FTS: Poker-Based Roguelike RPG "Hero's Hand" Revealed for PC & Consoles

Play Your Cards Right in Hero’s Hand, a New Poker-Based Roguelike RPG Adventure

Fight enemies inspired by D&D and other beloved fantasy worlds in this strategic deckbuilder, launching on PC & consoles in 2026

RALEIGH, N.C.— March 17, 2025 — Villain Games HQ is thrilled to unveil Hero’s Hand, a genre-bending roguelike RPG fueled by poker-inspired puzzle combat, coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam in 2026. Travel through beautiful hand-drawn environments, gather cards to build a poker hand, and take down enemies inspired by Dungeons & Dragons as you level up, collect items, and grow stronger with each run.

“When we first scribbled ‘poker-based RPG’ on a whiteboard back in 2019, we never expected it to spark such hilarious chaos,” said Randy Greenback, Creative Director at Villain Games. “But once our prototype had the team howling over insane card combos, we knew Hero’s Hand had to become a reality. Getting to relaunch Villain with the passion we have for this game is definitely next level!”

When darkness takes over Cardunia, it’s up to you to solve its mysteries, confront the evil, and find a way to bring back peace to the world. Along the way, you’ll explore the lands, meet new friends, find ancient weapons, cast spells, use potions, and die in combat… a lot! With each run, you’ll grow stronger, master your skills and eventually tear through monsters to take on the Dark Wizard.

Poker Meets Dungeon-Crawling

Hero’s Hand challenges you to strategically move across each board, grabbing cards to form flushes, straights, or four-of-a-kind combos for massive damage. Whether you’re using overpowered Fortune Items, upgrading your loadout, or weaving together synergy from potions and spells, you’ll forge your own path through random encounters and ever-tougher enemies.

Key Features

• Roguelike Adventure & Narrative: Journey across eight uniquely themed worlds, battle your way through Death’s Tower, and grow stronger each time you fall. A layered story unfolds through comedic encounters and sub-boss showdowns.
• Poker-Based Combat: Build your poker hand on the fly by moving about the board to collect cards for devastating combos. Cleverly use spells, potions, and the wheel of Fortuna to amplify your poker hands and tip the odds in your favor.
• Endless Replayability: Explore procedurally generated maps, face unpredictable events, and discover secret portals teeming with new challenges. No two runs are ever the same.
• Menagerie of Mayhem: Brace yourself for an outrageous cast of Dungeons & Dragons-inspired baddies — from trollish brutes to flamboyant dragons. Each monstrous misfit boasts unique attacks and cunning board effects guaranteed to keep your hero on his toes.
• Fortune Favors the Overkill: Defeat enemies to earn XP, gold and items, and gather rare equipment to outfit your hero for bigger and bolder combos on subsequent runs.

 

Support us below!

3 Months of Unlimited Drinks for $3/Month!

FTS: Graffiti's Monster-Taming RPG "Creature Keeper" Launches May 8 on Steam

 

MONSTER-TAMING RPG CREATURE KEEPER LAUNCHES ON STEAM MAY 8

Befriend dozens of lovable Creatures and restore balance to Thera in this charming, retro-inspired, RPG adventure

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – March 17, 2025 – Publisher Graffiti Games and developer Fervir Games are thrilled to announce that the new monster-taming RPG Creature Keeper will launch on Steam on May 8, 2025! The news was revealed with a new trailer in the online MIX Spring Game Showcase. Befriend unique Creatures, customize your playstyle for battle, and save the world in this retro-inspired action-RPG adventure!

To keep players excited between now and then, starting tomorrow, March 18, Graffiti Games will begin unveiling a Creature each day on Twitter/X until the game's launch on May 8!

Today’s announcement is a full-circle moment for solo developer Fervir and Graffiti Games, having originally revealed their partnership at the MIX Showcase in 2022. A true labor of love, the game started as a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $50k from over 1,800 backers. The game has built a notable community since, having been featured in showcases like The MIX, Future of Play, Tiny Teams, and most notably the 2023 OTK Games Expo, where Creature Keeper took home the “Staff Pick” prize and a $25k development grant from the OTK team.

About Creature Keeper

Welcome to Thera, a magical land filled with fifty fantastical Creatures to train and fight alongside in epic tactical combat. Embark on an adventure to restore balance and stop a sickness from bringing calamity to the world. You can’t save Thera alone though – you’ll need to form a team of unique Creatures to help you on your journey!

To take on the Corruption, you’ll have to level up your party, discover new skills and buffs, and learn all about Creatures through your battles and experiences. Befriend various Creatures like the adorable Amphibiole, the powerful Molectus, the gigantic Lutras, the jacked Swolfe, and the almighty Bep - it’s up to you to build your team and power it up if you hope to overcome the challenges ahead!

Key Features

• Build Your Team & Fight: Assemble your dream team by befriending a variety of unique Creatures to fight alongside you in real time. Choose your Creatures wisely to best handle any challenge that stands in your way!
• Customize Your Creatures: Create powerful, diverse, and stylish playstyles through gameplay-altering skill gems, perks, weapons and more while looking the part with tons of hats to dress your Creatures up in.
• Potent Plant Power: Use your Pocket Garden to grow food and create helpful Connection Bonuses for your Creatures in an engaging organization mini-game.
• Knowledge Is Strength: Fill out your Bestiary on the fifty unique Creatures in Thera to unlock powerful buffs and items for your party.
• An Epic Journey Awaits: Explore the vast world of Thera and all its secrets as you take on your quest of destiny.

Creature Keeper is available to wishlist now on Steam. The game is also in development for Nintendo Switch.

Support us below!

Deck of Souls

Create your own hero, extract souls of your enemies and make cards out of them, break through tough battles, die, and go all over again...

In Deck of Souls , you will:

• Turn your enemies' souls into your cards and mix different classes’ abilities to uncover your true power.

• Choose your hero’s capabilities and appearance, pick between several distinct classes, use the RPG elements and inventory system to your advantage, and take the proper outfit.

• Make choices and decide the bosses’ fate. Execute them for their sins or spare them, so that they will come to help.

Support us below!

Hey Blu: Is it safe to... Uninstall Origin now that I have the EA app?

If you're unsure about whether you should uninstall EA's Origin app, no need to worry... it's safe to get rid of the Origin software now that you have the EA app. Regular EA supporters may look at this and wonder why someone would ask this, but... some gamers don't play EA games regularly and may have purchased a game recently (through another platform) like, Split Fiction.

You know how EA is, you have to open their software in order to play their games purchased through other platforms (Ubisoft is also in this boat), so this is a clear as day answer to put an end to the confusion some have.

EA designed the EA app to replace Origin (duh of the day), but the cool thing is that your game library, progress, and settings should have carried over seamlessly. Open the EA app + Sign in before you uninstall Origin... just to make sure (and put your mind at ease). If you don't see your games, it may be a different account that you're signed into, but if you're already signed into your EA account with Origin it should automatically detect it.

Opening Origin should give you a prompt to help you move on to the new EA app.

Buying a new game via an app like the Epic Games Store app or Steam, should prompt you to install the EA app. Origin won't come up at all, and there won't be any parts of Origin that the EA app will require in order for it to run and play your older EA titles. You may see the warning from Origin about this, but that's based on that being the primary platform at that time. It's safe to let it go and recover the space on your drive. By the way, EA will discontinue Origin in April 2025.

Support us below!

Stellar Anime Figurines!

Level Up Your Date Nights: The Unexpected Perks of Arcade Fun!

Date nights are essential in any relationship. While traditional outings like dinner and a movie have their charm... for sure, why not add a twist and embrace the vibrant world of video game arcades? Here are some unexpected benefits that couples can enjoy by including an arcade visit to the mix to level up their date nights:

 Rekindle Childhood Joys 

Stepping into an arcade can transport you back to simpler times, tapping into the pure joy and excitement of childhood. Sharing this nostalgic experience with your partner can create a unique bond, reminding you both of the fun and carefree moments that first brought you together. I know there is always someone in the room who will say that they've never been too an arcade or they've never played a game, but... there's nothing wrong with going out to enjoy quality time by way of a new experience!

 Friendly Competition 

A little friendly competition can be incredibly invigorating for a relationship as well. Whether you're battling it out in... air hockey, playing pool, arcade basketball, racing against each other in a driving game, or teaming up to conquer a co-op mission, the playful rivalry adds a dynamic layer to your interaction, that may foster a... deeper connection.

 Stress Relief 

Life's daily stresses can take a toll on even the strongest relationships at times. Arcades offer a fantastic (or... funtastic) way to blow off steam and unwind. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the physical and mental engagement of the games, provide a nice escape. Sometimes that's all you need to take the edge off, along with some serious laughter. If you're going out to have fun... (actually) have fun!

 Communication and Teamwork 

Multiplayer arcade games increase their difficulty with every person who joins the action, requiring teamwork to succeed. Adding communication increases the chances getting further as well. Working together to solve puzzles, defeat virtual enemies, or achieve high scores can strengthen your partnership skills. It’s a fun and engaging way to improve your collaboration and understanding of each other... in some form by identify how you approach problems and solutions together in a fun way.

 Spontaneity and Adventure 

Arcades bring an element of spontaneity and adventure to date night. The diverse range of games and activities ensures that there's something for everyone, making each visit a new and exciting experience. This sense of unpredictability can keep your relationship fresh and exciting. Maybe the winner chooses where you go for dinner or dessert! Winner winner... steak for dinner?

 Physical Activity 

While not all arcade games are physically demanding, many do require movement and coordination. Dance games, interactive sports like arcade basketball, and virtual reality experiences can get you both moving and having a blast. It's a fun way to get active together without the formality of a gym. Nothing too crazy though... especially if the night is still young.

 Affordable Fun 

Compared to some traditional date options, arcade visits are often more budget-friendly. This means you can enjoy a fantastic night out without breaking the bank. Plus, the emphasis on experiences rather than material things can lead to more meaningful memories. Which is why some of us loved gaming in the arcades and with others via couch co-op.

Here are some places worth considering in Orlando, Florida if you want to add some arcade fun to your date night if want a break from the parks:

Dezerland Park Orlando

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Top Golf also has an arcade, but... our focus is launching balls into space! By the way, they have a new limited-time Block Party game based on Marvel Studio's Captain America: Brave New World. It gives you multiple areas to score as your balls move from tile to tile. See: Topgolf deals to save!

I didn't forget about you, consider checking out some of your local video game arcades! Wouldn't hurt to incorporate a visit into your date nights every now and then based on the fun and other benefits. Plus you may come across other fun loving couples as well. Game on!

 + Sophi 

Support us below!

Stellar Anime Figurines!