Author: CtrlQueen

Hi there! I’m Marie, also known as CtrlQueen. I’m passionate about keeping up with the latest in gaming news and sharing my insights. RPGs steal my heart with their rich narratives and immersive worlds, but I also love unwinding with fun, casual games. Whether you’re here for deep dives into game mechanics or just to chat about your favorite casual game, you’ve found the right place! Let’s game and explore together.

The first-person shooter genre is about to get a whole lot grittier—and cartoonier. MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, the explosive new FPS from developer Fumi Games and publisher PlaySide, is rapidly approaching its 2025 release, and TheBigBois got an exclusive up-close look at the game during TwitchCon San Diego 2025 that left us buzzing. On Saturday, October 18, we (Zachary and Dustin) sat down at the PlaySide booth (#4825-IND) with Jonny Roses, Global Senior Communications Manager, for a 30-minute hands-off demo. What we saw wasn’t just a game; it was a black-and-white, jazz-fueled spectacle that perfectly marries the charm of 1930s…

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Dovetail Games is set to challenge its own genre conventions with the announcement of Metro Rivals: New York, a “genre-defying simcade game” that ditches traditional simulation for high-stakes competition and adrenaline-fueled action. The title is currently in development and is slated for an early 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This announcement is a bold new chapter for Dovetail, known primarily for its detailed, authentic simulators. Metro Rivals promises a gritty, fast-paced experience described by Dovetail Co-CEO Gemma Brown as blending the attitude of New York with the thrill of competition—think Crazy Taxi meets Need for…

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Ready yourselves for a grand adventure like the classic games of yore! Publisher tinyBuild and indie developer Fire & Frost have officially announced that their retro-inspired, open-world RPG, Of Ash and Steel, will launch on Steam and GOG on November 24, 2025. Blending the essence of old-school role-playing with polished modern design, Of Ash and Steel challenges players to survive in the unforgiving realm of the Kingdom of the Seven. Adventurers can get an immediate taste of the perilous journey now with the Steam Next Fest demo, which is currently live. Rediscovering the Joy of Exploration Of Ash and Steel…

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Good news for simulation fans: Bus Bound, the latest driving title from the creators of Bus Simulator 21 and Bus Simulator 18, has launched a new single-player demo as part of Steam Next Fest. Published by Saber Interactive and developed by stillalive studios, this isn’t just about driving; it’s about transforming the fictional city of Emberville into a public transit paradise. More Than Just a Commute Bus Bound takes players beyond the typical driving simulation by weaving a persistent city improvement mechanic into the core gameplay loop. While players will take the wheel of officially licensed American buses—such as the…

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The side-scrolling beat ’em up is back — again — and Absolum might just be the best it’s been in decades. From the creative dream team behind Streets of Rage 4 (Dotemu and Guard Crush Games), joined by Supamonks for their hand-animated artistry, Absolum breathes new life into the brawler genre with modern roguelite depth, an epic fantasy setting, and a soundtrack that absolutely rips. It’s loud, beautiful, and surprisingly emotional — a furious storm of fists, spells, and rebellion that proves there’s still magic left in 2D combat. Magic, Revolution, and Fire Set in the shattered world of Talamh,…

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DOG WITCH, the turn-based roguelike deckbuilder that combines strategic dice-rolling with absurd, high-energy chaos, is officially launching on Steam on November 5, 2025. Developed by Heckmouse and published by Mystic Forge—with production support from acclaimed designer Rami Ismail—this game promises a unique blend of strategic depth and surreal humor. Forget passive dice mechanics; in DOG WITCH, every roll fuels your spells and unlocks powerful synergy chains. Playing as the legendary Dog Witch—a powerful, customizable magical mutt—players must embark on a bite-sized, endlessly replayable mission to overthrow the Mad Master Wizard. The Master of Dice and Strategy The core of DOG…

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