Title: The Makers Of An Underrated 2024 Horror Game Are Back With Something Even Better Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 19:55:41 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/home-safety-hotline-creators-dare-you-to-play-forbidden-solitaire-horror-game-2000692713 It’s not just time you’re killing in this inspired '90s-style meta-horror

Title: Adult Swim Legend Tim Heidecker Debuts Infowars Takeover With The Onion Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 19:00:38 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/adult-swim-legend-tim-heidecker-debuts-infowars-takeover-with-the-onion-alex-jones-2000692704 While there are still some legal thorns to clear, it appears the Alex Jones conspiracy media empire is over and a new Schlaaang-approved one begins

Title: The Oscars Are Barring AI Generated Films, Gaming Awards Should Do The Same Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 18:00:18 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/the-oscars-are-barring-ai-generated-films-gaming-awards-should-do-the-same-2000692691 Many major gaming awards are fuzzy at best as the entertainment industry at large grapples with where AI generated material fits in

Title: Reggie Fils-Aimé Says Nintendo Stopped Selling To Amazon After Being Asked To Break The Law Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 17:12:41 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/reggie-fils-aime-says-nintendo-stopped-selling-to-amazon-after-being-asked-to-break-the-law-2000692699 A recent lecture at NYU suggests the unstable relationship between the gaming and e-commerce giants dates all the way back to the Nintendo DS

Title: Sony Set To Pay $7.8 Million To PlayStation Users After Judge Approves Preliminary Settlement In PSN Digital Games Class Action Lawsuit Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 16:00:56 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/sony-set-pay-7-8-million-to-playstation-users-after-jude-approves-preliminary-settlement-in-psn-digital-games-class-action-lawsuit-2000692676 The $7.8 million will be distributed as "credits" to the PSN accounts of those who are eligible

Title: Petit Planet preview: HoYoverse's first foray into family-friendly games is very careful to colour within the lines Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:38:34 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/petit-planet-preview-hoyoverses-first-foray-into-family-friendly-games-is-very-careful-to-colour-within-the-lines This isn't a complaint, but I can't help but feel like every new game I pick up at the moment is Animal Crossing. Heartopia? Animal Crossing. Pokopia? Animal Crossing. Tomodachi Life? You guessed it, Animal Crossing! I am unashamedly one of those people who thinks the gaming landscape of the 2020s peaked early when New Horizons gently shepherded us all through lockdown, so perhaps I shouldn't be surprised that – now that we're well past the midpoint of the decade, I hate to remind you – a bunch of studios have come to the same conclusion, and either spun up their own take on the idea, or repurposed an existing IP to include more Animal Crossing-like elements. Read more

Title: Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.8 is refreshing your team comps with a new mechanic, and the game is coming to Steam Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:47:03 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/zenless-zone-zero-version-2-8-steam-all-details HoYoverse just wrapped up a pretty exciting Zenless Zone Zero Special Program that not only delivered all the details on the next big update, it also came with the unexpected announcement that the action RPG is on its way to Steam. Read more

Title: Diablo 4's next season won't have any new mechanics or a new theme because all the focus is on Lord of Hatred Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:30:50 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/diablo-4-season-of-reckoning-lord-of-hatred-launch Diablo 4 is gearing up for its biggest post-launch event yet: the upcoming release of the Lord of Hatred expansion. As was the case with Vessel of Hatred before it, expansion releases alter the seasonal flow in a few ways, and Blizzard has now explained how. Read more

Title: Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred review - A compelling conclusion delivered with a panache that proves Blizzard still got it Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/diablo-4-lord-of-hatred-expansion-review Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred has, without question, been one of my most anticipated releases of 2026. Diablo 4 is likely my most played game ever by sheer hour count, so it’s easy to see why this expansion is so high up on my list. However many rakes Blizzard has stepped on over the course of the game’s live service, however many seasons or events it botched, I maintain that no other ARPG matches Diablo 4 in either game feel or production value. Read more

Title: Naval warfare, an actual server browser and more on the way to Battlefield 6 this year as BF Studios reveals 2026 roadmap Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:20:53 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/battlefield-6-2026-roadmap-naval-warfare-server-browser-details It took Battlefield Studios over four months to tell Battlefield 6 players what they can actually expect from the game over the course of this year, in terms of content - but we’re glad to see a plan laid out nonetheless. Read more

Title: Two Crossovers In One Character? Fatal Fury’s Next DLC Explained Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 22:00:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/two-crossovers-in-one-character-fatal-furys-next-dlc-explained/1100-6539752/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Last month, SNK revealed that Kenshiro, star of Fist of the North Star, would be the final Season 2 DLC character for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves in June. However, that left May unspoken for, and fans were wondering who would fill the void.Today, during a special presentation at Evo Japan, SNK unveiled the next DLC character would be another crossover character, but this time from a franchise in SNK's portfolio: Mr. Karate, the mask-wearing martial artist from Art of Fighting, is next up--but this Mr. Karate is different from the one we've seen before. In previous SNK fighting games, Mr. Karate has been an alter ego for Takuma Sakazaki, the father of Art of Fighting protagonist Ryo Sakazaki and the final boss of the first game. However, while this version of Mr. Karate sports the well-known Tengu mask, the man underneath is donning the long ponytail, suit, and gold chain of Robert Garcia, Ryo's best friend and co-protagonist of Art of Fighting.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: The New Resident Evil Movie Takes A Page From The Series' Least-Liked Game Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 18:24:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-new-resident-evil-movie-takes-a-page-from-the-series-least-liked-game/1100-6539756/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Resident Evil 6 didn't go over very well with players when it was released in 2012, but director Zach Cregger and production designer Tom Hammock apparently saw something in the game worth revisiting while creating the upcoming Resident Evil reboot film.During a set visit attended by GamesRadar, Hammock noted that creatures from Resident Evil 6 will appear in the film. He also added that the team pulled some inspiration from Resident Evil 4 as well."You'll see a lot of Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 6," said Hammock. "Zach and I went through and pulled specific creature elements that we like from the games, whether it's tentacles, the teeth integration, and then tried to take that language and move it over to these creatures."Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Lego And Sega Are Bringing You A Buildable, Tiny Sega Genesis Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 16:18:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/lego-and-sega-are-bringing-you-a-buildable-tiny-sega-genesis/1100-6539755/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Adult Lego fans have no shortage of ways to indulge in nostalgia in recent years. Besides making plenty of game-themed sets based on Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Minecraft, Lego has also seen fit to give nostalgic Gen-Xers and Millenials (and retro-interested young folks) ways to rebuild the nostalgic gaming consoles of their past (minus the game-playing capability) with NES, Game Boy, and even Atari 2600 kits. Today, Lego and Sega unveiled the newest set to join the library of brick-based consoles: the Lego Sega Genesis.Gallery This set, due for release on June 1st, marks the first Sega console (though technically not the first piece of Sega hardware) to enter the Lego lineup. Retailing for £34.99 / €39.99 / $39.99, the set contains 479 pieces and is 4.5 inches long and six inches wide. It also comes with a cartridge and controllers you can insert and connect for the full console experience. You'll be able to order the Lego Genesis from Lego itself online, or you can purchase it from your favorite brick-and-mortar retailer.Of course, eagle-eyed Sega fans have surely noticed that some pictures show the console with Genesis branding, while others say Mega Drive--the latter being the system's Japanese and European moniker. The model will come with stickers allowing you to customize which console variant you want, so if you're from North America but prefer the maiden name of Sega's 16-bit legend, nobody's going to stop you from building it however you want.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Ultimate Grogu Is The Closest You Can Get To Owning The Real Thing Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 16:00:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hasbro-ultimate-grogu-buying-guide/1100-6539744/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Ultimate Grogu $600 | Releases April 1, 2027 Preorder at Amazon Preorder at GameStop Preorder at Hasbro In November 2019, arguably the world's most iconic new duo made their debut by way of the Disney+ show The Mandalorian: Din Djarin, played by the inimitable Pedro Pascal, and Grogu, who was nicknamed "Baby Yoda" before his real name was revealed in season two. The world lost its collective marbles over Grogu, filling Etsy with fan-made merch within days of the show's premiere and making it obvious Disney had a major new star on its hands. Now, seven years later, there's no shortage of Grogu merchandise on the market, but the new Ultimate Grogu from Hasbro is by far the most realistic yet. The life-size collectible animatronic not only looks like the adorable Force-sensitive character, but it also features more than 250 interactive movements and sounds. You will have to wait until the figure launches on April 1, 2027, to add him to your collection, but you can preorder the little guy now for $600 at Amazon, GameStop, and Hasbro.. Ultimate Grogu $600 | Releases April 1, 2027 Ultimate Grogu is a fully animatronic, life-size collectible that is by far the most realistic yet, featuring more than 250 animatronics and sounds. Preorders are available for $600 at Amazon, GameStop, and Hasbro. Preorder at Amazon Preorder at GameStop Preorder at Hasbro The Ultimate Grogu figure offers three modes. Explore Mode shows off all his cool abilities, while if you plan to cosplay Mando and want Grogu to be less lively, you can switch him into Grab & Go Mode, where his responsiveness will be limited. There's also Display Mode for when you just want him to hang out on a shelf and give him the occasional head pat (which he'll respond to cutely, of course).Grogu comes with a few play accessories, including his cookie, which will shake when he tries to use the Force to pull it closer. You also get the Grav Charge accessory, which he'll have unique reactions to, so try it out to see what he does. If you want to take him on the go, he runs on four D batteries, but you can also plug him in at home if he's just going to hang out on your display shelf.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: We Finally Know What Magic The Gathering's Reality Fracture Set Is About (And It Rules) Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 15:28:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/we-finally-know-what-magic-the-gatherings-reality-fracture-set-is-about-and-it-rules/1100-6539750/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Even before I began playing Magic The Gathering, I had heard of Jace Beleren. Though the mono-blue spellslinger hasn't taken center stage in any of the game's ongoing stories for a few years, his reputation and past actions loom over nearly every expansion and solidify him as one the game's most famous figures. Now, Jace is readying up to return in a big way, as Magic the Gathering's next in-universe set, Reality Fracture, sees him, quite literally, reshape the universe we know and love.Leading up to MagicCon Las Vegas, long-time Magic the Gathering designer Mark Rosewater and Reality Fracture creative lead Meris Mullaley met with press to offer a first look at the upcoming set. Though the pair opted not to share too many cards from the upcoming set, they did open up about what the set's about.Reality Fracture kicks off shortly after Jace assumes a new mantle, The Theorist, and creates an alternate universe known as the Echoverse. Though why he created the Echoverse has yet to be confirmed, my best guess is that it has something to do with his protege, Tamira--a character whom I suspect might actually have a much closer relationship to Jace than has been revealed. Though Wizards of the Coast has stated that Jace and his long-time Gorgon partner Vraska are unable to have children due to their physiological differences, it's hard to ignore that Tamira is a Gorgon with human-like features who possesses powerful magic and Simic coloring--blue, like Jace, and green, like Vraska. All signs point to Tam being Jace and Vraska's daughter from another universe--one in which the pair could have a child. In summation, Reality Fracture seems poised to be Magic the Gathering's take on Wandavison, so it might be worth bracing yourself for potential devastation.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Forza Horizon 6 pulls from one of the best racing anime ever created Date: Sun, 03 May 2026 10:00:30 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/forza-horizon-6-has-me-rewatching-the-best-racing-anime-ever-made/ With only a month left before the release of Forza Horizon 6, the hype to sprint through its sakura-strewn streets and serpentine mountain roads has reached a fever pitch. Playground Games has layered its latest open-world racing sim with all the hallmarks of Japan, from the neon-lit city avenues of Tokyo to the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps.

Title: Magic: The Gathering One Ring art controversy ends with artist admission Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 23:18:54 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/mtg-hobbit-the-one-ring-art-controversy/ A newly revealed version of The One Ring card for Magic: The Gathering’s upcoming crossover with The Hobbitdrew criticism from within the game’s own artist community, ultimately revealing that the artist had copied the work of another.

Title: Far Far West is the rare multiplayer game that respects your time Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 20:00:19 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/far-far-west-impressions/ Far Far West, a new friendslop-adjacent game that's taking over Steam, is a bit like Helldivers 2, only with ghosts and skeletons instead of aliens. And robot cowboys instead of soldiers. There's no satire, though, and no time limit. Anyway, structurally, the two are very similar, with one very important exception: Far Far West isn't trying to take me away from anything else.

Title: Resident Evil Village’s Lady Dimitrescu paved the way for Leon thirst Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 19:00:18 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/resident-evil-village-5-year-anniversary-lady-dimitrescu/ Hotties have been part of the Resident Evil franchise’s DNA since its earliest days. Cast your mind back to Leon Kennedy in his Resident Evil 2 twink era, Ada Wong’s penchant for wearing cocktail attire in combat situations, and Albert Wesker’s smoldering sneer, and you’ll realize that Capcom’s survival horror series has always had a knack for putting outrageously beautiful people in outrageously terrifying situations. But the series’ simmering horniness broke containment and entered the mainstream with Resident Evil Village, which launched five years ago in May 2021.

Title: Sonny Boy is secretly the most bingeable anime of the decade Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 18:00:20 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/sonny-boy-is-secretly-one-of-the-most-bingeable-anime-of-the-decade/ Some of the best anime out there require a huge time commitment. One Piece boasts 1,159, with no signs of slowing down. There are currently 47 episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen (plus a movie) with more on the way. Even Death Note with its tidy, one-season story is 37-episodes long. But there's one incredible anime show that you can easily watch in a single weekend, and it just so happens to be streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus.

Title: It’s Gonna Be May: 16 Games Hit the Cloud This Month, With More NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Power Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:00:47 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-may-2026-games-list/ [Editor’s note] The blog has been updated to note that GeForce RTX 5080-power expansion also extends to the Install-to-Play library. It’s gonna be May — and the cloud’s in full festival mode.  16 games are joining GeForce NOW this month, including new AAA titles arriving on launch day from Steam, Xbox, PC Game Pass and GOG, so members can stream their PC libraries instantly across almost any device. Headline launches include the highly anticipated Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light, both ready to hit the cloud on day one. Meanwhile, the GeForce NOW Ultimate membership dials things up with expanded RTX 5080‑class performance across the cloud gaming library, bringing higher frame rates, richer visuals and more responsive gameplay to even more of the games members already love. Ultimate members now get priority access to RTX 5080‑class rigs, making it easier than ever to tap into next‑generation PC power from almost any device. GeForce NOW is also celebrating 30 years of Firaxis in style, with more of the studio’s classics coming as Install‑to‑Play titles for instant access — just in time for a Steam celebration sale on select Firaxis games supported in the cloud. And this week kicks things off with six new games dropping into the cloud, setting the stage for a May packed with new adventures. The Cloud Keeps Getting Bigger AAA titles are landing throughout the month on their launch dates. Members can pick them up from their favorite PC stores — Steam, Xbox, PC Game Pass and GOG — and stream their PC gaming libraries instantly on GeForce NOW without having to repurchase titles to play across devices. The highly anticipated titles hitting the cloud this month include:  Stream it on GeForce NOW. Forza Horizon 6 from Playground Games: The Horizon festival is back and bigger than ever. This is Horizon Japan — stretching from the iconic downtown streets of Tokyo City all the way to the snowy Japanese Alps — introducing the most dense and vertical map yet. A massive new open world, a stacked car roster and that legendary “one more race” energy are all heading to GeForce NOW on the title’s launch date. Members can pick it up on PC via Steam and Xbox, including Game Pass, then hit full throttle from the cloud on almost any device. 007 First Light from IO Interactive: The game brings a modern James Bond origin story to the cloud when it launches Wednesday, May 27, for PC, inviting members to step into the shadows as Bond begins his journey. Experience a mix of stealth and action built around a “breathing” gameplay loop with IOI’s cinematic, set piece-driven storytelling. Approach encounters through stealth, direct action or creative improvisation, with multiple viable paths to each objective that let players define Bond’s style. It’s ready on day one for players grabbing it on Steam, Xbox on PC or GOG. More Power GeForce NOW Ultimate is expanding what premium cloud gaming looks like. Starting today, Ultimate members can stream even more of their games on RTX 5080 virtual gaming rigs — bringing the power of the NVIDIA Blackwell RTX architecture to a wide range of titles. This update significantly broadens access to 5080 performance beyond the list of GeForce RTX 5080-optimized titles. Now, across nearly the entire GeForce NOW library, members can experience higher frame rates, richer visuals, and more responsive gameplay by default at up to 5K 120 frames per second or 360 fps at 1080p. With RTX 5080 in the cloud, Ultimate members unlock the same cutting-edge features available to GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU owners. That includes NVIDIA DLSS 4 technology for sharper image quality and higher performance, NVIDIA Reflex for reduced system latency and faster input response, and advanced ray tracing for more lifelike lighting and reflections.  With RTX 5080 powering the default Ultimate experience, GeForce NOW delivers next-generation performance to more games, extending the value of a GeForce NOW membership. See more details in the knowledgebase article. 30 Years of ‘One More Turn’ Happy 30th, O mighty Firaxis Games. GeForce NOW is celebrating three decades of Firaxis — the legendary studio behind Civilization and XCOM — with a growing lineup of some of the best strategy games on the cloud. Throughout May, GeForce NOW is rolling out a collection of classic Firaxis games, available as Install-to-Play titles for instant access. Expanding beyond Civilization V and Civilization VI and the series’ signature “one more turn” gameplay,  GeForce NOW will showcase the studio’s broader legacy.  Take to the stars in Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth, lay tracks in Sid Meier’s Railroads!, defend the globe in XCOM 2, and command the skies in Ace Patrol and Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies. Add to that the anniversary celebration on Steam with discounts of up to 90% on games in the Firaxis catalog for a limited time. It’s the perfect time for members to build their Firaxis collection in the cloud. May-jor New Games One wrong turn from glory to graveyard. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is the official prequel that returns to the roots of the genre-defining, critically acclaimed turn-based strategy series. Raise grand armies and wield devastating spells to overcome foes in solo and multiplayer, set against a grim, war-torn world of uneasy alliances and hard choices. Now available to stream on GeForce NOW, every decision shapes a path defined by power, strategy and hard-earned victories All roads lead to Rome. Some also lead directly into a volcano. Anno 117: PAX Romana is turning up the heat with its first downloadable content (DLC), Prophecies of Ash, dropping a massive new volcanic island into the heart of the Roman empire. Build a thriving city on Cinis, juggle new production chains like obsidian crafting and new items, and try to stay on the good side of Vulcan — a new deity to worship —  while a very active volcano looks in the background. Additionally, the DLC introduces a new resource a new trader, Ceacilia, and several new specialists. Available to stream on GeForce NOW, the DLC is ready to play without waiting on big downloads or patches — just jump in, claim the new land and see whether the empire can handle a little fire and brimstone. Check out what else is available this week: Global Rescue (New release on Steam, April 27) s&box (New release on Steam, April 28) Far Far West (New release on Steam, April 28) INDUSTRIA 2 (New release on Steam, April 29) Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, April 30) Bus Bound (New release on Steam, April 30) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Conan Exiles (New release on Steam and Epic Games Store, May 5) Dead as Disco (New release on Steam, May 5) HUNTDOWN: OVERTIME (New release on Steam, May 7) Outbound (New release on Steam, May 14) Starminer (New release on Steam, May 27) Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core (New release on Steam, May 18) Forza Horizon 6 (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, May 19) Luna Abyss (New release on Steam, May 21) ZERO PARADES (New release on Steam, May 21) 007 First Light (New release on Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on the Microsoft store, May 27) Hotel Architect (Steam) Kiln (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Nuclear Option (Steam) Sintopia (Steam) Sudden Strike 5 (Steam) Super Battle Golf (Steam) Adding to April In addition to the 10 games announced last month, 11 more joined the GeForce NOW library: ‘83 (Steam) Crimson Desert (Xbox, available to play via Xbox Play Anywhere) DayZ (Xbox, available on Game Pass)  Diablo III (Ubisoft Connect) MapleStory M (Steam) Morbid Metal (Steam) PRAGMATA SKETCHBOOK – Demo (Steam) Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition (Steam and Ubisoft) Tides of Tomorrow (Steam) Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors (Xbox) Windrose (Steam) Outbound didn’t make it to the cloud this month due to its launch date being moved. Stay tuned to GFN Thursdays for the latest. What are you planning to play this weekend? 

Title: Tag, You’re It: GeForce NOW Levels Up Game Discovery With Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+ Labels Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:00:51 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-in-app-labels/ GeForce NOW is doubling down on what matters most: gamers. This week’s upgrades bring smarter libraries, making it easier than ever for gamers to turn a PC collection into a cloud-powered flex. It starts with giving existing libraries time to shine. Gamers can bring the games they love to the cloud, stream them with high performance and see the value of a GeForce NOW membership grow with new games, rewards and features. First up, finding something to play gets an upgrade. The new in-app labels, first announced at GDC, are now live — making it simple to spot titles and new releases from connected subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+. All that sets the stage for six new games rolling onto the cloud this week. Leading the charge is Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard, a chaotic new spin on the fast, unpredictable and packed-with-personality Vampire Survivors universe. Even the vampires can’t avoid the spotlight this time. Round it out with a thunderous new Marvel Rivals skin for Thor, and it’s a lineup fitted to perfection. Just Play It GeForce NOW lets members connect their existing gaming subscriptions to bring more of their games with them on the go, across devices. Today, keeping track of which games can be streamed just got even easier. New in‑app game labels on GeForce NOW make it easy to see which titles are part of Xbox Game Pass or Ubisoft+ game libraries once accounts are connected. Tagged and ready. Clear labels now appear directly on each game’s details — eliminating guesswork and making it simple to see exactly what’s available to play instantly from connected subscriptions. Stream hundreds of NVIDIA RTX-powered titles with a single click. More clarity, less searching — and one more reason the cloud gaming library has never looked better. Feeding Time Make sure to bite hard. Get fired up for the feeding frenzy — Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard is a roguelite horde escape game that stacks absurd power‑ups and turns every run into a highlight reel of close calls. Stay mobile, grab upgrades and try not to become the snack. Every build becomes a delightful walking disaster, with weapons, perks and abilities combining into wild synergies that can turn a run from barely surviving to absolutely steamrolling in just a few upgrades. Dense enemy waves, screen‑filling attacks and unpredictable upgrade paths keep each attempt fresh — and dangerously prone to “one more run.” On GeForce NOW, all that chaos stays razor sharp, with smooth performance for dodge‑heavy moments, crisp effects even when the screen is packed and the ability to jump back into the madness from any supported device. Thunder Drip Thor is striking poses again. The God of Thunder is trading his classic red cape for an umber‑toned, battle‑ready look that can only mean one thing: a serious style upgrade. GeForce NOW Premium members get first access to the Thor Midgard Umber Skin in Marvel Rivals starting today, and those on the free tier can grab it starting Friday, April 24, bringing stormy flair to the battlefield.  Claim the reward by Saturday, May 23 — or before Odin hoards them all. Redeem through the GeForce NOW account portal and enter the code in game on Steam. Then stride forth, majestic and moody, because this look is eternal — at least until the next mythic crossover. Time for Adventures Members can look for the following new games this week: Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, April 21) Tides of Tomorrow (New release on Steam, April 22, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) ‘83 (New release on Steam, April 23, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Diablo III (New release on Ubisoft Connect, April 23) Crimson Desert (Xbox, available to play via Xbox Play Anywhere, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) MapleStory M (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Settled Systems Pandora Raccoon City Thanks for taking us on a trip through the cloud @airiesummer #GFNShare pic.twitter.com/4XKgnCPl6J — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) April 21, 2026

Title: No Need for Space Gear — Capcom’s ‘PRAGMATA’ Joins GeForce NOW on Launch Day Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-pragmata/ Head straight for orbit with GeForce NOW — no space helmet required.  PRAGMATA, Capcom’s long-awaited sci-fi action adventure, touches down on GeForce NOW the same day it launches worldwide. The futuristic journey through a cold lunar station in the near future can be streamed instantly from the cloud to almost any device, no console or heavy hardware needed. That’s only the beginning. Five new titles join the cloud this week, expanding April’s gaming galaxy with fresh adventures and endless possibilities.  Plus, the GeForce NOW Ultimate membership comes to gamers in India for the first time, with the service now available in beta and operated by NVIDIA.                Time to see what’s landing on GeForce NOW. A Mission Gone Wrong PRAGMATA is Capcom’s newest sci-fi action adventure that blends heart, high-tech and a hauntingly quiet world set in the near future. Step into the boots of Hugh Williams, an investigator navigating a lunar research station gone silent and Diana, a young android. Armed with an arsenal of weapons and the ability to hack, every corridor and console becomes part of a cinematic experience filled with tense exploration and fast-paced action. The story unfolds amid the cold vacuum of the moon after a massive quake hits the station researching Lunafilament — a material said to be able to create anything given enough data. Awake, injured and disoriented, Hugh crosses paths with Diana, the mysterious android girl known as a Pragmata. Now, they must work together as they face the rogue station on their way back to Earth. PRAGMATA shines in stunning clarity with ray-traced lighting and NVIDIA DLSS 4 technology boosting frame rates and image quality. Stream it on launch day at full fidelity, even without the latest hardware — no need to wait on a large install or worry about hardware specs. Hugh and Diana’s lunar mystery is ready when the moment strikes. Let’s Play Today Heroes in the cloud don’t have to wait for updates. Fortnite: Save the World is now free and ready to stream instantly on GeForce NOW. The storm hits hard and the heroes hit harder — jump into a co-op adventure that mixes base-building, looting and all-out action against waves of Husks. Craft the ultimate fort, set sneaky traps and team up to protect what’s left of the world — no waiting for updates or patches, just pure fight-and-build mayhem. The storm’s closing in, but thanks to the cloud, the party’s jumping right into the action. “Save the World” isn’t available on mobile devices, including tablets. In addition, members can look for the following: REPLACED (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, April 14, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Windrose (New release on Steam, April 14, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss (New release on Steam, April 16, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) PRAGMATA (New release on Steam, April 16, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) PRAGMATA SKETCHBOOK – DEMO (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. You’re loading into a game and can invite ONE person to your squad… Who’s your pick? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) April 15, 2026

Title: Strength and Destiny Collide: ‘Samson: A Tyndalston Story’ Arrives in the Cloud Date: Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:57 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-samson-a-tyndalston-story/ A timeless story of grit, faith and rebellion takes center stage as Samson: A Tyndalston Story joins the GeForce NOW library today.  The highly anticipated release from Liquid Swords can now be streamed on nearly any device with GeForce NOW bringing cinematic intensity and mythic storytelling to the cloud. Catch it as part of four new games in the cloud this week. Stream the Power A new legend rises. Tyndalston is a city built on debt, muscle and memory. Samson: A Tyndalston Story from Liquid Swords follows Samson, a former enforcer pulled back to the streets that made him. Violence is currency as every fight is personal, every hit carries history and every escape feels earned in a city that never forgives. Gameplay blends cinematic melee action with choice-driven narrative progression. Every confrontation — from shadowed alley brawls to large-scale set pieces — feels purposeful, reflecting Samson’s internal struggle between vengeance and redemption. Brawls hit fast and close. Cars aren’t set pieces — they’re weapons. Momentum and terrain decide if the player walks away or falls harder. Every job, debt and decision cuts toward freedom or collapse. The game takes full advantage of ray-traced global illumination, reflections and shadows, creating a city that feels cinematic and alive. NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 boosts performance, while NVIDIA Reflex technology cuts down latency to keep controls razor-sharp during split-second fights. With GeForce NOW, the experience streams instantly at maximum fidelity, even without the latest hardware. No waiting around for downloads or worrying about system specs, just dive straight into the grit and glow of Tyndalston. Celebrate New Games No arms, no problem. Celebrate three decades of Rayman with the definitive edition of the platforming classic in Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition, featuring five versions from iconic consoles, over 120 additional levels and an exclusive documentary that explores the creation of the limbless hero. Stream it on GeForce NOW without having to wait around for downloads or updates.  In addition, members can look for the following: Samson (New release on Steam, April 8, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Morbid Metal (New release on Steam, April 8, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) DayZ (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, April 9)  Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition (Steam and Ubisoft) GeForce RTX 5080-ready game this week, in addition to Samson and Morbid Metal: Starfield (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Who's the most iconic animal from a video game? Drop a pic or gif! (this post isn't just to farm cute animal pics, no idea what you're talking about). — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) April 7, 2026

Title: Press Start on April: GeForce NOW Brings 10 Games to the Cloud Date: Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-april-2026-games-list/ No joke — GFN Thursday is skipping the tricks and heading straight into the games. April kicks off with ten new titles, bringing fresh adventures to GeForce NOW, including the launch of Capcom’s highly anticipated PRAGMATA. A dozen new games are available to stream this week, including Arknights: Endfield, which expands the acclaimed series into a full 3D real‑time strategy adventure. On GeForce NOW, every battle flows with precision and every mission looks sharper than ever. So gear up, grab a controller or gaming device of choice, and get ready to stream — another month of great gaming is now underway. Command the Frontier Reclaim the frontier using cloud technology. Arknights: Endfield from Hypergryph expands the acclaimed Arknights universe into a full, 3D, real‑time strategy role-playing game. Blending tactical planning with sleek sci‑fi aesthetics, the title invites players into a world featuring terraformed settlements, advanced technology and looming threats beneath the planet’s surface. Set on the perilous planet Talos‑II, Endfield follows a group of pioneers uncovering lost secrets and battling hostile factions. The game seamlessly merges base‑building, exploration and combat — with squads of operators coordinating in real time to overcome environmental hazards and powerful enemies. Every decision impacts survival, progress and the unfolding mystery of the world. On GeForce NOW, Arknights: Endfield can be played at the highest settings from virtually any device, enabling crisp visuals and high performance without compromise. GeForce RTX rendering brings the game’s metallic skylines and glowing wastelands to life, while ultralow-latency streaming ensures every tactical command lands with precision.  Spring Into April He’s back. Capcom’s Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection includes seven games and additional features, including a gallery of illustrations and music. Eleven‑year‑old Geo Stelar is a grieving boy who isolates himself after the mysterious disappearance of his astronaut father. His life changes when he encounters an extraterrestrial being named Omega‑Xis, granting him the power to become Mega Man. The collection streams instantly with GeForce NOW, turning any device into a Star Force terminal ready to save the world once more. Check out what else is available this week: Hozy (New release on Steam, March 30) Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together (New release on Steam, March 31) Legacy of Kain: Ascendance (New release on Steam, March 31) Subliminal (New release on Steam, March 31) Super Meat Boy 3D (New release on Steam, March 31) I Am Jesus Christ (New release on Steam, April 2) ALL WILL FALL (New release on Steam, April 3, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Arknights: Endfield (Official Site) Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection (Steam) Nova Roma (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) RuneScape: Dragonwilds (Steam) Way of the Hunter 2 (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors (New release on Steam, April 21) Samson (New release on Steam, April 8) Replaced (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, April 14) Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss (New release on Steam, April 16) PRAGMATA (New release on Steam, April 17) Outbound (New release on Steam, April 23) Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era (New release on Steam, April 30) Bus Bound (New release on Steam, April 30) More of March In addition to the 15 games announced last month, a dozen more joined the GeForce NOW library: 1348 Ex Voto (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) BATTLETECH (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together (Steam) Despot’s Game (Xbox, available on Microsoft) Diablo II: Resurrected (Steam) Hozy (Steam) King’s Quest (Ubisoft) Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Super Meat Boy 3D (Steam) Warcraft I: Remastered (Ubisoft) Warcraft II: Remastered (Ubisoft) Way of the Hunter 2 (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Check out Crimson Desert on GeForce NOW in Anytime Anywhere Gaming’s YouTube review.  

Title: Hulk and Black Panther join the fight for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Date: Sun, 03 May 2026 01:26:11 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/05/02/hulk-and-black-panther-join-the-fight-for-marvel-tokon-fighting-souls/ Hello everyone! I’m Takeshi Yamanaka, Producer of MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Today at EVO Japan 2026 in Tokyo, we revealed our third team to join the Challenge of the Champion: Fighting Avengers. Be sure to check out the new team reveal trailer below! Play Video A new team joins the battle: Fighting Avengers View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Joining the previously announced Captain America (voiced by Brian Bloom) and Iron Man (voiced by Josh Keaton) are Hulk (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) and Black Panther (voiced by Erica Luttrell), forming the brand-new team: the Fighting Avengers. Led by Captain America, this newly formed Avengers squad comes together to confront a new threat facing Earth. As heroes watched closely—and admired greatly—by people around the world, we hope you’re looking forward to seeing how they rise to the challenge in Episode Mode. New stage revealed: Wakanda View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image We’re also excited to announce a brand-new stage: Wakanda. Wakanda is a nation located in Africa, blessed with rich natural landscapes while also standing as a global leader in advanced scientific technology. Traditionally protected by its king, the Black Panther, Wakanda is now ruled by the young Black Panther, Shuri, who has taken on the mantle to defend her people. New playable character: Hulk View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A green goliath whose strength grows with his rage, Hulk once fought alongside the Avengers to save the world. However, in MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, his overwhelming power and instability lead the government, S.H.I.E.L.D., and even his fellow teammates Captain America and Iron Man, to exile him to the Savage Land. There, Hulk lives a quiet life, surrounded by nature and animals, but his distrust of the Avengers has yet to fade. During development, Hulk’s backstory was established early on. While staying true to the core design concept of a massive, gamma-radiated powerhouse, elements inspired by this narrative were incorporated into his design. Hulk adorns himself with dinosaur bone armor toreinforce his feral, untamed fighting style and highlight his raw power. Hulk can overpower opponents at any range with sheer force. Channeling his anger builds his unique Gamma Gauge. When it reaches maximum, Hulk enters Gamma Rage which significantly boosts his strength and speed. Build up the Gamma Gauge and unleash devastating one-shot attacks at just the right moment to deal massive damage. New playable character: Black Panther View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ruler of the great African nation of Wakanda, Shuri protects her country as the Black Panther.  Having only recently inherited the mantle, she struggles with doubts about whether she is truly ready for the role.  As a new threat approaches, Shuri must make critical decisions, not only as a warrior, but as a queen who must balance tradition and progress. When we decided to include her in the roster, her character backstory was discussed and established early on. Having only recently taken up the mantle of Black Panther alongside her existing role of Wakanda’s chief scientist, Shuri’s design reflects this important transition. Sleek, athletic lines emphasize a sense of speed befitting an acrobatic fighter, while preserving the primal wildness that defines the role. At the same time, subtle touches of Wakandan royalty are woven into the finer details of her suit, reflecting the weight of leadership she now carries. In combat, Black Panther excels with swift movement and long reach using the Spear of Bashenga. She possesses a high-speed mobility skill called Bast’s Blessing, allowing her to dash in multiple directions. Bast’s Blessing consumes a dedicated gauge, but it can be canceled from normal attacks and skills, enabling varied and flexible combos and mixups. Dominate mid-range battles with precise spear attacks, then close the distance with lightning-fast movement to overwhelm opponents up close. New threat revealed: The Champion View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The latest trailer also introduced a new character: The Champion. One of the Elders of the Universe, Champion has existed since the birth of the universe and travels the cosmos alongside his right-hand showwoman, Promoter. A cosmic conqueror obsessed with hand-to-hand combat, he journeys from planet to planet in search of worthy opponents. Those who fail to satisfy his thirst for battle face the ultimate consequence: the destruction of their entire world. And now, his next target has been chosen: Earth. Under Promoter’s direction, the “Challenge of the Champion” tournament has been announced. Teams of four will battle through qualifiers, earning the right to face Champion himself. But is there more to this sinister game than just sport?  The Fighting Avengers enter the tournament as one of its leading contenders. More details about Champion will be revealed soon! What’s next? Did you enjoy the hands-on demo at EVO Japan? Thank you so much for all your feedback! We truly appreciate it and it is already helping shape development. Next up, we’ll be bringing the newest playable build to: Combo Breaker 2026, starting May 22 in Chicago, Illinois Hong Kong Comic Con 2026, starting May 29 in Hong Kong The build will include the newly announced Black Panther and the Wakanda stage, for a total of 13 playable characters and five stages. If you’re attending either event, be sure to stop by and try it for yourself! Development is entering its final stages, and the entire team is working hard every day to deliver the best possible experience at launch. Thank you, as always, for your continued support! We’ll have more news to share soon!

Title: Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 540: Surviving Saros Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 18:44:22 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/05/01/official-playstation-podcast-episode-540-surviving-saros/ Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey, everybody! Sid and I are back this week to celebrate the launch of Saros with a special interview featuring Actor Rahul Kohli and Creative Director Gregory Loudeni from Housemarque. Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: Wax Heads | PS5  Mixtape | PS5 Arc Raiders PS5 Pro update — The new PS5 Pro update is now available and it brings PSSR upscaling and other enhancements to the third-person extraction shooter. 4:Loop The Scanner boss design — The feature offers a walkthrough of the design process behind this ominous cube from the developers at Bad Robot Games. Learn how staying in motion is key to survival, and how each boss encounter is a unique puzzle.  The Blood of Dawnwalker impressions — Coming to PS5 on September 3, dive into the unique time mechanics where time passes by a little or a lot, depending on your actions. Will you be able to save your family in the 30-day timeframe? NBA The Run gameplay reveal — Get your first look at the high-octane, momentum-based gameplay inspired by classic streetball video games. Make sure your sneakers are laced up for when this game comes to PS5 this June. 007: First Light hands-on — The latest look uncovers how Bond deploys stealth, action, and charm in his origin story. The game launches on PS5 May 27. The Cast View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. [Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Title: Share of the Week: Cozy Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 16:00:17 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/05/01/share-of-the-week-cozy/ Last week, we asked you to share moments from your favorite cozy games using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: elizado_ shares a plant and book-filled room in When The Past Was Around. PattyGnand shares Swann laying in bed with her cat in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. call_me_xavii shares the comfy quarters of Stardew Valley  xenobitz shares a grilling picnic in progress in My Time At Sandrock. KevinFerna43259 shares the titular stray cat taking a nap in Stray. FuchsFeuer22763 shares a cozy sweater and scarf-based outfit in Infinity Nikki Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: CelebrateSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 5, 2026  Next week, share moments from your favorite game where characters are celebrating. Use #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: Control Resonant: Remedy shares first details on New Game Plus Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:00:29 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/04/30/control-resonant-remedy-shares-first-details-on-new-game-plus/ The first playthrough of Control Resonant is built around discovery: learning how the world behaves, shaping your build, and understanding what your version of Dylan can become. For those who want to return, New Game Plus offers a different way to experience that journey again – building on what you’ve already learned and unlocked.  New Game Plus in Control Resonant allows you to start a fresh playthrough while carrying over much of what you’ve already earned. Your Aberrant upgrades, health and combat ability resource improvements, unlocked supernatural combat abilities, talents, and artifacts all persist into the next run. What does not carry over are traversal abilities, as those remain tied to story progression and how the world unfolds.  Rebuilding your approach  One of the goals for New Game Plus is to give players more room to experiment with builds that weren’t possible during the first playthrough, as you cannot unlock everything in your arsenal in one go.  As you progress, you’ll unlock new talent nodes, expanding how your abilities and Aberrant attacks work together in combat. In addition, New Game Plus introduces new flexibility in how abilities are combined. You’ll be able to equip multiple different combat abilities from the same boss, opening up new combinations and synergies that change how encounters play out.  It’s not just about becoming stronger; it’s about becoming more precise in how you play.  Customization systems working together  One of the ways you can shape your build in Control Resonant is Artifacts, a system we haven’t explored in detail before. Artifacts are equippable items with passive modifiers that allow you to fine-tune your build. They can affect survivability, combat performance, exploration, or the resource economy – and some come with conditions or trade-offs. Rather than being purely additive, they encourage you to tailor your setup for specific situations.  You can equip up to three artifacts during your first playthrough. In New Game Plus, a fourth slot unlocks, allowing for more complex combinations.  Artifacts are also tied to the crafting loop in the game. You’ll discover untapped artifacts throughout the world, which can be crafted into usable artifacts in the Gap. As your collection grows, so do your options for adapting your build.  A world that pushes back  Returning to Manhattan also means facing a more demanding version of it.  As you progress through Control Resonant, the world itself evolves. Enemies grow more dangerous, encounters shift, and even familiar fights can take on new dimensions. Some bosses may surprise you with new behaviors, forcing you to rethink strategies that once worked. A fight you handled one way before may require a completely different approach the next time you face it.  New Game Plus continues that escalation. While you return with more tools and knowledge, the world keeps pushing back – reshaping encounters and raising the stakes as you move forward.  It’s not just about becoming more powerful. It’s about adapting to a world that refuses to stay the same.  This is where the depth of your build really matters. The game supports different approaches, but success comes from understanding how those pieces fit together.  ​​ Going back in  Control Resonant is built to reward returning players, and not everything is necessarily found in a single run.  It’s an opportunity to revisit World Quests, bounties, and collectibles you may have missed, or see different outcomes in certain side stories and conversations.  New Game Plus is for players who want to spend more time with the systems and world of Control Resonant.  The first playthrough already offers a wide range of options and experimentation. Returning to the game allows you to build on that foundation, try different approaches, and take on new challenges with a more complete toolkit.  We’re looking forward to seeing how players approach their second run – and what new combinations they discover along the way.  Control Resonant releases on PlayStation 5 in 2026.

Title: 007: First Light hands-on report — using stealth, action, and charm to become a legendary spy Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:00:04 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/04/30/007-first-light-hands-on-report-using-stealth-action-and-charm-to-become-a-legendary-spy/ When it was first announced that Hitman: World of Assassination developer IO Interactive was taking on the James Bond franchise with 007: First Light, it sounded like the perfect match of license and studio. The Hitman games focus on stealth, cunning, planning, and improvisation — a perfect fit for the legendary spy. I recently went hands-on with 007: First Light across three missions, and saw first-hand how IOI has created a Bond game that combines action with a more thoughtful spy experience. Bond from the beginning Unlike the Bond film series, 007: First Light tells a new story, set in the modern era, that delves into Bond’s origins. When we first meet IO’s take on James Bond, he’s serving in the Royal Navy, a crewman on a mission in Iceland. Suddenly, missiles hit the two helicopters on the mission, and they crash on a nearby coastline. Bond makes it to shore and immediately finds himself sneaking past hostile mercenaries as they search for any survivors. Before long, Bond is contacted via radio by an MI6 operative, and with no one else left, he’s pressed into service to retrieve some mysterious item. The mission gives a sense of Bond’s capabilities — even at this early point in his career, he’s able to keep his cool and analyze the situation thoughtfully, quickly donning a parka to disguise himself among the mercenaries and gather information. But we also see that this younger Bond isn’t easily swayed from his convictions, and that he can be impatient and maybe a bit reckless. He eventually ignores his new MI6 handler and risks his life to save other operatives who’ve been captured by the enemy soldiers. After a harrowing trip through the camp to save the captives, the mission culminates in an action-packed chase as everyone escapes. Welcome to MI6 Despite disobeying orders, Bond’s performance in Iceland got him noticed. After First Light’s take on Bond film opening credits, we headed to Malta for MI6 training. Bond’s goal here is to make it past a group of soldiers patrolling ruins while his instructors look on. You can use stealth, staying behind cover or hiding in tall grass, or go loud with your fists and any weapons you find along the way. You’re also outfitted with Q gadgets, which provide lots of ways of dealing with enemies, both in and out of combat. Holding L1 activates your Q Lens, which lets you see enemies through walls and highlights devices you can hack by hitting the X button to create distractions. Your watch can also fire a laser with Square to do things like cut ropes or explode devices to injure nearby enemies. If you are spotted, you can take on enemies with Bond’s fists. Throwing punches is done with the Square button, and you can block and parry blows with Circle or sidestep with X. Timing those moves correctly is essential — even on the easier difficulty settings, First Light’s enemies are brutal fighters, especially when they gang up. Luckily, Bond’s good at finding ways to gain an advantage. You can bounce enemies off hard surfaces to stun them, or grab nearby objects with Triangle to bash them. Holding L1 also gives you access to all your gadgets during fistfights and gunfights, so you can use your Q Watch’s laser to blind opponents or hack something to knock them off balance, before you come in with a haymaker. With an enemy off-balance, you can execute a takedown to finish them off by pressing X and Circle buttons together. In the training mission, I felt Hitman’s influence on 007: First Light in its mix of stealth and action, its emphasis on improvisation, and its freedom to approach problems from multiple angles. But 007 stands apart with how many ways you can put together different actions to get out of trouble, and how quickly Bond can switch between all of them. The fun is in chaining together options on the fly to beat enemies down or just slip out of sight. Practicing the craft The third mission, Kensington, showed how you’ll need to use Bond’s fast thinking, spy capabilities, and charm as much as his fists and his marksmanship skills. The level starts with Bond returning to his apartment after a mission, only to be attacked by assassins. After a tough fight, gunfire explodes through a window, forcing you to scramble over rooftops, staying behind cover and hacking distractions, to reach the shooter.  He escapes, but Bond manages to track him across London to a gala at a museum. The gala is where 007: First Light drew most from Hitman in my preview, opening up into a “wide-linear” level with lots of options. To find a way into areas off-limits to guests, you can eavesdrop on conversations and talk to characters to gain information. You can also use your gadgets, including a poison dart that temporarily makes whoever it hits feel sick, to distract people so you can pick their pockets or sneak by. I overheard a public relations director talking about a journalist she was supposed to meet and opted to impersonate him to get past security. But while Bond is a smooth talker, you still have to listen closely; the director had actually mentioned two names, and I had to choose one. I picked the journalist she’d seemed less annoyed with, and she happily directed me past security to the press room — but when I used the same name at the press room, the woman handing out credentials said he’d already checked in. Bond smoothed over the flub with some flirting, and I used a dart to get the woman to leave so I could steal what I needed. All kinds of improvisation Tracking down the assassin in the museum’s basement led to an intense boss fight. Since Bond was unarmed, I stealthily used Bond’s gadgets to hit the assassin with traps, like dropping a chandelier on him. After some developments in First Light’s story, I spent the rest of the mission trying to escape the museum. When machine gun-armed mercenaries streamed into one art exhibit with walls covered in display panels, I combined all of Bond’s tricks — stealth, fistfighting, gadgets, and improvisation — to take them on. I thinned them out by dropping more chandeliers and blowing up the panels, confusing and disabling them.  They eventually caught up with me, but a takedown on one let me grab his gun. I dodged from cover to cover as I shot at the mercenaries, before detonating a fire extinguisher with my watch laser to distract them as I slipped out the door. The mission eventually ended with the 007 theme music ramping up as Bond hijacked a garbage truck, with mercenaries in hot pursuit. I plowed through buildings, ran mercenary cars into walls, and eventually smashed through a mall to escape. The three missions in the preview highlighted how IOI’s combination of action, improvisation, and freedom captures not only the action of the Bond franchise, but the experience of being a smooth and savvy spy, too. You can earn your 00 status when 007: First Light hits PlayStation 5 on May 27.

Title: The Sunday Papers Date: Sun, 03 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-sunday-papers-808 Sundays are for walking past a minivan full of Toy Story merchandise with purple, green and white livery and knowing, knowing in your marrow that the owner has named it "Bus Lightyear". These are uncertain times, but any universe capable of materialising the concept of "Bus Lightyear" can't be entirely beyond redemption. Anyway, here's some stuff I've read this week. Read more

Title: I tested the MSI Cyborg 14 gaming laptop by carrying it for 105 miles through the mountains of Wales Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/i-tested-the-msi-cyborg-14-gaming-laptop-by-carrying-it-for-105-miles-through-the-mountains-of-wales A little while ago our deputy editor James 'RAM-bo' Archer said he wanted us all to get more involved with hardware criticism, because we all appear to think that videogames are powered by telluric currents and swearing. He offered me specifically the chance to write about a laptop - the relatively affordable (I stress, "relatively") MSI Cyborg 14, loaned to RPS for a few weeks by Swipe Right PR. It was a grievous imposition, dealt out by somebody I had thought a friend. I do need a gaming laptop, and I am interested in the monstrous convolutions of the hardware industry, but I'm not really your guy for hot chat about keyboard depth and graphics card benchmarking. I care about that stuff a lot less than, to pick an example at random, climbing mountains. By happy coincidence, when James came knocking I was about to go on a 105 mile hike through the Eryri national park in Wales, including an ascent of Yr Wyddffa, Britain's second highest peak. The compromise was as obvious as it was irresistable: I would attempt to review the MSI Cyborg 14 while hiking up Welsh mountains. Read more

Title: What are we all playing this weekend? Date: Sat, 02 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-are-we-all-playing-this-weekend-380 Due to work and a press trip, I am still only half way through redecorating the kitchen. The walls are now a lovely shade of terracotta, but dust sheets cover the floor, there are no doors on the cabinets, and paint pots and stained brushes litter the room. I just want to cook a meal on the hob. A single delicious hot meal. Read more

Title: Subnautica 2's early access PC system requirements are on the punishing side Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 16:30:41 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/subnautica-2s-early-access-system-requirements-are-on-the-punishing-side Unknown Worlds have released the PC system requirements for Subnautica 2, the ocean exploration and survival game hitherto defined by extravagant legal clashes between publishers Krafton and certain ousted and/or reinstated UW executives. I fear they are going to make you cry. The system specs, not the executives. Read more

Title: Obsidian are delisting the original version of The Outer Worlds in favour of the swankier (but pricier) Spacer's Choice edition, and lobbing some grenades at you too Date: Fri, 01 May 2026 16:06:05 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/obsidian-are-delisting-the-original-version-of-the-outer-worlds-in-favour-of-the-swankier-but-pricier-spacers-choice-edition-and-lobbing-some-grenades-at-you-too The Outer Worlds. It's a game I haven't thought about much since reviewing The Outer Worlds 2 last year, and it's just gotten its first patch in about three years. That's because Obsidian are planning to delist its base version from storefronts at the end of this month, leaving the more polished Spacer's Choice edition as the definitive Outer Worlds going forwards. They're also adding grenades to it, as an apparent make good aimed at pyromaniacs. Read more