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  1. Borderlands 4 for the Switch 2 Is Now Up for Preorder on Amazon

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:13:25 -0000

    Releasing on October 3.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/switch-2-borderlands-4-1753992113134.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Borderlands 4 has been <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/borderlands-4-where-to-buy">available to preorder since June</a>, but only for PS5, Xbox, and PC gamers. We knew that the new game would be coming to the Switch 2, but it wasn&#39;t until recently that we <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/borderlands-4-will-launch-on-nintendo-switch-2-on-october-3">finally got a release date</a>. The Switch 2 version of Borderlands 4 is set to arrive on October 3, almost a full month after its console and PC release. And as of today, you can now preorder your copy for $70.</p><h2>Preorder Borderlands 4 for Nintendo Switch 2</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="48ada6cd-ff27-4739-b7b0-2cf5e7d895e0" data-id="226235"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="48ada6cd-ff27-4739-b7b0-2cf5e7d895e0" data-id="226235" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><p>As of right now, it looks like the standard edition of Borderlands 4 is the only version available to preorder on Amazon and GameStop. Both the console and PC currently have Super Deluxe Editions available for preorder that include additional content and fancy packaging. It&#39;s unclear at this time if the Switch 2 will get a physical release of the Super Deluxe Edition as well, but we&#39;ll update this page with any new information as soon as we have it.</p><p>That being said, the Super Deluxe edition <em>is</em> available to preorder <a href="https://zdcs.link/z62v5d">directly from the Nintendo eShop</a>. So if you want the benefits of that version without the actual physical copy of the game, that&#39;s one way to do it.</p><h3>Preorder Bonuses</h3><p>Although this is the standard edition of the game, preordering does come with a few bonuses when you buy from Amazon. Alongside the base game, you&#39;ll also get the Gilded Glory Pack. This features a Vault Hunter skin, a weapon skin, and an Echo-4 drone skin. You can see more <a href="https://newsroom.2k.com/resources/borderlands-4-gilded-glory-pack">details about the pack from the 2K website</a>.</p><aside><p><strong>Editor&#39;s Note</strong>: Like some other Switch 2 games, this physical edition is a <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-confirms-some-switch-2-game-cards-will-only-include-a-download-key">game-key card</a>. Which means it looks like a Switch 2 cartridge, but doesn&#39;t actually contain the game on it.</p><section data-transform="image-with-caption" data-image-url="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/81av15z8bil-sl1500-1-1753992998170.jpg" data-image-title="undefined" data-image-class="article-image-full-size" data-image-link="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/81av15z8bil-sl1500-1-1753992998170.jpg" data-caption="Full%20game%20download%20required" /></section></aside><h2>What Is Amazon&#39;s Preorder Price Guarantee?</h2><p>If you&#39;ve never actually preordered anything from Amazon before, it&#39;s worth noting that if you purchase this art book ahead of the release date, it includes Amazon&#39;s preorder price guarantee. According to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G4BRP7LCB9DSDNCR">Amazon&#39;s own help page</a>, this means that if the price decreases between now and when the item ships, you&#39;ll pay the lowest price. So in this case, if any of these editions of the game get a discount before they actually start shipping then you&#39;ll pay whatever it dropped to rather than the full price.</p><p>Although not every preorder gets discounted, physical editions of games especially seem to rarely drop in price compared to other product categories before they actually release. That is especially true for popular Nintendo Switch games, which rarely receive discounts of any kind even after release.</p><p></p></section></section>
  2. Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games: Release Dates for 2025 and Beyond

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:03:00 -0000

    Counting down the final games on the original Switch.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/08/25/where-to-buy-a-switch-before-christmas-ign-1724596939452.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>The Nintendo Switch is going out in a blaze of glory, with some exciting games launching to make way for the console&#39;s successor: the now <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-review">officially released Switch 2</a>. Whether they’re exclusively developed for the Switch or ported over from other platforms, these upcoming Switch games will likely wrap up the Switch era while also being compatible with the Switch 2. </p><p>In the second half of 2025, we&#39;ll hopefully be getting our hands on well-known in-development titles as well as a host of new games announced at the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced">most recent Nintendo Direct</a>. Here are all of the new Switch games we can look forward to this year. </p><aside><p><em>If you managed to secure a Switch 2, you might be more interested in our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/every-nintendo-switch-2-launch-game-you-can-buy-right-now"><em>list of Switch 2 games</em></a><em>, including </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/new-nintendo-switch-2-games-july-2025"><em>what games launched in July</em></a><em>. </em></p></aside><h2>All Upcoming Switch Games With Release Dates</h2><h3>Gradius Origins (August 7, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="gradius-origins-official-announcement-trailer-nintendo-direct-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>Gradius Origins collects some of M2&#39;s finest shoot &#39;em up games, including Gradius, Salamander, Life Force, Gradius II, Gradius III, Salamander 2, and introduces a new game, Salamander 3, the first new entry over a decade. Originally released as an arcade game, Gradius has been ported to several consoles over the years, including the NES. </p><h3><strong>Iwakura Aria </strong>(August 14, 2025)</h3><p>A new visual novel from MAGES set in post-war Japan. The story follows a young girl who gets wrapped up in another world after becoming a maid at the mysterious Iwakura household. </p><h3><strong>Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1 (August 24, 2025)</strong></h3><p>A collection of Toaplan’s greatest shoot em’ up hits from the 80s and 90s. It includes eight games total: Flying Shark, Fire Shark, Tiger Heli, Twin Cobra / Kyukoku Tiger, Out Zone, Fix Eight, Batsugun, and Dogyuun. </p><h3>Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (August 27, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="story-of-seasons-grand-bazaar-official-trailer-nintendo-direct-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>The latest Story of Seasons remaster was a surprising one. <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/story-of-seasons-grand-bazaar">Grand Bazaar</a> (originally on the DS) takes place in Zephyr Town, where you build a farm, explore for resources, and craft products you can sell in the titular weekly Bazaar. The Switch version of the game remasters the original character models and also introduces two new marriage candidates. </p><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="9ccf2eb6-fcc0-4889-81dc-26ead349192e" data-id="218395"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="9ccf2eb6-fcc0-4889-81dc-26ead349192e" data-id="218395" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p></p><h3>SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance (August 29, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="shinobi-art-of-vengeance-official-demo-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>From the team behind Streets of Rage 4, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/shinobi-art-of-vengeance-is-2d-action-done-right-the-final-preview">SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance</a> is a 2D action platformer featuring a pretty sleek art style that almost looks hand-drawn. </p><h3><strong>Shuten Order (September 5, 2025)</strong></h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="shuten-order-official-announcement-trailer" data-loop=""></section><p>Hunt down your own murderer in this stylish stealth action game. Shuten Order features five different “routes,” each with their own unique mechanics, that you must beat to reveal the truth. </p><h3>Sonic Racing: Crossworlds (September 25, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="sonic-racing-crossworlds-official-kids-choice-awards-trailer" data-loop=""></section><p></p><p>Sonic&#39;s back, and he&#39;s bringing some friends along for the ride. <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-racing-crossworlds-hands-on-preview">Sonic Racing: Crossworlds</a> seems to be an ultimate crossover game, blending chaotic kart racing mechanics with a pretty insane <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-racing-crossworlds-reveals-nickelodeon-collaboration-that-adds-spongebob-squarepants-avatar-and-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-guest-characters">slate of characters</a>. Look forward to vehicle customization and a variety of environments across each track (and universe). </p></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="9ccf2eb6-fcc0-4889-81dc-26ead349192e" data-id="223691"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="9ccf2eb6-fcc0-4889-81dc-26ead349192e" data-id="223691" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><h3>NBA Bounce (September 26, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="nba-bounce-official-gameplay-reveal-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>A slightly cuter alternative to the annual 2K releases, <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/nba-bounce">NBA Bounce</a> lets you join one of 30 NBA teams and work your way up from rookie to legend on the court. </p><h3>Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac (September 26, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="pac-man-world-2-re-pac-official-reveal-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>Coming off the heels of <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/shadow-labyrinth-review">Shadow Labyrinth&#39;s edgier take</a> on the Pac-Man franchise, we&#39;re going back to basics. Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac introduces enhanced graphics, expanded levels, and tons of quality of life improvements to the action platformer that <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/pac-man-world-2">originally released in 2002</a>. </p><h3>Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles (September 30, 2025)</h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="final-fantasy-tactics-the-ivalice-chronicles-story-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase" data-loop=""></section><p></p><p>The next <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-final-fantasy-games-on-nintendo-switch-in-order">Final Fantasy (adjacent) game to arrive on Switch</a>, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles tells the story of a noble boy and his childhood friend who become entwined in the series&#39; classic civil conflict: The War of the Lions. The game features over 20 jobs to try out, including plenty of Final Fantasy classics, and quality of life improvements like an autosave feature. </p><h3>Pokémon Legends: Z-A (October 16, 2025)</h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="pokemon-legends-z-a-official-pre-order-trailer" data-loop=""></section><p>One of the most anticipated Nintendo releases is the next mainline Pokemon game, which comes after a rare &quot;skip&quot; year in the franchise. <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/pokemon-legends-z-a">Pokémon Legends: Z-A</a> is set in Lumiose City, a town within the Kalos region that features &quot;Wild Zones&quot; for catching new Pokémon. Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile are your starter options, and while they may be familiar faces, expect battles to be a little more... <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-legends-z-a-gets-new-trailer-showing-pokemon-on-roofs-late-night-trainer-battles">dynamic</a>. </p></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="9ccf2eb6-fcc0-4889-81dc-26ead349192e" data-id="223681"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="9ccf2eb6-fcc0-4889-81dc-26ead349192e" data-id="223681" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><h3>Plants vs. Zombies Replanted (October 23, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="plants-vs-zombies-replanted-official-announce-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>You read that right. Plants vs. Zombies is back with a new game <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/plants-vs-zombies-replanted-is-a-new-anchor-for-the-franchise-popcap-says-and-a-chance-to-reacknowledge-the-series-roots">PopCap describes</a> as a &quot;chance to reacknowledge the series&#39; roots.&quot; With new HD character models and a multiplayer feature, I think this one&#39;s well worth checking out for anyone who enjoyed (or, in my case, got slightly addicted to) the original garden defense game. </p><h3>Goodnight Universe (November 11, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="goodnight-universe-official-teaser-trailer" data-loop=""></section><p></p><p>Goodnight Universe puts you in the position of being a six-month-old baby with psychic powers. I know, living the dream. While all you want is your parents&#39; love, a tech corporation has other plans. </p><h3>Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero (November 14, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="dragon-ball-sparking-zero-official-nintendo-switch-2-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase" data-loop=""></section><p>I don&#39;t know how the Switch will handle this one, but last year&#39;s anime fighting game <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-review">Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero</a> is theoretically making it&#39;s way to both the OG and Switch 2 consoles this November. Play out scenes from the original TV show or create your own scenarios with epic battles and iconic characters. </p><h3>Octopath Traveler 0 (December 4, 2025) </h3><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="octopath-traveler-0-official-reveal-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>The &quot;final announcement&quot; from the most recent Nintendo Direct was a <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/square-enix-announces-octopath-traveler-0-for-nintendo-switch-and-switch-2">new Octopath Traveler game from Square Enix</a>. For the first time in the series, you&#39;ll be able to customize your own character, who is tasked with rebuilding the town of Wishvale while also seeking vengeance against its destroyers. Of course, you&#39;ll have plenty of party members to recruit for help. </p><h2>Upcoming Switch Games With Unknown Release Dates</h2><p>There are plenty more Nintendo Switch games in development that don’t have a solid release date yet. Here are some more Switch games we know are on the way:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-the-1st">The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Remake</a> - Fall 2025</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/metroid-prime-4-beyond">Metroid Prime 4: Beyond</a> – 2025</li><li><a href="https://nordic.ign.com/shovel-knight-shovel-of-hope-dx">Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX</a> - 2025</li><li><strong></strong><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/professor-layton-and-the-new-world-of-steam">Professor Layton and the New World of Steam</a> – 2025</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/everybodys-golf-hot-shots">Everybody&#39;s Golf: Hot Shots</a> - 2025 </li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/witchbrook">Witchbrook</a> - Holiday 2025</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/the-eternal-life-of-goldman">The Eternal Life of Goldman</a> - Holiday 2025 </li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/marvel-cosmic-invasion">Marvel Cosmic Invasion</a> - Holiday 2025</li><li><strong></strong><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/hollow-knight-silksong-release-date-gameplay-trailer-news">Hollow Knight: Silksong</a> – 2025</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/rhythm-heaven-groove">Rhythm Heaven Groove</a> - 2026 </li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/tomodachi-life-living-the-dream">Tamadotchi Life: Living the Dream</a> - 2026 </li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/the-adventures-of-elliot-the-millennium-tales">The Adventures of Elliot: The Millenium Tales</a> - 2026 </li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/haunted-chocolatier">Haunted Chocolatier</a> - TBA</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/hades-ii">Hades 2</a> - TBA</li></ul><h2>What About Switch 2 Games?</h2><p>Most upcoming Switch games will be supported on the Switch 2, but we&#39;re already seeing announcements of Switch 2-exclusive games. You can check out our <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/nintendo-switch-2/Switch_2_Games_List_-_Release_Date,_Price,_and_Exclusives">full guide on Switch 2 games</a>, but in the meantime, here&#39;s a quick look at what you have to look forward to on the new console: </p><ul><li><strong>EA Madden NFL 26 </strong>- August 14, 2025 </li><li><strong>Drag x Drive</strong> - Summer 2025</li><li><strong>Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion</strong> - September 5, 2025 </li><li><strong>Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment</strong> - Winter 2025 </li><li><strong>Kirby Air Riders</strong> - TBA 2025 </li><li><strong>Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition </strong>- TBA 2025</li><li><strong>Reanimal </strong>- TBA 2025<strong> </strong></li><li><strong>The Duskbloods </strong>- 2026</li></ul><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="nintendo-switch-2-official-launch-trailer" data-loop=""></section><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. She has contributed her work to various publications, including Digital Trends, TheGamer, Twinfinite, Mega Visions, and The Escapist. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.</em></p></section></section>
  3. Battlefield 6 Feels Like a Safe, Explosive Return to the Shooter’s Past

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:59:14 -0000

    Battlefield 6 casts its eyes back to the series' best years, but is this resurrection of past glories actually exciting?
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/battlefield-6-blogroll-1753991683153.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Considering we’re living through a period where it feels like every other game is a remake, remaster, or throwback of some sort, perhaps I should be less surprised that Battlefield 6 feels a lot like Battlefields 3 and 4. They were, of course, the glory years for EA and DICE’s large-scale multiplayer shooter – excellent maps, engaging objective-based modes, spectacular destruction, and the all-important class system. It seems like Battlefield 6 replicates all of that, at least as far as I can tell after having played two hours and change of the new, contemporary-set FPS across a number of maps and modes. That is a good thing, of course, especially since recent Battlefield history has been a bit of a rocky ride. But is this resurrection of past glories actually <em>exciting</em>? In the moment, absolutely. But on a grander scale? That’s a more difficult question. </p><p>Those exciting moments are often the result of the well-defined class system, which returns in a comfortingly familiar guise following Battlefield 2042’s missteps with its hero shooter-like Specialists. The Assault class can use their grenade launcher to breach through walls and then turn the startled soldiers who once huddled behind it into swiss cheese. The Engineer is the vital cog in a tank battle, using their acetylene torch to repair friendly armour and keep the cannon fire rolling, even as an entire building collapses around them. The Support is the squad’s literal lifeline, diving onto the objective with bags of spare ammo and soldier-reviving defibrillators at the ready. And finally there’s the Recon, the tactitician who marks enemies for all to see before scoring a hattrick of headshots with a sniper rifle.</p><p>There’s nothing revolutionary about these classes, but they are much clearer in their parameters than they have been in the past. You won’t find the team’s dedicated infantry killer fulfilling anti-tank or medic duties, for instance, as the Assault has been forced to do in the likes of Battlefields 4 and 5. But as clean and traditional as these roles are, there is a minor shake-up. Like Battlefield 2042, any class can use any weapon, but now each role has a “signature” specialism designed to encourage you into the specific loadouts of yesteryear. For example, the Recon is able to hold their breath while aiming sniper rifles, making them the clear choice for long-range engagements, while the Engineer benefits from improved hip-fire control when using SMGs. As someone who would score a low-end grade in a sniper exam, this means I can play Recon while swinging around an assault rifle or LMG, which fully opens up the class roster. But I can’t help but wonder why I should brute-force my way into playing Recon when I could find my specialism elsewhere. Isn’t that what class play is all about? </p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="battlefield-6-multiplayer-gameplay-full-conquest-match-on-siege-of-cairo" data-loop=""></section><p>The odd, freeform elements of 2042’s weapon system saw their fair share of criticism, and I agree that tighter restrictions would have been of benefit both there and here in Battlefield 6, especially since there’s real strength in the design of the prescribed specialist gadgets for each class. The Support’s deployable cover is a solid example – it’s great for hiding behind while resurrecting fallen squaddies, provides a safe space for allies to restock on the ammunition bags you can drop, and acts as a surface to mount the LMG that the class specialises in. In short, the components of each kit can harmonise wonderfully, and I think the interesting choice is finding which class kit provides the best melody for your playstyle, rather than adjusting the individual notes within that.</p><p>Ultimately the weapons system is a small wrinkle in a very familiar package, and that applies to basically all the new ideas present in Battlefield 6’s demo. A new movement system (ridiculously dubbed the “Kinesthetic Combat System”) promises smoother leaning around corners, bracing against cover to reduce recoil, combat rolls as you land from high jumps, and several other improvements, but I can’t say I found these valuable additions – especially the contextual lean, which rarely seemed to activate. Like the omnidirectional movement in last year’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, I wonder how much genuine impact this will have on the experience of regular players. The one addition that I do love is the ability to grab a fallen soldier by the scruff of their neck and drag them to safety before reviving them. It’s a useful ability that everyone has access to (which admittedly does infringe on the Support’s duties, but it’s far from the instant revive of the defibrillator.) More importantly, it’s something that creates a “moment” – there’s few things more heroic than dragging a buddy to cover while machine gun fire kicks up dust around you. If all the small additions add up to something that feels as good as that, then maybe Battlefield 6 will develop a more distinct character in time. </p><section data-transform="quoteBox">This is a series that needed to find secure footing after a couple of wobbly outings, and it certainly feels like this new iteration is standing on reinforced concrete. </section><p>But what about the battlefields themselves? The series has always had to find its own formula when it comes to level geography, simply because the classic three-lane design doesn’t work for 64-player chaos. Thankfully that rule still applies, which means Battlefield still feels unlike any other shooter out there. The flagship Conquest maps retain that almost open-world feel – much more expansive than Call of Duty arenas, with an eye for real-world authenticity. City streets feel like genuine (albeit thankfully evacuated) population centres, and buildings are realistically laid-out with coherent stairwells and floorplans. The designer’s hand <em>can </em>be felt when you realise that there are maps nested within maps, but they leave a good impression. The broad edges of Empire State replicates the wide, tank-friendly streets of New York City, but push further into the centre and there’s rabbit warren-like alleys and a large concrete multi-storey building that’s perfect for claustrophobic, close-quarters fighting. </p><p>One or two matches simply isn’t enough time to understand the nuances of a map, and so I can’t say where exactly the few on offer would rank among the all-time greats. But Liberation Peak, set along the slopes of the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan, provides the ideal amount of wide, rocky terrain for land vs air battles alongside pocketed military bases that give birth to desperate infantry fights, while Siege of Cairo has the dense street networks ideal for luring tanks into RPG ambushes. With no demolition centrepieces there’s nothing that instantly becomes a map’s signature element, but I hope that continued play will reveal carefully-placed details in each street, room, and capture point. </p><p>Talking of demolition, Battlefield’s trademark chaos remains very much in-tact. It is somewhat restrained in comparison to the map-shifting “levolution” system that powered Battlefield 6’s most obvious touchstones, but the alternative is much more useful in the minute-to-minute play. Entire building facades crumble away under cannon fire, opening up buildings like sardine cans to reveal the fleshy fiends hiding within. You can breach floors, allowing for Rainbow Six Siege-like downward assaults… or simply blow the support from beneath a pesky sniper. This late into Battlefield’s lifespan it’s hard to be truly excited about all this – this is the series’ schtick and likely always will be now – but it’s nonetheless impressive. As much as it is a technical feat to be boasted about alongside the most photo-realistic graphics in the series’ lifetime, it’s also a foundational tool that makes Battlefield its own distinct beast.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="battlefield-6-multiplayer-gameplay-full-squad-deathmatch-on-empire-state" data-loop=""></section><p>If it seems odd that we’ve reached this far into the preview without mentioning the multiplayer modes – you know, the things you actually <em>play </em>– then it’s only because they almost blend into the background among the explosions and squad roles. The hands-on session provided matches of Conquest, Breakthrough, and Squad Deathmatch, and they’re exactly as Battlefield tradition dictates. Personal preference naturally applies, but at least from my perspective it’s the classic story of the objective-focussed modes reigning supreme and the smaller-scale, kill-everything-in-sight games still feeling like a square peg in Battlefield’s round hole. It’s not that they’re a bad time, it’s just that the “Battlefield Moments” EA likes to shout about seem to only happen when you’re desperately holding down Point C during a close game of Conquest, or pushing tooth-and-nail through the fiercest defence in Breakthrough. </p><p>As part of what seems like a project attempting to recapture the glory days of Battlefields 3 and 4, I don’t hold any grudge against these modes feeling like business as usual. This is a series that needed to find secure footing after a couple of wobbly outings, and it certainly feels like this new iteration is standing on reinforced concrete. But I can’t help but feel that those old, faithful objectives could have been freshened up a little, perhaps with unconventional capture point designs or equipment used specifically for objectives. Perhaps new thrills lie in the new Escalation mode, which was unavailable to sample at my hands-on demo, although considering the official description provided to press claims that it “sees two teams fight to capture strategic control points,” I’m not expecting it to add too much extra fizz to the established formula. </p><p>When <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/battlefield-6-suffers-significant-leaks-ahead-of-official-multiplayer-reveal">Battlefield 6’s open betas go live across a couple of weekends in August</a>, I expect there will be a lot of fans who will be relieved to find a package that largely seems focussed on returning Battlefield to its peak years. And I can’t deny that the modern combat aesthetic, equipment, and classes speak to me in a way that the series’ near-future and pseudo-historical guns never could. I had a good time. More than a decade after Battlefields 3 and 4, though, it doesn’t fill me with the same sense of adrenaline it once did. But nostalgia’s still a hell of a drug, and maybe that’s just what the medic ordered.</p><p>Do you have any questions about Battlefield 6? Tell us what you want to know in the comments, and we’ll do a follow-up soon to bring you as many answers as we can.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Matt Purslow is IGN&#39;s Senior Features Editor. </em></p></section>
  4. How to Play the Monster Hunter Games in Order

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:19:00 -0000

    Which Monster Hunter game should you play first?
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/09/24/monsterhunterwilds-blogroll-1727217021334.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>A year removed from its 20th anniversary, Capcom’s monster-hunting franchise returns in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. The prolific series has lived through several generations of home and portable consoles, reaching new peaks with 2018’s Monster Hunter World and 2021’s Monster Hunter Rise — the series’ best-selling games to date and <a href="https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/million.html"><u>Capcom’s two best-selling games</u></a> of all time.</p><p>With Monster Hunter Wilds now available and a <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/monster-hunter-stories-3-twisted-reflection-is-flying-toward-nintendo-switch-2-next-year">new Monster Hunter Stories on the way</a>, we’re looking back on the franchise&#39;s history with a list of the series’ most important games, ordered chronologically by release date.</p><h2>How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?</h2><p><strong>There are upwards of 25 Monster Hunter games</strong> when considering all base games, spinoffs, mobile entries, and enhanced versions. <strong>However, for this list, we&#39;ve compiled the 13 most relevant Monster Hunter games</strong>. Our list excludes mobile- and arcade-exclusive games (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, etc.); previously shuttered MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online); and the FromSoftware-developed, Japan-exclusive, Animal Crossing-like game <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/monhan-nikki-poka-poka-airuu-mura-dx"><u>Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village</u></a>.</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="every-ign-monster-hunter-review" data-value="every-ign-monster-hunter-review" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><h3>Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?</h3><p>There is no continuous story throughout the Monster Hunter franchise, so you can take your pick of which game to start with. If you’re jumping into the world of Monster Hunter in 2025, early reviews suggest it&#39;s well worth picking up the franchise&#39;s newest release, Monster Hunter Wilds. Otherwise, we recommend Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise. World should appeal more to those who value exploration and immersion; Rise is better suited for those who put a higher value on speed and fluidity.</p><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="36c89dee-81d0-4ec4-b248-d633160a4723" data-id="207882"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="36c89dee-81d0-4ec4-b248-d633160a4723" data-id="207882" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p></p><h2>Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order</h2><h3>Monster Hunter (2004)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mh1-1738272378254.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mh1-1738272378254.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Monster Hunter, alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, was developed as part of a three-game plan to explore the market potential of the PS2’s online network, Capcom’s Ryozo Tsujimoto told <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/as-monster-hunter-turns-10-can-capcom-finally-make-the-west-listen"><u>Eurogamer</u></a> in 2014.</p><p>The first <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/20/monster-hunter"><u>Monster Hunter</u></a> laid the foundation for the franchise, introducing many of the series’ defining systems. Players, on their own or with others online, are given quests to hunt monsters, after which they use materials harvested from the world and the monster’s remains to craft and upgrade weapons and armor before embarking to fight, well, stronger monsters. </p><p>An expanded version called Monster Hunter G was released exclusively in Japan the following year.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="127270c8-a875-49cb-8b57-3875f0ebed52"></section><h3>Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhfreedom-1738272378256.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhfreedom-1738272378256.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>The series found its home on portable consoles in 2005 with <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/31/monster-hunter-freedom"><u>Monster Hunter Freedom</u></a>, an enhanced port of Monster Hunter G tuned for single-player play on the PSP. This first portable entry in the franchise sold over a million copies, according to Capcom, beginning a trend in which Monster Hunter’s portable versions handily outsold its home console counterparts — a trend that held until the breakout success of Monster Hunter World in 2018.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="1eeb374b-286c-4f8f-b6d7-6fc12fea1817"></section><h3>Monster Hunter 2 (2006)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mh2-1738272378255.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mh2-1738272378255.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Capcom returned to home console for the series’ second proper entry, Monster Hunter 2 (aka Monster Hunter Dos). It was released exclusively in Japan for PS2. Monster Hunter 2 introduced a day-night cycle and gems, further enhancing your opportunities for weapons and armor customization.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="cfcfea31-86f0-482d-b8de-fa7263684e12"></section><h3>Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhfreedom2-1738272378256.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhfreedom2-1738272378256.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>The second handheld game in the series, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/29/monster-hunter-freedom-2-review"><u>Monster Hunter Freedom 2</u></a> again took the core of its home console counterpart (MH2) and built upon it with new content and a single-player focus. The game was expanded further in 2008’s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/22/monster-hunter-freedom-unite-review"><u>Monster Hunter Freedom Unite</u></a>, which added new monsters, missions, maps, and the ability to have a Felyne fighter join the player in battle.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="667f376a-ab79-4e12-8b52-e6b676e54062"></section><h3>Monster Hunter 3 (2009)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mh3-1738272378255.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mh3-1738272378255.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/04/14/monster-hunter-tri-review"><u>Monster Hunter 3</u></a> (aka Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, before being released internationally in 2010. The third mainline MH game was initially in development for the PS3, though it would eventually be released as a Wii exclusive. In addition to new monsters, weapons, and locations, Monster Hunter 3 introduced the series’ short-lived underwater combat.</p><p>It later came to Wii U and 3DS as <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/18/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-review"><u>Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate</u></a> with new monsters, a reworked single-player experience, updated graphics, and a new multiplayer area.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="d78bd4ea-e4a2-4f86-a7b8-e02b22b6ce47"></section><h3>Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhportable3-1738272378257.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhportable3-1738272378257.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Like the two mainline entries before it, Monster Hunter 3 was tweaked and ported to PSP as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd. Unlike the two portable versions before it, this game also got a console release on PS3 as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver.</p><p>Despite never being released in the West, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd is the best-selling game among Capcom’s handheld-exclusive Monster Hunters with 4.9 million copies sold.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="c2120b20-4e76-4581-99e3-1238a1205979"></section><h3>Monster Hunter 4 (2013)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mh4-1738272378256.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mh4-1738272378256.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Monster Hunter 4 was originally released exclusively for 3DS, exclusively in Japan. Only the enhanced edition, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/10/monster-hunter-4-ultimate-review"><u>Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate</u></a> (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan), was released globally as a launch game for New Nintendo 3DS. This generation of Monster Hunter games most notably improved traversal by pairing increased verticality with more fluid player movement. It also improved the single-player experience with a deeper story and more NPCs.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="84e7ee08-71e3-4b62-8532-9a51ddbd7514"></section><h3>Monster Hunter Generations (2015)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhgens-1738272378257.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhgens-1738272378257.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Capcom followed up MH4 with <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/12/monster-hunter-generations-review"><u>Monster Hunter Generations</u></a> (Monster Hunter X in Japan), another installment released exclusively for 3DS. Generations had, as our review stated, “the appeal of a greatest hits album,” blending old and (at the time) new mechanics from the series’ then-10-year history. Most notably, Generations featured new wrinkles to customization and combat through Hunting Styles and Arts.</p><p>Generations later received an enhanced edition, known as Monster Hunter Generations XX in Japan and <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/28/monster-hunter-generations-ultimate-review"><u>Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate</u></a> internationally. It was the first Monster Hunter game released on Nintendo Switch.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="60d4c797-a6cf-45a4-95bd-5a78e93dff55"></section><h3>Monster Hunter Stories (2016)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhstories-1738272378258.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhstories-1738272378258.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/08/monster-hunter-stories-review"><u>Monster Hunter Stories</u></a> is a spinoff that takes the action series into the world of RPGs. True to the genre, Stories trades in the real-time action of the mainline games for a turn-based combat system and puts more emphasis on story and exploration.</p><p>It was originally released for 3DS, though it’s since come to PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="4596f6e7-2e30-47c1-a5eb-c20cf43c3328"></section><h3>Monster Hunter World (2018)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhworld-1738272378259.jpeg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhworld-1738272378259.jpeg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/25/monster-hunter-world-review"><u>Monster Hunter World</u></a> is, to date, the series’ high point from both a critical and commercial perspective. With 27 million copies sold, it’s the series’ (and Capcom’s) best-selling game, and with a <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/monster-hunter-world/"><u>Metascore</u></a> of 90, it’s also the series’ best-reviewed game.</p><p>With World, Capcom moved the primary development of Monster Hunter back to home consoles, specifically PS4 and Xbox One. For the first time, it made a concerted effort to reach a wider Western audience by moving to a more seamless open-world design, reducing the learning curve of the series’ intricate systems, fully supporting online play with global servers, and releasing simultaneously across all regions.</p><p>A massive expansion, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/09/04/monster-hunter-world-iceborne-review"><u>Monster Hunter World: Iceborne</u></a>, was released the following year. Similar to the Ultimate versions of past games, Iceborne added new monsters and mechanics to the base game, as well as an all-new story that rivals the size of the campaign in World.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="c58be371-b00c-42d9-90fa-3f7925559621"></section><h3>Monster Hunter Rise (2021)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhrise-1738272378257.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhrise-1738272378257.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/monster-hunter-rise-review"><u>Monster Hunter Rise</u></a> is the series’ second best-performing game, ranking only behind World in terms of sales and Metascore. As the subtitle ‘World’ denotes the previous game’s more global approach, ‘Rise’ indicates a greater focus on verticality, a design decision supported by the introduction of the Wirebug, a new mechanic that enabled wall-climbing and overall more fluid traversal.</p><p>Rise builds off of the previous Switch entry, Generations Ultimate, as much as it does World, given World and Rise were, for a time, being developed in tandem. As stated in our review, “much of the streamlining World did has been carried forward” in Rise, while “other things like separate Village and Hub questlines for single- and multiplayer and the ability to tweak a weapon’s playstyle a bit return from older Monster Hunter games.”</p><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/monster-hunter-rise-sunbreak-review"><u>Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak</u></a> was released the following year. The expansion includes a new storyline, monsters, and locations.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="86e511f7-600c-4af5-90f2-8048541aec4b"></section><h3>Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhstories2-1738272378258.jpeg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhstories2-1738272378258.jpeg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Capcom followed Rise with <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/monster-hunter-stories-2-wings-of-ruin-review"><u>Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin</u></a>, a sequel to the 2016 RPG. Co-developed by Marvelous Inc. (Story of Seasons), Wings of Ruin leans into tried-and-true JRPG systems like turn-based combat, character customization, and an emphasis on story. Stories 2 again lets you fight alongside monsters (aka Monsties) instead of strictly hunting them, creating a party system that should be familiar to anyone who’s played a Pokemon RPG.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="ed0e064b-9951-48eb-af1d-f8a41db91276"></section><h3>Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhwilds-1738272378258.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/30/mhwilds-1738272378258.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Monster Hunter Wilds is the latest game in the series, released on February 28 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Wilds is a mainline Monster Hunter game that builds on the design principles of World and Rise. It boasts “dynamic, ever-changing environments” and the series’ “most evolved action and improved immersion,” according to Capcom.</p><p>As noted in <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/monster-hunter-wilds-review">IGN&#39;s review</a>, &quot;Monster Hunter Wilds continues to smooth off the traditionally rough edges of the series in smart ways, reducing as much friction as possible that could get in the way of you grabbing any of its exceptionally fun weapons and planting them firmly in a monster’s hide.&quot;</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="a3678790-d22f-4413-a5c4-e3e251a7ef39"></section><h2>Upcoming Monster Hunter Games</h2><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="monster-hunter-stories-3-twisted-reflection-official-announce-trailer-nintendo-direct-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>The newest addition to the franchise is the aforementioned Monster Hunter Wilds. In terms of future releases, Capcom is also working alongside TiMi Studio Group (Call of Duty Mobile, Pokemon Unite) on <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/monster-hunter-outlanders"><u>Monster Hunter Outlanders</u></a>, a free-to-play mobile game with multiplayer hunters and “a massive open world.” No release window has been announced.</p><p>At the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced">most recent Nintendo Direct</a>, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection was announced as an <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/monster-hunter-stories-3-twisted-reflection-is-flying-toward-nintendo-switch-2-next-year">upcoming game for the Nintendo Switch 2</a> as well as Xbox, PC, and PS5. The game, releasing in 2026, will follow the heir to Azuria and the princess of Vermeil as they work together to stop a &quot;crystal encroachment&quot; from destroying their nations. </p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Jordan covers games, shows, and movies as a freelance writer for IGN.</em></p></section></section>
  5. Once Upon a Katamari Brings First New Katamari Damacy Entry in 14 Years to PC and Consoles This October

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:37:55 -0000

    Once Upon a Katamari is the first new Katamari Damacy game in 14 years, and it's coming to PC and consoles this October.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/once-upon-a-katamari-1753975695684.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Bandai Namco will finally roll up another mainline Katamari game with <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/once-upon-a-katamari">Once Upon a Katamari</a> when it launches for PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S on its October 24, 2025, release date.</p><p>News about the first fresh Katamari game in 14 years arrived during today’s July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZoLrfLcIVg"><u>Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase</u></a>. It came with a full-on gameplay trailer, below, revealing the return of The King of All Cosmos and plenty of that classic Katamari, ball-rolling gameplay fans have come to love the series for. You can see it all — and catch some new music — in the Once Upon a Katamari gameplay trailer below.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="once-upon-a-katamari-official-reveal-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>As if there was ever any concern, players can expect Once Upon a Katamari to let them roll up the universe yet again when it launches this fall. It’ll be more than a carbon copy of the games it follows, though, with Bandai Namco announcing a planet-sized amount of new features to enjoy.</p><p>Included in the lineup of additions of customization options for the Prince and 68 available Cousins, as well as multiplayer support for up to four players. It’s chaos that will be backed by an all-new soundtrack to listen to as players roll throughout history and rebuild the sky.</p><p>“The King of All Cosmos and his family accidentally destroyed the Earth, the moon, and countless stars floating in the universe,” an official description from Nintendo says. “Travel through the Jurassic Period, Ice Age, historic Japan, and other eras to roll up objects with your trusty katamari and rebuild the starry sky. With all-new stages, a new soundtrack, character customization, a new four-player multiplayer mode that lets players compete online or battle CPU rivals offline and more, the quirky Katamari Damacy series returns when Once Upon A Katamari launches on Nintendo Switch October 24.”</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="once-upon-a-katamari-nintendo-direct-july-2025-screenshots" data-value="once-upon-a-katamari-nintendo-direct-july-2025-screenshots" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Once Upon a Katamari on Switch will be up for pre-order through the Nintendo eShop later today. Those with save data from Katamari Damacy REROLL or We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie will also be able to unlock a special playable Young King at launch. A proper Nintendo Switch 2 version has yet to be announced.</p><p>In the meantime, you can check out <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced">everything announced during today&#39;s July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase</a>.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He&#39;s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).</em></p></section>
  6. Every Legend of Zelda Game on the Nintendo Switch in 2025

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:31:00 -0000

    Every Zelda game you can check out on the Nintendo Switch, plus the new upgrades, games, and features coming to the Switch 2.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/01/29/zelda-games-on-switch-1706554892654.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>The Legend of Zelda is one of the most iconic video game series of all time. Starting on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, The Legend of Zelda follows various incarnations of Princess Zelda and Link as they fight to save Hyrule from the evil that is Ganon. While the series has always been popular, the Nintendo Switch has catapulted Zelda into one of Nintendo&#39;s best-selling properties with landmark titles in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.</p><p>Echoes of Wisdom released toward the end of the original Nintendo Switch&#39;s life cycle, but Nintendo has already revealed quite a bit about the next generation of adventures in Hyrule. Here&#39;s every Legend of Zelda game on the Nintendo Switch as well as <a href="#upcoming">new Zelda games</a> coming to the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-review">Switch 2</a>. </p><h2>How Many Zelda Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?</h2><p>In total, <strong>eight Zelda games have been released specifically for the Nintendo Switch</strong>. This includes both mainline entries and spinoff games that were released from 2017 to 2025. All of these Zelda games are playable on the Switch 2.</p><h2>All Zelda Switch Games in Order of Release Date</h2><h3>The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - 2017</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2020/10/26/01-tloz-botw-1603741775621.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2020/10/26/01-tloz-botw-1603741775621.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was the first Zelda title released for Nintendo Switch. Launching alongside the system, this title marked a turning point in the Zelda series, bringing a style of open world gameplay that we&#39;d never seen before. You can traverse to anywhere you can see in the world. Link awakes after a 100 year slumber, where he is tasked by the spirit of Hyrule&#39;s former King to save Princess Zelda from Calamity Ganon - a primal evil trapped inside Hyrule Castle.</p><p><em>Read our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/02/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-review"><em>review of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><section data-transform="commerce-deal" data-slug="zelda-breath-of-the-wild-switch" data-type="grid"></section></p><h3>Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition - 2018</h3><a href="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2018/03/09/switch-hyrulewarriorsdefinitiveedition-nd0308-scrn-06-1520554318585.jpg"><img src="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2018/03/09/switch-hyrulewarriorsdefinitiveedition-nd0308-scrn-06-1520554318585.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Hyrule Warriors is an action hack and slash title developed by Omega Force and originally released for the Wii U. Characters from all kinds of Zelda games make an appearance, whether as playable characters or villains. The game was brought over to Nintendo Switch in 2018 in the form of Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, and includes all characters, stages, and modes from the original game in addition to Breath of the Wild inspired costumes for Link and Zelda.</p><p><em>Read our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/16/hyrule-warriors-definitive-edition-review"><em>review of Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><section data-transform="commerce-deal" data-slug="hyrule-warriors-definitive-editon" data-type="grid"></section></p><h3>Cadence of Hyrule - 2019</h3><a href="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2019/03/20/ze-1553099644352.png"><img src="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2019/03/20/ze-1553099644352.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Cadence of Hyrule is an extremely unqiue collaboration between Brace Yourself Games and Nintendo. The game combines the roguelike rhythm gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the world of The Legend of Zelda and its characters. This spinoff offers an incredible soundtrack and beautiful pixelated graphics. Up against Octavo, a musical villain, Zelda and Link team up with Cadence to thwart his plans and save the Hyrule. </p><p><em>Read our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/18/cadence-of-hyrule-review"><em>review of Cadence of Hyrule</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><section data-transform="commerce-deal" data-slug="cadence-of-hyrule-switch" data-type="grid"></section></p><h3>The Legend of Zelda: Link&#39;s Awakening - 2019</h3><a href="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2019/09/20/links-awakening-1568999547330.jpg"><img src="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2019/09/20/links-awakening-1568999547330.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>The Legend of Zelda: Link&#39;s Awakening is a remake of 1993 <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-game-boy-games">Game Boy title</a> developed by Grezzo. This charming platformer sees Link castaway at Koholint Island, where he must solve the mystery of the Wind Fish, a legendary being said to be on the island. Unlike some of the more modern Zelda titles, Link&#39;s Awakening takes you across many different dungeons and areas to collect the Instruments of the Sirens. If you never got the chance to play the original Link&#39;s Awakening, this is the definitive way to experience one of the Zelda series&#39; most unique titles.</p><p><em>Read our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/09/19/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-review"><em>review of The Legend of Zelda: Link&#39;s Awakening</em></a><em>.</em></p><aside><p><p>Note: Link&#39;s Awakening will be getting a <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/transfer-guide/games-with-free-updates/">free update</a> to improve playability on the Switch 2</p></p></aside><p><section data-transform="commerce-deal" data-slug="the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-nsw" data-type="grid"></section></p><h3>Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - 2020</h3><a href="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2020/09/08/switch-hyrulewarriorsageofcalamity-screenshot-02-1599584239583.jpg"><img src="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2020/09/08/switch-hyrulewarriorsageofcalamity-screenshot-02-1599584239583.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>The second Switch entry in the Hyrule Warriors series, Age of Calamity is set 100 years before the events of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Here, you can experience firsthand the events that occured in the fight against Calamity Ganon. All of your favorite Breath of the Wild cahracters are here and playable, including Link, Zelda, the Champions, and so many more. Omega Force created a fun and expansive title, with two waves of DLC you can check out after completing the main story.</p><p><em>Read our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/hyrule-warriors-age-of-calamity-review"><em>review of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><section data-transform="commerce-deal" data-slug="hyrule-warriors-age-of-calamity-switch" data-type="grid"></section></p><h3>The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD - 2021</h3><a href="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2021/02/22/switch-zeldasshd-nd-feb-scrn07-1614036051513.jpg"><img src="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2021/02/22/switch-zeldasshd-nd-feb-scrn07-1614036051513.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is the long-awaited remaster of the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-wii-games">classic Wii game</a>. Set at the beginning of the Zelda timeline, Skyward Sword takes Link to the skies as he traverses across the world to save his childhood friend Zelda. You&#39;ll uncover the Master Sword was created as part of this journey, among other things. The remaster includes the iconic motion controls you can operate with the <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/nintendo-switch/Joy-Con_Controllers">Joy-Con</a> and a new button-only gameplay style for those looking to play without motion. </p><p><em>Read our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-hd-review"><em>review of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><section data-transform="commerce-deal" data-slug="the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-hd-nintendo-switch" data-type="grid"></section></p><h3>The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - 2023</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2023/12/14/totk-thumb-1702592817092.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2023/12/14/totk-thumb-1702592817092.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom hit the market in 2023, selling over 10 million copies in just three days as well as quite a few <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-special-edition-nintendo-switches-you-can-buy">special edition Switch consoles</a>. Set a few years after the events of Breath of the Wild, Link is tasked once again with finding Princess Zelda after Ganondorf is resurrected. Tears of the Kingdom takes to both the skies of Hyrule and the depths below the land. This creates one of the largest maps you&#39;ll find in any game, leaving for hundreds of hours of exploration to be had. All in all, it&#39;s the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-legend-of-zelda-games">best Zelda game of all time</a> and a hard one to follow.</p><p><em>Read our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-review"><em>review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><section data-transform="commerce-deal" data-slug="tears-of-the-kingdom-switch-list" data-type="grid"></section></p><h3>The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - 2024</h3><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/09/24/zeldaechoesofwisdom-blogroll-1727216523372.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/09/24/zeldaechoesofwisdom-blogroll-1727216523372.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>But, of course, Tears of the Kingdom was not the end of this beloved Nintendo franchise. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom was announced during <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-june-2024-everything-announced">June&#39;s Nintendo Direct</a> before launching on the Switch this week. While Echoes has the titular Princess take the story&#39;s reigns, and features a more 2D art style à la Link&#39;s Awakening, it should not be mistaken as a spin-off or side project. This is a full-blown, magical Zelda game, that lets you unlock your creativity to try and save Link and the rest of Hyrule in entirely new ways. </p><p><em>Read our </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-review"><em>review of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom</em></a><em>. </em></p><aside><p>Note: Echoes of Wisdom will be getting a <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/transfer-guide/games-with-free-updates/">free update</a> to improve playability on the Switch 2</p></aside><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="58977fe3-1d4d-4a8a-96f9-31b3eddaff08" data-id="207798"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="58977fe3-1d4d-4a8a-96f9-31b3eddaff08" data-id="207798" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p></p><h2>Available Zelda Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack</h2><p>If you&#39;re interested in checking out some of the older Zelda titles, the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/how-much-does-nintendo-switch-online-cost">Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack</a> service has loads of Zelda titles from Nintendo&#39;s older consoles. Here is every Zelda game currently available on the service:</p><ul><li>The Legend of Zelda</li><li>Zelda II: The Adventure of Link</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - Four Swords</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: Link&#39;s Awakening DX</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: Majora&#39;s Mask</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker*</li></ul><p>*On the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/gamecube-titles-are-coming-to-nintendo-switch-online-with-nintendo-switch-2">GameCube library</a> exclusive to the Switch 2</p><h2 id="upcoming">What&#39;s Next for Zelda on Switch 2? </h2><p>Echoes of Wisdom was the last Zelda title to release exclusively on the Switch, with future titles releasing (either simultaneously or exclusively) on the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-everything-we-know">Nintendo Switch 2</a>. We do know that the new console will be <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-nintendo-switch-2-is-officially-almost-fully-backward-compatible">&quot;mostly&quot; backward compatible</a>, so you&#39;ll be able to play all the fantastic Zelda games from the previous generation. In fact, Link&#39;s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom got <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/transfer-guide/games-with-free-updates/">free Switch 2 updates</a>, while Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now have <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-game-preorder-guide">enhanced Switch 2 editions</a> taking advantage of the new system&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-tech-specs-battery-life-4k-and-up-to-120fps-storage-and-more">improved specs</a>. </p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment-official-gameplay-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>One new game, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment-announced-for-nintendo-switch-2">Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment</a>, was revealed during a recent <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-direct-everything-announced">Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct</a>. It follows Princess Zelda during the events leading up to Tears of the Kingdom, as she is transported to the past to battle Ganondorf. The third Hyrule Warriors game is expected to release on the Switch 2 this winter. </p><h3>Upcoming Zelda Movie</h3><p>In addition to the games themselves, Nintendo has also announced they will be bringing Hyrule to the big screen with a <a href="https://www.ign.com/movies/the-legend-of-zelda-movie-live-action">live-action Legend of Zelda movie</a>. In terms of details, the movie&#39;s director, Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), has expressed his desire to make a more &quot;grounded&quot; Zelda adaptation that <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-movie-director-wants-it-to-be-live-action-miyazaki">feels like live-action Miyazaki</a>. The Zelda movie will be <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-uses-its-new-app-to-announce-the-release-date-of-the-live-action-the-legend-of-zelda-movie">releasing in theaters</a> on March 26, 2027. </p><p><em>See the full list of </em><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-upcoming-nintendo-switch-games"><em>upcoming Switch games</em></a><em> for everything coming to the system in 2025.</em></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><aside><p>Looking for more <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-nintendo-switch-games-2">Nintendo Switch games</a>? Check out these guides:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-mario-games-on-nintendo-switch">Every Mario Game on the Switch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-pokemon-games-on-nintendo-switch">Every Pokemon Game on the Switch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-sonic-games-on-nintendo-switch">Every Sonic Game on the Switch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-star-wars-games-on-nintendo-switch">Every Star Wars Game on the Switch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-lego-games-on-nintendo-switch-in-order">Every LEGO Game on the Switch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-disney-games-on-nintendo-switch-in-order">Every Disney Game on the Switch </a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/all-final-fantasy-games-on-nintendo-switch-in-order">Every Final Fantasy Game on the Switch</a></li></ul></aside><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium.</em></p></section></section>
  7. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment's Latest Trailer Ended on a Mysterious Tease, and Fans Are Already Theorizing

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:17:52 -0000

    During today's Nintendo Partner Direct, we got a new trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. While most of the trailer was straightforward, it ended on a cryptic tease that has Zelda fans running with speculation as to what the scene could mean for the game's roster.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-7-31-2025-1-35-screenshot-1753974614696.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>During today&#39;s Nintendo Partner Direct, we got a new trailer for <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment">Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment</a>. While most of the trailer was straightforward, it ended on a cryptic tease that has Zelda fans running with speculation as to what the scene could mean for the game&#39;s roster.</p><p>The end of the trailer shows a chamber deep inside a cavern where what appears to be one of the Constructs from Tears of the Kingdom is being assembled and activated. The Constructs themselves are nothing new - they&#39;re all over the place in Tears of the Kingdom, and we know they were created by Mineru during the events of Age of Imprisonment, so it makes sense we&#39;d see them in the game. What&#39;s interesting about this one is that it appears to be roughly human-shaped and -sized, whereas none of the Constructs we&#39;ve met before (including Mineru&#39;s own Construct) were quite that proportioned.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment-official-gameplay-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>So, why are fans excited about this? Well, a lot of folks think this means <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/ZeLink/comments/1me38a5/how_are_we_feeling_about_construct_link_x_zelda/">we&#39;re getting some sort of Robo-Link playable in Age of Imprisonment</a>. The game takes place in the far, far distant past, thousands of years before the main events of Tears of the Kingdom, and in the time period that Zelda is transported to at the start of that game. It covers the events of the Imprisoning War as Zelda experienced it during her time in that era.</p><p>As such, chronologically, it doesn&#39;t make any sense that Link would be playable in Age of Imprisonment. There was no Link in that era, after all. That said, it also seems baffling that a Legend of Zelda game, even a spin-off, could exist without Link involved. This is why a lot of fans have been speculating that Link will find some way to turn up, whether that&#39;s through alternate timeline shenanigans (see: Age of Calamity) or some other method. And this teaser offers one possibility for this hoped-for Linkening: maybe Link somehow gets to embody one of Mineru&#39;s constructs made in his likeness, so he can fight alongside the others of that era.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">nintendo you know i dont play about fi please dont play with me <a href="https://t.co/Uj0QOJQ9aj">pic.twitter.com/Uj0QOJQ9aj</a></p>&mdash; ava (@zeldevil) <a href="https://twitter.com/zeldevil/status/1950913028670787672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <p>That said, there&#39;s one other detail that has fans thinking this is going in a different direction. If you listen back to the ending teaser, there&#39;s a bit of music that plays as the scene transitions to the Construct. If you&#39;re a Skyward Sword fan, you&#39;ll recognize it as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV1Efuh-aus">Fi&#39;s Theme</a>. The presence of this little chime has <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/zelda/comments/1me1h85/aoi_new_age_of_imprisonment_trailer_in_nintendo/">some suspecting that this won&#39;t be a Robo Link</a>, but actually a way for Fi to finally reappear in a Zelda game after being (understandably) absent for so long. Some are suggesting this could be possible given that Zelda obtains the broken Master Sword at the start of her time in the ancient era. Given that Fi dwells within the sword, what if they <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/zelda/comments/1me2vii/totk_rise_up_because_we_are_so_back/">used its fragments to give her a body to fight with</a>? Anything&#39;s possible!</p><p>Of course, that means it&#39;s also possible this thing is none of the above and we&#39;re in for some sort of weird twist surprise when the game comes out. Age of Calamity, after all, wasn&#39;t quiiiite what we thought it was by the endgame, so it&#39;s likely Age of Imprisonment also has some tricks up its sleeve.</p><p>We unfortunately still don&#39;t have a firm release date for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment but know it&#39;s coming to Nintendo Switch 2 sometime this winter. You can catch up on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced">everything announced at today&#39;s Nintendo Partner Direct right here</a>.</p><p></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.</em></p></section>
  8. Hollow Knight: Silksong Fans React in Uproar After the Game's Latest Nintendo Direct No-Show

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:16:13 -0000

    Today's Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase might have featured a new Plants vs Zombies remake, Monster Hunter Stories 3 and a pair of new Square Enix HD-2D titles, but there was one game conspicuous by its absence. Again.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets1.ignimgs.com/2019/06/24/hollowknight-silksong-1561419170041.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Today&#39;s Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase might have featured a new Plants vs Zombies remake, Monster Hunter Stories 3 and a pair of new Square Enix HD-2D titles, but there was one game conspicuous by its absence. Again.</p><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/hollow-knight-silksong">Hollow Knight: Silksong</a> fans tuning in were left disappointed by yet another video game showcase passing with no further word of Team Cherry&#39;s highly-anticipated, long-awaited sequel. </p><p>And to be fair to the fans, there was cause to think today might finally bring Silksong&#39;s much-desired release date. A <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/hollow-knight-silksong-makes-brief-appearance-during-nintendo-switch-2-direct-to-secure-2025-release-window">Nintendo Direct earlier this year confirmed the game would arrive in 2025</a>, raising hopes of a fresh appearance today. And, just days ago, Microsoft announced that <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-has-a-new-hollow-knight-silksong-demo-playable-at-gamescom">Silksong will be playable via a fresh Xbox demo</a> in a couple of weeks at Gamescom.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="hollow-knight-silksong-is-finally-playable-unlocked-clips" data-loop=""></section><p>Amid this backdrop, hopes were high — but, as we now know, they were in vain. Reaction to the Nintendo Direct on the Hollow Knight and Silksong subreddits has, perhaps to be expected, not been positive.</p><p>The top thread currently on the Silksong <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Silksong/comments/1me1j9k/aaahahahahahahah/">reddit</a> is a meme of a cat laughing open-mouthed, pointing at the screen. &quot;It&#39;s never been so over&quot;, &quot;The cycle of pain&quot;, &quot;Silksong isn&#39;t real&quot; read a selection of the comments.</p><p>&quot;I&#39;ve genuinely lost so much hype for this game,&quot; wrote reddit user YeetHead10. &quot;I was so excited last year but now I&#39;ve just moved on.&quot;</p><p>&quot;No you havent,&quot; replied DirtySlutMuffin. &quot;You&#39;re here complaining.&quot;</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="hollow-knight-silksong-2025-screenshots" data-value="hollow-knight-silksong-2025-screenshots" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>&quot;At least this is consistent in my life,&quot; CringeNaeNaeBaby2 said, referring to the constant disappointment around Silksong they faced. &quot;You know when they go to jail, spend years trying to get out, then beg to be readmitted after being freed? I&#39;m gonna beg for Silksong to be unreleased. I need the longing, the spite keeps me alive. I&#39;m gonna drop dead when Silksong comes out.&quot;</p><p>Most fans simply seem upset at their own frustration, though a few have suggested Silksong developer Team Cherry should be doing more to set expecations.</p><p>&quot;I feel like people would be taking it better if Team Cherry themselves gave more frequent updates,&quot; wrote reddit user ChocoGoodness, &quot;instead of letting us wait for Nintendo or Xbox or whatever to announce it.&quot;</p><p>Officially, all we know of Silksong&#39;s arrival is that it <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/hollow-knight-silksong-developer-responds-to-release-date-confusion-promises-launch-before-holiday-not-tied-to-xbox-handheld-arrival">will launch before Christmas 2025, and not be tied to the release of the ROG Ally X handheld</a>.</p><p>For everything that <em>was </em>shown today, here&#39;s our <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced">roundup of the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase presentation in full</a>. See you at Gamescom Opening Night Live, Silksong fans?</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Tom Phillips is IGN&#39;s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky </em><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/tomphillipseg.bsky.social">@tomphillipseg.bsky.social</a></p></section>
  9. Here's The 10 Most Valuable Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Cards Right Now

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000

    From Chocobos to Cloud Strife, these are the most valuable Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering cards. Do you own any?
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/most-valuable-final-fantasy-mtg-cards-1753794173351.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/magic-the-gathering-trading-card-game"><u>Magic: The Gathering’s</u></a> Universes Beyond lineup of fresh sets based on third-party properties is showing no signs of slowing down, but before <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/spider-man-magic-the-gathering-card-reveal-spoiler-spider-verse"><u>Marvel’s Spider-Man</u></a> and <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/avatar-aang-magic-the-gathering-cards-reveal-early-look-at-upcoming-the-last-airbender-set"><u>Avatar: The Last Airbender</u></a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/magic-the-gathering-final-fantasy-cards-where-to-buy-in-stock"><u>Final Fantasy</u></a> has stolen the show.</p><p>The set is <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/magic-the-gatherings-final-fantasy-expansion-made-200-million-in-just-one-day"><u>the most popular in Magic’s long history</u></a>, and has led to prices skyrocketing for collector’s items like the Travelling Chocobo range and characters like Sephiroth.</p><p>These are the priciest Final Fantasy cards you can buy right now, thanks to data from <a href="https://www.tcgplayer.com/categories/trading-and-collectible-card-games/magic-the-gathering/price-guides/final-fantasy"><u>TCGPlayer</u></a>.</p><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-items="[226058,225988,225989,225990,225991,225992,226056,226057,225984,225983,225985,225986,225987]" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><h2>The Most Valuable MTG Final Fantasy Cards Right Now</h2><h3>Vivi Ornitier (Borderless) - $104.48</h3><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="226058"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="226058" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p>Final Fantasy 9 mage <a href="https://zdcs.link/QGgK0q"><u>Vivi Ornitier (Borderless)</u></a> has been a particularly popular card in this set, but don’t pay the $500 he’s up for right now.</p><h3>Tifa Lockhart (Borderless - Surge Foil) - $150.76</h3></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="226057"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="226057" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p>Fan-favorite <a href="https://zdcs.link/QxAWOO"><u>Tifa Lockhart (Borderless - Surge Foil)</u></a> is down to around $150, with a really nice green backdrop.</p><h3>Clive, Ifrit’s Dominant (Borderless - Surge Foil) - $186.08</h3></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="226056"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="226056" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p>It’s going for over $400, but the market value of Final Fantasy 16 protagonist <a href="https://zdcs.link/z3GDo3"><u>Clive, Ifrit’s Dominant (Borderless - Surge Foil)</u></a>, and the flip-side’s Ifrit, Warden of Inferno, is under $200.</p><h3>Kefka, Court Mage (Borderless - Surge Foil) - $218.69</h3></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225992"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225992" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p><a href="https://zdcs.link/QL8PeX"><u>Kefka, Court Mage (Borderless - Surge Foil)</u></a> puts the clown front-and-center, while offering a transformation into Kefka, Ruler of Ruin on the other side.</p><h3>Lightning, Army of One (Borderless - Surge Foil) - $318.71</h3></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225991"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225991" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p><a href="https://zdcs.link/91jND3"><u>Lightning, Army of One (Borderless - Surge Foil)</u></a> was a super popular card at the set’s launch, and this is far and away the best-looking version of a fantastic aggro card.</p><h3>Yuna, Hope of Spira (Borderless - Surge Foil) - $371.99</h3></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225990"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225990" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p><a href="https://zdcs.link/985kV2"><u>Yuna, Hope of Spira (Borderless - Surge Foil)</u></a> is one of the best-looking surge foil treatments in the set, giving the legendary summoner a card befitting of her status in Final Fantasy X.</p><h3>Cloud, Midgar Mercenary (Borderless - Surge Foil) - $485.36</h3></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225989"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225989" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p><a href="https://zdcs.link/av4MJE"><u>Cloud, Midgar Mercenary (Borderless - Surge Foil)</u></a> can run you almost $500, but its his rival that takes top spot for Final Fantasy 7 characters.</p><h3>Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER (Borderless - Surge Foil) - $890.93</h3></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225988"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225988" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p><a href="https://zdcs.link/akK0E5"><u>Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER (Borderless - Surge Foil)</u></a> offers gorgeous artwork of one of gaming’s most legendary bad guys, and it flips over for the One-Winged Angel side of the character, too.</p><h3>Travelling Chocobo (Borderless - Neon Ink) - $1779.29 to $2,159.62</h3><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-items="[225984,225985,225986,225987]" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><p>These Borderless, Neon Ink treatments of Final Fantasy’s most iconic bird creature are fetching huge prices right now.</p><p>Here’s how the prices shake out:</p><ul><li><a href="https://zdcs.link/9l3oE0"><u>Travelling Chocobo (Borderless - Neon Ink Blue)</u></a> - $2,159.62</li><li><a href="https://zdcs.link/Qdb2Ex"><u>Travelling Chocobo (Borderless - Neon Ink Green)</u></a> - $2,028.27</li><li><a href="https://zdcs.link/aBgXxV"><u>Travelling Chocobo (Borderless - Neon Ink Pink) </u></a>- $1,824.18</li><li><a href="https://zdcs.link/aMJP0L"><u>Travelling Chocobo (Borderless - Neon Ink Yellow)</u></a> - $1,779.29</li></ul><h3>Travelling Chocobo (Borderless - Japan Exclusive) - $4,836.47</h3></section><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225983"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="a16c872b-161c-4805-bafc-00fb3bb2320f" data-id="225983" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted="false"></section><p>The <a href="https://zdcs.link/QmnWEN"><u>Travelling Chocobo (Borderless - Japan Exclusive)</u></a> is the most expensive card of any 2025 Magic: The Gathering set, racking up a total of around $5,000. It’s still fluctuating regularly, but it’s ahead by a long shot.</p><p></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p>Lloyd Coombes is an experienced freelancer in tech, gaming and fitness seen at Polygon, Eurogamer, Macworld, TechRadar and many more. He&#39;s a big fan of Magic: The Gathering and other collectible card games, much to his wife&#39;s dismay. </p></section></section>
  10. Disney Lorcana at Gen Con 2025: Everything Announced About Fabled, Whispers in the Well, Winterspell, and More

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000

    From A Goofy Movie and Iconic Mickey and Minnie cards headed to the Fabled expansion, details on Whispers in the Well, Winterspell, and Toy Story cards, and even a brand-new set of Disney Lorcana puzzles, here is everything announced about the future of Disney Lorcana at Gen Con 2025.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/stitch-1753964625824.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>At Gen Con 2025, Disney Lorcana celebrated its two-year anniversary in a big way by revealing A Goofy Movie and Iconic Mickey and Minnie cards headed to the Fabled expansion, details on Whispers in the Well, Winterspell, and Toy Story cards, and even a brand-new set of Disney Lorcana puzzles.</p><p>There&#39;s a lot to look forward to in the ever-expanding world of Disney Lorcana, and you can check out all the latest news and cards below!</p><h2>Fabled&#39;s Iconic Mickey and Minnie Cards Are the Stars of This Expansion Alongside A Goofy Movie</h2><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="disney-lorcana-fabled" data-value="disney-lorcana-fabled" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Fabled is set to be released at local card shops on August 25 and everywhere else on September 5, and one of the biggest new additions it brings to Disney Lorcana is Iconic cards. These are even rarer than Enchanted and feature full alternate artwork, unique foil pattern, and foil hot-stamped text and stats. Kicking off this new rarity will be Minnie Mouse - Sweetheart Princess and Mickey Mouse - Brave Little Prince.</p><p>These cards not only look great, but they also complete a picture when placed together. Furthermore, Minnie&#39;s Royal Favor adds Support to any Mickey Mouse cards, meaning their love for each other will also help you in-game!</p><p>Another new rarity being added with Fabled will be Epic, which are rarer than Legendary but more common than Enchanted, and one of these new cards will be A Goofy Movie&#39;s Stand Out. A Goofy Movie&#39;s arrival in Lorcana was long-requested, and Stand Out will celebrate this moment alongside Powerline - World&#39;s Greatest Rock Star and I2I.</p><p>Dumbo is also getting some love in the new Fabled set, as Dumbo - The Flying Elephant, and Timothy T. Mouse - Flight Instructor will be just two of the card players that will be able to seek out.</p><p>There will also be a handful of promo cards to look out for in Fabled, including Alice - Accidentally Adrift (Buy a Box Promo), Cursed Merfolk - Usula&#39;s Handiwork (Weekly Play Promo), Sisu - Daring Visitor (Weekly Play Promo), Strength of Raging Fire (Weekly Play Promo), and The Queen - Conceited Ruler (Pre-Release Promo).</p><p>Lastly, Maleficent in her dragon form will be featured as Fabled&#39;s Set Championship, meaning there will be cards and play mats available to those who can win at tournaments held throughout the year.</p><h2>The Collection Starter Set and Elsa Gift Box Are Made for Collectors and Newcomers</h2><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="disney-lorcana-collection-starter-set-and-elsa-gift-set" data-value="disney-lorcana-collection-starter-set-and-elsa-gift-set" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>For those looking for even more ways to celebrate their love of Disney Lorcana or jump in for the first time, the Collection Starter Set and Elsa Gift Box will be worth a look when they launch on October 3, 2025.</p><p>The Collection Starter Set will cost $29.99 and will include a 4-pocket card portfolio featuring Mickey Mouse - Brave Little Tailor artwork, which had previously only been used at Disney Lorcana Challenge. There will also be a &quot;Glimmer Foil&quot; Tinker Bell - Giant Fairy promo card, four Fabled booster packs, and a Collector&#39;s Guide.</p><p>The Elsa Gift Box, on the other hand, will also cost $29.99, and it will come with five Booster packs, one &quot;Glimmer Foil&quot; Elsa - The Fifth Spirit promo card, one storage box, and three punch-out card dividers.</p><h2>Whispers in the Well Will Feature Zootopia&#39;s Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde</h2><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="disney-lorcana-whispers-in-the-well" data-value="disney-lorcana-whispers-in-the-well" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Whispers in the Well is the next set after Fabled and will have its pre-release on November 7 and official release on November 14. For Disney Lorcana lore hunters, this set will introduce Whispers, which are partially-formed Glimmers that we&#39;ll encounter in the &quot;depths of the Great illuminary.&quot; To find these Whispers, certain detective Glimmers like Mickey Mouse, Judy Hopps, and Nick Wilde will need to lend their expertise to the cause.</p><p>We were given a look at a few of the Zootopia cards that will be part of Whispers in the Well, including Judy Hopps - Uncovering Clues, Nick WIlde - Persistent Investigator, and Putting It All Together. The Deck and Booster Pack art was also revealed, and they feature such characters as Daisy, Demona, Gaston, Simba, Megara, Judy Hopps, and Robin Hood.</p><h2>Winterspell Promises &#39;Flurries of Fun&#39; With Stitch, Angel, and More</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/stitch-1753964680733.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/stitch-1753964680733.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>In Q1 2026, Disney Lorcana will be releasing Winterspell, a new expansion that promises &quot;Flurries of Fun.&quot; We don&#39;t know too much about this set yet, but the art you can see above features Stitch and Angel, and they appear to be in a tropical setting that is covered in snow! </p><h2>Toy Story to Arrive in Disney Lorcana in Q2 2026</h2><p>As one final surprise, the team at Disney Lorcana revealed Toy Story characters will be joining the TCG in Q2 2026. The only info we have is from a piece of artwork that features both Woody and Buzz on a seemingly alien planet. More details will be shared in the future.</p><h2>Disney Lorcana Puzzles From Ravensburger Feature Original Art from the TCG</h2><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="disney-lorcana-puzzles-from-ravensburger" data-value="disney-lorcana-puzzles-from-ravensburger" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Disney Lorcana is venturing into the world of puzzles as it will be presenting six 1,000-piece puzzles from Ravensburger - one for each Ink color, that will feature original art from the TCG and each will even come with a Disney Mickey Mouse - True Friend promo card. These puzzles will cost $29.99 each in the US and Canada and will be released on September 1, 2025.</p><p>You can check out the Amber, Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire puzzles in the slideshow above, and there are still two - Amethyst and Steel - that have yet to be revealed. Furthermore, those last two will be exclusive to Disney in its stores and online.</p><p>For more in the world of Disney, check out <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/exclusive-disneyland-president-thomas-mazloum-on-the-parks-past-present-and-great-big-beautiful-disneylandforward-on-its-70th-anniversary">our exclusive interview with Disneyland&#39;s president for the park&#39;s 70th anniversary,</a> <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/walt-disney-a-magical-life-impressions-a-remarkable-experience-that-honors-walts-legacy-in-a-powerful-way">our thoughts on Walt Disney - A Magical Life,</a> and the news about <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-magic-of-disney-animation-is-a-new-experience-headed-to-walt-disney-worlds-hollywood-studios">The Magic of Disney Animation headed to Disney World&#39;s Hollywood Studios.</a></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter </em><a href="https://twitter.com/AdamBankhurst"><em>@AdamBankhurst,</em></a><em> </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/adambankhurst/"><em>Instagram,</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adambankhurst"><em>TikTok,</em></a><em> and listen to his show, </em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-disney-magic/id1773431375"><em>Talking Disney Magic.</em></a></p></section>
  11. Dead Reset Combines Alien With Russian Doll-Type Choice-Driven Gameplay

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000

    Dead Reset’s commitment to real actors with real props on real sets is such a refreshing sight that feels novel both in video games and in film in general in 2025.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/deadreset-blogroll-1753916294675.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p><em>[Editor&#39;s Note: Minor spoilers for Dead Reset ahead.]</em></p><p>Cole Mason has a problem. He’s woken up in a dank cellar of a room, surrounded by people he doesn’t know and under circumstances he doesn&#39;t recall. They are all very unpleasant and really need him to perform a high-stakes surgery as soon as possible under threat of a swift execution at the hands of extra-ornery security guard named Slade. I was given a few choices upfront, mostly to attempt to resist being forced to cooperate. Early attempts to run and refuse are met with pretty convincing pushback, so Cole ultimately plays ball and helps them with the surgery. </p><p>Of course, that&#39;s when things get weird. The patient is revealed to have a pretty dramatic, pulsating tumor in her abdomen, and after Cole’s understandable recoil of disgust, he gets to cutting. Pulling back the skin reveals a sort of living tumor that she certainly wasn’t born with. Before he can attempt to extract it, though, Cole is grabbed by one of its tentacles, and we’re given a choice as to how to deal with it: hack away at the rubbery limb or attempt to calm down and let it ease up on its own. It doesn’t really matter which choice you make, as both moves have a similar outcome of the tumor bursting from the patient’s body, revealing its mangled alien form of meat and mouth, and killing everyone in the room in gruesome fashion.</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="dead-reset-screenshots" data-value="dead-reset-screenshots" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Then things get really weird, as Cole wakes up on the floor he started on, startled by the fact that not only is he not dead, but he’s the only person who remembers the past several minutes of their lives together. What ensues is a tense, quirky, and clever horror sci-fi experience that does a great job at building suspense with limited set and effects budgets, and a cast of actors taking the Russian Doll meets Alien premise seriously, despite being a hard sell on paper.</p><section data-transform="quoteBox">Dead Reset’s commitment to real actors with real props on real sets is such a refreshing sight that feels novel both in video games and in film in general in 2025.</section><p>You could argue that horror games that are more like interactive films peaked in quality with 2015’s Until Dawn, but there’s been a steady drip of them hitting market places thanks almost entirely to developer Supermassive Games and the work they’ve done since Until Dawn with The Dark Pictures anthology and other little releases here and there. And while those virtual slash fests are fun and give artists some flexibility on how they can render a gnarly monster or a brutal death of some unfortunate camper by its hands, Dead Reset’s commitment to real actors with real props on real sets is such a refreshing sight that feels novel both in video games and in film in general in 2025. Does every prop live up to Tom Sevini’s best? Probably not. But the SyFy tv show chic and the audacity to do it at all is what scored the most points for me so far.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="dead-reset-official-reveal-trailer" data-loop=""></section><p>The choice-making parts of these sorts of games can be dubious, though. It’s often tough to know in the moment if a choice you’re making would change the outcome of a scenario, or if it&#39;s all an elaborate set of smoke and mirrors to build tension in the present at the expense of replayability in the future. Developer Dark Rift Horror signals that there are multiple endings, each wildly different from one another, and the one-hour demo of the first chapter is absolutely not enough to determine if that&#39;s true or not.</p><p>The death-loop gimmick does a lot of work to help every present moment feel important, though. Every respawn, Cole (and I) got a little smarter based on our last set of attempts and failures that would sometimes reveal just a smidge more new information to be exploited next time. Cole can’t delay the surgery because the creature will let itself out rather explosively. Attempting to steal Slade’s gun and force your way out of the room reveals that it&#39;s got a security measure that Cole will certainly regret triggering if he tries to use it. Magson, the older leader of this gang of misfits, made this and other modifications to the room that essentially locked everyone in it without their knowledge. The patient’s name is Amanda, and Fearne, another crew member in the room, has some sort of relationship with her. These tidbits add up to become a laundry list of facts that helps Cole convince the crew that he’s in a sort of Groundhog Day scenario that maybe they can help him navigate in a way that doesn’t involve all of them getting murdered.</p><section data-transform="poll" data-id="b975e395-7613-4d13-a117-bd41bf66f7c9"></section><p>All of these seemed pretty guided in that I could make different choices, but there isn’t much room to interpret that any of the smaller details would happen differently, or even in a different order. But all of this gets us to the surgery itself, which was the first glimpse of how the paths could branch into different outcomes further down the line. This is a bit of a spoiler, but going into a bit of detail about how this sequence plays out might help illustrate the ways in which your choices do and don’t matter. </p><section data-transform="quoteBox">The patient is revealed to have a pretty dramatic, pulsating tumor in her abdomen, and after your understandable recoil of disgust, you get to cutting.</section><p>You can guide Cole through the extraction of the creature in a couple of ways, specifically choosing how to keep it sedated long enough to detach it from Amanda without killing them both. You can use drugs to keep the patient and the creature’s vitals low but steady, or you can stop Amanda’s heart, which would also stop the creature’s temporarily. Ultimately, I wasn’t able to find (and don’t believe there is) a way to save Amanda during this operation, but how you choose to attempt it will either ingratiate you with Fearne or draw some light praise from Slade. It seemed pretty clear here that this was the beginning of a sort of trust system that could hold some consequences down the line.</p><section data-transform="object-card" data-id="85dc9006-a391-4e3c-8331-587fc062dd4b"></section><p>Things in Dead Reset get somehow even weirder after this, but I think it’s best to avoid those spoilers, as they’re pretty key to what’s going on and why, but the suspense is thick and intrigue is high during its entire runtime. Real bodies on real sets with real stunts and props is a philosophy sorely missed in film these days, so it&#39;s ironic that a video game is attempting to bring that feeling back. The game-ness of it all, specifically necessity and weight of your limited inputs, is still pretty dubious, with little sense of how your actions affect the story in front of you. But if you’re willing to approach this like you would a movie, being present and acting in the now without thinking too much about finding branching paths for your next playthrough, I think you can have a lot of gore-drenched fun when Dead Reset hits Steam in September.</p></section>
  12. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Picks Up Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 Port With November Release Date

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:41:20 -0000

    Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is flying over to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 with a November 14, 2025, release date.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-switch-and-switch-2-1753972567697.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/dragon-ball-sparking-zero"><u>Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero</u></a> is flying over to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 with a November 14, 2025, release date.</p><p>Bandai Namco announced its port plans during today’s July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZoLrfLcIVg"><u>Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase</u></a>. The news comes alongside a gameplay trailer, below, showing what it will be like to control Goku, Vegeta, Perfect Cell, and the rest of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero’s roster of 180 characters on Switch consoles.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="dragon-ball-sparking-zero-official-nintendo-switch-2-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase" data-loop=""></section><p>Today’s Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase reveal comes with a breakdown of some of the other modes and offerings featured in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. These include Episode Battle Mode, which allows players to relive – or remix – iconic moments from across the Dragon Ball franchise, and Custom Battle Mode.</p><p>Interestingly, players on Switch and Switch 2 can also use Joy-Con motion controls while using their Super Saiyan abilities. The example shown in today’s Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero trailer highlights motion control functionality when using Goku’s Spirit Bomb.</p><p>“Triumph over your foes in high-speed, 360-degree movement battles with teams of up to five characters from across Dragon Ball history,” Nintendo&#39;s description reads. “Featuring the largest roster in franchise history with over 180 playable characters, players can relive iconic moments by attacking with a mixture of punches, kicks, grapples, and long-range abilities — and charge up your energy to activate Sparking! Mode, which grants your character access to their signature devastating attack.”</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="dragon-ball-sparking-zero-screenshots" data-value="dragon-ball-sparking-zero-screenshots" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero launched for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S in October 2024 and (following <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-set-for-nintendo-switch-2-saudi-ratings-board-suggests"><u>a leak in April</u></a>), will launch for Switch and Switch 2 this November. While we wait for updates from Bandai Namco, you can read our original <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-review"><u>Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero review</u></a>. You can also catch up on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced"><u>everything announced during the July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase</u></a>.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He&#39;s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).</em></p></section>
  13. The 10 Best Battlefield Games

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:30:00 -0000

    From the grimy campaigns of the 1940s to the high-tech fights of modern and future wars, these are the best Battlefield games.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/battlefield-list-blog-1753885630232.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Ever since the original Battlefield 1942 released back in the summer of 2002, EA and DICE’s large-scale multiplayer warfare series has consistently been among the most critically acclaimed and popular first-person shooters ever made. Thanks to its constant reinvention, Battlefield has felt forever fresh, cycling through a number of different eras and locations, pushing the player count to support over 100+ players on the map at once, and bolstering its core multiplayer-first design with singleplayer narratives that cover some of the grittiest aspects of warfare. All this considered, it’s really no surprise that Battlefield is still holding strong after two decades, even if it’s had a couple of missteps along the way. </p><p>Whether you&#39;re a fan of the series’ original WW2 setting, enjoy the modern warfare eras, or prefer to fight on the frontlines of Miami’s drug war, there&#39;s something in this series for everyone. But which game is the best? That’s what we’re here to find out. With the heated firefights of Battlefield 6 on the horizon, let’s look back over the series and choose the top 10 Battlefield games. </p><h2>10. Battlefield 2142</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-2142-1753797712094.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-2142-1753797712094.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PC <strong>| Release date:</strong> October 17, 2006 (NA) <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/21/battlefield-2142-review">Battlefield 2142 review</a></p></aside><p>Let’s start with a cult classic. Battlefield 2142 was the first and only entry in the series to take Battlefield into a futuristic sci-fi setting. When it launched in 2006, it arguably felt like a really, <em>really</em> good mod for Battlefield 2, so closely did it emulate its predecessor’s formula. But look beyond those similarities and you’ll find something that has a distinct character, thanks to an improved progression system, refined class choices, and – here’s the big one – Titan mode, which saw teams breach the shields of the enemy’s looming spaceship from the ground, then board the vessel to eliminate its crew and destroy the central core. Such a unique mode makes this early entry of the now long-running series still worth checking out, although you’ll have to do it via unofficial servers these days. </p><h2>9. Battlefield Hardline</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-hardline-1753794294755.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-hardline-1753794294755.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>Visceral Games <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One <strong>| Release date:</strong> March 17, 2015 (NA) <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/17/battlefield-hardline-review">Battlefield hardline review</a></p></aside><p>If there was ever a black sheep of the Battlefield series, Hardline is it. Exchanging the globe-trotting modern warfare settings of Battlefields 3 and 4 for the sun-soaked, neon-drenched streets of Miami, Hardline pivots the series to the War on Drugs with its cops and robbers gameplay. Back in 2015 it was met with a ton of skepticism from long-time series fans, and a certain amount of that was justified. The multiplayer featured Battlefield’s typical large-scale chaos, which perhaps doesn’t gel with cars and downtown as much as it does tanks and bunkers. Nevertheless, the setting did introduce some interesting new modes such as Hotwire, Blood Money, and Heist, all of which have a distinct “crime” flavor. </p><p>But, in a novel twist for this PvP focused series, it’s Hardline’s single-player campaign that proves the highlight. It’s presented like a police procedural TV show in the same vein as Law &amp; Order and CSI, and you get to choose if you&#39;re a good cop or bad cop, either arresting everyone or shooting everything in sight. It’s a very different take on Battlefield’s typically Call of Duty-like campaigns, although certainly not short on explosive setpieces.</p><h2>8. Battlefield 1943</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-1943-1753797613554.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-1943-1753797613554.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> Xbox 360, PS3 <strong>| Release date:</strong> July 8, 2009 <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/08/battlefield-1943-review">Battlefield 1943 review</a></p></aside><p>While Battlefield Hardline was a dramatic shift in <em>where </em>Battlefield was played, our next game was a dramatic shift for <em>how </em>Battlefield was played. Battlefield 1943 was one of the first major console games exclusively available via digital download, which was a big deal back in 2009 when most digital-only titles were small indies. </p><p>You can see the limits imposed by that distribution model, though. Back then internet speeds were slower and digital-only games were restricted in size, so Battlefield 1943 is essentially a scaled-down version of the original Battlefield 1942. Despite this, it was still seen as an excellent entry into the series. Classic Pacific theater maps were rebuilt on the then-brand-new Frostbite engine, which allowed for cutting edge graphics, destructible environments, and fast-paced, 24-player matches. While this may not be the most beloved Battlefield game, in part due to its stripped-down map and class roster, it still successfully captured the unique essence of the series, and brought the important parts of the Battlefield 1942 PC experience to a new console audience. </p><h2>7. Battlefield 1942</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-1942-1753797597877.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-1942-1753797597877.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PC <strong>| Release date:</strong> September 10, 2002 (NA) <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/16/battlefield-1942">Battlefield 1942 review</a></p></aside><p>What&#39;s a list of the top Battlefield games without the original that started it all? Battlefield 1942 was ground breaking when it launched in 2002, offering large-scale, 64-player online battles to a world accustomed to 6v6 or 12v12 matches. Eschewing deathmatches for the sprawling, objective-focussed Conquest mode, Battlefield 1942 was the stage for an innovative class-based system that gave distinct roles to each player – from the damage-focused Assault to the vehicle-repairing Engineer. There really wasn&#39;t anything like it at the time, especially its seamless transitions from infantry to vehicular and flying combat. And while the series has grown tremendously over the last 20 something years, 1942 is still immediately recognisable as Battlefield if you play it today. The impact of its large-scale gameplay and class system contributed to a shifting of the winds that changed shooters forever.</p><h2>6. Battlefield: Bad Company</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-bad-company-1753797322349.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-bad-company-1753797322349.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PS3, Xbox 360 <strong>| Release date:</strong> June 23, 2008 (NA) <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/20/battlefield-bad-company-review">Battlefield: Bad Company review</a></p></aside><p>Battlefield: Bad Company was an important milestone for the series. It was the first game to utilize the Frostbite engine, which has gone on to be the defining bedrock of modern Battlefield thanks to its destructive capabilities. It was here that crumbling buildings and deformable terrain were first established, paving the way for collapsing skyscrapers in later years. Using smaller, more refined maps, it successfully built upon what made the series so great up to that point, this time for a console-only audience. </p><p>While PC was abandoned for this entry, the transition to console brought with it Battlefield’s first-ever narrative-driven campaign, which is best known for its goofy storytelling. Bad Company traded the seriousness of war for a lighter-toned tale that follows a ragtag squad who steal a super powerful gun and shoot their way out of the mess they got themselves into. The dialogue is cheesy (and perhaps a bit inappropriate, considering the setting and what&#39;s happening on screen) but the decision to pivot the franchise to an action-comedy direction makes Bad Company one of the most memorable Battlefield experiences, and sets itself apart from everything else in this list. </p><h2>5. Battlefield 4</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-4-1753794202368.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-4-1753794202368.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One <strong>| Release date:</strong> October 29, 2013 (NA) <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/19/battlefield-4-ps4-review">Battlefield 4 review</a></p></aside><p>Battlefield 4 Is what many would consider to be a “greatest hits” package. It’s got a solid, Call of Duty-like campaign. It’s built on the successes of Battlefield 3, with the same refined class system and exceptional land, sea and air combat. And it features a much-improved “Levolution” system that enhanced the series’ trademark map destruction in new ways, such as the ability to topple skyscrapers and dramatically change the layout of maps, adding new depth to the large-scale battles. It is, without a doubt, one of the series’ most solid entries. </p><p>It’s not considered in the very upper-echelon of Battlefield, though, largely because it suffered some major setbacks at launch across all platforms. Xbox 360 and PS3 players had to settle for less-than-ideal 24 player lobbies, the PlayStation 4 version was full of issues stemming from connection timeouts and PSN functions not working at launch, and the PC version was riddled with bugs and glitches. The situation was so bad that EA faced multiple lawsuits. While most of the issues were eventually patched and fixed, resulting in an excellent, landmark Battlefield game, EA eventually admitted that the launch version of BF4 had damaged people’s trust in the series. </p><h2>4. Battlefield 2</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-2-1753794149146.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-2-1753794149146.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PC <strong>| Release date:</strong> June 21, 2005 (NA) <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/19/battlefield-2">Battlefield 2 review</a></p></aside><p>Three years after its debut, Battlefield took a major leap forward, shifting not only its setting, but several of the fundamentals of how the large scale shooter played. Battlefield 2 took the formerly-historic shooter into the world of modern warfare, featuring contemporary geopolitics, helicopters, guided missiles, and advanced tech like UAVs and drones. </p><p>While these additions were elegantly woven into the series’ established core gameplay, the modern setting was a lot more than just a facelift. The core infantry combat was overhauled thanks to the addition of smaller squads that made up the traditional large-scale teams, allowing for more tactical play – something aided by the Commander role, which allowed one player to act as a General and issue orders to individual squads. But the most important addition was in-game voice chat, which was a major game changer, allowing for much tighter communication between squadmates, squad leaders, and the commander. </p><h2>3. Battlefield 1</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-1-1753794135873.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-1-1753794135873.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PC, PS4, Xbox One <strong>| Release date:</strong> October 21, 2016 <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/21/battlefield-1-review">Battlefield 1 review</a></p></aside><p>Battlefield&#39;s take on the First World War is one of the most distinctive real-world settings for a shooter. Arriving after a long string of contemporary war games, Battlefield 1 traded the endlessly customizable “tacticool” weapons of the modern day for old, oftentimes clunky period versions of SMGs, sniper rifles, and explosives. Despite winding back the clock, the gunplay is as fun as ever and you quickly forget that you&#39;re using weapons from a time before red-dot sights and silencers were the norm. </p><p>Battlefield 1 successfully explores a setting not seen often in video games through its varied campaign, which features a bleak-but-impactful selection of short stories that showcase real events. You’ll endure the brutal trench warfare carried out by the Harlem Hellfighters in France, and engage in guerilla tactics alongside British officer T.E. Lawrence in the fight against the Ottoman Empire. But it’s in the signature multiplayer that Battlefield 1 takes everything that makes the series special and cranks it up to 11. Almost a decade later, it is still considered among the best of the series thanks to its level destruction and weather effects that give every match a distinctly cinematic look. That’s only enhanced by Operations mode, which links together multiplayer matches to tell a grand war story. All these improvements may be one of the best examples of how a long-running series can raise the bar nearly 15 years after its first game&#39;s release. </p><h2>2. Battlefield: Bad Company 2</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-bad-company-2-1753794116090.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-bad-company-2-1753794116090.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PC, PS3, Xbox 360 <strong>| Release date:</strong> March 2, 2010 (NA) <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/03/02/battlefield-bad-company-2-review">Battlefield: Bad Company 2 review</a></p></aside><p>Awarding the silver medal to Battlefield: Bad Company 2 was a pretty easy choice. This was a generation-defining multiplayer game that improved upon its predecessor in every way possible. Gunfights were satisfying thanks to the newly added perks feature, vehicular combat was as chaotic as ever, and the level destruction tech was further refined, making for some really cool ways to adapt to how your enemy was playing (or hiding) throughout the map. While the classic Conquest capture-point mode was present and correct, Bad Company 2’s Rush mode, a push-and-pull game of attack and defend that perfected its predecessor’s Gold Rush matches, was the series’ biggest multiplayer shakeup in years and truly established Battlefield’s “second” mode. </p><p>Over in the campaign, B-Company returned from the previous Bad Company game for another adventure that, while toned down a bit from their previous adventure, still kept the charm and dark humor intact. </p><h2>1. Battlefield 3</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-3-1753794102231.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/29/battlefield-3-1753794102231.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>Developer: </strong>DICE <strong>| Publisher: </strong>Electronic Arts <strong>| Platform:</strong> PC, PS3, Xbox 360 <strong>| Release date:</strong> October 25, 2011 (NA) <strong>| Review: </strong>Read IGN&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/24/battlefield-3-review">Battlefield 3 review</a></p></aside><p>When you think Battlefield, chances are you’re thinking about Battlefield 3. From its endlessly replayable, absolutely chaotic large-scale multiplayer battles that gave birth to countless trick shot compilation videos, to its over-the-top singleplayer and co-op campaigns, Battlefield 3 is undeniably the complete package. It was groundbreaking when it launched in 2011, and you can see that in the visuals that still look good today.</p><p>While the singleplayer retains a cult following and is worth taking a look at, multiplayer is where Battlefield 3 truly shines. An excellent progression system offers a ton of rewards and upgrades as you progress upwards through the ranks. Class selections are smart, improving upon Bad Company’s four-role system to offer a deep-but-streamlined set of options. Mechanically, the shooting, driving, and flying is rock solid and, most importantly, fun. This unlocks those signature Battlefield moments, where generally messing around leads to astonishing kills. If you want to strap C4 to a jeep and drive it off a cliff into a passing fighter jet, this is the game for you. The interplay between the squad combat, map destruction, objectives, and chaos-creating gadgets means that there&#39;s just so much to do. It’s no wonder that people are still playing the game almost 15 years after its release. </p><p>Battlefield 3 is without a doubt the best entry in the series to date. And as one of the best multiplayer shooters ever made, it undoubtedly deserves the top spot on this list. </p><section data-transform="tier-list" data-id="b6f04720-c29f-42ad-bddd-18dac478db77"></section><p>And there you have it - IGN’s pick of the 10 best Battlefield games. Do you agree with our list? Do you think Battlefield 6 will find its way onto a future version of this ranking? Let us know your thoughts and favorite entries in the comments below. </p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p></p></section>
  14. Tekken 8 Tournament Won by 73-Year-Old Japanese Grandma Draws Attention to How Games Are Helping Care Home Residents in Japan

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:24:14 -0000

    Recently, a 73-year-old woman (playing as the pink version of Panda no less) beat a 73-year-old man in the finals of the Tekken 8 portion of the 11th biannual Amigo Club Cup, an esports competition for elderly care home residents in Japan. YouTube livestreams and videos of this feat have drawn attention to the event, and the benefits that gaming can give players, regardless of their age.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/screenshot-2025-07-31-151536-1753971446792.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Recently, a 73-year-old woman (playing as the pink version of Panda no less) beat a 73-year-old man in the finals of the Tekken 8 portion of the 11th biannual Amigo Club Cup, an esports competition for elderly care home residents in Japan. YouTube livestreams and videos of this feat have drawn attention to the event, and the benefits that gaming can give players, regardless of their age.</p><p>In an interview with Japanese news site <a href="https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2025/07/13/154970.html"><u>Game*Spark</u></a>, the tournament’s winner, Yoshie Murabe revealed that she chose to main Panda purely for the reason that she likes the animal. Murabe picked the pink version of the character; however, opponents should not be fooled by this cute appearance. Murabe’s winning bout shows her taking good advantage of Panda’s slow yet powerful attacks, giving her the edge over her opponent Sadayuki Kato, who picked King as his fighter.</p><p>Murabe revealed that Tekken 8 is the first video game she has played in her life and that she really enjoyed her tournament debut. Asked about her feelings while playing games and whether she found anything difficult, Murabe’s answer is equally badass: &quot;I&#39;m happy I won. I didn&#39;t find anything particularly difficult.&quot; She added that she&#39;d really like to try playing other games competitively too.</p><section data-transform="image-with-caption" data-image-url="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/screenshot-2025-07-31-151536-1753971354672.png" data-image-title="null" data-image-class="article-image-full-size" data-image-link="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/screenshot-2025-07-31-151536-1753971354672.png" data-caption="73-year-old%20Panda%20main%20Yoshie%20Murabe%20won%20the%20Tekken%208%20tournament.%20Image%20credit%3A%20Care%20eSports%20%2F%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Flive%2Fy0LlKhMAuZo%3Ffeature%3Dshared%22%3EYouTube%3C%2Fa%3E." /></section><p>Murabe and her fellow geriatric gamers got the chance to throw punches in Tekken 8 thanks to an organization called the Care eSports Association. It was founded in 2019 to give elderly citizens in Japan a new way to engage with others during the pandemic. They started out with slow-paced video game versions of board games like Shogi and Othello, but then decided to shake things up by adding Tekken 8 into the mix, starting with the 9th edition of the tournament.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2025/07/13/154970.html"><u>Game*Spark</u></a>’s interview with the Care eSports Association&#39;s PR rep Shimpei Hama, this came about due to his background as a pro Tekken 8 player (he is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ouiuUxYqxlHBi6GAtgTuA"><u>Rox3Gaming’s Hama-chan</u></a>). He decided it would be interesting to see how the seniors got on with Tekken 8. Hama said the elderly residents, some of whom have dementia, reported that they really enjoyed it. Many became attached to their characters, showing determination to win at least once, with some staying up late to practice in the run-up to tournaments. He also thanked the carers for their hard work in introducing their residents to video games and the concept of online tournaments. “None of this would have been possible without the dependable cooperation of the staff onsite,” Hama noted.</p><section data-transform="image-with-caption" data-image-url="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/screenshot-2025-07-31-151832-1753971530210.png" data-image-title="null" data-image-class="article-image-full-size" data-image-link="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/screenshot-2025-07-31-151832-1753971530210.png" data-caption="Yoshie%20started%20strong.%20Image%20credit%3A%20Care%20eSports%20%2F%20YouTube." /></section><p>Tekken 8 first showed up in the Amigo Club Cup as an exhibition match in the tournament’s 9th iteration back in June 2024. However the recent 11th tournament is the first time it has been played competitively by care home residents. Livestreams and videos of the matches were posted on Care eSports Association&#39;s official YouTube channel, attracting attention online. Acknowledging the views, Hama noted, “We received way more feedback than ever before,” with voice actors and streamers among those who praised the event. Champion Yoshie Murabe is actually one of the younger participants in the tournament — there was also a <a href="https://youtu.be/3j-MdwkihME?si=ZbAHEgi2p2RchJhg"><u>fast-paced match between two 93-year-old women playing as Lili and Steve</u></a>.</p><p>During the process of introducing Tekken 8 to the Amigo Club Cup, Hama realized that &quot;care home residents are more interested in video games than I thought.&quot; He said they plan to continue to offer Shogi and Othello, but would also like to add other fighting games, as well as &quot;games that everyone can enjoy more casually — something like Geoguessr.&quot; He noted that some residents were not keen on the idea of fighting in a game. Geoguessr, a non-violent Google Maps deduction game, would be a good way to engage more residents and help them to keep their brains sharp. At the moment, Care eSports Association’s activities are limited to three Japanese prefectures but they eventually aim to hold a national tournament (source: <a href="https://careesports.com/careesports/"><u>Care eSports official website</u></a>).</p><section data-transform="image-with-caption" data-image-url="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/screenshot-2025-07-31-152225-1753971751223.png" data-image-title="null" data-image-class="article-image-full-size" data-image-link="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/screenshot-2025-07-31-152225-1753971751223.png" data-caption="Yoshie%20ended%20up%20victorious.%20Image%20credit%3A%20Care%20eSports%20%2F%20YouTube." /></section><p>This isn&#39;t the first time that elderly Japanese gamers have attracted attention online. In 2020, then 90-year-old Hamako Mori ended up in the <a href="https://youtu.be/3A5XlyF7UY8?si=bdxbZtlhpkvnmiBK"><u>Guinness Book of World Records </u></a>for becoming the oldest gaming YouTuber in the world with her Gamer Grandma channel. All of this goes to show that age is just a number when it comes to enjoying video games.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Image credit: Care eSports / </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/y0LlKhMAuZo?feature=shared"><em>YouTube</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><em>Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.</em></p></section>
  15. Plants vs Zombies: Replanted Is a New 'Anchor for the Franchise,' PopCap Says, and a Chance to Reacknowledge the Series' Roots

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0000

    As PopCap announces a "definitive" new version of its beloved Plants vs Zombies, the studio has reflected on the evolution of its garden tower defense franchise — and why now is the right time to go back to its roots on PC and consoles, after a pair of sequels focused on smartphones.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/axvuvpnw-1753888665740.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>As PopCap announces a &quot;definitive&quot; new version of its beloved original <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/plants-vs-zombies">Plants vs Zombies</a>, the studio has reflected on the evolution of its garden tower defense franchise — and revealed why now is the right time for it to go back to the series&#39; PC and console roots, after a pair of sequels focused on smartphones.</p><p>Speaking to IGN, PopCap studio general manager Nick Reinhart said the freshly-announced Plants vs Zombies: Replanted was an opportunity to &quot;reestablish&quot; what fans loved about the series, while making it accessible on modern consoles, with polished-up 4K graphics.</p><p>Plants vs Zombies: Replanted will arrive on October 23, 2025 priced at $19.99, for PC (via EA app, Epic Games Store and Steam) and on consoles for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. </p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="plants-vs-zombies-replanted-official-announce-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>New features include local co-op and PVP options, two additional game modes (a roguelike permadeath offering named Rest in Peace, and Cloudy Day mode, which ups the difficulty by limiting sunlight), plus an art gallery showing previously-unreleased concepts.</p><p>Describing the package as &quot;the definitive PvZ remaster,&quot; executive producer Jake Neri said it was PopCap&#39;s way to &quot;preserve the magic of the original while also giving it a freshness that allows it to live for another 20-odd years.&quot;</p><p>&quot;We&#39;ve heard for quite a while now that that people would love a remaster of this game,&quot; Neri continued, when asked why Replanted was surfacing now. &quot;Timing is important.&quot;</p><p>&quot;PopCap just celebrated [PvZ&#39;s] Sweet 16, which may seem like a little bit of a strange one but, at PopCap, we are strange,&quot; added Reinhart. &quot;It certainly has been swirling around sort of for a little bit, as we&#39;ve been talking about getting things pulled together.&quot;</p><p>Replanted&#39;s announcement comes at an interesting time for the Plants vs Zombies franchise, following <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/07/18/plants-vs-zombies-3-in-development-pre-alpha-available-now">at least six years of work</a> by PopCap testing various versions of Plants vs Zombies 3 on smartphones. Finally released worldwide in January 2024, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-takes-plants-vs-zombies-3-offline-for-major-overhaul">PvZ 3 was then taken offline in October 2024 for another &quot;major overhaul&quot;</a> — and, nearly a year later, it is still to resurface.</p><p>&quot;My official answer here is that I don&#39;t have anything to say about PvZ 3 at the moment,&quot; Reinhart said when asked for an update on the MIA threequel&#39;s status. For 2025, at least, the franchise&#39;s focus appears to be Replanted — though there are &quot;no plans&quot; for Replanted to also launch on smartphones, something that would leave the runway clear for PvZ to return there at some point.</p><section data-transform="image-with-caption" data-image-url="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/screenshot-bowlingminigame-1753890173475.png" data-image-title="null" data-image-class="article-image-full-size" data-image-link="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/screenshot-bowlingminigame-1753890173475.png" data-caption="Plants%20vs%20Zombies%3A%20Replanted." /></section><p>&quot;Is it a reset?&quot; Reinhart said, when asked if Replanted&#39;s launch was the franchise resetting to its origins, after various spin-offs and sequels. &quot;I think that&#39;s an interesting way to sort of frame the question. What I would say is that I think it&#39;s more of a reacknowledgement of what our roots are, and what sort of games we should be thinking about and what we should be making.&quot;</p><p>&quot;Has the brand ever gone away? No,&quot; Reinhart continued. &quot;A reset, to me, almost implies &#39;well, it&#39;s been dead on the vine,&#39; and we&#39;re, like, trying to bring it back or something like that. I don&#39;t think it&#39;s there. I do think that it&#39;s an opportunity for us to reestablish that this is a brand that people love, that there are still a lot of Neighborville stories that we can and should tell, and that we have to author that, to some extent, with our fan base in mind, and that we have to be able to acknowledge what we&#39;ve done there.&quot;</p><p>Naturally, PopCap has arrived on its decision to relaunch the original Plants vs Zombies after seeing the reaction to its more recent games in the series. 2013&#39;s smartphone-only Plants vs Zombies 2 was popular and long-lasting, though included touchscreen power-ups and microtransactions that grated with some players. More recent years have seen the franchise&#39;s console focus transform into a 3D shooter, via the Garden Warfare spin-off franchise — though for now, 2019 entry Battle for Neighborville appears to be the last. </p><p>Even PopCap itself, previously a prolific creator of bizarre but compulsive game ideas (Feeding Frenzy! Zuma! Bookworm!) has consolidated its focus in recent years. Bejeweled Stars will be a decade old next year, while Peggle 2 is 12 years old already, with no sign of a third entry on the horizon. </p><section data-transform="image-with-caption" data-image-url="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/screenshot-gameplaynight-1753890173477.png" data-image-title="null" data-image-class="article-image-full-size" data-image-link="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/screenshot-gameplaynight-1753890173477.png" data-caption="Plants%20vs%20Zombies%3A%20Replanted." /></section><p>&quot;I would say that the passion of the community is an important thing that has to be galvanized and recognized,&quot; Reinhart said, discussing why PopCap has gone back to PvZ&#39;s roots now. &quot;So much of what inspires our design decisions is, how we make sure that we are keeping something that is familiar, that doesn&#39;t entirely break the compact we have made with the player base, but that we can also then begin to iterate and move it forward as well.&quot;</p><p>&quot;This game has given us an opportunity to go and dive in and try to figure out exactly what it is that people love about PvZ,&quot; Neri added. &quot;And there&#39;s a lot of learning that we&#39;ve done about the zaniness of the IP and how it appeals to people in that way, and that helps guide us and help us be true to what the the expectation is.&quot;</p><p>This desire to keep within fan expectations helped informed PopCap&#39;s choice of new modes for Replanted, Neri continued, as while the developer had plenty of ideas and could have gone in &quot;all different directions,&quot; Replanted&#39;s team instead aimed for what they thought fans would actually want.</p><p>&quot;We&#39;re very thoughtful about how much innovation we bring into it,&quot; Reinhart agreed, &quot;and not just trying to alienate the core overall experience for players... As we look to the future, we&#39;re looking at the brand more holistically and saying, what else is there? And what would it mean for us to reinvestigate some of that? There are no formal plans for right now, but it&#39;s something we are spending a lot of time looking at. But for this year, for the current stanza of where PopCap is, it is back at tower defense, and we&#39;re excited about that.&quot;</p><p>&quot;We&#39;ve done a ton of exploration around what people loved about all the different versions of PvZ and trying to bring it back into this version,&quot; Neri added. &quot;As we go forward, I definitely hope that Replanted will be an anchor for for us, that people can look to and understand — because the original PvZ still lives in people&#39;s hearts and minds.&quot;</p><section data-transform="image-with-caption" data-image-url="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/screenshot-levelselect-1753890173478.png" data-image-title="undefined" data-image-class="article-image-full-size" data-image-link="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/30/screenshot-levelselect-1753890173478.png" data-caption="Plants%20vs%20Zombies%3A%20Replanted." /></section><p>So what of the future? Does a return to the more grounded original Plants vs Zombies in Replanted offer a clue as to where the franchise could go next? Or could it spark the re-release of other PopCap classics?</p><p>&quot;We&#39;ve absolutely been having conversations about — if this is fruitful, if this meets the fans expectations... is this a template?&quot; Reinhart said. &quot;I think there&#39;s a lot of enthusiasm about that. Now, whether or not there are actually plans ongoing yet, we can&#39;t say that, but I would say we&#39;re very interested to see how this goes and what it would maybe mean for other properties to sort of maybe follow a similar route.</p><p>&quot;PvZ is incredibly enduring,&quot; Reinhart concluded, &quot;and being able to bring that to a new audience, to reawaken people&#39;s nostalgia and their feelings about it as well, especially in a time where I think the world could use a little bit of joy and wackiness, it just feels like the right time for that.&quot;</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Tom Phillips is IGN&#39;s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky </em><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/tomphillipseg.bsky.social">@tomphillipseg.bsky.social</a></p></section>
  16. Square Enix Announces Octopath Traveler 0 for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:44:19 -0000

    There's a brand new entry in the Octopath Traveler series for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Square Enix announced in today's Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase presentation.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/octopath-traveler-0-2560x1438-1753969393153.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>There&#39;s a new entry in the Octopath Traveler series for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, first announced in today&#39;s Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase presentation. The game will launch for all platforms on December 4, 2025.</p><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/octopath-traveler-0">Octopath Traveler 0</a> will let players create a customizable character for the first time, and set off on a &quot;journey of restoration&quot; after your home town of Wishvale is burned to the ground. </p><p>Footage shown in today&#39;s debut trailer features the series&#39; usual HD-2D visual style, with turn-based battles and the ability to rebuild Wishvale by placing and designing homes and other buildings. A press release for the game promises over 30 recruitable party members, and a return of the series&#39; Break &amp; Boost battle system.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="octopath-traveler-0-official-reveal-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>If the idea of an Octopath Traveler prequel sounds familiar, that&#39;s because this game incorporates story elements from Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, a free-to-play spin-off for smartphones, released back in 2020 within Japan, and more widely in 2022. </p><p>In a blog post, Square Enix said that while Octopath Traveler 0 was &quot;inspired by story elements and gameplay ideas from that game&quot;, it was also designed from the ground-up as a &quot;full-fledged console and PC RPG&quot; with additional narrative content, fresh character backstories, full voice acting, and the aforementioned town-building feature. </p><p>&quot;The name Octopath Traveler 0 conveys the idea that you&#39;re undertaking a journey of your own making,&quot; producer Hirohito Suzuki said in a statement. &quot;Whether you&#39;ve played the first game in the series, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, or even neither, we’ve packed this game with original experiences that can be enjoyed by anyone! I look forward to players experiencing this new story for themselves.”</p><p>Square Enix&#39;s first Octopath Traveler originally launched for Nintendo Switch back in 2018, before eventually launching on other platforms in subsequent years. Octopath Traveler 2, meanwhile, arrived in 2023. </p><p>Today&#39;s presentation also saw <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-adventures-of-elliot-the-millennium-tales-is-square-enixs-latest-new-action-rpg-coming-to-switch-2">Square Enix announce a second HD-2D title, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales</a>, which looks to be a brand new action RPG.</p><p>For everything else announced, here&#39;s our <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced">roundup of today&#39;s Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase presentation in full</a>.</p><p></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Tom Phillips is IGN&#39;s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky </em><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/tomphillipseg.bsky.social">@tomphillipseg.bsky.social</a></p></section>
  17. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Is Square Enix's Latest New Action RPG Coming to Switch 2

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:35:12 -0000

    Today's Nintendo Partner Direct ended on a Square Enix double-whammy. One of the games is a brand new HD-2D action-RPG entitled The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, and it's coming to Switch 2 in 2026.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-7-31-2025-51-52-screenshot-1753968266804.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Today&#39;s Nintendo Partner Direct ended on a Square Enix double-whammy. One of the games is a brand new HD-2D action-RPG entitled The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, and it&#39;s coming to Switch 2 in 2026.</p><p>The Adventures of Elliot follows the adventurer Elliot, who sets off from the Kingdom of Huther to investigate a mysterious set of ruins that&#39;s been found in the wilds. Huther is protected by a spell that keeps out attacking beast tribes, so Elliot ends up having to fight his way through the world outside. </p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="the-adventures-of-elliot-the-millenium-tales-official-reveal-trailer-nintendo-direct-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>While The Adventures of Elliot looks like Octopath Traveler and Live a Live and other HD-2D turn-based RPGs of recent years, this game plays different. It&#39;s an action RPG. Instead of having a party, you just control Elliot and his fairy companion Faie. Elliot can wield seven different weapon types, all of which has different abilities and effects, and he can upgrade them using Magicite crystals that he finds on his travels. Faie can also attack enemies on her own, either controlled by the player or by a second player in a co-op mode.</p><p>The Adventures of Elliot doesn&#39;t have a release window just yet, but a free demo will be out today, and Square Enix is sending out a post-play survey for players to give feedback sometime after.</p><p>In addition to this, Square Enix also <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/square-enix-announces-octopath-traveler-0-for-nintendo-switch-and-switch-2">brought out a reveal for Octopath Traveler 0</a> for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, planned for release on December 4, 2025. So if you liked the look of The Adventures of Elliot but missed the turn-based flavor (or if you just don&#39;t want to wait indefinitely for Elliot), that&#39;s probably the game for you.</p><p>You can catch up on everything announced at <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced">today&#39;s Nintendo Partner Direct right here</a>.</p></section>
  18. Cronos: The New Dawn Confirms Bloober Horror for Nintendo Switch 2 Alongside September Release Date

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:31:32 -0000

    Bloober Team’s twisted sci-fi nightmare, Cronos: The New Dawn, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 with a September release date.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/15/7sdrngrzysxyetbcmkjakioaagw6hwbjk0umsqrzk9c-1744675244399.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Bloober Team’s twisted sci-fi nightmare, <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/cronos-the-new-dawn">Cronos: The New Dawn</a>, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 with a release date of September 5, 2025.</p><p>The studio revealed its release date plans during today’s July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZoLrfLcIVg"><u>Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase</u></a>, narrowing its launch window down to a specific September date. It comes with the news that Cronos is coming to Switch 2 in addition to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="cronos-the-new-dawn-official-nintendo-switch-2-trailer-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>Bloober’s update arrived alongside a new trailer showing how Cronos: The New Dawn runs on Switch 2 and the many terrors The Traveler will encounter during their journey through past and future. While it included a look at enemies, time-travel mechanics, and an upgrade system, the real highlight is that the footage offers a fresh look at gameplay following the team&#39;s work on last year&#39;s <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/silent-hill-2-remake">Silent Hill 2 remake</a>.</p><p>&quot;In the future, dangerous creatures born from the remnants of humanity prowl the wasteland,&quot; a description revealed during the Nintendo Direct said. &quot;You&#39;ll need to craft ammo and supplies with limited resources to fend off brutal enemies, but don&#39;t let your guard down after defeating them. If a monster absorbs a fallen enemy, it will evolve into an even more nightmarish form.&quot;</p><p>We recently got to go hands-on with Cronos: The New Dawn and came away excited to see more from the new Dead Space-inspired world Bloober has crafted. In <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/cronos-the-new-dawn-hands-on-preview">our preview</a>, we said, &quot;it feels like Bloober Team has cherry-picked from the best of the genre and fashioned a survival horror beast of its own.&quot;</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="cronos-the-new-dawn-official-35-minute-gameplay" data-loop=""></section><p>For everything else announced during today’s July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, you can <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced"><u>click right here</u></a>. You can also check out our <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/cronos-the-new-dawn-interview-what-silent-hill-2-remake-developer-bloober-team-is-doing-next">interview with Bloober</a> from last October to learn more about how Cronos: The New Dawn fits into its catalog of horror experiences.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He&#39;s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).</em></p></section>
  19. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Is Flying Toward Nintendo Switch 2 Next Year

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:07:53 -0000

    Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, as shown in today's Nintendo Partner Direct.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-7-31-2025-29-51-screenshot-1753967184702.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>A brand new Monster Hunter Stories game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, as shown in today&#39;s Nintendo Partner Direct.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="monster-hunter-stories-3-twisted-reflection-official-announce-trailer-nintendo-direct-2025" data-loop=""></section><p>Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection opened the Direct today, showing off the new story-focused game set in a kingdom seemingly at war. We see shots of a big monster egg on the cusp of hatching, various characters fighting against something called &quot;the Encroachment,&quot; and what appears to be the main character - the &quot;sole Rathalos rider&quot; in the kingdom.</p><p>From a press release, we learn that Monster Hunter Stories 3 follows the story of two nations, Azuria and Vermeil, both of whom are facing destruction from a &quot;crystal encroachment.&quot; However, a mysterious egg is discovered that hatches into twin Rathalos, creatures thought to be extinct. The Rathalos bear the same mark as a creature known as the twin Skyscale Rathalos, which are regarded as signs of destruction and war.</p><p>You play as the heir of Azuria, the only remaining Rathalos Rider in the kingdom, who begins investigating the threats to the kingdom and the world. You team up with Eleanor, the princess of Vermeil who has offered herself as a hostage to Azuria to improve diplomatic relations amid threat of war.</p><p>Monster Hunter Stories 3 will come not just to Nintendo Switch 2, but also to Xbox, PS5, and PC via Steam, sometime in 2026.</p><p>We&#39;re pretty big fans of the Monster Hunter Stories games. We gave the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/08/monster-hunter-stories-review">first one an 8.9/10</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/monster-hunter-stories-2-wings-of-ruin-review">second got an 8/10</a>. We said Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin was &quot;a beautifully presented JRPG with a plethora of fun things to do and deep systems I happily got lost in – but a few issues leave it short of being flawless.&quot;</p><p>You can catch up on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced">everything announced at today&#39;s Nintendo Partner Direct right here</a>.</p></section>
  20. Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Review

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0000

    Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a bigger, better version of its predecessor, even if it’s not exactly out here discovering new forms of demon slaying.
    <section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/07/31/demonslayer-chronicles2-blogroll-02-1753937303781.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Can I reminisce for a second, gang? Is that cool? Almost four years ago, I reviewed Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles for IGN. It was my first IGN review. Now, with exactly 25 more IGN reviews under my belt, I’m back to review its sequel. Time flies, and a lot has changed in the last four years, including within this series. The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a bigger, better version of its predecessor that adds new ways to play while maintaining what worked and tweaking what didn’t, even if it’s not exactly out here discovering new forms of demon slaying.</p><p>Let’s start from the beginning. If you’re unfamiliar with Demon Slayer from its manga or anime, it follows Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado after demons murder their family and transform Nezuko into a demon herself. Determined to avenge their family, the two set out to slay demons and figure out a way to make Nezuko human again. The original Hinokami Chronicles went through the end of the Mugen Train Arc, and The Hinokami Chronicles 2 picks up from there. There’s some effort to play catch up if you missed the original game, with a bit of narration from Tanjiro in the Story Mode explaining what’s going on and who characters like Inosuke and Zenitsu are, but for the most part The Hinokami Chronicles 2 kind of expects you to have a familiarity with what’s going on. This is a sequel, after all.</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-the-hinokami-chronicles-2-screenshots" data-value="demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-the-hinokami-chronicles-2-screenshots" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>If you don’t, you can hop into Path of the Demon Slayer, which allows you to replay a truncated version of the original story. And when I say “truncated,” I mean it, as it’s comprised of just six one-on-one fights. That’s it. It was still a useful way for me to refresh on the story so far, but none of the big, flashy fights against the massive bosses from the original game are here, and even some of the smaller fights are missing. Worse, the ones that are here are based on the playable, versus mode versions of the bosses you fought, which means they’re essentially just glorified Vs CPU matches. Don’t get me wrong; I am grateful The Path of the Demon Slayer is here at all, but it feels like there should have been more to it. As it is, you can knock the whole thing out in maybe half an hour.</p><p>For most folks, I imagine the appeal will be Story Mode, which allows you to play through the Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, and Hashira Training Arcs. The story compelled me less than last time, though I remained interested even if it is a little goofy. Characters (especially the usually-cowardly-but-brave-when-it-counts Zenitsu) yell <em>a lot,</em> but it’s usually pretty funny in context, and Tanjiro is a goody-goody’s goody-goody, but at least his heart’s in the right place. This is a CyberConnect2 joint, so everything is absolutely beautifully animated and just about every sequence looks remarkable. There are a lot of cutscenes in the Story Mode, so maybe make some popcorn, but things are generally well-presented. Do characters talk too much and have too much internal monologue about how they can’t believe the other guy is doing some crazy stuff? Yup. Lots of yelling? Yup. Still fairly interesting anyway? Yup. It’s an anime game, y’all. Just, you know… don’t take a shot every time someone yells about something. You’ll be dead before the Entertainment District Arc is over.</p><section data-transform="quoteBox">This is a CyberConnect2 joint, so everything is absolutely beautifully animated and just about every sequence looks remarkable.</section><p>Between cutscenes, you’ll walk around and explore the world, talk to other characters, find items, and hunt down demons or clues to their whereabouts using Tanjiro’s incredible nose, Zenitsu’s super hearing, Inosuke’s spatial awareness, and so on. All of these essentially boil down to the Demon Slayer version of Detective Vision. Turn it on, follow the path, profit. As you explore, you’ll also be able to collect Memory Fragments, which are short movies that combine voiceovers and stills from the anime series, and Kimetsu Points, which can be used to unlock rewards like characters, system voices, alternate costumes, quotes, stamps, various art and decorations to customize your profile, and songs from the soundtrack, a lot of which you’ll also find scattered around the environments. I’m particularly fond of finding some momento that causes characters to pause and remember times past; it makes the world feel more lived in, and is a good reminder of how we got here.</p><section data-transform="poll" data-id="6d2c5fb1-a5d3-4269-9b00-6a1d35eb702b"></section><p>I complained about all the walking around in my review of the original game, but I’m feeling it a bit more here for three reasons: first, the areas are smaller and more “big area where you run around and find stuff” rather than “travel this exceptionally linear path.” Secondly, you can run this time around, at least when you’re outside. <em>Thank God</em>, y&#39;all. Thirdly, there’s side quests now, which break things up nicely, whether that means helping a shy servant confess his love to one of the women he serves or joining forces with a Hashira to take down a demon. These are fun, and they add variety. Plus, you usually get one of the aforementioned rewards. There’s even some amusing minigames, like Demon Slayer’s version of Guitar Hero, too!</p><p>When you’re not walking around, you’ll be throwing down with one demon or another. Like the first game, the fights are pretty sick, whether you’re fighting another member of the cast or engaging in one of the more elaborate fights against characters you’d never see in a versus match, like a giant demon fishman or a demon made of sashes or a 3 on 1 brawl. Even ones that you’ll fight multiple times, like Daki and Gyutaro, are compelling because you’ll use different characters each time, or fight under unique conditions, like having one of your characters be poisoned or using an alternate version than you’re used to. The boss fights are flashy and engaging throughout The Hinokami Chronicles 2, and easily the highlight of the story mode.</p><h2>Locking Swords with Demons</h2><p>When it comes to the actual battle system, this sequel doesn’t make a ton of changes. Attacks are on one button and specials another. You can vary things up by pushing the stick in a direction while pressing one of those buttons to either perform different specials or one of three unique combos: one that launches, one that keeps foes on the ground, and one that knocks them down.</p><p>Each fighter can also throw, dash (particularly useful to follow up a launcher for an air combo), perform an Ultimate Art, use heavy attacks, and activate two special power ups: Boost and Surge. Boost powers up your attacks and adds an extra combo route, while Surge gives your character unlimited meter for a short time. The controls are simple, but there’s a lot of depth to this combat if you’re into that, and I enjoyed learning how to build combos with each character, figuring out advanced techniques like Quick Dodge so I could keep my attacks from becoming predictable and keep my combo gauge going a bit longer, and identifying the best way to parry certain characters.</p><p>I’ll also sing the praises of the few changes CyberConnect 2 has implemented. First, heavy attacks are no longer bound to forward plus the attack button. Instead, you’ll hold guard and press attack. No more accidental regular attacks when you want a heavy strike to lay on the hurt. Secondly, while the combo gauge is still here (and still, I think, a smart addition for a game like this), I haven’t noticed characters falling out of combos if you run out of gauge during multihit attacks like the original game. These are both very, very good changes.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="19-minutes-of-demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-the-hinokami-chronicles-2-gameplay" data-loop=""></section><p>While you’ll sometimes fight solo in Story Mode, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is meant to be a tag game. In two-on-two battles, you can call in your tag partner for an assist that utilizes one of their special moves for half of your assist gauge, or spend all of it to have them save you from a mid-combo beatdown. You can also fully swap between your characters provided you have the gauge for it, and since health is shared between them, you’ll never have to fly solo, even when things are looking bad for the home team. In a new twist, some characters are so strong they don’t get assists at all, like Nezuko in her Advanced Demon Form, while others, like Hinatsuru, Makio, and Suma, come as a pre-built tag team. Certain teams even have unique Dual Ultimate Arts, which incentivizes you to pair characters like Tanjiro and Nezuko, who already have a bond in The Lore.</p><p>As before, the real strength of this system is movement and positioning. Finding the sweet spot between being far enough away from an attack to dodge it and close enough to punish when you do is as compelling as landing that huge combo, especially when you cash out with a particularly flashy Ultimate Art.</p><section data-transform="quoteBox">The best Story Mode bosses force you to learn their patterns, pick your spots, and execute when you find your moment.</section><p>The best Story Mode bosses force you to learn their patterns, pick your spots, and execute when you find your moment. Last time, I complained that bosses could knock you back at will, even when you’re laying the smacketh down, and that their Boost Modes are so powerful that you’ll spend a lot of time playing defense once they activate them. Both are still true, and while they can be annoying, it doesn’t feel quite as bad this time. Maybe I’m used to it, or maybe the dance feels more natural. For whatever reason, I’m less bothered. And when you finish that fight and transition into a flashy quick-time event called the Final Clash to cap off the brawl? Still cinema. And like last time, it’s nice that you can replay the encounters without doing the map sections that accompany them once you’ve beaten them.</p><h2>But Wait, There’s More!</h2><p>Once you’re done with the Story Mode, you still have some options as a solo player. The most interesting one is probably Hashira Training, a roguelike where you guide your team down a board, choosing fights with unique win conditions (switch a character, win with X amount of health remaining, and so on) or rewards and healing items. Your health won’t regenerate between fights unless you choose to head to a square that offers it, but you’ll get boosts that can buff you up for the next fight. Your goal? Make it to the Hashira you’re training with, and take them down. It’s a simple mode, but an engaging one, and just like Story Mode, it’s a good way to earn new goodies for the Archive and up your Character Mastery, which… also earns you new stuff for the Archive. There’s a ton of stuff to unlock here, so if that’s your bag, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 has the juice to keep you here for the long haul.</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="top-anime-like-demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba" data-value="top-anime-like-demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>If there’s one thing I don’t like about Story Mode and Hashira Training, it’s the addition of gear. Why does everything need to be an RPG? I’ll never know, but here we are. You can equip up to three pieces of gear in three slots. Each has its own slot requirement and does different things, like boost your attack or recover your health if certain conditions are met in combat. It’s… fine, I guess? I just don’t see the point and wish it wasn’t here, because it’s just another menu I have to mess with when I want to be fighting in my fighting game.</p><p>Thankfully, you can turn gear off in versus mode, though it&#39;s there if you want it. As expected, there is online and local versus, as well as a practice mode to help you get to grips with how every character works and an endurance mode for testing your skills against enemy after relentless enemy. The original Hinokami Chronicles was hamstrung by its relatively small roster – only 18 characters at launch, several of which were just Academy versions of characters you already had, with jokey Ultimate Arts. The Hinokami Chronicles 2 has more than 40, greatly upping the multiplayer value and offering far more variety. It’s a huge win. I wasn’t able to test out the online play pre-release this time, but given that I had stable matches cross-country in the original, I’m not overly concerned, and the moment-to-moment gameplay is just as compelling.</p><section data-transform="user-list" data-id="158055" data-slug="will-favorite-rpgs" data-nickname="edgarallanbro"></section><p>My only real complaint regarding modes is the lack of a decent tutorial. Yeah, there’s text-based tips and tricks, but what’s here in the Story Mode is sparse and doesn’t hit on the more advanced stuff. On some level, I get it. This is a sequel. You’re kind of expected to know how things work. But when the text-based tutorials tell me what parrying is without telling me how to do it, that’s kind of an issue, right? Good teaching tools are a must in a fighting game, even an arena fighter, and The Hinokami Chronicles 2 doesn’t really have any. It’s a shame.</p></section>
  21. Roblox UGC game Grow a Garden had nearly 22 million concurrent users in July

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0000

    Originally created by a 16-year-old, record-breaking Grow a Garden became "the top experience based on spending" within one month of release.
  22. Turkey-based mobile dev Good Job Games raises $60M Series A round

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:07:46 -0000

    The round brings the total investment in the studio amount to date to $83M.
  23. Battlefield 6's Godot-powered UGC mode is the heart of EA's big live service swing for the series

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:00:00 -0000

    The foundation of the 'Battlefield Universe' is a lot of player-made content.
  24. Yes, Reality Labs is still losing billions

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:28:43 -0000

    Quest sales are down and billion-dollar losses are up.
  25. Microsoft becomes PlayStation's top publisher and annual Xbox Game Pass revenue nears $5 billion

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 10:29:42 -0000

    'We have nearly 40 games in development, so much, much more to come.'
  26. Latin American studios can attract talent by ensuring people 'don't feel like a number on the payroll'

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:00:35 -0000

    Amber Studio general manager Jorge Suarez Basanez says employers keen to punch above their weight must focus on worker wellbeing.
  27. Krafton says Subnautica 2 legal fight shows strength of its milestone process

    Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:12:26 -0000

    In an earnings call, investors questioned whether Krafton's 'myriad of investments' are being well-managed.
  28. EA CEO claims EA Sports will become the 'most valuable sports business in the world'

    Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:24:11 -0000

    Andrew Wilson wants investors to believe the sky is the limit for the company's sports division.
  29. 'They are not losing money, they're gaining less:' Aheartfulofgames accuses owner Outright Games of mismanagement ahead of closure

    Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:43:12 -0000

    The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed developer claims it has 'consistently delivered commercially successful projects on time and met performance goals.'

  30. Shuhei Yoshida: Devs in emerging markets can soar with 'authentically crafted' titles

    Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:47:48 -0000

    The former PlayStation boss advises developers in markets like Brazil to spotlight what makes their culture unique.
  31. Atari to invest $5.1 million in Thunderful as company undergoes restructuring

    Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:18:08 -0000

    Workforce reductions will impact game development studios, the publishing business, and group-wide services.
  32. The IGDA calls wave of adult game delistings a form of 'creative suppression'

    Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:38:05 -0000

    'This issue is not just about adult content. It is about developer rights.'
  33. Microsoft details how UK Online Safety Act will impact Xbox players

    Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:07:25 -0000

    Social features will be restricted by age verification starting early 2026.
  34. Sony files lawsuit against Tencent for allegedly cloning Horizon series

    Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:21:04 -0000

    SIE has branded Tencent's upcoming title Light of Motiram a Horizon 'knockoff' and claims the Chinese conglomerate previously tried and failed to license the franchise.
  35. 'Make it political:' How can the Brazilian game industry establish itself on the global stage?

    Tue, 29 Jul 2025 08:43:35 -0000

    We speak with developers and advocates at Gamescom Latam 2025 to learn about the challenges of making video games in Brazil.
  36. Itch.io posts new adult content guidelines

    Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:30:28 -0000

    Indie platform itch.io has posted new guidelines for adult content, in light of last week's deindexing
  37. Investors and publishers share their pitching tips at Gamescom Latam

    Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:24:56 -0000

    A panel of industry experts explain how developers in Latin America can pitch their product with investors in mind.
  38. Digging into SAG-AFTRA’s Stellar Win With Sarah Elmaleh - Game Developer Podcast Ep. 51

    Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:50:28 -0000

    This week on the Game Developer Podcast, actor and SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media negotiating committee chair Sarah Elmaleh stops by to discuss the success and strategy behind the union’s year-long strike.
  39. Subnautica 2 publisher Krafton acquires Last Epoch developer Eleventh Hour Games

    Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:04:55 -0000

    Eleventh Hour founder Judd Cobler said Krafton shares the studio's passion for the ARPG genre.
  40. Patch Notes #15: ZeniMax workers denounce 'inhumane' layoffs, 1047 Games boss admits to making 'many mistakes,' and Xbox quashes the $80 game (for now)

    Fri, 25 Jul 2025 08:53:24 -0000

    Plus: Fascinating insights into employee retention at Nintendo and sales numbers for (some rather pricey) Switch 2 peripherals.
  41. Sony acquires 16 million shares in Elden Ring publisher Bandai Namco

    Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:40:53 -0000

    The "strategic partnership" is aiming for initiatives like the "expansion of works as well as products and services" based on Bandai IP.
  42. Xbox lowers the price of The Outer Worlds 2 from $80 to $70

    Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:59:35 -0000

    The news comes two months after the company announced that first-party titles could be sold for $80 moving forward.
  43. Update: Mobile developer Sandsoft is laying off 21 internal developers to 'double down' on publishing

    Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:53:29 -0000

    The company said its publishing division has the 'most potential for long-term growth.'
  44. Itch.io deindexing adult content to appease payment providers

    Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:18:32 -0000

    'We understand this action is sudden and disruptive, and we are truly sorry for the frustration and confusion caused by this change.'
  45. Data points to slowing layoffs, but doesn't capture true harm to game industry

    Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:10:40 -0000

    Where does the game industry and its workforce go from here?
  46. Obituary: Elder Scrolls Daggerfall chief engineer Julian LeFay has passed away

    Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:24:05 -0000

    The "Father of The Elder Scrolls" played a key role during the first few years of Bethesda Softworks.
  47. IGEA launches Game On Australia to assist and promote local developers

    Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:28:33 -0000

    The new website aims to showcase the local industry while helping developers learn how to access a variety of funding programs.
  48. Rainbow Six Siege underperforms to leave Ubisoft net bookings 'below expectations'

    Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:09:10 -0000

    Ubisoft expects the franchise to bounce back now that 'technical pricing issues' have been addressed.
  49. 1047 Games lays off developers, CEO says he's made 'many, many mistakes'

    Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:06:55 -0000

    The studio says it's sunsetting Splitgate in order to defer server costs and 'retain as many team members as possible.'
  50. Supermassive Games is laying off 36 people and delaying Directive 8020

    Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:13:43 -0000

    The company previously laid off a number of workers in 2024 but said it must continue adapting to a 'challenging' business environment.
  51. Silent Hill 2 codev Side lays off "less than" 10 employees

    Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:13:46 -0000

    A spokesperson said that when the "right work" comes in, the studio will look to bring some people back.
  52. Report: Wayfinder developer Airship Syndicate is laying off staff

    Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:03:12 -0000

    The reported layoffs would be the third time the studio has cut jobs since the start of 2024.
  53. Nintendo employee data indicates the company excels at retaining workers

    Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:49:54 -0000

    The Switch maker is seemingly keeping its talent sweet with high employee retention rates and low turnover.
  54. ZeniMax staff lambast chaotic Xbox layoffs: 'It's difficult to work when you're looking at a graveyard'

    Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:33:52 -0000

    Employees at The Elder Scrolls maker ZeniMax explain how Microsoft's latest round of colossal layoffs unfolded and what they mean for the studio and its developers.
  55. Update: The Chinese Room confirms layoffs after regaining independence

    Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:54:07 -0000

    The UK studio has uncoupled from Sumo Group after months of upheaval.
  56. Microsoft no longer selling Movies and TV on Xbox (or anywhere)

    Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:43:57 -0000

    Hooray for Hollywood (just not on Xbox).
  57. Update: Secret 6 Madrid workers call off strike after agreeing severance terms with Testronic

    Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:25:49 -0000

    'Although the negotiation has been tough and despite the multiple divisive tactics used by Testronic's legal representatives, the team stood firm and refused to leave anyone behind.'
  58. Patch Notes #14: Steam wages war on porn, Krafton accused of going nuclear, and King reportedly swaps humans for AI tools

    Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:05:43 -0000

    Plus: Netflix and Sega license major franchises to Roblox creators, ZeniMax and Secret 6 Madrid workers fight back, and Summer Games Done Quick raised how much?!
  59. Ubisoft and Netflix greenlight Assassin's Creed live-action series

    Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

    The news comes five years after the French company announced a partnership with Netflix.
  60. Virtuos confirms it's laying off 270 workers across Asia and Europe

    Thu, 17 Jul 2025 17:33:27 -0000

    The company says it's 'adapting for the future of game development.'
  61. Report: Wardogs developer Bulkhead is laying off workers

    Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:20:18 -0000

    As the studio CEO announces a Gamescom demo to seemingly gauge publisher interest, employees write farewell posts via LinkedIn.
  62. 'Krafton decided to go nuclear:' Unknown Worlds founders claim Subnautica 2 is being held hostage in lawsuit

    Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:37:49 -0000

    Update: The South Korean publisher is accused of delaying Subnautica 2 without cause in 'one extraordinary moment of corporate greed.'
  63. Ubisoft announces leadership for Tencent-backed subsidiary

    Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:10:39 -0000

    Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot will act as co-CEOs of the new subsidiary announced in March.
  64. Update: Santa Ragione says Apple is delisting Wheels of Aurelia 'without justification'

    Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:36:59 -0000

    The Italian studio claims Apple is undermining the 'value and sustainability of games as cultural and artistic products' with the move.
  65. Sega, Netflix and others will let Roblox creators monetize their major franchises

    Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:30:09 -0000

    Roblox's new licensing platform will let UCG creators earn revenue by crafting experiences based on franchises including Like a Dragon and Stranger Things.
  66. Report: Nearly 8,000 games on Steam disclose GenAI use

    Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:28:19 -0000

    In 2024, the number of games that disclosed the use of Generative AI was around 1,000.
  67. Are 'unreasonable investor expectations' the cause of poor video game market conditions?

    Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:33:43 -0000

    Developers say investors, specifically investors with mismanaged expectations, are to blame for the major industry downturn since 2022.
  68. Report: Candy Crush maker King is allegedly replacing laid off employees with AI tools

    Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:12:23 -0000

    A new report claims there have been more than 200 layoffs at the studio, with some employees allegedly being replaced by AI tools they created.
  69. 'Our lives were upended:' ZeniMax union workers respond to Microsoft layoffs

    Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:25:25 -0000

    'Where Microsoft has failed to support the talented craftspeople who have generated billions in revenue, our union has stepped up to provide clarity and support.'
  70. 'They tried to choke us from the start:' Secret 6 Madrid workers slam owner Testronic ahead of impending closure

    Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:08:53 -0000

    'At some point we realized that we were trying to save something that someone else had decided should be left to die.'
  71. Nvidia announces end of GPU driver updates for GeForce 10-series, Windows 10

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:34:02 -0000

    Nvidia will cover gamers who take advantage of Windows 10's extended updates.
    <p>If you last updated your gaming PC in late 2016, Nvidia has <a href="https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/mafia-the-old-country-geforce-game-ready-driver/">two pieces of bad news</a> to share with you today. First, it will no longer support the Maxwell, Pascal, or Volta GPU architectures with new Game Ready graphics driver updates after October 2025. That means GeForce GPUs from the GTX 900 and 10-series, including aging but enduringly popular cards like the GeForce GTX 1060, will no longer get optimized driver releases for new games starting this fall.</p> <p>Second, Nvidia says it will wind down all driver support for Windows 10 in October of 2026. This is one year past Microsoft's officially announced end-of-support date for Windows 10, but it will cover users who choose to take advantage of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/">the year of free extended security updates</a> (ESUs) that Microsoft is offering to home users (we have <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/how-to-get-another-free-year-of-updates-for-your-windows-10-pc/">a guide on how to get those updates</a> if you want them). After that, people who want to continue getting graphics drivers for their Nvidia GPUs, including newer models in the RTX 40- and 50-series, will need to upgrade to Windows 11.</p> <p>The Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs won't be totally abandoned after 2025; Nvidia says it will release quarterly security updates for these cards through October 2028. These updates won't optimize performance or fix bugs in any new games, but if you still have an older or hand-me-down PC using one of these cards to play <em>Minecraft </em>or <em>Roblox</em>, you won't be leaving yourself open to GPU-related security exploits.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/nvidia-announces-end-of-gpu-driver-updates-for-geforce-10-series-windows-10/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/nvidia-announces-end-of-gpu-driver-updates-for-geforce-10-series-windows-10/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  72. Not (just) seeing red: Virtual Boy emulator adds full color support

    Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:56:32 -0000

    Red Viper on the 3DS makes Nintendo's failed '90s experiment look like new.
    <p>Here at Ars, we're big fans of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/04/better-than-reality-new-emulation-tech-lags-less-than-original-consoles/">classic console emulators</a> that go <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/06/how-snes-emulators-got-a-few-pixels-from-complete-perfection/">beyond providing perfect re-creations</a> to those that <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/04/hd-emulation-mod-makes-mode-7-snes-games-look-like-new/">actually improve</a> on <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/05/28-years-later-hacker-fixes-rampant-slowdown-on-snes-gradius-iii/">original hardware</a> with <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/06/hands-on-with-the-emulator-that-adds-depth-to-old-2d-nes-games/">new features</a> we could only dream of as kids. So we were excited when we recently <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/VirtualBoy/comments/1m5wc0t/virtualboy_is_now_in_color_thanks_to_redviper/">stumbled on a Reddit post</a> that shows a full <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=660FVHPm1OA">Super Game Boy-esque</a> color palette added to the usual shades of red and black found in <em>Virtual Boy Wario Land</em>.</p> <p>After experiencing colorized Virtual Boy emulation for ourselves (and grabbing the sample screenshots you can see in this piece), we were struck by just how much a splash of color adds new life to Nintendo's failed '90s experiment (which <a href="https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/5781/Seeing-RedNintendo-s-Virtual-Boy">Ars' own Benj Edwards has written about extensively</a>). Going beyond the usual red-and-black graphics helps to highlight the artistry in the small selection of official Virtual Boy games and provides a great excuse to check out the system's surprisingly vibrant homebrew scene.</p> <h2>Red in the face</h2> <p>Nintendo famously chose to use a line of (then cheap and abundant) red LEDs for the Virtual Boy's stereoscopic display, leading to its iconic monochromatic color palette. While the handful of '90s Virtual Boy developers did their best under this limitation, the hardware's red-on-black graphics have aged even worse than the often muddy grayscale found on the original Game Boy.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/not-just-seeing-red-virtual-boy-emulator-adds-full-color-support/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/not-just-seeing-red-virtual-boy-emulator-adds-full-color-support/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  73. Remembering Descent, the once-popular, fully 3D 6DOF shooter

    Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:00:51 -0000

    Descent is a big part of gaming history, but not many people talk about it.
    <p>I maintain a to-do list of story ideas to write at Ars, and for about a year "monthly column on DOS games I love" has been near the top of the list. When we spoke with the team at GOG, it felt less like an obligation and more like a way to add another cool angle to what I was already planning to do.</p> <p>I'm going to start with the PC game I played most in high school and the one that introduced me to the very idea of online play. That game is <a href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8984087-15232592?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gog.com%2Fen%2Fgame%2Fdescent"><em>Descent</em></a>.</p> <p>As far as I can recall, <em>Descent</em> was the first shooter to be fully 3D with six degrees of freedom. It's not often in today's gaming world that you get something completely and totally new, but that's exactly what <em>Descent</em> was 30 years ago in 1995.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/remembering-descent-the-once-popular-fully-3d-6dof-shooter/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/remembering-descent-the-once-popular-fully-3d-6dof-shooter/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  74. Once a relative haven for adult games, itch.io begins removing explicit titles

    Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:40:54 -0000

    Dozens of games deleted with no advance notice, thousands more hidden by "deindexing."
    <p>Indie game clearinghouse itch.io is the latest online gaming storefront to take action to remove or limit the availability of some adult content, bowing to pressure from payment processors spurred by an Australian grassroots group's campaign against certain sexualized content.</p> <p>Wednesday night, itch.io creators and users <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/visualnovels/comments/1m7r6bl/itchio_has_now_effectively_banned_all_adult/">began</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebihimes.bsky.social/post/3luoe7z2zps2d">noticing</a> that many adult-oriented games and content were no longer appearing in search results on the platform. Other creators <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebihimes.bsky.social/post/3luoismebm22g">reported</a> that their adult-focused titles had been removed from the platform entirely, without any advance warning.</p> <p>By early Thursday morning, itch.io had <a href="https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content">confirmed in a blog post</a> that it had "'deindexed' all adult NSFW content from our browser and search pages." Itch said the move—which it admitted was "sudden and disruptive"—came in response to a pressure campaign from <a href="https://www.collectiveshout.org/">Collective Shout</a>, an Australian nonprofit that describes itself as "a grassroots movement challenging the objectification of women and sexualization of girls in media, advertising, and popular culture."</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/once-a-relative-haven-for-adult-games-itch-io-begins-removing-explicit-titles/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/once-a-relative-haven-for-adult-games-itch-io-begins-removing-explicit-titles/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  75. Julian LeFay, “the father of The Elder Scrolls,” has died at 59

    Wed, 23 Jul 2025 20:25:37 -0000

    LeFay spearheaded Arena and Daggerfall before passing the torch to Todd Howard.
    <p>Julian LeFay, the man often credited as "the father of The Elder Scrolls," has died at the age of 59, his creative partners announced this week.</p> <p>"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we inform our community of the passing of Julian LeFay, our beloved Technical Director and co-founder of Once Lost Games," his colleagues <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/oncelostgames.bsky.social/post/3lum4pyp3cs2e">wrote in a Bluesky post</a>.</p> <p>LeFay spent most of the 1990s at Bethesda Softworks, culminating in his work on The Elder Scrolls series into the late '90s.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/julian-lefay-the-father-of-the-elder-scrolls-has-passed-away-at-59/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/julian-lefay-the-father-of-the-elder-scrolls-has-passed-away-at-59/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  76. After 5 years in development, the Assassin’s Creed TV series is happening

    Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:40:05 -0000

    Series will be led by Westworld, Halo alums.
    <p>The long-running video game series Assassin's Creed will get a live-action TV series adaptation. <a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/assassins-creed-live-action-series-netflix-1236463572/">Variety</a> and <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/assassins-creed-live-action-series-netflix-news-1236318387/">The Hollywood Reporter</a> report that Netflix has greenlit the series after years of development hell; the intention to produce the series was <a href="https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/assassins-creed-netflix-series-1234816203/">announced</a> in 2020.</p> <p>The series had been through multiple creative teams even before it was greenlit, but Netflix settled on two co-showrunners. Roberto Patino, a writer on FX's <em>Sons of Anarchy</em> and HBO's <em>Westworld</em>, will join David Wiener, who led Paramount+'s <em>Halo</em> TV series as well as <em>Fear the Walking Dead</em>.</p> <p>The two released a joint statement with the news that the show is moving forward:</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/netflix-green-lights-live-action-assassins-creed-tv-series/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/netflix-green-lights-live-action-assassins-creed-tv-series/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  77. Samsung’s Odyssey 3D monitor delivers great visuals, limited game support

    Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:54:19 -0000

    $2,000 display is hard to recommend when its best feature works with only 14 titles.
    <div class="table-wrapper"><table class="specifications right" width="300"> <tbody> <tr> <th style="text-align: left;" colspan="4">Specs at a glance: Samsung Odyssey 3D</th> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Panel size</strong></td> <td colspan="3">27 inches</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Resolution</strong></td> <td colspan="3">3840×2160 (stereoscopic 3D compatible)</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Refresh</strong> <strong>rate</strong></td> <td colspan="3">165 Hz</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Panel type and backlight</strong></td> <td colspan="3">IPS, W-LED</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Ports</strong></td> <td colspan="3">1x USB-B upstream, 1x USB-A downstream, 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Size</strong></td> <td colspan="3">24.2 x 21.3 x 8.0 inches w/ stand<br> (614.7 × 541 × 203.2 mm)</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Weight</strong></td> <td colspan="3">16.5 lbs<br> (7.48 kg) w/ stand; 10.4 lbs (4.72 kg) w/out stand</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Warranty </b></td> <td colspan="3">1 year</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Price (MSRP)</strong></td> <td colspan="3"> $1,999</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div> <p> </p> <p>Gamers of a certain age will remember a period roughly 15 years ago when the industry collectively decided <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/01/hands-on-3d-without-the-glasses-comes-into-focus-at-ces/">stereoscopic 3D was going to be the next big thing in gaming</a>. From <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2009/01/ces-2009-nvidia-shows-off-3d-glasses-with-left-4-dead/">Nvidia's "3D Vision" glasses system</a> to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/01/hands-on-with-the-nintendo-3ds-at-ces/">Nintendo's glasses-free 3DS</a> to Sony's <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/06/sony-announces-24-3d-playstation-tv-god-of-war-team-ico-3d-collections/">3D TV aimed specifically at gamers</a>, major gaming companies put a lot of effort into bringing a sense of real depth to the flat video game scenes of the day.</p> <p>Unfortunately for those companies, the stereoscopic 3D gaming hype faded almost as quickly as it rose; by 2012, most companies were <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/07/what-happened-to-the-stereoscopic-gaming-revolution/">scaling back their stereoscopic investments</a> in light of underwhelming public demand (case in point: Nintendo's pivot to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/09/hands-on-with-the-nintendo-2ds-surprisingly-small-and-comfortable/">the 3D-free 2DS</a> line of portables). And while <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/09/lenovo-adds-glasses-free-3d-to-a-27-inch-monitor-for-2999/">some stray</a> <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/01/asus-new-16-inch-workstation-laptops-have-3d-oled-screens/">upstarts</a> have <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/02/the-glasses-free-technology-that-made-me-believe-in-3d-tv-again/">tried to revive the stereoscopic gaming dream in the years since</a>, the idea seemed destined to be a footnote in gaming tech history.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/samsungs-odyssey-3d-monitor-delivers-great-glasses-free-3d-for-a-handful-of-games/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/samsungs-odyssey-3d-monitor-delivers-great-glasses-free-3d-for-a-handful-of-games/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  78. Steam cracks down on some sex games to appease payment processors

    Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:29:45 -0000

    New rule against "certain kinds" of adult content accompanies removal of "incest" games.
    <p>Valve's <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/06/valve-we-want-to-allow-everything-on-steam-including-something-that-you-hate/">famously permissive</a> rules for what games are and are not allowed on Steam got a little less permissive this week, seemingly in response to outside pressure from some of its partner companies. In <a href="https://github.com/SteamDatabase/SteamworksDocumentation/commit/fddd59b5395cc3c1c74574650dbf5784612d0521">a Tuesday update</a> to the "Rules and Guidelines" section of <a href="https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/gettingstarted/onboarding">Steam's Onboarding Documentation</a>, the company added a new rule prohibiting "Content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors and related card networks and banks, or Internet network providers. In particular, certain kinds of adult only content."</p> <p>On its own, the new rule seems rather vague, with no details on which of the many kinds of "adult only content" would belong in the "certain" subset prohibited by these unnamed payment processors and ISPs. But the trackers over at SteamDB <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/steamdb.info/post/3lu32vdlsmg27">noticed</a> that the publication of the new rule coincides with <a href="https://steamdb.info/history/events/?before=64657809">the removal of dozens of Steam games</a> whose titles make reference to incest, along with a handful of sex games referencing "slave" or "prison" imagery.</p> <h2>Holding the keys to the bank</h2> <p>Valve isn't alone in having de facto restrictions on content imposed on it by outside payment processors. In 2022, for instance, Visa <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/08/visa-pauses-pornhub-ad-payments-ahead-of-child-sexual-abuse-trial/">suspended all payments to Pornhub's ad network</a> after the adult video site was accused of profiting from child sexual abuse materials. And PayPal has routinely disallowed <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/07/paypal-sets-down-stricter-regulations-for-file-sharing-sites/">payments to file-sharing sites</a> and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/02/paypal-blocks-vpn-smartdns-providers-payments-over-copyright-violations/">VPN providers</a> over concerns surrounding piracy of copyrighted materials.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/steam-cracks-down-on-some-sex-games-to-appease-payment-processors/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/steam-cracks-down-on-some-sex-games-to-appease-payment-processors/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  79. YouTuber faces jail time for showing off Android-based gaming handhelds

    Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:17:34 -0000

    Italian law allows for up to three years in jail for "promotion of pirated copyrighted materials."
    <p>There are countless Android-powered gaming handhelds, but they go beyond the usual slate of Android games by offering console emulation support. The problem is the <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/08/can-a-digital-lending-library-solve-classic-gamings-piracy-problem/">game ROMs</a> on these devices, which are not entirely legal. Italian YouTuber Once Were Nerd is learning how seriously some rightsholders are taking game piracy after agents from the country's Guardia di Finanza showed up to confiscate his consoles. He now says the investigation could lead to criminal charges and the end of his channel.</p> <p>Once Were Nerd has produced YouTube content covering a plethora of gaming topics, including Android-based handheld game machines from the likes of Powkiddy and TrimUI. These devices usually run an older version of Android that has been heavily modified for gaming, featuring built-in emulation support for retro consoles like SNES, Nintendo 64, PlayStation Portable, GameCube, and more. They've become quite popular as the cost of mobile hardware has come down, making it possible to buy what is essentially an updated PSP or Game Boy Advance for $100 or less.</p> <p>Recently, Once Were Nerd attracted the attention of Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance, which is tasked with policing copyright in the country. In the video first spotted by <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/once-were-nerd-youtuber-copyright-lawsuit-3577995/">Android Authority</a> (which has an AI-generated English language track), the YouTuber explains that Guardia di Finanza appeared at his door in April with a search warrant.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/youtuber-faces-jail-time-for-showing-off-android-based-gaming-handhelds/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/youtuber-faces-jail-time-for-showing-off-android-based-gaming-handhelds/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  80. Mac graphics settings for Cyberpunk 2077 aim for console-like simplicity

    Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:27:20 -0000

    The finite number of Mac configurations could be good for players and game devs.
    <p>CD Projekt Red’s <em>Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition</em> is coming to the Mac this week, a few months after <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/10/intensely-demanding-aaa-game-cyberpunk-2077-is-coming-to-the-mac/">the port was announced</a> as part of Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro introduction last fall. The good news for Mac gamers is that <em>Cyberpunk</em> will run on just about anything with Apple Silicon in it, going all the way back to the original M1 (though owners of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/apple-details-the-end-of-intel-mac-support-and-a-phaseout-for-rosetta-2/">the last few fading Intel Macs</a> won’t be able to play it at all).</p> <p>One hard-and-fast requirement for playability is at least 16GB of unified RAM. The 8GB versions of the M1, M2, and M3 don’t have the memory they need to play the game. Any Pro, Max, or Ultra chip of any generation will clear this requirement, so it’s only really a concern for buyers of lower-end Macs.</p> <p>Users who want to play the game will also need to install the macOS 15.5 update, since the game won’t run on anything older. The game will also require 92GB of storage when downloaded from Steam, GOG, or the Epic Games Store and 159GB of storage when downloaded from the Mac App Store. The difference in size is because the App Store version “has all voiceovers included” and because Apple’s App Review guidelines (see <a href="https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#app-completeness">section 2.4.5, item iv</a>) prohibit apps from downloading additional files after the initial download is done.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/cyberpunk-2077s-mac-port-will-run-on-all-apple-silicon-chips-even-the-aging-m1/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/cyberpunk-2077s-mac-port-will-run-on-all-apple-silicon-chips-even-the-aging-m1/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  81. Donkey Kong Bananza is a worthy successor to Super Mario Odyssey’s legacy

    Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:00:17 -0000

    Cathartic, punch-fueled land destruction is a great showcase for Switch 2 hardware.
    <p>When the Switch 2 was fully unveiled <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-offers-new-details-on-switch-2-hardware-software/">in April</a>, we weren't alone in <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/what-were-expecting-from-nintendos-switch-2-announcement-wednesday/">expecting</a> the announcement of a true follow-up to <em>Super Mario Odyssey</em>—one of the original Switch's best-selling games and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/12/ars-technicas-best-video-games-of-2017/">our pick for the best game of 2017</a>. Instead, we got our first look at <em>Donkey Kong Bananza</em>, the big ape's first fully 3D adventure since the Rare-developed <em>Donkey Kong 64</em> in 1999.</p> <p>The fact that Nintendo wasn't willing to commit its long-standing plumber mascot to its first first-party platformer on the Switch 2 could have been seen as a sign of a rushed, second-tier spinoff effort. After playing through <em>Donkey Kong Bananza</em>, though, I'm happy to report that nothing could be further from the truth for this deep and worthy spiritual successor to <em>Super Mario Odyssey</em> (from <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-19-donkey-kong-bananza-part-1/">many of the same development staff</a>). <em>Donkey Kong Bananza</em> captures the same sense of joyful movement and exploration as the best Mario games while adding an extremely satisfying terrain-destruction system that shows off the capabilities of the Switch 2 hardware.</p> <h2>Beat up the earth</h2> <p>It's that terrain-destruction system that sets <em>Donkey Kong Bananza apart</em> from previous 3D platformers from Nintendo and others. Three of the four face buttons on the Switch 2 controllers are devoted to letting Donkey Kong punch either horizontally, upward, or downward, often taking out large chunks of the nearby scenery as he does.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/donkey-kong-bananza-is-a-worthy-successor-to-super-mario-odysseys-legacy/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/donkey-kong-bananza-is-a-worthy-successor-to-super-mario-odysseys-legacy/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  82. Nintendo discontinues cost-saving game vouchers for Switch Online players

    Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:30:46 -0000

    Vouchers could save buyers $10 or $20 on the cost of many Switch games.
    <p>In 2019, Nintendo <a href="https://www.polygon.com/deals/2019/5/16/18627669/nintendo-switch-online-game-vouchers-deal">announced</a> a new benefit for subscribers to its Switch Online service: <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-switch-game-vouchers/">a pair of game vouchers</a>, available for $100, that could be redeemed for any two Switch games on <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/games/game-voucher-eligible/#sort=pd&amp;p=0">Nintendo's eligibility list</a>. If you already knew you were going to be buying first-party games, the voucher could save you $20, or even $30, if you used it on the normally $70 <em>The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom</em>.</p> <p>However, Nintendo announced today that it will soon end the program, rather than carrying it forward into the Switch 2 era. Switch Online subscribers can still buy a pair of vouchers until the end of January 2026, and those vouchers will be redeemable for up to a year after purchase, but you can't buy new vouchers after that.</p> <p>The vouchers were already notably <em>not</em> usable to buy Switch 2-exclusive games like <em>Mario Kart World </em>or <em>Donkey Kong Bananza</em>. However, for hybrid Switch games with a separate Switch 2 Edition, you could still use them to buy a game like <em>Tears of the Kingdom</em> and then upgrade it to the Switch 2 edition separately. Nintendo also <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch/Nintendo-Switch-Game-Vouchers-FAQ-1560656.html">said on its FAQ page</a> that new titles would be added to the eligibility list between now and January 2026, raising the possibility that upcoming high-profile hybrid games like <em>Metroid Prime 4: Beyond</em> or <em>Pokémon Legends: Z-A </em>could make the list.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/nintendo-discontinues-cost-saving-game-vouchers-for-switch-online-players/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/nintendo-discontinues-cost-saving-game-vouchers-for-switch-online-players/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  83. Ars Technica and GOG team up to bring you a pile of our favorite games

    Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:24:57 -0000

    Some games are old, some are new-ish, but they're all experiences we'd love to share.
    <p>Greetings, Arsians! We love games here at the Ars Orbiting HQ, and I'm not just talking the latest AAA blockbusters—we love <em>all</em> kinds of games, from modern to ancient and all points in between.</p> <p>With that in mind, we're trying something different for the next few months to see how it goes: We've partnered with the folks at <a href="https://www.gog.com">GOG.com</a> to create <a href="https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8984087-15232592?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gog.com%2Fen%2Fpartner%2FArsTechnica">a store page featuring a hand-curated list</a> of some of our favorites from GOG's catalog. At the end of every month, we'll rotate a couple of titles off the list and add a few new ones; altogether, we have a list of about 50 games to set in front of you.</p> <p>(Please forgive the messy affiliate link—it points to <code>https://www.gog.com/en/partner/ArsTechnica</code> if you'd prefer to go there directly, but arriving on GOG's site via that affiliate link gives Ars a small portion of revenue for anything you buy during your session once you're there. This helps us out quite a bit!)</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/introducing-the-ars-technica-gog-store-page-lets-buy-some-retro-games/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/introducing-the-ars-technica-gog-store-page-lets-buy-some-retro-games/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  84. Samsung and Epic Games call a truce in app store lawsuit

    Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:10:14 -0000

    Epic's Tim Sweeney says Samsung will make changes, but no one has specifics.
    <p>Epic Games, buoyed by the massive success of Fortnite, has spent the last few years throwing elbows in the mobile industry to get its app store on more phones. It scored an antitrust win against Google in late 2023, and the following year it <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/09/epic-lawsuit-says-samsung-coordinated-with-google-to-get-around-trial-verdict/">went after Samsung</a> for deploying "Auto Blocker" on its Android phones, which would make it harder for users to install the Epic Games Store. Now, the parties have settled the case just days before Samsung will unveil its latest phones.</p> <p>The Epic Store drama began several years ago when the company defied Google and Apple rules about accepting outside payments in the mega-popular <em>Fortnite</em>. Both stores pulled the app, and Epic sued. Apple emerged victorious, with <em>Fortnite</em> only returning to the iPhone recently. Google, however, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/12/googles-android-app-store-monopoly-violates-antitrust-law-jury-finds/">lost the case</a> after Epic showed it worked behind the scenes to stymie the development of app stores like Epic's.</p> <p>Google is still working to avoid penalties in that long-running case, but Epic thought it smelled a conspiracy last year. It filed a similar lawsuit against Samsung, accusing it of implementing a feature to block third-party app stores. The issue comes down to the addition of a feature to Samsung phones called Auto Blocker, which is similar to Google's new <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/android-16-review-post-hype/">Advanced Protection in Android 16</a>. It protects against attacks over USB, disables link previews, and scans apps more often for malicious activity. Most importantly, it blocks app sideloading. Without sideloading, there's no way to install the Epic Games Store or any of the content inside it.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/samsung-and-epic-games-call-a-truce-in-app-store-lawsuit/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/samsung-and-epic-games-call-a-truce-in-app-store-lawsuit/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  85. The Last of Us co-creator Neil Druckmann exits HBO show

    Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:11:14 -0000

    Halley Gross, another prominent writer for the game and show, also departed.
    <p>Two key writers of HBO's series <em>The Last of Us</em> are moving on, according to announcements on Instagram yesterday. Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the franchise, and Halley Gross, co-writer of <em>The Last of Us Part 2</em> and frequent writer on the show, are both leaving before work begins on season 3.</p> <p>Both were credited as executive producers on the show; Druckmann frequently contributed writing to episodes, as did Gross, and Druckmann also directed. Druckmann and Gross co-wrote the second game, <em>The Last of Us Part 2</em>.</p> <p>Druckmann said in his announcement <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLnTt7ZPVbJ/">post</a>:</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/culture/2025/07/the-last-of-us-co-creator-neil-druckmann-exits-hbo-show/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/culture/2025/07/the-last-of-us-co-creator-neil-druckmann-exits-hbo-show/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  86. What’s wrong with AAA games? The development of the next Battlefield has answers.

    Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:16:08 -0000

    EA insiders describe stress and setbacks in a project that's too big to fail.
    <p>It's been 23 years since the first Battlefield game, and the video game industry is nearly unrecognizable to anyone who was immersed in it then. Many people who loved the games of that era have since become frustrated with where AAA (big budget) games have ended up.</p> <p>Today, publisher EA is in full production on the next Battlefield title—but sources close to the project say it has faced culture clashes, ballooning budgets, and major disruptions that have left many team members fearful that parts of the game will not be finished to players' satisfaction in time for launch during EA's fiscal year.</p> <p>They also say the company has made major structural and cultural changes to how Battlefield games are created to ensure it can release titles of unprecedented scope and scale. This is all to compete with incumbents like the Call of Duty games and <em>Fortnite</em>, even though no prior Battlefield has achieved anywhere close to that level of popular and commercial success.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/behind-the-next-battlefield-game-culture-clash-crunch-and-colossal-stakes/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/behind-the-next-battlefield-game-culture-clash-crunch-and-colossal-stakes/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  87. Games run faster on SteamOS than Windows 11, Ars testing finds

    Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:25:39 -0000

    Lenovo Legion Go S gets better frame rates running Valve's free operating system.
    <p>Nearly a decade ago, Ars testing found that Valve's <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tag/steam-machines/">"Steam Machines"-era</a> version of SteamOS <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/11/ars-benchmarks-show-significant-performance-hit-for-steamos-gaming/">performed significantly worse than Windows</a> when SteamOS's Linux game ports were tested on the same hardware as their Windows counterparts. Today, though, Ars testing on the Lenovo Legion Go S finds recent games generally run at higher frame rates on SteamOS 3.7 than on Windows 11. The performance advantage is yet another way that Valve's upstart OS is differentiating itself from the "default" Windows installation used by most PC gamers for decades now.</p> <p>While users have been able to install Windows on the Steam Deck since its 2022 launch, Valve <a href="https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/6121-ECCD-D643-BAA8">doesn't offer official "Windows on Deck" support</a> for this alternative hardware use case. Lenovo's Legion Go S, on the other hand, is the first gaming portable <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/01/bye-bye-windows-gaming-steamos-officially-expands-past-the-steam-deck/">explicitly designed to work</a> with either Windows 11 (in hardware first released in January) or SteamOS (in hardware first released in May, alongside <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/05/steamos-3-7-brings-valves-gaming-os-to-other-handhelds-and-generic-amd-pcs/">a new version of SteamOS</a> designed for non-Valve AMD hardware).</p> <p>To test the performance impact of this operating system choice, we started with the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S (provided by Lenovo) and tested five high-end 3D games released in the last five years using built-in benchmarking tools and two different graphics/resolution tiers. We then <a href="https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/legion-series/legion-go-8apu1/solutions/ht103653-lenovo-digital-download-recovery-service-ddrs-download-the-files-needed-to-create-a-lenovo-usb-recovery-key">installed Windows 11 on the handheld</a>, downloaded <a href="https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/legion-series/legion-go-8apu1/downloads/driver-list">updated drivers from Lenovo's support site</a>, and re-ran the benchmarks on the same games downloaded through Steam for Windows.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/games-run-faster-on-steamos-than-windows-11-ars-testing-finds/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/games-run-faster-on-steamos-than-windows-11-ars-testing-finds/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  88. With 1.2.2 update, Civilization VII tries to win back traditionalists

    Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:26:11 -0000

    Players can now disable Legacy Paths, Crisis, and quite a bit more.
    <p>It has been just over 130 days since <em>Civilization VII</em> launched to mostly positive reviews—but quite a bit of disappointment for series traditionalists. At first, developer Firaxis was releasing primarily bug, balance, and UI fixes, but today saw the release of version 1.2.2—possibly the biggest yet in terms of adding features to the game.</p> <p>Available for all platforms except Switch and Switch 2—which will get it later—the update adds several tweaks that allow the game's players to customize games in a more granular way, with a particular emphasis on the ability to disable controversial new additions that a subset of players felt took things too far from the traditional Civ experience.</p> <p>Many of the new options are available in the advanced settings menu during game setup, though one of the major additions is in the standard setup screen: large and huge map sizes. (Both of these new sizes have a default civilization/player count of 10.)</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/civilization-vii-patch-lets-you-turn-off-some-controversial-new-features/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/civilization-vii-patch-lets-you-turn-off-some-controversial-new-features/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  89. YouTube is hiding an excellent, official high-speed Pac-Man mod in plain sight

    Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:01:24 -0000

    Pac-Man Superfast turns the arcade classic into a high-octane reflex test.
    <p>The original <em>Pac-Man</em> is unquestionably a video game classic, well deserving of its position in <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/06/first-gaming-hall-of-fame-class-includes-pong-tetris-and-mario/">the inaugural class of the Strong Museum of Play's World Video Game Hall of Fame</a>. But playing the unmodified 1980 release these days can feel a little slow-paced and repetitive, given advancements in game design and taste in the intervening decades.</p> <p>So when I noticed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playables/Ugkxh6_qVyD8REm5RO9C3X1wEpFNk-o3E02t">a game called <em>Pac-Man Superfast</em></a> sitting under a "YouTube Playables" heading on Google's popular video site the other day, my first thought was "Wait, how fast is 'superfast' exactly?" My second thought was, "Wait, what the heck is YouTube Playables?"</p> <img width="711" height="1196" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pmsf2.png" class="fullwidth full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pmsf2.png 711w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pmsf2-640x1077.png 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px"> Looks familiar, except for that speed gauge in the corner.... Credit: Youtube Playables <p>You'd be forgiven for not knowing about YouTube Playables. Few seemed to note <a href="https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-playables/">its official announcement last year</a> as a collection of free-to-play web games <a href="https://developers.google.com/youtube/gaming/playables">built for the web using standard rendering APIs</a>. The seeming competitor to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/11/netflix-now-comes-with-free-android-video-games-for-paying-subscribers/">Netflix's mobile gaming offerings</a> is <a href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/14328604">still described in an official FAQ</a> as "an experimental feature rolled out to select users in eligible countries/regions," which doesn't make this <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/09/google-stadia-officially-shuts-down-january-2023-will-refund-game-purchases/">post-Stadia gaming effort</a> seem like a huge priority for Google.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/one-of-the-best-pac-man-games-in-years-is-playable-on-youtube-of-all-places/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/one-of-the-best-pac-man-games-in-years-is-playable-on-youtube-of-all-places/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  90. Why Microsoft’s next Xbox should just run Windows already

    Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:54:36 -0000

    The AMD-powered "next generation Xbox console" should take a tip from the ROG Xbox Ally.
    <p>Yesterday, Microsoft confirmed that it's not abandoning the home console market just yet. In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCtRanwXrA">a short video teaser</a>, Xbox President Sarah Bond highlighted a "strategic multi-year partnership with AMD" that will include "our next-generation Xbox consoles in your living room and in your hands." But while we know that the "in your hands" part will include devices <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/microsoft-dives-into-the-handheld-gaming-pc-wars-with-the-asus-rog-xbox-ally/">like the Windows-powered ROG Xbox Ally</a>, there are still few specifics about what exactly Microsoft has planned for its future living room consoles (aside from what Bond calls "the next generation of graphics innovation").</p> <p>Reading between the lines a bit, though, we wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft was getting ready to finally tear down the thinning wall separating gaming PCs and gaming consoles. A Windows-based, living room-focused Xbox capable of running generic Windows games could accentuate Microsoft's strengths in PC gaming while papering over many of the company's recent struggles in the home console market.</p> <h2>WindowsBox</h2> <p>The once-bright line separating PC gaming and TV-based console gaming has been deteriorating for years. On the hardware side, bespoke console chips and development environments long ago gave way to <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/ps4-pc-like-architecture-8gb-ram-delight-developers">PC-like architectures</a> that are simpler and easier for developers to work with. And on the PC interface side, efforts like <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/09/steam-comes-to-the-living-room-tv-with-big-picture-mode-beta/">Steam's Big Picture mode</a> and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tag/steamos/">SteamOS as a whole</a> have strived to make playing on a PC with a handheld controller into a more console-like experience.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/why-microsofts-next-xbox-should-just-run-windows-already/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/why-microsofts-next-xbox-should-just-run-windows-already/#comments">Comments</a></p>
  91. Mafia: The Old Country PC Specs for Minimum, Recommended and Epic Presets Revealed

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:44:27 -0000

    The PC version of Mafia: The Old Country will also feature support for DLSS, FSR, XeSS, ultrawide monitors and HDR displays.
    <p>Developer Hangar 13 has <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1941540/view/523098355357712525?">confirmed</a> the minimum, recommended, and epic preset requirements for the PC version of <em>Mafia: The Old Country</em>. The hardware requirements for the title seem quite reasonable, ranging from needing a minimum of 8 GB of VRAM, all the way up to 12 GB of VRAM for higher resolutions and smoother frame rates. Along with the hardware, players will also need to make sure that they have 55 GB of free space in their SSD storage device.</p> <p>The minimum requirements for <em>Mafia: The Old Country</em> are either an AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7-9700K CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and an AMD Radeon 5700 XT or Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU with 8 GB of VRAM. This hardware will be able to play the title at its “HD”/Medium preset at 1920&#215;1080 by setting FSR or DLSS to Balanced.</p> <p>Recommended hardware for <em>Mafia: The Old Country</em> is slightly higher-end, needing an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-12700K CPU, 32 GB of RAM, and an AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT or Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU with 12 GB of VRAM. This hardware can run the game at its “2K”/High preset at 2560&#215;1440 while setting the DLSS or FSR upscaling to Quality.</p> <p>The highest end systems will need an AMD Ryzen 9700X or Intel Core-i7 14700K CPU, 32 GB of RAM, and an AMD Radeon RX 9070 or Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti with 12 GB of VRAM to run the game at its “4K”/Epic preset, with the render resolution coming in at 75 percent of 4K, equalling to 2880&#215;1620. The studio recommends using FSR or DLSS in Quality mode for this.</p> <p>Hangar 13 has noted that the PC version of the game will also include some additional features, including uncapped gameplay frame rate, support for FSR, DLSS and XeSS with frame generation, remappable keyboard controls, support for HDR displays, accessibility options, and support for ultrawide monitors.</p> <p>The immense level of optimisation while also maintaining a high level of visual fidelity likely comes from the fact that Hangar 13 <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/mafia-the-old-country-studio-used-unreal-engine-5-because-it-wanted-to-focus-on-making-the-game">has used Unreal Engine 5 to develop <em>Mafia: The Old Country</em></a>. The studio discussed its use of the engine earlier this month, noting that it wanted to focus more on making the game itself rather than on upgrading its own proprietary engine.</p> <p>“As things get more and more advanced, that takes more and more time,” explained studio president Nick Baynes. “And I think as a studio, we just really wanted to focus on the gameplay, the visuals, the storytelling, the cinematics, and to be able to put as much focus on that as opposed to actually creating the engine that it sits on, it really helps us and I think ultimately allows us to develop and deliver a better quality game.”</p> <p><em>Mafia: The Old Country</em> recently got a trailer that <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/mafia-the-old-country-trailer-highlights-combat-and-knife-duels">showcased some of its combat</a>, including its new knife duels. The same knives can also be used by players to pull off stealthy assassinations. The game is slated for release on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on August 8.</p>
  92. Battlefield 6 Beta Details Revealed, Open Beta Will Kick Off on August 14

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:10:54 -0000

    A closed beta for Battlefield 6, meant for Battlefield Labs playtesters, will start on August 7 before opening up on August 9.
    <p>Alongside revealing quite a few details about the multiplayer for <em>Battlefield 6</em>, EA, along with developers Ripple Effect, DICE and Criterion, has also confirmed the planned beta tests for the title over the coming month. During its big presentation for the game, the company confirmed that there will be two beta periods for the title, with one of them being split into two days of closed beta before being opened up, and the other being an open beta.</p> <p>The first beta will start off as a closed on on August 7, and will remain closed until August 8. This beta is meant for players that participated in the Battlefield Labs playtests earlier this year. On August 9, the beta will open up to everyone before ending on August 10. The second beta will be fully open, and will start on August 14 before coming to an end on August 17.</p> <p>These beta details fall in line with a <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/battlefield-6-will-have-two-betas-in-august-one-closed-and-one-open-rumour">report from earlier today</a> which indicated the exact same dates. It is worth noting that there has still been no confirmation about what kind of content will be available through these betas for <em>Battlefield 6</em>.</p> <p>In its big multiplayer reveal, <em>Battlefield 6</em> is confirmed to have four maps at launch: Egypt, Gibraltar, Tajikistan, and Brooklyn. These four maps will all feature a heavy mix of close-quarters infantry-centric combat, as well as open battle zones that can be driven over by heavy vehicles like tanks, and even flown over in jets and helicopters. The maps can also be sliced up into smaller “combat zones” to then be used in some of the smaller-scale game modes that the title will have alongside the signature Conquest, Rush and Breakthrough modes.</p> <p><em>Battlefield 6</em> will also feature modes like Team Deathmatch, Squad Deathmatch, Domination, King of the Hill, and a new mode dubbed Escalation, which will make use of the combat zones from the larger maps to have smaller-scaled combat zones more suitable for these modes.</p> <p>Other details revealed for the title include the fact that it will be bringing back the franchise’s traditional class system, with each class having access to its own set of signature weapons and tools. The classes will all be specialised to excel in specific roles. Where the Engineer can act as a deterrent to enemy tanks thanks to their explosives, the Recon can snipe infantry from a distance by making use of their own tools and weapons.</p> <p><em>Battlefield 6</em> is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on October 10. More details about the game are slated to be revealed as we get closer to the release date, including details about its single-player campaign which will feature an entire world that is about to get into open conflict. Details have also been revealed about the two editions of <em>Battlefield 6</em> that are available &#8211; a $69.99 standard edition, and a $99.99 Phantom Edition, which includes a host of in-game goodies, including weapon skins, character skins, and even vehicle skins. Check out <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/battlefield-6-multiplayer-gameplay-revealed-out-for-pc-ps5-and-xbox-series-x-s-on-october-10">our coverage</a> for more details.</p>
  93. Battlefield 6 Multiplayer Gameplay Revealed, Out for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on October 10

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:52:00 -0000

    Battlefield 6 is available for pre-order on all platforms in the form of a $70 base edition, as well as a $100 Phantom Edition.
    <p>EA, along with developers DICE, Ripple Effect and Criterion, took to the stage to finally unveil details about the multiplayer gameplay for <em>Battlefield 6</em>. During the showcase, the companies unveiled a host of things, while also confirming that <em>Battlefield 6</em> is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on October 10. To unveil all of the details, three trailers have been released that you can check out below.</p> <p>The first of the three gave us a look at some general multiplayer gameplay for various aspects of the game. Ranging from gameplay as a regular soldier equipped with weapons to taking control of epic machines of war like tanks, jets and other vehicles, <em>Battlefield 6</em> will feature the modern style of warfare that has been popular for the franchise since <em>Battlefield 3 </em>amd<em> 4</em>. Along with this, the trailer also showcases its environmental destruction.</p> <p>Along with the things we might be used to thanks to previous games in the franchise, like taking out walls to flank opponents, <em>Battlefield 6</em> will also allow players to target floors and ceilings, opening the way for new tactical opportunities. One of the examples shown in the showcase was taking out the floor if there are enemies on the floor above you to then climb up the rubble and take them down while they’re still stunned.</p> <p>When it comes to one of the core gameplay systems behind <em>Battlefield 6</em> – its class system and how it interacts with combat and destruction – the upcoming shooter will feature the classic four classes that players are already used to: Assault, Engineer, Support and Recon. The returning class system is also described as allowing players plenty of options for customisation depending on how they like to play.</p> <p>The new signature weapon set, for example, is designed to make classes feel unique depending on their role in combat. The Assault class, for example, is a frontline soldier. As such, the class has signature weapons like grenade launchers, as well as access to tools like flashbang grenades to quickly breach rooms in close-quarters combat. Engineers, on the other hand, are designed to be the anti-vehicle class. Equipped with rockets, mines and other explosives, Engineers excel at taking out opposing vehicles while also supporting allies by repairing their vehicles.</p> <p>As for where all of these battles will take place, <em>Battlefield 6</em> will have quite a bit of variety, ranging from maps designed for close-quarters combat with infantry in mind, to large-scale warfare maps that make heavy use of vehicles, both land-based and aerial. The maps will pull from real-world locations from all across the world, including Egypt, Gibraltar, Tajikistan, and even the streets of Brooklyn, US. These maps all have different level designs to help promote different styles of gameplay.</p> <p>For example, Gibraltar is described as having smaller, urban areas that encourage close-quarters combat. Egypt, on the other hand, makes use of land vehicles. Tajikistan has been described by the developers as being “all about scale”, with all sorts of vehicles and tools available for players to make use of when the battle finally breaks out. And finally, Brooklyn is designed to offer a mix of all of the gameplay styles. The maps have been designed to be able to be sliced up into smaller layouts called “combat zones”. The choice of combat zones for any given map comes down to what game mode is currently being played.</p> <p>The game modes that will be available in <em>Battlefield 6</em> at launch will be Conquest, Breakthrough and Rush as the core modes, along with smaller-scale game modes like Team Deathmatch, Squad Deathmatch, Domination, King of the Hill, and Escalation. More maps, modes and events are also in development in the form of post-launch content.</p> <p>Finally, Portal is also returning in <em>Battlefield 6</em> in a more powerful form. Players can make use of an updated toolset to create in-depth experiences that other players can also check out. Portal is also getting a “verified” mode, which allows players to make custom game modes for multiplayer, including a hardcore mode with one-shot kills, for example. Playing in verified modes will also allow players to maintain their progression, unlocking new weapons and equipment as they go along.</p> <p>Along with all of this, EA has also confirmed <em>Battlefield 6</em>: Phantom Edition, which includes four Phantom Squad soldier skins, the BF Pro Token Battle Pass along with 25 tiers worth of skips and exclusive unlocks, the Shrouded Weapon Package, the Drop Shadow Weapon Package, the Glimmer Melee Weapon Skin, the Chimera Vehicle Skin, the Death’s Head Weapon Sticker, a Weapon Charm and Dog Tag, and the Phantom XP Boost Set.</p> <p>The base edition of <em>Battlefield 6</em> is priced at $69.99, while the Phantom Edition is priced at $99.99. A single-player campaign has also been confirmed for a game. More details, however, will be revealed later.</p> <p><iframe title="Battlefield 6 Official Multiplayer Gameplay Trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wFGEMfyAQtI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><iframe title="Battlefield 6 Combat, Classes &amp; Destruction" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dW00mXmP0bQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><iframe title="Battlefield 6 Maps, Modes &amp; Portal" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/92CHDiFW0wA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
  94. Cronos: The New Dawn Gets September 5 Release Date, is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:14:27 -0000

    The announcement was made with a new trailer for Cronos: The New Dawn that explained its various gameplay and story elements.
    <p>Developer Bloober Team has released a new trailer for its upcoming horror game <em>Cronos: The New Dawn</em>. By releasing the trailer, which you can check out below, the studio has also confirmed that <em>Cronos: The New Dawn</em> will be making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2, as well as the fact that it is coming out on September 5.</p> <p>The trailer showcases some of the more unique aspects of the upcoming horror game, such as the fact that fallen enemies can be absorbed by other creatures, making them much stronger in turn. The trailer also showcases various aspects of the gameplay, from the creeping horror to the methodical combat, and even the weapon upgrade system.</p> <p>As shown in the trailer, players will also have to deal with auditory and visual hallucinations as they get further in the game and discover the secrets behind their true mission and the secrets behind the Collapse.</p> <p><em>Cronos: The New Dawn</em> is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, as well as to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. For more details, check out how <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/cronos-the-new-dawn-features-multiple-endings">it will have multiple endings</a>, as well as a <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/cronos-the-new-dawn-showcases-haunting-opening-in-extensive-new-gameplay">recent 35-minute gameplay showcase</a>.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Cronos: The New Dawn – Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase 7.31.2025" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/91BaLCOQa24?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
  95. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a New Action RPG Coming Out in 2026

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:07:04 -0000

    The Adventures of Elliot was developed by the studio behind critically-acclaimed RPGs like Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default.
    <p>Square Enix has announced a new RPG from the creators of <em>Octopath Traveler</em> and<em> Bravely Default</em>. Dubbed <em>The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales</em>, the RPG was announced with a trailer during the recent Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase. Check out the trailer below.</p> <p><em>The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales</em> will make use of the same HD-2D art style that was first made famous by the original Octopath Traveler and has gone on to become Square Enix’s art style of choice for its Dragon Quest remakes. Unlike both <em>Octopath Traveler </em>and<em> Bravely Default</em>, however, the gameplay this time around will not be turn-based. Rather, it is an action RPG featuring real-time hack-and-slash combat.</p> <p>The story seemingly involves traveling through time as being one of its major motifs. <em>The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales</em> takes place on the continent of Philabieldia, which the trailer describes as being &#8220;overrun by beast tribes”. Humanity survives in the kingdom of Huther thanks to the spell of safekeeping.</p> <p>The story kicks off when a set of ruins is discovered in the wilds outside of Huther’s castle walls. Heading up the investigation behind these ruins is an adventurer, Elliot, alongside Faie the Fairy. The duo have to set out beyond the walls of Huther and explore the world to figure out the secrets behind the ruins.</p> <p>Despite being an action RPG, <em>The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales</em> won’t have fast-paced combat. Rather, players are encouraged to pay attention to enemy attacks and strike only when they find an opening in their defenses. Along with swords, players will also have access to other weapons, like chains and sickles and bows. All in all, the title will feature seven distinct weapon types, each of which can be upgraded by using materials known as Magicite.</p> <p>Since Faie will also have gameplay options and help out in fights and puzzle solving, <em>The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales</em> also features a two-player mode where both players can take on the role of one of the two characters each.</p> <p><em>The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales</em> is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 some time in 2026. A demo has gone live, however, and is available on the Nintendo eShop.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales – Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase 7.31.2025" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u-zycj_tJgo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
  96. Persona 3 Reload is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:52:14 -0000

    Persona 3 Reload puts players in the shoes of a high school kid who must balance their time between their school life and demon hunting.
    <p>Sega and Atlus have announced that <em>Persona 3 Reload</em> is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23. The game was announced for the console with a trailer during the recent Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase. Check out the trailer below.</p> <p>Much like other modern games in the Persona franchise, <em>Persona 3 Reload</em> puts players in the shoes of a high school student that must, by day, live out their regular school life, and by night, must take on fearsome demons as a plot that involves heavy philosophy unfolds in front of them. As part of living out their school life, the protagonist also has to study for tests, hang out with friends, and even explore the city.</p> <p>As its name might imply, <em>Persona 3 Reload</em> is a remake of classic PS2 RPG <em>Persona 3</em>. The original was the first game in the Persona franchise to give it the form we would eventually come to associate with the series, with a balance struck between living out a regular life and dungeon crawling to fight demons. We would eventually see the ideas expanded upon with games like <em>Persona 4</em> and <em>Persona 5</em>.</p> <p>The Switch 2 release will also likely include the <em>Episode: Aigis</em> DLC that was released for <em>Persona 3 Reload</em> on other platforms.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Persona 3 Reload – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch 2" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hVcHF5_UtM0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
  97. Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2 Are Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on November 13

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:44:44 -0000

    Interestingly, both of the Kiwami releases on the Nintendo Switch 2 will not get extra content like Yakuza 0: Director's Cut got.
    <p>Shortly after the release of <em>Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut</em> on the Nintendo Switch 2, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios have now announced that more games from the franchise will also be coming to the console. With a trailer, the companies have confirmed that <em>Yakuza Kiwami </em>and<em> Yakuza Kiwami 2</em> will both be getting ported to Nintendo’s new console.</p> <p>Interestingly, both of the <em>Kiwami</em> titles will not be getting the enhancements we saw in <em>Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut</em>. This means that, among other things, players will not be getting extra scenes or even English voice acting.</p> <p><em>Yakuza Kiwami</em> is a remake of the original <em>Yakuza</em> made using the same engine as <em>Yakuza 0</em>. Its story takes place in 2005, shortly after protagonist Kiryu has gotten out of prison after having spent ten years there for a crime he didn’t commit. <em>Yakuza Kiwami 2</em>, on the other hand, is a remake of <em>Yakuza 2</em> made using the Dragon Engine that first made its debut with <em>Yakuza 6: The Song of Life</em>. It focuses on the fate of the Tojo Clan following the events of the original <em>Yakuza</em>, and a new threat coming in from Osaka’s Sotenbori district.</p> <p><em>Yakuza Kiwami </em>and<em> Yakuza Kiwami 2</em> are both making their way to the Switch 2 on November 13. There will also be a digital bundle that players can pick up that includes both titles.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Yakuza Kiwami &amp; Yakuza Kiwami 2 – Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase 7.31.2025" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fhdP1siwpsA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
  98. Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO on Nintendo Switch is Getting a Switch 2 Upgrade on November 14

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:37:04 -0000

    Rather than releasing a separate version, Bandai Namco has instead announced a free update for the game to bring it to the Switch 2.
    <p>After months of speculation about a Nintendo Switch 2 release for <em>Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO</em> thanks to <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-has-been-rated-for-the-nintendo-switch-2-in-saudi-arabia">being spotted on the ratings board for Saudi Arabia</a>, Bandai Namco has now confirmed that the arena fighter is making its way to Nintendo’s new console. The announcement was made with a trailer, which you can check out below.</p> <p>Developed by Spike Chunsoft, Switch 2 version of <em>Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO</em> is happening thanks to an update being released for the original Switch release. Thanks to this update, players can simply pop in their <em>Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO</em> Switch kart into the Switch 2 to be able to play the title at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates.</p> <p>The trailer does warn that some save data for players transferring their Switch copy of the game over the Switch 2 might not make it all the way. Game progress and unlocked characters and items can be transferred with no problems, thankfully. On the other hand, data from Battle Replays, Custom Battle: Edit Data, and Online Battle Records will not make the jump.</p> <p>The Switch 2 version of <em>Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO</em> will be able to play online or offline multiplayer with other Switch 2 players only. Those playing the original Switch version of the game will not be able to play online with those on the Switch 2.</p> <p><em>Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO</em> is getting its Switch 2 update on November 14.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO –Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch &amp; Nintendo Switch 2" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bx1bXpseMas?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
  99. Apex Legends Announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Out on August 5

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:07:03 -0000

    The Switch 2 release of Apex Legends will feature smoother frame rates and higher resolution visuals than the Switch release.
    <p>EA and Respawn Entertainment have announced that <em>Apex Legends</em> is making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2. Announced with a new trailer during the recent Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, the companies have also confirmed that the title will run at smoother frame rates and higher resolutions than the Switch version.</p> <p>The Switch 2 release will feature all of the combat from the other versions of <em>Apex Legends</em>, including its core battle royale mode, as well as the Mixtape mode. The Mixtape mode will feature a series of rotating game modes that players can take on, ranging from team deathmatch, to other, more objective-oriented game modes.</p> <p><em>Apex Legends</em> is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 5, and much like the other versions of the title, will be free-to-play. For more details about the future of <em>Apex Legends</em>, check out our coverage of how EA and Respawn are planning on <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/ea-and-respawn-entertainment-are-planning-an-apex-legends-2-0">eventually making an <em>Apex Legends</em> 2.0</a>.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Apex Legends – Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase 7.31.2025" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uEFU0cGvsE8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
  100. Borderlands 4 Gets New Trailer Showcasing Gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2

    Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:01:16 -0000

    The trailer featured a mix of on-foot combat against regular enemies, fast-paced vehicular combat, and even a couple of boss fights.
    <p>Following up on Gearbox Entertainment CEO Randy Pitchford having confirmed earlier this month that <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/borderlands-4-gameplay-highlights-carcadia-burn-zane-and-ripper-battles"><em>Borderlands 4</em></a> would be <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/borderlands-4-launches-on-october-3rd-for-nintendo-switch-2">coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 3</a>, the studio has now released a new trailer for the game. The trailer, which you can check out below, gives us a look at what the looter shooter will look like on the Switch 2.</p> <p>The minute-long trailer gives us a look at some fast-paced action with smooth frame rates, while also showing off some of the different kinds of enemies that players will get to take on, including epic boss fights, regular soldiers, and everything in between. Through this, the trailer also showcases some of the strange weapons that players will be able to get their hands on.</p> <p>Pitchford had previously confirmed that the Switch 2 version of <em>Borderlands 4</em> won’t cut any of the content from the other platforms, and that the title will run at “mostly around 30 frames per second”. He also stated that players might experience a few dips in the frame rate when things get too intense, as well as when hosting a co-op session while playing in handheld mode.</p> <p><em>Borderlands 4</em> is also coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, where it will launch a month earlier on September 12.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Borderlands 4 – Release Date Trailer – Nintendo Switch 2" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4ku2PiXkpJs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>