Aladdin – Arabian Nights [Review]

Sometimes you just want to play something truly nostalgic, and what better way to scratch that itch, than firing up the old Super Nintendo emulator for some platforming in Aladdin. I know I’m waltzing into dangerous territory here, since I’ve heard that Nintendo fans can be very passionate. For those, I just want to say: show mercy. I’m no expert in retro-gaming intricacies, but from playing Aladdin, I learned that it’s a damn fine title. And it felt like a perfect platformer for someone not used to these old-school games—not too hard, yet, still challenging without being frustrating.

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Menace – Demo Impressions

Start the Cannon Fodder theme song, please

Finally, the Menace demo has arrived for us to download and play like the tactics starved maniacs that we are! So, how is it? I would say it’s okay, showing potential for the future. However, the high boardgame feel of it really surprised me. It’s a game that is a lot more abstracted in combat simulation, LOS (line of sight), and damage than I was expecting—especially compared to their last title; Battle Brothers.

For example, “overwatch” has been dumped in favor of faster gameplay, forcing you to move forward instead of turtling behind defenses to ambush the enemy. Fair, I guess, but it also means that the defensive safe playstyle that I like is out the window. And it feels a tad ridiculous that my special forces unit when having action-points left after a move, say up to a building, can’t defend themselves.

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Mars Tactics – New trailer and Release Date!

Ah, Mars Tactics, one of those high-potential games I played at random during one of Steam’s Next Fest demo parties. Yeah, let’s see—yes, all the way back in 2023. Well, I’m happy to announce progress has been made since. Lots of work has gone into the strategic map, and the turn-based combat itself, as you can see in the trailer provided down below.

What’s most interesting here, beyond the new tidbits of gameplay shown (that robot!), is that a release date has been set. This comes with both good and bad news. The good: release is in May 2026. So, a while out, but not overwhelmingly so. The bad: it’s an Early Access title. And with that, I can only suspect that the complete package won’t arrive until 2027 or something like that. But hey, at least we are getting a taste, because the turn-based combat was fun in the demo, and the setting is very cool—which reminds me of the faction wars in Total Recall. Kuato lives! Check the trailer after the jump, as usual.

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Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown [Gameplay Trailer]

The publisher Daedalic Entertainment just released a gameplay trailer for their new upcoming game: Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown. And what can be said? The trailer is short and only shows us snippets of the gameplay and mechanics. As it stands right now, taken from what has been shown, it seems to mostly be a management game with story based decisions, which you make in a menu.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. However, I must admit it comes off a little flat to me. No tactical teams to send and fight with, beyond CYOA (Choose Your Own Adventure) picks when on expeditions. Yet, it all could provide an interesting experience, since space combat seems to be a thing, and getting to decide the fate of Voyager could provide some “alternative history” fun. Maybe you can let Tuvix live now, instead of putting him to sleep like an old sick dog.

Not to be a negative Nancy, the game still has potential. I was just expecting something extra, and usually, I’m not the biggest fan of rehashing old plot-lines. But it’s the good Star Trek, so it will probably be fun regardless. Trailer after the click!

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Bloodgrounds – Demo Impressions

What is better than to test your mettle in the warm arena sand, beneath the scorching Mediterranean sun! Well, to do it in a fantasy setting of both Roman and Greek mythology. So, it’s not only men and women equipped with gladiuses you have to fear. It’s Minotaurs and magic-users as well, among many other creatures of legend. A bloody good time will be had—in both senses. Welcome to Bloodgrounds!

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