Games Freezer Podcast Episode One: 10 Year Anniversary Special - Part 1 27/02/24 "Atari XEGS Instead Of A ZX Spectrum +2" 🎙️🧊 #NewPodcast #IndieGames #RetroGaming

Rich and Britt sit down to talk about the first ten years of Games Freezer and have their first ever discussion since Britt came on board in 2016! 

We cover all sorts of video games subjects across our persoanl experiences and attempt to cover 20 questions (spoiler alert we only get to question 7 and will need a Part 2)

The Antidote To Sterile Open World Video Games ⚔️🔥🐲 @DragonsDogma #Dragon'sDogma2

My story starts with a trip back in time to September 6th 2023 which was Starfield’s release date.

Anticipation and expectation was high. I was ready to explore a new galaxy and create new stories in a sandbox world from Bethesda.

Fast forward 4 weeks into playing Starfield and it was about then that I realised that no matter how much I wanted Starfield to be fun and engaging, it just wasn’t to be. The exploration was boring, the space travel was paint by numbers and most of the missions were rinse and repeat. Looking back now, I think it was probably focus tested to within an inch of its life and suffered from being too safe and trying to be too many things to too many people.

Now fast forward to the 22nd March 2024. Starfield had been put down and my Game Pass membership had been deactivated (I bought game pass specifically to play Starfield).

What’s that in the distance?

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Xbox Review 9/10 "The most fun I’ve had in a single player game in 2024" ⚔️🐲🔥👹 @DragonsDogma #DragonsDogma2

As someone who is – and will be forever – drawn towards single player RPGs, The last few months have been very, very fun. I’ve played three games that stand out in my mind for different reasons, and between them cover a lot of the main points that appeal to me about the genre at its core.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden won me over with its understated characters, music, atmospherics and earthiness, whilst Outcast: A New Beginning featured incredible traversal mechanics and lore, and now Dragon’s Dogma 2 – and out of the three, this is the title that I, by far, have the strongest history with – comes blazing out of the gate with its main strengths being in how much it embraces and excels at being a video game, completely nailing combat mechanics and explosive, immediate gameplay.

It’s a game that is a pleasure to write about, and I feel like I could just list all of my in-game experiences to get my point across because there are so many personal stories to tell, all through a design sentiment that eschews seriousness to put fun and gameplay at the absolute fore.

Underspace PC Game Gameplay "You're going to need a bigger ship." 🚀🪐 @trainwiz #IndieGame #GameDev

Underspace is billed as the spiritual successor to Freelancer with a Lovecraftian, sandbox RPG twist. Explore a vast handmade universe that includes online multiplayer and mod support. You're going to need a bigger ship.

Bang On Balls - Chronicles Nintendo Switch Review 8/10 "a unique, content-packed, open-world sandbox adventure" 🚀🌌🌎 @bangonballs #IndieGame #GameDev

Are you looking for a thrilling 3D game that you can enjoy with your friends?

If so, then Bang-On Balls: Chronicles may be just what you need.

It is a unique, content-packed, open-world sandbox adventure that offers multiple elements such as combat, platforming, character customization, and a scavenger hunting experience.

Bitmap Books – The Unofficial N64: A Visual Compendium Review By Britt 📚📖 @bitmap_books #Retrogaming #N64

The last Bitmap Book release that we covered here at Games Freezer was the incredible From Ants to Zombies: Six Decades of Video Game Horror, a book that could very well be – and indeed is - one of the best gaming-related pieces of literature that I’ve ever had the pleasure of inhaling.

It’s a slight change of pace here, from the many forked branches of horror through to a visual compendium focused on the much beloved fan favourite Nintendo 64, whether through many a blistering, thumb-stick breaking multiplayer session of Goldeneye, marvelling at Mario in 3D, or zooming across Hyrule Fields in Zelda, there are millions of memories out there that began with that trusty trident controller in-hand.

Streets of Rogue 2 | Gameplay Trailer | Demo Announced For June Next Fest 🦍 @madguy90 @streetsofrogue @BrittRecluseuk #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameNews

Publisher tinyBuild and solo indie developer Matt Dabrowski revealed the Official Gameplay Trailer for Streets of Rogue 2, an upcoming open-world RPG sandbox hitting Steam Early Access in 2024. 

The ambitious, over-the-top sequel to the critically acclaimed 2019 rogue-lite with more than 1 million copies sold, Streets of Rogue 2 invites players to embark on an unforgettable, endlessly replayable adventure in its crazy, immersive, and absolutely unpredictable open world, solo or with friends via co-op.

Lexip™ Follows the Way of the Ninja, Bringing its Stunning Range of Licensed Naruto™ Shippuden Accessories to UK Gamers 🖱️🎧🎮 @LexipMouse

 Available in the UK For the First Time, the New Lexip™ Range Brings Quality and Innovation to Gamers with Hardware Designed in Collaboration with Tsume® Art

Lexip™ a leading manufacturer of high-end PC and console accessories, part of the Pixminds® group, announced today the UK launch of a new range of Naruto™ Shippuden licensed accessories, designed in collaboration with Tsume® Art, a world-renowned design agency specialising in the creation of quality products inspired by the world of manga, anime and video games.

The new licensed range of Naruto Shippuden accessories, marks Lexip’s first foray into the UK hardware scene, after long being established as a leading brand of choice by gamers across Europe and North America since 2018. Known for thoughtful design, state-of-the-art features, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Lexip is pleased to be bringing a full range of products to UK gamers, starting with the Naruto Shippuden range which marries their signature quality with stunning artwork led by Tsume Art.

Outcast: A New Beginning Xbox Review 7.5/10 "An Outcast No More" 💥🌴 @OutcastGame #IndieGame #GameDev

I’ve had a spotted history with Outcast, when it was originally released in 1999, I played it briefly over a friend’s house and was entranced by the world conjured and possibilities laid out. The unfortunate thing was, I didn’t have a PC that could really get the most out of it at the time, and I fell away from it – assuming that I’d return soon – but the next time I spent any time with the game was when I picked up Outcast: Second Contact in 2020, and, revisiting the game so long after release highlighted the sheer scope and imagination of developers Appeal Studios, along with the unavoidable fact that the design and mechanics were lodged in a transitory period of the third-person open-world genre, and had aged appropriately.

Thus, when I caught wind of this new entry in the franchise- pseudo-reboot, pseudo-revising, pseudo-revisiting pseudo-sequel – call it what you want – I was glad to discover that I feel that this I finally the most complete, accessible, and wonderful way to know the story of the impossibly named ‘Cutter Slade’, and appreciate the full scale of the dev’s vision. A vision set into motion almost thirty years ago.

CONTRA: Operation Galuga PS5 Quick Look Gameplay "Hell Yeah Brother." 🔥 @ContraSoldier

The legendary Contra series returns! Rich tries to get to grips with this reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s featuring new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!

Demons of Asteborg DX: a new game for GBA & Neo-Geo By NeoFid Studios ⚔️ @DAsteborg #IndieGoGo #GameDev #IndieGame

 

As you probably already know, NeoFid Studios are passionate about creating games for retro consoles, they've proved themselves on the Megadrive, and now it's time to broaden their horizons.

We are delighted to announce that their very first game, Demons of Asteborg, is back in a remastered version for the GBA and NeoGeo. 

Thanks to the power of these two machines, they'll be able to make a game that's even more beautiful, more colourful, better balanced, and very generous in additional content!

Each version of the game will have its own exclusive level, and the NeoGeo version will feature a brand-new two-player mode!

ARIO PS5 Ten Minute Taster Quick Look Gameplay "Inspired By Prince Of Persia?" 🏰🏦 @Artax_Games #IndieGame #GameDev

Ario is billed as a thrilling adventure where your crossbow and skills will determine the fate of your people.

Join Rich in a fantasy land plagued by nightmares with a common lad trying to rescue his missing mother and an evil forces conspiracy to be unveiled.

Unstoppable PC Review 5/10 "You play a bicycle courier, tasked with delivering a mysterious package to a skyscraper" 🩸🔨 @unstoppable_go #IndieGame #GameDev

When I saw the trailer for Unstoppable, I thought “smacking things with hammers and crowbars until they die – right up my alley!” and eagerly volunteered to review the game.

But we all make mistakes. 

Saviorless Nintendo Switch Ten Minute Taster " A Beautiful Experience On My Creaking Switch" 📖 @jonomatusky #IndieGame #GameDev

 

In Saviorless Rich embarks on a journey to The Smiling Islands, the realm of the Saviors, where an enigmatic guide beckons. The seasoned narrator has shared this story countless times, yet none have graced the miraculous land. Can you seize your narrative and ascend as a Savior?

Welcome to ParadiZe Xbox Series X Review 6/10 "More PontinZ than ParadiZe" 🐘 #IndieGame #GameDev #PvE #Zombies

Welcome to Paradize promised a lot of zany zombie shenanigans through its trailer, but unfortunately the released game feels a watered down version of what could have been, and as the core gameplay loop is so well-worn, there’s not enough to really suck players in and chew the meat from the bones of their expectations.

I first caught wind of Welcome to Paradize a couple of months ago, and having been on a bit of an isometric / action run recently I was quite keen to start smashing and blasting some zombie heads, whilst the survival and crafting elements seemed accessible enough to have fun with, without getting bogged down in menus etc.

CRKD™ Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Hellboy™: Announcing Special-Edition Collectible Controllers 👹 @crkdgg

CRKD™, the premium collectible brand behind the award-winning Nitro™ Deck, NEO S™ and recently announced Nitro™ Deck+, announced today a creative collaboration with Dark Horse Comics®, bringing the beloved Hellboy™ series of comics to life via a stunning range of themed Nitro Deck and NEO S themed controllers.

 

Overseen by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, the special-edition range has been meticulously crafted to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of Hellboy with artwork sourced from the comic book Omnibus Volume 1, Seed of Destruction, by Mike Mignola and John Byrne, immortalizing key moments from the Great Beast’s history.

Bio, Inc Review By Dr Congo Fighting "It’s Kill or Cure" 🦠 @DryGinStudios #IndieGame #GameDev

Let’s just address the elephant in the room. About a decade ago, a game called Plague, Inc came out. It was published by Ndemic Creations, and it was a smash hit. In it, you played the part of a disease, with your aim being to wipe out humanity by evolving various symptoms, and trying to beat to the punch a global effort to create a cure. 

Bio, Inc is not that game, and nor is it a sequel. Neither is it made by Ndemic Creations, instead coming out of software house DryGin Studios. However, it is (to me, at least) a spiritual successor to Plague, Inc and shares a lot of its mechanics (and both have shared origins as mobile games), but with a few significant differences. It’s hard not to make comparisons between the two games, but I’ll do my best. Because I love you. Anyway, elephant done. 

BIGBIG WON Launches the Gale Wireless Controller, Packed with High-Performance Features at an Affordable Price 🎮 @bigbigwonJP

 

Featuring Motion aiming, Hall-effect trigger, 4 custom buttons, 

12-bit ADC and 2000 levels Axis-Resolution

BIGBIG WON, a pioneer in gaming accessories, today announces the release of its Gale Wireless Gaming Controller. This state-of-the art controller is designed to elevate the gaming experience to unprecedented heights with a range of high-end features despite its affordable pricing. It also supports multiple platforms including Windows PC, Android, iOS and Nintendo Switch. This versatile controller boasts an array of advanced features that cater to the needs of both hardcore gamers and casual gamers alike.  

The Gale is available in two colour options (black or white) for RRP £49.99 from Amazon UK and $39.99 on Amazon. It is also available as a combo with a charging dock for RRP £59.99 on Amazon UK and $59.99 on Amazon.

OXS introduces its Thunder Pro Dolby Atmos® 5.1.2 Gaming Sound System | NOW Currently only $499.99/£499.99 using discount code THUNDER100 🔊

Featuring fine-tuned drivers, ultra-low latency and a peak output of 160W for an immersive audio experience

Today, OXS, a leading innovator in gaming audio technology, proudly unveils the Thunder Pro Dolby Atmos® 5.1.2 Gaming Sound System, an unparalleled audio experience that takes gaming audio to the next level. This ground-breaking system offers a truly immersive 3D audio space for gamers and movie-buffs alike and stylish aesthetics to compliment any gaming setup.

The OXS Thunder Pro is available from Amazon US and Amazon UK for $599.99/£599.99 – NOW Currently only $499.99/£499.99 using discount code THUNDER100

Spilled! DEMO Quick Look "Hoover That Oil!" 🛢️ @LenteGameDev #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich jumps into Lente's oil spill based video game called Spilled! as he plays the demo for the very first time. Come join me in the cozy game mines as we scoop up plastic and hoover up oil spills in the open waterways.