Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War is a licensed first-person shooter developed by Auroch Digital and published by Dotemu and Game Source Entertainment, priced at £15. The game lacks multiplayer functionality and performs suboptimally on the Steam Deck. Combat mechanics involve players using powerful spray-and-pray weapons with limited ammunition against sparse enemy encounters, failing to create a sense of urgency. Airstrikes are included but often feel unnecessary due to insufficient enemy presence. The Klendathu Drop mission stands out for its chaotic gameplay, contrasting with the otherwise empty maps. The game attempts to replicate the film's aesthetic but often misses the mark, with repetitive outposts and an uninspired soundtrack. Players can assume the role of an "Assassin Bug," but this mode lacks depth and engaging objectives. The game features characters voiced by the original actors, but the delivery is stilted and the satire feels dated. Overall, Ultimate Bug War struggles to capture the essence of the original film and novel, with pacing and level design that leave much to be desired.
Wayfinder Studios has announced Wyldheart, a cooperative RPG developed by veterans from games like ARC Raiders, Minecraft, and Battlefield. In Wyldheart, players take on the role of a peasant imprisoned and seek an ancient relic to protect their town, with options to play solo or with up to three friends. The game features a semi-cartoonish visual style inspired by early Elder Scrolls games and the Fable series, focusing on social dynamics, NPC interactions, and exploration. Players can engage with local villagers, uncover quests, gather materials, craft items, and upgrade gear. The combat system offers 19 backgrounds and various skill trees, including magic, adventuring, and survival, along with a range of melee and ranged weapons. The co-op experience includes a drop-in and drop-out system with cloud-shared saves and group XP, designed for busy gamers with campaigns of approximately 10 hours of story content and an additional 15 hours of optional gameplay. Wyldheart is currently in alpha and will enter Early Access later this year, with players able to wishlist it on Steam.