HardwareFreaks

Tag: Souls-like

  • Hardcore 2D souls-like Blasphemous celebrates milestone with upcoming ‘Martyrs’ Edition’

    Blasphemous has carved out a passionate niche in the gaming world. Released in 2019, this hardcore 2D souls-like metroidvania blended gorgeous pixel art with an intense atmosphere and a compelling soundtrack. Four years later, the game’s enduring popularity has led to renewed excitement, culminating in a special collector’s edition that promises to satisfy the devoted fanbase.

    The success of Blasphemous is undeniable. The original title has amassed over 5 million copies sold, cementing its status as a cult classic and proving that some of the most evocative indie games can reach massive audiences. This widespread acclaim has sparked anticipation for further expansions and commemorative releases.

    Studio The Game Kitchen has now unveiled their next ambitious project: the ‘Martyr’s Edition,’ a highly anticipated physical collector’s release of the game.

    This special edition, which will be released later this year in October, is priced attractively at £44.99 and will be available for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch players. Crucially, the physical package includes the game disc or cartridge itself, complete with all existing DLC and content updates included on medium.

    But the true treasure lies in the extras provided to collectors. Fans will receive a wealth of unique items designed to celebrate the game’s journey. These bonuses include a thank you letter from the developers, an extensive 48-page visual compendium featuring unreleased artwork, a ‘premium’ art print, a special Effect foil sleeve and box, a traditional video game manual, and a digital soundtrack comprising 38 tracks.

    For players who have enjoyed Blasphemous, this package offers unparalleled value. While the full physical edition is a significant investment, those who have played the game digitally can access it for a fraction of the cost currently on platforms like Steam, where the base game is available for just over £6.

    Regardless of how you acquire Blasphemous, the ‘Martyr’s Edition‘ offers something unique—a tangible artifact that celebrates a beloved indie title and rewards its dedicated community with stunning visual art and exclusive memorabilia.

    Credit: KitGuru

  • Grand Theft Auto 6 puts another body in the trunk: Lords of the Fallen 2 is delayed to early 2027

    The world of sprawling open worlds is currently dealing with a scheduling adjustment, as Lords of the Fallen 2 has been pushed back from its initial fall launch date to early 2027. While fans eagerly await the next installment, this shift isn’t merely a calendar change; it signals a strategic commitment to quality and a smart maneuver in a fiercely competitive gaming landscape.

    CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski explained that this pause is intentional, providing the development team with the crucial time needed for “additional integration, iteration, and polishing.” This focus ensures that when the game finally arrives, it will be a refined masterpiece rather than a rushed experience.

    Beyond simply stretching the timeline, the delay offers a strategic advantage. By moving Lords of the Fallen 2 out of the immediate holiday rush, the developers are ensuring the game receives the dedicated attention it deserves, free from the intense pressure cooker created by massive, simultaneous releases.

    The development process itself has been deeply collaborative. Tyminski noted that the team worked closely with the Gameplay Feedback Team—a dedicated group of seasoned souls-like veterans within the Launch Creative Team. This group provided valuable input, helping the team identify meaningful opportunities to refine and strengthen the overall experience for players.

    This emphasis on player-driven refinement is a familiar theme in modern gaming development. The industry has recently witnessed the chaos inherent in managing blockbuster releases. For example, massive titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 have themselves undergone significant scheduling shifts, causing ripple effects across the entire game industry’s holiday planning.

    This isn’t an isolated incident. We are living through an era where major releases create waves of schedule adjustments, whether it’s Hollow Knight: Silksong forcing developers to scramble for space or other studios adjusting timelines to navigate the competitive waters. Even behemoths like Cyberpunk 2077 made their own splash during the holiday season.

    The decision to prioritize depth over immediate release is a testament to the team’s commitment to delivering a high-quality product, rather than simply hitting a date.

    As development continues, there are no firm dates yet for Lords of the Fallen 2, but the expectation is that it will land in the first quarter of 2027, allowing players to look forward to a truly polished and deeply integrated adventure.

    Marek Tyminski

    Credit: PC Gamer

  • Lords of the Fallen II officially delayed to 2027 due to “highly competitive holiday period”

    The world of souls-like gaming often thrives on intricate design and challenging gameplay, but sometimes, even the most promising franchises face unexpected delays. The saga of Lords of the Fallen is a prime example of this dynamic tension. First released in 2014, the original title arrived with a decidedly lukewarm reception, yet it managed to plant seeds for an interesting series.

    Developer Hexworks sought to reignite that formula by pursuing a sequel, Lords of the Fallen II. After years of anticipation, the team announced a release window targeting Fall 2026. However, the relentless pace of the modern gaming landscape introduced unforeseen variables that would require a strategic pivot.

    As the industry shifted focus toward monumental releases, the timeline for the sequel inevitably had to be adjusted. The resulting plan saw the highly anticipated title pushed back further into 2027, a shift driven by massive external competition and the desire to ensure the game received the dedicated attention it deserved.

    The decision wasn’t just about hitting a new calendar date; it was about commitment to quality. The leadership behind the project emphasized that this extra time would be invested in refining the core experience. By collaborating closely with the Gameplay Feedback Team—a group of seasoned Souls-like veterans—the developers were able to integrate meaningful enhancements and polish, ensuring the final product would be of the highest possible quality.

    This dedication to iteration allowed the team to move beyond simple development toward true refinement. Instead of rushing a title, they chose to strengthen it, integrating new elements and iterating on the core experience so that when Lords of the Fallen II finally launched, players would be greeted with an unparalleled level of polish.

    Ultimately, the delay reflects a commitment to the craft over the schedule. While external events like the release of other major titles certainly play a role in setting timelines, the focus remains on delivering an epic experience that truly fulfills the promise of the franchise.

    Credit: KitGuru