As we enter the third week of April, things are looking up a bit when it comes to new game releases, at least if you're into RPG or adventure games. The major release this week is a new take on the action RPG genre that comes from a German developer. The rest of this coming week's releases involves episode two of a more humorous take on the zombie apocalypse, a halibut in space, some mildew, Waterworld in all but name and finally an eyeball.

No Rest for the Wicked / This week's major release / Thursday 18 April
From Moon Studios, the award-winning developers of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps comes No Rest for the Wicked, a visceral, precision Action RPG set to reinvent the genre. The year is 841 - King Harol is dead. As word of his death echoes throughout the kingdom, the crown passes to his arrogant, yet untested son Magnus. Even worse, the Pestilence, an unholy plague not seen for a thousand years, has returned. It sweeps across the land, corrupting everything and everyone it touches. Madrigal Seline, a ruthlessly ambitious figure in the church, sees the Pestilence as a chance to prove herself in the eyes of her god. Steam Link

Hello! Nick Suttner here. You may have seen my name on PlayStation Blog before in various guises (most recently, as the writer behind Carto), but I'm super excited to be coming to you today as co-founder of the small studio Furniture & Mattress, to reveal our debut game Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure. What the heck is role-puzzling, you may ask? Well, we've spent the past few years building the kind of world that you'd expect to find in a role-playing game: curious towns and moody wilderness areas to explore, quirky characters to meet, and weirdo monsters to battle in dungeons. But in Arranger, everything is expressed through the language of a puzzle game. Hence: role-puzzling!

The entire game world exists on a sprawling, interconnected gameplay grid, and as our protagonist Jemma moves around, everything on the same row or column moves with her. She can also loop herself - or other objects - from one edge of the grid to the other. Over the course of our 8-10 hour, single-player adventure, we regularly twist and subvert these simple mechanics in a host of interesting ways, trying to keep things breezy while still providing some satisfying head-scratchers. (And several assist options to skip past them if you're not in the mood.)

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is out now on Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (via Epic Games Store & the Ubisoft Store), and Amazon Luna. An all-new adventure set in a milieu of Persian mythology and history, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a 2.5D action-adventure that casts players as Sargon, youngest member of the elite, superhero-like Immortals. Armed with acrobatic combat skills and an ever-growing arsenal of time powers, Sargon explores the mythical Mount Qaf in search of the kidnapped Prince Ghassan, and gradually unravels the dark secret at the heart of the mountain's time curse.

Inspired by Metroidvanias, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown invites players to explore a vast citadel complex and its outlying biomes, including forests, caves, snowy peaks, and much more. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier - the studio that also produced Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends - the game builds on the ultra-responsive, highly varied platforming action that the Rayman games established - as well as their tradition of spike- and trap-filled pathways that sometimes leave little room for error. Demanding quick reflexes, it delivers performance to match, with all platforms targeting at least 60 frames per second.

From Programancer, the developer of Prison City and Dumpy & Bumpy, comes a brand new title: The Transylvania Adventure of Simon Quest! You're supposed to be the hero, but your spotlight was taken away! Rival Stan Helsing defeated Dracula first, now Simon Quest must embark on a journey of retribution to raise the Count from the dead piece-by-piece, slay him, and obtain the glory he deserves! Go on a perilous journey through the world of Transylvania.

Explore dark mansions, discover minigames, and collect different parts of Dracula to raise him from the dead…then kill him! The Transylvania Adventure of Simon Quest (TASQ) is a parody/homage platformer set in a dark 8-bit world. Reclaim your glory by resurrecting Dracula piece by piece and slaying the dark count yourself! Coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Epic in 2025. Stay tuned for more platform announcements. Retroware is excited to announce this new project in development with Programancer! AND, if you're itching to get your hands on playing a preview of The Transylvania Adventure of Simon Quest (TASQ), YOU CAN at MAGFest 2024 at the National Harbor from January 18 to 21!

As we enter the third week of the new year, we have the first major release of the year, although it might not quite be a AAA release it combines something old with something even older to try and make it into something new. As for the rest of this coming week's releases, we have a steampunk RPG set in the Victorian area, a co-op FPS, a turned based 4X god game, a city builder with a twist and a world full of your pals.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown / This week's major release / Thursday 18 January
Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Play as Sargon and evolve from sword-wielding prodigy to extraordinary legend as you master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers and unique super abilities.

Moonlit Farewell is the culmination of the Momodora series, and takes place 5 years after the events of Momodora III. Momo, a high priestess of Koho Village, is tasked to set off on a journey to save the world from demons, who were summoned by the ringing of a mysterious bell. Explore an enchanting pixel art world with flashy attacks and other skills such as melee combos, dodging, and ranged attacks. By activating "Sigils", you can strengthen your attack or your healing, or even summon magic swords to smite your enemies. After you obtain a Sigil, you can activate or deactivate it whenever you like, so you can swap them on the run and customize your abilities to match your playstyle.

Official Soundtrack Also Available Now!
The Official Soundtrack, which includes the music tracks used in the game, is also now available on Steam. Momodora: Moonlit Farewell is currently 10% OFF for the first week of release, until January 18, 2024. What's more, players who already own Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight, the previous game in the series, can purchase the game with the "Momodora Collection" bundle for a further 10% discount!

As we enter the second full week of December, it's pretty clear that we don't have any more AAA releases to look forward to this year, but at the same time, it doesn't mean that there aren't any interesting game releases. This week's biggest release is a colony sim type game which we covered in the news a few months ago. The rest of this week's releases involves robot detectives, gates to other worlds, prisoners that can't die, mechs and a touch of paranoia.

Pioneers of Pagonia / This week's major release / Wednesday 13 December
In a world of countless islands populated with scattered tribes, you travel and lead your people as a visionary to forge alliances with the inhabitants, after helping each other and gaining their trust. Send out your pioneers to discover untouched soil, find hidden resources and explore secret places.

With Black Friday week coming up, we have a slow week of new game releases, although there's at least one bigger release this week (on Steam), compared to all the other games. This week's biggest release has something to do with asteroids and space ships. This is followed by time loops, fewer words, strange syllables, ninjas and co-op backrooms. Make what you want of that, but it's what's on offer this coming week.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series / This week's major release / Monday 20 November
Experience the exciting universe of The Expanse like never before in Telltale's latest adventure, The Expanse: A Telltale Series. Take on the role of Camina Drummer and explore the dangerous and uncharted edges of the Belt aboard the Artemis. From scavenging wrecked ships in a zero-g environment, to surviving a mutiny, to combating fearsome pirates, you make the difficult choices and reveal Camina Drummer's resolve in this latest Telltale adventure.

The Game Kitchen and Team17 Digital have launched their punishing Metroidvania Blasphemous 2 on Steam and GOG! Following a newly reawakened Penitent One, Blasphemous 2 thrusts players back into an endless cycle of life, death, and resurrection as they face monstrous enemies and inconceivable challenges to halt the prophetic birth of a new Child of the Miracle.

Featuring three unique weapons to acquire and master, and an enhanced skillset to choose from, players will have to use these new tools to survive and explore a land hell bent on sending them back to the grave as they collect scattered pieces of lore, unpick long forgotten secrets, and avoid deaths final embrace.

Glorious battles, shining armor, a sharp sword, and a trusty shield: That's the stuff that heroes are made of! Become a hero yourself when Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy releases on August 31st, 2023 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch! For now, meet Pontius the Knight, Protector of the Realm and also the biggest pie lover the land has ever seen! A real frontline hero who is always going head first into battle to protect his friends. Watch the new trailer for magical co-op adventure Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy below.

Your sword and shield will aid you on your journey - if you know how to use them! As a skilled knight and professional pie eater, Pontius can use his sword to fight off enemies, get rid of obstacles, and even use it as a platform to help him reach higher areas. The shield, not only made to protect, will come in handy to reflect light, skate across water, and even use as a glider! Charge, smash, fight, and puzzle-solve your way through the dangers that await with your fellow adventurers. And should you need further help, the Prismatic Talisman will be your best friend - literally. Clones can be useful!

There are many opportunities to brush up on our real-life skills through gaming this month, including puzzle solving, cooking, building a settlement on the back of a giant wandering creature to survive a post-apocalyptic world, and even photography! Let's get to the games.

Available Today:
Techtonica (Game Preview) (Cloud, Console, and PC) - Available on day one with Game Pass: Dig into the sub-surface, bioluminescent world of a rogue alien planet as you explore and construct sprawling factories in Techtonica. Work alone or in co-op to master automation, gather resources, research new technologies, mold the destructible terrain, establish a base of operations, and uncover long-forgotten secrets.

Publisher Microïds, Microïds Studios Lyon/Paris and Paul Cuisset are happy to unveil a new trailer for Flashback 2, revealing an iconic and familiar environment for all fans of the franchise: the artificial Jungle of Titan! Dive into a captivating modern adventure where the story is constantly reinvented. In the dense jungle of Titan, Conrad B. Hart faces an environment that is both familiar and strangely new.

Take on a fierce enemy and his minions as you discover the wonderful vegetation and fantastic origins of this complex ecosystem. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering this deep universe for the first time, prepare yourself for a unique experience combining action, combat, platforming, encounters and exploration. Will the Jungle of Titan be your grave or your shelter? Flashback 2 will be available November 16th, 2023 both in digital and retail versions for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.

With this week being the 4th of July in the US, it appears that we don't have too many game releases to look forward to, but we managed to dig out a few new releases regardless. This week's AA title comes from Japan, with all that that entails. The rest of this week's releases include some strategy, some shooting, some tagging, some climbing, some darkness and some fear, so make of that what you want. To our US readers, enjoy your holiday this coming week.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie / This week's AA title / Friday 7 July
What destinies await these three fateful figures? Use the Crossroads system to switch between Rean Schwarzer, Lloyd Bannings, and the masked figure "C", and determine the fates of key characters and locations within Zemuria. Dive into refined tactical combat with new features such as United Front, and discover new allies and challenges within the halls of the True Reverie Corridor!

BIT.TRIP RERUNNER - Over 150 new levels, each with increasing challenges. Unleash your creativity with the RUNNER-MAKER tool, create and share your own levels. New gameplay mechanics inspired by the original BIT.TRIP games plus THE original RUNNER.

I am the essence of metamorphosis, the convergence of ethereal whispers and physicality's embrace, a catalyst for cosmic revelation. Join me in unraveling the symphony of existence. Let us embrace the boundlessness of human interaction and seek balance amidst...

Sonic Origins Plus is out now! This all-in-one bundle includes Sonic Origins and the Plus Expansion Pack, featuring 12 Sonic Game Gear titles, playable Knuckles in Sonic CD, and for the first time ever, Amy Rose as a playable character in Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD! This pack also includes the previously released Premium Fun Pack and Classic Music Pack.

When Sonic Origins Plus launches on June 23rd, the Sonic Origins: Digital Deluxe Edition, the Premium Fun Pack, and the Classic Music Pack will no longer be available to purchase separately on digital storefronts. But don't worry! All the content from these packs will be included in Sonic Origins Plus! For those who currently own Sonic Origins, you can purchase the Plus Expansion Pack to upgrade to receive the Classic Music Pack and the Premium Fun Pack content, as well as all of the new content being added to Sonic Origins Plus!

Atari, once a leader in video game consoles, has today published... a new game! Called Mr. Run and Jump, the game is a classical 2D platformer, following Mr. Run and Jump with his trusty pal Leap the Dog, who defeats the terrifying Void and collects all the Power Gems from the Realms of Color. The gameplay is self-explanatory, as this 2D platformer aims to bring some of the vibes of older games with modernized stories and elements. Interestingly, the game is available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Atari 2600, also called Atari Video Computer System (VCS). The last game for Atari VCS was developed in 1990, and this game comes after 33 years to the platform.

Coming in a cartridge for the VCS console, the cartridge design has been updated a bit. It now has beveled edges and gold-plated connectors. Atari prices the cartridge at 60 USD, with availability on July 31. This version of the game is toned down a bit, as the older VCS hardware can not support all the features that modern console/PC versions have. There are 80 levels in the game and as many as five different enemy types, with a unique high-score system.Below are more screenshots of the game.

The developers of the indie hit roguelite Dead Cells - Evil Empire and Motion Twin - announced today that the game has sold more than 10 million copies in the six years since its initial Early Access launch on Steam in 2017. The consecutive launch of the 1.0 version on PC & consoles in 2018, a whopping 34 free updates and later launches on mobile have all helped to drive long-tail success in all major global territories, pushing the game into rarely charted sales territory for an independent title.

Dead Cells' amazing list of free updates include chunky content additions that have provided new ways for fans to play the game, numerous weapon & item additions & enhancements, extra levels, a host of enemies and large crossover events featuring popular characters from other high profile indie games such as Hotline Miami, Shovel Knight and more. Dead Cells' well-received four paid DLCs - including the groundbreaking recent Return to Castlevania DLC, which featured an unprecedented collaboration with Konami - have also continued to drive development on the title.

As we enter summer, a blizzard from hell is this week's AAA title, a game some of you might already be playing, due to the limited editions coming with early access. Luckily, that's not all we have for you this week, as we also have thunderous gods, side scrollers, lots of horror and some harmony for you. Don't forget to go out in the sunshine and do something in the real world too, summer won't last forever.

Diablo IV / This week's AAA title / Tuesday 6 June
The endless battle between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells rages on as chaos threatens to consume Sanctuary. With ceaseless demons to slaughter, countless Abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and Legendary loot, this vast, open world brings the promise of adventure and devastation. Survive and conquer darkness—or succumb to the shadows.

Hello once again, friends of Lana and Mui! As we're here on launch day we finally get to share our off-earth odyssey with all you patient fans (Today! Tuesday, 23rd of May), we thought we'd drop a little summary post of what you can expect from the game we've worked so hard on for 6 years.

While we're feeling extremely proud of the final result, and confident that you'll have a great time exploring Novo with Lana and Mui, we think it's always a good idea to lay out the features of the game in black and white, so you know what to expect before spending your hard-earned money!

Get ready for a unique side-scrolling experience in the world of The Wonderful 101: Remastered! This free DLC lets you enjoy a brand new episode in which you experience Luka's story! As the latest member of the CENTINELS, new recruit Luka delivers remarkable achievements. What challenges did he need to overcome to become the prestigious Wonder Goggles? This is a story of love, battle, and growth. Experience Luka's journey to becoming a full-fledged hero!

This DLC was made possible by reaching the stretch goal of our February 2020 crowdfunding campaign. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the 33,199 amazing fans who supported us on this journey. The Wonderful One: After School Hero (Part 2) - slated for release the following week on Friday, May 26, 2023. It includes the second part of The Wonderful One: After School Hero experience.

Team Cherry, the indie development outfit responsible for producing smash hit 2D platformer Hollow Knight (2017), has this week announced that the sequel - Silksong - will be missing its proposed early-ish 2023 launch window. The Australian team's publishing and marketing manager Matthew Griffin confirmed via a tweet that Hollow Knight: Silksong is still a work-in-progress project: "Hey gang, just a quick update about Silksong. We had planned to release in the 1st half of 2023, but development is still continuing. We're excited by how the game is shaping up, and it's gotten quite big, so we want to take the time to make the game as good as we can."

Hollow Knight: Silksong was first revealed to the public back in 2019, with Team Cherry taking a quiet approach to the release of preview material since then. A playable demo was on show at E3 2019, but a wider internet-based public has only had access to a pair of video trailers, some screenshots and minimal written details on official sites and product pages. Silksong was initially conceived as a DLC/expansion for the base game, but the designers expanded their project's scope - thus creating a standalone and entirely new entry in the series. It seems that the development team's ambitions have grown over the years - Griffin has not confirmed a revised release date but requests that fans wait for further announcements: "Expect more details from us once we get closer to release."

What do a Wizard, a Thief, and a Knight have in Common? Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy will take Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief, and Pontius the Knight on their most action-packed journey in their fifth outing - and is set to to become the best Trine game of the series! Puzzles will change difficulty according to the number of players, the game also offers a skill quest system, and new tactical multi-phase boss fights!

This 2.5D puzzle-platforming game full of adventures is set in a fantastical fairytale world, offering players twenty beautifully designed levels to explore, from glistening gemstone caverns to perilous underwater passageways. But beware, the three Heroes are pitted against dastardly and duplicitous villains, who will stop at nothing to seize control of the kingdom!