Ethan Carter
Explore Darkest Dungeon: The Fire’s Edge Expansion
Developer/Publisher: Red Hook Studios
Available Platforms: Steam (Windows, Mac, SteamOS/Linux; base game is Steam Deck Verified), Epic Games Store, GOG, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Price: $7
After a six-year hiatus since the last expansion for Darkest Dungeon, Red Hook Studios, now part of Behaviour Interactive, has surprised fans with a new DLC. The expansion not only adds fresh content but also ties back to the beloved original game.
The Fire’s Edge introduces two new heroes, The Runaway and The Duelist, who originally appeared in Darkest Dungeon II. Each character contributes an additional slot to your roster, eliminating the need to sacrifice existing heroes. The Runaway features a distinctive burn ability, enhancing combat strategies. Alongside these heroes, the DLC introduces a variety of new trinkets, three additional districts, and exciting town events, all while boosting your heroes’ damage capabilities.
If you haven’t yet explored the depths of Darkest Dungeon, now is an excellent time to grab the base game for just $3.74 on Steam until September 1 and on PS4 until August 27. Owning the base game is essential for accessing the DLC. Perhaps, like many, you picked up Darkest Dungeon as a free offer on the Epic Games Store and haven’t had the chance to dive into it.
(I’ve spent an excessive amount of time this week pondering what truly makes a dungeon “dark” and how to creatively name a sequel without simply adding “II.” The complexities of the English language are intriguing.)
Experience the Thrills of Twisted Tower
Developer: Atmos Games
Publisher: 3D Realms
Platform: Steam (Windows; Steam Deck Verified)
Price: Typically $15, currently available at a 10% discount until September 1
Are you ready for a terrifying journey through a desolate 1950s theme park? Twisted Tower is a horror-themed first-person shooter that pits you against nightmarish mascot versions while equipping an array of upgradeable toy-inspired weapons. Your arsenal includes a mallet, a rubber-band pistol, a chain gun that fires bubblegum, and even a “fartin’ shotgun.”
The game draws significant inspiration from the BioShock series, from its aesthetic to the vending machines that dispense upgrades (though elemental powers are not included). With no new BioShock title in sight since BioShock Infinite over a decade ago, Twisted Tower might just satisfy fans longing for that gameplay experience. Personally, I have an aversion to clowns and would relish the opportunity to blast through them, making Twisted Tower an enticing option for me.
Uncover the Mysteries in The Lantern of the Laughless Saint
Developer/Publisher: NerveLabs
Platform: Steam (Windows; currently in early access)
Price: Generally $20, now with a 10% discount until August 24
While we await the release of The Elder Scrolls VI, even with Xbox’s efforts to expedite the process, fans of the series might find The Lantern of the Laughless Saint intriguing, particularly those who enjoyed the Oblivion remaster or have a fondness for earlier entries like Morrowind.
This open-world RPG allows for solo or co-op gameplay and features an island centered around a mysterious tower. As you explore, you will uncover the island’s secrets and encounter peculiar inhabitants. One notable feature is an amphitheater where seats fill with “phantoms” that are tied to the island’s residents you assist or hinder. The purpose of this theater remains unclear, but it appears to play a role in the game’s climax, which piques my curiosity.
The developers acknowledge that the game is not yet fully polished, being in early access. They plan to keep the game in EA for less than a year, with regular updates every week or two. Currently, The Lantern of the Laughless Saint offers a main campaign comprising over 50 quests, more than 60 unique enemies, and in excess of 100 equippable items, alongside comprehensive spell crafting and alchemy systems. NerveLabs estimates that completionists could enjoy upwards of 30 to 40 hours of gameplay.
Challenge Your Mind with Sensory Overload
Developer: Pancake Studios
Platform: Steam (Windows, SteamOS/Linux)
Price: Usually $10, currently on a 20% discount until September 4
Dive into a precision-based dropper game designed to challenge your perception. Developer Pancake Studios states that “every effect in this game is crafted to overwhelm your brain.” Players may find their depth perception altered as they navigate through tunnels, avoiding obstacles while aiming for the top of the leaderboards. Levels are named after their effects, like Vertigo, Nausea, Peristalsis, and Apocalypse.
Playing Sensory Overload is not on my agenda. I struggled to get through the trailer without feeling dizzy and overwhelmed. This game may not be suitable for those susceptible to motion sickness. it will likely attract a specific audience who enjoys such experiences, which is why I included it in this week’s highlights.
Experience the Unique Gameplay of Rebind
Developer: SteleDev
Publisher: Fallen Games
Platform: Steam (Windows; demo available)
Price: $5, currently at a 21% discount until August 26
This pixel art platformer presents a fascinating concept reflected in its title. At the beginning of each level, the controls for your character, a little frog, are randomly reassigned, which may pose challenges for accessibility but offers a unique gameplay twist. Forget relying on muscle memory!
You will find elements reminiscent of Celeste and Super Meat Boy, including wall jumps, instant respawns, and blood splatter effects upon dying. Collecting fruits unlocks more challenging levels. I played the demo and enjoyed the challenge of adapting to the shifting controls while avoiding hazardous obstacles. Rebind suits my taste for mind-bending games far more than Sensory Overload.
Daniel Mercer
