The world of Solasta is expanding, and with Solasta: Crown of the Magister II now in Early Access, fans of tactical turn-based RPGs have a lot to be excited about. As a spiritual successor that builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, Solasta II promises deeper mechanics, a more expansive world, and even more challenging encounters. Let’s dive into what makes this Early Access release worth checking out.
What’s New and Improved?
Right off the bat, players will notice a significant evolution in both presentation and gameplay. The developers have clearly listened to community feedback, and it shows in several key areas:
Enhanced Graphics and Environments
While Solasta: Crown of the Magister was praised for its tactical depth, some found its visual presentation a little rough around the edges. Solasta II makes noticeable strides here. Environments feel richer, character models are more detailed, and the spell effects are even more dazzling. Exploring ancient ruins or traversing the wilds of the Badlands feels more immersive than ever.
Get ready to stretch your mental muscles, puzzle fans! The long-awaited next game from legendary designer Jonathan Blow (creator of Braid and The Witness), Order of the Sinking Star, has been officially unveiled, and it promises to be a truly massive, mind-bending experience.
If you thought The Witness was a challenge, think again. This ambitious new title is setting a new standard for the narrative puzzle adventure genre.
🧩 The Premise: Four Worlds Collide
Order of the Sinking Star is a top-down, narrative adventure that begins with Queen Effia, a deposed ruler who is suddenly transported to a magical, enigmatic new realm. What follows is an exploration of a sprawling, non-linear game world built around an unprecedented number of intricate, hand-crafted puzzles.
Four Distinct Realms: The game is structured around four initial worlds, each based on a different core puzzle mechanic (often likened to a sophisticated form of Sokoban or block-pushing puzzles):
The North: Features a party of heroes (a warrior, thief, and wizard) with complementary abilities for manipulating objects.
The East: Focuses on puzzles involving mirrors, reflections, and teleportation/duplication mechanics.
The South: Involves skipping stones across water to create new paths.
The West: Puts you in command of a mechanical suit with crystal-light-based powers.
The Supercollider Effect: The true genius and difficulty of the game emerge when these four worlds begin to collide! As you progress into the overworld’s diagonal areas, the mechanics and characters from different realms merge, creating puzzles that require an understanding of two, three, or even all four systems simultaneously.
🦸 Unlikely Heroes and a Grand Mystery
You won’t be solving this mystery alone. The game features multiple unique playable characters, each with their own captivating story and abilities, including Queen Effia, a thief, a warrior, a wizard, and even, hilariously, a talking boat.
Character-Specific Solutions: Each hero brings a different perspective and set of tools. For example, the thief can pull blocks, breaking the classic Sokoban rule, while the wizard can swap places with objects. Learning to utilise and switch between these abilities is key, particularly in the later-game cross-over puzzles.
Deciphering the Lore: The story unfolds gradually. Rather than relying on heavy exposition, the narrative is told through environmental storytelling, notes you collect, and small interactions between the characters as they meet and journey together. The ultimate goal is to piece together the secrets of this enigmatic realm and the true nature of the “Order of the Sinking Star.”
🤯 A Scope Unlike Any Other
The sheer scale of this project is what truly sets it apart.
Feature
Detail
Number of Puzzles
Over 1,000 hand-crafted, interconnected puzzles.
Estimated Playtime
250+ hours for a normal run, and potentially 500+ hours for completionists.
Complexity
The first phase (the four separate worlds) is reportedly only about 5% of the total gameplay.
Quality-of-Life
Includes a generous, unlimited undo feature, allowing you to rewind all your moves for effortless experimentation.
Order of the Sinking Star is more than just a massive puzzle game; it’s a “game design supercollider,” pushing the boundaries of mechanical interaction and systemic complexity. It’s an adventure that rewards curiosity, persistence, and the pure joy of having that “Aha!” moment.
This looks like a game that will dominate the conversation among puzzle enthusiasts for years to come.
Order of the Sinking Star – https://bit.ly/m/SinkingStarGame
For years, strategy game enthusiasts and Warhammer 40,000 fanatics have shared a silent, fervent wish: a Total War game set in the grimdark future of the 41st millennium. Imagine the strategic depth, the massive battles, and the sheer spectacle of Games Workshop’s iconic universe brought to life with Creative Assembly’s unparalleled Total War engine. While Total War: Warhammer has delivered on the fantasy side, the sci-fi realm of 40k offers a unique and tantalising prospect.
Why Total War: Warhammer 40,000 is a Must-Have
The Warhammer 40,000 universe is a treasure trove of lore, diverse factions, and epic conflicts, all perfectly suited for the Total War treatment.
Factions Galore: From the stalwart Space Marines and the disciplined Astra Militarum to the ravenous Tyranids, the ancient Aeldari, the destructive Orks, and the insidious Chaos forces, 40k boasts a roster of factions, each with unique playstyles, units, and tactical considerations. Imagine leading a phalanx of Imperial Guardsmen supported by Leman Russ battle tanks against a horde of greenskins, or orchestrating a lightning-fast assault with jetbikes and wraithlords. Each faction presents an entirely new strategic puzzle.
Strategic Depth: The 40k universe is defined by galaxy-spanning wars. A campaign map stretching across star systems, with players managing resources, researching technologies (like new weapon systems or psychic powers), and navigating diplomatic (or more likely, hostile) relations between factions, would be an absolute dream. Imagine launching orbital bombardments, deploying drop pods, or even orchestrating warp incursions.
Epic Battles: Total War’s real-time battles are its bread and butter, and 40k provides the perfect canvas for truly cinematic engagements. Imagine hundreds of models clashing on screen: Bolter fire tearing through infantry, Leman Russ tanks exchanging volleys with Ork Killa Kans, and powerful psykers unleashing devastating psychic assaults. The sheer scale and visual fidelity would be breathtaking.
What We’d Love to See
For a Total War: Warhammer 40,000 game to truly shine, a few key elements would be crucial:
Diverse Battlefield Environments: From desolate desert planets and war-torn hive cities to verdant alien worlds and the claustrophobic interiors of space hulks, the variety of battlefields in 40k would be immense.
Hero Units with Real Impact: Chapter Masters, Warbosses, Farseers, and Daemon Princes aren’t just powerful individuals; they can turn the tide of battle. Implementing their unique abilities and aura effects in a meaningful way would be essential.
Total War Warhammer – https://www.totalwar.com/news/total-war-warhammer-40000
The wait is finally over! Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity, the sixth and latest expansion, has set sail, taking the heroes of Tyria to the fabled, yet dangerously mysterious, island realm of Castora. Following the events of Janthir Wilds, the fight against a persistent, dangerous threat—the Inquest—has led us across the seas to a land steeped in ancient magic and warped, unique wildlife.
Here’s a look at what awaits you on this grand new adventure!
🗺️ A New Realm to Explore: The Island of Castora
Castora is no ordinary land. Long rumoured to be inaccessible or even non-existent, this island is infused with potent ley-line energy that has twisted the local flora and fauna into something truly unique.
Two Launch Maps: Dive straight into the adventure with two new explorable maps, Shipwreck Strand and Starlit Weald, each filled with new adventures, collections, and rewards.
The Inquest’s Plot: The primary storyline sees the Commander and their allies—including returning favourites like Rytlock Brimstone and Sayida the Sly—rushing to Castora to thwart the Inquest’s machinations. The Asuran organisation, now under new leadership, is looking to exploit the island’s magical riches.
Quarterly Updates: Like its predecessor, Visions of Eternity will unfold over a series of free major releases in 2026, bringing two additional maps and the continuation of the main storyline.
✨ The Return of Elite Specialisations
Perhaps the most anticipated feature for veteran players is the introduction of nine new Elite Specialisations, one for each profession! This marks a huge expansion of build options and playstyles, opening up a fresh meta across all game modes.
Profession
Elite Specialization
Theme / Key Mechanic
Elementalist
Evoker
Spiritual Summoners who call upon elemental familiars (Fox, Otter, Hare, Toad).
Engineer
Amalgam
A dark-science focused spec that utilizes strains and morph skills for unique hybrid combat.
Revenant
Conduit
A dark-science focused spec that utilises strains and morph skills for unique hybrid combat.
Thief
Antiquary
Proactively manage Cosmic Wisdom and Release Potential skills, utilising affinity for empowered effects.
Warrior
Paragon
Further details to be revealed, but hints suggest a return to the classic Guild Wars 1 spearmaster.
Necromancer
Ritualist
Further details to be revealed, likely focused on summoning and spiritual connections.
Mesmer
Troubadour
Further details to be revealed, artwork suggests a musical, instrument-based playstyle.
Ranger
Galeshot
Further details to be revealed, focused on ranged or aerial attacks.
Guardian
Luminary
Further details to be revealed.
🌊 Enhanced Skimmer Mastery and New Legendaries
The often-underused Skimmer mount is getting a significant upgrade with a new Mastery Track: Skimmer Adaptation. Expect to unlock new abilities, including the capacity to hover, dive, and soar, making traversing Castora’s varied landscape a breeze.
For the collectors, a new suite of Legendary rewards awaits:
Legendary Weapon: The Aetheric Anchor, a legendary weapon that manifests as both a spear (Bellum) and a staff (Pax).
Legendary Aquabreather:Selachimorpha, an item sure to make aquatic content more stylish.
Other Legendaries: A Legendary Ring and Accessory will follow in the subsequent quarterly updates.
🏡 Home is Where the Homestead Is
The popular Homestead system introduced in Janthir Wilds is being expanded upon!
New Location: Unlock a new Homestead instance on the tropical coast of Comosus Isle.
Layouts Feature: The new Layouts feature allows players to save, load, share, and edit their decoration arrangements, making it easier than ever to switch between their Janthiri and Castoran paradises.
Visions of Eternity promises to be a return to some fan-favourite features, a continuation of Tyria’s overarching narrative, and an exciting push into uncharted territory. Log in now and begin your journey to Castora—the fate of Tyria (and potentially beyond) once again rests in the Commander’s hands!
Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity – https://welcome.guildwars2.com/
Since its debut as Asphalt 9: Legends in 2018, the game, now globally rebranded as Asphalt Legends (or Asphalt Legends Unite on some platforms), has cemented its status as the pinnacle of arcade racing on mobile devices. But with its recent expansion to PC and consoles, this high-octane spectacle is proving it can burn rubber across any platform.
If you love blazing speed, gravity-defying stunts, and a garage packed with real-world hypercars, then buckle up. This is a look under the hood of what makes Asphalt Legends a true racing phenomenon.
🌟 Speed, Style, and Stunts: The Core Experience
Asphalt Legends isn’t just about winning a race; it’s about putting on a spectacular show while doing it. The gameplay is pure arcade bliss, prioritising adrenaline over realism.
Arcade Racing at its Finest: Forget complex simulations. Here, you’ll find easy-to-grasp mechanics like drifting for speed boost and the iconicNitro Pulse—a burst of pure speed that lets you tear through the track and smash opponents with satisfying 360° takedowns.
A Hypercar Dream Garage: The game boasts an ever-expanding roster of over 250 licensed, meticulously detailed cars from elite manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, and McLaren. Collecting and upgrading these beauties is a core part of the grind—or the fun, depending on your perspective!
Stunning Global Tracks: Race through circuits inspired by breathtaking real-world locations, from the neon streets of Osaka to the majestic Himalayas and the sunny Caribbean. Each track is a rollercoaster of ramps, alternate routes, and environmental chaos.
🎮 Built for Every Driver: Controls and Modes
One of the game’s smartest features is its accessibility, especially on touch devices.
TouchDrive™: This innovative control scheme is perfect for casual players. It handles the steering and acceleration, leaving you to focus on timing your drifts, nitro, and stunts. It’s great for quick, satisfying races on the go.
Manual Controls: For veterans who crave precision and a higher skill ceiling, the classic Tilt-to-Steer or Tap-to-Steer manual options are always there, offering the absolute rush of shaving milliseconds off your time.
Deep Content: The Career Mode offers a massive single-player campaign with endless seasons and challenges. Beyond that, the game is constantly refreshed with:
Multiplayer World Series: Compete in real-time online battles against up to seven other players.
Daily and Seasonal Events: Limited-time challenges that are key to unlocking exclusive cars and blueprints.
Unique Race Types: From the high-stakes Hunted police chases to the co-op Team Pursuit mode.
🌐 The Evolution to Legends Unite
The latest iteration of the game, often marketed as Asphalt Legends Unite, has pushed the franchise even further by embracing full cross-platform play. Whether you’re on a mobile device, PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you can now race against—or alongside—friends from any platform. This shift has united the global community, ensuring the online lobbies are always buzzing with action.
⚡ The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time?
As a free-to-play title, Asphalt Legends delivers an unparalleled, visually stunning, and endlessly engaging arcade racing experience. It’s perfect for anyone seeking quick, thrilling races packed with excitement.
The Good:
Jaw-dropping graphics and sound.
Incredible roster of real-world supercars.
Highly accessible yet skill-based gameplay.
Constant stream of new content and events.
A Note on the Grind: Like many free-to-play games, progress in Asphalt Legends revolves around collecting car “blueprints” and currency, which can feel slow at higher levels. While this can be bypassed with in-app purchases, a dedicated player will find plenty of rewarding challenges without spending a dime.
Asphalt Legends is a must-download for arcade racing fans. It’s a spectacular speed fantasy that continues to set the pace for the genre.
Ever played a game where the only rule is that there are no rules? Sounds chaotic, right? Well, that’s the beautiful, messy, and utterly exhilarating essence of “No Law,” a game that promises pure anarchy and delivers unforgettable moments. Forget intricate mechanics, complex storylines, or even a clear objective – No Law is a blank canvas for emergent gameplay, where the players themselves dictate the narrative.
What is “No Law”?
At its core, “No Law” isn’t a game in the traditional sense, but rather a framework for improvisation and player-driven creativity. Think of it as a social experiment disguised as a game. It typically involves a group of people, a designated “space” (which could be anything from a living room to an entire park), and a simple premise: anything goes. There are no pre-defined roles, no victory conditions, and no rulebook to consult. The magic happens in the interactions, the decisions, and the sheer audacity of the players.
The Beauty of Chaos
The initial moments of a “No Law” game can be a fascinating study in human behaviour. Some players might immediately seize the opportunity to create order, attempting to establish their own rules or take leadership. Others might embrace the chaos, testing boundaries and engaging in playful mischief. This dynamic interplay is where the true fun begins.
One of the most compelling aspects of “No Law” is its ability to generate unique and often hilarious scenarios. Imagine a game where:
Someone declares themselves king and tries to levy taxes on other players, who then respond by forming a rebellion.
A group decides to build a makeshift fort out of pillows and blankets, leading to an epic pillow fight siege.
Two players spontaneously decide they are rival detectives, each investigating a “crime” that no one else is aware of.
The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by the collective imagination of the group.
Why Play “No Law”?
Unleash Creativity: Without the constraints of rules, players are free to think outside the box and invent their own challenges, goals, and interactions. It’s a fantastic way to foster improvisational skills and creative problem-solving.
Social Experimentation: “No Law” offers a unique lens into group dynamics. You’ll see how different personalities react to the absence of structure, how leaders emerge (or don’t), and how communities form (or fall apart) in real-time.
Pure Fun and Laughter: Let’s be honest, sometimes the most fun comes from the unexpected. The sheer absurdity and unpredictability of “No Law” guarantee plenty of laughter and memorable anecdotes.
No Two Games Are Alike: Because the game is entirely player-driven, every single session of “No Law” will be completely different. This replayability is a huge draw, as you never know what new madness will unfold.
How to Get Started
Getting a “No Law” game going is incredibly simple:
Gather Your Players: The more, the merrier, but even a small group can have a blast.
Define Your Space: This could be a single room, a backyard, or even a virtual space online.
State the Core Premise: “There are no rules, do whatever you want.”
Let Go: The most important step is for everyone to embrace the idea of genuine freedom and see where it takes them.
You might find it helpful to have a few simple props on hand – things like blankets, toys, or even just pens and paper – as these can often spark ideas and act as catalysts for emergent play.
Beyond the Chaos
While “No Law” thrives on anarchy, it often leads to fascinating patterns of emergent order. Players, even without explicit rules, tend to create their own social contracts, alliances, and even impromptu mini-games within the larger “no-rule” framework. It’s a testament to the human desire for structure, even when explicitly told there is none.
So, if you’re looking for a refreshing break from overly structured games, or if you simply want to experience the thrill of true creative freedom, gather some friends and dive into the beautiful chaos of “No Law.” You might just discover your new favourite way to play.
What’s the wildest thing that’s ever happened in your “No Law” game? Share your stories in the comments below!
The second week of July is going to be very busy in Brighton as the game developer community come together for the Develop:Brighton event that takes place from the 8th to the 10th and right in the middle of that is the GamesIndustry.biz Summer Party that take place on the 9th of July in Horatio’s Bar on the iconic Brighton Pier.
To find out more about the GamesIndustry.biz Summer Party go to the official website here https://shorturl.at/FOcnB
After twenty years of producing some really great games it seems that a string of bad luck has forced the Dundee-based games developer Cobra Mobile to close its doors for good. Yet it has to said this closure is just one of many throughout the industry, it sad to say that we could be losing great studios, which just goes to show how fragile this sector is.
To find out more about Cobra Mobile, head on over to the official website here https://www.cobramobile.com/
It doesn’t seem possible that Fallout Shelter has been around for ten years, but it has and it is still growing. More than this is the fact that the game has been downloaded over 230 million times to consoles and mobile devices all around the world, which is a great testament to the game and its longevity. There is still life in the game, so whether you are a vault dweller, survivor or a ghoul, there is still time to gather your gear and enter the wastelands.
To find out more about the Fallout Shelter game, head on over to Bethesda here https://bethesda.net/en/game/falloutshelter
It is a sad fact that gamers seem to get through a lot of kit in the course of their gaming efforts. With keyboards and the mouse getting the brunt of the gamers’ frustrations. But there is an upside to this as it gives games the chance to buy new products and in this case, we are looking at the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Mouse. Its main features are ultra lightweight, optical switches, 26K DPI optical sensor, 4K/8K polling rates, seamless wireless, long-lasting battery, customize and a secure grip.
To find out more about the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Mouse, go to the official website here http://nzxt.co/4aqdZYI
So you have got your brand new and shiny Nintendo Switch 2, so the last thing that you want to do is get a scratch or mark on the body of this portable games console. This is the new travel case by Belkin that comes with game card storage, a hidden AirTag compartment, abrasion and water-resistant and a heavy-duty zipper all for just £17.99!
To find out more about the Belkin Travel Case for the Nintendo Switch 2, go to the official website here https://bit.ly/4dRVnTe
There is no doubt that gamers do like a bit of colour when it comes to their gear and the Razer Phantom Collection will only be too happy to provide this for gamers with its new range of translucent peripherals that are not only colourful but offer the latest technology to support the gamer on their quest to be winners, after all that is the name of the game!
To find out more about the Razer Phantom Collection, go to the official website here https://www.razer.com/gb-en/phantom
