Los Angeles, CA (May 13, 2025) – Adulthood may not be what you expected, but who says it can’t be? In anticipation of the series premiere of FX’s Adults, FXis giving laundromats the ultimate glow-up with “Suds and Sounds”shaking up the daily grind and turning routine into revelry, May 20 in Culver City, Los Angeles and May 22 in Sunnyside, Queens New York. The day/night events will feature DJs and musical performances. The series follows a crew of chaotic-but-trying twenty-somethings attempting to figure out how to be “adults.” What’s more adult than having to do your own laundry? (Answer: nothing.) But whoever said laundry had to be a drag clearly never pre-gamed at a laundromat.
By day [9am-5pm]: “Suds and Sounds” is about remixing the routine. From morning until evening, guests will score an Adults-branded laundry card loaded with one free cycle, coffee, and bodega snacks on the house to fuel your day, vending machines with surprise drops, a one-card tarot pull for a quick energy read, and live DJs soundtracking your spin cycle all day long.
By night [7pm-10pm]:the energy in the laundromat shifts and the party kicks into high gear. Lights down. Music up. Sounds curated by some of the most sought-after artists and DJs. Guests can expect vending machines with Adults-branded ‘laundry lifesaver’ giveaways, bodega snacks, impromptu Polaroid photoshoots, bar service with cocktails, mocktails, and beer, and dance-floor therapy.
WHEN:Los Angeles – Tuesday, May 20 (9am-5pm | 7pm-10pm)New York City – Thursday, May 22 (9am-5pm | 7pm-10pm) WHERE:Los Angeles: The Laundry Room (Culver City – 4400 S. Slauson Ave.)New York City: Laundry Bee (Sunnyside, Queens – 4008 Queens Blvd.)
The Best Superhero Comic in the Universe Sells Out One Week Before Debut
The new Battle Beast comic, an actual continuation of the INVINCIBLE series is absolutely wonderful. I look forward to the collected edition and maybe one day seeing it in animated form. For now, here is a press release about a second printing because of demand before the book hit stands next week.
LOS ANGELES 05/08/2025 — Today Skybound and Image Comics announced that the record-breaking Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1, which has orders of nearly 400,000 copies worldwide, has sold out at the distributor level one week before its debut and will return with a new printing featuring three all new covers.
The most anticipated new comic book series of the year comes from co-creator/writer Robert Kirkman (Void Rivals, The Walking Dead) and co-creator/artist Ryan Ottley (The Amazing Spider-Man), reunitingthe longtime Invincible creative team for the first time since 2018.The second printing of the debut issue will be available at comic shops on Wednesday, June 11.
To meet demand for this historic issue, Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 will return with three all new covers, each by a different superstar artist – Ryan Ottley, Jason Howard, and Ryan Sook!
“I can’t decide which is more shocking, the fact that we sold nearly 400,000 copies of our first issue or the fact that we’re rushing back to print so soon! It’s absolutely bonkers,” said Robert Kirkman. “Battle Beast is a character near and dear to my heart and the story Ryan and I are telling in this series will expand readers’ understanding of him in some very unique and intriguing ways. It’s great to know it’s going to be enjoyed by so many people!”
“It’s all pretty overwhelming to see Invincible get to a point where a side character can have an insane sellout like this. But this is Battle Beast we’re talking about here!” said Ryan Ottley. “Battle Beast has always been one of my favorite characters we created in Invincible, and this series is now quickly becoming one of my favorite Invincible Universe stories.”
“It’s a testament to the demand of this character combined with Robert and Ryan’s hard work to not only crush sales expectations on #1 but then also sell out BEFORE the issue comes out,” raved executive editor Ben Abernathy.
Perfect for longtime fans and new readers alike, the new ongoing series promises to reveal the secret story of crowd favorite Battle Beast in what is the most demanded Invincible story of all time!
Cursed with an unquenchable thirst for violence that threatens those he loves, Battle Beast searches the universe for the one warrior mightier than him…so that he may die before harming anyone else. But even in a universe of mighty Viltrumites like Invincible and Omni-Man, it seems that no one may be able to stop the galaxy’s deadliest warrior…unless he does the unthinkable.
Created by Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker, Invincible #1 debuted to critical acclaim on January 22, 2003.Ryan Ottley joined soon after on issue #8 in late 2003 as the new series artist and contributing creator. Throughout its fifteen-year run at Image Comics, Invincible not only continued for a historic 146 issues, but also spawned multiple spin-off series and even an inter-company crossover with a certain friendly neighborhood superhero. In 2021, the Invincible animated series arrived on Prime Video and quickly became one of the most popular new streaming series, earning praise worldwide for its fresh storytelling. With a third season currently airing, Invincible remains a cornerstone of the pop culture landscape that continues to grow in popularity every year.
The critically acclaimed adult animated series co-produced by Skybound Animation and Amazon MGM Studios recently wrapped its third season and has a fourth on the way. Invincible is available exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world. Each season of the animated series received “Certified Fresh” rankings on Rotten Tomatoes and the show was awarded Rotten Tomatoes’ Golden Tomato Award for Best Animated Series in 2023. Invincible follows 17-year-old Mark Grayson as he inherits his father’s superpowers and sets out to become Earth’s greatest defender, only to discover the job is more challenging than he ever imagined.
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 Second Printing (Lunar Codes Below | SRP: $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Battle Beast #1 Second Printing Cover A by Ryan Ottley (Lunar Code: 0125IM940)
Battle Beast #1 Second Printing Cover B by Jason Howard (Lunar Code: 0125IM941)
Battle Beast #1 Second Printing Cover C by Ryan Sook (Lunar Code: 0125IM942)
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Back in March, I went to the American Dream Mall in New Jersey to attend JonasCon. This was my second trip to the Dream, having first gone for a Game Changer Wrestling show. After I first registered and was unable to procure definite floor space for the concerts arranged in the Dreamworks waterpark or the Ice rink, and then also got locked out of even purchasing $200 VIP tickets, I considered completely skipping the event. I decided it was a good excuse to discover what travelling to the mall via bus from Port Authority in Manhattan NYC was like, as I had booked a nearby hotel and driven in from home in Queens NYC with a friend the first time. My biggest selling point from the moment it was announced was the return of All American Rejects for one set (as they were joining Jonas on tour and releasing new music soon). However, the idea of a big immersive event of any kind inside a mall was also exciting. Again, FREE, although with merch to buy if one desired. Some stickers promoted on the website as available caught my attention, but I never found them on location.
Now let me take you back to that day exactly. Getting to the mall was so easy and really inexpensive even if just going on any regular day for a few hours, but especially if you got there super early to spend a day at the fairly expensive but worth it indoor water park or even a whole weekend and enjoying the food and other excitement of the mall. Of course I didn’t have a plan for when I would be leaving but it’d before the last bus out.
Once at the mall it was a madhouse before the mall even opened, hell before the event officially started. I feel really lucky I got there as early as I did, got a lay of the land, and discovered other than the free day at the water park I missed out on, I didn’t need VIP or floor tickets to get a good view of the two other stages and especially the one stage AAR would play at later. Had I gotten there later I may have never figured this out. It was fun walking around and seeing what they put up for Jonascon and what they did a hardcore job with and what they went minimalistic for. The Jonas mini-golf course for instance renamed the holes after songs but still for all all intents and purposes was just Angry Birds Golf with barely a paint job. They did go all out for the mini-stores though and some pop-ups.
They also went big on the mini-museum with instruments, clothing, ephemera and more. That is what I took the most photos of and am happy to share.
One my favorite photos I took with consent from parent and youngster was this young lady coaxed into trying on a Jonas coat and it basically fitting her. Meaning them teen Jonas boys were small small small.
I wanted a FULL experience from JONASCON so I indulged a little and got what was definitely an overpriced but very yummy meal from the “pop-up” menu of the Jonas Brother’s owned Nellie’s Southern Kitchen at Marcus Live! The biscuits, butter and jam were the best part but the chicken and dumplings and banana pudding were both tasty, just not as tasty in value as the price, but adding in the limited availability during the one day event, unless one goes to Vegas and North Carolina made it all worth it.
While at the mall I also enjoyed the mall and bought beef jerky from the Jerky store, cookies from BANG! and some THC and mushroom product that was overpriced cause MALL but I cut a good deal with the clerk and got some freebies and stuff I maybe wouldn’t even know to seek out on my own so the interaction itself was worth it especially since yes… I did get to see Jonas perform and ALL AMERICAN REJECTS. Now yes. I said it was a madhouse… and boy was it.
Still I had a plenty good viewing of AAR and they performed a bevy of the hits. Sadly they didn’t play Sweat or Send Her to Heaven, opting for the classics like Swing, Swing and Dirty Little Secret but it was awesome and I was satisfied and very happy I went. I actually rushed to the bus home after feeling like I might collapse soon having been out since I think around 7 AM? I can’t recall. I just knew I had had enough for the day and nothing would top AAR at that point other than getting to hang out with them or the Jonas Bros or Big Time Rush and that wasn’t going to happen so…
You may have seen many reports or maybe none, I don’t know about people who bought VIP sort of being ripped off or fans upset that the multiple sets played Jonas Brothers had different songs but trying to get from one venue to another while also shopping for merch and checking out the interactions was near impossible. This too would be my experience. I am glad I didn’t get a wristband or pay for VIP, but that is because I know how to make things work for me, YMMV but JONASCon was a fun fun day for me and I’ll always remember it (probably).
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Here I shall mini-review demos and/or full games in Ludonarracon 2025. (Be “advised” I am using a press access edition of the event, so not all games or demos mentioned will be playable for you, but you can still wishlist and/or buy them).
Ludonarracon runs till May 5th so you have plenty time to check these games and the sales out still.
Keep Driving: There is definitely a story here of taking the road and finding adventure, but it is burdened by being quite the difficult and at times unforgiving strategy game. Before even making it to the first town I could rest in I basically lost all energy on the road, fell asleep on the side, woke up and lost energy again encountering a tractor in my way. For a Narrative the game system needs a lot more balance, but even if the narrative was minimal, balance of encounters definitely needs reworking. This is one to keep an eye on, but I hope the devs are still actually working on it.
Compensation Not Guaranteed: A very fun demo of an upcoming Papers, Pleasesque. The art, world and characters introduced are fantastic and as long as it stays zen like and not add speed rounds but just more things to look at and the weird twist in the dreams I think we have a gem of something new here.
The Horror at Highrook: First let me state that I love the gothic supernatural setting, the familiar but tropic group coming together to solve a mystery at a creepy manor. The art is also amazing, reminiscent of Mike Mignola and John Paul Leon to my eyes. That said I don’t think this type of game is made for my thinking. After I completed the introductory tasks I felt completely lost. I didn’t know how to unlock rooms or use certain cards. I was just befuddled. That doesn’t mean it isn’t well done, I just needed a little more hand holding. You on the other hand, especially those who play TTRPGs or card games will be in paradise.
A Week in the Life of Asocial Giraffe: Wonderful cartoon art displaying a personality trait many can relate to or understand wrapped in a visual logic puzzle. Worth trying your hand at and seeing how you vibe.
inKOBINI: You only get a taste in the prologue but I feel this is a zen style game with fun little explorations in to life and never truly a stressfull feel on running the shop. Fix labels, check supplies, very serene and not feeling like actual “work” but instead idle devices to keep iccupied while “reading” simple tales of everyday people.
Usual June: Based on the demo this is the kind of game I love. Third person action adventure with interesting art, quirky characters, fun and not too complicated but not too easy combat, lots of exploration and a big story. Which is also what it promises. I will be keeping my eye on this cause ghosts, mystery, weirdness. The only thing I’d add was a jump button, there aren’t enough Psychonauts like games out there! I also hope they optimize the game a lot before release, my rig had trouble but didn’t feel like it should. I may need to play this on console.
More to come before the end of the Festival!
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NEW YORK, NY (April 29, 2025) – Ahead of their highly-anticipated new album, Full Circle, available next week via XOXO Entertainment Corp., 98° dropped a surprise new track “Stranger Things (Have Happened)” today in anticipation of the full-length studio record. Full Circle isa blend of past and present, the record features five brand-new tracks alongside re-recordings of their biggest hits, giving the group full ownership of the songs that helped define late ‘90s and early 2000s pop.
Jeff Timmons shares “The song is a nod to the wildly popular Netflix series Stranger Things, and like the TV show combines old with the new, mixing vintage synth sounds with modern production, while also showcasing smooth melodies and the lush harmonies 98 Degrees is best known for. The fans are going to LOVE IT!”
Managed by the legendary Johnny Wright and Joe Lilak at Wright Entertainment Group, 98° has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, earning eight Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, four Top 10 singles, and a No. 2 smash with “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)” in 2000. Their signature harmonies and R&B-tinged ballads became anthems of an era, from “The Hardest Thing” (No. 5, Billboard Hot 100) to “Because of You” (No. 3, Billboard Hot 100, Platinum-certified), securing their status as one of the most successful vocal groups of their time.
Unlike their peers, 98° wasn’t manufactured by a label—they formed organically, built their fanbase from the ground up, and defied the pop industry’s formulaic mold. Their commitment to staying authentic and adaptable has kept them a force in music for decades. As they prepare to take Full Circle on the road, they are proving that longevity in pop music is about taking control of your own history.
98° will kick off their album release with a series of live events and in-person signings:
May 10, 2025 Barnes And Nobel In-Store Autograph Signing, NY
May 30, 2025 SM Mall Of Asia Arena, Philippines
May 31, 2025 SM Mall Of Asia Arena, Philippines
June 27, 2025 OLG Stage, Niagara Falls, ON
July 25, 2025 Grey Eagle Casino, Calgary, AB
Full Circle is available Friday, May 9 on all digital streaming platforms, LP vinyl, and CD.
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As LudoNarracon begins its first day I will be without any electricity since ConEd decided 10 AM on a Thursday is a perfectly reasonable time to shut off the entire building for some tests or whatever they’re doing. I will most probably miss the Davey Wreden fireside chat and can only hope that by 4PM PDT I’ll be able to catch Sam Lake.
Luckily though I was provided preview press access to demos as well as full games featured in the fest and some which I assume are part of the excellent LudoNarracon. Before I get into that though check out this excellent schedule, which if you are reading now means you can get over to Steam and start watching the fest, downloading demos and buying games.
Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion III: There was no CRDM or CRDM II but this tile matching game takes that simple genre and flips it on its head both in compelling gameplay and a weird weird but also clever narrative. There is a very clever tale being told via the device in this game which is currently out (released 4/22). I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Psychotic Bathtub: I felt very uncomfortable playing this, but it is visually charming. There’s some very different ways for this story to go, some sweet one, some very very disturbing. It’s your choice to decide the direction you want to take things.
Expelled!: An Open world visual novel. Not completely open world as you are locked into e specific linearity as you try to either solve the mystery or at least make sure you aren’t accused, found guilty and expelled. Using the same style of inkle’s Overboard! (so much so that Expelled! is called an Overboard! game) I can see a lot replayability in this to see what you can unlock and how under the game’s premise.
The Mr. Rabbit Magic Show: This free to play anniversary puzzle piece by Rusty Lake is a lovely celebration. It has that classic Rusty Lake art. Weird but solvable puzzles when you use that awkward thinking. Special achievements. Secret links. You do yourself a disservice of not only playing this but when you get to the end to keep playing to the secret secret endings.
Detective Dotson: While I personally do not find the game play mechanic fun, it is well done and I can see others absoluting loving this tribute to Bollywood mixed with a rather simplistic but thought provoking secure clues and connect the words to make a detective design. The pettable animals is a huge plus. If you haven’t tried Dotson give it a go. I must say the demo I once played feels like a different game than the one I played as part of Ludonarracon, but there’s a charm there.
The Berlin Apartment: This is an extremely strong demo for what seems to be a very big game yet all in one place. We only get snippets of two sories that are contained but I can only hope we learn of the many people before 2020 and maybe even who moves in after the repair. The art makes you want to explore the world more but the demo does not allow for much exploration, it is built to truly be a snippet but one worthy of download and wishlisting.
When my power returns I plan to delve deep into the rest of Ludonarracon and will share more thoughts at that time, including a review of despelote.
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Timed to Shakespeare Day, Joe Quesada and Amazing Comics Announce Undiscover’d,A New Line of Comic Books Based on the Plays of the Bard
The Anticipated Inaugural Title DISCIPLE Reimagines Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Undiscover’d: What’s Past Is Prologue
(April 23, 2025) Timed to Shakespeare Day, legendary comic book writer, artist, and former Editor-in-Chief and Chief Creative Officer at Marvel Entertainment Joe Quesada is announcing Undiscover’d, a new line of comic books co-created by Quesada and Charles Dorfman from Amazing Comics based on the timeless works of the Bard. Each title reimagines a specific Shakespeare play through a bold new genre and setting—while preserving the original character names and core themes. All stories will unfold in a version of our world—familiar, yet reimagined through the lens of genre, time, and imagination.
“Shakespeare’s themes are as relevant today as they were when he first put quill to paper, and by reimagining his work through a modern lens, we get to explore those truths in thrilling, unexpected, and emotionally real ways,” said Quesada. “At its heart, Undiscover’d is about rediscovery—of classic stories, of ourselves, and of the strange magic hiding in plain sight. We’re not building a new universe—we’re revealing fantastical layers of the one we already live in. These are tales of discovery and rediscovery, of fantastical imagination grounded in the familiar.”
Undiscover’d’s’ inaugural title, DISCIPLE, will be a dramatic reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, co-written by Quesada and Charles Dorfman, the writer and director of Barbarians and producer of the Oscar-nominated The Lost Daughter. Dorfman will be making his comics debut with the series illustrated by Quesada and inker Wade von Grawbadger, with colorist Richard Isanove and letterer Joe Caramagna.
“Some of Amazing Comics’ Undiscover’d titles will draw direct inspiration from Shakespeare’s original plays, while others will take more unexpected paths—always staying true to the core themes that made them timeless,” said Charles Dorfman. “Our launch title, DISCIPLE, sets the tone for the entire slate. It begins with Hamlet as a young boy and serves as a prequel to the classic tragedy, offering a fresh entry point into the world. All Undiscover’d stories take place in our reality—recognizable but reimagined through different genres and eras. ”
“Upcoming Undiscover’d stories will span genres like sci-fi, horror, hard-boiled crime fiction, war, and fantasy,” said Quesada. “These stories may jump across genres, centuries, and—who knows—even planets, but they’re all grounded in the same world: ours. We’ve got an AMAZING slate of talents already on board, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be announcing even more creators joining the fold—and soon, the projects they’ll be bringing to life.”
Amazing Comics is a unique collaboration between Quesada, Mad Cave Studios — the Miami-based comic publisher that has carved out a reputation for bold storytelling, creator-focused comics, and boundary-pushing ideas — and premier European publishing house Dupuis. The three companies will work in tandem to publish and distribute titles on both sides of the Atlantic.
Amazing Comics will feature comic books written by some of the biggest names in the entertainment and comic book industries, including:
Derek Kolstad, the writer and creator ofJohn Wick and Nobody;
J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5, co-writer of the TV series Sence8, screenwriter of Clint Eastwood’s Changeling and the MCU Thor film;
Steven Paul Judd, the writer on Dark Winds and Echo television shows;
Christopher Priest, legendary writer of Black Panther and Deadpool for Marvel Comics;
Garth Ennis, writer and co-creator of The Boys and Preacher comic books;
Ethan Sacks, writer of Star Wars for Marvel Comics and co-writer of the acclaimed Image Comics series A Haunted Girl;
Charles Dorfman, writer and director of Barbarians, and producer of the Oscar-nominated The Lost Daughter.
Upcoming Amazing Comics will be illustrated by all-star artists, including Quesada himself, as well as:
Esad Ribic, artist on Marvel’s Secret Wars,Silver Surfer: Requiem, X-Men and Thor for Marvel Comics;
Ryan Stegman, artist on Venom, The King in Black, X-Men, Vanish, and Missionary
Ronan Toulhoat, artist of the immensely popular European albums Daemon and Dog Head
“Shakespeare was the original master of spectacle and soul—he was blood, betrayal, lust, and ambition and, of course, heroics,” said Quesada. “His plays are timeless because they’re universally relatable and packed with emotional and narrative twists. We’re not doing straightforward adaptations or Classics Illustrated. We’re creating bold high-octane comics with heart—stories designed to introduce an entirely new generation to the Bard.”
Prepare for the return of an heroic trio! Chickenhare & the Treasure of Spiking-Beard is coming this year on consoles and PC!
The action-adventure will bring players of all ages together for a fantastic quest!Watch the announcement trailer:
Angleur, Belgium – April 23, 2025 – Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! N-Zone today announced the development of a thrilling new action-adventure based on the beloved comic book and animated feature film, Chickenhare!Chickenhare & the Treasure of Spiking-Beard is set to launch on consoles and PC later this year.
Players will embark on a hunt for a legendary Treasure, and for the first time, will have the power to seamlessly embody at will the three distinct and dynamic protagonists: Chickenhare, Meg, and Abe. Each character boasts a unique set of skills essential for overcoming the challenges that lie ahead:
Chickenhare: Combining the agility of a hare with surprising chicken-like abilities, Chickenhare has mastered his agility and jumping powers. Players will navigate treacherous environments and reach seemingly impossible places with his unique acrobatic prowess.
Meg: With her unmatched martial arts skills, Meg is a formidable fighter. Players will master her swift moves and powerful techniques to take on any adversary, even the notorious Piggy, proving her a force to be reckoned with.
Abe: This skeptical yet incredibly strong Galapagos Tortoise is a force of nature. Players can utilize Abe’s immense strength to power slide, smash through obstacles and clear the way, paving paths where none existed before.
The ability to switch between Chickenhare, Meg, and Abe on the fly will be crucial for solving intricate puzzles, navigating diverse landscapes, and battling a colorful cast of villains. Players will need to strategically utilize each character’s strengths to beat Spiking-Beard’s and put their hands on the coveted artifact; the rainbow feather.
Chickenhare & the Treasure of Spiking-Beard promises an engaging blend of action, platforming, and clever character switching mechanics, all set within the vibrant and humorous world fans know and love.
Prepare for an epic quest where an in-game treasure hunt unfolds into a real-world adventure – culminating in a one-of-a-kind, high-value unique artifact waiting to be discovered.
The indie label’s annual celebration of storytelling returns bringing discounts, demos and developer talks including Keep Driving, Promise 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.
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 Payneseries, Alan Wakeseries, 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 Vector, 1000XRESIST, Beacon 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 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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