Game News
Astro Boy Creator's Lesser-Known Mangas Are Getting A Box Set
Osamu Tezuka: The Ablaze Collection Box Set
Preorder at AmazonManga legend Osamu Tezuka is famous for his work on Astro Boy, but the mangaka was responsible for numerous other works during his long career. Famously referred to as the "godfather of manga," Tezuka also illustrated shorter series, and several of these are being reprinted as part of a deluxe box set. Osamu Tezuka: The Ablaze Collection will be released soon on July 8, but there's still time to preorder it.
Osamu Tezuka: The Ablaze Collection Box Set $53 | Releases July 8The Osamu Tezuka: The Ablaze Collection contains four volumes showcasing Tezuka's other work, such as One Hundred Tales, which follows an ordinary accountant falsely accused of a crime and ordered to commit ritual suicide, but is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a witch. The second volume, Shakespeare Manga Theater, adapts several of Shakespeare's plays into manga form with familiar characters playing key roles. The third volume, Tomorrow the Birds, tells the story of super-intelligent birds overthrowing humanity, and the fourth volume, Neo Faust, follows a professor who strikes a deal with the sorceress Mephisto to live a fulfilling life in exchange for his soul.
It's worth noting that all of these stories are available as individual trade paperbacks as well, so if you don't want to wait until July, you can grab them all now--though you'll pay a bit more buying them a la cart compared to the box set.
- One Hundred Tales -- $12 ($15)
- Neo Faust -- $20
- Tomorrow the Birds -- $14 ($15)
- Shakespeare Manga Theater -- $13 ($15)
As mentioned above, Tezuka's most well-known work is Astro Boy, which follows a robotic boy with human emotions and an arsenal of super weapons who defends Earth from evil robots and powerful imperialist governments. The sci-fi manga series originally ran from 1952 to 1968, and thanks to its strong art and storytelling, it remains highly regarded by manga fans. It also served as the inspiration for many other popular manga, anime, and video game series, including Capcom's Mega Man. If you're looking to grab the original Astro Boy manga, the series is available in several paperback omnibus editions.
Astro Boy Manga Omnibus Editions- Astro Boy Omnibus Vol. 1 -- $17.89 ($25)
- Astro Boy Omnibus Vol. 2 -- $25
- Astro Boy Omnibus Vol. 3 -- $29.90
- Astro Boy Omnibus Vol. 4 -- $17.68 ($25)
- Astro Boy Omnibus Vol. 5 -- $20 ($25)
- Astro Boy Omnibus Vol. 6 -- $23.13 ($25)
Finally, you can bring Astro Boy to your desktop with this adorable new Nendoroid figure. Manufactured by Good Smile Company, this is a cute recreation of the atomic-powered hero, and it comes with swap-out face plates, rocket legs, and other accessories that can be used to make him strike a pose.
Continue Reading at GameSpot2025 Upcoming Games Release Schedule
2025 is looking to be a very interesting year for video games, as the current-gen PlayStation and Xbox systems are well into their lifespans while Nintendo is releasing the Nintendo Switch's successor, the Switch 2. And let's not forget all the exclusives we're sure to see across PC and mobile platforms--there are games coming out for just about everyone.
Keeping track of all your anticipated games' release dates is a futile task without a little help, so GameSpot has broken down all the games planned for release in 2025. This includes games that have concrete dates, as well as those given a 2025 release window--for the latter, you'll find them grouped together at the end. We'll continue to update this post as more games are announced, and check here for all the games released in 2024.
Table of Contents [hide]JanuaryThe Legend of Cyber Cowboy (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC) - January 1
Continue Reading at GameSpotNinja Gaiden 4 Preorders Are Live, Supports Play Anywhere On Xbox And PC
Ninja Gaiden 4 standard edition
Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at Walmart Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at WalmartNinja Gaiden 4 launches on October 20 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC, and Game Pass. The fourth entry in the long-running action game series is developed in collaboration with Koei Tecmo's Team Ninja and Platinum Games, best known for titles like Bayonetta and Nier: Automata. The game will follow long-time Ninja Gaiden protagonist Ryu Hayabusa and a new character, Yakumo--who is a member of the Hayabusa Clan's rivals, the Raven Clan. The duo will battle against the forces of the Dark Dragon, who has plunged Tokyo into a permanent storm known as the Rain of Rot. If you're eager to get your hands on Ninja Gaiden 4, a $70 standard edition and a $90 Deluxe Edition are both up for preorder at multiple online retailers. Securing a copy early also gets you a special in-game costume as a preorder bonus.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Preorder BonusNinja Gaiden 4 preorder bonusAll Ninja Gaiden 4 preorders include the Dark Dragon Descendant skin for Yakumo as an exclusive extra. The skin will be available at launch. Physical and digital preorders are both eligible for the preorder bonus.
Ninja Gaiden 4 standard edition $70 | Releases October 20The Ninja Giaden 4 standard edition includes the base game on your platform of choice, plus the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo skin if you preorder ahead of launch.
Physical preorders are available at Best Buy and Walmart--however, the specific format differs based on the platform you're buying for. The PS5 version includes a game disc in the box, while the Xbox version is a code in a box. There are also preorders for a "physical" PC version that are just a code voucher for the Windows version. It's worth noting that Xbox or Windows versions support Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning you're actually getting both Xbox and Windows versions, plus the ability to play on mobile via cloud streaming.
Digital preorders are also available on all platforms, including a Steam version--but this is different from the Windows Store version, and only includes a key to play on Steam.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Standard Edition Physical Preorders:
- PS5 -- $70 | Also at Walmart
- Xbox -- $70
- Windows -- $70
Preordering the $90 Ninja Gaiden 4 Deluxe Edition includes the base game, the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin preorder bonus, and a long list of extra in-game content. Here's a look at everything you get:
- Base Game
- Immediate access to any future gameplay content once its released
- Traditional Dark Blue and Legendary Black Falcon Ryu Skins
- Blade of the Archfiend Ryu Weapon Skin
- Divine Chimera and Raven Master Yakumo Skins
- Divine Chimera Yakumo Weapon Set
- 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin
- Additional In-Game Items
Physical preorders are once again available at Best Buy and Walmart. Just like the standard edition, Ninja Gaiden 4 Deluxe Edition includes a game disc on PS5, while the Xbox and Windows versions are Play Anywhere Codes that unlock access to both Xbox and Windows versions.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Standard Edition Physical Preorders:
Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at Walmart Ninja Gaiden 4 Deluxe EditionPC and Xbox players will also be able to play Ninja Gaiden 4 at launch via Game Pass as part of their membership. Xbox players will need to be a member of Game Pass Ultimate ($20/month), while Windows-only players can access the game via the PC Game Pass membership ($12/month).
Continue Reading at GameSpotSony Lays Off 30% Of Days Gone Developer Bend Studio After Canceling Live-Service Game
Sony has laid off about 30% of the staff at Bend Studio, the first-party developer of the PlayStation 4 open-world game Days Gone. The publisher confirmed the layoffs in a statement to GameSpot.
According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, about 40 people were laid off from the studio.
In its statement, Sony also confirmed that Bend Studio had been working on a live-service game earlier in the year, but that game has been canceled and the studio is moving on to a new, unnamed project.
Continue Reading at GameSpotInvincible VS’s Gory Take On The Marvel Vs. Capcom Formula Is A Bloody Good Time
One of the 2025 Xbox Showcase's most shocking reveals was Invincible VS, a new three-on-three tag fighter from Skybound and a new startup studio called Quarter Up Games. Don't let the "new startup" descriptor fool you, however; this is a team steeped in fighting game experience, as it was responsible for bringing back a cult classic to a legion of appreciative fans over a decade ago.
This time, Quarter Up and Skybound are set on breathing new life not into just a franchise, but a concept--Invincible VS invokes the highly-praised Marvel vs. Capcom style of 2D fighting games that use a tag-team system to swap between multiple characters, which is a tall task to try replicating. Based on our hands-on gameplay during a recent visit to Skybound in Los Angeles, it seems that Quarter Up is well on its way to answering the call.
A Killer origin storyIn 2013, developer Double Helix brought Rare's Killer Instinct series back to the masses on Xbox One. The 2013 installment's gritty, impactful fighting system made it an instant fan favorite, but soon after it launched, the studio was snapped up by Amazon Games. Many of KI 2013's key developers went on to other projects, but Mike Willette--KI 2013 producer and the voice behind the iconic "c-c-c-combo breaker!" sound effect in the reboot--wasn't done with fighting games yet. He wanted to get the band back together.
Continue Reading at GameSpotThe Last Of Us Showrunners Confirm Season 3's Shift In Direction
Given the events of The Last of Us Season 2, it shouldn't be a surprise that next season will be very different. Catherine O'Hara has already described Season 3 as Abby's story, but now, The Last of Us showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have confirmed that Kaitlyn Dever's character is taking the lead role.
Mazin and Druckmann made the announcement during a Last of Us FYC Emmy event in New York, via THR. Dever participated in the panel remotely and jokingly acted surprised at the news. Druckmann went on to express his surprise that HBO didn't push back on Season 3's shift in perspective.
"I was sure that they wouldn't let us do this when we started adapting this," said Druckmann. "But they've leaned into what makes, I believe, the story special. And allowed us not only the time, but the creative freedom to be able to take these swings, and I think the audience really appreciates that."
Continue Reading at GameSpotHello Kitty Island Adventure Drops To Best Price Yet On Switch
Hello Kitty Island Adventure: Deluxe Edition for Nintendo Switch
See at Amazon See at Walmart See at Target See at Best BuyHello Kitty Island Adventure's Deluxe Edition for Nintendo Switch is on sale for its biggest discount yet at Amazon and a few other major retailers. Normally $60, the lone physical edition for the open-world life simulation is down to $50. Released at the end of March, the Deluxe Edition comes with three in-game content packs featuring a wide range of items to help you start your journey.
Island Adventure originally launched as an Apple Arcade exclusive in July 2023. It quickly became one of the most popular and highest-rated games on the service. The life sim was ported to Nintendo Switch and PC earlier this year and will make the jump to PlayStation 5 later this year. If you're a fan of Hello Kitty or life sims in general, Island Adventure is worth checking out.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure: Deluxe Edition for Nintendo Switch $50 (was $60)The Deluxe Edition of Hello Kitty Island Adventure comes with three content packs featuring hundreds of in-game items, crafting materials, and legacy cosmetics as well clothes featured in limited-time events back when Island Adventure was still exclusive to Apple Arcade.
- Deluxe Event Bundle:
- 300-plus items and rewards
- One year's worth of Legacy Event Clothing, Furniture, and Cosmetics
- Deluxe Starter Bundle:
- 10 Friendship Blossoms
- 3 Friendship Bouquets
- 10 Island Bouquets
- 50 Strawberry Crates
- Deluxe Crafting Bundle:
- 50 of each Dye color
- 100 Sticks
- 45 Iron Ore
- 50 Rubber
If Amazon sells out, Switch players can get this deal at Walmart, Target, or Best Buy, too.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is an expansive life sim that's something of a blend between Animal Crossing and Disney Dreamlight Valley. The game lets players create and personalize their own avatar the use in the games solo and online co-op modes. The game features eight explorable regions full of puzzles to solve, creatures to catch, and gardens and homes to decorate. The island's seasons change as you play, and with each season featuring its own unique quests and activities, Island Adventure offers more than 80 hours of content (at the moment)
See at Amazon See at Walmart See at TargetJust like the physical Deluxe edition, Hello Kitty Island Adventure costs $60 on the Switch eShop and Steam for PC. However, it's worth noting that the base game is $40 for Switch and PC, but it's only available in digital format and you miss out on all of the extra content listed above.
Continue Reading at GameSpotSouls Games And Little Nightmares Combine In End Of Abyss
There were more souls-likes than I could muster the interest in at Summer Game Fest 2025. I've never been one to enjoy the genre in most cases anyway, and seeing how many games were leaning into gameplay loops of dodge-roll showdowns with gigantic, spongey bosses had me checked out at times during the various showcases over the past week. But I played one game that borrows from the genre and didn't turn me away. End of Abyss takes a few touchstones from games like Dark Souls, ties it in with a Little-Nightmares-in-space aesthetic, and brings it all together in a cleverly creepy twin-stick shooter.
End of Abyss comes from Section 9 Interactive, a new studio created in part by former Tarsier Studio developers, the team behind Little Nightmares and its sequel. The Little Nightmares influence can definitely be felt in End of Abyss. Though the enemy and world design are much different, trading the stuff of childhood night terrors for coldly blue-tinted isolation akin to a sci-fi horror story, there's something about it that feels familiar. Maybe it's the nameless, voiceless character being chased by fleshy monsters. Or maybe it's their brightly colored jacket--here a lime green as opposed to Little Nightmare's yellow raincoat.
Luckily, the protagonist in End of Abyss can defend themselves, unlike those in Tarsier's games. Using a pistol with unlimited ammo, or other found weapons like a shotgun I discovered in my play session, the game's twin-stick shooting felt well-implemented. It wasn't very sticky, which I liked, as it gave it an anxiety-inducing effect. Missing shots meant the enemies were able to close the distance and caused me to dodge them, either out of the room so I could create a bottleneck in a doorway, or just catch my breath. Some enemies grew long, giraffe-like necks, which they swung at me with sneakily far reach. Others came in packs of several small bugs that would jump on me, causing me to shake them off and book it, or try to knife them on their approach.
Continue Reading at GameSpotHere's How You Can Get A Free Warhammer 40K Game This Week
Everybody likes free games, and GOG.com is offering Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War for free, but only for a limited time. Usually priced at $40, the offer expires on June 18, so if you want to dive into some Warhammer fun for free, grab it before it's too late.
On top of that, GOG is offering several DLC packs on sale for 25-76% off, with prices ranging from $1.67-$11.24. Upon release, the game received mixed reviews, with most of the praise centered around the polished combat improvements from previous installments.
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War"Gladius Prime was known to Imperial scholars as a planet of archeological interest. During its colonization, ancient relics were found, revealing hints of a shrouded past," the official synopsis reads. "But it was more than relics. Something awakened, an unspeakable horror from an ancient past, and the citizens of Gladius found themselves trapped in a terrible war for survival. Gladius Prime was once a planet of peace. Now there is only war."
Continue Reading at GameSpotDune: Awakening Is Coming To Console, Funcom Confirms As PC Game Puts Up Huge Numbers
Funcom's Dune: Awakening is finally out on PC, but you might be wondering if it's also headed to consoles. Now that the game has launched on PC, Funcom re-affirmed that Awakening is, indeed, headed to console platforms, but not until 2026.
There is no specific 2026 release date, however, nor is there a set of confirmed console platforms, but Xbox and PlayStation systems seem like a safe bet. Whether or not Switch 2 may be in the mix, too, is unknown.
Awakening blasted off on Steam to big results, as the $50 game is currently the No. 1 best-selling game and is inside Steam's top 10 most-played games, clocking more than 135,000 concurrent players.
Continue Reading at GameSpotTony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake Actually Does Include Most Of THPS 4's Original Activities
Most of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4's content will be included in the Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake, developer Iron Galaxy has confirmed. Many of the fourth game's unique activities will be playable as post-game content, unlocked after players complete an initial set of 10 goals.
While the first three Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games are structured quite similarly, the fourth entry in the series introduced a bunch of unusual and unconventional missions. As Iron Galaxy has said that it is trying to standardize gameplay in the remake, many fans assumed that these more unusual missions would not make the cut. However, the studio revealed to Video Games Chronicle that most of these are included as "Pro Goals."
While VGC reported that Pro Skater 4's minigames like tennis will not be part of the remake, the Pro Goals will encompass a substantial amount of the game's original content. The studio stated that Pro Skater 4 posed a challenge because of the widely varying structure of the original missions; many of them did not fit into the two-minute format that is being uniformly applied across games in the remake. While we don't know the full scope of what's included in the Pro Goals, this will come as welcome news to Pro Skater 4 fans.
Continue Reading at GameSpot007: First Light Continues Bond Franchise Tradition Of Product Placement
IO Interactive has announced "key partners" for its upcoming James Bond game 007: First Light, and they include a series of well-known global brands. In a statement on social media, the studio said it's partnered with Aston Martin, Coca-Cola, Orlebar Brown, HermanMillerGaming, Jaguar, Range Rover Defender, Omega, Nvidia, and Leica.
The James Bond movie series is known for its product placement, and 007: First Light will have some, too. The reveal trailer showed an Aston Martin DBS and some flashy Omega watches. A Triumph motorcycle was in the trailer, too, but Triumph is not listed as a partner. A Range Rover Defender was in the trailer, too. Walther, the gun company that makes Bond's iconic PPK, is not listed as a partner.
We are thrilled to be working closely with our key partners to build a brand new James Bond game experience.#007FirstLight #EarnTheNumber pic.twitter.com/DFbkGAduLI
— 007 First Light (@007GameIOI) June 10, 2025The financial terms of the deals to include these brands in First Light are unknown. Revenue from product placement in the Bond movies is substantial, coming in at reported millions of dollars.
Continue Reading at GameSpotNew Pokemon Crocs Feature Gen-1 Starter Pokemon And Evolutions
A new collaboration between Crocs and Pokemon has kicked off, and while there are a few returning shoes here, the event also has some stylish new kicks to check out.
Pokemon Crocs $55 - $70These will be available at several retailers in addition to the main Crocs store--Foot Locker, Journeys, and Champs--and there are some really eye-catching designs here for fans of the Classic Clog Crocs.
See at Crocs See at Foot Locker See at ChampsOne of the really cool ones here is the $75 Pokemon Classic Clog, which features an all-encompassing silhouette print and exclusive Jibbitz charms of the three Kanto starter Pokemon: Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander. Another good-looking pair here are the $70 Pokemon Versus Clogs, which harken back to the classic rivalry between Charizard and Blastoise. The right shoe has an orange print and Jibbitz charms referencing the Fire-type Pokemon, and the left shoe repeats that design but with a Water-type twist. There's also a Pokemon logo on the backstrap, for that added touch.
Pokemon Classic and Versus Clogs- Crocs Classic Clog Pokemon -- $70
- Crocs Classic Clog Pokemon (Boys, grade-school) -- $55
- Crocs Classic Clog Pokemon (Boys, preschool) -- $55
- Crocs Pokemon Classic Clogs Charizard + Blastoise -- $70
- Crocs Pokemon Classic Clogs Charizard + Blastoise (Boys, grade-school) -- $55
- Crocs Pokemon Classic Clogs Charizard + Blastoise (Boys, preschool) -- $55
Meanwhile, Footlocker has a trio of exclusive Crocs. These are available in adult sizes only, and they include a beautiful Snorlax pair with soft blue swirls, a singing Jigglypuff that won't put you to sleep unless delicate pink patterns have a relaxing effect on you, and a fiery Charizard design full of energetic flame patterns. It's worth noting that these aren't new releases, but if you if missed them the first time they were out, then you can find them at Foot Locker right now.
Continue Reading at GameSpotRainbow Six Siege Gets "Most Transformative" Update Ever Today With Siege X Launch
It's a big day for Rainbow Six Siege, as the game's "largest and most transformative" update in the game's 10-year history is out now, free for everyone on all platforms.
The update, Siege X, includes a new onboarding experience to help newcomers familiarize themselves with the game. It also introduces improved graphics and sound designs, along with updated features like new destructible items such as gas pipes and fire extinguishers. The Siege X update also "modernizes" the Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe maps with new lighting, shadows, and resolution updates, with Ubisoft planning these "modernization" updates for three 5v5 maps with each new season going ahead.
What's more, Siege X adds the Dual Front 6v6 mode, which is a respawning mode that challenges players to seize enemy territories. It is available only for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Continue Reading at GameSpotDevolver's Cool New Pride Month Merch Supports Trans Lifeline Charity
To celebrate Pride Month, publisher Devolver Digital has released a new line of merch, including shirts, stickers, and other items. In addition, purchases of anything from this collection will support a great cause: Devolver is donating 100% of proceeds to Trans Lifeline, a support network that provides critical resources to trans people throughout the United States and Canada.
The Pride Month items all feature variants on Devolver's "Y'all Means All" message, meant to inspire inclusion and equality for LGTBQ folks. There are two t-shirts, a crop-top, a hat, a sticker sheet, and a keyring included in the collection.
Some of the new items included in Devolver's collection.Trans Lifeline is a registered-501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates a crisis-support hotline specifically for trans-identifying people. In addition to its hotline, Trans Lifeline runs a microgrant program that provides support for gender-affirming care, defrays legal costs for incarcerated trans people, and assists trans migrants in navigating immigration systems.
Continue Reading at GameSpotSteelSeries Launches A New $110 Universal Wireless Gaming Headset
SteelSeries has just released a new wireless variant of the Arctis Nova 3, aptly named the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless. Not only does this new model add wireless connectivity to the Arctis Nova 3, but it also incorporates features from last year’s Arctis Nova 5, including support for over 200 EQ presets via the Arctis App and the ability to swap between multiple connected devices with a single button press, plus support for multiple platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Gaming Headset $110The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is the second headset in the Arctis Nova lineup to support the Arctis mobile app, which offers over 200 preset audio EQ options you can swap to on the fly, including options optimized for specific games like Call of Duty and Fortnite. Until now, only the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless supported this feature, making the Nova 3 Wireless an alternative--and even more affordable--choice compared to the $130 Nova 5 line.
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is available in two models: the Nova 3P Wireless and the Nova 3X Wireless. The Nova 3P Wireless supports PlayStation, Switch, PC, and mobile devices, while the 3X is compatible with Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC, and mobile devices. The headsets can connect to up to two devices at the same time--one via the included 2.4Ghz wireless dongle and the other via Bluetooth. However, like the Arctis Nova 5, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless does not support simultaneous playback from both devices. Instead, you can swap between the two connections on the fly. That said, by connecting to your mobile device via Bluetooth, you can modify the headset's selected EQ preset in the Arctis mobile app, even while listening to your console or PC over 2.4Ghz.
Beyond slightly different platform compatibilities, the Nova 3X Wireless and Nova 3P Wireless are otherwise identical. They both sport the same lightweight design and flexible headbands as other Arctis Nova headsets, and feature detachable microphones, custom-tuned neodymium magnetic drivers, and up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge. They also support fast-charging, which can recharge up to nine hours of battery after just 15 minutes. Both are available for $110.
See at AmazonWe haven't tested the Arctis Nova 3, but several other Arctis models landed on our list of the best gaming headsets, including the premium Arctis Nova Pro and Arctis Nova 7, so we’re optimistic about the Nova 3's performance. There are plenty of other fantastic SteelSeries headsets to check out, including the budget-friendly wired Arctis Nova 1. Its audio quality and wired connection aren’t ideal for all situations, but it’s hard to beat its low price.
We've compiled a list of all the headsets in SteelSeries' Arctis Nova line below. Most of these headsets are available in a variety of models, and those with the “X” classification add Xbox support along with support for platforms like PS5, Switch, and PC. So if you’re worried about using your headset across multiple devices (or are specifically looking for Xbox support), these are the ones to get. Those with a "P", meanwhile, are built for PlayStation and lack Xbox support.
Continue Reading at GameSpotMaking Grounded 2 Was The Only Way Obsidian Could Introduce This Key Feature
Lots of survival-crafting games get many updates over many years, and though Obsidian's Honey-I-Shrunk-The-Crafting-Game, Grounded, is one such game, I also didn't expect a sequel to come out so soon. During Summer Game Fest 2025, I was able to play 30 minutes of Grounded 2, both from the opening minutes of the game and with a save file that threw me into the middle of the game. Afterward, this topic was the first I brought up with the studio: Why couldn't the team continue building on Grounded instead of moving on to a sequel?
"So there are a couple of different reasons," game director Chris Parker told me in a roundtable chat. "We did continue to build on Grounded. So there were four major updates after Grounded 1.0 released, and then some other support updates that came out. But on one hand, there were some limitations with technology, because Grounded was supported all the way back on the Xbox One, and so our ability to sort of grow on that platform was pretty restricted," he explained, admitting that it maybe could've been solved if the team really needed it to, but moving on from the Xbox One let the team pursue other new features, too.
"One of the big things was that there were some features, like in particular, buggies, [the game's new vehicles in Grounded 2,] that we wanted to solve," Parker said. "In order to solve those, we really needed to think about how they worked in the world, and what that world space looked like. They run faster, they fight differently, they do different gathering. We want to make sure all of those things work together really, really well.
Continue Reading at GameSpotThere's A Free Game On Steam For A Limited Time That Lets You Lick Your Friends
You can grab What The Pak on Steam right now for free. The game, which sees people playing as little cyclops creatures, is all about multiplayer minigame mayhem. That includes using your avatar's extremely long tongue to lick your friends and competitors.
What The Pak supports up to eight people and online multiplayer. It's a Steam Early Access game, usually costing $6. However, from now until June 24, the title is free to pick up. It originally launched on December 6, so has been available for just over half of a year. What The Pak was also part of Steam Next Fest for October 2024.
Continue Reading at GameSpotAnno 117: Pax Romana Preorders Live On PC And Consoles
Anno 117: Pax Romana launches for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on November 13. Early previews have been exceedingly positive, and if you’re eager to get your hands on the upcoming strategy game, preorders are now open. Multiple versions are available, including a massive $170 Governor’s Edition that's packed with collectible goodies like an Amphitheatre 3D puzzle, art book, and forged Anno symbol. Here's a closer look at all Anno 117: Pax Romana preorders and current preorder bonuses.
Anno 117: Pax Romana Preorder BonusesAnno 117: Pax Romana - Builder PackPreorder Anno 117: Pax Romana to unlock the Builder Pack DLC, which includes the following digital content to help grow your empire:
- Wolf Player Sigil
- Battle Standard
- Town Crier Statue
- Capitoline Wolf Statue
The Anno 117: Pax Romana standard edition includes the base game, plus the Builder Pack DLC if you preorder ahead of launch. Physical PS5 copies are up for preorder at Best Buy, though we’re still waiting for the Xbox version to arrive. We also expect more retailers to open preorders soon.
Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at Target Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition $90 | Releases November 13The $90 Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition is only available digitally, as no retailers are currently offering physical preorders. Nevertheless, it's a solid choice if you’re looking to get the most out of the game, as it comes with the base game, the Builder Pack DLC preorder bonus, and the Year One Pass, which entitles you to three upcoming DLC expansions planned to release in the month after the base game launches.
Preorder at Xbox Store Preorder at PS Store Preorder at Steam Anno 117: Pax Romana Governor’s Edition $170There's also the $170 Anno 117: Pax Romana Governor’s Edition. PS5 and PC versions are available to preorder, though it's unclear if this will eventually arrive on Xbox.
Preordering this version gets you the base game and Builder Pack DLC preorder bonus, plus the following extras:
- Amphitheatre 3D puzzle
- 84-page art book
- Forged Anno symbol
- Albion & Latium coins
- Steelbook
- Town Crier’s letter
- Tesserae works blueprint
- Three lithographs
- Year One Pass (Three DLC Packs)
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John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness & Ghost of Mars Getting Amazon-Exclusive Steelbooks
Ghosts of Mars Limited Edition Steelbook
Preorder at AmazonPrince of Darkness Limited Edition Steelbook
Preorder at Amazon
John Carpenter is responsible for a long list of iconic horror movies, including The Thing and Halloween. Later this summer, two other great films from his catalog will receive exclusive Steelbook releases at Amazon: Prince of Darkness and Ghosts of Mars. Both feature a steelbook with terrifying cover art, as well as 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray formats. Both Blu-rays launch on August 12, and preorders are available now at Amazon.
Ghosts of Mars Limited Edition Steelbook $45 | Releases August 12This chilling sci-fi flick takes place on Mars in the year 2176, after human colonists have settled the planet. However, things take a dark turn when the settlers discover a dormant Martian civilization, and the mysterious beings take over their bodies. It’s a cult classic, and even though it isn’t John Carpenter’s best-reviewed film, it’s still an intriguing sci-fi horror story.
Ghosts of Mars Limited Edition Special Features:
This version offers 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray formats, plus heaps of bonus content. Here's everything included:
- Audio commentary with John Carpenter and actor Natasha Henstridge (4K)
- Assault on Outpost 13: Scoring Ghosts of Mars - Interview with film music historian Daniel Schweiger
- Red Desert Nights: Making Ghosts of Mars
- Scoring Ghosts of Mars
- Ghosts of Mars Special Effects Deconstruction
- Original Theatrical Trailer
When scientists find an ancient canister in a long-abandoned church, they accidentally let loose an evil entity trapped within. Their teammates slowly succumb to the strange force, turning into zombies, and the survivors must figure out how to stop the supernatural being before it consumes the entire world.
Prince of Darkness Limited Edition bonus features:
Along with 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray formats, you’ll get a gory steelbook and plenty of cool bonus features:
- Audio commentary with John Carpenter and actor Peter Jason (4K)
- Theatrical Trailer (4K)
- TV Spot (4K)
- Sympathy for the Devil: Interview with John Carpenter
- Alice at the Apocalypse: Interview with Alice Cooper
- The Messenger: Interview with actor/ SFX supervisor Robert Grasmere
- Hell on Earth: A look at the film’s score and interview with co-composer Alan Howarth
- Horror’s Hallowed Grounds: A look at the film’s original locations
- Alternate opening from the TV version
- Trailer and radio spots
- Still gallery
There are plenty of other great John Carpenter Blu-rays available at Amazon--and many of them are currently on sale. You’ll also find 4K versions of Ghosts of Mars and Prince of Darkness, which don’t get you the cool steelbook but offer most of the same bonus features. If you’re interested in rounding out your collection, here’s a peek at our favorites.
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