Star Wars™: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles™ - 25th Anniversary Edition from Limited Run Games 🌠

This is your last chance to get your hands on a physical copy of the 25th Anniversary Edition of the iconic couch co-op side-scrolling adventure, Star Wars™: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles™.

We wouldn’t want you looking for the game in Alderaan places, so we’d like to let you know that it’s available from Limited Run Games on PS5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. 

This is not something you can pick up at Hoth Topic in the Darth Mall, and pre-orders will close on Sunday March 23rd at 11.59pm ET.

Use the power of the force to take back the Theed Palace in this fast and furious lightsaber action game. Your trusty lightsaber will be a true ally here, as it helps you ward off legions of battle droids, destroyer droids, assassins, and other creatures from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. 

We know you loved the classic game, but this New Game+ version brings you even more features in addition to the ones  you know and love. Modern control schemes are available as well as the originals, but you still have the option to enter classic cheat codes like Big Head Mode (!), and perhaps best of all new playable characters such as the Tusken Raider. 

KEY FEATURES

• Play as Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, or Qui-Gon Jinn facing off against droids and other familiar foes from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
• Alternatively, play as one of the previously locked characters such as Darth Maul, Captain Panaka, Queen Amidala, Ki-Adi Mundi, and the Battle Droid, now available from the start!
• Bring a Friend in Classic Couch Co-op
• Battle side-by-side with a companion in 2-player couch co-op for the entire 10-level campaign and bonus mini-games
• Classic & New Game+ - Use classic or modern control schemes, toggle your Lightsaber colors to match the films, enjoy new playable characters such as the Tusken Raider, enter classic cheat codes like Big Head Mode, and discover more surprises in this 25th anniversary celebration of Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles

So….grab a chocolate chip wookie and check it out.

Albert's Ark is Launching on Steam in Q2 🚢⚓

Albert Tross Productions Pty Ltd will be releasing Albert's Ark Idle on Steam in Q2 – a fun and quirky 2D clicker game where imagination mixes fact & fiction to create amazing adventures!

Inspired by the Disney comic series “Around the World with Albert Tross”, and novel, “The Enchantment of Albert", Albert's Ark Idle the video game was conceived.

Albert's Ark Idle contains fun and short minigames with cosy visuals & captivating gameplay, featuring fascinating characters & cute creatures.

The Most Trustworthy Online Casino Licenses

 

When choosing an online casino, one of the most important factors players should consider is its licensing. A reputable license ensures that a casino operates legally, follows strict regulations, and provides a safe and fair gaming environment. Without proper licensing, players risk dealing with platforms that may engage in unfair practices, withhold winnings, or fail to protect user data. Many experienced players seek casinos regulated by well-known authorities to ensure security, fair play, and responsible gaming measures. 

In the UK, players looking for additional gaming options often explore trusted non-Gamstop casinos, which operate under reputable international licenses and provide an alternative to UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-regulated platforms. These casinos follow strict guidelines while offering more flexibility in bonuses, game variety, and player policies.

X-Out: Re-Surfaced Xbox Series X Review 7/10 "a little different from the other horizontal shooters of yore" ❌ @ININ_Games #Retrogaming #IndieGame #GameDev

Originally released in 1989 on the Commodore 64 before being ported to the Amiga and others in 1990, X-Out differentiates itself from other shooters of the time by being set underwater. It also allows you to spend credits on customising your craft before each run – and there will be many – which adds a layer of personalisation when deciding if you want something nippy, or more robust, as well as choosing your weapon load out, limited only by your cash flow.

The original game was well-received, and it is a bit of a lost title when it comes to other shooters from the era, so it’s great that it’s been remastered for modern audiences, but how does it stand up over thirty years on from its original release?

Quite well, it turns out. The simple, but effective customisation options ensure that you have a sense of personalising each crack at the game to suit your play style, and the visuals have received a tasteful overhaul that makes things pop and run more smoothly, but don’t lose the identity of the original design and style, which can really be a deal-breaker in instances such as this - this is still very much chunky pixel action. Good. 

The audio has also been re-vamped, and I quite enjoyed the soundtrack which is energetic and engaging without being ostentatious or over-bearing. There’s also a neat option in the menu to switch between the original soundtracks on the 8/16-bit systems or the modern take on it, which was the one I went for.

X-Out is not an easy game. Whilst your ship has a health meter and can take a decent kicking from enemy fire before giving up the ghost, if you even touch the environmental obstacles or even a boss, you die in one hit, with no continues. It’s straight back tot the ship selection screen for you. It’s very clear that this is a game that will appeal to those that enjoy a serious challenge. There’s also a two-player mode for local co-op, which is a nice inclusion.

It’s a very bare-bones remaster in terms of historical content, such as design docs, artwork and interviews with the original / new developers etc. which is something I do like to see included with these remasters, but it appears that in this case these aspects are only included with the limited and special editions of the game, available from ININ.

SUMMARY

All in all, X-Out: Re-surfaced is a little different from the other horizontal shooters of yore, and this does give it its own identity. I would have liked some more content on the history of the game, but the more tasteful aspects of this remaster give it appeal, just be prepared for a serious challenge!

7/10

🆒COOL🆒

(also available on PS5, Switch, PC)

GoldenHeart PC Gameplay "RPG Old School Cool" 💀⚔️ #IndieGame #GameDev #GoldenHeart

Rich plays "Goldenheart" which is a retro-style fantasy adventure game that takes players on a journey through the mysterious desert realm of Tuldenorrea.

Developed by Millenniapede, this game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in a surreal, lore-rich world.

Players assume the role of an outsider, uncovering ancient secrets and navigating challenging terrains, from labyrinthine ruins to deep caverns.

Mastering Tongits Go: A Comprehensive Guide to Winning the Game

Tongits Go is a dynamic and strategic card game that has captured the attention of many players in the Philippines. This game is a digital adaptation of the classic Tongits, which shares similarities with Rummy. Tongits Go provides an immersive experience by allowing players to challenge their friends, artificial intelligence (AI), or other players from around the world. The game’s intuitive controls, engaging mechanics, and competitive nature make it a favorite among card game enthusiasts.

In this in-depth guide, we will explore the essential rules of Tongits Go, advanced strategies to enhance gameplay, and valuable tips to maximize winnings.

Skull & Co. Product Review (Audiobox BT Audio Transmitter 5.2, Savage Raven Phantom Stand, Savage Raven Thumb Grips, Controller Case) 🎮 @skullnco

Something that has long irked me as an Xbox gamer is that Bluetooth earbuds can’t natively be used for gaming on the Xbox, I use headsets – of which there are many – but sometimes the ease, comfort, and practicality (for example, just popping one earbud in when gaming late at night with the TV on mute so you can hear the action but also hear your young child should they call from the next room) of earbuds has always been something I’ve yearned for over the years.

A couple of weeks ago, I discovered that there were adapters on the market that solved this very issue, with Skull & Co’s Audiobox being one of them.

They kindly sent across the Audiobox for coverage, along with a handful of other products which I’ll also mention below. All of which can be purchased at the Skull & Co. website.

TerrorBytes: The Evolution of Horror Gaming Documentary - Preview by Britt 🔪🩸🧟 @Terrorbytesdoc

An upcoming – and exquisitely titled - five-part series on the history of horror in video games, I was lucky enough to get a peek at the two of the five episodes, and it’s safe to say that horror fans are in for a treat with this deep dive into one of gaming’s most prominent categories, featuring as it does such luminaries of the genre as John Romero, John Carpenter, Akira Yamaoka, as well as various developers, composers and scholars of video game horror to add key context to the on-screen discourse.

Each episode focuses on a specific era of video game horror – the two that we at GF have seen are ‘Enter the Survival Horror’ and ‘Lethal Licenses’, both of which dive into not only the more seminal titles that are the cornerstones of the genre, but also mention underdogs and games that introduced specific mechanics and approaches that may have shaped horror video games somewhat under the radar.

The RootTrees Are Dead PC Gameplay "Genealogy Simulator 25" 🗺️📌 @roottreesgame #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich plays "The Roottrees Are Dead" which is a 90s retro inspired detective mystery game set in the late 1990s. 

Rich dives into a genealogical puzzle, piecing together the family tree of the Roottree Corporation after a tragic plane crash. 

With a billion-dollar inheritance at stake, Rich will use clues, evidence, and deduction skills to uncover hidden connections and solve a mystery or two.

101 Most Important Soccer Games Episode 6: LMA Manager [1999] ⚽ #RetroGaming

Rich takes on the 101 Most Important Soccer Video Games one by one.

Episode 6 sees Rich play the original 1999 LMA Manager on the PlayStation 1.

One the finest examples of a management game that lets you build your own football stadium whilst managing your team. 

A stone cold classic.

Vice: Magic City Mayhem PC Gameplay "Time To Katana!" 💙 @JurassicSunset #IndieGame #GameDev

Vice: Magic City Mayhem is an upcoming retro action-adventure game developed by Jurassic Sunset Games. 

It features a top-down 8-bit style inspired by classic games like Zelda, but with a Vice City theme. You play as Dutch, one of Magic City's most feared enforcers, on a quest to rescue your true love, Sophie. 

The game takes you through wild nightclubs, scenic beaches, and even raptor-infested yachts. The game promises a blend of intense combat, engaging puzzles, and a vibrant, humorous storyline. It's set to be released in 2025, and you can add it to your Wishlist on platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Mar10 Monday - Treat Yourself To A Super Mario One Two Punch 🎮🎧 #Mar10Day

Mar10 Day is upon us once again and this year we thought we'd grab a couple of  cool Super Mario themed items from Power A. 

Rich gets his hands on a cool controller and some solid earphones that will suit everyone's budget.

Our GF Mar10 Product Round Up:

POWER A Super Mario Mushroom Kingdom Pop Art Wireless Controller

RetroMania Wrestling Xbox Series X Review 7/10 “Going Old School” 🤼‍♂️ @RetrosoftStudio #IndieGame #GameDev

I grew up in the ‘90s with an older brother, and we were – and are - both wrestling fans, so I have spent many an hour playing wrestling games. 

The favourite in our youth was WWF Royal Rumble on the Sega Mega Drive, a game in which I currently think I’m on a 30 year losing streak, as then and now my brothers fingers move quicker than mine, and in a very button-bashy fighting game, it is quite the advantage. 

I bring this up because RetroMania Wrestling is made for someone like me, someone who grew up in the ‘90s with fond memories of these arcade style, 2D wrestling games, you don’t have to have that nostalgia - but it does help.

Trust YUNIX USB Gaming Microphone Review By Britt 🎙️ @TrustGaming

The very definition of a plug and play device, the Trust YUNIX is a desk top microphone with a 6-foot hardwired USB cable that is ready to rock within a few seconds of unboxing.

The version we received is white, but the microphone also comes in purple and black variations to suit your particular setup. With a built-in pop shield to cease your more plosive propensities, the YUNIX continues the sense of accessibility and sleek style by only utilising a couple of buttons on the mic itself, you can alter the RGB light-ring around the base, and mute yourself.

There is also a socket for a wired headphone jack – which will probably be needed as the microphone will pick up room sounds due to the cardioid design. It’s not a stiff setup, with the microphone able to be tilted back and forth a few degrees to angle towards your mouth when speaking, as the weight and rubber base grip ensuring that you won’t have to deal with unwanted sliding and movement when in use.

Also, whilst the YUNIX is targeted at gamers, I used it for podcast recordings as well as work meetings, and it coped just fine in all situations. It was a perfect match with the Trust TORIX keyboard, which has a snazzy volume / mute dial, so that I could breezily mute / unmute as I typed, so that the keyboard clacking wasn’t picked up on the recording.

SUMMARY
The sound recording quality is solid and I appreciate the ease of setup and use – but there are things that could have been improved, such as the connection cable being braided, just to reduce ugly kinks if you have a setup in which it’s difficult to hide cabling, but at the price point that the YUNIX is, it’s hard to knock what it offers, which is an easy, solid, and well-designed multi-use microphone, the base grip is robust and that RGB ring adds a subtle flash of character if you want things to pop a little in your home setup, a recommended purchase from us here at GF!

From the Trust website:

Trust.com - GXT 234 Yunix USB Gaming microphone - Black

Specifications

• Connectivity

• Connector type3.5mm, USB-A

• Connection type: wired

• Cable length: main cable - 180 cm

• Audio

• Frequency response: 100 Hz, 16.000 Hz

• Impedance: 2200 Ohm

• Sensitivity: 32 dB

• Sound pressure level: 100 dB

• Features

• Noise reduction: No

• Microphone

• Pick-up pattern: Cardioid

• Signal-to-noise ratio: 62 dB

• Sampling rate: 16bit, 48kHz

• Echo cancellation: No

• Sensor type microphone: condenser

• Size & Weight

• Weight of main unit: 216 g

• Total weight: 216 g

• Height of main product (in mm): 108 mm

• Depth of main product (in mm): 55 mm

• Width of main product (in mm): 55 mm

• Mount

• Type of stand: desk stand

• General

• Application: Indoor, Desktop

• Compatibility

• Compatible Device Types: laptop, pc

• Control

• Controls: microphone mute, lights on/off

Rich Plays - "Murder Is Game Over: The Blackinton Curse" On PC 🐶🔎 @HitherYonGames #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich plays Murder is Game Over: The Blackinton Curse which is the fourth game in the series by HitherYon Games.

The story unfolds in the Berkshires at the Blackinton family home following the death of Meredith Blackinton.

NACON’s Revolution X Unlimited Controller Available For Pre-Order Now 🎮 @Nacon

NACON have announced that the Revolution X Unlimited (RXU) is available now for pre-order exclusively on their website, nacongaming.fr. First revealed at last year's Gamescom, this new Xbox-licensed wireless controller is optimised for PC and console shooters, delivering unparalleled precision, lightning-fast responsiveness, and absolute comfort.

Equipped with instant-response triggers and joysticks featuring Hall Effect technology, the RXU guarantees exceptional precision and durability. 

Omron® micro-switches on the majority of buttons enhance players' responsiveness for optimum gaming performance.

NACON innovates again, by integrating an LCD screen into its controller for the first time. The screen provides quick, intuitive access to game information and configuration of audio and gameplay parameters, thanks to the available presets.

A dedicated app lets you create your own gameplay profiles, for an individualized experience, or choose from those already predefined for 'Plug & Play' use.

Police Shootout Xbox Series X Review 5/10 "A Quirky Blend of Genres Sandbagged by Technical Issues." 🚨🚔 @GamesIncubator #IndieGame #GameDev

A turn-based FPS game with investigative qualities was very much of appeal to me when I was offered to cover Police Shootout, and whilst it is an intriguing blend of genres that comes frustratingly close to being an idiosyncratic gem, there are just a few too many rough edges to ignore.

The game begins with your character moving from the big city to a small American town, transferred in a bid to find out what happened to his brother. Your commanding officer is a rather brusque gentleman who hints at knowing your ulterior motives for being in his neck of the woods, but initially seems to be warning you off your private quest of familial revenge.

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8bit ~ Rich Plays The PC Demo 🤓🕹️ @megacatstudios #IndieGame #GameDev #Retrogaming

The Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN) is back in an 8-bit adventure! The game, titled "The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit," is an action platformer inspired by classic side-scrollers like Mega Man. In this game, you play as The Nerd, battling through pixel art levels filled with zombies, mechanical skeletons, and other enemies from the AVGN universe.

Firefighting Simulator: The Squad Xbox Series X Review 5.5/10 "Smouldering Embers" 🔥🚒🧯 @FirefightingSim #IndieGame #GameDev

A game that looks and runs much more smoothly and cleanly than others of its ilk, catastrophic AI and flat gameplay let down would could have been an interesting title.

The tutorial of Firefighting Simulator: The Squad does a decent job of laying out the core mechanics of the game, with an oddly rousing tutorial musical score, you’ll use one of your tools to smash down a door, rescue a smoke inhalation victim from their bedroom floor, and carry them to safety before returning to fight the blaze. 

This will pretty much be the main recipe for each of the numerous missions ahead of you. First impressions are quite solid, the frame-rate rocks a steady 60fps for most of the time, the visuals are crisp and grounded, and the overall mood is quite earthy and practical. It’s only after this tutorial that the issues creep in.

GameSir launches the Super Nova with auto start-stop charging station, combining both high performance, comfort and style 🎮 @mygamesir

The latest addition to GameSir’s gaming controller lineup is packed with features such as Hall Effect sticks, silent ABXY buttons. switchable connection modes, 1000Hz polling rate and more...

GameSir, a leading brand in gaming peripherals, introduces its latest model, the Super Nova which is set to redefine gaming comfort and precision with its ultra-quiet, responsive controls and auto start-stop charging station. Featuring silent ABXY buttons and advanced GameSir™ Hall Effect sensing sticks, it ensures smooth, precise feedback while minimizing distractions. Whether playing on PC, Switch, Android, or iOS, the Super Nova’s tri-mode connectivity and full customization options make it the perfect choice for gamers seeking a flexible, immersive experience. From its ergonomic design to customizable RGB lighting, it’s built for those who demand both performance and style. 

Have you seen the new Terminator game yet? (Terminator 2D: NO FATE) 💥@BitmapBureau @Reef_Games #IndieGame #GameDev

Terminator 2D: NO FATE feels like the video game we all wanted in the 90s and it's a game that stopped me in my tracks when I saw it was announced. Just look at those wonderful screenshots. Looking forward to when this comes out in September 2025!

CHECK OUT THE AWESOME behind-the-scenes look at how the team tackled the challenge of translating one of cinema’s most enduring cultural touchstones into a complete arcade experience, capturing the unforgettable scenes and moments that helped shape a generation.

Top Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing an Online Casino 🎰🎲

Did you know that the UK's online gambling market is projected to generate US$15.08 billion by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of 12.6%? This explosive growth is no surprise, given the convenience and excitement online casinos offer to millions of players. 

Yet, amid the glitz and glamour of the casinos lies a critical question: how do you ensure you're playing on a safe and legitimate platform? 

As the popularity of online casinos surges, so does the prevalence of online scammers. Choosing the right casino isn't just about finding thrilling games or attractive bonuses—it’s about safeguarding your finances and personal information. 

This guide outlines the key red flags to watch out for when choosing one. First, let’s learn why choosing an authentic casino platform is vital. 

Watch The Brand New Trailer For Endzone 2 (Apocalyptic Colony Builder) ☢️ @gentlymadgames #IndieGame #GameDev

Assemble Entertainment continues to build excitement for their flagship apocalyptic colony builder Endzone 2. Launching in 2025 on PC, the game has received a massive, must-play Early Access update. New graphical enhancements, missions, and innovative gameplay features continue to elevate Endzone 2 as a genre-defining experience.

The original critically-acclaimed Endzone, released in 2021, won multiple awards as a groundbreaking survival-builder. Combining city-building with post-apocalyptic survival, it challenged players to thrive on irradiated land while expanding and prospering. Its finely tuned balance kept players hooked. Endzone 2 takes the experience to a whole new level, delivering groundbreaking mechanics and immersive gameplay, ideal for fans of Anno 1800, Frostpunk and Banished!

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Xbox Series X Review 9.75/10 "Welcome back, Henry" ⚔️🐎 @KingdomComeRPG

The first Kingdom Come: Deliverance had a huge impact on my life upon my first playthrough four years ago, It was my ‘go to’ game in the days when my fiancée was pregnant and often napping or getting comfortable in bed whilst chugging back bottles of Tums. 

I’d pop KCD on the Xbox in our bedroom and get lost in 15th century Bohemia, my beloved often chiming in, whistling along to the music, commenting on my less savoury deeds, and questioning why the main character – the son of a Czech blacksmith – spoke as if he’d never left the borders of Mousehole. What does she know, eh?

My point being that I pumped almost two hundred hours into Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Well, 150 in hours of actual game time and probably 50 hours of LOADING SCREENS, something that is thankfully, thankfully remedied in this sequel) over those last few months before we became parents, and the game now reminds me of a pretty special time of my life, so getting the opportunity to lose myself again in the world of Henry of Skalitz was an exiting proposition to say the least!

Prologue: Go Wayback! Looks Like A Really Interesting Open World / Exploration / Survival Game From Player Unknown Productions! 🧭🏔️⛺️ @pp_socials #IndieGame #GameDev

There's something about this that's making me excited to se what it turns out like. I'm hoping it's not just ANOTHER survival game that Steam is FLOODED with. After listening to the devs talk it sounds very interesting indeed!

Coridden PC Gameplay "Ride the beast!" ⚔️🦕 @aftnareld #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich plays Coridden which is an action-packed RPG where you can shapeshift into the beasts you defeat. You can play solo or with up to three friends in co-op mode. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where you uncover dark secrets in the legendary city of Aasha. You can switch between human and beast forms to utilize different strengths and skills.

Promise Mascot Agency arrives April 2025 on PC & Consoles 👹 @KaizenGameWorks #IndieGame #GameDev

 

Kaizen Game Works have announced that Promise Mascot Agency is coming to consoles and PC on April 10th 2025 - with a new trailer exclusively revealed at IGN Fan Fest.

From the dev team behind Paradise Killer, join ex-yakuza legend Michi and his assistant manager Pinky☆ in their epic quest to restore glory to a cursed Japanese town’s defunct mascot agency!

Astronomics Early Access PC Gameplay "Asteroid Tourism" ☄️🚀 @AstronomicsGame @numizmatic #GameDev #IndieGame

Astronomics is an indie game developed by Numizmatic and published by Numizmatic as well. Released on February 10, 2025, it combines top-down action and space exploration with asteroid mining automation. 

In "Astronomics," players navigate their customizable starship to randomly generated asteroids passing by. The goal is to mine valuable resources and impress your employer, Cube Corporation, while upgrading equipment and fighting off pirates. The game features a mix of manual and automated mining, with players using tools like mining lasers and gravity tethers to extract resources. 

Set in the not-so-distant future, Earth has become prohibitively expensive to live on. Players take on the role of a miner trying to save up for a ticket back home by exploiting resources from asteroids. The game's narrative revolves around managing equipment, expanding your freighter, and dealing with the challenges of space capitalism.

Catagrams iOS Review 8/10 "Like word-based puzzle games? This could be purr-fect for you" 🐈 @catagrams #IndieGame #GameDev

It’s not often we cover mobile games here at GF, but I’ve yet to find a word-based puzzler that I didn’t like and so Catagrams was installed on my phone faster than a moggy racing to the milk bowl. 

A simple and addictive title that caters for all skill levels, Catagrams is a very calming and cat-centric title that presents multiple scrambled words that need to be re-aligned, there are multiple coloured threads that run through each word to assist you in showing how they fit together, and you can also adjust the difficulty by selecting longer, more complex words – or simplify things by using the inbuilt hint system to show as many bonus letters in the words as you’d like to help you on your way if you are a little stumped.