Updated: Mar 28, 2025 11:25 am EDT (GMT -04:00)

Friday, Mar 28, 2025

inZOI Early Access

Early Access is now underway on Steam for inZOI, the Windows edition of the eagerly anticipated lifestyle simulation from inZOI Studio and KRAFTON. Like its inspiration, The Sims, this lets you escape from your humdrum everyday life for an exciting new virtual everyday life. The developers offer this post vaguely discussing Early Access. The Early Access Trailer shows off in-game activities like crossing the street, jogging, taking selfies, and chilling, as well as more impactful elements like romance, childrearing, and partying like a rock star. Here's more:

inZOI is a life simulation game where players step into the role of creators, shaping the world as they envision and witnessing the various stories that unfold. Through this immersive experience, we aim to inspire players to appreciate life as the profound gift it is—a journey that is filled with meaning at every turn.

inZOI features a fully functional community simulation experience where characters, known as Zois, live their lives with their own free will. Zois perform actions and build relationships based on their personalities and life experiences, leading to unexpected developments such as rumors, trends, and disease.
Continue here to read the full story.

Helldivers 2 Dormant System Requirement Awakens; Locks Out Some Players

Eurogamer.net notes an uproar on the Helldivers Discord from players who are no longer able to play Helldivers 2 on PC after a recent update. At issue is the third-person shooter's requirement of a CPU with support for AVX2, Advanced Vector Extensions, which first came to Intel CPUs in 2013. Though the requirement was in place before the game launched, players without AVX2 support were previously able to run it nonetheless. Now this has changed, leaving some players irate at being locked out of a game they purchased. These unhappy customers are being reminded that this prerequisite was in place when they purchased the game, which is not doing much to quell the discontent. Word is neither developer Arrowhead nor publisher Sony have commented yet, but the story does quote one of the Discord moderators:

Yet despite moderators attempting to reply to all players, the conversation has become decidedly heated from both sides.

"I don't like to have to tell people their 13 year old processor is out of date," wrote Birby. "I have fielded this question hundreds of times in the past week. I sit here and help people in 48hr stints before going to bed. People will piss and moan and argue, not to mention insult and attack us for being the bearers of bad news. I get you're venting, but as I keep saying - it is up to you as the consumer to confirm your system meets spec before purchase, and you should never be surprised if your out of spec machine can't run the game."

Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror Released

Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror is now available for Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, offering a first-person psychological horror prequel from SOEDESCO. The Windows edition is on Steam, and it carries a 10% introductory discount for the next week. This post discusses the news, illustrated by the Launch Trailer. Word is: "To mark the occasion, we've unveiled a brand-new trailer, giving you a glimpse into the eerie environments and unsettling encounters that await." Here's the description:

Enter the broken mind of Eliza de Moor, a once-celebrated singer, now trapped in the labyrinth of her own forgotten memories. Will you be able to piece together the mystery of your past, or will you get lost in this dark and twisted reality?

Since collapsing on stage during her performance, Eliza has been suffering from amnesia. The only hope for recovering her memories lies with Doctor Stern and his experimental medicine. As Eliza, you'll navigate the reality and the world behind the broken mirror, guided by the effects of the drug. This journey will lead you to the remains of your childhood home in Ravenhill, the Dollhouse Mansion, where unspeakable horrors await.
Continue here to read the full story.

SILENT HILL f Rated in Australia

The Australian Classification Website has the expected follow up to what turned out to be an erroneous report that SILENT HILL f was Refused Classification in Australia, which would prevent the survival/horror game from being freely distributed in the region. The game turns out to be rated MA 15+, so players younger than 15 will require a guardian to purchase it. The classification is dated March 25th, and says the rating is based on "Strong Horror Violence."

More Game Releases

  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on GOG.com.* "A thrilling story-driven action RPG, with a rich open world, set in 15th century Medieval Europe. Experience the ultimate medieval adventure - through the eyes of young Henry - as you embark on a journey of epic proportions."

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

Demos and Freebies

  • Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree on Steam (Windows). "Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters across a 40+ hour story, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world."

Out of the Blue

Our scheduled maintenance went fairly smoothly yesterday. The physical server move took a little longer than expected, and it was a hot minute before we could get it to talk to the network thanks to a configuration mishap. But once that was cleared up everything came back together fine. DNS propagation was very quick for both myself and Frans, and if you are reading these words, our IP address is updated for you as well. But as I already mentions, this is a decentralized process, so we can't be sure it went as smoothly for everyone. But I haven't gotten any reports about being unable to reach us following the move, so hopefully this went well for everyone. So welcome to our new home, please enjoy the fresh electron smell while it lasts.

Well-Maintained Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

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Ubisoft Subsidiary/Tencent Partnership

Ubisoft announces the creation of a new subsidiary based on its Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six brands, saying this is a partnership with Chinese giant Tencent. This is in line with a rumor that emerged a couple of weeks ago which turned out to be spot-on. Ubisoft has been riding the struggle bus, and word is this deal adds a cool €1.16 billion ($1.25 billion USD) to its piggy bank:

Today, Ubisoft announced that it is accelerating its transformation by taking an important step in rapidly evolving its operating model with the creation of a dedicated subsidiary based on its Assassin’s Creed®, Far Cry®, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® brands. Following the formal and competitive selection process initiated by the Group earlier this year, Tencent’s will invest €1.16bn for a minority stake in the new subsidiary. This new subsidiary will focus on building game ecosystems designed to become truly evergreen and multi-platform. Backed by greater investment and boosted creative capacities, it will drive further increases in quality of narrative solo experiences, expand multiplayer offerings with increased frequency of content release, introduce free-to-play touchpoints, and integrate more social features.

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion Announced

Dotemu and Tribute Games announce MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, an arcade brawler featuring characters from the rich history of Marvel Comics. This will bring co-op support when it launches later this year for PC and consoles. An Announcement Trailer is here and about halfway through it starts showing off gameplay. Here's more on the cast of characters. the visuals, and the story:

Opening with spectacular hand-drawn animation reflecting the game’s visual homage to colorful '90s era MARVEL comic books, Dotemu revealed the first set of playable characters from the roster: Captain America, Wolverine, Spider-Man, Storm, Phyla-Vell, Venom and Nova. The trailer’s sneak peek at gameplay finds these legends uniting to throw down against menacing enemies in classically inspired side-scrolling brawls.

In MARVEL Cosmic Invasion the immortal Super Villain Annihilus has launched an unprecedented attack across the galaxy, threatening all life as we know it. Fighters both Earth-born and cosmic must now join forces in a star-spanning adventure against the deadly Annihilation Wave. Brawl through the streets of New York City all the way to the depths of the Negative Zone to foil Annihilus’ vow to spread death across the cosmos.
Continue here to read the full story.

Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt Next Month

Grinding Gear Games announces Dawn of the Hunt will rise in Path of Exile 2 on April 4th, adding the first major content update since the Early Access launch of the action/RPG sequel. All the details on what this will bring to the party are on this page. As it explains, the update will add a new Huntress class along with other changes, as discussed in the Content Reveal Video. For another look at what to expect there's a Gameplay Trailer. Here's more on the new ranged/melee hybrid:

Obliterate your enemies with the hybrid ranged and melee Huntress Step into the bloodstained boots of the Huntress, a dexterous and ferocious spear-wielding warrior. Banished from her homeland, she now stalks her prey using both ranged spear throws and close combat attacks. Her brutal arsenal is designed to make combat feel like a relentless pursuit, always in motion, moving into and out of melee range at a moments notice.

The Huntress can also Parry incoming attacks from monsters, stunning them before following up with one of several counterattacks. For example, use Disengage after a Parry to quickly jump back, gaining a Frenzy charge, then follow up with an empowered spear throw.
Continue here to read the full story.

More Game Releases

  • INAYAH - Life after Gods on Steam (Windows). "INAYAH – Life After Gods is a thrilling action-platformer with metroidvania elements. Immerse yourself in a story with multiple choices, explore diverse biomes, face more than 20 bosses, and develop your character with a unique progression system."
  • Galactic Getaway on Steam (Windows, macOS). "Explore a cozy, uncharted planet and make it your own in this wholesome multiplayer life-sim! Befriend creatures to gather rare resources and build your dream home. Play fun minigames, farm crops, and craft decorations as you shape your perfect slice of galactic paradise!"
  • Sports: Renovations on Steam (Windows). "Give sports facilities a second life in this relaxing story-driven simulator! Restore the glory of old gyms, courts and pitches, and add a sprinkle of your own style."
  • YOUR HOUSE on Steam (Windows). "A narrative puzzle-thriller that blurs the lines between games and books, reality and fiction, puzzles and storytelling."

Into the Black

Last Link of the Day: Honest Trailers - The Electric State.

Neko Ghost, Jump! and Cat Quest for Free

As its Spring Sale rolls on, the Epic Games Store's regular Thursday giveaway is here as well. There are two freebies this week, so everyone can pick up Cat Quest and/or Neko Ghost, Jump! completely free. These are for keeps if you make with the snagging over the next seven days. After that, a new giveaway arrives, listed as a mystery game for now. Here's today's non-sales pitch:

Neko Ghost, Jump! is a puzzle-platformer where you not only switch between 2D & 3D camera perspectives but also between your physical & ghost forms to solve puzzles, combat enemies, and clear levels faster.

Cat Quest is an open world RPG set in the pawsome world of cats! Leap into a grand adventure in purrsuit of the evil Drakoth and your catnapped sister! Explore Felingard's huge overworld map, risk life and limb delving into dungeons for epic loot, and lend a paw to a furry cast of characters in a flurry of side quests.

Atomfall Released

Rebellion announces Atomfall has dropped, and this postapocalyptic survival game is now available for PC, Game Pass, and PlayStation, and Xbox. You can pick up the Windows edition on the Epic Games Store and Steam, and while there isn't a launch discount, there's an opportunity to pay more for the Deluxe Edition (also available as an upgrade). This is an alternate history game based on real-world nuclear accident in the UK in the 1950s, and its Britishness is a stated feature (S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Churchill?). Here's more on that, the game, and the deluxe version:

A UK-based post-apocalyptic survival-action game, Atomfall is inspired by the real life Windscale nuclear incident in the 1950s. Players will embark on a fictionalized adventure meeting a cast of weird and wonderful characters as they try to uncover the mystery of what happened at the Atom Plant and escape the Quarantine Zone.

Atomfall’s Deluxe Edition is available digitally. This Deluxe Edition gives players the Basic Supply Bundle DLC, which offers additional items and supplies to uncover as you explore, including an exclusive melee weapon variant, additional loot caches and an item recipe. It also gives players an Enhanced Supply Bundle, which includes an exclusive pistol variant, metal detector skin and character upgrades. Alongside this, players will also enjoy access to the Story Expansion Pack: Wicked Isle DLC when released*. Players who purchase the Standard Edition can purchase the Deluxe Upgrade to enjoy the same additional content.

KARMA: The Dark World Released

Karma has finally caught up with us, as KARMA: The Dark World is now available for PC and PlayStation 5, giving rise to a new first-person psychological thriller from Wired Productions and Pollard Studio. The Windows edition is on GOG.com* and Steam with a 10% launch discount. There's also a playable demo on Steam. The weepy Launch Trailer features cinematics and gameplay hinting at the game's emotional journey. Here's word on the game, which draws its inspiration from film directors and other developers inspired by film directors:

Inspired by the works of legendary creators such as David Lynch (Twin Peaks), Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear Solid, Death Stranding), and Christopher Nolan (Inception, Interstellar), KARMA: The Dark World blends psychological horror with immersive storytelling, challenging players to uncover the deepest secrets hidden in the minds of their targets. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, the game delivers an intensely atmospheric experience with stunning visuals and a haunting narrative.

In KARMA: The Dark World, players take on the role of Daniel McGovern, an elite Roam Agent tasked with mind-diving into the memories of suspects. What begins as another routine investigation soon unravels into a dark conspiracy that challenges everything he believes. As McGovern navigates the minds of those he pursues, he must confront disturbing truths and question his own reality.
*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item. Continue here to read the full story.

Sins of a Solar Empire II - Paths to Power Released

The new Paths to Power DLC is out for Sins of a Solar Empire II, adding the first DLC to Stardock's real-time/4X space strategy sequel. This requires the base game, which gets an update to version 1.4 as part of the launch. Patch notes are in this post and here's the full Update Changelog. It's available on the Epic Games Store or Steam depending on where you initially bought the game. Check out the Launch Trailer for a look, and here are the details:

Prepare for new challenges with Paths to Power, the first DLC for Sins of a Solar Empire II! This DLC features new mission-driven scenario maps that forces players to achieve special goals to achieve victory. Test your strategic skills and shape your fate as you battle through new, high-stakes scenarios in the vast universe of Sins of a Solar Empire II.

Paths to Power includes over 10 new scenario mission maps to play-through in single-player action. You’ll need to put your skills to the test as each scenario will give you different initial play conditions and objectives to win.
Continue here to read the full story.

V Rising: V Rising Next Month

Stunlock Studios announces Invaders of Oakveil will launch on April 28 for V Rising on Steam and PlayStation 5, updating the open-world vampire survival game to version 1.1 in a nameworthy patch that includes a combat overhaul. The Invaders of Oakveil Reveal Trailer has a quick cinematic. Saying the game has now sold five million copies, the announcement outlines the new content in version 1.1:

What Awaits You in V Rising Update 1.1 - Invaders of Oakveil:

  • Explore The Oakveil Woodlands:
    A new forest biome filled with uncharted lands, deadly enemies, new bosses, and dark magic techniques waiting to be seized.
  • Castle Arena & Duels:
    Build a custom battle arena in your castle, set the rules, and engage in epic battles with friends. Or challenge foes anywhere in the world with risk-free one-on-one duels.
  • New Weapons & Spells:
    Wield powerful new weapons and spells, unlocking fresh combat strategies and playstyles to conquer formidable enemies.
  • Improved Combat:
    V Rising’s biggest combat overhaul yet is here! With a deep stat rework, rebalanced gear, and powerful new customization tools, your Vampire’s path to dominance is truly in your hands!

Continue here to read the full story.

The Precinct in May

Fallen Tree Games and Kwalee announce May 13th is the new release date for The Precinct, its not crowdfunded Police Quest-inspired sandbox police simulation. Before you schedule your vacation around this, remember that the game was announced as coming last August and delayed barely a month later. It was then due last fall, which obviously didn't happen either. Here's a new Release Date Trailer and word on what to expect from this return to the 1980s when it arrives:

You are Officer Nick Cordell Jr. As a rookie beat cop fresh out of the Academy, you’re on the front line of defence for Averno’s citizens. Dive into a world of thrilling car chases, procedurally-generated crimes, and a healthy dose of 1980s noir as you protect the populace and solve the mystery of your father’s murder in the line of duty.

The Precinct combines police sim detail with action sandbox spectacle. Patrol the streets and respond to callouts to fight criminals petty and powerful. Choose your own tactics in thrilling chases and shootouts. Feel the shifting power struggles of Averno's gangs in a living city full of procedurally generated crimes, from parking infractions to bank heists, street racing to drug deals.
Continue here to read the full story.

Strategos This Year

MicroProse announces it is publishing Strategos, a wargame that will put your real-time tactics to the test during the Age of Antiquity when it arrives later this year. As seen in the Publishing Announcement Trailer this does not appear to be based on Stratego, the classic board game that introduced so many of us to the world of turn-based strategy. It does promise a "deep, historically rich strategy experience," and the Steam Listing is live with screenshots and details. Here's more:

Simulate large scale warfare with the armies of antiquity in Strategos. With thousands of men on screen, you can recreate real or speculative historical battles between the major and minor powers of the ancient Mediterranean.

Strategos is an ancients wargame with large scale formation movements and disorder, unordered charges, pursuing, evading, routing and morale shocks, fog of war, terrain effects, flanking and command and control simulations that bring a hardcore tabletop feel to digital, real-time wargaming.
Continue here to read the full story.

AI Limit Released

AI Limit is now available for Windows and PlayStation, offering an action/RPG set in postapocalyptic China. You can get a load of this in action in the Launch Trailer, and the Windows edition is on Steam with a 10% launch discount. Word is this is set after the "collapse of the artificial ecosystem," which naturally has us curious:

After the sudden yet mysterious collapse of the artificial ecosystem, natural disasters and wars ensued, the civilization was wiped out. And in the centuries that followed, a strange substance known as the Mud spread everywhere, and monsters emerged.

You will step into the last city of mankind - Havenswell, exploring cold and damp sewers, layers of slums, sky city above the lake, etc., seeking the truth about the destruction of civilization in monster-infested ruins. Travel through wonders, face mysterious and deadly enemies, and put an end to an eerie and desperate history.
Continue here to read the full story.

Twilight Monk Released

Twilight Monk is out for Windows and Switch, and the PC edition of this 2.5D action/RPG is on Steam with a 10% launch discount. The game promises "metroidvania exploration, RPG elements, and a sprawling overworld map," as well as hand-drawn art, all seen in the Official Launch Trailer. Here's the pitch:

Set in a hand-drawn world, this 2.5D action RPG blends metroidvania exploration, RPG elements, and a sprawling overworld map. With dungeon hubs, narrative depth, and level-up mechanics, it offers freedom and classic adventure in a richly crafted fantasy setting.

The land of Speria is shrouded in darkness, with monsters ravaging villages. Survivors gather at Crescent Isle’s monastery, seeking hope from the Moonken Monks. Raziel Tenza, a Twilight Monk descendant, must stop the traitor Nox and restore peace, as internal conflicts threaten even the monks’ unity.
Continue here to read the full story.

Tennis Manager 25 Announced

As sure as 2025 follows 2024, Revound announces Tennis Manager 25 is coming to PC and consoles on May 15th, serving up a new installment in this sports management series. The game's Steam Listing is live, and the Windows and macOS edition will come to GOG.com and the Epic Games Store. The Officiel Announce Teaser is here, which is in English, despite the French in the title. Here's more on this chance to get in on the tennis racket:

Get ready for Tennis Manager 25! Discover the new features of this 2025 edition every week by following the page and adding the game to your wishlist.

Take control of a tennis academy and dive into an immersive and strategic experience. Scout the talents of tomorrow and shape their future on the court. From training young prodigies to managing professional tournaments, you’ll have to make critical decisions to climb the tennis world ranking.
Continue here to read the full story.

More Game Releases

  • Bubble Ghost Remake on Steam (Windows) (Windows). "Guide a small ghost and its bubble through an enchanted castle full of dangers and challenges in this incredible remake of the popular classic "Bubble Ghost". With over 40 levels of skill that include ingenious puzzles and challenging obstacles, get ready for hours of addictive gameplay." There's a playable demo.
  • Cinemaster Cinema Simulator on Steam (Windows). "Run your own cinema! Set showtimes, print tickets, buy new films, pop popcorn, upgrade and clean theaters. Vending machines, staffs, upgrades, and much more are coming soon!" Playable demo available.

Demos and Freebies

  • Cabbie! on Steam (Windows, Linux). "Cabbie!® is an epic high-speed adventure where you boost, drift and jump your way to victory in a frantic race against the clock, for one to four players."
  • Pirates Outlaws 2: Heritage on Steam (Windows). "Pirates Outlaws 2 is a swashbuckling roguelike deckbuilder. Collect & fuse cards, gather powerful relics and adapt your strategy during each run. Become a reputed pirate, loot the Sea Masters, challenge giant creatures and triumph in the great Arena!"

More Game Announcements

Out of the Blue

As I announced yesterday, we have website maintenance scheduled today. To recap: We should go offline shortly after 2:00 pm EDT while the server is moved to a new rack. Barring complications, we should be back online shortly thereafter, but with a new IP address. Most DNSs should update pretty quickly, but this is a decentralized process, so it could take longer for some to be able to reach us again. Again, apologies for the interruption.

Downtime Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

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