Star Trek: Resurgence is now available for Windows on the Epic Games Store, as publisher Bruner House and developer Dramatic Labs hope to inspire a resurgence in narrative Star Trek adventures. It doesn't carry a direct launch discount, but it's covered by the 25% Epic Coupon as part of the ongoing Megasale. The Launch Trailer reveals some cameos and touches on plot points, including the Trek standby of the erratic commander. Here's a bit from the Captain's Log:

Star Trek: Resurgence is a narrative adventure game featuring dialog choices, relationship building, and exploration. Alongside dialog-driven role playing and rich branching storylines, you will also engage with the Star Trek universe in a variety of other gameplay styles, including shuttle piloting, phaser fights, tricorder scanning, stealth, and micro-gameplay mechanics.

Continue here to read the full story.

To boldly go along with the release mentioned above, here's a roundup of reviews of Star Trek: Resurgence:

• Star Trek: Resurgence Review - Gaming Nexus.
• Star Trek Resurgence Game Review- Great Story, Clunky Gameplay - Gizmodo.
• Star Trek Resurgence Review - IGN.
• Star Trek: Resurgence review - PC Gamer.
• Star Trek: Resurgence review: Beam me up - Shacknews.
• Star Trek: Resurgence Review - VG247.
• Star Trek: Resurgence Review - To Tell a Tale where No One has Gone Before - Wccftech.
• Star Trek: Resurgence Review: To Unsteadily Go Where We’ve Already Been Before - Yahoo!

Everyone interested in a first-person shooter set in the Warhammer 40K universe should bolt over to Steam, where Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is now available for Windows. You can also find this for PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, with 10% launch discounts available across the board. The Launch Trailer shows off some good, old-fashioned boomer shooter gameplay. Here's more on this chance to take on the role of a Space Marine:

Load up your Boltgun and plunge into battle headfirst! Experience a perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000, classically frenetic FPS gameplay, and the stylish visuals of your favorite ‘90s retro shooters. Play as a battle-hardened Space Marine on a perilous mission across the galaxy as you fight against the Chaos Space Marines and Daemons of Chaos.

In glorious boomer-shooter style, unleash your devastating Space Marine arsenal as you blast through an explosion of sprites, pixels and blood. Run, jump and charge across huge levels to shoot, shred and slice the worst heretics across the galaxy! BLAST cultists apart with your mighty Boltgun! SMASH traitors with your Charge! SHRED the spawn of the Archenemy with your Chainsword! OBLITERATE hordes of foes with an array of iconic weapons!

Continue here to read the full story.

Developer Piccolo and publisher Private Division have released After Us for Windows on Steam and for consoles, offering a new adventure game. Be warned this requires a controller, even on PC. From the title, this could be paranoia-themed, but it's about the post-humanity future of the Earth, not that this won't provoke a little paranoia too. An Official Launch Trailer provides a moody look at a bleak future as well as some hints at an optimistic outcome. This announcement has Piccolo's thoughts on the news. Here's more, including word on the included soundtrack:

After Us (Original Soundtrack) is included with your game purchase on Steam. Experience the stunning atmospheric original soundtrack of After Us, composed by Daniel Elms. Comprised of 46 songs with a runtime of well over 3 hours, this score captures the emotional exploration of desolation and hope that players find within the game.

Play as Gaia, the Spirit of Life, and navigate stunning platforming environments in an abstract world to salvage the souls of extinct animals. Revive these creatures after learning their final fate: the last whale harpooned, the final eagle caged, the last deer hunted down, and more, while you survive encounters with dangerous, oil-covered Devourers that roam the wasteland in search of remaining life.

Continue here to read the full story.

Lana! Planet of Lana is now available for Windows, having settled into a stable orbit around the Epic Games Store, GOG.com,* and Steam (it's also available for Xbox and Game Pass). The Launch Trailer shows off the game's lush graphics and 2D puzzle/platformer gameplay. Here's a discussion of what is seen in the trailer and what to expect from the game:

A new release trailer showcases the stunning art style, rousing soundtrack from D.I.C.E. and BAFTA-nominated composer Takeshi Furukawa, and unique companion based mechanics that made Planet of Lana one of 2023’s most anticipated titles and have now won the game critical acclaim. The new trailer hints at a hidden past that may hold clues as to why gigantic alien spheres suddenly loom in the sky and stalking, spindle-legged robots stalk the lush natural landscapes of Lana’s planet. It also highlights the diversity of wondrous environments you will explore in Planet of Lana, including our first look at new areas never revealed before, as well as giving us a taste of the awe and danger you will encounter as you move between relaxing platforming, tense stealth, contemplative puzzling and thrilling action.

Through dense jungles, sunlit meadows, arid deserts and the cold steel of alien architecture, the bond that connects Lana and Mui is key to survive and progress. Planet of Lana’s unique companion mechanic means Lana and Mui must work in tandem to solve the game’s compelling puzzles and avoid the hazards that lie between you and saving everything that matters from ruin.

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item Continue here to read the full story.

Natsume announces The Winds of Anthos will blow into Harvest Moon two moons from now. Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos will launch for Windows via Steam and consoles on September 26th, offering a new installment in the agrarian adventure series. Here's a bit on this chance to sow as you reap:

The land of Anthos was a peaceful and harmonious land watched over by the Harvest Goddess and the Harvest Sprites, who protected the inhabitants of Anthos from natural disasters such as storms, earthquakes, and the like.

However, one day many years ago, Anthos experienced a severe volcanic eruption that threatened life on Anthos itself, and the Harvest Goddess and Harvest Sprites had to use all of their remaining power to keep the people and animals of Anthos safe. This left the different villages across the land blocked off from each other. Some unfortunate souls even got trapped outside their villages, and were unable to return...

Continue here to read the full story.

• Frozenheim 2nd Anniversary Special on Steam.
• Save 67% on Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition on Steam.
• Save 80% on Iron Harvest on Steam.
• Save 84% on Red Faction Complete Collection on Steam.
• Horror Promo – terrifyingly good discounts up to -90% behind every corner! - GOG.com.*

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

• Battlefield leaders form new shooter studio Time To Kill Games.
• Sega lays off 121 employees at Company of Heroes studio Relic Entertainment.

• Destiny 2 Update 7.1.0 - Season of the Deep. Here's the Launch Trailer.
• Hearthstone 26.2.2 Patch Notes.

↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• Aqua Ippan - This love letter to Metal Slug by Division 六 looks fantastic.

Official trailers.

• Hans Zimmer & Steve Mazzro - Ashfall Composer Trailer - Creating the Soundtrack for new Wasteland.
• N. Sanity Caverns Flythrough - Crash Team Rumble.
• The Crew 2: Porsche Bundle - Trailer.
• Disney Speedstorm - Steamboat Mickey Joins the Race.
• RIDE 5- AN EYE ON THE MIND AND ONE ON THE HEART.

• Left 4 Dead dev says Valve meeting was “brutal” - PCGamesN. Recollections from Chet Faliszek.

Thanks Console General.

• Destiny 2 & PlayStation Studios collaboration cosmetics revealed, live today.
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Delta (2306.230517-2200).
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Beta (2306.230517-2200).
• This Week's Deals with Gold and Spotlight Sale - Xbox Wire.

• Warcraft Arclight Rumble Beta Update 0.9.5 has Arrived.
• Backbone One – PlayStation Edition launches on Android today.
• Amazon Fire Max 11 is the company's biggest tablet yet, aims at the iPad 2022.

• Surgeon General Warns That Social Media May Harm Children and Adolescents (may require registration or subscription).
• Japanese TV Announcer Apologizes After Her Sekiro Livestream Causes Wave of Copyright Claims on YouTube. Thanks Max.
• Netflix's Password-Sharing Crackdown Finally Hits The US, Here's What It Means.
• Meta loses millions as made to sell Giphy to Shutterstock.
• Microsoft wants to help you build a website with Copilot AI.

Thanks Console General and Neutronbeam.

• The Lord of the Rings- Gollum Launches This Week With DLSS 3 - GeForce News.
• IBM unveils $100 million quantum supercomputer deal.
• Apple announces multibillion-dollar deal with Broadcom.
• Hallelujah! Windows 11 is finally introducing RGB lighting standards.
• RIP Cortana: Windows 11 is getting a new AI assistant called Copilot. Clippy 2 or go home.
• How to Get Rid of Old Electronics.
• 28 years later, Windows finally supports RAR files.
• Microsoft PowerToys version 0.70.0.
• Apple iTunes v12.12.9.4.

• Minister attacks Meta boss over Facebook message encryption plan.
• Interview With a Crypto Scam Investment Spammer.
• Dish confirms 300,000 people's data was exposed in February.
• TikTok to give Oracle sight of source code and more.
• Ads for lucrative jobs in Asia may be tech slavery scams.

• The gamer lawsuit against the Microsoft-Activision deal suffers another blow.

• Blizzard Trains Image Generator as A.I. Pervades Video Game Design - The New York Times…

Last Link of the Day: Humanity Is About To Get An “Alien” Message From Mars Tomorrow. Be sure to drink your Ovaltine! Thanks A.C.M.

Possibly in response to the news leaking, SEGA officially announces Total War: PHARAOH, a new installment in CREATIVE ASSEMBLY's strategy series. The Announce FAQ on the official website says this will arrive in October for both Epic Games Store and Steam. An Announce Trailer offers a scarab's perspective on the news, though we doubt the game will include a dung beetle faction. Here's word:

The Pharaoh is dead, and the people of Egypt, Canaan, and the Hittite empire cry out for a new leader. Many desire the power of the throne, but the path to becoming Pharaoh is a perilous one. As the leader of these great nations, you must overcome societal collapse, face natural disasters and fight to protect your people against invaders from far off lands…

Total War: PHARAOH will immerse players in the turbulent events of the Egyptian New Kingdom period where they’ll determine the fate of three great cultures as they fight for survival amid the cataclysmic Bronze-Age Collapse.

Continue here to read the full story.

Frictional Games seeks to lubricate the June 6th launch of Amnesia: The Bunker with a playable PC demo for the survival/horror sequel. This is available for Windows on Steam, while the full version of the game will also come to the Epic Games Store. For a look, a video from a couple of weeks ago supplies 10 minutes of gameplay footage. Here's word on this sample of the game's first-person horror:

The official launch of Amnesia: The Bunker is right over the horizon but Frictional Games has something to tide eager fans over until then. PC players can now download a demo of Amnesia: The Bunker. Available on Steam, the demo is available now and will give players a chance to sample the new entry until launch day. The full game launches June 6th on Steam, Epic Games Store,, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Set during World War 1, players take on the role of Henri Clement, a French soldier who finds himself trapped inside an abandoned military bunker.. but he's not alone. As Henri, players must navigate the non-linear semi-open world Bunker, using all their skills and resources to outsmart and outrun an everpresent beast that learns from your actions. The bunker is also a twisted labyrinth filled with traps and other hazards that threaten to end the soldier's life at every turn.

Continue here to read the full story.

An embargo expired today, triggering a flood of reviews for NVIDIA's new GeForce RTX 4060 Ti graphics cards. Read on for evaluations of how these fit into the landscape of gaming GPUs:

• Review- Nvidia’s $399 RTX 4060 Ti is a step forward, but only a small one - Ars Technica.
• The $399 RTX 4060 Ti 8GB Review – A decent buy for 1080p – BabelTechReviews.
• Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB Founders Edition review - Dexerto.
• NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti (8GB) review- Better 1080p ray tracing for $399 - Engadget.
• Do Not Buy: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB GPU Review & Benchmarks - Gamers Nexus (video).
• GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB (FE) review - Guru3D.
• Laughably Bad at $400- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Review - Hardware Unboxed.
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Review- Cutting Edge Gaming Under $400 - HotHardware.
• Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti Founders Edition - LanOC Reviews.
• THANK YOU NVIDIA!! - RTX 4060 Ti Review - Linus Tech Tips (video).
• GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Graphics Card Review – Featuring Zotac Twin Edge - ThePCEnthusiast.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti review - PC Gamer.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB review - PCGamesN.
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Founders Edition Review - PC Perspective.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti (8GB) review- Disappointing for $400 - PCWorld.
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB Creator Review – Techgage.
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Founders Edition Review - TechPowerUp.
• PNY GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Verto Review - TechPowerUp.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB Review - TechSpot.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Review: 1080p Gaming for $399 - Tom's Hardware.
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Founders Edition - TweakTown.

Also:

• My response to our failed 4060Ti video - JayzTwoCents (video).

Expansive Worlds and Avalanche Studios announce Emerald Coast Australia, new DLC coming soon to theHunter: Call of the Wild. As the title states, this brings the hunt down under, famed for how desperately the local flora and fauna are trying to kill you back. In addition to new locations and new critters like kangaroos and crocodiles, this will add new missions and a new rifle. It will be available on the Epic Games Store and Steam, depending on where the base game was purchased. You can find a look at what to expect in the Announcement Trailer. Read on for more:

Welcome to Australia! Discover breathtaking landscapes and hunt iconic animal species such as the Saltwater Crocodile and Eastern Gray Kangaroo as you explore this magical new hunting destination down under.

KEY FEATURES

• • Explore the Australian outback, subtropical bushlands, and tropical rainforests, and experience the natural wonder of its stunning wilderness.
• • Hunt some of Australia's most iconic fauna, including the Magpie Goose, Banteng, Saltwater Crocodile, Eastern Gray Kangaroo, and a new Great One.
• • Make new friends and work together to protect the region's beautiful but fragile ecosystem through side and story missions focused on conservation, cooperation, and community.
• • Expand your hunting arsenal with the new Zagan Varminter .22-250 Bolt-Action Rifle. Light and comfortable to shoot, it's the perfect companion for any hunting trip.

Continue here to read the full story.

Annie and the AI is now available for Windows and macOS on Steam, offering a puzzle game from NoSleepGames. Ripped from today's headlines, this puts the player in the role of the AI rather than Annie. A new trailer accompanies the news, showing off the game's hand-drawn art style. It also features the game's voice talent, as highlighted in this blurb:

Annie & The AI is a narrative puzzle game with a strong focus on existentialism and self-reflection, and the team is very excited to have Katy Bentz (Life is Strange) on board as the voice of main character Annie.

Players will take on the role of Esme, an artificial intelligence developed by the brilliant but troubled Annie, and must solve puzzles to learn and develop their intelligence. As players solve puzzles, Esme will grow in intelligence, and its relationship with its creator will deepen, exposing players to an engaging yet sensitive story.

Continue here to read the full story.

Developer Sand Castles Studio and publisher by Apogee Entertainment announce the release of Bread & Fred, an action platformer for Windows. This is available now on Steam along with its previously released playable demo. This is not exclusive, but as of now the listing on GOG.com* still says "coming soon," and it's not yet even listed on the Epic Games Store. A look at the game's penguin platforming is in the Launch Trailer. Here's more:

Tether to a friend in couch co-op and online multiplayer via Steam remote play, and get in perfect sync to jump, cling and swing across massive gaps and brain-teasing obstacles. Progress from simple snow to moving platforms and crumbling floors in the cavernous Mines. Test Bread & Fred’s plucky perseverance in the face of blustering winds and slippery ice. When co-op buddies feel like dead weight, tether to a literal dead weight with Jeff the rock for a single-player solo-climb.

Timing is key to conquer cliffs and chasms in unison, as one misstep can send both penguins comically careening down the mountain, often in hilarious penguin-pounding plummets. Use in-game emotes to count down to every jump, and play a quick game of Rock-Paper-Scissors to decide who takes the lead. After the inevitable falls, re-climb back to previously reached heights, or ease the icy pain of lost progress with assist options like placeable checkpoints and infinite jumps.

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item. Continue here to read the full story.

A new Saboteur Weapon and Skin Pack is now available on Steam and consoles, adding new content to Sniper Elite 5, Rebellion's sharpshooting sequel. This Season 2 content adds a new skin and a couple of weapons, including a "grease gun" SMG, which looks like the iconic M3. There's also a new patch for the base game and a new No Cross multiplayer map titled Rhine Crossing, free for all players. All that is seen in a new trailer. Here's more:

The new Rhine Crossing No Cross is also available now and is free to all players. Based on the battle of Remagen at the Ludendorff Bridge in Germany, the new map is set at night. The iconic towers on the collapsed bridge offer the highest vantage points on either side of the no cross zone. With diagonal sightlines across the corners of the map and cover offered by the remains of the bridge, players will have to be at their stealthiest and make use of the dark to prevail.

Booking dot yeah! If you're ready for a luxury vacation, Paradox Interactive has you covered with the launch of Hotels & Retreats, the new DLC for Cities: Skylines, the urban planning game. This is for PC and consoles, and the Windows edition is available on the Epic Games Store, Steam, and the Xbox Store, depending on where you bought the base game (since that's required). For an even more complete experience, there are also three new Content Creator Packs: The Industrial Evolution, Railroads of Japan, and Brooklyn & Queens. Check out the Release Trailer for a look, and read on for more:

Cities: Skylines - Hotels & Retreats gives players the tools they need to build luxury accommodations and tourist attractions to boost their city's economy. Players start with a small hotel chain and unlock more specialized accommodations.

Cities: Skylines - Hotels & Retreats Key Features:

• Hotel Buildings: Hostels, cabins, hotels, luxurious resorts… you name it! Add a series of hotel buildings to your city on a range of budgets.
• Hotel Management: Start with one-star hotels and unlock new options as your business revenue and popularity booms.
• Tourism Buildings: New structures will support your hotels: parks, restaurants, playgrounds, and cafès.
• Location: Matching hotels with good locations will be paramount, as differing locations will attract different tourist groups. We added 5 new maps for your hotels (3 European-inspired maps, 1 tropical map, and 1 temperate map)

Continue here to read the full story.

THQ Nordic announces a "mini-showcase" Thursday to show off Alone in the Dark, the upcoming remake of the survival/horror trilogy. Just last month, the publisher announced this game would feature in an August event, but this is separate. Word is: "This 'mini-showcase' is entirely dedicated to Alone in the Dark, featuring not only new insights on the game, but also potentially unexpected revelations!" This will air on Twitch and YouTube on May 25th at 8:00 pm EDT. In the meantime, here's a Spotlight Announcement Trailer to set the proper spooky mood, and here are some details:

Alone in the Dark is a love letter to the ground-breaking original that lets you experience a haunting story through the eyes of one of the two protagonists: play as either Edward Carnby or Emily Hartwood in this re-imagination of the classic survival horror game where Psychological Horror meets Southern Gothic. Explore your environments, fight monsters, solve puzzles, and uncover the uneasy truth of Derceto Manor...

Continue here to read the full story.

• Horror Promo – terrifyingly good discounts up to -90% behind every corner! - GOG.com.*

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

Official patches.

• The Spider-Verse Brings Miles Morales and More to Fortnite. Here's a trailer.
• VALORANT Patch Notes 6.10.
• World of Warcraft Hotfixes: May 22, 2023.

• Dev Diary: What is Once Human?

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• Unreal Redux, Unreal 25th Anniversary Trailer. Thanks DSOGaming.

• Adventure Forge. "A powerful toolset aimed at empowering game masters, storytellers, authors, and artists to create their own narrative-rich video games, with no coding required."

• Xbox Insider Program: A New Round of Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead Invitations. Thanks Console General.

• Mozilla Firefox 113.0.2, See All New Features, Updates and Fixes. Thanks Frans.
• Bing is now the default search for ChatGPT.

• Consoles still have an advantage, and it's hurting PC gaming. Thanks Max.
• AMD Radeon RX 7600 specs leak shows a surprisingly power-hungry GPU.
• US will not award $200 mln grant for Microvast battery company -source. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• What is a black box? A computer scientist explains what it means when the inner workings of AIs are hidden. Thanks Acleacius.
• With AI, Bill Gates sees the end of Google Search and Amazon.
• I Asked ChatGPT To Control My Life, and It Immediately Fell Apart. Maybe you should ask your air fryer to control your life next. Thanks Ant.

Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Founder of student aid startup Frank pleads not guilty to fraud.
• Germany charges executives for selling spyware to Turkey.
• EU's next food fight- regulating gene-edited crops. Thanks Acleacius.
• Activision Blizzard, Plaion fined for not disclosing loot boxes. €5,000! How can they stay in business after such draconian punishment?
• Boy sues Nintendo over "immoral" Mario Kart lootboxes, after spending $170 via dad's credit card.

War Thunder removes Steam from website as review bombs worsen.

• Hrot review - PC Gamer.
• Voltorometer Recharged + is painful precision platforming, but not TOO painful. - Indie Ramble (video).

Thanks Neutronbeam.

• CPU/AIO Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core White - OCinside (German).
• Misc: DockCase Pocket M.2 SSD enclosure hands-on - 9to5Mac.
• Misc: PEARL Revolt 28-watt foldable solar panel review- Perfect for bike trips, hiking and co - NotebookCheck.net Reviews.
• Monitor: Emotn N1 1080P HDR Projector Review - Emotn N1 1080P HDR Projector - Neoseeker.
• Monitor: YEYIAN Sigurd 4000 34-inch Gaming Monitor Review - ThinkComputers.org.
• Motherboard: Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX Review - TechPowerUp.

• China regulator approves 86 new video game licences in May in another sign sector is back on track…
• Pricing Changes for Battlefield Currency. "This is part of a decision here at Electronic Arts to adjust pricing for live service purchases after evaluating their exposure to current global economic fluctuations"…

It feels like we're easing into the annual game announcement season. News has been fits and spurts lately, and the slow points fit that cliché of "quiet, too quiet" as things get ready to warm up. Things tend to get sporty once June begins, so batten down the hatches.

Quiet Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Stories

• Ireland to introduce health warning on alcohol products.
• The Newest College Admissions Ploy: Paying to Make Your Teen a “Peer-Reviewed” Author. Time to start reading some of these masterworks. Thanks Max.

Science
Thanks Max.

• Tweaking Just a Few Genes Transforms Scales Into Feathers. Yup, the sonic hedgehog gene.
• Experts Alarmed by Tech That Identifies Human DNA Floating in Air.
• Experiment Reveals How The Mediterranean Diet Works at The Cellular Level.
• Gravitational wave detector LIGO is back online after 3 years of upgrades. Thanks Acleacius.

Media

• 750th Episode Opening Credits - Couch Gag - The Simpsons.

Creature Features

• Escaped water buffalo herd wreck Essex swimming pool. What's less common in the UK, water buffalo or inground pools?

Follow-up

• US states agree breakthrough deal to prevent Colorado River from drying up.

The Funnies

• Savage Chickens - The Boring Slug.

With the Age of Sorcery drawing to a conclusion in Conan: Exiles, Funcom unveils details about the Age of War, saying the next season will launch on June 22nd in the survival game. But there's a chance to experience this before then. In addition to details, screenshots, and a roadmap, this blog post explains how Conan: Exiles players can join the Age of War open beta on Steam starting tomorrow. It also has details, screenshots, and a roadmap outlining where this is heading besides the usual lamentations. Here's an overview:

In the Age of War, you will experience the Stygian invasion of the Exiled Lands, as they seek to fill their coffers with your treasure. In Chapter One, you will begin filling your treasure room as you hunt for valuables across the lands. For the first time, you’ll also be able to create your own clan emblem and display it on banners, shields, and more. We look forward to sharing more details about these features ahead of the launch of the first Chapter.

After Chapter 1, as you can see in the roadmap, purges and PvE Sieges will be central features in the updates to come.

This blog post has the latest on development of ARC Raiders, Embark Studios' co-op shooter that was delayed to accomodate development of THE FINALS (previously known as Project Discovery). Word is: "Since then, over the course of development, ARC Raiders has taken the shape of what we believe to be a truly promising PvPvE survival extraction shooter — a game that stays true to the ARC Raiders universe and that we’re having a blast testing internally." Continuing that laser focus, we learn public playtests will begin this summer to test the addition of PvP elements to ARC Raiders. You can register your interest through the Steam Listing. The post includes the latest version of the game's story, which sounds like the launch of the third-person scrounger:

People have fled to the underground colony of Speranza, seeking supplies to survive, and shelter from the machines. Demand for resources is at an all-time high. But getting those resources is a risky job, and it isn’t for everyone.

But it is a job for you.

That’s why you’ve enlisted as a Raider, scavenging for vital supplies that are scattered across the landscape. Everything from leftovers from yesterday’s run-in with ARC to the unlikely remains of a pinball machine.

Continue here to read the full story.

Early Access to Inkbound is now underway on Steam, offering a co-op roguelite for Windows. This is online only, and requires an internet connection to play. This post lays out activities for the launch week, including a Discord Q&A tomorrow where the developers at Shiny Shoe will discuss plans to polish things further. Check out the Launch Trailer for a look, and read on for more:

Inkbound is a fluid turn-based roguelike that brings the best aspects of Shiny Shoe’s award-winning title, Monster Train, to an online world where the whimsical and dangerous magic of the written word comes to life.

Inkbound requires an internet connection in order to play.

Outside of combat, players move freely like an action game. Within the unique turn-based combat system players move freely, act simultaneously in multiplayer, and can rapidly utilize abilities. Go fast when the decisions are easy, go slow when the threat amps up and you need to strategize more deeply. It’s the best of both worlds.

Continue here to read the full story.

• Ubisoft Open World Star Wars Game May Be Sooner Than You Think.

• Save 60% on The Red Lantern on Steam.
• Save 67% on Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition on Steam.
• Idea Factory International Publisher Sale on Steam.
• Save 85% on Ancestors Legacy on Steam.

Official patch.

• Diplomacy is Not an Option - Introducing the Spring update. Here's a trailer.

• Hello Neighbor VR: Search and Rescue comes to PS VR2 on May 25.

• Watch the latest story trailer and witness the beginning of a new saga — Diablo IV.
• Cozy Adventures are Around the Corner - Everdream Valley Release Date. May 30th.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• Overwatch 2's Over-Botched, Too! (The Jimquisition) (NSFW). Thanks RedEye9.
• Don't disrespect your healer - Viva La Dirt League. Thanks Ant.

• Experts Explain Why So Many Games Are Launching Broken on PC - IGN.

• Vulture - Are FromSoftware’s Video Games Difficult, or Disrespectful? Thanks Matthew.
  "To me, Sekiro isn’t just hard, it’s obnoxious. I enjoy plenty of hard games, but I need them to respect my time. In a game like Cuphead, Hotline Miami, or Super Meat Boy, you’ll bang your head against a wall for hours to finish one particularly nightmarish level. But the levels are so short you’ll either beat them in a few minutes or die and have the chance to try again. You can practice without worrying about losing much progress. In Sekiro, you’ll spend an enormous amount of mental energy to defeat a handful of grunt soldiers, and a few slip ups erase hours of forward momentum. Some see that as ice-cold motivation to try again, a stressful reminder that death has consequences, but I see it as the game giving me the perfect excuse to dip out. I love myself too much to have my time so disrespectfully wasted by a video game of all things. Sekiro isn’t a drill sergeant, it’s not J.K. Simmons in Whiplash. It’s just a hard game I can easily turn off."

• Spider-Man 2 isn’t a co-op game, Insomniac has confirmed.

• The Parents Saying No to Smartphones. Thanks Max.
• An inside look at Uber's new feature for the next generation of riders.

• Biden picks new FCC nominee to fill seat that’s been empty for over two years.
• Neeva: Ad-free search engine shuts down.
• The State with the Best Gigabit Broadband Availability is . . . North Dakota. Even when all 774,948 residents are online at once. Thanks DSLReports via Ant.
• Verified Twitter Accounts Spread AI-Generated Hoax of Pentagon Explosion.
• The comics online and print publication -The Nib- is shutting down.
• Amouranth releases AI companion to ‘satisfy needs of fans.’ Silicone meets silicon. Transformation complete.
• Max will stream over 1,000 movies and TV episodes in 4K at launch.
• Paramount Plus will raise its prices next month.

Thanks Console General and Neutronbeam.

• Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino Is Teetering on the Glass Cliff (may require registration or subscription).
• TSMC Workers Routinely Asked to Find 'Bomb' Notes in Machinery: Report. Calling all Minesweeper pros.
• Intel Delivers 10,000 Aurora Supercomputer Blades, Benchmarks Against Nvidia and AMD.
• Microsoft is forcing you to upgrade Windows 10.
• 9 Apps That Can Automate Almost Everything on Your Mac.
• Thangs.com and Printables.com Announce 3D Model Subscription Services.
• Visual Studio 2022 v17.6.1.
• Blender 3.5 Performance Deep-dive- GPU Rendering & Viewport Performance – Techgage.
• Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25370.
• Amazon’s palm-scanning technology can let you buy a drink without getting out your ID. My face already lets me do that.

• Leaked EU Document Shows Spain Wants to Ban End-to-End Encryption (may require registration or subscription).
• The Underground History of Turla, Russia's Most Ingenious Hacker Group (may require registration or subscription).
• Twitter bug seems to be randomly restoring deleted tweets.
• Buyer beware: some SanDisk Extreme SSDs are wiping people’s data.

• TikTok sues to stop Montana from enforcing its “unconstitutional” ban.
• Activision nukes another Call of Duty fan project from orbit: 'Thank you all for your support over the years.'
• Japanese authorities make their first arrest over video game spoilers.

Obituary: Ray Stevenson Dead: 'Punisher- War Zone,' 'RRR' Actor Was 58.

Early Access is now underway on Steam for Paranormal Hunter, a co-op, first-person horror game from EALoGAMES. This supports VR headsets, but one is not required, and it will also work on a flat (or curved) monitor. "Paranormal Hunter combines the haunting legacy of Japanese and Western horror imagery to create an immersive and genuinely terrifying experience for players in VR and non-VR settings," explains Takatoshi Tatsumi, founder, EALoGames. "Few things are as dread-inducing as knowing you’re being pursued by something evil, and we’re excited to witness players face their fears with today's Early Access launch!" There's a look at gameplay in the Early Access Launch Trailer. Read on for more on this chance to bust some ghosts:

Enter a twisted realm of paranormal phenomena, exploring derelict locations possessed by lingering spirits. Move through haunted locations brought to life with immersive VR support, either alone or with up to four fellow hunters in online co-op. Explore stages to begin a spine-chilling investigation requiring keen observation to track down cursed objects, and start a banishing ritual to cleanse the location – all while avoiding an evil spirit stalking the party.

Equip tools of the parapsychology trade like the ghost sensor and a spirit-repelling flashlight that stuns malevolent entities. Stay cautious and alert, as randomized elements ensure no two investigations play out the same. Stumble through dark corridors and abandoned buildings where every creaking floorboard and muffled murmur may indicate the presence of a sinister entity seeking revenge from beyond the grave.

Continue here to read the full story.

THQ Nordic and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announce June 29th as the official release date for arcade wrestling game AEW: Fight Forever. It will come to PC and consoles, though the Steam Listing doesn't reflect the date yet. The announcement discusses the game's retro design and hand-crafted animations, which you can see in the Release Date Announcement Trailer. Here's more:

Recognized for its retro approach to design including hand-crafted animations and nostalgic arcade feel, AEW: Fight Forever presents wrestling fans with their first chance to pull off wrestling moves only seen on the wildly popular AEW programming. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag-Team matches that feature sequences of team maneuvers performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, career mode, wrestler customization, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned unsanctioned fun await!

Continue here to read the full story.

Planet of Lana is expected tomorrow. But before anyone has to pay to enter the danger zone, we have a roundup of Sterling Archer's favorite new adventure/platformer:

• Get Planet of Lana - Review - Flashbacks to Flashback - AGC (video).
• Planet of Lana review: indie charmer makes for a good Zelda break - Digital Trends.
• Planet of Lana Review: "A beautiful cinematic adventure" - GamesRadar+.
• Planet of Lana Review - Chasing Potential - Game Informer.
• Planet Of Lana review: a gorgeous sci-fi tale that shoots for the stars - Rock Paper Shotgun.
• Worthplaying - PC Review - 'Planet of Lana.'

Paradox Interactive announces the release of Voice of the People for Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering a new "immersion pack" for Victoria 3. It adds new agitators to the grand strategy sequel and content exclusive to the French faction. An introduction is in the Voice of the People Release Trailer. As noted in this post, a new version 1.3 update is also now available for the base game. Here's a 1.3 Update Trailer. Lastly, a new Victoria 3: Expansion Pass bundles Voice of the People with other upcoming add-ons. Let's hear from the vox populi:

The release of Voice of the People accompanied a major free update to Victoria 3, available to all Victoria players. This update includes the new Agitator System, which allows individual characters to appear to push for political reforms that may not be available or desired by your current government. There will also be new political ideologies for France, changes to the world map, and reworks of the legislative and revolutionary processes, along with many other changes.

Paradox Interactive has also announced a new Expansion Pass for Victoria 3, which includes Voice of the People, two already released cosmetic packs, one forthcoming art pack, and the upcoming first major expansion to the game. This bundle offers a significant discount on buying each item separately, and includes cosmetic packs otherwise unavailable.

Continue here to read the full story.

French developer/publisher Rebound CG announces Tennis Manager 2023 will launch for PC on May 25th via the Epic Games Store, GOG.com,* and Steam. This is said to be "just in time" for the French Open. That's just a bit of a fudge, since the tournament also known as Roland-Garros, is underway right now. Here's more on this chance to make like King Richard and all those other famous tennis coaches:

Building on the breakout success of the 2021 and 2022 series debut, Tennis Manager 2023 takes the experience to new heights of immersive realism, on and off the court. Players will take the helm of their tennis academy and expertly guide athletes through training and tournaments to the dizzying heights of international success as Davis Cup captain.

New gameplay features include player creation, in-depth team management tools, as well as the long awaited arrival of international competitions (Davis Cup, Olympic Games) and doubles matches. Among the numerous technical and graphical enhancements are improved match simulation AI, revamped animations, and much more. With the release of Tennis Manager 2023, the franchise looks set to secure its place alongside the greats of sports management simulation games.

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

Microids unveils an August 29th release date for Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The London Case, the sequel to Hercule Poirot: The First Cases. It's coming to Windows and consoles, and a new Teaser Trailer (French accent warning) is here to celebrate the news. Here are some clues as to what to expect:

In this new chapter for Hercule Poirot, players will experience an exciting, original story, true to the style and tone of Agatha Christie, in which they will be introduced to Arthur Hastings, Poirot’s beloved sidekick.

Together, they have been charged with the safe transport of a priceless work of art on its way to be displayed in London. However, the opening night will not go to plan… the detectives will be called upon to solve a brand-new mystery in the heart of London.

Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The London Case will feature a compelling gameplay and will bring you into Hercule Poirot’s world. Explore the capital, search for clues, interview suspects and witnesses, and solve this all-new investigation.

Continue here to read the full story.

• The new Total War game has been accidentally revealed.

• Weekly Sale: games up to 75% off - GOG.com.*
• Publisher Sale- DANGEN Entertainment with discounts up to -70% - GOG.com.*

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

• My.Games opens regional office in Abu Dhabi.

• Dead Island 2 Original Soundtrack now available.
• PAC-MAN Arcade 10323 - LEGO Icons - Buy online at the Official LEGO Shop.
• "Mortal Kombat 2" Moves To Queensland. Thanks Ant.

• Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem -- Patch 1.1.7.8.

↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• Dark Souls Remastered gets a brand new massive overhaul mod.

Content creator videos. Thanks Ant.

• Obscure PC FPSs of the 1990s! How many have you played? "Obscure" feels like a euphemism.
• When you overuse Quick Save #shorts #gaming - Viva La Dirt League.
• MyHouse.WAD - Inside Doom's Most Terrifying Mod.

• The Nier: Automata Mod That Fooled the World - IGN.
• GOG Interview: learn more about System Shock’s remake straight from its creators - GOG.com.

• Rami Ismail's top ten tips on surviving the indiepocalypse.

• The Good, the Bad, and the Undead - Dying Light 2. Celebration of the 10th anniversary of Call of Juarez begins on May 31st.
• We’re Raising Hell—Diablo Immortal is Turning One. Going to hell in a handheld.

• PAC-MAN 99 will soon be discontinued. Bandai Namco just going to waka-wakaway from this one. Thanks reddit via Ant.

• Samsung To Officially Unveil Its 3nm, 4nm Technologies In June, With Up To 34 Percent Power Efficiency Improvements.
• WhatsApp finally lets you fix typos in sent messages.

• An Example of a Very Sad Google Account Recovery Failure — and How It Affects Real People. Thanks Slashdot via Ant.
• Adobe ColdFusion 2023 released. Thanks Console General.

• China Bars Micron Chips in Escalation of US Tech Clash. So Micron is officially the US version of Huawei? Thanks Slashdot.
• AMD Now Powers 121 of the World's Fastest Supercomputers.
• Nvidia RTX 4060 can be cooled by just two fans, says Gigabyte.
• Audiobook narrators say AI is already taking away business. Thanks Max.
• StreamFab v6.1.2.3. Thanks Console General.
• Today in Tech History on Twitter: "On this day in 1990, Windows 3.0 was released." Thanks Ant.
• Cooler Master Announces Sneaker X PCs at $5,999, Coming July.

• The Real Risks in Google’s New .Zip and .Mov Domains (may require registration or subscription).

• Meta ordered to suspend Facebook EU data flows as it’s hit with record €1.2BN privacy fine under GDPR. Thanks RedEye9.
• Meta’s $1.3 Billion Fine Is a Strike Against Surveillance Capitalism (may require registration or subscription).
• Google settles location tracking lawsuit for $39.9M. No hot sauce with this week's Taco Tuesday.
• X Labs on Twitter: "Today, we have received a Cease & Desist letter on behalf of Activision Publishing in relation to the X Labs project. We are complying with this order and shutting down all operations permanently.

• Mouse Pad/Mat: Razer Atlas Mouse Pad Review - TechPowerUp.
• PC: Origin PC 5000D -AMD Advantage- Gaming PC Review.
• Speakers/Soundbar: Razer Nommo V2 Pro review- Explosive THX audio takes your gaming sessions to the next level - Windows Central. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Tablet: Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 review- A tablet worthy of your next bingewatch - Android Police.

• Roblox: Ten-year-old spent £2,500 of mum's money without her knowing. Working as intended?…

As we prepared to head to the ballpark for our minor league experience yesterday, we learned that our game had become two games. We haven't had much rain here lately, but the double-header was because a game was a rain-out on Saturday. So we were a little late for the opener since it got pushed earlier. But that's okay. Even with the games reduced to seven innings for the twin-bill, two games is a lot of baseball. On the bright side, we had some of the best seats in the house, right behind home plate. As I mentioned, this is because the ticket prices were dirt cheap compared to pro games. Concession prices, on the other hand, were typical of any ballpark/stadium/arena. Which is to say, outrageous. I was the designated driver, but MrsBlue had two beers, which cost considerably more than her seat. Gouging aside, we had a lot of fun and will surely do it again.

Minor-League Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Story

• Warners Chief Zaslav Booed In Boston.

Science

• Captivating Close-Ups Show Amazing Details Hiding in The Glare of The Sun.
• The northern lights are heating up: Could they come to all 50 states?

Media

• The Corvette Z06 Breaks All The Rules - An Absolute Masterpiece. Thanks RedEye9.
• World's Highest Basketball Shot.

Auction

• Kurt Cobain's broken, unplayable guitar sold for nearly $600,000. Unplayable, but still smells like teen spirit.

Follow-up

• Deal Is Reached to Keep Colorado River From Going Dry, for Now (may require registration or subscription).