This classic and overlooked console RTS is set to receive a complete remaster on Steam.

      Steam

      Team Buddies, a real-time strategy game exclusive to PlayStation that debuted 25 years ago, has just been listed on Steam for a complete remaster. It seems that this cult classic has made a comeback, featuring online multiplayer, enhanced graphics, and all the chaotic fun you remember.

      Unlike most RTS games from its time, Team Buddies stands out. While titles like Command & Conquer or Starcraft might come to mind, a couch co-op game focused on stacking crates is certainly unique. Surprisingly, Team Buddies offers much more complexity than one might initially assume.

      You begin each level with a squad of warriors. Alone, they aren't particularly formidable, but by stacking and combining crates, you can create various weapons, summon additional troops, or even construct a tank. The methods you use to combine crates—whether vertically, in a flat square, or in a cube of eight—will yield different outcomes each time.

      Players can select between classic or remastered graphics, depending on their preferences. It's worth noting that the game appears quite outdated, resembling some of the early 3D Bomberman titles, so opting for modern graphics may be preferable unless you're seeking a nostalgic experience.

      The New Reborn Mode is an online-exclusive, all-new experience featuring larger maps, more weapons, and "even more intense combat." Additionally, the remaster will include achievements and trophies, along with improved enemy AI.

      This updated version of Team Buddies currently lacks a specific release date aside from "coming soon," as well as an estimated price. However, its emergence is quite surprising—it's nice to see a remaster of a lesser-known title rather than yet another remake from Nintendo.

      Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technologies like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart bulbs, and more.

      Steam faces a significant issue concerning its smallest games.

      One of the most notable advancements in the gaming development landscape in recent years is how easily an average person can start creating games. This has significantly lowered the barrier to entry, allowing creators of varying skill levels to make their games available on major platforms. However, these platforms have not adjusted to handle the overwhelming influx of content released daily. The primary digital storefronts—PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam—are so inundated with new games that even high-quality titles can get lost in the mix.

      Excluding AAA games with substantial promotional budgets, every other game vying for attention at launch effectively faces a rigged game of chance concerning its success. We have reached a saturation point with game releases, where titles no longer gain visibility based solely on their quality. As we move toward an all-digital (or predominantly digital) future, storefronts must tackle the discoverability issue sooner rather than later. It is not a matter of an excess of games, but rather that the right games are unable to connect with their intended audience.

      Back in 2008, when Braid was first released, there were only 242 total releases on Steam for the entire year. Fast forward to 2024—with a quarter of the year still remaining—and there have already been 10,862 game releases. This averages out to nearly 50 games released per day so far. Since storefronts like PSN and Xbox have changed little over the years, Braid: Anniversary Edition was released and was almost instantly pushed off the new releases list.

      Once Human is the latest breakout hit on the Steam charts. While it remains to be seen whether it can maintain its status and be hailed as one of the best PC games, players are currently enjoying its offerings.

      Once Human immerses players in a vast open world teeming with alien-infected monsters. True to the best survival games, players can construct bases, team up (or compete) with friends, and craft upgraded equipment to defeat formidable bosses. While many games start on PC and eventually transition to console as cross-platform titles, some remain exclusively on PC. Will Once Human share that fate, or will it eventually be playable on consoles?

      Steam is about to enhance the organization of your demo experience.

      Steam is making changes regarding how demos operate on the platform, which will aid developers in gaining visibility for their games and enhance user experience.

      According to a post on Steam, the most significant change is that demos will be simpler to find, install, and remove from your library. You will no longer need to install the demo immediately to add it to your library. If you wish to remove it, you can do so by right-clicking on the game and selecting "remove from account" or by simply uninstalling it. You can also install a demo even if you own the game.