Dusty Mag

Little Nightmares III has officially dropped an online demo ahead of its full launch. Supermassive Games offers an early look for free and is available in digital stores. This demo version gives fans their first taste of the horror adventure video game. The upcoming title is also the third entry in the series since the release of the first game eight years ago.

A First Look at The Necropolis

According to Bandai Namco, the new demo of Little Nightmares III takes players to the Necropolis. This area is one of the game’s disturbing chapters set within the Spiral. Also, it is a desert-born city. Inhabitants called Dwellers used to live in the Necropolis. However, it is now a ghost town. The place is filled with dust, wind, and danger. While playing the demo, players will meet Monster Baby. She is one of the new characters in the game. Her mysterious presence, curiosity, and unpredictable strength make her a thrilling threat.

Play Solo or with Friends

Based on the announcement by the game’s Marketing Team, the free demo supports single-player and online co-op play. For solo mode, a player can choose to play as Low or Alone, making an AI companion use the other. In contrast, Co-op mode lets players control the two protagonists. Whichever players choose will carry unique items. These objects are essential when solving puzzles, escaping dangers, and surviving. Although it is only a demo version, fans will get to experience the full gameplay mechanics.

On top of that, Bandai Namco said that Little Nightmares III includes a Friend’s Pass at launch. This feature lets two players buy only one copy to play the game together. However, it does come with a little trade-off. Players cannot switch between solo and co-op within the same save file.

Editions and Early Access

When the full game releases, it will come in various editions: Standard, Deluxe, Mirror, and Premium Spiral. The bigger bundles include collectibles, costumes, expansion passes, and physical extras.

Availability and Supported Platforms

The free online demo is now available for download. It offers players a chilling preview of what is to come. Meanwhile, Little Nightmares III will fully launch on October 10.

It will be playable across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Although the game is set for different platforms, it does not support cross-play. However, the developers are still thinking about adding cross-gen support.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has officially released Claws of Awaji. It is the first major post-launch expansion for the action-adventure title. To unlock the new content, players must first complete key parts of the base game. In particular, they need to finish the main story arcs of Junjiro, Naoe, and Yasuke. At the same time, players have to complete the Out of the Shadows quest.

What is Claws of Awaji About?

In this new chapter of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke move to Awaji Island. It is a place right across Osaka Bay. Together, they will go on an exciting and challenging journey. Specifically, Naoe and Yasuke search for a long-lost treasure, uncover rumors of a mysterious shinobi, and confront the dangerous Sanzoku Ippa. Also, the two of them need to search for Naoe’s mother. However, the Island has traps, ambushes, and an enemy group looking for the two heroes.

New Weapons, Gears, and Skills

According to Ubisoft, the Bo staff is one of the main additions in the expansion. This weapon will be available to players who finish a free quest. On top of that, Bo staves can appear as loot in the main game. However, it is only possible if players unlock the weapon and finish training. Fans who purchase the Claws of Awaji expansion will get access to Legendary Bo staves. These versions of the weapon have unique engravings.

At the same time, the latest DLC further expands combat and progression. It brings new skills, weapon abilities, armor, and gear. What makes this sweeter is that players can use these upgrades back in the main game. In the same way, these changes help Naoe and Yasuke gain more versatility in facing new bosses and enemies.

Awaji Island as a Setting

During an interview with GameRant, Ubisoft Bordeaux’s Content Director Simon Arseneault shared that accessibility and uniqueness pushed the team to choose Awaji. Likewise, it is close to the mainland, so development is more practical.

“When you do an expansion, you have to work with a tight schedule and a tight budget. Awaji is close by but not too close…That way, you don’t have to produce everything. Same assets but organized differently,” Arseneault explained.  

The Claws of Awaji expansion is now available on Mac (Apple Silicon), PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. With over 10 hours of new content, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is clearly not ending any time soon.

Dying Light: The Beast is officially launching one day earlier than the previously scheduled release date. The game also serves as a spinoff of the first title. It continues the story and brings fresh gameplay to the franchise.

What is Dying Light: The Beast?

Based on Steam, this upcoming title is Techland’s latest survival horror game. It features Kyle Crane as the protagonist. He is also a guy who has been transformed into a half-man, half-beast through experiments. As Crane, players must control the human and beast abilities. In particular, they have to build, explore, and survive in the zombie-infested Castor Woods.

On top of that, the game combines awesome parkour movements, brutal fighting, and exciting exploration. Players can also change between human and beast forms. It allows them to gain super strength and speed to defeat enemies. However, players must be careful at night in Castor Woods. It is extra dangerous! What makes things more interesting is that the darkness forces players to run, hide, or fight deadly zombies.

New Release Date and Launch Times

After Techland faced a delay from its original August 22 launch, the release was pushed to September 19. However, it is now moving the rollout one day ahead of schedule. The decision comes as a result of high pre-order numbers.

“Since more than 1 million players have already secured their copy of Dying Light: The Beast ahead of launch, we’re moving the release forward to SEPTEMBER 18,” Techland said in an announcement.

As per GamesRadar, the release times are as follows:

• West Coast US: September 18 at 9 AM PDT
• East Coast US: September 18 at 12 NN PDT
• UK: September 18 at 5 PM BST
• Central Europe: September 18 at 6 PM CEST
• Japan: September 19 at 1 A M JST
• Eastern Australia: September 19 at 2 AM AEST
• New Zealand: September 19 at 4 AM NZST

Preload Details and System Requirements

According to Space4Games, players can start preloading Dying Light: The Beast on September 16. In particular, its download size is around 39 GB. Also, the installation needs 60 to 70 GB of storage.

To play the game with a stable performance, players must have the suggested system specifications.

Minimum PC Specs:

• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 1060 / AMD Radeon 5500 XT / Intel ARC A750
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• OS: Windows 10 or newer with a 64-bit processor
• Processor: Intel i5-13400F / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• Storage: 70 GB available space on an SSD

Recommended PC Specs:

• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 TI / AMD Radeon 6750 XT / Intel ARC B580
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• OS: Windows 10 or newer with a 64-bit processor
• Processor: Intel i5-13400F / AMD Ryzen 7 7700
• Storage: 70 GB available space on an SSD

Supported Platforms and Special Deals

Dying Light: The Beast launches on September 18 across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Meanwhile, players who bought the Ultimate Edition of Dying Light 2 Stay Human will get the spinoff for free. 

Hades II is officially coming out in full on September 25, just a few days away. The news came as part of the Nintendo Direct last Friday. It was one of the games shown and key highlights of the showcase. This debut of version 1.0 will also mark the end of the Early Access period.

From Early Access to Full Launch

It has been over a year since the Early Access release of Hades II in May 2024. Developer Supergiant Games has also dropped major updates leading up to this full version in the process. The upcoming game is also the studio’s very first sequel.

“Hades II is our team’s first-ever sequel, and we’ve been giving it everything we’ve got for more than four and a half years,” the developers said in an announcement.

In the same way, it is by far their biggest title to date.

“The result is the biggest game we’ve ever made, and one we hope you’ll find to be a worthy successor to its namesake,” they explained.  

According to Supergiant Games, the full version of Hades II will be available on the Epic Games Store and Steam. The game is also launching on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. For PC players who played during the Early Access period, the update is automatic and free. On the flip side, new console players will need to pre-order the game.

New Hero, Same Underworld

The Verge reported that the trailer shows Melinoë as the protagonist and sister to Zagreus in Hades II. In this sequel, she fights to enter the Underworld rather than escape it. More specifically, Melinoë’s goal is to defeat the god of time, Chronos, her grandfather. Similarly, Gods, mythological heroes, and her dangerous hands are returning to help in the quest. New powers and weapons are also part of the mix.

Advanced Features and Cross-Save Support

Hades II will run at 120 frames per second at 1080p in TV mode of the Switch 2 version. In handheld mode, the game supports 60 frames per second.

There is also a cross-save feature. It lets players transfer their progress between PC and Switch platforms. In short, they can start on one device and pick up on another with ease.

Retail Edition

A special retail version for Switch 2 is launching on November 20. It includes a Character Compendium booklet and a download code for the original soundtrack. Plus, this edition comes with a physical game card and a reversible cover.

With mostly positive reviews, Hades II could be one of the must-play titles of this year.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is officially launching its first post-release update. This patch will drop just days after its launch last September 4. The latest update focuses mainly on fixing bugs. At the same time, the changes will add a slight balance tweak to ease the game’s early difficulty.

About Hollow Knight: Silksong

This title is the sequel to the award-winning Hollow Knight. Set in the kingdom of Pharloom, players take control of skilled fighter Hornet. Silksong offers tough platforming, deep exploration, and fast-paced combat. The game features many different enemies and bosses. Players will also find out secrets of the world and Hornet’s past through the story.

Fans praise Silksong for its beautiful visuals, moody soundtrack, and fun gameplay. As a result, it became one of the biggest game launches of the year.

Bug Fixes Take Priority

According to the official Steam post, patch version 1.0.28497 aims to address several technical issues that hurt players’ progress. Among the fixes are answers for quests that previously could not be completed. Specifically, these target the “Infestation Operation” and “Beast in the Bells” wishes. Likewise, some changes corrected the problems with characters getting stuck after certain moves. In the same way, the update fixed inaccessible courier deliveries in Act 3. Plus, it corrected the wrong behavior of the craft during memory sequences.

Team Cherry confirmed that all corrections are retroactive. So, players can switch to the public-beta branch if they encounter game-stopping bugs. Playing on Steam or GOG will help those who experience progress blockers receive the fixes immediately.

Early Game Difficulty Eased

Although the game was a hit right at launch, it is not without challenges. IGN reported that many users shared that they were upset about the game’s early difficulty. There was also a debate in the community about whether the game is too hard on purpose.

In response to player feedback, the developers are introducing small but helpful balance tweaks. Bosses Moorwing and Sister Splinter receive a slight decrease in difficulty. In the same way, Sandcarvers will deal less damage to players.

At the same time, the first patch tweaks the game’s money system by adjusting rosary bead rewards. Bellway and Bell Bench prices will be lower.

Looking Ahead

The first post-launch patch for Hollow Knight: Silksong will drop next week. However, Team Cherry did not yet say a specific date. Meanwhile, the developers said that more fixes are now on track for the next update.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has revealed three of its upcoming multiplayer maps. The reveal provides players a look at what is to come next in the latest entry of the hit shooter game. Developers have also teased the return of remastered maps from Black Ops 2.

New Maps Display Unique Locations

GameRant reported that Blackheart, Colossus, and Homestead are among the announced maps. Each of these offers a different look:

• Blackheart is a modern, oceanic platform map. It features bold colors and large modern structures.
• Colossus comes straight out of Black Ops 2. However, it is now an abandoned floating resort. In particular, players will find water damage and broken infrastructure.
• Homestead displays stunning Northern Lights visuals. At the same time, it serves as the homeland of protagonist David Mason.

Following the X posts, players reacted positively. Specifically, fans shared that they look forward to Blackheart the most. In the same way, some recognized Colossus and a few were amazed by Homestead.

Classic Map Returns and Competitive Nostalgia

According to an article from Esports.gg, developer Treyarch has somewhat confirmed that the Yemen map is making a comeback. During a Dev Talk, the minds behind the game did not say specific map names. However, they seemingly dropped hints. The developers made references to famous quotes related to the map of Yemen, lowkey confirming its return.

For those unfamiliar, this map is a fan-favorite from the 2012 edition of the game. Once the confirmation becomes official, it will be the first time Yemen gets a remastered version since Black Ops 2. Likewise, it would be a long-overdue arrival since many players asked for it in previous titles.

Aside from Yemen, teasers also implied that other Black Ops 2 maps are coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Some of these are Carrier, Meltdown, and Plaza. Each map is a favorite in the community, especially for Search and Destroy mode.

While not yet confirmed, the return of these maps will make the game nostalgic for many old timers.

Map Count, Size, and Design

In the Dev Talk, developers also shared that the design of the 16-core 6v6 maps is a three-lane structure. At the same time, most of them are bigger than the ones in previous editions.

Release Date

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launches on November 14. It will be available on PC and console. The early access starts on October 2, while the open beta for everyone begins on October 5.

Silent Hill f is officially launching worldwide, marking the franchise’s return to the gaming scene. This entry follows Silent Hill: Downpour, which was released in 2012. At the same time, it serves as the eighth installment in the psychological horror game series. Developed by NeoBards Entertainment Limited, the title introduces a fresh story that mixes combat and survival mechanics.

Story and Setting

According to Epic Games and the PlayStation description, Silent Hill F is set during Japan’s economic boom of the 1960s. Specifically, the era was marked by rapid urbanization and social change. Players will take on the role of Hinako. This character ran from her abusive family after a painful argument. However, she eventually discovers that her mountain hometown is in chaos. In particular, the secluded area has been covered in fog, and residents have mysteriously vanished.

At the same time, its narrative explores themes of family expectations, trauma, and more. Likewise, the story immerses players into the world written by the well-known author Ryukishi07. Aside from a story that presents chilling horror elements, it also displays thoughtful character development.

Gameplay: Classic Horror Meets Survival Combat

Silent Hill f features the franchise’s trademark survival horror gameplay. Players can still explore, manage sources, and solve eerie puzzles. But this time around, it mixes in a Souls-like combat system. Specifically, the game employs the same steady and tactical flow.

Sports Illustrated reports that players can use improvised weapons in the game. Some of the options include daggers, lead pipes, and scythes. These weapons serve as the tools to fight scary monsters. Drawn from Japanese folklore, the game has foes, such as Kashimashi and Ayakakashi.

NeoBards Entertainment Limited also added a Focus mechanic. It lets players see hints of the enemy attacks. This makes dodging hits more efficient. However, this move consumes the Sanity meter, which can only be recharged at shrines.

Unlike previous entries, Silent Hill f does not support multiplayer mode. It banks on a single-player experience that expands the narrative and atmosphere.

System Requirements

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable playing experience, players must equip their systems with the game’s requirements.

Minimum system specs:

• DirectX: Version 12
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 5700
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• OS: Windows 11 x64 with a 64-bit processor
• Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
• Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
• Storage: 50 GB available space on an SSD

Recommended system specs:

• DirectX: Version 12
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800XT
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• OS: Windows 11 x64 with a 64-bit processor
• Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 5 5500
• Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
• Storage: 50 GB available space on an SSD

Availability and Pricing

Silent Hill f launches on September 25 across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Meanwhile, fans can pre-order the game for $69.99.

Star Wars Outlaws has officially received its very first title update for the Nintendo Switch 2 version. This new patch arrives just days after the game launched on the platform. In particular, Update 1 brings performance improvements, bug fixes, enhanced visuals, and other refined details. These changes ensure a smoother experience for handheld and docked players.

A First Update After the Long-Awaited Launch

The game came out in August 2024. And Ubisoft took more than a year to bring Star Wars Outlaws to Nintendo Switch 2. Still, fans are happy that the action-adventure title is finally on the popular gaming console. This time around, the publisher did not waste any time addressing early performance issues. In this title patch, player concerns are resolved.

Visual Upgrades

Based on Ubisoft’s official announcement, the update enhances visual quality. Specifically, graphics when moving quickly through the world or using binoculars are optimized. The amount of pop-in and flickering is less. Also, the developers enhanced the rendering of various elements in the game. Some of the visual improvements affect clothes, leaves, lighting, shadows, smoke, and transitions.

Gameplay, UI, and Story Pack Fixes

Aside from the polished graphics, the patch introduces general gameplay enhancements. Now, Star Wars Outlaws will spawn NPCs during the Crashed quest on Toshara. Likewise, stability and AI behavior improve when hiding in tall grass on Akiva. Plus, Kay Vess is less likely to get stuck while exploring the environment.

At the same time, Update 1 allows players who switch between Joy-Con and Pro Controllers to see accurate button prompts. Similarly, it corrects the gadget inventory HUD. It now resizes properly when using handheld mode with custom scaling.

Downloadable story packs in Star Wars Outlaws received bug fixes, too. In Wild Card, the patch resolved the problem with NPC highlighting when using Nix to plant a card. For A Pirate’s Fortune, Mynocks now appear when attached to the ship.

Optimized for Switch 2’s Hybrid Experience

The changes only came with the title update’s release on September 8. However, the game’s debut on the system last September 4 already included a few optimizations. The Nintendo version supports cross-progression through Ubisoft Connect. This console edition also comes with special features. From touch controls to gyroscope aiming, the game brings more that enhances the total experience. Plus, it targets 30 FPS in both docked and handheld modes.

Star Wars Outlaws is available across Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S. For now, the game is off to a more stable start. 

MindsEye has officially launched a new patch, highlighting the developer’s commitment to further improving the game. Update 4 dropped on September 5, months after the game’s rough release back in June. While it only focuses on minor issues, the patch marks the latest step in addressing multiple player concerns.

Early Trouble and Studio Response

Players reported bugs, crashes, poor optimization, and a lackluster AI after the launch of MindsEye.

Due to the issues, IGN said that many users submitted refund requests and gave negative feedback. At the same time, promotional streams were cancelled. The concurrent Steam player count also fell to near single digits. As a result of the flopped release, developer Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) placed over 100 employees at risk of redundancy. The rocky release turned into a serious internal problem. And the creators admitted to being heartbroken.

What Update 4 Delivers

The update brings significant improvements. One of which is performance and visual upgrades. PC Gamer reported that the developers optimized game architecture, assets, shaders, and collisions. It also removed ambient rubbish to enhance frame rates. BARB even managed CPU load by refining cutscene visual effects.

Likewise, Patch 4 includes gameplay and environmental advances. Now, trailer tanks in Free Roam explode when shot. MindsEye will also have a better aim assist to focus on enemies in vehicle turrets.

As part of the changes, the studio is introducing an option to skip cinematics and is improving UI reliability. The modifications in the gameplay flow and dropdown menu contribute to an enhanced user experience.

NPC behavior feels more natural. Ambient and civilian animations are smoother. And audio across scenarios is polished.

For PC creators using Builds.MindsEye, the patch adds a “Player Content” and a “Curated Content” tile to separate content types. Similarly, it upgrades tools such as logic nodes and more.

Can MindsEye Still Make a Comeback?

Uncertainty and player skepticism remain despite the latest update. PC Gamer said that the patches only resulted in a light bump in player count. It is far from a success. Still, the consistent effort to fix the game and tease future improvements provides hope. If BARB follows through with more effective updates, it may rebuild community trust. Likewise, that may help MindsEye find a second life.

As of now, update 5 is already in the works. It is also expected to bring larger changes in performance, AI system, and combat. Meanwhile, update 4 of MindsEye is now available across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. To see full patch notes, visit IGN. 

Dune: Awakening announced a free weekend open to everyone, along with exciting details about upcoming updates and a discount. The free play period comes a couple of months after the game’s initial release. It also marks the second free trial for the game.

Explore the World of Arrakis at No Cost

Back in late August, Dune: Awakening launched a free trial limited to 10 hours. This time around, Funcom is increasing the duration to four days, says the official announcement. Plus, players will get a chance to explore the deserts of Arrakis without any limits. Zero restrictions! It is the first free weekend for the game that has no content or time limitations. In particular, players can visit all zones, including Arrakeen City, Deep Desert, Hagga Basin, and Harko Village.

As part of the no-restriction free play period, each player can join friends who own the game. All they need to do is choose the same world or sietch.

Chapter 2 Update and DLC Arrive Early

PC Gamer reports that the update for Chapter 2 and the Lost Harvest DLC are dropping one day ahead of schedule. For context, the second chapter resumes the main story and introduces new content, such as missions and character customizations. Meanwhile, the fresh DLC will bring a standalone storyline, new gear, and a retro-futuristic vehicle.

First-Ever Discount on the Full Game

Besides the free weekend, there will be a sale on Dune: Awakening for the first time. Fans can buy the game at a 20% discount from September 11 to 22. Trial players also get to continue right where they left off, since all progress will be saved during the free weekend.

A Move to Renew Player Interest

According to a GameRant report, Dune: Awakening started strong after its release back in June. To be specific, it reached a peak player count of more than 189,000 players. However, the number of concurrent players has somewhat tumbled since then. In particular, player count has been heading below the 20,000 mark.

With the free weekend, earlier updates, and a discount, Funcom seems to be targeting old players to return to the game. In the same way, the move could also be a strategy to invite new players to try their product. Likewise, Dune: Awakening could be a step closer to joining the market’s list of top survival games with these changes.

The Dune: Awakening free play period runs from September 11 to 15. Everyone who plays during the given dates will receive the Arrakis Rising decoration.