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
GuideARC Raiders
ARC Raiders Spaceport Guide: Launch Tower, Bunker and Keys
ARC Raiders Spaceport guide: when it unlocks, the Launch Tower and its loot puzzle, the Hidden Bunker, every key door, the conditions, and how to get out.
By Zara Chen7 min read
NewsNordic Ashes
Nordic Ashes Twilight of Yggdrasil DLC Adds 3 Realms
Nordic Ashes Twilight of Yggdrasil DLC released May 23 for $4.49, adding three new realms after the base game's nine, an EPIC character, and three skins.
By Zara Chen3 min read
NewsWarhorse Studios
Warhorse Middle-earth RPG announced: KCD devs confirmed
Warhorse Middle-earth RPG confirmed on May 20: KCD2 studio takes on Tolkien with ~$100M budget. Team, scope, and what Crystal Dynamics is also building.
By Zara Chen3 min read
FeatureSubnautica 2
Subnautica 2 EULA Explained: What Krafton's Terms Mean
Subnautica 2 EULA explained: arbitration, IP-location rules, and player-submitted content. What Krafton's terms mean for Early Access buyers.
By Zara Chen8 min read
GuideNethack
NetHack 5.0.0 Changes Guide: New & Returning Players
NetHack 5.0.0 changes guide: the May 2 release adds a tutorial, auto-open doors, safer prompts, and major balance shifts for returning 3.6.x players.
By Zara Chen13 min read
FeatureParalives
Paralives Early Access: Is It Free, and Is It Worth Buying?
Paralives Early Access costs $39.99 and isn't free. The list price rises as content ships, so the real question is whether today's build is enough for you.
By Zara Chen8 min read
GuideSunderfolk
Sunderfolk Beginner Guide: Best Classes and Party Tips
Sunderfolk beginner guide covering all 7 classes including Vanguard, the best 2-4 player party compositions, and first-run tips for the co-op tactical RPG.
By Zara Chen12 min read
Complete guideGambonanza
Gambonanza Gambits Guide: Chess Roguelike Tips 2026
Gambonanza gambits guide: Crumble Mode, reserve tactics, tier picks, and chess roguelike tips for stronger runs, smarter shops, and better builds in 2026.
By Zara Chen15 min read
FeatureDeep Rock Galactic
DRG Rogue Core vs Deep Rock Galactic: What Actually Changed
DRG Rogue Core vs Deep Rock Galactic: timed descents to a boss gate, five new classes and a run-based loadout. Here's who should buy which one first.
By Zara Chen8 min read
Complete guideLegionbound
LegionBound Guide 2026: All Modes, Classes and Builds
LegionBound guide: a $9.99 autobattler RPG with 42 classes, 82% Very Positive on Steam, two modes, 800+ Ascension heroes, and current patch notes.
By Zara Chen16 min read
GuideAll Hail the Orb
All Hail the Orb Walkthrough: Every Guide by Stage
All Hail the Orb walkthrough organized by progression stage: from first cultist to Grand Opus, with links to every specialist guide on GameBrief.
By Zara Chen11 min read
FeatureIndie Games
Best Indie Games Under $20 2026: 7 Top Budget Picks
Seven best indie games under $20 2026 reviewed, with a September Steam price snapshot from $4.54 to $16.99 and current ratings on Steam today.
By Zara Chen9 min read