Hyperkin Crowns a New Champion: The Competitor Murasaki Edition Arrives in the UK

Competitor Murasaki Edition Launches Exclusively at Argos

Premium Features Without the Premium Price Tag

Hyperkin’s symmetrical twin‑thumbstick controller, The Competitor, made a splash with PC and Xbox players when it first launched — and now the fan‑favourite gamepad has returned with a bold new look. Introducing the Competitor Murasaki Edition, a regal purple variant that’s exclusive to UK gamers via Argos.

The original Competitor earned applause for bringing premium features to an affordable price point, and the Murasaki Edition continues that tradition. It retains the controller’s fast polling rates, segmented classic D‑pad, and trio of hall effect sensors, supported by metal glide rings and anti‑friction gates for smooth, precise thumbstick control — even during the most heated gaming moments.

Designed for versatility, the Competitor Murasaki Edition works seamlessly across PC, Steam, Xbox consoles, and cloud gaming services including Game Pass. With accurate button mapping, a symmetrical stick layout, and Hyperkin’s trademark build quality, this controller is built for players who want style without sacrificing performance.

Available today for an MSRP of £39.99, the Competitor Murasaki Edition delivers a premium feel wrapped in a striking purple finish — gaming royalty without the royal price.

Find the Competitor Murasaki Edition exclusively at Argos:

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7995589

Stay up to date with Hyperkin’s latest announcements, product drops, and more by following the brand on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Letter Quest Remastered Xbox Series X Review 9.5/10 "There are no words for a game this good!" 🔤 @thebaconbandits #IndieGame #GameDev

Letter Quest Remastered: The Undisputed King of Word‑Based RPGs

The Humour, Art, and Personality That Make Letter Quest Shine

Over the years, whenever I cover word-based puzzle games, Letter Quest often crops up as the standard-bearer for quality. It seems unusual to retrospectively cover a game released over a decade ago, but I was sure that I had sung the praises of Letter Quest in an article upon its initial release - I had certainly played it enough! - but I checked during my research for Beyond Words, and no, I hadn’t. So I’m getting to rectify that here.

Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection Brings A Dose Of 90s Nostalgia to PS5 👶🍼

Rugrats Retro Rewind Collection PS5 Gameplay – 90s Nickelodeon Revival

Tommy, Chuckie and the Gang Cause Some PS5 Mayhem

Rich steps back into the playpen! This Rugrats Retro Rewind PS5 gameplay video dives into the nostalgic chaos of Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica and the whole gang as they return in a modern reimagining of the classic Nickelodeon world. Expect retro‑styled fun, colourful levels, and plenty of 90s vibes as we explore missions, mini‑games, and all the mischief the Rugrats are famous for.

Nintendo Switch 2 – COOWPS +P2 Split Case UPDATED! UNBOXING & Fit Test 🎮

COOWPS +P2 Split Protective Case (Updated Version) – The Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade

Rich goes Hands‑On With the Updated COOWPS +P2 Split Case

Protect your Nintendo Switch 2 in style with the UPDATED COOWPS +P2 Split Protective Case Set! In today’s video, we take a close look at the new design tweaks, improved fit, and overall feel of this upgraded accessory. If you’re hunting for a lightweight, durable, and comfortable case for daily use, this one might just surprise you. In this unboxing, we cover: What’s new in the updated version, fit, grip, and comfort; dock compatibility; and protection level.  Whether you're a handheld‑only player or someone who travels with their Switch 2, this case could be a perfect match.

🔗 Useful Link

GET A 5% DISCOUNT HERE: https://go.coowps.com/GamesFreezerUKP2

Clowntown Brings Co‑Op Chaos and Honking Mayhem to Steam – Batterystaple’s New Party Adventure Revealed 🤡

🎪 Clowntown Calls All Jesters to the Ring – Batterystaple’s New Co‑Op Chaos Revealed

The circus is back in town — and this time, it’s packing paintbrushes, skyscrapers, and a honk button. Clowntown, the latest off‑beat creation from 30XX developer Batterystaple Games, made its grand debut at the PC Gaming Show, inviting 2–8 players to embrace their inner fool in a campaign of co‑operative calamity.

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🤡 Down to Clown?

Launching soon on PC via Steam, Clowntown is a co‑op party campaign where teamwork, laughter, and mild chaos collide. Players join forces as noble jesters under the watchful eye of the mysterious Ringmaster, tackling over 100 unique minigames and action puzzles designed to make you think, fail, and laugh in equal measure.

From painting masterpieces and constructing skyscrapers to composing cacophonous symphonies, every act of this circus demands creativity and coordination — or at least a convincing attempt.

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🎨 The Show Must Go On

The main Campaign Mode offers 5–6 hours of hand‑crafted clownery, where friends juggle charades, sabotage, and slapstick teamwork across evolving challenges. Each minigame set grows more absurd as you progress — Face Paint becomes Also Paint, then spirals into Probably Not Paint, turning simple art prompts into time‑pressured chaos.

Wordplay fans can expect escalating madness too: Spelling Bee morphs into Spelling Wasp, and finally Bees Spelling, where clowns literally chase letters with wings.

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🎉 Party Mode: Co‑Op or Contest

Between campaign sessions, Clowntown’s Party Mode lets players pick curated or randomised minigame sets, tweak difficulty, and add mutators. Feeling competitive? Flip the script in Contest Mode, where co‑op turns cutthroat, and every clown fights for solo glory.

And yes — every mode includes a dedicated honk button. You can customise the sound. Your teammates cannot mute it.

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🌍 Global Circus

Clowntown will launch with full support for English, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Follow Batterystaple Games on Bluesky or X for updates, and watch the Clowntown reveal trailer now to see the mayhem unfold.

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Clowntown looks set to be the next big indie laugh riot friend slop game — a perfect blend of teamwork, absurdity, and honking chaos.

batterystaplegames.com

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3680200/Clowntown

LEGO SEGA Mega Drive Unboxing – "Retro Bricks & SEGA Genesis Bliss" 🧱 🧱 🧱

Unboxing the LEGO SEGA Mega Drive / Genesis Kit – Retro Gaming Meets Brick‑Building Brilliance

Why This LEGO Set Hits the Nostalgia Button

Unboxing the LEGO SEGA Mega Drive / Genesis kit — a perfect mash‑up of retro gaming nostalgia and brick‑building goodness. In this video, I crack open the box, check out every piece, and give you a close look at this beautifully detailed tribute to SEGA’s legendary 16‑bit console.

Whether you're a LEGO collector, a SEGA fan, or just love retro hardware recreated in brick form, this set is an absolute treat.

🔗 https://www.lego.com/en-gb/product/sega-genesis-console-40926

God of Weapons PS5 Review 6/10 "Ambitious but Fatiguing Over Time" ⚔️ @ArchmageGames #IndieGame #GameDev

God of Weapons – 3D Vampire Survivors‑Style Action with Inventory Management Depth

Verdict – Ambitious but Fatiguing Over Time

A game that takes inspiration from poncle’s Vampire Survivors and moves the game into the 3D realm whilst also adding in some inventory management action, God of Weapons has some nice ideas, but the inherent repetition of the auto-battler genre is amplified here by short music loops and a staid environment.

A game that takes place in single-stage chunks, God of Weapons shows you at the start just how much content there is here, as the myriad unlockable characters are shown in silhouette before you dive into the main tower that makes up the heart of the game. As you proceed, you’ll also unlock a pretty chunky weapons armoury in which you can delve to select which loadout you fancy at the time, of course…keeping that aforementioned inventory space in check.

The stages are all very similar visually, differing mainly in enemy type and level size, although the mechanics are mainly the same, albeit having to perhaps dodge spike traps etc. You have to survive for between one and two minutes on the stages as insurmountable monsters spawn around you, causing you to run and dash out of their way as your weapons and spells auto-fire quite satisfyingly.

GXTrust Expands Creator Lineup With Two New Affordable Microphones 🎙️🎤

GXTrust Expands Creator Audio Lineup With Two New Affordable Microphones

As streaming, podcasting and online content creation continue to surge, GXTrust has expanded its creator‑focused audio range with two new microphones aimed at delivering professional‑quality sound without the premium price tag.

The refreshed lineup introduces two new models for streamers and podcasters, alongside an updated illuminated USB microphone designed for gamers and everyday creators.

Drop Duchy: Complete Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Gameplay Video 🧩🏰 @SleepyMillGames #IndieGame #GameDev

Drop Duchy: Complete Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Gameplay

Rich takes a fresh look at Drop Duchy: Complete Edition running on the Nintendo Switch 2. This gameplay showcase dives into the colourful chaos, clever mechanics, and satisfying Tetris-adjacent puzzle‑strategy blend that makes Drop Duchy such an addictive little indie nugget.

PlayStation State of Play – June 2nd, 2026: Every Announcement & Release Date

Sony’s June 2026 State of Play delivered a stacked lineup. From long‑awaited first‑party heavy hitters to surprise remasters, genre revivals, and a few “wait, WHAT?” moments, this showcase felt like a confident flex of what the PlayStation 5’s mid‑generation stride looks like.

Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of the show, plus a complete release table covering every title revealed or updated during the event.

🔥 Showcase Highlights

Sony came out swinging with a mix of blockbuster reveals and deep‑cut fan favourites. Marvel’s Wolverine finally has a release date, Tomb Raider returns with a mythological twist, and Capcom surprised everyone with not one but two Onimusha projects. Add in rhythm‑action royalty, cult classics, and a few ambitious 2027 projects, and you’ve got a showcase that hit almost every corner of the gaming world.

A.I.L.A Xbox Series X Review 6/10 “An interesting idea that's sadly front-loaded” 📺📼🐈‍⬛ @PulsatrixStudio #IndieGame #GameDev #Horror

A.I.L.A Review – Psyche‑Driven Horror With Big Ideas and Uneven Execution

A Postmodern VR Nightmare That Starts Strong but Loses Steam in the Final Acts

In A.I.L.A, you play as a video game play-tester in a postmodern sci-fi world. You get the new VR gaming system- AILA. It is a brand-new system that uses the user’s psyche to adapt the horror and give a unique experience.

The system uses an AI to guide you through the horror scenarios, the avatar of which is a little girl whom you talk to before and after you play through each of the scenarios, asking questions and guiding you through the experience, checking how you react and how you feel. 

Games Freezer's Favourite YouTube Channels - #3 Rich 📼

Over the coming weeks, the team here at GF will be sharing their favourite gaming channels on YouTube.

Here are the channels that Rich keeps returning to!

These channels represent everything I love about gaming culture: authenticity, humour, and deep‑cut passion.

Any Austin

Any Austin’s thoughtful storytelling and creative lens remind me why games matter beyond mechanics. This guy puts so much effort into dissecting things that most wouldn't even think of.

Games Freezer’s favourite YouTube Channels #2 Britt 📼

Over the coming weeks, the team here at GF will be sharing their favourite gaming channels on YouTube.

Here are the channels that Britt keeps returning to!

Kim Justice –

The channel I’ve probably been watching for the longest period of time, Kim’s passion for gaming bleeds through the screen, and it’s always a genuine pleasure to sit down with a glass of wine and plough through her lengthy docs, especially the ones with a focus on the 8-bit microcomputers. An awesome documentarian who really knows her stuff!

Deadhaus Sonata – Rich's Rapid Review: "Brilliant Vision, Rough Reality" 🧛‍♀️⚰️⚔️

Deadhaus Sonata Early Access Rapid Review

A quick‑fire look at what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your time.

Rich takes a Vampiric step into the grimdark world of Deadhaus Sonata, the ambitious undead ARPG from the creator of Legacy of Kain. In this rapid‑fire review, we break down the Early Access launch in under two minutes — the atmosphere, the combat, the bugs, the potential, and the controversy around monetisation.

If you’re wondering whether to jump in now or wait for future updates, this quick review gives you everything you need to know.

A Frog vs Winter – Froggy Hates Snow Gameplay 🌨️🐸 #IndieGame #GameDev @thats_serge

Rich tries his hand at a survival roguelike where a frog digs through freezing snow, uncovers treasures, unlocks upgrades, and battles mystical creatures.

Find the escape door — or defeat the final boss to survive. 

⛄A REALLY SATISFYING GAME LOOP!🐸

In this gameplay video, we dive beak‑first into the icy madness of Froggy Hates Snow, a charming but surprisingly intense roguelike where every run is a scramble through deep drifts, hidden loot, and frosty foes. Your goal? Keep Froggy alive long enough to power up, dig deeper, and outsmart the winter spirits that want him frozen for good.

Games Freezer’s Favourite YouTube Channels #1: Pixel Hunted 🎥

Over the coming weeks, the team here at GF will be sharing their favourite gaming channels on YouTube, to kick us off is the wonderful Pixel Hunted!

🎥Digital Foundry - 

Specifically DF Retro, as I can't think of a group of people with a more passionate and encyclopaedic knowledge of games than them.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY9cZ8nX4xmlpd1RE8_toocbU9cND7U-A&si=Wwa8Xijzb0OqdODO

🎥Modern Vintage Gamer - 

Love the in-depth knowledge about emulation and updates on what's happening, as well as the technical breakdowns that occasionally go over my head but are no less enjoyable for that

🎥Baalorlord - 

His Slay the Spire runs bust the game open practically every single time, he seems like a great guy, and his voice is very soothing before bedtime.

🎥Matt McMuscles - 

Really enjoy his series about bad fighting games and Wha' Happened, his in-depth mini docs about famous gaming flops.

🎥videogamedunkey - 

He's funny

Poker Night at the Inventory – Switch 2 Gameplay | Telltale’s Poker Classic Returns ♠️♥️♦️♣️🃏 @skunkapegames.com

Step into the smoky, chaotic, crossover‑filled world of Poker Night at the Inventory — now running on the Nintendo Switch 2 with smooth performance and crisp visuals.

In this gameplay session, Rich sits down at the table with some of gaming’s most iconic personalities and let the chips fall where they may.

https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Poker-Night-at-the-Inventory-3027978.html

Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors Nintendo Switch 2 Review 9/10 🧛🍷 "A surprising spin off that stands as tall the original" @poncle_vampire #IndieGame #GameDev

Vampire Survivors melted the world when it was released back in 2022. I’ve had friends and colleagues here at GF that adored that game and spent many, many hours with it, and whilst I dipped my toe in for a few weeks and thoroughly enjoyed my time with it, Vampire Survivors never really sucked me in as it did for others…Vampire Crawlers, however, has crawled out of its sarcophagus, plunged its teeth into my neck, and yanked my trousers down with such force and intent that the friction burns blistered my trembling thighs. Good.

The words ‘roguelike deck-building game’ have almost become burned onto my retinas due to how often I’ve come across them over the last couple of years. Whilst I love the genre, it seems to have replaced ‘soulslike’ as a term that makes my eye twitch whenever I stumble across it whilst checking out upcoming games. That said, as with anything, if a game is good, it doesn’t matter how many others there are in the field; it’s a cracker. 

Such was the case with Vampire Crawlers, which was kindly sent over to us from Nosebleed Interactive, who are the minds behind Arcade Paradise, a game that my editor, Rich, very much fell in love with back in 2022. 

I was offered the code, installed it on the Switch 2, and that was it; I was hooked.

CRKD Unveils ATOM+: The Pocket‑Sized Powerhouse Redefining Portable Play 🎮 ➕

CRKD is back with another miniature miracle — and this time, it’s smarter, stronger, and more precise than ever. Say hello to ATOM+, the next evolution of the brand’s collectable keychain controller series, proving once again that size isn’t everything… but engineering absolutely is.

Launching from June 2026, ATOM+ brings full‑fat gaming performance to a device small enough to hang from your keys. Whether you’re on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, mobile, tablet, or even a Smart TV, this tiny titan is built to play anywhere, anytime.

Huntdown: Overtime Is Pure Retro Side Scrolling Pixel Art Bullet Mayhem – PC Gameplay 💥@HuntdownGame #indiegame #gamedev

Rich rolls into the neon‑drenched chaos of Huntdown: Overtime, where the bullets fly, the gangs rule the streets, and the retro‑futuristic carnage never lets up. In this PC gameplay showcase, we dive into the Overtime mode — a relentless, wave‑based gauntlet that pushes your reflexes, your aim, and your cool 80s‑action‑movie swagger to the limit.

Mouse: P.I for Hire Nintendo Switch 2 Review 8.5 /10 "A Very Gouda Game" 🧀 @mousethegame #IndieGame #GameDev

When you think about games set in a fictional world akin to 1930’s cartoons, Cuphead will probably spring to mind, and as much as that game made an incredible impact – although I admit, its boss rush gameplay wasn’t for me, and I’ve spent far more time engrossed in the Netflix series – Mouse: P. I for Hire really caught my eye when I saw early trailers, and I pounced when the option to review it here at GF popped up. 

I’m very pleased to say that this is a game that really lives up to the promise of the trailer, and dives deep into the mousey, cheesy, noir world of Mouseburg, balancing challenging gameplay with great voice acting, an incredible sense of vibe, and visuals you’d ink your shorts for.

Set in the fictional city of Mouseburg in the ‘30s - a place inhabited by anthropomorphic rodents – you are private eye Jack Pepper, a typical hard-nosed noir detective who has his office next to a bar, and is friends with both the seedier side of town as well as up-and-coming mayoral prospects. Through a seemingly minor case, he soon finds himself embroiled in a city-wide scandal far outside his usual scope. So far, so noir.

Amnesia: Rebirth Nintendo Switch 2 Review 6/10 🤰"Did it Thrill Me, Intrigue Me and Scare Me?" #GameDev #IndieGame

Even by the generally miserable standards of horror game protagonists, Tasi Trianon has a real bad time in Amnesia: Rebirth. Barely ten minutes go by between things happening that, if they happened to you, would be the low point of your year.

By now, many fans of horror games will be familiar with Trinanon’s woes. Rebirth was initially released back in 2020 on Windows and PlayStation 4, the sequel to 2010’s Amnesia: The Dark Descent and 2013’s Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. Both of the latter games have languished unplayed in my Steam back catalogue for years, but thankfully, you don’t need to have played them to enjoy Rebirth.

And I’m pleased to confirm I did enjoy Rebirth quite a bit. One of my benchmarks for enjoying a game is it giving me an experience I haven’t had before. On paper, it doesn’t. Rebirth is boilerplate horror gaming, delivering a spooky atmosphere, an isolated heroine, monsters hunting you, and tense environmental puzzles.

Mullett MadJack – Nintendo Switch 2 Gameplay Showcase [Accessible Difficulty] 🤖💥 @MulletDev #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich takes a look at Mullett MadJack running on the Nintendo Switch 2 as we slice, dash, blast and combo our way through this neon‑drenched, hyper‑stylised action frenzy.

If you love fast‑paced gameplay, crunchy pixel art, and over‑the‑top combat, this one is going to hit the spot.

Gulikit TMR Joysticks for Joy-Con 2 🎮

Those of us who had the original Nintendo Switch will probably have awful memories of the sticks drifting as I did….on multiple occasions.

The Switch 2 uses similar technology and so stick drift could unfortunately be a thing in the future for some folks.

To this end, Gulikit have released the TME Joysticks for use with the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con 2 as replacements for the Nintendo-installed thumb-sticks. These are designed for repair use, and so there will be a requirement to take apart your Joy-Con 2 should you wish to install them, although once you do, the only drifting you’ll be doing is in Mario Kart!

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss PS5 Review by Regan 7/10 🐙 @PlayCthulhuCA #IndieGame #GameDev

Step into the shoes of Noah, an Ancile field agent, as you explore a deserted deep-sea mining station in 2053. Tasked with unravelling the fate of a missing crew, you'll be challenged by intricate puzzles and an atmosphere thick with mystery. 

This immersive experience sets the stage for a gripping adventure that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Best No Deposit Free Bonus Bitcoin Casino with No Wagering Limit: A Realistic Player Guide

The phrase the best no deposit free bonus Bitcoin casino with no wagering limit sounds like something every online gambler would want. A casino where you can sign up, receive free Bitcoin, play games, win money, and withdraw it immediately without meeting wagering requirements feels like the perfect deal.

But in the real world of online gambling, things are rarely that simple.

This article takes a practical look at what these bonuses actually mean, why they are so rare, how crypto casinos really structure their promotions, and what players should realistically expect when searching for them.

No hype, no marketing spin—just a clear breakdown of how it works.

Rich Plays a Sledding Game "A Frog With A Hat Goes Sledding" 🐸🏂 #indiegames #friendslop #gamedev @sledding_game

Join Rich for a wonderfully wholesome wintery ride as A Frog With A Hat Goes Sledding in Sledding Game and brings pure indie charm to the slopes. 

This adorable game is all about friends, cosy vibes, gentle physics, and a frog who simply wants to sled in style.

‘Kero Kero Cowboy’ and ‘Yap and The Enchanted Bubbles’ - NEW Game Boy Color Games From Broke Studio 🎮 @HomebrewFactory #IndieGame #GameDev

We’ve covered a few games over the years from Broke Studios / Homebrew Factory (more info on them here) and their products are always of a high quality, with a heavy focus on giving tasty indie titles a professional-level physical release. 

Today we will be taking a look at two of their Game Boy Colour titles, Mike Bedsole’s Kero Kero Cowboy, and Cel Design’s Yap and The Enchanted Bubbles.

Beyond Words Nintendo Switch 2 Review 9/10 "So Good That it’s Almost Beyond Words!" 📖 @PQubeGames #IndieGame #GameDev

Beyond Words is exactly the sort of game you’d expect from era-spanning veterans of some of the most celebrated FPS titles of all time… a word-centric puzzle game with deck-building / roguelite mechanics. Yes, the only head-shot you’ll come across here will be a word comprised of Scrabble tiles and will net you some tasty points and multipliers...not a frag.

Word-based games are treasured here at the Welsh branch of GF, with one of the best-loved here being Letter Quest: Grimm’s Journey, but Beyond Words takes a different approach that rewards failed runs and scratches that one-more-go vibe by constantly rewarding you with unlocks and bonuses that can make or break on the tougher stages.

Beginning with a snappy tutorial that sets the stage for the simple game mechanics, you’ll find yourself making words up from the hand you are dealt, with the ability to shuffle and change a few, if needed. The main game board has a simple image behind it to add a bit of personality and colour to the proceedings, whilst there are also special tiles that act as multipliers or upgrade tiles to boost your word score. 

Dread Delusion Xbox Series X Review 9/10 "A Beautiful Misery" 📖⚔️ @DreadXPGames #IndieGames #GameDev

I knew nothing about Dread Delusion before diving in, and what I discovered excited the hell out of me. Dread Delusion is one of those games that aches like it’s the final burst brainchild of a single individual, and – as with all truly great prose - takes a while to get to grips with.

A first-person RPG beginning with your character being tasked with tracking down known sausage Vela Callose (aka - the most wanted person in the Apostatic Union.), your task soon branches out into various side and main quests over the various ‘skylands’ before you. 

Presented in a PS1 visual style with a surprising amount of options as to just how PS1 you want your experience to be – you’ll soon find yourself traipsing around the world of Dread Delusion, accompanied by a beautiful, keening (if slightly repetitive) soundtrack, sparse visuals, and tightly-funnelled game design that feels like a lesson in world-building without waste.

Monday Syndrome PC Gameplay – "Retro Indie Hotline Miami Vibes" 🧑‍💼💼 @hyesmo #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich's first day at work, and he's taking on the carnage of Monday Syndrome, a frantic top‑down action game that channels the brutal speed, style, and intensity of Hotline Miami.

This gameplay video showcases the game’s punchy combat, PS1-style aesthetic, and the addictive loop of kicking down doors, clearing the room, and trying not to die.

The Bearer & The Last Flame Gameplay – An Indie Soulslike RPG ⚔️🔥 @darkreaperstdio #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich steps into the haunting, atmospheric world of The Bearer & The Last Flame, a brutal and beautifully crafted indie action‑RPG with clear Soulslike DNA. In this gameplay video, we dive into the opening areas, test out the combat flow, and soak in the moody world that’s already turning heads on Steam.

Marvel MaXimum Collection Nintendo Switch 2 Review 6.5/10 "Welcome to DIE!"❌🦹‍♀️ @LimitedRunGames #RetroGaming

With some games featuring regional variations (JP, US, EU) and also archival details – as well as a ‘jukebox’ section – on the face of the matter, this looks like pretty decent ‘snikt!’ For your buck, but the age and design of some of the games, as well as a bare bones feel to the package in terms of the extras included does end up making things feel a little lacklustre overall, although you do get the usual save state and rewind features along with the choice of using a CRT filter.

A collection of six games from the early to mid-nineties starring beloved Marvel characters, Marvel MaXimum Collection puts the below games in one place:

1. Silver Surfer (NES)
2. Captain America and The Avengers (NES, Arcade, Genesis)
3. X-Men (Arcade)
4. Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade’s Revenge ( Genesis, SNES, Game Boy, Game Gear)
5. Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage (Genesis, SNES)
6. Venom/Spider-Man: Separation Anxiety (Genesis, SNES)

Skinfreak PC Review 7/10 “Not so much ‘super freaky’, more ‘slowly freaky’” 🔪 #GameDev #IndieGame #Horror

I have a very simple and happy relationship with Puppet Combo and developer Jordan King; they release games, I really enjoy them - and then I look forward to the next one, Stay Out of the House and Night at the Gates of Hell remain two of my favourite indie horror games, so any time another release from Puppet Combo comes along - I’m excited. I must admit that I am a bit late to this one but was still keen to start my journey running away from a man who looks like Leatherface’s distant cousin.

In Skinfreak you play as Belle, who has been called into the office late at night. you arrive to a very empty office and are to install new software – which is to be delivered later in the night - and yeah …that's mainly it. 

VGM Essentials - Final Fantasy Vinyl Review By Lee 📀 @FiragaRecords #Vinyl #VideoGameVinyl

Firaga Records and the VGM Essentials series. Lots of them are out, many of them are essential for the discerning video game/electronic music fan in your life. And this, the Final Fantasy edition, is no different.

I'm not going to delve into the history of the series, because everyone who knows video games knows Square Enix's franchise, from the NES era to the modern 9th-generation console powerhouses. One thing the multitude of FF games has in common, though, is excellent music. This collection takes a sprinkling of that magic from across the whole series and allows a bevvy of producers to drag it firmly into club-ready territory.

The presentation is, as usual, exemplary. A bright, glossy die-cut slipcase houses two sleeved records, pressed on black vinyl at 45rpm. Each sleeve has a beautiful crystal design that is visible when the package is put together. Each track is remixed by one or two producers, some of whom will be familiar to fans of the series, such as SARE, nokbient and Noteblock, along with some new-to-me names like Emunator and Prower.

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire "What If Classic Toons Collided With DOOM" 🐭 @mousethegame #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich dons the tiny trench coat of a mouse detective with attitude in Mouse P.I For Hire!

This gameplay video dives into the quirky, noir‑soaked world where classic cartoon vibes collide with fast‑paced action and mystery. Explore the city’s back alleys, uncover clues, interrogate shady characters, and take on cases that are way too big for a mouse — but perfect for a P.I with whiskers and grit.

Crime Simulator PS5 Review 6/10 *A Game That Almost Stole My Heart* 🦹 @ULTGames #IndieGame #GameDev

Back in 2024, I covered Thief Simulator 2 and whilst I had a lot of fun with, it was very clearly rough around the edges and needed refining. Fast-forward to 2026, and the newest release from Polish studio CookieDev has made its way to consoles, and it is a game that is frustratingly short of being a really unique gem in the stealth-thievery genre but has too many issues to really be a recommended title.

The game – a first-person affair - begins with your character locked up in prison and being bailed out to quite a princely sum by a mysterious cabal of insalubrious individuals that intend to make you steal and earn your way through your debt. 

Beginning in an abandoned warehouse, you only have a PC, a box to send over your stolen goods, and a wall chart to pan out your next nick-fest. There is only one neighbourhood available at the start, with you and your team – up to four players online – needing to rack up some earnings (via a percentage cut from what you steal, which gets higher dependent on the difficulty) in order to unlock heists and other areas to pillage.

Dead Format PC Review By Ayden 6.5/10 📼 "A 3-8 hour horror-action experience with character"

While I’m a fan of horror movies and books, I haven’t had much experience with horror games up until this last year. I put this down to it being easier to desensitise oneself to films and the written word, whereas with video games there is no option to mentally disengage. Your choices matter, when you move matters, and that is quite a bit more terrifying than simply watching a slide show of off-putting and uncomfortable scenes.

All this to say, I may have watched over 50 horror movies last year with a stony and dead eyed expression, but when it comes to games of the same genre, I’m a snivelling coward. So I can’t promise that what got me nervously pausing and gathering myself before I could again brave more of the Video Ghastlies will equally terrify you. What I will say, is that if the stress detector on my watch is to be believed, this game achieved what it set out to with me.

The game starts with scant details, other than you are on a search for your missing brother. You enter his flat and search for clues which ultimately leads you to uncovering the mysteries of a new and inexplicably dangerous VHS format, “Video Ghastlies”. After watching the first tape, you will find yourself stepping out of the flat and into its macabre reality. Whilst in these other realms, you will find new tapes and trinkets required to proceed. You do also at some point get a bone-gun that shoots teeth (don’t ask, I’m still not sure), so it’s not an experience entirely built on hide-run-hide-run. 

Rushing Beat X on Switch 2 – "A Modern Beat‑’Em‑Up Revival!" 💥👊 @claricedisc #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich decides to step into the streets of Rushing Beat X on Nintendo Switch 2 — a modern revival of Jaleco’s classic beat‑’em‑up series. This gameplay showcase dives into fast combos, co‑op brawling, and the upgraded visuals that bring this cult favourite into the next generation.

Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition Review 7.5/10 "Ridiculous Fun, Lovingly Preserved" 🪱

I went to a flat party in 1999 and was in the front room when the host asked me if I'd ever played Worms before. I said, "No". He said, "You're Gonna Love it!" and proceeded to fire up the PS1 and welcome me into the crazy, crazy world of Worms: Armageddon. 

By the end of the night, most of the people in the flat were playing Worms, and the manic action was being fuelled by the many litres of Red Bull & Vodka being consumed (it was the late 90s, after all). From that moment on, Worms was THE party game and all my friends loved to drink and play this; it was essential for a great night out, either pre-party, post-party, post-post party or during party!

Fast forward to today, and it's true that some games age gracefully… and then there’s Worms Armageddon, a title that refuses to age at all. Firing it up feels like opening a box in your mum and dad's loft packed with banana bombs, holy hand grenades, and the kind of ridiculously crafted chaos that not too many video games attempt nowadays. Worms is most definitely still utterly ludicrous, endlessly funny, and capable of turning players into cackling agents of worm-fuelled destruction.

Armageddon remains the perfect expression of what makes Worms tick. The physics are just unpredictable enough to keep every turn tense. The weapons are as silly as ever, and still capable of producing those hilarious local multiplayer moments; it’s as manic today as it was in 1999.

What really elevates this release is the museum timeline charting the history of the series, the unexpected star of the show, with behind‑the‑scenes content that is a love letter to the Worms legacy.

These documentary‑style segments are surprisingly heartfelt. They chart the evolution of Team17’s iconic series with archival footage, developer interviews, early concept art and some cool Stories about how certain weapons and ideas came to be.

It’s the kind of material we've all come to expect from a Digital Eclipse release, and once again, for fans of gaming history, it’s pure gold nuggets. For Worms fans specifically, it’s borderline emotional. You get a real sense of how this quirky British strategy‑comedy hybrid became a global phenomenon.

Worms is Worm, but why does it still work? Well, Worms Armageddon endures because it’s built on timeless ingredients of simple rules, deceptively deep strategy, endless unpredictability, and a tone that never takes itself seriously. It’s the rare game where losing can be just as entertaining as winning, especially when your last worm is blasted into orbit by a rogue sheep or a concrete donkey.

SUMMARY
For me, this is more than a nostalgia trip. It’s a reminder of how inventive, chaotic, and downright joyful games can be. The core experience is still a riot, but the documentary timeline pushes this version into “must‑own” territory for anyone who loves retro gaming, British game development history, or just a good laugh. My kids and I are playing this endlessly as I introduce a new generation to Worms and have more couch chaos with the family!

Right, I'm off to drop a concrete donkey on my wife...

7.5/10

🆒COOL🆒

Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition | Nintendo Switch games | Games | Nintendo UK

Delverium PC Gameplay "No Commentary" 🪨⛏️🛖🌳@DelveriumGame #IndieGame #GameDev

Immerse yourself in the world of Delverium with this no-commentary PC gameplay showcase. This playthrough focuses entirely on the game’s atmosphere, visuals, sound design, and raw moment‑to‑moment gameplay — perfect for viewers who want a clean, uninterrupted experience.

Explore eerie environments, uncover hidden paths, and face the dangers lurking within Delverium’s mysterious world. Captured on PC for maximum clarity and smooth performance.

Nested Lands PC Gameplay – Early Access Survival RPG First Look ⚔️🛖⛏️ @nestedlands #IndieGame #GameDev

Welcome to Nested Lands, a gritty new Early Access survival RPG where every step feels dangerous and every resource matters. In this first‑look PC gameplay video, I explore the opening moments, gather supplies, craft essentials, and get a feel for the world’s harsh but intriguing atmosphere.

If you’re curious about how Nested Lands plays in its current Early Access state — from combat and crafting to exploration and progression — this video gives you a clear, honest look at the experience so far.

MARVEL COSMIC INVASION XBOX SERIES X Review 8/10 "A vibrant, retro-inspired beat 'em up that channels old-school arcade energy" 💥 @MARVELCosmicInv @Dotemu

Marvel Cosmic Invasion is here: it hits Xbox Series X as a vibrant, retro-inspired beat 'em up that channels old-school arcade energy - think the classic 1992 X-Men arcade game - with the combos, special moves and overall depth we've come to expect from Dotemu, the publisher behind the excellent Streets of Rage 4.

The game follows the Marvel Annihilation storyline, pitting a huge roster of 15 playable characters against the evil Annihilus and the deadly Annihilation Wave. You punch, claw, fly and swing through locations ranging from New York City, through the Avengers Helicarrier, to the depths of the Negative Zone. The excellent pixel art style and fast-paced brawling capture an energetic comic-book feel that is very much in keeping with other Dotemu releases.

The Last Ninja Collection – Nintendo Switch Review | Retro Reborn or Bare Bones? 🥷 #RetroGaming

In today’s Rich's Rapid Review, I take a look at The Last Ninja Collection on Nintendo Switch — a bundle that brings three iconic System 3 classics back for a new audience. It’s genuinely great to play these games again, and the atmosphere, music, and isometric adventuring still hold up beautifully.

Dark Quest: Remastered Xbox Series X Review 6/10 *The boardiest of digital board games* ☠️⚔️ @brainseal #IndieGame #GameDev

I first got on board with the Dark Quest series back in 2023 with the third entry, which was a fantastic isometric title that relied on a blend of chance and memorisation as you delved ever further into its rewarding depths, as a man with a loud voice shouted numbers at you – good! 

More recently, I covered Dark Quest 4, which further evolved the formula with more classes and personalisation options – and so when I had the opportunity to go back to the start of the series and cover this remaster of the original Dark Quest – originally released back in 2015 for PC– I leapt at the chance, as Brain Seal have fast become a personal fave developer of mine – helped along by their recent explosive physics-based title Blow It Up. Although this remaster does feel a bit of a step backwards as opposed to a celebration and re-imagining of an earlier title. In the Brain Seal catalogue.

Esoteric Ebb Gameplay Showcase – Character Creator + First Hour (PC) 🎲☠️ @chrisbodegard #IndieGame #GameDev

I drop into the strange and stylish world of Esoteric Ebb as I dive into the PC version, explore the character creator, and play through some of Act 1. This first look showcases the game’s surreal atmosphere, unique art direction, and the intriguing choices that shape your journey.

In this gameplay video, I build a fresh character from scratch before heading into the opening act to see what mysteries, mechanics, and surprises Esoteric Ebb has in store. If you’re curious about the game’s tone, pacing, or early gameplay loop, this is a great place to start.