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)!
22cans reveals the first full gameplay trailer for Masters of Albion
I like to describe Masters of Albion as a mashup of Black & White and Fable, simply because that’s what it is. It is a reimagined God game from legendary developer Peter Molyneux, the man behind games like Populous and Black & White, and Fable, the beloved Xbox game series that is about to make a big comeback. Last week, developer 22cans revealed the first full gameplay trailer for the game.
Here is a description of the trailer, via 22cans:
This trailer offers players an extended, continuous sequence of gameplay, allowing them to see how the game’s various mechanics come together in real time. It showcases the freedom players have to create unique strategies, experiment with systems, and overcome the challenges Albion presents, and represents the very heart of what a God game should be. From constructing buildings and designing armour, to solving quests and fighting off the chaos of night, the experience of playing Masters of Albion begins to feel tangible and fully realized.
Developed and published by 22cans, Masters of Albion will be released in Early Access for PC via Steam on April 22 at 18:00 BST.
The next game in the Dark Pictures Anthology launches in May
Supermassive Games has announced a May release date for the next game in the Dark Pictures Anthology, Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game. The game features everything players love about the anthology series: branching plotlines, impossible choices, and split-second quicktime events. In Directive 8020, Earth is dying, and humanity is running out of time, but there’s a sliver of hope twelve light-years away. But when the colony ship Cassiopeia crashes on the planet Tau Ceti f, its crew soon realizes they are not alone.
Here are the game’s key features, via Supermassive Games:
- Alien Invasion – The colony ship Cassiopeia is infected with an alien organism, capable of transforming into any member of the crew. While you may be human, others in your crew may not be, and killers can hide behind familiar eyes. New stealth mechanics have been added to help players evade these deadly foes: you must keep your wits about you as enemies can emerge from unexpected places, and you’ll need to sneak and hide to get past these deadly alien stalkers.
- Brave Recruits – Introducing the Cassiopeia’s crew. You’ll control five crew members over the course of this expedition, but as paranoia and fear builds, so does distrust. With their lives in your hands, your decisions will determine not only the crew’s fate, but all of humanity’s, too.
- New Mechanics – Directive 8020 introduces several new tools. Throughout the game, you can use these to locate secrets, solve puzzles and overcome enemies. The mission is all about survival, so every tool has its purpose in helping you think on your feet and stay alive.
- The Flashlight – As is to be expected from our games, you’ll spend a lot of time creeping around in the dark! Just be careful when using your flashlight, as aliens can spot the beam.
- The Scanner – You’ll have a scanner at your disposal for detecting electronics and remotely activating systems, helping to distract enemies and overcome obstacles.
- The Messenger – Your messenger lets you communicate and strategize with crewmates while staying under the radar.
- The Wedge Tool – Made for opening doors… but as a last resort, can also be used as a weapon to temporarily stun enemies, giving you a chance to slip away and evade death.
Developed and published by Supermassive Games, Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series on May 12. Console pre-orders, available now, include a free upgrade to the Digital Deluxe edition.
AI Limit’s first DLC launches next month
Action RPG AI Limit will be getting its first DLC expansion, Eirene’s Furnace of War, in late March. A new trailer showcases new areas and bosses. Eirene’s Furnace of War continues the story of AI Limit after the ending of the main game. Blader Arrisa is embarking on a new chapter, venturing into the Temple of War to face the trials set forth by Eirene, the Warfare Bishop.
Here is a bit more information, from CE-Asia:
Players will face off against a mysterious new boss, as well as returning bosses that have been reworked with new mechanics to pose a greater challenge to seasoned soulslike players. The DLC expansion will also add brand new weapons, armour, Spells, and Seals, which can be obtained while playing through Eirene’s Furnace of War, offering players expanded build options and combat strategies to take into the new Furnace Arena. Players can look forward to more information on Eirene’s Furnace of War being shared in the coming months.
Developed by Sense Games and published by CE-Asia, AI Limit is now available for PC via Steam and PlayStation 5. Eirene’s Furnace of War launches on March 27.
Happinet announces Brigandine: Abyss for PC and consoles
The latest game in a storied franchise, Brigandine: Abyss features a unique world perfect for fans and newcomers alike. The power of the arcane Brigandine stopped the Abyssloa Empire hundreds of years ago, but now, a new empire rises from its ashes and is ready to conquer the world. Players manage resources, rally monsters, and stand against the empire to confront the dark in one of six different story campaigns. Gameplay takes place over two phases: Organization and Attack. During the former, organize troops and resources. During the latter, well, it’s obvious it’s time for battle! The game maintains the series’ hexagonal-grid-based strategy gameplay.
Here are the game’s features, via NIS America:
- Confront the Dark – The Abyssloa Empire rises again, and it’s up to you to stop them. Choose from one of six different story campaigns to find out the truth—or keep it hidden.
- Victory is in the Details – Spreading your influence won’t be easy. Manage your resources, maneuver your troops, and bind your fates with monsters to make sure you can stand up to anyone. Then, take to the field and reap the rewards!
- Fight for Your Faction – In Mission Mode, play as one of 24 different factions, each with their own unique win condition. Play one or play them all in this endlessly replayable strategy RPG!
Developed by Happinet and published in the West by NIS America, Brigandine: Abyss will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series in 2026.
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