Fellow Traveller’s LudoNarraCon 2025 story-focused Steam Fest begins May 1

The indie label’s annual celebration of storytelling returns bringing discounts, demos and developer talks including Keep DrivingPromise Mascot Agency, and The Horror at Highrook
Today indie label Fellow Traveller is proud to announce that LudoNaraCon, its annual story-focused Steam fest, will return from May 1 – 5. Fans can enjoy a selection of playable demos from some of the most hotly anticipated upcoming narrative titles, as well as a program of in-depth talks with notable media and game creators, including Lucy James (Friends Per Second) hosting a fireside chat with Sam Lake (Remedy Entertainment).

Playable demos and discounts will be offered on a tremendous variety of games until May 8, in addition to the Story-Rich Megabundle, providing a wallet-friendly way to get 10 narrative games at a massive 87% off.
Fellow Traveller will be bringing a strong lineup of its own including: upcoming afterlife adventure Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo, magical non-linear adventure Scrabdackle, 90’s anime-inspired JRPG Wander Stars, and literal big bang(er) sequel Nirvana Noir. Recently released games such as Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward VectorAfterlove EP, and 1000xRESIST are also part of the official selection.

For those that would like to get a deeper understanding of these great works of fiction, LudoNarraCon 2025 is offering a packed schedule of main stage content. Across 15 hours, expect five fireside chats, nine panels, and two demo streams.

Just some of the expected participants:
Sam Lake, the Creative Director of Remedy Entertainment, known for the Max Payne series, Alan Wake series, and Control
Tony Howard from the award-winning studio, Black Tabby Games, known for Scarlet Hollow and Slay the Princess
Xalavier Nelson Jr. from Strange Scaffold, the studio behind I Am Your Beast
Adam Vian of SFB Games, developer of survival horror hit Crow Country
Remy Siu, founder of sunset visitor 斜陽過客, developer of 1000XRESIST

And a few of the anticipated panels:How to make an old school narrative driven game appeal to a modern audienceEmpathizing with difficult charactersDark Comedy: the art of writing real, relatable and funny stories in games…with a number of additional talks and panelists yet to be revealed!

Fellow Traveller is also delighted to confirm that independent media outlets Remap Radio and The Besties, and documentarians Noclip will all be taking part to host panels, demo playthroughs, and fireside chats throughout the event.
About LudoNarraCon
An initiative of Fellow Traveller, the narrative games publisher known for Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector1000XRESISTBeacon Pines, and Paradise Killer, LudoNarraCon celebrates seven years of showcasing indie narrative video games. It continues to pioneer the digital gaming festival space, offering an inclusive, community-led environment that engages fans and newcomers who share a love for storytelling through gaming.

50 exhibiting narrative-rich games from talented indie developers
15 hours of panels and fireside chats with industry veterans on various fascinating topics on the impact of narrative in video games
25+ new and updated demos will be available to download and play during the digital festival, many for the first time ever
170+ games on sale during the eventFor more information, visit the festival’s website and subscribe to the newsletter to be notified once LudoNarraCon kicks off.
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ROSEWATER: Game Review

Rosewater is just the beginning of this journey. Welcome to Vespuccia.

Here is a statement I made to developer Francisco Gonzalez’ on the social media app FKA Twitter about his 2025 release ROSEWATER

[Lie]. “Indeed, a horrible game, no choices, silly puzzles, you play as a woman who is tough as nails and team with foreigners. Diversity initiatives, amirite?”

Honestly though ROSEWATER is a lovely game with multiple ways to solve interesting puzzles. It is true you play as a tough as nails female, they are also creative, intuitive, intelligent and brave. She does end up teaming with a very diverse group of very well rounded interesting individuals with intriguing backstories and histories you’ll learn along the way and it is this storytelling that makes the game so worth experiencing.

First and foremost I think we must recognize that Francisco is truly an accomplished writer and world creator. To fully explain the depth of that world creation would rob you of reveals in this game, but fans of prior Grundislav games will be absolutely delighted by the developments and tales told in Rosewater.

The way the story and game builds is so intriguing and different, it feels like a drawn out but yet perfectly crafted streaming series but with choose your own adventure decisions that will not actually ever lead to a THE END but will tell you a different version of the story and its intricate details allowing for multiple gameplays outside of just re-experiencing the adventure again. This is a rarity in this style of game but a welcome one.

The simple but very attractive and enticing pixel art, quality sounds and music, brilliant voice acting and pay attention to the details or go for more brunt force choices on certain puzzle areas make the idea of replay value for a retro point n click even higher, especially in 2025 when there seems many games of this genre returning so anything that feels different, stronger, better will standout.

I should state that at the date of writing this review I have not yet completed the adventure (with 7 hours in). It is a long one and every bit of it never loses charm. As you learn more of your protagonist and build them based on decisions that all make sense for the character you learn more about your compatriots and want to spend as much time as possible with them, learning as much as you can about them and learning as much about the world through their eyes. This goes for every character you come across. They are all realized and feel like more then just filler or dressing, each encounter is a full small story of a steampunk western built in a reality familiar to ours and one regaled in many a cowboy or “oregon trail” like book, movie, show or game but feeling wholly original and crafted with love.

ROSEWATER is available NOW on Steam and GOG for $19.99.

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VR time machine invites players to the Hindenburg

VR is an experience P-CS would love to add to its library, experiences like this which are free compel them to sooner than later add VR when choosing their next system as well for full experiences.

TimeLab invites players to the world’s most famous airship starting April 1st 

Munich, March 25th, 2025 – Munich developers VR-Dynamix are going to add a new DLC to their virtual time machine TimeLab. Starting April 1st, players on Steam will be able to visit a VR version of the historical airship Hindenburg and even accompany it on its last journey over New York in 1937. 

The Hindenburg Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maAR8OpcF7k

TimeLab is a VR platform for virtual time travel, where players can visit thoroughly researched recreations of historical events and locations. The new LZ h129 „Hindenburg“ content gives time travellers access to the zeppelin Hindenburg, one of the largest aircraft ever built, on its way across the Atlantic Ocean. They can move freely through the Hindenburg’s luxurious passenger quarters, including the cocktail bar and the smokers lounge, visit the gondola and take part in a cruise of Manhattan harbour and its skyscrapers. They can even witness the zeppelin bursting into flames during its approach to Lakehurst in May 1937. Also on board: Detailed background information and a mini game where you guide the airship through the New York skyline.  

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KARMA: The Dark World Unveils Atmospheric EP “Into the Mist” Ahead of Launch

 Watford, United Kingdom – 21th of March, 2025 Geng Li & LM Audio Productions in association with Black Razor Records are happy to announce the release of the “Into the Mist” EP from the upcoming game KARMA: The Dark World. Combining orchestral score with original songs, this EP sets the atmospheric stage for players preparing to enter the gripping and shadowy universe of KARMA. 

“Into the Mist” is now available for purchase and streaming on all major Digital Service Providers (DSPs). Fans and gamers can immerse themselves early into the dark ambience that defines KARMA: The Dark World. 

Listen and Purchase the EP: 

In KARMA: The Dark World, players take on the role of Daniel McGovern, an elite Roam Agent tasked with mind-diving into the memories of suspects. What begins as another routine investigation soon unravels into a dark conspiracy that challenges everything he believes. As McGovern navigates the minds of those he pursues, he must confront disturbing truths and question his own reality.

Ahead of KARMA’s imminent launch, now just a week away, Wired Productions and Pollard Studio have shared new trailer during Future Games Show – Spring Showcase, giving fans a longer glimpse into the clandestine world awaiting them.  

Watch the captivating trailer here:  

YouTube Video.

KARMA: The Dark World is available for Wishlist now on Steam, PlayStation Store, GOG and Epic Store

KARMA: The Dark World will also launch on Xbox at a later date, with further details to be announced in the coming months. 

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The Fading of Nicole Wilson – A Ghost Hunt Unveils a Darker Truth

Watch the Announcement Trailer and step into a chilling folk-horror mystery coming later this year.

Hamburg, Germany – 06.03.2025 – Daedalic Entertainment and developer One-O-One Games are proud to announce The Fading of Nicole Wilson, a story-driven folk-horror adventure that dares players to uncover a dark and thrilling mystery. Releasing later this year on PC, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, the game explores themes of authenticity, sacrifice, and the cost of fitting in.

Teenager Brit, feeling trapped in her small-town life, takes on a ghost-hunting job at the abandoned Timberline Hotel, hoping to make a name for herself. But when her employer is suddenly hospitalized, she is left alone to investigate. What starts as a routine paranormal inquiry quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Armed with her camera and ghost-hunting gear, Brit must navigate the hotel’s eerie halls, uncover its hidden past, and confront a chilling truth no one has ever told before.

With immersive 3D sound (binaural audio), exploration-based gameplay, and a gripping narrative, The Fading of Nicole Wilson blends supernatural horror with emotional storytelling. Players will piece together unsettling clues, solve puzzles, and experience a haunting world inspired by folk horror.

Key Features:

  • A gripping narrative adventure blending mystery and folk horror
  • Explore eerie locations in Lewis & Clark County, unearthing Helena’s dark secrets
  • Immersive 3D sound (binaural audio) for an unsettling, atmospheric experience
  • Deep, emotional storytelling with flawed, relatable characters
  • Puzzle-solving and investigation mechanics to uncover the truth

For more information, please visit the Steam Page:The Fading of Nicole Wilson on Steam or contact bernd.berheide@daedalic.com.

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An Update (and “Nerd News for 3/6/25”)

Life and living has gotten away from us here at Pop-Culture Spectrum. We promise within 2025 more Nerd Notes, more Press releases, more reviews, more photos.

A project in mind also is photos and stories from the vast collection we have gathered. Figuring out the best way to do this while staying cohesive yet true to the brand has proven daunting.

We completely missed out on Steam Next Fest this year from time, harddrive space, PC capabilties and truly time.

Currently at this time of this posting we were at the the Digital event Middle Grade Magic. Here are a few selections of graphic novels and books being promoted that excited us.

Soul Machine by Jordana Globerman
The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke
Flash Gordon: The Girl from Infinity – written by Marguerite Bennett and illustrated by Bev Johnson

AND NOW NERD NOTES (but not a month’s worth, a very select selection):

A full length documentary about the creation of the Audrey II puppet used in the musical Little Shop Of Horrors
The Rick Astley cover of “Pink Pony Club” by Chappel Roan is a must hear.
Trailer for a new documentary piece on the incomparable Andy Kaufman.
Sparks had a new song and music video. These dudes still got at.
The newest Las Vegas attraction opens August. Before that though John Wick opens.

Stay tuned for more frequency on Nerd Notes, the deep dive into our collection of stuff and more coming very soon.

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Nerd Notes 1/18/2025

FILM/STREAMING

A new Levinson/ Pileggi collab on one of the biggest stories about the Mafia in America.
I love Dropout and I love Game Changer. This little animated video captures the fun and creativity of the improv so well and is infinitely watchable.
The Netflixverse continues and it looks like its gonna be a banger.
Groundhog Day x Happy Death Day x Cabin in the Woods x Gore and Violence
The Pitt seems like a great show and thie cast seems like they became very fast friends.

MUSIC VIDEOS

Magic, pure technological magic and also a song we always need.
My first introduction to Boys Go To Jupiter, checked their back catalog after this, really good stuff and an excellent music video as well.
Great song but an even better music video, I didn’t see the ending coming and it was excellent.

WRESTLING

I shall be front row at Game Changer Wrestling’s The People vs GCW 2025 at Hammerstein Ballroom in midtown Manhattan NYC on Sunday. Here are two exellent videos cover why this a not miss show for many and most wrestling fans.

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First REAL Nerd Notes of 2025 (1/10/2025)

In subject order this time. Here are trailers, videos and stuff from Youtube that caught my attention when logging in between 1/6 till today (1/10) of 2025.

MOVIES AND TV TRAILERS

This along with the SNL50 special should rock
I don’t know about this but the gore and efx look cool.
First twist spoiled, but the fact that isn’t even the twist… looking forward.
Doesn’t look great but the cast!
Statham action. Predictable but fun.
Looks interesting.

MUSIC

Alexz = Heart
Love the art on this too.
Dawgs!
Making of above
This randomly hit my reccs and seeing Dudley play piano to a subdued Christopher is amazing so I have to share.
Good stuff
Good stuff
Good stuff
Good stuff
Good stuff
Good stuff

WRESTLING

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Helios Hotel: The Night Shift, launching on PC Feb 14, 2025

Check-in for a short stay with first-person indie horror Helios Hotel: The Night Shift, launching for PC on Feb 14, 2025

Download the demo now to begin your shift!

Washington, US – 9 January 2025. Rose Lane Games, a new developer and publisher of indie horror games, announced today that its inaugural chapter-based indie horror, Helios Hotel: The Night Shift, will be launching on February 14, 2025 on PC across Steam with a 15% for the first week of launch.

Helios Hotel: The Night Shift is a first-person, choose-your-own-adventure style horror game inspired by paranormal and slasher films such as The Shining, Halloween and Friday the 13th that is broken down into bite-sized chapters. The main protagonist, Rose, has just moved to a small town ready to start a brand-new life and quickly lands a job as the fancy new hotel’s front desk receptionist.

Check out the announcement trailer, below:

Players are also invited to start their first shift by downloading the teaser demo, here

You take on the role of Rose and initially undertake the everyday tasks of the hotel, such as booking in guests and ensuring they get everything they need. As today is Rose’s first day, she’s naturally keen to make a good impression with her boss; but what begins as a quick introduction soon evolves into a number of strange occurrences and a distinct feeling that something isn’t quite right…

Features

  • Creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere
  • Fully playable on Steam Deck
  • Exploration in first-person plants you firmly in the thick of the action
  • Jump scares and unnerving audio cues when you least expect them
  • Oddball cast of guests and employees leaves you unsure of their motivations
  • Simple tasks designed to both engage and alarm the player
  • Unlock achievements for performing certain actions
  • Player choices affect the character dialogue and what they will experience
  • The choices the player makes throughout the game’s chapters will affect the ending
  • A total of four endings based on the choices made throughout the game
  • Support for gamepad/controller as well as for Keyboard + Mouse
  • A basic graphics setting option that allows the game to run on lower-end hardware, provided it still falls under the minimum specs

Launch
Helios Hotel: The Night Shift releases on February 14, 2025 on PC via Steam for a suggested retail price of $2.99 £2.49 €2.99.

About Rose Lane Games
Rose Lane Games is an independent developer and publisher of videogames founded in August 2023 by Rick Castillo. Based in Seattle/Redmond, USA, Rose Lane Games aims to create memorable, story-driven horror games inspired by paranormal and slasher films primarily for personal computers and videogame consoles.

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NERD NOTES (first of 2025) 1/5/2025 (A BEAST)

I have not done a Nerd Notes since November 27th, 2024. As usual this will be a mish mosh of YT embeddings of music videos, movie, tv and video game trailers and anything else that caught my attention that I feel needs to be shared. An explanation to my sharing will be underneath each video per usual. Nothing will be in order but will cover November 28th till today unles it was something posted prior but discovered later. Into the HISTORY tab I go!

This making of made me want to go back and rewatch the film.
This looks actually really good. I hope these critics are on point. Also Dave Bautista.
A lovely recap to all of Playstation.
Sexy music, and sexy music video.
Also sexy music and sexy music video, but also pro wrestler.
Also sexy music and sexy music video, but also pro wrestler.
I will be very very curious how they turned this game into a full on film.
Yay! More Harley Quinn!
Christoph Waltz is a treasure.
Sometimes advertisements can just be really fun, here’s an example.
Sometimes they can feel like something you’d want as a full film!

And there there are perfume ads, which if all combined would be a surreal star studded blockbuster of a flick that could win Oscars and MTV awards at the same time.

Bleeding Fingers have done all the Jeopardy remixes but this one for Pop Culture Jeopardy rocks and so does the show, watch it.

Now for those games announced at the VGAs 2024 that got me super excited.

Naughty Dog looks like they have another amazing adventure here. Will it come out in 2025? Who knows, but I’m on board for it, when it comes.
The animation on Dispatch makes it feel like it’d be good as just a cartoon, but knowing its a choose your reaction game with multiple choices makes it even better,
It’ll be interesting to see how it keeps the flavor of MAFIA games and an interesting open world but staying situated in … the old country.
I’ve never actually gotten to play A Way Out or It Takes Two myself, but they looked awesome and so does Split Fiction. Hazelight makes cool stuff.
Here’s something a little different with my bud BMD doing a fun magic show. For the first time and ONLY time ever.
SUPERMAN!
It’s a bird, it’s a plane!
It’s Spider-man, doing whatever a spider can!
Baby Spice can do it by herself.
Very excited to see what SNL 50 anniversary special will be. They have to go above and beyond SNL 40.
This project is awesome and the final product must be watched.
I feel grateful that I will get to see this match mere feet from my eyes in person to be my official real start of 2025 adventures and weirdness and whatevers…. unless something happens before it.

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