Most Ambitious Dark Pictures Game Yet

Each entry in The Dark Pictures Anthology is built on cinematic, b-movie immersion, and morally grey, choice-led gameplay, and, generally, the series’ reputation is strong. That said, occasionally stunted dialogue, repetitive QTEs, and an over-reliance on predictable horror tropes leave room for improvement. With Directive 8020, Supermassive Games are set to deliver the most ambitious Dark Pictures game yet by pivoting to real-time survival horror. Supported by enhanced visual fidelity, Directive 8020 is bringing tension and nuance beyond anything the series has produced before.

High-Stakes Narrative

In a future where Earth is dying, a team of astronauts are sent on a scouting mission to a possibly habitable planet twelve light-years away. With humanity’s survival in their hands, the stakes are already high long before things take a turn for the worse. Directive 8020’s story is set up to deliver an emotional gut punch, where not only the fate of individuals rests on your actions but the whole of mankind.

A Crew With Purpose

Unlike previous Dark Pictures entries centred on loosely connected individuals, Directive 8020 puts you in command of a team of highly trained astronauts. For this mission of immense importance, each member has been carefully selected, with their professionalism shaping both their behaviour and the decisions you’ll make for them. However, years of training and expertise are soon out the door once their ship crashlands, and their reality spirals into something truly harrowing. Each has their own personal reason for joining the ship’s crew too. It’ll be interesting to see how they reconcile their individual motivations once colleagues start dying.

More Than Colleagues

Actually, on that note, the crewmates of Directive 8020 aren’t just co-workers thrown together. These relationships run deeper, with familial ties, shared trauma, and long-standing friendships influencing how they interact. You’ll likely wonder how deep their allegiances go during gameplay too, whether they have any hidden agendas, or if they’ll betray their ally to protect themselves. This adds emotional weight, meaning every decision has an impact. Plus, there could be some explosive moments throughout the game once the crew’s trust begins to fracture.

Lashana Lynch Leads the Cast

The central character, Brianna Young, is played by Lashana Lynch, who brings a strong presence to Directive 8020’s story. Coming from a lineage of celebrated spacefarers, Young grapples with her own identity, struggling to identify the type of person she is against the expectations set by her family history. Young, however, isn’t alone in providing an introspection; numerous characters, from Commander Stafford’s prestige spirit, to Science Officer Anders’ relatively unknown origin, suggest unseen and unexpected directions the game’s branching narrative can follow.

A Shapeshifting Threat

Drawing clear inspiration from John Carpenter’s The Thing, the danger lurking on the crew’s marooned planet isn’t just deadly, but deceptive. This alien force can mimic human forms, its most illusory guise a near-identical replica of its subject. In fact, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with unknown copies throughout with only subtle identifiers in your arsenal if you’ve paid attention; studying turns of phrase, mannerisms, and more, will make the difference between survival and disaster.

Your Choices Shape the Wider Story

As with all Dark Pictures games so far, the decisions you make throughout Directive 8020’s story will determine who lives and who dies. However, this time around, there appears to be more nuance in the repercussions of your choices. These won’t be simple, binary outcomes, but your choices will influence character arcs over time. A decision you make in one moment could have drastic consequences for someone else later.

Turning Points System

What’s more, if you want to relive a particular dilemma, now you can: Turning Points is an all-new feature, allowing you to rewind time to revisit pivotal moments via a visual, branching story tree. You can experience sections that you missed, change your decisions, or suffer a fresh set of consequences, especially if you’re trying to keep your favourite character alive.

Expanded Lore, Collectibles, and Conspiracies

Exploration remains a core pillar of Directive 8020’s gameplay, but this time Supermassive has embedded a host of thematically significant collectibles which flesh out environmental storytelling and series backstory. More specifically, there is centuries of Dark Pictures lore to discover – the circumstances leading to Earth’s downfall since the chronologically most-recent game in the anthology, for instance – plus a special, “conspiracy” category of collectible which unfurl some nefarious motives behind the corporation who’ve invested heavily in the mission.

Movie Night and Multiplayer Options

If you prefer not to play alone, Supermassive has you covered. Movie Night mode returns in Directive 8020, where up to five of you can pass the controller between yourselves and share the burden of decision making together. As for online multiplayer, the developer has confirmed that this is planned as a free post-launch update.

Release Date, Platforms, and Price

Directive 8020 is scheduled for release on May 12th, and will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Digital Edition is priced at £39.99 / $49.99, with physical editions retailing slightly higher, depending on outlet. Also, at present (although subject to change), Digital Deluxe upgrades are currently being bundled into every pre-order.

Digital Deluxe Edition

Directive 8020’s Digital Deluxe Edition arrives with a handful of welcome bonuses: outfit packs, comprising cosmetics inspired by earlier Dark Pictures titles; filter packs to adjust the game’s cinematic aesthetic; a bonus mission, digital artbook, and officially licensed soundtrack.

Built in Unreal Engine 5

Given its track record for patchy performance, Directive 8020 being built in Unreal Engine 5 might not instil you with confidence. However, undeniable is the atmospheric detail the game engine facilitates: skin textures, hair rendering, and facial animation, in particular, all support the game’s bubbling tension, whilst lighting – together with sound arguably most integral to conjuring fear – bathes sterile, suffocating spaces with clinical fluorescence. Let’s just hope Supermassive has had ample opportunity to optimise in the engine.

Advanced PC and PS5 Pro Features

If you’re playing on PC, and if your hardware is up to it, you can take advantage of DLSS 4.5, including support for 6x Multi-Frame Generation, alongside path tracing. On the console side, PS5 Pro brings Sony’s PSSR upscaling tech, advanced ray tracing, and dynamic shadows. These features will deepen the game’s emotional impact through detail and clarity.

PC Requirements

To run Directive 8020 on your PC, at a minimum you’ll need an Intel Core i5-8500 or AMD Ryzen 5 3500 CPU, and a GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 GPU. To experience the game at its absolute pinnacle, recommended PC specs detail an Intel Core i5-12400F or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU and GeForce RTX 3070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6800 GPU. Whatever your setup, you’ll also need 16GB RAM and 40GB storage space.

An Era-Spanning Batman Adventure

Legacy of the Dark Knight doesn’t just cover a single interpretation of Batman. Instead, it spans multiple eras, charting The Dark Knight’s decades-long history, combining tone, aesthetic, and influence into one cohesive package. Whether you’re a fan of Batman’s classic portrayals or his modern gothic takes, LEGO: Batman aims to celebrate the Dark Knight’s legacy in a way few titles across a range of media formats have attempted before.

A Story Connecting Batman’s Eras

Rather than just stitching Batman’s numerous guises together in a compendium of stories, Legacy of the Dark Knight will connect Batman’s long history into a single narrative. You’ll follow Bruce Wayne’s origins, from honing his early craft with Ra’s al Ghul to his present-day role as Gotham City’s protector. LEGO Batman will draw influence from comics, movies, books, TV shows, and other media to bring you something that’s both familiar and new.

Open World Gotham City

The core of LEGO: Batman’s experience is a fully explorable, open world Gotham. This sprawling city is packed with activities, diversions, and secrets. You’re free to explore at your own pace between story missions, discovering side missions, uncovering collectibles, and absorbing environmental detail to flesh out the game’s already comprehensive story.

Dynamic Crimes

Gotham City doesn’t sit still while you’re gliding between objectives. According to TT Games, the crux of your diversions is dynamic crime fighting; you’ll be able to intervene and stop crimes as they’re happening across grime-ridden streets and rooftops. Bring in a diverse range of criminals, from street thugs to calculating super-villains, then these emergent events make the city feel suitably dangerous whilst feeding into your progression and rewards.

Playable Characters Beyond Batman

The Dark Knight is, of course, the game’s star, but throughout this plastic-brick adventure Batman won’t be operating alone. Characters like Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Jim Gordon, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul are all playable, joining the fray as certain points in the era-spanning narrative. They’ll each bring their own abilities, gadgets, and progression systems, deepening gameplay, keeping it fresh, and allowing missions to be approached in different ways. Even including the DLC-only Joker and Harley Quinn – more on these two later – LEGO Batman’s streamlined cast represents a character-focused deviation from earlier LEGO games which typically feature a much broader ensemble.

Advanced Combat System (for a LEGO game)

Compared to previous LEGO titles, combat in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has been significantly expanded. It’s still accessible to younger players, of course, but there’s also scope for complex combo chains, counters, and dangerous enemy varieties that’ll require you lean on various skillsets to succeed. The influence from Rocksteady’s acclaimed Arkham series is clear, there’s weight in brawling here befitting Batman’s non-LEGO incarnations.

Higher Difficulty Tier

If you’re looking for a more of a challenge, LEGO Batman introduces an additional difficulty setting, ramping up enemy aggression and damage. This so-called Dark Knight mode makes encounters more demanding, limits lives, increases enemy density, and makes boss battles tougher. And here’s the thing: this isn’t just increasing difficulty for the sake of it; its intention, perhaps, is to encourage you to engage with the game’s more advanced combat systems.

Stealth Gameplay

While LEGO games are usually brick-breaking action-focused, Legacy of the Dark Knight introduces a strong emphasis on stealth-led gameplay. Again, taking cues from Rocksteady’s Arkham series, in LEGO Batman you can take advantage of surreptitious vantage points, dimly-lit hiding spots, and silent takedowns to thin out enemy numbers covertly. This is another element befitting of Batman’s characteristics, playing out here in more deliberate actions and stately-paced encounters. Combat, then, won’t be just about charging head-first into the arena; operating as a predator from the shadows will be equally as viable.

Build and Expand Your Own Personal Batcave

The Batcave in Legacy of the Dark Knight functions as the game’s central hub. You’ll begin by excavating its space beneath the foundations of Wayne Manor, and over time you’ll expand and customise it, unlocking new areas, furniture, and decorative features. From showcasing trophies and past-successes to installing arcade machines, alongside a wealth of suits, training equipment, and a garage of Batmobiles, the Batcave will be a reflection of your journey through Batman’s legacy.

Batsuits and Collectibles

Collectibles will play a huge role in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, with Batsuits being amongst the most exciting rewards. As you’d expect with an era-spanning story, the Batsuits you can collect in-game draw inspiration from the Batman’s entire spectrum. And another thing: these suits don’t just provide cosmetic appeal but often come with unique abilities. Including capes, cowls, and costumes from every Batman incarnation, this vast wardrobe should appeal to completionists and Batman purists alike.

The Batcomputer

The Batcave’s functional nucleus is the Batcomputer, serving as your interface for tracking progress. Missions, case files, replays, and more are all accessible, helping you stay organised as the game’s narrative evolves and your objective checklist expands. At this terminal, you can also trail ongoing crime, monitor Waynetech chip collectibles, purchase characters, and watch story scenes; it’s essentially the backbone to the entire experience.

Gadget and Skill Upgrades

Another thing the Batcomputer provides is a link to the Batcave’s workbench, whereby you can upgrade your tools, skills, and gadgets to tailor your playstyle. What’s more, it isn’t just the performance of Batman’s Batarang and Batclaw you’ll be boosting, but the workbench also gives you the ability to enhance your allies’ gear too.

Batmobiles Bring Vehicular Variety

No Batman game is complete without the Batmobile, and here, in Legacy of the Dark Knight, you’ll have access to multiple versions of Batman’s iconic vehicle, inspired once again by every era. From Adam West’s 1960s jet-age lowrider to Robert Pattinson’s armoured muscle car, through the militaristic Tumbler of Christopher Nolan’s movie trilogy and Tim Burton’s Gothic-style turbine-equipped four-wheeler, plus a two-wheel Batcycle, you’ve a Batmobile for every plausible scenario. With Batman’s vehicle playing an active role in missions and exploration, you’ll want to choose the right blend of speed, agility, and brawn to tackle objectives that are designed around vehicular gameplay.

Mayhem Mode Features The Joke and Harley Quinn

We said we’d get to them. The Legacy of the Dark Knight introduces an all-new mode which lets you step into the shoes of arguably Batman’s most iconic foes: The Joker. By his side, and also controllable, is Harley Quinn, and together the pair reap havoc and destruction across Gotham City. Mayhem Mode is set to bring a fun change of pace from the main campaign, though it’s worth pointing out that this mode is initially tied to the game’s Deluxe Edition. A wider DLC release is planned for later in the year.

PC Requirements

To play through LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight without issue, you’ll need at a minimum an Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU and GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT or equivalent GPU. For the smoothest, highest fidelity performance possible, however, the game’s Steam page details an Intel Core i7-12700L or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor and GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X GPU. Whatever your setup, you’re going to need 16GB RAM and 50GB storage space.

A Young Bond Origin Story

007 First Light charts Bond’s emergence, before he became MI6’s blunt instrument. He’s sharp, and evidently has enough talent for an exciting career in espionage, but he’s still learning. Idealistic, impulsive, occasionally optimistic, James here is a fledging agent operating on instinct over calculation. However, this juvenile Bond frames First Light’s gameplay. You’ll rarely execute a perfect plan, instead figuring things out in real time. Straight off the bat, it’s clear IO Interactive has smartly aligned the game’s narrative hook with both gameplay and character development.

Missions Prioritise Creativity

IO Interactive are leaning into their systemic design strengths cultivated in Hitman, but with even less rigidity. In First Light, 007’s missions are built around the idea that there are always multiple solutions – at least three as quoted in a “Beyond The Light” dev diary – with different infiltration routes, scattered objects, tools, and environmental opportunities in play. You could slip through a restricted area undetected, manipulate security systems, cause distractions, or simply blow things up. Whatever path you choose, the game is designed to encourage your creativity.

Four Core Gameplay Pillars

Facilitating your creativity, First Light’s missions are structured around four distinct, overlapping approaches: Spycraft is Bond’s subterfuge toolkit, where eavesdropping, pickpocketing, and distracting yield useful information. Instinct is a resource which reflects his intuition and reflexes, used for silent takedowns, bluffs – more on bluffs later – or executing perfect shots. Gadgets flesh out 007’s options, and we’ll give you an overview of these later in the feature too. The final pillar, combat, fuses gunplay with close-quarters brawling. The idea here is that you can lean into whichever philosophy seems most appropriate for any given scenario, and likely blend all four across an entire mission. The key is adaptability; like Bond, you won’t be locked into a role.

Stealth and Combat Have Equal Footing

Unlike Hitman, where stealth rules the roost, First Light treats stealth and combat as equally viable. You can ghost through situations, but if things get loud the game will effortlessly pivot to explosive gunplay. Also, however, you can use de-escalation tactics, where you’ll lean on James’ charisma to bluff your way past workers or talk yourself out of suspicion, though higher level personnel are harder to fool. Where Hitman was about neatly completing objectives, First Light’s throughline is “forward momentum”; Bond keeps moving, even if plans fall apart.

Combat is Improvised

Moment-to-moment combat reflects the game’s flexible ethos. Gunplay shapes the equation, of course, although you’ll often be grabbing whatever firearms you can find in the heat of battle, then lobbing the gun at your assailants once its magazine is depleted. Melee also plays a significant role, with grapples, disarms, and environmental interactions feeding encounters. In short: the game encourages you to use whatever is at hand. Objects like fire extinguishers can be used as makeshift explosives; even snooker balls can be used in a fight. In another character’s hands, improvisational combat could come across as messy. But, even though Bond here isn’t the finished article, he shows finesse in his spontaneity.

Non-Lethal Play is Viable

007 First Light allows you to take down enemies without killing them; using non-fatal targeting options like disabling opponents via leg shots. IO Interactive has advised that large portions of the game can be completed this way, although, with fighting occasionally forced on you, it’s unclear how successfully James can complete every mission without killing anyone at all.

Bond Doesn’t Shoot First

The non-lethal emphasis has narrative foundations too. See, Bond isn’t given free-reign to murder anyone who gets in his way – at least, not initially. His “license to kill” only becomes active if enemies draw or fire first. Of course, James being the young, impulsive agent that he is, whether this operational obligation is something you’ll always follow remains to be seen. The grizzled Bond we see in movies routinely operates outside of conventional morality – could shades of Bond’s later persona emerge in First Light?

There’s Plenty of Driving

While First Light isn’t open world, its missions feature plenty of driving segments. In the game’s lengthy gameplay feature, where James rolls a tasteful, racing green Jag, we see a relaxed, scenic stretch, although later on is a high-octane chase befitting any Bond movie. There’s range here, giving variety in each mission’s pacing. And yes, you’ll get behind the wheel of numerous Aston Martins, because it wouldn’t be Bond without them.

Q Acts as a Mentor Figure

Q’s role throughout 007 First Light isn’t just as a gadget supplier, but he acts as Bond’s mentor and teacher. Not just introducing James to tools but the mindset of espionage too, serving as a bridge into this world. Q, seemingly more so than most of the other characters, embodies the game’s origin story framework, where Bond leans on allies like Q to hone his craft.

There’re Plenty of Gadgets

Q’s toolkit includes a mix of classic gadgets and some newfound, near-experimental tech: the Q-Lens enhances Bond’s environmental awareness by highlighting meaningful information and hackable devices; a multi-functional Q-Watch activates Bond’s gadgets to create diversions and deadly traps. The Lazer Strap dazes enemies, a dart-enabled phone quietly shoots poisonous projectiles, modified earbuds produce blinding flashes of light, and smoke bombs – because of course there’s smoke bombs – provide a smokescreen that you’re probably experienced with. All these gadgets are integrated into mission design, forming the backbone of your creativity, whether stealth, distraction, traversal, or a mix of techniques, Q’s gadgets facilitate flexibility.

Moneypenny has an Active Field Role

Bond isn’t the only new face in MI6. Moneypenny is fresh into her career in covert espionage too. Here, in First Light, she’s reimagined as a field agent who maintains constant communication with Bond via an earpiece. Their relationship throughout the game reflects two operatives who are still finding their feet, both in the dangerous world they’re working and with each other. They’re familiar, but uncertain; collaborative but hesitant, reframing their dynamic compared to movie portrayals.

The Remaining Cast Also Shapes Bond

Beyond those familiar faces, First Light also introduces all-new character Greenway, who questions Bond’s readiness for fieldwork. Their friction is counteracted by M, who is younger, less authoritative but just as ambitious. She’s someone who sees potential when others don’t, and she puts faith in Bond. The main antagonist, Bawma, is positioned as both alluring and uncompromising; a classic Bond villain with a modern feel. He’s joined by other threats, including rogue agent 009, suggesting a story which blends interpersonal relationships with danger and betrayal.

TAC-SIM Mode Brings Replayability

Outside of the game’s campaign, TAC-SIM brings structured challenges based on specific conditions. This Immersive Agent Training offers leaderboards too, with earnable XP which can be spent on gadget upgrades, firearms, and outfits. IO Interactive has also confirmed that TAC-SIM will receive post-launch updates, giving you reason to keep returning.

Built on Glacier Engine

Like Hitman, First Light runs on IO Interactive’s proprietary Glacier game engine, bringing enhanced cinematography and dynamic gameplay. PC users take advantage of the game’s close collaboration with Nvidia, with support for DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation bringing sharp fidelity and smooth performance. If you’re playing on PS5 Pro, you’ll be pleased to see 007 First Light has been optimised to use Sony’s PSSR tech, capable of 60fps in quality graphics settings.

PC Requirements

Playing 007 First Light at the minimum PC requirements, you’ll need an Intel Core i5 9500 or AMD Ryzen 5 3500 CPU, and a GeForce GTX 1660 or RX 5700 GPU. Recommended hardware as per the game’s Steam page details an Intel Core i5 13500 or AMD Ryzen 5 7600 processor, and GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT graphics. 16GB RAM is the minimum no matter the rest of your setup, with 80GB storage space also needed.

Despite the development team clearly being ambitious with its story, gameplay, and visuals, Industria 2 is held back by uneven technical performance, some awkward level design, and inconsistent polish. That said, our experience across two different PC setups also showed that some of its worst issues may be hardware or configuration-specific, because underneath those problems is a solid, atmospheric, slow-paced shooter that often works better than its roughest moments suggest.

It is worth noting that our technical experience with Industria 2 varied quite a bit between two different PC setups. On one AMD-based setup, which included Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, 32 GB of DDR5-6000 RAM, and a Radeon RX 7800 XT GPU, the experience of playing Industria 2 started on a frustrating note. After some time spent on shader compilation, the DirectX 12 version of Industria 2 seems to have trouble understanding some of the graphics settings I chose.

Among other things, despite the fact that I manually set the in-game resolution to be my monitor’s native one—2560×1440—the game itself refuses to go beyond 1920×1080. Stranger still, there doesn’t seem to be any way for players with AMD graphics cards to disable frame generation. While the feature seems to be baked into the toggles for FSR, Nvidia users, on the other hand, can find a separate setting to enable or disable frame generation.

This has also meant that, when playing the DirectX 12 version of Industria 2 which supports full ray tracing, I also have to deal with input lag thanks to the frame generation, making the gameplay experience as a whole feel a lot more sluggish than it should. With Steam’s overlay helpfully telling me that I was maintaining around 150 FPS with frame generation, an option to disable it while still getting over 60 FPS would have been my preferred way of experiencing the first-person horror adventure game. This ultimately led me to play the DirectX 11 version of Industria 2, which is referred to by the studio as its “Performance Mode”.

Speaking of performance, I was able to maintain stable frame rates regardless of whether I was playing the DirectX 12 “Ray Tracing” version or the DirectX 11 “Performance Mode” version. The former, as I mentioned, was running at around 150 FPS with frame generation, which would put its true frame rate at around 70, while the latter basically ran at between 80 and 100 FPS throughout.

"Interact with a wooden plank, for example, at a slightly off angle, and you’re likely to see it fly away into space."

When it comes to the game itself, I would be remiss to not mention the sheer number of bugs related to physics, movement, and even NPC chatter triggers that I experienced throughout my time with the game on my AMD set up. Interact with a wooden plank, for example, at a slightly off angle, and you’re likely to see it fly away into space. Movement also feels strange; aside from the general sluggishness brought on by frame generation, there are also quite a few invisible walls that tend to completely halt your momentum.

One memorable (and downright hilarious) bug I experienced in the earlier parts of Industria 2 was the fact that crafting bullets kept prompting the nearby NPC to give me the entire bullet crafting tutorial again. While this last one didn’t really impede my progress throughout the game or make things less fun on a second-to-second basis, it still acted as a major indicator that Bleakmill needed to spend a lot more time on polishing Industria 2 before releasing it.

However, on our Nvidia-based setup, the experience was noticeably smoother. Running the game on an RTX 3080 Ti, a Ryzen 9 5950X, without DLSS, Industria 2 delivered decent overall performance. There were noticeable drops in some outdoor areas, but the game was generally stable and playable. I did not encounter the same crash-heavy experience, though I did run into one serious progression-blocking bug that forced me to reload the entire chapter. That was messy and frustrating, but it was not enough to completely derail the overall experience. Updates have already addressed some issues, but Industria 2 still feels like a game that would benefit from more polish.

As for the game itself, Industria 2 is a first-person action horror game in the vein of something like Resident Evil Village, where your time will often be split between slow, methodical exploration and intense combat against horrifying monstrosities. The twist here is that, rather than simply pressing a button to open a door, you have to hold down the interact key, the left click in my case, and drag the door open.

This has the side effect of making the game’s world feel like a more real place where physics seem to apply, and even makes encounters with enemies a scarier prospect, since you can’t simply open a door to quickly run past them.

"Once you get past its rough edges, Industria 2 can often be quite fun."

The Resident Evil influences in Industria 2 go deeper than just genre conventions as well. Aside from concepts like scarcity of ammo and limited inventory space, there is also a crafting system that encourages you to take your time in exploring the world behind you. Interestingly, the crafting system also led to me never having to worry about my ammo counts, since I always had enough to simply craft more bullets. Speaking of which, the arsenal in Industria 2 isn’t particularly interesting, but it does offer the kind of power curve you would expect, starting you off with an axe before giving you a pistol, a shotgun, and more.

Once you get past its rough edges, Industria 2 can often be quite fun. The title does a great job of setting up tense moments where you often have to make split-second decisions about whether you should sneak past the hostile robots or simply take them out, and you’ll often have to juggle this with solving some nearby puzzles. Even the pacing is quite well done, and while it starts slow, things quickly escalate once you’ve wrapped up the opening, gotten your hands on a gun, and have to travel to a new area.

The crafting system is also decent. It is not especially deep, but it gives exploration more purpose and makes resource management feel meaningful without becoming annoying. Weapon progression follows a similarly simple but effective structure. You can upgrade your weapons and feel a gradual sense of growth without the system getting in the way of the game’s pacing.

Enemy variety is decent as well, with enough different threats to keep encounters from becoming completely repetitive. The AI could definitely be sharper, and enemies do not always react as intelligently as they should, but the it works within the game’s slower and more deliberate structure.

"The art style gives the game a strong identity, and its industrial environments, strange machinery, and unsettling atmosphere do a lot of heavy lifting."

The visuals are one of the stronger areas of Industria 2. The art style gives the game a strong identity, and its industrial environments, strange machinery, and unsettling atmosphere do a lot of heavy lifting. The sound department is less impressive. It gets the job done, but for a game so dependent on atmosphere, it could have done more to heighten tension, sell environmental details, and make combat feel more impactful.

Level design is also uneven. Industria 2 often presents spaces that look more open or explorable than they actually are, with plenty of closed doors and blocked routes that can make areas feel more restrictive than expected. It is not a deal-breaker, because the overall structure still works, but it does occasionally make exploration feel less natural than it should.

The story of Industria 2 picks up some time after the events of its 2023 predecessor. The game puts you in the shoes of Nora, trapped in an alternate version of Germany where an AI named ATLAS is running things and creating horrific creatures. Despite your best efforts in the previous game, you find yourself still stuck in this alternate world, looking for a way to get back to your own dimension while also dodging the strange things ATLAS has created. The premise and story are quite interesting, and do a lot to offset some of the more annoying aspects of the game.

Industria 2 is a rough but worthwhile sequel. Its technical state is uneven, and our experience varied significantly between two PC setups, with one AMD-based configuration facing far more serious issues than an Nvidia-based one. It also has some awkward level design, AI that could be better, and at least one serious progression-blocking bug that forced a chapter reload.

Even so, its slow and methodical gameplay, decent crafting, simple but effective weapon progression, solid enemy variety, strong visual identity, and compelling atmosphere make it easier to appreciate than its roughest moments suggest. It needed more polish, and players should be aware that the technical experience may vary, but there is enough here to recommend it to fans of atmospheric first-person horror adventures.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Let’s dive into everything you should know from the latest impressions about Valve’s latest device before picking it up, from the highs to the above average, and whether it’s best suited for you.

Superior to the 2015 Steam Controller

Regardless of everything else, most reviews seemingly agree: This Steam Controller vastly improves on the original in terms of comfort and design language. Part of that is due to feeling more like a traditional controller, and it’s not overtly weighty, as noted by TechRadar. Of course, it scores over the competition when it comes to the sticks.

TMR Sticks

Tunnel Magnetoresistance, or TMR sticks, are probably one of the biggest highlights of the new Steam Control. They’re very responsive and durable, far less susceptible to drift (as noted by The Verge) and also support capacitive touch for motion controls. This isn’t to say they’re completely immune to stick drift, but the technology and its implementation feel much more reliable than, say, the DualSense.

New Dual Trackpads

The other highlight – and probably the signature of the Steam Controller – is the dual trackpads. Instead of replacing the D-Pad and occupying the space meant for the face buttons (while shoving them directly below) as it did for the 2015 version, the trackpads now sit directly beneath the thumbsticks. It’s a more traditional set-up that ensures you get the best of both worlds while also achieving maximum comfort.

Grip Sense

Gyro has become increasingly common in today’s controllers, but the Steam Controller handles it uniquely. Dubbed Grip Sense, it essentially uses capacitive touch to enable gyro functionality. By holding it, you can activate it and vice versa to deactivate it.

Grip Buttons

Then there are the four Grip buttons on the back, which allow remapping just about any action to them. But while easily accessible, TechRadar noted that you might end up accidentally pressing them during more “hectic moments” (which can be adjusted, but we’ll get to that).

Steam Controller Puck

Another ingenious element is the Puck. It primarily serves as a wireless receiver for the controller but also doubles up as a magnetic charging dock, which The Verge noted is very easy to use. Of course, Bluetooth and USB are still available for those who prefer the more traditional methods, and the Steam Machine – whenever it launches – can pair with the controller without requiring the Puck. However, it’s worth noting that Bluetooth offers 37.3 ms of latency, as tested by GamersNexus, so you might want to avoid it.

Excellent Battery Life

In terms of battery life, Valve estimates over 35 hours, and based on various tests, that seems reasonable. GamersNexus notes that with only joysticks, the controller offered 73 hours of life, which dropped down to over 24 hours when using just the rumble. However, as always, it will depend on how you’re using the controller.

Steam Input Customization

What is all this functionality without the freedom to customize it as you choose? Enter the Steam Input Configurator, which allows for just that. Remapping buttons is only the start – as Valve notes in its own official guide, you can create custom layouts (or import them from the community), adjust trackpad and gyro sensitivity, or utilise advanced inputs for the same (including choosing between full and soft pulls for the triggers). Want to assign commands to the outer ring of the joystick? How about setting the joystick to serve as a directional pad? It’s all here and more, complete with extensive Steam UI integration.

Price Point

With everything the Steam Controller has to offer, there has to be a catch or two, right? Well, the biggest thing to get out of the way first is the price. At $99/£85, it’s definitely on the expensive side, ranking above the PS5’s DualSense and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless. Granted, it’s still more cost-effective than, say, the DualSense Edge, which costs $199, and you’re way less likely to suffer stick drift in the short term.

Good (But Not Great) Buttons

However, it definitely lags behind devices like the DualSense when it comes to the face buttons. PC Gamer notes these to be simple membrane buttons, while the D-pad was considered stiff. It also revealed that, despite Hall effect sensors in the triggers, there really isn’t much more to them (not that we were expecting adaptive triggers or anything).

Not a Pro Controller

It’s also worth noting that you can’t swap out the sticks and trigger stops. Which isn’t something that Valve advertised at all, granted, and this isn’t a Pro controller by any means. But that price point will still have more than a few asking “Why not?” so best set your expectations accordingly.

Not Meant for Consoles

If the name didn’t give it away, this is a controller meant primarily for Steam and not existing consoles in any way. Valve outright said it’s not compatible with them, and though some sites attempted to get it running on PS5, the results were not great.

No Headphone Jack

Then there’s the lack of a headphone jack, but let’s be real – is it all that big of a deal, especially if you’re playing on a desktop? If you’re gaming on the couch with your PC hooked up to a big screen, setting up wireless headphones is a cinch as well. That being said, this is a $99 controller, so just from a pure features standpoint, it’s still worth pointing out.

More Beneficial for Some Players Than Others

Whether it’s the trackpads being good for strategy titles or the gyro functionality working well for shooters like Cyberpunk 2077, the Steam Controller scores high marks across the board in terms of actual usage. And while it should perform great with the average Steam Deck library, this isn’t the case for titles like, say, Fortnite (and one would assume Valorant) that are on different launchers.

In that sense, as noted before, it’s built primarily for Steam. Programmer Pierre-Loup Griffais told Toms Hardware that “We’d rather just make it as easy as possible to get it added to Steam so you can, you know, benefit from that functionality without needing any sort of kernel driver that would potentially, down the line, cause system instability or things like that.” So those seeking something far more universal are better off going with an Xbox, DualSense or 8BitDo controller instead.

The Verdict

Overall, it comes highly recommended for those who game the most on Steam, especially if you’re mostly into couch gaming or Big Picture Mode. It isn’t really essential for those that already have a reliable set-up, which is further reinforced by the price, and not exactly the best if you’re mostly playing through PC Game Pass or just other launchers in general (not to mention for genres like fighting games where a dedicated fight stick reigns supreme). Nevertheless, if you want the best controller available to experience only Steam games and can afford it, the Steam Controller is well worth picking up.

Yet, straight off the bat, an interesting overlap emerges at the heart of Invincible VS’ target audience: fans of the series, casual players drawn in by its spectacle, and the competitive fighting game community the devs are openly courting.

"There are, however, moments when you’re learning the ropes of a new fighting game and your inputs can feel improvised, absent-minded, or rushed, like you’re swinging without purpose."

Yes, the game blends flashy momentum with approachability, but with the studio positioning it as a complex, tournament-quality fighter, the key question is does it satisfy both? Invincible VS makes a strong first impression, sure, but whether its systems hold up beyond their initial impact is where things may get complicated. There’s a wealth of offensive-minded manoeuvres on show, but its long-term competitive visibility hinges on how its defensive systems and high-level tech hold up under scrutiny.

Before we get to that, moment-to-moment the game delivers a weighty slugfest, punctuated by stop-motion impact and, yes, heaps of splattering blood and bruising body parts. Inputs are responsive, and together with a simplified combo system – mashing light attack proves surprisingly useful, for instance – the fighting feels and looks good immediately. Your opponent’s animations appear readable, and therefore easier to respond intently.

There are, however, moments when you’re learning the ropes of a new fighting game and your inputs can feel improvised, absent-minded, or rushed, like you’re swinging without purpose. Invincible VS, to its credit, largely side-steps this feeling. Alongside repeatedly tapping light attack, there’s an easy light-to-medium-to-heavy combo which builds up enough frame advantage to end with a special. If you’re unfamiliar with fighting games, these comparatively basic systems will allow you to get into the flow quickly.

Before long, you’ll be delving into the game’s more high-level techniques. Aside from a few story events, you’ll be fighting in 3v3 matchups throughout, switching your allies into the fray multiple times during each bout. To do this, you’ll engage in the game’s tagging system: Neutral Tags are a straight-swap while Active Tags are a momentum-maintaining switchover which sees your teammate burst into the arena to take over your combo chain.

As you pummel your opponent, you’ll charge a Special Meter – indicated by the yellow strip in the bottom corner, turning a flaming purple when it’s reached its fivefold maximum. You can spend one bar to unleash a Super, and three for an Ultimate, the latter dealing an immense amount of damage in a cinematic, character-specific spectacle.

Another key resource is Boost, shown below your health bar to a maximum of three yellow rectangles. You can use this to dash across the arena, perform enhanced “Boosted” specials, and to counter a surging combo meter. The latter, as it happens, counts each hit you land, with the combo chain dropping once the meter is maxed. Through repeatedly hammering your opposition, frequently Active Tagging, and ending sequences with a Boost attack, you can theoretically keep combos going infinitely; swapping between characters, attacking, executing boosted specials, then switching to another one of your team to continue to loop.

It’s ultra-satisfying when you pull off these long combo chains, especially as your opponent is often left flailing, seemingly helpless, in the air. There’s little risk in using this strategy too, save for accidentally depleting your Boost Meter; keep ending your combo chain with a boosted special and you’ll feel as though you and your team are an unstoppable force.

But, there are a handful of defensive options, albeit most are more reliant on timing and therefore less immediately readable. First, you can block your opponent’s attacks by holding the direction away from their strikes, but if you’re looking to create space you’ll need to execute a Push Block. To scupper the opposing team’s Active Tag you can execute a well-timed Counter Tag. It won’t stop them from switching fighters, but it will halt their combo.

"For a game aspiring to tournament-level play, its onboarding does little to bridge the gap between accessibility and mastery."

Likewise, a Heroic Strike sees you absorb damage, morphing it into armour before retaliating with a hit. This will break your opponent’s stride too, but comes at the cost of one-and-a-half Boost Meters, making it a costly defensive manoeuvre. Assist Breakers are the easiest to accomplish, whereby an allie will break up your opponent’s combo for you before returning to the sidelines. You’ll need to keep an eye on their cooldown; if you’re in trouble the moment they’ve ejected from the arena you won’t be able to call their assistance.

What’s clear at this stage is that your offensive toolkit is broader and easier to deploy than your defence. Whilst this makes for exhilarating matches if you’re attacking, it raises the question about how consistently you can regain control once caught. And, we haven’t even covered the two other types of Active Tags yet: Heavy and Feint. Each disrupts the manoeuvre’s timing, the former taking a split-second to land a heavy blow while the latter cancels an attack outright, baiting the defender to execute a Counter Tag and thus leaving them vulnerable instead.

These more layered options suggest an unfurling mind game between you and your opponent, and whilst these techniques are covered in the game’s training mode the risk versus reward nature they exhibit isn’t made clear. For a game aspiring to tournament-level play, its onboarding does little to bridge the gap between accessibility and mastery.

For instance, failed Feints leave you in recovery frames, and therefore exposed to a counter. Heavy crouching attacks will launch your opponent into the air and can be tracked by holding down the heavy attack button, while Assist Breakers are followed by lengthy cooldowns. See, the deeper you look, the more nuanced these systems become.

Whilst, yes, offense is favoured by design, there’s a constant push-pull for both sides between risk-reward, vulnerability, cooldowns, and frame advantage shifts, all which the tutorial fails to meaningfully explain. You’re left to either experiment or seek external resources (this is why, perhaps, Skybound Games has uploaded a Pro Level Explainer video to their YouTube channel).

"The narrative itself, however, is more functional than memorable."

What this circles back to is our question at the outset: Invincible VS certainly caters to the casual crowd, but can it satisfy competitive players? Well, it certainly has the mechanical foundations of a competitive fighter, its rollback netcode performs smoothly, and optional motion controls offer a damage percentage boost, but the game’s long-term viability will depend on how its mechanical systems hold up once the FGC begins to push them to their limits.

Elsewhere, Invincible VS rounds out its package with a selection of familiar modes, headlined by a story campaign that leans heavily into the tone and presentation of its TV series source material. Designed to feel like a live-action episode, its cinematic framing and brisk pace give it an immediate sense of authenticity, with explosive cutscenes styled on the show’s visual identity while incorporating the game’s own stop-motion flair.

The narrative itself, however, is more functional than memorable. Without divulging spoilers, it centres on a high-concept premise that serves solely as a structure for connecting battles together. It’s not a particularly novel storyline, either. That said, the contextual framing does elevate the emotional impact of each bout, lending a sense of purpose beyond standard arcade ladders.

Its biggest limitation though is its brevity, clocking in at approximately one hour and concluding just as it feels as though it’s gaining momentum. More notably, whilst it’s designed as an entryway into the Invincible universe for first-timers, there’s a distinct lack of closure suggesting prior knowledge of the series is required. It’s an enjoyable diversion, but ultimately would be a better experience if it were a fully self-contained narrative.

"Overall, Invincible VS is a visually striking yet accessible fighter."

Arcade Mode, by contrast, is exactly what you’d expect. You select your fighters, choose a preferred difficulty and round conditions, then battle through a sequence of opposition teams, earning cosmetic rewards and profile decorations along the way. It’s straightforward but functional, providing a reliable format to engage with the game’s mechanics outside of competitive play. Each run culminates in a short, point-character-specific ending, adding some light world building and incentive to tackle another run with the remaining characters.

Overall, Invincible VS is a visually striking yet accessible fighter. Its immediate responsiveness makes it great for casuals, while hidden mechanical complexity and deep systems hold genuine competitive potential. There are, however, concerns around offensive balance and defensive clarity. Whether it fully realises its ambitions remains uncertain, but the foundation is strong enough to sustain high-level play for now, if not a lasting place in the FGC.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

But is that enough to make this one a must-play adventure? Well, yes and no. Yes, because the story on offer is nuanced and riveting. No, because the gameplay does get a tad repetitive once you manage to get over the sheer beauty and scale of Persephone, the planet that you explore as either astrobiologist Ariane Montclair or engineer Thomas Cross.

The two of them are on Persephone to evaluate its viability as a suitable planet to support human life in the wake of Earth becoming uninhabitable. Things are quite bad, and the two astronauts are under the assumption that they’re humanity’s last hope, exploring an unknown planet in search of The Source, an entity that’s on Persephone that might be the key to evaluating its ability to sustain life.

Of course, things don’t go according to plan, and Ariane and Thomas are separated when their ship crashes on Persephone. While Ariane manages to get away unscathed, Thomas isn’t so lucky, and must deal with a severe injury as the pair of them try to find their way back to each other while making a beeline for The Source.

That covers the game’s premise, but how does that evolve into a story that’s equal parts poignant and mysterious? The various character’s complex lore is a major part of that, their personalities and individual goals creating some friction before their voyage to Persephone is brought to an abrupt end.

In the aftermath of their separation, Persephone kind of becomes a third wheel, an obstacle that needs to be overcome in their effort to find each other again. While Ariane is able to move and navigate its landscape with no hitches, Thomas is impaled in his attempt to escape the crashing ship via an escape pod that crashes elsewhere, and must take it easy as he tries to find and reunite with Ariane.

"Playing as either character often brings up wistful thoughts that they have about their fellow companion on a journey that’s very lonely for the most part."

Both astronauts come with a Pathfinder, which helps them identify useful points of interest on Persephone’s surface, and a grappling hook that’s quite nifty at creating new paths through hostile terrain. An EM wave emitter also helps with both those functions, and Ariane puts it to good use once she discovers that The Source runs on electromagnetic waves.

Playing as either character often brings up wistful thoughts that they have about their fellow companion on a journey that’s very lonely for the most part. It’s here that Perspehone truly shines, its grandeur tempered by a sense of isolation and an element of the unknown that almost feels like it’s right there beside you, lingering out of sight but never truly gone.

It’s a planet whose beauty is ethereal, but that comes at the price of an oppressive silence that’s so constantly present, you feel like you could reach out and touch it. The visuals on this one are top-notch, and help to sell Persephone’s scale and its intense conditions with aplomb.

Persephone is the perfect backdrop for Ariane and Thomas’s somber reflections on their bond, and the importance of their mission. You find snippets of lore in a few places that we’re not going to spoil, and it all paints a picture of desperation blended with hope for a better future for humanity and it’s a great motivator to keep going forward with either character whenever the game switches you fro one to the other.

"The visuals on this one are top-notch, and help to sell Persephone’s scale and its intense conditions with aplomb."

That’s Aphelion’s biggest strength. It underscores Ariane’s determination and Thomas’s cheery disposition with their own insecurities, and does that so subtly it immediately stands out as a game whose narrative shines. It’s a pity then, that the gameplay doesn’t feel as intriguing.

Making your way across Persephone is a challenge, for sure, but it does get quite repetitive once the initial novelty wears off. The game relies too much on sweeping vistas and moments of splendor without translating that into a series of systems that make engaging with Persephone’s many mysteries as intriguing as it could have been.

As Ariane, you’re going to be identifying points of interest and climbing, leaping, and swinging across the land to get there. Of course, you’re not truly alone on Persephone and a mysterious entity called Nemesis stalks your every step. It’s an imposing adversary, but one that’s let down by an AI that seems geared towards simplicity rather than an actual challenge.

As Thomas, you find yourself relegated to travelling on foot as his injury doesn’t allow him to scale new heights the way Ariane does. Even worse, his oxygen supply is damaged, and you find yourself plotting routes between refill stations with a sense of urgency that was very welcome. There’s enough variety to make the two protagonist’s chapters feel distinct from each other, and the directions that the story takes them in are quite organic and well-written.

Equally well-handled is the game’s score, with the music being a personal highlight of the experience for me. But the soundtrack isn’t the only thing that’s good. The developer recommends a headset with this one, and it’s so darn immersive with cold, lonely winds howling around you as you make your way across Persephone, the hope of humanity riding on your capable shoulders.

"The developer recommends a headset with this one, and it’s so darn immersive with cold, lonely winds howling around you as you make your way across Persephone, the hope of humanity riding on your capable shoulders."

As far as performance is concerned, the game sustains a steady framerate and a level of visual fidelity that makes it stand out. The reflections off of Ariane’s uniform and helmet, as well as off icy surfaces are outstanding, while areas with poor visibility due to the weather feel as imposing as they would in the real world. And with loading screens relegated to the beginning of each chapter, the whole thing feels quite seamless and immersive.

It’s evident that Aphelion is a more narrative-driven title while its gameplay feels like it exists only to give you something to do between exposition-heavy cutscenes. That might be a bad thing in a lesser title, but this one is so nuanced that I found myself thinking about what I might do if I were stuck in a similar situation. It prompts introspection, and presents its melancholy in a way that’s so relatable you find yourself wanting to see what happens next.

Aphelion is very easy to recommend for those of you who want to kick back and dive into a story that you’re sure to like. But if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, the lack of difficulty options and a more traversal-focused gameplay loop are going to disappoint you. To be fair, I don’t see how potential difficulty options is going to change things for the better, but I must commend the addition of options to make the gameplay even simpler for those of you who want it.

If you’re a fan of sci-fi adventures, you won’t regret picking this one up. But if you’re looking for a more involved gameplay loop, this isn’t the game for you. I’d still recommend picking it up on sale just to experience its story and visual splendor, though.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Blackbeard’s Treasure Quest

The development team promised new quests focusing on existing allies like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. What it didn’t say is that it would tug at our heartstrings with the likes of Blackbeard’s Treasure, which sees Edward discovering a map and engaging in what his friend would call “fairy stories.” Coupled with the new, emotional shanties that tie into the story, we’re just not equipped for the emotional rollercoaster that’s about to ensue.

Blood Confirmed

What we are ready for is blood, so it was a little strange to see the lack of it during the worldwide reveal event. This led some to assume that it had been toned down, removed or – even worse – relegated to paid DLC. Thankfully, producer Justin Ng clarified that, “There WILL be blood in the final game, and it will not be a paid DLC,” so that’s nice.

No Dismemberment

Unfortunately, despite running on the same version of the Anvil Engine as Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you shouldn’t expect dismemberment, as confirmed by creative director Paul Fu in a recent Reddit AMA. Why? That was never really specified. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t really fit Edward Kenway’s profile. So expect some degree of visceralness without the bonus of limbs flying everywhere with each swing.

New Enemy “Defense” Mechanic

What does speak to our favorite swashbuckler’s tactics in combat? Breaking down an enemy’s defense – which is represented in the form of a small bar beneath their health – and taking them down with style. This is done through parrying, “sustained offensive pressure” as the developer calls it and “strong attacks,” and varies between enemies, so while hacking and slashing works with regular enemies, the brutes may require a pistol shot. It’s an intriguing shift and actually plays pretty well into the new HUD presets.

HUD Presets

To allow for a fully immersive experience, you can now customize the heads-up display. There are several existing presets, including Default, which displays just about everything; Simple, which removes the reminders and retains much of the information required for combat and navigation; and Minimal, where only the health bar, cannon aiming arcs during naval combat and prompts for interacting with things remain. Which is good, but it can be made even better.

HUD Customization

And that’s by turning off the HUD completely, leaving you to rely entirely on your own observation. Even if you’re not willing to go to such extremes, it’s possible to customize every single element of the HUD and remove elements like the visibility meter while sneaking or defense indicators in combat. How will you know if an enemy’s defense has been broken? Quite simple, really – they lose their hat. It’s appropriate really, since their head is soon to follow – oh wait, there are no decapitations, never mind. Moving on.

Hidden Blades Change

Amid all the combat changes, one thing that’s rattled the community is the removal of the Hidden Blades as a selectable weapon, like in the original. It still appears for takedowns, says Fu, but you can no longer just swap to them and wreak havoc, Assassin-style, which is a shame.

Parrying VFX and Audio Adjustments

On the bright side, the developer has seen the feedback on the visual effects and audio cues from parries being too loud, and is looking to address the same. While you could turn off the VFX in the options after learning enemy attacks and the parry timing, a middle ground for those who would prefer having the indicators on would be nice.

The Compass

Who could have guessed that Borderlands 4 and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced would become embroiled in the same discussions about no minimap? Yes, the latter does away with the same, instead providing a compass. According to game director Richard Knight in the same AMA, it’s to “keep our eyes on the seas” with the compass providing “a direction on where to go, without taking up a lot of screen space or distracting” from the endless blue. Which is fine, but this is one of those things that we’ll need to go hands-on with before deciding whether we love it or not.

Ziplines in Cities

One thing that everyone can positively agree on is the addition of ziplines in cities. So while you’re still parkouring around, relying on intuitive additions like side ejects, back ejects and whatnot to reach high vantage points, getting back down to the ground will be quick and seamless thanks to the ziplines.

Observe Mode

Observe Mode from Shadows has also been integrated, so you can effectively scan your surroundings, tag enemies, and highlight other important details. And if the compass works in the same way, then you can see that information in your HUD at all times.

Wanted System and Legendary Ships

Two key features that won’t be seeing any changes are the Wanted system and Legendary Ships. In the original, your Wanted level could attract the attention of Pirate Hunters seeking your bounty, and they would escalate in difficulty depending on the same. Clearing this meant bribing officers or boarding ships, or dying in the process, so it’s good to see that’s returned. As for Legendary Ships, they’re essentially four very challenging ships located on the corners of the map that provide handsome rewards if you can take them down.

New Islands and City Locations

Speaking of which, you may or may not have noticed that the world map isn’t really any bigger (or smaller) than the original. Fu confirmed that it’s still 16×16, but instead, the team has focused on increasing the overall density of content, adding new islands and locations within established cities, which is music to our ears. So keep an eye out when passing through port or sailing on the high seas – you never know what new content could crop up.

Social Events Incorporated into the Base Game

Or old content, really, especially the social events that required being always online in the original. These comprised activities such as Royal Convoys, Social Chests and White Whales, but with Resynced, they’re built directly into the base game. It’s even teased that some of them, like the Convoys, won’t be easy to find (which we hope doesn’t make them feel virtually non-existent). Those who still want some form of online content shouldn’t worry, though, as the Anomalies are still here.

Remappable Controls

And if all this wasn’t enough, you can remap the controls. Heck, you can even set different buttons for on-foot and naval exploration. Further details have yet to be shared on that front (and regarding accessibility features), but Knight confirms the team hears the feedback on implementing a classic control scheme. Perhaps something for post-launch? Time will tell, but there’s a chance.

Here are some of the coolest things about this interesting take on vampires that might help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

1. Tailor Your Approach

Vale Sangora is the perfect stage for Coen’s adventures, as he tries to save his family from the clutches of Brencis, a vampiric overlord who uses a deadly plague to bully the populace of the region to submit to his will. Your time with Coen lets you tackle situations as either a human who’s pretty skilled with a blade during the day, or as a vampiric hybrid with some very nifty abilities at night.

The Vale is an open-world that places an emphasis on how you approach your objectives instead of simply focusing on where you go. Typically, you’re going to have varying options depending on whether you try achieving a goal by day or at night, with different avenues opening themselves up to you based on the abilities you have available. It’s a part of the core gameplay loop, and one of the game’s biggest draws in our opinion.

2. A World Full of Possibilities

Coen’s journey through Vale Sangora is filled with opportunities to engage with the game’s systems. You could explore ancient ruins to find blueprints and manuals for new abilities, find cool weapons, or even sabotage Brencis’s Blood Transports as and when you find them out in the world.

There’s also the chance to come across locations that let you discover more about Vale Sangora or the sub-region you’re in, providing more context on Coen’s fight and the world he inhabits in his new form. There’s every chance that digging up new knowledge could send you towards other objectives, and we’re going to be as diligent as we can be when we’re out and about in the world.

3. An Interesting Approach To Combat

Whether you’re using Coen’s sword as a human or his claws as a vampire, combat in Dawnwalker follows an interesting rhythm. You’re going to have to pay attention to which direction your enemy is attacking and respond with the right directional inputs to either block or parry the attack. Doing so lets you accrue Activation Charges, which you can then use to unleash some devastating special abilities that can turn the tide in your favor.

And before we move on to those abilities, know that you can use your sword as a vampire, and that your moves are going to be faster and more fluid as a result of your enhanced abilities while in that form.

4. Active Abilities

Coen’s got an expansive bag of tricks to use against anyone foolish enough to get between him and Brencis. For instance, the Voracious Bite ability lets you chomp down on an opponent to attempt to stun them as you control how much of their blood you drain. There’s also Boiling Blood, a magical Hex that causes a useful damage-over-time effect when you use it in a fight. It does come with the caveat of putting a timer on Coen at the end of which he explodes, so you’re going to have to be smart about using it.

Indeed, most Hexes in the game affect your health, although an ability called Frugal Witchcraft reduces the amount of health you lose per cast. That’s worth making a beeline for if you decide that Vale Sangora is somewhere you want to be, since Coen’s health doesn’t regenerate during the day. We’re also quite eager to try out Artery Attack, which can be a very useful finisher if you use it well in combat.

5. Multiple Skill Trees

Doubling down on the duality between your human and vampiric sides, the game has distinct skill trees for both of them, while another shared tree is also available for you to explore. Your Active Abilities get their own tab, and we think that there’s a lot of scope for creating a build that suits your playstyle.

Want to be a master of the blade, ignoring your vampiric nature? That’s an option. Or perhaps you believe Coen should strike a balance between them? Go right ahead!

6. Your Vampiric Abilities Come With A Cost

When you start each night as a vampire, you’re going to be hungry for blood, which is represented by your vampiric health bar. You can choose to sate that hunger by feeding on either humans or animals, and you’re going to have to pay attention to it, as letting Coen get too hungry is going to erode away at his self-control to the point where he becomes a slave to his base appetites and drain potentially important characters as a result.

But there’s also the fact that you need to feed in order to sustain your vampire powers, which we’re getting to in a minute. Voracious Bite lets you control how much blood you’re draining from your victims, and could be a potentially safe way to balance your hunger out. You could also use it to knock out crucial targets without killing them, draining just enough of their blood to make them lose consciousness.

7. Embodying A Vampire Hybrid

Although story details are understandably scarce at this point, we know that Brencis has turned Coes into something akin to a vampire-human hybrid. It’s the reason why he’s able to walk in the sun while retaining his abilities at night, after all. But when the sun sets, you become a whole lot more mobile with abilities like Planeshift that let you climb walls and ceilings in a jiffy, or Shadowstep, which lets you teleport to out-of-reach places that you couldn’t get to during the day.

You also get to use your claws to slide down from high places in case you spot something interesting on the ground. Of course, all of the powers we’ve spoken about also come into play, making for an interesting dichotomy that you must use to your advantage.

8. The Blood Guards

Early gameplay showcases gave us a peek at Blood Guards, who are individuals given improved abilities by one of Brencis’s cohorts via a ritual that robs them of their free will in exchange. They are loyal to Brencis as a result, and wield their dual weapons with extreme prejudice against those who might oppose their ‘boss’.

Of course, your time in Vale Sangora is bound to put you on a collision course with more than a few of them, and you’re going to have to use every advantage you have if you want to prevail against them. We think Coen’s up to the challenge, though.

9. Brencis Takes An Active Role In The Game

Brencis is quite a unique antagonist. He’s not content to sit idly by while Coen dismantles his operations. The more you act against the interests of his so-called kingdom, the harder you make your travels through it. He ensures that Coen is well-known throughout the land, and guards get more suspicious and aggressive towards you as a result. You could choose to take the vampires head-on, or lie low and prepare yourself for a better shot at victory.

It’s an interesting dynamic that makes your adventure a sort of tug-of-war for control of the regions you explore, and we can’t wait to see how that dynamic plays out in the final game.

10. Finish The Game Early If You Can

This is an interesting one. We already know where Brencis is: he’s at his main castle in Greifberg. You could, in theory, storm the place and try to end him once and for all. That might even be an effective way to circumvent the limited time you’re given to complete Coen’s adventure, but it isn’t going to be an easy fight.

Dawnwalker isn’t kind to those who go into a fight unprepared, but we’re sure that some of the more daring ones among you are going to attempt this direct approach, and might even walk away from it victorious.

11. Coen Isn’t The Only One Who’s Against Brencis

While there is an argument in favor of taking Brencis on early, we’re probably leaning toward a more methodical approach thanks to the presence of people in Vale Sangora whom Coen can recruit to his cause. We’re speculating that getting them on your side takes a bit of effort and is probably going to be an opportunity to see more of Vale Sangora in the process.

Given what we’re about to cover in the rest of our list, that might be the better strategy, given that you get to enjoy more of the game before you take the fight to the vampires.

12. The Capital Of Vale Sangora

Svartrau is one of the bigger cities you’re going to explore, and it’s quite a large one. It’s got different boroughs, and we’re seeing evidence of a social hierarchy that you could possibly get to engage with over the course of your adventures.

The city also has a medic, merchants, a blacksmith, and an armorer, which points to a crafting system that you could then use to give yourself better gear and a distinct edge over your enemies if your claws aren’t getting the job done.

13. A New Approach To Quest Designs

Dawnwalker isn’t interesting simply because it’s an awesome take on vampires. The game doesn’t demarcate main and side quests; instead choosing to present an experience where different stories are constantly woven together, with your choices affecting the world state in ways that are tangible. Aside from having different ways to approach objectives based on the time of day, fulfilling them takes time forward, meaning that you’re going to have to be strategic about what you’re taking on.

What’s more, community events might uncover new information or open up new paths to existing objectives. They could even give you entirely new quests to take on!

14. Explore The World To Learn More About Your Adversaries

Taking on new quests might also let you discover more about Brencis’s operations, and those of his lieutenants. You could also explore the world to find out more about the vampires’ plans, and things like covered-up frescoes are just waiting out there in Vale Sangora for you to discover.

Coen’s mission isn’t just a war of attrition, but one of information, and you’re going to want to track down as much information as you can if you want to dismantle what Brencis has built since he took over the region.

15. Focus Mode

Coen isn’t just a vampire-human hybrid who can tear through enemy ranks. He’s also a reasonably good investigator, which makes him quite a tenacious individual. Your Focus Mode can highlight objects of interest, loot, and even lead you to hidden areas once you get into the habit of using it well.

It’s especially useful when you’re trying to recreate past events, with it letting you zoom in on key clues and save time in a story where it is of the essence.

And that’s about it for this one. We can’t wait to set foot in Vale Sangora and become a thorn in Brencis’s side once we do, and we’re sure a lot of you are as eager to end his reign of terror as we are! Well, all we can do right now is cross the days off our calendars as we wait for more information to drop. Rest assured, you’ll be hearing from us when it does!

Improvements rolled through over the years for almost every aspect, and this expansion, coinciding with a free update, promises to be the most sweeping yet. And while there are some positive aspects, the expansion leaves me in the same spot as it did all those years – wanting, waiting for it deliver a better experience, rather than simply bolting on more systems and hitting those monthly active player counts. The expansion features a new end-game “activity” (heavy emphasis on the quotes), alongside odd additions (fishing) and actual, meaningful gameplay changes.

"For every impressively rendered cutscene, there are so many moments where you’re rooted in place, having to listen to a character drone on and on, then click on them for a dialogue option to trigger a cutscene. And no amount of skipping can fix that."

But above all, it’s about Mephisto, and if you’re already beyond caring about the plot, the expansion will do little to change your mind. Reuniting with Lorath Nair following discoveries made by Neyrelle, the Wanderer ventures to Skovos to stop the Primeval and his latest plan, which involves garnering the support of the people, including the Amazons, and harnessing an eclipse for some unknown purpose.

If you rolled a “world-ending scenario,” that’s a natural 20. Despite all of it, and even with reliable performances from the likes of Ralph Ineson, the plot really lurches along until you’re reunited with you-know-who, the explanation about as reasonable as “Somehow, Palpatine returned.”

Unfortunately, this whole cyclical nature of hatred isn’t something Blizzard is really keen on exploring, much less psychoanalysing but the current villain must be stopped because.

And doing that requires hunting down three pieces of a blade and stabbing him, lickity split, no fuss, no muss. Of course, it also doesn’t help that, once again, this doesn’t feel like much of the Wanderer’s story. Just that one is sidling along and partaking in events as they happen with the ever-nagging feeling that maybe we shouldn’t have killed the big bad all those years ago.

Anyway, by now, you’re probably wondering why I’m so held up by the story and the direction. Leaving aside that the above are really the only interesting parts about expansion’s plot, I can empathize with those who are only here to blast through monsters and earn sick loot. Who cares about the campaign when you’re going to clear it once and forget about it after?

Well, therein lies the problem, just as with the base game and Vessel of Hatred. The campaign is about eight hours long, and that’s by design. Blizzard really wants to linger on this story and characters, to the point where it hampers the pacing. For every impressively rendered cutscene, there are so many moments where you’re rooted in place, having to listen to a character drone on and on, then click on them for a dialogue option to trigger a cutscene. And no amount of skipping can fix that.

"We might as well get fishing out of the way first, since it’s the most straightforward. While starting as a side quest, it opens up the ability to fish anywhere in the world and add those catches to your collection."

It can be made more succinct – heck, there are several places where it is, as seen in the final hour or so – but despite how terse some of the situations are, Blizzard opts for verboseness. As a result, there’s much ado about nothing through the majority of this campaign, save for going somewhere to engage in almost as much rudimentary conversation as monster slaying.

Is it an improvement over Vessel of Hatred? It’s not saying much, but yes, and much of that can be attributed to the final boss, which is perhaps one of the best yet, balancing spectacle with interesting mechanics. I was gobsmacked throughout this whole encounter – by Diablo 4 standards, of course – especially given most of the standard fare that the rest of the expansion had to offer. There are some other cool moments in the story, and for once, Blizzard chose not to overtly push future threats for the sake of setting up its seasons.

Of course, that’s only one aspect of the Diablo 4 experience – the other, and one that players will be more interested in, is the endgame, specifically, War Plans, fishing and Echoing Hatred.

We might as well get fishing out of the way first, since it’s the most straightforward. While starting as a side quest, it opens up the ability to fish anywhere in the world and add those catches to your collection. The actual “mechanics” of it offer little more than opening the emote wheel – almost like Blizzard is mocking me at this point, given my severe dislike of quests that require it – and selecting “Fish.” From there, you wait till a catch bites and press the button at the right time.

Fish can be traded for high-level items and materials, and there are even dedicated challenges and cosmetic sets. Think of it as more of a side activity than anything else – something to complement the monster slaying.

Echoing Hatred, where you face endless hordes of progressively difficult enemies (and net better rewards depending on how long you survive), requires an exceedingly rare item that simply hasn’t dropped for me yet. There’s something to be said about endgame activities with high barriers to entry, but when you’ve advertised one as a major selling point for a $40 expansion, you would at least think that a free sample is due. A taste for what players can expect, but alas, there’s none of that here, so keep grinding away and hoping that it drops before Blizzard inevitably caves and either buffs the drop rate or offers a way to craft them.

"As you complete activities, you’ll earn skill points for distinct passive trees that can result in things such as Hellwyrms unleashing Chaos Rifts in Helltides, or the chance to fight two Initiate bosses after opening a Lair Boss’s chest. These don’t dramatically alter the activities in question."

Don’t worry, though, because you’ll be grinding out some very familiar activities courtesy of War Plans. The joke before expansion’s launch about how this is little more than a playlist of the current slate of endgame offerings, from a run in The Pit to completing a Nightmare Dungeon, isn’t exactly a joke. Granted, these are adjusted to more adequately fit a series of activities rather than standing on their own, so a Nightmare Dungeon will have more streamlined objectives. Which is all the more hilarious because trying to garner enough Aether for the alternate boss fight becomes much more challenging, though not downright impossible. Likewise, Helltides requires gathering enough Aberrant Cinders to open two chests and then dipping.

You’re rewarded after every activity completion and then receive a final reward once the entire War Plan is complete. Then you do it again. It’s not purely “play what you want” – there is some freedom in choosing different nodes, but the chances of outright avoiding the Undercity or not partaking in Helltides are very low, especially as the War Plans facilitate up to five activities in a row.

As you complete activities, you’ll earn skill points for distinct passive trees that can result in things such as Hellwyrms unleashing Chaos Rifts in Helltides, or the chance to fight two Initiate bosses after opening a Lair Boss’s chest. These don’t dramatically alter the activities in question – more like adding some bells and whistles, a major cut below the Atlas Tree in Path of Exile. Despite slightly spicing up these activities, it doesn’t feel like something befitting a paid expansion such as this. Also, I’m baffled why this system doesn’t include World Bosses or Legion Events. Perhaps coordinating those is too challenging, even if it would have helped the variety.

Nevertheless, you’ll spend a decent amount of time farming War Plans for new Seals and Horadric Cube materials. The latter can be used for a variety of things, from upgrading Rare loot to Legendaries (offering a decent power spike on new characters), adding new modifiers on existing gear at the cost of making it unmodifiable, transmuting three of the same item into a new one, and so on. And while I can appreciate being able to reroll the value of an Ancestral Unique’s core power or to remove Affixes, it doesn’t change the simplicity of the crafting system, nor really encourage much else beyond tossing in a relatively complete Ancestral, be it Unique or Legendary, and transfiguring (or “corrupting”) it for one last modifier.

"On the bright side, the two new classes are lots of fun. I spent the most time with Paladin, becoming Arbiter Andy, walking around and decimating enemies with Wing Strikes (which proved so good that I think the increased damage modifier has been outright removed from Tempering)."

You’re not going to brick the item or make it disappear, but in the same vein, the results thus far have left me wanting. It’s complimentary and definitely has its uses – all my fellow Jah Rune searchers, our time has come – and if you’ve ever wanted to craft a Common item from the ground up into something, then you can. But you could also just blast through the rest of the game and bathe in the loot explosions. It’s a process that, like the whole “unmodifiable” business, doesn’t really gel with what Diablo 4 is trying to offer.

Then again, at this point, I don’t quite know if Diablo 4 is trying to gel with what Diablo 4 is after, and nowhere is that more obvious than with the addition of the Talisman. You can equip a Seal that opens up several Charm Slots, letting you fit up to six (though you’ll be spending a lot of time with five for a while). While there are Magic, Rare and Unique Charms to equip, each with their own stats and benefits, Set bonuses also make a return, and once again, they’re going to railroad you into their bonuses to augment a specific playstyle.

I found that the Epiphany Set could suit one purpose of my Arbiter build, essentially giga-buffing the Ultimate to obscene levels for a short period while heavily reducing its cooldown. But on the other hand, the Iron Conviction set fed more into the aura playstyle, heavily improving survivability and making all those additional aura skill levels useful. Like the Cube, it’s complementary on top of your current build, but the very nature of the Set bonuses means they’ll dictate the meta rather than exist outside of it. And of course, each Charm has its own Ancestral version, because why not add another layer of RNG on top of everything else?

On the bright side, the two new classes are lots of fun. I spent the most time with Paladin, becoming Arbiter Andy, walking around and decimating enemies with Wing Strikes (which proved so good that I think the increased damage modifier has been outright removed from Tempering). While not too well-versed with the Warlock at present, I found its take on the summoner playstyle, which involved bringing in brutes and hurling bodies at enemies within a summoning circle to translate kills into more minions, to be chaotically enjoyable.

If you needed any impetus to pick up the expansion, it’s probably these two, because, for what it’s worth, Diablo 4’s base combat still feels viscerally enjoyable. I don’t have much to say about Skovos, save for the fact that it’s a gorgeous location, and once again, the art team at Blizzard continues to carry this property through thick and thin. It’s matched by the sound design and music teams – the former ensures that every single impact of the Paladin’s Falling Star feels weighty while the latter adds an air of almost Greek mythology to the region’s tunes.

"However, at this point, almost three years later, Diablo 4 still struggles to resonate with me. The ingredients are seemingly there, but the design decisions and overall endgame loop continue to disappoint, with War Plans feeling like little more than a band-aid fix to try and string them all together."

Diablo 4’s open world design, where you’re flitting from one place to the next on a mount, partaking in the same random world events on repeat, is what it is at this point. I’m not a fan, but at least Skovos feels less sprawling and more compact in its design, which means less travel time.

I would have loved to end this review by saying that this expansion is simply more Diablo 4, and that if you love the base game, then you’ll probably like this. Content-wise, that definitely holds, especially with the new classes, and there have been enough systemic changes in this latest update that lapsed players will want to come back and at least play around with all the systems.

However, at this point, almost three years later, Diablo 4 still struggles to resonate with me. The ingredients are seemingly there, but the design decisions and overall endgame loop continue to disappoint, with War Plans feeling like little more than a band-aid fix to try and string them all together. Maybe with the Hatred saga over and done with, the feeling of hope for the future will result in something, anything innovative or meaningful for the game as a whole. As it currently stands, however, it begets little more than a feeling of what could have been.

This expansion was reviewed on PC.