“May the way of the hero lead to the Triforce.” ‘The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past’ released in NA 34 years ago today (4/13/92) on the SNES. First released in Japan in November 1991, this is the 3rd game in the series. It sold over 4.61 million copies on that platform.

Why am I posting a picture of our new kitten in a video game forum? Because I somehow convinced my wife to let me name her after the villain in 'Final Fantasy VIII'. May I introduce you to "Edea", the latest feral cat from our neighborhood that we took in.

"Doesn't anyone print instruction manuals anymore!?" 10 years ago today (4/12/16), 'Ratchet & Clank' released on the PS4 in NA to coincide with the animated film of the same name. This reimagining of the 2002 original game sold 7 million copies, the best in the franchise.

@ioi.dk and Amazon MGM Studios have released a new developer diary for 007: First Light, offering a deeper look at the narrative direction for this James Bond origin story. The title is set to launch on May 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

Restore Your Island is a satisfyingly therapeutic experience that perfectly captures the rewarding nature of environmental conservation through cozy gameplay. Despite a few technical quirks, it is a relaxing journey that transforms a cluttered shore into a pristine paradise.

Puzzling Places is a stunning 3D puzzle experience that offers a perfect sanctuary for those seeking a relaxing, cozy atmosphere without the need for a VR headset. "If you like puzzles and relaxing gaming, this is an easy recommendation."

Developer and publisher Thorium has announced the 0.7 Duskfall Update for UnderMine 2, which introduces a new boss, a fresh difficulty mode, and an entirely new area to explore. This major content update is scheduled to launch for PC on May 1st.

What are some of your favorite characters to root for that *maybe* you SHOULDN'T root for? This is going to be our "From the Outside In" topic on Monday's podcast & we want to hear YOUR thoughts. Post in the comments below your most memorable anti-heroes & we'll share it on the show!

"Grand entrances are always impractical, that's what makes them grand." 20 years ago today (4/11/06), 'Tomb Raider: Legend' released on Xbox, Xbox 360, PS2 & Windows in North America. The 7th main game in the series reimagined Lara & was the 1st developed by Crystal Dynamics.

Spring has definitely sprung, which means the rain is keeping many of us inside playing games. What you playing this weekend? Anything new, or something from your backlog? Pictured below (both released 4/8/26): ‘Samson’ - PC ‘The Occultist’ - Xbox Series S/X, PS5 & PC

"The reunion is nothing to fear." 'Final Fantasy VII Remake' released 6 years ago today (4/10/2020) on PS4. The 1st game in the remastered trilogy released later on Xbox Series S/X, PS5, Switch & PC. It sold 3.5 million copies in 3 days & has sold over 8.7 million in total.

"And so I strike, like an unseen dodgeball in an echoing gymnasium!" 19 years ago today (4/9/26), 'Super Paper Mario' released on the Wii in N. America. The 3rd game in the series strays from the turn-based combat of the first two & combines RPG elements with 2D/3D platforming.

Microsoft just announced some upcoming updates to the achievement system on Xbox. The changes include: -Visual upgrades (animations for pop-up notifications, colors that match your profile, etc.) -Hide games from your list -Prioritize games you've gotten 100% completion

"You have braved the bowels of Hell to reach me. But the hand of man, which deals in false justice & forsaken love, can never hope to defeat the lord master of Hell!" 'Final Fantasy Origins' released on PlayStation in NA 23 years ago today (4/8/03) & included the first 2 games.

The Gaming Outsider’s latest episode is live & this week Scott, Zack & Jake answer video game questions from the community. In news, the saga of ‘Mindseye’ gets even weirder. New games discussed include: ‘Super Meat Boy 3D’ ‘People of Note’ & more!

Beyond Words is a clever digital evolution of classic tile-based word games that blends tabletop nostalgia with challenging boss mechanics and strategic power-ups. It is a perfectly paced experience that feels right at home on a handheld, offering both relaxing puzzles and deep spatial challenges.

"Now, what is it the bard wrote? 'Cowards die many times before their deaths...but the valiant taste of death...but once.'" 29 years ago today (4/7/97), 'Outlaws' released on PC. This western 1st-person shooter used the same engine as 'Star Wars: Dark Forces' & was recently remastered.

The Gaming Outsider records its latest episode LIVE tonight! Come join us at 7:30 PM CST at the links in the comments. This week, we’re answering video game questions provided by the community. You’ll also hear our impressions of the following games: -Super Meat Boy -Raccoin & more!

"The titans were locked in a timeless battle...until at last...only their lifeless corpses remained." 'Xenoblabde Chronicles' released in NA on the Wii 14 years ago today (4/6/12). Released originally in Japan 2 years prior, this action RPG sold over 1.88 million copies.

"Come on, let's sing, you know it's only rock and roll!" 'Rhythm Heaven' released 17 years ago today (4/5/09) on the Nintendo DS in NA. This collection of rhythm minigames is the 2nd in the series after the Japanese release 'Rhythm Tengoku' (2006, GBA) & sold 3 million copies.

"We cannot defeat these droids, we must escape!" 'Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles' released on PlayStation 26 years ago today (4/4/00) in North America. It is based on the 1999 film and combines platforming with beat-em-up (with a light saber) gameplay and force powers.

Developer Nested Loop Studios and publisher Pantaloon have announced BOXROOM, a unique utility that transforms your digital Steam library into a fully customizable, virtual game room. This nostalgic experience is targeting an Early Access launch on PC later this Spring.

For this week's episode of "The Gaming Outsider Podcast", we're asking our community for questions that incite interesting conversation for our weekly topic. If you have a video game (or otherwise) question, please ask it in the comments below & we'll read it on the show!

Happy Good Friday, everyone! What are you playing over Easter weekend? Anything new? If not, what are you playing from you backlog? Pictured below: ‘Shinobi: Art of Vengeance’ “Villains” DLC - Released today ‘Super Meat Boy 3D’ - Released 3/31

Can you get the best time? I can! And have! A billion times! I'm also a patholigical liar! Or am I? What!? I don't know. Or do I? What!?" 13 years ago today (4/3/13), 'Battleblock Theater' released on the Xbox 360. This comedic platform was reviewed very favorably by critics.

Developer @iridiumstudios.bsky.social and publisher @annapurna.com have released the final musical preview for their rhythm-based RPG, People of Note, ahead of its upcoming launch. This musical adventure officially arrives on April 7th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC.

Two years ago today (4/2/24), SoulGame Studio released 'Minishoot' Adventures' on PC. This game combines Zelda exploration with twin-stick shooter mechanics & is totally a hidden gem. It recently released on other platforms: (including Xbox Game Pass).

Be careful what you read today. We received a full-on press release about this new/upcoming console dedicated to CRPGs. It's clearly a joke, especially since the preorder link leads to a Rick Rolle. Be careful what you read today & happy April Fools! www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQkb...

"Bizarre murder cases have recently occurred in Raccoon City. There are outlandish reports of families being attacked by a group of about 10 people. Victims...were apparently eaten." 30 years ago today (4/1/96), the 1st 'Resident Evil' released on PlayStation & started it all.

The Gaming Outsider’s latest episode is live & this week Scott & Jake discuss how long games as a service should be supported. In news, the PS5 is getting ANOTHER price hike. New games discussed include: ‘Crimson Desert’ ‘Tombwater’ ‘Movierooms: Cinema Management’ & more!

"There is no shame in defeat so long as the spirit is unconquered." 'Starcraft' released on PC 28 years ago today (3/31/26). Developed by Blizzard, this real-time strategy game takes place in the 25th century & depicts a space war between 3 factions: Terrans, Zerg & Protoss.

Tombwater is a stunningly crafted love letter to the Soulslike genre that successfully blends eldritch horror with a twisted Western setting. While the top-down melee combat against standard enemies can feel a bit repetitive, the build variety and exploration keep the experience engaging.

The Gaming Outsider records its latest episode LIVE at 7:30 PM CST. This week, we’re chatting about how long we think “games as a service” should be supported after release. You’ll also hear our impressions of: -Crimson Desert -Tombwater -Movierooms: Cinema Management & more!

"So, Raccoon City now belongs to the bogeyman. Not too many people left. We're not wanted. Fine by me. I'm outta here". 22 years ago today, ‘Resident Evil Outbreak’ released on the PS2 in North America. This was the 1st game in the series to offer co-op gameplayplay online.

Developer Nippon Ichi Software and publisher @nisamerica.bsky.social are bringing a hand-painted farming sim with a dark twist to consoles and PC in Fall 2026. Explore the mountain village of Kagatsu. But be careful! This cozy life comes with some very ominous rules.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and publisher @segaofamerica.bsky.social are teaming up with Xbox for a deep-dive broadcast of the ambitious, multi-era epic STRANGER THAN HEAVEN. This historical journey across five Japanese cities is coming to Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Douglas Shetland: [pointing guns at one another] It doesn't have to end like this, Sam. Sam Fisher: No, but it does have to end. 'Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory' released 21 years ago today (3/29/05) on PS2, Xbox & PC in NA. It released on GameCube the day after.

"Am I hallucinating? Oh, my God, we're gonna die out here! We're gonna die out here!" Today is the 10th anniversary of the release of 'ADR1FT' on PC (3/28/16). This 1st-person title puts players in zero gravity. It also released on PS4 that July; an Xbox version was scrapped.

How long do you think developers should support their live service games? What's the bare minimum that the servers should be available for players to play, even if the game failed to meet sales expectations? This will be our "From the Outside In" topic on our podcast this week.

Combining tight 2D platforming with pixelated gore, Haneda Girl is a frenetic experience clearly built for the speedrunning crowd. While the complexity of its mechanics and the focus on high scores may not suit every player, the controls are incredibly slick and responsive.

While the solo-developed Katanaut features impressive pixel animation and tight controls, the core combat and upgrade systems may not engage every fan of the genre. Despite its "Dead Space" meets "Dead Cells" aesthetic, the gameplay loop can feel repetitive if the strategic elements don't click.

While these tables are solid additions to the Pinball FX library, they may be difficult to fully appreciate without a pre-existing interest in the source material. Scared Stiff is the standout recommendation due to its more interesting table mechanics and fun animations.

Volume 9 of the Williams Pinball collection is a fantastic value for fans, highlighted by a standout noir detective table that is impossible to put down. "You can't go wrong with three quality tables for ten bucks."

"The latest technology has now completely matched with what Nintendo has wanted to do for a very long time." -Hideki Konno, hardware director for the 3DS 15 years ago today (3/27/11), the Nintendo 3DS released in NA. It offered glasses-free 3D on a two-screen, handheld device.

Ship's Cat is a mostly joyful and charming feline adventure that successfully blends simple puzzles with a surprisingly evolving narrative. While the experience is hampered by some serious technical bugs, the overall journey remains a delightful and impressive feat for a solo developer.

Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition is a perfect harmony of match-3 puzzles and in-depth RPG mechanics that remains just as satisfying today as it was twenty years ago. This updated release is the ideal way to experience a classic title on modern hardware with crisper visuals & all previous DLC included.

The #Xbox Partner Preview streamed live today at noon CST, and we've recapped everything for you in one handy article! Check the link in the comments for every trailer shown at the 30-minute event. Let us know which title got you most excited.

Nintendo just unveiled their latest poster for 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie', which releases on 4/1 in theaters. This feels like something that would have been a fun surprise in the theater, but that's the world we live in now. Does this make you more pumped for the movie?

"There is always a lighthouse. There's always a man. There's always a city." 13 years ago today (3/26/13), 'Bioshock Infinite' released on Xbox 360, PS3 & PC. The 3rd game in the series takes place in a floating city in 1912. The game reviewed highly & sold 11 million copies.

The Gaming Outsider welcomes Jed Shaffer from @firstgengamerspod.bsky.social to discuss overselling retro games. In news, Nvidia revealed DLSS 5. New games discussed include: ‘Slay the Spire 2’ ‘The Coin Game’ ‘Honeycomb Aeronautical Echo Aviation Controller’ & more!