A few characters include Thaddeus Carminus, a grizzled cook in Meridian Market; Salt Pete, who claims there’s more to Nivalis’s oceans than “sentient slime, junk HOVA’s and ancient, God-like AI’s dreaming dark dreams”; and Nixxy, an IRL streamer with AR glasses. Last November, the developer promised about 135 fully-voiced primary and secondary characters, amounting to some 200,000 words, so you can imagine the scale.

Of course, throughout the showcase, we see the player setting up their noodle, including assigning shifts for the working schedule. There’s also the Relationship Matrix, which lets you see what other characters think of you, and the various gorgeous sights that the city has to offer in the early game.

All this is well and good, but what about a release date? In a separate Steam Community post, ION LANDS said it’s “entering the final stretch before we can finally open the doors of Nivalis to everyone who’s been following this journey with us.”

It’s still refining certain aspects, including the voice-over, and explicitly stated that the footage isn’t final. But in terms of really highlighting the atmosphere and ambience, it’s pretty compelling.

Nivalis is scheduled to release sometime this year for PC. Stay tuned for more updates.

The addition of the Monte-Carlo stages is a big deal, since the whole course was fully laser-scanned to ensure “uncompromising precision” across various aspects, including road geometry and the technical challenge that made the area famous in the sport. The in-game version will also tap into the real-world equivalent’s unpredictable weather, with snow, ice and dry asphalt all being represented. The whole location will be available in the form of two stages: the 18 km-long La Bollène-Vésubie, Col de Turini, and the 13 km-long Sisteron.

La Bollène-Vésubie, Col de Turini has been described as featuring “relentless” elevation changes, along with narrow passages and plenty of hairpin and off-camber corners. The stage is slated to challenge players’ mechanical prowess over Assetto Corsa Rally, especially when it comes to their throttle control and precision. Sisteron, on the other hand, features wide, smooth roads and long, open corners. The stage places an emphasis on high speed direction changes, paired with critical braking zones that have limited visibility.

Along with the stage itself, Assetto Corsa Rally now also has two iconic rally cars added to its roster—the FWD Lancia Fulvia Coupé 1.6 HF Gr. 4, and the 4WD ŠKODA Fabia RS Rally2. The former is capable of 115-130+ horsepower thanks to its narrow-angle 1.6L V4 engine, and is known for winning the 1972 International Rally Championship and the Monte-Carly Rally. The latter is a modern Rally2-specced car with a 1.6L turbo engine capable of 289 horsepower, and is known for winning its debut competition at the 2022 Lausitz Rally.

As you might expect from an update featuring the Monte Carly stages, Assetto Corsa Rally now also has a dynamic snowy weather condition. The studio has described the possibility of a race starting out dry, that eventually gets snow involved as the player rises in altitude over the course of a stage. It is also worth noting that, rather than being limited to fixed areas, snowfall can happen anywhere on the Monte Carlo stages as long as the atmospheric conditions are met. This means that the temperatures have to fall below 0 degrees celsius, and it has to start raining.

Snow can have adverse effects on gameplay, especially in the form of decreased tarmac grip. These adverse effects can be minimized thanks to the addition of new winter and Snow tyre compounds, giving players more freedom in mixing and matching their tyres.

Bringing it all together, the update introduces 40 new AC Rally events to the game, along with bringing in a host of improvements and fixes across the board. For more comprehensive details, check out the full patch notes below.

Assetto Corsa Rally is currently available on PC.

Assetto Corsa Rally release 0.3 patch notes:

New content:

• Skoda Fabia RS Rally2
• Added Lancia Fulvia Gr.4
• Added Rally “Monte Carlo” with two special stages: Col de Turini (18km) and Sisteron (13km). Weather conditions are fully dynamic within the same race
• Added 4 new ACR Events groups and a total of 40 new ACR Events

Stages and Circuits:

• Added Rally “Monte Carlo”: Col de Turini, Sisteron, Service Park

Cars:

• Added Skoda Fabia RS Rally2
• Added Lancia Fulvia Gr.4
• Added Montecarlo tires (regular & studded variants)
• Improved anti-aliasing on car materials
• Added support for daytime running lights
• Added tarmac dust type on cars
• Fixed flipped right-side badges on Alpine A110
• Adjusted graphical wheel offsets on several wheel setups
• Improved textures on Mini Cooper license plate
• Fixed auxiliary lights on Mini Cooper
• Reduced fog effect on interior windows
• Fixed corrupt dirt and damage effects on rear of Hyundai i20
• Added animations on latches on Citroen Xsara, Peugeot 208 and Fiat 131

Input:

• Added gamepad steer filter options and removed default steer dead zone (now the user can set it to 0). When relaunching the game for the first time, all values will be reset.
• Added soft lock option for steering wheels
• Fixed Xbox wireless gamepad detection

Physics:

• More realistic steering ratio for Lancia Rally 037
• Review of combined grip model for all surfaces
• Review of pneumatic trail model and thus FFB for all surfaces
• Introduced a specific per-car setup option for FFB strength
• Adjusted surfaces grip
• Tire thermal evolution is currently disable as we work on an evolution of the system
• Added Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 and Lancia Fulvia Coupé HF 1.6
• Added Winter Tarmac Tires, normal and studded.
• Adjusted and improved the default setups of some cars

Audio:

• Added engine/exhaust sounds for Skoda Fabia RS Rally2
• Added engine/exhaust sounds for Lancia Fulvia Gr.4
• Rally Monte Carlo environmental audio setup
• Firework audio first implementation
• Tweaks to asphalt slides to get more feedback early
• Engine damage improvements
• Spatial improvements to exhausts in 3rd person view
• Asphalt/snow surface blend
• Increased off load exhaust volume on Delta
• Added a couple more randomised events for service area
• Mix improvements for all driving camera positions

Gameplay and UI:

• Added camera yaw and roll customization

Online:

• Fixed hitches caused by authentication recovery while playing
• Migrated backend cluster to a new, more stable server service
• VFX, Lighting and Art Direction
• Added new Sky setup with Rally Monte Carlo geographic coordinates
• Added custom lighting setup for Rally Monte Carlo
• Improving visual quality of raindrops on windshield
• Fixed over-exposure issue with triple monitor
• Reduced stuttering during gameplay

However, that’s not all, as Version 2.0 will also go live on all platforms simultaneously. There’s a lot to be excited about in the new update, with New Game Plus being an important addition alongside Photo Mode, the Titanium challenge level, new weapon parts and skins in NG+, DLSS 4 support on PC, a new Boss Revival mode, and much more. Version 2.0 might be the definitive way to experience the game if earlier criticism dissuaded you.

Alongside PC, Blades of Fire is available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Despite failing to meet 505 Games’ sales expectations, we found it to be a pretty solid, if slightly flawed, experience, and its slow, methodical combat has certainly had its fair share of takers. But its crafting systems and the way it forged bonds between its players and their weapons were the real stars of the show.

Touted as a “pure and relentless rally simulation,” Assetto Corsa Rally promises day/night cycles, shifting weather that impacts visibility and traction, and the same physics engine as Assetto Corsa. When early access begins, players can look forward to ten licensed vehicles, including the Lancia Stratos Gr.4 (1976), the Fiat 131 Abarth Gr.4 (1976) and the Peugeot 208 Rally4 (2020).

There will also be four “Special Stages” in locations such as Alsace and Wales, each consisting of 33 kilometers of “fully laser-scanned roads.” Realistic car noises and sound effects are a given, but Supernova’s co-driver system also offers “authentic voices and timing” courtesy of working with professional racers.

The plan is to include over 30 cars, Rally School, five international rallies, a Career Mode, and more than 120 kilometers of faithfully recreated roads. The goal is to remain in early access for less than 18 months, with pricing yet to be revealed. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.

All this seemed a given, but there are also some new graphics and performance settings to play with. Support for Variable Refresh Rate and 120Hz displays has been added for PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X/S. The frame rate limits on Quality and Performance Modes have also been removed for all consoles (except for Series S, which only saw the same for the latter).

If that wasn’t enough, you can now enable HDR and take advantage of PSSR, improved screen space reflections, updated texture filtering and more on PS5 Pro. Remedy warns that PSSR can “slightly” affect performance, but there’s an option to switch it off if so desired.

Check out the full patch notes below. For more details on Control Ultimate Edition, you can read our review.

October 2025 Console Update (1.30) Release Notes

OUTFITS

The following outfits are now available to all players. The outfits can be accessed and equipped from the Control Point in the Central Executive Sector area.

• Astral Dive Suit (formerly a pre-order exclusive)
• Tactical Response Gear (formerly a pre-order exclusive)
• Urban Response Gear (formerly a pre-order exclusive)

MISSIONS

• All players will receive the mission Dr. Yoshimi Tokui’s Guided Imagery Experience, featuring voiceover by Hideo Kojima. The mission is playable when you pick up the Dr Tokui Tapes collectible in the Extrasensory Lab of the Research Sector. (This mission was previously exclusive to the PlayStation 4 Digital Deluxe version of Control.)

GRAPHICS [PLAYSTATION 5]

• Added a new setting “Unlock Frame Rate”, enjoy!
• Added VRR and 120Hz display output support for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, and unlocked the frame rate limitations for Quality and Performance Mode setting
• Improved Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA) quality
• Added HDR support
• Updated SDR to 10bit (from 8bit), which reduces visible color banding
• [PlayStation 5 Pro] Added PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) support. Using PSSR results in smoother edges, improved hair, and vegetation visual quality. Using PSSR can slightly impact performance, so if you would rather have the original “look” of Control, you can disable PSSR in the settings.
• [PlayStation 5 Pro] Improved Screen Space Reflections in Performance Mode
• [PlayStation 5 Pro] Updated Texture and Shadow resolution filtering (anisotropic)

GENERAL [PLAYSTATION 5]

• Fixed grenade projectiles indicators only updating at 30 fps. Now they update properly everywhere they should.
  Improved the sorting of character and weapon mods

GRAPHICS [XBOX SERIES X|S]

• Added a new setting “Unlock Frame Rate”, enjoy!
• Added VRR and 120Hz display output support for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and unlocked the frame rate limitations for Quality and Performance Mode settings
• [Xbox Series X] Unlocked the frame rate limitations for Quality and Performance Mode
• [Xbox Series S] Unlocked the frame rate limitations for Performance Mode settings
• Improved Temporal Anti Aliasing (TAA) quality
• Added HDR support
• Updated SDR to 10bit (from 8bit), which reduces visible color banding

GENERAL [XBOX SERIES X|S]

• Fixed grenade projectiles indicators only updating at 30 fps. Now they update properly everywhere they should.
• Improved the sorting of character and weapon mods

The update includes Dr Yoshimi Tokui’s Guided Imagery Experience, a mission exclusive to the Digital Deluxe Edition on PS4. This is perhaps best known for Hideo Kojima, creator of Metal Gear and Death Stranding, providing voiceovers.

Of course, it also adds features like HDR and support for ultrawide monitors, but that’s on PC. Whether consoles will receive the SDR update and fixes for texture streaming and ray tracing remains to be seen. Stay tuned for patch notes on Monday.

Released in 2019 for PS4, PC, and Xbox One before launching on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5, Control has sold over five million units. A sequel, Control 2, is currently in development for current-gen platforms, having entered full production earlier this year.

These can be claimed in-game from the Reverent Temple’s Donation Box. As for Standard Edition owners, two headgear pieces have been added for free – Bo Sorcerer’s Crown and the Ming Army Helmet. Of course, the update also improves visual fidelity with DLSS Ultra Performance at 2K resolution no longer appearing super blurry.

It also optimizes VRAM usage on PC for better performance and stability. The results are pretty impressive in most scenarios, with usage dropping as much as 700 MB (though settings and hardware will vary). Leenzee confirmed that it will continue polishing the title, so stay tuned for more updates.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Check out our review here.

The former is currently “on track towards meeting its next milestones” with Remedy focusing on “gameplay, environments, and missions.” Officially announced in 2022 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, the sequel will be an action RPG with a lower budget (€50 million) than Alan Wake 2. Its predecessor recently crossed five million units sold.

Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake, also announced in 2022, is still in full production with the development team building “on steady momentum” during the second quarter of 2025. “Collaboration with Rockstar Games remains close and productive, ensuring alignment as the project advances toward its next major phase.”

When it will reach that phase and eventually launch remains to be seen. Again, there’s very little information on the project, but creative director Sam Lake said he wants to bring the classics “up to modern standards” and combine them into a singular experience, which is a “significant undertaking.” Stay tuned for updates in the meantime.

The milestone is all the more significant since it regained the rights to publishing, marketing and distribution earlier this year. “We’ve now been able to drive Control’s sales activities fully by ourselves and have seen positive development through our sales activities.”

Launched in 2019, Control focuses on Jesse Faden, who visits the Federal Bureau of Control to search for her brother and becomes caught up in its invasion by The Hiss. Utilizing psychic powers, she helps the Bureau fight back while learning more about her own powers. Check out our review for the base game and its two expansions – The Foundation and AWE. You can also check out our thoughts on the Ultimate Edition.

Meanwhile, Alan Wake 2 continues to “sell steadily” and “accrue royalty,” while the sales for other titles in the franchise are “in line with our expectations and generate small and steady revenue streams.” The survival horror crossed two million units as of December 31st, 2025 and recouped all marketing and development costs.

Developer Leenzee Games recently released a patch to address these, but more improvements are inbound. It’s also targeting other gameplay aspects in response to player feedback. “We will continue to optimize performance issues and will keep adjusting the game based on your suggestions—such as difficulty levels and boss encounters—in upcoming patches.”

These include crash fixes, improving the frame rate and reducing lag on certain GPUs, enhancing texture quality in low-resolution areas and improving asset details in some regions. Balance adjustments will include fixing the speed at which Wuchang gets back up after knockdowns, improving enemy and boss AI, corralling the “exploration pressure” of some areas, and reducing the number of some traps (and their damage).

Leenzee is also improving the compensation for players who didn’t receive pre-order bonuses, including three headgear items for Standard and Deluxe Edition owners. The latter will also receive three additional Deluxe costume sets and four weapons in addition to the previously confirmed outfit. Stay tuned for more details when the update goes live.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Check out our review, where we gave it an eight out of ten.