In just 33 days since release, Sandfall Interactive’s video game debut, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has proven itself as a critical, artistic and commercial phenomenon with fans around the world.
Released on April 24, 2025 for both PC and console, the game has achieved numerous exceptional feats in a short space of time, resonating with new communities who have connected with the game’s story, gameplay, music, artistic vision and more. The debut project from the Montpellier-based studio Sandfall Interactive initially sold 1 million copies in its first three days of release, before going on to reach 3.3 million copies sold in just over one month; a remarkable achievement for an independent game and a brand-new IP. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is published by Kepler Interactive, the London-based video game company known for its curated lineup of bold, innovative games crafted with conviction – including the acclaimed Pacific Drive and Sifu and the upcoming third-person online action football game Rematch.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Key Facts & Figures
A critical success: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 holds a record user score of 9.7 on Metacritic, and a Metascore of 92 on consoles based on media critiques, placing it among the highest-rated titles in its category.
A commercial success: As of May 27, 2025, the game has surpassed the symbolic milestone of 3.3 million copies sold across platforms, not including additional downloads through Xbox and PC Game Pass subscriptions.
An audio achievement: The original soundtrack by the game’s lead composer, Lorien Testard, is also a success, with more than 33 million streams in its first three weeks of release, and a debut at the top of Billboard’s classical album charts, before reaching over 90 million streams as of today. The official music video for ‘Lumière’ has also achieved over 2.8 million views on the official Sandfall Interactive YouTube channel alone, and the track has had over 13 million streams across all platforms globally.
A global community: Thousands of fans worldwide have engaged with the game’s online communities, creating and sharing their own story theories, fanart and musical covers, from China to Japan, Brazil to the United States, throughout Europe and beyond.
A feat for an independent production: The game was developed by a small studio made up of around 30 core team members, some of whom were working on a video game project for the very first time.
A strong collaboration: Published by Kepler Interactive, a London-based publisher and creative studio known for its carefully curated portfolio of bold, innovative games – crafted with conviction by creators who push the boundaries of the medium. Its critically acclaimed releases include Pacific Drive (1M units sold in its first year), Sifu (over 4M units sold to date) and Tchia (“Games for Impact” award winner at The Game Awards 2023). More recently, Bionic Bay ranked among the top 10 highest-rated games of 2025 and the highly anticipated Rematch is set to launch in June. Kepler continues to grow its eclectic portfolio, recently announcing it will support on the upcoming PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant, an immersive planetary defense simulator developed in collaboration with Bippinbits, creators of Dome Keeper.
Creepy Jar, the Polish studio best known for its wildly successful survival simulator, Green Hell are excited to share the first look at uninterrupted co-op gameplay for its upcoming sci-fi title StarRupture! While the game can be played single-player, StarRupture is a co-op base builder at its core, and you can partner up with up to three other players. Work together to create your base, mine for precious resources, fight against the hordes of alien enemies, and if you’re lucky, survive to tell the tale!
In StarRupture, you play as a prisoner working off your sentence by taking contracts from various corporations on the hostile planet named Arcadia-7. You’re considered a precious albeit expandable asset — one that must extract, process, and deliver resources while surviving all the dangers that lurk on the planet.
Watch the full co-op gameplay showcase down below, narrated by Adam Magdziak – Product Marketing Manager at Creepy Jar:
Today’s co-op showcase features all of the main pillars of StarRupture, along with the best look to date at the mysterious world of Arcadia-7. From base building and exploration to combat and resource management, there’s something for all types of players in StarRupture. Arcadia-7 is full of mysteries to uncover and minerals to mine, but it is also home to a deadly alien race, constantly seeking to kill you, or worse, steal your precious factory-generated energy.
StarRupture is launching into Steam Early Access this Fall.
KEY FEATURES:
Explore a Deadly Planet – Explore this vast open world, rich in resources, places, and secrets to be found. Discover the beauty of this constantly reborn dangerous world torn apart by repeated cataclysms.
Build to Thrive – Search, mine, and process resources to develop your complex industrial system. Unlock new technologies that will allow you and your base to survive the harsh conditions on the planet.
Fight to Survive – The planet will surprise you at every turn. Extreme temperatures are not the only things you’ll be challenged with. Get ready to defend yourself, your team, and your base from a horde of aggressive alien creatures.
Alone or with Friends – Experience and survive everything you encounter on this harsh planet. Do it alone or in a group of up to 4 players. This world is waiting for you to discover.
SEGA revealed new story details for their upcoming 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance™. Featuring gorgeous artwork from the team at Lizardcube, the new story trailer introduces the game’s premise as well as some mysterious new characters, setting the scene for ninja master Joe Musashi’s quest for vengeance.
Watch the Story Trailer here:
The trailer illustrates protagonist Joe Musashi’s tragic story, taking viewers through the loss of his village and the deadly curse placed upon the Oboro Clan. Left with nothing, his sole focus becomes defeating those responsible for burning his village to the ground – Lord Ruse and the ENE Corp. However, the path ahead holds many challenges, for Lord Ruse wields a powerful stolen artifact that grants him immortality. Nothing and no one can stand in his way… or can they? Rise to the challenge and become the ultimate ninja when SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance launches on August 29, 2025.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is available now for pre-order on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam for $29.99 USD. It will be available for pre-order on Nintendo eShop at a later date. Fans who pre-order the game will receive a 10% discount, the Original Arcade Outfit, and Fortune Hunter Amulet. Physical editions of the game, including a special Collector’s Edition, will be available for pre-order from Limited Run Games starting May 30, 2025.
To learn more about SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, please visit the official game website. For more information on all other SEGA games, please visit www.sega.com or follow along on YouTube, Instagram and X.
Today, Ubisoft announced the launch of Battle for Brooklyn DLC and the first season of Year 7 Crossroads for Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2. Additionally, Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2 launches on Xbox Game Pass, engaging new audiences as the game enters its seventh year of live service. To help onboard new Agents, level 40 players who assist players who Call for Backup will gain extra rewards for the next two weeks. Additionally, for a limited time starting May 29, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can redeem the free EMS Outfit, which includes five Emergency Medical Services-inspired pieces.
The Battle for Brooklyn DLC brings players back to New York, featuring faithfully recreated Brooklyn neighborhoods and a brand-new linear campaign. Throughout the campaign, available either solo or in co-op, players will uncover how the Cleaners have been mass-producing the dangerous Purple Flame, which threatens the fragile peace of the relatively untouched Brooklyn settlement.
The DLC comes with a 40-level boost, allowing players to dive into the campaign from day one. In addition, available as a DLC exclusive, the Catalyst Exotic Mask provides bonuses for dealing and receiving status effect damage, aiding players in combat against the Cleaners.
Players who previously purchased The Division 2 Gold edition or the new The Division 2 Ultimate edition after April 23 can now play the DLC. The Battle for Brooklyn DLC is also available as a standalone purchase for $14.99 on the Ubisoft Store.
In the first season of Year 7, Crossroads, Agents find themselves in a race against time as they try to retrieve a deep-cover asset in the Sokolov Concern. Crossroads will inspire nostalgia for The Division franchise fans, with Modifiers and Gear reminiscent of elements from The Division. The Global modifier “Hard-Core” contains three new Attributes, with players gaining bonuses depending on each Attribute’s score, while this season’s Passive modifiers resemble The Division’s Talents, requiring a minimum Attribute tier to activate.
This season also brings quality of life enhancements for existing players and better onboarding for new players. Season Pass XP is increased for all activities, and co-op progress will be fully incorporated into the seasonal journey.
For a limited time starting today, the Standard Edition of The Division 2 is available to purchase at 90% off on the Ubisoft Store, 90% off on Steam, and 75% off on PlayStation.*
For the latest news on The Division 2 and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. revealed at Combo Breaker 2025 that Fahkumram, the Muay Thai fighter who made his debut in TEKKEN™ 7, will join the TEKKEN™ 8 roster with a 72-hour early access for Season 2 Character & Stage Pass and Season 2 Character Pass holders beginning July 7, 2025, and officially release on July 10, 2025. Also revealed at Combo Breaker, Armor King returns to the TEKKEN™ roster as the next DLC character in Fall 2025, with more details to be released at a later date.
Check out the TEKKEN 8 – Fahkumram gameplay trailer here:
Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., TEKKEN 8 is the critically acclaimed sequel bringing the legendary fighting game franchise to current platforms, harnessing Unreal® Engine 5 to bring new weight and atmosphere to the game’s battles, with every character remodelled in stunning detail and new dynamic and destructible environments. The Summer DLC update brings back Fahkumram, the Muay Thai fighter who was considered one of Thailand’s national heroes. In TEKKEN 8, Fahkumram, Thailand’s ultimate weapon, proceeds down a path of no return to take revenge against the Mishima Zaibatsu.
Fakhumram’s upcoming debut expands the game’s roster to 38 fighters. Learn about the legendary characters in TEKKEN 8, their histories, and their place in the TEKKEN saga on the official TEKKEN 8 roster breakdown.
The NACON RIG M2 Streamstar PRO HD microphone enters a crowded market with a headline-grabbing feature: it’s touted as the first wired USB microphone to incorporate a Bluetooth low-latency audio gateway. This innovation aims to untether content creators, streamers, and gamers from their headphone cables, offering a new level of freedom. However, beyond this novel approach to audio monitoring, the M2 Streamstar PRO HD presents a somewhat mixed experience, balancing high-specification audio potential with tangible drawbacks in build quality and software support that leave it in a curious position. Most importantly – should you buy it? Read on, dear reader!
Visually, the M2 Streamstar PRO HD offers a distinct, angular aesthetic that many will find refreshingly subtle compared to some of the more ostentatious gaming peripherals. Its relatively flat profile allows it to integrate into a setup without demanding undue attention, a characteristic appreciated by users who prefer a more minimalist or less “gamer-centric” look. A small, magnetically attached panel on the rear for personal branding is a thoughtful, if minor, touch for creators. When it comes to build quality, however, opinions diverge. Some users describe the included stand as heavy and the microphone itself as well-anchored and solid. In contrast, more critical professional assessments frequently describe the predominantly plastic construction as feeling “cheap” or “plasticky,” with control dials that can feel flimsy or wobbly. This perceived lack of premium materials is a recurring concern, especially when weighed against its mid-tier price point. The stand, while functional in allowing angle adjustments, has also been called basic and underwhelming by some reviewers.
Setting up the M2 Streamstar PRO HD is, for the most part, a straightforward affair. Its plug-and-play nature means that for many users, particularly on Windows, it’s a simple case of connecting the USB-C to USB-A cable and selecting it as the audio input. This ease of initial use is a definite plus. However, achieving optimal sound isn’t always immediate. Some users have noted that finding the right balance between the microphone’s onboard gain control and the computer’s input levels can be a little confusing at first. Clear and concise documentation is provided, which is a help, although at least one professional review pointed out that the Quick Start Guide’s visuals were outdated for Windows 11 users, potentially adding a small hurdle for some.
On paper, the audio specifications are impressive. The M2 Streamstar PRO HD supports 24-bit resolution and sampling rates up to a remarkable 192kHz, promising studio-grade clarity and detail. Indeed, when conditions are ideal – meaning careful positioning and a quiet recording environment – the microphone can capture crisp, detailed vocal recordings suitable for podcasting, streaming, and voiceover work. The cardioid polar pattern is designed to focus on the voice directly in front of the mic, and users have reported success in minimizing some ambient sounds. However, its real-world performance is subject to caveats. Several reviews indicate that the microphone can sound somewhat muffled if not positioned precisely, often requiring it to be very close to the user’s mouth, making a boom arm a recommended accessory for consistent results. Furthermore, its sensitivity to background noise is a significant concern. Without any onboard noise cancellation or dedicated software to provide it, ambient sounds like keyboard clicks or environmental noise can be easily picked up, which may necessitate third-party software solutions for users in less-than-silent spaces.
The standout feature is undoubtedly its Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX HD) low-latency wireless audio monitoring. This allows users to pair Bluetooth headphones or earbuds directly to the microphone for real-time audio feedback. Most reports confirm that this system works very well, offering a responsive and lag-free monitoring experience. For creators who value a cable-free setup for their headphones, this is a genuinely innovative and appealing feature. It can even serve as a Bluetooth audio output for a PC that lacks native support. However, its overall utility has been questioned by some, particularly professional reviewers who suggest that many target users might already have reliable wired monitoring setups. The microphone also includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for traditional wired monitoring. On-mic controls for gain, mute (with a helpful LED indicator), and headphone volume are present and offer convenience for quick adjustments. Yet, these physical controls haven’t escaped criticism, with some finding the dials to feel less than robust and the gain adjustment, in particular, to be tricky without precise visual feedback or software-based indicators.
Perhaps the most significant and consistent point of criticism leveled against the M2 Streamstar PRO HD is its complete lack of dedicated companion software. In an era where many competing microphones offer robust applications for fine-tuning EQ, managing noise cancellation, applying effects, and easily adjusting levels and sample rates, this omission is glaring. Users wishing for more granular control over their sound, or features like effective noise suppression, must rely on their operating system’s sound settings – which can be convoluted for tasks like changing sample rates – or invest in third-party audio software. This lack of a software ecosystem detracts considerably from the user experience and limits the microphone’s out-of-the-box versatility, especially for beginners who might not be familiar with advanced audio configuration.
Priced around $129.99 USD, the NACON RIG M2 Streamstar PRO HD positions itself in a competitive segment of the USB microphone market. While its high sample rate and unique wireless monitoring are compelling selling points, the concerns regarding build quality, the critical absence of software, and its sensitivity to positioning and noise make its overall value proposition debatable. Several competitors in similar or even lower price brackets are often cited as offering a more well-rounded package, potentially including more premium-feeling materials, diverse polar patterns, or, crucially, comprehensive software suites.
In conclusion, the NACON RIG M2 Streamstar PRO HD is a microphone of intriguing contrasts. It boldly introduces a genuinely useful wireless monitoring feature and boasts high-resolution audio capabilities that can shine under the right circumstances. Its plug-and-play nature and sleek design will appeal to many. However, it feels like a product that hasn’t quite reached its full potential. The perceived compromises in build quality for its price, the operational limitations imposed by the lack of dedicated software, and its fussy nature regarding background noise and positioning hold it back from being an unqualified recommendation. It may find its niche with users who prioritize the wireless monitoring and high sample rate above all else and are prepared to work around its limitations, but for many others, the market offers alternatives that provide a more consistently polished and feature-complete experience.
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5
Pros:
Innovative low-latency Bluetooth wireless audio monitoring.
Simple plug-and-play setup.
Convenient on-mic controls for gain, mute, and volume.
Distinct and compact design.
Cons:
Flimsy-feeling dials.
No dedicated software for advanced control or noise cancellation.
Value proposition is questionable compared to some feature-rich competitors.
Jötunnslayer: Hordes of Hel, the highly acclaimed survivors-like developed by Games Farm and published by Grindstone, has received Steam Deck Verified status, confirming optimised performance on Valve’s popular handheld device.
The “Verified” status signifies that Jötunnslayer: Hordes of Hel runs seamlessly, providing players with a smooth and immersive experience whether at home or on the go. Now is the ideal time to experience the action – players can grab their Deck, warm up their battle-hardened thumbs, and explore the latest Svartalfheim Descent update – which introduces a new class, realm, god, and more.
After generating early buzz during its debut at the OTK Games Expo, Toplitz Productions has officially released the latest trailer for its upcoming post-apocalyptic survival title, Permafrost – now available to wishlist on Steam.
Set in a frozen future brought on by the catastrophic shattering of the moon, Permafrost presents a world where ice has swallowed civilization, and the few who remain fight for survival among fractured factions, deadly cold fronts, and crumbling remnants of the past. The new trailer offers an in-depth look at the game’s bleak and beautiful setting, its survival-driven tension, and the human stories buried beneath the snow.
Trailer Highlights:
Frozen Wastelands: A devastated open world shaped by ice, collapse, and the remnants of once-thriving cities.
Survival at Its Core: Endure brutal weather, scarcity, and the constant threat of violence.
Faction Tensions: Align with or oppose rival groups trying to control what little is left.
Canine Companion: You’re not alone. A loyal dog by your side helps you track, survive, and stay human.
Multiplayer Co-op: Brave the cold alone or with others as you can choose to survive the frozen wasteland with up to 3 other players.
Gritty Visuals & Storytelling: A grounded, atmospheric take on survival after the fall of humanity.
Good morrow, my liege! After 150,000 demo downloads, three times as many as Stronghold: Definitive Edition achieved back in 2023, Firefly Studios has compiled thousands of players’ feedback for Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition. Channeling these into player requested enhancements, several key improvements are now being made for the game’s release.
Ahead of its July 15th launch, Firefly dives into some of these community requested features and confirms key information on maximum unit counts in their final ‘Feature Spotlight’ development diary.
“Demos are vital to the success of our games” said Nick Tannahill, Firefly Studio Head. “We’ve had loads of fantastic feedback come in since our January reveal and first public demo, with enough time to implement many of these requests before launch. We keep our creative vision and goals for the game, while also getting the community involved and giving them a degree of authorship. It’s a win-win for us.”
Actively played since its original 2002 release by the Stronghold community, some of Crusader’s most knowledgeable and experienced players have given feedback on Firefly’s upcoming Definitive Edition. This feedback was studied in close detail ahead of the game’s reveal earlier this year, with a second round of suggestions gathered through the demo’s feedback form.
“All Crusader Extreme features will be included in Crusader: Definitive Edition, including the epic 10,000 units cap.”
Among the other features requested by players since January, including raising the overall troop count to a whopping 10,000 soldiers in a single game to match that of Stronghold Crusader Extreme, is the addition of Islamic buildings and related workers for the game’s Arabic and Bedouin Lords, as well as many vital bug fixes. The latter addresses specific exploits and issues discovered by the game’s most dedicated players across more than 20 years of play.
From map sizes up to four times the size of those available in the original, through to custom toggles for skirmish mode and online leaderboards, Firefly are striving to tick every possible box for fans of the original game, collating feedback before and after the reveal. A definitive edition should include absolutely everything players want out of Crusader and that’s what this final version of the game intends to deliver.
SEGA has announced Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition, the definitive edition of Captain Titus and the Ultramarines’ fight against the Ork Hordes.
Updated for a new generation by SneakyBox with 4K resolution, modernised controls, an interface overhaul, improved character models and remastered audio, the Master Crafted Edition brings the fight, the gore and the glory closer, louder and with greater impact than ever before. Experience this landmark third-person shooter set within the grim darkness and ceaseless conflict of the Warhammer 40,000 universe like never before.
Enter the fray, protect the Imperial Forge world Graia and experience the events that cemented Captain Titus’ place in the history of the Ultramarines. For the Emperor.
“Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition isn’t just a technical upgrade – it’s a thoughtful restoration,” said Producer Vaidas Mikelskas from SneakyBox.
“We aimed to preserve the spirit of the original while modernizing the experience for today’s players.
“This is more than just Master Crafted Edition, it’s a respectful dialogue between past and present, preserving what made the original special while making it shine for a new generation of players.”
GAMEPLAY FEATURES
Storm Into Battle: Experience 40,000 years of combat, evolved. Step fearlessly into the heart of combat as Captain Titus, an unstoppable Space Marine. Titus will not hide and does not cower, as he purges all that stands.
Unleash A Devastating Arsenal: Deal death from a distance with high-caliber ranged weapons and stand toe-to-toe with the enemy with the brutal chainsword, all the while protected by your Ceramite armor.
Define Your Class: In Multiplayer mode unlock and upgrade weapons, armor and abilities to further empower combat options and personalise your Space Marine to match your preferred playstyle. Experiment and explore all of the options provided by the Imperium.
Updated Ork Identity: The Ork horde’s identity is fully aligned with the latest Warhammer 40,000 lore, benefitting from new character models and over 100 new voice lines.
Modernised UI and Control Scheme: Take the fight to Ork horde with reworked and improved UI and control options, updated for a new generation of players.
Take The Fight Online: Form a squad or warband to face off in 8 vs 8 online matches. Earn experience and unlock new weapons and armor to customize the Devastator, Assault, and Tactical Marine classes.
TECHNICAL ENHANCEMENTS
A selection of meaningful and respectful technical upgrades grace Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition.
4K Resolution: Available on PC and Xbox X
Greatly Improved Textures: For enhanced environmental depth and fidelity
Graphics Engine Overhaul: Rewritten for the modernisation of 3D models and visual effects
New User Interface: Original Flash-based UI replaced with a more modern, user-friendly for improved player experience
Remastered Audio: Features additional enemy voice-over lines and improved support for modern audio systems
32-bit to 64-bit System Upgrade: Providing improved and more stable gameplay
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition will be available at $39.99 on PC, Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Series X/S on June 10, 2025.
