Capcom has a long history of delivering bold new ideas alongside its established franchises, and Pragmata looks to be one of the most intriguing yet. First revealed a few years back as a mysterious sci-fi project, it’s finally taking shape as a narrative-driven action adventure with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and experimentation. Our hands-on session at Gamescom gave us a clearer picture of what the studio is building, and it feels like the kind of project that could stand proudly alongside Capcom’s more famous series while also charting a very different course. Continue reading “PRAGMATA preview (Gamescom)”
Bubsy 4D preview (Gamescom)
It feels almost surreal to write these words, but Bubsy is back. After decades of ridicule, half-baked revivals, and a reputation that made the bobcat more of a punchline than a platforming hero, Atari and Fabraz are giving him another shot – this time with a new intergalactic twist. Bubsy 4D doesn’t shy away from the character’s checkered past, but instead embraces it, leaning into campy humor and pulp-style storytelling while layering on modern platforming sensibilities. We went hands-on with the game at Gamescom to see if this unlikely comeback might actually stick the landing. Continue reading “Bubsy 4D preview (Gamescom)”
Fresh Tracks review (PS5)
Fresh Tracks, developed and published by Buffalo Buffalo, is a roguelike rhythm/action title that takes the thrill of precision combat and places it against the backdrop of a harsh but strikingly beautiful mountain range. On PlayStation 5, it immediately impresses with its unique premise – blending traversal-based decision making with intense battles that demand careful timing and sharp reflexes. The roguelike structure ensures that each run feels different, with trails branching across the slopes, forcing you to weigh the risks and rewards of every path you carve through the environment. Continue reading “Fresh Tracks review (PS5)”
Indie roundup: Zooparasite, CORE.SYS, Candylands Journey & Smoots Crazy Wave
Indie gaming continues to deliver a steady stream of small-scale experiments, quirky ideas, and nostalgic throwbacks – sometimes charming in their simplicity, other times frustrating in their lack of polish. This roundup highlights four recent PlayStation 5 releases that fit squarely into that space, each offering its own spin on familiar genres. From sewer-dwelling survival horror and minimalist puzzle hacking to candy-coated retro platforming and jet ski racing with the Smoots, these titles cover a wide spectrum of styles. The question, as always, is whether they manage to rise above their budget roots and leave a lasting impression. Continue reading “Indie roundup: Zooparasite, CORE.SYS, Candylands Journey & Smoots Crazy Wave”
Directive 8020 preview (Gamescom)
Supermassive Games, known for its expertise in cinematic horror experiences with Until Dawn and The Quarry, is now venturing into the realm of sci-fi with Directive 8020. This new installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology brings the signature branching narratives and decision-based gameplay into a space setting, blending psychological horror with survival mechanics. Having first seen the game during a hands-off presentation at Gamescom 2024 and then gone hands-on with a much lengthier demo build at Gamescom 2025, it’s clear that this project is ambitious — even if it’s still in need of some polish. Once set for release earlier, the game has recently been postponed, with launch now planned for 2026.
Continue reading “Directive 8020 preview (Gamescom)”