MMORPG set in a vast, open world where players can significantly alter the environment through terraforming.
    2. The game features 12 professions with 10 levels each, focusing on crafting, trading, and survival rather than traditional combat.
    3. Players will interact in a single, continuous world without separate servers, enhancing social dynamics and cooperation.
    4. The game’s art style is reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, featuring a unique, comic-like aesthetic.
    5. BitCraft Online is entering Early Access on May 29, 2025, with a starting price of $30, and will eventually be available for free.

    BitCraft Online is an anticipated sandbox MMORPG that takes place in a huge, open world where players can completely alter their environment. Users can change rivers, flatten hills, and construct entire cities; the terraforming feature offers almost unlimited options. Unlike conventional MMOs, BitCraft will operate on a single, continuous world without separate servers, allowing all players to interact in the same space.

    Character Progression and Gameplay

    In BitCraft, character advancement is based on 12 distinct professions, each having 10 levels of progression. This lets players focus on areas like crafting, trading, or survival. Combat is not the main attraction here; rather, survival aspects such as gathering food, changing weather conditions, and the threat from wildlife add layers of difficulty. Additionally, the game boasts a robust crafting system along with an economy driven by players. Aesthetically, BitCraft has a uniquely styled, comic-like look, similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. For a sneak peek, check out the Early Access trailer.

    Release Information

    Clockwork Laboratories, the developer, initially introduced BitCraft Online in September 2021. Almost four years later, the sandbox MMORPG is set to enter Early Access on May 29, 2025, with a starting cost of $30. While the date for full release is not yet specified, the game will eventually be available for free. Meanwhile, players can already put BitCraft on their wishlist on Steam.

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  • Valve Updates Guidelines to Control Predatory Advertising Practices

    Valve Updates Guidelines to Control Predatory Advertising Practices

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve has introduced new guidelines to regulate how developers use the “Early Access” label.
    2. Developers are prohibited from hiding game content behind advertisements or rewarding users for watching ads.
    3. Valve encourages developers to use microtransactions and create additional content post-launch instead of ad-based monetization.
    4. Developers can still promote products within their games, despite regulations on ads.
    5. Valve’s guidelines aim to prevent money-hungry practices common in mobile gaming from spreading to PC games.

    After taking action against developers who improperly use the “Early Access” label, Valve has introduced important new guidelines to keep money-hungry free-to-play creators under control. According to GamingOnLinux, the company’s website now outlines clear rules regarding how developers should market their games.

    Key Guidelines on Advertising

    A major point is that developers are not allowed to hide game content behind ads. Furthermore, users shouldn’t be rewarded for watching advertisements to earn in-game items. These practices are common in many mobile games and have become a regular part of the industry.

    New Monetization Strategies

    Instead, Valve suggests that developers should focus on using microtransactions and creating additional content after launch, which is another issue that the gaming industry continues to deal with. Although this isn’t a major issue on PC, it’s reassuring to see Valve addressing it early on. However, developers who prefer to use these tactics can always turn to other platforms or choose to self-host their games.

    Advertising in Games Still Allowed

    Sadly, developers still have the option to promote products within their games. For example, Death Stranding incorporated Monster Energy branding subtly, while EA took a more blatant approach with full-screen ads in UFC 4. Thankfully, this type of advertisement hasn’t become popular, but if it ever does, Steam seems to be okay with it.

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  • Valve Targets Abandonware with New Steam Feature Update

    Valve Targets Abandonware with New Steam Feature Update

    Valve has made a low-key move on Steam that’s catching the attention of both gamers and developers. Now, Early Access games that haven’t been updated for months or even years are being highlighted, showing their latest update dates right below the ‘Early Access Game’ label. This small yet significant change seems aimed at boosting transparency and responsibility within the Early Access program.

    Spotlight on Heartbound

    One title under scrutiny is Heartbound. Gamers quickly voiced their concerns when Steam indicated it had gone 13 months without updates. The surprising part? Developer Pirate Software had actually shared an update in January 2025, but it was hidden away in an opt-in development channel not accessible to all players. This brings up a key question: what kind of updates does Steam really want from Early Access creators? And how can developers improve their communication about progress?

    Ripple Effects in the Community

    This adjustment is already creating waves. Some developers, likely wanting to dodge the dreaded “abandonware” label, have increased their communication with players. This might encourage studios to follow their roadmaps more closely and meet their commitments—a definite plus for gamers who spend their time and money testing these changing games.

    Unanswered Questions Persist

    Still, since Valve hasn’t officially rolled out this feature, several questions linger. Is there a specific standard for what counts as an “acceptable” update frequency? Will developers face repercussions if they concentrate on backend improvements or cater to niche communities instead of making visible updates? At this point, the absence of clear guidelines leaves a gap for speculation.

    All in all, this appears to be a positive move. The Early Access program has faced backlash for housing abandonware—games that developers have simply left behind, leaving players hanging. By introducing this level of accountability, Valve could be trying to restore player trust and clarify expectations for both developers and their communities.

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    Valve Targets Abandonware with New Steam Feature Update
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  • Tuning and Street Racing: New Steam Game Revives NFS Underground 2

    Tuning and Street Racing: New Steam Game Revives NFS Underground 2

    The Tokyo Xtreme Racer franchise, created by Genki Co., Ltd., has been a part of gaming for more than 30 years. It first appeared in Japan in 1994 under the name Shutokō Battle and made its way to Western audiences in 1996 as Tokyo Highway Battle. The series gained global fame with the release of Tokyo Xtreme Racer in 1999, but it gradually lost popularity by 2006 after several spin-offs were made for platforms like PS2, PSP, Game Boy Advance, and Xbox 360. Fast forward nearly 20 years, Genki is bringing back the series with a new spin, focusing more on gameplay rather than graphics. The visuals remind players of a title from the PlayStation 2 generation.

    Gameplay Dynamics

    In Tokyo Xtreme Racer, players immerse themselves in the life of a street racer aiming to gain fame on the expressways of Tokyo. The game emphasizes not only speed but also strategic driving. The Spirit Point Battle system introduces a Spirit Point bar for each racer. If a player falls behind or makes errors, their SP bar decreases quicker, while keeping a good lead helps to slow its reduction. When a driver’s SP bar reaches zero, they’re out of the race.

    Community Comparisons

    On Reddit, numerous users compare the revitalized game to the classic Need for Speed: Underground 2, which was released in 2004 and is still celebrated as one of the greatest tuning games. Customization is a significant aspect of Tokyo Xtreme Racer. Players can enhance performance with upgrades like turbo kits, improved gearboxes, and aerodynamic changes that increase speed. Additionally, adjustments to suspension and brakes can improve handling. Players also have the opportunity to customize their vehicles’ looks with body kits, wheels, and unique paint styles.

    Early Access Launch

    Tokyo Xtreme Racer entered Early Access on January 23 and has already garnered over 6,000 reviews, achieving a remarkable 95% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating. The Early Access version is available on Steam for approximately $30 and presently offers around half of the story, 50 cars, and 180 km of roads to drive on. As of now, a final release date hasn’t been revealed.

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  • Oldschool MMO Experience Returns to Steam in Early Access

    Oldschool MMO Experience Returns to Steam in Early Access

    On December 13, Visionary Realms launched the MMORPG Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen in Early Access on Steam. This game is aimed at players who enjoy classic MMORPGs such as World of Warcraft Vanilla and EverQuest, providing a intentionally slow and difficult gameplay experience. The focus is on an open world, social interactions, and PvE content. Gamers can select from nine different races, including dwarves, elves, and gnomes, along with 14 classes like clerics, druids, and paladins. The game highlights several key features, such as:

    Classic Gameplay

    Pantheon intentionally skips modern features like quest markers and maps, putting a spotlight on mob grinding instead of quests, while implementing a slow leveling system. This design is likely to resonate well with fans of traditional MMOs.

    Mixed Reviews

    Currently, Steam reviews for Pantheon are somewhat mixed. Many players have pointed out the demanding system requirements, even with mediocre graphics and bland NPC dialogue. Some users express annoyance at the lack of a map, even though this fits the game’s central design philosophy. Overall, Pantheon has garnered a 75% positive rating from about 400 reviews.

    Pricing and Future Plans

    Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen is still evolving. The Early Access version is available for around $40 on Steam, allowing players to explore six large areas that include dungeons, unique monsters, and a crafting system with 10 different professions. The developers have plans for future expansions, which will introduce new classes, races, zones, visual upgrades, and gameplay mechanics.

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  • Path of Exile 2 – Top ARPG Rising on Steam Charts

    Path of Exile 2 – Top ARPG Rising on Steam Charts

    On December 6, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) introduced their new game, Path of Exile 2, into Early Access. This release comes exactly 11 years after the original game, allowing players to dive back into the dangerous, shadowy realm of Wraeclast. They will face towering bosses, relentless hordes of monsters, and a variety of magical dangers. After the lukewarm launch of its rival, Diablo 4, action RPG enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for a noteworthy game, and the success of PoE 2 shows just how much they have been looking forward to it. Just three days post-launch, the game soared to the top of SteamDB’s Popular Releases chart, reaching a peak of 578,569 concurrent players, and it now stands as Steam’s best-selling game.

    Class Selection and Story Chapters

    In Early Access, players can select from six out of the twelve planned classes and enjoy three of the six story chapters. Staying true to the genre’s roots, the core of Path of Exile 2 is found in its endgame, which is fully available from the start. Players aim to forge their way through massive groups of monsters and powerful bosses, collecting strong gear to confront increasingly challenging tasks. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) seeks to maintain player engagement by adding procedurally generated areas, making sure that each forest or cave feels unique.

    Free-to-Play Model and Supporter Packs

    Similar to its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play when it fully launches. For those who are impatient and don’t want to wait until 2025, there are three supporter packs currently available. These packs provide early access and include in-game currency that matches the value of the pack. The basic pack, available for $30 on Steam, offers 300 points, which can be spent in the in-game store on cosmetic items or enhancements like stash expansions. Right now, Path of Exile 2 can be played on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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  • Atlyss: New Action RPG with Zelda Vibes Tops Steam Charts

    Atlyss: New Action RPG with Zelda Vibes Tops Steam Charts

    The action RPG Atlyss, crafted by Kiseff and brought to life by KisSoft, launched into Early Access on November 23. This indie game plunges players into a strange fantasy realm teeming with bizarre creatures and uncharted terrains. Gamers start by picking one of five character classes (though only three are available during Early Access) and can engage in extensive character customization. The active classes—"Fighter," "Mystic," and "Bandit"—emphasize melee fighting, ranged assaults, and magical abilities. After selecting a class, players can roam through an open world that encourages free exploration.

    Enigmatic Adventures Await

    Players have the opportunity to discover mysterious sites, embark on quests, and battle various monsters. A standout feature is the dungeons, which include challenging puzzles and tough enemies, similar to the shrines found in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Early Access version already boasts two playable dungeons, with the "Rage Boar Dungeon" being notably tough and packed with demanding challenges.

    Dynamic Combat System

    The active battle system is highly praised, drawing comparisons to Zelda but with a more robust emphasis on particular play styles thanks to the class system. Atlyss also shares visual similarities with Nintendo’s beloved RPGs, yet it leans more towards older games like The Wind Waker or Twilight Princess.

    Seamless Gameplay Experience

    What distinguishes Atlyss is its smooth transition between single-player and multiplayer modes. Players can fully enjoy the world of Atlyss solo without missing out on any content. For those who enjoy playing with friends, the online mode can be activated at any moment. In this mode, players can tackle challenges together, explore dungeons, or engage in PvP matches against others.

    In conclusion, the action RPG concept appears to be gaining traction among players. It currently holds a remarkable 97 percent positive review rating (from 2,300 reviews), placing it at the top of the SteamDB chart in the "Hot Releases" category. As reported by SteamDB, Atlyss has achieved an impressive peak of over 10,000 players playing at the same time. The game is priced at $9.99 on Steam. The duration of the Early Access phase remains uncertain.

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