The Blues Brothers: The Lost Recordings Include 13 Unreleased Live Performances Featuring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd

Posted on 06/20/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

LIMITED EDITION BLUE VINYL EXCLUSIVELY BUNDLED WITH DELUXE EDITIONS OF THE Z2 GRAPHIC NOVEL—THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE 
PRE-ORDER NOW

CHICAGO, IL— (June 20, 2025)— June 20, 1980. A day that changed comedy forever. With the release of The Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd unleashed a film that would thrill and entertain generations with their Mission From God. Now, exactly 45 years later, Z2 has partnered with the Aykroyd and Belushi families and estate to deliver the sequel to that film in the original graphic novel,  THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE. 

Uncovered by the late Judy Belushi Pisano, this series of unreleased recordings is a rare musical glimpse at Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues at the height of their blues powers. Belushi and Aykroyd blast through a 13-song set with some of the greatest musicians who ever lived. The gang is all here, as Blues Brothers legends Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Steve “The Colonel” Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Paul “The Shiv” Shaffer, Lou “Blue Lou” Marini, Tom “Bones” Malone, Alan “Mr. Fabulous” Rubin, Steve “GETDWA” Jordan, and Tom “Triple Scale” Scott show why this band is timeless. The album features unheard versions of blues classics including “Hey Bartender,” “Rubber Biscuit,” and “Green Onions.” This album will be available exclusively as a Royal Blue-colored vinyl release, packaged with THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE. 


Here’s a peek at the 13 unreleased tracks featured on The Blues Brothers: The Lost Recordings Royal Blue Vinyl LP:

SIDE A

1. “Welcome” 

2. “Flip, Flop & Fly”

3.”Hey Bartender” 

4. “Messin’ With The Kid” 

5. “(I Got Everything I Need) Almost” 

6. “Rubber Biscuit” 

7. “Shot Gun Blues” 

SIDE B

8. “I Don’t Know” 

9. “Groove Me” 

10. “Excusez Moi Mon Cherie” 

11. “Soul Man” 

12. “B Movie Box Car Blues” 

13. “Green Onions”

To honor the 45th anniversary of the Blues Brothers movie premier and the Lost Recordings being released, Z2 has created a series of high-quality Blues Brothers apparel. The first two designs from this capsule collection feature the art of Felipe Sobreiro and are available exclusively today on Z2comics.com. 


Fans can now for the first time purchase the Deluxe Edition of The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake as well as the Dan Akyroyd-signed, limited Platinum Editions, which include the oversized hardcover with slipcase, the exclusive vinyl, a Blues Brothers engraved harmonica, and Jake and Elwood Blues collector cards on Z2Comics.com. Both the Deluxe and Platinum Editions feature a new cover and slipcase with exclusive art by Felipe Sobreiro. All Hardcover, Deluxe and Platinum Editions will proudly ship to fans in advance of the October 7th in-store retail date. 

Standard editions of THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE are available for pre-order via Z2Comics.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, UltimateClassicRock.com as well as many other fine independent book, comic, and record stores. 
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About The New Blues Brothers Creative Team:
Luke Pisano is a writer and marketing professional. The son of Judy Belushi Pisano, Luke has spent his life immersed in the world of the Blues Brothers, carrying forward the legacy the Belushi family, his mother, and Dan Aykroyd built together. Following Judy’s passing in July 2024, he stepped into her role as the other half of Blues Brothers Approved Ventures, ensuring that the cultural impact of the legendary duo continues to thrive for new generations. He is committed to bringing fresh energy and storytelling to the franchise while staying true to its roots in music, comedy, and soul. Luke holds an undergraduate degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Beyond his work with the Blues Brothers, he has spent the last decade as a marketing manager for various brands and companies, blending strategic expertise with creative storytelling. 

Stella Aykroyd is a writer and director from Los Angeles, with a  background spanning screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, and environmental advocacy. From 2017 to 2020, she worked as a writer’s assistant and later transitioned into ghostwriting, specializing in fiction and short stories. Before focusing on scripted storytelling, Stella worked in documentary film, highlighting environmental and wildlife issues. From 2014 to 2018, she collaborated with Sea Shepherd (Saving the Vaquita, Great Barrier Reef Harm Reduction) and River Keeper (DAPL). As the daughter of Dan Aykroyd, Stella has been immersed in the world of the Blues Brothers her entire life. Since 2018, she and her father have worked together as writing partners, and now, she takes on a leading role in shaping the future of the Blues Brothers brand. 

James Werner is a bi-racial writer, filmmaker and actor from Los Angeles. Aside from working with the Blues Brothers and Z2 comics, James currently performs improv and clown in Los Angeles at Upright Citizens Brigade and WGIS. He also has a career in the music industry as a songwriter and musician, and plays for the indie-folk-funk band, Trees, as well as the alternative-rock-soul band Knees. In 2023, James was selected as one of fifty directors from around the world to attend the CREATOR’S LAB under mentorship of Palme d’Or winning director Apichatpong Weerasethakul where he scored Apichatpong’s latest short, July stories, starring Tilda Swinton. Prior to working independently, James attended Vassar college and worked at Blumhouse Productions and Bad Robot. He’s also a great son (according to his mom). 

Felipe Sobreiro is a Brazilian illustrator and colorist. He has worked for most comic book publishers big and small, with titles ranging from the creator-owned Image hits “Luther Strode”, “Spread” and “Local Man” to Marvel’s “Generation X”, and Ahoy’s “Justice Warriors”. For Z2, Felipe colored Jason Derulo’s “UZO” and illustrated stories for the “The Illustrated Al” and “No Remörse: The Illustrated True Stories of Lemmy Kilmister and Motörhead” anthologies. Felipe lives with his wife in Brazil’s capital city Brasília, in a house they share with a horde of cats and a dog. 

About Z2
Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-nominated Z2 has produced 75+ unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Iron Maiden, Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Vans Warped Tour, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, Type O Negative, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. For more information visit Z2comics.com, and follow on Instagram and Twitter.

Posted in Comics, Music | Comments Off on The Blues Brothers: The Lost Recordings Include 13 Unreleased Live Performances Featuring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd

DATING EVERYTHING (A video game review)

Posted on 06/17/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Disclaimer: I was provided an early press copy of Date Everything for review. Opinions and screen shots are based on the PS5 digital edition (no DLC).

If I could I legitimately would date almost every one. I do not know if I would date everything but that is only because in the real world, we do not have the ability to converse with inanimate objects. We can pretend for sure. I am sure every one has at one point considered some object as their partner when they were not involved with another human. Some intimacy with a product designed for it or not. I will not state my own sexual experiences in that, but they were only that, never a true relationship, but imagine? Imagine if you could date your guitar? Or your favorite book? Or even a deck of cards… although that’d be a lot of people to date, fifty-two people of varying degrees and moods. Yeah, that’d be too much.

In the video game by Date Everything developed by Sassy Chap and published by team 17 you attempt to date at least a hundred different items though. TVs, sofas, globes, candles, food, the stairs, the bed, the computer, the vents, the toilet, the shower and even the unexpected. You do more than date though, you discover, you learn, you become friends, you become enemies, sometimes you know why and other times you might get confused just like the real world with humans.

The actual background plot that leads to you dating everything and continues on in an almost visual novel format of the dating simulator is fascinating in itself. A whole world creation of everything in a world, people, places, corporations, mystery, drama, comedy. It’s all there, and it compels you discover more and more each day that you can. There are also secrets. This isn’t your average dating simulator. You need to find your dates and its not just as simple as clicking. You need to read descriptions, touch things and try different well.. game things, making Date Everything just that, a video game. Not a dating simulator, not a visual novel, not an adventure, but all of that combined. A story game that you may have to play more than once to discover everything.

Which you definitely will want to do. While the IMDB page gives away a lot, it is not till you experience these voice actors portraying these characters in their awesome self that they truly come alive and start to also inhabit you. Do you return to someone to continue the relationship or try to find more people to date, and yes, you will have to choose.

One of the mechanics of the game that will seem frustrating and annoying but also creates the power of choice and the freedom but boundaries of choice is you can only speak to five dateable characters per day session (Monday-Sunday), be it ones you have unlocked already or ones you still have not seen. Without this and just being able to talk to anyone at any time would also make it less a simulator and just a free for all and if that’s what you want then you’re in the wrong place (always possibly, games are meant to be escape but still have rules and if you tried to free for all in the real world you’d probably get rejected non-stop; at least in Date Everything your chances are 98.7% higher of successful flirtation and maybe eventually more and isn’t that all we can ask for?)

I have dropped some of my favorite personal screen shots throughout this review that should just give you the idea of how broad the types of “people” you can date are and the type of dates as well. This game is so inclusive it makes my heart swell. The writer, the artists and everyone behind Date Everything I feel truly understand what makes someone like me tick, but also leaves things that however you tick and whatever your preferences are, you will find someone… something to love.

Date Everything is out now on Steam, Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Press Release can be seen here.

Tues, June 17th  2025 – Team17 Digital and Los Angeles-based developer Sassy Chap Games have released their star-studded sandbox dating simulator, Date Everything! on PC, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. 

Watch the launch trailer  

Date Everything! let’s you explore a world where even the most ordinary objects hold romantic potential. Equipped with “Dateviator” glasses, players chat with everything from the laundry basket to the air itself, discovering unique personalities and outcomes. Go enjoy your dates and unlock feelings you never knew you had. 

Date Everything! features: 

  • 100 fully voiced datable characters for players to fall madly in love with. 
  • Branching dialogue that leads to multiple endings for each character. 
  • Over 4 hours of music with each dateable character featuring their own theme. 
  • 11,000+ hand-drawn images, 1.2 million words and 70,000 voicelines. 
  • A fully interactive 3d overworld that changes based on choices made in the playthrough. 
  • Full voice acting with a huge cast of familiar voices, including Felicia Day (Supernatural, Fallout), Ben Starr (Final Fantasy 16), Critical Role star Matt Mercer, BAFTA Award winners Laura Bailey (The Last of Us), Neil Newbon (Baldurs Gate 3), Troy Baker (Indiana Jones and The Great Circle), Ashley Burch (Horizon series) and more!

To grab a physical edition, you can find links over on the Date Everything! website.  For more information on Date Everything!, please check out the Date Everything! website, and follow Sassy Chap Games on Discord, X and Instagram. 

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Posted in Video Games | Comments Off on DATING EVERYTHING (A video game review)

THE VANS WARPED TOUR PROGRAM IS BACK!

Posted on 06/12/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

THE INSOMNIAC + Z2 PRODUCED
OFFICIAL GUIDE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED
FREE TO ALL 2025 TICKET HOLDERS

88-PAGE COLLECTIBLE GUIDE FEATURES A FOREWORD BY KEVIN LYMAN. NEW INTERVIEWS WITH AVRIL LAVIGNE, MGK, SIMPLE PLAN, ALL TIME LOW, AND ICE NINE KILLS. PLUS “WARPED MEMORY” COMICS WITH HAYLEY WILLIAMS, MARK HOPPUS, ANDY BIERSACK AND SUBLIME.

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 12, 2025)— The Vans Warped Tour is making a highly anticipated return in 2025, celebrating its 30th anniversary with three major two-day festivals in Washington, D.C.; Long Beach, California; and Orlando, Florida. Also making its highly anticipated return is the Official Vans Warped Tour Program. 50,000 physical copies and 200,000+ digital editions will be distributed free to all ticketholders of the 2025 Vans Warped Tour.

Vans Warped Tour Founder Kevin Lyman tapped Josh Bernstein of Z2 Comics to produce these custom manga-sized collectible guides for fans, as Bernstein and his team had previously produced similar programs for the Warped, Mayhem, Uproar and Taste of Chaos Festivals.

“Back in the day, the Vans Warped Tour program was more than just a guide—it was a snapshot of a moment in music history. People used it to map their day, jot down set times, collect autographs, or just feel plugged into something bigger than themselves” says Kevin Lyman, Founder of Vans Warped Tour. “Bringing it back now isn’t just about honoring that past—it’s about making the experience whole again for a new generation that deserves something just as tangible.”

The Official Vans Warped Tour Guide features brand new cover art from Erik Rodriguez and Josh Bernstein reimagines a swinging ‘60s-themed Warped pool party where all are welcome. This honors Kevin’s longtime tradition of aftershow BBQ parties and this cover features 2025 performers Avril Lavigne, Ice-T, Johnnie Guilbert, mgk, andmembers of A Day To Remember, All American Rejects, All Time Low, Black Veil Brides, Dance Hall Crashers, Dropkick Murphys, Falling In Reverse, Ice Nine Kills, mgk, Motionless In White, Rise Against, Simple Plan, Slaughter To Prevail, Sublime, The Funeral Portrait, The Interrupters and even the late Lou Dog. The BBQ is naturally headlined by Warped stalwarts, Pennywise.

“We can’t thank Kevin and the entire Insomniac Team enough for this opportunity” says Josh  Bernstein of Z2. “Getting a chance to produce the Vans Warped Tour Guide again for all these fans and brands is a dream come true. Long live print!”

Edited and written by Vans Warped Tour Guide alums Rabab Al-Sharif and Mackenzie Hall, this 88-page guide features brand new interviews with 25+ bands, spotlights on brand new artists, charity partners, activities and things to do in each Warped city as selected by the Warped artists themselves. The guide also proudly features the art of Jimbo Phillips, who is responsible for all of the great 2025 Vans Warped Tour art and logos we’ve seen so far.

Z2 tapped famed underground cartoonist Luke McGarry to bring a series of “Warped Memories” back for some of the Vans Warped Tour’s most famous alumni, including brand new comics with Mark Hoppus of blink-182 showering with a hose, Hayley Williams of Paramore meeting Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides meeting his future wife, Juliette Simms and the time Kevin Lyman kicked Sublime off the very first Vans Warped Tour for dog-biting.

Finally, Warped’s incredible legacy is perfectly encapsulated with the photo gallery and interview with Lisa Johnson, the Vans Warped Tour photographer since day one. Her iconic shots of My Chemical Romance, Rancid and Simple Plan perfectly capture the continuing spirit of Warped.

The Official Vans Warped Tour Guide would like to thank the following partners for their incredible support: American Musical Supply, Beatbox, CAA, Death Valley Dreams, Ernie Ball, Hopeless Records, Ghost Energy, Rise, Sumerian, Alternative Press, Jeffree Star, Killer Merch, Live Nation, Manic Panic, Marshall, Mercury Records, MNRK Music Group, The Music Experience, Punk Rock Museum, Slice, Thriller Records, The University of South Carolina, Vans, and Veeps.

The 2025 Official Vans Warped Tour Guide will be available free at the Washington, D.C., Long Beach, California, and Orlando, Florida, Vans Warped Tour weekends as well as the Z2 Booth at the San Diego Comic Con International (Booth #1529)

For more information please visit www.vanswarpedtour.com + www.Z2comics.com

Posted in Books, Comics, Conventions, Events & Expos, Culture, Music | Comments Off on THE VANS WARPED TOUR PROGRAM IS BACK!

Street Sharks Comics Announced

Posted on 06/10/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

This is a belated PR but as a HUGE fan of Street Sharks (the toon and the toys) I am excited to see the entire line reborn for todays kids and also us adults.

EL SEGUNDO and LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 3, 2025) – Your local comic shop is about to get a little more jawsome. Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, and the award-winning company IDW Publishing, today announced the launch of Street Sharks comic books, marking the first new release in over 20 years and introducing the beloved ’90s characters to a whole new generation. This series builds upon the partnership between Mattel and IDW Publishing.

Debuting September 2025 with STREET SHARKS #1 (of five issues), the series follows the action-packed adventures of the four Bolton brothers – half-shark, half-human heroes and crime fighters. Since its debut in 1994, the Street Sharks franchise has also inspired a popular Mattel action figure line.Writer Stephanie Williams (Nubia and the Amazons) and artist Ariel Medel (TMNT vs Street Fighter) bring Street Sharks to the page. Based on the classic animated series, the upcoming comics will thrill readers as the Sharks protect Fission City from a range of gene-slammed threats, including super-strong and monstrous lobsters and squids, and diabolical mad scientists that transform into vicious piranha monsters. The comic will deliver on everything fans loved from the hit show and the tone of its era, from the Sharks riding cool motorcycles to eating a lot of burgers and metal while swimming through the city’s concrete to take down the bad guys. 

Cover A by Philip Murphy

“Celebrating over 30 years of the animated series, Street Sharks has become a cult-favorite and fans have been chomping at the bit to see more of the crime-fighting brothers Ripster, Jab, Streex, and Big Slammu,” said Ryan Ferguson, Global Head of Publishing at Mattel. “We are thrilled to continue the legacy of this franchise and dive deeper into the waters with IDW to extend the world of Street Sharks through new comic books.”

David Jonas, CEO of IDW Media Holdings, is honored to work with Mattel and have IDW further expand the legacy of the fan-favorite group of mutants. “True partnerships are founded on truth, communication, and flexibility. We are pleased that in the spirit of win-win partnership, IDW and Mattel have crystallized our focus to properties IDW is uniquely positioned — creatively and organizationally — to produce, distribute, and ultimately to delight fans of these iconic franchises.” 

Cover C by Elizabeth Beals

”It is so exciting to introduce a new generation of fans to the Street Sharks,” commented series editor Nicolas Niño. “The Sharks epitomize ’90s adolescent X-treme sensibilities and that makes them translate so naturally to comics. Stephanie and Ariel are putting together a series that serves a beautiful love letter to the original cartoon that old fans and new are sure to adore”

Variant RI 1:50 by Khary Randolph
Variant RI 1:25 by Kevin Anthony Catalan

Visit a comic shop near you to pre-order STREET SHARKS #1 (of 5) and other comics from IDW, including MONSTER HIGH. To find a comic shop, check out comicshoplocator.com.

Posted in Comics | Comments Off on Street Sharks Comics Announced

The Drifter demo now available as part of Steam Next Fest

Posted on 06/10/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

A demo for the highly-anticipated point and click thriller – The Drifter – is now available to download as part of Steam Next Fest – ahead of the game’s full launch on July 17 for Windows, macOS, SteamOS and Linux.

Developed by Australian indie duo Powerhoof, The Drifter is a classic 2D point and click adventure with the brake-lines cut. It plunges players headfirst into a web of shadowy corporations, conspiracy, murder, and the thousand year obsession of a madman.

A murdered drifter awakens. Alive again, seconds before his death. Hunted and haunted, help him untangle a mad web of conspiracy in this fast-paced and pulpy, point ‘n click thrill-ride.

The Next Fest demo features the game’s full first chapter, letting you experience its uniquely thrilling take on the adventure genre. Check out the awesome release date trailer below…

The Drifter – Key Features

  • A Pulp Adventure Thriller from the minds that brought you Peridium and Crawl.
  • An engrossing roller-coaster of a story – Drawing on King, Crichton and Carpenter, with a dash of 70s Aussie grindhouse.
  • Point ‘n Click or Controller – Unique twin-stick controls make The Drifter as comfy to play on the couch as at your PC.
  • Bursting with raw crunchy pixel art and high-impact animation.
  • Professionally voice acted, with a brooding dark-synth cinematic score.
Posted in Nothing To See Here | Comments Off on The Drifter demo now available as part of Steam Next Fest

DEEPEST FEAR FGS announcement

Posted on 06/10/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Fresh Developer Interview Offers Details on Action Horror FPS + Immersive Sim / Metroidvania Hybrid Game Where Players Manipulate Real-Time Fluid Simulations— A Spiritual Successor to System Shock 2 and Prey 2017

An interview with developer Variable State at the Future Games Show Live From LA 25 event offers a sneak-peek at DEEPEST FEAR™, the upcoming metroidvania sci-fi horror shooter, inspired by retro-future cinema of the 80s, like Aliens, The Abyss + The Thing

London, UK, 7 June, 2025 – The team at Variable State has more to say about their upcoming Sci-Fi Horror First-Person Shooter DEEPEST FEAR™. Following up on the game’s world premiere last year, an all-new developer sneak-peek demonstrates the nightmarish claustrophobia of this immersive horror indie; the protagonist, Dr. Danni Carroll, faces down monstrous creatures spontaneously emerging from water sources, as she explores a flooded deep-sea facility

The immersive sim / Metroidvania hybrid forces players to contend with and manipulate real time fluid simulations whilst combatting enemies which spawn from any water source. The developers are hoping to build a spiritual successor to System Shock 2 and Prey 2017, albeit it one which is highly unique and original.

DEEPEST FEAR™ | Details + Features

About 

  • DEEPEST FEAR™ is a sci-fi horror shooter, combining Metroidvania level design in the context of a classic FPS immersive sim, where the game’s setting is a puzzle to unravel and where creativity and improvisation are your greatest assets.

Inspirations | Retro-Future Cinema

  • Channeling the spirit of iconic and subversive 1980s horror action films such as The Abyss, The Thing, The Fly, and Total Recall, and more broadly the cinematic canons of James Cameron, John Carpenter, David Cronenberg, and Paul Verhoven, DEEPEST FEAR™ aims to stay true to a vision of visceral horror, vivid characterisation, and confrontational storytelling. 

Fear the Water

  • The immersive sim brings to life a new kind of terror as water itself becomes a living threat, with real-time fluid simulation allowing nightmarish entities to emerge from any water source or submerged space within the hermetic confines of the Neptune facility.
  • Using real time fluid simulation, fight otherworldly entities which manifest spontaneously from any water source, all while the environment around you can flood and take in water at any moment, sweeping you away with unpredictable currents, plunging you into the suffocating depths.

Story of Survival 

  • As Dr. Danni Carroll, players are thrust into the labyrinthine depths of Neptune, a mysterious retro-futuristic facility hiding dark secrets and dangerous truths. 
  • With survival on the line, players must harness their wits and an arsenal of tools to uncover the mysteries surrounding a project masterminded by Danni’s estranged father.
  • Fight your way to the heart of a sinister project and uncover a mystery both deeply personal and terrifying in its implications. 

Creative Team

  • Featuring an original cinematic score by the BAFTA-winning composer and studio co-director, Lyndon Holland, and the award-winning writing talent behind Virginia and Last Stop, DEEPEST FEAR™ combines the cinematic storytelling the studio is known for with visceral first person shooter and horror gameplay.

For more details, visit DeepestFearGame.com, subscribe to the DEEPEST FEAR™ mailing list, and follow @DeepestFear on Steam, X (Twitter), Bluesky, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook.

Posted in Summer Game Fest, Video Games | Comments Off on DEEPEST FEAR FGS announcement

Lovecraftian Narrative Puzzle Adventure ‘Call of the Elder Gods’ Unveiled in New Trailer

Posted on 06/10/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

The sequel to 2020’s critically acclaimed Call of the Sea is coming to PC and consoles 

Leamington Spa, UK – June 7, 2025– Kwalee, a leading UK games publisher, and acclaimed independent studio Out of the Blue are thrilled to unveil Call of the Elder Gods, a Lovecraftian narrative puzzle adventure and the highly anticipated sequel to 2020’s Call of the Sea.

Set 30 years after the first game, players join Harry Everhart and Evangeline Drayton on a gripping journey to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of their loved ones. Call of the Elder Gods expands far beyond the island setting of its predecessor, transporting players through time and space to the far corners of the world.

Alongside the announcement, Kwalee and Out of the Blue have released a new trailer featuring in-game footage and a cinematic narrated by Harry Everhart, voiced by Yuri Lowenthal, as he reflects on the dark secrets he uncovered in Call of the Sea and his determination to keep them buried.

Call of the Elder Gods is coming to PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2.

“We’ve been fortunate to work with Kwalee — they’re fans of our games and share our passion for crafting high-quality experiences with care and dedication. We couldn’t ask for a better partner on this journey,” said Tatiana Delgado, co-founder and creative director at Out of the Blue Games.

“We’re really excited to be teaming up with Out of the Blue on Call of the Elder Gods. They’ve already shown what they’re capable of with Call of the Sea and American Arcadia,” said Benjamin Forrester, VP of PC & Console at Kwalee. “Their talent for storytelling and clever puzzle design is something we truly admire and we think players are going to love what’s coming next.”

About Call of the Elder Gods

Journey to the far corners of the Earth and unearth ancient horrors in this Lovecraftian narrative puzzle adventure and sequel to 2020’s critically acclaimed Call of the Sea.

________________________________________

Dear Prof. Everhart,

It brings me no joy to write to you again but I’m afraid I have nowhere else to turn. I recognize the artifact in your possession. I have dreamed about it every night for months. I have seen impossible, unexplainable things, but if the artifact is real then I fear they may be too. I must meet with you at once. I am running out of options.

Yours,

Evangeline Drayton

All is not well at Miskatonic University. Professor Harry Everhart tries to ignore the shadows flitting at the corners of his vision, while student Evangeline Drayton is haunted with impossible dreams of an artifact uncovered a decade ago. In their search for answers, the pair will uncover revelations more ancient than anyone could have imagined.

Shocking Secrets

Call of the Sea’s object- and observation-based puzzles return with new depth. Scour richly-rendered environments for clues. Swap between Harry and Evangeline to solve complex, multi-part problems across time and space. Choose your own difficulty level with toggle-able hints, icons, and journal entries. For a true challenge, dare to read the Occult Books scattered about the world and meet new, reality-warping enigmas.

Dizzying Marvels

Harry and Evangeline’s journey takes them from the firelit libraries of a New England mansion to the red sands of the Australian outback, through frozen wastelands and otherworldly cities out of time, all stunningly rendered in Unreal Engine 5 and featuring a soundtrack by multi-award-winning returning composer Eduardo De La Iglesia.

A Shadow Out of Time

Follow Harry Everhart and Evangeline Drayton as they search for the truth about their missing loved ones and come face-to-face with beings beyond their understanding. Inspired by H P Lovecraft’s ‘The Shadow out of Time’, Call of the Elder Gods features a fully voice-acted story of grief, family, and sanity, starring returning talents Yuri Lowenthal (Spider-Man, Arcane, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth) and Cissy Jones (Firewatch, Starfield, Baldur’s Gate III)

Posted in Summer Game Fest, Video Games | Comments Off on Lovecraftian Narrative Puzzle Adventure ‘Call of the Elder Gods’ Unveiled in New Trailer

Step Inside The Mind of a Struggling Game Developer With The Prisoning’s Steam Next Fest Demo

Posted on 06/10/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025 – Swedish indie developer Elden Pixels (Alwa’s Legacy, A Void Hope) are excited to announce the demo for their upcoming comedic metroidvania The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is now available to download on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest.

🤔A Press Release on a sunday? Hey, it’s not just developers who get depressed and overworked! Consider the timing of this PR in-theme!

Step into the frazzled brain of Fletcher Howie Jr., a developer hanging on by a thread during the final stages of a massive project. After a post-crunch therapy session goes sideways, Fletcher finds himself trapped in his subconscious, where he’ll double-jump through trauma, shoot his inner demons, and yes… literally jump the shark.

To celebrate the demo’s release, Elden Pixels has prepared a new gameplay trailer, offering a minds-eye view of Fletcher’s fractured psyche.

The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest Steam Next Fest Demo Trailer:

Here’s what early Steam demo reviewers are saying:

“It’s a smart, stylish, and emotionally resonant experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously” ​
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​”The “I’m depressed” song had me rolling.” ​
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​”The humor hits, the movement’s tight, and the art is doing overtime.”
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​”Booted it up for ‘just a few minutes’ and somehow it’s 3:17 a.m. and I’m emotionally attached to a game that keeps insulting me.”
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​”Great surreal Warioland/Pizza Tower vibes and SUPER tight action platformer” ​
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​”I played the demo and immediately questioned my life choices—in a good way.”

After a visit to the psychologist that went horribly wrong you’re trapped in the mind of a game developer on the brink of physical and emotional burnout during the last stages of an intense project. Experience a metroidvania drenched in anxiety based on a very true story.

Help Fletcher Howie Jr. escape his mental prison and save the day!

The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest demo features

  • Explore part of the starting zone and one full level of the game. We held nothing back… except 90% of the game!
  • We’ll give you double jump right from the get-go, as well as an extra bullet for your gun…You’re welcome!
  • Find and defeat the demo’s boss: he’s jaws-ome!
  • Discover classic 2D pixel-art metroidvania action, packed with secrets, shortcuts, and strange surprises

The demo for The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is available to download today on Steam, and Elden Pixels will reveal the official release date in the near future. Eager to experience some shared trauma with a tormented game dev? Slip into Fletcher’s subconscious on Steam now!

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It Rhymes With Takei by George Takei out June 10, 2025

Posted on 06/10/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

It Rhymes With Takei
George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger
A new full-color graphic memoir from the team behind George Takei’s award-winning bestseller They Called Us Enemy, telling the untold story of George’s journey from closeted actor to international gay icon. It Rhymes With Takei​ offers an unprecedented view into the heart of this beloved star and a celebration of the warp-speed changes he has witnessed in one lifetime.

Legendary Stage, Television and Film Actor, Activist, and Author, George Takei, is Set to Release his Graphic Memoir on June 10, 2025! 

 ★ “This uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring narrative powerfully demonstrates how Takei’s lifelong experiences led him to be a voice for those who struggle.”
— Booklist (starred review)★ “Unflinchingly honest… ultimately an inspiring illustration of love—love of oneself and of others—conquering all. A bold and introspective memoir that will resonate with fans of pop culture history and LGBTQIA+ narratives.” — Library Journal (starred review)”Thanks to Star Trek and his political activism, George Takei is known for taking a stand. But this book, about his decision to come out at the age of 68… proves there is more to learn about him.” — The New York Times”This invigorating autobiography effortlessly mixes inspiration with insight.” 
— Publishers Weekly”A heartwarming journey that, yes, goes boldly where few men have gone before.” — Kirkus Reviews”The outstanding graphic autobiography of a principled man who became a cultural icon because of his passion for improving the world for others.” — Foreword Reviews”It’s more than a biography; this book also helps readers understand what it was like to be gay for most of the 20th century and why it’s important to know.” 
— The Washington Blade”Well-paced, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated by Harmony Becker, It Rhymes With Takei offers a bittersweet perspective on the highs and lows of life as a gay Asian American in modern American history. I felt grateful for the historic context on our current moment. I wish it weren’t so relevant and important right now, but once again, Takei has shown up for us when we really need him.” — The Geekiary

Posted in American Library Association Annual 2025, Books, Comics | Comments Off on It Rhymes With Takei by George Takei out June 10, 2025

Night Watch at the Museum, but the Paintings Are Alive -in Please, Watch The Artwork

Posted on 06/10/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

6 JUNE 2025 – Belgian solo developer Thomas Waterzooi is excited to announce Please, Watch The Artwork, a spin-off from his award-winning cozy series about touching art.

The game continues the tradition of immersing players in the captivating realm of a renowned modern artist. This time, become absorbed in the iconic paintings of Edward Hopper, known for his themes of loneliness and urban solitude.

You are a nightwatch at The Museum of animated Modern Art (MaMA), tasked with spotting changes in the paintings. There’s nothing chasing you except the feelings of paranoia, melancholy and isolation. Oh… and there is a lonely clown moving from canvas to canvas, infecting other paintings with his sorrow. To prevent this from happening, you’ll need sharp eyes, a strong memory and lots of coffee.

The game was announced at Day Of The Devs during the Summer Game Fest with an introduction by Thomas Waterzooi himself. It doesn’t have a release date yet but will be available to anyone with a smartphone/tablet (Apple Appstore, Google Play), via Steam (Windows/Mac/Linux) and Nintendo Switch. 

Please, Watch The Artwork Official Reveal Trailer:

Night surveillance at the museum but the paintings are alive. A sad clown roams between them. Watch, listen and report any changes. Paranoia-inducing. Weird. Melancholic. Relaxing? No jump scares or monsters, but the game can feel oppressive at times. Inspired by Edward Hopper.

Key Features

  • Casual Spot-The-Difference – Easy point & click controls make the game accessible to all types of players. Take advantage of the zoom function to delve into every intricate detail.
  • No jumpscares/no monsters – However, the game can make you feel paranoid, melancholic and isolated. Oh… and it has clowns.
  • Themed galleries – Six levels showcasing over 40 paintings from American realism painter Edward Hopper, bundled by theme and subject.
  • Clowns – They are sad, but innocent.
  • Real hand-painted animated art – Animations, soundscapes and VFX bring Hopper’s masterpieces to life, featuring more than 400 unique anomalies.
  • 3 difficulty levels + cozy mode – Both hardcore gamers and casual players can find their sweet-spot by adjusting the difficulty level. And there is a cozy mode without time pressure or game over. Just report changes at your own pace.
  • Did we mention clowns?
Posted in Summer Game Fest, Video Games | Comments Off on Night Watch at the Museum, but the Paintings Are Alive -in Please, Watch The Artwork