BUS BOUND PHYSICAL EDITION ARRIVES MAY 28 ON PLAYSTATION 5 & XBOX SERIES Paris, France – April 2nd, 2026 – Let’s get this city moving! Publisher Saber Interactive and developer stillalive studios are excited to announce that Bus Bound, the all-new driving-focused sim featuring a vibrant metropolis to explore with a variety of vehicles solo or in online co-op, will be available in a physical edition on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series on May 28. Check out the new release date announcement trailer to see what the sleepy neighborhoods and bustling urban intersections of the city have in store! Microids is responsible for designing and manufacturing the physical edition of Bus Bound for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.
Key Game Features
Bus Bound Deluxe Edition will be available in a physical edition on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series on May 28. Stops will also include Epic Games & Steam! |
FTS: BUS BOUND PHYSICAL EDITION ARRIVES MAY 28 ON PLAYSTATION 5 & XBOX SERIES
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance – A Strong Return or Just Riding Nostalgia?
I got some time in with Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, and I’ll say this up front, this game doesn’t ease you in.
They throw enemies at you early, and they don’t really stop.
You’re not just dealing with one or two targets. You’re getting groups, and if you’re not moving right or staying aggressive, you’ll feel it immediately. This isn’t a “wait your turn” type of game. You have to stay on offense, keep chaining attacks, and make use of your movement or you’ll get overwhelmed.
Combat Feels Right… When You Stay in Control
The combat is built around speed.
You’re:
- Chaining melee attacks
- Dashing to reposition
- Using abilities to keep pressure on enemies
When it clicks, it feels good. You start controlling the space instead of reacting to it.
But if you hesitate? Dude, they will swarm you.
That’s where the game separates itself a bit. It’s not just about hitting enemies, it’s about managing space and staying ahead of the chaos.
Switching Between Characters Keeps It Fresh
You’re not locked into one playstyle, and that helps.
Playing as Kain feels powerful, like you’re supposed to dominate the screen. Then you switch over to Raziel, and things shift depending on where you are in his timeline. There’s also Elaleth, who leans into a more aggressive approach.
That variety matters, because with the number of enemies coming at you, doing the same thing over and over would get old fast.
The Mix of 2D and 3D Actually Works
Most of the action happens in 2D, and that’s where you’re dealing with all the combat pressure. Then the game shifts into those PS1-style 3D moments when it wants to slow things down and focus on the story.
It doesn’t feel random. It feels placed where it needs to be.
And since this takes place before Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, there’s context there for people who know the series. What makes it even better are the original freaking voice actors. This is where they couldn’t afford to mess up, and it would've been off to have completely different voices.
You’ve got returning talent like:
- Michael Bell
- Simon Templeman
- Anna Gunn
- Richard Doyle
That voice work is part of what made this series what it is.
Here’s where I land after playing it.
The game is at its best when you’re in control, moving fast, and dealing with enemies on your terms. The problem is, it doesn’t always give you breathing room to get comfortable before things ramp up.
Some players are going to like that. Others are going to feel like the game is coming at them a little too hard, a little too early. The blood meter was my biggest enemy.
But one thing is clear, this isn’t a passive experience.
If you’re stepping into this, be ready to fight for every bit of progress.
I Hate This Place – Survival Horror With Bite… But Is It Worth It?
There are some games that pull you in with story.
Others pull you in with gameplay.
And then there are games like I Hate This Place… that throw you into the chaos and say, “Figure it out.”
And yeah… you’re gonna feel that. Enough talking for now, let's play!
First Impressions – A Familiar Vibe… With a Twist
“I Hate This Place” gives off a very specific kind of energy.
It feels like The Walking Dead met A Quiet Place… and had a baby that doesn’t fully hold your hand.
You’ve got:
- Survival pressure
- Sound-based threats
- Moments where your decisions matter
But don’t expect a full-on narrative experience like The Walking Dead. This game leans more into gameplay survival than storytelling.
Before You Play… Learn the Controls (Seriously)
Let me save you some frustration right now.
This is not the kind of game where you want to “figure it out on the fly.” When monsters are closing in, you don’t have time for that.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Weapon Swap (Firearms): Up and Down on the D-Pad
- Food & Bandages: Left on the D-Pad
- Cans & Nail Bombs: Right on the D-Pad
To use items like cans:
- Press RB to select
- Aim with the Right Stick
- Throw with RT
Firearms:
- Aim with Right Stick
- Shoot with RT
Melee (Bat):
- Use the Left Stick to face direction
- Press RT to swing
- (No right stick aiming here)
And here’s the kicker…
You can’t just go into the inventory and select items to use. You have to cycle through them in real time.
That’s something the developers really should’ve explained better with a proper tutorial. It would’ve saved players a lot of early frustration.
Survival Means… Survival
This game doesn’t play around when it comes to survival mechanics.
You’re constantly managing:
- Food
- Health (bandages)
- Crafting materials
- Stamina
The food system feels a bit heavy-handed, though.
For example:
- A bag of chips can fully restore energy
- A can of beans… not so much
So yeah… keep an eye on your meter, because wasting resources will cost you.
The Monsters Don’t Care About Your Learning Curve
The enemies in this game?
They’re not waiting for you to get comfortable.
They:
- Move fast
- React to sound
- Put pressure on your positioning
Stealth becomes a big part of survival—but over time, it can feel a bit tiresome.
And when combat does kick in?
Let’s just say… it’s not always something you look forward to.
Where the Game Struggles
Here’s where things get real.
Movement.
The game would benefit greatly from more fluid mobility, especially when dealing with faster enemies. There are moments where it feels like you’re fighting the controls just as much as the monsters.
If you’ve ever played the top-down Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light style games, you know how smooth that movement can feel.
That’s the kind of responsiveness that could’ve taken this experience to another level.
Right now?
It’s a bit rough around the edges.
Price vs Experience
“I Hate This Place” comes in at $29.99.
Now… will some players enjoy it?
Absolutely.
Especially if you:
- Enjoy survival-focused gameplay
- Don’t mind learning systems through trial and error
- Like tension-driven experiences
But if you’re looking for:
- Smooth combat
- Strong narrative depth
- More intuitive controls
You might hesitate.
Buy or Pass?
“I Hate This Place” isn’t a bad game.
But it’s not a smooth one either.
It delivers:
✔ Survival tension
✔ Unique sound-based mechanics
✔ Resource management pressure
But struggles with:
✖ Movement fluidity
✖ Combat feel
✖ Lack of onboarding/tutorial
So here’s the deal.
If you’re curious, the gameplay above gives you everything you need to decide.
Because at the end of the day… different strokes for different folks.
If it clicks for you? You’ll have a tense survival experience on your hands.
If not? You’ll probably feel that friction pretty early.
Either way… Game on. 🎮
+ Sophi
Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor — A Charming Ride That Needs... Work?
There’s something instantly warm and nostalgic about stepping into the world of Thomas & Friends. For generations, the series created by Britt Allcroft has been a gateway into storytelling, teamwork, and—of course—trains. So when Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor rolls in, you might expect a simple, kid-friendly ride.
And visually? That’s exactly what it looks like.
But once you get your hands on it… things start to feel a little different.
Not Just for Kids — There’s a Sim Under the Hood
At first glance, Wonders of Sodor feels like a colorful playground for younger audiences. Bright environments, familiar characters, and that signature charm all point to a relaxed, accessible experience.
But then the gameplay kicks in.
There’s a surprising layer of railroad operation here that feels closer to something like Train Sim World than a typical children’s title. You’re not just riding along—you’re managing switches, handling movement, and taking on tasks that require actual attention and understanding.
That’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s where the game becomes really interesting.
It opens the door for kids to engage with something deeper… but that’s also where things can go sideways.
The Big Balance Problem: Fun vs. Function
Here’s the reality: the idea works, but the execution needs refinement.
For a game like this to truly shine, it needs to respect two very different audiences:
🧒 Kids who just want to play with trains and enjoy the adventure
🎮 Players who are open to (or expecting) a more involved simulation experience
Right now, it leans into simulation without fully supporting beginners.
A better approach would be layered gameplay options:
Easy Mode: Guided, forgiving, and story-driven
Standard Mode: Balanced assistance with some freedom
Simulation Mode: Full control, minimal hand-holding
And one small but powerful addition?
👉 A visual track indicator when switching rails—showing exactly where the train will go. That alone would remove a lot of confusion instantly.
The Tutorial… Needs a Tutorial
Let’s talk about the biggest hurdle: onboarding.
The tutorial starts off helpful, giving you bits of information… and then suddenly, it feels like your instructor just walked off the job mid-shift.
You’re left figuring things out on your own—and not in a fun, discovery-driven way. More like:
“Wait… did I just mess this up?”
If you try to move forward or reverse without fully understanding the system, you’re likely restarting the tutorial entirely.
That’s frustrating for anyone.
And if an adult feels that friction, you can already imagine how quickly a younger player might check out.
A strong tutorial should:
Build confidence step-by-step
Reinforce actions clearly
Never leave the player guessing what went wrong
Right now, it does the opposite at key moments.
When the Train Won’t Stop…
One of the most intense moments I experienced came during the Shunting Challenge at Ffarquhar Quarry.
Everything was going smoothly—I had momentum, I was collecting train cars, I was locked in.
Then suddenly… I couldn’t stop the train.
No matter what I did, it kept going—faster—until I hit the buffer stop.
That wasn’t just a small bug. That was a full “runaway train” moment.
And while that might sound exciting on paper… it’s not when you’re trying to complete an objective and the controls aren’t responding the way they should.
There’s a lot to like here.
The world is inviting
The concept is genuinely interesting
The blend of kid-friendly charm with simulation mechanics is bold
But right now, Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor feels like a game with great ideas that just needs more time in the yard before departure.
We’ve already reached out to the developers to highlight:
Tutorial gaps
Control inconsistencies
Early technical issues (including startup problems)
Because this can be something special.
If the team tightens the onboarding, smooths out the controls, and gives players options in how they experience the game, this could become a standout title—not just for kids, but for anyone curious about stepping into the conductor’s role.
This isn’t just a kids’ game. It’s a train sim wearing a friendly face.
And if it gets the guidance right, it might just stay on track long enough to win over both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
+ Sophi
Top Audiences Last Week + Free Games!
This week flew by... but we still have to make room for fun (that's your mission!), so get the scoop on the top audiences and... grab your free games! South Africa and Mexico were going at it this week... along with Germany and China, but it's all love. I don't know why I'm randomly thinking about BBQ the weekend is almost here and my moms off. I hope she doesn't mind making sides. (I'd better practice the old puppy dog look, because I want her baked mac'n'cheese.) Anyway... Peace, Joy, and Delicious Food! Game on!
🏆This Week’s Top 6 Articles
FTS: Blood Strike x EVANGELION Collaboration Now Available
Why Core Keeper Might Be the Next Must-Play for Terraria Fans
February Game Drops 2026: What's Worth Your Time + What We're Calling Out
From Animation to Award-Winning Games: The Ember Lab Brothers & Building Your Own Door
Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club - A Detective Adventure Kids Can Grow With
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando: Worth the Purchase or a Pass? Let's find out!
1. US USA
2. GB United Kingdom
3. SG Singapore
4. JP Japan
5. CH China
6. DE Germany
7. HK Hong Kong
8. FR France
9. CA Canada
10. TH Thailand
Australia, Philippines, and South Africa... came close!
