During PlayStation State of Play, Vertigo Games, in collaboration with Eidos-Montréal and Maze Theory, proudly unveiled Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow, a fully immersive stealth experience set to launch later this year.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow brings back the iconic Thief franchise and reintroduces players to The City, where danger lurks around every corner and secrets are hidden in plain sight.

Experience the world of Thief for the first time in VR, blending classic stealth gameplay with next-gen immersion. Use your body to sneak past guards and your hands to pickpocket, pry open hidden compartments, and bypass locks through tactile interactions. Wield an array of arrows and tools to distract, disable, or eliminate threats with immersive VR archery as you climb rooftops, sneak through back alleys, and uncover secrets in a dark, steampunk-inspired world. Every heist offers multiple paths and playstyles, whether you sneak past guards unseen or take them down from the shadows.

The City is a place of shadows, ruled by the tyrant Baron Ulysses Northcrest. You are Magpie, a cunning thief orphaned by Northcrest’s brutality and shaped by the streets, who steals as the only means to survive. That is, until you uncover something greater: a legendary artifact holding a legacy from the past. Use immersive VR mechanics to steal, evade, and outsmart the forces controlling The City. Unravel its darkest secrets and expose a sinister conspiracy that looms over its very foundation.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is brought to you by Vertigo Games, the award-winning creators of Metro Awakening and Arizona Sunshine, in close collaboration with Eidos-Montréal, and is currently in development by Maze Theory.

Richard Stitselaar, CEO of Vertigo Games: “We set out to create a VR experience where players don’t just play a thief; they become one. It’s a privilege to work alongside Eidos-Montréal and Maze Theory on such an iconic franchise and bring it to life in a way that’s never been done before. This is the kind of immersive storytelling and interactivity we believe defines the future of the medium.”

Steven Gallagher, Creative Director at Eidos-Montréal: “Thief has always been about mastering the shadows, using a mix of tools and wit to navigate its dark and dangerous world. Whether you’re sneaking through or taking a more direct approach with arrows and blackjack, it’s a place full of intrigue. Seeing it reimagined in VR is incredibly exciting, bringing a whole new depth to Thief’s atmospheric world, and we can’t wait for both longtime fans and new players to experience it in virtual reality.”

Phil White, CEO of Maze Theory: “It’s been tough keeping this one in the shadows—literally. We’ve been in full stealth mode, but now it’s time to step into the light and finally unveil Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow. The team has worked tirelessly to stay true to the spirit of the series, delivering a level of immersion unlike anything you’ve seen. This is what stealth feels like when you are the thief.”

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is now available to wishlist on PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest, and Steam VR.

The post THE THIEF FRANCHISE RETURNS IN VR! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The age of darkness has descended upon the world of DOOM with id Software’s latest chapter in the decades long first person shooter franchise.

With a focus more on combat than the hectic fast paced slaughter we have seen in prior games, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a slower jaunt through hellish planets.

Storywise this is a prequel to 2016’s DOOM and furthers the story of the rise of the Doom Slayer, being the Kingdom’s last hope.

Still retaining the first person play and gore fest that we know and love in this mech-tech / horror crossover you are eqipped with the Gauntlet for some up and close melee, an array of automatic weapons and a few new editions such as the bone firing Skull Crusher and Shield Saw for blocking and long range.

Take downs of larger enemies, especially the ‘Leaders’ offer the opportunity to enact a brutal finisher and the environments (Planets) you find yourself in are mostly free roam.

Kill a ‘Leader’ and reap their essence for vitality upgrades and more.

There’s pick ups everywhere, but to find the real good stuff you need to look out for hidden spots, and most are not easily discovered. But there are secrets everywhere, but nowhere. From Codex, gold, chests through to DOOM collectables and more to be located.

Gold can also be gained from completing Mission Challenges.

Finding Sentinel shrines enable upgrades of armor and weapons. You need gold, rubies or wraithstones to spend

Life sigils are another hidden goodie. These if needed will ressurect you on the spot, without, you’ll restart at the last checkpoint if you’re taken down.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a solid play, if you don’t spend the time to look around for hidden treasures it can also be a quick playthrough to with 22 chapters in total.

The game also has unlockable cosmetics include unlockable or secret skins for your character and weapons and there’s a Milestones from the main menu where you can track your play.

At the end of each chapter you are given a summary on your exploits. Something Milestones does not do is allow you to warp back to a Planet you have previously finished, to do this, you need to go to Chapter Select so us completists can revisit an area to find hidden secrets that were missed.

In all DOOM: The Dark Ages gives us the demon filled, blood-lust that we love from the DOOM games, but it paces itself without the chaos and plays out like a satisfying mech, tech, hellish gore fest.

The post Doom: The Dark Ages (PlayStation 5) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Indie has swung back in to the realm of video gaming in one epic adventure from Bethesda.

The once exclusive to Xbox and PC, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has now released on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro.

The first person action see’s a classic (and young Harrison Ford) taking moments from the classic trilogy of films, intertwining these with a new storyline.

It’s 1937 and Indiana Jones is on a mission to prevent the power of the ‘Great Circle’ from falling into the hands of those that would use it for no good.

From China to Egypt, Vatican City and Thailand the sites in these nations combined result in the ‘perfect circle’ when viewed on a map.

The Professor and Archaeologist, Indiana (or Indie) must leave the classroom and keep these powers safe from evil.

Graphically Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is stunningly detailed. Gameplay, while first person breaks off into third person moments as FMV sequences kick in. Depending on the moment, especially if it is a high adrenaline action play, this can be a bit jarring at times.

Your environment is mostly linear, that said, in moments where you have more free roam, it definitely pays to explore. Being the astute archaeologist, there’s many items to be discovered such as Adventure Books which serve as a boost.

These give you Adventure Points which can be earned via differing objectives.

Combat sees you having a punch out, using your signature whip both as a weapon and a tool, and where applicable make use of stealth take downs. There is usually environmental objects to be found. These can be used as a weapon, but they aren’t the sturdiest and will usually break after a short time.

You also have a revolver, but finding ammo is a challenge in itself.

But you can’t pummel an enemy for hours, Indie has a stamina bar. So, if you find yourself in a heated fisticuff, pace yourself. Indie’s signature hat serves as a lifeline.

NPC’s that you come across have their own side gigs that they will need your help with.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is near-to another chapter in the cinematic trilogy of films while you snap photo’s, solve ancient puzzles and take down enemies who want to wield the power of the ‘Great Circle’ for nefarious reasons.

A blockbuster sized play-through and for the sheer adventure, I recommend, and for the players who tend to stray away for first person titles – there’s some serious adventure and action to be had.

The post Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (PlayStation 5) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Kingdom has come in an open world sequel where you experience life, combat and and epic narrative in 15th Century Europe.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is played in first person (with cinematics in third person) with a mix of close hand to hand sword combat, horse riding and exploration.

Differing kingdom politics is at the heart of this historically accurate story, as you, Henry of Skalitz a son of a common Blacksmith, now a Knight of Sir Radzig Kobyla, is on a mission of both revenge and resistance in an RPG style, with many quests before you.

The King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Wenceslaus IV has been unlawfully imprisoned by King Sigismund.

You also have your own personal vendetta against Sigismund.

With a posse of Knights and your right hand man Sir Hans Capon you start out as a messenger but it is not long before you’re in full battle mode against Sigismund’s allies.

Gameplay is mostly based on decisions or narrative paths you choose, this also dictates who may align with you, whether you find yourself in an impromptu fight and how your allies react to you as well.

If you played the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018) you’ll recognize a few familiar faces that make cameos in this second chapter.

Graphically, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is well detailed, from the meticulous ‘real-world’ recreation of towns and cities from 15th Century Europe through to open contryside and more.

Characters, both your main playable and NPCs could still do with a little more work.

While general play is fluid, combat of the main character feels a bit blocky. There are on occassion delays in dishing out some sword justice, as if the game ‘thinks’ for a second before landing a good wallop against your foe. This had me in a few crucial moments where the enemy was able to get an extra smack of their weapon in.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has the medieval lore and feel and a very excellent story to the likes of an high budget era based action film release.

There’s a lot to this second chapter, and while there may still need to be some patching done in future, if mid-century narratives and authenticity in era based gameplay is your genre, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II brings a motherload and then some.

The post KINGDOM COME: DELIVERANCE II (Xbox Series X|S) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Serepta Studio and Team17 Digital have today launched first person psychological mystery Thalassa Edge of the Abyss on PC. 

Developed by the same team that created My Child Lebensborn, Thalassa Edge of the Abyss delves deep into a melancholic journey of self-discovery, intricate relationships, and sea drenched sorrow. 

Follow the journey of deep-sea diver Cam and undertake an expedition to the final resting place of the Thalassa, Cam’s old ship, which now lays shipwrecked and abandoned on the sea floor. To uncover the answers Cam so desperately seeks, players must explore the wreckage, pick through clues left by Cam’s old crew, and piece together the events, ultimately uncovering the truth behind the Thalassa’s untimely end.

Thalassa is available now on PC.

The post THALASSA: EDGE OF ABYSS IS NOW appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Revisit the 2000’s era of 64BIT gaming in 4K and 120FPS with the remastered Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered.

Originally released in the year 2000 by the long gone Acclaim Studios for the Nintendo 64, a console that at the time super rendered those pixels giving us a video gaming visual fest like never seen before.

Fast forward twenty three years and Nightdive Studios has remastered this classic for present day.

The third instalment in the Turok franchise Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion is a first person shooter where you take the role of either Danielle or Joseph, each having their own unique skills.

The game is a direct follow on from the second instalment; Turok 2: Seeds of Evil where Primagen’s Lightship was destroyed.

An explosion so devastatingly powerful it broke the Universe it was within, unleashing an interstellar entity that takes over the bodies of living folks, an entity that itself once reigned before the Universe existed. And this entity also bought along some of it’s Jurassic pals along for the ride.

You will collect all manner of weaponry as you play, in total 16 different types of weapons and you’ll start out with a pistol, a knife and bow and arrow.

Collectables and consumables are rife throughout the game, especially if you explore the mostly open environments. Your weapon selection is via a selector wheel assigned to a hot-key on your gamepad for easier swap outs.

This remastered version is not a complete graphical overhaul though. You still get those early Y2K squared edges, minimalistic environmental detail, but all is smoothed and fluid, retaining that sense of nostalgia.

However audio needs some work. At times the voice acting sound and in-game sound effects was distant and scratchy.

And, Nightdive did not include the Multiplayer modes, which really made the original game stand out at the time. Why Nightdive, why?!!

The main campaign play of Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered is still a substantial play, even by today’s standards.

So, if you’re wanting to relive that 64BIT era but not keen on playing through the pixels on our present day flat screen TVs (back then we all had CRT TVs), Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered is going to give you that ‘back in the day’ feel with present day SCIFI action.

Minus multiplayer.

The post Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered (Xbox Series X|S) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Welcome to Redfall.

An idyllic small American township where you can live the quiet life and slay a few Vampires.

Redfall, developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda is a first person open world single or multiplayer game where a dark evil has befallen the otherwise quiet town.

To start off you select your vamp slayer from the four available; Jacob Boyer, Davinder ‘Dev’ Crousley, Remi De La Rosa and Layla Ellison.

Each of the heroes of course sits within their own unique characters classes and have their own skills and abilities, which you can upgrade via earned skill points.

There are two game options from the start; Single player or Host a game.

Going in to the narrative gameplay, (single player) you’ll start out having just escaped death.

The ocean has been pushed back, the sun blacked out and there are death zones littered throughout the town with pockets of half undead vampire minions to be taken down.

More of the story is revealed through the notes and diaries that you’ll find throughout the township of Redfall.

Exploration is a must. There is a lot of loot, meaty weapons and supplies to be found throughout Redfall, and luckily your inventory can store a fair bit.

Weapons can be customised and upgraded as well.

You’ll be tasked with missions which you’ll need to complete to get yourself through and it doesn’t take too long in to the game until you get some fierce firepower by way of automatic shotguns, fitted with stakes and more.

There is of course Vampires. And different classes of vampires.

Vampire Gods are in-game boss fights that separate out each chapter. You’ll also encounter Anglers and watchers. As you can imagine, each of these have their own vampire powers and difficulty levels.

Vampires can be found in random spots, in buildings, in back yards, parks and any dark corner. Generally easy to locate, you’ll know when you’re near one as they like to chat to themselves.

If you get yourself the ‘Bite Back’ edition, you can experience the game as a Vampire.

A grunty pistol or shotgun will take them down, but not out, so you’ll need to equip a weapon with a stake mount to turn them to dust.

And staking a vampire is a very satisfying experience.

The skill tree and weapons inventory is simple to use and get a hang of and there’s a lot of environmental hazards to make use of if you encounter vampire minions – or anyone else that is partial to death via electrocution, fire or U.V lighting.

You can equip up to three weapons from your inventory to a hotkey on the controller.

Multiplayer is hosting a game, which is exactly what it sounds like, but bear in mind that there is no drop-in. If you commit to hosting or joining a hosted game, you’re in there til the bitter end.

If you’re in single player and finding it tough and think, ‘hey this would be easier if I get a friend to help out’, you’re on your own and will need to quit the single play and go to the main screen for co-op multi.

Redfall does have cross-play, so if you’re gaming on a Xbox Series X|S you’re vampire killing friends on PC can join you.

But Redfall is not without issues… and some dodgy looking character animations.

Several times on Xbox the game crashed completely or had occurrences where an enemy could not be killed or even interacted with.

I would come across floating vampires that essentially had no idea you were there, and you couldn’t kill them.

Then there was ‘ghost’ vampires, one’s that I had killed, but nope there they would reappear after dying and float about like nothing happened, and again, you couldn’t interact with them. I guess they are the undead…

Asides from these weirdly amusing glitches the even more frustrating problems were random game freezing (both single and co-op), character motion locking (on occasion my character was pinned to a spot or their movement became slow and jittery) through to the game simply exiting itself to the Xbox Home screen.

These were frequent and game breaking, but should also be fixable with a patch.

Redfall has promise and the potentiality to grow and evolve.

If you can get a decent playthrough before the game glitches out there is some blood sucking goodness to be had in there.

If you’ve already taken up residency in Redfall, hang in there, it can only get better. If you’ve not started out your vampiric slaughtering missions yet, sit tight and wait for a patch or two to be released.

The post Redfall (Xbox Series X) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Gore and fleshy mechanical contraptions of twisted proportions awaits you in Ebb Software’s Scorn.

If like me you watched the trailer before release you’ll likely be expecting a very macabre first person shooter in a horror landscape.

Scorn isn’t that.

It’s a slow burn and more of a puzzle title as the environment is your ultimate obstacle.

But it’s the part flesh and part machines that you’ll encounter that are also your tool to get through each area.

The game gives you enough leeway to casually play and saunter about its meticulously hellish detailed landscape to figure out how to forge on through.

The game has no dialogue, the story is told through the actions the game requires of you to progress.

There is some shooting, but it’s directive specific, Scorn is most definitely not a run and gun.

Paths are linear. Even though the landscape appears to go on, you are kept to a path and more often than not you’ll be within tunnels or various cavernous rooms.

Inspired by the mind of H. R. Giger (Aliens), Scorn will have you giving your brain a workout as much as it does satiate your lust for horror fused SciFi.

I enjoyed the game, but as said it is slow, so it will require patience and a lot of perseverance.

If horror and gore is your thing and you’re looking for something different Scorn will leave your fleshy desires satisfied.

The post Scorn (PC) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Pistol whip, slash with a katana or haul out your big guns, do whatever it takes to bring down the mighty dragon and rescue Orochi Zilla.

Shadow Warriors 3 is a cheesey humor filled first person action gore fest filled with demons, larger than life foes and even oversized mutant bunnies.

Things kick off with Lo Wang (yes I see the joke here) lamenting over his failures from the past, destroying all civilization and it’s not too long that you’re on a mission to rescue your former fiend now friend Orochi Zilla who gets trapped by residual energy held inside Hoji’s mask.

The two must now set out to find a witch that may be able to free Orochi Zilla. But it’s going to be one hell of a ride getting there.

The post Shadow Warrior 3 (PlayStation 5) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Having released in 2020 exclusive to Google’s Stadia gaming platform, Serious Sam 4 is finally here for consoles. It was seriously worth the wait.

The games story is a prequel to Serious Sam 3. A huge portal has opened up in Tunguska, Russia.

The handiwork of a nefarious villain called Mental. He uses this portal as a bridge for his alien armies to invade Earth.

With the planet in peril, the Earth Defence Force is called, led by the one and only Serious Sam.

And serious is exactly what this game is not.

First up you’re going to get yourself killed. Then if you choose to do so (and I recommend doing so) you’ll need to decorate a tree.

Doing this right at the onset of your action adventure will see you dealing some festive cheer.

Serious Sam 4 can be played in first person or third person. I recommend playing in first person though. There’s a lot in the way of game customization, even changing the graphics up to differing filters.

As you progress through each and every destroyed city, some like mazes, it’s beneficial to explore. There’s a lot of hidden goodies including gadgets that are super handy to get you through some of the more trickier spots. Exploring will offset any time to completion bonus though, as you are scored on how well you played at the end of each chapter.

You can also upgrade Sam’s skills and perks by finding orbs hidden throughout Levels. The skill tree is easy enough to work through, but finding the orbs is not so easy to locate.

Guns get bigger and badder as you go along.

These are found or acquired as the story progresses. From a pistol through machine guns, rocket launcher and more.

You’re not alone in Serious Sam 4.

The Earth Defence Force consists of a few mercenaries, they will fight alongside you, or you’ll need to rendezvous with them, depending the chapter.

There’s also others that you will rescue, who will at times, join you for a brief period.

Your goal is to get to Rome and secure the Holy Grail. An alien artefact. Something Mental is keen to also get.

You’re going to have a seriously hellish fun time getting there. And all hell literally breaks loose when a seismic device is set off. Serious Sam 4 is the best in the series so far.

A dark humoured shooter that you’re going to play until you finish.

And when you do, there’s Survival mode…

Seriously, one of the best shooters I’ve played all year.

The post Serious Sam 4 (PlayStation 5) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.