There may not be many big releases this month, but Fanatical is giving you a chance to add a few games to your backlog without dropping a ton of cash. The massive January Savers event is now live--offering steep discounts on hits like Starfield and Doom Eternal along with indie gems like Carrion and Blasphemous 2.

Along with steep discounts, the event is giving you a free scratch card with purchases over $12. This card gets you a random reward, such as a free video game or additional coupons for your next purchase.

One of the best deals is for Deathloop, which won our Game Of The Year 2021. Offering gorgeous graphics, a mind-bending story, and highly nuanced gunplay, it's arguably the best game in Arkane's history. It's an easy recommendation at full price, but now that you can get it for $10 (down from $60), there's no reason to pass it up.

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In the mood to revisit one of the most defining moments in Street Fighter history? The recently released 4K Blu-ray of Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie has just received a big 27% discount at Amazon, dropping from $35 to $25.60. You'll need to redeem the bonus 20%-off coupon on the page to get the full discount, but that's something that can be done with a single click.

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This is a 4K UHD version of the film's original cut, with both the uncensored and PG-13 versions of the film available on the same disc. Overall, the restored footage pops beautifully and there are a lot of extras to check out as well:

Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie special featuresStreet Fighter 2: The Animated Movie

• Newly Restored 4K HDR film transfer, uncensored and uncut
• Every English audio track, US and UK, restored and remastered
• Original Japanese version with English subtitles
• Complete HD restoration of the US PG-13 cut
• English version opening and closing credits
• Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie Japanese game footage
• Trailers and commercials
• Isolated score
• Production art
• Liner notes

If you're not ready to relive Chun-Li smashing Vega's face in during that iconic apartment brawl, there are some other nice Street Fighter specials available. You can liven up your Tuesday--the most important day in the life of a Street Fighter fan--with this snazzy Street Fighter 2 T-shirt. And don't forget to equip your feet with these official world warrior socks either. They're available in a wide range of patterns, just in case you wanted to beat Ryu by subjecting him to the smell of your feet.

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Diablo 4 didn't launch with NPC followers as seen in previous entries of the franchise, but Season of the Construct is looking to change that by giving players their own highly customizable robotic companion, courtesy of fan-favorite character Zoltun Kulle and his apprentice, Ayuzhan.

Season 3 of Blizzard's ARPG will see players looking to put a stop to a powerful artifact, The Loom, that was originally made by Kulle to aid mankind but has since been corrupted by an amorphous terror demon, Malphas. To put a stop to Malphas and his army of evil constructs, players are going to need some powerful help.

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There's no shortage of solid third-party Nintendo Switch controllers. 8BitDo's line of Switch controllers is arguably the best from a performance perspective, with the 8BitDo Ultimate and Pro 2 controllers leading the way. If you're looking for something with more style, third-party manufacturers such as PDP and PowerA have plenty to choose from. These products often carry lower price tags than the official Switch Pro Controller from Nintendo--and they're available in a wide range of designs, making it easy to find something that fits your style. If you're a Zelda fan in search of a new gamepad, you'll want to swing by Amazon right now, as the retailer is slashing prices on a few gorgeous Hyrule-inspired controllers.

Gallery

One of the best Zelda gamepad deals is for the PDP Rematch Enhanced Wireless Controller, as it's just $35 (down from $45). This is the lowest-ever price for the gamepad, and since it features mappable back buttons, an ergonomic form factor, and a striking green and gold design, it's a suitable companion for Tears of the Kingdom. It's also officially licensed by Nintendo, so you know it'll work flawlessly with your system.

Two PowerA controllers are up for grabs, with one offering a sleek blue and black design (on sale for $48) and the other boasting a simple white design with a bit of Zelda iconography placed throughout the gamepad (on sale for just $33).

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When Ridley Scott released Prometheus, he made canon an element of the Alien series that fans had always speculated over. Prometheus and its sequel, Alien: Covenant, make it very clear that the alien that appeared in Scott's 1979 original was an engineered organism, created by through the combination of a mutagenic black goo made by the alien civilization dubbed the Engineers, and the work of the murderous artificially intelligent android named David (Michael Fassbender).

But the upcoming FX Alien TV series by Fargo and Legion creator Noah Hawley is taking a different approach to the lore of the xenomorph. That's despite the fact that Prometheus and Alien: Covenant are closer in the franchise timeline to the show, which is set 70 years in the future. (The original Alien is about 100 years in the future from today, with Aliens jumping an additional 57 years after that.)

On KCRW's The Business podcast, as the Hollywood Reporter explains, Hawley said the Prometheus conception of the Alien's origins were "not useful" to him in telling this new Alien story.

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Alex Winter, co-star of the Bill & Ted franchise, has revealed that a fourth installment is in early development. The actor shared the news during an interview on The Sarah O'Connell Show, stating that the creative team is (via IGN) "tinkering with a fourth movie idea that all of us like, and the guys are going to write, so we'll see." While Winter did not disclose the identity of "the guys," he is most likely referring to original screenwriters Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon.

Winter emphasized the importance of ensuring the quality of the project, stating, "It takes us time to get these things going, and we never want to do them unless they're great." He highlighted the distinct challenges of the Bill & Ted movies, in that they're a little "oddball" and are "not typical mainstream films." Winter added, "They've never been cash-grab movies; nobody has gotten rich off the Bill and Ted series." You can check out the full interview below.

Although it's still early days, there are still plenty of reasons to expect we may someday see the continuing adventures of Bill and Ted in a fourth installment--especially considering the positive reception Bill & Ted Face the Music earned in 2020. (It was a great quarantine pick-me-up.) In GameSpot's review of Bill & Ted Face the Music, Chris E. Hayner said "the chemistry between Bill and Ted is as great as ever" and one of the movie's few drawbacks was that "some of the scenes leave you wanting more."

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HBO's The Last of Us is coming back for a second season, and the role of Jesse will be played by Beef star Young Mazino. He recently discussed how he landed the part and his experience playing the games. Speaking to Variety, Mazino said he played The Last of Us: Part II before he stepped into a meeting with showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann to help prepare. 

"I played the video game before the meeting and we had a long talk about their process and what they were looking for. I guess Beef kind of pushed me the rest of the way," he said.

Young Mazino had never played #TheLastofUs until recently, before he met with series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann to discuss joining the show. He had previously watched the cutscenes on YouTube edited together like a movie. https://t.co/Ch9mWMwWkV pic.twitter.com/ScRQhtaafj

— Variety (@Variety) January 15, 2024

The Last of Us Season 2 adapts at least some of the events of The Last of Us: Part II, which is why Mazino played that game to get up to speed. Before that, though, he watched cutscenes from the first game stitched together to get an idea for the story leading up to The Last of Us: Part II.

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The Split Pad Pro and Split Pad Compact are two of our favorite Switch controllers. Offering larger grips than the standard Joy-Con, conventional D-pads, bigger sticks, and additional buttons--all while retaining the console's ability to be docked--they're great options for players who often find themselves gaming away from their TV. The two devices come in a variety of designs--and the Pikachu and Sonic variants are currently seeing rare discounts. The Sonic the Hedgehog-themed Split Pad Pro and Compact editions, in particular, are more often out of stock than on sale.

Hori Split Pad Compact (Pikachu & Mimikyu) $49 (was $60)

As you'd expect, the Split Pad Compact is slightly more portable than the Split Pad Pro. It's still a full-sized controller with programmable rear buttons and turbo functionality, though its slimmed-down profile makes it easier to slip into a backpack or purse. This design features Pikachu and Mimikyu along with a muted yellow and blue color palette. It has two programmable back buttons.

See at Amazon Hori Split Pad Compact (Sonic the Hedgehog) $54 (was $60)

This is the same as the controller above, though it features Sonic, Amy, Tails, and Knuckles on the front of the controllers. A 10% discount may not seem like much, but this is the lowest price we've ever seen for this version of the Split Pad Compact.

See at Amazon Hori Split Pad Pro (Sonic) $55 (was $60)

The Split Pad Pro is bulkier than the two Compact models above, making it the perfect option for gamers with larger hands. Features include assignable rear triggers, turbo functionality, and face buttons that are responsive and clicky. It also boasts a sleek, Sonic-inspired design, with stylized blues and whites streaking across its front. This is the lowest price ever for the gamepad--so check it out soon if you're interested, as it doesn't go on sale often.

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While Hori has long been the leader of Joy-Con alternatives with the Compact and Pro, the newly released Nitro Deck has quickly become a popular alternative. The U-shaped device is built with Hall Effect thumbsticks to prevent drift, passthrough charging, and the ability to customize its performance with a companion smartphone app. It's discounted to just $50 (down from $60), so be sure to give it a look.

Best Gaming & Tech Deals This Week

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The launch of The Last Of Us Part II Remastered is just a few days away, but developer Naughty Dog is giving players a taste of what's to come via a new trailer that puts all of the remaster's unique features on full display.

"This remaster runs natively on the PlayStation 5 console, taking full advantage of the powerful hardware, and the revolutionary DualSense wireless controller," game director Matthew Gallant (who previously directed The Last Of Us Part I) says in the trailer. Gallant calls the remaster "the best way to experience Ellie and Abby's incredible story."

But high-quality graphics are far from the only thing players have to look forward to. The Last Of Us Part II Remastered also includes "lost levels"--parts of the game that were previously left on the cutting room floor but will be playable for the first time once the remastered version of the game launches.

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Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been delayed again, as the game will now be released on September 5, 2024. Originally scheduled to launch in the first quarter of the year, developer GSC Game World says that the "challenging" development process led to the studio's decision to delay the game by several months so that several technical issues can be addressed.

"Throughout the frankly challenging development process, we understood the time was of the team's main essence," GSC wrote in a post. "Seeing the scope of polishing and understanding that we can't push your patience too much, we were absolutely dedicated to releasing the game in Q1 2024, and we worked extra hard to meet the release window. That, however, doesn't change the fact that at the beginning of this year, we still witnessed the certain amount of technical imperfections that hold Stalker 2 below the expected standards for the final experience our fans are waiting for.

https://t.co/8h8ZK5J2fF
Dear stalkers,
Last year, during Gamescom 2023, we finally had the chance to meet in person. We gathered around the campfire with you to share something valuable that we have been creating for you for all these years — a small part of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2:…

— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) January 16, 2024

Stalker 2: Shadow of Chornobyl has been subject to several delays, primarily due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the country where GSC Game World was primarily based. It relocated to Prague in 2022. The conflict has severely impacted several members of the studio, and the developer has also been cyber-attacked by Russian hackers. Through all of the setbacks, GSC Game World has remained resolute in its efforts to deliver the long-awaited sequel to the original game set in the radioactive wasteland of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant disaster.

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Daisy Ridley is coming back to play Rey once again in a new Star Wars film, and she's now said that this movie will take the sci-fi series to potentially new places. But it remains to be seen exactly what that means.

Speaking to AlloCine, Ridley said she was happy to sign on to appear in her fourth Star Wars movie after learning what the story would be. Of course, Ridley is not divulging what this is, but it was enough to draw her back.

"Once I knew what the story was and everything, I knew that it was something that I really wanted to do I think it's a really fantastic exploration of the Star Wars world," she said. "It's a really cool way of taking the story on in a bit of a different direction."

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One of the best things about Cyberpunk 2077 is how the game immerses you in its dark sci-fi world. Neon-soaked streets, roving cyborg cops, and a great selection of radio stations really sell the Night City lifestyle, and right now, you can bring some of that magic into the real world. The first two volumes of Cyberpunk 2077's various radio stations are up for preorder at Amazon, and if you're a fan of old-school formats, these could be must-have items.

Cyberpunk 2077 Radio Volumes 1 and 2

• Cyberpunk 2077 Radio Vol. 1 -- $30
• Cyberpunk 2077 Radio Vol. 2 -- $30
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners original soundtrack -- $29.50 ($31)

These freshly pressed vinyl discs sport an attractive finish. If you're not planning to dust off your dad's record player--or buy a budget-friendly modern record player that looks like your dad's old record player--you can still display them on your walls as works of modern art. Priced at $30 each ahead of their April 26 release, the first vinyl has 11 tracks from various artists across both sides and the second record has nine tracks in total. Each vinyl has a bright yellow finish and comes with a free MP3 version of the albums to listen to on your devices.

For more Cyberpunk goodness, you can also preorder the Edgerunners vinyl record ahead of its March 1 release. The Netflix anime series was a big hit when it debuted thanks to its original story, eye-popping animation, and soundtrack that tugged at the heartstrings.

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Square Enix has confirmed it used AI tools in its upcoming Splatoon-like shooter, Foamstars.

In a new interview, VGC asked Foamstars producer Kosuke Okatani if the game used AI for any parts of it. Okatani confirmed that the game used the generative AI tool, Midjourney, to generate in-game album art cover icons for its music tracks. However, Okatani clarified that the large majority of Foamstars was developed normally and that AI-generated assets only made up of 0.01% of the total content.

“All of the core elements in Foamstars--the core gameplay, and the things that make the game enjoyable--those are all made by hand,” he Okatani explained. “However, we did want to experiment with AI as well."

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Superman Legacy is being made with "so much love" and aims to have a "sense of humor," according to Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane in the upcoming superhero film.

She told Variety that she's "really enjoyed" collaborating with writer-director James Gunn thus far, going on to note that the production team is made up of all the right people for the job.

"Every single person involved in this production is such a perfect nerd for Superman. We all grew up watching the movies. Some of us were reading the comics. So I feel like it's being made with so much love. And I think this Superman will have a sense of humor," she said.

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At long last, the original anime adaptation of Berserk is finally back in print and is getting a fresh Blu-ray release on March 26. While other--and incredibly terrible--Berserk series are available on Blu-ray, the 1997 anime has long been considered to be the best of the bunch for its well-realized dark fantasy setting, unflinching brutality, and emotionally devastating moments. Available at Crunchyroll, the preorder for this Blu-ray release has been discounted from $60 to $45 and comes with plenty of cool extras.

Berserk - The Complete 1997 TV Series - Blu-ray

Alongside all 25 episodes presented in high-definition, you can watch the series in either the original Japanese dub or the infamous English version. All extras from previous releases have been included, and the entire package is contained in a cover adorned with some eye-catching art. In case you've missed the manga or the anime, Berserk tells the tale of wandering swordsman Guts and his quest for revenge against the enigmatic Griffith, a godlike being.

Preorder at Crunchyroll

Set in a world of swords, sorcery, and gruesome monsters, Berserk is a captivating tale of fate and destiny, heartbreak and betrayal. Created by the late Kentaro Miura and spanning decades of chapters, Berserk is often hailed as one of the anime series of all time thanks to its dark story and stunning animation. It's a show that you definitely don't want your kids to see, and while it does make some changes to the saga, it's still a faithful adaptation.

If you're looking for even more Berserk, don't miss out on a chance to grab some of the excellent deluxe editions, beautifully oversized hardcover copies that gives the manga the premium treatment it deserves.

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Something is clearly wrong with Superman, Batman, and friends in the Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League launch trailer. The weird purple eyes give it away. But don't worry, because Task Force X is "out on good behavior" to save the day in the co-op game, which is set to release February 2.

The new video for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League--seen below--shows Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark facing off against the iconic DC superheroes. At one point, The Flash asks the group whether they actually "think they can stop us." Captain Boomerang clearly believes they can, as he's shown shooting at the Scarlet Speedster afterward in the launch trailer.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will be the first game from developer Rocksteady since Batman: Arkham VR in 2016 and Batman: Arkham Knight in 2015. The upcoming title was delayed to this year back in April 2023. At one point, Suicide Squad was even planned to release in 2022 before getting pushed back.

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Apple and Disney have announced a partnership to bring content to the Apple Vision Pro headset, including 3D movies and the entire Disney+ catalog.

People who buy the $3,500 headset and have a Disney+ membership can stream every piece of content on Disney+ to the "spatial computer" device. Additionally, there are four "Disney+ environments" featuring unique animations and sounds that users can tap into. These aim to make your living room "feel alive," and these environments also have nods to iconic Disney franchises.

A first look at the Disney+ app on Apple Vision Pro

These environments include (descriptions written by Disney):

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Giancarlo Esposito, who played Gus Fring on Breaking Bad and the prequel series Better Call Saul, has said he wants to pitch a show called "The Rise of Gus." This would be a prequel series that reveals more of the drug kingpin's past, he told Variety recently.

"I think eventually there should be, and there might be" a spinoff focused on Fring, Esposito said. "I have a lot of premises I like to push. If I was talking to Vince Gilligan right now, I would tell him, 'The Rise of Gus.'"

Gilligan is currently making a sci-fi show for Apple, and Esposito said he understands Gilligan is busy with this project for the time being. But later on, Esposito said he hopes Gilligan circles back with Esposito and agrees to make another Breaking Bad show.

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A Halo battle royale game has been rumored for a while, and now it has been seemingly canceled, despite having never been officially revealed.

On the XboxEra podcast, insider Shpeshal_Nick was discussing insider and YouTuber Colt Eastwood's claims that the Halo battle royal game was canceled. Nick and his fellow co-host Jon Clarke say they have independently corroborated those claims.

The rumored game was known as Project Tatanka and it seemed like developer Certain Affinity was handling it. Back in 2022, the studio said that 343 Industries entrusted it with further evolving Halo Infinite. Last year, it was reported that Certain Affinity's game started out as a battle royale but has since shifted "in different directions."

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The next batch of new Game Pass titles has been announced, and joining a few previously confirmed titles, fans can expect action, remakes, and fantasy this month. Available today is Those Who Remain, a first-person psychological-thriller where you'll explore the town of Dormont and the horrors lurking in the streets.

On January 18 you can add Turnip Boy Robs a Bank and F1 23 to your library. Not content with just committing tax evasion, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank sees the titular character team up with the Pickled Gang to plan and execute the heist of the century. F1 23 brings the speed and precision of ridiculously quick racing to your home, giving you the chance to earn championship gold in this recreation of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship.

On January 19, the Pokemon-like Palworld arrives and throws you into a world full of gun-toting monsters. There are over 100 "Pals" to discover and enslave in this day-one release, as you'll need a factory full of press-ganged critters to keep your armories well-stocked. Go Mecha Ball debuts on January 25, is a twin-stick shooter roguelike shooter, and January 30 closes out the month with the top-down arena-shooter Brotato.

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