Week’s Top Gaming News

Sydney, May 11: Dive into the latest exhilarating updates and releases in the gaming world, where players can explore everything from gothic vampire realms to cozy narrative adventures and heart-pounding endless runners. This week’s roundup brings you the freshest news from the realms of action RPGs, slice-of-life puzzles, and adrenaline-fueled platformers, ensuring there’s something for every type of gamer to get excited about. Whether you’re gearing up to navigate treacherous terrains, solve mind-bending puzzles, or embark on a tranquil journey, these games offer unique escapes into worlds brimming with adventure, challenge, and storytelling.

V Rising’s Epic Launch

V Rising, the innovative Vampire Action RPG Survival game from Stunlock Studios, officially released today on Steam, much to the excitement of vampire gaming enthusiasts.
This significant release coincides with the “Legacy of Castlevania” event, marking a collaboration between Stunlock Studios and Konami Digital Entertainment (KONAMI).
After a highly successful Early Access phase where the game sold over four million copies and garnered an impressive 88 per cent positive rating on Steam, V Rising now introduces the complete version of its dark and gothic world.
The game allows players to step into the role of a vampire, construct castles, and explore an expansive open world filled with danger and adventure. The 1.0 update brings several new features, including a new endgame zone called the Ruins of Mortium and an epic final boss fight against Dracula himself.
In addition to the regular gameplay updates, today’s release also features the “Legacy of Castlevania” event. Players will have the chance to face the legendary vampire hunter Simon Belmont, and unlock new weapons like the whip.
A premium DLC package is available for purchase, offering Castlevania-inspired castle designs, additional customizations, and themed music tracks for 19.99 EUR/USD.
Rickard Frisegård, CEO of Stunlock Studios, expressed immense pride in the team’s dedication over the past five years, culminating in a game that pushes the boundaries of genre hybrids focusing on engaging gameplay.
V Rising is priced at 34.99 EUR/USD on Steam, with details about its PlayStation 5 release still pending. For more information on the game’s features and to buy the game, fans can visit Steam’s website, while the PlayStation store already lists it as a wishlist item.
The game’s full release not only expands its world but enhances features like castle building, storage, and game optimization.
The addition of smoothly integrated gamepad support and visual improvements promise an enriched gaming experience.
As V Rising ascends from its early access origins, it invites new players to join a thriving community of gamers eager to explore the vampire-themed challenges and narratives it offers.

Fireside Ignites Cozy Adventures

Nordcurrent Labs, in collaboration with developer Emergo Entertainment, has announced the launch of their new cozy narrative adventure game, Fireside, set to release on PC and Nintendo Switch on June 4th.
Priced at $14.99 / £12.79 / €14.79, Fireside promises to warm players’ hearts with its enchanting world and heartwarming interactions.
Fireside invites players into a beautifully hand-drawn landscape where they can explore, travel between campsites, and bond with a diverse cast of characters. Evenings spent around campfires are central to gameplay, featuring non-violent activities like trading, cooking, and dialogue choices that generate “soul energy.” This energy is used to upgrade the player’s home base, enhancing the game’s cozy and inviting atmosphere.
The game’s new release date trailer offers a sneak peek into the rich visuals and non-violent gameplay, emphasizing emotional storytelling and a tranquil ambiance. Players can expect to engage in campfire conversations, explore over 50 cooking recipes, and enjoy a trade and barter system with other travelers.
Paul Redetzky, CEO at Emergo Entertainment, expressed his excitement about the game, stating, “Fireside is an adventure about talking, cooking, and trading instead of hacking and slaying. It’s a tranquil escape full of friendly faces and magical mysteries.”
Andrius Mackevičius, Head of Publishing at Nordcurrent Labs, praised the game’s whimsical art and breadth of player choice, noting that it filled the team with joy.
For those interested in a peaceful break from everyday life, Fireside offers a blend of nature sounds, soothing music, and the comforting crackle of campfires. It’s an invitation to relax and connect with others in a serene setting.
Fireside can be wishlisted now on Steam, and further details are available on Nordcurrent’s official site and the Fireside Discord channel.

“Fishbowl”: Emotional Journey Begins

Today marks the debut of the first playable demo for “Fishbowl,” the latest slice-of-life game from indie developers imissmyfriends.studio.
Released for both PC & Mac on Steam and PlayStation 5, this demo introduces players to the first day of protagonist Alo’s poignant month-long journey through grief and self-discovery.
Developed in a quaint apartment in Goa, India, by Rhea Gupte and Prateek Saxena, the co-founders of imissmyfriends.studio, “Fishbowl” offers a deeply personal narrative. “We have poured our heart into every pixel, chord, and word in Fishbowl,” said Rhea Gupte, the Creative Director. The game is a testament to their dedication, inviting players to explore Alo’s life’s intricate layers through engaging gameplay and rich storytelling.
In “Fishbowl,” players follow 21-year-old Alo as she navigates her new life in a new city while mourning the loss of her grandmother. The game features unique gameplay mechanics, including video calls with a diverse cast of characters, video editing tasks framed as arcade matching games, and unpacking puzzles that reveal Alo’s childhood memories. Additionally, the game emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal growth, offering players multiple endings based on the daily decisions they make.
Critics have already praised the game for its visually engaging art style, the depth of its narrative, and its sensitive handling of challenging themes. Rock Paper Shotgun noted its “visually-complex yet effortlessly engaging” design, while Inverse highlighted the “depth hiding just beneath its adorable surface.”
The game’s charm and relatable narrative have resonated well, with Big Boss Battle calling it “beautifully written” and “charming.” Video Games Chronicle is eager to see how the game develops from this promising prologue, appreciating its personal and sensitive approach to the subject matter.
For those interested in learning more about “Fishbowl” and its development, Gupte and Saxena will be presenting at LudoNarraCon on Steam on May 9th.
Fans can tune in to their Steam page for a closer look at the game and to participate in the developers’ discussion.
“Fishbowl” is currently available for wishlist on Steam, offering players a cozy, introspective experience that explores life’s complexity one day at a time.

Wild West Expansion Drops

Today marks a thrilling update for “Bang-On Balls: Chronicles,” as Exit Plan Games rolls out a massive, free Wild-West themed expansion across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. Nintendo Switch users can look forward to this expansion soon, with an official release date to be announced in the near future.
The Wild West expansion transports players into a meticulously crafted sandbox world inspired by classic Hollywood westerns. The update introduces a new Wild West Map, complete with five diverse regions including Mexico, Saloon City, Oil Fields, Beaver Town, and Gold Mines, each offering unique sub-regions ripe for exploration. Adventurers can navigate these rugged landscapes by horseback, rail carts, canoes, or even engage in a traditional train robbery to add to the excitement.
The expansion is not just about new terrains. It brings over 80 new items for character customization, a variety of weapons like lassos, revolvers, shotguns, bows & arrows, tomahawks, and even TNT crates for that extra punch. With four new bosses and four mini-bosses, the challenges are as daunting as they are exhilarating.
“We always wanted ‘Bang-On Balls: Chronicles’ to be a canvas for creativity and a tribute to the films and stories we love,” said Damien Monnier, Co-Founder and Design Director at Exit Plan Games. “This expansion is our homage to the Wild West, packed with all the adventure, charm, and free content that our players deserve.”
“Bang-On Balls: Chronicles” is known for its vibrant, destructible environments where players can indulge in 3D platforming, combat, and scavenger hunts. The game takes inspiration from iconic video game characters and settings, ranging from feudal Japanese fortresses to 60s space race scenarios, with each world offering unique challenges and items.
The game supports up to four-player cooperative play in both online and local settings, including a 2-player split-screen feature for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC versions. This allows for seamless transition between solo and co-op gameplay, ensuring that friends can join in on the fun at any time.
For more information, interested players can watch the newly released trailer and wishlist the game on Steam, or join the “Bang-On Balls: Chronicles” community on their Discord channel.

Runaways Revolutionizes Endless Runners

Beyond Studio has just released a thrilling trailer for their newest title, “Runaways,” a game set to redefine the endless runner genre. Designed exclusively for the Apple Vision ProTM, “Runaways” is scheduled for release on May 27th and promises to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience through its innovative gameplay and dynamic environments.
“Runaways” invites players to take control of Hank, a daring adventurer with a heart of gold who’s found himself on a dangerous, tentacle-infested planet. Having escaped the gloop mines of ExHume 8, Hank must now navigate through perilous terrain filled with dynamically generated tracks and deadly traps, all while trying to evade the clutches of the Evil Overlord.
The game is not just about running and avoiding obstacles; it demands mastery of spatial gaming. Players will need to make split-second decisions, jump over vast gaps, and maneuver through a world that adapts in real-time to their surroundings. With its gloop-tastic fun and fast-paced challenges, “Runaways” offers more than just survival—it’s an invitation to thrive in the thrill of the chase and push the boundaries of traditional endless runners.
Fans looking for a taste of this exhilarating journey can watch the trailer now at Runaways.fun and prepare to dive into a high-speed adventure that tests their skills, speed, and spatial awareness.
With its pending launch, “Runaways” is set to offer an immersive experience that’s as challenging as it is rewarding, ensuring that players will never look at endless runners the same way again.

Babel Game on Sale

Puzzle game lovers are in for a treat as “A Guidebook of Babel,” a narrative-driven, hand-painted puzzle adventure game, is now available at a 25 per cent discount on Steam. This promotion runs from May 7 to 21, offering players a chance to dive into its richly crafted world at a reduced price.
Developed by StarryStarry, “A Guidebook of Babel” has captivated players with its stunning visuals and intricate puzzles. The game’s unique art style and engaging story have earned it overwhelming positive reviews from the gaming community. It features a profound narrative that weaves themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption into its gameplay, challenging players not just to solve puzzles but to explore deep philosophical questions.
Set in a whimsical realm where the lines between life and death blur, players journey aboard the Babel, a mysterious cruise ship that serves as a passage to the afterlife. Here, souls are harvested, and their memories extracted as fuel. Players can manipulate time to alter the course of events, helping fellow travelers achieve their unfulfilled dreams and learn the art of parting without regrets.
For those interested in experiencing this mind-bending adventure, “A Guidebook of Babel” is now available at its lowest price ever.
To purchase the game, visit the Steam store page during the promotional period. Additional information about the game and updates from the developers can be found on their Discord server and Twitter page.