This edition of RPGs Coming This Week is about as light as it gets, with one brand-new release, and a cool-looking adventure game from earlier this year coming to Switch 2. But hey, there’s a lot of gaming news to ingest lately, so maybe a smaller release lineup is just what we need this week. Summer Game Fest weekend means the main SGF keynote itself, but also a cavalcade (honestly, how often can I use that word?) of other showcases, including Wholesome Direct, Future Games Show, Day of the Devs, the Access-Ability Showcase and many, many more. Which is why it isn’t surprising that we’d have a slow week of scheduled releases, because most publishers probably don’t need that level of competition — to say nothing of the reality of shadow-dropped demos and full games.
Intro by Mike Salbato
Road to Empress II – June 8th (Windows, Switch)
I am always excited to see developers play with genre, either by delivering something not easily categorized by typical genre definitions, or even combining familiar terms in new ways. Most of us are at least familiar with interactive adventure games or some of the many flavors of survival games, but I can’t say I’ve ever seen any game specifically described as a “live-action interactive palace survival drama” before Road to Empress II — well, besides 2025’s Road to Empress I. Given the first game’s “Overwhelmingly Positive” reception on Steam, developers New One Studio may have another hit on their hands.
The developers shot almost 17 hours of live-action 4K video for this choice-heavy adventure game, and from the opening moments of the trailers alone, it’s clear you are meant to try, re-try, and explore different paths on your, well, road to becoming empress. It’s immediately clear how much went into the production of this sequel, and there seems to be many paths through the game, between narrative choices, character support decisions, and other royal choices such as how to rule, setting laws, and brokering with noble houses and clans. If you’ve always dreamt of becoming an empress, this may be your time!
Note that the game launches on PC this week, and while there are plans for a Switch release of both titles, neither is currently listed in the North American eShop, so keep an eye out for them if you want to play on Switch!
by Mike Salbato
Also Coming This Week
Dark Auction – June 10th (Switch 2)
Dark Auction is the latest adventure game penned by acclaimed CING writer Rika Suzuki (most known for her work on the Kyle Hyde and Another Code series). Protagonist Noah attends an auction shrouded in mystery at a strange castle and becomes embroiled in a dark mystery. Released on January 29th for Steam, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, and now releasing on Switch 2. User reception on Steam is mixed, but those who miss CING’s take on the adventure genre should give this one a second (or first) look. If you’re curious, there is a demo version on both Steam and PS5.
by Ben Love
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