Title: Xbox Has Started Testing Free Cloud Gaming With Ads: ‘Advertising Has Existed In Gaming For Decades’ Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:51:40 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/xbox-testing-free-ad-supported-streaming-2000718818 'Up to two' minutes' worth of ads in exchange for an hour of gaming

Title: Even Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Director Isn’t Sure If Photos Of Peter Parker Exist Following Dr. Strange’s Spell Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:36:19 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/even-spider-man-brand-new-days-director-isnt-sure-if-photos-of-peter-parker-exist-following-dr-stranges-spell-2000718803 Is Peter's picture still in newspapers or yearbooks? Maybe? Probably not? Who knows!?

Title: EA Sports FC 27 Just Revealed An Even More Expensive ‘Ultimate Plus’ Edition For $150 Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:12:42 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/ea-sports-fc-27-just-revealed-an-even-more-expensive-ultimate-plus-edition-for-150-2000718766 Why make the game better to sell more copies when you can just fleece diehard fans instead?

Title: The Odyssey In 4DX Sounds Miserable: ‘How Is This Enjoyable?’ Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:00:30 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/odyssey-4dx-showtimes-motion-sick-nausea-water-nolan-2000718796 Why would I spend more money to feel like I’m also paying for Odysseus’ sins?

Title: The Funniest Change In The Halo Remake Clears Up A Strange 25-Year-Old Fan Theory Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:45:25 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/the-funniest-change-in-the-halo-remake-clears-up-a-strange-25-year-old-fan-theory-2000718477 Did the Master Chief pinball around the inside of a shuttle and kill all his fellow marines?

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: With $1,000 Consoles On The Horizon, Amazon Games Boss Offers A Solution That Absolutely No One Asked For Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:50:50 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/with-1000-consoles-on-the-horizon-amazon-games-boss-offers-a-solution-that-absolutely-no-one-asked-for/ Amazon Games' boss Jeff Gattis has a solution for the rising cost of console gaming, but it's certainly one that nobody wants and hasn't been successful thus far: cloud gaming. Let's hear him out real quick. In a July 23 interview with the BBC, Gattis talked about what the future of gaming could look like as consoles soar past $1,000. Although he acknowledged how important systems are to the industry as a whole, he also noticed an untapped market beyond traditional consoles that Amazon Games has been trying to reach. "There are somewhere between 2.5 and 3 billion people who play games around the world, but only a fraction of those own dedicated gaming hardware," Gattis said. "As hardware becomes more expensive, and as streaming technology continues to improve, I think you'll naturally see more people asking whether they actually need that dedicated device." He reiterated this point to The Game Business on July 23. In a lengthy interview, Gattis said that Amazon isn't attempting to supplant consoles or PCs, but rather, to give players yet another option to play their games that doesn't make them decide between this month's rent and the next PlayStation or Xbox system. "Our business isn’t predicated on replacing consoles," Gattis said. "Historically, cloud gaming has been a little bit of a solution in search of a problem. Consoles, for the most part, have been relatively inexpensive until now. So, our business is more about reaching more players and expanding the market, not trying to get people to give up their consoles or gaming PCs." For Gattis, cloud gaming is that option. He believes that, as the technology around cloud gaming continues to advance, Amazon can capitalize on the market of underserved players who want to game but don't want to spend a fortune on it. "Having said all that, we saw the Steam Machine opening at $1,000. We hear rumors about consoles, because of the RAM crisis, pushing up over $1,000 in Gen 10. So, I do think you get to a point at which more people will be in the consideration set for a cloud gaming solution, just because of the sheer cost of buying dedicated hardware." He then spoke about developers and publishers, adding that if Amazon can target the "two and a half billion audience that I think is a little underserved," maybe developers and publishers would see Luna as a viable platform to release games on. "The [skepticism] you'll hear is, 'Well, if I put my games on Luna, particularly if we push it into Prime, I'm going to cannibalize all my sales on these other platforms,'" Gattis said. "And the reality is, at least the pitch that we keep making--and it is the truth--is that this is about reaching players that a lot of those games are never going to be able to reach. Particularly in a world of $1,000 consoles." This is all very interesting in the context of cloud gaming. Sure, PlayStation and Xbox have their own offerings that appear to be successful for their business, but Google Stadia shut down in 2023 and Amazon Luna was folded into the larger Amazon Prime subscription service in 2025. Console gaming is getting more expensive, with price increases coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S this year. The Steam Deck is also getting a price hike, and Valve's $1,000 Steam Machine has certainly turned some heads. But cloud gaming isn't as reliable as a console, primarily due to the internet's potential instability. If, for whatever reason, your internet goes down or access to the cloud gaming servers becomes unavailable, then you won't be able to game. Speaking from personal experience, even when my Spectrum internet service is interrupted--because of some regularly occurring outage--I'm still able to play single-player games I've downloaded on my console like AI Limit and Lords of the Fallen. The same can't be said of cloud gaming. That's not to say that cloud gaming can't or won't ever be viable. There just likely needs to be more work done on reliability and stability to ensure that there's no latency and continued accessibility.

Title: Free, Ad-Supported Gaming Is Now Available On Xbox In A Test Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:34:57 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-ad-supported-gaming-is-now-available-on-xbox-in-a-test/ Microsoft has rolled out a test for its free, ad-supported version of cloud gaming. Select members of the Xbox Insider program can start testing this out today. As announced by Microsoft, ads play before people get into a session. The ads do not interrupt the gameplay experience like they might for ads on a TV or movie streaming platform. Sessions are limited to one hour, at least for now, as part of this early test version that supports games people already own. The test allows people to play games for free, in exchange for watching ads. This is a limited-time test version of free gaming with ads, Microsoft clarified. The program was available internally to Microsoft employees last year, and now it's rolling out to the public for another round of tests. Microsoft said in its announcement that playing games like this, over the cloud, can help with the affordability crisis going on now in games. A new Xbox, after all, is more expensive than ever due to the memory and component issues. With cloud streaming, people who might still be playing on an Xbox One can play the newest games without having to buy any new hardware. They will, however, need to have a strong and reliable internet connection. "Advertising has existed in gaming for decades, from in-game placements to free-to-play models. But it hasn’t always been built with the player in mind. When done well, advertising can help lower the cost of access. It creates another way for players to get into games without an upfront streaming purchase and expands audiences through new ways to play," Microsoft said. Microsoft also outlined how it plans to handle advertising going forward with the following pillars: We start with the player. Ads should create value.  We do not interrupt the flow of gameplay.  We hold ads to the same quality bar as our content.  We’re clear about what’s advertising.  We make sure ads fit what players expect on each platform.  There are hundreds of games playable via Xbox Cloud Gaming currently. However, people currently need to subscribe to Game Pass to stream them. The new ad tier will allow anyone, even if they don’t have a Game Pass membership, to stream select games in exchange for watching ads. An ad-based tier is no surprise, as Xbox’s Tim Stuart first hinted at it some time ago. In August 2025, Xbox boss Jason Ronald teased an evolution of Xbox Cloud Gaming, saying on a podcast that Microsoft was looking for a way to make the service “more affordable” and “accessible,” and adding an ad-based tier could be part of this. In other Xbox news, the company is going through a "reset" of the business currently, and this has included 1,600 layoffs so far and 1,600 more to come. Additionally, Microsoft divested of five studios and canceled some games. In the US, Xbox sales "more than doubled" in June 2026 compared to June 2025.

Title: The Best Games Of 2026 (So Far) Date: Fri, 08 May 2026 16:28:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-games-of-2026/2900-7436/ Once again, the year in gaming has seen no shortage of high-quality releases and GOTY contenders. Looking ahead, there are many highly anticipated games coming out in 2026, but how well will they score when they arrive? That remains to be seen, but, as in previous years, we'll keep track of all the games that hit a review score of at least 8 and list them below. That doesn't mean that games that fall below that threshold aren't worth your time, as they can still entertain you for hours on end if you can overlook some of their flaws. We'll also be keeping track of those titles below, but for now, the focus here is on must-play games. 2025's best games included Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Silent Hill F, alongside entries from smaller studios like The Seance of Blake Manor, Dispatch, and Blue Prince. As a reminder, GameSpot does standard game reviews, reviews in progress, and we'll sometimes publish updated reviews of ongoing games if there have been major changes to them. Most of our reviews are also adapted for video, so if you'd like to hear the soothing voices of our producers tell you exactly why a game is worth your time, you can hit up our YouTube page. To keep things simple, we'll be listing the games below alphabetically, based on their scores. We've also added a new section below, because while we may not find time to review every game out this year, there's still plenty that we'd recommend when it comes to gripping entertainment that we jammed during our personal time. Cairn -- 9 Cairn represents a new peak for mountain-climbing games, as it fuses a vivid sense of wonder with a feeling of true peril. It's you against the world as you guide the protagonist Aava up steep cliffs and search for that one handhold that won't spell certain doom when you shift your weight. With equilibrium being a key component of the experience, Cairn also knows exactly when to let players breathe, offering moments of quiet reflection as a counterbalance to when you hit a metaphorical--and literal--wall on your ascent. Read our Cairn review, and watch the video review here. Available for PC and PS5. See on Fanatical Featured in this image Cairn View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred -- 9 Diablo expansions are a big deal, as these add-ons have given rise to some of the best moments in the franchise. Lord of Hatred can proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Lord of Destruction and Reaper of Souls, as it brings fantastic quality-of-life improvements, two new classes that make you feel like a powerhouse, and a thrilling narrative to the table. Diablo 4's Hatred Saga comes to a satisfying conclusion, while the new Warlock and Paladin classes offer explosive fun honed by major changes to the core gameplay. Read our Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. See on Steam Advertisement Esoteric Ebb -- 9 What happens when you combine a tabletop Dungeons & Dragons session with Disco Elysium? You get Esoteric Ebb, a charming fantasy game where sweat-inducing die rolls govern your fate. Set in an original fantasy world that's brimming with personality, Esoteric Ebb is charming and surprisingly hilarious, as you don the chainmail of an idiot with a talent for magic: all that and a killer soundtrack. Read our Esoteric Ebb review. Available for PC. See on Fanatical Advertisement Marathon -- 9 Marathon is admittedly a lot to take in the first time you boot it up, but stick with it, and you'll find an extraction shooter that captures the highs and lows of the genre. Its art direction is a visual feast, the gunplay packs a punch, and there's a surprising amount of depth in each 20-minute excursion to Tau Ceti IV. How Marathon will shape up over the long term remains to be seen, but Bungie has delivered an exciting game with strong fundamentals, rich lore, and tactical gameplay that could get even better in time with post-launch DLC drops. Read our Marathon review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Fanatical Advertisement Mewgenics -- 9 All the joy of breeding an army of cats with none of the real-life responsibility of spending a fortune on food and kitty litter, Mewgenics is a challenging experience with unparalleled depth. The Binding of Isaac and The End is Nigh developers Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel have delivered a complex game, balancing the joy of managing an ever-growing collection of cats with the nail-biting "just one more run" energy you'd expect from the best roguelites. Read our Mewgenics review. Available for PC. See on Steam Advertisement Mina the Hollower -- 9 Now that it's finally out of the gate, Mina the Hollower is proving that is well worth the wait. A masterclass in design that combines the retro aesthetics of Game Boy-era Zelda games with souls-like gameplay, Mina the Hollower is a love letter to the path that feels refreshingly modern. Developer Yacht Club Games has come out swinging with an ambitious game, one that's densely packed with content and charm, while demanding combat ensures that your attention never drifts away for a single second. Read our Mina the Hollower review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement Mixtape -- 9 This year is going to go down as one of the best for video games with a music bend, thanks in part to standout titles like Mixtape. A sincere look at the horrors of growing up from Australian developers Beethoven & Dinosaur, Mixtape also features one of the best soundtracks of the year so far. Music and memories collide in grand fashion, and the end result is a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Read our Mixtape review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection -- 9 Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection proves just how good a spin-off from a mainline series of games can be, as this charming threequel checks multiple boxes for a great gaming experience. A compelling story, a colorful cast of characters, and a flashy combat system all add up to build an all-time classic Monster Hunter game, successfully standing tall next to several of the best games in the main Monster Hunter franchise. Read our Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Nioh 3 -- 9 Team Ninja's souls-like Nioh games have established themselves as fast-paced and punishing adventures. Nioh 3 doesn't stray from that established formula, but it does add compelling new additions and refinements that sharpen the experience. With the introduction of "open-field" design that adds more exploration and discovery to the mix, quality-of-life enhancements, and rock-solid combat, Nioh 3 is the best game in the series to date and Team Ninja at its best. Read our Nioh 3 review. Available for PC and PS5. See on Fanatical Advertisement Pokemon Pokopia -- 9 The idea of a Pokemon-themed cozy life sim sounds like an interesting idea for a spin-off, and it's one that has been expertly realized in Pokemon Pokopia. A well-executed combination of the design sensibilities of Animal Crossing and Dragon Quest Builders--with some Viva Piñata inspiration for good measure--Pokemon Pokopia is an elegant celebration of the Pokemon franchise's 30th anniversary. Read our Pokemon Pokopia review. Available for Switch 2. Pokemon Pokopia (Game Key-Card) $70 See at Amazon View at other stores See at Walmart See at Best Buy See at Nintendo Store See at GameStop Advertisement Pragmata -- 9 One of 2026's contenders for game of the year, Pragmata is a refreshingly original IP in an ocean of sequels and remakes. It's no one-trick pony, as the constantly evolving hacking minigames, challenging gameplay that only escalates the more you play, and the heartfelt story make for a standout experience on PC and console. Read our Pragmata review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Saros -- 9 Housemarque knows a thing or two about roguelite bullet-hell adventures that keep you glued to the screen, and Saros builds on Returnal's foundation to deliver a rollercoaster of fun and challenge. While it's not as unforgiving as Returnal, prepare to die and try (try!) again as you master the exquisitely aggressive gameplay of Saros. The game successfully flips Housemarque's roguelite formula on its head, and the result is an intoxicating rush of power when the stars align. Read our Saros review. Available for PS5. See on Amazon Advertisement 007 First Light -- 8 With Hitman developer IO Interactive at the helm, 007 First Light is a showcase of the studio's greatest strengths. From intricate worldbuilding to top-tier stealth, the first James Bond adventure in many years shares a lot of DNA with Agent 47, but it also breaks free from those comparisons by excelling in other gameplay areas. A game that's laser-focused on delivering a tightly constructed story complemented by rough-and-tumble action, precision shooting, and an arsenal of one-liners, 007 First Light is a successful and confident reinvention of Bond for the modern era. Read our 007 First Light review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Big Hops -- 8 What happens when Super Mario meets The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? You get Big Hops, one of the first great games of 2026. A 3D platformer with plenty of charm and heart, Big Hops keeps things simple and polished as it confidently hops into vibrant worlds. That makes it an approachable game for all ages, and with its well-executed gameplay, it's a constantly satisfying adventure. Read our Big Hops review. Available for PC, PS5, and Switch. See on Steam Featured in this image Big Hops View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Forza Horizon 6 Forza Horizon 6 doesn't stray from the formula it has been fine-tuning since 2012, but it doesn't need to either. Instead, Forza Horizon's tour of Japan is a celebration of car culture that is constantly rewarding and looks as good as a million-dollar supercar. Forza Motorsport's open-world spin-off has become Microsoft's champion racing game franchise, and this new entry in the series is firing on all cylinders with its mix of fast cars, wild showdown races, and intelligently designed systems that complement the racing experience. Read our Forza Horizon 6 review. Available for PC and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Halo: Campaign Evolved Several years ago, the idea of Halo appearing on a non-Xbox console would have been tantamount to heresy. But in 2026, Halo is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a multiplatform launch that does the franchise proud. Halo: Campaign Evolved is the best way to play through the very first Master Chief adventure, as the overhauled gameplay, updated graphics, and iconic soundtrack make for a killer package. While the new co-op missions don't reach the same highs as the original--and redesigned--levels, this is still a thrilling dive back into the game that made the first Xbox console a must-have machine--but this time, everyone gets to join in and have some fun. Read our Halo: Campaign Evolved review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Advertisement Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight -- 8 Batman is no stranger to the world of Lego, having headlined several games in the past, but this new entry featuring the Dark Knight is more than just a toybox of destructible environments and cheeky humor. It's a celebration of the Caped Crusader's rich legacy, and it plays like the Arkham sequel fans have been waiting over a decade for. Full of heart and charm, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight keeps your eyes glued to the bat-screen with enjoyable gameplay, Easter eggs, and a playful take on the beloved Gotham vigilante. Read our Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Mario Tennis Fever -- 8 Mario has developed into quite the sportsman over the years, and Mario Tennis Fever might just be his best athletic adventure yet. While the core mechanics of Mario Tennis remain largely unchanged, it's the fun and flexible Fever Rackets that serve up some great content and add a layer of unpredictability to every match. Alongside the enjoyable Adventure Mode, challenges, and special game types, Mario Tennis Fever is a grand slam winner for Switch 2 owners. Read our Mario Tennis Fever review. Available for Switch 2. See on Amazon Featured in this image Nioh 3 View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Mouse: P.I. For Hire -- 8 With a game like Mouse: P.I. For Hire, looks do matter--and those looks are an exquisite throwback to the rubber hose aesthetic of classic cartoons wrapped up in a film noir aesthetic. Not just a visually engaging adventure, Mouse: P.I. For Hire also flexes some beefy gameplay muscles with kinetic gunplay and weapons that deliver some gloriously silly slapstick violence. Read our Mouse: P.I. For Hire review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Nintendo Advertisement Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf -- 8 Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf sticks to the winning formula of the first game, giving players a beautiful world to explore and savor, thanks to its strong art direction and fantastic soundtrack. While it takes a while for the story to truly get going, the second half of this adventure is a bold and stunning collection of fascinating puzzles and platforming, all built around a central mystery that keeps you hooked to your screen. Read our Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement Reanimal -- 8 Critics of the Little Nightmares co-op horror game series say that the terror of the original game has been somewhat muted in its sequels, and if you feel the same way, then you'll want to check out Reanimal. It more than lives up to the legacy of Little Nightmares, as this spiritual successor surpasses it with a game design that makes exploring a haunting and unsettling world quite enjoyable, especially with a co-op partner in tow. While its puzzles aren't too challenging, it's the unsettling imagery that leaves a lasting impression as you guide siblings through a nightmarish world and toward freedom. Read our Reanimal review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Featured in this image Mario Tennis Fever View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Resident Evil Requiem -- 8 Imagine Resident Evil's greatest hits bundled into one delightfully macabre package, and you've got Resident Evil Requiem. A highlight reel of the heart-pounding horror and action that has defined the series for 30 years, Requiem refines the formula behind the games and polishes it with small but thoughtful gameplay additions to create a gorgeously gruesome experience. Read our Resident Evil Requiem review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Amazon Advertisement Rhythm Heaven Groove -- 8 Nintendo might be looked at as a publisher of kid-friendly games, but the company isn't afraid to get weird from time to time. Rhythm Heaven Groove continues that tradition for surprisingly goofy games, and similar to WarioWare, offering a collection of zany microgames, there's plenty to dig into here. The big difference is the emphasis on music and timing in Rhythm Heaven Groove, but once you find your groove, you're in for a heck of an experience. It looks and sounds great, Remix Sections are downright magical, and the game is unapologetically weird. Read our Rhythm Heaven Groove review. Available for Switch and Switch 2. Advertisement Splatoon Raiders -- 8 For years, Splatoon has been a PvP jewel in Nintendo's portfolio. But Splatoon Raiders? It's proof that there's more than meets the eye with this IP, as the shift to a single-player campaign is both satisfying and playful. Adopting a looter-shooter design, Splatoon Raiders is a fast-paced and snappy spin-off that is a ton of fun. Read our Splatoon Raiders review. Available for Switch 2. Advertisement Vampire Crawlers -- 8 Roguelike deckbuilders feel like an oversaturated genre these days, but Vampire Survivors developer Poncle puts a fresh spin on the genre with a spin-off game that's hard to put down. Capturing all the magic of its breakout hit bullet-heaven game and reimagining it as an approachable deckbuilder that gets better with each run, don't be too surprised if the "just one more turn" energy of Vampire Crawlers keeps you awake way past your bedtime. Read our Vampire Crawlers review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement World of Warcraft: Midnight Midnight is the 11th expansion for World of Warcraft, and it continues to make major foundational changes to Blizzard's legendary MMO. With enough content to cater to both veteran players and newcomers, Midnight builds on that momentum with challenging endgame activities, welcome overhauls to the user interface, and a robust housing system that gives you the opportunity to turn a slice of Zeroth into a dream home. Read our World of Warcraft: Midnight review. Available for PC. See on Amazon Advertisement WWE 2K26 -- 8 WWE 2K26 doesn't offer many changes to the bread-and-butter gameplay of previous releases, but this year's entry in the sports entertainment series does address a long list of issues. The focus on quality-of-life improvements makes each match feel more fun than ever before, thanks to the added layers of polish, while new match types, a story mode focused on CM Punk, and an overhauled Island mode put WWE 2K26 in the main event spotlight. Read our WWE 2K26 review. Available for PC, PS5, and Switch 2. See on Amazon Advertisement Zero Parades: For Dead Spies -- 8 Any spiritual successor to Disco Elysium certainly has its work cut out for it, and while Zero Parades: For Dead Spies doesn't quite reach that benchmark, it's still a powerhouse spy thriller full of interesting ideas. Featuring razor-sharp writing and fascinating characters, Zero Parades is a clandestine tale of espionage with rich RPG systems that encourage you to fail upwards. Read our Zero Parades: For Dead Spies review. Available for PC. See on Steam Advertisement Every other GameSpot review in 2026 Not every game released this year is a winner, but that doesn't mean that they're not worth playing. If you can overlook some of their issues, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised, and we'll be running a list of the games that didn't make the cut above. These will be arranged in alphabetical order so that you can quickly find what you're looking for. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales -- 7 Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced -- 7 Code Vein 2 -- 6 Crimson Desert -- 7 Crisol: Theater of Idols -- 6 Darwin's Paradox -- 7 Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined -- 7 God of War: Sons of Sparta -- 5 High on Life 2 -- 7 Highguard -- 6 Hytale (Early Access) -- 6 Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered -- 7 NBA The Run -- 7 People of Note -- 7 Pokemon Champions -- 7 Romeo is a Dead Man -- 5 Scott Pilgrim EX -- 7 Star Fox -- 7 Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park -- 7 Tides of Tomorrow -- 7 Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties -- 6 Yoshi and the Mysterious Book -- 7 Featured in this image REANIMAL View Game Hub Follow Advertisement GameSpot Recommends As mentioned above, this is where we'll put the games we didn't review on the site. With hundreds of new releases every month, it's hard to find the time to play every single title out this year, but we still enjoy finding new releases to kick back and relax with in our spare time. Like the games listed above, these score a minimum of 8/10 in our personal books, and this is where we can also spotlight games that might have flown under your radar. Advertisement Denshattack Denshattack is a vibe--specifically, an early 2000s blast of color that pulls no punches and delights in making you sit forward in your chair as you lock into an anime-inspired thrill-ride. Each run in the game will leave you breathless as you juggle jumps, grinds, and wallrunning with a locomotive that spits in the face of physics, but once you get over that learning curve, Denshattack is hard to put down. It takes skill and practice to master the rails in this delightful love letter to a bygone era, but you'll love every second of it once you hit the tracks. Advertisement

Title: Here’s This Week’s Free Game From The Epic Games Store On Mobile Date: Fri, 08 May 2026 12:21:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-games-epic-games-store-mobile/1100-6530257/ For the last couple of years, the Epic Games Store has given away free games every week through its PC storefront. With the company having launched its own mobile store, it has also started a second free games program on iOS and Android devices, kicking things off with a curated library of titles and weekly freebies. The app also features mobile versions of Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe. To access these games you will need to create a free Epic account and install the free Epic Games Store mobile app and log in with your account, but once you do, you can start claiming your free games every Thursday through it. One other thing to note is that Android users can access the app via Android-based emulation devices like Retroid Pocket, as they aren't limited to just smartphone and tablets. Download the Epic Games Store Mobile app For now, only iOS users in the European Union can install the app, but the app is available worldwide to Android device users and they have a wider selection of games to choose from in comparison. Like its PC counterpart, you'll have one week to grab each game that's offered. Here's a closer look at what you can grab this week, and what the current mobile games library has to offer. You can also explore what the free PC games are this week on the Epic Games Store. Current free game on the Epic Games Store Mobile App Foretales This week you can get Foretales for free. A narrative-driven card game that blends tabletop board game aesthetics with choice-driven storytelling, the game takes place in a world that is inspired by Disney's classic animated movie, Robin Hood. Epic Games Store Mobile Library Currently, there's a solid selection of games that require quick reflexes and a knack for solving puzzles. Bridge Constructor: The Walking Dead combines the spatial problem-solving appeal of the Bridge Constructor series with zombies, Chicken Police: Paint the Town Red is a wonderfully weird noir-detective story featuring anthropomorphic animals, and Endling: Extinction is Forever is a heartbreaking tale about surviving the end of the world. Here's the full list of what you can access right now from this library: iOS and Android Super Space Club Loop Hero Chuchel Mr Racer: Premium The Forest Quartet The WereCleaner Android Bowling Clash Endling: Extinction is Forever Chicken Police: Paint it Red One Hand Clapping Neighbours Back From Hell This is The Police This is The Police 2 This Is The President Through the Darkest of Times

Title: EA Sale To Saudi Arabia Clears A Major Hurdle Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:00:36 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-sale-to-saudi-arabia-clears-a-major-hurdle/ The proposed sale of Electronic Arts to an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has cleared a major hurdle in the closing process. The European Commission announced today, July 23, that it has approved the merger, saying the deal does not raise competition concerns. This was the expected result, and now it's official. The $55 billion deal, which is structured as a leveraged buyout (LBO), comes with billions in debt for EA. This has led many to believe EA will implement a dramatic cost-cutting effort to help service the debt, and that this could include mass layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations. That remains to be seen, however, and no major changes are expected to be announced until the deal formally closes. Battlefield is among EA's top properties. A report from Insider Gaming cited multiple anonymous sources within BioWare stating they believe BioWare could be one of the first companies to see cuts under the new ownership. “I’ve been doing it since last year, but I’m making sure I have a portfolio ready and feelers out for other jobs,” a current BioWare developer said. “Kind of feels like a matter of time.” BioWare is known, in part, for making pro-diversity games featuring inclusive storytelling and characters. Longtime BioWare writer Patrick Weekes, who was laid off in 2025, speculated that EA’s new owners, including the PIF, might want to avoid “gay stuff” and politics that the PIF’s leadership does not agree with. Weekes theorized that EA might straight-up close or otherwise get rid of BioWare to avoid any concerns, should the deal materialize. In addition to the PIF, the sale includes private equity firm Silver Lake and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners. In 2025, EA admitted that there were risks involved with selling itself, but was proceeding ahead. Additionally, cosplayers raided EA’s California headquarters in protest of the deal.

Title: EA's $55B Saudi Arabian buyout just got one step closer thanks to the EU Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:35:27 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/ea-saudi-arabia-pif-55b-buyout-european-commision/ Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) just got one step closer to acquiring Electronic Arts in a massive $55 billion deal. The European Commission approved the PIF's purchase of EA under the EU Merger Regulation, arguing that it doesn't warrant competition concerns. The Commission justified its decision as follows:

Title: San Diego Comic-Con 2026: All the big news, trailers, and reveals Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:16:21 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/san-diego-comic-con-2026-sdcc-news-reveals-trailers/ For pop culturistas who follow the massive annual barrage of news out of the Comic-Con International trade expo — popularly known as San Diego Comic-Con, or SDCC — there's a lot to keep up with. This year's Comic-Con promises to be a big one, with reveals from the worlds of Marvel, DC, The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, and Avatar: The Last Airbender, among dozens of other pop-culture fandoms.

Title: Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Super Limit Breaking Neo DLC release date and new mode details revealed Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:01:05 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-super-limit-breaking-neo-dlc-release-date-details-new-single-player-mode/ Dragon Ball Sparking Zero was released in October 2024 and has received plenty of new characters over the course of its first year. However, fans clamored for more beyond just additional characters, like new game modes and costumes. At the end of July, they'll get their wish, when the Super Limit-Breaking Neo DLC gets released, adding new attacks and stages in addition to a massive number of new characters.

Title: 99% of this hit Steam games' players are pirates, dev says Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:54:58 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/cozy-steam-game-burgies-cozy-kitchen-piracy-stats-dev-profits/ When games use digital rights management — or anti-piracy software — the justification is usually that publishers want to protect a game's profits. If anyone could pirate a video game easily, why would they bother purchasing it? Without DRM, the thinking goes, a game played by millions could turn out to be a financial failure. Now, an unlikely cozy Steam game is challenging those assumptions.

Title: All 'Italian Exotics' Series 3 challenges and rewards in Forza Horizon 6 Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:49:39 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/forza-horizon-6-fh6-all-italian-exotics-series-3-playlist-challenges-rewards/ "Italian Exotics" is the third Festival Playlist series in Forza Horizon 6, and it brings the charm and history of the Italian automobile industry to its roads. This seasonal event is divided into four seasons, and it features different playlists of activities for a limited time. While each playlist lasts for seven days, the entire series runs for four weeks.

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 Ultimate Summer Sale Pairing: Steam Sale Meets GeForce NOW Discounts Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:34 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-steam-summer-sale-2026/ Summer savings are heating up. From the Steam Summer Sale to GeForce NOW membership discounts, this week’s GFN Thursday delivers double the deals and more ways to get the most value from cloud gaming. Plus, Dark Scrolls joins the growing Devolver lineup, alongside Square Enix’s The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. They lead the charge for six new games joining the GeForce NOW library this week. Steam Dreams Are Made of These Add to cart, not to storage. The Steam Summer Sale is here, bringing discounts across thousands of PC games as one of the year’s biggest opportunities to grow a gaming library. Supported Steam games can be streamed across devices with GeForce NOW, making it easy to buy a game once, keep progress synced and pick up where the gameplay left off on PCs, Macs, handheld devices, phones, TVs and more. In other words, the Steam Summer Sale brings the deals; GeForce NOW adds the flexibility.  As new titles expand collections, storage demands and hardware requirements expand with them. GeForce NOW helps remove those barriers by streaming supported games from powerful GeForce RTX servers in the cloud, allowing members to enjoy today’s biggest games on devices they already own. Since downloads and installs are handled in the cloud, games can be added to the cart without being added to storage. Check out the “Sales & Special Offers” row in the GeForce NOW app to discover the discounts today. The Ultimate Upgrade to Level Up for Less The upgrade every game deserves. The deals don’t stop there. Pair GeForce NOW’s summer sale with the Steam Summer Sale to spend less time waiting on downloads, managing storage or needing pricey hardware upgrades — and more time gaming. Get $70 off a 12-month Ultimate membership or $35 off a 12-month Performance membership and experience GeForce RTX-powered gaming in the cloud across devices. The Ultimate membership unlocks GeForce RTX 4080- and 5080-class performance in the cloud with up to 4K resolution, up to 120 frames per second (fps) and advanced technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex. Dig Into Devolver Written in chaos. Dark Scrolls, the kinetic action roguelite from Devolver Digital, arrives on GeForce NOW with its blend of fast combat, evolving builds and unapologetic chaos. Set in a warped fantasy world that doesn’t take itself too seriously, players battle through shifting arenas packed with enemies, hazards and power-ups that can turn a run from fragile to unstoppable in seconds. Stack abilities, experiment with wild combinations and adapt on the fly as the game constantly raises the stakes — rewarding bold play as much as careful movement. On GeForce NOW, Dark Scrolls is ready the moment players are, streaming across devices with no downloads or setup required. It joins a growing lineup of Devolver Digital titles on the service — Cult of the Lamb, Hotline Miami, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, Inscryption, Enter the Gungeon and Ball x Pit — each delivering that distinct mix of style, surprise and controlled chaos, and just a click away with GeForce NOW. A Storybook Across Centuries The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales arrives on GeForce NOW, delivering a charming, narrative-driven adventure filled with mystery and discovery. With a hand-crafted world and a focus on exploration, it blends classic adventure gameplay with modern, character-driven storytelling. Follow Elliot — a curious traveler bound to a mysterious Millennium Core — as he’s pulled across eras in a journey that spans neon skylines, forgotten ruins and quiet villages on the edge of legend. Each era has its own rules and rhythms, with Elliot’s reactions and scribbled journal notes giving the story a warm, personal touch. Stream the cinematic-quality visuals and responsive gameplay with GeForce RTX power in the cloud for Ultimate members. Experience Elliot’s time-twisting journey in sharp detail across supported devices — no high-end rig, patches or paradox prep required. Just jump in and pick up from wherever the last chapter left off. In addition, members can look for the following: Dark Scrolls (New release on Steam, available June 22) SAND: Raiders of Sophie (New release on Steam, available June 22) Deer & Boy (New release on Steam, available June 23) EMPULSE (New release on Steam, available June 24) The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (Steam) FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves (Steam) Leaving the last word to the Community Corner, one GeForce NOW member recently shared being “so impressed” by GeForce NOW. They gave the service a spin because of affordable pricing and took a lower-end PC from 20-30 fps on low settings to 60+ fps with settings maxed out — really putting the WoW in their World of Warcraft.  What are you planning to play this weekend? Maybe even more importantly, what device are you planning to play on? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Sync and Stream: GeForce NOW Connects to Members’ Game Libraries Across Devices Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:32 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-game-stores/ Play favorite titles from popular game libraries, keep progress synced and jump back into gaming sessions on virtually any device. That’s the power of GeForce NOW cloud gaming. From providing access to members’ favorite game libraries to offering some of the season’s best membership pricing, GeForce NOW is making it easier than ever to get more from the cloud this summer. Plus, check out the seven new games arriving in the GeForce NOW library this week. Hit Play Across Top Game Stores That’s a whole lotta ways to play. Whether it’s blockbuster franchises, competitive shooters, sprawling role-playing games (RPGs) or indie gems, GeForce NOW supports thousands of games from leading PC game stores, making it easy to bring existing game libraries to the cloud. Connect supported game store accounts and stream titles with GeForce RTX power. Games that include cloud-save functionality help keep progress intact across devices. Start a game on one screen, pick up where playtime left off on another and spend less time managing installs and storage space. Jump into fan favorites like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt streaming through GOG. These sci-fi and fantasy favorites support cloud saves, making it easy to continue where play left off. GOG single sign-on and game library syncing — coming this summer — will make that process even smoother. Explore ancient mysteries in the Assassin’s Creed franchise or team up for tactical action in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege through Ubisoft+, delivering iconic worlds and competitive experiences to the cloud.  Whether joining massive, all-in combat in Battlefield 6 or shaping the fate of Thedas with compelling companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the EA app offers action-packed experiences and beloved RPGs. Find them in the GeForce NOW app by simply searching and filtering by store. Choose the Screen, Keep the Adventure Gaming doesn’t always happen at a desk — community members are sharing how GeForce NOW lets them play across their favorite devices. GeForce NOW Ambassador and cloud gaming creator Anytime Anywhere Gaming recently showcased Dead as Disco — a PC title without a native mobile version — running on an iPhone through the cloud. As he put it: “One of the coolest benefits of GeForce NOW is I can take the same copy of the game I own on Steam and carry it to my iPhone … it’s super awesome being able to play a game on a multitude of devices without having to buy it again.” That flexibility extends beyond mobile. One GeForce NOW member on Reddit shared being “blown away” by the experience of playing on Mac through the cloud, highlighting how GeForce RTX-powered gaming can be enjoyed across devices, no upgrades required. Whether via phone on the go, on a MacBook between work meetings or on a TV in the living room, GeForce NOW helps make PC gaming accessible across nearly every screen. Upgrade and Unlock More This Summer Summer lovin’, havin’ a sale. For a limited time, annual memberships are available at the best prices of the year: $35 off a 12-month Performance membership $70 off a 12-month Ultimate membership Performance memberships deliver high-quality cloud gaming across devices, while Ultimate unlocks GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud with up to 5K resolution, up to 120 frames per second and advanced technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex. Pair these special prices with thousands of supported games across top PC game stores. Plus, with GeForce NOW, spend less time downloading, upgrading hardware and managing storage — and more time gaming. New on the Cloud  In addition, members can look for the following: Embers of the Uncrowned Demo (New release on Steam, available June 13) Pro Cycling Manager 26 (New release on Steam, available June 15) Aphelion (Steam) Citizen Sleeper (Epic Game Store, free from June 18-25) Megastore Simulator (Steam) OPERATOR (Steam) Super Meat Boy 3D (Xbox, available on Game Pass) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: 13 ways Halo: Campaign Evolved modernizes the iconic FPS Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:00:48 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/23/13-ways-halo-campaign-evolved-modernizes-the-iconic-fps/ Halo: Combat Evolved is a landmark game that helped define the experience of early console first-person shooters. But with Halo: Campaign Evolved, Halo Studios has introduced a number of changes to bring the game into the modern era. Halo’s debut on PlayStation uses new mechanics, tweaked controls, haptic feedback, and adjusted weapons to make this a fresh spin on a shooter icon. Play Video Here are 13 ways from throughout the 10 missions of the Halo campaign, as well as its three new bonus missions, that Halo: Campaign Evolved enhances and modernizes the classic. Modern, familiar controls Played today, the original Halo’s controls feel a little different, thanks to its release before shooters tended to have standard features and button layouts, and because controllers had fewer buttons overall. Halo: Campaign Evolved uses the kind of layout players expect, with adjustments like placing grenades on L1, weapon swapping on triangle, and reload on square, among a bunch of other subtle but welcome tweaks. Of course, you’re welcome to customize control layouts as you please. Sprinting for speedy getaways Campaign Evolved introduces a sprint ability you can activate anytime by pressing L3, making it possible to pick up speed at key moments when you need to get to cover or escape groups of enemies as they throw down against one another. It’s not drastically faster than Master Chief’s movement speed in the original, but it helps players control their pace. New driving options Another key change tweaks the controls to the iconic but sometimes imprecise Warthog vehicle. By default, Halo: Campaign Evolved gives the Warthog standard, recognizable vehicle controls, allowing you to steer it with the left analog stick, control the camera with the right stick, hit the gas with R2, and brake and reverse with L2. You can still use the classic look-based steering and analog stick-based gas controls if you want, but for those of us who constantly flipped Warthogs full of Marines, these controls will be an improvement — and most other vehicles, like Covenant Ghosts or the Scorpion Tank, have controls that are mostly true to the original. A health system keeps you in the action Recharging health has become a mainstay of many shooters, and while Halo always gave you a recharging set of shields, it originally required you to hunt for health packs to keep Master Chief in top shape. Campaign Evolved gets rid of health packs and instead makes both your shields and health recharge, but your health recharges at a much slower rate. The system keeps fights intense as you still have to keep an eye on your shields to stay alive, without forcing you to stop and hunt down health pickups in the middle of the action. Enemy encounters get a remix There are a lot of big battles in Halo, and if you’re a fan of the original, you’ll recognize where enemy waves will stream in or when dropships will deliver Covenant reinforcements. But Campaign Evolved adds slight tweaks to many encounters. For instance, when searching for escape pods when you first land on the Ring World, you’ll see Covenant deployments that now include Jackals wielding Beam Snipers, which are enemies that first popped up in Halo 2. You’ll also run into Flood-infected Hunters in later levels. These little changes to enemy force deployment will keep you on your toes, while still allowing battles to feel familiar. Powered-up power ups Like the classic game, Halo: Campaign Evolved includes the Covenant Overshield and Active Camouflage. Now, however, these aren’t activated the second you pick them up, but instead are stored; you can activate them by pressing R1. It’s a slight but impactful change that lets you  save the power-ups for when they’re most useful. New chances for vehicular mayhem It’s not just new enemies that might appear in places you don’t expect. Campaign Evolved sometimes introduces different objects or vehicles in new locations. For instance, when boarding the Truth and Reconciliation through its gravity lift, you’ll find a Wraith tank waiting in the hangar with a turret you can use to wreck Covenant defenders. Those little tweaks make Halo: Campaign Evolved feel a little more realistic within the world of Halo even as they change up some fights. Bumming a ride In later Halo games, it became possible to jump aboard and hijack vehicles from their drivers. Campaign Evolved introduces this ability to the original campaign, so you can snag an enemy Ghost or Banshee if you’re quick and turn it against them. Just be careful — Elites can and will try to hijack your vehicles, too. Aiming down sights Campaign Evolved enhances all the game’s weapons with some new features and updates. You  can now aim down sights with all the guns for a little extra precision. Weapons still handle the way they always have — the Assault Rifle still sprays bullets even when you’re tuning your aim — but the slight adjustment helps Halo’s shooting mechanics work and play similarly to other games in the genre. Weapons get a glow-up Speaking of weapons, Campaign Evolved also features reworked sound design for its guns, and coupled with the haptics of the DualSense controller, gives them quite a bit more heft. Especially with guns that felt a little lighter, like the Covenant Plasma Rifle, the adjustment helps make your shots feel like they’re truly doing damage, both from the punchier, more intense sound effects, and the rumble in your hand that conveys the kick of each gun. The shotgun in particular really feels like you’re wielding some raw Flood-dismembering power. An enhanced arsenal Halo: Campaign Evolved adds a number of weapons to your repertoire from other games in the series, such as the SMG, Needle Rifle, Fuel Rod Cannon, and Beam Rifle. The new guns give you a lot more options in many fights, while adding a different wrinkle to some battles. Flood charging toward you carrying SMGs can be particularly deadly, for example. You can now even pick up Elites’ Energy Swords and turn the Covenant’s most powerful weapons against them. New missions and new surprises While not every gun from later Halo games makes it into the main campaign, you’ll still get a chance to use some of them. Campaign Evolved includes three bonus missions set about a year before the events of the original Halo, starring Master Chief and Sgt. Major Johnson. In those missions, you’ll find the pulse-firing Battle Rifle, the Brute Plasma Rifle, and the Spike Rifle, which are handy inclusions since you’ll also face Brutes, the tough, gorilla-like enemies that first hit the scene in Halo 2. Even more replayability Halo: Campaign Evolved goes beyond remixing the original Halo to offer more new ways to play the game, and more reasons to explore it. Halo originally sported two-player couch co-op; Campaign Evolved offers that experience, plus four-player online co-op, so you can form a whole fireteam of friends to take on the Covenant and Flood. You can also hunt down new secrets, including terminals that expand on the story and collectible Skulls, which unlock gameplay modifiers from fan favorites to all-new enticing takes. These might do anything from amping up the difficulty by removing your heads-up display, to making Grunts explode in a shower of confetti. And if you really want a challenge, try bumping up Campaign Evolved to the tough Heroic or downright ridiculous Legendary difficulty. With these tweaks, Halo Studios does an excellent job of maintaining the feel of the original hit FPS, while introducing adjustments that make it even better than you remember. Halo: Campaign Evolved is available July 28 on PlayStation 5.

Title: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero’s Super Limit-Breaking Neo DLC out July 30 Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:00:41 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/23/dragon-ball-sparking-zeros-super-limit-breaking-neo-dlc-out-july-30/ Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero made its mark in 2024 as the latest installment of the Budokai Tenkaichi series after 17 years. The game launched with more than 180 characters on day one and currently has over 200 playable characters!  However, what is Dragon Ball without surpassing your limits? The Sparking Zero team decided to take it further with the upcoming Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – Super Limit-Breaking Neo DLC. This new DLC is jam-packed with new characters, stages, a solo mode, and more.  Play Video The game has several solo-mode options, including Episode Battle, which features branching story paths, the creative Custom Battle mode, and the later-added Survival Mode. Super Limit-Breaking Neo offers a new solo mode for fans to enjoy called “Limit Breaker Journey”. This new solo mode allows players to experience a new way to immerse themselves in the world of Dragon Ball and the characters they know and love. Players can choose their favorite character and develop them into the fighter that best suits their playstyle.   Now, how does one develop their character? Limit Breaker Journey features an interactive map where players can select their destination to trigger different events or battles. The goal is to gain EXP from different encounters and obtain something special called Battle Arts.  Utilizing your SP, which can be used to obtain new abilities and stats, you can equip Battle Arts to unlock special effects such as limited-time boosts to your ki-based attacks or attack power increasing in Sparking mode. You can receive Battle Arts from special encounters with specific characters. However, there is a limit to how many Battle Arts you can equip, so use your SP wisely.  As you level up your SP, you will receive points that can be allocated amongst 6 different stats. Players can freely allocate their points to customize their character to fit their preferred style of play. As you continue to train your character, you may run into battles with special conditions, events that involve collecting the Dragon Ball, and even encounter some pretty tough enemies after you fulfill certain in-game conditions. You can repeat the run with the same character to continue training the character, and once you’re done with the challenge, you can bring your character to showcase your strength against your friends in player matches and in offline battles.   Choosing your favorite character to train is an exciting element in Limit Breaker Journey, and believe it or not, the Super Limit-Breaking Neo DLC offers around 30 new playable characters. Many characters have been revealed, but fans can enjoy a sneak peek of the Ultimate Blasts of Mercenary Tao and Grandpa Gohan below. The new characters added to the game will also feature unique interactions that you cannot see anywhere else when entering battle. Players will be able to enjoy exclusive interactions between the new characters added and the others from across the series, a beloved feature in the Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Another beloved feature from Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is the immersive stage destruction, and the DLC adds four new stages: Kami’s Palace, Kame House, Bitter Tundra, Stratosphere (Earth and Planet Vegeta). The intensity of battle is enhanced with the destructible features and you can even experience the Kami’s Palace being destroyed down to even the ground itself. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero continues to bring the power with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – Super Limit-Breaking Neo. The DLC launches on July 30, 2026, and fans will be able to enjoy free updates that include new features such as Sparking Boost and Chain Blast. Whether you train your favorite character to suit your playstyle or want to take your intense battles into the stratosphere, there’s something for every Sparking Zero fan to enjoy. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – Super Limit-Breaking Neo launches on July 30, 2026.

Title: Fresh look at Lou’s Lagoon, coming to PS5 on August 27 Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:30:44 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/22/fresh-look-at-lous-lagoon-coming-to-ps5-on-august-27/ Hi everyone, it’s Ines from Tiny Roar here with some exciting news about Lou’s Lagoon, our upcoming high-flying adventure that’s coming to PS5 on August 27. We’re excited to share a brand-new gameplay walkthrough video. In this expanded look at the game you’ll see more of the character and seaplane customization, building and crafting, and of the charming characters you’ll meet on your journey through the game. Take a look at the video and read on for more details about how you can bring your personality to life in Lou’s Lagoon on PS5. We’re also delighted to reveal our Deluxe Edition, launching on PS5 alongside the Standard Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes an exclusive ‘Lifeguard’ outfit for your character, a bubble-engine upgrade for your trusty seaplane, and a set of cozy beachside items, each with a bubbly surprise. Play Video Make Limbo feel like home In our last PlayStation Blog post, we introduced you to the Limbo archipelago and the islands you’ll travel to on your adventure. This post is all about how you can make the whole experience your own by customizing your character, trusty seaplane, and your home, and bring your personality to life in the game. In Lou’s Lagoon you play as a young pilot searching for their beloved Uncle Lou who is missing after a severe storm has swept through the archipelago. This is your journey and we want to give you the possibility to create a character that truly represents you. Our character creator allows you to customize lots of details of your character, including hairstyles, eyebrow shape, skin tone, facial hair, eye color, and even cute face markings, so you can really be who you want to as you enter the archipelago. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new outfits and can visit shops to change up your look and keep it as fresh as the island breeze. That same spirit of personalization carries through to your seaplane. As you take on aerial challenges and trials across the archipelago, you’ll earn new parts and spray paints to customize your plane from nose to tail, whether you want something sleek and understated or something bright and bold. And then there’s your home. Pretty early on in your adventure, you’ll receive a piece of tropical paradise to call your own and can build on it and shape it at your own pace. Design and build your future home from the ground up and add furniture and decorative touches to put a little bit more of yourself into the world. You can continue to transform your space to suit your style as you progress through the game, whether you want a small beach shack or sprawling seafront house. Arriving back at a space that has your imprint on it makes the archipelago truly feel like home. Meet the Charneys and Gorplins Last time, we showed you Gleam Reef and its local residents, the Vooi, and shared some insights into how they were created. Today, we’d like to introduce you to the Charneys of Tanglebloom and the Gorplins of Boulderia. Tanglebloom is the flower-shaped island at the heart of Limbo and is the archipelago’s liveliest town with shops and stores galore – at least, until the storm hit. When you arrive on Tanglebloom, you’ll need to help the Charneys back on their feet and rebuild their businesses so they can open for trading again; there may even be a mystery or two awaiting you. Surrounding Tanglebloom Town are smaller islands of lush jungle with new resources to collect and friends to discover. Boulderia is a rugged island built on the back of a giant crab and inhabited by the small, grumpy, and hard-working Gorplins. The Gorplins spend their time mining (and eating) sugar crystals, a valuable resource. As with Tanglebloom, there may be more to Boulderia than meets the eye… Powered by PS5 We’ve harnessed the power of PS5 from the second you launch Lou’s Lagoon, using the PS5’s ultra-fast SSD to get you into Limbo quicker than a Gorplin can devour a sugar crystal. The DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback elevates every moment of exploration, crafting, and building while adaptive triggers add an extra element of fun to gathering resources across the islands. Finally, PS5’s 4K HDR output brings Limbo to life in stunning detail. We’re so excited to be launching Lou’s Lagoon on PS5 next month and hope you’ll be making Limbo your new home on August 27. While you prepare for take-off, be sure to follow us on social media for more Lou’s Lagoon news!

Title: Order of the Sinking Star is coming to PS5, hands-on report Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:47 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/21/order-of-the-sinking-star-is-coming-to-ps5-hands-on-report/ The glittering sky of mystery, magic, and head scratching enigmas is becoming much larger – Order of the Sinking Star is arriving on PlayStation 5 later this year. Developed by Jonathan Blow’s independent studio Thekla, it should come as no surprise that this stablemate of Braid and The Witness is a puzzler… but with a fair few differences to differentiate it from its priors. Play Video In fact, it’s fair to say that those two titles created the foundation that Order of the Sinking Star sits on, not just because of its many, many puzzles, but also with its intriguing blend of characters, an unfolding story, and its stylish aesthetic. Introducing this new star While Order of the Sinking Star’s story is more explicit than that found in Braid or The Witness due to its immediate presence of talkative, controllable characters, there’s still a strong ethos of discovery. Even in the demo I played, exposition is delivered in small, sporadic chunks, all secondary to introducing the gameplay mechanics. This is entirely by design. The subtle environmental storytelling introduces a world of obstacles and divergences, where people are displaced in their surroundings. The first character, the Queen, is lost in what appears to be a strange palace at first, before it opens out into the game’s overworld. It serves as a quick intro to pushing blocking objects around the grid-like locations to progress, as well as understanding the invaluable rewind/undo mechanic in case you get stuck during a puzzle and need to revert to an earlier point in time. Hearty heroes and more It’s an essential mechanic, too, given the introduction of the game’s other characters, who come with their own puzzle-driven abilities. Given the choice of three different areas to tackle after the tutorial section, I sent the Queen northwards to begin The Hearty Heroes of Hauling section, which initially stars the warrior Valens, Tif the thief, and Isidore the wizard. Initially separated, each character can manipulate obstructive blocks and crystals in one specific way – Valens can push them, Tif can only pull them, and Isidore magically swaps places with them on line-of-sight. Guiding the Queen Westwards instead opens up The Promise, where I controlled an explorer who has to work his way through a maze-like mine using the power of gems to emit different coloured beams to perform abilities. While the grassy Mirror Isles to the East dropped me into the sandals of a wealthy trader using mirrors to swap places with his projected reflection in order to navigate a waterlogged archipelago.  A nesting doll of puzzles Just as the story reveals its intriguing wrinkles through voice over dialogue and narration, the Sokoban-like puzzles start off simple but escalate very quickly. In The Hearty Heroes of Hauling, the trio eventually meet up, meaning I had to use a combination of all their abilities to progress. Later, a druid who could transmute blocks joined their ranks, and so the game’s complexity evolved further. Did I mention there are monsters, too? Puzzle purists don’t need to worry – there’s no fighting in the game. But dealing with goblins who will kill your character if they’re on an adjacent square, or beasts who shoot fire on line-of-sight meant the puzzles switched up once more, especially as some gates could only be deactivated once the enemies were vanquished. Thankfully, monsters can be manipulated to attack each other, while another new character, the bard, could charm them with an area of effect ability. And later in the game, a priestess is entirely immune to their attacks, enabling her to protect any adjacent peers. Order of the Sinking Star prides itself on the gradual layering of new characters, elements, and environments the further you travel. Early on in the demo, the Queen was forced to use the other characters’ abilities to access more of the overworld, smartly leaning on my familiarity with their powers to overcome increasingly difficult challenges.  And then, several hours in, things changed in a way that turned the entire game on its head… When worlds collide As if the three different worlds’ worth of puzzles and an overworld with its own batch of enigmas and brainteasers wasn’t enough, Order of the Sinking Star’s big turning point is when the characters from the different worlds begin to interact in order to solve puzzles they couldn’t alone. At one late point I was having to switch between the merchant and wizard across realms, thinking about their abilities in different ways.  It speaks to the ethos of Order of the Sinking Star that this switch is still early in a game which has hundreds of hours of gameplay, built on the back of over a thousand puzzles. And while there’s a clear narrative progression, the freedom to choose the order of how you tackle some of them meant I could still move on when I hit a wall. And on top of all of this, a whole fourth Southern area, Skipping Stones to Lonely Homes, was unavailable in my demo, but promises to ramp things up further with a marooned sailor in a world of giant stones, lily pads, and rivers she can redirect. Following the star’s light It’s been ten years in development via a modest team of around 20 people, but with its 900+ levels, multiple endings, and constantly evolving gameplay, even after several hours in the demo it’s clear there’s literally worlds worth of discovery left in Thekla’s enchanting puzzler. We’ll even find out what’s truly behind the mysterious title itself… Expect more to surface from Order of the Sinking Star when it releases on PS5 later this year.

Title: Beginner’s Guide to MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:00:02 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/20/beginners-guide-to-marvel-tokon-fighting-souls/ MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Open Beta kicks off July 24–26 on PlayStation 5 consoles and PC. Whether you’re new to fighting games or stepping into the arena with your favorite Marvel heroes for the first time, we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you get started. From choosing your first character to learning basic controls, combos, and team mechanics, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the Open Beta. Find your favorite Hero or Villain When selecting a character, take a look at the EASE OF USE rating on the character select screen.The more stars a character has, the easier they are to use, making them a great choice for newcomers.Some of the most beginner-friendly characters include Captain America, Ms. Marvel, and Wolverine. Iron Man and Spider-Man are also relatively easy to learn. On the other hand, characters such as Storm and Danger offer more advanced playstyles that may take additional time to master. One of the strengths of MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is that once you’ve learned a character, you can rely on them throughout the entire match. That’s why we recommend starting with the hero you like most and gradually expanding your roster from there. If you’re unsure how to build a team, try combining close-range and long-range specialists. For example, Wolverine’s aggressive melee style pairs nicely with Iron Man’s powerful ranged attacks. That said, the best team is ultimately the one made up of your favorite heroes. Experiment and create a team that feels uniquely yours. Learn the basics with Startup Battle Not sure where to begin? Start with Startup Battle. This mode teaches the game’s core mechanics step-by-step while you play as Captain America.  You’ll learn everything from basic attacks—including Light (□), Medium (△), and Heavy (○) attacks—to combos, skills, and unique character-specific actions through hands-on tutorials. Startup Battle is divided into two sections: ●       Basics, which focuses on actions performed by an individual character.●       Assemble, which introduces team-based mechanics and cooperative actions. Players already familiar with fighting games can skip the Basics section and jump directly into Assemble. While you don’t need to master everything right away, Startup Battle is the perfect place to learn the fundamentals before heading into battle Master basic combos and defense One of the first mechanics new players should learn is the Link Attack system. By repeatedly pressing the same attack button, you can easily perform beginner-friendly combo sequences. In the examples below, L, M, and H refer to Light, Medium, and Heavy attacks. ●       L → L → L → L○       Chains into a Skill and can trigger a Break (stage transition)●       M → M → M○       Leads into a powerful Super Skill●       H → H → H○       Leads into an even stronger Ultimate Skill Start by learning these simple sequences to build a foundation for dealing damage.Once you’re comfortable, try more advanced routes such as: L → M → H → Skill → Assemble Rush → Follow-up Attack Successfully coordinating with your teammates opens up additional combo opportunities and lets you experience the excitement of the game’s team-based combat. Of course, offense is only half the battle. Learning how to defend yourself is just as important. The first defensive technique you’ll want to learn is Guard. ●       Hold ← to perform a standing guard.●       Hold ↙ to perform a crouching guard. Once you’re comfortable blocking attacks, try incorporating two advanced defensive options into your gameplay. Assemble Counter is performed by pressing □ + × while not guarding. Your character performs a defensive backstep, and if an opponent attacks during the maneuver, you’ll automatically launch a counterattack. Crossover is performed by pressing □ + × while guarding. This calls in a teammate to interrupt the opponent’s attack and create an opening for a counteroffensive. Mastering these mechanics can turn a defensive situation into an immediate comeback opportunity. Both techniques can be practiced in Startup Battle, so be sure to give them a try. Assists and character switching Pressing × will call in a teammate to perform an Assemble Assist attack. You can also switch characters by pressing a directional input along with L2. The teammate you call depends on the direction you input: ●   Neutral or → : 2nd teammate●   ↓ : 3rd teammate●   ← : 4th teammate For example: ●   ↓ + × calls your third teammate as an assist.●   ← + L2 switches to your fourth teammate. New players may find assists easier to use than direct character switching, so we recommend becoming familiar with assists first. Once you’ve gained some experience, try using assist-to-switch techniques. After calling an assist, you’ll briefly see a “Switch?” prompt on-screen. Pressing L2 during this window allows you to seamlessly switch to that character. It may take some practice, but mastering this mechanic lets you rotate through heroes fluidly and unleash the fast-paced team action that defines MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Find the Skill Input Style That Works for You MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls offers two ways to perform Skills. The first is traditional Command Inputs (also known as motion inputs), familiar to fighting game veterans. The second is a Quick Skill option that allows you to execute skills with a single button press. While both methods provide similar functionality, Command Inputs offer slightly higher damage and generate more Skill Gauge. If you’re new to fighting games, we recommend starting with Quick Skills while you learn the fundamentals. As you grow more comfortable, try incorporating Command Inputs into your combos for even greater rewards. You can also customize the Quick Skill button through the control settings to suit your preferred playstyle. Experience the story in Episode Mode The Open Beta also includes access to part of the Amazing Guardians Episode. Players will get a glimpse of key story moments, including encounters with Promoter and Champion, and learn more about why Spider-Man ultimately forms his team. The story is presented through immersive motion comics featuring artwork from a renowned comic artist, bringing the Marvel Universe to life in a unique and engaging format. After experiencing the story, you’ll head straight into battle. Once you’ve completed Startup Battle and learned the basics, be sure to check out Episode Mode as well.   See you in the Open Beta ​​ We’ve covered some of the key fundamentals you’ll need to get started in MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, from picking your first character to learning combos, defense, and team mechanics. Don’t worry about mastering everything right away. Startup Battle and Training Mode are designed to help you learn at your own pace, and part of the fun is discovering new strategies and team combinations as you play. MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Open Beta runs from July 24–26 on PlayStation 5 consoles and PC. We can’t wait to see the teams you create and the battles you’ll bring to life.   See you in the Open Beta!

Title: Dinoblade, out now, is equal parts janky, genuinely sick and silly as hell Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:15:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/dinoblade-out-now-is-equal-parts-janky-genuinely-sick-and-silly-as-hell Four years ago, a developer called Jean Nguyen shared a short video on Dwitter of a spinosaurus pulling off a sick combo with Cloud Strife's Buster Sword. This, of course, blew up, but it wasn't actually a game, just some animation work from the dev. And then, somewhere along the line, Nguyen decided to make it into an actual game. It's now called Dinoblade, it's out today, and it is jank and over top in exactly the right ways, and genuinely a rip roaring time. Read more

Title: I've yet to smash open a Dyson Sphere in sci-fi RTS Sanctuary: Shattered Sun, but I'm enjoying its take on Supreme Commander Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/ive-yet-to-smash-open-a-dyson-sphere-in-sci-fi-rts-sanctuary-shattered-space-but-im-enjoying-its-take-on-supreme-commander Sanctuary: Shattered Sun is the kind of unwholesomely large real-time strategy game where you keep accidentally auto-constructing 50 missile trucks because you were preoccupied with (e.g.) a massive spiderbot offensive on the other side of an ocean. Those things breed like rabbits! Still, easy come, easy go: simply charge your 50 superfluous missile trucks into the nearest line of energy domes, and watch as they, the enemy, and everybody we have ever loved disintegrates in about 20 seconds. Shattered Sun does reward micromanagement – "every projectile is simulated", the devs proclaim, which means you can dance your tanks away from incoming shells – and also encourages resource efficiency, with a "flow-based economy" that hinges on access to generators and alloy extraction sites. But going by my hour with the demo, it more immediately rewards the act of scooping together a continent-sized deathball and rolling it through the nearest pocket of red on your map. Read more

Title: Saudi Arabia's $55 billion EA buyout approved by the European Commission, who say it doesn't "raise competition concerns" Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:09:47 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/saudi-arabias-55-billion-ea-buyout-approved-by-the-european-commission-who-say-it-doesnt-raise-competition-concerns The $55 billion leveraged buyout which will see Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake and Jared Kushner-founded investment firm Affinity Partners become the new owners of EA has been given the thumbs up by the European Commission. The body have ruled that the acquisition's ok as far as the EU's rules on mergers go, and that it doesn't "raise competition concerns". Read more

Title: Terrific castle-building sim Cataclismo is being transformed into a chunky strategy boardgame, care of a paid Old Kingdom expansion Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:35:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/terrific-castle-building-sim-cataclismo-is-being-transformed-into-a-chunky-strategy-boardgame-care-of-a-paid-old-kingdom-expansion Excellent real-time castle defender Cataclismo is getting a DLC expansion, The Old Kingdom, which transforms it into a hex-based strategy boardgame. Players must hexpand from citadel to citadel, shoring up supply lines and unlocking technology while fending off the minions of the Mist. Please aim your Lobbers and Cannoneers at this trailer. Read more

Title: Rockstar Games Workers Union say their first meeting with the GTA 6 studio's management was "a step in the right direction" Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:03:45 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/rockstar-games-workers-union-say-their-first-meeting-with-the-gta-6-studios-management-was-a-step-in-the-right-direction The recently formed Rockstar developer union - officially the Rockstar Games Workers Union - have had their first meeting with management at the GTA 6 maker, whom they're still seeking voluntary recognition from. The union, who're part of the wider Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), have called this first meeting "a step in the right direction" and that they've secured "a roadmap for a speedy negotiation process". Read more