007: First Light — A Tactical Preview Worth the Watch

IO Interactive’s 34-minute gameplay reveal of 007: First Light offers a focused look at what players can expect from this upcoming stealth-action title and it's bad ass. Known for their work on the Hitman series, IO is applying their expertise to the Bond universe with precision and flair. If I had to imagine IO Interactive making their own spy-based action adventure game... it would look just 007: First Light:

As you see, the gameplay reveal highlights a blend of stealth, tactical movement, and cinematic execution. Players navigate multi-path environments, disable security systems with gadgets, and engage in hand-to-hand combat when necessary. The pacing is deliberate, encouraging thoughtful play that reminds me of Hitman with 10 times the action. It almost feels like Hitman meets Just Cause, and I can't wait... to play! I'm keeping my expectations realistic while also wondering how IO Interactive will treat the life cycle of this game.

Lighting, sound, and environmental design play a role in how missions unfold. The game rewards patience and planning, with reactive AI and layered objectives that evolve as players progress. We've seen situations shift in Hitman... so we'll see how this all translates when it comes to the action.

 Presentation and Immersion 

Camera work is tight and purposeful, keeping the player grounded in the moment. Voice acting and mission scripting reflect the tone of a young Bond—(someone) controlled, clever, and relentless from what I see. You still get the tension of Hitman in this game as well, and I'm trying not to put this in those shoes at all... but they aren't bad shoes to model Bond's spy-friendly shoes after.

 Why We’re Excited 

• Tactical depth without overwhelming complexity (sometimes this got to me in Hitman)

• Strong visual and audio direction (feels like it could be a 007 film)

• A fresh take on Bond that respects the legacy (they went back far enough to justify differences)

• IO’s proven track record with stealth mechanics (duh of the day)

007: First Light isn’t trying to be everything—but what it appears to have going is something that has turned my head and people already know IOI. This was the perfect project for them. Will that make it the perfect game? I have no idea, but we shall see! 007: First Light drops on March 27, 2026 on PC | PS5 | XSX | NS2!

If they stick the landing, this could be one of the most grounded and satisfying stealth titles of the year. On that note, wouldn't it be cool to see Avalanche Studios (the dev team behind Just Cause) make a move to develop a... Mission Impossible game?

 + Sophi 

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FTS: Rami Ismail & Mystic Forge Reveal "Australia Did It," a Genre-Bending Action-Strategy Game Coming This Year (PC)

 

RAMI ISMAIL AND MYSTIC FORGE UNVEIL AUSTRALIA DID IT, A GENRE-DEFYING ACTION-STRATEGY GAME

Tower Defense and Reverse Bullet Hell collide in this radical new creation – the Tactical Reverse Bullet Hell – launching on Steam later this year!

UTRECHT, Netherlands - Sept. 3, 2025 - In a time when risk-taking in the video game industry feels increasingly rare, Australia Did It crashes through convention with a new genre all its own: the Tactical Reverse Bullet Hell. Published by boutique label Mystic Forge, this unique new game, coming to Steam later this year, enhances the thoughtful play of Turn-Based Tower Defense with a unique unit-merging system and explosive on-rails Reverse Bullet Hell combat. Carefully strategize to withstand relentless enemy waves, then unleash sensory overload as you become the Bullet Hell, mowing down thousands in dazzling chaos.

Designed as a compact, experimental take on the strategy genre, Australia Did It challenges genre conventions and industry caution in equal measure. Created by acclaimed designer Rami Ismail (Nuclear Throne, Luftrausers) and co-developed by Aesthetician Labs, the game marks a return to small-team innovation and genre-pushing ambition at a time when the industry sorely needs it.

The project began with a challenge: stay small, take risks, and build something that doesn’t need to fit a mold.

“I believe the games industry has been failing at supporting developer innovation and experimentation,” said Ismail.

 “Publishers, investors, and shareholders fund the same few safe bets, later and later in development - forcing even the most creative developers to make safe games with predictable ideas, and force in the latest flavour-of-the-day. That continues until someone does manage to break the mold and creates something truly new - and then the money chases that until that is replaced again. I had very low hopes for this odd prototype I’d been playing with, but when I showed it to Mystic Forge, they didn’t even flinch at the experimental genre mix, wrote the check for a small development cycle, and supported us throughout development. No guardrails, no caveats, just a firm belief that games need new ideas, and that it is worth chasing that.”

Mystic Forge, the new indie publisher created by founding members of Good Shepherd Entertainment, veterans behind titles like Monster Train, Friday the 13th, John Wick Hex, and the Transport Fever series, was launched to do exactly that - support bold projects by teams they believe in. With Australia Did It, the publisher took a deliberately hands-off approach.

“From the very start, I knew that Mystic Forge had to run with Rami going up to bat and taking a big creative swing with this game. Once we chatted about design intent with the focus on high-tension moments and heard his full pitch with the proposed title name, we were ALL IN,” said Randy Greenback, Portfolio Director at Mystic Forge. “Mystic Forge exists to support ideas that deserve to be seen and played, especially if they don’t follow the rules. Australia Did It is experimental, there isn't anything else like it.”

Set in a drained Atlantic Ocean basin following a mysterious catastrophic event, Australia Did It casts players as hired mercenaries defending a cargo train as it navigates through a monster-ridden drained seabed. Your mission? Escort precious cargo across this hostile terrain by holding off endless waves of enemies at every station. If the shipment arrives intact, we’ll call it a win. Whether you survive or not.

Game Features:

• Defend Your Station: Before the train departs, strategically deploy and position your limited units to hold off relentless waves of enemies. Think chess, but faster and with potentially explosive mistakes.
• Evolve Your Units: Merge units on the fly to unlock 1,500+ combinations across 30+ unit types. Create ridiculously powerful new units or niche specialists. Experimentation is key….. just try not to blow yourself up.
• Survive The Reverse Bullet Hell: Once the train’s moving, chaos begins. Engage in intense real-time battles where you become the Bullet Hell, mowing down thousands in sensory-overload shootouts. Remember, only the cargo’s survival is mandatory.
• Customize Your Strategies: After each successful station, choose from special Reward Cards that grant substantial perks and boosts. Craft unique builds by mixing cards with your evolving crew for creative new strategies.

Australia Did It will be available on PC via Steam later this year.

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Stunning RPG Powered by Unreal Engine 5

PC Version | Console Version

In the world of gaming, visuals and storytelling go hand in hand, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is... a prime example of how Unreal Engine 5 can bring a dark fantasy world to life with breathtaking detail. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this turn-based RPG blends strategic combat with real-time action mechanics, delivering a cinematic experience that feels both fresh and familiar.

A Game That’s as Beautiful as It Is Brutal

Set in a fictionalized Belle Époque France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 follows a group of warriors fighting against the Paintress, a mysterious entity that erases people from existence every year. The game’s rich environments, intricate character designs, and fluid animations showcase the power of Unreal Engine 5, allowing players to immerse themselves in a world that feels alive.

The Role of Unreal Engine in Modern RPGs

Game engines like Unreal Engine 5 have revolutionized RPG development, enabling studios—big and... small—to craft high-fidelity worlds with dynamic lighting, realistic textures, and seamless animations. Sandfall Interactive has leveraged Nanite technology for ultra-detailed environments and Lumen lighting to create atmospheric scenes that enhance the emotional depth of the story.

        

A Soundtrack That Sets the Mood

The original soundtrack of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is undeniably a quality piece of work in itself and fits the game’s tone... well. The music serves up something different for your ears to absorb, complementing the high-stakes battles and melancholic themes of the story.

Whether it’s the haunting orchestral pieces or the pulse-pounding battle tracks, the OST adds another layer to the experience. As an indie developer, they really knocked this out of the park... especially for their first title.

Overall, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a testament to what indie studios can achieve with cutting-edge software as tool to wield with those skills. Sandfall Interactive has crafted a visually stunning, emotionally gripping RPG that stands out in a genre full of giants. Whether you’re drawn in by the art direction, the combat mechanics, or the soundtrack, this game is a must-play for RPG fans looking for something bold and unique.

Check out - Inside the development journey of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

 + Sophi 

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Take control with the AJAZZ AKP153 Studio Controller

Mythical Concept: Starnaut - A Stellar Adventure... Finally Released!

 

After years of anticipation, the indie development team at crim Co., Ltd. has finally released their vibrant and action-packed roguelike, Mythical Concept: Starnaut. This April 28th launch marks the culmination of years of dedication and creativity, delivering a game that promises to captivate players of all ages.

A Game Perfect for Busy Lives

One of the standout features of Starnaut is its accessibility for players with limited time. Each run lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick gaming sessions without sacrificing the thrill of over-the-top Japanese-style action. The gameplay is easy to learn yet brimming with depth, ensuring that both kids and adults can dive into its colorful universe and enjoy the excitement of battling endless hordes of enemies.

A Celebration of Creativity and Legacy

The release date of Starnaut coincided with the 14th anniversary of El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, another masterpiece from crim Co., Ltd. To commemorate this milestone, the HD Remaster of El Shaddai is available at a discounted price on Steam and Nintendo Switch for a limited time. This dual celebration highlights the studio's commitment to delivering unique and memorable gaming experiences. Before we proceed with a message from the crim Co team, check out the full launch trailer:

A Message from the Developers

The team at crim Co., Ltd. shared their gratitude with the press, stating:

"To All Members of the Press, thank you very much for your continued support and cooperation with the public relations activities of crim Co., Ltd.

We are pleased to share with you the following press release announced by crim today. We appreciate your kind attention."

With Mythical Concept: Starnaut, crim Co., Ltd. invites players to embark on a solo space expedition filled with vibrant visuals, addictive gameplay, and a heartfelt story that connects to their legacy. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the roguelike genre, Starnaut promises an unforgettable journey through the multiverse.

+ Sophi

游戏开始！

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