Who goes there?! At the Horror Game Awards Halloween Showcase, Saber Interactive’s 3D Realms label and developer Anshar Studios released a new gameplay trailer for Painkiller, the reimagined action shooter launching Oct. 21, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Immerse yourself in fast-paced co-op action with this new trailer narrated by one of the demons waiting for you in Purgatory. And remember – friends who slay together, stay together!
Blast through hordes of demons in brutal, fast-paced combat with an array of infernal weapons in Painkiller! Battle across gruesome gothic environments to stop the fallen angel Azazel’s invasion of Earth and earn your salvation – solo or in online co-op for up to three players.
Key Features
Purgatory Is Your Playground: Jump, hook and dash across vast, spine-chilling biomes while fighting nightmarish enemies in bloody, fast-paced combat with a host of new and classic Painkiller weapons.
Three-Player Online Co-op: Play online with up to two friends, exploring diverse locations, uncovering secrets and facing off against terrifying enemies.
Grotesque Terrors Await: Challenge a variety of horrifying foes, from hordes of demons to titanic terrors like the monstrous children of Azazel – the Nephilim.
Unleash The Pain: Use tarot cards to upgrade your abilities, rank up to expand your arsenal, and team up with other players to obliterate all foes.
Choose Your Character Wisely: Play as one of four distinctive characters – Ink, Void, Sol and Roch – with unique perks to boost your energy, health, power and damage.
Rogue Angel Mode: Survive a brutal roguelike mode, completely separate from the main campaign, where you and your friends advance through procedurally generated arenas, collect tarot cards, weapons, and items along the way, and take on epic bosses.
Launching October 21, the Standard and Deluxe Editions of Painkiller are available to pre-order now on PlayStation 5 (Deluxe), Xbox Series X|S (Deluxe), and PC via Steam. The physical version of the Standard Edition is also available to pre-order on PlayStation and Xbox at major retailers.
The Deluxe Edition of Painkiller includes the Season Pass, featuring the “Night Watch DLC” with four character and six weapon skins at launch, plus an assortment of weapon and character skins post-release.
All pre-orders come with the “Iron Crusade” pre-order bonus skin pack. Physical pre-orders also include the “Burnished Pride” weapons pack, which includes additional gold weapon skins.
For more information, visit the game’s website, and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X for the latest updates.
If you’re like me, you’ve spent a fortune on your gaming rig. You’ve got the latest graphics card, a CPU that could probably launch a satellite, and a mouse with more buttons than a TV remote. But what about your audio? If you’re still plugging your expensive headset directly into your motherboard, you’re leaving a massive amount of performance on the table. It’s like buying a sports car and putting cheap tires on it.
This little metal box has a big reputation. Its older siblings have won awards for years, becoming the go-to recommendation for anyone wanting better sound without taking out a second mortgage. Now, the third version is here, priced at $229, and it promises to be the all-in-one audio solution for your desk. But is it just for those audiophile folks who listen to jazz in silent rooms? Or is this the secret weapon your gaming setup has been missing? I’ve spent some time with it, and honestly, the answer is pretty clear.
So, What’s This Thing Actually Look Like?
Right out of the box, the ZEN DAC 3 doesn’t feel like your typical piece of computer gear. It’s not a boring black plastic box. Instead, it’s this cool, rounded trapezoid shape made from a solid chunk of aluminum. It’s got some real heft to it, which just feels premium. The new design has a two-tone look with a dark gunmetal grey body, bronze accents, and even a strip of faux-leather texture on the front. It looks way more expensive than it is and definitely adds a bit of class to a desk full of RGB.
The layout is super simple. There’s a big, silky-smooth volume knob right in the middle. To the left, two buttons: “PowerMatch” and “XBass+.” To the right, two headphone jacks: A standard 6.3mm one (it comes with an adapter for your 3.5mm plugs) and a 4.4mm balanced one, which is a more high-end connection.
Getting It All Hooked Up (Is It a Pain?)
Here’s the best part for anyone who just wants to get back to gaming: it’s ridiculously easy to set up. It connects to your PC with a single USB-C cable, which also powers the device. That’s it. Windows recognizes it, and you’re good to go. For PC users who want to get every last drop of performance, there’s a driver you can download from iFi’s website, but it’s a quick install.
And for the console crowd? Big news here. iFi says it’s compatible with the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, making it a versatile hub for more than just your PC. You just plug it in and instantly get a massive audio boost. The only real limitation is that USB is the only input, so you can’t hook up older gear, but for a modern gaming setup, it’s all you really need.
The Million-Dollar Question: How Does It Sound?
Okay, let’s get to it. The difference between motherboard audio and the ZEN DAC 3 is night and day. Everything sounds bigger, clearer, and more alive. iFi has a signature “house sound” that’s a little warm and smooth. What does that mean for gaming? It means you can play for hours without your ears getting tired from harsh, tinny sounds.
In games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Baldur’s Gate 3, the world just feels more real. The environmental sounds, the dialogue, the soaring musical scores – it all has a depth and richness that was missing before. For competitive shooters, the story is just as good. The soundstage, which is basically how wide and deep the sound feels, is spacious and uncluttered. This makes it way easier to pinpoint where enemy footsteps or gunshots are coming from. And because it’s a direct USB connection, there’s no perceptible delay, which is absolutely critical for competitive play.
That Big “XBass+” Button… The Cheat Code for Audio?
Now, let’s talk about my favorite feature: the XBass+ button. This isn’t some cheap software effect that muddies up the sound. It’s a purely analog circuit that gives the low-end a serious kick.
You know what? It’s awesome.
For gaming, this is your explosion button. Firing a shotgun in DOOM Eternal feels like it has a physical impact. Grenades in Call of Duty have a deep, satisfying boom that you can almost feel. It adds that cinematic, club-like punch to the bass without messing up the clarity of the other sounds, so you can still hear your teammates yelling at you. It’s just plain fun, and I left it on most of the time.
Okay, But Are There Any Downsides?
No product is perfect, and the ZEN DAC 3 has a couple of quirks you should know about.
First, that beautiful analog volume knob has a side effect: it doesn’t control your main Windows volume. Your keyboard’s volume keys won’t work. You have to use the physical knob. iFi does this because an analog control is technically better for sound quality, but it definitely takes some getting used to.
Second, all the outputs are active all the time. If you have headphones and powered speakers plugged in at once, sound will come out of both. To switch, you have to unplug your headphones. It’s a bit of an inconvenience, for sure.
Finally, while it has plenty of power for almost any gaming headset or popular headphones out there, it’s not a powerhouse. If you have extremely hard-to-drive audiophile headphones, you might want a separate, more powerful amplifier. But for 99% of gamers, this won’t be an issue.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
So, is the iFi ZEN DAC 3 worth the $229? Absolutely.
If you’ve invested in a great gaming rig but are still using your motherboard’s audio, this is one of the most significant and noticeable upgrades you can make. It makes games more immersive, more exciting, and can even give you a competitive edge. The build quality is fantastic, it’s incredibly easy to use, and that XBass+ button is just pure, unadulterated fun.
Despite a few minor quirks, the iFi ZEN DAC 3 is a phenomenal piece of kit. It’s a simple, elegant, and powerful way to finally give your games the incredible sound they deserve. Your ears will thank you.
We’re excited to announce that Pure Pool Pro’s Closed Beta has now opened up to all as a free Steam Demo, giving players their very first hands-on experience with the highly anticipated sequel to Ripstone’s critically acclaimed cue sports series.
Launching later in 2025 for PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Pure Pool Pro is aiming to set a new visual benchmark for pool sims with hyper-real visuals, frame-perfect physics, and support for resolutions up to native 8K.
The Steam demo includes:
Freeplay: Rack up in the brand-new Rackhaus venue and experiment freely.
Practice Matches: Face four new lifelike AI opponents across both 8-Ball and 9-Ball.
Following the demo, development will enter a phase of optimisation and refinement, where player feedback will play a vital role in shaping the final release.
Pure Pool Pro Features at a Glance:
Hyper-real visuals in up to native 8K
Ray-traced reflections and advanced ball physics
Deep Career Mode across 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Blackball & Killer
Smarter, pressure-sensitive AI opponents
Real-time cross-play multiplayer
Two new venues: the arena-style Tetradome and the intimate Rackhaus
The World of Tanks team is announcing an explosive crossover with MachineGames’ iconic Wolfenstein video games series. Beginning October 2nd, World of Tanks players will step into the boots of William J. Blazkowicz and his Resistance allies in the upcoming Battle Pass Special: Wolfenstein. The event runs until October 13th, giving tank commanders the chance to receive exclusive Wolfenstein-themed rewards, including authentic franchise characters as crew members, 2D tank styles, a variety of customization elements, and the first German Tier VIII double-barreled heavy tank – the fearsome Zwilling.
The Zwilling, seized from Regime forces and repurposed by Blazkowicz and his allies, is the first German Tier VIII heavy tank to feature a double-barreled gun. Combining quick aim, durable armor, and swift maneuverability, the Zwilling wields twin cannons capable of unleashing brutal salvos or targeted single shots. Adorned with the “Götterfaust” 3D style, the tank embodies brutalist and industrial design, combining angular shapes, streamlined stamped armor plates, and Wolfenstein visual motifs – from drone hulls to trophies like the Panzerhund head and the Zitadelle. All these details transform it into a vengeful symbol of the Resistance.
Five authentic Wolfenstein characters, each fully voiced by their original actors, will join the battlefield. Through Chapter Progression, players can recruit the legendary William J. Blazkowicz alongside his nemesis, scientist Wilhelm “Deathshead” Strasse, both available with zero perks. Additional in-game bundles grant access to Resistance heroines Anya Oliwa and Caroline Becker, as well as the menacing Frau Engel – each with three perks and unique voiceovers.
Upon completing all 40 stages of the Base Rewards Track, Commanders will earn an arsenal of Wolfenstein-themed items, including exclusive decals, inscriptions, a 2D style, and William J. Blazkowicz himself as a tank commander. Wilhelm “Deathshead” Strasse is also available through the Base Progression, ready to join tankers’ ranks.
Players looking for the full Wolfenstein experience can grab themed bundles and take on special combat missions, unlocking even more rewards that reflect the series’ dark yet unyielding spirit.
Join the Resistance, command the Zwilling, and claim victory.
On October 7, 2025, astragon Entertainment and astragon Development will set sails and release Seafarer: The Ship Sim in Early Access for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. While the game will already have loads of content to explore at its Early Access release, it will receive several big content updates during the Early Access phase that will extend the game, as well as add community wishes and feedback. Players will be able to see what to expect with a dedicated roadmap revealed today.
More information about upcoming updates and features can be found in the newly revealed Trello board of Seafarer: The Ship Sim.
At Early Access start the game already provides over 30 hours of gameplay and an impressive fleet of six unique ships to tackle the tasks of the first two factions available:
For their cargo career at Crescentport Logistics, they can rely on the strong Tugboat Bernhard as well as the dependable Cargo ferry Herbert.
For going on duty with Tide Guard they have the choice between the Police boat Rigid and the Police ship Density, both designed for patrolling the open seas efficiently. If they need to provide firefighting support, the firefighting specialists Archer and Lancer are the right choice
Watch the New Crescentport Logistics Trailer Now:
With such a strong fleet, players can either dive directly into the first story mode campaign act or quickly jump into Quickplay Mode to simply enjoy each mission on its own. But before making the choice, the character editor is where the player’s own captain can be created.
New updates will be shipped soon
While players can already enjoy the open seas starting on October 7, new major free updates are already in the works, with the first one releasing in the last quarter of this year.
Update 1- Crescentport Logistics: The Bulk and LNG Update (Estimated Release: Q4 2025):
The first update will add more ships to the game that also come with new mission types for the cargo faction. Players can look forward to meeting the newest ship Big Trip, which brings large-scale containers shipping to life, while its fellow vessels Bulk Willy and Nordic Duchess introduce bulk cargo and LNG operations (Liquified natural gas operations). Alongside these ships and new missions, the update will also include bug fixes and ongoing improvements to ensure smooth sailing.
Update 2 – Tide Guard: The Rescue Update (Estimated Release: Q1 2026)
The second update will grow the Tide Guard fleet with the two new police ships Salvation and Grace, which will also introduce rescue operations. Again, this update will also include fixes, improvements and community wishes.
Sneak Peek of future updates
While these two updates are the first ports of call, the voyage doesn’t end there. The team is working on even more content for the future, including:
New missions for Crescentport Logistics and Tide Guard
Additional Story Mode Acts
A Vessel Editor
A new faction (to be revealed later!)
Expanded map areas
Online co-op and multiplayer missions
More ships
Seafarer: The Ship Sim will be released in Early Access for $24.99 / ₤20.99 / 24,99€ (SRP) via Steam and Epic Games Store for PC on October 7, 2025.
When children go to sleep at night, what do they see?
See Damien Haas, Abby Trott and Ify Nwadiwe seek the answer in a unique tabletop experience inspired by Little Nightmares. Where they find themselves – in The Nowhere – escape is their only option. The “Little Nightmares: Sickly Sweet” tabletop one-shot brings to life this haunting franchise, drawing narrative from the upcoming new game in the series, Little Nightmares III.
Check it out here:
Coming October 10, Little Nightmares III follows the journey of Low and Alone, two friends looking for a way to escape The Nowhere – a whimsical & nightmarish world. The title adds new variety to gameplay, where each character is playable and carries their own iconic item – a bow and arrow for Low and a wrench for Alone. Players can also join the nightmare with friends with online co-op coming to the series for the first time. Little Nightmares III is coming to PlayStation®5, PlayStation® 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, PC via Steam® and Xbox on PC, and Nintendo Switch™ and Switch™ 2. For more information on the game, visit www.bandainamcoent.com/games/little-nightmares-3.
Join the conversation on X at https://twitter.com/littlenights, and Discord at https://discord.gg/2ncXBKQm. For information on this title and other products from Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., please visit www.bandainamcoent.com.
Vertigo Games, in collaboration with Maze Theory and Eidos-Montréal, is presenting today an extended look at the upcoming Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow, a fully immersive stealth experience set to launch later this year on PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S, and Steam VR (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2800080/Thief_VR_Legacy_of_Shadow/).
In the Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow gameplay premiere video, host Dan Maher takes viewers to a special preview event in London, England. The video features a brand-new gameplay trailer, an extended look at gameplay with Vertigo Games’ Principal Game Designer Nick Witsel, and first reactions from media and creators who played the game for the first time at the event.
Hot on the heels of last week’s action-packed Alien: Earth finale, Survios’ action-horror shooter Alien: Rogue Incursion – Part One: Evolved Edition blasts onto consoles and PC today, available now on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam (including Steam Deck) and Epic Games Store.
Fans craving their next Alien fix this spooky season can fulfill their Colonial Marine fantasy in thev boots of rogue operative Zula Hendricks as they explore an abandoned corporate blacksite overrun with unrelenting Xenomorphs in a story set between the Alien and Aliens films. In classic Alien fashion, balance careful stealth and pure guns-blazing aggression on a mission to rescue a former squadmate and unearth the truth of Gemini Exoplanet Solutions’ secret experiments.
Rebuilt for console and PC with Xenomorphs that have evolved to be smarter, faster, more adaptive, and harder to both predict and kill, Alien: Rogue Incursion – Part One: Evolved Edition delivers a cinematic action-horror experience with stunning upgraded visuals, 60 FPS, 3D audio, DualSense controller integration, and more, all of which combine to make players feel like they’ve truly entered the world of Alien.
More information on both the Evolved Edition and the VR versions of Alien: Rogue Incursion can be found at https://alienrogueincursion.com.
Today, the three-person, New Mexico-based dev team, Dark Machine Games, alongside indie horror publisher, DreadXP, has launched the first major content update for speed climbing horror roguelite, White Knuckle. The Abyss Update, available now, adds an entirely new region along with a variety of other new content.
vAfter navigating Silos, Pipeworks, and Habitation, players will enter The Abyss, featuring three distinct levels that harbor a number of new denizens, some friendly and many others deadly, including The Face, a new form of The Mass to pursue the Climber. New to the update are Artifact Items— extremely powerful objects that replace gaining a new Perk in The Abyss, each of which can change the way you play. To offer a shorter, albeit more dangerous route to the top, unlockable shortcuts will be added for Silos and Pipeworks. Other additions include new levels in Silos and Pipeworks, new Perks, new secrets, and more.
In White Knuckle, you are a lone climber, and your only goal is to escape the decaying depths of Substructure 17 with your life. To conquer the vertical labyrinth, you must carefully manage hand stamina, limited inventory space, and scarce supplies, all while avoiding or outrunning the dangerous entities that call the compound home. As you scale the crumbling structure, you’ll gain perks that can increase stats like stamina regeneration, jump distance, and speed. Using tools like pitons, rebar, and rope will aid your ascent, but be mindful of your greed, as too many items will weigh you down, making it much harder to climb, and one wrong move will send you plummeting to become one with The Mass.
The Abyss Update New Features:
The Abyss: An all-new region with 3 contained levels.
Five extremely powerful Artifact Items, which replace receiving a new Perk in the Abyss, each capable of changing how you play.
Shortcut Regions for Silos and Pipeworks: After unlocking, skip sections of the game and climb through far shorter, more dangerous areas, at a cost.
Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH) and its Victrix brand, today announced the new Turtle Beach® Victrix™ Pro BFG™ Reloaded Wireless Modular Controller for PlayStation® consoles and Xbox is available globally and ready to dominate the competition. The Victrix Pro BFG controllers have long been coveted by competitive esports gamers and fighting game community (FGC) fans the world over, and the refined Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded version was shaped by the most sought-after requests from fans. Newly added features include magnetic, anti-drift Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers, and a reconfigured Fightpad module that’s ergonomically optimized for FGC competitors to more effectively place their wrist on the controller’s grip – putting critical buttons within easier reach.
Techradar gave the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded a 4.5/5 review score and said, “The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded brings some sound upgrades to what was already an excellent PS5 controller.”Tom’s Guide said, “The Pro BFG Reloaded has quickly become my go-to gamepad,” while MP1st.’s story features the headline: “The Victrix Pro BFG Controller just got a whole lot better with its new reloaded version.”
The Designed for Xbox version of the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows; while the officially licensed PlayStation® version is compatible with PS5® and PS4® consoles and Windows. Both versions come in black or white colorways and are available for purchase today at turtlebeach.com and participating retailers globally for a $209.99/£179.99/€199.99 MSRP.
Additionally, for serious PC gamers, Turtle Beach also revealed the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Controller – PC Edition is now available for pre-order for $189.99/£159.99/€179.99 and launches October 26, 2025, only at Best Buy and www.turtlebeach.com in North America, and at participating retailers globally. The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Controller – PC Edition also features Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers, has 11 interchangeable components, plus customizable button mapping for keyboard, mouse, and gamepad inputs, Clutch Hair Triggers, and a responsive PC trackpad. With the addition of the PC trackpad, the Fightpad module is not included with the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Controller PC Edition and is sold separately.
“The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is all about giving players control over their experience,” said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “From swappable modules to precision-tuned features, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded lets every gamer personalize their setup to match their style of play and compete at the highest level with a controller tuned just for them.”
The Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller is built to dominate no matter the playing style or gaming genre. Fighting games, first-person shooters, and action-packed RPGs are all conquerable because of the controller’s customizable modules with built-in Hall Effect technology, ensuring drift-free precision and consistent, reliable input accuracy. The three modules and 11 interchangeable components that include various thumbsticks (two standard caps, one dome cap, one sniper stick), and a selection of D-pads and gates, ensure that gamers can configure the controller the way they need it to be for superior comfort and extraordinary performance.
The Pro BFG Reloaded controller represents the next level of gaming that aids serious players in staying ahead of the competition, with four mappable quick-action back buttons that deliver faster response times and superior precision control. The patented 5-stop Hall Effect Clutch Triggers with Hair-Trigger mode deliver adjustable sensitivity, ideal for FPS gamers who need lightning-fast reactions. On Xbox consoles, experience immersive Dolby Atmos® surround sound with a free lifetime subscription, while gamers on PS5 consoles can connect any wired headset via the controller’s 3.5mm audio port and experience immersive 3D Audio*. For the FGC, the ergonomically optimized 6-button Fightpad module with Kailh microswitches (not included with PC Edition, sold separately) provides tournament-level precision, helping players execute flawless combos with ease. No matter the genre, the Turtle BeachVictrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller is built to elevate performance.
Beyond the adrenaline rush of destroying the competition, comfort and convenience are paramount. Gamers can customize their experience using the free Victrix Control Hub app, available on Xbox consoles and Windows, to remap buttons, optimize triggers, adjust deadzones, and more. The controller’s enhanced, textured grips and ergonomic design ensure maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions. Further, players enjoy up to 20 hours of wireless gameplay per charge with the built-in rechargeable battery and a low-latency range of up to 30 feet. For tournament play, a high-speed 3-meter braided USB-C cable provides rock-solid wired performance. The officially licensed PlayStation version of the controller includes a multi-platform mode switch, allowing seamless transitions between PS5 and PS4 consoles, as well as for PC gaming.
For gamers and Victrix fans who already own a prior generation Victrix Pro BFG Controller and for PC gamers who want to add the Fightpad module to their setup, Turtle Beach will also be launching a standalone Victrix Pro BFG Updated Fightpad Module in early October 2025. The Victrix Pro BFG Updated Fightpad Module comes in black or white colroways for $24.99/£16.99/€19.99 MSRP and features Kailh microswitches as well as the new, reoriented and more ergonomic button layout.
With pro-level customization and premium build quality, the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is the ultimate controller for gamers who refuse to settle. Dominate the competition with a controller built for champions. Victory above everything!
