Title: Xbox Is Getting The PlayStation Platinum Trophy Equivalent Fans Have Long Asked For Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:51:55 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/xbox-is-getting-the-playstation-platinum-trophy-equivalent-fans-have-long-asked-for-2000721984 The tease comes amid testing for a host of new console features

Title: Official Baldur’s Gate 3 Stream Gets Shut Down By YouTube For Sexy Times Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:00:18 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/baldurs-gate-3-larian-stream-dark-urge-youtube-twitch-ban-2000721971 Three years later, Larian is still getting a slap on the wrist for its RPG’s sex scenes

Title: Oh Dang, Magic: The Gathering Made Bilbo Baggins Hot Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:30:44 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/the-hobbit-magic-the-gathering-bilbo-baggins-2000721931 Middle Earth's best burglar got hit with the yassification beam

Title: GTA 5 Actor Says He Auditioned For Over 60 Roles In GTA 6 But Rockstar Ignored Him Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:45:20 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/gta-5-actor-says-he-auditioned-for-over-60-roles-in-gta-6-but-rockstar-ignored-him-2000721936 'There’s definitely some disappointment and resentment,' said actor Robert Bogue

Title: Porting Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 To Switch 2 Might Be A ‘Big Technical Challenge’ But Diablo 4 Is Reportedly On The Way Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:15:17 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/porting-clair-obscur-expedition-33-to-switch-2-might-be-a-big-technical-challenge-but-diablo-4-is-finally-on-the-way-2000721940 Blizzard's action-RPG is reportedly bound for the Nintendo device next month

Title: Monopoly Go x The Simpsons crossover is almost here Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:41:21 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/monopoly-go-the-simpsons-crossover-details Monopoly Go players have been looking forward to a major crossover event for what felt like months, and though most of the details ended up leaking, nothing actually beats official information. Read more

Title: Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 will take us deeper into the World in Canvas and make Mortenax Blade playable Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 13:43:44 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/honkai-star-rail-version-4-3-all-details HoYoverse has today delivered full details on the next major update for Honkai: Star Rail. Version 4.3, dubbed The Lethe Below the Living, will be available for all players on June 1. The upcoming update adds a new chapter to the Planarcadia arc, and introduce a new playable character. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 explodes on Steam even before it's officially out Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:02 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-steam-numbers-big-launch Steam is abuzz this week with a couple of long-anticipated launches, but in Forza Horizon 6’s case, at least, the game isn’t even out for what will be most of its players. The anticipated sequel in the open-world driving game series doesn’t officially launch until May 19, but owners of its most expensive version - the Premium Edition - can play it right now. Read more

Title: Mystic Messenger's most loyal players are getting banned in droves for seemingly playing the game too much Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 10:02:10 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/mystic-messenger-ban-wave-thousands-of-hourglasses-anniversary Mystic Messenger, arguably one of the best dating sims around, has been dormant for about seven years. Despite not receiving new content or any meaningful updates in all that time, the game remains popular with its core fans, many of whom just woke up to some shocking news about their accounts. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 review - The driving game for everyone still can’t seem to escape its car-collecting legacy Date: Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-review There is this idea that, for a long-running series to remain as consistently popular as Forza Horizon has been, it needs to diminish itself somewhat with each new entry, gradually losing more and more of its edge in a bid to appeal to the widest possible audience. Read more

Title: Xbox Version Of PlayStation Platinum Trophy Teased For Later This Year Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:11:05 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-version-of-playstation-platinum-trophy-teased-for-later-this-year/ Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has teased that an Xbox version of PlayStation's Platinum trophy system could be coming to Xbox, and potentially soon. Replying to a social media user who asked when Xbox might get an "equivalent" to Platinum for Xbox achievements, Sharma said, "Team is working on something for later this year!" https://twitter.com/asha_shar/status/2085043552837636502 Platinum trophies are awarded when players unlock all the other trophies. It's a badge of honor, of sorts, for some people. There is no equivalent on Xbox currently for when people unlock all achievements. While Xbox fans wait, the newest Xbox update is rolling out now with new improvements and features for the achievement system. Users can now sort games by name, completion percentage, Gamerscore earned, and number of achievements unlocked. The update is out now for Xbox Insiders and will be available to everyone else later. Sharma took over as Xbox CEO earlier this year and one of her first big moves was to "reset" the Xbox business to help it return to profitability and growth. This has involved mass layoffs, game cancellations, and studio divestitures.

Title: We May Already Know One Major Diablo 4 BlizzCon Announcement Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:07:31 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/we-may-already-know-one-major-diablo-4-blizzcon-announcement/ Diablo 4 is reportedly headed to Nintendo Switch 2 this September, in what may be the first of multiple Diablo-related announcements coming as part of this year's BlizzCon. As detailed by Dealabs reporter billbil-kun, game classification organizations in Indonesia and Taiwan both point towards a Switch 2 version of Diablo 4 existing, with Dealabs independently reporting a September 15 or 18 release date. The site also reports it will allegedly retail for $70 and receive a physical release, though it will only be a code in a box and not a physical cartridge. What's currently unclear is whether or not Diablo 4 on Switch 2 will include both of the game's two expansions, including the most recent, Lord of Hatred. The base version of Diablo 4 currently retails for $50 on other platforms, with a $70 "Age of Hatred" collection including both expansions also available. That could be an indication the Switch 2 version of developer Blizzard's ARPG will include the complete Diablo 4 package, but that remains unconfirmed for now. When this new way to play Diablo 4 will be officially revealed remains to be seen. It's certainly possible it could be announced at Gamescom August 26-30, where Blizzard parent company Xbox will have a presence. However, it seems more likely the port will be announced as part of BlizzCon on September 12-13, with the game's alleged release date being just a few days later. It wouldn't be the first time Diablo appeared on a Nintendo platform. Blizzard previously released both Diablo 3 and Diablo 2: Resurrected on Nintendo Switch.  It's been a big year for Diablo 4 already, with the game's Lord of Hatred expansion being well received, even if its current season caught flak from fans for major changes to how Mythic items work. Blizzard will be revealing more details about the game's next season at BlizzCon, but has already confirmed it will add classic items from previous Diablo games as well as allow players to use the same character each season. There will likely be other Diablo-related announcements as well. As for BlizzCon, Blizzard has certainly been hyping up this year's show. Blizzard president Johanna Faries said earlier this year that 2026 is Blizzard's "biggest year yet" and that it's cooking up "major swings" for its franchises that will be revealed at the show. "I have total confidence that the teams are going to come very, very big, both with the heart and soul of what I think our core-most fans long for in a BlizzCon, but also bringing some very new things to the table," Faries said.

Title: Ghost Recon: Wildlands Might Finally Be Getting A Current-Gen Upgrade This Week Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:16:37 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ghost-recon-wildlands-might-finally-be-getting-a-current-gen-upgrade-this-week/ The Ghost Recon franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary with a dedicated showcase on August 6, but it looks like one big surprise for this event has been leaked early. The PlayStation Store has seemingly let slip details on a big upgrade for 2017's Ghost Recon: Wildlands. Spotted on the Ghost Recon subreddit, the PlayStation Store detailed a free current-gen upgrade that includes bumping the game's graphics up to 4K and 60fps, 3D audio support, faster load times via the console SSD, and extra haptic feedback features via the DualSense controller. A new "Last Rites" story pack will also reportedly go live with the update, and there'll also be quality-of-life updates. Likely, the PC and Xbox Series X|S versions will also receive the same graphical upgrades, gameplay enhancements, and extra content, as the game was originally released for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Rumblings of a Ghost Recon: Wildlands current-gen upgrade recently surfaced in July, and at the time, Ubisoft said that it planned to share what's next for the franchise during the Ghost Recon 25th-anniversary celebrations. The IP is now in the hands of Creative House 2, one of several new groups at Ubisoft following its restructuring earlier this year. Creative House 2 is focused on Ubisoft's competitive and cooperative shooter IP, like The Division, Splinter Cell, and Ghost Recon. Ghost Recon: Wildlands was a big hit for Ubisoft when it launched, but the same can't be said for its sequel, Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. The last Ghost Recon never truly took off, as critics and players were lukewarm on it, and the controversial decision to add NFTs to it didn't help to draw in new players. The game still got an impressive amount of post-launch content, but by 2022, the plug was pulled on Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. Ubisoft also quietly mentioned in July that it's working on a new Ghost Recon game. Ubisoft CFO Frederick Duguet described it as a "first-person-shooter-type" game, a big departure from the mostly third-person perspective used since 2006's Advanced Warfighter.

Title: What $55 Billion Buys: Everything Included In The EA Acquisition Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:22:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-55-billion-buys-everything-included-in-the-ea-acquisition/1100-6535111/ EA has gone private, as the veteran video game company was sold for an eye-watering sum of $55 billion to an investor consortium made up of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, and the private equity firm Silver Lake. The deal officially closed on August 4, 2026. A privately owned EA could be a very different company when compared to its public incarnation, and it will also have to work off $20 billion of new debt that is being used to finance the buyout. So what does $55 billion buy you these days? Quite a lot, as EA's new owners are acquiring studios, brands, and much more. Here's a broad overview of all things EA EA's various entertainment studios EA has established a rich library of games over the years. EA has built up a sizable collection of studios under its portfolio, and several of these have become responsible for EA's biggest hits. Criterion Games has developed several Need for Speed titles, DICE is best known for its work on the Battlefield series, and Maxis made a name for itself with The Sims. Then there's Motive Studio--a developer that has alternated between being a support studio and working on big projects like Star Wars: Squadrons and the Dead Space remake--PopCap Games has developed several popular mobile titles, and Respawn Entertainment has been responsible for several of EA's best single-player games in the modern era. BioWare has a storied history, but after mass layoffs at the Mass Effect and Dragon Age studio, it's not certain what state the famed studio is in. Work on a new Mass Effect game has been going on for several years now, but the high-profile flop of Anthem and underwhelming sales for Dragon Age: The Veilguard have left people wondering what its future looks like under a privately owned EA. The studios listed above are just the tip of the EA iceberg, as the company also has Skate developer Full Circle, EA Gothenburg, Codemasters, and even more subsidiaries. EA Entertainment BioWare (Includes BioWare Austin) Criterion Games (Includes Criterion Cheshire) DICE (Includes Frostbite Labs) EA Baton Rouge EA Galway in Galway, Ireland. EA Gothenburg EA Korea Studio EA Capital Games EA Redwood Studios Firemonkeys Studios Glu Mobile Playdemic Slingshot Games Tracktwenty Studios Full Circle Maxis (Includes Maxis Texas and Maxis Europe) Motive Studio (Includes Motive Studio Vancouver) Pogo Studios PopCap Games (Includes PopCap Shanghai and PopCap Hyderabad) Respawn Entertainment (Includes Respawn Vancouver and Respawn Wisconsin) Ripple Effect Studios EA Sports The other jewel in the EA crown is its EA Sports division. Anchored by titles with annual soccer, Madden NFL, PGA Tour, and NHL games, recent years have also seen these respective titles become even more lucrative with live-service and online elements added to them. EA Sports studios Codemasters (Includes Codemasters Birmingham and Codemasters Kuala Lumpur) EA Cologne EA Madrid EA Orlando EA Romania EA Vancouver Metalhead Software Big game franchises Battlefield 6 Throughout its existence, EA has amassed a sizable number of video game IP under its banner. Sure, a lot of these franchises like Army of Two and Titanfall haven't received new entries in years, but ownership of them is still potentially lucrative in an age of transmedia projects. Then there are the licensed IP that EA has worked on, with several Star Wars games under its belt--and more on the way--collaborations with smaller studios that have resulted in critically acclaimed games like Split Fiction being released under the EA Originals label, and various sports games that feature hundreds of official licensing deals to make them as authentic as possible. Battlefield Need for Speed Medal of Honor Madden Football EA Sports FC The Sims Mirror's Edge Titanfall Apex Legends Mass Effect Dragon Age Dead Space Plants vs Zombies Command and Conquer Skate Army of Two Bejeweled Peggle EA All Play EA's mobile-focused label, this part of the company is also involved in digital titles and digital board games. EA Competitive Gaming Division Founded in 2015, the EA CGD focuses on growing esports competitions through games like EA Sports FC and Battlefield. SEED The Search for Extraordinary Experiences Division is EA's incubator for research and development on new technologies, with offices based in Los Angeles and Stockholm. EA Platforms and services In addition to its PC distribution EA App, there's also the subscription service EA Play that's available as a standalone service or as part of a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. All The Gaming Companies Saudi Arabia Owns Or Has Invested In View Images

Title: Kingdom Come Actor Is Living My Dream, Opening A Medieval Pub To Drink Beer And Eat Food With Friends Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:56:02 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/kingdom-come-actor-is-living-my-dream-opening-a-medieval-pub-to-drink-beer-and-eat-food-with-friends/ British actor Luke Dale, known for his roles in the Kingdom Come RPG series and EA's Battlefield V, has announced that he bought a tavern in the Czech Republic and plans to turn it into a medieval-inspired social gathering place with great food and drinks. "Is this the dumbest thing I've ever done? There's a lot of competition for that title, but maybe," he said in a newly released video (via GamesRadar). The tavern, which is called the Nobleman, is located in Vinohrady. It's aiming to be a Bohemian-inspired tavern that isn't a themed pub or a tourist destination, but instead a cozy gathering place with good beer and food. He said he aims to offer British and Czech food, along with his favorite kinds of beer (which he did not name). The plan is also to lean into the medieval vibe, with things like shields and other trinkets adorning the walls. He also admitted that he is very new to this, and there is "so much work to done," so his plans today could change in the future. In any event, Dale said his job as an actor and streamer doesn't always feel "real" to him, so he wanted to have a physical space in the world that "felt real." He said he is "so humbled and appreciative" of the Czech Republic, where he moved years ago, and that the aim is for the Nobleman to be a "love letter to Prague." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fPxje7SLHk This was the first in his video series for the tavern, and he will release follow-up videos over time as the project progresses. As for the Kingdom Come series, developer Warhorse is working on a new entry in the series as well as a The Lord of the Rings RPG.

Title: How to solve the 4166 1899 puzzle in Big Walk Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:29:24 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/big-walk-4166-1899-coordinate-puzzle-how-to-solve/ The 4166 1899 puzzle is one of the many puzzles around the red tower in Big Walk, and possibly even one of the first that you'll find.

Title: All EA Studios and Games In Development After $55 Billion Saudi Deal Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:29:18 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/ea-all-studios-list-electronic-arts/ So what does this mean for the company? Will games be censored? Will studios be closed? In an October 2025 memo to employees made public via the Securities and Exchange Commission, EA leadership stated that the company will “maintain creative control” under its new owners, and that “The Consortium is supportive of and committed to investing in our exceptional employees and our strong culture.” Still, industry observers remain justifiably skeptical about what’s to come.

Title: How to start the Bubbly Basin DLC in Pokémon Pokopia Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:47:21 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-pokopia-bubbly-basin-how-to-start-dlc-requirements/ TheBubbly Basin DLC adds a new environment to Pokémon Pokopia, where you can help Ditto build another Pokémon community. After bringing rain to Withered Wasteland, you'll be able to give the Pokémon living underwater a hand.

Title: Diablo 4 coming to Switch 2 soon, new report says Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:43:22 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/diablo-4-nintendo-switch-2-release-date-rumor/ A new report claims Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo 4 is finally making the jump to Nintendo Switch 2, with a release potentially arriving as soon as September.

Title: Final Fantasy 14 team working on fix for Switch 2's load times Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:18:45 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/final-fantasy-14-switch-2-version-load-times-fix-in-the-works/ Square Enix finally releasedFinal Fantasy 14 on Nintendo Switch 2 this week, and the game's one-month early access period on the new platform has gone fairly smoothly but is not without problems. One of the biggest issues players are encountering is slow load times. The day after launch, Square Enix says a fix is in the works.

Title: Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:20 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-back-to-school-2026/ Back to school means balancing assignments, deadlines and downtime. GeForce NOW makes it easy to have it all. With cloud gaming, everyday laptops used for class can also become GeForce RTX-powered gaming setups.  When it’s time to switch from studying to gaming, members can jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved, as GeForce NOW is bringing one of the gaming world’s most celebrated titles to nearly any device through the cloud, alongside eight total games joining the GeForce NOW library this week. From A+ to AAA Gaming  This back-to-school season, the easiest upgrade isn’t replacing laptops in backpacks. It’s unlocking even more from these same laptops, from creating to gaming. With a GeForce NOW membership, Chromebooks, Macs and Surface devices can become GeForce RTX-powered gaming PCs in the cloud. The GeForce NOW library features thousands of supported PC games, letting members stream titles they already own from digital stores like Steam, Xbox PC Game Pass and Epic Games Store in just a few clicks. The cloud keeps games up to date and ready to play, making it easy to jump into a match between classes, after homework or whenever there’s free time. Time spent waiting on downloads, patches and installs becomes time spent in game instead. The Ultimate membership enables best-in-class experiences by delivering 5080-class performance in the cloud with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies for responsive, visually rich gameplay — all on the hardware gamers already own. A creator known as “Menguiny” recently put this to the test after picking up a MacBook Neo. GeForce NOW turned the laptop — usually the creator’s go-to for editing videos and everyday work — into a top-notch gaming machine, too. Another creator, “TechWithSeong” highlighted that same versatility GeForce NOW offers. Rather than juggling separate devices for work and gaming, he used GeForce NOW Ultimate to stream supported PC games across the devices he already owns — from a MacBook used for editing to gaming on the go with handheld devices. Gamers can start with a day pass and experience all the premium benefits without a monthly commitment. Plus, the cost of a day pass can be applied toward a first membership purchase — it’s like earning a little extra credit along the way. Everyone, at Their Stations Needlers never looked so sharp. Experience the Master Chief’s iconic journey on GeForce NOW in Halo: Campaign Evolved — a modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign — rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics and refined gameplay. Whether discovering Halo for the first time or returning after 25 years to finish the fight, it’s as the Master Chief says: “We’re just getting started.” Crash-land on the mysterious ringworld alongside Cortana and uncover great secrets while battling overwhelming Covenant forces. Fight through the rebuilt campaign, then continue the adventure with three brand-new missions featuring the Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. Expanded weapons, iconic vehicles, hijackable Wraith tanks and optional Skull modifiers offer even more ways to play. Suit up across PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more with GeForce NOW Ultimate, powered by GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud. Experience Halo with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies delivering higher frame rates and ultralow latency that keep every firefight feeling responsive and worthy of a Spartan. From solo gaming to online co-op modes, GeForce NOW cloud saves let members log in and pick up exactly where they left off across supported devices — no lengthy downloads, extra storage space or expensive hardware upgrades required. The only thing left to carry is the mission. Let’s Play Today In addition, members can stream the following games this week: Halo: Campaign Evolved (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 28) Mistfall Hunter (New release on Steam July 29) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (New release on Ubisoft Connect July 30) Sudden Attack Zero Point (New release on Steam, July 30) The Ranchers (New release on Steam, available July 30) Corsair Cove (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 31) Funnel Runners (Steam) Pathogenic (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Which game lore are you so familiar with that you can give a school presentation on it? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) July 29, 2026

Title: GeForce NOW Sets Sail With ‘Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame’ Joining the Cloud Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:16 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-path-of-exile-allflame/ Lock in and load up the cloud. GFN Thursday brings fresh updates and new adventures, all ready to play without waiting for downloads. Set sail in Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame and charge in Battlefield 6 Season 4 both launching major content for members this week. Then revisit Capcom legends like Breath of Fire IV, Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved Advanced Access and discover nine titles arriving on GeForce NOW. The Curse Calls Prepare to brave the unforgiving waters of Wraeclast. Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame launches Friday, July 24, sending Exiles into the perilous Frozen Seas. Guided by formidable corsair captain Valerie and her cursed navigator Vesper, gamers must piece together scattered treasure charts, board the legendary vessel — the Sovereign — and chart a course into the abyss. Descend into the depths using Allflame Lanterns to uncover valuable relics while surviving the dangers lurking beneath the waves. The update introduces sweeping changes, including a complete rework of sockets and links. The Scion also gains the all-new Luminary Ascendancy, the Mercenaries of Trarthus return alongside mysterious Atlas Anomalies, and the preexisting Abyss, Legion and Talisman mechanics receive revitalized gameplay and exclusive rewards. GeForce NOW members can dive in the moment it launches across their devices, no downloads needed. Learn more about the latest additions on the Path of Exile website. Rise Through the Ranks The next operation begins. Battlefield 6 takes the fight further with Season 4, bringing new battlegrounds, expanded progression and new ways to play.  Take to the land, air and sea with the massive Tsuru Reef and the return of the fan-favorite Wake Island, coming in phase two. Both feature aircraft carriers with operational flight decks, new naval vehicles and a dynamic wave system that helps move every match. The update also introduces Custom Lobbies and Spectator Mode, delivering more ways to play. From large-scale multiplayer battles to intense vehicle combat, GeForce NOW lets members deploy across nearly any device. Ultimate members can stream with GeForce RTX 5080-powered performance across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more. Whether returning to the frontlines or enlisting for the first time, members can leap into the latest Battlefield update the moment it arrives on GeForce NOW — without waiting for patches. Dragons and Dinosaurs — on Any Device Classic adventures, now in the cloud. Three iconic Capcom adventures arrive on GeForce NOW this week, ready for longtime fans to revisit and new players to discover. Journey through the rich fantasy world of Breath of Fire IV, a role-playing game following the intertwining stories of Ryu and Fou-Lu. Master an array of skills and magic to unlock strategic victories in battle and go head to head with unique enemies using powerful Dragon Transformations.  Raw instinct takes over in Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, the survival-horror series that combines pulse-pounding action, resource management and thrilling dinosaur encounters. Pursued by a relentless prehistoric terror, players fight to survive from the facility to the world of the Cretaceous Period. Whether reliving unforgettable moments or discovering these legendary titles for the first time, gamers on GeForce NOW can experience gaming history on supported devices like Chromebooks, Fire TV and Steam Deck — no legacy hardware required. Spartans — Start Early Spartans don’t have to wait. Players who prepurchase the Premium Edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved can suit up for Advanced Access before the game’s global launch on Tuesday, July 28.  Start the weekend with all the new games arriving on GeForce NOW: ZeroSpace (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Planet Crafter (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass July 21) Carnival Hunt (New release on Steam, available July 23) Dinoblade (New release on Steam, available on July 23) Breath of Fire IV (Steam) CloverPit (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Dino Crisis (Steam) Dino Crisis 2 (Steam) The last word goes to the Community Corner. One GeForce NOW member recently shared they found themselves back on GeForce NOW Ultimate because they missed the flexibility of gaming across devices like Steam Deck. Their post sparked a discussion about why members tap into cloud gaming, whether as a backup, a travel companion or their primary way to play. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Sharpen the Sword, Skip the Downloads — ‘Onimusha: Way of the Sword’ Is Coming to GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:34 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-onimusha-coming/ Onimusha: Way of the Sword is coming to GeForce NOW at launch, with the playable demo available this week. It’s joined by Denshattack! rolling in with five new games arriving in the cloud. Plus, GeForce NOW officially launches in India, moving from beta to public availability — meaning gamers can sign up without a waitlist. Pick Up the Oni Gauntlet Cloud-powered. Samurai-approved. Capcom’s next legendary action adventure is coming to GeForce NOW. Onimusha: Way of the Sword will arrive on the cloud at launch on Thursday, Sept. 3.  Members can jump into the action even sooner with the demo now available to stream. Set in a dark fantasy vision of Edo Japan, follow a lone samurai wielding the legendary Oni Gauntlet against relentless demonic Genma. Master precise swordplay, unleash powerful abilities and absorb the souls of fallen enemies as supernatural battles unfold across a haunting world filled with mystery and danger. Ultimate members can experience every clash with GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices and TVs. From the first swing in the demo through launch day, GeForce NOW lets members step into battle the moment it’s available — no downloads, storage space or expensive hardware required. Gamers can find the demo in the GeForce NOW app demo row and add the title to their wishlists today to be ready when the blade is drawn.  India Levels Up The wait is over. GeForce NOW has officially exited beta in India, bringing the world’s highest-performance cloud gaming service to more gamers across the country.  This week, gamers can choose from monthly Performance and Ultimate memberships, flexible day passes or the basic, free offering — making it easier than ever to experience GeForce RTX-powered cloud gaming. GeForce NOW now supports UPI payments, giving gamers across India a fast, secure and convenient way to purchase memberships and day passes.  Premium memberships unlock GeForce RTX-powered features like ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS and NVIDIA Reflex, along with higher resolutions, faster frame rates and priority access to streaming. With thousands of supported games — from blockbuster releases and free-to-play favorites to indie hits — members can enjoy PC games they already own without the cost of upgrading to high-end gaming hardware. Join the conversation with the GeForce NOW community on Reddit.  Go Off the Rails This Weekend “Denshattack!” is pulling into the cloud. Denshattack! — the off-the-rails, train‑wrecking action game — is now available to stream on GeForce NOW, letting members embrace pure chaos from almost any device.  Take control of runaway trains and send them barreling through crowded tracks, explosive obstacles and delightfully destructive layouts, chaining spectacular crashes with just the right mix of precision and pandemonium. Its colorful, tongue‑in‑cheek presentation and physics‑driven mayhem turn every run into a highlight reel of derailments — perfect for quick sessions, score‑chasing and laughing at just how wrong a single turn can go when the throttle never lets up. In addition, members can look for the following to play this week: Denshattack! (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass on July 15) The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu (New release on Steam, available July 15) Heave Ho 2 (New release on Steam, available July 16) Fogpiercer (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass on July 17) Onimusha: Way of the Sword DEMO (Steam) The GeForce NOW community keeps discovering new games to play, with members discussing the most beautiful games on the service. What game has impressed you most on GeForce NOW? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: GeForce NOW Turns Up the Heat With New GeForce RTX 5080-Powered Toronto Server Date: Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:55 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-toronto-expansion/ This GFN Thursday brings more games, more power and more ways to play on GeForce NOW.  The cloud gaming service is expanding with a new GeForce RTX 5080-powered server in Toronto, bringing dedicated high performance in the cloud closer to members across the region. NTE: Neverness to Everness also gets an update in the cloud, making it even easier to jump into the latest content from the supernatural adventure without a single download or more storage space needed. It leads the way for GeForce NOW bringing native touch control to the game, coming soon. There’s even more to explore with three new games joining the GeForce NOW library this week.  Take It to the Next Level in Toronto The forecast is looking cloudy in Canada. A new GeForce RTX 5080-powered GeForce NOW server is coming to Toronto, expanding service in the region and bringing dedicated cloud gaming performance closer to local members. The new server will roll out within days, giving more players access to top-tier cloud gaming across Canada. Ultimate members can stream across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more with GeForce RTX 5080-class power in the cloud. Enjoy up to 4K resolution and beyond on supported ultrawide displays, up to 120 frames per second, plus NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies.  Bring on the ‘999 Nights’ Reality bends — on any device. Step into the surreal world of NTE: Neverness to Everness with the NTE Version 1.2 “999 Nights” update.  This version introduces a massive gameplay evolution, plunging players into an immersive, tabletop-inspired fantasy role-playing game on the Warren Continent — a new permanent game mode featuring its own dedicated progression system. This narrative and mechanical expansion is elevated by the debut of two powerful characters, Shinku and Iroi, alongside an unprecedented fashion upgrade featuring a sweeping collection of 19 new character outfits. To top it off, exploration gets a high-octane upgrade with Draco, a revolutionary new motorcycle vehicle, making this version an absolute playground for combat strategy, stylish customization and high-speed urban traversal.  Plus, GeForce NOW will soon be rolling out native touch controls to NTE: Neverness to Everness, which will make it even easier to explore the city’s mysteries from supported mobile devices. Look for the game in the GeForce NOW app to seamlessly jump between devices and continue the adventure — no downloads, storage space or expensive additional hardware required. Embark on Expanded Adventures The journey continues in Granblue Fantasy: Relink with the Endless Ragnarok expansion. Known for its dynamic combat, diverse roster of Skyfarers and thrilling online co-op, Relink returns with fresh story content as mysterious beings known as the Ragnalia threaten the Zegagrande Skydom. Strange gateways, powerful new foes — including the mighty Beelzebub — and fresh challenges await across the skies. The expansion also introduces additional ways to play, including summon abilities that add another layer of combat strategy, co-op quest tiers and a solo mode filled with unpredictable encounters. Master traits offer more opportunities to customize favorite characters, giving both longtime Skyfarers and newcomers plenty of reasons to take flight. Jump into the latest action with the following games to play this week: Esports Manager 2026 (New release on Steam, available July 6) Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (New release on Steam and Ubisoft Connect, available July 9) Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Demo (Steam) As GeForce NOW continues to expand, so does the community discovering cloud gaming. One new Ultimate member summed up their first impressions: “Finally caved and got GFN Ultimate… and wow.” Another longtime PC gamer shared how GeForce NOW completely changed their perspective after years of skepticism, calling it “a good alternative” for casual players and encouraging others to “try the one month and upgrade to the yearly before the sale ends.” What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Joyride Through July With 12 Games Coming to GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:23 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-july-2026-games-list/ Summer is heating up — and GeForce NOW is taking players along for the ride. Start the month with Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains, bringing a galaxy far, far away to the iconic board-game franchise, alongside 12 new games joining the cloud this month.  Plus, don’t let the sun set on the biggest GeForce NOW savings of the year. Level up for less before the deals disappear. Light Side, Dark Side, Cloud Side  The Force is strong with this one. Rule the board, you must. Choose a side in Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains, the classic property-trading board game reimagined with legendary characters, locations and rivalries from across the Star Wars universe. Play as iconic heroes or infamous villains — each with unique abilities — to assemble a team and experience cinematic moments while competing with family and friends across locations from every era of the saga. Every roll of the dice brings new opportunities to build an empire and claim victory. GeForce NOW makes it easy to take the battle between the light and dark sides across nearly any device. Jump into a match on a low-powered PC, Mac, phone, TV, tablet or handheld device and keep the fun going across the galaxy. Check out what’s available this week: Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains (New release on Steam and Ubisoft, available June 30) Meccha Chameleon (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (New release on Steam and Ubisoft Connect, available July 9) Denshattack! (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 15) The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu (New release on Steam, available July 15) Heave Ho 2 (New release on Steam, available July 16) Fogpiercer (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 17) ZeroSpace (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Planet Crafter (New release on Xbox, Available on Game Pass July 21) Carnival Hunt (New release on Steam, available July 23) The Ranchers (New release on Steam, available July 30) Corsair Cove (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 31) Juicy Extras From June In addition to the 18 games announced last month, 10 more came to the cloud.  Deer & Boy (Steam) DOOM Eternal (Epic Games Store) Embers of the Uncrowned Demo (Steam) EMPULSE (Steam) The Elder Scrolls Online (Xbox, available on Game Pass) NBA THE RUN (Steam) SAND: Raiders of Sophie (Steam) Voidling Bound (Steam) Witchspire (Steam) World of Tanks: HEAT (Wargaming) Last Call for Cloud Summer Savings The clock is ticking. Get gaming at the best price of the year. The final days of the GeForce NOW Summer Sale are here. Before the savings disappear, gamers can save $35 on a 12-month Performance membership or $70 on a 12-month Ultimate membership — unlocking GeForce RTX-powered gaming in the cloud across devices they already own. The Performance membership delivers smooth, high-quality gaming with RTX-powered servers, making it easy to jump into favorite titles across PCs, Macs, phones, handhelds and TVs. The Ultimate membership takes cloud gaming to the max with RTX 4080‑ or 5080‑class performance. Experience cinematic visuals, ultralow latency and responsive gameplay powered by technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex — all without the cost of a new gaming rig. Hear directly from the GeForce NOW Community. One GeForce NOW member recently called the Summer Sale “quite significant” after realizing the savings were even larger than expected in their local currency. By locking in a year of Ultimate, they calculated their monthly cost dropped from roughly 29 CAD to 17 CAD – showcasing how GeForce NOW continues to help gamers around the world enjoy the games they love, wherever they choose to play. Plus, check out this spreadsheet, made by a community member, featuring discounted games streaming on GeForce NOW  and build out a bigger library at the best bargains during the Steam Summer Sale. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: The Power of Motherhood Amid Chaos – 1998: The Toll Keeper Story Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 03:53:23 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/04/20260805-toll/ In Indonesia, there is a saying that perfectly captures the core concept of our game, 1998: The Toll Keeper Story—”A mother’s love knows no bounds, spanning across all time.” This beautiful sentiment slowly but surely transforms into a harsh reality when that very maternal instinct is tested against a backdrop of escalating, threatening chaos. This is Dewi’s story. While deeply inspired by our own homeland’s history, the events of 1998 in Indonesia, where a severe monetary crisis triggered widespread social unrest that victimized innocent groups, remain tragic yet universally relevant today. It often feels as though the world refuses to learn from the mistakes of the past. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Dewi, alongside other characters like Heru and Sinta, does not stand there to fight a massive tide that is far beyond her control. Day after day, from inside the toll booth she operates, she witnesses the raw human struggle for survival, all while fighting tooth and nail to keep her own baby safe and healthy. This entire conflict unfolds through a document and currency-checking mechanic that will feel instantly familiar to fans of Papers, Please. Amidst the routine, Dewi’s toll booth becomes a sanctuary where affected citizens air their grievances, regardless of whether they support or oppose the government of that era. The choices Dewi makes will ultimately shape the conclusion of her story. Without ever intending to romanticize the tragedy that inspired it, this narrative will be brought to life through hand-drawn cutscenes, rendered in the GameChanger Studio’s signature art style. A diary at the end of each day will also serve as a space to reflect on the deep anxieties Dewi faces, both as a woman and as a mother. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image With the features offered by the PlayStation 5, we are confident we can make Dewi’s journey even more immersive. The answer to this ambition lies in the Haptic Feedback technology, which will adapt uniquely to the various types of vehicles passing through Dewi’s booth. These vibrations will serve not only as vital gameplay clues but also as a physical representation of the earth-shattering challenges Dewi must endure while navigating her pregnancy. We hope that the emotions and message we wish to convey through Dewi’s journey in 1998: The Toll Keeper Story will leave a lasting, profound impression on you when you experience it on the PlayStation 5. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Trailer link: : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4YT-R7l6wM Store link: https://store.playstation.com/en-id/concept/10018178/

Title: Crimson Moon battles demonic corruption on September 1 Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:00:48 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/04/crimson-moon-battles-demonic-corruption-on-september-1/ Earlier this year, we introduced Crimson Moon, our gothic high renaissance action RPG. You play as a Nephilim, a powerful half-human, half-angel warrior sworn to reclaim the fallen city of Gildenarch from the demonic corruption consuming it.  Today, we’re excited to announce that Crimson Moon is only weeks away, launching on PlayStation 5 on September 1. Play Video Over the past few months, we’ve shared more of Crimson Moon’s brutal melee combat, replayable hunts and challenging boss encounters. Today, we’d like to focus on one of our favorite ways to experience the game: two-player online co-op. Every hunt is better together  While Crimson Moon is fully playable solo, every hunt can also be tackled in two-player online co-op.  Co-op isn’t simply about having another player dealing damage. Every hunt dynamically scales between solo play and two-player co-op, ensuring encounters remain challenging however you choose to play.  You’ll also share a communal life pool throughout each hunt. If your partner falls in battle, you’ll have the opportunity to revive them and keep the hunt alive – but each death brings your team one step closer to failure.  Those are the moments we love most. A perfectly timed rescue as a boss enters its final phase, a desperate last-second victory… or watching an overconfident partner meet their demise when everything was going so well.  Whether you’re coordinating Weapon Arts, experimenting with different builds, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder against towering bosses, co-op adds a whole new layer of teamwork to every hunt. Built for PlayStation 5  We’re committed to making Crimson Moon feel right at home on PlayStation 5.  Players on PlayStation 5 Pro can take advantage of native support for upgraded PSSR, helping deliver a sharper image as you explore the blood-soaked streets of Gildenarch and battle the horrors lurking within. One adventure, two editions  From the beginning, our goal has been to create an action RPG packed with replayability, satisfying progression, and memorable co-op, while offering exceptional value to players.  Crimson Moon launches for $19.99, while Crimson Moon: Deluxe Edition will be available for $29.99.  The Deluxe Edition includes the Ceremonial Armor Set, the Axe of the Gods – a guitar-shaped axe worthy of any legendary Nephilim – and access to our upcoming Post-Launch Content Expansion.  If you decide you’d like to upgrade later, the Crimson Moon: Deluxe Edition Upgrade will also be available for $10, giving Standard Edition players access to all Deluxe content whenever they’re ready.  As a thank you to the PlayStation community, every PlayStation player – whether they choose the Standard or Deluxe Edition – will receive the exclusive Sonai Magistrate Armor Set at launch. We’ll see you in Gildenarch From your first steps inside Sanctus Clypeus to your final stand against the legendary Dead Gods, every hunt is an opportunity to discover powerful new gear, experiment with different builds, and push deeper into Gildenarch’s increasingly dangerous Wards. Gather your allies, for the hunt begins on September 1.

Title: Gameplay first look – Mafia: The Old Country’s Man of Honor expansion Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:00:49 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/04/gameplay-first-look-mafia-the-old-countrys-man-of-honor-expansion/ Hi everyone, I’m Josh Zammit, design director at Hangar 13 working on the Man of Honor expansion* for Mafia: The Old Country. We’re super excited to share the first look gameplay above, and I’d like to reveal a bit more about the Free Ride content included in the DLC. Man of Honor features two new story chapters set in the earlier days of Enzo Favara’s service to the Torrisi crime family, letting you team up with respected mafioso Ennio Salieri to settle old scores. In addition to the two new story chapters, owning the Man of Honor expansion grants you access to a new set of exclusive jobs and extreme challenges we’re adding to Free Ride mode, along with new collectibles and locations added to the Valle Dorata map. Play Video If you haven’t played Mafia: The Old Country yet, Free Ride mode lets you explore the Sicilian countryside at your own pace, or take on a collection of repeatable Challenges separate from the critical path that include combat encounters, stealth missions, and different kinds of races. In the new Man of Honor Free Ride content, you’ll take on new assignments from Salieri himself, who has set up shop in a Porto Almaro warehouse where he spends his days devising new schemes and smuggling stolen goods. Longtime Mafia fans know Salieri well, given his central role as the Don of his own crime family in the city of Lost Heaven, where the original Mafia and Mafia: Definitive Edition take place. Making Salieri the focal point of Man of Honor lets us showcase who he was before his emigration to America and subsequent rise to power, deepening his backstory in a really engaging way. Though still feared and respected in Sicily, this younger Salieri is much scrappier and has to hustle to get his cut of the Family’s various rackets. With Salieri as your new point of contact for Man of Honor’s Free Ride content, you’ll drop by his hideout to pick up two types of contracts: Challenges and Jobs. Salieri’s Challenges follow a similar format to the ones you can currently take on in Free Ride mode, but with amped-up difficulty that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned soldato. Salieri’s Jobs introduce brand-new mission types, tasking you with tracking down your objective and dealing with anyone who tries to get in your way. Seeking hidden caches of valuable loot, towing high-value vehicles back to Salieri, delivering stolen trucks full of precious-but-fragile goods—whichever job you take, success will line your pockets with extra Dinari. You can spend those ill-gotten gains to add new outfits, Charms, weapons, vehicles, and horses to your collection, all exclusive to this expansion. As you can see in the gameplay footage, the unique weapons and Charms you can earn in Man of Honor gave us space to play around with perks that push just beyond the bounds of period-accurate realism. For example, take the Rimbalzu throwing knife, which bounces to a second target so you can quickly and silently take down multiple enemies from the shadows. It would take near-impossible skill to throw a ricochet between targets every time, but the effect is incredibly fun and empowering, especially for players who prefer the stealthy approach. We wanted to design fresh and exciting weapons for a range of playstyles, and the added stopping power of these additions to Enzo’s arsenal can help give you an edge during Salieri’s most difficult assignments. Along with all the new items and missions on offer, there are plenty of optional activities you can seek out as you explore the Valle Dorata. Keep your eyes peeled for collectible Wanted Posters which, in keeping with a fun series tradition, use members of our development team (myself included) in period-accurate attire for their mugshots. You can also soar through the air in your turn-of-the-century automobiles via added Stunt Jumps, or destroy delivery trucks loaded with sulfur to hit back at the people who betrayed Salieri. The Man of Honor expansion for Mafia: The Old Country arrives next week on August 14. We can’t wait to see how you tackle the new content in Free Ride mode, and what the fans think of a younger Ennio Salieri in the added narrative content. Until then, mafiosi. *Base game required. Some content requires unlocking via gameplay.

Title: Players’ Choice: Vote for July 2026’s best new game Date: Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:00:25 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/03/players-choice-vote-for-july-2026s-best-new-game/ Last month was filled with adventures big and small, sports action, and spiritual battles! Some big new releases included Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, Denshattack, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, and more. Which game was your favorite? How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog. What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake. How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll. View Poll

Title: Beast of Reincarnation hands-on: parry-rich combat and the cutest mutant pup Date: Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:10 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/03/beast-of-reincarnation-hands-on-parry-rich-combat-and-the-cutest-mutant-pup/ Even from its first full reveal in 2025, Beast of Reincarnation was making all the right noises. Roaring through the crowd of impressive action role-playing games, Game Freak’s trek into a post-apocalyptic Japan blends the mythological with the mechanized into something fresh – helped by a “one woman and her dog saving the world”’ narrative. But that’s not everything Beast of Reincarnation brings to the PlayStation 5 wilds. After spending a lot of time with the full game ahead of its August 4 release, I experienced a touching story, in-depth game mechanics, intense Souls-like combat, and quite possibly the most adorably blighted giant dog companion anyone could wish for.  A world of mutated mystery 4026 Japan is not a place we would recognize. Plants, birds, beasts, and even humans have been overwhelmingly corrupted by a strange cataclysm called the Blight. Entire Blight forests have spread their poison far and wide, pushing the remnants of humanity into scattered settlements. And chief of all the mutates are the Nushi, powerful and often colossal beings who spread fear and destruction wherever they roam. The cause of all this is said to be the fabled Beast of Reincarnation, which resurrects every 100 years. And so one person is tasked to end this cycle of doom… Humanity’s last hope Blighted from birth, Emma is an outcast with no memory of her origins. She’s initially stoic and near emotionless, punished by her colony for her affliction. But her condition also makes her valuable, able to absorb the powers of each defeated Nushi to herself, with the aim of using that power to kill the Beast. Of course, as the game progresses you discover it’s not that simple, but for us as players it makes Emma the perfect character to explore beautiful but sinister forests, the crumbling ruins of civilization, water logged underground bases, and mysterious habitats. Parry or die Emma is an incredibly versatile protagonist, feeling light and agile on the DualSense controller. She’s equipped with swift sword swipes via R1 that can be chained into a combo, projectile weapons including bolts and arrows that can offer a tinge of resistance when pulled on an adaptive trigger, a nimble dodge with a tap of the Circle button, and a block and parry using L1. And this is where Souls fans will rejoice – because that parry is the key to survival. Fighting against early beasts and basic corrupted golems – humans who escaped the Blight by trapping their souls inside a machine – was fun and easy enough but hacking away on R1 won’t get you very far against the smarter, tougher, or larger foes. My first encounter with Chapter One’s tricky boss, a colossal deer-like Nishi, was just a hint of what was to come, its vicious and repeated antler attacks requiring parries to open up a counterattack. Later in the game, mini-bosses and enemies with more complex unblockable assaults required pin-point parries and counters to win. Timing is everything. Wielding the power of corrupted nature  Thankfully, that’s not everything to Beast of Reincarnation’s layered combat system. Antagonists can be staggered by reducing their relevant meter with multiple attacks and leaving them open to a finisher using R1. I was also able to perform instant kills on grunts by sneaking up on them or taking satisfying headshots with a projectile. While the Square button unleashes Emma’s devastatingly effective Nushi Skills and Blade Arts combos. But mastering Emma’s Blight abilities is the real game changer. Tapping R2 when a jump point is highlighted in the environment fires out root-like tendrils of her hair to yank Emma to higher areas. Similarly, holding down R2 creates a temporary hair platform that Emma can walk across, and the Cross button raises Emma high into the air with her locks. Using her verticality as a distancing technique was not only valuable in combat, but it meant I could utilize a ‘death from above’ assassination with R1. This levelled the field against multiple enemies who have a cone of vision I could exploit and led to a rewarding victory in a particular fight against a tough pike-wielding golem and his small army. And then there’s Emma’s best boy by her side… Genuinely, Koo is the bestest of boys The large wolf-like Koo is the perfect battle companion, able to be directed to attack enemies, or utilising his powerful Bloom Arts, a turn-based menu style special attack which you select using Triangle. If I was able to time my following button press correctly during the short corresponding mini-game, Koo’s Bloom Arts skills were invaluable, especially as the Fluorescence Points used to unleash them are earned via successful parries. When combined with Emma’s time slowing Entanglement Overdrive after pressing L3 and R3 together, the duo quickly became a formidable force in my hands. Koo also guides you to objectives with a visual pheromone indicator, barks when he finds something of interest, and even brings back items to Emma. While Koo has his own life bar, he’s hardy and capable, and you can expand his skill slots by increasing Emma’s rapport with him via petting him (creating a pleasing tremble of the DualSense controller haptics), giving him treats, and keeping him clean via a shower available in the Cleanse Walker, Emma’s mobile base. Food, systems, and skill trees There’s a lot of hidden depth in Beast of Reincarnation, too. Multiple weapons can be found and enhanced, skill trees for both Emma and Koo meant I was unlocking more abilities as I progressed, different enemy types fought each other on sight making combat even more entertaining, and the presence of the mysterious Violet – who only Emma can see and hear – offered intriguing questions to the narrative. And that’s not even mentioning the importance of food. Emma and Koo will only naturally heal from their wounds if their hunger gauge isn’t empty. But food also offers bonuses to stats like HP, Attack, and Defense, so they’re not just another resource check. And better yet, Emma’s surrogate little sister Kagura can cook meals from ingredients you find on the field, her culinary skills increasing the more you engage with her, and her meals becoming more expansive and beneficial based on the recipes you bring back. I was even able to raise a chicken for eggs and grow crops on the Cleanse Walker to give Kagura more food options, with different seedlings having various harvest times. A beastly battle Emma and Koo’s adventure is a lengthy one, full of intrigue and tender narrative beats to accompany its rousing and challenging combat. So if you’re game for the hunt, you better sharpen your sword skills ahead of Beast of Reincarnation’s PS5 release on August 4.

Title: "Believable and consistent up close": What the dinosaurs of The Lost Wild share with Microsoft’s cancelled Everwild, according to the designer who worked on both Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:18:24 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/believable-and-consistent-up-close-what-the-dinosaurs-of-the-lost-wild-share-with-microsofts-cancelled-everwild-according-to-the-designer-who-worked-on-both Former Rare design director Gary Napper has shared a little about what his forthcoming dinosaur survival project The Lost Wild shares with Rare's mysterious nature fable Everwild, which was cancelled by Microsoft during a round of Xbox cuts last summer. He's also said more about how The Lost Wild compares to the game Napper is best known for, Creative Assembly and Sega's Alien: Isolation. According to Napper, Isolation was in some ways an "easier design challenge" than both Everwild and The Lost Wild, because there was less need to make the Alien feel like it had an agenda besides trying to murder the player. Read more

Title: Even after 200 hours, Marathon's greatest secret is still deciphering the rhythms of rival players Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:39:07 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/even-after-200-hours-marathons-greatest-secret-is-still-deciphering-the-rhythms-of-rival-players There’s a whole phase to the game of Marathon that occurs right when you might assume it’s over. It begins with the jolting sound effect that indicates a teammate has been downed - knocked on their back by volt fire or a claymore in a dark corner. Then, as you rush to help, a second jolt: another teammate pummeled into helplessness by an unseen assailant. Footsteps all around: a full enemy team, and you alone, as the revive timers of your friends melt away, like clocks in a Dali painting. Very often, at this point, the best thing you can do for your teammates is turn and flee, as quietly as you can. It might feel counterintuitive - and in fact, your abandoned friends may vehemently disagree with your chosen course of action, until reasoned with or muted on mic, according to taste. If you’ve matchmade with strangers, they might simply quit. But in moments like these, when the battle is lost and vultures pick through the backpacks of your comrades, the match may yet be won. Read more

Title: Tell a whole town what to believe in Static Hour, a rolodex-flipping newsroom thriller about investigating a strange epidemic of violence Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:54:53 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/tell-a-whole-town-what-to-believe-in-static-hour-a-rolodex-flipping-newsroom-thriller-about-investigating-a-strange-epidemic-of-violence Static Hour is a spooky narrative simulation designed to give journalists a god complex, or at least, aggravate the ones we already have. Set in the 1980s, it casts you as a night shift news editor in a small town that has succumbed to a Happening of some kind. There are garbled transmissions about people attacking their families, outbreaks of amnesia, and overflowing ER rooms. Is it aliens? Too much sodium in the water supply? Kids playing tricks with fireworks? Trapped in the newsroom by a government lockdown, you must try to make sense of the situation by combing your rolodex, ordering reporters around, scanning radio frequencies, and sorting hard evidence from scuttlebutt. Then, you must decide what to broadcast to a population who react and take action accordingly. Are you keeping your listeners informed, or fomenting a panic? Worse, are you fomenting a panic deliberately? Read more

Title: Beast of Reincarnation is getting some "story pacing improvements" in its first patch, as part of "ongoing adjustments" from Game Freak Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:45:17 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/beast-of-reincarnation-is-getting-some-story-pacing-improvements-in-its-first-patch-as-part-of-ongoing-adjustments-from-game-freak Beast of Reincarnation, the soulslike about a girl and her dog battling an array of beasties in post-apocalyptic Japan, came out yesterday, August 4th. Developers Game Freak are already hard at work on patches for it, with the first set to include some "story pacing improvements" that should hopefully help address some of the gripes our Callum highlighted in his freshly published Beast of Reincarnation review. Read more

Title: I like being king of some weird and sexy knights in fantasy RPG Sovereign Tower, but I'm not convinced the time travel element is my cup of spiderwine Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/i-like-being-king-of-some-weird-and-sexy-knights-in-fantasy-rpg-sovereign-tower-but-im-not-convinced-the-time-travel-element-is-my-cup-of-spiderwine Between the accidental incest, the dragons, and the farcical aquatic ceremonies, King Arthur's reign was a real rollercoaster and a half, but at least he never had an Ursula. In Sovereign Tower, the turn-based "Round Table management RPG" from Wild Wits Games, Ursula is one of the knights you can recruit to send on quests around a downfallen fantasy kingdom. Ursula has a shrewd mind and a nose for the arcane, making her a fine choice in theory for missions that involve stolen grimoires and talking wheels of cheese. But she is also a creepy little git with no sense of responsibility. She hates when I ask her to do anything "diplomatic", like attending village fetes. She hates retrieving eldritch relics, despite her character stats being perfect for this. She hates when I say anything too grown-up in the throneroom. She hates answering questions. Like many a housecat, she both craves attention and resents it. Also like many a housecat, she eats spiders. In one early optional chinwag, you find Ursula grinding up stray orb-weavers to make a beverage apparently beloved of whatever dubious county she hails from. Read more