This week, inspired by Doom running on teletext, the Electronic Wireless Show podcast investigates: what other devices, mechanisms, or live animals can join the immortal shooter’s vast empire of unlikely ports? Despite not even being on the show this week, Alice Bee tasks us with finding the best, worst, or weirdest cases of Can It Run Doom from across the internet. And, sometimes, inside Nate’s mind.
We also discuss what we’ve been playing this week, with a double bill of disappointment in The Lord of the Rings: Gollum and Darkest Dungeon 2, before Nate transforms the Tower of Jocularity into a marketplace of Dark Bargains. Capitalised for terrible, terrible emphasis.
]]>The Electronic Wireless Show is not bound by your mortal rules, which is why even though this is a PC gaming podcast we're going to talk about Zelda, dammit all, because everyone else gets to talk about Tears Of The Kingdom and we're just as cool as them. We (attempt to) talk about our favourite Zelda games of the past, our favourite Zelda-likes on PC, and I explain how Tears Of The Kingdom works to Nate and James. Honestly though, we don't make it very far, because it turns out the lads haven't ever played a Zelda game before. At least, Nate might have. We're not entirely sure.
We do also talk about what we've been playing this week as well - which include some old favourites, some new secrets, and Gaben's tiny hands - and give some great new recommendations. Nate also delivers a very involved mini-game involving beans and aliens, and James doesn't talk about the Asus ROG Ally.
]]>Tunic developer Andrew Shouldice has made no secret about his love of The Legend Of Zelda over the years. He's not only spoken at length about how playing the original pair of Zelda games on the NES provided ample inspiration for his crafty hack and slasher, but you can also see it right there in the game itself, from your fox hero's bright green outfit to the beautifully illustrated in-game manual you piece together to unravel the world's mysteries.
But speaking with Shouldice at GDC this year, I wanted to talk to him another other potential source of inspiration. Before he struck out on his own to make Tunic, Shouldice cut his teeth making hidden object games, ranging from globe-trotting mystery adventures to Atlantean-themed detective stories. On paper, this earlier work would appear to provide the perfect proving ground for Tunic, as we all know by now that it holds plenty of secrets of its own. For Shouldice, though, it was more of a reaction against his earlier work that fuelled his approach to Tunic, as he gradually came to realise his hidden object games "weren't tapping into this very specific type of mystery and discovery and player agency and true exploration that I was interested in," he says.
]]>The Legend Of Zelda has always been one of my personal favourite series over the years, but being a Nintendo game, it's obviously never graced the PC in any kind of official capacity. But while we may never get to play a mainline Zelda game on PC, there's no denying it's inspired countless other developers to have a stab at it themselves, hence why we've put together this list of the best PC games like Zelda you can play right now. Whether you're looking to scratch that Tears Of The Kingdom itch or get stuck into something more retro-facing like A Link To The Past, we've got you covered. These are the best Zelda-likes on PC we'd recommend playing today.
]]>It's episode seven of Indiescovery and this week, wow, the gang is tired. With a busy four days in Boston for PAX East, mine and Liam's brains were basically mush last week, so Rebecca - an absolute angel - graciously said she could host a special PAX East episode where she chats with Liam and me about the indies we saw on the show floor and try desperately to string together a coherent sentence. She also made bulletpoints of our entire chat so writing up the shownotes would be easier; we do not deserve her.
]]>The BAFTA Games Awards were held last night - an annual show where a jury of developers throw weighty man-head statues at the crowd, celebrating the best games of any given year. The 2023 BAFTAs celebrated the best of 2022 with a mixed bag of games, awarding big blockbusters alongside popular indies, but the jury agrees with RPS on one front: Vampire Survivors is the best game of 2022. Good BAFTAs.
]]>This year's Game Developers Choice and IGF Award ceremonies were really heartening stuff. Getting to see so many great developers have their games celebrated by their peers will always warm the old cockles, especially when we celebrated so many of them in our own RPS Advent Calendar at the end of last year. Well, I say 'see'. In truth, I was tucked away backstage at this year's IGF and GDC Awards, clutching my dictaphone with a single question in mind: if each winner had to give away their award to another game in their category, who would it be and why?
It's an idea Brendan (RPS in peace) came up with back in the primordial mists of 2018, and it was so good I just had to knick it and do it again. It might be cruel to wrench these awards away so soon after receiving them, but it's all in the name of spreading good vibes and extra shoutouts, I promise. So here are the games of the year 2022, according to the people who just won awards for games of the year 2022.
]]>If the Independent Games Festival awards are the Oscars of video gaming, then that surely makes Rock Paper Shotgun's yearly Advent Calendar the BAFTAs. I'm justifying this spurious comparison because the games we picked as our favourites of 2022 have proven a strong indicator of what you'll find on this year's list of IGF finalists. Among the selectees are Tunic, Betrayal At Club Low, Norco, Neon White and The Case Of The Golden Idol.
]]>Hello! VidBud Liam here. You may recognise me from those videos that autoplay on every page. Or not. It depends on how quickly you scroll past, I suppose.
I joined team Arpus all the way back in February, and to say the last 11 months have been a whirlwind is a bit of an understatement. In less than a year I’ve made just under 90 videos covering a wide range of topics from major releases to international gaming events and brand-new hardware. My first year at RPS has been busy, basically. So when Katharine asked me to pull together a few of my personal highlights, I was kind of stumped. It's hard to pick favourites! It's even harder to celebrate my own achievements, but that's beside the point.
]]>With all the doors on our RPS Advent Calendar well and truly busted open for 2022 now, we thought it was high time to gather all of our favourite games of the year together in one handy location. If you've been diligently scoffing our Advent treats throughout December, then you'll already know what our game of the year picks are for 2022, but just in case you missed them or want to go through them one final time, we've got 'em all right here for you in our definitive Games Of The Year list. Enjoy!
]]>On the nineteenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree a little fox with a can-do attitude. Sadly, he doesn't speak the same language as me.
Anyone who’s played the charming Tunic knows that it’s a little cryptic. There’s an immediately nonsensical language to try and decipher, for one thing. Then you’ve got an in-game manual that’s been pulled apart, with pages strewn around the world to find before you can figure out how to do everything your little fox is capable of. Well, now audio designer Kevin Regamey has explained a whole other secret side to Tunic, and it turns out the game’s soundtrack hides a whole other language.
]]>Against all possible odds, we're officially halfway through 2022. What a year it's been so far! After one of the busiest starts to the gaming calendar in recent memory (looking at you, Elden Ring), my backlog is barely keeping it together right now. I've started so many things on as many different services that just keeping track of what I've played when is fast becoming a second job. If you, too, have been feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of new and exciting releases coming out, then why not have a gander at this freshly compiled list of all our favourite games from the year so far? Maybe you'll find something that will similarly catch your eye, just as it's done ours. I'll warn you now, though. It's a big list.
]]>Charity speedrun fest Summer Games Done Quick is staging its first in-person event since 2019, and there are shedloads of PC games to gawp at. SGDQ is one of the highlights of the year’s speedrunning calendar, and this year’s event runs until July 3rd. Doctors Without Borders is once again the charity SGDQ is raising money for, an NGO that helps people caught in warzones, disasters and outbreaks of disease. Last year’s event managed to raise $2.9 million (around £2.4 million). To get you in the right frame of mind, here’s a PC run of Tomb Raider: Anniversary from SGDQ 2021.
]]>As several members of the RPS Treehouse can attest, I have not been able to stop playing Tunic this week. I was a little cautious going in, having not particularly gelled with the E3 demo from last year, but in hindsight, that early glimpse was nothing but the tip of a tiny fox nose peeking out of its burrow. In its full, regal splendour, Tunic has become an early game of the contender for me, and a large part of that is down to its wonderfully clever in-game instruction manual.
When Imogen (RPS in peace) interviewed Tunic dev Andrew Shouldice last September, they talked about how instruction manuals were a fundamental part of a game's design back in the days of the NES, and at one point he even pulled out his old instruction booklet for Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link to demonstrate some of the "tantalising hints" they'd offer to curious players. As Brendan (also RPS in peace) noted in our Tunic review, the in-game manual is indeed a critical part of what makes Tunic special, and the act of piecing it together page by page really does capture that feeling of discovering some great secret that only you and the dev team know about. But here's a secret between you and me: it's not by chance Shouldice pulled out that old Zelda II manual during our interview last year. His fox hero may be cut from the same cloth as Nintendo's green sword-swinger, but the art inside Tunic's instruction manual also pays a wonderful tribute to those Zelda booklets of yore, too.
]]>Want to know how to defeat the Librarian in Tunic? The Librarian is an incredibly tough boss in Tunic. If you've already faced the Garden Knight and Siege Engine, this is a huge step up that'll prove to be an incredible challenge. Fortunately, we're here to help.
In this guide, we'll break down how to defeat the Librarian in Tunic, so that you can get the green key and complete the Ruined Atoll.
]]>Want to know how to level up in Tunic? As you explore the world of Tunic, you'll find plenty of currency that you can use to level up your fox protagonist. However, it isn't immediately clear how to level up in Tunic, which can leave you slightly underleveled when facing tough bosses like the Garden Knight and Siege Engine.
In this guide, we'll explain how to level up in Tunic, so that you can upgrade your character and get even stronger.
]]>Want to know how to find the magic orb in Tunic? Throughout the first leg of your adventure, you'll come across hooks and grapple points that you can lock on to. However, you aren't able to actually use these grapple points without a grappling hook. Fortunately, you can find a magic orb that serves as a grappling hook in the Frog Domain, a dungeon in the Ruined Atoll in Tunic.
Below, we'll break down how to find the magic orb by navigating the Frog Domain in Tunic, so that you can unlock the grappling hook.
]]>Want to find the green key in Tunic? The green key is hidden at the top of the library, which is a skyscraper reaching far into the clouds above Tunic's world. However, to reach the library you must traverse the Ruined Atoll.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to reach and complete the Ruined Atoll so that you can get to the library and find the green key in Tunic. If you haven't already, we suggest heading to the Forest Fortress to get the red key from the Siege Engine before venturing into the Ruined Atoll.
]]>Want to know how to defeat the Siege Engine in Tunic? The Siege Engine boss is much tougher than anything you've previously faced in Tunic, so our little fox protagonist is in for a challenge. Fortunately, we're here to explain the Siege Engine moveset and give some crucial tips that you can use to easily defeat this boss.
In this guide, we'll explain how to defeat the Siege Engine boss in Tunic, so that you can complete the Forest Fortress dungeon.
]]>Want to find the red key in Tunic? After entering the Sealed Temple, you will have a new goal in Tunic. Now, you must find three keys scattered across the world. The easiest to get is the red key, which is located deep within the Eastern Vault of the Forest Fortress.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to find and navigate the Forest Fortress so that you can get the red key in Tunic.
]]>Looking for a Tunic walkthrough? Tunic is a sprawling game that harkens back to old Zelda adventures. With multiple maps to explore, sprawling dungeons to navigate, and powerful bosses to defeat, Tunic can feel overwhelming for the unprepared. Fortunately, we're here to help with our Tunic walkthrough.
Below, we'll take you through each step of Tunic's main quest so that you can complete the game without getting lost in dark caves and eerie forests.
]]>Want to know how to get a shield in Tunic? Whether you're going toe-to-toe with a group of guards or trying to block lasers firing from a distance, there's nothing more comforting than a shield. Fortunately, you can get a shield early on in Tunic, and it'll prove crucial in some of the boss fights you'll encounter throughout your adventure.
In this guide, we'll cover how to get a shield in Tunic so that you can block enemy attacks and avoid taking damage from many enemies.
]]>Clink your wine glass. Tunic is not so much a love letter to Zelda as it is a wedding speech. Many games pay their respects to the blonde lawn mower and his absentee princess, but few have such fondness and understanding of the exact feelings those adventures conjure up, the precise sensation of exploring, the nook-scavenging, and the meticulous internal mapping that happens when you play Zelda's brand of wundergame. Tunic might have sacrificed some of its own identity in hitting every Ocarina note so perfectly, but when the result is such a capable homage it's hard to complain.
]]>Want to know how to reach the West Garden and find the West Belltower in Tunic? To access the Sealed Temple in Tunic, you need to find the West Belltower in the West Garden. However, to reach the West Garden, you must navigate the Dark Tomb. This cave is incredibly dark, making it almost impossible to explore without a lantern, so make sure to grab that before heading inside.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to get through the Dark Tomb and reach the West Garden. We'll also walk you through the West Garden region so that you can reach the West Belltower and open the Sealed Temple.
]]>Want to know how to find the lantern in Tunic? After exploring the East Forest in Tunic, your next step is to ring the bell in the West Belltower and unlock the Sealed Temple. However, to reach the West Belltower, you'll need to pass through the Dark Tomb, which is almost impossible without a lantern. Fortunately, we're here to explain where to find the lantern in Tunic.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get into the Well and navigate the underground areas to find the lantern in Tunic.
]]>Want to know how to get a sword in Tunic? In Tunic, you play as a cute little fox with a lot of enemies. If you want to survive this harsh world and complete your quest, you'll need a powerful weapon. Fortunately, we're here to help you get your hands on a sword in Tunic.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to get the sword in Tunic, so that you can get rid of that stick and start killing enemies with ease. This should be your first goal in Tunic, but it is only one step in a large adventure. If you're not sure what to do next, check out our full Tunic walkthrough to find your next objective.
]]>Want to know how to get the wand in Tunic? If you're tired of swinging that sword around, you might be eager for a ranged weapon that can kill enemies from a distance. Fortunately, Tunic has a magic wand that blasts out magical energy at foes, and you can get it early on in your adventure.
In this guide, we cover how to get the wand in Tunic so that you can become a magical fox and blast your foes away with ease. While you can get the wand at any point in the future, we recommend getting it now so that you can use this new weapon in the upcoming Forest Fortress dungeon.
]]>Want to know how to defeat the Garden Knight in Tunic? The Garden Knight is the second boss you'll come across in Tunic, but it's a huge leap up from anything you've fought before. Fortunately, we're here to help you win this fight.
In this guide, we'll cover how to defeat the Garden Knight at the end of the West Garden in Tunic so that you can access the West Belltower and open the Sealed Temple.
]]>Want to find the East Belltower in Tunic? After getting the sword from Hero's Grave, you'll find yourself seemingly trapped in the East Forest. The way you came is now inaccessible due to a fallen ladder, so you'll need to find another way back to the Overworld. Fortunately, that new sword should come in handy by allowing you to access new areas.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the East Forest in Tunic so that you can get back to the East Belltower and ring the bell within, which you'll need to do to get into the Sealed Temple.
]]>Praise be to Geoff and all the Keighleys! Tunic, that indie Zelda-like with a fox that you sort of thought was probably already out until I just told you it isn't yet, finally has a release date! As announced during The Game Awards last night, we can expect it to arrive on March 16th, 2022.
We've been hearing about Tunic for literal years now, and its omnipresence at showcases and announceathons like The Game Awards has kept it on everyone's radar the whole time. Feast your eyes on what will hopefully be one of the last trailers for it, until the happy day we post about a launch trailer.
]]>At first glance, the upcoming action-adventure game Tunic looks remarkably similar to The Legend Of Zelda. Its protagonist is a cute little dude (well, a fox, in this case) with a sword and shield and similar taste in green adventure-wear, and they get to run around all sorts of lush forests, bright temples and more. But upon playing the game, people have already discovered that it's a fair bit tougher than it looks. More Dark Souls, than Zelda, perhaps.
Just because Tunic isn't dark and gloomy doesn't mean it can't offer its fair share of challenges, so I spoke to Tunic creator Andrew Shouldice to find out how he's managing expectations, as well as tackling difficulty and accessibility. We also talked about the joy of exploring and uncovering secrets, but we'll check behind that waterfall in a bit.
]]>It's been a minute, eh Tunic? For as long as I've been paying attention, Andrew Shouldice's sharp, foxy roll n' slash has been hiding in the bushes. Ever-present, yet always skittering just out of sight. But while Tunic may be no closer to an eventual release, you can play a bit of it right now thanks to a free Gamescom demo.
]]>Microsoft had a lot of games to announce at E3 2018, but it's a little murkier this year to find out what was relevant for PC users. Some games were coming to both, others only to their Xbox One consoles. You could of course watch the entire conference right here, but for some there just isn't enough time to wade through the entire show.
Not to worry though, here are all the trailers and news for you in one place. There's a surprising amount of variety in the announced titles: from an old favourite making a return, much celebrated developers showing off their new series, to even a completely free game launching very soon. The games below aren't in any particular order but you're in for a long ride.
]]>As we lay 2017 to rest, let us remember all of the wonderful games that flickered across our screens and occupied our hearts and minds. But now we must promise never to think of them again because times have changed. This is 2018 and if we've learned one thing from the few hours we've spent in it it's that there are games everywhere. Every firework that exploded in the many midnights of New Year's celebrations was stuffed with games and they were still raining down across the world this morning. We cannot stop them, we cannot contain them, but we can attempt to understand them.
Hundreds of them will be worth our time and attention, but we've selected a few of the ones that excite us most as we prepare for another year of splendid PC gaming. There's something for everyone, from Aunt Maude, the military genius, to merry Ian Rogue, the man who hates permadeath and procedural generation with a passion.
]]>Each year E3 rolls around like a giant evil worm, crushing all that's good and pure. BUT that worm also announces lots of exciting gaming news as it wreaks its carnage upon the Earth. Here we have gathered every announcement, reveal, and exciting new trailer that emerged from the barrage of screamed press conferences over the last few days. And lots of it looks rather spiffy.
A rather enormous 47 PC games were either announced, revealed, or updated upon, with new trailers, information, and released dates that will all be missed by at least three months. We've collected the lot, with trailers, in alphabetical order, into one neat place, just for you.
]]>While Instagram is replete with unicorns and mermaids, videogames seem intent on sticking with cute foxes as their go-to adorable animals. Foxes have been having a "moment" for YEARS! All of which is my way of saying that Tunic [official site] is an adorable-looking adventure starring a fox which has a new trailer.
I believe I first saw Tunic at GDC but it was during an evening mixer which was so packed that I couldn't actually elbow my way over to the game. Seriously. It was like being a kid on a commuter train. FYI I have been designing a prototype commuter snorkel over on Twitter for exactly this sort of scenario. The game itself has been kicking around far longer but under its previous name, Secret Legend. John loved the hands-on time he had with it a couple of years ago. Now there is a Tunic trailer which we can all watch to see more of the game's current state:
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