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NO STRAIGHT ROADS 2 developer releases preview of new Dance track ‘vs. Rama Irama’

Metronomik and Shueisha Games today released an exclusive preview of a brand-new original track set to be featured in the upcoming musical action-adventure NO STRAIGHT ROADS 2.

Available to stream now on YouTubeTikTok, and Instagram, ‘vs. Rama Irama’ is an epic new dance track composed by James Landino and performed by singer-songwriter Sara Ryan, that will feature in-game during a mega musical showdown against rival Rama Irama. 

See a preview of the new track here

Jump into the action as returning rock stars Mayday and Zuke alongside new band members Casey and a yet-to-be-revealed star in an action-packed adventure that combines rhythm-based combat with an electrifying soundtrack. Hit the road and fight to the beat on an epic world tour, featuring all-new music from James Landino, Falk Au Yeong, Garrett Williamson, Midas Klare (Inverted Silence), and additional guest stars. 

Travel to vibrant new locations to discover rival musicians and communities full of unique musical cultures, including folk music, experimental jazz, rebellious rock, and digital pop stardom. For the bandmates of Bunkbed Junction, this isn’t just a tour: it’s a transformation.

NO STRAIGHT ROADS 2 is currently in development for PC and consoles and can be added to your Steam Wishlist now. For more information, follow No Straight Roads on InstagramFacebook, and X, or visit shueisha-games.com.

About Metronomik
Out of their love for music and visual storytelling, Wan Hazmer, Lead Game Designer of Final Fantasy XV, and Daim Dziauddin, Concept Artist of Street Fighter V, formed Metronomik in 2017, with an aim to bring the harmony of music and video games to the masses.

About Shueisha Games
Shueisha Games, founded in February 2022 and headquartered in Tokyo, is an enthusiastic and experienced team responsible for the planning, development, and sales of many titles for consoles, PCs, and smartphon
es

Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara

Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara

Story Overview: “Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara”

“Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara” is an original sci-fi romance action-adventure short story in development, blending high-stakes rescue missions, interstellar combat, emotional trauma, and a deepening romantic bond between two strong female leads. It draws inspiration from classic sci-fi like Star Trek, with elements of exploration, alien threats, and personal growth. The narrative emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and love amid chaos, evolving from an “origin story” concept for one character into a pivotal tale for both protagonists.

The story is set in a futuristic universe featuring the United Earth Federation (UEF), advanced starships, and hostile alien worlds. It starts as a straightforward rescue operation but escalates into a test of bonds, both stellar (cosmic dangers) and personal (romantic and familial).

Key Plot Points

  • The Setup on the UEF Briggs: The story begins aboard the sleek star cruiser UEF Briggs, commanded by the authoritative Captain Dane Briggs (age 48, a commanding presence with a backstory ripe for exploration). Kaiya Voss and Elara Kane, serving as crew members, receive a mission briefing from the captain. They’re tasked with beaming down to a hostile planet to rescue survivors from a crashed starship. Rumors of alien activity add tension— the planet features dense jungles, heavy rain, and hidden threats like cloaked alien dreadnoughts in orbit and plasma-wielding foes. Communications on the planet are down, cause unknown.
  • The Mission and Separation: After beaming down (with a classic transporter effect), Kaiya and Elara enter the jungle, armed with laser rifles and sidearms. They start as close friends, chatting light-heartedly amid the foliage. However, they get separated by a rogue transporter beam. They both press on alone, spotting glowing ruins. Kaiya eliminates a few aliens along the way. Elara is attacked by 1 oversized alien. She fights valiantly but takes a severe hit from a green energy beam, slicing her left arm open. This causes agony, heavy bleeding, and long-term damage (limited use, constant pain even with meds).
    Traumatized and crying, she screams “I want my Kaiya!” while wandering in the rain in immense pain, flashing back to earlier trauma (e.g., her best friend’s murder, where she chased the killer but spoke in another language from shock). Later on, the medics tell her that she’ll likely never regain use of her arm, but there are some very risky experimental procedures available.
  • The Rescue and Reunion: Kaiya, skilled in tactical maneuvers, searches desperately for Elara, leading a search party from the survivors’ HQ (equipped with big weapons). She blasts aliens along the way, including a 180-degree twirl takedown with a quip like “That’s how it’s done!” / “Yeah, baby!” Meanwhile, Elara, escorted by a male survivor (who gets killed by aliens), and falls asleep against a tree in the rain. The reunion is emotional. Both girls get extremely emotional, highlighting their bond. They will beam back to the UEF Briggs, but only after Captain Briggs deals with two alien dreadnoughts (really big starships). The shields must stay up during battle, cannot beam through shields. Upon getting back to the UEF Briggs Elara is escorted directly to sickbay while Kaiya debriefs Captain Briggs.
  • Emotional Aftermath and Resolution: Elara’s injury and trauma become central— she has recurring dreams reliving the mission, mixing pre- and post-injury versions of herself (e.g., helping her wounded self). Kaiya leaves the UEF Briggs to care for Elara full-time, and they move in together at Kaiya’s home, planning to marry. Their relationship evolves from friendship to romance, strengthened by the ordeal (including a kiss amid laser fire). Elara remains delicate, with ongoing emotional scars, while Kaiya provides support. The story ends with a cliffhanger: Captain Briggs contacts Kaiya about helping to rescue her missing diplomatic sister Liora, setting up conflict because Kaiya does not want to leave Elara. Upon hearing this Elara breaks down, still suffering from emotional trauma.
  • Starship Action Subplot: While the focus is on the women, the starship UEF Briggs has its moment. In orbit, it’s ambushed by two massive alien dreadnoughts with heavy weaponry. Captain Briggs shines, using orbital debris for cover, and rerouting available power to their recently acquired ‘Big Energy’ weapon. This all happens just before the women are ready to beam up, forcing Briggs and the ship to “take care of business” first.

Character Breakdown for ‘Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara

  • Kaiya Voss (1st called: “Main Character”): A resilient pilot and tactical expert with combat skills (evasive maneuvers, laser rifle proficiency). Protective and commanding, she leads searches and adapts under pressure. She has her own flashbacks to unseen threats. Family ties include her diplomatic sister, Liora Voss (poised, in uniform with potential insignia; missing in the sequel). Kaiya’s arc involves balancing duty with love.
  • Elara Kane (Early: “Female Companion”): A medic/scientist with hacking abilities and grit. Pre-injury: Confident, long-haired, uniform clad. Post-injury: Shorter hair, scarred arm in a sling, emotionally fragile with PTSD (crying, dreams, fear of abandonment). She bonds romantically with Kaiya during recovery and seeks and craves constant companionship from Kaiya. Family includes brother Kael Kane (mighty warrior with combat background; joins sequel rescue) and parents who named them evocatively.
  • Captain Dane Briggs: Charismatic leader of the UEF Briggs. Provides briefings and support but doesn’t overshadow the leads. His ship has “badass weapons” and a classic exploratory design. Backstory hints at ties to a prequel.
  • Liora Voss: Kaiya’s sister, an important diplomat. Captured and longing for rescue; appears in a prisoner scene with emotional music. Her disappearance will drive the sequel’s plot. Captain Briggs informing Kayia of this ends the story.
  • Kael Kane: Elara’s brother, a strong guardian figure with agility and wisdom. Approves of the mission (in the sequel) with Captain Briggs’ blessing, bonds with the captain over shared combat experience. Kael is not seen in this story, Stellar Bonds. He’ll be in the sequel: mentioned here for completeness.
  • Supporting Elements: Alien enemies (colossal ships, ground troops with BIG weapons); male escort (killed); search party with heavy weaponry; survivors at HQ. Kaiya’s mom is mentioned, she served with Captain Briggs’ father on his father’s ship.

Themes and Style

  • Romance and Bonds: Starts as friendship but blossoms into love through shared trauma and support. Emotional beats include consoling, reunions, and decisions about marriage/family (e.g., Liora’s wish for children in subplot ideas).
  • Action and Trauma: Blends laser fights, ambushes, and starship battles with psychological depth (flashbacks, pain, growth from failure).
  • Visual and Cinematic: Promo videos (e.g., warp jumps, dream sequences, battles), graphics, and animations. Plans include adding titles/lettering, and epic music fades. Full video story release on X, YouTube, and Facebook. The author, Chris Jones, will narrate when needed, providing a male voice.
  • Length and Format: Short story evolving into cinematic segments; aim for “epic-ness” without overfocusing on space battles (keep the heart on the women).

Future Plans

  • Prequel: “The Right Timing”: Based on an Amazon short story that Chris Jones wrote. Explores the UEF Briggs, Captain Briggs, and early missions (possibly without Kaiya). It’s a time travel story involving repairing the timeline. Includes family dynamics (e.g., Tensions with his father, mom’s friendship with the female leads).
  • Sequel (Untitled): Kaiya’s conflict over rescuing Liora while not leaving traumatized Elara alone. Involves emotional decisions, relived trauma, action, and potential family reunions. Kael joins: Captain Briggs leads.
  • Development To-Dos: As of 9 Feb. 2026, Graphic edits, mission briefing redo, beam-down/landing scenes. Scenes for jungle entry, search party, reunion, debrief, home life, and Briggs’ call. Transcribe ideas, use mind mapping, and collaborate on twists. Updates are in the comments below.

Follow story development and see lots of media here: Chris Jones Gaming🎮 (@ChrisJones_Game)

‘Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara’ captures a gripping tale of love, danger, and recovery in the stars – perfect for sci-fi fans craving character-driven action. 🚀


This image shows Kaiya on the left and Elara on the right.

Crimson Capes to launch February 12th, bringing the Souls Formula to 2D 

Studio Poor Locke has announced that Crimson Capes will be coming to PC via Steam on February 12. Crimson Capes is a sword-and-sorcery action adventure that reimagines the core pillars of the Souls formula in two dimensions, blending deliberate combat, non-linear exploration, and online multiplayer into a high-adventure fantasy world.

Players step into the role of Milon the Tempest, a witch-hunter tasked with dismantling a growing conspiracy of wizards across the kingdom of Amvros. Leading the Crimson Capes – a guild of elite witch-hunters – players will take on contracts throughout the realm, slowly uncovering darker forces at work and coming face to face with the true cost of power.

Combat in Crimson Capes is built around deliberate, animation-commit swordplay inspired by realistic fighting techniques, where feints, thrusts, cuts, and guards create a deadly back-and-forth defined by timing, positioning, and mastery. 

Each of the four playable heroes features a distinct weapon style, moveset, and skill tree, encouraging experimentation, while magic is woven directly into combat through elemental abilities such as wind, thunder, fire, and darkness.

Exploration follows a Souls-inspired philosophy, rewarding curiosity and player choice. Ruined towers, forgotten caverns, mystical forests, and ancient strongholds can be tackled in any order, with artifacts, abilities, and narrative threads waiting off the beaten path.

Crimson Capes also brings classic Souls multiplayer into two dimensions. Players can join forces in online co-op to hunt together as Capes, or invade another hunt as a Deathblade, introducing unpredictable PvP encounters that reshape each mission.

Visually, the game features pixel art animation and hand-drawn environments, with rotoscoped graphics. Inspired by classic pulp sword-and-sorcery tales such as Conan and Elric, Crimson Capes embraces a raw, mythic atmosphere rooted in classic fantasy adventure and discovery.

“From the very beginning, Crimson Capes was built around deliberate combat that rewards initiative, precision and quick thinking,” said Dimitris Tsatsis, programmer at Poor Locke.

“We wanted to bring the tension, discipline, and satisfaction of the Souls experience into 2D, by rethinking how the level design, vibe and multiplayer interactions work in a side-scrolling space.”

KEY FEATURES

  • Souls-like, 2D combat with tight reads, punish windows, and build variety
  • Boss fights that will test your mettle
  • Sword-and-Sorcery adventures in a fantasy world filled with secrets
  • Online Co-op & PvP: Play online with a friend, or invade other witch hunters
  • Optional Dynamic Hunts with unique enemies and bosses, randomly generated each time (reminiscent of Bloodborne’s Chalice Dungeons)


AVAILABILITY
Crimson Capes will launch on February 12 at 10am PT / 6pm GMT for PC via Steam
Price : 15$
Launch discount: 10% for 9 days
Instruction Manual & Game Guide PDF files along with a printable world map will be included in the game files
Console versions will release at a later date

About POOR LOCKE
POOR LOCKE is an independent game studio led by programmer Dimitris Tsatsis, with art by Kostas MacFarlane and music by David Wurczel. The studio focuses on crafting hand-made, mechanically rich experiences driven by strong artistic identity and player agency. Previous titles include Windmills and UnbelieverCrimson Capes represents the studio’s most ambitious project to date, merging classic sword-and-sorcery fantasy with modern Souls-inspired design.

Aesir Interactive announces new original IP EverRail

Aesir Interactive has announced EverRail, an open world survival crafting game where movement is survival. Ride the rails on a roaring battery powered train, glide through the air, and brave the cold on foot. Check out the trailer here!

Your gaming intel is here on chrisjonesgaming.net 🎮 Level up your feed!

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Maneater Launches on iOS and Android

Handy Games, in collaboration with Tripwire Interactive is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated mobile port of the open world Action RPG Maneater is officially available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

For more info head to https://handy-games.com/en/games/maneater-mobile/

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This goes back to my roots, when I was digging into background code in Star Trek games.

The Federation is having a bad day. Fortunately there were no civilians on the ship, but still.. you shouldn’t anger the Breen. This is from our total conversion mod for Star Trek: Legacy (2006 PC Game).

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Yooka-Replaylee™ Demo released on Switch 2, Kicking Off Retail Edition Countdown

Publisher #PMStudios and developer #PlaytonicGames have dropped the Yooka-Replaylee demo today on #NintendoSwitch2. Saves carry over from the demo to the full game. Watch the celebration accolade trailer : https://youtu.be/9U0jvey5XpY

#gaming #gamingnews #platformer

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This will be fun to see again..

The original version of the 1977 Star Wars will return to theaters on February 19, 2027, for the film’s 50th anniversary.

For more info: https://bit.ly/4pSjs15

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Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit Physical Editions Now Available Worldwide

LOS ANGELES – June 20, 2025 – iam8bit, together with developer Mega Cat Studios, launch physical editions of the chilling adventure  Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit. Starting today, fans can buy the physical retail edition and iam8bit Exclusive Edition for Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery.
 

The ‘Available Now’ trailer can be viewed here.
 

The iam8bit Exclusive Edition, which includes a haunting glow-in-the-dark poster, three Sticker Sheets and the digital soundtrack, is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery for $34.99.
 

Physical editions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery feature the main game on a cartridge or disc as well as the digital soundtrack for €29.99 / £25.99 from retailers worldwide.
 

All physical editions of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit can be bought from intothepit.iam8bit.com.
 

Fans in North and South America who purchase the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 versions of the game will receive their shipments after Tuesday, July 1.
 

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit is the latest haunting action-adventure game in the Five Nights At Freddy’s universe. Players must survive five nights of terror by traveling between time periods to solve puzzles, gather clues, and outrun the threats relentlessly in pursuit. By moving swiftly and staying hidden, players just might survive. But be careful—it’s not just their life that’s on the line this time.
 

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About iam8bit

iam8bit is a creative production emporium that’s been boldly redefining the entertainment industry since 2005. Its collaborative works have taken a variety of forms, including groundbreaking community events, immersive art experiences, and exclusive collectibles, all designed to bring surprise and delight to people’s lives. iam8bit played a crucial role in the vinyl renaissance, minting its first record in 2010, and is the industry leader in premium physical editions of top-tier games. iam8bit evolved into financing and publishing games under its iam8bit Presents imprint, including the smash hit Escape Academy and its upcoming sequel; Petal Runner, a love letter to Game Boy Color-era RPGs; and the chill vibes simulator Simpler Times. The company is based in Los Angeles and co-owned/co-creatively directed by Jon M. Gibson and Amanda White. Visit iam8bit.com or follow @iam8bit on Instagram or Twitter.

About Mega Cat Studios

Founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mega Cat Studios strives to deliver unforgettable experiences for gamers of all generations. With our hearts firmly planted somewhere in the 1990s and gazes set on the future, our team combines a passion for crafting new retro classics with an unwavering commitment to delivering compelling current-gen content.

Revenge of the Savage Planet locked in for May 2025 as Raccoon Logic Announces Release Window

Montreal, 5th December, 2024 –  Raccoon Logic have revealed their self published, sci-fi adventure Revenge of the Savage Planet will release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox one, and PC in May 2025. Shown as part of the PC Gaming Show, the new trailer also sees the return of Martin Tweed (of Journey to the Savage Planet fame), and reveals his new nemesis, Gunther Harrison, along with some never before seen gameplay.

Bringing back everything players love from their first intergalactic adventure, but bigger and better in every way – Revenge of the Savage Planet has more planets, gear, critters, laughs, and is 1000x more gooey. The second chapter in the Savage Planet universe also welcomes back Kindred Aerospace CEO Martin Tweed, as he sets his sights on knocking fellow CEO, Gunther Harrison, down a few pegs in some interstellar corporate conflict. 

Abandoned on an alien planet after your mission to colonize space is deemed too costly by Alta Interglobal, your now former employer, you’ll head out to explore strange new lands, scavenge what you can from the vibrant landscape, and repurpose your salvage in an attempt to return home. Your intergalactic exploration will see you scanning plants, capturing creatures, upgrading gear, and unearthing secrets aplenty as you jump, slide, and shoot your way across alien worlds.

Welcome Back, Explorer!
https://youtu.be/7WQ8EEDycDk?si=y9bJCHD20yKMqBVS 

Alex Hutchinson, Creative Director, Raccoon Logic said: “We’re thrilled to share that Revenge of the Savage Planet launches in May next year. This new chapter sees the return of everyone’s favorite Kindred Aerospace CEO, Martin Tweed, as he rallies the troops against his new nemesis, Gunther Harrison, the CEO of Alta Interglobal. While that’s all we can say on Tweed and Gunther for now, we hope you enjoy watching the story unfold as you explore the far reaches of space, stick your nose in every nook and cranny, and work on serving up some delicious, delicious revenge.”

Depending on your preference for pioneering, Revenge of the Savage Planet can be played solo, or co-op (either split screen / couch co-op or online!), with the latter allowing you to use the marvel of the modern day internet to play with your pals on your platform of choice with crossplay. 

An in depth look at  Revenge of the Savage Planet will drop 17th December at 2pm GMT, so stay tuned as we throw back the curtain and reveal more on some of the new planets, equipment, creatures, abilities, and laughs that await you at launch next year. 

Revenge of the Savage Planet will be available in both digital and physical formats from select retailers, with a Day One Edition available which includes an exclusive in-game ‘Hot Wizz’ spacesuit, and an aromatic scratch ‘n’ sniff art card.  

Revenge of the Savage Planet Key Features:

  • Third-Person Online Co-Op & Crossplay – Play with your best friend, partner or hellspawn on/or between any platform and now in third-person! You’ll be tasked with fully exploring and understanding these beautiful alien landscapes and uncovering its secrets.   
  • Couch Co-Op with Split Screen – Experience the nostalgia tinged joy of sitting on the same couch and playing on the same screen with someone you love, like the olden days but with 100% more corporate satire
  • Survive a FOUR Savage PlanetS – Populate your Kindex by exploring four large, vibrant worlds each with their own weird and wonderful plants and creatures. Scan everything, catalog everything, hopefully increase your clearance level… and you might even unlock new (yet still 4th best) gear! Plus… there may be more than four planets. Maybe.
  • Space Action & Adventure – Run, Jump, Shoot, Grind, Stomp, Dodge, Slide, Lasso and Grapple your way through the world! While you’re at it you’ll also be experimenting with three different types of gameplay goo, most of which are highly flammable! Overcome challenging combat encounters with alien boss battles, suggestive fauna, problematic software and maybe even a greedy CEO.
  • Habitat & Character Customization – Alien plants! Exciting gear! Weird rocks! Each planet is packed with nooks and crannies hiding all manner of rewards and secrets.  While you’re at it you can even customize yourself,  and your tiny habitat-like corner of the universe.
  • Collect Alien Creatures –  Intergalactic Hoarders can also use their Lasso to Capture and Collect dozens of strange creatures, then go visit them once they’re relocated “happily placed” in Pens outside your customizable space trailer in scenic Nu Florida.  After all, who is the real dangerous enemy, the corporate profiteers who fired you or a slimy exploding alien creature? 
  • SAVAGE PLANET FRANCHISE – Originally released on Xbox, PS4, Epic Games Store, Steam, Stadia and Switch platforms enabling fun space adventures for millions of players across the globe.  The original game earned multiple awards as a humorous, cooperative indie adventure, Typhoon Studios captured attention of press, creators and earned its Very Positive consumer ratings and Critics endorsements. 

For more information on Revenge of the Savage Planet please like us on X and Instagram, follow on Facebook and Tik Tok, subscribe on YouTube, and check out the official website

About Racoon Logic

A friendly pirate crew having fun making indie games, and sometimes causing mischief. Hand crafted. Super spicy. Irreverent and earnest.  We make games we want to play, for people who love discovering new wacky worlds, messing around with surprising and fresh mechanics, and playing games their own way.

For more information, please contact:

Stefano Petrullo, CEO, Renaissance PR

stefano@renaissancepr.biz 

Greg Jones, Head of Comms, Renaissance PR 

greg@renaissancepr.biz 

Rebecca Nicol, Senior Account Manager, Renaissance PR

rebecca@renaissancepr.biz  

Matthew Taylor, Content Creator Specialist, Renaissance PR 

matthew@renaissancepr.biz 

Reid Schneider, Studio Head, Raccoon Logic

reid@raccoonlogic.com