The air is getting crisp, the days are shorter, and there’s a definite chill in the air – which means it’s the perfect time for the Tabletop Tavern to unveil its much-anticipated Winter Update!
Get ready to bundle up and dive into a host of new features, events, and a general festive spirit that will make your game nights even more magical.
A Winter Wonderland Makeover!
First things first, you’ll notice the Tavern has had a beautiful winter makeover. Snow gently falls outside the windows, garlands adorn the walls, and a warm, inviting glow emanates from every corner.
It’s the perfect ambience for settling in with your favourite board game and a warm drink.
Tabletop Tavern on Steam – https://shorturl.at/nIs0h
If you’ve been looking for the next big thing to play with your squad, keep your eyes on the Shroud. False Summit, a two-person indie powerhouse, just officially announced RUNE GUNNER—a 4-player co-op roguelite shooter that looks like the chaotic lovechild of Remnant II and Risk of Rain.
The game was just revealed (as of December 2025) with a scheduled Early Access release in Q3 2026. Here is everything we know about this high-octane blend of sorcery and lead.
The Story: A World Consumed by the Shroud
In RUNE GUNNER, you aren’t just fighting for loot; you’re fighting for survival. Your ancestors’ quest for immortality backfired spectacularly, unleashing a corruptive force known as The Shroud. Now, the world is crawling with deadly “Constructs.”
The only way to fight back? You have to embrace the same unstable, world-ending magic that powers your enemies. It’s a classic “fight fire with fire” scenario, but with much bigger explosions.
Gameplay: Build-Breaking Synergies
The core of RUNE GUNNER is its “No Flat Stats” philosophy. Forget “+5% Damage” buffs; this game is about Runes that fundamentally change how you play.
Customizable Classes: You start with an innate Hero class but can mix in new classes mid-run. This allows you to stack active abilities and passive Runes on the fly.
Game-Breaking Combos: The developers are explicitly encouraging players to find “meta-breaking” synergies. For example:
Stacking shield effects to bypass reloads and achieve infinite ammo.
Using burning enemies to trigger chain-reaction explosions.
Scaling damage infinitely by avoiding reloads entirely.
Key Features at a Glance
Feature
Details
Players
1–4 Player Online Co-op
Genre
Roguelite Third-Person Shooter
Developer
False Summit
Progression
Shared arsenal and permanent meta-upgrades
Environment
Procedurally generated rooms in “The Shroud”
Why We’re Excited
What sets RUNE GUNNER apart from the sea of roguelite shooters is its focus on creativity over grind. Because the runes tweak the behaviour of your loadout rather than just the numbers, every run promises a genuine “Aha!” moment when you discover a new way to break the game’s difficulty curve.
The art style is sleek and stylised, and the promise of a “shared arsenal” means you won’t feel like you’re falling behind your friends if you play at different paces.
When Can You Play?
The Steam page is live now, and a demo is expected soon. Mark your calendars for the Early Access launch in Q3 2026.
Pro Tip: Head over to Steam and wishlist it now. For a two-person dev team, wishlists are the lifeblood of a successful launch!
December is a massive month for wanderers in the Jianghu. Following its successful launch in November, Where Winds Meet (often searched as The Wind’s Path due to its literal translation) has just dropped its most ambitious update yet: Version 1.1 “Timeless Bonds.”
Whether you are playing on PC, PS5, or joining the brand-new mobile community, here is everything you need to know about the December 2025 expansion.
🏜️ New Region: The Roaring Sands
The world of tenth-century China just got a lot bigger. Northwest of Kaifeng, the Roaring Sands region is now open for exploration.
Expect a stark contrast to the lush forests of Qinghe. This vast desert sub-region introduces:
Harsher Environments: New survival mechanics and desert-specific traversal.
Hidden Paths: Ancient ruins and mini-dungeons buried beneath the dunes.
New Narrative Arc: The “River Master” campaign, which dives deeper into the late-game Wuxia lore.
📱 Global Mobile Launch & Cross-Progression
As of December 12, Where Winds Meet is officially available on iOS and Android. The best part? The game features full cross-progression. You can link your account to swap seamlessly between your PC/PS5 setup at home and your phone while on the go. Your character data, purchases, and story progress follow you everywhere.
⚔️ New Bosses & Combat Challenges
Two formidable enemies have arrived to test your mastery of martial arts:
River Master: A campaign-specific boss tied to the new story content.
Feng Ruzhi: A high-difficulty world boss that will require precision parrying and strategic use of your “Mystic Arts.”
For endgame players, the Sword Trial: Scarlet Shock and the Hero’s Realm: Blazing Gale Dance (a 10-player cooperative raid) are set to launch later this month (Dec 21), offering the highest tier of PvE loot currently available.
👘 The Velvet Shade Sect & Customisation
A new sect has emerged: Velvet Shade. Unlike some of the more combat-heavy schools, Velvet Shade focuses on the aesthetic and social side of the Jianghu.
The Great Faceologist: A limited-time event where players can participate in customisation challenges to earn exclusive presets and makeup styles.
Fortune Beyond Parlour: A social event offering unique cosmetic rewards and mini-games.
🛠️ Key Technical Optimisations
The devs at Everstone Studio have been listening to feedback, especially from the console community. This update includes:
PS5 Visuals: Support for HDR and PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) to fix the “soft” image quality and ghosting issues reported at launch.
RTX 50 Series Support: Added DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation for PC players on the latest hardware.
UI Overhaul: While a major UI cleanup is scheduled for January 9 (V1.2), this patch already addresses text overflow and localization bugs in multiple languages.
🗓️ What’s Next? (December Roadmap)
December 21: Sword Trial “Scarlet Shock” and Hero’s Realm Raid release.
December 27: The 1st Anniversary of the original CN server release (expect community gifts!).
December 30: The Fireworks Festivalkicks off to ring in the New Year.
Wanderer, the desert is calling. Which part of the Roaring Sands are you most excited to explore first?
The Wind’s Path – https://endless-project.itch.io/winds-path
Commanders, prepare for a seismic shift in the Mechabellum battlefield! Season 6, “Rift and Tech,” has officially landed, bringing with it a host of exciting new units, game-changing mechanics, and a fresh meta that will challenge even the most seasoned strategists.
This season promises to shake up established build orders and force players to adapt with innovative tactics. Let’s break down some of the key features and what they mean for your future victories.
The Rift: A New Dimension of Strategy
The most talked-about addition is undoubtedly the “Rift” mechanic. This new environmental feature introduces dynamic portals that can appear on the map, offering both strategic opportunities and perilous threats.
Imagine deploying your heavy-hitting Warlords through a rift to flank an unsuspecting enemy position, or using them to quickly reinforce a crumbling front line.
The possibilities for rapid redeployment and surprise attacks are immense. However, beware! Rifts can also be a double-edged sword, allowing your opponent to do the same, or even splitting your forces at crucial moments. Understanding rift placement and timing will be paramount to mastering Season 6.
Have you played Mechabellum? What are your favourite unit combinations or strategies? Let us know in the comments below!
Get ready, Blockheads and Bikini Bottomites, because the most porous collaboration in gaming history has arrived! The Minecraft x SpongeBob SquarePants Biomes DLC has just dropped, and it’s time to pack your pickaxes and prepare for a pineapple-under-the-sea adventure like no other.
This isn’t just a simple skin pack; Mojang and Nickelodeon have truly outdone themselves, crafting an entire world bursting with the iconic charm and hilarious antics of SpongeBob SquarePants. If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the Krusty Krab in block form or building your own coral reef alongside Patrick, your dreams have officially come true!
Here’s a sneak peek at what makes this DLC an absolute must-have:
Explore the Wonders of Bikini Bottom!
The core of this DLC is the complete transformation of your Minecraft world into Bikini Bottom. Forget your usual plains and forests; now you’ll be navigating vibrant underwater biomes, each lovingly recreated from the show.
Jellyfish Fields: Get ready to grab your net and chase some electric jellyfish! This biome is a stunning recreation of SpongeBob’s favourite pastime spot, complete with towering kelp forests and hidden caves waiting to be explored. Just watch out for giant jellyfish!
Goo Lagoon: Fancy a dip? Goo Lagoon is reimagined as a shimmering, slightly sticky biome where you can find unique resources and maybe even spot a familiar lifeguard. Don’t forget your swim trunks!
Rock Bottom: For those who dare, venture into the eerie depths of Rock Bottom. This spooky, dimly lit biome is a true test of your courage, with strange creatures and unique building blocks waiting for brave explorers.
Whether you’re a mini-golf pro or someone who just likes watching their friends descend into a pit of salt-induced rage, Golf With Your Friends has likely crossed your radar. But the Amazon Game Night Edition (part of the reimagined Amazon Luna GameNight collection) is a total game-changer for local parties.
If you’ve ever tried to host a 12-player game night only to realise you only own two working controllers and a half-broken joystick, this edition was made for you.
The “No-Controller” Revolution
The standout feature of the Amazon Game Night Edition is how it handles multiplayer. Instead of a pile of expensive hardware, your smartphone is the controller.
Scan the QR Code: A code pops up on your TV (via Fire TV or any Luna-supported device).
Join the Lobby: Everyone scans it with their phone camera.
Start Putting: Your touchscreen becomes your power meter and aiming tool.
It effectively removes the “hardware barrier” to entry. Up to 12 people can jump into a match simultaneously, making it one of the few games that can actually involve everyone in the room at once without taking turns.
Why This Edition Hits Different
Golf With Your Friends has always been about simultaneous play—no waiting for your friend to finish their 15th stroke on a Par 3. The Game Night Edition lean into this “organized chaos” with:
The Classic Course List: You get access to the fan-favourite themed courses, from the explosive Worms battlefield to the trap-filled Pirate Cove.
Power-Up Sabotage: It wouldn’t be a party without a little betrayal. You can pick up power-ups to encase your friend’s ball in ice, trap them in sticky honey, or—my personal favourite—turn their ball into a giant, un-rollable cube.
Alternate Modes: If standard mini-golf feels too tame, you can switch to Hockey mode (complete with a goalie) or Hoops mode (where you have to jump the ball into a basketball net).
Zero Setup, Max Chaos
Because this version runs through Amazon Luna, there’s no massive 50GB download or “checking for updates” while your guests stand around awkwardly. It streams directly to your TV. For Amazon Prime members, it’s often included in the rotating Prime Gaming selection, making it a high-value “free” addition to your digital library.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re playing solo, the standard Steam or Console versions are great. But if you are the designated “Game Night Host,” the Amazon Game Night Edition is arguably the superior version. It turns your living room into a high-tech arcade where the only thing people need to bring is their phone and a healthy tolerance for losing.
Pro-Tip: Enable Ball Collision in the settings. It makes the game twice as long and ten times as funny as you start physically knocking your friends off the map.
Golf With Your Friends – https://www.team17.com/games/golf-with-your-friends
Wait, don’t click away! I know how that sounds. If you told me a year ago that my most anticipated gaming experience involved taking a high-pressure water sprayer to the Land of Ooo, I would have said you’d eaten too many of Tree Trunks’ apple pies.
Yet, here we are. The PowerWash Simulator Adventure Time Special Pack is a reality, and honestly? It might just be the most “shmowzow” thing to happen to cosy gaming this year.
For fans of the zen-like, incredibly satisfying gameplay of PowerWash Simulator, a new content drop is always cause for celebration. But this isn’t just another dusty garage or a grimy subway station. This is a collision of two wildly different worlds that, somehow, works perfectly.
Here is why you need to grab your washer, crank up the PSI, and head to the Candy Kingdom.
The Ultimate Contrast: Grime vs. Vibrancy
The genius of PowerWash Simulator lies in the “reveal.” You start with something dingy, brown, and depressing, and slowly uncover the pristine object underneath. It’s a dopamine loop that’s hard to beat.
Now, apply that loop to the world of Adventure Time.
The Land of Ooo is defined by its explosive colour palette, its bizarre architecture, and the iconic art style of Pendleton Ward. It is, by nature, bright and chaotic.
When you first load into the DLC, seeing these beloved locations caked in layers of what I can only assume is post-apocalyptic sludge is genuinely shocking. But that shock quickly turns to immense satisfaction. There is nothing—and I mean nothing—quite like hitting a patch of grey muck on the Candy Kingdom walls and watching that blindingly bright bubblegum pink pop through.
It’s the ultimate visual ASMR. The contrast between the “before” and “after” has never been starker, making the cleaning process feel more rewarding than ever.
Iconic Locations That NEED a Wash
The developers at FuturLab didn’t skimp on the map selection. They went straight for the heavy hitters, and seeing these sprawling locations rendered in fully explorable 3D is a treat in itself.
We’re talking about massive jobs that will steal hours of your evening:
Finn and Jake’s Tree Fort: This is the holy grail. It is massive, intricate, and absolutely filthy. Cleaning out the treasure room, blasting the grime off the kitchen where Jake makes bacon pancakes, and climbing to the very top turret is a nostalgic trip.
The Candy Kingdom: Princess Bubblegum runs a tight ship, so you know she’s stressing about the mess. The textures here are great—the dirt feels sticky and sugary, making the cleanup feel extra necessary.
The Ice Kingdom: You haven’t lived until you’ve power-washed the frozen snot off the Ice King’s mountains while Gunter watches judgmentally.
Lemongrab’s Castle: This place is already terrifying. Add layers of grime, and it’s a horror show. Cleaning it is the only way to make it… ACCEPTABLE!
The Vibe Check
What makes this pack transcend a simple “reskin” is the atmosphere. The developers nailed the tone.
The text messages you receive while cleaning are spot-on character interactions. Getting texts from Finn encouraging your cleaning prowess, or Ice King complaining about you disturbing his “princess artefacts,” adds that necessary layer of Adventure Time humour to the solitary act of washing.
Furthermore, the gear is Algebraic. We get themed character skins for the power washers and nozzles that look like they were cobbled together by BMO. It doesn’t change the core gameplay, but it helps immerse you in the cartoon world.
The Final Verdict: Totally Math
The PowerWash Simulator Adventure Time Pack is the perfect palette cleanser (pun intended) between stressful AAA game releases. It’s a warm blanket of nostalgia combined with the oddly compelling gameplay loop of turning dirty things clean.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of Finn and Jake looking to explore Ooo in a new way, or just a PowerWash addict looking for your next fix, this expansion is essential.
Grab your gear, dude. Ooo is filthy, and only you can save it.
Progen’s newest hypercar has hit Legendary Motorsport. Is it a game-changer or just another pretty garage ornament?
It’s another week in Los Santos, another update, and another reason to empty that Maze Bank account. Rockstar has just dropped the latest addition to the supercar roster, and it’s sporting a familiar badge: Progen.
Known for clinical British engineering and track-dominating monsters like the Emerus and the T20, Progen has a reputation to uphold. Their newest entrant, the Progen Luiva, comes with a staggering price tag and promises of blistering performance.
I picked one up, fully upgraded it at LS Customs, and took it for a spin from the Vinewood Hills to the Palomino Freeway to answer the ultimate question: Is the Luiva worth the hype?
Here is the full rundown.
The Aesthetics: Futuristic Brutality
The first thing you notice about the Luiva is that it doesn’t look like it was meant for public roads. It looks like it escaped from a Le Mans prototype paddock in the year 2035.
While Progen usually borrows heavily from McLaren, the Luiva seems to take a different approach. It’s incredibly low, very wide, and features aggressive active aerodynamics. The front fascia is dominated by massive air intakes, and the rear features a truly unique, layered diffuser setup and a dynamic spoiler that adjusts based on your speed and braking.
It straddles the line between “elegant” and “menacing.” It doesn’t have the smooth curves of the Itali RSX; it has sharp creases and functional vents. It looks fast standing still.
Under the Hood: The Performance
Looks are great, but in GTA Online, performance is king. You aren’t spending millions just to look good parked outside the Casino.
Acceleration: The Luiva is a rocket. Off the line, it has very little wheelspin, thanks to an advanced AWD system. It eats up the 0-60 mph sprint almost instantly. It feels slightly faster off the line than the Krieger, putting it in the upper echelon of launch capability. In city traffic, this thing is a weapon, allowing you to shoot gaps that shouldn’t exist.
Handling and Traction: This is where Progen usually shines, and the Luiva is no exception. The downforce on this car is immense. You can take high-speed sweepers on the freeway almost flat-out without the back end stepping out. It feels incredibly “planted” to the tarmac.
However, it’s sharp. Very sharp. The steering is incredibly responsive, almost twitchy. If you aren’t smooth with your inputs, you might find yourself overcorrecting into a lamppost. But once you master that sensitivity, it’s a surgeon’s scalpel on a technical track.
Top Speed: While I haven’t done scientific testing on the longest straight, the top speed feels competitive with the current meta, though perhaps not the absolute king. It will easily outrun 95% of traffic, but on a pure drag race down the LSIA runway, a Pariah or a Deveste Eight might just edge it out at the very top end.
Customization Potential
For a high-end supercar, the customisation options are surprisingly robust. You aren’t just stuck with changing the colour and rims.
Active Aero: You can modify the rear wing options, though the stock active wing is hard to beat visually.
Liveries: The Luiva comes with some fantastic racing liveries. There are clean manufacturer stripes, full-blown GT-racer sponsorships, and a particularly nice “stealth” camo option that looks incredible at night.
Bodywork: You have options for vented hoods, aggressive splitters, and carbon fibre diffusers to really dial in that “track toy” look.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Progen Luiva is an absolute beast, but it comes with an eye-watering price tag (as all good things in LS do).
The Good:
Incredible acceleration and launch.
Top-tier cornering grip; it sticks like glue.
Aggressive, unique, futuristic styling.
The Bad:
Extremely expensive (both purchase price and upgrades).
Steering might be too twitchy for casual drivers.
The engine note is a bit underwhelming compared to the screaming V12s of its competitors.
Final Thoughts: If you are a racer looking to shave tenths of a second off your lap times in Stunt Races, the Luiva is a must-have contender for the top spot. If you are a car collector who loves high-tech machinery, you need this in your garage.
However, if you are tight on cash and already own a Krieger or an Emerus, the Luiva isn’t going to revolutionise your experience. It’s a brilliant evolution, not necessarily a revolution.
The world of Amasia has never been more dangerous—or more rewarding. With the arrival of Season 3: Ender Busters, SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada has entered its most intense phase yet. Whether you are a veteran Drifter or a newcomer looking to pilot your first Cradlecoffin, this season brings massive shifts to the PvPvE extraction loop.
Here is everything you need to know about the Ender Busters update and the brand-new Season 3.5 content that just dropped.
🌑 Into the Dark: New Maps & Hazards
Season 3 has shifted the focus toward high-stakes, low-visibility operations. The primary addition, East Amasia: Night, isn’t just a palette swap; it’s a high-difficulty environment that forces you to rely on your Magus’s sensors more than ever.
Rotating Seasons: The night map alternates between Dry and Rainy seasons. The rain in Synduality isn’t just atmosphere—it’s toxic. Managing your Cradlecoffin’s integrity while navigating the pitch-black ruins adds a thick layer of tension.
The Polluted Forest: Just released in the Season 3.5 Mid-Season Update, this new area is crawling with high-tier Enders and offers unique loot for those brave enough to dive into the corruption.
⚔️ The “Ender Busters” Game Mode
The name of the season isn’t just for show. A dedicated Ender Busters PvPvE game mode has been introduced. Unlike the standard extraction runs, where survival is the only goal, this mode focuses on:
High-Density Combat: More frequent encounters with both Enders and rival Drifters.
Relic Recovery: A new mechanic where you must secure and extract specific artefacts to progress your Season 3 quests.
Butcher Bandits: Watch out for new NPC factions like the Butcher Assassin and Butcher Exterminator. These aren’t your typical grunts—they use advanced tactics and can shred an unprepared Cradle in seconds.
🤖 Meet the New Magus Types
Your AI partner is the heart of the game, and Season 3 expands your options with two new types available via the Drifter Pass:
AI-Type: Focused on high-level data analysis and combat efficiency.
Eine-Type: A more specialised model with unique interaction subroutines.
Note: These new Magus types are currently exclusive to the Ultimate Drifter Pass owners, so if you’re looking to upgrade your companionship, that’s the way to go.
🛠️ Gears and APK Equipment
The meta has shifted with the introduction of APK Equipment. Unlocked through quest progression, APK items allow for random crafting, giving you a chance to roll high-tier stats on weapons and Cradle parts.
Season 3 Loadout Highlights:
Item Type
New Addition
Key Feature
Cradle
BOWIERABBIT+3
Enhanced mobility for night sorties.
Cradle
JACKBOX+4
Balanced defense for long-term extraction.
Weapons
APK Variants
Balanced defence for long-term extraction.
Outfit
Ender Busters
The signature seasonal aesthetic for your Drifter.
💡 Quick Tips for Season 3 Success
Respect the Dark: In the Night map, visual detection is halved. Keep your Magus’s Scan Range upgraded to spot “Butcher Bandits” before they spot you.
Don’t Sleep on Insurance: With the new high-difficulty areas, the risk of losing your gear is at an all-time high. The insurance system has been tweaked this season to be more automated, so make sure your payouts are set.
Watch the Weather: The transition between Dry and Rainy seasons happens on a timed rotation. Check the schedule before you deploy so you don’t get caught in a downpour with a low-durability mech.
Season 3: Ender Busters is a clear signal that Bandai Namco is leaning into the “high-risk, high-reward” nature of extraction shooters. Between the atmospheric night raids and the relentless new Bandit leaders, the surface of Amasia has never felt more alive—or more lethal.
Would you like me to help you put together a specific Cradlecoffin build for the new Night maps, or perhaps a guide on how to farm the new Relic items?
SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada – https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/
If you have ever wanted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 150 strangers, shouting “Vive la France!” in a questionable accent while a fifer plays a jaunty tune amidst a rain of cannonballs, then Holdfast: Nations At War is the game you’ve been looking for.
Developed by Anvil Game Studios, Holdfast is a multiplayer historical shooter that has evolved from a niche Napoleonic-era simulator into a multi-era experience that defines “emergent gameplay.” With its recent expansion to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in July 2025, the game has found a second life, bringing its unique brand of social chaos to a whole new audience.
One Game, Two Eras
What makes Holdfast unique in the modern landscape is its dual-mode structure. When you buy the game, you are essentially getting two distinct historical experiences:
1. The Napoleonic Wars
The “classic” Holdfast experience. Players take the role of soldiers from nations like the British Empire, French Empire, Prussia, Russia, and Italy.
The Gunplay: Muskets are intentionally slow, inaccurate, and laborious. You get one shot, then a long reload. This forces players to work together in “line battles” to be effective.
The Roles: It isn’t just about shooting. You can be a Musician providing buffs with a drum or flute, a Surgeon patching up the wounded, or an Officer literally drawing lines on the ground for troops to follow.
2. Frontlines (The Great War)
Introduced as a massive free expansion, Frontlines fast-forwards the clock to World War I.
The Shift: The gameplay moves from open-field volleys to trench warfare. Muskets are replaced by bolt-action rifles, machine guns, and devastating heavy artillery.
The Scale: It maintains the massive player counts (up to 150 players per server) but adds layers of destruction, grenades, and the terrifying “whistle” of an officer signalling a charge into No Man’s Land.
The Social Heart: Proximity Voice Chat
While many games feature combat, few feature a community like Holdfast. The game’s Proximity Voice Chat is its most critical feature. It creates a surreal atmosphere where:
Officers give rousing (and often hilarious) speeches before a charge.
Enemies exchange polite banter or insults while reloading their muskets five feet apart.
“Mic-spammers” provide a constant soundtrack of historical music or memes that, strangely, adds to the charm rather than detracting from it.
“Holdfast isn’t just a shooter; it’s a massive historical roleplay session where the players are the scriptwriters. The ‘jank’ is part of the joy.”
Regiments and Organised Play
For those who want more than just “organised chaos,” the game has a thriving Regimental (Clan) community. These groups host private events where the roleplay becomes serious. They practice formations, drill with bayonets, and participate in massive “Line Battles” that look like scenes from a historical epic. In 2025, these communities remain the backbone of the game, bridging the gap between PC and console players via cross-play.
Why Play in 2025?
With the 2025 console release and continued support from the developers, Holdfast occupies a space that no other game quite touches. It’s less about your Kill/Death ratio and more about the shared experience. Whether you’re manning a cannon on a 12-gun brig in a naval battle or huddling in a muddy trench in Gallipoli, the game thrives on its ability to make you feel like one small, shouting part of a massive historical machine.
Holdfast: Nations At War – https://www.holdfastgame.com
It looks like a fighting game, reads like a graphic novel, and plays like a stylistic fever dream. Here’s why you shouldn’t sleep on Street Gods.
Step into a world where the concrete jungle is literally alive with ancient power.
The indie game scene is crowded these days. It takes a lot to stand out amongst the endless sea of pixel-art roguelikes and cosy farm sims. But every once in a while, a game kickflips out of nowhere with so much inherent style and kinetic energy that you can’t ignore it.
Street Gods is that game.
If you’ve seen screenshots of it, you might be confused. Is it a fighting game? A dating sim? A cyberpunk adventure?
The answer is yes—and no. It’s a genre-bending narrative experience that oozes cool from every digital pore. I recently dove into its neon-drenched streets, and I’m here to tell you why it deserves a spot in your library.
What Exactly IS Street Gods?
At its core, Street Gods is a narrative RPG with heavy visual novel elements, developed by Deep Blue Games.
It’s set in a hyper-stylised, near-future version of reality where ancient mythological powers are resurfacing in modern urban youths. You play as a protagonist caught up in this clandestine war for territory, respect, and ultimate power.
But here’s the twist: It looks like a high-octane anime fighter—think Guilty Gear or Jet Set Radio—but you don’t actually “fight” in real-time. Instead, the battles are waged through choices, stat checks, and a unique “spin-to-win” mechanic that dictates the flow of combat scenes.
It is a game about managing your time, building your stats, navigating complex relationships, and deciding what kind of “god” you want to become.
The Vibe: Dripping with Style
The first thing that hits you about Street Gods is the aesthetic. This game doesn’t just have an art style; it has an entire vibe.
The visuals are a striking blend of comic book panels, graffiti art, and vibrant, saturated colours. Every character design is distinct and memorable, looking like they just walked off a futuristic runway designed by punks. The UI is snappy and energetic; just navigating the menus feels cool.
Backing up the visuals is an incredible soundtrack. It’s a pumping mix of hip-hop, electronic, and lofi beats that perfectly captures the rhythm of the city streets. The audiovisual experience alone is worth the price of admission. It’s one of those games you play with the headphones turned up.
Gameplay: The Weight of Choice
While the style draws you in, the narrative loop keeps you there. Street Gods operates on a “ticking clock” mechanic.
You have a limited number of days, and each day has limited time slots. Do you spend your afternoon training your agility to dodge attacks? Do you hang out with a specific faction leader to gain their favour and unlock lore? Do you work a part-time job to buy better gear?
Every choice matters because you cannot do everything in a single playthrough.
When conflict arises—and it always does—the game shifts into “combat mode.” This isn’t about button masking; it’s about narrative stakes. The game uses a spinning wheel mechanic (the “Vibe Check”) combined with your accumulated stats to determine the outcome of clashes.
It’s tense, not because you might miss a combo, but because the story branches wildly based on whether you win or lose.
Why You Should Play It
If you are looking for a traditional action game, this might not be for you. But if you love games like Persona for the time management, Disco Elysium for the deep stat-based roleplaying, or visual novels for branching narratives, Street Gods is a must-play blend of those elements.
Here is the breakdown of why it works:
Replayability is High: Because you have limited time and there are multiple factions and endings, you need to play it several times to see the whole picture.
The Writing is Snappy: The dialogue is sharp, modern, and genuinely funny without trying too hard. The characters feel distinct, each dealing with the burden of newfound power in their own way.
It Respects Your Time: A single playthrough isn’t exhaustively long, making it perfect for a weekend binge, encouraging you to dive right back in for a “New Game+”.
Final Verdict
Street Gods is a vibe check that you want to pass. It’s a bold, confident indie title that knows exactly what it wants to be: a stylish, narrative rollercoaster about gods, graffiti, and growing up.
It’s a love letter to urban culture and mythology, wrapped in a package that is visually unforgettable. Grab your headphones, pick your path, and get ready to rule the streets.
Score: 4.5/5 Neon Halos
Have you played Street Gods? What faction did you side with? Let me know in the comments below!
Fans of the original Hand of Fate and its sequel have eagerly awaited the next instalment in the series. While not a direct sequel, Hordes of Fate: A Hand of Fate Adventure promises to deliver the same unique blend of deck-building, action-RPG combat, and choose-your-own-adventure storytelling that made the previous games so captivating. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Experience
For those new to the Hand of Fate universe, imagine a roguelike where your adventure is literally laid out before you on a table of cards by a mysterious, taunting Dealer. Each card represents an encounter – a choose-your-own-adventure scenario, a combat challenge, a mini-game, or a treasure. Hordes of Fate retains this core mechanic, and it’s as engaging as ever.
What sets Hordes of Fate apart is its refined focus and streamlined approach. While the previous games offered a sprawling narrative, Hordes of Fate feels more like a series of self-contained, yet interconnected, adventures. This allows for quicker play sessions and a greater emphasis on tactical deck construction. The Dealer is back, of course, with his signature witty banter and thinly veiled threats, and he remains a highlight of the experience.
Deck Building: The Heart of the Game
As with its predecessors, your success in Hordes of Fate hinges on your deck. You’ll collect new equipment, artefacts, and encounter cards throughout your journeys. Building a synergistic deck is crucial. Do you focus on high damage weapons and aggressive combat encounters? Or do you lean into defensive abilities and beneficial narrative choices? The game encourages experimentation, and discovering powerful card combinations is incredibly satisfying.
One of the most welcome additions is the increased diversity in enemy factions and their corresponding encounter cards. This keeps the game fresh, as you’ll constantly be adapting your strategy to new threats and opportunities.
Combat: Fast-Paced and Punishing
Combat in Hordes of Fate retains the fluid, action-RPG style that fans love. Dodging, parrying, and strategically using your abilities are key to surviving the often-brutal encounters. Enemies hit hard, and a moment of carelessness can quickly lead to your demise, sending you back to the Dealer’s table.
The Verdict: A Solid Hand
Hordes of Fate: A Hand of Fate Adventure successfully builds upon the established foundation of the series while introducing enough new elements to feel distinct. The refined focus on self-contained adventures, combined with the ever-present charm of the Dealer and the addictive deck-building mechanics, makes for a highly enjoyable experience.
If you’re a fan of the Hand of Fate series, this is a no-brainer. If you’re new to the franchise and enjoy roguelikes, deck-building games, and action RPGs with a unique narrative twist, then Hordes of Fate is definitely worth shuffling into your gaming rotation. It’s a challenging, rewarding, and endlessly replayable adventure that will keep you coming back for “just one more hand.”
What are your thoughts on Hordes of Fate? Let us know in the comments below!
Hordes of Fate – https://www.spitfireinteractive.com.au/
