Zara Chen
Genre & Design History Desk
Zara Chen is GameBrief's byline for comparisons and genre analysis: metroidvanias, RPGs and the design lineage behind them. The desk puts each mechanic next to the games it descends from, challenges the obvious reading, and ends on a one-line verdict. Claims about earlier games come from sourced release and design records. Dates, numbers and quotes are traced to a source before anything publishes.
- Metroidvanias and RPGs
- Comparisons and design history
- Sources listed per article
170 articles by Zara Chen
GuideBlack Jacket
Black Jacket Boss Guide: All 5 Bosses and Curse Counters
Black Jacket boss guide: how to beat Reed, Morgan, Niv, Ivel, and Better, what each boss punishes, and the prep that clears Journey 8-12 walls.
By Zara Chen15 min read
Complete guideSunderfolk
Sunderfolk Complete Guide: All 7 Classes, Co-op Tips 2026
Sunderfolk complete guide hub: all 7 classes ranked, best party compositions, co-op setup, Vanguard builds, and every guide on the site organized by topic.
By Zara Chen12 min read
GuideSubnautica 2
Subnautica 2 Beginner Guide: Systems, Survival, First Hours
Subnautica 2 beginner guide: oxygen, Bioscanner scans, Biomods, food, base power, and five safe-start habits for the Early Access build and co-op.
By Zara Chen12 min read
NewsRune Dice
Rune Dice Classic Mode: All 3 Locations in One Run
Rune Dice Classic Mode announced May 21 by developer Oleksii. Plays all three locations in one session. Playtest window is May 28 through June 4, 2026.
By Zara Chen5 min read
GuideSubnautica 2
Subnautica 2 Immortal Creatures: Why You Can't Kill Fauna
Subnautica 2 immortal creatures explained: what the developers said on Discord, what the 1.1 and 1.2 patches gave you instead, and the mod that changes it.
By Zara Chen6 min read
FeatureMina the Hollower
Mina the Hollower Review: Yacht Club's Gothic New World
Mina the Hollower review: Yacht Club's six-year gothic action-adventure is live at $19.99. Steam is Very Positive at 88% from 5,596 English reviews.
By Zara Chen8 min read
NewsWitchfire
Witchfire Revelations Update: What's Coming in Version 0.9
The Witchfire Revelations Update shipped June 18, 2026 with Fallen Preyers 3.0, a new Garden, and World Corruption 2.0. Here's what actually landed.
By Zara Chen6 min read
FeatureMina the Hollower
Mina the Hollower Preview: What the Full Release Confirms
Mina the Hollower preview updated after launch: the full game keeps the whip, burrow, Souls-like tension, and broad accessibility options at $19.99.
By Zara Chen4 min read
GuideSunderfolk
Sunderfolk Online Co-op Guide: Setup, Fixes, and Party Tips
Sunderfolk online co-op supports 1-4 players on Steam and Epic. Phone app setup steps, AccelByte connection fixes, and the best classes for remote runs.
By Zara Chen8 min read
GuideFarever
Farever Co-op Guide: 4 Classes, Group Builds, Dungeon Runs
Farever co-op guide: four class choices, party-role starting points, crafting coordination, and current Early Access dungeon changes and patch notes.
By Zara Chen10 min read
FeatureFrogblock
Frogblock Review: 100+ Perspective Puzzles on PC (2026)
Frogblock review: 100+ perspective-puzzle levels, four worlds, controller support, and a $9.99 PC release following its free iOS debut in 2025.
By Zara Chen7 min read
NewsStop Killing Games
Stop Killing Games EU Parliament: what actually happened
Stop Killing Games reached EU Parliament plenary on May 21. 1.29M signatures, an MEP blamed wokeness, and the Commission must respond by July 2026.
By Zara Chen5 min read