<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/b9874ff0/star_wars_hunters_june_4_release_date_trailer_2.jpg" width="800" height="448" alt="star wars hunters zynga switch mobile ios android arena battle release date june 4 gameplay trailer" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Zynga has released a new trailer for its upcoming competitive multiplayer game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/star-wars-hunters">Star Wars: Hunters</a>, revealing a June 4 release date alongside a new cinematic look at some of the characters. Star Wars: Hunters will hit Switch and iOS and Android devices on that day, giving players the chance to compete with others in iconic locations like the forest moon of Endor, the icy planet of Hoth, and elsewhere while controlling Hunters like J-3DI, a droid who thinks he's a Jedi, Utooni which is two Jawas stacked on top of each other in a trench coat, and more.&nbsp;</p> <p>Zynga says each Hunter boasts their own unique set of abilities to aid them in the Arena, which is the marquee attraction of the new planet of Vespaara. "Star Wars: Hunters features a number of game modes for players to test their mettle, such as Squad Brawl, in which opposing teams will battle to rack up the most eliminations, and Trophy Chase, where competing teams will vie for control of the elusive droid TR-F33," a press release reads.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Check out the action in the new Star Wars: Hunters trailer below</strong>:&nbsp;</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/behOiHKp268" width="640"></iframe> <p>"We are beyond excited to welcome fans across the globe to Vespaara," Zynga vice president Sam Cooper writes in a press release. "We can't wait for gamers to meet our Hunters and hop into the Arena. There are so many fun twists and winks to recognizable, beloved Star Wars settings, creatures, and themes within our game that we also are eager to see players worldwide get the chance to discover."&nbsp;</p> <p>Star Wars: Hunters will be available worldwide on Switch, iOS, and Android devices. It will be free, and on Switch, it does not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership to download and play.</p> <p>For more, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2021/02/17/star-wars-hunters-announced-for-switch">watch the Star Wars: Hunters reveal trailer</a>, and then check out some gameplay from it <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/09/14/star-wars-hunters-gameplay-unveiled-during-apple-event">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Are you going to check out Star Wars: Hunters in June? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/f5c3722f/funko-fusion-key-art.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p>

Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release: <time datetime="2024-09-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">September 13, 2024</time>

<p>If you're a fan of a popular movie or TV show from any time in the last several decades, chances are, they've made a Funko Pop figurine of the main characters. The brand is ubiquitous in pop culture, so it was only a matter of time before it got a big video game adaptation. This sort of game could easily be a cheap cash grab, but after watching a preview demo and listening to one of the head developers speak about it, I'm confident that Funko Fusion is much more than that.</p> <p>You've never played a game by developer 10:10 Games, but you probably know the work of its staff – the founders of the studio are some of the former architects of the Lego games developed by Traveler's Tales, including CEO Jon Burton, COO Paul Flanagan, and design director Arthur Parsons, who leads the demo. He boots up a level based on John Carpenter's 1982 horror classic <em>The Thing</em>, which signifies one of the main elements that separates this title from the kid-friendly Lego titles; this game is rated T for Teen and references loads of media properties that are decidedly not for children. Still, the world is charming and lighthearted, so when a Funko Pop is impaled through the side of the head, it's more goofy than ghastly.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UsgMx0J3QxQ" width="640"></iframe> <p>Parsons, playing as Kurt Russel's MacReady, fights off some Norwegians using the game's third-person shooting mechanics. According to Parsons, all characters have melee and ranged options, though they had to get creative for some characters. While He-Man uses his signature sword, OJ (the protagonist from Jordan Peele's <em>Nope</em>) swings around a miniature version of one of the inflatable tube men from his movie. Parsons dispatches enemies easily, which I imagine is due to the game's relatively low difficulty, his experience working on it as a developer, and the fact that every enemy has an outrageously large head, ideal for headshots.</p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/8df80e64/funko_fusion_-_screenshot_1.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/e151508b/funko_fusion_-_screenshot_2.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/ced4986e/funko_fusion_-_screenshot_3.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/e5e18f7f/funko_fusion_-_screenshot_4.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/d09010cc/funko_fusion_-_screenshot_5.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/65763db3/funko_fusion_-_screenshot_6.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>Funko Fusion will ultimately feature over 20 IPs in the game, mostly from NBCUniversal properties, though they've also made licensing deals with other companies.</p> <p><strong>Here's a list of some that we know so far</strong>:</p> <ul><li>Back to the Future</li> <li>Battlestar Galactica</li> <li>Child's Play</li> <li>Five Nights at Freddy's</li> <li>Hot Fuzz</li> <li>Invincible</li> <li>Jaws</li> <li>Jurassic World</li> <li>Knight Rider</li> <li>Masters of the Universe</li> <li>Megan</li> <li>The Mummy</li> <li>Nope</li> <li>Scott Pilgrim vs. The World</li> <li>Shaun of the Dead</li> <li>The Thing</li> <li>The Umbrella Academy</li> <li>Voltron</li> <li>The Walking Dead</li> <li>Xena: Warrior Princess</li> </ul><p>Each IP will include playable characters, and many will include levels, though the scope of each level will vary by the franchise. Some, like <em>The Thing</em>, will get a proper, full-sized level, while others exist as secret cameo levels players can unlock in other worlds. Poking around the frozen outpost in the demo, Parsons travels through a portal to reach a world based on <em>Shaun of the Dead</em>, where he has to escort a car of civilians to the safety of the Winchester. While there, he transforms into He-Man and shows off the zombie enemies, which turn the hero into a zombified version of himself. Even though it's just a cameo level, it's much larger than I initially expected, likely packing plenty of easter eggs in for fans of the movie.</p> <p>Players can move through these levels in whatever order they want to progress through the game's main story. Parsons explains that this modular approach allows them to continue to support the game after launch by easily adding new characters and levels into the mix. The first instance of this is with the game's pre-order bonus, which includes Rick Grimes and Michonne from <em>The Walking Dead</em>, complete with alternate outfits.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/47afe9f8/funko_fusion_-_the_walking_dead_pack_1920x1080.png" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>It's been years since the last Lego game, and with this team of developers, I'm excited to watch them attempt to fill that gap. Luckily, I won't have to wait long. Funko Fusion is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC on September 13. </p> Purchase

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/63f375c3/002_battle_with_glasya-labolas.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p>

Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Atlus
Release: <time datetime="2024-06-14T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">June 14, 2024</time>
Rating: Mature

<p>The 2021 release of Shin Megami Tensei V received a solid response from fans and critics. The Switch-exclusive title <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/shin-megami-tensei-v/shin-megami-tensei-v-review-beauty-in-an-unforgiving-world">garnered an 8.25 out of 10 from <em>Game Informer</em></a> and an 84 out of 100 score on reviews aggregate site Metacritic. With Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Atlus hopes to take the well-liked entry to even greater heights; not only is this new version of the well-liked RPG making the leap to additional platforms, but it's bringing with it new locations, new demons, various quality-of-life improvements, and an entirely brand new storyline. I recently had the chance to meet with Sega to spend two hours with SMT V: Vengeance to see how this definitive edition of the game is shaping up.</p> <p>In Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, you can take two completely separate paths, each lasting around 80 hours and containing different endings. The Canon of Creation is the storyline from the original game, while the Canon of Vengeance is a completely new path found exclusively in this new version of SMT V. In the Canon of Vengeance, you meet a new character named Yoko Hiromine, a mysterious girl with the power to fight demons. She can join your party, filling one of the slots typically reserved for demons.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/4e47fbe8/005_abdiel.jpg" alt="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" title="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>My hands-on demo consists of two hours of gameplay. The first hour takes place in the school area and Bethel Japan. My first task is to search for Ichiro in the Diet Building. After finding him and meeting Yoko, the party touches the terminal to return to Tokyo. They're greeted by Archangel Abdiel, who is unhappy with Aogami and the protagonist's progress, but before Abdiel can exact his wrath, Tao, the Saint of Bethel's Japanese branch, steps in to save them. After talking to the party and Bethel Japan's director, Koshimizu, I lead the protagonist back to his dorm to prepare for the next day.</p> <p>As the next day starts, I head to school, where Yoko Hiromine is introduced as a transfer student for the protagonist's class. She later reveals it's because she knows they'll be working together, so she figured it would make sense to become a student in his class. As I head outside of the classroom, I witness Sahori Itsukishima being bullied. During the confrontation, she hears a voice asking her if she wants power. Miyazu helps Sahori, but she worries about the nature of Sahori's injuries. Later on the rooftop of the dorm, Tao tells the protagonist that she wants to stop the bullying, but Yoko overhears the conversation and tells Tao that if she really wants to stop the bullies and help Sahori, she'll have to kill the bullies. It's a stark reminder that Shin Megami Tensei is not afraid to take dark turns in the story.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/c945a8fb/020_naamah_2.jpg" alt="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" title="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>My first hour ends with Na'amah appearing in the train station and turning people to sand to collect Magatsuhi. This challenging battle requires you to overcome various status ailments, the least of which is not Charm, which debilitated my team on multiple occasions. It goes to show that despite being more playable by a larger number of players thanks to its increased number of platforms, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance isn't pulling its punches when it comes to the difficulty the vanilla version delivered.</p> <p>After that battle, I move to the final part of my demo. The protagonist meets up with Tao at a temple in Shinjuku, an entirely new location for SMT V: Vengeance. After being transported to Da'at Shinjuku, Tao and Yoko join the party. Tao is best used as a healer, but she also brings light damage to the table. Meanwhile, Yoko is multifaceted in her offense, delivering fire, electric, and dark abilities. Because of that, Yoko very much comes in handy, as so much of the strategy of SMT's combat is built around exploiting weaknesses. </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/223c4954/033_yoko_nahobino_and_tao.jpg" alt="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" title="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>As I enter Da'at Shinjuku, an Angel greets the party, but rather than welcoming them with open arms, they're viewed as intruders. Much of the storyline of this area is figuring out why the party is being treated as a group of hostiles, but also working to figure out how to get past the alerted Cherubim and Angels so you can reach your goals. I won't spoil much here, but two characters from the vanilla version of SMT V appear with a plan, but it also seems extremely likely that the two have ulterior motives.</p> <p>I spend the rest of my hour exploring the area, taking part in battles. On a couple of occasions, I am defeated in battle, requiring me to start at my last save. The fights are extremely engaging, requiring me to take into account status ailments, elemental weaknesses, and turn orders, but even with all the information handy (and a save file that seems loaded with recovery items), it's still a challenging experience.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/50c8942e/039_tao_mahamaon.jpg" alt="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" title="Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>After an hour of exploring this new area, I relinquish the controller. I started playing the original Shin Megami Tensei V when it arrived on Switch in 2021, but I didn't have a chance to push past the first several hours. With Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance promising new platforms, improved performance on all platforms (aside from Switch), and a ton of new content, it feels like the perfect time for me to jump back into the world of SMT V with this new version. </p> <p>Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on June 14. For our thoughts on the original Shin Megami Tensei V, head to our review <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/shin-megami-tensei-v/shin-megami-tensei-v-review-beauty-in-an-unforgiving-world">here</a>.</p> Purchase

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/eb8120fb/xbox-showcase.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="xbox showcase summer june 9 redacted direct activision call of duty" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Xbox will livestream an Xbox Games Showcase this summer. Similar to last year's Starfield Direct, the showcase will be followed by a special "Redacted" direct that will dive deep into a beloved franchise. As for when, the Xbox Games Showcase will begin at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on June 9, with the Redacted showcase streaming immediately after.&nbsp;</p> <p>"Like our double feature last year with Starfield Direct, immediately following the Showcase we'll be airing a special deep-dive into the next installment of a beloved franchise," an <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2024/04/30/xbox-games-showcase-2024-redacted-direct/?ocid=Event_soc_omc_xbo_tw_Photo_lrn_4.30.2&amp;linkId=100000258822665">Xbox Wire blog post</a> reads. "We can't say much, so for now, we'll call it the Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] direct. This will also be our first showcase featuring games from our portfolio of studios across Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, and Xbox Game Studios, in addition to titles from our third-party partners."&nbsp;</p> <p>And speaking of Activision Blizzard, I'm guessing the redacted showcase is about the next Call of Duty, based on the associated image that you can see in the X (formerly Twitter) post below:&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We’re going to be talking about games of course<br /> <br /> Tune in to the Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct on Sunday, June 9 @ 10am PT: <a href="https://t.co/z78G8h75r2">https://t.co/z78G8h75r2</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XboxShowcase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XboxShowcase</a> <a href="https://t.co/XgOGJy2gLv">pic.twitter.com/XgOGJy2gLv</a></p> — Xbox (@Xbox) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xbox/status/1785308276063633588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>We know another Call of Duty is coming this year, following up last year's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-iii/not-so-special-ops">Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III</a>, and that logo looks very militaristic. The Capitol Building behind it adds to this guess, too, especially if the next Call of Duty is about the Gulf War, which is what the latest rumors are saying (with Black Ops series developer Treyarch up to bat). Regardless, we'll find out soon because that presentation follows the Xbox Games Showcase happening in less than two months on June 9.&nbsp;</p> <p>This Xbox Games Showcase will follow <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/this-years-summer-game-fest-streams-live-on-june-7">this year's Summer Game Fest livestream on June 7</a> (and takes place during SGF's media-only days, where press and influencers will play various games on-site in Los Angeles, California, from June 8 to June 10). Following the Xbox Games Showcase, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/03/ubisoft-forward-confirmed-for-june-same-week-as-summer-game-fest">Ubisoft will host another Ubisoft Forward event on June 10</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>What game do you think the redacted direct will be about? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/5bbc8884/square-enix.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="square enix canceled games losses HD abandons" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Square Enix, the company behind last year's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/final-fantasy-xvi/victory-in-the-land-of-gods-and-monsters">Final Fantasy XVI</a> and this year's Final <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth">Fantasy VII Rebirth</a>, has seemingly canceled some in-development games, taking on some big losses as a result. As for why, the company is aiming to be more selective about its projects moving forward.&nbsp;</p> <p>This news comes from a <a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/pdf/20240430_01_en.pdf">release</a> related to Square Enix's holdings, which explains the company is incurring losses of 22.1 billion Yen, or roughly $140 million, on its financial books for the fiscal year that ended in March.&nbsp;</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oiwylYoKIv4" width="640"></iframe> <p>"At the meeting convened on March 27, 2024, the Board of Directors of Square Enix Holdings voted, in light of the myriad changes underway in the environment surrounding its group, to revise the group's approach to the development of high-definition (HD) games with the intention of being more selective and focused in the allocation of development resources," the release reads. "As a result of a close examination, the company expects to recognize approximately 22.1 billion Yen in content abandonment losses on its books for the fiscal year ended March 2024."&nbsp;</p> <p>While potentially canceled games might sound doom and gloom, it sounds more like Square Enix is sharpening its developmental focus to ensure that the games it releases are hits or, at the very least, financially successful for the company. Nonetheless, it sounds like roughly $140 million of games in development have been canceled and it's unlikely we'll ever find out what they were.&nbsp;</p> <p>This release comes after a big splash from <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth/cracking-the-planet-wide-open">Final Fantasy VII Rebirth</a>, which Square Enix released in February. Elsehwere in 2024, Square Enix is releasing <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/feature/2023/07/28/everything-you-need-to-know-about-final-fantasy-xiv-dawntrail">Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail</a>, the new expansion for the MMO that will kick off a new saga for the long-running game, in <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/25/final-fantasy-xiv-dawntrail-launches-july-2-collectors-edition-revealed">July</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>What's your take on this news? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/c82f0c30/returnal_3_year_anniversary_fallen_asteria_3.jpg" width="800" height="449" alt="housemarque dark horse comics returnal fallen asteria graphic novel animated adaptation artbook" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Housemarque is celebrating the three-year anniversary of its hit shooter roguelike <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/returnal">Returnal</a> by teaming up with Dark Horse Comics for a graphic novel, artbook, and a new animated adaptation you can watch right now. This news follows <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/29/returnal-developer-housemarque-teases-mysterious-announcement-for-tomorrow">yesterday's tease</a> from both Housemarque and later Dark Horse Comics about Returnal, sending fans into an understandable frenzy about what the teams had in store for players. </p> <p>"Another year, another cycle," a <a href="https://x.com/Housemarque/status/1785293476034146605">post</a> on X (formerly Twitter) from Housemarque reads. "The Third time around, extra loot is exposed with Dark Horse flair." </p> <p>Here's what that flair brings to the Returnal universe: </p> <ul><li><strong><em>Returnal: Fallen Asteria</em> Graphic Novel</strong></li> <li><strong>Returnal Artbook</strong></li> <li><strong>Fallen Asteria Animated Adaptation</strong></li> </ul><p>Now, even with PlayStation dipping its toes into cross-media production with <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2022/12/14/god-of-war-series-ordered-at-amazon-prime-video-cory-barlog-will-executive">Amazon's God of War series</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/06/09/netflixs-horizon-tv-show-will-reportedly-be-split-between-game-timeline-and-the-fall-of">Netflix's Horizon adaptation</a>, this Returnal adaptation isn't the same. Instead, it's an "animated version of the first issue of the upcoming graphic novel, <em>Returnal: Fallen Asteria</em>." Check it out for yourself below: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JR_3tPMJgGw" width="640"></iframe> <p>Hosuemarque says the 88-page graphic novel will arrive in paperback on bookstore shelves starting October 22, 2024, and it will hit comic book shops the next day. </p> <p>It's unclear if the animated adaptation above is <em>the </em>animated adaptation today's announcement is referring to or, if it's just the first part of it, since it only adapts the first issue of the graphic novel. </p> <p><strong>Here's a look at the Returnal: Fallen Asteria issues coming this October</strong>: </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/527d4590/returnal_3_year_anniversary_fallen_asteria.jpg" alt="housemarque dark horse comics returnal fallen asteria graphic novel animated adaptation artbook" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>There's no word on when the Returnal artbook will arrive, but presumably it's this year. </p> <p>For more about the game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/returnal/returnal-review-haunting-harmony">read <em>Game Informer's </em>Returnal review</a>, and then check out this story about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2022/2022/12/08/update-ps5-hit-returnal-coming-to-pc-next-month-pc-specs-revealed">the PC specs required to play Returnal</a> on a desktop or laptop. After that, read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/22/returnals-ascension-update-which-adds-co-op-and-a-new-challenge-tower-is-now-live">Returnal's Ascension update</a>, which added co-op gameplay and a new challenge tower to the game. </p> <p>Returnal hit PlayStation 5 on April 30, 2021. It launched on PC on February 15, 2023. </p> <p><em>Are you excited about today's Returnal news? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/08/31/0bfc96cb/starfield3.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Starfield shattered space expansion first fall release date todd howard" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Starfield's first expansion, Shattered Space, is set to arrive this fall, according to director Todd Howard. Plus, a new update for Starfield is coming later this week that will make changes to ship-building mechanics and more.&nbsp;</p> <p>Howard revealed this and more about Starfield in a new interview with <a href="https://youtu.be/7wvqF41_Bgw"><em>Kinda Funny</em></a>, which is where the Bethesda executive producer also discussed <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/2024/04/10/the-fallout-tv-show-is-good-season-1-review#:~:text=It's%20a%20small%2C%20quiet%20moment,at%20nearly%20every%20new%20location.">Amazon's&nbsp;<em>Fallout&nbsp;</em>TV show</a> and the Fallout series in general, as reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://xboxera.com/2024/04/29/starfield-shattered-space-is-coming-this-fall-small-update-later-this-week/"><em>XboxEra</em></a>. As for what to expect of Shattered Space, Howard didn't say much. However, we already know it will bring new story content, locations, gear, and more to Starfield.&nbsp;</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7wvqF41_Bgw" width="640"></iframe> <p>As noted by&nbsp;<em>XboxEra</em>, Shattered Space will be free for all Starfield Deluxe Edition owners.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for the update coming to Starfield later this week, Howard says it will focus on the ship-building. This lines up with what the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/12/21/bethesda-outlines-2024-plans-for-starfield-including-expanded-ship-customization">Starfield team shared last year in its 2024 plans for the game</a>. Here's what it said at the time: "For those who love ship building, we'll also be expanding on ship customization with ship decorations, new ship building options, and more."</p> <p>Other updates scheduled for 2024 include new ways to travel, city maps, mod support, accessibility and additional difficulty options, and more.&nbsp;</p> <p>For more about the game, read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/starfield/overwhelming-scope"><em>Game Informer's&nbsp;</em>Starfield review</a>, and then read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2023/09/01/starfield-is-surprisingly-great-using-remote-play">Starfield is surprisingly great as a remote-play game</a>. After that, check out this story about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2023/08/31/starfield-is-more-like-a-sci-fi-theme-park-than-an-open-world-adventure">Starfield is more like a sci-fi theme park than an open world adventure</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://youtu.be/7wvqF41_Bgw">Kinda Funny</a> via <a href="https://xboxera.com/2024/04/29/starfield-shattered-space-is-coming-this-fall-small-update-later-this-week/">XboxEra</a>]</em></p> <p><em>What do you hope to see in the Shattered Space expansion? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/bcd230e6/sot_hero.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/6d126071/sotg_10.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/1bbd6590/sotg_05.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/e10b5c4f/sotg_06.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/1410a3b0/sotg_07.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/f90feee1/sotg_08.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/1bc5d5d6/sotg_09.jpg'></figure></section>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/698ff5d7/tmnt1.png" width="800" height="450" alt="Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p>

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Publisher: GameMill Entertainment
Developer: Cradle Games, Raw Thrills
Release: <time datetime="2024-04-23T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">April 23, 2024</time>
Rating: Everyone 10+

<p style="margin-bottom:13px">The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were synonymous with gaming in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, largely thanks to their influence over arcade brawlers. Games like 1989’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (also known as ’89 Arcade) and 1991’s Turtles in Time are time-honored classics that shaped the side-scrolling beat-‘em-up genre, and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-shredders-revenge/old-school-thrills-new-school-polish">2022’s Shredder’s Revenge</a> demonstrated that the style is still viable in the modern landscape. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants clearly takes inspiration from those beloved games, but it falls spectacularly short of those acclaimed titles.</p> <p>Originally released to arcades in 2017, Wrath of the Mutants takes a similar approach to gameplay as the original TMNT arcade games: You choose from Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael, each with distinct moves, as you slash and brawl through stages full of baddies. Based on the 2012 Nickelodeon cartoon, Wrath of the Mutants includes a ton of enemies for the Turtles to beat up in various locales; this home port adds three all-new stages and six new bosses. Unfortunately, no amount of Easter eggs and fanservice can compensate for its uninteresting gameplay.</p> <p>Though the core concept is the same as the most beloved entries in the series, I never felt anything more than listlessness as I fought through the six extremely linear stages on offer. Each Turtle brandishes their signature weapon and a unique Turtle Power that clears the screen of enemies. These moves should feel empowering, but instead, they throw the action to a halt while a drawn-out animation plays; Leo spins to form a tornado that sucks up all the minions, while Raph drums on the ground, sending enemies flying.</p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/c799059d/tmnt4.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/0732ffe8/tmnt2.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/48da1357/tmnt3.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/9d7f9349/tmnt5.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/b06c11e9/tmnt6.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/a4e4cd7f/tmnt7.jpg'></figure></section> &nbsp; <p>But it all feels so routine as you fight through waves of the exact same enemies in tedious stages that require no strategy – you just go right and spam the attack button. You can also pick up power-ups that cause your character to spin on their shell or summon side characters to dispatch enemies, but with the base combat so uninteresting, I only enjoyed deploying these frequent special moves because they provided a quicker path through the long levels.</p> <p>Brawling the seemingly endless screens of Foot and Krang minions found in each stage wouldn’t be so bad if the signature arcade unfairness wasn’t ever-present. TMNT Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants isn’t a tough game by any measure, but there are moments where you simply cannot avoid being hit. At nearly every phase, enemies attack you from off-screen, where you can’t see or reach them, and they frustratingly won’t stop attacking you nor come into view unless you go to the other side of the screen. Additionally, enemy projectiles are deadly accurate, and with the Turtles’ sluggish movement and no way to effectively dodge, you’re all but guaranteed to take hits.</p> <p>These enemies don’t do a ton of damage, but it’s often death by a thousand papercuts, and since each hit briefly stuns you, your combos are constantly getting interrupted. The bosses, who often just repeat the same attacks over and over, are trials of patience rather than engaging challenges. These boss encounters typically bring slight variations on the same move sets, causing them to all play out similarly. Even the final fight against Shredder does little to differentiate itself; he just lumbers around the screen while you wail on him with little strategy required other than jumping when the game tells you to jump – another repeated convention in nearly every boss battle.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/95NyMsYLgHM" width="640"></iframe> <p>Stage elements meant to break up the monotony serve as more frustration than diversity of experience. Trains speed past, Krang’s Android body shoots electricity at you, and explosive barrels litter the levels, but they add so little. In one instance, where a giant eyeball continually blasts lasers at you while you fight waves of enemies, your character is too slow to avoid getting zapped unless you’re just standing around waiting for it to broadcast where it’s firing. I should be excited to see these new challenges and twists emerge, but I met most of them with a shrug and others with annoyance.</p> <p>Though seeing the 2012 animated series get some attention in 2024 is fun, the presentation also disappoints. The visuals are nothing special, and I’m not a fan of some of the character designs of this era, but they fit the show's look well enough. It’s the audio that most irritates, as the Turtles obnoxiously scream the entire time and enemies repeatedly spout the same lines while generic action-oriented music loops in the background. After the first few levels, I was relieved to crank the volume down and listen to something else instead.</p> <p>Beating the entire game takes less than two hours, but it still somehow manages to drag. You can return to the game’s six stages to try and get higher scores, but I had zero interest in doing so. The arcade games of yesteryear sometimes lacked depth, but they at least had a hook that stuck with you and kept you itching to return to pump more quarters into the cabinet. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants strives for the greatness of the influential arcade hits of the past but falls well short. Thanks to uninteresting and annoying gameplay, repetitive enemy and boss encounters, and grating audio design, Wrath of the Mutants is little more than a shell of the series’ glory years.</p>

Score: 5.5

About Game Informer's review system

Purchase

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/b4bbfbe5/screenshot_2024-04-29_at_12.24.23_pm.png" width="800" height="448" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The latest teaser for new Palworld content, shared during IGN's ID@Xbox presentation, shows four new Pals and a new location. There is a frog Pal, a mushroom Pal, a bipedal dog-like Pal, and a peacock Pal. The new location is also heavily inspired by Japan and is covered with cherry blossoms.</p> <p>You can check out the footage below.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/imfpYNpA_mE" width="640"></iframe> <p>For more on Palworld, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/02/22/what-is-palworld-the-new-pokemon-with-guns-survival-game-everyones-playing">head here</a>.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/1d35873c/jackbox1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Jackbox Naughty Pack" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The Jackbox Party Packs have always allowed for adult-themed responses, but it was never solicited or directly encouraged by the games themselves. For those who have wanted a more&nbsp;<em>mature</em>&nbsp;experience, Jackbox Games is finally granting you your wish, as it has announced Jackbox Naughty Pack, a new release of three games that promises spicy prompts and dirty fun later this year.</p> <p>We don't know what kinds of games will be included, but Jackbox Games teases "spicy surprises and maybe even some familiar faces." Does that tease a new, mature-themed You Don't Know Jack? Will we get dirtier iterations on some classic Jackbox titles? Or will these be all new games that just so happen to include some favorite characters from past games? Unfortunately, for now, Jackbox Games is being tight-lipped with the contents of Jackbox Naughty Pack.</p> <p>However, the studio did release a teaser trailer, which you can view right <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dun3ye7EC6Q">here</a>. Jackbox Naughty Pack will arrive sometime this year, and Jackbox Games promises more details this summer.</p> <p>Are you excited for a spicier take on Jackbox Party Pack? Do you and the people you play Jackbox games with typically go mature-themed with your answers, or are you more of a family-friendly Jackbox gamer? Let us know what you hope from Jackbox Naughty Pack in the comments below!</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-media.gameinformer.com/styles/body_default/s3/2019/03/04/2fadceaa/red.jpg" width="800" height="437" alt="Remedy Control 2 Max Payne Remake Project Condor" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Remedy has provided updates on its portfolio of upcoming titles via a quarterly business review. In addition to painting the overall financial health of the studio, the report shares details on the current development state of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/11/11/control-2-in-concept-stage-as-remedy-announces-development-deal-with-505-games">Control 2</a>, Max Payne 1&amp;2 Remake, the Control multiplayer spin-off <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/06/29/remedy-reveals-new-control-multiplayer-spin-off-with-project-condor-new-505-games-deal">Codename Condor</a>, and more.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://investors.remedygames.com/app/uploads/2024/04/remedy-q1-2024-business-review.pdf">report</a>, the Control 2 team is “focused on finalizing the proof-of-concept stage, in which the game world, game mechanics and visual targets are proven.” The project is expected to move into the production readiness stage in Q2 of this year. Control 2 was first announced in 2022.&nbsp;</p> <p>Max Payne 1&amp;2 Remake, first announced in 2022 as a rebuilt version that combines both games into a single title, remains in the production readiness stage, as <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/10/31/remedy-provides-update-on-control-2-says-max-payne-remakes-are-in-production">first announced last October</a>. However, the game is expected to enter full production in Q2 2024.</p> <p>Codename Condor has entered full production. Remedy describes its core loop as “engaging” and that “the game brings a unique Remedy angle to the genre.” Codename Kestral, Remedy’s other multiplayer title described as a “premium game with a strong, cooperative multiplayer component”, remains in the concept stage.&nbsp;</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXlL0FpztGY" width="640"></iframe> <p>Remedy also shares that Alan Wake 2 has sold 1.3 million units as of early February, recouping a “significant” chunk of its development and marketing expenses in the process. The development team continues to work on its upcoming expansions, Night Springs and Lake House.&nbsp;</p> <p>Following Remedy’s <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/02/28/remedy-acquires-full-rights-to-control-franchise-from-publisher-505-games">acquisition of the rights to Control</a> from publisher 505 Games in February, the studio is now free to do what it wants with the IP. CEO Tero Virtala states, “We are currently weighing self-publishing and related business models. Simultaneously, we are actively looking into different partner publishing models and evaluating potential partners.” Remedy also expects to have two projects in full production simultaneously, stating "We are confident that the good progress of the beginning of the year carries over to the full production stages."</p> <p>You can read our review of Alan Wake 2 <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/alan-wake-2/back-to-reality">here</a>&nbsp;and for Control <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/control/a-heady-power-trip">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/3291639f/housemarque_tease_1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Housemarque new annoucement" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Housemarque, the developer of titles such as Returnal and Resogun, has teased some kind of announcement for tomorrow.&nbsp;</p> <p>In a post on X, the developer simply posted a graphic of what appears to be a fractured reflection of a woman’s eyes with the word “Tomorrow.”</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/F4R6TYFyZ1">pic.twitter.com/F4R6TYFyZ1</a></p> — Housemarque (@Housemarque) <a href="https://twitter.com/Housemarque/status/1784895491123405216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>Less than two hours later, Housemarque shared a brief video clip of the same image but in animated form.</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/uAkzYOCjjn">pic.twitter.com/uAkzYOCjjn</a></p> — Housemarque (@Housemarque) <a href="https://twitter.com/Housemarque/status/1784931755931177197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>While the kneejerk reaction is to assume this announcement is related to Returnal, be it a sequel or something else, that seems unlikely. In 2022, Housemarque stated it was <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/03/housemarque-is-developing-a-new-game-but-it-isnt-returnal-2">developing a new IP</a> for its next title. However, that wouldn't necessarily rule out the possibility of more Returnal DLC, if nothing else. Much has changed for Housemarque since Returnal launched in April 2021, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/06/29/sony-acquires-returnal-studio-housemarque-evidence-suggests-bluepoint-also-acquired">being acquired by Sony</a> just a couple of months later. Returnal <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2022/2022/12/08/update-ps5-hit-returnal-coming-to-pc-next-month-pc-specs-revealed">launched on PC</a> in February 2023 and has been updated with additional content and features such as co-op.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thankfully, we don’t have to wait long to learn what Housemarque has up its sleeve next. In the meantime, be sure to check out our review of Returnal <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/returnal/returnal-review-haunting-harmony">here</a>.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/56be0544/replay_lozphantomhourglass_yt.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/super-replay/2024/04/19/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-part-12-super-replay">We've been making our way through The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask the past few weeks for our weekly Replay stream</a>, but this week Marcus Stewart is busy on assignment, so Brian Shea joined me for a look at a different Zelda sequel. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass released in 2007 for DS and is controlled entirely by touchscreen. Back in 2017 while speaking with longtime Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma for our Breath of the Wild cover story, he cited Phantom Hourglass as his <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/02/22/eiji-aonuma-s-top-three-zelda-games-and-one-underrated-one.aspx">personal favorite Zelda game</a> saying that his wife is a fan of that entry, and it was the first time he was in the role of producer. "I have a lot of sentiment for it,"Aonuma said.</p> <p>Check out the video below for an hour Phantom Hourglass gameplay below.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tXsoUVxVe4Y" width="640"></iframe> <p>If you enjoy our livestreams but haven’t subscribed to our Twitch channel, know that doing so not only gives you notifications and access to special emotes. You’ll also be granted entry to the official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/psa/2021/07/23/the-official-game-informer-community-discord-is-now-open" target="_blank"><em>Game Informer</em>&nbsp;Discord channel</a>, where our welcoming community members, moderators, and staff gather to talk games, entertainment, food, and organize hangouts! Be sure to also follow our second YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfDadbzDm5UnKwh7_XWrDPw" target="_blank"><em>Game Informer</em>&nbsp;Shows</a>, to watch other Replay episodes as well as Twitch archives of&nbsp;GI Live and more.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/2233c330/topspin_2k25_online_mode_2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="TopSpin 2K25" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p>

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Publisher: 2K Games
Developer: Hangar 13
Release: <time datetime="2024-04-26T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">April 26, 2024</time>
Rating: Everyone

<p style="margin-bottom:13px">In the heyday of the tennis-sim video game genre, Top Spin and Virtua Tennis were the best players in the crowded space. However, in the time since the genre’s boom settled, the offerings have fallen off considerably, with both franchises going more than a decade without a new release. TopSpin 2K25 signals the reemergence of the critically acclaimed series, and though it’s been a while since it stepped on the court, it’s evident the franchise hasn’t lost its stroke.</p> <p>TopSpin 2K25 faithfully recreates the high-speed chess game of real-world tennis. Positioning, spin, timing, and angles are critical to your success. For those unfamiliar with those fundamental tennis tenets, 2K25 does a superb job of onboarding players with TopSpin Academy, which covers everything from where you should stand to how to play different styles. Even as someone who played years of tennis in both real life and video games, I enjoyed going through the more advanced lessons to refamiliarize myself with the various strategies at play.</p> <p>Once on the court, you learn how crucial those tactics are. The margin of error is extremely thin, as the difference between a winner down the baseline and a shot into the net is often a split-second on the new timing meter. This meter ensures you release the stroke button timed with when the ball is in the ideal striking position relative to your player. Mastering this is pivotal, as it not only improves your shot accuracy but also your power.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VUwLCPIP6Hc" width="640"></iframe> <p>TopSpin 2K25 is at its best when you’re in sustained rallies against an evenly-matched opponent. Getting off a strong serve to immediately put your opponent on the defensive, then trying to capitalize on their poor positioning as they struggle to claw back into the point effectively captures the thrill of the real-world game. I also love how distinct each play style feels in action; an offensive baseline player like Serena Williams presents different challenges than a serve-and-volleyer like John McEnroe.</p> <p>You can hone your skills in one-off exhibition matches, but I spent most of my time in TopSpin 2K25 in MyCareer. Here, you create your player, with whom you’ll train and climb the ranks. As you complete challenges and win matches, you raise your status, which opens new features like upgradeable coaches, equippable skills, and purchasable homes to alleviate the stamina drain from travel. Managing your stamina by sometimes resting is essential to sustain high-level play; pushing yourself too hard can even cause your player to suffer injuries that sideline you for months.</p> <p>I loved most of my time in MyCareer, but some design decisions ruined the immersion. For example, I ignored portions of the career goals necessary to rank up my player for hours, so while I was in the top 10 global rankings, I was unable to participate in a Grand Slam because I was still at a lower status than my ranking would typically confer. And since repetition is the path to mastery, it’s counterintuitive that repeated training minigames award fewer benefits, particularly since the mode as a whole is a repetitive loop of training, special events, and tournaments. Additionally, MyCareer shines a light on the shallow pool of licensed players on offer. Most of my matches were against created characters, even hours deep. 2K has promised free licensed pros in the post-launch phase, but for now, the game is missing multiple top players.</p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/9ff12cb9/topspin_2k25_online_mode_3.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/14158c47/topspin_2k25_frances_tiafoe.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/6f7c2428/topspin_2k25_roger_federer.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/26373984/topspin_2k25_serena_williams.jpg'></figure></section> &nbsp; <p>I’m pleasantly surprised by how unintrusive the use of VC is. In the NBA 2K series, VC, which can be earned slowly or bought using real money, is used to directly improve your player. In TopSpin 2K25, it’s used primarily for side upgrades, like leveling up your coach, relocating your home, earning XP boosts, resetting your attribute distribution, or purchasing cosmetics. Though I’m still not a fan of microtransactions affecting a single-player mode – particularly since it’s almost certainly why you need to be online to play MyCareer – it’s much more palatable than its NBA contemporary.</p> <p>If you’d rather play against real opponents, you can show off your skills (and your created character) in multiple online modes. World Tour pits your created player against others across the globe in various tournaments and leaderboard challenges, while 2K Tour leverages the roster of licensed players with daily challenges to take on. Outside of minor connection hiccups, I had an enjoyable time tackling the challenges presented by other players online. However, World Tour’s structure means that despite the game’s best efforts, mismatches occur; it’s no fun to play against a created character multiple levels higher than you. Thankfully, these mismatches were the outlier in my experience.</p> <p>TopSpin 2K25 aptly brings the beloved franchise back to center court, showing that not only does the series still have legs, but so does the sim-tennis genre as a whole. Though its modes are somewhat repetitive and it’s missing several high-profile pros at launch, TopSpin 2K25 serves up a compelling package for tennis fans.</p>

Score: 8

About Game Informer's review system

Purchase

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/d86d9363/blizzcon-graphic-2024.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="BlizzCon 2024 canceled" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Blizzard has decided to cancel this year’s BlizzCon. The company states the event will return in the future, but it plans to showcase upcoming games in a different manner over the coming months.&nbsp;</p> <p>First announced in a <a href="https://blizzcon.com/en-us/news/24072107">blog post</a>, Blizzard plans to share details on upcoming games like <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/11/06/blizzard-reveals-three-new-world-of-warcraft-expansions-starting-with-the-war">World of Warcraft: The War Within</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/11/06/diablo-iv-vessel-of-hatred-expansion-brings-players-to-a-lush-jungle-biome-late">Diablo IV’s Vessel of Hatred expansion</a> at other trade shows, such as Gamescom. The company also plans to launch “multiple, global, in-person events” for Warcraft’s 30th anniversary, which are described as being “distinct” from BlizzCon.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Our hope is that these experiences – alongside several live-streamed industry events where we’ll keep you up to date with what’s happening in our game universes – will capture the essence of what makes the Blizzard community so special,” Blizzard states in the blog post.</p> <p>A Blizzard representative tells <em><a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/blizzcon-is-skipping-2024">Windows Central</a></em> that Blizzard made the call to cancel BlizzCon and not Microsoft, which completed its <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/10/13/microsoft-has-officially-acquired-activision-blizzard-for-69-billion">acquisition</a> of the company last year. In a statement to the outlet, the representative says, “This is a Blizzard decision. We have explored different event formats in the past, and this isn't the first time we're skipping BlizzCon or trying something new. While we have great things to share in 2024, the timing just doesn’t line up for one single event at the end of the year.”</p> <p>BlizzCon began in 2005 as an annual convention celebrating all things Blizzard. Last year's show saw the reveal of World of Warcraft’s next expansion, The War Within, as well as two other expansions coming after it. It's good that event is only taking a year off as opposed to being canned for good, and we're curious to see how the alternative events shape up over the coming months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/04d3c85d/ngt_smbbananarumble_yt.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is the first brand new Monkey Ball game in years. Brian Shea recently got hands-on with the game, and you can watch his experience, and hear him talk about it, right here. You will see a few adventure mode levels, but we also show off a handful of the new multiplayer modes. You can also read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/04/24/getting-things-rolling-again">Brian's written Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble impressions by following the link</a>.</p> <p>Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble released exclusively for Switch on June 25.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bt8o4o0Icn4" width="640"></iframe> <p>Head over to&nbsp;<em>Game Informer's&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/gameinformer" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>&nbsp;for more previews, reviews, and discussions of new and upcoming games. Watch other episodes of&nbsp;<em>New Gameplay Today</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/ngt" target="_blank">right here.</a></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/1e42b126/sb_demo_pr_roll_screenshots_eidos7_06.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Stellar Blade is heading into full release, and you can dive into the action-heavy sci-fi adventure for yourself. You can read our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/stellar-blade/more-than-a-pretty-face">full review</a> for more details about how it turned out, or read our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2024/04/24/stellar-blade-is-based-on-the-bible-but-dont-take-it-too-seriously">interview with the game's creative director</a> to learn more about how the game came together.</p> <p>Developer Shift Up does a good job of gradually introducing new core systems as you move through the lengthy adventure, but as we played ahead of public launch, our team discovered several things the game doesn’t tell you that can lead to a more enjoyable journey.</p> <h3>Turn On Auto Loot</h3> <p>While the developer made many smart decisions in creating Stellar Blade, we’re a little confused why the default choice for gathering dropped loot requires pressing and holding one of the shoulder buttons.</p> <p>As soon as you start the game, pause and go to Settings &gt; Gameplay and adjust the Auto Loot option to “On,” which is not the default. Eve will begin to pick up items and currency automatically without the need for your input – as long as you get close enough to the items on the ground, they’ll go into your inventory.</p> <h3>Set Hair Length</h3> <p>In that same menu we just pointed you toward (Settings &gt; Gameplay) you’ll find another option to adjust Ponytail Length.</p> <p>This is primarily a cosmetic choice for how you like the main character to look, but we mention it here for functional reasons. Depending on your playstyle, extraneous visual “noise” onscreen can be distracting, especially in a tense encounter.</p> <p>Eve’s extremely long ponytail shows off some cool physics, but if it’s preventing you from having a clear view of enemy actions, consider changing the ponytail length to “Short”</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/0210316b/stellar_blade_10.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <h3>Ambush When You Can</h3> <p>Even standard wandering Naytiba enemies in Stellar Blade can lead to some tough and even game-ending battles. Take every advantage you can, including prioritizing an early unlock of the Ambush ability (findable in the Attack section of the Skill Tree).</p> <p>Ambush lets you backstab enemies if you can get close enough before they turn around and see you. It’s generally an instakill, so it’s a good choice for eliminating the most powerful foe in a group before facing off against the less dangerous ones.</p> <h3>Rush To Open</h3> <p>Similar to the Ambush option above, it’s smart to unlock and use the Rush skill early on and use it to open fights where Ambush isn’t an option. This skill lets you close with an enemy instantly, and you can get some hits in before they have a chance to fight back.</p> <p>It’s also an essential skill in more protracted combats, including bosses. After dodging or running out of the way of a dangerous attack, Rush lets you get back into the fray right away.</p> <h3>Guard First, Then Strike Back</h3> <p>More than many action games, guarding is an essential skill that you should practice from the very start. Excessive offensive play without guarding is a recipe for failure.</p> <p>Your guard/shield will diminish with hits taken, but it’s an excellent way to confront the early moments of a fight, when you’re still feeling out an enemy. And while perfect parries and dodges are great, you may need a few strikes to recognize an enemy’s attack patterns, and guarding is the best way to weather those moments, with the exception of unblockable attacks.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/486ecf6d/stellar_blade_6.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <h3>Improve Perfect Dodge And Parry</h3> <p>There’s no more surefire way to succeed in Stellar Blade than getting good at Perfect Dodge and Perfect Parry. It’s absolutely core to the combat system, and success with those skills opens up additional options and abilities.</p> <p>Of course, the most important thing you can do here is observe and improve your timing in nailing these abilities. Much of that is about memorizing the different colored flashes and knowing which color corresponds to the need to dodge or parry. The training modules inside the Skills menu can help a lot with that practice. To find those, go to the Skill Tree Survival section, and tap Square while hovering over the Perfect Dodge or Perfect Parry ability. Seriously, there are no better skills to master.</p> <p>But you can also hedge your bets. There are additional abilities in the skill tree and equipment in the game that make it easier to nail those tight windows for perfect dodges and parries. If you’re having trouble consistently hitting that timing, these are excellent skills and equipment items to focus on.</p> <h3>Scan, scan, scan</h3> <p>A tap of the central touchpad on your DualSense controller will send out a pulse scan of your surrounding area. It’s an easy thing to forget about as you run around slicing through enemies.</p> <p>That would be a mistake. Making a point to scan frequently is a smart move. It reveals enemy locations that may be hiding. And it also shows critical interactable items and individuals, including dead bodies that can sometimes hold precious upgrades, like max health improvements.</p> <p>It costs nothing to tap that scan, so get in the habit of doing it in each new area you arrive in.</p> <h3>Keep up with your sidequests</h3> <p>If you plan to try and mainline the golden path of Stellar Blade, feel free to ignore this tip. But for the rest of the players, you may be wondering what to prioritize in your extracurricular activities.</p> <p>Sidequests provided by actual individuals in the game world are almost always a good bet. They provide more and better experience and rewards than just roaming around taking out monsters. Those character-provided sidequests also tend to be more interesting than the less personal assignments you can pick up from bulletin boards.</p> <p>And, while we don’t want to spoil anything, it’s safe to say that the latter hours of the game turn out differently depending on certain sidequests you might have chosen to complete. Talking with and completing those character-connected side quests is a great place to put your time if you want to expand your time in the world of Stellar Blade.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/42c87749/sb_matrix_screenshots_01.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <h3>Pick up the phone!</h3> <p>It goes without saying that you should enter and use supply camps when you find them in order to rest and get your health and supplies back. But early on, you might not realize that you should also be trying to activate all the payphone locations that you encounter.</p> <p>Phones activate a new fast travel point; you want as many of those as possible.</p> <p>Even if you don’t initially plan to do a lot of fast traveling, later missions sometimes send you back to explore areas you’ve already visited, and having a more comprehensive selection of fast travel points gets you back to the action and the quest completions faster.</p> <h3>Unlock Beta and Burst Wisely</h3> <p>As you play through Stellar Blade, you’ll gradually unlock access to the Beta and Burst skills. Each skill tree adds new abilities that you can bring to bear in a fight by holding down L1 or R1 along with one of the face buttons. These are usually high-powered attacks; you should integrate them into your combat flow.</p> <p>But even knowing that, it’s easy to cast too broad a net and weaken yourself by playing with too many different skills. That’s especially true in the midgame, while there’s still much to unlock.</p> <p>In both the Beta and Burst skill trees, consider unlocking and completing the upgrades for one (or maybe two) of these skills before moving on to the others. Remember, both Beta and Burst skills pull from their own respective meters, so if you use one of the abilities, it will deplete that meter, preventing you from doing another deployment. It’s rare that you’ll be able to spam out multiple abilities that tap into the same meter. As such, it’s best to focus on individual skills that shore up weakpoints in your combat repertoire.</p> <p>For instance, Shield Breaker is the bottom skill (L1+X) on the Beta Skill Tree, and as the name implies, it does a great job of breaking enemy shields. If you’re struggling with the early phases of boss fights when your foe often still has a high shield, this is a great choice. And rather than diversifying into other skills, we recommend unlocking the upgrades to Shieldbreaker before focusing on other skills. Alternately, Triplet (L1+Square) is a solid and consistent damage dealer and a great choice if you’re just looking to bring down standard enemies quickly.</p> <p>Take the time to look through the full suite of Beta and Burst skills, and consider which individual abilities would be the biggest help to your playstyle, then focus on those.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/daa66709/sb_matrix_screenshots_03.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <h3>Follow the Green Dot</h3> <p>As you get started in Stellar Blade, you may encounter many individuals you feel you need to talk to. If that’s your thing, go for it. But if you’d like to focus on the individuals that actually have something to offer, look for the green dot next to an individual; these are actual quest-givers or other meaningful conversations.</p> <h3>Take the Hint</h3> <p>Occasionally, you’re going to encounter panels that demand that you enter a code sequence of symbols. Generally speaking, you need to find a different location that provides that code before you can input it.</p> <p>Don’t bother trying to jot down the symbols. Instead, when you return to the appropriate unlockable panel, tap the “Hint” button to see the code. It’s not cheating. It’s simply showing you the code you already found elsewhere in the game, which matches this particular panel. If the “Hint” option is grayed out, you just don’t have the code yet.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/f5284981/sb_demo_pr_roll_screenshots_eidos7_03.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <h3>Experiment With Story Mode</h3> <p>We always advise that the best difficulty setting is the one that leads to the most fun for you as a player.</p> <p>With that said, Stellar Blade features a tight and rewarding combat system – if you can enjoy the challenge of some tough combat, the default Normal Difficulty is the way to go. It has some hard fights, but with patience, you’ll succeed.</p> <p>With that said, there’s nothing to say you can’t experiment with Story Mode, and doing so can help you prepare for winning a hard fight in Normal (or the eventual Hard mode, which unlocks after you beat the game).</p> <p>In Story Mode, combat prompts pop up and time slows down in critical moments of battle, letting you learn exactly what buttons to press when that vicious boss descends on you.</p> <p>If you’re committed to beating the boss on Normal, but you’re having a hard time, consider bumping the difficulty down to Story Mode to learn the ropes of the fight. Then, before you defeat the boss, switch back to Normal mode, which will reset you to your most recent save point. You can then go into the fight armed with a clear understanding of what buttons to press to react to each attack – but you’ll still have to nail the timing to win.</p> <p>Good luck in your adventures with Eve across the post-apocalyptic wastelands of Stellar Blade!</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/4ccb5364/swoheader365-gold.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>For every issue of <em>Game Informer</em> magazine, we print a handful of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gold">Game Informer Gold editions</a>. These versions sometimes feature alternate art, have a gold embossed logo on the front, are individually numbered, and feature higher-quality paper. They're very nice, and we reserve them for special occasions like charity auctions or, as is the case here, giveaways.</p> <p>For the recent <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/cover-reveal/2024/04/09/cover-reveal-star-wars-outlaws">Star Wars Outlaws</a> issue, we have two Game Informer Gold editions we are prepared to send to readers. For a chance at winning one of these collectible issues, we want to hear from you about what's on your mind about gaming and <em>Game Informer</em>. Send a message to our Replies section for a chance to be featured in our monthly magazine letters column.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SHQB90Y_mKM" width="640"></iframe> <p>If you fill out the form below before <strong>May 26, 2024</strong>, you will be entered to win one of two Game Informer Gold copies of our Star Wars Outlaws issue. In terms of the kind of feedback we're looking for, we want thoughtful responses to our content, general thoughts on the video game industry, your criticisms of previously released or upcoming games, or anything else that will make the magazine better. We're flexible! We want to know what's on your mind and potentially share your thoughts and questions with the rest of <em>Game Informer</em>'s readers.</p> <p>We're looking forward to your responses and we hope you are looking forward to seeing your responses in the magazine. Good luck! And please enjoy a little necessary legalese before you fill out and submit the form below.</p> <p><em>Giveaway valid for U.S. addresses only. Responses must reach a baseline level of quality and originality to be considered valid. Winners will be notified through the email address linked to their GameInformer.com account. If response is not received within 5 business days, winners may forfeit their prize.</em></p> <h2>Submit Your Question or Letter</h2> <p>You must be logged in to use this form.</p><p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/user/login?destination=/rss.xml" class="button">Log in</a></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/03/d35951f1/gi_queen.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Star Wars Outlaws" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p>

Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Release: <time datetime="2024-08-30T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">August 30, 2024</time>

<p>In Star Wars Outlaws, protagonists <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3c5ccbc1-8bbb-4097-86f7-9738dad6e891" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/04/15/meet-kay-and-nix">Kay Vess and Nix</a> must navigate the criminal underworld by interacting with the various crime syndicates thriving in this period between the events of <em>The Empire Strikes Back </em>and <em>Return of the Jedi</em>. Kay's standing with these syndicates is primarily represented by <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f15b61ba-8bf0-4d08-8ff7-c4e9d9308575" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/04/17/how-the-reputation-and-wanted-systems-work">the Reputation System</a>, an ambitious mechanic that tracks her relationship with these criminal organizations. In the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/09/star-wars-outlaws-release-date-set-for-august-new-story-trailer-shown">recently released story trailer</a>, we hear the names of three of the syndicates present in Star Wars Outlaws: the Hutt Cartel, the Pyke Syndicate, and Crimson Dawn. During our trip to Massive Entertainment, I was able to learn more about the fourth syndicate with which Kay will have to balance her reputation: the Ashiga Clan. </p> <p>Massive created the Ashiga Clan in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, just like other original elements like Kay, Nix, their ship, the <em>Trailblazer</em>, and the new moon, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/04/10/exclusive-hands-on-impressions">Toshara</a>. "Every week, we have several calls with them where we share what we'd like to do, the intentions, and they challenge us; we do a back and forth like that over several weeks to be able to get the shape language right, to get the lore right, to make sure it becomes part of Star Wars canon," creative director Julian Gerighty says. "The Ashiga Clan is part of Star Wars canon now. Toshara is part of Star Wars canon now. And that's super gratifying when you help design a creature that's as lovable and fierce as Nix and it becomes part of one of the most storied IPs in the world."</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/03/50d84e11/gi_ashiga_hive.jpg" alt="Star Wars Outlaws" title="Star Wars Outlaws" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> An Ashiga hive <p>The Ashiga Clan, which has a large presence on Kijimi (a planet most famous for its role in <em>The Rise of Skywalker</em>), finds itself at a crossroads as it pushes to expand beyond Kijimi. "They have a long tradition and certain events in the recent history put them at a fork in the road where there are different ways they could go forward, and they're not necessarily in agreement with what the best path forward is," associate narrative director John Björling says.</p> <p>It operates as a hive of the Melitto species (first introduced in <em>The Force Awakens </em>with Sarco Plank) with an emphasis on function and survival. "You have these insectoid, humanoid, kind of very ant-like species and it's taking that principle of, 'What would a crime syndicate that is essentially operating like an anthill – what is that like?' Björling says. "It's a syndicate with a long tradition, they have a strong hierarchy, and there's a lot about putting the hive before yourself. I think those aspects make it stand out as a unique kind of crime syndicate."</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/03/49b3e754/gi_ashiga.jpg" alt="Star Wars Outlaws" title="Star Wars Outlaws" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>To learn more about how you'll be interacting with the Ashiga Clan and its leader, Ashiga, head to our feature about <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f15b61ba-8bf0-4d08-8ff7-c4e9d9308575" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/04/17/how-the-reputation-and-wanted-systems-work">how the Reputation System within the game works</a>. Star Wars Outlaws comes to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on August 30. Be sure to visit our exclusive coverage hub through the banner below.</p> Purchase