This week we get medieval for pay in Wartales! Rockstar is gonna take a page out of it’s own handbook and rob ya! At least for a hundred bucks! And the Switch 2 was announced, and it looks like it might actually get some AAA attention!
If you're hunting for a laid-back, immersive strategy game with a pinch of medieval grit, War Tales might be your next adventure. With four DLCs and ongoing updates, this gem has evolved into a rich playground for players seeking a blend of exploration, tactical combat, and low-fantasy charm.
The Concept:
At its core, War Tales is a unique mix of Dungeons & Dragons, XCOM, and Mount & Blade. You helm a mercenary company, navigating a patchwork of war-torn and plague-ravaged kingdoms. The setting is medieval with a sprinkle of fantasy—think zombies, not wizards slinging fireballs. It's a grimy, down-to-earth world where survival hinges on wits and strategy.
Gameplay Highlights:
Combat plays out in grid-based, turn-based skirmishes akin to XCOM, but with its own flair. The game’s main resource, Valor, fuels special moves, encouraging players to strategize when to conserve or unleash powerful attacks. Outside combat, War Tales shines with its non-combat gameplay: managing a camp, developing professions, and navigating character relationships.
The camp system feels alive—you place items like cauldrons, blacksmithing tools, and tents, which influence morale and relationships. Professions like fishing, brewing, and mining level up, adding depth. Even mundane tasks have quirks: your bard might need to train a boar to unlock a new song, or you might capture and employ bandits—or even zombies—as part of your team.
Content & Replayability:
With multiple regions to explore, each featuring its own quests and storylines, there’s plenty to do. The game encourages different playstyles, whether you're role-playing as a virtuous band of mercenaries or leaning into a more sinister path.
While fun, some systems feel about 80% complete. Certain mechanics—like repetitive resource gathering—can feel like busywork. Despite these quirks, War Tales delivers a satisfying experience, especially as a comfort game you can revisit over time.
Verdict:
At under $20 on Steam, War Tales offers incredible value for fans of tactical RPGs and strategy games. While it has some rough edges, it’s a deeply engaging title that can easily stretch into dozens of hours of gameplay. If you're a fan of Battle Brothers or Mount & Blade and enjoy a bit of low-fantasy world-building, this might just scratch your gaming itch.
For those seeking an expansive, non-linear experience, War Tales is well worth the dive!
Wartales - Wartales is an open world RPG in which you lead a group of mercenaries in their search for wealth across a massive medieval universe. Explore the world, recruit companions, collect bounties and unravel the secrets of the tombs of the ancients! - Shiro Games (Steam, Available Now)
As anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 builds, fans are already speculating about the next trailer, rumored to drop on January 30th. While excitement is high, the conversation surrounding the game has taken a controversial turn: its potential price point.
Reports suggest GTA 6 might break the standard $70 AAA game price, reaching $80 to $100. Entertainment industry analyst Matthew Ball posits this could set a new standard for game pricing, pushing even mid-tier titles higher. If GTA 6 launches at $100, this could spark a ripple effect, normalizing higher prices across the board.
Historically, video game prices have been relatively stable, with only modest increases over decades. The last major bump—from $60 to $70—occurred during the pandemic era. However, GTA 6 might challenge this trend, arguing its massive scope, lengthy development time, and unique appeal justify the hike.
The counterargument is strong: while a premium price might make sense for GTA 6, it could pave the way for other studios to inflate prices without delivering comparable value. Critics also highlight the industry's reliance on microtransactions, subscription fees, and additional monetization strategies, raising questions about why base game prices need to increase when revenues are already soaring.
There are exceptions—studios like Larian, creators of Baldur’s Gate 3, have shown it's possible to release a top-tier game for $60 without compromising quality or profits. This raises the question: does the industry really need higher prices, or are we witnessing a corporate push to maximize profits at the expense of consumers?
For now, GTA 6 may be worth $100 to some, given its immense scale and cultural significance. But the bigger concern is what happens next. Will this be a one-off event, or will it open the floodgates for AAA games to adopt a $100 price tag as the new norm? Time will tell, but one thing is clear: the gaming community will be watching closely.
The Old ‘GTA 6 Could Be $100’ Comet Has Circled Back Around - Article by Forbes
Nintendo fans have plenty to be excited about with the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2. While the official trailer didn't reveal everything, here's a breakdown of what we know and what makes this next-gen console intriguing:
Hardware Updates
- Sleeker Design:
- Improved durability with features like a flush USB-C port.
- Enhanced Joy-Con design using magnets for attachment, potentially reducing wear and tear.
- Performance Upgrades:
- Powered by Nvidia's custom Tegra T239 processor.
- Comparable to the PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, making it capable of running more modern games.
- Includes upscaling technology (DLSS) for resolutions beyond 720p, aiming for 1080p or even 4K.
- Quality-of-Life Improvements:
- Larger screen and Joy-Cons, addressing complaints about the original's small form factor.
- A full-length kickstand for better stability, replacing the flimsy original design.
- Increased storage, starting at 256GB, with support for microSD Express cards.
Confirmed and Rumored Features
- Moving back to an LCD screen rather than OLED, possibly to offer an OLED edition later.
- Speculation that Joy-Cons might function as mice, opening possibilities for non-gaming use.
Game Library Highlights
The Switch 2 promises a robust launch lineup, appealing to both Nintendo loyalists and fans of AAA titles:
- New Nintendo exclusives: Mario Kart 9, a new 3D Mario, and Metroid Prime 4.
- Ports and remakes: Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Resident Evil 4.
- Possible inclusions: GTA VI, Metal Gear Solid Delta, and The Master Chief Collection.
With rumors pointing to serious interest from major AAA developers, the Switch 2 could bridge the gap between a classic Nintendo console and a more versatile gaming platform.
Pricing and Release
Historically, Nintendo has priced its consoles around $300, and while inflation and hardware upgrades might push this closer to $400, it still offers a competitive price point against the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Closing Thoughts
The Switch 2’s updates aim to address shortcomings of the original while maintaining Nintendo’s unique charm. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a versatile console with great exclusives, the Switch 2 looks poised to deliver.
Stay tuned for the full reveal during Nintendo Direct in February, where we expect even more exciting details!
Nintendo Switch 2 – First-look trailer
The Nintendo Switch 2 hardware specs we know so far - Article by Polygon
Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Power Is Reportedly Attracting Third-Party Studios With Ambitious AAA Projects - Article by Twisted Voxel
Here Are the Games Rumored to Be Launching for the Nintendo Switch 2 - Article by PCMag
Rumor: Final Fantasy 7 Remake May Be Coming to Switch 2 - Article by GameRant
