“February 2026 Star Sailors Codes and Release Rewards Information”

**The Conclusion of Anthem: An Aftermath Review**

Anthem, the ambitious looter shooter from BioWare, has officially been discontinued, prompting both fans and developers to ponder what led to its downfall. Mark Darrah, a former producer at BioWare who played a role in the project, recently shared a nearly four-hour postmortem video that details the game’s unfortunate outcome and proposes potential strategies that might have rescued it.

One of the most captivating elements of Darrah’s review is the disclosure that Anthem could have functioned on local servers, a shift that may have enabled it to persist even after Electronic Arts (EA) opted to discontinue the project. He notes that BioWare had local servers operational in a development setup right up until shortly before the game’s release in 2019. While it is uncertain if these servers are still active, the code to restore them is reportedly still accessible.

Darrah suggested that running Anthem on local servers could greatly minimize the expenses tied to maintaining the game. “The reason you do this, it pulls away the cost of maintaining this game,” he noted, proposing that instead of depending on dedicated servers, which can be costly, player consoles could themselves act as the necessary game servers.

The idea that alternatives were present to preserve Anthem adds a layer of disappointment for both the development team and the gaming community. EA initially justified the decision to shut down Anthem without presenting an offline mode by asserting it was “designed to be an online-only title.” However, the earlier existence of local servers hints that a different direction could have been pursued. The choice to completely terminate the game is perceived as a more straightforward but ultimately damaging decision.

Additionally, in his video, Darrah described a theoretical reworking of Anthem that could potentially convert it into a single-player experience, appealing to a wider audience. He estimated that realizing this vision would conservatively require around $10 million, and if the game sold over 400,000 copies, it could be economically feasible. He proposed transitioning the game to current-generation consoles and creating AI companions to enhance gameplay that was initially meant for multiplayer interactions. This reworking could include upgrading existing NPCs to companions or introducing several new characters to round out the party.

“If you can do those two things and turn the local servers on,” Darrah commented, “what you have essentially reverse-engineered is a BioWare game without romances with a decent BioWare-style story.” His vision suggests that numerous fans of BioWare’s narratives may have never engaged with Anthem due to its multiplayer-only framework, presenting an opening for a different kind of interaction.

Ultimately, Darrah expressed doubts about whether EA would entertain such a proposal, despite its seemingly cost-effective nature compared to ongoing server upkeep. The notion that Anthem could have survived in a revised format is disheartening, especially since the backdrop of its shutdown has left many feeling deceived by EA and BioWare.

In summary, while Anthem’s servers may have been permanently muted, discussions surrounding its possibilities endure. The insights derived from Darrah’s postmortem provide a glimpse into what could have been, underscoring the necessity of grasping player expectations and the feasibility of alternative solutions in the gaming realm.

Here is a list of waste items I can see from my desk, at the time of writing: one piece of mud tracked in from a nearby forest, with a curl of oak leaf poking out of it; two condensed, possibly sentient balls of spiderweb; two fingernails (I know, it’s a terrible habit, I promise I’m not this gross in proper office environments); three screws that really should be part of my bed; one discarded bottle of antivac; ten unidentified somethings.

What do all these objects have in common? Obviously, they would make amazing roguelite protagonists. I know this because I have been playing… Morsels!

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# The Finest Video Games of 2025: A Year of Exceptional Creativity and Thrills

My word, 2025 has emerged as an impressive year for video games, displaying a wide array of titles across multiple sizes and budgets. This year has not only given rise to blockbuster releases but has also seen indie games making a notable impact, making it quite an effort to narrow the abundant talent and innovation down to a top ten list. Nevertheless, after thorough deliberation, a list has surfaced that encapsulates the finest of what the year had in store, revealing some unexpected selections along the way.

## 10) Eclipsium

Crafted by Housefire, *Eclipsium* grabs attention with its breathtaking visuals and story concept. As a walking simulator horror game, it intertwines stunning environments with disturbing body horror, crafting an organic and immersive experience. The game’s distinctive re-rendering approach onto a 320×180 canvas enhances its surreal charm, rendering it a must-play for fans of inventive gameplay aesthetics.

## 9) The Drifter

*The Drifter* from Powerhoof is an exhilarating point-and-click journey that initially appears as a standard tale. Yet, it rapidly unfolds into a gripping storyline involving enigmatic forces at work. The control system brings a refreshing twist to classic adventure games, and despite a less satisfying conclusion, the journey leading up to it is filled with captivating voice acting, striking art, and clever puzzles.

## 8) MotionRec

*MotionRec* presents a unique spin on traditional platform gaming with its engaging movement recording feature. Players can document their actions and replay them to navigate puzzles across diverse landscapes. Although it might seem brief with 15 levels, the game cleverly expands this with a demanding second act, positioning it as an exemplary entry in the platform-puzzler genre.

## 7) Escape from Duckov

Initially mistaking *Escape from Duckov* for a simplistic parody or achievement farm, players swiftly uncover a hidden treasure in this single-player extraction shooter. Created by Team Soda, it merges thrilling twin-stick shooting with base-building mechanics, all set against a humorous backdrop of ducks. The game’s rich exploration and quest framework keep players engrossed in this unique and enjoyable title.

## 6) Old Skies

*Old Skies* is a time travel adventure from Wadjet Eye that gradually enchants through its remarkable narrative. Players assume the role of Fia Quinn, a time agent ensuring that historical events remain intact. The game’s innovative approach to time travel, concentrating on the consequences of alterations rather than strict preservation, creates a fresh narrative experience that resonates profoundly.

## 5) Strange Antiquities

In *Strange Antiquities*, players are offered a wide inventory of distinctive items within an interactive shop environment. It enhances the original game’s formula, promoting exploration and discovery through various clues and an intricately designed hint system. This sequel brims with clever puzzles and engaging mechanics that maintain a fresh and delightful experience.

## 4) Donkey Kong Bananza

Nintendo’s *Donkey Kong Bananza* delivers an exhilarating experience unlike any other platformer. With a variety of vibrant levels crafted to maximize enjoyment, it encourages players to explore and relish each moment. The game serves as a refreshing reminder of the pure joy that can be found in gaming, creating a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.

## 3) The Beekeeper’s Picnic

As a heartfelt tribute to the classic tales of Sherlock Holmes, *The Beekeeper’s Picnic* finds Sherlock reuniting with Dr. Watson in a charming countryside setting. The game excels not only in its storytelling but also in its introspective examination of themes such as friendship and reflection, making it a deeply personal and enchanting experience that is sure to resonate with fans of the detective genre.

## 2) Arc Raiders

Despite initial doubts about *Arc Raiders*, players are quickly captivated by its engaging world of extraction-based gameplay. This title is lauded for its stunning visuals and heart-pounding tension as players interact with an environment brimming with unpredictable encounters. The excitement of solo play intertwined with cooperative elements keeps the gameplay captivating and addictive.

## 1) Avowed

Obsidian’s *Avowed* distinguishes itself as the unparalleled best RPG of 2025. Set in the vibrant world of *Pillars of Eternity*, it merges a compelling narrative with deeply developed characters and substantial player choices that influence the game world. Its breathtaking environments and captivating mechanics make it feel less like playing a game and more like existing within a meticulously crafted universe.

## Honorable Mentions

Numerous other remarkable titles have captured gamers’ affections this year, including:
– *Dawnfolk*
– *Slender Threads*
– *Wizordum*
– *Crashlands 2*
– *Doom: The Dark Ages*
– *Ooo*
– *Project Warlock II*
– *The Supper: New Blood*