Skald: Against the Black Priory is a throwback roleplaying game that combines old-school aesthetics with modern gameplay elements. It features a polished experience that balances complexity and accessibility, with a compelling cosmic horror narrative. The game uses a unique progression system based on 2d6 dice rolls and allows for character customization primarily during creation. Combat is turn-based on a grid, with distinct tactical advantages for each class. Non-combat gameplay elements include diplomacy and skills that enhance exploration. One notable quest involves infiltrating a city controlled by cultist barbarians, allowing for strategic decision-making. The game offers flexibility in party composition with preset characters and customizable mercenaries. The worldbuilding includes a unique magic system and hints at greater cosmic horror, with writing quality reminiscent of classics like Planescape: Torment. Skald is recognized as one of the standout RPGs of the past year.
Criterion Games has shifted its focus entirely to EA's upcoming Battlefield project, with a significant portion of its workforce redirected since September 2023. A smaller group remains dedicated to supporting Need for Speed Unbound, but live-service support for the game will be discontinued. EA plans to revitalize the Need for Speed franchise in the future, based on community feedback. Need for Speed: Unbound has received mixed reactions, earning a 'mixed' rating on Steam from over 36,000 reviews. Additionally, EA is undergoing organizational changes, including downsizing BioWare and refocusing it on the Mass Effect series. Criterion's contributions to Battlefield were recently showcased in a brief gameplay reveal.
BioWare's workforce has decreased to fewer than 100 employees, down from over 200 two years ago. Recent layoffs have impacted key personnel, including writer Trick Weekes and producer Jenn Cheverie, as the studio shifts its focus to the next Mass Effect installment. Some employees have been transitioned to other studios within Electronic Arts. General Manager Gary McKay stated that the studio does not require full support at this stage of development and has worked to match staff with open roles at EA.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard was globally released on October 31. Within hours of its launch, the game was available on torrent sites due to the absence of Denuvo DRM protection. The leaked version requires over 89 GB of free space and has subtitles in Russian, but voice acting is only in English, French, and German. The game is available for purchase on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, with varying prices.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard has been released without Denuvo protection, leading to its immediate availability on torrent sites. This allows players in regions where the game is not officially available to access it for free. The absence of traditional digital rights management may prompt discussions about intellectual property protection versus wider access for players.
The Steam Winter Sale is running until January 2, 2025, offering substantial discounts on popular games. Notable titles on sale include:
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: A 2D action game from Ubisoft, recognized for its innovation in accessibility.
- Helldivers 2: A cooperative shooter featuring humorous gameplay against alien foes, with a recent content update.
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: An RPG sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, offering over 100 hours of gameplay.
- Tekken 8: A fighting game available at a 50% discount, featuring a cinematic story campaign.
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard: A narrative-driven RPG from Bioware, offering a deep storytelling experience.
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess: An innovative tower defense game from Capcom, with a bundle option including Okami.
- UFO 50: A collection of 50 original 8-bit games, appealing to retro gaming fans.
- Lorelei and the Laser Eyes: A puzzle game known for its intricate design and engaging gameplay.
In 2024, the PC gaming landscape thrived due to the resolution of component shortages, the popularity of cloud gaming, and the rise of PC gaming handhelds. A diverse range of games was released, including indie titles and AAA adventures, along with remakes and remasters of classics. The top PC games of 2024 included:
1. Thank Goodness You're Here!
2. Helldivers 2
3. Indiana Jones and The Great Circle
4. Red Dead Redemption
5. Star Wars: Outlaws
6. Balatro
7. Animal Well
8. Fallout: London
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
10. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
11. Silent Hill 2
12. God of War: Ragnarok
13. Black Myth: Wukong
14. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
15. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
The gaming rig used featured an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card, Intel Core i5-13600K CPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and an Asus ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI motherboard.
BioWare has announced that Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be released on October 31, 2024, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. The game will not include Denuvo or any other DRM systems, which may facilitate piracy. Xbox users can pre-download the game now, while PlayStation 5 preloading will begin on October 29 at 19:00 MSK.
The latest installment in the Dragon Age franchise, Concordillion, has received mixed reactions from fans, with some appreciating its polished design while others feel it lacks the depth of earlier titles. The game features improved character customization but raises questions about its RPG elements. BioWare's creative direction has shifted away from traditional RPG formulas, leading to some long-time fans missing the intricate storytelling and character development of previous games. There is a suggestion that the game could have been better titled "Veilguard" and positioned as a spin-off.
