Rich Plays - Captain Blood on the PC "The Most Fun You Can Have In 2005 in 2025" 🏴‍☠️⚔️🩸 @captbloodgame #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich swash buckles his way into the long awaited Captain Blood which is a pirate-themed action-adventure game developed by SeaWolf Studio and published by SNEG. The game's development journey has been notoriously turbulent. Originally announced in 2003, it was meant to be developed by Akella, known for Sea Dogs and Pirates of the Caribbean. 

However, the project faced multiple restarts, legal disputes, and bankruptcies, leading to years of development hell. It was showcased at E3 2004, but by 2010, the game was effectively cancelled due to financial and legal complications. 

In 2024, publisher SNEG Ltd. acquired the rights and revived the project, leading to its official release on May 6, 2025, across PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. The game features hack-and-slash combat, ship battles, and a mission-based structure, allowing players to fight enemies on both land and sea.

Dreamless "Every 25 years, horrifying events occur in a lost town" 😱

Dreamless

Developer – Setone Games

Platforms – PS5, Xbox X/S, PC

“When we are sure that everything develops according to our plans, we should wonder whether there is an invisible thread of the puppeteer stretched over our heads.”

Every 25 years, horrifying events occur in a lost town in the south. For one week, August 1-7, referred to as “death week,” teenagers mysteriously disappear. City officials have long ago given up on the mystery and are simply closing missing persons cases, advising residents to stock up on essential supplies and not to leave their homes. But even such measures don't save the day, and more people go missing every year. Is a serial killer, who has passed his craft from generation to generation, to blame for these terrible disappearances, or ... or ... Is it a curse?

The protagonist is John, a diligent senior year student with a passion for video blogging. On August 1, 2017, exactly one month before his coming of age, a new “week of death” arrives. The townspeople are busy going about their business and seem to have already forgotten about the curse, but John receives a tempting offer from his friend Will: to explore the long-abandoned house of a deceased old lady who once instilled terror in all the residents.

Features:

- Photo-realistic graphics

- Realistic gameplay

- High-quality audio accompaniment, creating an atmosphere of maximum fear

- Unpredictable gameplay: the abandoned house will change as the game progresses, creating new obstacles and puzzles for the player

- Learn the ancient history of a provincial town and solve the mystery of mystical disappearances of children

- Immerse yourself in this fascinating world and find out what lies behind the eerie events of the “death week”.

Hurt Me Plenty: The Ultimate Guide to First Person Shooters 2003-2010 [Rich's REVIEW + Unboxing Video] 📖💥 @bitmap_books #Retrogaming

Hurt Me Plenty: The Ultimate Guide to First-Person Shooters 2003–2010 is the mahoosive 464-page hardcover book follow up to I'm Too Young To Die that explores the evolution of first-person shooters from the years 2003 to 2010. 

I’m Too Young To Die covered FPS games from 1992 to 2002 so it's cool how the new book just picks up the baton from where ITYTD left off. The book features almost 220 FPS games including Call of Duty, DOOM 3, Half-Life 2, BioShock, Crysis, Borderlands, Fallout 3, Left 4 Dead, and Halo 2, alongside some lesser-known titles and experimental shooters.

The book also includes some cool interview chapters with FPS industry legends like Ken Levine (BioShock), Minh Le (Counter-Strike), Tim Willits (DOOM 3), and Jeep Barnett (Portal, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress 2). The book also explores and discusses FPS trends, such as the rise of multiplayer-only shooters, the impact of digital game distribution, and the shift from WWII settings to modern warfare.

Once again as with all Bitmap Books the book is designed with highest quality printing at the forefront along with the use of special Pantone ink, and an illustrated cover by Ian Pestridge that is Spot varnished and accompanied by a dust jacket highlighting key FPS genre elements against a stunning matte background. As always the book is a must-have for retro gamers and FPS fans.

LOST IN CULT Announces EDITIONS - "A Preservation and Design-Focused Physical Games Label" 💿 @lostincult #IndieGame #GameDev

 

Physical games designed with the care they deserve. We’re doing it differently. We’re doing it better. Lost In Cult, best known as the acclaimed video game culture and design studio behind your favourite premium quality gaming items, is exceptionally proud to finally unveil EDITIONS - our bold new vision for physical media. Launching with a trio of titles for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, our new imprint redefines the standards of what a physical game can be. Our initial launch features three distinct acclaimed indie masterpieces, available to order now: Thank Goodness You’re Here! (PS5/Switch) - a BAFTA-winning comedy adventure (limited to 3,000 on Switch/1,500 on PS5) Immortality (PS5) - a critically acclaimed interactive experience, winner of BAFTA’s Best Narrative (limited to 1,500 on PS5) The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow (Switch) - a folk horror adventure standout, with a BAFTA-winning performance (limited to 3,000 on Switch)

Hot Rod Mayhem Xbox Series X Review 6.5/10 "Smooth Racing and Vibrant Visuals" 🚘🚔@CasualBrothers #IndieGame #GameDev

Kart racing is a genre that has certainly had its ups and down over the years, it feels like there have been an incredible amount – of varying quality – that have been released in the last few years alone on the Switch and Xbox, where there will always be a niche due to the focus on local multiplayer, after all – bashing around with friends is always fun!

To this end, Hot Rod Mayhem makes a great first impression, with energetic music, and a colourful customisable cast of characters as well as several vehicles to choose from, each with their own stats. 

Higher Speed Internet Will Surely Kill the Traditional Video Game Console [as console prices rise and rise again] 🛜🎮

Will widely available high speed internet kill the traditional video game console?

With the PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series consoles recently being subject to price increases across many territories it got me thinking about how these price increases coupled with tariffs and other market factors are potentially the perfect storm that could see traditional console boxes die and the rise of the streaming cloud services that have traditionally faltered.

It feels so weird that 5 years after the release of the current gen of Xbox and PlayStation consoles that instead of a price drop we are seeing a price increase on a purchase that generally loses money over time. Maybe I should have bought 10 PS5s and sat on them as an asset! 😂

Rich Plays ~ Doom: The Dark Ages ~ [Base PS5 Gameplay] "EAT MY SHIELD!" 🛡️👹

 

Rich gets his hands on a code from Bethesda to try out the new DOOM on his trusty PS5. The last time Rich played a DOOM game was back in 2016 with the DOOM reboot... Watch Rich's Original "DOOM NOOB" Journey Here 👇🏻

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnXszwskV-8DDK8bolO6Ja96-bPvt5I26

Britt’s Mega Drive Odyssey Part 6 – Gun Slugs SEGA Mega Drive Review 🔫🐛 @megacatstudios #IndieGame #GameDev #Retrogaming

Firstly, a huge thanks to Retro Room Games for kindly allowing us to cover a handful of their releases! The first of these…Gunslugs.

Originally developed and released back in 2013, Gunslugs is the result of the hard work at OrangePixel.

Since that time, it has been released across a myriad of platforms, and eventually made its way to Mega Drive - in both digital and physical formats – courtesy of Space Pants Games who designed this MD port from the ground up. A 2D action-platformer, Gunslugs puts you in the role of a special agent charged with taking down the Black Duck Army.

The Ultimate Waterslide Guide for Aquapark Tycoon 🌊🛝🌊 @boxelware #IndieGame #GameDev

Slides are among the biggest attractions in Aquapark Tycoon. To ensure your guests enjoy unforgettable thrills and plenty of action, Boxelware went above and beyond to offer an impressive selection of slides.

Today, the development team takes you behind the scenes of waterslide construction, revealing the many ways to customize your water park. Each variant comes with specialized design options that impact the slide’s dynamics, speed, and safety.

Rich Plays Snow Bros 2 Special On The Nintendo Switch ☃️❄️⛄ #Retrogaming

Rich plays Snow Bros 2 Special which is a remake of the 1994 arcade classic Snow Bros. 2 by TOAPLAN. Rich attempts to rescue the princess from the Demon King—by choosing from four protagonists with updated character designs and modernized graphics.

🕹️ GAME LINK: 🔗

https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-games/SNOW-BROS-2-SPECIAL-2760881.html

Rich Plays Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics On Nintendo Switch 💾 🕹️ @ASW_official_EU @ArcSystemWorksU #Retrogaming

Rich takes some time out of his busy GF schedule to play Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics which is a collection of games from Technos Japan.

List of Games:

- River City Renegade

- Kunio’s Dodgeball Time, C'mon Guys!

- Downtown River City Baseball Story

- Kunio’s Oden

- Super Dodge Ball

- The Combatribes

- SugoroQuest++ –DICENICS-

- DunQuest

- XAIN’D SLEENA

- CHINA GATE

- SHADOW FORCE

This collection is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Steam.

WWE2K25 PS5 Review 8/10 “Strong and Steady” 🤼‍♂️ #WWE

The WWE2K games have been on a nice run, just like the product it’s based on, we haven't had any massive backward steps, and whilst there are some things that don’t land or could be improved upon, it’s nothing that makes you want to throw your WWE merch into a pit of fire. 

After loving the last few entries I wondered if we would finally have the rug pull, modes and match types taken out, corners cut etc. but to my very pleasant surprise we are still on a great roll, remaining modes have been improved, and most of the new additions are good - but I do think one game mode should have been left out... or maybe sent to an island, never to return.
The first thing I always talk about when reviewing WWE games is GM mode, probably the best thing in the entirety of human existence...OK, maybe that is a stretch - but it is one of my favourite things, so how does this mode hold up this year? 

Peglin Xbox Series X Review 7.5/10 "Can Peglin best Peggle as the king of the ball game?" 🏐 @rednexusgames @BlitWorks #GameDev #IndieGame

The Peggle series of games has been a hit in our household for almost a decade, heck – it even sucked in my non-gamer mum for a few months at one point! Much like word-based RPGs, the pachinko genre is one that always gets my britches twitchin’, and I can’t seem to turn down the chance to play and talk about them.

Peglin begins with your initial character – a little goblin (possible the titular ‘Peglin’, thinking about it) – taking a rogue-like path through various stages. It’s all about how the balls fall, you’ll find treasure, upgrades, stores, random encounters, and of course – enemies to thwart. 

Spirit Of The North 2 [PC] Gameplay Ten Minute Taster "Fox McCloud Rides Again!" 🌟🦊🌟 @PlaySOTN @silverliningint #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich was lucky enough to be able to jump into the first 20 minutes of Spirit of the North 2 to sample the sequel that was released on 08/05/25 and builds upon the quiet, atmospheric adventure of its predecessor. 

👉🏻WATCH RICH'S TEN MINUTE TASTER GAMEPLAY VIDEO ON PC HERE 👇🏻

SON2 has been developed by Infuse Studios and published by Silver Lining Interactive and takes players on a journey through open-world platformer through the Northern Lands. Again you are a lone fox navigating a mysterious and abandoned world.

This time the game is powered by Unreal Engine 5 and the environments benefit from this with players experiencing lush forests to icy caverns with each biome offering a unique visual and auditory experience. 

The game’s soundtrack, composed by Pav Gekko, enhances the immersion, with sweeping orchestral pieces accompanying intense moments and softer melodies underscoring the fox’s quiet exploration.

Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days [PC] "Ten Minute Taster Session" (The Last Of Us VS This War Of Mine) 🧟‍♀️🪓 @intothedead #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich plays Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days in this weeks Ten Minute Taster Gameplay Session. This is a gripping side scrolling 2D survival game set in Walton City, Texas, during the 1980s. The city faces a devastating zombie outbreak amidst a scorching heatwave and economic crisis. Players lead a group of survivors, scavenging for resources, crafting tools, and building shelters to endure the relentless zombie threat. 

The gameplay emphasizes stealth, strategy, and tough moral decisions. Survivors must navigate the eerie ruins of Walton City, balancing their physical and psychological needs while encountering dynamic challenges that evolve with each playthrough.

Level 10 Retro Game Remix Double LP Review by Britt "Celebrating 10 Years Of Retro Game Remix [2014-2024] 💿 #VideoGameVinyl #Vinyl #VGM

The last time I had the pleasure covering Erek Ladd’s music was back in 2022 when I covered his album Lifestream, an absolutely astonishing record that was recorded and performed to perfection. In fact, so taken was I by the production of that album, that upon receiving notice that I was going to be covering Level 10 I realised that I was excited about the thought that I’d once again get swept up in that rich production tapestry, without even knowing what songs were to be included! I’m happy to report that the production is - again – amazing, and that the tracks included on this - almost thirty track long - double LP will very lead to the removing of trousers for a lot of folks out there who enjoy instrumental versions of key songs throughout the history of gaming performed expertly with passion by a man who very much has a flair for this sort of thing. You’ll be emotionally involved, you’ll be swept away, you’ll be dazzled by energy and technique, but regardless of the high level of performance on display, it never devolves into masturbatory widdly-widdly guitar solos , such is Erek’s level of taste and style. Good.

NACON Announces The New RIG 400 GEN2 Series Gaming Headsets 🎧 @Nacon @NaconFR

NACON announces the new RIG 400 GEN2 Series. Successors to the best-selling camo gaming headsets, the new generation headsets are available in two soft-touch camo designs, Arctic Camo and Urban Camo, exclusively at Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

The 400 GEN2 delivers epic game audio with powerful 40mm audio drivers and crystal-clear comms via a redesigned flip-to-mute microphone. Gamers can seamlessly connect with squad mates across platforms with a universal 3.5mm audio jack, built to plug and play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, and more.

Designed for extended gaming sessions, the 400 GEN2 features redesigned oval earcups that form comfortably around the ear. The signature snap-fit sizing and a cushioned headband ensure a perfect fit for all head sizes, offering unmatched comfort and durability.

Rich Plays Head Over Heels : DELUXE [PC Gameplay] "Like Patting My Head & Rubbing My Tummy!" 🤕🐾 @RustyPixelsUK #Retrogaming

 

Rich gets ready to dive into Head Over Heels : DELUXE, the timeless puzzle-platforming adventure that captivated gamers in the golden age of the 8-bit era and is now reborn with colourful modern visuals and refined gameplay!

Collector's Edition Vinyl Releases Featuring Online Slot Themes 💿🎰

Source: Canva editor

Exclusive vinyl records with a casino theme are the result of the inventive fusion of musical discs with gaming accessories and collectibles. These special heavy metal records unite music artistry with casino-themed visual design to make them valuable collectibles for music fans as well as gaming artifact collectors.

Rich is Hungry For Hordes Of Hunger PC Gameplay ⚔️👹 @HYPERSTRANGE #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich eats his way through the first 15 Minutes of Hordes Of Hunger on the PC.

Hordes of Hunger is an upcoming action-packed ARPG game developed by Hyperstrange. Set in a medieval fantasy world, players take control of Mirah, a fierce warrior defending her homeland from The Beast and its ravenous hordes. The game blends roguelike elements with arena-style battles, where players wield powerful weapons and abilities to fend off enemies while completing quests.

The gameplay is designed to be accessible, with a progressive difficulty curve that increases as players level up. Between battles, players can upgrade their abilities in a hub area, tailoring their playstyle to their preferences. The game is set to release in Early Access on May 6, 2025, with additional content planned for the full version.

Beyond the Ice Palace 2 Xbox Series X Review 6.5/10 "Worth a go if you go mental for this stuff" ⚔️ @PQubeGames #GameDev #IndieGame

Beyond the Ice Palace 2 has a heritage longer than many people reading this have been alive. The original BTIP was released in the Stone Age (1988) for the first mass-market home computers, including the Commodore siblings C64 and Amiga, the Atari ST and the ZX Spectrum. You take the role of the Cursed King, champion of the gods, raised from the dead in order to whip and grapple your way through your decaying kingdom.

9th Dawn Remake Xbox Series X Review 9/10 "A Glorious CRPG that kept me coming back for more"⚔️🛡️🧙‍♂️ @Valorware #Retrogaming #IndieGame #GameDev

Five years ago I covered 9th Dawn III: Shadow of Erthil, and whilst I had a good time with it, there were some issues that chipped away at the fun somewhat. Although this is a remake of the first game in the series (which I haven’t previously played), there’s a freshness and tightness to the experience that really makes this stand out from the crowd, and especially when compared to the 3rd title in the series, with a lot of issues ironed out, and more accessibility and snugness in the design whilst also feeling incredibly expansive and very rewarding in terms of exploration.

Time Enforcers – Preview By Britt ⌚ @TimeEnforcers #IndieGame #GameDev

Time Enforcers Website

Available on Steam, iOS App Store, Galaxy Store, Amazon Appstore, Steam, Mac App Store, and itch.io, Time Enforcers casts you as the titular group as they travel through time, thwarting the evil schemes of Chronolith. Chapter 1 is presently available, with more on the way. Set in feudal Japan, this opening chapter focuses on Kaizen, a Samurai warrior who is part of the Time Enforcers. 

A unique blend of fully voiced digital comic, top-down action, and – my favourite part – quiz sections focused on the era in question, Time Enforcers is shaping up to be an ideal fit for mobile devices, with enough variation in the gameplay to keep things fresh as the accessible narrative unfolds. 

The brainchild of Paul Hebert, Sr – Time Enforcers is very much a product of passion that is available on both PC and mobile devices right now.

What you waiting for? get out there and stop Chronolith!

Playing GTA 4 in 2024 To Prepare For GTA 6 In 2025... 💥

Late last year I decided that in preparation for Grand Theft Auto 6 I would play GTA 4 as the last GTA that I played was GTA China Town Wars on the DS and I also dabbled in the Nintendo DS GTA China Town Wars a few years back.

My GTA journey originally began with a Grand Theft Auto Demo Disc on the PlayStation 1 that was timed at 10 minutes. I'd go to my mate Lee's house and take it in turns to play the ten minutes before handing over the controller. Looking back now, it was actually a great way to play as it meant no matter what happens the other person gets a go after 10 minutes!Thinking back now, I don't think I ever actually owned the FULL game for GTA1 or GTA2.