Stranger Things fans are worried about the ultimate fate of main character Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, and even some think the teen might not make it out alive at the end of the series.Eleven has been an integral part of the Duffer Brothers’ smash hit Netflix series since it first hit streaming in the summer of 2016.Viewers immediately gravitated toward the show for its spooky atmosphere and mystery-centered plot, nostalgic ’80s vibes and lovable cast of Goonies-esque teen characters.Fans have loved Eleven ever since she made her first appearance in Season 1, Episode 1, “The Vanishing of Will Byers,” and they've watched the unsure, traumatized and quiet young girl transform into a confident, spunky teen with powerful telekinetic abilities over the course of four seasons.Now though, with the series’ fifth and final season set to air later this year, longtime fans are worried about what the end of the show might spell for Eleven, now also known as Jane Hopper.Does Eleven Die in Stranger Things?Nothing about the fate of the core Stranger Things characters is known for sure at this time. However, that hasn’t stopped viewers from theorizing and speculating.During an appearance on U.K. talk show The Jonathan Ross Show in March 2024, Millie Bobby Brown may have inadvertently hinted that her character dies at the end of the show thanks to some questionable phrasing.While discussing the final season, the actress hinted, “I know how she ...” before catching herself and correcting, “I know what happens to my character.”The initial wording of “I know how she” sparked fans’ ears, many of whom thought the actress almost blurted out, “I know how she dies.”Brown also worried fans during a 2024 interview with Capital Radio, when she admitted she discovered her character’s fate after “kind of [forcing] myself into the writers’ room.”“I saw my ending and thought, ‘Oh,’ and then I walked away very slowly,” she cryptically teased.For years fans have speculated about the ending of Stranger Things, particularly about which of the core group might not make it out alive.Some fan theories suggest that Eleven is ultimately doomed, and might be forced to lock herself in the Upside Down forever to close the gate between the Upside Down and the real world, or will die heroically closing the gate and saving her friends and loved ones.Others believe Will Byers, who was the first to venture into the Upside Down and appears to still be connected to it as well as the series’ villain Vecna, will ultimately die in the finale.Of course, these are just fan theories. Hopefully, all the kids end up just fine and there's a big, happy ending!Stranger Things Season 5 will pick up after the epic events of Season 4, in which the kids learned about the evil Vecna, who ended the season by opening a hellish portal between the town of Hawkins and the Upside Down.The fifth season will be released in three parts: The first four episodes will hit Netflix on Nov. 26, three episodes will begin streaming on Dec. 25 and the series finale will air on Dec. 31.Sitcom Moments That Were Surprisingly DarkSitcoms such as The Simpsons and The Golden Girls are often seen as light-hearted comedies, but these darker TV moments offer a different, deeper perspective.Gallery Credit: Ryan ReichardGet our free mobile appREAD MORE: TV Shows Everyone Loves That Are Actually BadChild Stars Who Quit ActingStacker compiled this list of 25 child actors who quit show business, pulling from historical news coverage to include everyone from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to Carrie Henn, who played the little girl in Aliens.Gallery Credit: Sophia June

After letting slip that the company was working on a new Rayman title, Ubisoft is now teasing something Splinter Cell-related, just days before Summer Game Fest kicks off.The company uploaded a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday with an image of what appears to be Sam Fisher, the beloved main character from the stealth action-adventure franchise. Using eye and mouth emojis, the social account typed “#SplinterCell” with no further context.Naturally, the mysterious post sent Splinter Cell fans into a tizzy; X users began commenting on it with excitement and hesitation, pleading with Ubisoft not to disappoint and/or tease them. Polygon has contacted Ubisoft for comment and will update this story with any further information we receive.While Ubisoft has been relatively quiet about its Splinter Cell plans, a recent job listing for the franchise was posted to the company’s career board.According to the job listing, Ubisoft is hiring a level design director who will “cultivate a vision for the game’s unique stealth-centric missions, breaking down the high-level direction of the game into compelling, tense and well-realized gameplay experiences.”The job listing details other responsibilities for the level design director, such as “[crafting] and demonstrating examples of interesting and fun gameplay setups that feel uniquely Splinter Cell.”Image: PolygonUbisoft last teased its Splinter Cell Remake project in December 2021, uploading a video about the perpetually upcoming game on YouTube. The video’s narrator detailed the history of the stealth franchise and explained that some of the devs responsible for the original game, now a part of Ubisoft Toronto, are returning to create a remake of the 2002 title.In September 2022, a job listing for a scriptwriter popped up, with a description explaining that Ubisoft intends for Splinter Cell Remake’s story to be updated “for a modern-day audience.““Using the first Splinter Cell game as our foundation, we are rewriting and updating the story for a modern-day audience,” the now-deleted post read at the time. “We want to keep the spirit and themes of the original game while exploring our characters and the world to make them more authentic and believable.Fans may be treated to more details regarding Ubisoft’s plans for Sam Fisher at Summer Game Fest, which kicks off Friday, June 6 at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. GMT.Until then, keep the hope alive, Splinter Cell fans.See More:

GodGraviel Member May 29, 2024 222 luca Member Oct 25, 2017 19,484 That's funny. I just purchased the entire series to have them on physical media. I've only beat the first 3 back when they first came out, but I'm gonna do the next three including Double Agent - the OG Xbox version - next. I'll be over the moon if they announce a new game. And I think I'll be interested in a Splinter Cell 1 remake (since it's the one that's a bit rough), but would prefer a sequel.  Last edited: Today at 8:54 AM charlieonhere Member Jul 11, 2018 99 That's a very Splinter Cell 1 looking Sam Fisher   Kadzork Has got mad skills!! Member Oct 27, 2017 24,279 Crossing all possible apendages.   Yerffej Prophet of Regret Member Oct 25, 2017 29,516 They better gimme it. I've been waiting. They know I've been waiting. Give me it. Also that is PS2 ass cutscene loookin Sam.  Sargerus ▲ Legend ▲ The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 22,507 Remake/Remaster incoming.   Heliex Member Nov 2, 2017 3,568 Is this one of those remake remasters I keep hearing about   SofNascimento cursed Member Oct 28, 2017 24,948 São Paulo - Brazil Give me my Blacklist remaster!   Uzzy Gabe’s little helper Member Oct 25, 2017 34,567 Hull, UK Sam Fisher is back, in Fortnite form!   vestan #REFANTAZIO SWEEP Member Dec 28, 2017 27,635 If it's a game and not just some social media post then it's the Blacklist remaster. Apparantly the remake of the original being developed by Ubisoft Toronto isn't in great shape right now so I expect this to keep people placated until that's ready to be shown.   Apathy Member Oct 25, 2017 13,534 Dude, its been a hot minute since I played some splinter cell. I'd be down   HellofaMouse Member Oct 27, 2017 8,461 if its a remaster collection, ill take it. if its just the remaster of 1, ill still take it but wont be happy, lol  2CL4Mars Member Nov 9, 2018 2,577 Damn man just give us a remaster of the OG games. I'm happy that Ubi announced a SC 1 remake but a new game in the series would be preferable, hell I take a reboot.  Patitoloco Member Oct 27, 2017 28,284 One of these days. I believe.   XR. Member Nov 22, 2018 7,706 Netflix Anime incoming   Oddhouse Member Oct 31, 2017 1,178 Not sure I'm a fan of that art style. Will reserve judgement until full reveal.  Vico Member Jan 3, 2018 8,223 vestan said: If it's a game and not just some social media post then it's the Blacklist remaster. Apparantly the remake of the original being developed by Ubisoft Toronto isn't in great shape right now so I expect this to keep people placated until that's ready to be shown. Click to expand... Click to shrink... What? I thought for sure we were close.  Kinthey Avenger Oct 27, 2017 25,536 2CL4Mars said: Damn man just give us a remaster of the OG games. I'm happy that Ubi announced a SC 1 remake but a new game in the series would be preferable, hell I take a reboot. Click to expand... Click to shrink... With them using an image from the original I hope it means a remaster is coming. I feel like with the originals being easily avaible it would also give them more space to go new directions with the remake  Bony Manifesto Member Oct 27, 2017 4,410 That guy certainly looks like he chews Airwaves gum.   Patitoloco Member Oct 27, 2017 28,284 Oddhouse said: Not sure I'm a fan of that art style. Will reserve judgement until full reveal. Click to expand... Click to shrink... What artstyle? That's a screenshot of the original 2002 Splinter Cell.   Mr Evil 37 Member Mar 7, 2022 28,115 I mean timing makes sense if it's out in 2026.   Mr Evil 37 Member Mar 7, 2022 28,115 2CL4Mars said: Damn man just give us a remaster of the OG games. I'm happy that Ubi announced a SC 1 remake but a new game in the series would be preferable, hell I take a reboot. Click to expand... Click to shrink... We all better buy this remake to show that we want all that lol   Turnabout Sisters The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 2,728 I really thought that was fortnite   Mobius and Pet Octopus Member Oct 25, 2017 16,916 For some reason, stealth gameplay for splinter cell clicked for me and I'm not that into stealth gameplay. But I never really got that into the series though a couple were fun.   Last_colossi The Fallen Oct 27, 2017 4,656 Australia It won't be anything meaningful, just a skin or something in one of their live service games or someone elses. Even if it was a remake or remaster of the original 3, I have absolutely zero confidence Ubisoft would do them justice. They would most likely have just outsourced them to the cheapest bidder.  Mr Evil 37 Member Mar 7, 2022 28,115 vestan said: If it's a game and not just some social media post then it's the Blacklist remaster. Apparantly the remake of the original being developed by Ubisoft Toronto isn't in great shape right now so I expect this to keep people placated until that's ready to be shown. Click to expand... Click to shrink... According to who? Last_colossi said: It won't be anything meaningful, just a skin or something in one of their live service games or someone elses. Even if it was a remake or remaster of the original 3, I have absolutely zero confidence Ubisoft will do them justice. They would most likely have just outsourced them to the cheapest bidder. Click to expand... Click to shrink... We already know officially they're making a remake of 1.   DinkyDev The Movie Critic Member Feb 5, 2021 9,379 Is that image AI-generated? Looks like it.   ConflictResolver Member Jan 1, 2024 5,067 Midgar I'm a huge MGS fan and have never played this lol Is it time?  Oddhouse Member Oct 31, 2017 1,178 Patitoloco said: What artstyle? That's a screenshot of the original 2002 Splinter Cell. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Did not know this! That's a relief !  Derbel McDillet ▲ Legend ▲ Member Nov 23, 2022 24,656 Cryptic?   Ld007 Member Jun 1, 2024 7,535 4 polygon models are back   Kalentan Member Oct 25, 2017 50,741 DinkyDev said: Is that image AI-generated? Looks like it. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Is it not just from the first games cutscenes?  2CL4Mars Member Nov 9, 2018 2,577 Mr Evil 37 said: We all better buy this remake to show that we want all that lol Click to expand... Click to shrink... For sure, I never actually played the OG trilogy so I would love to have a collection of the first three so that I can experience them. For some reason the last few weeks I have been craving to play a new Splinter Cell, the gameplay is unlike any other stealth game and Sam Fisher and his tool set is to damn cool. What a franchise, to bad Ubisoft has abandoned it in the last decade and hopefully that will change next week.  Last_colossi The Fallen Oct 27, 2017 4,656 Australia Mr Evil 37 said: We already know officially they're making a remake of 1. Click to expand... Click to shrink... They've also been working on Beyond Good & Evil 2 for 17 years.  Wallace Member Oct 25, 2017 28,162 Midwest Shadow drop sam time.   SuperOctopus Member Apr 22, 2020 3,606 Is Ubi still doing a non-E3 conference with a Just Dance segment this year?   DinkyDev The Movie Critic Member Feb 5, 2021 9,379 Kalentan said: Is it not just from the first games cutscenes? Click to expand... Click to shrink... Maybe, I don't know.  Mr Evil 37 Member Mar 7, 2022 28,115 Last_colossi said: They've also been working on Beyond Good & Evil 2 for 17 years. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I'm just saying it's not a rumoured or speculated project. It was officially announced three and a half years ago. If it's a 2026 game, 4-5 years is plenty for a remake.   Last_colossi The Fallen Oct 27, 2017 4,656 Australia Mr Evil 37 said: I'm just saying it's not a rumoured or speculated project. It was officially announced three and a half years ago. If it's a 2026 game, 4-5 years is plenty for a remake. Click to expand... Click to shrink... You would think so, but this is ubisoft we're talking about. If it really is far along in development at this point then hopefully they at least show a trailer or some footage during SGF. But again I still have zero hopes or expectations from anything that ubisoft puts out anymore.  Convasse Member Oct 26, 2017 4,270 Atlanta, GA, USA I've been waiting for 84 years, Ubisoft.   Dukie85 Chicken Chaser Member Oct 25, 2017 3,151 I don't care which/what game it is in the series, I just want one.   Siresly Prophet of Regret Member Oct 27, 2017 7,478 Damn it Fisher, I'm pulling you in!   SolidSnakex Member Oct 25, 2017 28,141 DinkyDev said: Is that image AI-generated? Looks like it. Click to expand... Click to shrink... It's just a cutscene from Pandora Tomorrow View: https://youtu.be/TkwCjCJpFm4?t=145  Last edited: 51 minutes ago Mr Evil 37 Member Mar 7, 2022 28,115 Last_colossi said: You would think so, but this is ubisoft we're talking about. If it really is far along in development at this point then hopefully they at least show a trailer or some footage during SGF. But again I still have zero hopes or expectations from anything that ubisoft puts out anymore. Click to expand... Click to shrink... If EA can remake Dead Space in less than 3 years, Ubisoft can remake Splinter Cell in 5 years lol   Level 7 Boss Member Jun 19, 2018 1,025 And Splinter Cell fans, we haven't forgotten about you, we have some exciting news. Sam Fisher is back! As a new skin in Fortnite launching in Q4.   Dyno AVALANCHE The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 16,856 Gonna be honest I kinda forgot the IP existed and I was quite a fan at one time   Healthy_Gamer Member Jan 18, 2023 406 It's finally happening (hopefully)   Bishop89 What Are Ya' Selling? Member Oct 25, 2017 42,844 Melbourne, Australia Sam Fisher DLC for Asscreed Shadows Calling it  MarcelloF "This guy are sick" Member Dec 9, 2020 9,579 Last_colossi said: You would think so, but this is ubisoft we're talking about. If it really is far along in development at this point then hopefully they at least show a trailer or some footage during SGF. But again I still have zero hopes or expectations from anything that ubisoft puts out anymore. Click to expand... Click to shrink... They just put out Assassin's Creed Shadows and it was great.   LAA One Winged Slayer Member Oct 28, 2017 3,264 Feels like they've teased it a bunch of times, and it's really just been a collab or something. I'm not sure this is just a screenshot from an older game either, but could be indicative of an announcement sure, I did enjoy the first 3 games, so would be interested in even just remakes/remasters of them. 

The world is a better place with more creators in it, and this roundup is proof. Keep reading to discover the latest news about games made with Unity and find out how the community is using Unity.April saw no short of activity from games created with Unity.To start, Free Lives brought some fresh air with Terra Nil’s release, and Endnight Games’s terrifying Sons of the Forestearly access launch has us hungry for the full release. Next, Riot Forge launched the highly anticipated The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story, and Sankari Studios released KATOA, a game leading to real-world ocean conservation efforts, for Earth Day.Rounding out creator milestones for the month were RavazSydney, who put out the official announcement for The Explorator, and Black Salt Games’s fishing horror DREDGE, which was released to rave reviews. Finally, a whole new batch of mystery cases came to players’ doors with ColePowered Games’s early access launch of Shadows of Doubt.On our end, we were thrilled to announce the 2023 Unity for Humanity Grant winners this month. We were also honored to have been chosen as “best” in three categories at this year’s PocketGamer awards.We share new game releases and milestone spotlights every Monday on the @UnityGames Twitter account. Be sure to give us a follow and support your fellow creators.Keeping the fun going, April showers bring… #UnityTips! Tuesdays are always dedicated to tips on Twitter, and last month was no exception. One great resource that was shared was @alexandermeye’s huge water shader tutorial (see below).Some additional highlights included @SunnyVStudio’s super useful tip to convert Screen space to World space, and @NickyBoccuzzi’s takeover of the @UnityGames Twitter to share some animation tips.Keep tagging us and using the #UnityTips hashtag to share your expertise with the community.We continue to be stunned by what Unity creators make week to week, and you certainly kept the amazing projects coming in April. If we missed something that you shared, be sure to use the #MadeWithUnity hashtag next time.On Twitter, @TinyDodoGames had a nice technique to keep the monsters at bay (see above), and @pointnsheep got us in the mood for a sword fight. We also took a peaceful vacation on @OneiraGames’s colorful coral island.On Instagram, @MajorMcDoom displayed some adorable penguin VR, and @Cyanilux showed us how to add milk to our tea. We also got to practice our mid-air combos with @DivineStudi0s and @DevFatigued had us jumping around.We’re so excited to continue the #MadeWithUnity love, so keep adding the hashtag to your posts to show us what you’ve been up to.Coming out of GDC, April was all about playing and making games on Twitch. To start, we kicked off a Scope Check Let’s Dev series – catch parts one, two, and three in the archives now. Next came a Let’s Play session with ColePowered Games’s just-released Shadows of Doubt (see above).Don’t forget to follow us on Twitch and hit the notification bell so you never miss a stream.Did you know that the Unity Asset Store has an Affiliate program? If you’re a content creator and love talking about assets, you might be a great fit. Check out this video from YouTube’s @samyam and learn how you can make income from the Asset Store without creating assets.Taking things to social media, here’s a roundup of some of our favorite creator showcases from Twitter in April:Sim-Cade Vehicle Physics | Ash DevSuper Chick | SURIYUNDon’t forget to tag the @AssetStore Twitter account and use the #AssetStore hashtag when posting your latest creations. And keep your eyes peeled for upcoming sales (hint: this month).Last but not least, here’s a non-exhaustive list of Made with Unity titles released in April. If you see any on the list that have already become favorites or think we’ve missed a title, share your thoughts in the forums.Wall World, Alawar Premium (April 5)MINDHACK, VODKAdemo? (April 5 – early access)Curse of the Sea Rats, Petoons Studio (April 6)The Voidness – Lidar Horror Survival Game, Steelkrill Studio (April 6 – early access)Blocky Dungeon, SquareAnon (April 6)Cynthia: Hidden in the Moonshadow, Catthia Games (April 10)Soundodger 2, Studio Bean (April 10)TRON: Identity, Bithell Games (April 11)Fabledom, Grenaa Games (April 13 – early access)Hunt the Night, Moonlight Games (April 13)MEATGRINDER, Vampire Squid (April 13)Trinity Fusion, Angry Mob Games (April 13 – early access)Beyond the Long Night, Noisy Head Games (April 17)Disney Speedstorm, Gameloft (April 18 – early access)The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story™, Digital Sun (April 18)KATOA, Sankari Studios (April 22)Shadows of Doubt, ColePowered Games (April 24 – early access)Re:Fresh, Merge Conflict (April 24)The Last Case of Benedict Fox, Plot Twist (April 27)Unboxing the Cryptic Killer, Eleven Puzzles (April 27)If you’re creating with Unity and don’t see your project on the list, submit it here for the chance to be featured.That’s a wrap for April! Want more community news as it happens? Don’t forget to follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitch.

Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, the GPS-based action-RPG for mobile, has been cancelled — but it's not all bad news for Kingdom Hearts fans, as Square Enix confirmed it is still "hard at work" on Kingdom Hearts 4.Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link would have taken us to the realm of Scala ad Caelum in a new, original story in the grand battle against the Heartless on mobile devices, and had been originally slated to release in 2024.However, in an unsigned statement posted to the game's X/Twitter account, Square Enix wished to "convey [its] heartfelt apologies to everyone who have been looking forward" to it, but cancelled the project because it was "determined that it would be difficult [...] to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time." The statement did not elaborate on what, exactly, was proving difficult.Play"We wish to convey our heartfelt apologies to everyone who has been looking forward to the start of service," the statement said. "Although we worked hard on developing and adjusting the game in the hope that it would enjoyed by lots of players, we determined that it would be difficult for us to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time, leading us to the decision to cancel development."We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to everyone who gave us their support and assistance with the multiple closed beta tests. We are truly sorry to have to make this announcement."Right at the end of the statement, however, Square Enix assured fans the "Kingdom Hearts series will continue," and hinted "we are hard at work on Kingdom Hearts 4, and hope you'll continue to support the series as you keep an eye out for further updates."PlayThis is the first official mention of the highly-anticipated sequel fans have had in months, the last being a tiny, cryptic tease for Kingdom Hearts 4 back in January. Despite being revealed in September 2022 with a full cinematic trailer, developer Square Enix has since gone incredibly quiet since and, in series tradition, left fans pining for more. Kingdom Hearts series director Tetsuya Nomura has however hinted that Kingdom Hearts 4 will, after 22 years and a whopping 18 games, finally shift the Kingdom Hearts narrative towards its conclusion.Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Persona! Atlus teases something Persona 5-related with a cryptic social media post, though what it actually is remains a mystery The most likely outcome is a Western release of Persona 5: The Phantom X, which would certainly be nice! News by Connor Makar Staff Writer Published on May 13, 2025 Atlus has teased something Persona 5-related on social media, which as you've probably assumed has sent the fans' hearts aflutter. While it's not explicitly stated what this is teasing (that being the standard tease protocol), there's a solid chance it's a hint towards a Western port of Persona 5: The Phantom X The post itself, a simple image with the words "retake your desire" plastered across it beneath a top hat and distinct pair of shades, appears to keep things vague enough. But those with their finger on the Persona pulse may recognise those glasses as being very similar to the glasses worn by the protagonist of PSX. This, for many, is all the confirmation needed. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Though this is more evidence to support that theory. In the Sega 2024 financial report, the company expressed a desire to expand its IP on mobile platforms as well as its presence in the Games as a Service (GaaS) space. PSX, a free-to-play mobile game, fits this description perfectly, and an expansion to the West would certainly do wonders in expanding the SEGA's mobile output to more users. Oh, and there's a big Persona 5: The Phantom X livestream taking place on the 15th (which you can watch here) that will likely reveal its version 1.0 release date, so when you step back and look at all the clues, it's fairly clear what this announcement will be. Unless it's somehow Persona 5 Arena, in which case I'll scream. For those who aren't aware, Persona 5: The Phantom X is a spinoff game created by Perfect World, released back in April 2024 in early access for players in China, South Korea, and Hong Kong. There's been no word of a Western release since last year, but given the popularity of Persona 5 over here, it makes sense to bring that game over. It's also worth noting that the game has been recieved positively! It managed to bring various Persona staples over to the mobile platform, including dungeon delving and social mechanics. If this is Persona 5: The Phantom X, would you give it a try once it releases in the West? Let us know below!

Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)Retro-inspired games have reigned supreme for some time now in the indie scene, but one niche that’s been getting increasingly more attention in recent years is modern projects that aim to replicate the primitive 3D games of the fifth console generation. There’s something distinctly appealing about the roughness of releases from that key transition point in the industry, and few games showcase that appeal better than New Zealand dev J. R. Hudepohl's Labyrinth Of The Demon King. A dim and disturbing dungeon crawler, this fresh release offers up a potent blend of difficulty, action, dread, and intrigue. Labyrinth of the Demon King is set in “the Age of Dharma”, a Feudal Japan-inspired period in which war and famine have utterly ravaged the land and demons torture humanity. You play as a lowly ashigaru foot soldier who’s taken it upon himself to kill the titular ruler following a ruinous battle where the Demon King slaughtered your army and lord in an ambush, leaving you as the sole survivor. Beyond this basic premise, there really isn’t much more plot to speak of, but the labyrinth is full of creepy and dubious figures whose assistance you’ll need to move deeper. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) Gameplay feels a bit like a slightly more modern take on FromSoft’s cult classic, King’s Field, and we do mean slightly—Labyrinth of the Demon King is the sort of game that just dumps you in and expects you to figure things out with minimal handholding once it’s taught you the basics. The main gameplay loop centres on you simply crawling through a few different themed and interconnected dungeons, solving puzzles, bashing baddies, and discovering secrets along the way. It’s slow, brutal, and unforgiving, and if you happen to make a big enough mistake, you’ll be sent straight back to the last shrine you prayed at so you can do it all over again with the freshly (and randomly) respawned enemies. When you stumble across a foe, combat plays out in a very measured and simple melee-focused system that stresses the importance of timing and stamina management. It’s not quite full-on ‘Soulslike’ combat, but it has a lot of that energy as you carefully determine from moment to moment whether to push your foe hard or play things safe and hang back. Most enemies can kill you in a matter of a few hits, so learning how to parry and stun to break guards is absolutely critical, and even then, you’re almost sure to accrue some damage even when you perform well in a battle. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) Though we certainly appreciated the weightiness and difficulty of the combat, it does feel like the stamina bar limits combat a bit too much. You can permanently expand stamina via limited pickups found while exploring, but even a fight against one relatively low-level goon will leave your hero absolutely gassed as he leans against a nearby wall to catch his breath. If more than one enemy jumps you, running away and hoping you can kite just one of them is effectively your only viable option because the stamina bar just takes so long to refill. Some may enjoy this commitment to uncompromising old-school design, but this is one element that we feel could’ve been a little more forgiving without really taking anything away from the tense nature of encounters. Combat aside, this still isn’t an experience for the faint of heart, as a lot of your time will be spent cursing as you try yet another locked or jammed door, wondering how on earth that cryptic key item could possibly be part of progression, and trying not to get lost as you roam yet another floor that you haven’t found the map for yet. It's clearly designed to be disorienting, anxiety-inducing, and mysterious, and it does a masterful job of doing so in a way that feels fair. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) When you finally stumble upon the solution to that puzzle that had you stumped, or find yourself stealing your way down a hidden hall that doesn’t show up on your map, there’s a thrilling rush of dopamine as you feel like you’re maybe just starting to get the hang of this. Then it throws you another curveball with a new enemy type or yet another twisted and unmapped floor that you swear doesn’t have you going in circles. If you like to get lost in your games, then Labyrinth of the Demon King is certainly one for you—its simplistic appearance hides a magnificently complex maze that’ll take you a long time to solve if you try to do so without any help. As for its visuals, Labyrinth of the Demon King leans hard into the lo-fi PSX aesthetic, which it executes masterfully. The gritty, gloomy design of the labyrinth lends a tremendously oppressive atmosphere, and this is perfectly accentuated by the intentional roughness. Between the 4:3 aspect ratio, the simplistic UI, animated FMV door loading screens, and heavy dithering effects, there’s a palpable sense of unease that runs through this experience as you creep your way through the halls and question every movement at the edge of your vision. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) Complementing this perfectly is the sound design, which keeps you on the edge of your seat with all its environmental and atmospheric effects. It’s never completely clear whether the footsteps you’re hearing belong to you or an unseen enemy just out of frame, and all sorts of unnatural noises occasionally pierce the silence to remind you that you’re not alone as you shuffle through another bloody corridor. There’s admittedly not much of a soundtrack here aside from the assorted strings and bells woven in along with the sound effects, but this works to strengthen the experience by giving the labyrinth halls that extra bit of immersive realism. Conclusion Labyrinth of the Demon King does a great job of providing an authentic action-horror, dungeon-crawling experience that feels like it’s straight out of 1997 in all the best ways. The eerie, lo-fi visuals, punishing combat, and disorienting dungeon layouts all combine to make for a maze worth solving. We’d give this one a strong recommendation to any fans of Soulslike games who want to try something with similar traits, but that also feels different in some key ways. This is a great experience if you’re willing to stick it out and learn its intricacies. Lo-fi visuals add a lot to the atmospherePunishing, but fair combatLots of secrets and collectibles to uncover Stamina system is a little too unforgiving Great 8/10