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This Week in Games - Octo Paths and None of Them Lead to Upgrades
Jean-Karlo has good news (Megami Tensei novels!) and bad news (GenAI encroaching on otome games) and a few things in between.
― Welcome back, folks! I spent my weekend at a family friend's wedding; it was a pleasant time, and part of the proceedings had me play as Hippolyta during a brief recitation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Sadly, I also heard news that Sam Niell passed away over the weekend. Th...
This Week in Mobile Games - What's Up With The Lads?
Alas, poor Valko, players were just really divided on your existence and Papergames did not handle it well.
― Hello, and welcome once more to another installment of the column! It has, to put it mildly, been a rough couple of weeks, particularly if you're in or covering the game industry. With new waves of layoffs and controversial (to put it mildly) corporate decision-making, the game industry - or ...
Star Fox (2026) Game Review
I was scared it would be just a very safe yet well-produced retread of familiar ground, and I was mostly right.
― It is nearly impossible to talk about this game without explaining the complicated pedigree that precedes it. Star Fox is an established Nintendo IP, but unlike many others such as Mario, Zelda, or even Metroid, the scope of games in Star Fox's library is a little bit muddled. Even though...
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Game Review
A competent and extremely promising first outing, Millennium Tales doesn't overstay its welcome, is a bit too chatty, feels great to play, but it needs just the tiniest kick in the pants.
― Team Asano has yet again moved into a new genre for their HD-2D titles: this time, an action-adventure title. While the title doesn't seem to promise much, and the characters skew a bit too archetypal for my taste...
This Week in Games - The Boat Came Back
Jean-Karlo has lots of exciting retro game news for you this week. Are you ready to set out in your nice boat?
― Welcome back, folks! Lots of photos floated around from this past weekend's Anime Expo. Apparently, they really messed up Artist Alley (sad to hear). On the other hand, Shift-Up had a Goddess of Victory: Nikke stall, complete with a Doro mascot. All the love to whoever was in that thing; t...
The Fire Emblem Influence Is Strong In Brigandine Abyss
Here’s an upcoming title that doesn’t just remember Path of Radiance, it really, really, REALLY remembers it.
― Masayuki Horikawa and Rei Kondoh. That was all I needed to know when I first heard about this game. You mean to tell me the director of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is working alongside the guy who helped compose the Okami soundtrack (as well as other Fire Emblem games)? Teenage me from ci...
This Week in Games - EVO Reveals: What Is An Art to a King?
Sony makes a questionable decision, lots of new DLC characters for a variety of games, and Jean-Karlo runs down a shortlist of games he'd love to see come back!
― Welcome back, folks! Having submitted my panel applications for this Autumn's Kumoricon, I find myself in that most unfun of positions of needing to wait to see if they've been accepted. Bah. Always the anxiety of whether you'll be accepted...
Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition Game Review
If you've already played Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition before, you won't experience anything new here. But if it's your first time on this rodeo or you want to take the game on the go, hop in and enjoy the ride.
―
It's been a few years since the release of one of the best character action games in the past decade, Devil May Cry 5, and now it's finally here on Nintendo Switch 2 in the Devil Hunter ...
This Week in Anime - Attack of the 50 Foot Women
There's just something about a woman who could squish you. Sylvia and Chris run down (up?) some of the giantesses of anime.
― There's just something about a woman who could squish you. Sylvia and Chris run down (up?) some of the giantesses of anime. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion ...
Splatoon Raiders Is Looking To Be A Great Single Player Experience
This is definitely a game that you're going to want to add to your upcoming wishlist.
― Splatoon has always been a unique game franchise built upon its multiplayer content. So what happens when Nintendo decides to pivot and focus on creating a game that centers around a single player campaign? The result is Splatoon Raiders, a third person platforming shooter with a focus on exploration and treasure ...
Pragmata Game Review
I welcome any high-budget, high-production value, mostly linear experience with a clear story to tell that clocks out right on time.
― Pragmata is a game that, despite my best efforts and the quality on offer, I never could get into the groove with. Nonetheless, it's a beautiful game that makes a lot of noble attempts at novel design. First, the priors. Pragmata is a third-person action game with som...
This Week in Mobile Games - SSSS.Sonic, Summer, Sandrone, and Superheroes
The celebration of Sonic's birthday continues as Josh looks at the blue blur's mobile offerings!
― Greetings, and welcome once again to the column! I've spent much of my mobile game-playing time catching up with Fate/Grand Order's Cosmos in the Lostbelt storyline, specifically clearing the Lostbelt No. 7, Nahui Mictlan chapter, as beating it and the subsequent opening stage of the Ordeal Call campaig...
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Monolith Soft's ambitious RPG is better than ever on the Switch 2.
― Good news, folks! Xenoblade Chronicles is finally a real video game! It's got 4K graphics and everything!The Xenoblade Chronicles series is one of grand ideas, grand vistas and greater impact. People willing to look past its RPG trappings get quickly obsessed with its heady blend of science fantasy and Gnosticism. It's a labor of lo...
This Week in Games - A Very 35th Birthday for Sonic The Hedgehog
Happy Birthday, Sonic! My, those are some interesting choices Sega's making for you.
― Welcome back, folks! I had a very fun long weekend, bookended by the wildest movies to pair together. On Friday, I watched the new Masters of the Universe, which was a total blast and put a big smile on my face. Then on Monday, I met up with some friends and watched Adolescence of Utena on the big screen. Both time...
This Week in Games - An Interview with Shoon T, Director of Rain98
This week, we dive into the new version of RPG Maker, celebrate some of our favorite LGBTQ characters in Japanese games, and have an interview with Rain98's Soon T.
― Welcome back, folks! I cannot claim any genuine, deeply-set interest in sports outside of semi-ironic memes (go Birds), but I've had the World Cup in my periphery. While soccer/football has led to many an altercation in the past (rememb...
Silent Hill: Townfall Returns to Frightening First-Person Horror
Silent Hill: Townfall left me with more questions than answers, but in a good way. I'm really intrigued by the game's Scottish setting and cultural background.
― The Silent Hill franchise is going through something of a renaissance right now. With Bloober Team knocking it out of the park with an excellent remake of Silent Hill 2 and NeoBards taking the series back to its Japanese roots with Silent Hi...
This Week in Anime - Touhou Fever Forever
This week in anime, Chris and Sylvia discuss the long lasting impact of Touhou on the gaming world, manga world, and beyond.
― This week in anime, Chris and Sylvia discuss the long lasting impact of Touhou on the gaming world, manga world, and beyond. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussio...
This Week in Mobile Games - Seeking Summer Smartphone Succor
This week, we take a look at the mobile game news coming out of the Summer Game Fest and other similar showcases.
― This week's This Week in Mobile Games is being sponsored again by our friends at Grand Summoners! Find out more about their current collaboration with Solo Leveling further down in this week's column! Hello, and welcome once again to another installment of the column! Despite the rainy ...
This Week in Games - Summer Showcase Slamfest - Save Room For Aincrad
It's a smorgasbord of new announcements from a variety of showcases! Jean-Karlo's got the details from the Japanese side of gaming.
― Welcome back, folks! I took up the challenge of playing Kirby: Return to Dream Land Deluxe over the weekend. It is as charming as you'd expect. Also deeper than I expected. I'm used to the Copy abilities in a Kirby game having varied move lists; they've done that since...
Hands-On Preview: You Can't Play Stranger Than Heaven Like a Yakuza Game
Stranger Than Heaven's combat requires a more methodical approach. You can't just spam a button or two continuously like you could in the brawler-centric Yakuza games.
― Despite not having the title “Yakuza” or “Like a Dragon” in its title, Stranger Than Heaven takes place in the same universe as those games. It's actually a prequel, detailing the origins of the Tojo Clan, which is prominently featur...
Interview: What's New and Different in Resident Evil Veronica
Resident Evil Veronica producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi talked about the challenges of creating remakes, the decision to change the original's title, and what the team would add.
― At Summer Game Fest 2026, Anime News Network got a chance to sit down in a group Q&A with Resident Evil Veronica producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi to discuss the challenges of creating remakes, the decision to change the original...
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Game Review
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a perfect example of the pros and cons of a typical Yoshi game experience.
― Even though most Nintendo games are marketed to people of all ages, I have always found Yoshi games, in particular, to be skewed towards a slightly younger demographic. They're usually much simpler than Mario or Zelda games, for example. While that makes them more accessible, I sometimes feel...
This Week in Games - Sony State of Play 2026: Just Don't Call It "Goddess of War"
A new direction for God of War, plenty of Marvel news, and of course the burning question of what Jean-Karlo will play next fill this week's column.
― Welcome back, folks! At the time of writing, I'm quite close to finishing the first entry in .hack//GU. I'm looking forward to jumping into a shorter game once I'm done. I've been considering Gravity Circuit as it had a sequel announced recently. On th...
This Week in Anime - Dungeons & Dragons & Wizards
How much of the modern Japanese fantasy genre comes from old computer games? Coop and Lucas find out!
― How much of the modern Japanese fantasy genre comes from old computer games? Coop and Lucas find out! The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Full Disclosure: Coop Bicknell regularly works with MediaOCD and the current incarnati...
This Week in Mobile Games - Nevertheless, it's Everness
Josh finally gets the chance to sit down with Neverness to Everness!
― Hello there, and welcome once more to the latest edition of the column, as well as to the month of June! I managed to line up some time off over the last few days to get some ducks in order and solve some device issues, and was finally able to spend a bit of time with Neverness to Everness. And without further ado, let's get into ...
This Week in Games - Quests of Mana
Mana fans, rejoice! The beloved and beleaguered franchise has some good news for English-language fans!
― Welcome back, folks! I've been keeping up with the first .hack//GU game in my spare time, and it's... disappointing me some. I love the .hack games' conceit of your party members being other players, making some of them unavailable during certain stretches of the game. But in the GU titles, this ...
This Week in Games - Akiba's Vampires, Heavenly Expulsees for Hire, and Sony Closing the Gates
More bad news from Sony, but a momentous anniversary for Akiba's Strip balances it all out.
― Welcome back, folks! The OVA Festival this weekend was a lot of fun; we got to see Voices of a Distant Star, Demon City Shinjuku, Golgo 13: Queen Bee, and Mazinkaizer Vs Great General of Darkness. Great stuff! They also had a few shorts from Dwarf studios, including a little music video from Tatsuro Yamashit...
This Week in Mobile Games - Heaven Burns My Dread
Unexpected crossovers are the order of the day at This Week in Mobile Games!
― This week's This Week in Mobile Games is being sponsored again by our friends at Grand Summoners! Find out more about their current collaboration with Touhou LostWord further down in this week's column! ---- Hello, and welcome once more to the latest edition of This Week In Mobile Games! It's been a rough couple of weeks,...
This Week in Games - Everyone Succumbs To Money
The time has come — the Switch 2 will be going up in price — and we even know when. Jean-Karlo has the details.
― Welcome back, folks! You might have noticed that we published a game review yesterday; NIS America's Starbites. It's a turn-based RPG, and while I can probably make endless amounts of snark about that given the absolutely-exhausting discourse surrounding turn-based games, I honestly feel ...
STARBITES Game Review
There's a reliable, well-tuned motor under the hood of this title.
― You don't see a lot of RPGs with futuristic trappings, especially ones that don't just use it as window-dressing for fantasy worlds. STARBITES, a new RPG from IKINAGAMES and NIS America, is that rare gem: an RPG that goes whole-hog into the science-fiction world of mechsuits and robots instead of elves and orcs. Its gritty, post-apo...
HoYoFair 2026 "Once Upon a Time" Fan Concert LA
“Once Upon HoYoFair” offers fanservice from the fans themselves. But how well were fans served in the end?
― Hoyoverse fans are nothing if not dedicated. Ever since Genshin Impact launched during COVID, its pitch of “Breath of the Wild: the MMO” fostered one of the most long-lasting gacha communities I've seen in this space. Honkai Star Rail repeated that spike in interest three years later with a p...
This Week in Games - Evo Reveals—And A Stellar Vulpis Returns
How is it that we have Star Fox discourse already? Plus, Neverness to Everness gets caught in the AI crossfire.
― Welcome back, folks! This past week was Golden Week in Japan; a week where, due to legal reasons, four holidays take place over seven days, letting most people just take the whole week off. You might know the holiday best as an excuse for a ton of artists to draw characters in golden biki...
Monster Eater: A Delicious in Dungeon Board Game Board Game Review
You don’t have to be a die-hard Delicious in Dungeon fan or a long-time tabletop game veteran to be smitten by this fun little game’s charm.
― The rules of the game are as follows: You and other players have to travel down two levels of a dungeon, slay some monsters along the way, and then, in true Delicious in Dungeon fashion, cook 'em up real nice, all for some victory points. You are dealt a hand ...
This Week in Mobile Games - Shady Business and Summertime Stick Figure Smash/Growth
A new game seems to have marked similarities to Blue Archive, while blue armor is the order of the day over in DragonQuest. Plus a red-hot summer update for Love and Deep Space!
― It's time again, and I find myself wondering, "What the heck's going on with all my hotbars?" Yep, I've gotten back into Final Fantasy XIV, hyped up on the prospect of the just-announced Evercold expansion, coming next year...
This Week in Games - Final Fantasy Readers Digest
Jean-Karlo dives into the latest FF14 announcements, from a new expansion to a campaign at Jollibees! Plus, the pros and cons of the Steam Deck.
― Welcome back, folks! I had a spectacular weekend where I was able to enjoy seeing The Labyrinth on the big screen. Having originally seen it on the Disney Channel decades ago, I missed a lot of the visual flourishes. I especially liked a set of stones arra...
Tomodachi Life- Living the Dream Game Review
With its charming sense of humor and near endless amounts of well-constructed chaos, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is almost impossible to put down…I just wish that experience were easier to share with others
― The original Tomodachi Life on the 3DS was one of those games that completely flew under the radar for me, and while I remember being pretty impressed with some of the Miis I saw people sho...
This Week in Games - Tariff Woes and A New Splatoon
Nintendo and gamers try to sort out who owes whom in the saga of Trump's illegal tariffs, a departure from Sony, and a new Splatoon game are the focus in this week's column.
― Welcome back, folks! I got blindsided by Speed Racer's 4K remaster being released in theaters this week. I'm long overdue for a rewatch of that movie; it's wild and a billion miles a minute, but a phenomenal example of a live-a...
This Week in Mobile Games - Anni(versary), Are You OK?
A major anniversary event for Honkai Star Rail, some weird crossovers, and bad news for members of Doki Doki Literature Club's Google Play members are just a few of the things Josh has to talk about in a packed TWIMG.
― This week's This Week in Mobile Gaming has a sponsor! It's pixel art anime RPG Grand Summoners! Learn more about Grand Summoners and its latest crossover event
with That Time I Got Re...
Ariana and the Elder Codex Game Review
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a strong action-adventure platformer that plays great, though its presentation can't quite keep pace with battles.
― Ariana and the Elder Codex is a strong action-adventure platformer that plays great, though its presentation can't quite keep pace with battles. Ariana surprised me with its basic structure. I will admit, from the trailer, I assumed I was getting yet anoth...
This Week in Games - Heads Butting over NieR, Level-5's Games A-far, and Bloodborne Goes to Hollywood
Twitter is pitting gamers against each other over NieR, Level-5 is having issues getting games out, and a new Bloodborne project are all on the docket this week.
― Welcome back, folks! In an attempt at solving a long-standing mistake of mine (and following up on my guest appearance on Axe of the Blood God), I've started playing the .hack//GU games. I'm amused to hear so many older voice talents who u...
OPUS: Prism Peak Video Game Review
With talking anthropomorphic animals and a disappearing girl, this is a fantastic story-driven adventure that's sure to tug on your heartstrings by the time the credits roll.
― Developer Sigono creates emotionally moving story games through the OPUS series, a collection of standalone adventures that touch upon topics such as grief, love, and growing up. OPUS: Prism Peak starts off showcasing Eugene's...
Pokémon FireRed Game Review
This port of Pokémon FireRed made me realize why I was destined to become a Pokémon kid, and why I’m going to be a Pokémon adult for the rest of my life.
― Do not spend twenty dollars to play 2004's Pokémon FireRed on the Nintendo Switch family of systems. I really hate having to bring up whether a piece of media is “worth the price” in a review, as this is one of the lowest forms of criticism imagin...
This Week in Games - Where Did Zelda Come From, Anyway?
The Zelda games didn't just happen - Jean-Karlo gets into the franchise's antecedents. Plus some disappointing Persona merch!
― Welcome back, folks! Project Hail Mary got me into a mood, so I went back and watched Explorers over the weekend for the first time in about 20 years. It (sadly) falls apart in the last third, but it's a fun flick... though I curse my memories for tricking me into thinking t...
This Week in Mobile Games - Obey Me On The Holy Night
Could the Idolm@ster games finally be getting an English release? Nothing is certain, but it's an exciting possibility! Also introducing the new Maiden's Corner feature, focusing on otome games!
― Another hearty welcome to you, to this, the latest edition of This Week in Mobile Games! I've been decompressing a bit by locking in with Bungie's Marathon, a definitely-not-mobile game, but a grand time al...
This Week in Games - Screamer Interview with Milestone and Polygon Pictures
Bad news about Sony's PlayStation pricing is tempered by an interview about Screamer in this week's column.
― Welcome back, folks! This past weekend, I was lucky enough to get invited onto the Axe of the Blood God podcast to discuss the .hack//IMOQ games, as well as the rest of the early .hack franchise. It was a great time, I deeply enjoyed getting to speak with Victor and Harper, and I'd love to do...
This Week in Games - Interview with Patricia Summersett, Voice of Princess Zelda
Jean-Karlo chats with the voice of Zelda, digs into some otome news, and reports that Square Enix is doing what with Dragon Quest X?
― Welcome back, folks! I tried making magnolia jelly last weekend, and sadly, it didn't turn out right. I don't know whether I used too much water or what, but the jelly never set (it came out more like syrup than actual "jelly"). Still tasty, at least. I also had the p...
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection Review
This is the best these three games have ever been, and the features included ensure that these games remain enjoyable as intended for years to come.
― Capcom's trek through the Mega Man franchise continues with Mega Man Star Force! Originally released on the Nintendo DS, the Star Force games serve as a continuation of the setting from Mega Man Battle Network. And if you're too young to have enjoyed t...
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake Game Review
Despite its disappointing combat, the pitch-perfect aesthetics and classic folk-horror vibes make this journey back to the haunted grounds of Minakami Village one that is still well worth experiencing.
― With horror games of both the independent and blockbuster variety experiencing such a boom in recent years, it was only a matter of time before Koei Tecmo revived the Fatal Frame franchise, which has...
This Week In Mobile Games - Duellum of the Fates
Josh explores what Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy has to offer, plus a new MOBA from China and two miHoYo games!
― Hello, and welcome once again to This Week in Mobile Games, your bimonthly-ish look at the latest in mobile games. Due to a run of crunch time at the day job I've been far away from mobile games, staring at bad screen for far too long and missing Fate/Grand Order's White Day event in the...
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Game Review
While it might require some trial and error, you’re sure to have plenty of fun experimenting with a wide array of playstyles and eventually find a fighting style that suits you perfectly.
― I wouldn't blame you for feeling skeptical that the mechanics of Monster Hunter—which either famously or infamously, depending on who you ask, can often go into granular levels of detail—would translate well as a ...
This Week in Games - Fateful Delays, Switch Fidelity Raise, and 30 Years of Farming
The Harvest Moon/Rune Factory/Story of Seasons franchises are having a big birthday this year, which might help to take some of the sting out of Fate/EXTRA Record's indefinite delay.
― Welcome back, folks! I've been watching a bunch of Atop the Fourth Wall videos lately and it's made me want to get into collecting the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog trade paperbacks. It's my understanding that the IDW run has...
Étrange Overlord Game Review
A charming musical RPG the likes of which we haven't had in too long, but is there enough substance to go with the sweetness?
― Shohei Niikawa is best known for the Disgaea games, and longtime fans can rest assured that his newest game, Étrange Overlord, continues his penchant for madcap humor, stunning dramatic twists, and charming characters. But while the charm and humor of the Marl Kingdom games ...
This Week in Games - Talking Mega Man with Koji Oda
Nintendo is suing the U.S. government, Dragon Slayer is back, and Jean-Karlo talks with Mega Man's Koji Oda in a Direct-free week!
― Welcome back, folks! Being that we're living in Hell World, I take refuge in as much as I can. And the knowledge that Success has been really, really leaning into Izuna's cameo appearance in the upcoming Cotton Rock With You: Oriental Night Dreams gives me hope—not just...
This Week in Mobile Games - I Wanna Be The Very Best, Like Mobile Ever Was
The Pokémon brand has intertwined with the concept of gaming on the go. Josh looks back on 30 years of monster-catching, the upcoming Cat's Eye mobile collab, and more.
― Hey, there! Welcome to another installment of This Week In Mobile Games. The seasons are a-changing, which means a lot of feeling under the weather while it seems to shift from under your feet (or rather, over your head). While snif...
This Week in Games - Pokémon Hits The Big 3-0
It's all Pokémon all the time as Jean-Karlo looks back on three decades of history and what we can expect from the game-changing franchise in the future.
― Welcome back, folks! It's a hectic week, and as I type this, I'm fighting off a very stubborn head cold. One thing that disappoints me: it was Chun Li's birthday this past weekend! Normally, I like to dedicate a section of the column to discussing...
The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince Game Review
The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince is a narrative platformer steeped in fairy tales.
― Once upon a time, there was a wolf. She lived in the dark forest and sang to the moon in a beautiful voice. A young prince snuck out of the castle to listen to her song, but when he tried to see her, her monstrous instincts forced her to react, scratching out his eyes. The wolf felt terrible about this because ...
Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of Four Heroes Game DLC Review
Visions of Four Heroes is really good in unexpected ways, but fails to deliver what I really wanted.
― Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of Four Heroes is a conflicted DLC that somehow manages to overdeliver and miss the mark all at once. I'm going to be blunt: this DLC was not at all what I expected. I very much enjoyed the base game of Origins, which was a robust and modern take on a franchise that...
Mario Tennis Fever Game Review
Mario Tennis Fever won’t turn up the heat for everybody, but it could be sick as hell for the folks who play the game competitively.
― First and foremost, I should note that Nintendo and Camelot Software's Mario Tennis Fever is, for all intents and purposes, a fighting game. There's a story mode and various trial modes to help new players learn the controls. The many characters that make up this game...
This Week in Games - Sony Sacking, Microsoft CEO Walking, and the US$20 Question
There are major shake-ups at Sony and Microsoft this week, while a new Pokémon release ignites a debate: how much money are old games worth?
― Welcome back, folks! The game industry decided to wake the heck up this past week, with everyone having major news. And it's still not done! By the time this goes live, Nintendo will have hosted a big Pokémon Presents stream. Who knows what awaits us! But for ...
Resident Evil Requiem Game Review
It may not be the best of the Resident Evil adventures to come out these last few years, but Requiem probably represents most Resident Evil experience that this new generation has cooked up so far.
― We've been enjoying the fruits of Capcom's Resident Evil Renaissance (their REnaissance?) for several years now, and I feel like Resident Evil Requiem represents a fascinating culmination of everything t...
This Week in Mobile Games - The Years Start Walkin' and They Don't Stop Walkin'
Josh looks at how the RAM shortage affects mobile and game developers, the latest Genshin Impact update, and a deep dive into the Simogo Legacy Collection.
― Hello, and welcome once more to another issue of This Week in Mobile Games, and the last installment of February, the worst month of the year (allegedly). I wouldn't know about all that; I live in the tropics, so the main thing distinguishing F...
This Week in Games - Dot Hackers, Demon Attackers, and Sony's State of Play
There are some major franchise returns to report this week, from .hack to God of War and beyond!
― Welcome back, folks! I normally try to have something witty prepared for the column intros, but I've been caught on the back foot this week. I will say, I've been catching up on my reading lately; I recently wrapped up the first volume of Heaven Official's Blessing, and I'm looking forward to starting T...
PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse Game Review
While its story elements come together in a snug, fantastical narrative, the first entry's gameplay shortcomings remain, and this new game's shift away from spookier, creepier plot beats left me wanting.
― Anime News Network was provided an advanced review copy of this game. Nearly three years since the release of PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, Square Enix and developer Xeen are back w...
I Played the Never-to-be-Released Danganronpa 2x2 Special Trial Version
Made specifically for the Danganronpa 15th Anniversary Event, this short, 15-minute vertical slice was designed to give the most hardcore Danagaronpa fans an original mystery never to be seen again.
― Earlier this month, I was able to visit Spike Chunsoft headquarters in Tokyo to try out the Danganronpa 2x2 Special Trial Version on the Nintendo Switch 2. Made specifically for the November 2025 Dangan...
This Week in Games - Nintendo Partner Direct 2026 and Fatal Frame Producer Makoto Shibata Interview
Jean-Karlo spoke with Makoto Shibata about the highly-anticipated Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE horror game.
― Welcome back, folks! The 2026 Winter Olympics are up and running. As always, the Olympics are a great time to remember all of the Olympic video games we'd get every Olympic year. Such a shame we can't get new Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games titles! My fondest memory with an Oly...
With FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE, We're in a Horror Game Golden Age
When I got the chance to preview the opening chapters of FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE, I was excited to be reintroduced to the familiar tale. What immediately struck me, though, was just how thorough and considered a reconstruction this really is.
― If there is one thing that I can say has been uniformly great about surviving the 2020s (so far), it's that we've gotten to experience a new ...
My Thoughts After 20 Hours With Monster Hunter Stories 3
The same things that will inevitably make this game more tedious for some players will also scratch a hyper-specific itch for others.
― Monster Hunter is one of those game franchises like Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons, where it's not totally uncommon to find people who get super into it, have encyclopedic knowledge of it, and have save files easily exceeding 300 hours. I… am not one of those people. ...
Pokémon Pokopia Might Be A Lot Darker Then We Think
I wasn’t expecting a game that looked like this to have potentially darker implications!
― The Pokémon franchise has always toyed with the idea of utilizing Pokémon in creative ways outside of battling. In the anime, Pokémon are sometimes used to help out with infrastructure or power cities. In the video games, Pokémon abilities can be used to alter terrain in order to access new areas or solve puzzl...
Romeo is a Dead Man Video Game Review
A zany story and over-the-top characters, along with an avant-garde and polychromatic presentation, clash with somewhat simplistic combat mechanics and camera issues.
― Suda51 is a Japanese game developer who needs no introduction. Known for games like Lollipop Chainsaw, No More Heroes, and Shadows of the Damned, his studio Grasshopper Manufacturer continues to take the enigmatic approach in storytel...
This Week in Mobile Games - CTW CEO Ryuichi Sasaki Talks the Advantages of Browsers in the Anime Game Wars
How does CTW adapt anime into games? What's the curse that hit the Steam release of Granblue Fantasy? Josh has the answers!
― Hello, and welcome once more to another installment of This Week in Mobile Games, your actually-biweekly look at the latest in gaming on phones, tablets, and other mobile devices. In our first installment, I noted that while the line between mobile games and "regular" games on...
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Game Review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties ends up improving on the original experience enough to make it well worth the time of anyone that wants to check out this early chapter of Kazuma Kiryu's sprawling life story.
― Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties presents the Like a Dragon franchise at an interesting crossroads. Now that the series has achieved a degree of mainstream recognition and success that its original fans...
This Week in Games - Living the Tomodachi Life
Jean-Karlo looks at Tomodachi Life's new lease on...well, life. Plus, those "quality of life" changes to DQVII Reimagined.
― Welcome back, folks! Major news: I finally did it. Seven years. Two consoles. Three games and expansions. Over 443 hours. Four Welsh catgirls. I have finally finished the mainline Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy. Sure, I still have Xenoblade Chronicles X waiting in the wings, but ...
Nioh 3 Video Game Review
For a lot of folks, Nioh 3 might sound like some form of divine punishment. For sickos who crave a truly hardcore descent into bloody hell, though, Nioh 3 is just plain divine.
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I am a hardcore fan of the Dark Souls games and their legion of siblings, cousins, and imitators, but even I have to regard the Nioh franchise with a certain amount of dark reverence. The Dark Souls games have become legend...
Can Nintendo's Biggest Flop Find New Life on the Switch 2?
ANN writer Bolts tests out the Virtual Boy to see if the oft-maligned console finally works in 2026. Plus, first impressions of Meetup in Bellabel Park, Mario Tennis Fever, Resident Evil Requiem, and PRAGMATA.
― Nintendo has many fun games, products, and expansions planned for the coming months. With Mario Tennis Fever, Resident Evil Requiem, Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Mee...
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Game Review
A worthy remake of a fan-favorite Dragon Quest that newcomers will love—but oldtimers might want to take advantage of the higher difficulty mode...
― You'd be forgiven for having some number of misgivings about Dragon Quest VII Reimagined; the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy isn't everyone's cup of tea, and while the previous Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past remake on the 3DS is app...
This Week in Games - Birdo's Back, Tennis Rackets—and Comcept is Dead
It's surprises all around this week with an unexpected character for the second Super Mario Bros. movie and a new otome game license.
― Welcome back, folks! You might have noticed a recent addition to our team, as well as a new addition to our column line-up! I'm happy to have Josh Tolentino joining us and covering This Week in Mobile Games. I respect and even like several mobile games (I've discusse...
One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 Next Gen Update Review
The game moves at lightning speed, and this next-generation update helps oil up the gears to keep them chugging along with the action.
― The Next Gen update for One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 adds yet more reasons to play one of - if not the - best One Piece games on the market. If you are unfamiliar with the base game, let me bring you up to speed. One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 is another in the long-run...
Code Vein II Game Review
If the original Code Vein is “Anime Dark Souls,” Code Vein II is “Anime Elden Ring.”
― 2019's Code Vein is very much a game built on the Dark Souls foundation. It plays similarly in most ways, but two things set it apart from that series: its anime-inspired art style and its focus on plot and characters (more than on environmental storytelling and collecting brief snippets of lore from item descripti...
This Week in Mobile Games - The Beginning of the Endfield
In the inagural entry to This Week in Mobile Games, Josh Tolentino takes a look at recently released gatcha powerhouse Arknights: Endfield.
― Hello, and welcome to the first installment of This Week in Mobile Games, Anime News Network's latest column! I'm Josh, and every couple of weeks, I'll be shining a light on the latest in mobile games. You might be wondering, "Who's this clown?" Indeed, while ...
This Week in Games - SNK Sinks, Resident Evil Bling, and How Lara Croft Came to Japan
Somehow, City of the Wolves has done well enough to get a second wave of DLC. And the trailer is another curling of the monkey's paw.
― Welcome back, folks! In an effort to find joy wherever I can, I had a bright spot this week with the arrival of the Izuna soundtrack collection I had ordered from Very Okay Vinyl. Now, I don't own a record player (or even a CD player), but seeing these sets brought m...
This Week in Games - Ike's Back, Bricks Need a Budget, and Marissa Stole the Precious Nuggets
LEGO's Pokémon sets are super-effective against your wallet! Jean-Karlo discusses the bank-breaking sets and one of the most complex video game deep cuts to sell McNuggets.
― Welcome back, folks! Nintendo offered a "Year in Review" feature this week that covered my entire history with the Switch family of consoles. With all the games I've bought, there were surprisingly few games on that list—mostly ...
This Week in Games - Live In Y○ur W×rld, △I Plays □urs
Jean-Karlo remembers David Rosen and looks forward to some new visual novels.
― Welcome back, folks! You'll notice I had a review for The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizons go live yesterday. I've long bemoaned my lack of exposure to Falcom's games, outside of playing a lot of Dragon Slayer on GameBoy in middle school; I've been thoroughly convinced. Just a shame about Falcom's dalliances w...
Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows Game Review
Despite its clear ups and downs, Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows is well worth the asking price of $15.
― Since its release, Elden Ring Nightreign has had more than a few major updates. From harder versions of each boss (which basically add an entire new phase to each fight) to a new way of playing that not only increases the difficulty the more you win but also doubles the amount of chara...
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon Game Review
The beginning of the end of the Trails saga sets off for the only worthy setting: space!
― Falcom's Trails series represents a truly massive epic in the making: twelve RPGs produced over the course of 20 years that tell the ongoing story of personal, political, and industrial change in a fictional world. After 20 years, the series is making the jump to its final frontier: space. Being a Trails neophy...
Temirana: The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights Visual Novel Review
Temirana is a light, sweet game that’s easy to pick up, put down, and play when you have the time and it’s long enough to feel worthwhile while also being short enough to feel like you can play to completion.
― How much time do you have to sink into an otome game? If the answer is “not tons,” consider picking up Temirana: The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights. It's not a short game by any means, ...
This Week in Games - Start Your Year on the Right Foot with... Rance?
What is coming to Steam?
― Welcome back, folks! And welcome to 2026! It's still 2025 while I'm writing this (the topic of temporal displacement relative to readers is not something I'm ready to discuss—this column will forever be in 2025, no matter when you read it). While the holidays may officially be over for most, we Puerto Ricans have one more to look forward to: Three King's Day, this upcoming ...
Utawarerumono: ZAN Game Review
Utawarerumono Zan trades out the series trademark strategy with visceral action—does it stick the landing, though?
― While the Utawarerumono series is best known for its strategic leanings, Utawarerumono Zan took the series into a more action-oriented angle when it released in 2018. After six years, Shiravune has brought it back to PC in America. While it has a few flaws in its formula, it's a nevert...
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Game Review
By and large, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a shining example of everything I love about these games, and it makes for an immersive and satisfying experience that is perfectly at home on the Switch 2.
― To say that the wait for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been a long time coming would be a massive understatement. It has been nearly two decades since Samus last graced a Nintendo console, and needless to ...
This Week in Games - At Least Mega Man Came Back
Lots of new entries into old franchises are in the news this week, but do we really need all of them?
― Welcome back, folks! The year is winding down, but our work with games doesn't! I've been fortunate to have a bit of spending money this month, which means I can add a ton of titles to my collection that I've kept an eye on. Unfortunately, this means that I have an even bigger backlog. Man, remembe...
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Game Review
While you will still be slaying hundreds of enemies and using massive attacks to slay enemy leaders, you do have to pause and take your time to avoid being caught flat-footed.
― Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is another strong Warriors title that provides plenty of enjoyment for Zelda fans and musou die-hards alike. As I like to do in my reviews, allow me to lay out my background before I get i...
Kirby Air Riders Game Review
Kirby at his zooming-est.
― Mario Kart World—as in, not the millionth expansion for Mario Kart 8, but an actual, brand new Mario Kart game—and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds were already enough to cement 2025's status as a fantastic year for racing games. To get Kirby Air Riders (KAR)—the long-awaited sequel to the widely beloved Kirby Air Ride on GameCube—during the same year is just icing on the cartoon...
Romancing Saga: Minstrel Song Remastered International Game Review
If Romancing Saga: Minstrel Song gets its hooks into you, you'll likely find that there are few other titles out there that scratch the RPG itch in quite the same way.
― There are three facts that you probably need to know before reading much further into this review of Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song - Remastered International: 1. Aside from the newly localized scripts, this is the same game that Squa...
This Week in Games - Can't Ask Harada for Nothin'
The famed director of Tekken is hanging up his gauntlets at Bandai Namco after 30 years. Plus, Jean-Karlo looks at Brown Dust 2's untimely cancellation on Steam and more in This Week in Games!
― Welcome back, folks! I was able to greatly enjoy my birthday weekend. I didn't get to beat Future Redeemed like I hoped, but hey, progress was made. I was even able to finish my Tekkaman Blade model kit! I'd ...
Milano's Odd Job Collection Game Review
This is a game that feels like it's doing everything that it wanted to do, but on the surface, it's very nature does make it hard to recommend to people.
― Boy, kids were definitely built differently in Japan during 1999. Back then I was an annoying seven-year-old who could barely tie his shoes. But here? Milano is doing everything from making pastries to milking flying cows at the ripe old age of el...
Persona 3 Reload Game Review
Persona 3 Reload's bones are nearly 20 years old, but it easily competes with or beats many modern titles for sheer depth, beauty, and fun.
― I have agonized over the review of Persona 3 Reload like almost no other video game piece I have written, and as such, this review comes quite a ways after its release on the Switch 2. And why is that, you might ask? It's simple, really - what the heck do you s...
This Week in Games - Interview with Ryūichi Nishizawa, Director of Milano's Odd Job Collection
This week, Nishizawa discusses "'the ultimate pixel-art slow-life game" in our interview! Plus, font licensing prices threaten the video game industry, Nintendo acquires a studio in Singapore, and more.
― Welcome back, folks! Last week saw the publication of a column I've been nursing for a long time about how my accident changed my experience with the Kamen Rider series. I'm quite proud of the recep...
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