Video Games
Psychological Horror Title ‘The Pines’ Slated for a 2027 Release [Trailer]
Back in April, Studio Abattoir revealed its psychological horror title The Pines. Flash forward to today, and the developer has announced a 2027 release window for the game, along with a brand new gameplay trailer offering a fresh look at a picturesque therapy retreat that plays host to unstable residents, dangerous secrets and deep conspiracies.
Blending freeform exploration and the character progression of an open-world RPG with tense, oppressive psychological horror, intuitive investigative gameplay and brutal combat, The Pines sees players take on the role of Edward Walker, a former detective seeking solace at The Pines – a remote forest retreat that promises peace, therapy, and recovery. But behind the facade of warm smiles, cheerful signage, and carefully crafted image lies something far more disturbing, which will pull Edward headfirst into a surreal, paranoid and dizzying mystery with echoes of his past.
In The Pines, narrative, exploration, roleplaying, and tension constantly feed into one another. Every action taken will not only shape Edward and his investigation, but also the fates of those that he meets. A customisable skill and perk system gives players the opportunity to expand their skillset and character build in multiple facets, giving a much-needed advantage as they fall deeper down the rabbit hole.
This customisation is further reinforced by branching, choice-drive dialogue with NPCs, allowing players to be the detective they want to be: empathetic, aggressive, manipulative, or something in between. Throughout the game, players will take advantage of Edward’s detective prowess to investigate a number of crime scenes. Here they will gather evidence and make crucial connections and to uncover hidden truths and ultimately, decide who to trust. There is no wrong approach to the investigation, but there will always be consequences.
Say the wrong thing or dig too deep, and a resident who once seemed harmless may return as a Stalker – a persistent, powerful enemy that haunts players throughout the forests of The Pines. An unexpected visit from a Stalker can transform routine exploration into a heart-pounding fight for survival in the blink of an eye.
Currently, you can wishlist the game on Steam.
Video Games
Bloober Returns to ‘Star Trek’ With Psychological Thriller ‘Star Trek: Shadow Frontier’ [Trailer]
Bloober Team weren’t done dropping news this week. After surprising everyone with SAW: Genesis at Summer Game Fest yesterday, they’ve now announced a new horror-slanted Star Trek title with Paramount Games Studio in Star Trek: Shadow Frontier. This is the second Star Trek title Bloober has developed, having released the VR body horror title Star Trek: Infection earlier this year.
“We’ve long admired the way Bloober Team crafts deeply immersive, atmospheric experiences that keep players on the edge of their seats,” said Paramount Games Studio senior vice president and head of creative and production Shawn Kittelsen. “For Star Trek: Shadow Frontier, it was essential to partner with a studio that could both honor that legacy and push it forward. We have full confidence in Bloober’s ability to deliver a game that does justice to the ‘Star Trek’ name while bringing something bold and new to the beloved franchise.”
Launching for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, the Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam in 2027, Star Trek: Shadow Frontier is a story-driven action-adventure that sees players step into the role of former Lieutenant Ro Laren (voiced by Michelle Forbes). After crashing onto a distant planet overtaken by a strange consciousness, Ro Laren must survive in an environment that is as breathtaking as it is lethal. Ro’s mission is driven by duty and purpose. But here, discovery comes at a terrible cost. The more she uncovers, the deeper she is pulled into a corrupted labyrinth where her memories twist and the planet threatens to sever her connection to reality.
The hostile ecosystem of the planet poses a constant threat to Ro’s existence. It seeks to absorb Ro’s consciousness, burrowing deep into her mind and plaguing her with haunting visions. Environmental hazards and obstacles lurk around every corner. Exploration is both your only path to salvation and your potential undoing. Players will be able to use their Tricorder to scan and analyze items, and of course rely on their Phaser to solve puzzles and fend off enemies.