**Possessor(s): A Metroidvania Masterpiece Overflowing with Style and Challenge**

The Metroidvania genre has remains a perennial favorite among gamers, providing intricate worlds and demanding gameplay that reward exploration and skill. Among the recent additions to this cherished genre is *Possessor(s)*, a game that not only embraces the fundamental components of Metroidvania but also enriches them with a distinct style and narrative charm. Created by the team behind *Hyper Light Drifter* and published by Devolver Digital, *Possessor(s)* is set to enchant players with its demonic appeal and captivating gameplay.

**A Realm of Demonic Intrigue**

Situated in the vast corporate mega-city of Sandy, *Possessor(s)* plunges players into an environment where demons have been unleashed after a disastrous event. Players assume the role of Luca, a young hero who, after losing her legs amidst the turmoil, establishes a dark pact with the enchanting demon Rhem. This agreement provides her with new legs and sets her on a quest to unveil the fate of her family and flee the demon-ridden city. The storyline captivates players from the very beginning, weaving a narrative of survival, enigma, and unexpected alliances.

**Visual Grandeur and Artistic Style**

One of the remarkable aspects of *Possessor(s)* is its hand-drawn artistic style, which breathes life into the game’s world with a unique visual character. The art direction fuses elements of *Castlevania* with the ambiance of a Japanese visual novel, crafting a setting that feels both inhabited and fantastical. From demonic potted plants to tainted filing cabinets, each frame of the game is brimming with personality and imagination, inviting players to explore every corner of the decaying city.

**Demanding Gameplay and Combat**

*Possessor(s)* is not designed for the timid. The game embraces the demanding nature of the Metroidvania genre, requiring players to hone tight controls and wield a variety of weapons to overcome its numerous challenges. Luca begins with a simple kitchen knife but quickly expands her weaponry to include unique tools like a corded computer mouse and a whip-like power granted by Rhem. Each weapon presents different tactics for addressing the game’s progressively tougher enemies and platforming trials.

**Roguelike Features and Rewarding Progression**

Though *Possessor(s)* is challenging, it also integrates roguelike features that make the experience more lenient. Players will frequently meet their demise, but the repercussions of death are relatively mild, involving the loss of some in-game currency known as Chrome and a reset to the hub location. This system fosters experimentation and learning, enabling players to refine their strategies and gradually overcome the game’s hurdles.

**A Promising Indie Gem**

*Possessor(s)* is emerging as a standout entry in the Metroidvania genre, providing a fusion of style, challenge, and narrative richness that is bound to resonate with players. With its mesmerizing art style, engaging gameplay, and captivating story, the game is set to be a must-play for genre enthusiasts. As it gears up for its full launch later this year, *Possessor(s)* is ready to become a cherished indie title that deserves a place on every gamer’s wish list.

Enthusiasts of the adored anime and manga franchise “One Piece” can now set sail on a thrilling new journey thanks to LEGO’s recent partnership with Netflix. For the very first time, LEGO has introduced a collection of sets inspired by the live-action version of “One Piece,” enabling fans to reconstruct iconic moments from the series using bricks. This collaboration featuring Netflix and Tomorrow Studios brings Eiichiro Oda’s legendary universe to reality, presenting seven distinctive sets that embody unforgettable scenes from Season One of Netflix’s “One Piece.”

Among the standout pieces in this lineup is the LEGO “One Piece” Going Merry Pirate Ship set, which contains 1,376 pieces and showcases intricately designed interiors along with minifigures of cherished characters like Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji. The ship’s construction boasts the instantly recognizable sails of the Straw Hat Pirates, making it an essential addition for series fans.

Besides the Going Merry Pirate Ship, fans can anticipate six additional sets, each representing a crucial scene from the live-action adaptation. These sets feature:

– #75640: The Baratie Floating Restaurant – 3,402 pieces for $329.99
– #75639: The Going Merry Pirate Ship – 1,376 pieces for $139.99
– #75638: Battle at Arlong Park – 926 pieces for $79.99
– #75637: Buggy the Clown’s Circus Tent – 573 pieces for $54.99
– #75636: Windmill Village Hut – 299 pieces for $29.99

To commemorate the launch of these thrilling new sets, LEGO Stores globally will conduct exclusive “One Piece”-themed events throughout August. Fans can engage in interactive experiences such as a Straw Hat Headband giveaway and a Minifigure Factory, where they have the chance to design their own “One Piece” characters. Further details regarding these events and pre-orders for the LEGO “One Piece” sets can be found on the LEGO website.

Days prior to the eagerly awaited Summer Game Fest, PlayStation excited its audience with a thrilling State of Play showcase, revealing a multitude of new titles and enhancements for the PlayStation 5. The event was brimming with unexpected twists and exhilarating announcements, paving the way for an enticing assortment of games for the upcoming year and beyond.

**Lumines Arise**
The showcase kicked off vibrantly, announcing the comeback of the cherished Lumines series. Crafted by Enhance, the creators of Rez: Infinite and Tetris Effect, Lumines Arise pledges to offer a groundbreaking music-centric gaming adventure.

**Pragmata**
Capcom astonished fans with a fresh trailer for Pragmata, spotlighting a distinctive sci-fi shooter that pairs an astronaut with a young girl as they confront alien beings. The game’s compelling storyline and stunning visuals made a memorable impact.

**Romeo Is a Dead Man**
Suda51, renowned for his quirky creations, presented Romeo Is a Dead Man. This high-octane title is rich with the trademark flair and wit that enthusiasts anticipate from the mastermind behind No More Heroes.

**Silent Hill f**
Horror aficionados were ecstatic to catch a glimpse of gameplay from Silent Hill f, which guarantees a chilling encounter with its grotesque monsters and immersive exploration. The title is set for launch on September 25.

**Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement**
Koji Igarashi’s Bloodstained series is back with The Scarlet Engagement, showcasing a cel-shaded visual style, several playable characters, and a range of weapons and outfits.

**Digimon Story Time Stranger**
Bandai Namco revealed Digimon Story Time Stranger, an RPG set in Shibuya, delivering a visually captivating adventure. The game is slated for release on October 3, 2025.

**Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles**
Final Fantasy Tactics returns with The Ivalice Chronicles, providing both a remastered edition with voice acting and the original game experience.

**Baby Steps**
From the mind behind Getting Over It, Baby Steps is a comedic simulation game where players deal with the trials of walking.

**Hirogami**
Echoing the essence of origami, Hirogami is an action platformer that evokes memories of Tearaway, presenting a distinctive artistic encounter.

**Ninja Gaiden Ragebound**
Konami announced Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, a 2D revival of the legendary platformer, set to debut on July 31.

**Cairn**
Cairn is a mountain-climbing simulation experience featuring realistic mechanics, with a demo now accessible.

**Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection**
Digital Eclipse unveils an all-encompassing collection of 20 classic Mortal Kombat titles, upgraded for contemporary platforms.

**Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater**
A fresh trailer for the remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater showcased iconic boss encounters and gameplay elements.

**Nioh 3**
Koei Tecmo’s Nioh 3 makes a return with new combat styles and a demo available for players to try out.

**Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow**
The Thief series steps into virtual reality, providing an immersive journey within the realms of stealth and strategy.

**Tides of Tomorrow**
This narrative-driven multiplayer title urges players to navigate choices and outcomes on a vibrant oceanic world.

**Astro Bot – New Challenge Levels**
Astro Bot enthusiasts can anticipate new challenge levels and bots to save, including one from Ghost of Yotei.

**Sea Remnants**
A free-to-play RPG featuring turn-based combat and island development, Sea Remnants offers a fresh perspective on pirate escapades.

**Sword of the Sea**
From the creators of Journey and Abzu, Sword of the Sea is an exploration title set to launch on August 19, free for PlayStation Plus members.

**007 First Light**
IO Interactive’s 007 First Light delves into James Bond’s origins as an aviator, offering a renewed interpretation of the iconic character.

**Ghost of Yotei**
A new trailer for Ghost of Yotei hints at a wolf companion, with a dedicated State of Play presentation slated for July.

**Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls**
Arc System Works brings its prowess to the Marvel Universe with Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, featuring intense four-vs-four confrontations.

With these exhilarating announcements, PlayStation has laid the groundwork for an extraordinary gaming journey for its fans. Stay tuned for further updates from the Summer Game Fest and other forthcoming events.

At Unreal Fest Orlando, the keynote for the State of Unreal 2025 commenced with a live on-stage showcase of The Witcher 4, highlighting advancements in Unreal Engine 5 technology.

The State of Unreal 2025 presentation aims to provide the most significant innovations to Unreal’s development toolkit in a concise manner for attendees. Unreal Engine 5.6 features major improvements, and Epic Games determined that unveiling a new tech demo of The Witcher 4 would be the ideal way to present their recent developments. What CD PROJEKT RED and Epic Games introduced was a fresh perspective on The Witcher 4, featuring a new area and a renewed look at the game’s lead character and monster hunter, Ciri. The tech demo can be viewed below, as showcased at the State of Unreal 2025 (thanks, GamersPrey).

Similar to most Witcher trailers, The Witcher 4 tech demo follows Ciri as she embarks on a monster contract. Set in the newly introduced region of Kovir, which makes its debut in the video game series with The Witcher 4, the presentation trails Ciri and her horse Kelpie as she navigates through Kovir’s mountains and thick forests to the vibrant port town of Valdrest. The demo notably maintained a steady 60 FPS performance while employing the new Unreal Animation Framework, Nanite Foliage rendering, MetaHuman technology with Mass AI crowd scaling, and other features detailed in the complete State of Unreal 2025 presentation.

The tools showcased in The Witcher 4 are scheduled to debut with future versions of Unreal Engine 5, starting with the release of Unreal Engine 5.6 today. Although the tech demo was demonstrated on the PlayStation 5, the technology will be available across all platforms on which The Witcher 4 is released. The demo initiates with Ciri tracking a monster that favors humans as prey, as she literally investigates the remnants of the scene to determine which creature caused the havoc. As the demo unfolds, Unreal dissects the technology, emphasizing ray tracing capabilities and Nanite-powered foliage rendering.

In one impressive segment, Unreal reveals the muscle simulation of Ciri’s horse, Kelpie, showcasing a remarkable representation of equine anatomy and motion physics. Every feature displayed in the demo is crafted to enhance immersion, even down to the depiction of Gwent cheaters being ejected from inns.

Tim Sweeney, founder and CEO of Epic Games, remarked: “CD Projekt Red is one of the leading open-world game studios in the industry, and we’re thankful they are partnering with us to advance Unreal Engine through The Witcher 4. They are the ideal collaborator to assist us in developing new world-building features that we can share with all Unreal Engine developers.”

The presentation toolkit utilized in The Witcher 4 tech demo—named Unreal Engine 5.6—is available starting today. Additional information can be located on the Unreal Engine website.