Welcome to Digitally Downloaded’s weekly catch-up news feature, the catch-up coffee. I will bring you the best news you may have missed with each issue. 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)!
Watch the opening movie of Suikoden I HD Remaster: Gate Rune War
In March, Remasters of Suikoden 1 and Suikoden II are set to launch as a two-game collection, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. The first game is about a Liberation Army rebelling against the oppressive, violent former hero who has turned into a violent tyrant; after he changed, the entire empire started to decline. In the second game, the hero and their friend are part of a youth brigade that participated in a long border dispute. A few months before the story began, a truth agreement was signed. But the momentary peace doesn’t last, and a new war is smouldering.
Over the weekend, Konami revealed the opening movie of Suikoden I HD Remaster: Gate Rune War —
December 3 edit: Konami has also released the opening movie for Suikoden II HD Remaster: Dunan Unification War —
The remasters feature enhanced pixel sprites and environmental art, and the effects and direction have been redesigned. The character artist from the original Suikoden, Junko Kawano, recently re-drew all portraits. The sound has been improved in both the field (environmental sounds) and during battle. New game system improvements include a dialogue log, auto-battle, double-speed battles, and more.
Developed and published by Komani, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One on March 6, 2025.
The Arcade Archives emulation of Fantastic Night Dreams Cotton is now available
Over 300 games have been published via Arcade Archives, bringing the world emulated versions of games from the ’70s to the early ’00s to contemporary consoles. 1991’s Fantastic Night Dreams Cotton is now on that list, and it came with very little notice: the release was announced just one day before the launch on November 28.
You take control of Cotton, using shots, bombs, and magic to get rid of the beast hearts that are ruling the world with fear. This version includes new game settings (for example, game difficulty) but also reproduces the “atmosphere” of the original arcade display settings. Compete against others worldwide, battling for the top score.
Originally released by SUCCESS, with the Arcade Archives version published by Hamster Corporation, Fantastic Night Dreams Cotton was released on November 28 for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
Snowman Story will launch for Nintendo Switch this month
Before Bear’s Restaurant, Fishing Paradiso, Meg’s Monsters, and the upcoming Mousebusters, Odencat developed an award-winning mobile game titled Snowman Story. It follows a snowman as he tries to find an arctic paradise and stay away from spring. It was released last December via Steam. Now the narrative adventure game is coming to Nintendo Switch, perfectly timed for the beginning of winter.
In the game, a snowman named Chris ventures out to find a land far to the north, a paradise where he can survive the inevitable spring melt. He’s following the footsteps of other snowmen who have attempted the journey — and all of them failed. Each has a tragic tale of failure, but Chris may be able to learn from their mistakes. Woodland creatures help guide him and help with puzzle stages. This version includes all features added to the Steam version, including controller support, landscape mode, additional voices for all characters, and improved English translation. It also has all previously released content from the mobile version.
Developed and published by Odencat, Snowman Story will be released for Nintendo Switch on December 12. It is currently available for iOS and Android (free-to-play, unlike the later versions), and for PC/Mac via Steam.
Here are the four worlds in Railroads Online
Whether you want to go at it alone or with others, Railroads Online allows you to build the railway network of your dreams. Help pioneer the integral mode of transportation, connecting industrial chains to rail networks and transporting goods across various terrains. There are four worlds to choose from; three are familiar, plus a new one called Mesa Plains. Each environment needs careful planning based on its topography and allocation of industries. Check them out in the game’s latest trailer:
Here is what to expect from the four worlds, per a press release from last week:
- Pine Valley embodies the vast and untamed beauty of the North American wilderness during the early railway era. Its lush forests, towering mountains, and deep canyons create a diverse and challenging landscape for aspiring railroad builders.
- Lake Valley is also inspired by North American scenery, features iconic mountain ranges and a sprawling lake at the heart of the map. This central landmark plays a significant role in shaping your railway network.
- Aurora Falls offers a breathtaking winter wonderland. Snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and dense coniferous forests define this frosty environment, complete with the magical glow of the aurora borealis.
- Mesa Plains delivers a fresh, arid desert setting where players travel through vast desert plains, narrow canyons and along a stunning shoreline. A major highlight of this map is the unique integration of pre-placed tunnels and a pier for unloading goods.
Developed by Stefan Kelnberger and published by astragon Entertainment, Railroads Online will be released for PC via Steam (leaving Early Access), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series on December 5. Mesa Plains will be available at launch for the PC versions of the game, while console players will have to wait for a patch.
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