Latest news with #actionRPG
The National
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Zack Snyder's first game, Rebel Moon: Blood Line, is Netflix's most ambitious yet
Super Evil Megacorp, the studio behind Vainglory, has partnered with Netflix to release Rebel Moon: Blood Line, a mobile action RPG set within the universe of Zack Snyder 's Rebel Moon films. Unveiled during a recent gameplay showcase, the developers offered a detailed look at the game's mechanics, narrative ambitions and collaborative development process with Snyder's creative team. With console-level visuals and mobile accessibility, Blood Line marks a notable step forward in Netflix's growing push into gaming. Snyder says that fan support for the series has "inspired me to return" to the world of Rebel Moon adding: "I can't wait for everyone to join the fight and team up with their friends." A cinematic mobile RPG Blood Line is a top-down, real-time co-operative action role-playing game. It is built specifically for mobile, using Super Evil Megacorp's proprietary Evil Engine, yet promises a console-quality experience with responsive touch controls and full gamepad support. Developers stress that this is no watered-down tie-in – Blood Line is a fully-fledged RPG designed from the ground up for mobile, combining visual fidelity with deep, engaging systems. Story and gameplay Players begin by taking on the role of a Banner Guard, a soldier who defects from the Imperium to join a burgeoning rebellion. The game unfolds on the planet Crypt – a key setting within the Rebel Moon universe – with missions spanning varied and hostile environments, from icy cliffs and sandstorms to militarised desert outposts. Unlike many sci-fi titles that span galaxies, Blood Line stays grounded on a single, richly detailed world. The game supports both solo and group play, allowing users to take on missions alone or through matching with others. There are four main character classes: Banner Guard, a tank wielding shields and heavy weapons; Forsaken, a melee specialist built for agility and close-range combat; Evoker, a support class using elemental powers such as lightning and fire; and Kindred, a long-range sniper with traps and armour-weakening abilities. Players are encouraged to switch classes and customise their builds, selecting gear and abilities to match their preferred style. It's a flexible system that rewards experimentation. Mission structure and co-op action During the showcase, the team presented a mission titled Sandstorm Raid, in which players infiltrate a dilapidated Imperium outpost to steal supplies. The mission featured dynamic, fast-paced combat, with players using a mix of melee strikes, healing beams, sniper fire and shield deployment. One standout mechanic allows players to reposition explosive barrels for ambushes – a feature intentionally unpublicised to encourage organic discovery. Visually, Blood Line impresses with high-fidelity graphics, dynamic lighting and fluid animations. Touchscreen controls are intuitive, and gamepad support ensures a seamless experience on larger devices. A companion to the Rebel Moon films Blood Line runs parallel to the events of Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire. As the rebellion builds on Veldt in the film, the game follows an uprising on Crypt. This narrative structure allows the game to expand the universe without rehashing on-screen events. While set in Snyder's world, the game stands on its own, with original characters and a self-contained story. No prior knowledge of the films is required, though fans will recognise shared visual motifs and themes. Collaboration with Snyder and his team was instrumental in shaping the game's tone and storytelling. His signature cinematic style is evident in the dramatic set pieces and large-scale battles that define Blood Line. Balancing depth and accessibility One of the development team's key challenges was designing a game that would appeal to both casual Netflix users and core gamers. Their solution is layered design: each mission features a primary objective, as well as optional challenges – such as time limits, hidden items or enemy targets – that reward more engaged play. Difficulty adjusts dynamically depending on player count, and support systems such as supply drops help solo players stay competitive. For more experienced players, Blood Line offers endgame War Zone missions that require advanced builds, teamwork and endurance. The game follows a seasonal structure, with regular content updates introducing new missions, enemies, gear and story elements. As the rebellion grows, so too does the game's scope and complexity – positioning Blood Line as a live, evolving experience rather than a static release. A mobile game with ambition The developers are especially proud of the game's polish and depth – qualities they believe will surprise players used to more limited mobile experiences. They also highlight the rarity of real-time co-operative play in the mobile space, and the game's ability to deliver that fluidly. Rebel Moon: Blood Line is far more than a promotional spin-off. It is a carefully crafted RPG that respects its source material without being shackled by it. In a market crowded with microtransaction-heavy clones, it stands out as a premium experience with long-term ambitions. If successful, it could mark a turning point not just for Netflix's gaming efforts, but for what mobile games can aspire to be.
Digital Trends
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
3 new PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (July 4-6)
We have a double-whammy of a weekend to look forward to as PlayStation Plus subscribers. Not only do we have an extra-long weekend for the Fourth of July, but this month also marks the 15-year anniversary of PlayStation Plus. As such, Sony is hitting us with a particularly strong lineup of games at the Essential tier. Now, don't get your hopes up and expect all the best PS5 games to be on offer, but the selection is still very strong and offers something different to suit your tastes. We have one of the most popular action RPGs, a strong fighting game, and an artistic indie that you might have missed when it first came out. If you're looking for something new to play this weekend, I've got you covered. Diablo 4 The big title hitting the service this month is Diablo 4. While the last game took a few years to get into a good spot with its fans, this entry hit the ground running. That isn't to say there aren't controversies about the endgame and how the seasonal structure works among the hardcore, but there's a ton of fun to be had going through the story. Plus, now that there's no barrier for friends to jump in as well, including cross-platform players, it can be the perfect co-op game. If you are one to fall into that addictive loop of slaughtering dozens of monsters, snatching up tons of loot, and using it to fight bigger and badder enemies, you won't find a better example than this. Recommended Videos Diablo 4 is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The King of Fighters 15 Most of the focus in the fighting game space is taken up by Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken now, but King of Fighters was once a major player in that space. The King of Fighters 15 was a triumphant return for the franchise after a bit of a break that calls back to the glory days. This is a 3v3 fighter with an impressive 39 character roster to run through the story mode and mix and match in vicious online fights. If you're not a seasoned fighting game player, worry not because it implements its own simplified control scheme to help you get a grip on the systems. As an added bonus, PS Plus players also get free access to a Leona DLC costume that puts her back in her classic outfit from 1996. The King of Fighters 15 is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Jusant Last up, do me a personal favor and don't ignore Jusant. This unique little game is all about climbing, with no combat and little in the way of explicit story. Instead, it is all about the individual journey and experience you have in finding your own way up this mountain as you master your moves and tools to scale ever higher. There's a lot of extra lore to discover on the mountain, but the real prize is what you personally take away from this metaphorical climb. If you're open to interpreting and investing yourself in what this game is trying to say, it could easily be a sleeper hit for you in this otherwise packed lineup. Jusant is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Asharq Al-Awsat
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Manga Productions to Publish 'Nioh 3' in MENA with Arabic Localization
Manga Productions, a subsidiary of Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), announced on Tuesday its partnership with KOEI TECMO GAMES as the official publisher of the highly anticipated action title 'Nioh 3' in the Middle East and North Africa region. The game is scheduled for a worldwide simultaneous launch in early 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Steam. In a statement, Manga Production said 'Nioh 3' marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series, celebrated for its unique blend of Japanese mythology and intense combat. With over eight million units sold worldwide, the Nioh series has established itself as a global favorite. This new installment adopts an open field environment and a new battle system that allows players to switch between the two fighting styles "Samurai" and "Ninja" in real time during combat. As part of the collaboration, Manga Productions will lead the Arabic localization, marketing, and regional publishing efforts. In line with the company's mission to empower local talent, Manga Productions will involve Saudi creatives in the localization process, ensuring a culturally resonant and high-quality experience for Arabic-speaking players. Manga Productions CEO Dr. Essam Bukhary said the launch of 'Nioh 3' with Arabic support for gamers in the region is another step toward delivering world-class experiences while empowering Saudi talent throughout every stage of development. 'The trust we've earned from our global partners reflects Manga Productions' strong capabilities in publishing, distribution, and marketing, as well as our continued success in delivering high-quality, culturally relevant content to audiences across the region,' he stated. Manga Productions and KOEI TECMO GAMES remain committed to delivering high-quality entertainment that reflects the growing passion and potential of the gaming community across the Middle East. KOEI TECMO GAMES President and COO Hisashi Koinuma stressed: 'After the positive reception of DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, we're excited to deepen our partnership with Manga Productions to bring Nioh 3 to Arabic-speaking audiences, fully localized and tailored to their expectations.' Manga Productions Business Development and Content Licensing Director Eng. Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh said: 'Following our collaboration on DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, which was praised for delivering an Arabic experience that felt original rather than translated, Nioh 3 is our next step in raising that standard.' 'We're committed to offering players a seamless, fully localized journey that feels like it was made for them from day one of the worldwide simultaneous launch,' he remarked.
Geek Culture
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
‘Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree' Carves Bold Addition To Rogue-Like Genre With Weapon-Switching Focus
Replayability, procedural generation and non-linear progression – these are the core pillars of rogue-likes, a subgenre of role-playing games (RPG) often lauded for creating unique and unpredictable experiences with every 'run', the term used to describe each playthrough of the game, where death means starting over almost from scratch. With the roguelike genre dominated by titles that have perfected the formula, like Hades or The Binding of Isaac , what more can newcomers bring to the table that hasn't already been done countless times before? For publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment and developer Brownies Inc., their answer lies in Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree , an upcoming 2D action roguelike oozing with charm and visual flair, and most importantly, offers a refreshing take on the traditional hack-and-slash format with its heavy emphasis on weapon durability and hot-swapping. Over the course of a roughly half-hour gameplay preview session, we were able to experience a taste of what's in store for the ambitious title, and after trying out its innovative combat mechanics, left with an eager yearning for more. As a studio known for turn-based RPGs like the Egglia franchise, or relaxing farming simulators like 2019's Doraemon Story of Seasons , Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree marks a bold departure for Brownies Inc., not only due to a shift in genre, but also the overall intensity of moment-to-moment gameplay. This intensity isn't immediately apparent from the get-go, as the game presents a similar cutesy visual aesthetic seen in the studio's past titles, with heavily stylised designs for characters and environments alike. Players take on the role of Towa, the priestess of the fictional Shinju Village, who is tasked with gathering eight trustworthy companions, known as Guardians, as they embark on a quest to defeat Magatsu, an evil god who threatens to consume the land with his dark miasma and armies of creatures known as Magaori. Unlike traditional roguelikes, though, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree features an overarching narrative that's directly influenced by the completion of runs, with the inclusion of a unique time-progression mechanic. Due to Magatsu, time has come to a complete standstill in Shinju Village, with players needing to complete runs to progress the game's main plot. 'Once you defeat the final boss in each run, the village's time progression will be altered, constantly progressing with each run cleared,' explains game director Shuhei Yamashita in an accompanying interview session with Geek Culture and other Southeast Asian media. 'This is one of the unique essences of the title, as not only will each run feature multiple paths to choose from, but clearing them will directly affect the game's storyline and push its narrative forward.' The essence of any rogue-like lies not only in its procedural runs but in the core combat mechanics that tie everything together. In Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree , players don't venture on runs alone, but always in groups of two. Furthermore, Towa might be the game's protagonist, but she doesn't actually embark on runs, instead leaving it up to her eight companions. Players have a choice between two of the eight playable Guardians, each with their own distinct visual style and backstories to discover. Take Nishiki, for example, a towering humanoid Koi fish who laughably loves eating seafood and can't swim despite his appearance, or Origami, a woman who, like her namesake, wears a giant Origami boat as a hat, and Bampuku, a giant bipedal Shiba Inu who's the definition of the word huggable. Interestingly, the wacky designs of some of the Guardians weren't an idea inspired by other games, media or folklore, but rather the creations of Yamashita himself. 'We did want to make strange and interesting characters for the game, and we thought it was a good idea to make them stand out a little bit. I designed the looks of Nishiki, Origami and Towa, and it doesn't matter if they look strange, I mean, there are eight characters, so why not make some of them look a little weirder?' It's not only looks that set the Guardians apart, as each also possesses unique movesets and abilities to mix and match. Players will take two Guardians across each run, one taking on the role of 'Tsuguri', the main damage dealer wielding two swords, and the other a 'Kagura', a supporting role which offers a choice of two spells, each bound to a trigger button. Once a run begins, players will encounter the traditional rogue-like format of progressing through procedurally generated instances, choosing different paths with varying rewards along the way. What sets the game apart, however, is its focus on themes of duality in its core concepts, as apart from having two characters and their aforementioned roles, hot-swapping between weapons also plays a key part in combat. No matter the character chosen as the Tsuguri, each will enter battles equipped with two swords, the Honzashi (Main) and the Wakizashi (Sub), with each character possessing unique attack patterns for both: Origami, for example, performs a slow but powerful sweeping attack combo with her Honzashi, while her Wakizashi requires the attack button to be held to charge up a ground slam that deals damage in a straight line. Shingin, a fox-ninja hybrid Guardian, throws his Honzashi forward to attack at range, while his Wakizashi calls down an explosion from the sky at range. The use of both weapons is tied together by the game's blade sharpening system, which causes the quality of each weapon to degrade with every attack, reducing their effectiveness unless the player performs a 'Quick Draw', a move that causes the character to quickly swap weapons, striking with the new one while simultaniously sharpening the other. Unlike most games with a weapon degradation system, however, both swords lose their sharpness extremely quickly, usually after five or so attacks, making constant weapon-swapping essential and encouraging equal use of both. With the combination of two swords, two spells, and a final ultimate move known as a 'Fatal Blow' that's unique to each Guardian, combat quickly becomes a dance of utilising everything at each character's disposal while dodging an enemy's telegraphed attacks, resulting in an addictive gameplay flow that's equal parts hectic and engaging. After clearing each combat encounter, players will receive rewards based on a chosen path, which can range from materials, currency, or a choice of four Graces, run-specific upgrades that can enhance the capabilities of swords and spells, or provide new abilities like a window of invulnerability upon dodging. Instead of combat encounters, players can also choose a path after battle that leads them to a shop to exchange currency for a Grace, or a spring that refills their health. This pattern then repeats until the player reaches the final boss for the run, or until death. Upon death, runs are reset, which removes all Graces earned, but players will still be able to retain any materials found. These can then be brought back to Shinju Village and used for weapon crafting and ability upgrading for the Guardians, although we were not able to try this out due to the curated nature of the preview. This limitation also extended to the game's time progression narrative, but in theory, these systems will serve to supplement to the game's already solid combat foundations by offering gradual improvements to each character, keeping gameplay engaging even after multiple runs. Despite the relatively brief preview session, it's clear that Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is an ambitious title for Brownies Inc. There's always something impressive about a team willing to step out of their comfort zone, especially when the resulting game effectively balances familiarity with innovation. This could very well be the next sleeper rogue-like hit, which is impressive considering the project itself was a happy accident of sorts. 'It started with us trying to challenge ourselves with something new,' Yamashita concludes, 'We wanted to start a small project, and thought the rogue-like genre would be a good start. But it ended up becoming bigger than we expected, and now it's a super big project, and we're just bulldozing through it with sheer willpower.' Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree will launch on 19 September 2025 for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC. Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise 'duds' like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3 . He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
Al Bawaba
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Was Nintendo the problem all along? Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation sparks shock
Published June 10th, 2025 - 10:52 GMT ALBAWABA - Japanese developer Game Freak recently took the internet by storm during the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase after revealing its upcoming souls-like, Beast of Reincarnation. The stunning graphics left people in shock after they compared the developer's previous games to Nintendo's Pokémon franchise. Game Freak has always been subjected to criticism for its lackluster graphics and poor optimization in Pokémon games such as Sword and Shield, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet and Violet, and many more. Many fans blamed the developer, further stating that the studio lacks "motivation." However, others blamed the Nintendo Switch hardware, deeming it "outdated" and "weak" for its time, which caused limitations in graphics and performance. — PlayStation (@PlayStation) June 9, 2025 While that might've been the case, other Nintendo titles like Kirby: The Forgotten Lands, Mario Kart 8, Luigi's Mansion 3, and many more run steadily with stunning graphics. Additionally, Game Freak recently showcased the visible difference in textures between the Switch and Switch 2 versions of its upcoming game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Beast of Reincarnation (Game Freak) Game Freak describes Beast of Reincarnation as "an expansive one-person, one-dog action RPG built around demanding, technical combat." It follows the story of Emma and her loyal canine companion, Koo, who venture into post-apocalyptic Japan as humanity's last hope. The game is set to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Xbox Game Pass and Steam. According to its Steam store page, Beast of Reincarnation draws elements from adventure, action, and souls-like games © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
