The catch-up coffee: August 25, 2025

Quick news bites for a busy week ahead!

/
5 mins read
A newly-cropped version of Dee Dee in the DDNet news studio.

Welcome to Digitally Downloaded’s weekly catch-up news feature, the catch-up coffee. Here, I bring you the best news you may have missed from last week. Grab the biggest mug you’ve got, fill it with your favourite brew, and catch up with us (and our favourite news anchor, Dee Dee)!

The Last Waltz Promotional Image. Wishlist on Steam Now!

Europa Universalis V launches in November

Europa Universalis V is the latest title in its highly praised franchise (read Matt’s review of Europa Universalis IV here to learn why). It brings players through 500 years of history and places the destiny of hundreds of nations in their hands. Similar to many simulation titles, it is launching for PC before consoles, assuming it follows its predecessors and also launches for consoles.

Here is a brief description of its game mechanics, from Paradox Interactive:

Europa Universalis V builds on the franchise’s core concept of developing and advancing nations from around a deeply researched historical world, adding more detailed diplomacy, a more sophisticated economic model, a revised military system and greater logistical depth that will challenge even the most experienced strategy gamers.

Developed by Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive, Europa Universalis V will be released on November 4 for PC via Steam.

A Silent Hill f story trailer features its English voice cast for the first time

Last week, Konami revealed a new story trailer for Silent Hill f, and for the first time, its prospective players have the opportunity to hear its English voice cast; its previous trailers were in Japanese.

Watch the trailer on YouTube.

Here is a description of the game, from Konami:

When Hinako Shimizu’s secluded town of Ebisugaoka is consumed by a sudden fog, her once-familiar home becomes a haunting nightmare. As the town falls silent and the fog thickens, Hinako must navigate the twisted paths of Ebisugaoka, solving complex puzzles and confronting grotesque monsters to survive. Immerse yourself into Hinako’s world as imagined by renowned author Ryukishi07, with entrancing soundscapes by Akira Yamaoka and beautiful visuals in a gripping tale of doubt, regret, and inescapable choices.

Will Hinako embrace the beauty hidden within terror, or succumb to the madness that lies ahead? Discover a new chapter in the Silent Hill series, blending psychological horror with a haunting Japanese setting.

Developed by NeoBards Entertainment and published by Konami, Silent Hill f will be released on September 25 for PC via Steam/Epic/Microsoft, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series.

It’s finally happening: Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has a release date

Fans of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines have been waiting 20 years for a sequel, and now an October release date has been announced for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. Experience the game’s narrative through two playable characters who can be alternated: a vampire and a detective. After centuries of deep slumber, Phyre — an Elder vampire — has awoken to a modern-day Seattle. A mysterious mark blocks their abilities, and Malkavian detective Fabien’s voice is in their head.

Watch the trailer on Youtube.

During the nights, vampires struggle for survival and supremacy. Players are placed in Seattle’s dark underbelly to navigate complex relationships, stalk prey, and engage in combat. During the days when Phyre rests, the voices from Fabien’s past take hold. Players are taken to a neo-noir 1920s Seattle and need to help unravel the mystery of his murder through his eyes.

Developed by The Chinese Room and published by Paradox Interactive, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 will be released on October 21 for PC via Steam/Epic/GOG, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series.

Varlet will now launch simultaneously worldwide

Originally set to launch in the West on August 28, Varlet has been moved up a day for a simultaneous global release for all territories.

Learn more about Varlet and watch its first trailer here and watch its second trailer here.

Developed by AQURIA and published by FuRyu, Varlet will be released at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET on August 27 for PC via Steam/Epic, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on August 28.

Buy the hottest games with Amazon.

By purchasing from this link, you support DDNet.
Each sale earns us a small commission.

Lindsay picked up an NES controller for the first time at the age of 6 and instantly fell in love. She began reviewing GBA games 20 years ago and quickly branched out from her Nintendo comfort zone. She has has developed a great love of life sims and FMV titles. For her, accessibility is one of the most important parts of any game (but she also really appreciates good UI).

Previous Story

Oh my, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is something special

Next Story

Review: Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (Nintendo Switch 2)

Latest Articles

>