Game Industry News

When the original Stronghold Crusader was released in 2002, it was a huge leap forward for real-time strategy titles. Now, the definitive edition brings that glory back with new graphics, missions, maps, combat units and a rogues’ gallery of tricky AI opponents.

Upin and Ipin Universe is an open-world adventure based on the hit cartoon Upin and Ipin, and it captures the show’s charm and lively style with cooperative play that encourages families to share the adventure. Young fans will enjoy stepping into their favorite cartoon’s village.

Prison adventure Back to the Dawn blends noir drama and Lovecraftian weirdness into one of the most entertaining indie RPGs of the year. It includes over one hundred quests and several endings. Prison life has never been this strange, strategic or hilarious.

When a kingdom’s peasants only work under the king’s direct gaze, every move counts. The King is Watching blends tower defense, auto-battler action and roguelike progression into one uniquely challenging package that will surprise even the most experienced armchair generals.

Descenders Next takes the extreme downhill biking concept of the original and swaps in mountain and snowboards for a roguelike ride across random trails. While the controls take some getting used to, overall, it’s a ride worth taking.

In a refreshing change from the usual action-packed Middle Earth fare, Tales of the Shire focuses on gardening, cooking and forging friendships. Cozy, charming and surprisingly deep, it’s the perfect title for anyone who’s ever dreamed of settling down in the Shire.

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller delivers an impressive, lever-free fighting game experience with clicky, low-profile buttons, great ergonomics and tons of customization. And unlike more expensive options, this one is less than $100, making it perfect for specialized gaming on a budget.

A fantasy MMO’s heroes of Azerim vanish, leaving one low-level NPC fisherman to deal with the monsters, world-ending quests and annoying story NPCs. It’s a ridiculous premise that somehow works for Nice Day for Fishing, sore thumbs and all.

Dragon Delves is a wonderfully crafted Dungeons and Dragons collection of ten adventures centered around iconic dragons with history, lore and unique challenges. Reviewer Colin Flanigan took it for a spin across taffy factories, astral gardens and more.

College football fanatic Neal Sayatovich dives into Maximum Football 2025, a surprisingly deep and completely free alternative to EA’s gridiron giant. With slick gameplay, a solid physics engine and smart team stand-ins, Maximum Football 2025 might just earn a spot in your starting sports lineup.

In Recycling Center Simulator, players haul junk, sort trash and slowly build a humming machine of industrial efficiency out of garbage. It might be a little bit bland for newcomers, but for those who enjoy sims, this is a clean hit. Who knew waste management could be so satisfying?

From survival mechanics to guild-run spice wars, Funcom’s Dune: Awakening is more than just another licensed MMO. It’s an ambitious reinvention of Arrakis that we think would have even made Frank Herbert proud.

Everyone has their favorite developers that always seem to deliver the kinds of games they enjoy. For Neal Sayatovich, that means a top five list of studios and publishers, from Hooded Horse to Square Enix, that never miss when it comes to making memorable experiences.

Anime Sunday is a column by Michael Blaker covering anime. This week he covers his “Bogus Skill Fruitmaster” Episode One Impressions.

GiN covered the Sekaicon 2025 inaugural show this year in all its glory. GiN reporter Neal Sayatovich snapped lots of photos at the event. Check them out.

What do busted freezers, Sonic the Hedgehog trading cards and retro Dreamcast adventures have in common? They all collide in this week’s Save State as Vincent Mahoney dives back into Sonic Adventure 2, a title that still delivers speed, style and chaos in 2025.

Gary introduces Mr. Squirrel’s movie merchandise segment on the podcast.

Trekker’s Delight discusses the first two episodes in the fifth and final season of Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. has announced the launch of its collaboration with the football comic series Captain Tsubasa.