Game News

Subscribe to Game News feed
The latest News from GameSpot
Updated: 1 day 16 hours ago

The Next Fortnite Live Event Has Players Attacking The Death Star

Thu, 05/29/2025 - 00:44

The Star Wars-themed Galactic Battle season of Fortnite will end in classic Star Wars fashion: with an attack on the Death Star. The battle royale's next live event, titled Death Star Sabotage, kicks off on Saturday, June 7, at 2 PM ET // 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET, and it will have players participate in an organized assault against the planet-killing space station, which has its sights aimed at the island.

Developer Epic Games doesn't detail what the event will entail in a blog post, but players can queue up for the event two hours before it begins, flying around in X-wings or TIE Fighters as a countdown ticks down. The event will support parties of up to four players.

In the lead-up to the event, Epic Games is providing players with several new goodies and toys to use in battle. Following an update scheduled for May 29, players can enter rift gates in Battle Royale or Zero Build modes to take control of a Star Destroyer's Turbolaser. Players will fire the destructive weapon from orbit, destroying any structures and damaging opponents that its lasers hit.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Switch 2 Has Extra Features For Nintendo 64 Games You Can't Get On Switch

Thu, 05/29/2025 - 00:33

Switch 2 will have new features built into its implementation of Nintendo Switch Online's N64 back catalogue, Nintendo has announced. While all N64 games are playable across both Switch 2 and Switch, the Switch 2 versions will let players rewind gameplay and add CRT filters.

In a recent video, Nintendo showed off the Rewind and CRT features coming to N64 games on Switch 2. The Rewind feature allows players to roll back their gameplay to an earlier point by scrolling through a series of frames. In practice, this lets players redo tricky sections of a Mario Kart 64 course or take a mulligan in Mario Golf.

The CRT filter provides players the option to apply old-school aesthetics to their N64 gameplay. Specifically, the filter adds fake scan lines to the games to make them more closely resemble how they would have appeared back in the 1990s. Of course, the Switch 2's bright, high-resolution handheld screen has very little in common with the behemoth televisions that N64 was originally designed for, but it's still cool to see the option available for those who want retro vibes.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Call Of Duty's Next Crossover Is One We Did Not Expect

Thu, 05/29/2025 - 00:11

Call of Duty: Mobile's latest crossover event is coming soon, and it's not what we expected. The mobile shooter is getting a Nie: Automata crossover beginning May 30, promising a range of themed items based on the franchise for Call of Duty players.

In the Nier crossover, players take control of the YorHa Unit as they fight against Machine Lifeforms, Activision said in the announcement. Players can complete objectives in the game to earn rewards, including the Kui Ji - YoRHa No. 9 Type S operator. Four new NieR-themed melee weapons are included in the crossover event, too, along with the AK-47 Final Apocalypact weapon.

Check out the trailer below to get a closer look at the Nier crossover.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Apple Planning To Release Gaming App Near Nintendo Switch 2's Launch - Report

Thu, 05/29/2025 - 00:03

There's reportedly a new dedicated gaming app from Apple planned for all of its devices--from iPhone to Apple TV--that the company looks to launch around Nintendo Switch 2's release on June 5. The app sounds like a mix of a store launcher to pick up games as well as a social hub to replace Game Center.

According to Bloomberg, this will be a major push from Apple to appeal to players and game developers. The app will apparently feature achievements, leaderboards, and social features. Additionally, the Mac version supposedly will include games bought and downloaded from other storefronts. Rumblings of a dedicated gaming app first appeared late last year at 9to5Mac.

That's not all from Apple on the gaming front, either. Earlier this week, the company acquired Sneaky Sasquatch maker RAC7, per Digital Trends. The purchase of the two-person studio is reportedly the first time Apple has ever bought a gaming developer. Sneaky Sasquatch is one of the most popular games on the subscription service Apple Arcade.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

GameStop Just Bought Half A Billion Worth Of Bitcoin

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 23:56

Video game retailer GameStop is a big believer in Bitcoin. The Grapevine, Texas-based company disclosed today, May 28, that it had purchased 4,710 Bitcoin. At the current trading rates, that's worth more than $510 million USD.

Bitcoin is one of the world's most valuable, and volatile, assets. It's currently worth more than $2 trillion overall, which is ahead of the total market cap of Google's parent company Alphabet. The current price for one Bitcoin is about $108,000.

GameStop's press release announcing the purchase of Bitcoin is a single sentence long, and there is no word on why GameStop did this or what its plans are. The announcement was not a surprise, though, as CNBC reported in February that GameStop was planning to buy cryptocurrencies. On May 27, US President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to create a "Bitcoin treasury."

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Ahead Of Switch 2's Launch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons Gets First Update In Years

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 23:43

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has just received its first patch in nearly three years, ahead of Switch 2's launch on June 5. The update makes New Horizons more stable in multiplayer sessions with players on both Switch and Switch 2, part of Nintendo's effort to make sure some of its tentpole games from the original Switch are compatible with the new console.

According to Nintendo's patch notes, the New Horizons update "improve[s] the compatibility for multiplayer sessions between Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch." While no other details are provided, the update's timing and focus suggest that Nintendo is emphasizing cross-platform performance and backwards compatibility to ensure a smooth console transition.

Prior to this, its last update came back in November 2022, when Nintendo wrapped up its ongoing support for the game. New Horizons originally launched in March 2020 at the onset of widespread lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, which supercharged its popularity. However, despite its adoption rate by Switch owners, Nintendo has not announced plans for a specific Switch 2 version of the game, unlike other headliners such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Next Pokemon Presents Livestream Announced For July

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 23:20

The Pokemon Company has confirmed that a new Pokemon Presents livestream will be held on July 22. Like previous installments of the Pokemon showcase, this will be broadcast through the official Pokemon YouTube channel. As for what the livestream will cover, The Pokemon Company has not divulged any details.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of a release date for Pokemon Legends: Z-A being confirmed. The next big Pokemon game will officially launch for Switch and Switch 2 on October 16.

The February Pokemon Presents livestream was mostly focused on the game as well, revealing more details on the characters, how the main hub of Lumiose City has evolved, and the new gameplay systems that will make this entry in the franchise stand out from the traditional turn-based Pokemon games. With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet also getting a Switch 2 upgrade, we wouldn't be too surprised if a portion of the show is dedicated to showing the game off or revealing details on a new Tera Raid event.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

The Last Of Us Showrunners Say "Entire Concept" Of Heroes And Villains Is Flawed

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 23:20

The Last of Us Part II prepared players for the dark journey of Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in The Last of Us Season 2. Casual fans may not have been ready for the choices Ellie made in the Season 2 finale or the way her confrontation with Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) played out. But if you're still thinking of those two as the hero and villain of the story, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have explained why the entire concept behind that is flawed.

Warning: There are spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 2 finale!

"The point of this story--and this is looked at from so many different angles in so many different ways--is that the entire concept of protagonist is flawed," explained Mazin via The Hollywood Reporter. "The entire concept of villain is flawed. Our way of processing the world through heroes and villains is a mistake. It ends up creating these barriers between people that shouldn't be there. It ends up giving ourselves justifications and conveniences for bad behavior, and it ends up allowing us to judge others summarily for things that we don't quite understand the motivation behind it. We know this is a challenging thing to keep track of emotionally. We understand people are going to be provoked. But part of this story is about examining why we're so comfortable with following one person's point of view about everything."

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Pokemon Legends: Z-A Launches In October, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Detailed

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 23:19

With the Nintendo Switch 2's launch approaching quickly, the Nintendo community has been wondering what games will be coming to the brand-new console as the holiday season approaches. One major question has been answered, as today The Pokemon Company confirmed that Pokemon Legends: Z-A will launch October 16 on Nintendo Switch--with an upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 Edition releasing the same day.

Official Pokemon social media accounts confirmed the release date and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which will feature "improved graphics and frame rates." Both the physical and digital versions of Pokemon Legends Z-A will be eligible for upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition via a separate "upgrade pack" purchase.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes place in the Paris-inspired Lumiose City, part of the Kalos region from Pokemon X and Y. Players will search for Pokemon in designated zones, battle with other Trainers in the streets and on rooftops, and compete in a nightly contest called Z-A Royale.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

This Ridiculous-Looking Fishing Game Has Players Blasting Fish With Automatic Weapons

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 22:35

There have been plenty of solid fishing games over the years, but this new one ups the ante. Fish Hunters: The Most Ridiculous Fishing Simulator is a new PC game where players haul in fish with rods, but then the fish are vaulted into the sky and players blast away at them with automatic weapons. It sounds similar to the popular mobile game Ridiculous Fishing, but with a first-person perspective and more action.

From developer Dos Ivanes and publisher Polden Publishing, Fish Hunters riffs on the idea that fishing is boring (and in reality, it can be; after all, it's called fishing, not catching). "Fishing can be a total snoozefest, right?" a character says in the announcement trailer. "But not this one."

"In Fish Hunters, you ain't got time to get bored. Grab quests, search for the right fish in different bodies of water, and shoot that bad boy with everything you've got," the trailer narrator says.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Why The Last Of Us Season 2 Didn't Include This One Heartbreaking Death From The Game

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 22:34

A lot of people die in Naughty Dog's The Last of Us and the HBO series that's based on it. But in the Season 2 finale, viewers who already played The Last of Us: Part II or knew the story might have been expecting even more bloodshed, and now the showrunners have discussed why one death was cut.

Major spoilers follow below.

In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie kills a dog named Alice at the aquarium on her hunt for Abby. Alice the dog is kind of a big deal in the overall narrative and there are some sweet, tender moments featuring the pup. In the TV show, Ellie does not kill the dog. But why?

Showrunner Craig Mazin is no stranger to working on TV shows where the dog dies, as one episode of the beloved Chernobyl series for HBO that Mazin wrote included soldiers culling dogs to help prevent nuclear radiation from getting worse. Mazin said that was enough dog-killing for him.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Hello Neighbor 3 Playtest Is Live Now

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 22:02

TinyBuild is returning to the town of Raven Brooks with Hello Neighbor 3, and now players can too with an open playtest. The "cozy yet eerie" game tasks players with exploring--and eventually escaping--the now-half-abandoned town of Raven Brooks.

The game's second playable prototype was announced in a video by lead developer and franchise creator Nikita Kolesnikov, who also gives a general rundown on what players will be able to discover in the playtest. The newest version of Hello Neighbor 3 features an all-new map that's "much closer to what it's meant to be," Kolesnikov.

The player is tasked with exploring the houses that make up the town of Raven Brooks to find useful items, with the prototype's ultimate goal being to escape before a storm hits the town. Some of the houses are occupied, however--and the occupants may be less than happy with the player's intrusion.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

PlayStation's DualSense Edge PS5 Controller Is On Sale For Its Best Price Yet

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 18:01
See at Amazon See at Walmart See at PS Direct See at Best Buy See at Target See at GameStop See at Amazon See at Walmart See at PS Direct See at Best Buy See at Target See at GameStop See at Amazon See at Walmart See at Best Buy See at PS Direct See at Target See at GameStop

PlayStation Days of Play 2025 is live with discounts on hardware, accessories, and games. One of the most notable deals is on PlayStation's premium, customizable take on the DualSense Controller. From now until June 11, or until retailers sell out, PS5 and PC owners can get the DualSense Edge for $170 (was $200). This is a new all-time low price for the stellar controller that comes with numerous swappable components and boasts a wider range of adjustable settings than the standard DualSense Controller. The deal applies to the recently released Midnight Black model and the original white edition.

See at Amazon See at Walmart See at PS Direct See at Best Buy See at Target See at GameStop

The DualSense Edge is a really impressive controller, but the standard DualSense remains a great, and significantly less expensive option. Plus, there are a bunch more color options to choose from. And if you want to add some of the newer designs to your collection for local multiplayer with friends, all DualSense models--with the exception of limited editions--are on sale for $20 off during the sale.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

The PS5 Pro Has Received Its First Discount For Days Of Play 2025

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 15:10
See at PS Direct See at Amazon See at Walmart See at Target See at Best Buy See at GameStop See at Amazon See at Walmart See at PS Direct See at Best Buy See at Target

The PlayStation 5 Pro is discounted for the first time since its release last November. As part of PlayStation's Days of Play 2025 sale, the high-powered iteration on the PS5 is available for $650. The $50 discount will expire when the sale ends on June 11, unless retailers sell out of consoles before then. If you're looking to dive into the PlayStation ecosystem for the first time, there are also bundle deals for the PS5 Slim and PS5 Slim Digital.

Note: As of 1 AM ET on May 28, the PS5 Pro deal was only available at PlayStation Direct, but we'd recommend checking your preferred retailer when you read this, as that could change at any moment.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

8BitDo's Nintendo-Inspired Gaming Mouse Is Available Now For $50

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 14:06
See at Amazon

8BitDo's NES-inspired wireless mouse is now available for $50 at Amazon. The N Edition of the Retro R8 was revealed in April, but it was only briefly available to preorder before 8BitDo temporarily paused shipments to the US due to tariffs. But now budget-friendly mouse is readily available with Prime shipping arriving as soon as tomorrow, depending on your location.

8BitDo's newest mouse matches its N Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard, which is available in tenkeyless and full-size models with a numpad.

The N Edition is the second 8BitDo Retro R8 release; the mouse debuted earlier this year with an officially licensed, transparent green edition inspired by the popular special-edition original Xbox console/controller.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Nintendo Switch System Update Out Now, Here Are The Patch Notes

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 12:30

Ahead of the Switch 2's launch next week, Nintendo has rolled out a new system update for the original Switch. This one is much smaller than the 20.0.0 update released last month, but it makes some notable visual and audio changes to bring the interface in line with the system's upcoming successor.

As detailed in Nintendo's patch notes, the new 20.1.0 update tweaks the look of the home screen's Parental Control settings button, changing the color from orange to red. On top of that, the sound that plays when launching the Nintendo Switch Online menu has also been changed, now matching the same sound that plays on the Switch 2.

Rounding out the update, Nintendo has also made its usual assortment of "system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience." You can read the full patch notes for the 20.1.0 update below.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Bayonetta: Bloody Fate Anime Discounted To Only $13 At Amazon

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 11:57
See at Amazon

We don't know when--or if--Bayonetta will return in a new video game, but at the very least, you can catch one of her adventures on your TV right now thanks to this new Amazon deal. The anime film adaptation of the iconic witch, Bayonetta: Bloody Fate, just got a big discount for a limited time, as you can grab this Blu-ray for just $13 (was $20). This is a limited-time deal, so you won't want to dawdle on grabbing a great discount here.

Bayonetta: Bloody Fate on Blu-ray $13 (was $20)

First released in 2013, Bayonetta: Bloody Fate featured stunning animation by one of the best studios in the business, Gonzo. The anime powerhouse brought the video game to life in this film, packing it full of over-the-top action scenes and smooth animation. If you've watched any of Gonzo's previous films--like Afro Samurai: Resurrection or the 2001 Hellsing series--you'll have a good idea of what to expect here.

For the bonus materials, this Blu-ray offers the original trailers, a closer look at the storyboards, and commentary from several of the actors. A loose adaptation of the games and set within its own continuity, Bloody Fate sees Bayonetta travel to the European town of Vigrid to stop the last Lumen Sage, Balder, from destroying the world.

See at Amazon Bayonetta Game DealsBayonetta 3

All four Bayonetta games, including the spin-off puzzle-focused prequel, are available on Nintendo Switch. We've rounded up a list of Bayonetta Switch game deals below. Unfortunately, the second game in the series tends to sell for around $60 in physical format. If you want physical editions of all four, you can sometimes save some cash by opting for a region-free imported edition of Bayonetta 2.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Serenity, The Firefly Sequel Movie, Is Getting A 20th Anniversary Steelbook Edition

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 11:07
Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Walmart

Though it failed to find a large audience while on TV for its lone season, the sci-fi series Firefly became a cult hit after it was canceled. The show's 14 episodes aired in 2002, but the story didn't completely end there. In 2005, much of the cast returned for Serenity, a sequel movie that answered some of the show's lingering questions. Firefly fans can celebrate Serenity's 20th anniversary with an upcoming limited-edition 4K release. Serenity: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Steelbook is slated to launch July 22, and preorders are available now at Amazon and Walmart.

See at Amazon See at Walmart

Since Serenity is a direct sequel to Firefly, you may want to rewatch the TV show before revisiting the film. You can get Firefly: The Complete Series on Blu-ray for $27.55 at Amazon or $30 at Walmart. It's also available on DVD, but it actually costs more than the Blu-ray ($33).

Serenity: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Steelbook (4K Blu-ray) $35 at Amazon / $30 at Walmart | Releases July 22

The 20th Anniversary Edition of Serenity includes 4K Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, and digital copies of the film. It also comes with a gorgeous steelbook, featuring a striking blue and purple design on its exterior and a bunch of its characters (including Nathan Fillion’s Malcolm Reynolds) on the inside. There’s a slew of bonus features too, giving you a chance to check out behind-the-scenes content, outtakes, and deleted scenes.

When you preorder at Amazon or Walmart, you won’t be charged until the item ships, and you’ll be eligible for any discounts between now and July 22. Amazon currently has the film listed at $35, while Walmart has it for $30.

We'd expect the prices to match soon, but Amazon will be cheaper for Prime members since you'll get free shipping. At Walmart, you'd need to get your order total to at least $35 to avoid a $7 shipping fee (unless you're a Walmart+ subscriber).

Serenity first released on 4K Blu-ray with standard packaging in 2017. You can pick up the standard 4K Blu-ray for $14.68 at Amazon. The 1080p Blu-ray edition is only $12.

Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Walmart Serenity: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition SteelbookSerenity: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Steelbook Bonus Features

Many of the bonus features offered on this Limited Edition Steelbook are the same as those found on the older formats. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy, and with commentary from Joss Whedon and the cast, various featurettes, and behind-the-scenes content, there’s a lot for you to explore. Here’s the full list of bonus features:

Continue Reading at GameSpot

New Lego Lord Of The Rings & Harry Potter Sets Are Unique Bookshelf Decorations

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 07:09
Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Lego Store Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Lego Store Preorder at Lego Store Preorder at Barnes and Noble

If your bookshelves are lined with Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or Sherlock Holmes books, Lego's upcoming Book Nook building sets should be on your radar. Perhaps the most notable of the bunch is the Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook, as it will become one of only four Lord of the Rings Lego sets in print today and costs less than half the price of the next-cheapest LOTR Lego set. The new Lord of the Rings display model releases June 1 alongside the Hogwarts Express and Sherlock Holmes Book Nook building sets. All three Book Nooks are available to preorder now at multiple retailers.

Lego Lord of the Rings - Balrog Book Nook (1,201 Pieces) $130 | Releases June 1

Lego couldn't have picked a better reference to use in the Lord of the Rings: Book Nook. The 1,201-piece set features a buildable Balrog figure with a placard that reads: "You shall not pass." This pays homage to the conversation between Gandalf, who is represented as a Lego minifigure, and a Balrog in the movie adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring. In the J.R.R. Tolkien novel, the exchange is worded "cannot pass" instead of "shall not pass."

Lego's new Book Nook display models can be displayed in multiple different ways. After building the frame that houses Balrog and Gandalf, you can close it like a book, as shown above, and wedge it between two Lord of the Rings books on your bookshelf. Every time you look at it, the Balrog will remind you that you should probably read The Hobbit before The Lord of the Rings.

For big readers who own numerous copies of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this Lego set looks like a cool way to spice up a shelf filled with collectible editions of Tolkien's fantasy stories.

That said, it's also the cheapest Lord of the Rings Lego set in print right now--by a considerable margin. The only other Lord of the Rings Lego sets currently being produced are the 5,471-piece Barad-dur tower for $460, the sprawling 6,167-piece Rivendell replica for $500, and the recently released recreation of The Shire for $270.

For that reason, the Balrog Book Nook could be of interest to fans who read all of their books on Kindle. You can display the Balrog and Gandalf minifigure with the frame unfolded. The base has flames extending upward on both sides of the Balrog. When opened, the Book Nook is 17.5 inches wide, 8.5 inches tall, and 6.5 inches deep. Alternatively, you can remove the Balrog and Gandalf minifigure from the base altogether.

If you need more Lord of the Rings books to keep the Balrog Book Nook company, check out our newly published roundup of new and upcoming Tolkien book box sets and budget-friendly collector's editions.

Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Lego Store Lego Harry Potter: Hogwarts Express Book Nook (832 Pieces) $100 | Releases June 1

Harry Potter's upcoming Book Nook is an 832-piece recreation of Platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross Station. The scene depicts Harry and Ron pushing their trunks through the hidden entryway to board the Hogwarts Express. The set includes a buildable Hogwarts Express and minifigures of Harry and Ron, who are accompanied by their pets, Hedwig and Scabbers. The build has strategically placed mirrors designed to make the train look larger.

The Hogwarts Express Book Nook functions a bit differently than the Lord of the Rings model, as books can be placed between each side when it's fully unfolded. When closed like a book, you can move the Harry and Ron minifigures to their cabin with Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans accessories. The closed display model can then be placed on your shelf between your Harry Potter books.

The Hogwarts Express Book Nook is $30 cheaper than the other two, but the piece count is lower and its slightly smaller overall at 6.5 x 15 x 2.5 inches.

You can preorder the Harry Potter Book Nook for $100 at Amazon.

Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Lego Store Lego Sherlock Holmes: Book Nook (1,359 Pieces) $130 | Releases June 1

The 1,359-piece Lego Sherlock Holmes Book Nook lets fans of the iconic detective build a a 8 x 14.5-inch model of Baker Street, including Sherlock's 221B apartment. The set comes with five minifigures:

  • Sherlock Holmes
  • Professor Moriarty
  • Dr. Watson
  • Irene Adler
  • Paige (new to Sherlock Holmes)

One cool aspect about this build is that the front exterior wall includes a large recreation of the Sherlock Holmes silhouette logo, so you have another way to display this one beyond the open and closed poses.

Along with building the exterior walls of multiple buildings, including the Elementary Bookshop and the apartment complex, you'll piece together the inside of Sherlock's home. Fittingly, the model has several interactive secrets, including a fake wall in Sherlock's apartment and Moriarty's hideout, which are revealed when turning a dial. Other interactive components include a revolving book display window and a sliding terrace door.

The Sherlock Holmes Book Nook is exclusive to the Lego Store and Barnes & Noble.

Preorder at Lego Store Preorder at Barnes and Noble More Lord of the Rings Lego Sets

Lord of the Rings fans can check out the aforementioned trio of large-scale Lego display models below. The 2,017-piece replica of The Shire just released in April, so it certainly seems like Lego is ramping up production on Lord of the Rings sets following a roughly decade-long drought.

The Lord of the Rings: The Shire Lego Set (2,017 Pieces) $270 | Lego Store Exclusive See at Lego Store The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dur Lego Set (5,471 Pieces) $460 See at Amazon See at Walmart See at Lego Store The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell Lego Set (6,167 Pieces) $500 See at Amazon See at Walmart See at Lego Store

More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders

F-Zero Is Going Through A Quiet Resurgence

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 07:00

With marquee franchises ranging from grand adventures like The Legend of Zelda to niche series like Metroid, few video game publishers have a stable of properties as extensive and varied as Nintendo. But though many of these franchises are regularly supported with new installments, many more have been left languishing in dormancy--and among them, few are as frequently clamored for as F-Zero. Despite the ongoing wait for a new title, however, the futuristic racing series has actually been experiencing something of a quiet resurgence over the past few years.

This revival began in earnest in 2023 with the surprise release of F-Zero 99, a battle royale-style twist on the original F-Zero offered as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service. Like Tetris 99 (and the short-lived Pac-Man 99) before it, F-Zero 99 invigorates the series' classic formula by exploding the player count, with 99 competitors all vying for first place. But whereas Tetris 99 is a battle of attrition, a grueling contest to whittle down and outlast the competition, F-Zero 99 is still very much a racing game at heart; unlike other battle royale-type games, your objective is not to eliminate other players (although it is greatly encouraged, as doing so replenishes your health meter), but to outmaneuver them over the course of four laps. The increased player count makes these high-speed contests even more nerve-wracking, and the difference between success and failure is often measured in milliseconds.

The result is exhilarating. Though it may not be an entirely new entry, F-Zero 99 is a refreshing spin on the series, one that offers a tantalizing glimpse at a potential path forward for future installments. The expanded player count amplifies the high-stakes thrills of F-Zero's best moments--of negotiating winding, hazard-laden tracks and hairpin turns at lightning speed as other vehicles ricochet and explode all around you. More importantly, the game stands as proof that, contrary to what disgruntled fans may claim, Nintendo has neither forgotten about nor abandoned F-Zero.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Pages