The Last Train: Baquedano Turns a Ride Home into a Nightmare

Diego Alonso Gajardo, Director

Summary

First-person psychological horror where the familiar becomes terrifying.
How the designers twist common themes into nightmare.
Use calmness and wits to escape an abandoned subway station while being hunted by a familiar presence.

What if falling asleep on your daily commute was the worst mistake you could make?

The Last Train: Baquedano is a first-person psychological horror experience that turns an everyday situation into a disturbing nightmare. Developed as an intense, narrative-driven indie title, the game invites players to explore the dark corridors of an abandoned subway station where time feels frozen and something is watching from the shadows.

A Familiar Face Turned Into Fear

One of the most striking elements of The Last Train: Baquedano is the presence of Tung Tung Sahur, a character widely recognized as a viral internet figure. In this game, that familiar face takes on a far more unsettling role. What was once humorous and recognizable becomes distorted and threatening, transforming internet culture into a source of psychological tension.

The game builds fear through a unique blend of anticipation, sound design, and the unsettling contrast between recognition and danger. Seeing something you know and realizing it shouldn’t be there becomes one of the core emotional drivers of the experience.

Explore, Survive, and Uncover the Truth

Exploration, environmental storytelling, and light puzzle-solving are the core mechanics as you search for clues that hint at a deeper story hidden beneath the surface.

Stay Calm and Observant to Survive

The game features four different endings, encouraging replayability and interpretation. Each ending reveals new layers of meaning, allowing you to piece together what really happened and what the station represents.

A Short, Intense Psychological Experience

The Last Train: Baquedano is designed as a concise yet impactful horror experience, ideal for fans of atmospheric storytelling and emotional immersion. Its urban setting, inspired by real-world subway spaces, grounds the horror in reality, making the experience feel uncomfortably close to home.

Blending psychological tension, subtle humor, and modern cultural references, the game offers a unique take on contemporary horror, one where the scariest things aren’t monsters, but the familiar routines we trust every day.

Are you ready to reach the last stop? Just make sure you don’t fall asleep on the way.

The Last Train: Baquedano is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

THE LAST TRAIN: Baquedano

Pdpartid@games

☆☆☆☆☆
5

★★★★★

$7.99

Get it now

Last stop of the line. All passengers must exit

In The Last Train, a first-person psychological horror game, routine turns into nightmare when you fall asleep on the subway. Upon waking, you discover you’ve reached the end of the line, an abandoned station shrouded in darkness. But you’re not alone; something else waits in the shadows, watching you and following your every move.

Explore the gloomy corridors and hidden corners of the last station as you try to find a way back to safety. Every sound, every movement, could be a sign that what’s hunting you is closer than you think. You’ll need to keep your calm, solve puzzles, and find clues that reveal the dark secrets hidden within this abandoned station. Will you escape before the entity catches you?

Features

– First-person horror with touches of humor
– 4 endings to unlock
– Interact with and run from popular characters
– Discover secrets that reveal a larger story
– Intense experience in a mysterious station

Prepare for a one-way journey into fear. The last station awaits you… and not everyone makes it back.

The post The Last Train: Baquedano Turns a Ride Home into a Nightmare appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Lawsuit Claims Hasbro Misled Investors Regarding Sales of Controversial Magic: the Gathering Anniversary Set

A new lawsuit filed by shareholders of Hasbro against the company and its directors alleges that company leadership has mismanaged Magic: The Gathering by overprinting sets of cards, thereby devaluing existing ones. It also, quite notably, claims that Hasbro leadership “concealed the true reason” that its widely-criticized, incredibly expensive Magic: The Gathering 30th Anniversary Set was pulled from sale within an hour of its initial release.

The lawsuit, filed in Rhode Island earlier this week, is filed by shareholders Joseph Crocono and Ultan McGlone against Hasbro CEO Christian Cocks, a number of fellow company directors, and Hasbro itself. The lawsuit alleges breaches of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, waste of corporate assets, gross mismanagement, abuse of control, and violations of the Exchange Act.

Specifically, the shareholder plaintiffs claim that, under Cocks’ leadership, Hasbro has been printing far too many Magic: The Gathering sets, thereby reducing the value of existing sets. This complaint probably sounds familiar to avid Magic players, as Wizards of the Coast has been printing significantly more sets per year than it used to. This handy chart made in 2022 by jacobwillson2727 at Only on Tuesdays helps illustrate the problem, and it’s only gotten worse in the years since:

As noted in the lawsuit, Wizards of the Coast released more sets than ever before in 2020, which served to double the revenue of the Wizards segment of Hasbro between 2018 and 2021, and in 2022, Hasbro released over five times as many Magic sets as it had in 2016. It’s worth noting that both the chart above and the lawsuit itself are somewhat generous in what they consider to be a Magic “set.” For example, the lawsuit also claims Wizards released 39 separate Magic sets in 2022 – that strikes me as a little high, and most likely includes Secret Lair collaborations in addition to every other possible kind of set.

Regardless of how you count them, it is true that the card release volume has gone up lately, as anyone who’s grouchy about the number of Universes Beyond collaborations in 2026 will tell you. But the issue the shareholders have is that the volume, they claim, is exceeding consumer demand, and that Hasbro leadership is only releasing this many to get quick cash to cover up shortfalls elsewhere in the Hasbro business.

The lawsuit itself is 76 pages long, but there are two major accusations that stand out. One is an allegation that Hasbro management used something called the “Parachute Strategy.” Allegedly, leadership plotted to “parachute in” new Magic sets whenever there was a shortfall somewhere else in Hasbro. These parachute sets initially consisted of “Masters” sets – largely reprints with low production costs. However, as it grew, more sets got involved, including the aforementioned Secret Lair collaborations and the Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate set. Per the lawsuit, “As such, the explosive growth in the Magic business noted just prior to and during the Relevant Period [September 2021 – October 2023] was in fact the result of the Parachute Strategy. Notably, in 2022 such ‘parachute’ Magic sets accounted for 46% of all Magic releases.”

The second, and perhaps even spicier, accusation is the allegation that Hasbro management essentially faked being out of stock of the controversial, extremely expensive Magic 30th Anniversary Set in order to encourage demand. If you’re not familiar, this was an unhinged $999 box that contained four booster packs of non-tournament legal reprints of original Magic cards, some of which Wizards had sworn it would never reprint. This box garnered massive criticism due to its price, the fact that the cards weren’t even usable, and the seemingly broken promise on the part of Wizards not to reprint classics such as, say, Black Lotus.

According to testimony from several members of leadership shared in the complaint, following the negative reaction from players at this announcement, management made a plan to “pause” sales of the set if it became apparent that they were weaker than anticipated. The company said the “sale has concluded, and the product is currently unavailable for purchase,” in a post on X (then Twitter), implying they had sold out, effectively making it look like the product was far more popular than it actually had been. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs accuse the company of claiming the product was “out of stock.”

What happened to the unsold cards after sales were paused, then? The lawsuit goes on:

“[Former Employee 6] likewise stated that the Company paused its sales of the Magic Anniversary Set less than an hour after its release, only selling a portion of its available inventory. FE 6 further noted that shortly after the set’s release, he and other Wizards employees viewed photographs of Magic Anniversary Sets dropped off at a Texas landfill alongside older Magic products.”

The plantiffs are asking the judge to rule that they, as shareholders, are adequate representatives of Hasbro and therefore can sue on behalf of the company itself, and that each of the individual defendants failed in their fiduciary duties. They are also asking that Hasbro be awarded damages from each individual defendant, and that the shareholders be given significantly more power on the board of the company.

IGN has reached out to Hasbro for comment.

This is far from the first time shareholders have expressed displeasure with Hasbro’s handling of Magic. Mentioned multiple times in the suit is a deep dive done by Bank of America back in 2022 on this exact issue of overprinting, which prompted analysts to claim Hasbro was hurting its long-term value with so many frequent set releases.

This year’s first set, Lorwyn Eclipsed, is doing all right at least, having seemingly sold out in most places amid excitement at a return to a beloved plane from Magic’s history. It’s even got a host of super expensive rare cards, topped off with a Showcase Fracture Foil version of Bloom Tender that’s going for over $600 at the time this piece was written.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

IKEA Is Animal Crossing-posting Again, and We Hope That Means a Collaboration Is on the Horizon

If Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ 3.0 update earlier this month wasn’t enough for you, don’t worry, there’s a new hype train you can board. IKEA just recently posted a TikTok with some very familiar sights and sounds, and it has us hoping for a furniture collaboration soon.

As spotted by Polygon, the official TikTok page for IKEA France posted a video two days ago that very much seems to be teasing something Animal Crossing-related. In the video, a very distinctively Animal Crossing leaf floats down from the ceiling of an empty room, before a hand cursor clicks on it and turns it into furniture, cycling through four different types of IKEA furniture (two bookcases in different styles, a dresser, and a couch). The video description, via TikTok’s translation from French, reads, “We still don’t accept cash bells. #ikea #animalcrossing”

@ikeafrance On n’accepte toujours pas les clochettes en caisse. #ikea #animalcrossing ♬ son original – IKEA France

The background music, while not identifiable immediately as any specific Animal Crossing theme, certainly has the correct xylophone and according sounds going. And the sound effects of clicking and cycling between furniture are 100% straight from Animal Crossing. To me, that reads that whatever’s going on here at minimum has Nintendo’s blessing.

Furthermore, IKEA and Nintendo have collaborated on Animal Crossing stuff before. Five years ago, IKEA Taiwan recreated one of its print catalog using nothing but screenshots from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. IKEA has also done proper in-game collaborations with games like The Sims in the past, so it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to see something like IKEA furniture in Animal Crossing, or Animal Crossing furniture sold at IKEA.

Personally, I’m all on board of this means we get Blåhaj in Animal Crossing, or a real-life Froggy Chair. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for any sort of official confirmation.

In the meantime, we’re still having plenty of fun with the big 3.0 update and all the fun new stuff that’s been added…well, almost all of it. 12-player co-op seems pretty fraught. But we’ve catalogued some of the surprising little changes, including the ability to strafe and jump, and we’ve got tips if you, like us, are returning to your island after a long hiatus. Oh, and check out this Zelda stuff added too!

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Exploring the Wilderness of Over the Hill on Xbox Series X|S

Category: ID@Xbox

January 23, 2026

Exploring the Wilderness of Over the Hill on Xbox Series X|S

Dune Casu, Founder Funselektor Labs Inc.

We’re excited to share a closer look at Over the Hill, the next off-road adventure from Funselektor and Strelka Games, coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC (Windows) in 2026. Known for Art of Rally and Absolute Drift, Funselektor returns with a new experience that blends exploration, simulation, and the simple joy of driving classic off-road cars through the wilderness.

Where those past games captured the elegance of drifting and the thrill of rally racing, Over the Hill shifts gears entirely, inviting you to take things slow, take a breather, and discover the beauty just… Over the Hill.

A World Built for Exploration

Over the Hill is divided into different regions, each offering its own atmosphere, terrain, and challenges. One of the playable regions at release is Canada, which is separated into three distinct areas. These areas are designed to gradually build your skill and confidence as you learn the particulars of off-road driving and navigation.

The Valley (Working Title) – A Gentle Start

Your journey kicks off in a valley, a smoother and more guided environment perfect for easing into the game’s driving mechanics. Natural landmarks like flowing rivers, winding paths, and soft slopes will subtly lead you forward toward the lake and the boat that marks your transition into the next area.

Terrain here is forgiving, letting you get to know your vehicle without the pressure of harsh climbs.

The Wetlands (Working Title) – Discovery at Your Own Pace

From there, you’ll take the ferry into a new area, a more open and exploratory environment inspired by Canadian wetlands. Starting near the center of the map, you are encouraged to wander, discovering routes, landmarks, and hidden pockets of wilderness.

This area features some of the game’s most diverse challenges, from broad swamps and muddy bogs to tricky rock-crawling paths and even pockets of early snow at higher elevation levels. It’s a place where the landscape becomes a playground for experimentation, inviting you to improvise and find your own way forward.

The Mountains (Working Title) – The Final Test

Your adventure culminates in a mountainous area: a rugged, high-altitude landscape defined by steep ascents and slippery, icy cliffs.

In this part of the game, you’re challenged to make your way to the peak, which looms over you from the moment your journey in this area begins. The mountains require you to use everything you’ve learned, turning navigation into a rewarding puzzle while offering some of the most striking views in the game.

Across all three areas, you will encounter signature landmarks that tell subtle stories: fire-watch towers perched above forests, abandoned logging or mining equipment, cabins tucked between trees, and fishing shacks along frozen lakes.

A Wilderness with a Story to Tell

The world of Over the Hill draws inspiration from places like the Kootenay Mountains in British Columbia. These regions blend rugged wilderness with remnants of human history, from hand-built cabins to forgotten sawmills and mining tunnels. Every structure you can find in the game ties into this theme.

Seasonality also plays a crucial role in the game’s atmosphere. Over the Hill is set in autumn, giving the world a golden, slightly nostalgic tone. The yellowing grass, larch and birch trees turning bright amber, and the soft warmth of late-season light all create a peaceful contrast to the harsher, snowy climbs awaiting you in the mountains.

Dynamic Weather and Real Terrain

The weather in Over the Hill is more than a mood; it actively shapes the journey. Dynamic weather and day-night cycles both influence visibility and driving conditions, creating moments of calm and beauty, but also moments of challenge and surprise.

With over ten terrain types inspired by real Canadian landscapes, every surface affects vehicle handling in a unique way. Rain reduces grip on most surfaces, while snow can both obscure the path ahead and change the feel of the ground beneath your tires. As snow accumulates, trails may become harder to follow, making navigation more demanding and more fun.

Adventure at Your Speed

While Over the Hill features challenges and moments of technical driving, its heart lies in the connection between you, your car, and the landscape. Whether you’re exploring alone or teaming up with friends in multiplayer, the game invites you to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the journey for its own sake.

To give you control over the pace of your adventure, camping allows you to rest, recover, and even skip undesirable weather. Set up camp and wait out a storm before heading back onto the trails.

There’s no rush. No ticking clock. Just the open wilderness and the road (or lack of one) ahead.

over the hill

Funselektor

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Explore, navigate, and uncover the vast wilderness in over the hill, the newest installation from the creator of art of rally. Ramble your way through varied biomes inspired by real-world locations, from valleys to mountains and everything in between.

Discover portals to travel to new areas, and complete objectives to unlock new vehicles, upgrades, customizations, and cosmetics, with many combinations to try. Who knows, maybe you’ll find some hidden gems along the way.

Take a friend or go on a solo tour. Challenge yourself, collaborate with up to three friends, or just enjoy the sights – the world is your oyster.

After a long day of exploring, pull up to the merchant and give your vehicle a personal touch. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, some extra lights to cut through the dusk, or a roof rack for that trusty old kayak, there are plenty of ways to kit it out. Add a continental spare or a bull bar: whatever makes your journey smoother, and helps your crew spot you from across the valley.

Take on the elements with dynamic weather, day/night cycles, and realistic terrain deformation. Find solace in nature, even when you’re stuck in the mud.

The best stories never start at the end. With so much to explore and uncover, it’s all about the cruise. Complete all the objectives, unlock the many customizations and upgrades, and discover everything the wilderness has to offer. Just take your time and find peace in the minimalistic serenity.

Grab stills of your favourite landscapes with the built-in photo mode. We can’t wait to follow your journey. You never know what you may discover just over the hill.

The post Exploring the Wilderness of Over the Hill on Xbox Series X|S appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 532: Refreshed, Rejuvenated

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here

Hey, everybody! Sid, Kristen, and I are back this week to talk about the new Marathon DualSense and all the new info surrounding the title, a look at how remakes and remasters have brought many respected classics to the forefront, and our current gaming adventures.

Stuff We Talked About

Next week’s release highlights:
- Cairn | PS5
- Code Vein II | PS5
- I Hate This Place | PS5
- Highguard | PS5
Marathon pre-orders and DualSense — A plethora of Marathon content dropped this week, including the limited edition DualSense controller, Destiny 2 crossover content, a new gameplay trailer, and more details on the extraction shooter ahead of its March 5 release date.
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake Interview — We speak to the game’s Directors, Hidehiko Nakajima, and Makoto Shibata on revitalizing a PS2 classic for the modern audience, coming to PS5 March 12.
Fable is coming to PlayStation — The action role-playing franchise is coming to PlayStation with its latest entry that will be a new start for the series.

The Cast

Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE

Kristen Zitani – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE

O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE

Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Card Game Queen’s Blood Will be ‘Enhanced’ for FF7 Remake Part 3

Queen’s Blood fans, it’s time to celebrate. The addictive Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth card game is making a “powered-up” comeback for the final chapter in Square Enix’s remake trilogy.

Polygon spoke with director Naoki Hamaguchi about the progress of development on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 and touched on the topic of one of the more popular virtual pastimes of 2024. He says he plans to double down on the card game when its next installment finally launches, promising to “expand” what was seen with its Rebirth launch.

“Queen’s Blood is a very popular and beloved minigame, and I believe a lot of people are still wanting something like that,” Hamaguchi said. “I want to expand on Queen’s Blood so that we are enhancing it, and giving you a more powered-up version of it when you see that third installment… Queen’s Blood is still going to be available in the third installment. We just want to expand on it.”

The director declines to share exactly what a spruced-up version of Queen’s Blood will look like, but it’s easy to imagine an expansion of new cards and new side-quests shaking up the gameplay. However, Hamaguchi’s comments suggest players may be in for a somewhat substantial upgrade.

Hamaguchi adds that the original Final Fantasy 7 mini-game featuring snowboarding is also coming back for Remake Part 3. He teases that “it’s not going to be just a simple snowboarding minigame,” adding that it will be incorporated into the story and its themes, but stops short of providing more details.

The Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy is jam-packed with a variety of mini-games to keep Cloud and company’s fight against Sephiroth from getting too serious, but most fans are just looking forward to seeing how the retelling will finally finish its story. Hamaguchi and the rest of the Square Enix team is far from ready to share a release date, but he says development is at least “coming along very smoothly.”

“We have set a schedule for ourselves, and I believe we are tracking on time for the milestones we have set,” Hamaguchi adds. “So I’m really thankful for the development team and I have so much respect for them working on this project. I believe that at this point the game is playable, technically, but we are still trying to polish it so it is at a quality where we can deliver it to our players.”

It’s a round of positive updates for Final Fantasy Remake Part 3, which arrives just shy of the two-year anniversary of the launch of Rebirth. Released February 29, 2024, for PlayStation 5, we placed the RPG sequel at number two on our list of the 15 best video game remakes of all time. Although its sales may not have met expectations, Hamaguchi told fans in the past that the trilogy will get a proper finale.

Square Enix has had a lot of luck when it comes to Final Fantasy cards in recent history. Despite the overwhelming number of mini-games present in Rebirth, Final Fantasy 7 fans largely took to Queen’s Blood, all 145 of its collectible cards, and the strategy is added to the overall experience. In the real world, Magic: The Gathering fans spent 2025 obsessing about its Final Fantasy-themed set, which included dozens of references to not only Final Fantasy 7 but all 16 mainline entries, too.

For more on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, you can read about how Square Enix nearly resized Cloud’s iconic Buster Sword for the remake. You can also see why fans shouldn’t worry about any story content being cut for the future entry while fans pass the time with the recently released Nintendo Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition Is Now Available to Preorder

The Switch 2 library is growing this year, and the Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is joining the party soon. This upgraded version of the 2023 Switch game includes some fresh enhancements alongside a new expansion called “Meetup in Bellabel Park” and some new characters joining the fun. It’s quite the upgrade, and it’s still a couple of months away (mark your calendars for March 26), but preorders are already live at select retailers.

Similar to other Switch 2 Editions that have released, there’s a digital upgrade pack for those who already have the original Switch version, alongside a standard, complete version of the game’s Switch 2 version for those who don’t currently own the original. We’ve included where you can preorder a full physical copy of the game (for $79.99) and this upgrade pack (for $19.99) below.

Preorder Super Mario Bros. Wonder for the Switch 2 (Physical)

Digital Version:

See at Nintendo eShop – Not Available Yet

Physical copies can be found at both Target and GameStop, and we’re keeping an eye out to see when other retailers drop it as well. As for the digital version, that hasn’t gone up for preorder yet, for some reason. We’ll be sure to update it once it’s available, though.

Preorder Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Upgrade Pack

If you already have Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Nintendo Switch and are just hoping to get the upgrade pack to use it on your Switch 2, that’s currently available to preorder right now at the Nintendo eShop. For $19.99, this will set you up with all of the extras from the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition when the game is released on March 26.

Save on Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Considering the pricey cost of the physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, this is a neat little hack you can do to save a little cash. At the moment, Woot is offering the original version of Super Mario Bros. Wonder for $46.99. If you don’t already own it, you can buy from Woot at this good price and then purchase the upgrade pack, which brings your total cost to $66.98. Compared to the $79.99 price tag for the physical Switch 2 Edition, this is a great little deal to take advantage of.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

Arc Raiders devs reveal plans for “new large Arc”, a fresh map, and two more Expeditions this spring

Har(c)ken to me, defenders of Speranza! Embark have just announced their plans for ARC Raiders updates over the first four months of 2026. The extraction shooter’s next season is called Escalation, and its offerings range from new maps and enemies to new Raider decks, changes to existing maps, and more Expeditions. The headline attraction is surely the “new large Arc” coming in April. I wonder how big Arcs can get. Perhaps an Arc the size of a map, like Cronos in God Of War 3? But, you know, metal?

Review: Hit Box Ultra Arcade Controller – The Ultimate Partner For Fighting Fans

C-c-c-combo!!

I’ve reviewed several leverless arcade controllers for the Switch / Switch 2, but I’ve had my eye on the Hit Box Ultra for a little while now. For those unfamiliar, Hit Box is the original leverless arcade controller; if you want to contest that, then it’s at least the one that popularised the concept. The Ultra is the company’s latest iteration of its core design, adding in three of its remarkable ‘C.O.M.B.O. Extension’ buttons while making some thoughtful improvements to the overall design.

Right off the bat, the Hit Box Ultra has native compatibility with the Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, and PC – there’s no Xbox support for this one. Being able to connect to the PS5, however, is a huge win since the vast majority of arcade controllers require an additional authenticator to work properly.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

More Than A Remake: How Screamer is Reviving the Spirit of Retro Arcade Racers

Category: Games

January 23, 2026

More Than A Remake: How Screamer is Reviving the Spirit of Retro Arcade Racers

Federico Cardini, Screamer Game Director

Summary

Screamer is a high-octane racing game with a gripping storyline and an innovative dual-stick gameplay, blending classic racing with combat mechanics.
Its many game modes will immerse players in the world of the Screamer, from the Tournament, the game’s story mode, to a range of challenges in the Arcade and Multiplayer menus recalling the golden age of arcades.
Screamer will be released on Xbox Series X|S on March 26, with Early Access available from March 23.

The original Screamer is a historic title for Milestone. Released in 1995, this game redefined PC racing games thanks to its cutting-edge graphics and gripping gameplay. More than 30 years later, we wanted to revive its spirit in the new Screamer. Instead of a straightforward remake, however, we have reimagined it with an anime twist, paying homage to legendary anime and videogames from the ’80s and ’90s. With its many game modes, you will be immersed in an incredible narrative universe and rich gameplay systems. So, let’s discover them together, are you ready to race for your life?

Welcome to the Tournament

The Tournament is our story mode, and we consider it the best place to start your journey in the game. Throughout its many episodes and chapters, you will discover the stories of five teams joining this mysterious Tournament organized by the enigmatic Mr. A. Each character has a personal motivation and goal beyond mere victory, so we invite you to uncover all the secrets that the story has in store.

To create the Tournament, we drew inspiration from classic JRPG games and infused every event with a strong narrative component through dialogues and cutscenes created in collaboration with the Japanese animation studio Polygon Pictures. Importantly, the gameplay is also tied to the storyline, with the Echo system, the device that powers Screamers’ fighting mechanics, and its incredible abilities being a strong focus of the game mode.

Reaching the perfect balance between narrative and gameplay was a true challenge, especially for a racing game, but we are sure that it will keep you glued to the screen and will encourage you to uncover all the mysteries the story offers.

Nostalgic For Arcades

We get that the story mode might not be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why every mode in Screamer can be played right away regardless of how far you have progressed in the story. The Tournament is still the quickest way to unlock all the characters and tracks but you can achieve the same thing by playing the other modes. The Arcade menu will transport you back to the golden age of arcades; our development team is made up of people from many different generations, but we all shared the desire to capture the atmosphere of these places in our game and pay heartfelt homage to these iconic locations that were extremely important for many of us.

In Race! mode you can race freely with all characters and tracks that you have unlocked. This highly customizable mode allows you to modify not only the usual racing parameters such as the number of laps, but also how much Echo you want to use. You can disable everything to create a traditional racing challenge or push the Echo to its limits for a spectacular show.

Since the cars are normally separated into leaders and members, each with different characteristics, you can choose to race with leaders, members, or enjoy a brutal free-for-all.

Team Race, instead, is the mode that highlights the Echo mechanics at best. You will be divided into teams of one leader and up to two other members and you will race against other teams. The main goal is to score as many points as possible, and points are given not only by your final position but also by how many KOs you and your teammates make. It is an extremely fun mode that becomes even more entertaining when played online, as I will explain shortly.

Score Challenge, on the other hand, is inspired by fighting games arcade modes. Pick a character and the length of the competition then go on track and try to score as many points as possible by taking part in various events. The global leaderboard will crown the true champion so it is up to you to find your perfect playstyle and character to reach the top spot. Just like in a fighting game, there are secrets to be discovered by completing special challenges in this mode; we can’t wait to see how you react to them all!

We have also included game modes that will test you on specific abilities, each with its own dedicated global leaderboard. In Overdrive challenge, as the name suggests, you have to stay in the Overdrive state as long as possible. If you touch a wall, you will explode, and it will be game over immediately. Checkpoints is a precision challenge: each checkpoint must be reached within the given time but the more you progress, the less time you have, and all your driving skills will be required to take advantage of the ECHO and stay in the competition. Finally, in Time Trial, you must set the fastest time over the course of three laps.

Split-Screen or Online Multiplayer?

The multiplayer menu brings the challenge to the global arena, or your couch! In Split screen you can play locally with your friends with up to 4 players. In Online mode you can race against other players in the Screamer Mixtape, which creates rotating playlists for casual quick plays. Of course, you will also be able to meet your friends through private lobbies. Finally, the Ranked Team Race, which will become available shortly after Screamer’s Day One, is the ultimate battlefield to prove you are a true Screamer and claim your place on the leaderboard alongside the world’s best drivers.

I hope you have enjoyed this journey through the many game modes of Screamer. I can’t wait to see you playing them and discovering your favorite characters. See you in Neo Rey when Screamer launches into Early Access March 23!

The post More Than A Remake: How Screamer is Reviving the Spirit of Retro Arcade Racers appeared first on Xbox Wire.