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The Rusty Lake universe is expanding once again, and this time, it’s taking us back to where it all began. During the highly anticipated Future Games Show, indie development studio Rusty Lake lifted the veil on their new premium title, Servant of the Lake. This new point-and-click puzzle adventure is a return to the series’ roots, both literally and thematically, and promises to deliver the same surreal, unsettling atmosphere that has captivated millions of players worldwide. The announcement came with a brand-new trailer and a highly immersive, real-world demo experience at Gamescom, which we were lucky enough to get a hands-on look at.

A Journey Back to the Vanderboom Estate

The game’s setting is a major point of interest for long-time fans. Servant of the Lake is set within the infamous Vanderboom house, a location central to the lore of Rusty Lake: Roots. The game takes place during the era of Aldous and William Vanderboom, placing players in the shoes of a new housekeeper at the estate. This narrative choice is a deliberate and masterful move by the developers, allowing them to delve deeper into the complex and twisted history of the Vanderboom family. The time period is a significant one, as it precedes many of the events chronicled in Roots, offering a fresh perspective on the family’s origins and the mysterious rituals that govern their lives. As a housekeeper, the player will be tasked with seemingly mundane chores like “straightening the family portraits” and “doing the laundry,” but as is characteristic of the series, these simple tasks will inevitably give way to “complex experiments” and a far more sinister reality. This blend of the ordinary and the surreal is a hallmark of the Rusty Lake design philosophy and is perfectly suited for a narrative that explores the psychological decay of a family line.

The game’s narrative will weave a dark, intricate tapestry of events that happened decades before Rusty Lake: Roots. Players will get to explore each room of the Vanderboom house, not as a casual observer, but as an active participant in the unfolding drama. The central mystery revolves around the housekeeper’s goal: “Can you survive the weekend?” This simple question sets the stage for a tense, puzzle-driven adventure where every solved riddle brings the player closer to a chilling truth. The developers have a proven track record of creating a rich web of interconnected stories, and Servant of the Lake is poised to fill in a crucial piece of the larger Rusty Lake universe.

Immersive Gameplay and Technical Design

Rusty Lake has always been celebrated for its distinctive visual and puzzle design, and Servant of the Lake appears to be a continuation of this tradition. The game is a classic single-player, point-and-click adventure, a genre that has seen a resurgence in the indie scene. The game’s engine and underlying mechanics are built to support a narrative-first experience, with puzzles tightly integrated into the story progression. Unlike many adventure games that feature combat or action-based challenges, the Rusty Lake series focuses exclusively on puzzle-solving and exploration, a decision that allows for a more contemplative and atmospheric experience. The puzzles themselves range from logical and mechanical to abstract and symbolic, often requiring players to think outside the box and connect disparate pieces of information.

The technical specifications for the game are designed to ensure broad accessibility. The game will be available on Steam for PC, as well as on iOS and Android, indicating a design that scales well across different platforms. The minimum system requirements are modest, with a recommended processor of 2.4GHz Dual Core and 1GB of RAM for PC, and 200MB of RAM for macOS, ensuring that a wide range of devices can run the game without issue. The game’s 2D, hand-drawn art style is not only aesthetically pleasing but also allows for a small file size, contributing to its accessibility. The intricate, often unsettling artwork is a key component of the game’s atmosphere, drawing players into the strange and surreal world of Rusty Lake.

An Unforgettable Gamescom Presence

The reveal of Servant of the Lake was not confined to a digital trailer; Rusty Lake created a truly standout experience at Gamescom. At the Indie Arena Booth, they constructed a life-sized, ornate carriage, a replica of one of the game’s iconic elements. This immersive setup was a stroke of genius, allowing convention-goers to step directly into the game’s world. We saw the booth during our time at Gamescom and were immediately drawn in by its unique and atmospheric design. The life-sized carriage served as the hub for a playable demo, offering a tangible connection to the game’s haunting narrative. The developers also orchestrated a real-world mystery, inviting attendees to “hunt for clues across the show floor to turn in for Rusty Lake merch.” This interactive element extended the game’s puzzle-solving philosophy into the real world, creating a memorable and engaging experience for fans.

The game and its booth were so well-received that Servant of the Lake has been nominated for both ‘Best Mobile Game’ and ‘Best Booth’ at the 2025 Gamescom Awards. These nominations are a testament to the developers’ commitment to quality and innovation, not just in their game design, but in their marketing and fan engagement as well. The immense community support is also evident from the comments on the announcement, with fans expressing excitement and longing to play the game on their preferred platforms, including queries about Google Play and Chinese app markets. The combination of a strong game concept and an exceptional, interactive presence at a major gaming event has positioned Servant of the Lake as one of the most anticipated indie titles of the coming year.

Conclusion

Servant of the Lake represents a significant return to the core of the Rusty Lake universe. By placing players in the historic Vanderboom house during a critical period, the game promises to enrich the series’ lore while delivering the signature surreal puzzles and atmospheric storytelling fans have come to love. The developers’ innovative approach to their Gamescom booth, creating a life-sized, immersive carriage, not only garnered industry recognition but also provided an unforgettable, hands-on experience for attendees. This new title, with its focus on classic point-and-click mechanics and its deep connection to the existing narrative, is set to be another compelling chapter in the ever-expanding and mysterious world of Rusty Lake. We can’t wait to see what secrets the Vanderboom estate holds when the full game is released.

Saber Interactive’s upcoming title, Jurassic Park: Survival, promises a thrilling return to the iconic setting of the original 1993 film, plunging players into a harrowing, first-person action-adventure just one day after the park’s catastrophic failure. The game, in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, is being crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, aiming to deliver an experience that both honors the source material and expands upon its lore. The developers at Saber, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, are recreating Isla Nublar down to its finest details, utilizing production stills and blueprints from the film’s archives to ensure environmental authenticity. The game is being built on Unreal Engine 5, a powerful choice that allows for high-fidelity graphics and realistic, dynamic environments, which are essential for bringing the lush, dangerous world to life.

Beyond the visuals, the core gameplay loop is centered on an intense mix of stealth, action, and survival. Players will need to use their wits and the resources at their disposal to outsmart and evade the island’s prehistoric inhabitants. The dinosaurs themselves are being designed with “distinct and adaptive behaviors,” meaning each encounter will be a unique and unpredictable challenge. The game focuses on capturing the authentic look, movement, and behavior of the film’s dinosaurs, from the cunning Velociraptors to the imposing T-Rex. This includes features like the Dilophosaurus’s venom spit, which will require players to stay on their toes and think strategically to survive. The player’s survival will depend on their ability to use distraction and ingenuity, making resource management and environmental awareness crucial to success.

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Continue reading “Jurassic Park: Survival – Return to Isla Nublar!”

After a couple of entries that felt like they were chasing trends, the Battlefield series appears to have found its footing again. The early access beta for Battlefield 6 is live, and I’ve spent the last couple of hours getting my hands dirty. I’m here to tell you that it feels like the franchise has finally returned to its roots, and it’s a welcome homecoming.

First of all, the queue. the queue for the game is huge and this is only the early access beta! seems like I’m not the only one excited for the return of battlefield.

From the moment you drop into your first match, it’s clear the futuristic atmosphere is gone. This game embodies the spirit of Battlefield 3 and 4, delivering a gritty, realistic combat experience that fans have been clamoring for. It’s a move that feels less like a trend and more like a confident return to the core identity of the series. The developers have brought back what made this franchise great, and they’ve done it with style.

The maps are a perfect example of this philosophy. They are large, sprawling battlefields that offer plenty of room for vehicles, flanks, and epic standoffs, but they’re not so big that you feel completely lost or that the action is too spread out. This allows for fast-paced gameplay that keeps you on your toes. There’s always something happening, whether it’s an intense firefight for a capture point or a tank column rolling over a hill. The pacing feels just right, keeping the energy high without sacrificing the tactical depth that defines the series.

One of the most impressive aspects of the beta so far has been the level of immersion. The environments are highly destructible, and there’s a unique satisfaction in watching a building you’re fighting in crumble around you. But what really sells the feeling of being in a warzone is the sound design. Playing Conquest with a headset on is an absolute sensory overload in the best possible way. The distant explosions, the crackle of gunfire, and the rumble of tanks all combine to create a soundscape that makes you feel truly in the thick of it.

Overall, my first impressions of the Battlefield 6 beta are overwhelmingly positive. It’s a return to form that many of us have been waiting for. The game is polished, the gameplay is fast and tactical, and the immersion is top-tier. It seems the king may finally be back to reclaim its throne. I can’t wait to see what the full release brings.

The beta is available in 2 weekend batches. Hoping to see you on the battlefield soldier.

What do you think of battlefield 6? do you like the return to the roots or do you like the futuristic aspect more? let us know in the comments below!

This week, CRKD (the company founded by former RedOctane employees and the makers of the CRKD Guitar) announced a fire themed surprise coming this week.

Well, today RedOctane Games was announced. a new company founded by former RedOctane (Publisher of Guitar Hero and make of Guitar hero Instruments) crew, with another announcement with it. THE ARE MAKING A NEW RHYTHM GAME! In a blogpost RedOcatane games founder (and Embracer group CEO), Lee Guinchard wrote about how the rhythm game dream never died. from the death of RedOctane inside Activision, to the creation of the CRKD brand, making of the NEO S and CRKD Guitar, all the way through to RedOctane Games, The rhythm game dream has always been there. And now, is the perfect oppurtonity.

With the community connections CRKD made while making the CRKD guitar with people like Alec (ACAI28), JP (760creations), Jason (Jason Paradise), and Jake (A Wise Moose) and the people behind the YARG game, RedOctane Games plan to create a new rhythm game which “won’t be Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, Guitar Freaks or Rockband. This is something new. A rhythm game built with love, by people who care, with the community at its core in this fast-changing modern world we live in.”

As an avid 5 fret enjoyer, i did not expect a new rhythm game in the big 25 and especially not one which is community driven.

I’m very excited about the future of 5 fret. as the Lore Hero boys once said: “We eating good”

are you excited about 5 fret gaming? do you own and play and 5 fret games? let us know in the comments!