Category: Uncategorized

### The Sinking City 2: A Lovecraftian Survival Horror Adventure

Very few games unsettle me. Frogwares’ newly launched Lovecraftian survival horror title, *The Sinking City 2*, is among the rare experiences that genuinely made me say “Bleh.” It’s a game rife with revolting worms, grotesque growths, and heaps of slime. I thoroughly enjoyed navigating this eerie journey, even if *Sinking City 2* has a few too many combat scenarios.

Available now on PC and consoles, *The Sinking City 2* serves as a standalone sequel to 2019’s *The Sinking City*. You won’t have to play the previous title to grasp the sequel, as *Sinking City 2* introduces a new ensemble of characters in a different New England city and unfolds a fresh story unrelated to the prior events.

Moreover, it’s not just the storyline that diverges from the first installment. *Sinking City 2* is also a completely different genre. The initial game was a narrative-driven, detective-oriented adventure with some minor (and not particularly impressive) combat. *Sinking City 2* abandons that gameplay style for a third-person survival horror format, clearly influenced by Capcom’s recent *Resident Evil* remakes.

#### From Detectives to Explosives

Initially, I had doubts about whether Frogwares could execute the genre transition, but after a few hours, I found myself too frightened and preoccupied with nervously counting bullets and health items to even recall that the studio’s previous game wasn’t a survival horror. Put simply, *Sinking City 2*’s evolution into *Resident Evil*-esque action horror is a resounding triumph.

A major factor contributing to *Sinking City 2*’s triumph as a survival horror game is that each meticulously crafted level in the game appears genuinely repulsive and eerie. The game’s locale, Arkham, Massachusetts, is a city engulfed by the ocean, and the rising waters bring forth thousands of grotesque, unnatural worms. These creatures swiftly begin to animate the deceased, posing as one of the primary adversaries confronting the playable protagonist Calvin Rafferty. They’re far from the only unsettling aspect of cosmic horror you’ll encounter during the approximately 10 hours it takes to complete the game along with most of its smaller side missions, though. I’ll leave those other horrors for you to discover in the dark.

Naturally, you might be curious, “Why is this Calvin character loitering in a dying city sinking into the ocean filled with worm zombies and monstrosities?” Well, he’s infatuated with a woman trapped in a sinister, enchanted coma after a botched spell, and now he’s trying to rescue her before the solutions he seeks are submerged beneath the sea. You understand how it goes.

To rescue her and himself, Calvin must navigate by foot and boat across several critical locations in Arkham. All of these spots are unpleasant to visit, yet they make ideal horror game levels, featuring a creepy hospital and a rundown nightclub that houses a nasty main character in need of your assistance. Each location feels large enough that traversing them takes time, and acquiring a map is advantageous, but none are so expansive that they seem empty or tedious to explore. The nightclub, in particular, effectively employs narrow corridors, ambushes, and varying levels to push you into areas most individuals would shun. However, you’ll need that key, or gear, or lever, or whatever peculiar item is necessary to unlock the way forward.

#### Shoot, Shoot, Shoot, Shoot, Shoot

Similar to *Resident Evil*, *Sinking City 2* populates these locations with the aforementioned creatures and the undead. You’ll have to manage your ammunition and health items prudently, as the game frequently hurls more foes at you than you can manage. Retreating is often a wise tactic.

However, if you decide to stand your ground, firearms in *Sinking City 2* feel appropriately potent, though I found some animations a bit rigid. That doesn’t lessen the effectiveness of the shotgun against worm-infested zombies. In fact, even the initial pistol is loud and formidable. With a few enhancements, it and other weapons transform into quite effective killing machines, assuming you don’t miss and have enough ammo.

Regrettably, while the combat is solid, *Sinking City 2* presents far too many “fight for your life” scenarios. These battles confine Calvin to a relatively small area with no escape, bombarding him with waves of adversaries. To escape, you’ll need to eliminate them all while unlocking small crates scattered throughout each area that replenish your ammunition and health items a bit. These moments feel like Frogwares bit off more than it could chew, as the combat and controls don’t quite

Unionised Blizzard workers have voted to ratify a new contract with their employer that will “require” Blizzard to negotiate with workers over any usage of generative AI tools in their workplace, in addition to giving laid-off workers the right to be “recalled” into open positions across Blizzard for 14 months after the date of their layoff announcement.

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**Ikea Introduces Distinctive Skyrim Mod Featuring Matt Berry as a Conversational Kallax Shelf**

In a surprising blend of innovation within the gaming and furniture sectors, Ikea has unveiled a new mod for *Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim* called “KALLAX STORAGEBORN.” This whimsical endeavor utilizes the company’s famous Kallax shelf, turning it into an engaging character within the cherished role-playing game.

**The Concept and Attributes of the Mod**

Launched on September 9, the KALLAX STORAGEBORN mod is accessible for free via Bethesda’s Creations system on Xbox and PC. Unlike standard mods that simply add items to the game, this ambitious concept encompasses a complete questline activated when players find themselves overencumbered with their inventory. Adventurers are led to an ancient dungeon to collect materials for crafting the Kallax shelf, which, once built and activated with a magical Allen wrench weapon, comes to life with voice lines provided by actor Matt Berry.

Berry’s participation goes beyond brief appearances; he offers a substantial amount of voiced dialogue as the shelf assists players in rediscovering memories by locating treasured heirlooms throughout Skyrim. This amusing narrative element enriches the immersive experience and injects a whimsical charm into the game.

**Gameplay Features and Enjoyable Interactions**

Players exploring the mod will find that the animated shelf not only provides amusement through its eccentric interactions but also fulfills a functional role in gameplay. The Kallax can accompany players across the expansive terrains of Skyrim, and with its entertaining animations, it also presents a solution for managing excessive inventory items. Items stored on the shelf stay visible within the game world, creating a delightful realism that enhances the player experience.

Moreover, a distinct shout spell enables players to summon the Kallax shelf, with the entertaining command: “IKEA!” This aspect reinforces the mod’s playful spirit and invites players to engage with its whimsical design.

**Community Reaction and Cultural Influence**

The KALLAX STORAGEBORN mod has ignited discussions among players and fans online, illustrating Ikea’s clever marketing strategy that marries humor with a deep understanding of gaming culture. The mod acts not only as a promotional instrument for Ikea but also stands as a testament to the imaginative possibilities of combining disparate fields—home decor and video gaming.

YouTube creators have commenced sharing extensive playthroughs, providing those who may not want to revisit *Skyrim* a chance to experience the comedic genius of Matt Berry’s performance through various gameplay styles.

In summary, while it may first appear trivial, the KALLAX STORAGEBORN mod represents cutting-edge marketing and entertainment techniques that resonate with both gaming fans and a broader audience. It serves as a whimsical reminder of how creativity can seamlessly connect different realms.

No Man’s Sky is a decade old. Let that sink in. No, seriously, you’ll need plenty of water to survive the trips that the massive space game’s 10th anniversary update allows you to embark on. It’s now possible to get up close and personal with the stars that serve as suns in each system. Or, if the risk of fiery death’s not your cup of tea, you can establish a new home by taking over as director of a space station or building an orbital base that floats among the stars.

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**Metroid Ravenous: A Fierce Transformation of Samus Aran**

In the forthcoming game *Metroid Ravenous*, scheduled for release in January 2027, players are introduced to a fresh and fervent version of Samus Aran, the legendary bounty hunter of the *Metroid* series. The excitement mounts as insights into the character unveil a rendition of Samus infused with a sense of malice and intensity that significantly deviates from her earlier depictions.

The first trailer for *Ravenous* accentuates Samus’s emotional complexity without entirely revealing her face. Instead, viewers catch expressive glimpses of her eyes, which at moments radiate an intense fury. This understated yet impactful representation contrasts sharply with past titles, highlighting a more combative and determined aspect of the cherished protagonist. Her actions, dialogue, and overall presence resonate with a raw power, indicating a transition in her character that many fans are eager to investigate.

This newfound vigor in Samus’s characterization invites a compelling comparison to *Metroid Prime 4*. While both games operate under high-stakes conditions, *Metroid Prime 4* embodies a sense of adventure and discovery, encapsulating aspirations of exploration within the cosmos. In contrast, *Ravenous* conveys a more personal tale. The tagline, “I’m not stuck in here with you, you’re in here with me,” effectively captures this essence, implying a confrontational and survival-oriented narrative.

The promotional artwork for both games further underscores this disparity. In *Metroid Prime 4*, Samus’s glowing purple arm reaches outward in a gesture reminiscent of *The Creation of Adam*, symbolizing connection and exploration. In contrast, *Ravenous* depicts Samus’s arm, equally luminous, crushing the skull of an enemy. This striking imagery suggests a darker, more violent undercurrent in the story anticipated in *Ravenous*.

Throughout the *Metroid* franchise, Samus has predominantly been portrayed as a silent protagonist, allowing her actions to convey her character’s depth. Players have long recognized her commitment to her missions, her friends, and her role as a protector of those in need, including her adopted Chozo community and various allies. However, *Ravenous* pledges to delve deeper into Samus’s mind, enabling a more nuanced exploration of her emotions and motivations.

The inclusion of dialogue in *Ravenous*, particularly Samus’s assertive remark, “It’s eat or be eaten,” signifies a notable evolution in her character. This line encapsulates her transition into a survivalist outlook, one that aligns with the more primal, instinctual emotions that the game aims to express. Samus is not merely a fighter; she is now portrayed as a being motivated by the hunger for survival—a fierce entity poised to obliterate any threats that cross her path.

As fans gear up for the launch of *Metroid Ravenous*, there is a palpable buzz surrounding this transformative phase for Samus Aran. The game not only challenges the conventions of her character but also invites players to engage with her in ways that have yet to be explored in the series. Welcome to Samus’s “Girldinner Era,” where survival entails embracing one’s inner ferocity and facing adversaries directly. This metamorphosis of a beloved character promises to reshape the *Metroid* experience for both veteran fans and newcomers alike.

Truth be told, I’m still not sold on “bullet heaven” as a genre. Name notwithstanding, the genre is certainly here to stay, and there always seems to be funny new takes on it despite the fact that Vampire Survivors did kind of start it off without much room for improvement. While I’m not sure if Wanderburg is an improvement (I haven’t played it yet), I do conceptually like its approach being to hand you a modular medieval castle tank that can suck up sheep and blast cannon fire at your enemies. And it’s out today in early access!

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**Silent Hill f and Urban Myth Dissolution Center: An Exceptional Partnership in Japanese Gaming**

The year 2025 has heralded a notable revival in the Japanese gaming scene, highlighted by the launch of critically acclaimed titles like *Silent Hill f* and *Urban Myth Dissolution Center*. *Silent Hill f*, Konami’s eagerly awaited comeback to its legendary horror series, swiftly attained commercial triumph, ranking among the fastest-selling installments in the franchise’s history. Conversely, *Urban Myth Dissolution Center*, created by the indie collective Hakababunko, surfaced as a prominent success in the visual novel sector, moving over 300,000 units within just three months post-launch, demonstrating the increasing demand for inventive indie experiences.

The extraordinary success of these two games has set the stage for a thrilling partnership between their development teams. Both titles have garnered extensive praise and have cultivated mutual respect among their creators. Ryukishi07, the writer behind *Silent Hill f*, is celebrated for his complex mystery stories in titles like *Umineko* and *Higurashi*. At the same time, Motoi Okamoto, the producer of *Silent Hill f*, recognized *Urban Myth Dissolution Center* as one of the standout games of 2025 in the Japanese gaming publication *Famitsu*, where it secured an impressive third place in the developer-chosen Game of the Year rankings.

In response to their intertwined successes, a collaborative endeavor has emerged featuring a complimentary spin-off game that connects the stories and visuals of both titles. This joint effort includes exclusive artwork by Kera, the character designer for *Silent Hill f*, and a bundled package of both games available at a discounted price on Steam.

The collaboration also presents a distinctive mini-game scenario that encourages players to engage in an adventure intertwining elements from both games. In this brief browser-based experience, players accompany Hinako from *Silent Hill f* as she traverses the eerie settings of a forsaken school, encountering various supernatural occurrences and mysterious characters reminiscent of the haunting atmosphere characteristic of both titles.

The indie gaming landscape in Japan has experienced substantial growth, marked by developers crafting singular gaming experiences that stray from mainstream offerings. In response to this emerging trend, established companies like Konami have started to sponsor initiatives, including game jams that aim to identify and develop promising talent within the nation. The partnership between *Silent Hill f* and *Urban Myth Dissolution Center* not only celebrates the accomplishments of both teams but also emphasizes the indie gaming movement, illustrating how innovative narrations can resonate with both domestic and international players.

As we progress further into 2025, the unexpected collaboration of *Silent Hill f* and *Urban Myth Dissolution Center* serves as a testament to the ever-evolving realm of gaming, where creativity thrives through collaboration, and fresh concepts arise from the synergy between time-honored franchises and indie triumphs. This alliance is bound to captivate fans of both games and broaden their immersive worlds in exhilarating new avenues.

I find it to be quite rare that when a game says it has a graphic novel art style that it actually has one. There’s often just something that reads as slightly off, like it’s not quite cut from the same cloth. I’m happy to say that isn’t the case with Stack Order, a deckbuilding roguelike with a story all about layering your cards just right to maximise their effects that looks like you could find it in a hip and trendy French comic book shop.

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### The September Nintendo Direct: A Mixed Experience for Switch 2

The recent September Nintendo Direct received varied responses, with numerous fans expressing disappointment over the content presented compared to earlier events. A significant criticism was the predominant emphasis on ports of established games instead of fresh releases or creative innovations.

#### Recognizable Titles on the Switch 2

Throughout the Direct, Nintendo revealed new games featuring cherished franchises like **Metroid** and **Kirby**, along with updates for current titles. While these announcements were thrilling, the showcase felt more like a promotional duty to third-party developers than a solid exhibition of new original material. The standout moment was the combined trailer announcing the ports of **Resident Evil 2, 3,** and **4** remakes for the Switch 2, providing a preview of visually appealing trailers that promised improved experiences.

Nonetheless, not everything was favorable in the realm of game ports. The trailer for **Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight** raised alarm due to its obvious frame rate problems. Viewers noted the game struggling to maintain performance, particularly when confronted with the extensive open-world setting populated with dynamic Lego elements. This difficulty might indicate challenges in fitting high-demand, detailed games to the Switch 2’s capabilities.

#### Performance Issues with Open-World Games

The problems didn’t end there. The trailer for **Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2** similarly highlighted the potential downsides of transferring massive games to the Switch 2. The visual performance seemed sluggish, with players pointing out that the console appeared to struggle with the complexities of the vast medieval RPG. The concerns raised in viewer comments emphasized that the Switch 2 might not effectively support every ambitious title as fans would wish.

Further criticism surfaced during the sizzle reel towards the conclusion of the Direct. Titles such as **The Ascent** and **Hell Is Us** displayed subpar performance. The once-impressive graphics and gameplay features from these games translated poorly to the Switch 2, resulting in unclear visuals and choppy gameplay.

#### A Difficult Transition

Even though the Switch 2 is a more powerful console than its predecessor, it is clear that it still falls short of rivals like the PS5 and Xbox Series X regarding processing advanced, high-graphic games. This gap could result in a continuing trend where significant upcoming titles encounter similar performance obstacles when converted to the Switch 2, especially those requiring substantial graphical fidelity and system resources.

As the gaming community looks forward to next-gen console capabilities, it will be intriguing to observe how developers manage their titles on platforms like the Switch 2. While certain ports may achieve a visually stunning standard, others could fall short, echoing the difficulties faced by the original Switch in its later stages.

In conclusion, the September Nintendo Direct underscored both the potential and challenges of the Switch 2, indicating a need for thoughtful consideration when adapting games to satisfy modern gamers’ expectations. As the landscape of video game consoles changes, fans will closely monitor how their favorite franchises adjust to this new reality.

Terrible news, folks, it’s time for another episode of “Edwin secretly watches a lot of anime and has bad anime opinions”. Although I don’t know how anybody could reasonably disagree with my affection for The Apothecary Diaries. It’s kind of a Sherlock Holmes story, if Sherlock Holmes were a young female alchemist in a world broadly inspired by Tang Dynasty-era China.

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