The EVE Online: Catalyst expansion launched this week, and with it came a massive collection of new features. The new mining upgrades make for exciting new industrial opportunities for drillers, haulers, and security details throughout the galaxy. However, one of the new ships to come with this expansion also feels like an incredible inclusion to the overall roster. The Odysseus Exploration Command Ship is a beast of a vessel from the Sisters of EVE faction, and between covert, support, and offensive capabilities, it feels like a strong one-size-fits-all for exploration, fleet play, and other operations. A new way to explore New Eden I got to play with the Odysseus during an early access period leading up to EVE Online: Catalysts launch, and wow, this thing is delightful. The ship is a Sisters of EVE Command ship with an emphasis on support and evasion, but make no mistake, this thing bristles, and it’s not just in the hardpoints, but in the ship’s sheer capabilities. The Odysseus features options for a covert ops cloak, increased scanning, a massive ship maintenance bay, and more, allowing it to be arranged and refitted for a lot of different builds. In terms of sheer versatility, it was the scanning that stood out to me. The Odysseus has a special new Expedition Command Burst that comes in several forms. Other Battlecrusiers can use this Command Burst, but only the Odysseus gets a strength and duration buff while it’s active at this time. What makes it so important? Well, there’s a Pinpointing Charge version that helps speed up salvage, and a Strength Charge that aids in hacking, but the Reach Charge is incredible. It increases Directional Scanning range by 20 percent, and if you apply proper Skill leveling and other buffs, that gives you a huge increase in range for about five full minutes, making the Odysseus a pivotal ship for sniffing out trouble and locking in on it. And then there’s the Ship Maintenance Bay. 75, 000 m^3 capacity for ships to get stored and refit in the field as long as they’re close enough to the Odysseus. It’s a mobile depot. And that means being able to deploy some hefty hardware on the fly. Several combat frigates? Yes. A burly miner like the Prospect? Also yes! And given that you’re riding the Odysseus, which can use Covert Ops Cloak, gets increased scanning, and is bristling with its own hardpoints? This thing is mean, and fun. One of the few major drawbacks in the Odysseus is that if you get caught in a tight spot and need to make an escape, you’re in for a stressful time. Without buffs or improvements, the Odysseus has a warp time of about 10. 6 seconds. That’s a lot. Every second counts when you need to warp out of a hot zone and that’s long enough that if you’re in a catastrophic situation, you could stand to lose big time. Thankfully, this thing has some really great PvP and PvE fits for a variety of situations that mean it’s not going down easy if you play appropriately. A mighty vessel for an exciting expansion EVE Online: Catalyst brings a lot of great new fun and features to the game, including a new online map that’s much easier to navigate, a wealth of mining content including high-value Phased Fields of asteroids containing Prismaticite, the new Pioneer Ore Mining Destroyer (which was a whole different kind of blast from the Odysseus), and much more. The Odysseus promised to be fun, but I think it’s a game changer and I’m excited to see what the EVE community does with it. For more on the game, stay tuned to the EVE Online topic here at Shacknews.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146896/eve-online-catalyst-launch-odysseus
Category Archives: games
EVE Online Catalyst’s Odysseus ship is a space explorer’s dream come true
The EVE Online: Catalyst expansion launched this week, and with it came a massive collection of new features. The new mining upgrades make for exciting new industrial opportunities for drillers, haulers, and security details throughout the galaxy. However, one of the new ships to come with this expansion also feels like an incredible inclusion to the overall roster. The Odysseus Exploration Command Ship is a beast of a vessel from the Sisters of EVE faction, and between covert, support, and offensive capabilities, it feels like a strong one-size-fits-all for exploration, fleet play, and other operations. A new way to explore New Eden I got to play with the Odysseus during an early access period leading up to EVE Online: Catalysts launch, and wow, this thing is delightful. The ship is a Sisters of EVE Command ship with an emphasis on support and evasion, but make no mistake, this thing bristles, and it’s not just in the hardpoints, but in the ship’s sheer capabilities. The Odysseus features options for a covert ops cloak, increased scanning, a massive ship maintenance bay, and more, allowing it to be arranged and refitted for a lot of different builds. In terms of sheer versatility, it was the scanning that stood out to me. The Odysseus has a special new Expedition Command Burst that comes in several forms. Other Battlecrusiers can use this Command Burst, but only the Odysseus gets a strength and duration buff while it’s active at this time. What makes it so important? Well, there’s a Pinpointing Charge version that helps speed up salvage, and a Strength Charge that aids in hacking, but the Reach Charge is incredible. It increases Directional Scanning range by 20 percent, and if you apply proper Skill leveling and other buffs, that gives you a huge increase in range for about five full minutes, making the Odysseus a pivotal ship for sniffing out trouble and locking in on it. And then there’s the Ship Maintenance Bay. 75, 000 m^3 capacity for ships to get stored and refit in the field as long as they’re close enough to the Odysseus. It’s a mobile depot. And that means being able to deploy some hefty hardware on the fly. Several combat frigates? Yes. A burly miner like the Prospect? Also yes! And given that you’re riding the Odysseus, which can use Covert Ops Cloak, gets increased scanning, and is bristling with its own hardpoints? This thing is mean, and fun. One of the few major drawbacks in the Odysseus is that if you get caught in a tight spot and need to make an escape, you’re in for a stressful time. Without buffs or improvements, the Odysseus has a warp time of about 10. 6 seconds. That’s a lot. Every second counts when you need to warp out of a hot zone and that’s long enough that if you’re in a catastrophic situation, you could stand to lose big time. Thankfully, this thing has some really great PvP and PvE fits for a variety of situations that mean it’s not going down easy if you play appropriately. A mighty vessel for an exciting expansion EVE Online: Catalyst brings a lot of great new fun and features to the game, including a new online map that’s much easier to navigate, a wealth of mining content including high-value Phased Fields of asteroids containing Prismaticite, the new Pioneer Ore Mining Destroyer (which was a whole different kind of blast from the Odysseus), and much more. The Odysseus promised to be fun, but I think it’s a game changer and I’m excited to see what the EVE community does with it. For more on the game, stay tuned to the EVE Online topic here at Shacknews.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146896/eve-online-catalyst-launch-odysseus
Mega Zeraora revealed for Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension
As we get closer to the next big thing in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, its Mega Dimension DLC coming in December 2025, Game Freak and Nintendo have been showing off a few details here and there about what’s coming. That includes new Pokemon and Megas for players to collect on their journeys. We recently got another new reveal in the form of Mega Zeraora, who will be available to find in the contents of Mega Dimension. Nintendo and The Pokemon Company revealed Mega Zeraora in a new trailer for Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension. Zeraora is an electric-type Mythical Pokemon from Pokemon Sun and Moon. Its Mega Evolution will unleash its power like never before in Mega Dimension, as shared on the Pokemon website: Mega Zeraora is the latest Mega Evolution reveal for the upcoming DLC. It joins other new Megas in Pokemon Legends: Z-A that have included a free Mega Diancie and the upcoming Mega Raichu X and Y variants that act as the marquee Pokemon of the DLC. More than that, Mega Dimension also offers new adventures for players to explore across Lumiose City and the Kalos region.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146890/mega-zeraora-pokemon-legends-z-a-mega-dimension
ARC Raiders North Line update arrives November 13, brings new map & community unlock event
**ARC Raiders North Line Update: New Map, Enemies, Weapons, and Community Event Coming November 13, 2025**
Since its release, **ARC Raiders** has dominated the charts, and Embark Studios shows no signs of slowing down. The developer is gearing up to launch the game’s first major content drop: the **North Line update**. Scheduled for **November 13, 2025, at 1:30 a.m. PT / 4:30 a.m. ET**, this update promises fresh features including a new map, new ARC enemies, weapons, play styles, and much more.
### Community Event: Breaking New Ground
To access the much-anticipated new map, **Stella Montis**, players will need to participate in a community challenge event called **Breaking New Ground**. By completing several rounds, players will contribute to rebuilding the tunnels that connect Stella Montis to the northern region of Speranza.
Players who contribute resources during the event will earn **Merits**, a special currency that “fuels the next phase of the community event.” As the community works together to unlock Stella Montis, a new progress track named **Staking Our Claim** will become available, offering exciting new rewards and challenges to complete.
### Explore the New Map: Stella Montis
Stella Montis introduces a pristine new environment, a stark contrast to the game’s usual Rust Belt setting. The map features mysterious ruins that hint at what humanity left behind in its push toward the stars, delivering rich lore for those eager to uncover the universe’s deeper story.
### New ARC Enemies
The North Line update brings two formidable new enemies:
– **The Shredder**: A fresh ARC foe that will challenge players with its unique combat style.
– **The Matriarch**: A fearsome adversary described as making “the Queen look friendly by comparison.” This enemy appears only under specific map conditions, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement.
### New Weapons and Play Styles
Players can also expect an arsenal expansion with new weapons including:
– **Energy Burst Rifle**
– **Impulse Mine**
– **Timed Mine**
– **Gas Jump Mine**
Additionally, the update introduces new **play styles** called **Lone Wolf** and **Trailblazer**, broadening the ways players can approach combat and exploration.
### Additional Content
Beyond the new map, enemies, and weapons, the North Line update will also roll out **new quests**, further enriching the ARC Raiders experience.
Stay tuned for November 13 to dive into all that the North Line update has to offer and join the community in shaping the future of Speranza!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146771/arc-raiders-north-line-november-13-new-map
ARC Raiders North Line update arrives November 13, brings new map & community unlock event
ARC Raiders has dominated the charts since its release, and Embark Studios isn’t about to slow down. The developer is set to launch the first major content drop for the game with the upcoming North Line update.
### North Line Update: What to Expect
Scheduled to arrive on November 13, 2025, at 1:30 a.m. PT / 4:30 a.m. ET, the North Line update will bring a host of exciting new features. This includes a community event that grants access to a brand-new map, along with new ARC enemies, weapons, play styles, and more.
### Breaking New Ground: The Community Challenge
To unlock the new map, Stella Montis, players will need to participate in the community challenge event called Breaking New Ground. By completing a few rounds, players will assist Speranza in rebuilding the tunnels that connect Stella Montis to the northern region.
Contributing resources during this event will earn players Merits, a special currency that “fuels the next phase of the community event.” These collective efforts will determine how quickly the new content becomes available.
### Discover Stella Montis
Once unlocked, Stella Montis unveils a pristine environment quite a contrast to the Rust Belt region. The map features ancient ruins that hint at what humanity left behind in its push toward the stars—making it a treat for lore enthusiasts.
### New Foes: The Shredder and The Matriarch
Players will face new ARC enemies on Stella Montis. The Shredder is the primary new foe, while another formidable enemy called the Matriarch “makes the Queen look friendly by comparison.” The Matriarch will only appear under specific map conditions, adding an element of surprise and challenge.
### New Weapons and Play Styles
The update also introduces several powerful new weapons, including:
– Energy Burst Rifle
– Impulse Mine
– Timed Mine
– Gas Jump Mine
Additionally, Embark Studios is introducing new “Play Styles” called Lone Wolf and Trailblazer, offering players fresh ways to approach gameplay.
### Additional Content
Beyond the community event, new map, enemies, and weapons, players can also look forward to exciting new quests to further expand the ARC Raiders experience.
—
With the North Line update, Embark Studios promises to keep the momentum going, delivering engaging content that keeps players coming back for more. Get ready to dive into new challenges and explore the mysteries of Stella Montis starting November 13!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146771/arc-raiders-north-line-november-13-new-map
ShackStream: Indie-licious Episode 183 – Windswept
Sometimes, the best kind of game is just a classically-styled pixel platformer, and being able to assemble a good one is quite a talent. That’s why we’re excited to dive into what a certain duck and turtle duo have in store for us in *Windswept*, featured on this week’s Indie-licious.
*Windswept* comes from the developers at WeatherFell and is published by Top Hat Studios. The game was released on November 11, 2025, and is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Built as a precision platformer, *Windswept* challenges players to help a duck and turtle make their way home. You’ll face a gauntlet of levels filled with various gimmicks designed to test your skills, all while taking advantage of the unique abilities each character brings to the table.
Join us as we attempt to overcome the platforming challenges in *Windswept*! We’ll be going live with the game at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on the Shacknews Twitch and Twitter channels. You can also watch the stream right below.
We couldn’t bring you ShackStreams like these without our amazing viewers, so be sure to follow us! Following is free if you have an Amazon Prime account. It also keeps you up to date when we go live with shows like *Pop! Goes the Culture*, *The Stevetendo Show*, *Variety Hour*, and more.
Are our reflexes sharp enough to get this funny little duo of critters home? Find out as we go live with *Windswept* shortly!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146784/indielicious-episode-183-windswept
Watch the November 2025 PlayStation State of Play here
Today marks the date of the latest PlayStation State of Play, but this one will be a bit different from what has come before. This edition is titled **State of Play Japan**, with a sole focus on games developed in Japan and other studios across Asia.
The November 2025 PlayStation State of Play Japan will take place today, November 11, at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the event live on the official PlayStation YouTube channel.
We know a couple of key details about this special PlayStation event. First, it will run for approximately 40 minutes. Second, the showcase will primarily highlight games from Japan and other Asian studios. This means publishers like Square Enix, Capcom, and Sony Interactive Entertainment are expected to feature prominently.
Don’t miss out on the latest updates and announcements focused on Asian-developed titles—tune in to the PlayStation State of Play Japan today!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146776/watch-playstation-state-of-play-japan
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Lead Gameplay Designer has jumped ship to CD Projekt RED
**Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Dev Joins CD Projekt RED to Work on The Witcher 4**
Warhorse Studios’ *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* has been turning heads this year as an immersive medieval RPG, boasting compelling systems and an engaging story. Now, CD Projekt RED is ramping up excitement for its own medieval RPG, *The Witcher 4*, by bringing a key developer from the Kingdom Come sequel onboard.
Former Warhorse Lead Game Designer Karel Kolmann has made the switch to CD Projekt RED, where he will work as a Senior Quest Designer. This is a significant acquisition for CD Projekt RED, and Kolmann himself shared the announcement on his social media this week.
Kolmann kept the message simple, stating, “I’m happy to share that I’ve joined CD Projekt RED,” in a tweet graphic. However, his LinkedIn profile provides a bit more detail, revealing his new role as Senior Quest Designer at CDPR.
During his eight-year tenure at Warhorse Studios, Kolmann was instrumental in shaping the Kingdom Come series. He contributed as a writer, quest designer, and game designer before stepping into the role of Lead Game Designer. Notably, Kolmann was one of the lead architects behind *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s* Hardcore Mode and its intricate law system.
There’s no doubt that Kolmann’s expertise played a role in many of the features praised in Guides Editor Sam Chandler’s review of *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, making his move to CD Projekt RED an exciting prospect for fans eagerly awaiting *The Witcher 4*.
Stay tuned for more updates on *The Witcher 4* as development continues with fresh talent on board.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146775/kingdom-come-deliverance-2-karel-kolmann-the-witcher-4-cd-project
Pokemon Pokopia gets March 2026 release date
Pokémon Pokópia, the first-ever Pokémon lifestyle simulation game, was initially revealed in September 2025 with an expected release window set for 2026. Now, Nintendo has officially announced that the game will launch on March 5, 2026.
The release date was shared through a post on X, although no new trailers, screenshots, or additional game details accompanied the announcement. What we do know is that Pokémon Pokópia will be a Switch 2 exclusive, arriving early next year.
In Pokémon Pokópia, players take on the role of Ditto, the shapeshifting Pokémon. While Ditto adopts a human-like form, players will harness Ditto’s unique ability to mimic various Pokémon in order to shape the land, grow crops, and construct buildings. This fresh gameplay concept sets Pokémon Pokópia apart from traditional entries in the franchise.
The game was first revealed during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct and is being developed by Koei Tecmo. As a Switch 2 exclusive, it joins other highly anticipated titles like 007 First Light and Saros, both also set for release in March 2026.
The year 2026 promises to be significant for Pokémon fans worldwide, as the franchise will celebrate its 30th anniversary in February. Pokémon Pokópia is poised to be a major highlight in what looks to be a memorable year for the Pokémon series.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146773/pokemon-pokopia-release-date
Lumines Arise review: Hip to make squares
Enhance has been making games for many years, but the team cemented its place on the gaming map with its unique blend of puzzle gameplay and stirring musical accompaniment. *Tetris Effect* remains a generation-defining reinvention of a classic franchise. Building on that success, Enhance has now given the same treatment to *Lumines* with their latest release, *Lumines Arise*.
### Make the Beat Drop
*Lumines Arise* follows the series’ formula of creating 2×2 squares of matching patterns, aiming to clear as much of the board as possible. Like the best puzzle games, the speed and intensity ramp up as the game progresses, keeping players on their toes.
In Journey Mode, players navigate through five distinct sections, each requiring a certain number of squares to advance. The game starts off gently but becomes increasingly challenging as the play area shrinks in the later stages.
While the puzzle mechanics alone are a winner, *Lumines Arise* follows in *Tetris Effect*’s footsteps by wrapping the gameplay in a breathtakingly beautiful visual package. Backgrounds feel fully immersive, featuring scenes ranging from a remote beach and snowy cabin to a tropical rainforest with head-bopping chameleons and a bustling neon-lit metropolis.
Each stage pulses and moves in time with the music, making it easy to get lost in the rhythm—sometimes to the point of losing track of gameplay details. Even on Easy difficulty, Journey Mode offers a satisfying challenge, especially for players new to the *Lumines* formula who might think making squares is simple.
### Visuals and Accessibility
Some stages like Mirror Ball or Digital Human amp up the visual effects heavily, creating dazzling but occasionally distracting displays. While these flashy effects are impressive, they can overwhelm, especially by default. Fortunately, Enhance includes a comprehensive set of accessibility options to tone down the intensity and make visuals more subtle. This is particularly helpful in the game’s VR mode.
Accessibility settings also add useful modifiers to reduce game stress. Players can adjust whether blocks fall automatically and enable a No Fail option alongside various difficulty settings that influence game speed.
Camera distance can be tweaked to lessen the intensity of visual effects, aiding players sensitive to sensory overload. The game also offers toggles to disable spiders and snakes, catering to those with related phobias. Additionally, a photosensitivity warning appears at startup to prepare players for the visual experience.
### All Together Now
The core experience in *Lumines Arise* is the Journey Mode, but there are additional ways to enjoy the game. Missions present specific challenges, such as clearing squares within a limited number of moves or completing more unconventional objectives. Some missions feature falling towers or even Tetris-shaped pieces—an enjoyable nod to Enhance’s previous puzzle success.
Another key feature is multiplayer, which offers a handful of modes. Burst Battle is the main competitive mode, where players clear as many squares as possible while sending “garbage blocks” to opponents. Players can customize their preferred background and music tracks here.
The Leaderboard League adds Time Attack challenges and a mode called Dig Down, which tasks players with managing a rising tide of blocks. While these additional modes are entertaining, their limited variety means they can lose appeal over time.
One standout aspect of *Arise*’s multiplayer and overall presentation is its sense of community. Weekend events encourage the entire player base to participate by playing any multiplayer mode. The more completed games, the greater the contribution to a worldwide goal—such as gathering Light to build a giant Vision construct. All participants earn rewards to customize their Pon avatar.
The multiplayer hub, main menu, and even the end of Journey Mode all feature NPC Pon avatars representing every player who has logged in, creating a lively, festive atmosphere that enhances the social experience.
### The Soundtrack: Lumines Arise’s Defining Feature
Music lies at the heart of *Lumines Arise*. The soundtrack by Hydelic spans a vibrant mix of genres including techno, house, rap, and LoFi beats. The tunes synchronize beautifully with the game’s moving Timeline that clears completed squares and the ever-moving backgrounds.
Players aren’t required to play on the beat—instead, the beat plays with them. If a background song speeds up, so does the Timeline, adding an exhilarating toe-tapping challenge.
### Press Play
Like *Tetris Effect* before it, *Lumines Arise* is as much a musical experience as a gaming one. Without its stellar soundtrack, the game wouldn’t work nearly as well. Luckily, it boasts an array of bangers that power both Journey Mode and multiplayer sessions.
Enhance also provides a Playlist mode, allowing players to arrange songs and their associated backgrounds to their personal liking.
As someone more inclined toward Tetris, I hadn’t been a big *Lumines* fan—until now. *Lumines Arise* is an absolute triumph. The visuals are among Enhance’s best, blending the power of Unity with their proprietary Synaesthesia Engine.
The game is wildly fun and surprisingly challenging in spots, but above all, it is a relaxing pleasure. So sit back, unwind, and let the beat drop.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146765/lumines-arise-review-score