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
FeatureThe House Always Wins
The House Always Wins: A Dice Roguelike Deckbuilder Demo
The House Always Wins demo is free on Steam now. Roll dice to empower cards, chase Exacties, and build Relic Combos across 4 casino-themed universes.
By Zara Chen7 min read
GuideSamgood Chronicles
Samgood Chronicles DragonFall Beginner Guide: 7 Classes
Samgood Chronicles DragonFall beginner guide: all 7 confirmed classes, party building tips, and how the dice-gambling minigame actually works.
By Zara Chen9 min read
ReviewDave the Diver
Dave the Diver In the Jungle Review: Worth It? (2026)
Dave the Diver In the Jungle review: a sequel-sized expansion critics love, but players split over its village clock, crossovers and minigames.
By Zara Chen8 min read
NewsSolasta 2
Solasta II Multiplayer: Update 1 Warlock and Co-op Live
Solasta II multiplayer is live with Update 1, Warlock, two subclasses, 4-player co-op, 30 World Events, and new customization. See the full breakdown.
By Zara Chen7 min read
ReviewBlood Of Dawnwalker
Blood of Dawnwalker Review: 1M Copies, Day One Bugs
Blood of Dawnwalker review: Very Positive on Steam, 1M+ copies sold in 2 days, launch stutter patched through 1.0.5, and a time mechanic that splits players
By Zara Chen9 min read
GuideMewgenics
Mewgenics Tier List: All 14 Classes Ranked S-F (2026)
Mewgenics tier list: Hunter is the top community pick, Collarless the worst. All 14 classes ranked from 552 votes, with the real disagreement flagged.
By Zara Chen13 min read
GuideTainted Grail Fall of Avalon
Tainted Grail Achievements: All 65 Unlocks Explained
Tainted Grail achievements guide: all 65 confirmed via Steam, grouped by leveling, crafting, and Sanctuary of Sarras story unlocks explained honestly.
By Zara Chen10 min read
NewsCombolands
Combolands Roguelike Citybuilder Launches August 24
Combolands Roguelike Citybuilder launches August 24 on Steam, built by Terra Nil's designer. How the guild combo system and 120+ buildings work.
By Zara Chen7 min read
ReviewMortal Shell II
Mortal Shell II Review: Great Combat, Rough Second Half
Mortal Shell II review after the October hotfix: Shell-and-Seal combat, Adaptive Difficulty and a respec item, plus the endgame bosses players dislike.
By Zara Chen8 min read
NewsRiftstorm
RIFTSTORM Roadmap: All 4 Early Access Contingencies
RIFTSTORM roadmap runs through 2028 across four named Contingencies. What's confirmed for each phase, and why the studio's week one patches back it up.
By Zara Chen10 min read
GuideDave the Diver
Dave the Diver Insectagram Guide: All 37 Species (2026)
Dave the Diver Insectagram guide: 37 confirmed species, not the 30 most guides cite. The Bug Net, beetle battle types, and the August jelly patch covered.
By Zara Chen15 min read
FeatureBrigador Killers
Brigador Killers Early Access: Price, Roadmap and Mechanics
Brigador Killers Early Access is live at $24.99, sequel to 2016 cult classic Brigador. Confirmed mechanics, bundles, and the EA roadmap detail so far.
By Zara Chen10 min read