Review: Amnesia: The Bunker

Developer – Frictional Games Publisher – Frictional Games Platforms – Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 (Reviewed), PC Review copy given by publisher It’s been 13 years since Amnesia: The Dark Descent came out and revolutionized the horror game industry with its run-and-hide style of gameplay. Though Frictional Games has created a few sequels in the franchise since then, none of them quite hit the high marks that the initial did back in the day. But now they’re back again with Amnesia: The Bunker, a shorter more episodic take on the series that breaks free from the classic Amnesia formula by intertwining refreshing new ideas and serves to be their scariest game yet. Amnesia: The Bunker takes place… well, in a bunker! You play as a French soldier during World War I named Henri Clement, who finds himself waking up alone in an abandoned, caved-in bunker. You’re not alone though, as a nightmarish beast stalks the halls, sniffing for your every scent. During your entire playthrough, the monster is ever present and truly terrifying, and elevates the tension of your every move and decision. But one thing you know is that this beast is photosensitive, and scared of the light. Your goal is to get out of the bunker by finding TNT and a detonator to blow yourself an opening, but a seemingly simple task proves to be much more difficult.  Gameplay here is similar to any other survival horror title, where you sneak around in secrecy to solve puzzles, find clues, and figure out your bearings, whilst avoiding the ghastly entities that can end you in an instant. The difference is that the game is semi-open world and features many non scripted events. Inventory management remains a pivotal gameplay mechanic here as you can only hold a certain number of items. The tradeoff between holding an essential tool versus backtracking to your storage is the ever important decision here. You might have noticed that there are guns and grenades in this game, something that was missing in all the other Amnesia titles. Yes you can defend yourself, but the question is: should you? Resources are incredibly scarce and hard to come by, and you can’t kill the beast. You’ll want to constantly keep the bunker’s generator powered on and fueled up, as it gives you precious light and access to certain parts of the facility. A handy dandy watch lets you know just how much time you have left before the generators die. Otherwise you’ll be drowned in darkness with nothing but a wind-up dynamo flashlight that makes so much noise to the point where it sounds like starting up a lawnmower. Every little thing you do can attract the beast, whether it’s sprinting too much, breaking down doors, or moving objects around. And when it does find you, it is absolutely relentless, as it’s an instant death for you on normal difficulty. You can of course shoot it to wound it, but know that it will always come back for you. At the end of the day, it’s a race against time and how long you can manage your resources. It’s without a shadow of doubt that The Bunker pushes the Amnesia franchise in a bold new direction. It’s so unlike any other title in the series, but yet it still inherits its hallmarks. It makes up for its relatively short playtime with replayability. Frictional Games has excellently injected immersive sim elements into the classic survival horror formula. The game is played with very little hand holding, giving you the freedom to find your own path to salvation in this derelict bunker. Do you choose to use your ammo-starved pistol on the beast or to shoot the lock off a door? It’s these difficult and dynamic choices that elevate the overall tension of the experience. You are encouraged to experiment with your surroundings to figure out the best possible way to escape. The Bunker is a return to form for true survival horror. This is a very difficult game, with no auto-save or checkpoints, only manual ones. The team at Frictional Games has mastered the atmosphere here. Hearing the unholy screams of the creature stalking the dark and decrepit hallways, I get goosebumps every time. Excellent sound design combined with a unique backdrop provides the premise of a world with no respite. Even if you do escape this hell hole of a place, just think about what’s actually waiting for you out there. Another death filled battlefield from the aftermath of a raging war… If it wasn’t clear already, this game is meant to be replayed. You will likely struggle and die many times on your first playthrough, but using your built up knowledge and experience for subsequent runs is what allows you to truly appreciate this game. Plus you slowly uncover and piece together the narrative of what’s really been going down in the bunker before you arrived.  The game also offers three difficulty levels: easy, normal, and hard. I advise against playing on hard the first time, as you’ll have a frustrating time. It would have been nice to have cool unlockables for unlimited ammo or other bonuses after beating the game on harder difficulties, but one can dream. Performance leaves much to be desired on the PlayStation 5. The game doesn’t really scream graphical powerhouse, but still takes over ten seconds to load in. Frame rates also tend to dip and freeze up when more action is happening on screen. Amnesia: The Bunker lacks a native PS5 version and is played only through backwards-compatibility on the PS4 version. That means you won’t be enjoying any DualSense features or 3D spatial audio! The controls are also clunky and outdated, especially when it comes to opening doors and interacting with objects. With random glitches and bugs sprinkled on top, this game is definitely needing a few more beauty patches down the road. Amnesia: The Bunker’s engaging gameplay loop effortlessly blends in immersive sim elements, creating

Capcom Announces Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

In the ranks of upcoming Capcom games, the Japanese publisher is currently cashing in on the recent release for Street Fighter 6. Over the course of its first week, Street Fighter 6 was already recorded to sell more than 1 million copies. The title was projected to have a lifetime units sold aiming for over 10 million copies, Capcom shared. Additionally, the firm plans to reveal more with a new Capcom Showcase on Monday, June 12th. Already, some announcements were made prior to the presentation. At Summer Game Fest, Capcom announced that the upcoming Exoprimal will feature a Street Fighter 6 collaboration next month. The update feature a fully mecha Ryu. And now at the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, Capcom announced Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Fend off foul creatures and lead the Spirit Stone Maiden on her path. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a brand new title which upholds Capcom’s legacy of original and innovative works. This labor of love follows in the tradition of truly unique titles such as Okami and Shinsekai – Into the Depths. “Explore an incredible world in which traditional Japanese aesthetics are brought to stunning life by the power of RE Engine. Enjoy a unique gameplay experience blending action and strategy. Witness an epic clash between the spirit realm and mortal man,” the overview description for the game shares. What are your thoughts on Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess? Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is listed for Xbox Series X|S & PC. Source: Xbox Wire

Microsoft Flight Simulator To Receive Dune Collaboration Later This Autumn

When viewing the world map concerning Microsoft Flight Simulator, developer Asobo Studio remains adamant on rolling out new additions for the aviation experience. From the recent World Update XIII featuring numerous improvements for the Oceania territory illustrates just that. Even more, the announcement for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 further supports this with new aviation roles underway for next year.  Additionally, collaborations have proven to be a big players as well in fresh content for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Previously, we witnessed this with the addition of the iconic Halo Pelican into Microsoft Flight Simulator. Furthermore, a later Top Gun Maverick Update also illustrated expanding the horizon with fighter jets being a new vessel to break the skies in. Now in a new announcement at the Xbox Games Showcase, Dune Atreides Ornithopters will be coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “We worked closely with the team at Legendary, Warner Bros., and a key member of the Dune design team to create an incredibly detailed Atreides Ornithopter. Every system and control of the cockpit has been authentically recreated and the unique aspects of the flight model have been captured. Master the complex controls of one of the most dynamic aircrafts ever conceived as you pilot your ornithopter through awe-inspiring locations across the mysterious desert planet of Arrakis.” Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief Joe Skrebels continues: “The planet of Arrakis comes to life in Microsoft Flight Simulator – Dune Expansion! We are delighted to announce our partnership with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures to bring the renowned Dune film franchise to life in the Microsoft Flight Simulator – Dune Expansion.” Do you plan to try out the Atreides Ornithopter later this autumn? Dune Update for Microsoft Flight Simulator arrives to Xbox Series X|S & PC on November 3, 2023. Source: Xbox Wire

New Aviation Roles Revealed In Announcement For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Trailer

Since Asobo Studio went to new heights with Microsoft Flight Simulator more than a couple years ago, each new content update brings new excitement to the ongoing experience. The developer alongside Xbox Game Studios celebrated the success of the game when it was revealed more than 10 million players already took to the air earlier this December. In terms of the increasing number of World Update, Number XII featured an impressive amount attention tossed over to New Zealand this past February. And by April, Oceania also got a sprucing up with World Update XIII as well. So months later, it is likely an update is due on what planned content is on the way for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Well, the Xbox Games Showcase did just that with the announcement for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introducing new roles to indulge when exploring the aviation arts. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming to create the most sophisticated, immersive and awe-inspiring flight simulator of all time. To achieve this unprecedented level of accuracy, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is powered by the significantly evolved Asobo Studio engine,” the description shares. One of the marvels for Microsoft Flight Simulator since its inception was the transition to feature more grounded vehicles. This kicked off in August 2021 with the City Copters officially welcoming helicopters to the game. You can read the original report by heading here. What has you excited most for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024? Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 arrives next year for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Source: Xbox Wire

Climbing Adventure Title Jusant Revealed, Coming This Fall

For a while now, developer Dontnod Entertainment has begun truly separating itself from the Life is Strange IP. While already confirming the episodic special power series is not part of its playbook moving forward, the team also pressed on the matter with a complete rebrand as well recently too. In one interview, the developer confirmed more than a handful IPs are in the works from the game studio. As for what has been confirmed by the game studio, Dontnod revealed a collaboration with Focus Interactive for Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. Additionally, the team also announced Harmony: The Fall of Reverie also. Expanding on other projects planned to be shared, the developer at the Xbox Games Showcase made an appearance. On Sunday, Dontnod revealed new climbing adventure title Jusant. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “A narrative game told without spoken dialogue, this meditative journey will see you scaling an immeasurably tall tower, covered with different biomes to explore, accompanied by the Ballast, a mysterious companion made entirely of water,” the synopsis reads for the game. It is also confirmed Jusant will launch for Xbox Game Pass later this year too. Regarding other properties in the pipeline, Dontnod previously announced a separate title is underway in collaboration with Tencent. While details is bare since the reveal, it is added to the list already referenced before. You can read the full report by heading here. What has you most excited for Jusant? Jusant launches sometime in fall 2023 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire

RGG Studio Officially Addresses Like A Dragon 8 To Be ‘Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ In New Trailer

Under the umbrella of Japan-based RGG Studio, its future titles are currently repurposing its brand. Previously, it was confirmed that Yakuza is now associated as ‘Like a Dragon’ as the developer moves on from the crime organization in-game and in the title evidently now. Additionally, The team plans to maintain its momentum with turn-based RPG combat with this series whilst the latter Judgment series embraces the brawler combat fans are familiar with already.  As for upcoming content for the game, RGG Studio shared two games are already on the way. In that, Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name – a Yakuza: Like a Dragon prequel – is in the pipeline for this year. Not to mention the highly-anticipated Like a Dragon 8 is also paved for a release sometime in 2024. More details are to be spared during the upcoming RGG Summit coming later this month. At the Xbox Games Showcase, RGG Studio & Sega shared that Like a Dragon 8 now has a new name with ‘Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth’. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “An unexpected chain of events sets two legendary ex-yakuza, Kasuga Ichiban and Kazuma Kiryu on a larger-than-life RPG adventure,” the YouTube video description reads. “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the previously announced eighth iteration in Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s flagship series.” Gathered from the footage, this will be the first entry set outside of Japan; specifically in Hawaii it appears. Previously, the developer hinted at possibly pursuing this idea. Earlier this week at Summer Game Fest, RGG Studio did offer a separate update on one of its upcoming titles. In that, Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name received a new trailer revealing a release date slated for the November. You can read the full report by heading here. How excited are you on the development for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth? Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is listed for a release in early 2024 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Xbox Games Showcase has strong showing despite the Halo and Gears of War franchise being absent

The 2023 Xbox Games Showcase might’ve been one of Microsoft’s strongest shows since Phil Spencer became the Head of Xbox in 2014. It contained many first-party games from Xbox Game Studios like Fable, Avowed, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Clockwork Revolution, Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and South of Midnight. Now, with all the studios involved with Microsoft being over 20 with the acquisition of Bethesda, it should be expected to see a long list of new first-party games coming to the Xbox platform. During this showcase some of the more iconic IP of Xbox was not there and that’s Gears of War and Halo. Many anticipated there being a tease for a Gears of War 6 from The Coalition, but that wish did not come true yet. In fact, there was a job posting in early March indicating that they’re working on the next Gears title. The wait for whatever the next Gears game will be could be longer because The Coalition are reportedly working on a brand new IP. With Halo there always seems to be at least one side game that comes out in between the main series. A new Halo Wars some might’ve predicted or even a Halo 3 Anniversary which obviously came to be false. It seems 343 Industries focus right now is to make Halo Infinite the best it can be with content. Season 4 comes out on June 20 and comes with a new ranking system and Infection. It’s understandable to see Halo be absent from the major showcase, but for Gears of War it seems the time for a new entry is near. Gears 5 came out September 6, 2019.

Sea Of Thieves To Receive New Monkey Island DLC In Coming ‘The Legend Of Monkey Island’ Update

Exploring some of the extended lists of updates that rolled out for Sea of Thieves, the game has faced multiple patchwork rolling in new content for the online experience. Either from the recent Season Nine update with its bountiful count of new additions to the cosmetics featured from Halo Infinite or even the in-game items from the previous Oreo collaboration, the game continues to pour in new things for players. In summer 2021, Xbox Game Studios alongside Disney rolled out ‘A Pirates Life’ Update featuring Pirates of the Caribbean character Captain Jack Sparrow bringing a new story-filled experience to Sea of Thieves. It was later unveiled that the update drove the most player activity ever recorded for the game, Rare announced. According to Rare from the recent Xbox Showcase this Sunday, a new collaboration is nearing release next month with Lucasfilm Games. This time it’s the ‘The Legend of Monkey Island’ Update. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Your adventures will have you meet Guybrush Threepwood, his beloved Elaine, the dreaded ghost captain LeChuck, Murray the Demonic Talking Skull and more iconic characters. You’ll get to visit freely explorable versions of both Mêlée Island and Monkey Island, solving puzzles in a point-and-click style adapted for Sea of Thieves first-person view – and it’ll all take place in the Sea of the Damned, so you’ll have no interruptions from other players as you relive the iconic series in a brand-new way.” Xbox Editor-in-Chief Joe Skrebels continues: “Built in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, the three Tall Tales making up The Legend of Monkey Island (all of which will arrive for free) will bring swashbuckling Sea of Thieves adventures, presenting an authentic story with a single hypothetical question at its heart – what if Guybrush and co. arrived on the Sea of Thieves?” How excited are you for The Legend of Monkey Island Update? Part One of The Legend of Monkey Island Update ships on July 20, 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire

Metaphor: ReFantazio is Atlus’ first ever full-scale fantasy RPG

ATLUS was a big part of the recent Xbox Games Showcase having both Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Tactica then they follow it up by revealing a brand new game. Metaphor: ReFantazio  is ATLUS’ first ever, full-scale fantasy RPG, brought to you by director Katsura Hashino, character designer Shigenori Soejima, and composer Shoji Meguro. Metaphor: ReFantazio is being developed by Studio Zero. Write your destiny and rise above fear as you step into a fantasy world unlike anything you’ve seen before. Fraught with unsettling mystery, the kingdom stands on a precipice. Now, you must embark on a journey, overcoming obstacles and transforming your bonds with friends into strength. Metaphor: ReFantazio is releasing on Xbox Series XlS and Windows PC in 2024. There’s currently no word about it being on other platforms.

Persona 5 Tactica comes to Xbox Series XlS, Xbox Game Pass & PC this November

Persona 5 Tactica was officially announced during the Xbox Games Showcase shortly after Persona 3 Reload. This is a different type of Persona game we’ve seen being an all-new strategy RPG adventure featuring the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. “After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves wander into a bizarre realm where its citizens are living under tyrannical oppression. Surrounded by a military group named Legionnaires, they find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary named Erina rescues them and offers an enticing deal in exchange for their help. What truth lies behind Erina and the deal she offers to the Phantom Thieves? Overthrow your enemies and fight corruption with powerful Personas, an assortment of weapons, and wipe them out with style in this fresh new tactical RPG from the award-winning Persona 5 game.” Persona 5 Tactica comes to Xbox Series XlS, Xbox Game Pass, Windows PC on November 17, 2023. It’s also safe to assume it will come to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch the same day. Microsoft seems to have the marketing rights for recent Persona games.