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	<title>Dishonored &#8211; Video Game News, Reviews, Walkthroughs And Guides | GamingBolt</title>
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		<title>Prey Developer&#8217;s Closure Was a Surprise to Studio Director Since it Did &#8220;Really Good Work&#8221;</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/prey-developers-closure-was-a-surprise-to-studio-director-since-it-did-really-good-work</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joelle Daniels]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:06:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arkane Austin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dishonored]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Prey]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=633711</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In an interview, Harvey Smith also spoke about his own privileged position that has allowed him to stay in the industry for a long time.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Over a year after the studio behind <em>Prey</em>, Arkane Austin, was shut down after the commercial and critical failure of co-op shooter <em>Redfall</em>, former studio director Harvey Smith has spoken about his time in the industry, as well as the studio’s closure. In an interview with <a href="https://shows.acast.com/my-perfect-console" target="_blank" rel="noopener">My Perfect Console</a>, Smith spoke about how surprised he was when he was informed of the studio being shut down by Microsoft the night before <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/hi-fi-rush-redfall-and-other-developers-shuttered-by-microsoft">it happened in May 2024</a>, especially since he thought that Arkane Austin had done “really good work”.</p>
<p>While he noted that companies often tend to make decisions that are disagreed upon by those working under these decisions, he was especially surprised at the closure of Arkane Austin, since it had worked on critically-acclaimed titles like <em>Dishonored</em> alongside Arkane Lyon, as well as <em>Prey</em>.</p>
<p>“Every company makes the decisions they make for the reason they make them,” Smith said. “I don’t agree with them often, but the main shock there was this studio made <em>Dishonored</em>, along with the Lyon studio, and then they made <em>Prey</em>. Then we were working on <em>Redfall</em> during the pandemic and everything else. The industry [was] exploring games-as-a-service games. It is what it is. Creative efforts are unpredictable.”</p>
<p>As for the game that likely played a major role in the studio’s closure—<em>Redfall</em>—Smith spoke about being in a privileged position that has allowed him to have a long and storied career in the gaming industry. He also took personal responsibility for some of the issues that Arkane Austin faced during the development of <em>Redfall</em>. When it comes to his own privilege, he also spoke about how the industry has been losing many veterans that have decided to move on from gaming, with resumes becoming shorter and shorter. Arkane Austin itself, he noted, had team members that had just kicked off their game industry careers.</p>
<p>“I’m that rare person who has no complaints, but that’s a little bit of survivorship bias because things have worked out for me,” he said. “Even when they haven’t, I can look on a long track now and be like ‘Yes, there was a low point here, but look at this high point over here. This is incredible.’ If you have that luxury to look back on a bunch of highs and lows, it contextualizes things.”</p>
<p>The closure of Arkane Austin, as well as other studios under the Xbox Game Studios banner including Tango Gameworks, came as quite a surprise when it happened back in May 2024. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had referred to the closure of these studios as <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/arkane-austin-tango-gameworks-closures-were-hard-decisions-made-for-sustainable-business-phil-spencer">&#8220;hard decisions&#8221; that were made for the sake of &#8220;sustainable business&#8221;</a>.</p>
<p>“In the end, I’ve said over and over, I have to run a sustainable business inside the company and grow, and that means sometimes I have to make hard decisions that frankly are not decisions I love, but decisions that somebody needs to go make,” he said back in June 2024. “We will continue to go forward. We will continue to invest in what we’re trying to go do in Xbox and build the best business we can, which ensures we can continue to do shows like the one we just did.”</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">633711</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dishonored &#8211; Arkane Studios Founder Would Love to Work on a Sequel</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/dishonored-arkane-studios-founder-would-love-to-work-on-a-sequel</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joelle Daniels]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:41:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arkane Studios]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dishonored]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dishonored 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WolfEye Studios]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=616258</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[WolfEye Studios' Raphaël Colantonio spoke about how everyone who worked on the stealth action series had their own sequel ideas.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Arkane Studios founder Raphaël Colantonio has plenty on his plate nowadays, with current studio WolfEye working on <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wolfeye-studios-next-game-will-be-published-by-neowiz">a new first-person action RPG</a>. However, he revealed that he would love to work on a new game in the <em>Dishonored</em> franchise, even if it&#8217;s highly unlikely to happen.</p>
<p>As caught by <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/arkanes-founder-is-open-to-the-idea-of-making-dishonored-3-just-dont-place-any-bets-on-it-actually-happening" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RockPaperShotgun</a>, Colantonio spoke on a recent episode of the Quad Damage Podcast when asked about sequels to the <em>Prey</em> and <em>Dishonored</em> games. While he didn&#8217;t express any interest in a new game in the <em>Prey</em> series, Colantonio was keen on working on a hypothetical <em>Dishonored 3</em>.</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d love to,&#8221; said Colantonio. &#8220;I mean, we&#8217;re talking totally hypothetically at this point &#8211; I could see myself working on <em>Dishonored 3</em> right now because it&#8217;s been so long that, you know, why not?&#8221;</p>
<p>He mentioned that quite a few of the developers at Arkane had their own ideas for a new game in the <em>Dishonored</em> franchise, including <em>Deathloop</em> director Dinga Bkaba and <em>Dishonored</em> creator Harvey Smith. However, since these are just ideas for now and haven&#8217;t even been pitched as of yet, Colantonio doesn&#8217;t believe there is much of a point in talking about a <em>Dishonored 3</em> at this stage.</p>
<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think it would make sense to talk about it,&#8221; Colantonio continued. &#8220;Which of those three versions will ever see the day, now we&#8217;re talking about science fiction at this point. So many of the people [that worked on the series] are scattered around, and Harvey is not at Arkane any more. I&#8217;m not at Arkane, and Dinga is working on <em>Blade.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>The first <em>Dishonored</em> game, back when it came out in 2013 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, essentially put Arkane on the map after the studio had previously worked on niche titles like <em>Arx Fatalis </em>and<em> Dark Messiah of Might and Magic</em>. <em>Dishonored</em> was able to successfully combine an oppressive visual style in the vein of <em>Half-Life 2</em> with the stealth-based gameplay of the <em>Thief</em> franchise and some of the more fanciful abilities you&#8217;d see in titles like <em>System Shock 2</em>.</p>
<p>Its sequel, <em>Dishonored 2</em>, was also a critical success. The game was especially praised for the wide variety of powers that players could get access to, as well as intricate level design that still hasn&#8217;t been seen in other games since then.</p>
<p>While Arkane Lyon, the studio that worked on <em>Deathloop,</em> is currently working on <em>Marvel&#8217;s Blade</em>, the game is still some time away. Back in December, reports indicated that the studio was internally aiming to <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/marvels-blade-is-internally-planned-to-launch-in-2027-rumor">launch it in 2027 &#8220;at the earliest.&#8221;</a></p>
<p>Arkane Austin, on the other hand, was part of <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/hi-fi-rush-redfall-and-other-developers-shuttered-by-microsoft">a host of studio closures at Microsoft last year</a>. The studio was joined by Tango Gameworks, Roundhouse Studios, and Alpha Dog Studios. Bikaba has previously <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/marvels-blade-deathloop-director-calls-microsofts-studio-closures-absolutely-terrible">called the closure of these studios &#8220;absolutely terrible.&#8221;</a> He also called out company executives for making developers&#8217; work environments &#8220;Darwinist jungles.&#8221;</p>
<p>For more details, check out <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/arkane-austin-tango-gameworks-closures-were-hard-decisions-made-for-sustainable-business-phil-spencer">our coverage of the closure of Arkane Austin</a>. In the meantime, also check out our review of <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/dishonored-review"><em>Dishonored</em></a>, <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/dishonored-2-review"><em>Dishonored 2</em></a>, and <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/dishonored-death-of-the-outsider-review"><em>Dishonored: Death of the Outsider</em></a>.</p>
<p><iframe title="Quad Damage Podcast - Discover Raphaël Colantonio, the Genius Behind Arkane Studios&#039; Success" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f_VP86VvwDk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">616258</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>15 Best Stealth Games of All Time [2024 Edition]</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/15-best-stealth-games-of-all-time-2024-edition</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stuart Glover]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:01:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[63 days]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[batman arkham city]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Hitman World of Assassination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intravenous 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Little Nightmares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Shadow of the Tomb Raider]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Splinter Cell Conviction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sumerian six]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Watch Dogs Legion]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=604976</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Stealth games are a rare occurrence these days, so finding really good ones is a tough ask. In this feature, we list 15 most recommend stealth games you need to experience.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="bigchar">I</span>t’s fair to say most stealth games nowadays aren’t built precisely around the act of infiltrating, killing, and evading undetected but instead include stealth as a viable option to navigate. For this reason, there’s a broader spectrum of game genres on this rundown than we’ve featured on previous stealth lists. There is a common thread though: each game on this rundown, when played stealthily, requires incisive, careful, considered approaches. A demand to utilise tools and techniques to complete objectives undetected. For stealth fans, there’s no bigger reward than that.  </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Assassin’s Creed Unity</em></strong></p>


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="15 MUST PLAY Stealth Games That Will Test How Good You Are As A Gamer [2024 Edition]" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G2m_3KFrb-k?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>


<p>Most games these days includes mechanics to facilitate stealth, but oftentimes enemy AI is poorly implemented that you risk being detected no matter how hidden you are. <em>Assassin’s Creed Unity</em> isn’t perfect, but it’s arguably last gen’s best stealth experience due to thoughtful level design and enemy placement. There’re the token tools to distract guards, of course, but <em>Unity</em> has a surprising depth to character move sets. Understanding distinct animation length and noise emitted in low or high-profile moves is key, as is – perhaps counterintuitively – mastering non-lethal takedowns. </p>
<p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">604976</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>15 Best First-Person Single Player Games You Need to Play</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/15-best-first-person-single-player-games-you-need-to-play</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Smangaliso Simelane]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:39:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[before your eyes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Black Mesa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deathloop]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=599284</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[There's a host of first-person single-player games that are fantastic but haven't received the attention they deserve.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><span class="bigchar">D</span>ozens of new games hit shelves every year and it is hard to keep up with every release. Sometimes, a great game comes along and there&#8217;s simply no time to play it. This is the fate of quite a few first-person single-player games that deserve more attention than they&#8217;ve received. If you&#8217;re looking for unique first-person games to play on your own, this list has got you covered. </p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>What Remains of Edith Finch</strong></p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/what-remains-of-edith-finch-1024x576.jpg" alt="what remains of edith finch" class="wp-image-397358" style="width:705px" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/what-remains-of-edith-finch-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/what-remains-of-edith-finch-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/what-remains-of-edith-finch-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/what-remains-of-edith-finch.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>


<p>There are quite a few games disparagingly labeled &#8220;walking simulator&#8221; due to the lack of action present. <em>What Remains of Edith Finch</em> proves that &#8220;walking simulators&#8221; don&#8217;t have to be boring and they can present some of the best examples of video game storytelling. </p>



<p><em>What Remains of Edith Finch</em> tells the tale of the titular Edith Finch who visits her ancestral home and uncovers the terrible events that led to their deaths. It&#8217;s a game that packs an emotional punch, and there&#8217;s a lot of tragedy to process. For a unique gaming experience, this is a title not to be missed.</p>


<p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">599284</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>WolfEye Studios Confirms its Next Game is a First-Person Action RPG</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/wolfeye-studios-confirms-its-next-game-is-a-first-person-action-rpg</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shubhankar Parijat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:37:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Weird West]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Xbox Series S]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=595486</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Director and former Arkane vet Raphael Colantonio says fans of his previous titles like Dishonored and Prey will be "happy" with his next game. ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Veteran game designer Raphael Colantonio made his mark with some of the best immersive sims we&#8217;ve played while at Arkane Studios, before then moving on to form his own independent team at WolfEye Studios, with whom he developed 2021&#8217;s immersive sim action RPG <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/weird-west-review-prey-slaughtered"><em>Weird West</em></a>. Now, Colantonio and his team are gearing up to showcase their next game.</p>
<p>Taking to Twitter, WolfEye Studios and Colantonio both recently confirmed that new details on their next title will be revealed &#8220;in a few days&#8221;. </p>
<p>WolfEye Studios has also confirmed – <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/weird-west-developers-next-game-is-seemingly-a-retro-sci-fi-fps-rpg">true to previous reports</a> – that the title is going to be a first-person action RPG, as opposed to <em>Weird West</em>, which was an isometric title. Colantonio, meanwhile, has also indicated that the game is going to be similar to the first-person titles he worked on while at Arkane, including the likes of <em>Dishonored </em>and <em>Prey</em>. </p>
<p>&#8220;Fans of the previous 1st person games I was involved with (<em>Dishonored</em> and <em>Prey</em>) will be happy,&#8221; he wrote.</p>
<p>With Gamescom coming up towards the end of this month, there&#8217;s a good chance that that&#8217;s where we&#8217;ll be learning more about WolfEye Studios&#8217; next title, though that is just a guess at this point. Either way, new information should be arriving sooner rather than later, so stay tuned for further updates.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/WolfEyeGames/status/1820852337193427224
</div></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sneak Peek Tomorrow <a href="https://t.co/aVO3RhAp7N">pic.twitter.com/aVO3RhAp7N</a></p>&mdash; WolfEye Studios &#8211; Weird West (@WolfEyeGames) <a href="https://twitter.com/WolfEyeGames/status/1821185244659101915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’ll reveal a bit more about our next game in a few days…  Fans of the previous 1st person games I was involved with (Dishonored and Prey) will be happy.</p>&mdash; Raphael Colantonio (@rafcolantonio) <a href="https://twitter.com/rafcolantonio/status/1820891833028727212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">595486</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>15 Top Notch Single-Player Games You Can Complete in 10 Hours</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/15-top-notch-single-player-games-you-can-complete-in-10-hours</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2024 07:16:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Article]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Metro: Last Light Redux]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Sunset Overdrive]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=577104</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[For those who don't have time for massive open worlds or role-playing games with epic tales, these 15 games are worth checking out.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="bigchar">A</span>s games get bigger, promising over a hundred hours of gameplay, it&#8217;s nice to have single-player titles that don&#8217;t demand too much of your time. We&#8217;re talking about games that give you all the best aspects of the gameplay, front and center, in ten hours, sometimes less. No excessive grinding or waiting till it gets good. Check out 15 such titles here.</p>
<p><strong>Resident Evil 2 (2019)</strong></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="15 Amazing Single Player Games YOU CAN FINISH IN 10 HOURS" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gJ35J2ElJC0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Like the original, the time required to beat the <em>Resident Evil 2</em> remake can be deceptive for first-time players. You can easily breeze through a single character&#8217;s story in ten hours, six if you&#8217;re good enough. However, getting the entire story requires playing as Leon and Claire, complete with exploring both routes. Still, if you want an incredible survival horror with great gunplay and visuals, this is more than a given.</p>
<p><strong>Signalis</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Signalis_02.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-549557" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Signalis_02.jpg" alt="Signalis_02" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Signalis_02.jpg 1603w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Signalis_02-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Signalis_02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Signalis_02-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Signalis_02-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Signalis_02-1536x863.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>Known for its cryptic story-telling, <em>Signalis</em> from rose-engine is a survival horror throwback, with players investigating a strange facility for answers. Despite the overhead perspective, it has manual aiming, plenty of back-tracking and a retro aesthetic that&#8217;s gorgeous to behold. Perhaps best of all, you can finish it in less than 10 hours, though there are some additional extras and endings.</p>
<p><strong>Sunset Overdrive</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunset-overdrive.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-574334" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunset-overdrive.jpg" alt="sunset overdrive" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunset-overdrive.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunset-overdrive-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunset-overdrive-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunset-overdrive-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunset-overdrive-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sunset-overdrive-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>Before Insomniac Games became the <em>Marvel&#8217;s Spider-Man</em> game studio, it released <em>Sunset Overdrive</em>. The bombastic art style, the approach to movement and style over straightforward third-person shooting, and best of all, the enjoyable setting all made for an incredible experience. You&#8217;ll want to complete the story for its set pieces and boss fights, but there are tons of optional challenges, side quests, and collectibles in Sunset City.</p>
<p><strong>Cuphead</strong></p>
<p>Studio MDHR&#8217;s <em>Cuphead</em> is the perfect mix of challenging and run &#8216;n&#8217; gun action, replete with memorable bosses. Each has unique hooks and mechanics, whether you&#8217;re fighting Grim Matchstick through the skies or experiencing Sally Stageplay&#8217;s lethal drama. It&#8217;s all brought to life by the rubber hose-style visuals rife with details and an incredible old-timey soundtrack. Even if you ignore all the secrets and Expert Mode, it&#8217;s a tough but worthwhile action platforming journey.</p>
<p><strong>Mafia Definitive Edition</strong></p>
<p>The <em>Mafia</em> series faced scrutiny when 2K Games released Definitive Editions for the second and third games, effectively introducing new bugs and worse performance. However, <em>Mafia Definitive Edition</em> is a proper remake that added motorcycles, a rebalanced difficulty (and Classic for those who wanted it closer to the original), and Free Ride Mode. Don&#8217;t go into this expecting a <em>Grand Theft Auto</em>-scale adventure, and the narrative should more than carry you through.</p>
<p><strong>Metro: Last Light Redux</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Metro-Last-Light.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-469300" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Metro-Last-Light.jpg" alt="Metro Last Light" width="720" height="409" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Metro-Last-Light.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Metro-Last-Light-300x170.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Metro-Last-Light-1024x582.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Metro-Last-Light-768x436.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Metro-Last-Light-1536x873.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>Before <em>Metro Exodus</em> offered bigger levels with crafting on the go, <em>Metro: Last Light Redux</em> built on what the first game did best: A post-apocalyptic setting with tout pacing, terrifying mutants and excellent gunplay. As Artyom, players are caught up in a civil war weeping the metro and must sneak, assassinate and slay their way to survival. Be careful, though, as a morality system will influence the ending.</p>
<p><strong>Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wolfenstein-2-the-new-colossus.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-500681" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wolfenstein-2-the-new-colossus.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wolfenstein-2-the-new-colossus.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wolfenstein-2-the-new-colossus-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wolfenstein-2-the-new-colossus-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wolfenstein-2-the-new-colossus-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wolfenstein-2-the-new-colossus-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wolfenstein-2-the-new-colossus-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>MachineGames&#8217; sequel to <em>Wolfenstein: The New Order</em> has some nagging concerns with its level design, but the story-telling, characterization and gunplay are fantastic. The campaign sees B.J. Blazkowicz on a journey, once more, to battle the Nazis by unloading copious amounts of bullets into their foot soldiers (whether you play stealthy or not). From Manhattan to Venus, there&#8217;s much to see in this epic campaign. Perhaps the only real downer is that it&#8217;s followed by <em>Wolfenstein: Youngblood</em>.</p>
<p><strong>Super Mario Bros. Wonder</strong></p>
<p>You can complete Nintendo&#8217;s acclaimed <em>Super Mario Bros. Wonder</em> within 10 hours or so, and that&#8217;s very much intentional. The side-scrolling platformer is rife with incredibly designed levels and excellent new power-ups like Elephant Form and the Drill Hat, while the Wonder Flowers dramatically change levels in trippy and exciting ways. Still, those who want more can collect all the Flower Coins, Wonder Seeds, and more while experimenting with different Badges.</p>
<p><strong>Gears of War 3</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/gears-of-war-3.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-396709" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/gears-of-war-3.jpeg" alt="gears of war 3" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/gears-of-war-3.jpeg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/gears-of-war-3-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/gears-of-war-3-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/gears-of-war-3-1024x576.jpeg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p><em>Gears of War 2</em> was beloved but came dangerously close to jumping the shark at many points. <em>Gears of War 3</em> brought things back on track while introducing new mechanics, weapons, enemies and impressive set-pieces to set up the potential end of the world. If you&#8217;re only in it for the story-telling, there&#8217;s more than enough great content. However, the revamped Horde Mode and its tower defense-like mechanics also provided plenty of reason to stick around.</p>
<p><strong>Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance</strong></p>
<p>From a confused project under Kojima Productions to one of the most beloved hack-and-slash titles under PlatinumGames, <em>Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance</em> is unmatched in many ways. The boss battles, the characters, the story, the memes, the parry mechanics and Blade Mode allowing players to dismember enemies – it all came together so well. Its length was criticized, but those who want more nowadays can pick it up with all the DLC and armor sets for even more fun.</p>
<p><strong>Dishonored</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dishonored.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-528428" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dishonored.jpg" alt="Dishonored" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dishonored.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dishonored-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dishonored-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dishonored-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dishonored-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dishonored-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p><em>Dishonored</em> is Arkane Studios at its finest. An imaginative setting with astounding visuals rife with political intrigue and betrayal, not to mention a plague threatening to overtake it all – perfect for a supernatural assassin. As Corvo, the framed bodyguard to the slain Queen of Dunwall, players were tasked with discovering the truth. It meant lots of sneaking and slaying, but you could get creative with your approach, acting chaotically or bypassing missions without ever being seen. It&#8217;s an essential title for stealth fans that&#8217;s as tightly paced as they come.</p>
<p><strong>Ori and the Blind Forest</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ori-and-the-blind-forest.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-428666" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ori-and-the-blind-forest.jpg" alt="ori and the blind forest" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ori-and-the-blind-forest.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ori-and-the-blind-forest-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ori-and-the-blind-forest-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ori-and-the-blind-forest-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ori-and-the-blind-forest-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>As beloved as games like <em>Hollow Knight</em> can be, it&#8217;s nice to have options that don&#8217;t demand around 30 hours to experience the story, like <em>Ori and the Blind Forest</em>. Of course, it also doesn&#8217;t hurt that the aesthetics and music are simply awe-inspiring or that the level design is meticulous and the controls responsive. Whether on a mission to restore the forest or going out of your way to unearth all its secrets, <em>Ori and the Blind Forest</em> is a tight-knit journey.</p>
<p><strong>Hellblade: Senua&#8217;s Sacrifice</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hellblade-Senuas-Sacrifice_03.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-303185" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hellblade-Senuas-Sacrifice_03.jpg" alt="Hellblade_02" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hellblade-Senuas-Sacrifice_03.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hellblade-Senuas-Sacrifice_03-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hellblade-Senuas-Sacrifice_03-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hellblade-Senuas-Sacrifice_03-1024x576.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>With <em>Senua&#8217;s Saga: Hellblade 2</em> being about as long as the first game and promising a focused narrative, it&#8217;s easy to forget just how great <em>Senua&#8217;s Sacrifice</em> is. Roughly six years later, it still boasts cutting-edge visuals and facial expressions with an emotional narrative centred on Senua&#8217;s tortured state. <em>Hellblade</em> is precise, unforgettable and powerful, telling its story without overstaying its welcome.</p>
<p><strong>Batman: The Enemy Within</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/batman-arkham-asylum-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-511496" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/batman-arkham-asylum-1.jpg" alt="batman-arkham-asylum-1" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/batman-arkham-asylum-1.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/batman-arkham-asylum-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/batman-arkham-asylum-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/batman-arkham-asylum-1-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/batman-arkham-asylum-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/batman-arkham-asylum-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>Before its bankruptcy and eventual reformation, Telltale Games&#8217; titles varied in quality. <em>Batman: The Enemy Within</em> is a standout though, improving on the first season&#8217;s writing, narrative and decision-making. Its take on the Joker is surprisingly refreshing as he works with Batman as a vigilante, depending on the player&#8217;s choices or against him. The gameplay may still feel more rigid compared to some more contemporary narrative adventures, but <em>Batman: The Enemy Within</em> is still worth playing.</p>
<p><strong>Quantum Break</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/quantum-break-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-548859" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/quantum-break-1.jpg" alt="quantum break" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/quantum-break-1.jpg 1919w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/quantum-break-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/quantum-break-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/quantum-break-1-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/quantum-break-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/quantum-break-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>Will a standard playthrough of <em>Quantum Break</em> offer all the answers for its time-bending adventure? Probably not, but it&#8217;s an enjoyable journey regardless, backed by Remedy Entertainment&#8217;s penchant for gorgeous graphics and an immaculate presentation. Opinions are mixed on the TV side of the story, yet the third-person combat and abilities are on point. It&#8217;s not Remedy&#8217;s finest work, but it still provides an intriguing narrative with some solid performances by Aiden Gillen and Shawn Ashmore.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">577104</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>14 Video Game Moments You Don&#8217;t Want to Experience Again</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/14-video-game-moments-you-dont-want-to-experience-again</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:56:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[borderlands 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dishonored]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fallout 4]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Half Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rage 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[redfall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sekiro: shadows die twice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the elder scrolls 5: skyrim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the legend of zelda: twilight princess]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=554131</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Compelling moments can draw players into a game, but regardless of their brilliance, there are some you just don't want to experience again.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="bigchar">V</span>ideo games, especially the bigger budget ones, have it tough. Not only do they have to provide hours of entertainment, but need to keep you engaged throughout. This is most apparent in the openings for certain games. Many are unskippable and important for introducing you to the story, gameplay and setting.</p>
<p>A lot are brilliant, but when you&#8217;re looking to replay a game, whether it&#8217;s for the second or tenth time, not being able to skip those opening bits can get a little tiring. Of course, when the opening is annoying, it&#8217;s much more agonizing.</p>
<p>Here are 14 unskippable parts in video games that probably dissuade you from replaying them.</p>
<p><strong>Episode 0: Prologue: Awakening &#8211; Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain</strong></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="14 UNSKIPPABLE MOMENTS That Ensured You Never Replayed These Games Again" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WxNoJ18cxrk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The opening hour of <em>Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain</em> is a doozy, but instrumental in setting up the entire story. It sees Venom Snake waking up in a hospital and falling in and out of consciousness. Of course, it&#8217;s not long before his enemies find him, first sending Quiet to assassinate him. Fortunately, a mysterious individual named Ishmael saves him, and Venom Snake crawls slowly through the hallways as chaos erupts in the hospital.</p>
<p>After encountering the Third Child and the Man on Fire, Venom Snake slowly finds his footing and proceeds to sneak around, evading detection from the enemy. They flee the hospital, securing an ambulance to escape the Man on Fire but are assailed by an attack helicopter and enemy soldiers before crashing. When things seem dire, they&#8217;re saved by the Third Child and a flaming whale (no, seriously).</p>
<p>Before the Third Child and the Man on Fire can attack Venom Snake (while riding their sweet flaming pegasus), he&#8217;s rescued by Ocelot and given a shotgun to stop their pursuers. The chase runs for a while, and the two fall off a crumbling cliff to end the episode.</p>
<p>Even as an example of deft pacing and mixing exhilarating action with tense stealth, the prologue is one long cinematic set piece. You&#8217;re not given complete control until the next episode to experiment with the new mechanics and sandbox elements. Jumping straight into Episode 1 on a new playthrough would have been appreciated.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">554131</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>10 Amazing Video Game Series That Should Never Go Open World</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/10-amazing-video-game-series-that-should-never-go-open-world</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shubhankar Parijat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 May 2023 13:56:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dead space]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dishonored]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Half-Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Max Payne]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[portal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resident evil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[splinter cell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the last of us]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[uncharted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wolfenstein]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=551741</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Going bigger might not necessarily be better for these franchises.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="bigchar">W</span>e absolutely love open world games here at GamingBolt, and we&#8217;re far from being alone in that. From the level of freedom they promise to the amount of content they deliver, there&#8217;s plenty to love about them- or, well, at least when they&#8217;re well designed, that is. At the same time though, we&#8217;re also firm believers that there are certain games and certain types of experiences that absolutely should not be open world. Either because of their pacing, their focus, their design philosophies, or any number of other reasons, there are some franchises that we feel would lose themselves a little bit if they decided to go open world. Here, we&#8217;re going to talk about a few such franchises.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>RESIDENT EVIL</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-456014" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/resident-evil-village-image.jpg" alt="resident evil village" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/resident-evil-village-image.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/resident-evil-village-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/resident-evil-village-image-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/resident-evil-village-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/resident-evil-village-image-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></p>
<p>We quite like the idea of a survival horror game that takes place in a large and open setting and offers the freedom of an open world game. <em>The Evil Within 2&#8217;s </em>semi-open world sections, for instance, are among the game&#8217;s highlights. But <em>Resident Evil </em>most certainly isn&#8217;t a franchise that should veer in that direction. The level design is always a core pillar of any new <em>Resident Evil </em>game, and navigating the series&#8217; trademark settings with their meticulous design is always a massive part of the experience. Going open world would dilute that massively, to say the very least. <em>Resident Evil Village&#8217;s </em>hub and spoke did, to be fair, boast more open ended design on a macro level, and yes, the game was better for it, but we wouldn&#8217;t want to see a <em>Resident Evil </em>game trying to take that design philosophy to its absolute extreme.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">551741</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Redfall &#8211; What Happened to the Xbox Exclusive?</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/redfall-what-happened-to-the-xbox-exclusive</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2023 12:27:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Article]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Editorials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arkane Austin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arkane Studios]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dishonored]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[game pass]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[redfall]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[Arkane Austin may be renowned for titles like Dishonored and Prey, but its latest title is disastrous. Here's what we think happened.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="bigchar">B</span>y now, you would&#8217;ve seen several reviews for Arkane Austin&#8217;s <em>Redfall</em> (check out ours <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/redfall-review-bad-blood">here</a>). The co-op looter shooter is now available on Xbox Series X/S and PC after reportedly over five years in development (if LinkedIn profiles are anything to go by). A quick peek at its Metacritic reveals a Metascore of 64 on PC out of 38 reviews, while the Xbox version has a 59 Metascore based on 29 reviews.</p>
<p>Steam hasn&#8217;t been too kind either – it&#8217;s sitting a “Mostly Negative” rating based on 816 user reviews, with only 30 percent being positive.</p>
<p>In a way, some people would have predicted <em>Redfall</em> not living up to Arkane Studios&#8217; legacy. The overall gameplay looked incredibly formulaic, and the heavy focus on co-op was odd. Like Ninja Theory with <em>Bleeding Edge</em>, which died quickly on release, Redfall felt like something outside the developer&#8217;s single-player wheelhouse. Still, the team seemed enthusiastic enough about bringing the world to life.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="What The Hell Happened To REDFALL?" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ghzbNwP404I?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>However, as the months rolled on, the concerns piled up. Always online, even when playing solo. Campaign progression only applies to the host and no one else (though levels and materials still carry over). Throw in 30 FPS only on Xbox Series X/S with a 60 FPS mode coming later while reviews went live roughly an hour before launch, and skepticism was high.</p>
<p>Cut to the game&#8217;s release, with complaints of pop-in, control issues, and motion sickness on consoles to go with the poor textures. It&#8217;s also full of bugs like broken AI, disappearing enemies, disappearing guns, the Start menu becoming locked, a glitching interface, and more. Performance on PC is hit or miss &#8211; some have reported the game to run smoothly due to the day one patch, but plenty of Steam reviews with strong configurations claim otherwise.</p>
<p>Barring fixes for the technical issues and glitches, <em>Redfall</em> isn&#8217;t a good game. The world is incredibly barren and lifeless, and while explained in the lore, it still doesn&#8217;t make for a compelling setting to explore. Then there are the playable characters who have poorly written dialogue if you haven&#8217;t had enough of that this year. The shooting could be fun if the Xbox Series X/S controls were fixed. However, it looks like significant work is needed to get this to an even somewhat enjoyable state across all platforms.</p>
<p>If all of that weren&#8217;t enough, there&#8217;s no co-op matchmaking. The always-online, co-op-centric title, which doesn&#8217;t let you change characters in the middle of your story playthrough, also won&#8217;t find other people to play with you. Maybe this is because the Xbox LFG exists, but how Steam players are supposed to use that is a mystery.</p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-541921" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image.jpg" alt="redfall" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image.jpg 2560w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redfall-image-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>Also, a PSA for those who somehow made it to the end and maybe want to go back later for more torture: Don&#8217;t beat the final boss. Doing so will reportedly finish the story and prevent you from returning to complete any pending side quests, hunt for collectibles or enjoy your fully kitted-out vampire hunter. There&#8217;s reportedly no post-game or way to continue, and you must start from the beginning. Truly something that many looter shooters can lay claim to in this day and age. $70 game, by the way.</p>
<p>What in the Hell happened to <em>Redfall</em>? How did it turn into what some are calling Arkane&#8217;s <em>Fallout 76/Anthem</em>? I believe it&#8217;s a consequence of multiple issues disastrously coming to a head.</p>
<p>First is the overall design. While Arkane Austin worked with Lyon and other teams on <em>Dishonored</em>, its most impressive singular effort is <em>Prey</em>. The reboot of Human Head Studios&#8217; first-person shooter series received significant acclaim for its immersive sim aspects, art style and moral choices. <em>Prey: Mooncrash</em> was also noteworthy for its rogue-lite campaign and how it intersected the stories of various characters in interesting ways.</p>
<p>After Prey launched, Arkane began incubation on <em>Redfall</em>, at least according to a developer&#8217;s LinkedIn profile. It probably wanted to delve more into co-op gameplay while adding elements of previous games for a bit more zing. Perhaps planned to be a live service title – this would explain the always-online requirement. Maybe an in-game store was meant to be implemented before the failures of several big live-service titles like <em>Marvel&#8217;s Avengers</em> and<em> Anthem</em> caused it to pivot, not unlike what many believe happened to <em>Gotham Knights</em>.</p>
<p>It wouldn&#8217;t be odd if the overall premise and gameplay of <em>Redfall</em> saw numerous changes in its lifespan. Maybe Arkane Austin wanted a persistent, always-online world not unlike <em>The Division 2</em>, where players could meet with others in social hubs and seamlessly team up. Engine limitations may have prevented this from happening, though.</p>
<p>When Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Studios in 2021, it reportedly mandated development only on Xbox Series X/S and PC and cancelled a potential PS5 version (which it denies). Whether aware of <em>Redfall&#8217;s</em> deeper problems at the time, it seemingly maintained a hands-off approach, which it does with many of its studios. We&#8217;ll get to that.</p>
<p>Either way, <em>Redfall&#8217;s</em> concept was probably solidified before that &#8211; it was announced at the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase at E3 2021. But I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if the team struggled to create a persistent open world to support four players and maintain the Arkane-level of detail. After all,<em> Dishonored</em> is known for its single-player gameplay and decently sized, self-contained environments.</p>
<p>Even the shooting aspects weren&#8217;t as played up, unlike <em>Deathloop</em> (which was developed by Arkane Lyon). You could point to <em>Prey</em>, but its implementation of gunplay was decidedly more <em>System Shock</em> than <em>Far Cry</em>. Add in some engine limitations and the increasing challenges of developing for modern-day hardware, especially as games become more complex, and you have a recipe for disaster. Trying to get all of this running at a consistent frame rate is challenging enough, to say nothing of eliminating bugs.</p>
<p><a href="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/redfall-image-5.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-521318" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/redfall-image-5.jpg" alt="redfall" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/redfall-image-5.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/redfall-image-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/redfall-image-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/redfall-image-5-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/redfall-image-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/redfall-image-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<p>The prevalence of bugs isn&#8217;t even something that QA testers can be blamed for. The teams likely reported these bugs months in advance, and they were left alone, either judged as non-priority, fixable post-launch or both. You could blame the creatives in charge, but it all goes back to Microsoft. For some reason, the publisher decided that <em>Redfall</em> had to launch in May. Even if it&#8217;s as hands-off as claimed, there&#8217;s no way it didn&#8217;t know about the poor state of the game.</p>
<p>Furthermore, even if it doesn&#8217;t interfere with the workings of other studios, it should have taken a call years ago to cancel <em>Redfall</em> if it wasn&#8217;t working out. Instead, it decided to slap a $70 price and include it in Game Pass, quickly becoming a dumping ground for terrible co-op titles like <em>Rainbow Six Extraction</em> and so on. Maybe it adds value to the service in the short term or helps attract some subscribers. It certainly didn&#8217;t result in<em> Redfall</em> being a good game.</p>
<p>Why didn&#8217;t Microsoft delay the game again? There could be multiple reasons, like judging that little else was possible in its current state. Better to launch now and make some of its money back. It probably wanted to avoid a late May release due to titles like<em> The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom</em> or <em>Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League</em> (before it was delayed to 2024). June may have also been less than ideal since it would focus on the “future” of Xbox, like Starfield and Forza Motorsport.</p>
<p>Marketing budget may also play some role. Delaying <em>Redfall</em> may have meant extending its marketing for longer while budgeting for more polish and bug fixes. Remember – it already suffered a hefty delay from last year to May 2023. Given the layoffs at Microsoft, it probably felt better to cut its losses and worry about fixing it up later if enough people purchased it.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-483774" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/redfall-image-8.jpg" alt="redfall" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/redfall-image-8.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/redfall-image-8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/redfall-image-8-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/redfall-image-8-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/redfall-image-8-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/redfall-image-8-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></p>
<p>After all, for every failure like <em>Anthem</em> and <em>Marvel&#8217;s Avengers</em>, there is a <em>Sea of Thieves</em>. Maybe Microsoft feels it can fix this in due time. Maybe it&#8217;s hoping all this anger over the game&#8217;s poor launch blows over.</p>
<p>However, above all else, <em>Redfall</em> is the latest nail in the argument that the publisher has any real plan for its first-party line-up. When the company announced its first round of acquisitions during the Xbox One era, way back at E3 2018, there was much fanfare. Cue even more fanfare when other companies like inXile, and Double Fine Productions joined. Yet, the output of exclusives remained stagnant.</p>
<p>The purchase of ZeniMax Studios in 2021 should have helped, but two of the biggest releases – <em>Deathloop</em> and <em>Ghostwire: Tokyo</em> – were decent (and didn&#8217;t necessarily result in crazy sales). They were also exclusive to PS5 for a year due to a prior deal with Sony, which didn&#8217;t help Microsoft&#8217;s case. Neither did the delays to<em> Starfield</em>, but then again, given the state it was reportedly in, that was for the best. Hi-Fi Rush was well-received, at least. Who knew things would go downhill so fast?</p>
<p>Playground Games has been more or less carrying the Xbox brand with the <em>Forza Horizon</em> series. Aside from that, where is <em>Fable</em>? Where is <em>Perfect Dark</em>? Has Rare figured out what <em>Everwild</em> is, much less started developing an actual game around it? Has Undead Labs stopped suffering from toxic work culture or figured out its design decision for <em>State of Decay 3</em> to produce more than a CG trailer?</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-449660" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/State-of-Decay-3.jpg" alt="State of Decay 3" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/State-of-Decay-3.jpg 1920w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/State-of-Decay-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/State-of-Decay-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/State-of-Decay-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/State-of-Decay-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></p>
<p>Where is inXile&#8217;s next big game? How did <em>Halo Infinite&#8217;s</em> supposed 10-year journey end in 343 Industries suffering layoffs, the departure of Chris Staten and a reported reduced focus on new campaign content? Is Conception Studios ever releasing its new game? Don&#8217;t even get me started on titles like Avalanche&#8217;s <em>Contraband.</em> Xbox Game Studios is publishing and not developing the latter, yet it feels like it&#8217;s disappeared into the ether. I&#8217;m probably missing some games, which is even more insane.</p>
<p>To clarify: I&#8217;m not saying Microsoft should release all these games immediately or that it shouldn&#8217;t give its studios the freedom to develop what they want. However, the lack of oversight and hands-off approach has proven more concerning. Its output over the years should speak for itself, but if the issues surrounding <em>Halo Infinite</em>, the numerous delays and the current state of <em>Redfall</em> are any indication, a lot needs to change at the management level.</p>
<p>As noted earlier, this release could just be to get it out of the way and move on to the real good stuff. In June, Bethesda will unveil new <em>Starfield</em> gameplay. Probably confirm 2000 planets and the ability to pet your starship. New trailers will probably debut for <em>Senua&#8217;s Saga: Hellblade 2</em> and <em>Forza Motorsport</em>, while some new games are announced, and new additions to Game Pass confirmed. There will be hype as <em>Starfield</em> garners tons of pre-orders before launch, regardless of how good or worrying the gameplay looks.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-545055" src="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/forza-horizon-5-rally-adventure-image-11.jpg" alt="forza horizon 5 rally adventure" width="720" height="405" srcset="https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/forza-horizon-5-rally-adventure-image-11.jpg 2000w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/forza-horizon-5-rally-adventure-image-11-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/forza-horizon-5-rally-adventure-image-11-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/forza-horizon-5-rally-adventure-image-11-15x8.jpg 15w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/forza-horizon-5-rally-adventure-image-11-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gamingbolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/forza-horizon-5-rally-adventure-image-11-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></p>
<p>In the meantime, <em>Redfall</em> may or may not improve. It&#8217;ll probably be revisited by players later or remain a troubling footnote in Arkane Studios&#8217; history – a black sheep that feels out of place and is better off unmentioned. But hey, the studio could turn it around and make it one of the best games ever five years down the line for those willing to wait.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s also possible that Microsoft lays off several people at Arkane, just like it did earlier this year with The Coalition, 343 Industries and Bethesda. But don&#8217;t worry &#8211; once it seals that acquisition of Activision Blizzard, then the exclusives will start rolling in. You&#8217;ll see.</p>
<p>To quote a far better video game: “The flow of time is always cruel. Its speed seems different for each person, but no one can change it. A thing that does not change with time is a memory of younger days.” Classics like <em>Dishonored</em> and <em>Prey</em> feel like distant memories. The fact that Arkane&#8217;s short and long-term future ties into something like this makes you think. Not with anger, bewilderment or exasperation but sheer resignation at the current state of Xbox.</p>
<p><em>Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.</em></p>
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		<title>Deathloop and Dishonored Are in the Same Universe – Arkane</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/deathloop-and-dishonored-are-in-the-same-setting-arkane</link>
					<comments>https://gamingbolt.com/deathloop-and-dishonored-are-in-the-same-setting-arkane#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shunal Doke]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Oct 2022 01:32:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arkane Studios]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[deathloop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dishonored]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dishonored 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dishonored: death of the outsider]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=532355</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Creative director Dinga Bakaba has confirmed that Deathloop takes place in the same universe as the Dishonored games.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Arkane has officially confirmed that <em>Deathloop</em> and <em>Dishonored</em> are set in the same universe. The revelation came through creative director Dinga Bakaba talking in the latest episode of the Xbox podcast.</p>
<p>&#8220;Yes indeed, we envisioned <em>Deathloop</em> to be happening in the future, after <em>Death of the Outsider</em>,&#8221; said Bakaba, as caught by <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/bethesda-finally-confirms-it-deathloop-is-a-dishonored-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PC Gamer</a>.</p>
<p>Bakaba went on to talk about how the studio left a few hints and Easter eggs throughout <em>Deathloop</em> that players could link to the <em>Dishonored</em> games.</p>
<p>&#8220;There are a lot of clues in the game, actually,&#8221; said Bakaba. &#8220;There are some that are abused. One of them is really spoiler-y, so voila. But there are a lot of small things, and some that were under people&#8217;s noses all the time, but people are just figuring out.&#8221;</p>
<p>According to Bakaba, one of his favourite hints in <em>Deathloop</em> is the Dunwall Tower from <em>Dishonored </em>as a logo on the Heritage Gun.</p>
<p><em>Deathloop</em> was released on PC and PS5 last year. It has now made its way on to <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/deathloop-review-xbox-series-x-the-not-quite-golden-land">Xbox Series X/S</a>, and as a result, is <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/deathloop-now-available-on-xbox-and-pc-game-pass-gets-new-trailer-showing-off-gameplay">now available on PC and Xbox Game Pass</a>. For more details, <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/deathloop-review-all-you-need-is-kill">check out our review</a>.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Deathloop, Dishonored, Redfall and Project Amplify" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/heWEaErEJsw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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