Video Games
‘Parasite Eve’-Inspired RPG ‘Parasite Mutant’ Announced for PS5, PC in 2026 [Trailer]
Sadly, while Square Enix still doesn’t seem to want to revisit the Parasite Eve series anytime soon, developer IceSitruuna seems eager to fill that hole with their newly-announced title Parasite Mutant. Coming to PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam in 2026, Parasite Mutant is a turn-based RPG that obviously draws inspiration from the Square’s 1998 classic in more than a few ways.
Parasite Mutant is a science-fiction horror RPG set in the distant future. Players take on the role of psionic agent Nova, who has been sent on a mission to an abandoned and secluded island city filled with horrifying creatures. Learning what exactly happened on the island will completely change Nova’s fate.
Aside from the story and genre similarities, Parasite Mutant uses what’s being called ATC (Active Time Chains), which is a not-so-subtle nod to Parasite Eve‘s Active Time Bar. This combines the Active Time Battle system that was used in several of Square’s RPGs of the day, and a three-segment chain system. As a result, players must time their actions on each segments, and decide whether they want to save their energy and do a chain release. As the gauge fills up, players will need to dodge enemy attacks and launch their attack at the best possible time.
As for upgrades, players can attach various modules onto their equipment, or enhance their equipment using Plus Points that can be obtained through combat. And if things weren’t “on the nose” enough, Parasite Mutant will have a New Game+ mode (again, akin to Parasite Eve‘s EX game) that allows players to inherit their upgrades from their previous playthrough, as well as unlock new locations.
Video Games
Demo Now Available for First-Person Action Title ‘Vampire Hunter: Nightrise’, Coming July 14 [Trailer]
Over the Moon Games has announced that their upcoming first-person title Vampire Hunter: Nightrise will launch on Steam on July 14. You won’t have to wait until Steam Next Fest next week to get a chance to get your vampire slaying fix in, as the game’s demo is available now.
Touted as “Castlevania meets Tunic,” Nightrise puts players into a vampire’s castle with a single goal: reach him before nightfall. Of course, it’s easier said than done, since you’ll be needing to deal with the castle itself. Rotating fireplaces, moving bookshelves, watching portraits, and hidden passages are open from the start, but they only give way once the player understands how the place works. No keys, only knowledge.
Meanwhile, despite not having a whip, you’re equipped with something just as cool in a stake launcher that pins enemies to walls. You can also fire stakes through flame to ignite them, and even turn the castle’s own furniture into ammunition.
Underneath it all, the player’s faith is a major gameplay mechanic, functioning as as a literal resource that the castle constantly tempts them to trade away for power, quietly shaping how the story ends. As your conviction weakens, the castle’s influence grows stronger. You’ll have to manage faith as carefully as ammunition.
“In Nightrise, almost everything is open to you from the very beginning, if you know how to reach it,” explains Over the Moon Games’ John Warner. “There is something deeply rewarding about learning to overcome an obstacle instead of just finding a key. It creates a real sense of power and wonder. We took huge inspiration from Tunic in that respect, and from Outer Wilds.”