Brian 'Limmy' Limond creates content focused on video games, particularly indie games, and is known for his absurd humor and dry sarcasm. He engages with games like Dead by Daylight (DBD) and The Séance of Blake Manor. The 2v8 mode in Dead by Daylight allows for double the number of killers and survivors in expansive maps and has gained popularity over the past year. The upcoming 'Konami Takeover' event will introduce characters like Dracula and Pyramid Head, as well as new survivor characters Cheryl Mason and Trevor Belmont, available for free during the event. The event will also feature themed outfits for Konami's characters. The Konami takeover event is scheduled to launch on Thursday, November 6, at 11 am PST / 2 pm EST / 7 pm BST / 8 pm CEST.
James Rolfe, known for his series The Angry Video Game Nerd, has significantly influenced the Let’s Play and video review genres on YouTube. The latest installment, Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit, features a storyline where The Nerd battles a mechanical antagonist, Super Mecha Death Christ 2000 B.C. Version 4.0 Beta, who disrupts his gaming experience. Players help The Nerd defeat various bosses using a cartridge that channels the essence of bad games. The game includes Full Motion Video cutscenes, reminiscent of classic Sega CD games, and maintains the character's humor. Gameplay draws inspiration from Mega Man 2, with levels themed around notorious games like Pepsiman and Castlevania. Power-ups enhance The Nerd's NES Zapper, introducing strategic gameplay elements. Unlike previous titles, this installment offers a more balanced challenge, including a feature that assists players after multiple deaths. The game visually captures the NES aesthetic and features a nostalgic soundtrack. Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is released as an actual NES cartridge, celebrating retro gaming.
The rise of parry mechanics has expanded from character action games and spectacle fighters to various genres, including roguelikes, horror games, JRPGs, and first-person shooters, particularly in the Soulslike genre after the success of Sekiro. Yacht Club Games is developing an adventure game called Mina the Hollower, inspired by classic Castlevania and Zelda games, aiming to evoke retro gaming while incorporating modern influences. Co-founder Sean Velasco noted the game's nods to Bloodborne in its health management system and pacing. He described the exchange of gameplay ideas among developers as a "great conversation," leading to the convergence of game mechanics. The release date for Mina the Hollower is not yet determined, but it can be added to wishlists on Steam.
Duke Nukem: Horror Castle is a mod for Duke Nukem 3D released in 2025, created by modder WilliamGee. It features a nine-level campaign set in gothic fortresses, offering 3 to 5 hours of gameplay. Players face 24 unique enemies, including skeletons and vampire bats, and encounter four minibosses from the original game. Health is replenished by cracking open skulls instead of using medkits. The mod was initially launched in May and received a Halloween-themed update with seasonal items and a new secret level. It is available for download on ModDB. There are plans for a Voxel Duke Nukem 3D mod and a potential Duke Nukem television series by Adi Shankar, who has acquired the rights from Gearbox.
GOG, formerly known as Good Old Games, is committed to game preservation and has been actively securing iconic titles for over a decade. Senior PR representative Piotr Gnyp highlighted the challenges of negotiations, citing that some can take years, such as the case with Diablo. GOG has successfully reintroduced Japanese classics like Silent Hill 4: The Room, early Metal Gear entries, and the original Castlevania and Contra games. They also negotiated with Capcom to re-release Dino Crisis and the first three Resident Evil games. In late 2024, GOG launched a preservation initiative that included the re-release of Breath of Fire 4. However, GOG faces challenges such as delisting games due to rights issues and external pressures advocating for the removal of specific titles. In response, GOG offered 13 adult-themed games for free to reinforce their commitment to game preservation. Gnyp emphasized the importance of preserving games as many disappear from distribution each year, which poses a risk to preservation efforts.
The metroidvania genre has seen a resurgence, appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers. Notable titles on PC include:
- Hollow Knight: Celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, gameplay, and soundtrack, it has set a new benchmark in the genre.
- Dead Cells: Combines metroidvania mechanics with roguelike elements, offering randomized experiences and high replayability.
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Known for its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and fluid gameplay, it balances beauty with challenge.
- Blasphemous 2: Features a darker aesthetic and punishing combat, refining mechanics from its predecessor while inviting exploration.
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: A classic that has significantly influenced modern metroidvanias, known for its intricate map design and iconic gameplay.
GOG has released the Konami Collector’s Series: Castlevania & Contra as part of its PC Preservation Program. This collection includes three Castlevania titles and two Contra games, available for purchase on the GOG storefront. A limited-time launch sale offers the collection at a reduced price of .89 until September 11, 2025. The collection was first released for PC in 2002 and on GOG in September 2020. The games are compatible with Windows 10 and 11 PCs, support various controllers, and include local co-op gameplay for the Contra entries. Enhancements include support for additional controllers, a pause menu with volume and gamma options, a guide for accessing the hidden game Jackal, and quick save functionality. The complete game list features Castlevania, Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, Contra, Jackal, and Super C. GOG's Preservation Program has also expanded with titles like Heroes of Might and Magic 2: Gold and Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition, and encourages community voting for future preservation efforts.
A new romhack titled Castlemania II has been created by modder xMANGRAVYx, combining elements from Super Mario Bros. and Castlevania for PC play. Players need a SNES emulator and the original Super Mario World ROM to play. The game features unique power-ups, engaging cutscenes, and custom bosses, with a higher difficulty level than traditional Super Mario titles. Players can download Castlemania II and apply the romhack using tools like Flips or Beat. Other notable romhacks mentioned include Super Mario Bros. CD and the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Remastered, set to release on September 13th.
