Author - Jerry Paxton

Universal Fan Fest Nights Unveils a Decadent Menu Inspired by its Marquee Experiences

2025/03/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Under the astute epicurean eye of Executive Chef Julia Thrash, an innovative menu comes to life as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, serving up highly themed food and beverage items designed to complement this breakthrough event when it kicks off on Friday, April 25 and continues select nights through May 18, 2025.

Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural event which takes place on the following dates: April 25-27; May 2-4, 9-11 and 15-18, 2025.

Universal Fan Fest Nights ticketholders can look forward to dining their way through the event’s captivating interactive and immersive experiences as they Really Go There, inspired by such marquee worlds as Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE, Jujutsu Kaisen and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™.

The inspiration in creating the food and beverage items began with a deep dive into the storylines and characters from the in-world experiences to ensure authenticity with every bite and sip.

This year’s event also will debut the Universal Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass, inviting guests to sample a variety of food and beverage items throughout the event for a single price. The Dining Pass will be available for purchase at two kiosks located within the theme park as well as at participating theme park restaurants. Each Dining Pass includes a total of six items, consisting of two eligible entrée items and four eligible side, snack, dessert or beverage items. All eligible menu items will be designate by a Universal Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass logo on the restaurant menu boards. The Dining Pass is redeemable at participating food and beverage locations only. Additional restrictions apply.

At a glance, here’s a peek at the tempting treats by experience, inclusive of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items, prepared to satisfy every type of appetite. Guests must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase and consumer alcoholic beverages.

STAR TREK: RED ALERT

Quark’s Cafe at Hollywood & Dine

  • Klingon Targ Legs: Charsui honey pork wings served with kimchi fried rice
  • Andorian Red Bat Sandwich: Herb marinated chicken breast on a bao bun with garlic aioli, charred red onion and arugula served with Andorian Tuber Root
  • Vulcan Fritters: Fried mushroom fritters served with hummus and dusted with a Redspice Vulcan logo
  • Bajoran Hasperat: Slow-cooked spicy pork, gochujang, pickled vegetables with sriracha mayonnaise
  • Cardassian Dog: Hot Cheeto covered Korean-style Corn Dog with Yamok sauce, made with smoked gouda, nacho cheese, gochujang and jalapenos
  • Orion Spice Funnel Cake: Matcha dusted funnel cake topped with matcha icing, whipped cream and Orion spice crumble
  • Tribble Truffle Trio: A trio of chocolate truffles topped with coconut

10 Forward Bar at Laemmle Courtyard

  • Klingon Bloodwine: A popular Klingon wine
  • Andorian Ale: Originated on the planet Andoria, this blue colored alcoholic beverage is made with gin, blue Curacao, lemonade, lemon / lime soda and garnished with blue vanilla cake frosting and pop rocks, served in a shot glass
  • Plomeek Tea: This refreshing beverage features hibiscus iced tea, fresh raspberries and garnished with mint sprig
  • Bajoran Ale: A traditional Quark cocktail served with and without alcohol. With alcohol, cocktail features tequila, mezcal, pineapple and lime juice, ginger and simple syrup, bitters and soda water, and garnished with ginger candy. The mocktail version includes non-alcoholic spirits, ginger ale and orange juice and garnished with ginger candy
  • Kanar: A popular Cardassian liquor made with aged rum, pomegranate juice, black cherry syrup, lemon juice and soda water and garnished with a black cherry fruit gummy candy
  • Orion Hurricane: Served on the USS Enterprise, this strikingly green beverage is made with coconut, pineapple and lime rum, melon liquor, lime juice, green apple syrup, soda water and edible glitter and garnished with a silver dusted dehydrated lime slice
  • Ceti Eel Margarita: Inspired by the Ceti Eel that enters the body via the ear and wraps itself around the cerebral cortex, this cocktail features vodka, lime juice, agave, pineapple juice, jalapeno syrup and bitters and garnished with electric fire dust and a gummy Ceti Eel
  • Romulan Ale: This drink features vodka, blue Curacao, lemon juice, simple syrup, lemon / lime soda and bitters and garnished with blue rock candy
  • Tea, Earl Grey, Cold and Hot: A cocktail twist on Captain Picard’s favorite available both cold and hot, features bourbon, Earl Grey tea, honey syrup and lemon juice and garnished with a dehydrated lemon slice
  • Chateau Picard: A French Bordeaux wine inspired by the Picard family vineyard, Chateau Picard

BACK TO THE FUTURE: DESTINATION HILL VALLEY

Mel’s Diner

  • Outatime Cookie: Chocolate malt cookie with crunchie pieces and chocolate pieces and garnished with edible flame colored icing
  • The Time Machine: Pastrami melt with Swiss cheese and cabbage slaw served on toasted sourdough
  • Flux Capacitor Patty Melt: All-beef patty, sweet caramelized onions, American cheese and Thousand Island dressing served on a Flux Capacitor branded sourdough
  • Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken pot pie dusted with crispy cheddar cheese flakes
  • Time Traveler’s Malt Shake: Vanilla ice cream, blue raspberry sauce and whipped cream topped with blue and silver sprinkles with a cherry on top

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: SECRETS OF WATERDEEP

The First Roll Tavern at Jurassic Cove

  • Hunter’s Mark: Marinated beef, arugula and cheese served on a ciabatta roll
  • Beholder’s Brew Fondue: Rosemary and onion tavern loaf served with creamy beer fondue
  • Traveler’s Rations: Dried fruit, hardtack, cheese and dried meats
  • Fireball: Spicey chocolate brownie with a strawberry, chili and lime filling and topped with pop rocks
  • Gelatinous Cube: Blue raspberry gummy filled with candy bones and sugar weapons
  • The Eldritch Blast: A neon green cocktail made with vodka, apple and kiwi syrup, lemon juice, lemon / lime soda, edible green glitter, edible electric dust, kiwi popping boba and a mint sprig
  • Red Dragon’s Breath: A cherry red cocktail made with tequila, dragon fruit syrup, lime juice, jalapeno, and hibiscus ginger beer served over dry ice
  • Goodberry: A brick red cocktail made with white rum, blackberry syrup, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and soda water and garnished with candy
  • Charm Person: A golden yellow cocktail made with spiced rum, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, honey and mango syrup and garnished with habanero, chili and lime and a tamarind infused straw
  • Beholder’s Blueberry Shandy: Draft beer, lemonade and blueberry syrup and garnished with blueberries
  • Beholder’s Brew: Draft beer

ONE PIECE: GRAND PIRATE GATHERING

Sanji’s Galley at Cocina Mexicana

  • Franky’s Cola Barbacoa: Shredded beef tacos topped with pickled onion, jalapeno and cilantro served with a side of tortilla chips
  • Luffy’s Meat on a Bone: Braised ribs topped with mole, sesame seeds and cilantro
  • Zoro’s Torta: Grilled shrimp with chile lime crema, cabbage slaw and avocados with a side of tortilla chips
  • Sanji’s Chicken Adobo: Marinated chicken simmered in a blend of chili and garlic served over Spanish rice, refried beans and cotija cheese brow
  • Straw Hat Crew Nachos: Tortilla chips layered with Caribbean jerk chicken, queso, pineapple salsa and cilantro
  • Pirate’s Plunder Chips and Dip: Tortilla chips served with a trio of dipping sauces
  • Chopper Cupcake: Vanilla sponge cake filled with crispy cotton candy pieces, topped with cotton candy frosting and chocolate cookie antlers
  • Devil Fruit Concha: Sweet bread roll with ginger pineapple filling
  • Namie’s Tangerine Breeze: Tasty orange beverage made with tangerine and lime juice, honey syrup and club soda, garnished with a tangerine slice and mint sprig
  • Nico Robin’s Tropical Iced Tea: Black iced tea, pineapple juice, coconut water and honey, topped with a pineapple wedge, pineapple frond and fresh raspberries
  • Thousand Sunny Donut: Donut filled with mango, chili and lime, emblazoned with an edible Thousand Sunny emblem. This treat will also be available at Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

JUJUTSU KAISEN: HUNGER OF THE CURSED

Re-themed DreamWorks concession cart

  • Sukuna Cursed Crunch: Red velvet cookie with white chocolate chips
  • Ten Shadows Churro: Chocolate and cream sandwich cookie drizzled with vanilla frosting atop a powdered sugar churro drizzled with chocolate frosting
  • Yuji’s Chocolate Brownie: Vanilla and Chocolate churros coated in vanilla and chocolate icing, sprinkles and printed token
  • Nobara’s Strawberry Hammer Smash: A frozen strawberry beverage with sweet and spicy chili and lime rim and garnished with a fresh strawberry

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

A three-course meal served at the Three Broomsticks™

Reservations required and can be made via the free official Universal Studios Hollywood downloadable app. Guests may choose one menu item from each of the following categories:

Appetizers:

  • Hogwarts Cornish Pasty
      • Gryffindor: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with red pepper chutney
      • Slytherin: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with cilantro and mint chutney
      • Hufflepuff: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with mango chutney
      • Ravenclaw: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with blueberry chutney

Entrees:

  • Sunday Roast: Herb-crusted roast, served with roasted vegetables, potato puree, onion gravy and Yorkshire pudding
  • Curry Chicken: Served with steamed rice, charred red onion and yogurt drizzle
  • Fish and Chips: Fresh beer battered cod, served with chips, smashed peas and grilled lemon
  • Toad in the Hole: Vegan Yorkshire pudding with plant-based sausage, served with roasted vegetables, potato puree and onion gravy

Desserts:

  • The Golden Snitch: Vanilla sponge cake, chocolate mousse and orange marmalade topped with honey tuille wings.
  • The House Cup Trifle: Pineapple, kiwi, strawberries and blueberries layered with a vanilla orange sponge cake and vanilla bean pastry cream

Magic Neep Cart (Reservations not required)

  • Hogwarts Meat Pie: Puff pastry filled with braised beef, potatoes, peas, onions and carrots
  • Hogwarts House Churro
    • Gryffindor: Churro rolled in cherry sugar and topped with vanilla icing
    • Slytherin: Churro rolled in green apple sugar and topped with vanilla icing
    • Hufflepuff: Churro rolled in pineapple coconut sugar and topped with vanilla icing
    • Ravenclaw: Churro rolled in blue raspberry sugar and topped with vanilla icing

Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream counter (Reservations not required)

  • Niffler’s Bounty Ice Cream Cone: Caramel soft serve served in a chocolate waffle cone, topped with a chocolate gold coin and edible pearls
  • The Pygmy Puff Sundae: Vanilla soft serve served in a blueberry waffle cone, topped with cotton floss

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: LET’S GO YOSHI

At Toadstool Cafe, guests can enjoy two Yoshi themed items prepared by Chef Toad.

  • Yoshi’s Smoothie (Apple Melon): Bursting with the flavors of green apple and honeydew melon with a touch of milk for creaminess and topped with whipped cream, honeydew melon syrup and a mint sprig
  • Yoshi’s Fettuccini Alfredo: Pesto alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, broccoli and mushrooms topped with Yoshi Egg bread

Select restaurants at Universal CityWalk Hollywood also will join in celebrating Universal Fan Fest Nights with a variety of specialty themed food and beverage items, available during the run of the event. These restaurants include Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® and Voodoo Doughnut.

Launching exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature all-new, uniquely curated experiences inspired by sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime. Guests will really go there as they tap into their inner fandom and join forces with their favorite characters while sharing their enthusiasm with like-minded fans. They will also have a chance to engage in cosplay (subject to Cosplay Costume Guidelines) while experiencing such renowned favorites as Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE and Jujutsu Kaisen, as well as special interactions with Wicked characters, Elphaba and Glinda. Additionally, theme park favorites, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will offer special additions and introduce character and interactive elements during Universal Fan Fest Nights.

All in-world experiences and activations will be included every event night for guests to enjoy when they attend Universal Fan Fest Nights (subject to change).

New merchandise, including collectibles, apparel, drinkware, accessories and more, will debut in tandem with Universal Fan Fest Nights, inviting guests and fans to display their fandom during the event and beyond.

Click here to purchase tickets and for full Terms and Conditions.

Adding to the adventure, guests will be able to experience select theme park attractions open during the event, including “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™,” “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™”.

For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.

Thrustmaster Takes to the Stars with the Sol-R 1 Flightstick and Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo

2025/03/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Thrustmaster is thrilled to be making its official debut in space simulation by unveiling Sol-R 1 Flightstick and Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo, both expressly created with space combat and exploration in mind.

Active in the market for more than 25 years now, over the decades Thrustmaster has established itself as the leading manufacturer of accessories for civil and military flight simulation. Its T.16000M joystick, however, has built a reputation as a must-have for beginner SpaceSimmers. Today, Thrustmaster is strengthening its presence in this segment with Sol-R — the range of joysticks specially designed to meet the needs of interstellar spacecraft pilots.

THE PERFECT JOYSTICK FOR CONQUERING THE STARS

Whether you’re a space dogfighting fan or love nothing more than exploring distant galaxies in your spare time, the Sol-R 1 Flightstick is the joystick for you!

With 44 assignable actions on its ambidextrous grip and base, the Sol-R 1 Flightstick allows for more efficient and intuitive management of your spacecraft.

The Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo is a pack of two joysticks, meeting the needs of advanced space simmers for total control of their ships.

THE MULTIFUNCTIONAL GRIP

To ensure quick and easy access to essential controls and thereby reduce reaction times, Sol-R 1 Flightstick’s grip alone includes 21 action buttons — such as 2 triggers (including 1 dual-position trigger), 2 hat switches, 1 mini-stick and 1 scroll wheel.

From power distribution for Weapon / Shield / Engine to menu navigation, all of your ship’s most important controls are right at your fingertips.

 

3 H.E.A.R.T. HALL EFFECT AXES

Sol-R 1 Flightstick incorporates a Z-axis (used by twisting the grip), which is essential for piloting spacecraft. Its X, Y and Z axes are all equipped with H.E.A.R.T. (HallEffect AccuRate Technology™) Hall effect magnetic sensors featuring 16-bit accuracy — for smooth, incredibly-precise maneuvers.

This frictionless technology greatly extends the product’s lifespan, with precision that won’t decrease over time.

THE AMBIDEXTROUS, COMFORTABLE GRIP

For optimal comfort throughout your long piloting sessions, Sol-R 1 Flightstick is ambidextrous and adapts to your right-handed or left-handed gaming profile thanks to its interchangeable ergonomic supports (thumb rest and wrist rest).

Its 4 additional stability supports that attach to the base help to keep the joystick firmly in place — if you’re the type who prefers aggressive maneuvers to tactical approaches.

AN ICONIC DESIGN

The Sol-R joysticks really stand out with their iconic grey, black and orange design, inspired by the biggest science-fiction blockbusters. The 11 RGB LED zones are customizable, allowing you to add your own personal touch to the joystick and give it a unique style.

Sol-R 1 Flightstick is a high-performance joystick that will immerse you in the cockpit of the interstellar spacecraft of your dreams.

AN ENTIRE COMPATIBLE ECOSYSTEM

Thrustmaster puts a special emphasis on the compatibility of its devices, to allow for a more complete and immersive overall experience. The Sol-R base is designed to accommodate both the Viper* and Hornet* grips, along with future Thrustmaster grips*.

You can also attach Sol-R 1 Flightstick’s removable grip to the AVA base*.

Commercial information

Sol-R 1 Flightstick will be available at a suggested retail price of £159.99 / $219.99 / €179.99, while Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo will retail for £299.99 / $399.99 / €329.99.

Pre-orders open: March 19, 2025

Commercial availability: April 16, 2025

Section 13 Future Games Show Spring Showcase 2025 Trailer

2025/03/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Members of SCP rejoice, Kakao Games and Ocean Drive Studio have generously decided to regale players with another exclusive look into the world of twin-stick shooter Section 13, now live at the HR-approved 2025 Future Games Show. What’s more, corporate have decided to grace employees with a mandatory work retreat to PAX East this May!

Please be advised: no civilians were harmed in the making of this trailer. All members of staff signed exhaustive liability waivers and will undergo extensive training ahead of May’s 1.0 release.

All jobs come with some small discomforts, or in this case large, feral, deadly ones. While teamwork is highly encouraged, those who have shown initiative and bravery may wish to tackle the cosmic horrors of Section 13 alone. Those who wish to increase their chances of survival, however, may opt for the co-op mode and drag along up to two ‘volunteers’. SCP only hires the best of the best, and disappointing management is firmly discouraged – the consequences might just be permanent.

Players will be required to peruse the Future Games Show trailer below, preferably not at your own leisure:

About Ocean Drive Studio

Ocean Drive Studio, a subsidiary of Kakao Games, is a company dedicated to developing and servicing games that resonate with global fans who love the same genres that their developers know and are passionate about. The studio gained attention with the release of its first game, the turn-based tactical RPG Lost Eidolons, on Steam, PS5, and Xbox. Building on this success, they are working on the second game in the same genre, Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch, as well as other titles including the roguelite shooter Section 13, the physics-based sandbox survival game God Save Birmingham, and an action RPG based on the IP Sword Master Youngest Son,. Ocean Drive Studio aims to deliver unique and engaging gaming experiences to gamers around the world through these diverse game genres.

About Kakao Games

Founded in 2016, Kakao Games is a leading publisher of online and mobile games, responsible for releasing titles including Pearl Abyss’ Black Desert Online (serviced in North America and Europe until early 2021), KRAFTON’s PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (serviced in Korea), Kong Studios’ Guardian Tales (serviced in North America, Europe, Latin America and Oceania), and Nineark’s Eversoul (serviced in North America and Europe).

Double Dragon Dodgeball Revealed As Pre-Order Exclusive For Double Dragon Revive

2025/03/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Arc System Works America, Inc. unveiled a new pre-order exclusive for Double Dragon Revive. When pre-ordering the game’s Digital Deluxe Edition, players will receive the bonus Double Dragon Dodgeball game for free. In the newly released trailer, classic dodgeball gameplay meets the world of Double Dragon and the series’ iconic characters. Players will experience intense, action-packed battles using dodgeballs as their weapon!

Double Dragon Dodgeball offers a variety of game modes, including a Single-Player mode with the familiar Double Dragon rescue mission for Marian, as well as a Survival Mode supporting up to four players for thrills from head-to-head matches to all-out brawls.

Beyond Double Dragon Dodgeball, the Double Dragon Revive Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game, alternate character color variations for Billy and Jimmy, digital artwork collection, and digital soundtrack for fans eager to immerse themselves in the game’s rich atmosphere through its concept art and music.

The Double Dragon Revive Steam store page Community Hub is also sharing short stories that are not published in press releases or on the game’s official website through “Developer’s Diary Revive.” Check it out for behind-the-scenes stories from the development team and event updates.

Double Dragon Revive is set to launch on October 23, 2025 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.

For more information, please visit the Arc System Works website.

The World of Frostpunk: A Kickstarter Campaign Now Live

2025/03/21
Jerry Paxton
Book News, Geek News, News

The world of Frostpunk has always been a tale of survival, resilience, and the relentless struggle to rebuild humanity in an unforgiving world. Now, 11 bit studios invites you on a new expedition—one that expands the Frostpunk universe beyond both games, offering a glimpse into their very foundations and bearing a few chilling tales.

The World of Frostpunk Kickstarter campaign is now live, presenting an exclusive collection of two beautifully crafted books:

  • Aesthetics of Desolation – A breathtaking art book that unveils the visual foundations of Frostpunk 2, chronicling the evolution of the frozen world.
  • Tales from the Frostland – A gripping anthology featuring four harrowing stories, revealing the struggles of those who fight to endure in the icy wasteland.

Those who join within the first 48 hours will receive a Kickstarter-exclusive Displate metal poster—a striking piece of art that also complements its counterpart from another frosty venture, the Frostpunk: The Roleplaying Game Kickstarter by Catalyst Game Labs.

Backing “The World of Frostpunk Artbook & Anthology” campaign not only secures your place in New London’s legacy but also unlocks stretch goals, enriching your pledge with exclusive collector’s items and immersive additions. The earlier you step forward, the greater the rewards.

Join the campaign now on Kickstarter and claim your place in Frostpunk history!

Game Of Thrones: Kingsroad Launches in Steam Early Access On March 26

2025/03/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Netmarble and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announce the highly anticipated action-adventure RPG title Game of Thrones: Kingsroad will begin welcoming players to Westeros on March 26 with Early Access on Steam.

Netmarble also announced starting March 21, players on Steam can purchase a Founder’s Pack to help start their journey through Westeros off in style. Each tier of the Founder’s Pack comes with Early Access to the complete game, as well as a selection of items including exclusive costumes, mounts, season passes, and items that will come in handy during their adventures. For further details about the Founder’s Packs, visit the game’s page on Steam or this new Founder’s Pack video. The game will become playable on Steam for all Founder’s Pack purchasers on March 26.

Players can also pre-register through the App Store and Google Play store on iOS and Android devices, respectively. Upon launch, players will be able to enjoy a full cross-play experience across all supported platforms and devices. This popular feature will maintain progress across all devices and allow players the freedom to experience the world of Westeros in their own way. For a look at what exciting adventures await, Netmarble has released a new Early Access Trailer.

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is Netmarble’s upcoming action-adventure RPG officially licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of HBO®. The game brings the continent of Westeros to life with remarkable detail and scale, following extensive research to faithfully recreate fan-favorite locations from the series as well as previously unseen lands. Players will forge their own legacy and be immersed in intense battles, allowing them to experience the thrill of combat as if they were part of the “Game of Thrones” world.

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is set to launch across various territories this year on PC via Steam or through Windows Launcher, as well as on iOS and Android devices. More to come on worldwide launch dates soon. Visit (https://gameofthrones.netmarble.com/) or join the community conversation on Discord, Facebook, X and YouTube.

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Release Date Trailer

2025/03/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Today at the Future Game Show Spring Showcase, Nightdive Studios announced that System Shock® 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster — its modernized edition of the 1999 classic sci-fi horror action role-playing game — will be released on PC and consoles on June 26, 2025. Prepare yourselves, insects.

System Shock® 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster brings the acclaimed PC game to consoles for the first time. Nightdive Studios has rebuilt System Shock 2 for modern platforms using its proprietary KEX Engine, offering players the definitive System Shock 2 experience with improved visuals, enhanced gameplay, improved performance, cross-play co-op multiplayer, mod support, and more. Every aspect of the game has been refined to provide the best possible experience for new fans as well as veterans.

Watch the System Shock® 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster release date trailer:

The original System Shock 2 revolutionized storytelling, atmosphere, and gameplay in the medium, inspiring a generation of titles to follow. It completely reshaped the way gaming audiences viewed the potential for storytelling in first-person games and went on to win over a dozen awards and “Game of The Year” recognitions.

Set 42 years after the events of the first System Shock, antagonist SHODAN and her army of merciless mutants infest the starship Von Braun. Players embody a soldier who awakes from cryo-sleep with cybernetic implants grafted to his flesh. As he sets out to unravel the horrifying mystery of the derelict starship, he’ll need to hone his upgradable skills and utilize powerful weapons and paranormal psionic abilities to survive the monstrous creations of SHODAN — and endure her narcissistic god complex.

Romestead Official Announcement Trailer

2025/03/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today, Three Friends, the indie publisher formed of industry veterans, has announced their first signed title Romestead, developed by Swedish studio Beartwigs. Revealed today at the Future Games Show Spring Showcase 2025, this survival town-builder invites players to build and expand their home, alone or with friends, as they seek to rebuild Rome and conquer the legendary foes that inhabit these ancient lands.

The pixel art world of Romestead offers eager adventurers a canvas upon which they can turn a meagre village into a thriving town; constructing buildings for leatherworkers, altars to gods, insulae for citizens, and more, all connected by straight roads of course. Through exploration, players will discover new materials, giving rise to the advanced technologies essential to a flourishing realm.

Key gameplay features of Romestead include:

  • Extensive Town Building that enables players to live out their dreams of being a great Roman leader; rebuild civilisation from ruin, and set your citizens to work; farming crops, smithing weapons, collecting resources, and much more.
  • Worship System thanks to which worthy rulers can dedicate their gratitudes to the many gods of the Roman pantheon, acquiring unique and special technologies, buildings, and upgrades. These are unlocked through Worship, a currency gained by completing quests, pledging resources, and sacrificing the very citizens that have helped the settlement grow.
  • Dungeon Crawling & Boss Fights that will challenge even the most mighty of warriors. Players must arm themselves, smith tools, build fortifications, and prepare siege weaponry, especially crucial for those seeking to take on the most fearsome threats.
  • A Vast World with mystery waiting to be uncovered throughout. Explore six unique biomes, including the plains, forests, swamp, desert, volcanic, and a massive ruined city. Each environment adds its own twist, requiring players to improvise and adapt to new threats and discoveries.
  • Co-op Multiplayer Experience that rewards cooperation and coordination, cuts down the tedium and crystalises the fun. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it certainly wasn’t built alone.

“Romestead hits that sweet spot,” says Albert Säfström, Co-Founder and Producer at Three Friends. “It combines the perspective and aesthetics of A Link to the Past with the progression of Terraria, and it just hits me right in the heart. Also, can we call it a ‘romelike’? I think we should.”

“The idea for Romestead largely comes from our love for the town-building and survival genre,” says Sam Bloom, Co-Founder and Developer at Beartwigs. “We wanted to create a game that would meld these genres and add a historical and mythological twist. We spent a good bit of time deciding on a setting, but landed on Ancient Rome, being one of the most historic civilisations to date.”

Romestead is currently in development for PC with a release date yet to be announced. Players can wishlist the game now on Steam, to be notified when the game enters its Early Access release.

inZOI Pricing and Details Revealed at Global Showcase

2025/03/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

KRAFTON, Inc. (CEO CH Kim) revealed new details about its upcoming life simulation game, inZOI, during the inZOI Global Showcase on March 18, 2025.

Players from around the world joined the online event, which was staged in the “AR Library” setting drawn from the world of inZOI. At the showcase, inZOI Studio CEO and inZOI Producer and Director Hyungjun ‘Kjun’ Kim presented insights into the game’s development background and the team behind it. Kjun engaged with the participants and highlighted that “realism” is the main goal of inZOI’s development, as it strives to create a realistic experience across the game’s simulation, settings, and art.

The Early Access version of inZOI includes an abundance of story elements with over 250 customization options. The game will also provide several AI-powered creative tools, including 3D Printer, Video to Motion, and Text to Image.

In addition, inZOI offers a wide range of creative systems that enable players to create outfits and furniture, customize accessories, and access features such as Facial Capture, Motion Capture, Photo Studio, Edit City, and the Event System. inZOI will support a sales system and crowd management for an enhanced gameplay experience, with modding and new cities coming to the game in future updates.

During Early Access, inZOI will be available at a price of $39.99. Further, all updates and DLC for inZOI will be free with purchase of the game until full release. As inZOI’s development roadmap rolls out over time, upcoming content will bring freelance jobs, ghost play, a Southeast Asian-inspired cat island “Kucingku,” swimming pools and the ability to swim, a family tree, new professions, and more.

Kjun said, “I hope that players will be able to experience things that they can’t in real life, feel a sense of control over life itself, and have the opportunity to look at life from a slight distance.” He added, “It has been a rough ride and there may still be some shortcomings, but we are committed to paying close attention to feedback from our community as we continue to improve the game towards its full release as soon as possible.”

The full global showcase can be viewed on inZOI’s official YouTube channel here.

Meanwhile, KRAFTON will release the inZOI: Creative Studio demo starting at 5:00pm PDT on March 19 to March 27. The demo will allow players to experience inZOI’s Character Studio and Build Studio. More details on inZOI: Creative Studio can be found on the official website here. inZOI will be available in Early Access via Steam beginning March 28, 2025, at 00:00 UTC.

What’s Your inZOI Story?

To celebrate the Early Access launch with the inZOI community, KRAFTON is launching the “What’s Your inZOI Story?” campaign. Running from 5:00pm PDT on March 19 to April 16, the event will select winners among participants who complete given missions, and those who participate in the vote will have the chance to receive a reward. More details on “What’s Your inZOI Story?” can be found on the event website here.