There were video games and arcade hits before Pac-Man, but Namco's ghost-gobbling hero quickly became a pop-culture icon after his debut in May 1980. Pac-Man's 45th anniversary is now just over two months away, but Bandai Namco has plans to keep the party going into 2026.

To start off the year of "imPACt," Bandai Namco released the following video that tracks Pac-Man over the last four decades, including the original game and its Atari 2600 port, as well as some of the sequels and spin-offs including Pac-Man World 2. There's even a very brief glimpse of Shadow Labyrinth, the upcoming title that reinvents the Pac-Man franchise as a 2D action game.

Shadow Labyrinth may be the biggest Pac-Man game on the horizon, but it's not the only one. Bandai Namco is teaming up with Supersocial on Roblox for Pac-Man Simulator, which will let players have more Pac-Man adventures centered around the 45th anniversary. Meanwhile, PowerA has Pac-Man gaming accessories in the works for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. And we've already seen some of the Pac-Man plushies that are coming as well.

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Hunger Games Deluxe Box Set (Paperback)

$36.76 (was $70)

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Sunrise on the Reaping (Hardcover)

$19.59 (was $28) | Releases March 18

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Whether you’re looking to relive the adventure or dive in for the first time, the recently released Hunger Games Deluxe Box Set is on sale for a very good price at Amazon. Published on February 4 for $70, this eye-catching four-book collection is now on sale for only $36.76. Amazon's limited-time deal offers a convenient way to refresh your Hunger Games knowledge before Sunrise on the Reaping, the long-awaited fifth novel in Suzanne Collins' series, is published on March 18. While you're picking up the box set, you can save big on preorders for the hardcover edition of Sunrise on the Reaping.

Hunger Games Deluxe Box Set (Paperback) $36.76 (was $70)

This lovely looking collection gets you all four Hunger Games books in the newly reissued deluxe paperback format. It also comes with a slipcase for easy storage. Both the slipcase and the books feature vibrant, all-new cover designs, and all four volumes have sprayed edges with stenciled artwork that matches the covers.

The four books clock in at 1,712 pages total in the new paperback editions. The first three follow Katniss Everdeen and her struggle to survive in a dystopian world, while the fourth book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is a prequel set around 60 years before the main trilogy. It follows President Snow as he mentors a tribute from District 12.

If you’d prefer, these books can also be purchased individually--though it'd cost you roughly $50 to get all four.

• The Hunger Games: Deluxe Edition -- $12.73 ($17)
• Catching Fire: Deluxe Edition -- $12.73 ($17)
• Mockingjay: Deluxe Edition -- $12.73 ($17)
• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes -- $12.73 ($19)

See at Amazon Sunrise on the Reaping (Hardcover) $19.59 (was $28) | Releases March 18

As mentioned, now's a great time to read the hit series with the fifth book releasing this month. Sunrise on the Reaping's hardcover edition is up for preorder for $19.59 (was $28) at Amazon.

Like The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, this 400-page novel is a prequel to the main trilogy. It takes place a few decades before the first novel and focuses on the 50th annual Hunger Games--which is taking twice as many tributes into the arena than usual.

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If you already own standard editions of Hunger Games, you may want to check out the recently released Illustrated Edition of the first novel. The Hunger Games: Illustrated Edition was published last October and is on sale for $21.38 (was $35) at Amazon. The oversized 368-page hardcover includes stunning artwork alongside the complete text chronicling Katniss' first competition. Catching Fire: Illustrated Edition is slated to release this October and is available to preorder for $29.59 (was $37).

And if you'd like to watch the movies after reading the books, The Hunger Games 5-Movie Collection is discounted to $30 (was $43) at Amazon. This Blu-ray box set released last summer and comes with all five film adaptations, including The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

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Two years ago, Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix announced a collaboration that would bring the worlds and characters of Final Fantasy to Magic: The Gathering, the tabletop card game juggernaut. Recently, WotC gave us our first look at some of the cards included in the set, which ranged from expected faces like Cloud, Tidus, and Terra to wackier inclusions like Jumbo Cactuar and its 10,000-damage ability.

The set is still three months away, but based on reactions to the first handful of cards revealed, both WotC and Square Enix are leaning on this set to be a massive success. Recently, at MagicCon Chicago, GameSpot sat down with the Final Fantasy set's lead game designer, Gavin Verhey, and Wizards franchise VP Rebecca Shepard to learn firsthand how this set came to be.

The conversation includes both the creative side of developing a set like Final Fantasy--refining 16 games into one set, design philosophies behind some of the cards, and more--and the fostering of the partnership between Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix. To hear Wizards tell it, this may be the first time the two sides have collaborated, but it won't necessarily be the last.

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During its developer livestream on March 4, Bungie announced a brand-new, limited-time PvP mode called Heavy Metal coming to Destiny 2 in Heresy Act 3.

While details were limited, we did get to see some gameplay that shows teams of players sorted into Drake Tank drivers or Brig pilots. Guardians haven't been able to control Brigs before, despite them being in the game for more than half a decade. While we've had access to Drake Tanks before, they now have new functionality including rocket-boosted backflips.

Heavy Metal is a 6v6 vehicle combat mode

The 6v6 vehicle combat activity is only going to be in the game for a limited time. Bungie hinted that, if the reception is positive, Heavy Metal could be added to the Crucible rotation, much like the chaotic Mayhem mode, which features near-zero ability cooldowns.

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Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 Standard Edition

$50 | Releases July 11

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Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 Digital Deluxe Edition

$70 | Releases July 11

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Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 Collector's Edition

$130 | Releases July 8

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Activision announced today that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 will be released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Game Pass on July 11. These enhanced versions of the classic skateboarding games will feature significantly overhauled graphics with new and returning content from both games, including levels, playable skaters, and licensed soundtracks. Three different editions of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 are up for preorder.

The standard edition costs $50, but if you make the jump to the $70 Digital Deluxe or $130 Collector's Edition, you'll get additional in-game content and early access starting July 8. For skateboarding enthusiasts, the Collector's Edition looks pretty cool, as it also comes bundled with a Birdhouse skateboard deck.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 Preorder Bonuses

If you preorder Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, you'll get the Wireframe Tony Shader to use in-game. You will also get access to the Foundry Demo, which will be available at some point before launch. These bonuses are included with all three editions. And as mentioned above, preordering the Deluxe and Collector's Editions will grant you three-day early access to the full game starting July 8.

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Bungie has announced the upcoming arrival of Rite of the Nine, a limited-time Destiny 2 event centered around three of the space shooter's dungeons.

The dungeons featured will be Prophecy, Spire of the Watcher, and Ghosts of the Deep. They'll rotate weekly throughout the event's duration. Three modes - Ultimatum, Explorer, and Eternity, will affect the way players experience each dungeon. Players will be working towards a high score, and that score is calculated on how often you die. Stay alive as much as possible, and your score will be higher. That score will determine how good the loot drop is at the completion of each encounter. "We're challenging you to go into this harder mode and not just execute, but execute in a way that gets you a higher score, better rolls, and in the Ultimatum mode, Adept versions," Bungie explained.

Ultimatum mode is for players who are experienced in running dungeons looking for an extra challenge. Ultimatum mode will bump the power level to be equivalent with the game's most difficult content as seen in the likes of Contest mode. Each dungeon will have activity modifiers added which will craft the experience, or make it more challenging.

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Hori Wireless Fighting Commander Octa Pro for PS5 & PC

$100 | Releases April 14

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If you’re interested in improving your fighting game setup but don’t want a traditional fight stick, the upcoming Hori Wireless Fighting Commander Octa Pro for PS5 and PC should be on your radar. Hori's wired Commander Octa is one of the most popular controllers dedicated to fighting games on PlayStation, and the new model drops the wire while adding more premium features and customization options. The Fighting Commander Octa Pro is available to preorder at Amazon for $100 ahead of its April 14 release.

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 launched in February to critical acclaim and more than 2 million in sales, but the game debuted with no ability to give your character, Henry, a look of your own choosing. That's set to change soon, as developer Warhorse has announced that Barber Mode is coming to the RPG in mid-March, and it'll allow players to change their hair and beard style. This mode was first announced in January when Warhorse revealed the game's post-launch content roadmap.

This was announced as part of a Twitch livestream, during which Warhorse showed off the new beard and hair styles. Reddit user Valmont_DE captured some images from the stream, which show off how players will be able to customize Henry's look when the update arrives.

[KCD2] Beardstyles from the new barber update
byu/Valmont_DE inkingdomcome

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When Donald Trump was running for reelection in 2024, he constantly spoke about his desire to add tariffs--or import taxes--on America's trading partners and rivals. Now, President Trump has gone through with that threat by imposing 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on goods from China. The Chinese tariffs are on top of the 10% tariff that Trump ordered on the country last month. Taken together, this new round of tariffs may spell trouble for physical video games, according to an industry analyst.

Circana's Mat Piscatella has shared his belief that physical video games that would be subject to these tariffs may simply not be made. Instead, publishers are likely to lean even harder on digital sales. Piscatella has previously written about the potential impact of these tariffs, while noting that manufacturing game discs in America isn't a viable option since physical sales have been declining for years.

During Trump's first term in office, the video game industry successfully lobbied his administration to exclude them from the tariffs he placed on Chinese goods. There was no carveout in Trump's newest round of tariffs. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) issued a public statement earlier this month warning that these tariffs may have a devastating affect on all video game sales.

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During its developer livestream on March 4, Bungie confirmed that Destiny 2's IO planet is coming back to the game. It will be the one of the locations where the new Heresy Act 2 activity, Court of Blades, will take place.

IO was sunset back in 2020 with the launch of Beyond Light to a critical response from players. In recent years, Bungie has also reprised formerly sunset planets including Mars, which was home to Savathun's Throne World, and Titan, where we rediscovered Sloane. This time around, IO's Remnants of Silver area will be the home of a new activity inspired by the roguelike elements that Bungie has been playing with in recent months.

The return of IO's Remnant of Silver area

IO is completely engulfed in Darkness, which Oryx, The Taken King, is desperately seeking out to regain power following his discovery that the Guardians were the ones to kill him. As he heads to IO, players will take part in the new Court of Blades activity and have direct interactions with him for the first time in years.

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After several teases, the remasters of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 has officially been confirmed. It will be launching for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch on July 11, and in addition to a standard edition of the game, there'll also be deluxe and collector's editions that offer three days early access. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4 will also be a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.

Developed by Iron Galaxy, the remaster will feature all of the skate parks from the original games, as well as a brand-new one called Waterpark. All of the skaters from THPS 3 and 4 will be back, and new faces include Yuto Horigome, Rayssa Leal, Jamie Foy, Chloe Covell, and Zion Wright. Iron Galaxy says that the Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes have been expanded.

As for the soundtrack, the playlist hasn't been confirmed yet but the trailer does use Ace of Spades by Motorhead and Amoeba by Adolescents--two songs that were originally used in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.

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The next limited-time game mode for Marvel Rivals has been revealed, and if you're tired of never getting to play as the hero that you want to, then Clone Rumble is just for you. The new mode allows players to choose from two heroes as voted on by their team, letting players hit the field as one of them. This means that you can field an entire team of Iron Men or Venoms, and some of the other combinations here are wild.

For example, imagine if everyone is playing as the Punisher--a scenario that could let six players hold a point with turrets. Or if the teams vote for Doctor Strange, you could probably melt a PC with all of the portals that'll be opened during a match. If you're feeling evil, you could choose to all play as Moon Knight and unleash a wave of hard-to-escape ultimate attacks, or if you want to be a real monster, you could convince the entire team to choose Jeff the Land Shark.

Completing certain tasks will reward players with limited-time items such as the Black Widow: Mrs. Barnes costume, MVP nameplates, sprays, Units, and other loot. NetEase says that there will be no restrictions on the identical heroes that players can vote for, and the event will take place exclusively on the Wakandan map of Birnin T'Challa. Players will need to complete certain mission objectives to claim victory, and the event will be held on the following dates:

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PlayStation has unveiled a new beta program that will make it easier to access game betas, test out new PS5 and PlayStation App features early, and more.

Aptly called the "Beta Program at PlayStation," this new initiative is similar to the Xbox Insider program Microsoft currently runs for its gaming hardware and apps. Sony Interactive Entertainment's Sid Shuman describes this program as "an easy, centralized place for you to register your interest in a range of future PlayStation betas" in a PlayStation Blog post. Essentially, players can now register at the program's official website and be in the loop on future beta initiatives by Sony.

The official key art for the Beta Program at PlayStation initiative

By signing up for the Beta Program at PlayStation, players will essentially be enrolled for a chance to gain beta access to future software betas that Sony holds for PlayStation. The PlayStation Blog post specifically calls out beta tests for PS5 and PC games, new PS5 console and PlayStation App features, and new UI capabilities on PlayStation.com. Companies like Sony need to thoroughly test games and software updates before they release them to the masses. This new program gives Sony a way to involve fans in that process.

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Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Limited Edition Steelbook (4K Blu-ray)

$28 | Releases April 29

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Pokemon fans can now preorder a new Limited Edition Steelbook of Detective Pikachu on 4K UHD Blu-ray. The charming live-action Pokemon movie received a 4K steelbook edition alongside its initial Blu-ray release in 2019, but that Best Buy-exclusive version is long gone. If you missed out and want to add Detective Pikachu to your collection, you can preorder Detective Pikachu's Limited Edition Steelbook at Gruv for $28 ahead of its April 29 release.

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Limited Edition Steelbook (4K Blu-ray) $28 | Releases April 29

This version of the film includes 4K, Blu-ray, and digital copies of Detective Pikachu. The big selling point is the steelbook--adorned with Pikachu’s lovable face (complete with his detective’s hat), it’s a fun way to show off your limited edition set. Inside are two discs (4K and Blu-ray), and a digital code lets you download a copy of the film. Note that this must be redeemed before June 30, 2027.

Detective Pikachu earned solid reviews when it hit theaters in 2019, as the live-action spinoff featured a cast of lovable characters, unexpected plot twists, and a roster that moves beyond the original 151 Pokemon.

Here’s a look at the bonus features included with the 4K Blu-ray:

• Alternate opening
• MY Pokemon Adventure
• Creating the World of Detective Pikachu featurettes
• Mr. Mime’s Audio Commentary
• Ryan Reynolds: Outside the Actor’s Studio
• Music Video

Detective Pikachu helped turn the tides for video game adaptations and provided a blueprint for live-action adaptations of other storied franchises. Until The Super Mario Bros. Movie came around, Detective Pikachu was the highest grossing video game adaptation of all time. It currently sits in the third slot, as the recently released Sonic the Hedgehog 3 also passed it up.

Preorder at Gruv Detective Pikachu Limited Edition Steelbook

If you don’t need the cool steelbook, Detective Pikachu 4K is already available. It’s also quite cheap at just $15. The standard Blu-ray version is even more affordable at $5.56. These even come with the same bonus features as the limited edition launching in April--so unless you need the cool collector’s steelbook, you can save a lot of money by opting for these currently available alternatives.

Detective Pikachu was pivotal to changing the perception and expectations for video game adaptations. It also provided a blueprint for live-action adaptations of other storied game franchises with similar cartoonish graphical styles. Until The Super Mario Bros. Movie shattered records in 2023, Detective Pikachu was the highest grossing video game adaptation of all time. It currently sits in the third slot, as the recently released Sonic the Hedgehog 3 also passed it up.

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Spring is almost here, but Hello Kitty Island Adventure is kicking things off early via the annual sakura-themed Springtime Celebration. The Springtime Celebration--which is live now on all platforms--allows players to join Kitty White (and her friends) to collect sakura petals, which can be found all over the island.

But with winter's chill still in the air, the game has also dropped a new content update for Apple Arcade players: Update 2.4: Snow & Sound. Players on other platforms will have to wait a while before they gain access to this update.

The Hello Kitty Island Adventure Springtime Celebration runs through April 7 and allows players to exchange sakura petals--which can be found all over the island--for new outfits and decor items. Tuxedosam's Shop and My Melody's Gift Shop will also be stocked up with unique Spring-themed clothing and furniture for players to peruse and purchase.

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Ubisoft's Far Cry multiplayer extraction shooter game has reportedly been rebooted as the game--once intended as part of Far Cry 7--has had developers shifted over to the latter game.

According to Insider Gaming, Ubisoft moved developers from working on the multiplayer game, called Project Maverick, over to Project Blackbird, which is Far Cry 7. This was reportedly done in December in order to make sure the development of Blackbird stayed on track.

The decision to reboot Maverick remains unclear, but it was reportedly due to Ubisoft's recent initiative to streamline development as it deals with its financial issues. Ubisoft Montreal, the studio leading Maverick and Blackbird, will reportedly take the former back to Ubisoft Sherbrooke for more prototyping.

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Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds launched on February 28 and became a smashing success out of the gate, selling 8 million copies in three days to become Capcom's fastest-selling game ever. The launch hasn't gone entirely smoothly, though, as players have reported a number of issues. The Monster Hunter Wilds website lists off some of what's been fixed so far, and there have been many changes.

Some of the issues that have been fixed so far include the fix for the "Grill a Meal" and "Ingredient Center" features not working properly, along with a fix for tutorials being repeatedly shown at the Smithy. Capcom also fixed an issue that could cause the game to force-quit and addressed an issue where the weapon equipment skill would be mistakenly activated when using a mantle.

You can see more of the issues in Monster Hunter Wilds that have been addressed so far below.

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Today marks the 25th anniversary of PS2, the best-selling video game console of all time. Sony released the home system in Japan on March 4, 2000, and one Redditor flew over to Tokyo at that time to buy one.

On Reddit, user YomReddit shared a post with four pictures showing his adventure to Akihabara in 2000 to pick up a PS2 at launch. The Redditor added that they waited 26 hours in line outside a Tokyo store to grab the Sony system. Previously, YomReddit celebrated the console's 20-year anniversary in a similar manner on Reddit. In the comments, the Redditor noted they were from England and played Japanese games since the PS2 was region-locked.

25 years ago I flew to Japan to buy a Playstation 2 on launch day. We queued outside a store in Akihabara for 26 hours.
byu/YomReddit ingaming

The PS2 was originally unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show in September 1999, according to the PlayStation website. A couple of the first games showcased for the system included Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (though it wasn't named this at the time) and Eternal Ring, developed by Elden Ring studio From Software.

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If you're a Super Mario Bros. fan, then March 10 is one of the most important dates on the calendar for you. Unofficially known as Mario Day--since MAR10 looks like Mario--Nintendo will celebrate with big discounts on Switch games starring the plumber mascot and his friends, including Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Luigi's Mansion 2 HD, and many more at several online retailers starting March 9 through March 15. Each game will be discounted to $40 or lower. Along with these game deals, there's also special Nintendo Switch OLED bundle deal that includes Super Mario Bros. Wonder for $350. You can check out the full lineup of Mario Day Deals below.

Mario Day Switch Deals (March 9 - March 15)

• Luigi's Mansion 2 HD -- $40 ($60)
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong -- $30 ($50)
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -- $40 ($60)
• Princess Peach: Showtime -- $40 ($60)
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury -- $40 ($60)
• Super Mario Odyssey -- $40 ($60)
• Super Mario RPG -- $40 ($60) | $37 at Walmart

Overall, there are some fantastic games to check out during the Mario Day sale. Super Mario Odyssey was a Switch launch title, but nearly a decade later, it's still one of the greatest Super Mario 3D-platformers of all time with an absurd amount of content. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury shines a light on an underrated Wii U classic and polishes it up for the Switch, plus adds in an entirely new second campaign featuring an open world to freely explore, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be one of the best racing games ever produced by Nintendo.

Fans of RPGs will want to check out Super Mario RPG, which is a ground-up remake of the SNES turn-based RPG with new graphics and quality-of-life tweaks on Switch. It will be $40 during the Mario Day sale, but those looking for the best deal can grab it for just $37 at Walmart right now. Speaking of the best possible deals, the lowest priced game in the sale is Mario vs. Donkey Kong, which is down to just $30 (was $50), while Luigi's Mansion 2 HD and Princess Peach: Showtime are down to their all-time lowest price of $40 (normally $60).

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While the genre isn't as prolific as it once was, beat-'em-ups still tend to follow in the mold of Final Fight and Streets of Rage: You're a muscle-bound mayor or a martial arts expert or occasionally a mutated turtle, and you roam the streets left-to-right beating up punks and punching trash cans to find turkey dinners. Absolum, the latest from veteran studios behind Streets of Rage 4, promises a fresh roguelike twist alongside an inventive original fantasy setting, and the result is a remarkable blend of influences and mechanics that left me wanting more.

Absolum is the first original franchise from Dotemu and its co-developers, Guard Crush Games and Supamonk, and it's immediately clear that the studios have thought deeply about how to breathe new life into the classic formula. While you do still move from left to right taking on bands of assorted enemies as you go, the newly-coined "rogue 'em up" variation means you're expected to fail out of levels and progressively build up your strength, all while discovering branching paths and quests. Imagine Golden Axe meets Dead Cells.

The Golden Axe comparison extends to the setting, which is refreshingly fantastical for this genre. Absolum takes place in the world of Talamh, where a magical catastrophe has led to an imperial crackdown on all sources of magic and wizards who wield it. The Sun King Azra is on a brutal campaign to conquer every magical land and snuff out the practice. You're part of a small band of resistance fighters following a mysterious and ethereal mystic Mother who uses a forbidden form of magic. While many fantasy stories can get bogged down in too many proper nouns, the little I've seen so far strikes just the right balance of introducing a few fantasy concepts to pique curiosity without overwhelming the player with loads of lore.

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