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
GuideDie in the Dungeon
Die in the Dungeon Achievements: All 59 and Dice Unlocks
Die in the dungeon achievements mostly unlock relics, not dice: 3 locked characters, D1-D8 difficulty tiers, and what each of the 59 requires.
By Zara Chen17 min read
FeatureMotorslice
MOTORSLICE Launches: Chainsaw Parkour With DnB Vibes
MOTORSLICE after launch: Regular Studio's parkour action game, current $15.99 sale price, Steam reception, demo, bosses and Windows release status.
By Zara Chen7 min read
GuideDie in the Dungeon
Die in the Dungeon Characters: All 4, Which to Pick First
Die in the dungeon characters guide: 4 frog warriors with distinct starting dice. Which suits your playstyle, which relics to chase, and who to run second.
By Zara Chen8 min read
GuideAll Hail the Orb
All Hail the Orb Obelisk Guide: Stages and When to Advance
All Hail the Orb Obelisk guide: the 6 stages, when to advance vs. let automation run, pre-finale checklist, and what the April 26 patch changed.
By Zara Chen13 min read
GuideAll Hail the Orb
All Hail the Orb Secrets: Hidden Rooms, Duck, Alchemy
All Hail the Orb secrets guide: the five hidden dungeon achievements, how Resonance Crystal chains work, and which alchemy discoveries you can miss
By Zara Chen12 min read
GuideARC Raiders
ARC Raiders Other Raiders: Survive Player Encounters
ARC Raiders other Raiders guide: how matchmaking reads your PvP habits, the quieter exits, what the PvE toggle test changes and what a death costs.
By Zara Chen9 min read
FeatureIndustria 2
INDUSTRIA 2 Out Now: Bleakmill's UE5 Narrative FPS Sequel
INDUSTRIA 2 launched on Steam April 29: Bleakmill's UE5 narrative FPS runs 4-6 hours, sends Nora into a parallel dimension ruled by rogue AI ATLAS.
By Zara Chen11 min read
GuideAll Hail the Orb
How Long to Beat All Hail the Orb: Story, 100%, Routes
How long to beat All Hail the Orb: HowLongToBeat puts the story at about 4 hours and 100% at about 5, and post-story play lets you clean up later.
By Zara Chen12 min read
GuideARC Raiders
ARC Raiders Enemy Types Guide: ARC Units Ranked by Threat
ARC Raiders enemy types guide: every common ARC machine with its health, armor, attack and weak point, ranked by how much trouble it causes, plus bosses.
By Zara Chen8 min read
FeatureAway From Life
Away From Life Early Access: Mixed Reviews Explained
Away From Life Early Access remains Mixed at 66% from 213 reviews. This September 2026 update checks price, raft and island content, and the late-2026 plan.
By Zara Chen7 min read
GuidePratfall
Pratfall Tips: 3 Biomes, 30+ Items, and the Catch Mechanic
Pratfall tips for a co-op cave survival game: $7.99, 130k copies sold, 90% positive. All 3 biomes, 30+ items listed, and the catch mechanic explained.
By Zara Chen9 min read
FeatureWindrose
Windrose Ashlands: Release Window and Confirmed Plans
Windrose Ashlands release date: no exact day, but the official trailer says this winter. What Kraken Express has confirmed for the biome and how to prepare.
By Zara Chen12 min read