Developer Fahrenheit 213 announced that it is planning to release side-scrolling action RPG Tsurugihime on Steam Early Access in 2026. The announcement comes alongside a new trailer, viewable below, showcased as part of this weekend's INDIE Live Expo presentation in Japan. Tsurugihime gives players 100 days to prepare for its final battle and features “crafting” as a major theme. The game features multiple endings depending on how players use their 100 days, be it steadily growing through combat, challenging tough enemies from the outset, or living in peace. The game is first title from Fahrenheit 213, which is founded by Murdered: Soul Suspect and Fate/Grand Order director Yosuke Shiokawa. Tsurugihime features character designs from Kuroboshi Kouhaku (Summon Night, Kino’s Journey) and music from Takeharu Ishimoto (The World Ends with You, Final Fantasy Type-0).   The post Tsurugihime Coming to Steam Early Access Next Year appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher MAGI Inc. and developer Neotro Inc. have released a demo for daughter-raising life sim RPG Magical Princess. The demo is available for PC via Steam and lets players go through the game's first six in-game months. The developer also noted that some of the raising and interaction systems in the demo are limited. Alongside the demo, the game also received a new trailer as part of this weekend's INDIE Live Expo. Magical Princess sees players raise their daughter while she attends a magical academy. Players choose what classes to attend, part-time jobs to take on, and various other actions, including engaging turn-battle battles against monsters. It features a cast of over 30 characters with over 50 possible endings.   [foogallery id="180364"]   The post Magical Princess Demo Released appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Starward Industries announced that its action survival title Into the Fire is now planned to release on Steam Early Access next year. The announcement comes alongside the release a new gameplay trailer showing various fiery and mystical threats and dangers players will encounter in the game, plus some of their tools. Originally announced as Dante’s Ring, Into the Fire sees players facing hazards such as fires, molten lava, and powerful earthquakes. Players make moral choices that impact the relationships between different factions vying for their own survival.   The post Into the Fire Releasing in Early Access in 2026 appeared first on RPGamer.

During this weekend's INDIE Live Expo, developer Pixelated Milk announced that its upcoming title SacriFire will receiving an open playtest in January 2026. The playtest will be available on Steam and support English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean language options. SacriFire follows Ezekiel Ridan, a soldier attempting to work his way into an elite group within the Church of Sheol while keeping the underground city of Antioch safe from the demons above. It features sci-fi and fantasy elements with contrasting main locations between the city of Antioch and the idyllic spirit paradise of Erebus. The game’s combat allows players to string attack chains together. It is currently planned to release for PC via Steam and GOG.com in Q1 2026, with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch versions set to follow later in 2026.   The post SacriFire Getting January Playtest appeared first on RPGamer.

During this weekend's INDIE Live Expo presentation, publisher G-MODE and developer Acacia showcased visual novel RPG Haishin Shoujo no Uraaka Meikyuu. The 90-second trailer acts as music video, showing the game's main characters, all of whom are members of fictional all-girl band Rag Drops. Haishin Shoujo no Uraaka Meikyuu is in development for PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch, and is planned to release in 2026. It is available to wishlist now on Steam, with English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese language options indicated on the Steam page. The game follows the members of the group, led by vocalist Neon, who are accused of crimes after breaking out on social media. As suspicion clouds them, they appears to taken into an alternate world dungeon by their smartphones. Players need to navigate this dungeon and defeat the monsters manifesting within, while speculating on the identity of the person behind it, who appears to be one of the members.   The post Haishin Shoujo no Uraaka Meikyuu Announced appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher Critical Reflex and developer Ichthys announced a public playtest for Metroidvania action RPG Being and Becoming. The playtest will take place in December 2025 through Steam, with those interested in participating able to sign up now. Being and Becoming is set in a kingdom corrupted by a collective dream. Players control a character known as the Lucid Dreamer, looking to break the world free from its endless slumber. While exploring the world, they defeat and consume the souls of the corrupted, before using them as weapons.   The post Being and Becoming Playtest Set for December appeared first on RPGamer.

INDIE Live Expo held its latest livestream presentation of indie titles in Japan earlier today. As in the previous presentation in April, it was divided into three sections: a series of INDIE Waves covering around 30 games in quick succession, a set of longer INDIE Spotlights on specific games, and some livestreamed gameplay. The full set of RPGs (and related titles) from across the world covered in the presentation is as follows: INDIE Waves 1 * Retrace the Light * Pao Pao * Cursed Companions * Dispatch * Winter Burrow * Into the Grid * Treasure 'n Trio * Magic Boutique of Royal Blue * Slot & Dungeons     INDIE Waves 2 * Cassette Boy * Thysiastery * Destiny Is Dice * Samukid * Tamer Town * Before Fate * Fishing Alone * Nightpark Journal * Goblin Sushi * Eastern Era     INDIE Waves 3 * Lethal Dungeon * Packmates * Lurks Within Walls * Fallen Tear: The Ascension * Master of Piece * Motorslice * Deck of Harvest * I Won't Let You Level Up In My Goblin Town * Voidling Bound * One Turn Kill * Divinum     INDIE Waves 4 * UGOMEKU NOTE * Taste of the Wind * Robot Recycler Ryn * DeckWrecking Pirates * HIPS N NOSES * All Our Broken Parts * Saveseeker     INDIE Spotlight (announcements covered in separate news posts) * Haishin Shoujo no Uraaka Meikyuu * SacriFire * Being and Becoming * Tsurugihime * Magical Princess * Into the Fire * Core Keeper               The post Latest INDIE Live Expo Showcases Numerous Titles appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher Paradox Interactive announced a new DLC for roguelite deck-building RPG Across the Obelisk. The upcoming DLC, titled Necropolis of the Damned, will be available on PC via Steam on December 2, 2025, for $19.99/£16.75/ €19.50. To celebrate the DLC release, the base game will be discounted by 40%. In addition, a free update will release alongside the DLC, adding a Practice Mode, which lets players test any deck, card combo, or experimental setup without risking resources. Necropolis of the Damned takes players to The Dusk Lands, which becomes available at the end of Act 3 as an alternative to The Void. In addition to a new zone to explore, the DLC adds a new dungeon, enemies, cards, mechanics, and more. It lets players control new multiclass heroes Velarion and Nevermoor. Velarion is a Blood Mage, which blends healer and mage roles and specialises in bleed and leech curses. As a Death Knight, Nevermoor is a healer-warrior hybrid, whose actions generate runes that offer various buffs and effects. Across the Obelisk sees players creating a party and taking part in turn-based tactical combat. It features single player and co-op with up to three others, as the party takes its own path that branches across the world based on their decisions. The base game features sixteen playable characters, over 500 upgradeable cards, and over 200 items. Across the Obelisk is currently available on PC and Nintendo Switch.   The post New DLC for Across the Obelisk Releasing Next Week appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer MadGoat and publisher Infini Fun announced a release date for the full version of Netherworld Covenant. The tactical roguelike RPG with Soulslike combat will leave Steam Early Access on December 9, 2025. It will be available for PC via Steam, where a demo is currently available. The version 1.0 will come with the final two chapters and full ending, new playable characters, weapon types, and more. Netherworld Covenant is set in a fantasy world ravaged by a catastrophic disaster. It puts the player in the role of a survivor, which is tasked with reclaiming lost souls and cleansing the world of its corruption. Players explore procedurally generated labyrinths, where they face off against corrupted heroes and demonic lords. The real-time combat lets players harness the power of soul companions as well as parry, dodge, and counter, with timing, resource allocation, and positioning said to add a strategic layer. The full version of the game will allow players to customise their playstyle with six playable characters, four soul companion classes, and five weapon types.   [foogallery id="180256"]   The post Netherworld Covenant Leaving Early Access Next Month appeared first on RPGamer.

Sega and Ryū ga Gotoku Studio released new media and details for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. The update covers the side content available in both the original Yakuza 3 storyline starring regular protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and the new Dark Ties story following Yoshitaka Mine. Yakuza 3 follows Kazuma Kiryu as he attempts to run an orphanage in Okinawa despite attempts to convert the land it is on into a seaside resort. It takes players to a new district in Naha, Okinawa, as well as the familiar district of Kamurocho in Tokyo. Dark Ties is a new story following Yoshitaka Mine, who falls in with the yakuza after losing his successful startup company. It sees him attempt to understand the actions of Daigo Dojima as he rises through the ranks of the Tojo Clan.     As the manager of Morning Glory Orphanage, Kiryu has to help looks after the children living there. By interacting with the children, Kiryu can grow stronger as well as unlocked heartwarming substories as he helps them with their various problems. Kiryu has a "Daddy Rank" that he can increase, and doing unlocks new abilities, skills, and content. Many of Kiryu's chores or interactions involve mini-games, include sewing, cooking, homework, bug catching, fishing, and reversi. By completing chores, players obtain produce, crafts, and other items that they can sell at the market to help furnish the orphanage and buy new ingredients. Meanwhile, Yoshitaka Mine is tasked with helping Tsuyoshi Kanda rebuild his image. To do this, he takes on various requests and challenges on Kanda's behalf, covering a wide variety of issues such as people hounded by thugs or a person who can't stop sneezing. Increasing Kanda reputation unlocks new Drink Links events, revealing new sides to Kanda. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is planned to release worldwide on February 12, 2026. The game will be available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 . Source: Gematsu   [foogallery id="180295"]     The post Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Side Stories Detailed appeared first on RPGamer.

Welcome to RPGamer's new release round-up. In this column, we look to provide our readers with details on the major RPGs released this week. Please note we do not currently include Early Access releases where the game is still in development. Pricing is shown in US dollars before application of any discounts, local pricing may vary. --- Crescent Tower Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (previously released on PC, Nintendo Switch) Publisher: AMATA Games Developer: Curry Croquette Available: PlayStation Store, Xbox Store Price: $10.99 (10% launch discount) 8-bit dungeon-crawler Crescent Tower takes place in a fantasy world, where the city of Mayirdoam sees the Crescent Tower appearing every fifty years. The player is tasked with exploring the tower, whose top floor is rumored to house a wish-fulfilling jewel and a potion granting immortality. The game features a top-down perspective and lets players create their own group of adventurers. Player characters can grow stronger by repeatedly changing classes and inheriting different skills. Those looking to read more about Crescent Tower can check out Ryan Costa’s interview with Curry Croquette. --- Cross Blitz Platform: PC Publisher:  The Arcade Crew, Gamirror Games Developer: Tako Boy Studios Available: Steam Price: $22.99 (35% launch discount) Tactical deckbuilding RPG Cross Blitz features five different adventures in its “Fables” story mode. Each adventure takes players across a variety of locations as they obtain new cards, abilities, and relics to fight with. There will be over 200 cards available to unlock. The game also includes the “Tusk Tales” roguelite mode, where players battle through a randomised map. Players will make choices at various points as they come across ever more challenging enemies, unlocking new trinkets and tools for future runs. The game had been in Early Access since November 2023. --- Doki Monsters: Quest Platform: Nintendo Switch (previously released on PC as Dokimon: Quest) Publisher: RedDeer.Games Developer: Yanako RPG Available: Nintendo eShop Price: $12.99 (76% launch discount) Doki Monsters Quest takes place in a world inhabited by creatures called Doki Monsters, which can be trained by humans and used as battle partners. Players take on the role of an individual who sets out to find their childhood friend. During their journey, they face off against rival trainers and evil corporations. The game features turn-based combat and open-world exploration, with over fifteen towns to visit and over 140 Doki Monsters to capture. It also lets players speed up battles and toggle retro color palettes. --- Dragon Ruins II Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (previously released on PC) Publisher: KEMCO Developer: Graverobber Foundation Available: PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop Price: $14.99 (10% launch discount on Switch) Dragon Ruins II is a retro-styled dungeon-crawler. Players control a band of adventures based in the city of Isigwere, selecting four members from over twenty available classes. They take on quests ranging from from citizens' small requests to the queen’s command of defeating a recently-awakened dragon. --- Hunter's Moon: A Sovereign Syndicate Adventure Platform: PC Publisher: Zugalu Entertainment Developer: Crimson Herring Studios Available: Steam, GOG.com Price: $19.99 (10% launch discount) Hunter's Moon: A Sovereign Syndicate Adventure is a roguelite deckbuilder taking place before the events of Sovereign Syndicate. Setin a Victorian steampunk world, it sees players completing missions with their agents as they investigate the Hunter's Moon. Each agent has their own set of cards to use in turn-based combat. After each mission, players obtain resources with which they can upgrade their agents and airship. --- Of Ash and Steel Platform: PC Publisher: tinyBuild Developer: Frost & Fire Studios Available: Steam, GOG.com Price: $29.99 (20% launch discount) Open-world action RPG Of Ash and Steel draws inspiration from 2000s RPGs such as Gothic and The Witcher. It is set in an unforgiving low-fantasy world and takes place in the formerly prosperous Kingdom of the Seven, named after the islands that make it up. The game puts players in the role of a cartographer who becomes stranded on the island of Greyshaft after his expedition is attacked. --- Primal Fray Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S Publisher: Indie Games Starter Developer:  Tymoteusz Pietruszka Available: Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store Price: $15.99 (40% launch discount on PC) Primal Fray is a turn-based strategy roguelite. The game sees players fighting their way through the Rift while building their team of primals to defeat enemies. The game features a variety of selectable heroes with their own talents and backstories, while each primal coming with four different abilities . It also includes local a PvP hot seat mode. --- Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive Platform: PC Publisher: Netmarble Developer: Netmarble Neo Available: Steam, Xbox Store (PC) Price: $39.99 Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive is an action RPG based on the Solo Leveling novel, webtoon, and animated series. It features both a retelling of the main story following Sung Jin-woo in a world where humans with supernatural powers hunt monsters from another world. Starting as a weak hunter, Sung Jin-woo obtains the ability to act as an RPG players and gain experience and levels. The game features both a retelling of the main story, as well as new original content. The game is separate to Netmarble's free-to-play PC and mobile title Solo Leveling: Arise. --- The Use of Life Platform: PC Publisher: Playism Developer: Daraneko Available: Steam Price: $19.99 Gamebook-style RPG The Use of Life follows main character Goshe on a fantasy adventure, with his choices impacting his attributes, resources, status, and those he encounters. The game’s multiple endings are intended to be neither outright good nor bad. Combat is command-based with QTE elements, while certain events use dice rolls to determine their outcomes. The game had been in Early Access since 2022. --- Wizard of Legend 2 Platform: Nintendo Switch (previously released on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) Publisher: Humble Games Developer: Dead Mage Available: Nintendo eShop Price: $24.99 (20% launch discount) Co-op action RPG Wizard of Legend 2 is a follow-up to Contingent99’s 2018 release Wizard of Legend. The full game will see up to four players taking on the Floating Lands, a gauntlet created by Lanova’s supreme wizard Hieronymus to find a worthy successor. It features new and returning Arcana (base spells), with players able to find effects that can be altered or combined with others in different ways, as well as a persistent progression system as players can unlock more arcane options for subsequent playthroughs. --- Sales Links * Xbox Store * PlayStation Store (North America) * PlayStation Store (Europe) * Nintendo eShop (North America) * Nintendo eShop (Europe) * Steam * GOG.com * Epic Games Store * The Humble Store The post New Release Round-Up (November 27, 2025) appeared first on RPGamer.

Gryphline confirmed that its Beta Test II for Arknights: Endfield will go live on PC, iOS, and Android at 7pm Pacific on November 28, 2025. The second beta will include a fully reworked storyline, including new cutscenes and dialogue animations and with player choices leading to different outcomes. It also adds the new region of Wuling and nine new operators -- including six-star characters Ardelia, Last Rite, and Pogranichnik -- as well as combat updates and additional features. An end date for the beta has not yet been announced, though it is confirmed that all player progress will be deleted after the beta ends. In addition, the company announced that its PlayStation 5 beta, containing the same content as the Beta Test II, will begin on December 12, 2025. Developed by Mountain Contour, Arknights: Endfield is based on the popular Arknights mobile RPG/tower defence title, but will tell a separate story. Players are tasked with surveying the unexplored wildlands outside of the colonies that are home to dangers and secrets and undertaking missions with real-time combat using a party made up of operators from the Protocol Field Recovery Department. The game is planned to release in early 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, iOS, and Android.     The post Arknights: Endfield Beta Test II Available Soon, PS5 Beta Coming in December appeared first on RPGamer.

Sega and Ryū ga Gotoku Studio announced discount options for the upcoming relevant PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S releases of Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2. The discounts for each game will be available to those who own the games on the same system families (i.e. PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S). The discounted prices are available until 8:29am PST on December 8, 2025, as follows: * Yakuza 0 Director's Cut discounted from $49.99 to $14.99 on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S for those who already own Yakuza 0 on PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, or Xbox One. * Yakuza Kiwami discounted from $19.99 to $1.99 on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S for those who already own Yakuza Kiwami on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. * Yakuza Kiwami 2 able to be upgraded to the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S at no cost for those who already own Yakuza Kiwami 2 on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. The discounts do not apply to those who own the physical versions or who have obtained the game through subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. Save data does not transfer between the versions. In addition, Sega announced that the existing PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One versions of Yakuza 0 will be delisted on December 8, 2025, as will Microsoft Store's Windows 10 versions of Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2. Those who have purchased the games before then will still be able to download and play them. Meanwhile, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut will replace Yakuza 0 in the Yakuza Complete Series digital bundle on relevant platforms. Meanwhile, new Steam versions of Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 will be released on December 8, 2025, including the additional language options included in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, with further information for existing Steam owners of these two games to be announced at a later date. Yakuza 0 is a prequel to the long-running Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, with its Director's Cut version adding new story cutscenes, a new “Red Light Raid” online multiplayer mode with 60 unlockable playable characters, and the addition of English and Chinese voice overs. The game is set in 1988 and follows younger versions of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they are caught in a turf war between warring yakuza clans. Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the first game in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise. The game follows Tojo Clan lieutenant Kazuma Kiryu after he emerges from prison and gets involved in a search for ten billion yen stolen from the group. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a remake of PlayStation 2 title Yakuza 2 and is set a year after the events of the first game, seeing series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu dragged back into the world of organised crime. The post Yakuza 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2 Digital Upgrades Detailed; Yakuza 0 Previous Versions Being Delisted appeared first on RPGamer.

Owlcat Games released a new trailer for the upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy introducing companion character Cogg. Officially named Ogryn Conscript 0-118-B, Cogg is a member of the Ogryn engineered mutant race that is fiercly loyal to the Imperium of Mankind. Cogg is more intelligent than most of his brethren thanks to his Biochemical Ogryn Neural Enhancement (BONE) and cranial implant. After an incident leave him stranded in Hive Sibellus, he is given a new sense of purpose by the Inquisitor player character. Set in the same universe as Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy sees players control an acolyte of the Inquisition in the backdrop of the catastrophic event known as the Noctis Aeterna. They embark on various investigations accompanied by their warband, which includes both loyal Imperials and xenos. The game is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a release window not yet announced. An Alpha version will be available on PC on December 16, 2025, available to those who have purchased either the $79.99 Developers Digital Pack or $289 Physical Collector’s Edition.   The post Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy Introduces Cogg appeared first on RPGamer.

Welcome to Adventure Corner, a column where members of the RPGamer staff can give their thoughts, impressions, and pseudo-reviews for various adventure titles that don't come under our usual coverage. Adventure Corner is aimed at delivering opinions on a wide range of titles including visual novels, point-and-click adventures, investigative mysteries, and so forth. In this edition of the column, we take a look at the photography-themed thriller visual novel Melbourne: Route 96 on PC. --- Melbourne: Route 96 Platform: PC Release Date: 05.05.2025 Publisher: Lindsay Mansfield Developer: Lindsay Mansfield Official Site   Active listening is important and something many of us neglect, but sometimes mishearing something can have a good outcome. My colleague was telling me about a game called Road 96, which I misheard as "Route 96," and because I misheard her, I searched up "Route 96" and Steam presented me with a game called Melbourne: Route 96. I thought this was the game she had been referring to, and for the price of three whole Canadian dollars, I bought it, only to tell her and find out it was the wrong game. Thankfully, Melbourne: Route 96, with its short runtime and replayability, is a happy accident that I am beyond happy to recommend. Most people can relate to taking public transit and eavesdropping on people's conversations, often without context.  In Melbourne: Route 96, players follow a nameless protagonist as they purchase an instant camera and board the Route 96 tram. On the tram ride, players listen to multiple conversations, and though they are mostly harmless, there is an underlying eeriness that cannot be ignored. The player accidentally hits the end of the tram line, only to stay on, and everything changes: events are backwards, and they are clearly moving in the wrong direction. Here is where the game's mystery lies, and it's up to the player to put the pieces together. [caption id="attachment_180176" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Eavesdropping on conversations without context.[/caption] Melbourne: Route 96 is a peculiar game: it's part travel log and part thriller. While each playthrough takes around fifteen minutes or so to complete, it's important to pay close attention to how information changes as decisions are made. Considering it is loosely based on the developer's travels, there are numerous discussions being had, much like one would hear on a train. From heavy political venting to relationship drama, all of this seems normal until one starts to realize that there is something ominous being hinted at in these conversations. The writing is excellent, and the horror elements are subtle yet rewarding once the player begins to piece things together. It's a story that focuses on how the mundane can transform into something uncomfortable fairly quickly. While the game is mostly a visual novel, some interactive elements come in the form of using the instant camera. During the story, there will be moments where the game will prompt the player with a little red circle in the bottom right-hand corner to take a photo. However, it's not always easy to catch these, and it's not always obvious. By taking photos, the player gets a distortion of reality, adding to that subtle horror that looms over the game's narrative. From strange tentacles to facial distortion, these images allow the player to interpret whatever hidden meaning they wish to glean from the image. It's interesting, and the show versus tell aspect is so important to a game like this, as it's particularly uncomfortable, and it also asks the question of what is fact and what is fiction. [caption id="attachment_180177" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A return home.[/caption] It also helps that the artistic direction in Melbourne: Route 96 is so distinctive, blending photorealism with hand-drawn graphics. Colour is also something that is used sparingly, which definitely gives a moody, unsettling vibe throughout the game’s runtime. There is also a travel journal that can be flipped through, which is a gorgeous mishmash of visual styles, making the player feel like they are flipping through someone else's memories. The messiness and stylistic choices felt so familiar, especially as someone who grew up cutting out magazines or clipping photos and pasting them into a spiral notebook; it feels so nostalgic. There is not a lot of music in the game, but what is there is subtle and fits the game's overall dark tone. As I stated at the beginning of this review, Melbourne: Route 96 was a happy accident, and one that I want to share with anyone who loves visual novels. Lindsay Mansfield has crafted something that feels both so familiar and yet so uncomfortable, and while each playthrough is short, each one builds upon the other in interesting and unexpected ways. While the game is unsettling at times, gaslighting the player multiple times throughout, that's part of the game's strange charm. Melbourne: Route 96 is a conversation piece that will have any player wondering if what they saw was real or an elaborate piece of fiction. The post Adventure Corner ~ Melbourne: Route 96 appeared first on RPGamer.

Publisher Hooded Horse announced it is partnering with Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark developer 6 Eyes Studio on the studio's latest title, tactical RPG Pathbreakers: Roaming Blades. The game is in development for PC and is planned to be released on Steam Early Access, though a date has not been announced. It will support English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese language options. Pathbreakers: Roaming Blades sees players leading a company of mercenaries on Stormtossed Isle. Players can choose from a selection of origin stories, or create their own, and can elect whether to follow a traditional mercenary path, focus on elements like business or exploration, or some combination thereof. The game features a procedurally-generated world map with various dungeons, towns, enemies, and secrets. Combat sees players deploying up to eight units at once on hex-based maps. Each unit has their own class and skills, with players able to hire, equip and train their mercenaries. Contracts and story events will have multiple resolution options and outcomes, with the game also planned to support modding including a map editor, spell editor, and modifiable data files.   [foogallery id="180242"]   The post Pathbreakers: Roaming Blades Coming to Steam Early Access appeared first on RPGamer.

Ahead of the release of Destiny 2's Renegades expansion next week, Bungie released both an early launch trailer and a new "ViDoc" video. The trailer gives a cinematic introduction to the Star Wars-inspired expansion, while the fifteen-minute ViDoc gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the expansion and the collaboration between Bungie and LucasFilm Games. Destiny 2: Renegades is part of the “Year of Prophecy” content, which starts the multi-year Fate Saga story for the game, and will release on December 2, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Renegades sees players join a crew of underdogs aiming to challenge a powerful Cabal faction known as the Barant Imperium. It includes a new Lawless Frontier game mode, new characters, the new Tharsis Outpost social hub, and a new Blaster weapon archetype. Lawless Frontier sees players taking on high risk, high reward contracts such as smuggling, bounty hunting, and sabotage. The mode also features unique upgradeable abilities, new weapons and gear, and a Notoriety system.     The post Destiny 2: Renegades Expansion Gets Pre-Launch Media appeared first on RPGamer.

As the holiday season begins, we at RPGamer recognize that money has become tighter over the last few years, and that keeping on top of the latest releases is ever more challenging. With inflation and the world in a strange place at the moment, many people haven't been able to afford the hefty price tags that many games are fetching at. We decided to look at "budget" titles, wherein the staff were tasked with picking a small selection of great RPGs for less than $20 USD as the base price. We hope we've put some interesting titles on your radar that you'll consider giving a try or gifting to someone who may need a little gaming pick-me-up. Of course, we also invite our readers to share any additional suggestions. ---   8-Bit Adventures 2 Price: $19.99 Nostalgia is a powerful drug; fortunately, indie RPGs that harken back to the classics of the '90s can be found quite readily. Critical Games’ 8-Bit Adventures 2 stands out among this pack for having a truly emotional and exciting story that grips players easily and never lets go. The combat is enjoyable and not too complicated, and the cast of characters is so endearing that you’ll never want the game to end. A quality passion project that oozes charm is something that is easily worth $20. While big-name developers have more resources, in 8-Bit Adventures 2 — and even more recently with Quartet — Something Classic Games demonstrates that with the right timing, planning, and execution, standing up against the heavyweights in the industry can be achieved at any level. Underdogs typically start with less, but playing through this classic turn-based indie gem goes to show just how many are capable of shining just as brightly as past powerhouses. — Ryan Costa   --- House of Necrosis Price: $11.99 "Roguelike" encompasses a wide swarth of games these days, but the roots of the genre are most closely displayed in titles like Mystery Dungeon. House of Necrosis unifies the play style of Mystery Dungeon with the themes of Resident Evil and gives you a low-poly, retro mansion to explore filled with four dungeons, three of which are post-game. The game can be quite punishing, having you lose all your gear on death (at least before the endgame), but once you figure out what enemies are capable of and display a certain level of care, a game over should be a rare occurrence. The biggest strength of the game lies in weapons and consumable effects, allowing for all kinds of surprises.  The game has a lot to offer: explosive throwing weapons, consumables that level up enemies to more dangerous versions, and allows all effects in the game to be used against its four bosses. — Benedikt Geierhofer   --- The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Price: $19.99 USD The game that started it all, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is still an incredible introduction to Nihon Falcom's long-running Trails series, which sits at over a dozen games. While it did receive an excellent remake earlier this year, the original still holds up surprisingly well 26 years later. The visuals are a bit dated at times, with character sprites having extremely limited animations, but the art direction holds up surprisingly well even when played on higher resolutions. Being the first game in a long running franchise, the combat system is unrefined and easily exploited, but it still manages to be a fun time and does the job well. Narratively, while the first Trails in the Sky game is a bit of a slow burn at first, the game’s world and characters are some of the best in the whole franchise. It takes a bit of time to get going, but the final two chapters of the game are some of the most nail-biting of the whole franchise, accompanied by a series-defining soundtrack. — Ezra Kinnell   --- Low Magic Age Price: $14.99 Who says that RPGs need a point or anything important to them beyond fun combat and loot? While many players typically would, sometimes it’s just as important to unwind and sink hours into an enjoyable turn-based battle simulator. That’s what Low Magic Studios’ Low Magic Age brings to the table. Based on the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop game, specifically the 3.5 edition rules, it is a consistently updating combat simulator where players can take a created party and just go questing for loot. It basically just amounts to a combat generator for a tabletop game, but who hasn’t lost themselves for hours dreaming about being a hero and taking out the generated villains of a dungeon? Now expand that singular dungeon into a never-ending quest to get the best gear and just have fun. For under $20, I’ll easily take the hundred-plus hours I put into Low Magic Age and gladly do it again for another hundred. — Ryan Costa   --- Monster Sanctuary Price: $19.99 There aren’t many who would so boldly mix turn-based RPGs with Metroidvania-style exploration, but Monster Sanctuary does so quite successfully. Choosing your monsters based on their abilities in battles and in exploration makes team building more tactical than the typical RPG monster collector, and it’s a genuine joy to watch your progress both going forward as well as backtracking to areas newly opened to you. A worthy buy for its price, for both monster collectors and platform explorers. — Robert Sinclair   --- Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth Price: $19.99 Knowledge of the Record of Lodoss War franchise is not a prerequisite to enjoy this excellent Metroidvania RPG codeveloped by Team Ladybug and WSS Playground. Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth plays quite a bit like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night but sets itself apart with gameplay twists unique to its elven protagonist. Despite a short run time, this game is easy to become immersed in thanks to its fluid pixel art, buttery-smooth controls, and catchy soundtrack. Likewise, the minimalist story leaves an impact in its own quiet way. Those seeking a refreshing palate cleanser game would do well to consider Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth. — Casey Pritt   --- Weird and Unfortunate Things Are Happening Price: Free Free games often receive a bad rap, either for being full of microtransactions or having content gated behind a paywall. Sapphire Dream Games' Weird and Unfortunate Things Are Happening is a fantastic example of a free RPG that offers intense and memorable storytelling, with a loveable cast of characters, and some intense moments of pure horror. It also sports a simple but effective turn-based combat system where status effects play a huge role in success and failure. This is one of those games where the story does a phenomenal job of building on itself to keep the player wanting to investigate more. Also, the heroine clubs everything with a baseball bat and has quite the potty mouth. She's my kinda gal! In all fairness, despite it being made in RPGMaker, Weird and Unfortunate Things Are Happening is truly a wonderful experience, especially for any RPGamer who appreciates narrative and complex characters, and for the price of free, how could you possibly go wrong?  — Sam Wachter      --- Ys Origin Price: $19.99 Although its visuals are looking a touch long in the tooth, Ys Origin is a timeless master class in action RPG design. Players climb the Devil's Tower as one of three combatants, mowing down demonic hordes and vanquishing tough bosses to the sweet sounds of heavy metal music. Each playable character's move set is as unique as their personality, with all routes offering further exploration into the nature of the fabled land of Ys and its fall from grace. This game serves as a distant prequel to Adol Christin's adventures, which kick off in Ys I & II, and it can be played either before or after those two entries. Once the true final boss has been conquered, players can enjoy extra time attack, boss rush, and arena modes, adding all the more value to this affordable adventure. — Casey Pritt      --- We hope you enjoyed our selections for this feature. Please tell us in the comments your favourite budget RPGs! The post RPGs on a Budget appeared first on RPGamer.

Kitfox Games and Freehold Games announced that the planned Nintendo Switch release for roguelike Caves of Qud has been pushed back. Previously planned for release later this year, the Nintendo Switch version is not set for January 2026. Released on PC, Mac, and Linux in December 2024 after fifteen years in development, Caves of Qud is billed as a science fantasy RPG with deep simulation aspects. Players create their own character with over seventy mutations and dozens of cybernetic implants available allowing players to fly, teleport, hypnotise goats, swap bodies with a robot, and more. The game includes over seventy factions, while all monsters and NPCs are fully simulated with their own levels, skills, equipment, faction allegiances, and body parts. It includes the Classic roguelike mode as well as friendlier Roleplay and Wander modes.   (Original Switch announcement trailer) The post Caves of Qud Switch Version Pushed to January appeared first on RPGamer.

Developer Operaludica announced a free upcoming expansion for turn-based fantasy RPG Dragonero: The Rise of Draquir. The Master Mode DLC will include three creation tools  -- the Dungeon Wizard, Creature Wizard, and Quest Wizard -- that let players build and share their own adventures. A release date has not been announced, but a beta version is planned to be made available as part of Steam's Turn-Based Carnival event starting on January 27, 2026. Dragonero: The Rise of Draquir released for PC in September 2024 and is based on the Dragonero Italian comic series by Sergio Bonelli Editore. The game features five playable characters — Ian Aranill the Scout, Gmor Burpen the Orc, Myrva Aranille the Technocrat, Alben the Luresindo, and Sera of Rômelinwe — each with their own storyline available before they join forces for the main campaign. It is set in the open world of Erondàr, which features a mixture of prodecurally-generated and hand-crafted dungeons. The longer the party spends in a dungeon, the greater the danger and rewards it offers, with the game featuring resting mechanics that let players craft, hunt, and heal before resuming their adventure.   The post Dragonero: The Rise of Draquir Getting Free Master Mode DLC appeared first on RPGamer.

Team17 and Beehive Studios released a new trailer for creature collecting RPG LumenTale: Memories of Trey. The three-minute video, framed as young character Ales watching a documentary video, gives an introduction to the game's setting of Talea, which is populated by both people and Animon, creatures made from an energy called Anivis that flows through the whole world. The video comes with the announcement of a new spring 2026 release window for the game, which will be available on PC and Nintendo Switch. LumenTale: Memories of Trey sees players use a device called a Holoken to catch Animon -- which possess the ability to affect emotions and interact with the souls of every living being -- in the field and recruit them to their party. There are around 140 known species across thirteen elemental types, with each having their own abilities and skills. Battles can be either single creature duels or team encounters. Players can trade their Animon with others. Players can also craft items and cook food, as well as customise a zone detached from the world called the Anispace, where captured Animon reside and train.   The post LumenTale: Memories of Trey Gets New Trailer, Spring Release Window appeared first on RPGamer.

RedSaw Games and Logoi Games have released the second major Steam Early Access update for farming sim Doloc Town. The "Thrive & Ties" update includes two townie friendship storylines and various NPC personal quests, the Rico Mountain faction, main storyline progression, more customisation options, more items, a calendar feature, and more. Doloc Town features 2D pixel art graphics with side-scrolling exploration and combat. It is set in the eponymous oasis in a post-apocalyptic world, which is filled with abandoned ruins and unique architecture. Players are tasked with looking after their crops, including shielding them from weather such as acid rain. They can create automated production systems and unlock and upgrade farming skill trees. Outside of the town, players can explore a variety of biomes including forests, caves, and ruins while searching for secret relics and treasures. During exploration, players encounter threats and engage in fast-paced combat alongside customisable drones.   The post Doloc Town Receives Thrives & Ties Update appeared first on RPGamer.

Square Enix released new details and screenshots for Octopath Traveler 0 ahead of its release next week. The latest update reveals more companion characters in the game, as well as more details about Path Actions, amity levels, Party Chat, and sailing. In addition, Square Enix announced that a physical 2-CD soundtrack will be released in December 2025 for $35.99, including a booklet with roundtable discussion from composer Yasunori Nishiki and music production staff. During the game, players can recruit various companions as party members, including characters from the original Octopath Traveler, characters met during the main story, and other travelers. Delitia is a hunter from the deserts of the Sunlands who wears a traditional lightweight outfit. She is proud of her clan and is currently searching for her brother, who is next in line to be its leader. Esperre is an apothecary aiming to save as many people as possible. His father was also a renowned apothecary and he seeks to live up to that legacy. Goodwin is a dancer who also works as a playwright and actor specialising in adventure tales. He was driven out of the city due to artistic differences and attempted to perform at sea, but was involved in a shipwreck.     Octopath Traveler 0 features the series' returning Path Actions, where players can interact with characters for various rewards. Actions available in Octopath Traveler 0 vary based on the player's influence and whether the character values wealth, power, or fame. Those can who value wealth can be bought from or hired, those who value power can be contended against or impressed in combat, and those value fame can be entreated or recruited. Players can also invite those who wish to relocate to the rebuilt town of Wishvale. Once players develop their town before a certain level, they unlock amity levels. These represent the closeness between the player character and their companions, and can be raised by interacting with them in Wishvale. Increasing amity levels gives players access to more valuable items and increases the capability of the characters' resident skills. Players may need to give items, such as their favourite food, to raise a character's amity level.     The game also features Party Chat, inter-party conversations based on story or other events. These conversations offer glimpses into the bonds and personalities of the characters and players can replay any they might have missed from the main menu. Finally, Octopath Traveler 0 will let players sail both the Middlesea and Outersea. There are uncharted islands to discover, but also unknown and dangerous creatures that they may encounter on the water. Octopath Traveler 0′s story draws from that of mobile title Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent. Players control a created protagonist from the town of Wishvale. On the annual Day of Reverence festival, the town is attacked and engulfed in flames, setting the protagonist on the path of revenge or restoration. As players journey across the world of Orsterra on their quest, they form a party of eight members from a total of over thirty recruitable travelers. Octopath Traveler 0 is set to release for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 on December 4, 2025. A demo is currently available on all platforms, with save progress transferring to the full game.   [foogallery id="180183"] The post Octopath Traveler 0 Reveals More Companions, Interactions appeared first on RPGamer.