Contractor by trade and writer by hobby, Lee's obnoxious criticisms have found a way to be featured across several gaming sites: N4G, VGChartz, Gaming Nexus, DarkStation, TechRaptor, and Cubed3! He started gaming in the mid-90s and has had the privilege in playing many games across a plethora of platforms. Reader warning: each click given to his articles only helps to inflate his Texas-sized ego. Proceed with caution.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469087/reanimal-the-prisoner-xs/

View the announcement trailer below:

Read details on the game below:

Noroi Ayashi: The ∞th Oddity is a time-loop horror RTA stealth action adventure Game, Seira steps into the school at midnight to which seven mysteries and the brutal curse of the cursed doll, Aya await her there, Break free from this inescapable loop of death and escape this night of terror.

Story

If this urban legend is true, someone must step forward to put a stop to it.

But I am just an ordinary sixth-former; I simply do not possess that sort of power.

So, in order to confirm whether this urban legend is true or false, I tried cursing myself using several different rituals.

Regrettably, I cannot be certain which ritual was the correct one, but the night before last, Aya appeared in my dream.

If I, too, meet a mysterious death tonight, it will mean that the urban legend of the “Cursed Doll Aya” is indeed true.

When that time comes…

When that time comes, I beg you—whoever you may be.

Please unravel the mystery of this urban legend.

July 13 (Friday), 20XX. Yuriko.

We—the U High School News Club—who received this diary from her bereaved family, have decided to investigate the urban legend of the “Cursed Doll Aya” in order to honor our dear friend’s final wishes.

Characters

• Seira – The heroine of this story. A member of the U High School Journalism Club. Following the mysterious death of a close friend, she sets out to uncover the truth alongside her fellow club members. However, she soon becomes separated from her friends and finds herself alone in the school building late at night.
• Hime – A member of the U High School Journalism Club. A headstrong and wayward young woman who marches to the beat of her own drum. Rumors circulate around the school that she is involved in compensated dating.
• Tae – A member of the U High School Journalism Club. The club president, who possesses an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She is usually a model student with a perpetual smile, but deep down…

Exploration and Sealing the Mysteries

Each of the Seven Mysteries lurking within the school has its own unique method of avoidance and sealing procedure.

Crawl through the pitch-black school and scour every nook and cranny for clues to help you survive.

The Fastest Way to Survival: Making Death as Your Fuel

Surviving in your first encounter is virtually impossible.

Learn from the relentless ‘deaths’ you suffer again and again, and develop a strategy that strips away all unnecessary action.

Armed with knowledge, charge along the shortest route and break the endless cycle of death.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469091/time-loop-horror-stealth-action-game-noroi-ayashi-the-infinth-oddity-announced-for-switch-2-switch-and-pc/

View the release date trailer below:

Read details on the game below:

In Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember, players will rediscover the fast-paced combat of Wo Long, which combines attack and defense with evolved actions exclusive to this sequel. Using Insight Skills, they will be able to evade enemy attacks and use the terrain to their advantage to launch counterattacks, or even shift the momentum when outnumbered, making the fights even more acrobatic, exhilarating, and deadly than ever before, with players even soaring through the skies above to deliver deadly blows.

Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember will also offer fans greater freedom through dynamic open fields that recreate iconic battles from the Three Kingdoms era, such as the Battle of Changban and the Battle of the Red Cliffs. Players will be able to freely explore these new environments—from fortresses carved into the mountains to strongholds hidden deep in the valleys—whilst overcoming overwhelming obstacles. More than ever before, players will need to raise their morale if they hope to survive in this demon-infested world. Enemy officers can be recruited to their cause, thereby weakening opposing forces, and players will need to employ various strategies on the battlefield to turn the tide of battle.

Players who want a taste of the action before the game’s March 4 release can now download the Alpha Demo, playable until September 30, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Xbox on PC, and Steam. This free demo provides an early look at the game, including an in-progress character creation system and online multiplayer for up to three players. Fans can explore the open field of Changban, join forces with Liu Bei’s army in fierce battles against the pursuing forces of Cao Cao, and encounter demons inspired by legendary Chinese classics.

Upon finishing the demo, players will receive the Fledgling Phoenix Helmet as a bonus to be used in the full game. A survey will also be conducted in order to help facilitate feedback upon completion.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469090/wo-long-2-wings-of-ember-launches-march-4-2027-for-switch-2-ps5-xbox-series-pc-and-game-pass/

The PlayStation Pulse wireless headset will launch in select markets starting this holiday season, while the Pulse Edge wireless headset will launch starting in early 2027.

"Superior sound quality remains at the heart of the new headset lineup, with custom studio-inspired planar magnetic drivers that deliver exceptional sound separation and spatial accuracy," reads the announcement post. "This makes it easy for players to pinpoint directional cues, such as footsteps or reloads in competitive first-person shooters. Larger planar drivers have been added to PlayStation Pulse and Pulse Edge headsets, creating fuller, deeper bass, while keeping the clean sounds players have enjoyed from Pulse Elite. 

"PlayStation Link support for the headsets provides lossless, ultra-low latency audio, along with the flexibility to seamlessly switch between devices that support PlayStation Link, including PS5 consoles, PlayStation Portal remote player, PC, and Mac. The headsets can also simultaneously connect to supported Bluetooth devices. 

"For crisp, in-game chat, both PlayStation Pulse and Pulse Edge headsets feature AI-enhanced noise rejection in their integrated mics to filter out background noises. Both headsets also feature an updated form factor designed for lasting comfort and durability, with rotating earcups that allow the headsets to lay flat for easier portability. PlayStation Pulse and Pulse Edge headsets will be available in White and Midnight Black.

"For players looking for a premium audio experience, Pulse Edge offers additional features including planar magnetic drivers with double the magnet volume compared to PlayStation Pulse to deliver even richer, deeper bass while maintaining the precision and clarity that lets subtle details shine through. It also includes active noise cancellation to reduce unwanted ambient background noise, and a detachable boom mic for crystal clear voice chat – with the option to use a hidden mic when detached. It’s crafted with premium materials and includes a carrying case to keep the headset protected."

View the PlayStation Pulse wireless headset features trailer below:

View the PlayStation Pulse Edge wireless headset features trailer below:

Here are the list of features:

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469089/playstation-pulse-and-pulse-edge-wireless-headsets-announced/

The list of games includes Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, Well Dweller, Mad King Redemption, Kernel Hearts, Ninja Gaiden 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Keeper, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Planet of Lana II, Routine, and Ultimate Sheep Raccoon.

Read all the latest Xbox Game Pass information below:

Available Today

RuneScape: Dragonwilds (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – September 15
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

On RuneScape’s forgotten continent of Ashenfall, dragons have awoken. Gather, build, skill, and craft in this co-operative survival adventure. Only by mastering survival and uncovering ancient secrets can you hope to face the ferocious Dragon Queen. 

Coming Soon

Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – September 16
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

A cosmic battle awaits! Choose between 15 Marvel heroes in this frenetic action beat ‘em up to fight against the deadly Annihilation Wave threatening the galaxy. From New York City to the depths of the Negative Zone, the future of the Marvel Universe will be fought for across the stars!

Planet of Lana II (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – September 16
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Can a friendship change the world? Embark on an unforgettable sci-fi adventure with Lana and her loyal companion Mui. Solve clever puzzles, uncover hidden secrets, and confront the dangers reshaping their home. This breathtaking cinematic platformer is sure to challenge your mind, stir your heart, and dazzle your eyes and ears.

Routine (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – September 16
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

A first-person sci-fi horror set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an ‘80s vision of the future. Explore and investigate your surroundings as you survive against unknown threats.

Ultimate Sheep Raccoon (Cloud, Console, and PC) – September 16
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Ultimate Sheep Raccoon is a bike-racing party game where you and your friends build the course together. Add obstacles and dangerous traps, take the lead with power-ups, and race to the finish!

Kernel Hearts (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – September 17
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass! Kernel Hearts is a unique blend of action RPG and roguelike elements with optional multiplayer co-op. Choose from four magical members with different playstyles and abilities and learn about them and your companions as you progress up the Tower of Babel.

Ninja Gaiden 4 (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – September 17
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

The definitive ninja hack and slash franchise returns with Ninja Gaiden 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat. 

Dune: Awakening (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – September 22
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Dune: Awakening is a single and multiplayer open world survival game with immersive adventure and RPG gameplay. Explore, build, craft, and unravel a cinematic Dune story as you rise from survival to greatness on the most legendary planet in the universe.

Well Dweller (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – September 22
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass! Well Dweller is a dark fairy-tale metroidvania, full of charming characters living in a wretched kingdom. Play as Glimmer – a tiny bird armed with a matchstick – who must burn the wicked queen to save his family.

Mad King Redemption (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – September 23
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Mad King Redemption is a unique blend of a traditional beat ’em up with strong roguelite progression, combined with a pixel art style in a 2.5D world. Free the Mad King from his insanity and defeat the corrupted enemies in a way that’s new every run!

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – September 25
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Forced to go rogue. Hunted from within. This is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Developed by the award-winning teams at Treyarch and Raven Software, Black Ops 6 is an action thriller with a mind-bending narrative and unbound by the rules of engagement. This is signature Black Ops across a cinematic single-player Campaign, a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, and the epic return of Round-Based Zombies.

Minecraft Dungeons II (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – September 29
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass! Gear up and team up to enter a new dimension in Minecraft Dungeons II! Journey into the Sift to explore uncharted lands and fight unfamiliar threats that will test you like never before. Uncover new ways to customize your gear and prepare for the toughest battle yet. Are you ready to face what awaits beyond the rifts?

Keeper (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 2
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Keeper is a story told without words. After a long-forgotten lighthouse is awakened and joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship and an unexpected journey into realms beyond understanding.

Gears of War: E-Day (XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, PC, and Cloud) – October 6
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass! Experience the horror and brutality of Emergence Day. 14 years before the original Gears of War, join Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago in a gripping origin-story campaign as the Locust Horde first erupt from below, igniting a desperate fight for survival.

In Case You Missed It

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – September 2
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Now available on XBOX Series X|S and Cloud Gaming! Now in its 1.0 full release, live the double life of a fearless adventurer and a crafty merchant in this action RPG. Dive into vibrant dimensions, battle relentless enemies, and haul your loot back to a cozy shop where every relic has a price. The dungeons and wealth await.

Coming Soon to Game Pass Essential

Rematch (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – September 25
Now with Game Pass Essential; joining Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass

Step onto the pitch in Rematch, a third-person, team-based soccer game where every pass, volley, and tackle matters. Designed for 5v5 online play, Rematch puts you in full control of one athlete, with no offsides, no fouls, and no downtime. Pass smart, play with purpose, and win together.

Game Updates

EA Sports FC 27 – EA Play Early Access Trial (Console, PC) – September 18

The World’s Game is here. Play EA Sports FC 27 now to experience The Grounds, a football playground where the streets meet the stadium, and feel greater control in every mode as community-driven innovations deliver more true-to-football gameplay.

Sea of Thieves: Season 21 – Coming September 17

Enjoy a Free Play Weekend September 17-21 with no subscription required, then celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day with a Parley Event. Use the new parley pennant to chat with other crews and earn special sails as your reward. A new Seasonal track brings new rewards alongside a packed calendar of events, including Bilge Rat Weekenders, Fight Nights, and more.

In-Game Benefits

Brawlhalla (Cloud, Console, and PC) – September 17
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential, and PC Game Pass

Gear up and jump into the eternal battle arena of Brawlhalla, a free-to-play epic platform fighter for up to 8 players. This benefits pack includes a Kill Thrill Hattori Skin, Hattori Legend Unlock, and the Regal Sun Sword Weapon Skin.

Leaving September 30

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Don’t want the fun to end? Save on these games now before they leave Game Pass!

• Atomfall (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Little Nightmares 2 Enhanced Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Little Rocket Lab (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Sifu (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• SOPA Tale of the Stolen Potato (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Sworn (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Terminull Brigade (Cloud, Console, and PC)

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469088/xbox-game-pass-adds-gears-of-war-e-day-minecraft-dungeons-ii-dune-awakening-and-more/

Valve has previously stated they are waiting on a "generational leap" in performance before releasing a Steam Deck 2. This likely also means the decent performance to price ratio. 

"Not really," said Griffais when asked if the RAM shortages have impacted Valve's plans. "We've talked before about how we want to make sure there's a very delineated performance improvement for something like a future Steam Deck, and I think we're still looking at it in the same way.

"It's just a matter of looking at the current conditions and seeing how and when we can deliver something like that. But from what we're working on, as far as the user experience goes and what the product that we're trying to build goes, it's very similar goals."

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469086/valve-says-steam-deck-2-plans-not-really-affected-by-ram-crisis/

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint came in second place, Mafia Definitive Edition took third place, Grand Theft Auto V was in fourth place, and Red Dead Redemption 2 came in fifth place. Hogwarts Legacy came in eighth place and Star Wars: Zero Company took ninth place.

There were three Need for Speed games in the top 10. Need for Speed: Heat came in sixth place, Need for Speed: Most Wanted was in seventh place and Need for Speed: Unbound rounds out the top 10.

Here are the best-selling titles for the month in Poland:

1. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands
2. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
3. Mafia Definitive Edition
4. Grand Theft Auto V
5. Red Dead Redemption 2
6. Need for Speed: Heat
7. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
8. Hogwarts Legacy
9. Star Wars: Zero Company
10. Need for Speed: Unbound

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469085/ghost-recon-wildlands-tops-the-polish-charts-for-august-2026/

It will include the base game, all the DLC, a range of improvements, like updated visuals, over 50 newly playable minor factions, and full Japanese voice-overs and text.

View the announcement trailer below:

Read details on the game below:

Unite Japan and become Shogun in the updated, enhanced and complete edition of Total War: SHOGUN 2. Build alliances, sabotage your enemies and outsmart your rival clans in a seamless blend of turn-based empire building and real-time battles.

Become Shogun

Experience the updated, enhanced, and complete version of the grand strategy classic; Total War: SHOGUN 2 and all of its downloadable content, including the “Rise of the Samurai” and “Fall of the Samurai” campaigns.

Updates include:

• Improved visuals, updated lighting, shadows, and textures.
• 1440p and 4K user interface scaling.
• Modernized controls.
• New full Japanese and Chinese voice acting and text localization.
• Over 50 newly playable minor factions.
• Integrated in-game mod support using Mod.io.
• 64 bit upgrade, and more.

Grand Strategy

Wage total war, unite Japan and become Shogun. Master Bushido and Chi, war and peace, build alliances, lead massive armies, construct mighty castles, and execute acts of cunning subterfuge to fuel your campaigns across the entire Shogun era from the rise of the first Shogun to the fall of the last Samurai.

Tactical Battles

Command massed armies of samurai warriors in dramatic real-time tactical battles. Master the tactics of the Shogun era and sweep across the battlefields of Feudal Japan, commanding massive, pitched battles, besieging towering fortresses, and springing devastating ambushes. Glorious victory or shameful defeat will be yours.

Multiplayer

Create a persistent, upgradable general in Avatar Conquest Mode. Win online battles, earn XP and unlock better armor, new unit types, and permanent upgrades for your troops. Jump into Cooperative or Competitive Campaigns to play through the entire SHOGUN 2 campaign by conquering Japan together or competing for supremacy. Up to eight players can join hosted lobbies for massive, chaotic skirmishes in Custom Battles.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469084/total-war-shogun-2-complete-edition-announced-for-pc/

There was two other new games to debut in the top 10 with Halloween: The Game debuting in second place and the 1.0 release of Valheim debuting in ninth place.

Bodycam is up one spot to third place, The Blood of Dawnwalker is down three spots to fourth place, and How to Fish remained in fifth place.

Diablo IV re-entered the charts in sixth place, while Onimusha: Way of the Sword fell five spots to seventh place. Borderlands 4 re-entered the charts in ninth place and NBA 2K27 rounds out the top 10.

Here are the Steam Weekly Top Sellers by revenue for the week (excluding free games):

1. Wardogs - NEW
2. Halloween: The Game - NEW
3. Bodycam
4. The Blood of Dawnwalker 
5. How to Fish
6. Diablo IV
7. Onimusha: Way of the Sword
8. Borderlands 4
9. Valheim - NEW
10. NBA 2K27

Here are the Steam Weekly Top Sellers by revenue for the week (including free games):

1. Wardogs - NEW
2. PUBG: Battlegrounds
3. Counter-Strike 2
4. Apex Legends
5. Marvel Rivals
6. Halloween: The Game - NEW
7. Dota 2
8. Overwatch
9. Bodycam
10. The Blood of Dawnwalker 

The Steam charts are ordered by revenue, include pre-order numbers, and hardware. If a game appears multiple times it is because it has multiple editions.

Previous week - Week 37, 2026

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469083/wardogs-and-halloween-the-game-debut-on-the-steam-charts/

"2 MILLION COPIES SOLD," reads a post on social media. "Thank you all. Beyond humbled. We made a game we wanted to play with friends. Watching you play it with yours has been the best."

The game has also reached a peak of 428,666 concurrent players, according to SteamDB.

Wardogs released for PC via Steam in Early Access on September 10.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469082/wardogs-sales-top-2-million-units/

The Blood of Dawnwalker is down one spot to second place, while Pokémon Pokopia is up one spot to third place. Mario Kart World is up two spots to fourth place and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remained in fifth place.

Mortal Kombat 1 and EA Sports FC 26 are up five spots each to sixth and seventh places, respectively. 007 First Light shot up eight spots to eighth place.

The Witcher III: Wild Hunt GotY Edition is up one spot to ninth place and Hogwarts Legacy rounds out the top 10.

Here are the best-selling titles for the week in the UK at retail:

1. Onimusha: Way of the Sword 
2. The Blood of Dawnwalker 
3. Pokémon Pokopia
4. Mario Kart World
5. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
6. Mortal Kombat 1
7. EA Sports FC 26
8. 007 First Light
9. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt GotY Edition
10. Hogwarts Legacy

Previous week - Week 36, 2026

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469081/onimusha-way-of-the-sword-tops-the-uk-retail-charts/

"We know many of you have been looking forward to experiencing Bond’s reimagined origin story on Nintendo Switch 2, and we greatly appreciate your enthusiasm," said IO Interactive. "To ensure we deliver the quality of experience players expect, we have made the decision to delay the release to March 2027, with the exact date to be communicated later. This additional time will go toward polishing the Nintendo Switch 2 performance of the game."

"We were thrilled by the positive feedback on 007 First Light at gamescom, and it’s a great sign of the progress being made across the whole game as we head toward launch. The same demo will be playable at Tokyo Game Show this week, so please join us there if you would like a hands-on experience.

"We will share further updates as soon as we are ready. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support."

007 First Light first released for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on May 27. 

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469080/switch-2-version-of-007-first-light-delayed-to-march-2027/

The game includes the Trinity Trigger base game and various DLC. It is currently available for a 50 percent off discount of $24.99 until October 12. After this date it will cost $49.99.

Read details on the game below:

he power of three can defy destiny. The classic fantasy action RPG Trinity Trigger arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 in a definitive edition packed with downloadable content!

This definitive edition includes Trinity Trigger along with a wide range of downloadable content, including extra episodes, weapon sets, and more.

Included in the DX Edition

• Extra Episode Set – Features all-new episodes depicting events not shown in the main story.
• Weapon Set – Start your adventure with an additional set of weapons already available, giving you an edge on your journey.
• All-in-One Item Set – Includes a full assortment of shards, items, and materials useful for exploration and upgrades, making it easier to develop your equipment and skills from the start.
• Dad’s Keepsakes (EXP-Boosting Item) – A special item that increases EXP earned, making leveling up more efficient and your adventure even smoother.

Story

Long ago, the Gods of Order and the Gods of Chaos fought for supremacy over the world.

Cyan, a young man living peacefully in a small village, one day discovers that he is the Warrior of Chaos.

Together with Elise and Zantis, he sets out on a journey to defy fate.

Fast-Paced Combat With Eight Weapon Types

Use the Weapon Wheel to switch between eight types of weapons, including swords and spears, and exploit enemy weaknesses in exhilarating action combat.

Fields Filled With Discoveries

Even places that appear to be dead ends may conceal hidden passages. Conversations with townsfolk can also provide valuable clues.

Local Co-Op for Up to Three Players

Adventure together with up to three players as you control the party. Divide roles and join forces with your companions to take on powerful enemies.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469079/trinity-trigger-dx-out-now-for-switch-2/

The game originally launched in arcades in June 1998, for the Dreamcast in March 1999, and for the PlayStation in October 1999.

View the teaser trailer below:

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469078/psychic-force-2012-launches-in-2027-for-ps5-switch-and-pc/

"We had been working toward a 2026 release, but in order to deliver the best possible experience to players, we have decided to move the release to 2027," said Shueisha Games. "The entire team is working hard to deliver the best survivors royale experience possible and live up to your expectations, so we hope you’ll bear with us a little longer!"

View a new trailer of the game below:

Read details on the game below:

Survive, exorcise, change the game.

Step into the roles of characters from Jujutsu Kaisen and compete against countless Cursed Spirits and rivals in this survivors royale. Battle Cursed Spirits, grow stronger through combat, outlast your rivals and be the last one standing victorious.

Supports up to eight players online. Single player mode included

Earn Points and Overwhelm Your Rivals!

Cut through waves of cursed spirits, rack up points, and keep pace with your rivals’ as the match grows more intense. Your attacks trigger automatically, so the focus is on movement, positioning, and choosing the right moment to strike back with rule-changing effects.

At 100 points, activate a “Rule Addition” to disrupt your opponents, steal momentum, and climb the rankings.

In the end, the top two players face off in a one-versus-one duel, where only one will emerge victorious.

A Roster of Over 20 Characters from Jujutsu Kaisen!

Play as over 20 characters from the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, each with their own skills and playstyle.

Unlock new fighters by meeting specific conditions, experiment with different strengths, and find the character that fits your approach.

Powerful BOSSES can also appear mid-battle, turning the match into an even more chaotic clash of Jujutsu Sorcerers, Curse Users, and Cursed Spirits.

Overwhelm Your Rivals with Unique Special Moves

Fill your gauge through battle, then unleash a powerful special move at the perfect moment.

Activate techniques iconic to Jujutsu Kaisen—from Domain Expansion to Black Flash and beyond. These powerful moves can turn the tide of a match in an instant. Most special moves can also affect nearby rivals—and while a special move is active, any player caught in range can be directly targeted for attacks. Wait for your perfect window and unleash everything upon your foes.

Every Choice is Yours. Skills That Change with Every Run.

Collect EXP from defeated cursed spirits and level up throughout the match.

Each level gives you new skill options to shape your build on the fly: strengthen what you already have, add new abilities, and discover powerful synergies that can carry you to victory.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469077/jujutsu-kaisen-rumble-survivaton-delayed-to-2027/

The Long Sword boosted actions includes: Slash and build Spirit Gauge, enhanced combos and counters, and greater offset and stagger potential.

View the trailer below:

Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance will launch for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2027.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469076/monster-hunter-wilds-ascendance-expansion-gets-long-sword-breakdown-trailer/

New data via Senior Director and Video Game Industry Advisor at Circana Mat Piscatella revealed there was little to impact on the player count or engagement for that week in the US.

"No," said Piscatella when asked if there was any noticeable change that could be attributed to the boycott. "There was no significant change at all in player count or engagement in our tracking."

It is still possible the boycott had a bigger impact outside of the US. However, Circana only provides data in the one country. 

PlayStation in July announced it would be ending physical game disc production for all new games released on PlayStation consoles starting January 2028. All new games release on PlayStation consoles on the PlayStation Store and at retailers will be in digital formats only. 

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469075/ps5-boycott-following-end-of-discs-caused-no-significant-change-at-all-in-player-count-in-the-us/

The GameCube sold 21.74 million units lifetime worldwide, along with 208.58 million games. It is the 23rd best-selling video game platform of all-time.

Looking at the regional breakdown for hardware sales its strongest region by far was North America with 12.55 million units sold. The console also managed to sell 4.44 million units in Europe, 4.04 million units in Japan, and 0.71 million units in the rest of the world.

Three games for the GameCube sold over five million units, 11 games sold over two million units, 45 games sold over one million units, and 96 games sold over 500,000 units.

Here are the top 10 best-selling GameCube games:

1. Super Smash Bros. Melee - 7.41 million
2. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! - 6.88 million
3. Super Mario Sunshine - 5.91 million
4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker - 4.43 million
5. Luigi's Mansion - 3.33 million
6. Metroid Prime - 2.84 million
7. Mario Party 4 - 2.46 million
8. Pokémon Colosseum - 2.41 million
9. Animal Crossing - 2.27 million
10. Mario Party 5 - 2.17 million

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469071/gamecube-turns-25-top-10-best-selling-gamecube-games/

Macy confirmed on social media he was let go with a post stating, "I just got laid off."

Altano has worked at IGN since 2009 and been one of its main hosts since Kinda Funny‘s Greg Miller and Last Stand‘s Colin Moriarty left over a decade ago.

The sources state multiple departments on the video game website have been hit with layoffs. The scale of the layoffs isn't known, however, it could be influence by employees' remote status and if they were willing to relocate.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469074/ign-hit-with-layoffs-including-hosts-seth-macy-and-brian-altano/

The team will be moving away from seasonal content and will no longer be tying major updates fixed to seasonal deadline. The team will be given more flexibility to build, test, and improve features before they are released.

The next major update for Marathon that was scheduled to launch on September 22 will now release alongside the Symbiosis update on December 8.

The update will include a new Runner shell, permanent PvE experience, refreshed Perimeter zone, a social space/firing range, an experimental TDM mode, and improvements to new player onboarding.

Bungie plans to release a smaller and more focused update on October 6 that will reset progression and the in-game economy, refreshes rewards, and improves the live game.

Read details below:

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469073/marathon-major-september-update-delayed-to-december-moving-away-from-seasonal-content/

The Steam Frame will be available in two models - the 256 GB Kit is priced at $1,059 and the 1 TB Kit is priced at $1,299. The storage is the only difference between the two options.

A power supply is not included, but can be purchased separately for $29. The steam Deck charger and any 45W or higher USB-C charger will work.

The Ergonomic Accessories Kit is available for $59. It includes two controller hand straps / battery doors, one headset top strap, and one extended light blocker. The Accessory Replacement Kit is available for $49. It includes one face gasket, one head cushion, and one standard light blocker.

The Steam Frame is also compatible with the color passthrough by Arcturus Vision and prescription inserts by Zenni.

Here are the specs for the Steam Frame.

• 4 nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 - ARM64
• 16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAM
• 256GB or 1TB UFS storage, microSD card slot
• Rechargeable 21.6 Wh Li-ion battery
• 2160 x 2160 LCD (per eye)
• 72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental)
• Inside-out camera based tracking
• Wi-Fi 7, 2x2 - wireless adapter included
• Bluetooth 5.4
• Dual speaker drivers per ear, dual microphone array
• SteamOS 3
• Steam Frame Controllers – full 6-DOF and gamepad controls
• Half-Life: Alyx included

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469072/steam-frame-starts-at-1059-includes-half-life-alyx/

The showcase will be 45 minutes in length and feature back-to-back trailers for independent games. There will be eight exclusive world premieres from studios such as Amanita Design, Norsfell, Strange Scaffold, and Team17, as well as gameplay reveals, release dates, and other announcements across 40 games, including the new Among Us title, Brotato, Chained Together, DAVE THE DIVER, Haunted Paws, Hela: of Mice and Magic, MILITSIONER, Outward 2, Pony Island 2: Panda Circus, Risk of Rain 2, and Windrose.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469070/the-triple-i-initiative-showcase-set-for-october-8/

"Rayman Legends Retold will release on December 3," said Ubisoft. "While the game has officially gone gold, we have decided to take extra time to make sure every detail gets the care it deserves.

"In the meantime, we can’t wait for you to see what we’ve been working on, starting with a “Game Overview” trailer on September 22. That same day, a selection of creators and press will share fresh hands-on impressions.

"On behalf of all the teams working on this game, thank you for your patience, support and trust."

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469069/rayman-legends-retold-delayed-to-december-3/

The new animated Sonic the Hedgehog kids series is in development with  Carlos Stevens and Toru Nakahara, and is for an upper pre-school audience. 

The show is described as a "high-voltage, comedic, yet emotionally grounded series built for kids who want to feel a little edge, a little attitude, and a lot of ‘that’s my crew’s wish fulfillment."

The Crazy Taxi film will be written by Dan Gregor and Doug Man, while Sega's Toru Nakahara will produce. The Stranger Than Heaven film will be produced by Toru Nakahara.

"Great games already have what every adaptation is chasing—characters people love, worlds they know by heart, and fandoms that show up," said Netflix vice president of nonfiction and transmedia Brandon Rieg. "With Crazy Taxi, Sonic, and Stranger Than Heaven, we get to work across three completely different eras of Sega’s catalog, celebrating everything fans love, while introducing them to new audiences."

Sega head producer Toru Nakahara added, "Expect something cute yet cool for Sonic, hilariously crazy for Crazy Taxi and a badass action drama for Stranger Than Heaven, because we’ve got some amazing creative ideas lined up and we are just getting started. The whole team is absolutely thrilled!"

Original Film’s Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher said, "We couldn’t be more excited to continue our longstanding relationship with Sega and bring Crazy Taxi to life with our partners at Netflix. This film is for anyone who’s spent hours behind the wheel of a yellow cab on their Dreamcast, with the music cranked up, smashing through everything in sight just to make the next fare."

Sega president and chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi stated, "We’ve watched Netflix take on stories across every kind of format and treat each one with real craft, and seeing that same dedication applied to Sonic, Crazy Taxi, and Stranger Than Heaven is something we at Sega are incredibly proud to be a part of. The fandoms of these games deserve storytelling that honors what makes each title special, and we know Netflix shares that commitment. This is just the start of what these titles can become."

Thanks, Variety.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469068/netflix-and-sega-announce-sonic-the-hedgehog-animated-series-crazy-taxi-and-stranger-than-heaven-films/

The game is currently available for PC via Steam and GOG. The Shattered Faith DLC is also in developmne,t

View a trailer of the game below:

Read details on the game and DLC below:

Welcome to world where danger lurks around every corner, yet one that always rewards curiosity and courage.

Of Ash and Steel is an immersive third-person open-world RPG created by a passionate team that values the essence of classic old-school RPGs and modern designs. Explore the lands of a once-prosperous island, hone your combat skills, and survive in the unforgiving realm of the Kingdom of the Seven.

Rewarding World Exploration

Of Ash and Steel‘s world is full of hidden treasures, underwater caves, side quests and bosses, and valuable loot. Some of these can be found with a treasure map, while others with pure luck. The game has no marker system, and quests won’t lead you by the hand. Rediscover the joy of exploration and let curiosity be your guide; the world promises rich rewards for those who dare to uncover its secrets.

Deep Character Progression and World Evolution

Build your characters as you like with three different skill branches: Survival, Craftsmanship and War. Allocate your character’s attribute points and unlock passive bonuses by exploring the world. The social system makes your progression even more noticeable: As the hero’s skills grow, the world around him reacts differently. If at the beginning of the game you were treated like a ragamuffin, by the end of the game the characters will literally bow to your feet.

Rich Storytelling – Of Ash and Steel is set in the low-fantasy cruel medieval world. Make your path from abandoned lowlife to a marshal of fortunes, choose your side and forge alliances on your journey to discover the truth of who you really are.

Methodical Action RPG Combat

The combat system in Of Ash and Steel allows players to use three different combat stances with unique combat styles for different weapons. You are not a Legendary powerful Hero by default in Of Ash and Steel. You need to learn the ropes of becoming one! Learn to stand up for yourself by timing your attacks, using environments, and active skills. Invest in the War branch to become more skilled not just in numbers: attacks become more accurate and stronger, and you’ll learn more tricks. For example, you’ll be able to throw bottles from the ground to stun your opponents!

Immersive Atmosphere

Players are encouraged to slow down and fully embrace the world around them. The richly detailed environment comes alive with a dynamic day-night cycle, shifting weather, and natural elements like wind that sways the trees. Ambient sounds—from the soft rustle of leaves to distant birdsong—enhance the immersion, while NPCs follow their own daily routines, adding to the sense of a living, breathing world. The result is an experience that wraps players in a comforting, tranquil atmosphere, inviting them to linger and explore at their own pace.

When Classic Meets Modern

Of Ash and Steel is a game for everyone from hardcore RPG fans to casual players. It is inspired by classic old-school RPGs and combines the convenience of modern gaming while paying homage to the legendary classic role-playing games. There are no quest markers or enemy auto-levelling, but there’s modern user interface, environment markers, tutorials, and much more.

Shattered Faith DLC

Join a mysterious expedition headed to the lost and forgotten corners of Grayshaft and retrace the steps of the Primestriders in search of powerful artefacts, meeting friends for life and fear-instilling foes. Dig deep into the secrect of those long gone and watch Tristan realize that even if your path was set in stone by fate itself, you can still try and break the mold.

Two Schools of Magic

Embrace the raging power of the purifying flame within the Order of the Seven or tame the terrifying might of nature with the help of the Free Hunters. Weave new spells into your playstyles and combine them in unexpected ways to improve your understanding of the chosen style and exploit the weaknesses of your enemies.

New Fighting Style and Weapon Class: The Poleaxe

menacing relict of the Primestriders that makes even the most wretched beasts cower on sight. Master the three stances, each with its own type of damage, outsmart your foes and strike true: heads will roll.

Six New Locations

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient ancestors from Grayshaft’s Old Port to a hobster village hidden under the forest canopy. Explore places most of the island’s inhabitants never heard of and find out why they were removed from official maps. Leave no stone unturned and stray off the beaten paths where new stories, dangers and rewards await.

Beasts Never Seen Before

The furious Bogustump, the cunning Barreling, the blood-curdling Banshee… This side of Grayshaft is full of abominations, both familiar yet changed by the spreading taint and those never seen before. Study their habits and weaknesses to gain an edge in combat and become one of the first adventurers to defeat these new menaces!

Tread Your Own Path

New facets of ancient knowledge have lent themselves to you: use an enchanted dagger to blink around, learn to become light as a feather to glide into the depths unscathed and more! Find unusual ways to get where no path has led before and explore the world from a new angle!

And Much, Much More…

Get involved into more than 50 random encounters and learn more about the people of Grayshaft. Give the new weapons and armor a try and combine them with 12 special perks. If you ever feel like you need more than just a blade to overcome the challenges you face, learn to enchant your weapons to imbue them with magical powers. Short on money? Become the leader of your own guild and make your name known all over the island! And if you’d like a reprieve from all the adventuring, sit down with a variety of opponents and try to beat them all at a unique card game.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469067/of-ash-and-steel-coming-to-ps5-and-xbox-series/

Free Hideaways DLC is now available for the PC version. It adds three new levels.

View a trailer of the game below:

Read details on the game and DLC below:

In Hozy, you’ll renovate and decorate abandoned homes with a variety of satisfying mechanics and intuitive controls. Enjoy the little details of home design and improvement as you interact with tools, items and furniture to bring each space back to life, restoring not only rooms, but the memories and stories of a whole community!

The Hozy Flow

Hozy is about slowing down. There are no timers, scores, or penalties, and absolutely no stress. Just you, your tools, and the simple joy of making spaces beautiful again. Whether you’re wiping windows, choosing the perfect wallpaper, or placing a sofa, it’s all about that satisfying flow!

Coziness In Every Detail

Immerse yourself in the ultimate cozy atmosphere. Every small action delivers a micro-dopamine hit and a tiny “aha!” moment. Plants sway, candles can be lit, and trash realistically tumbles in and out of the bin. Open the window to hear natural sounds and invite the wind to play with dust particles.

Unleash Your Inner Designer

Utilize a designer-curated collection of furniture and décor, carefully tuned to complement one another. Rotate, move and place items freely. Match wall colors and flooring from a palette of harmonized tones. Use the array of tools at your disposal to create spaces worthy of an interior-design magazine!

Hideaways DLC details

“Hideaways,” a free downloadable content for all Hozy players, invites you to explore three new levels—each with its own unique atmosphere and personality. Meet the characters who call these spaces home, discover the little details that make each place unique, and take your time turning them into something special.

When you’re ready to keep creating, take the new furniture and décor with you into Sandbox Mode. Mix, match, rearrange, and experiment with fresh items to make your very own space feel just right!

Three New Locations

Explore three new, unique spaces: an elegant Chic Condo, a savvy Tech Studio, and a charming Greenhouse.

New Cleaning Mechanics

Mow the lawn to turn your garden into a setting fit for a fairy-tale, and remove tired old rugs to reveal a perfectly preserved parquet floor!

A New Hub

Discover a new area that connects these additional locations and offers another insight into the world of Hozy. All of these levels are available immediately once you’ve completed the tutorial level in the main game.

New Music

Enjoy a fresh collection of tracks composed by Yann van der Cruyssen to complement the atmosphere of each new level, both during the day and the night.

New Sandbox Items

Bring all the new furniture and décor from these levels into Sandbox Mode and use it to create even more cozy and unique rooms!

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469066/hozy-coming-to-ps5-xbox-series-and-switch-later-this-year/

Before we dive into the specifics of Ocarina of Time, I want to talk about remakes. Unlike a lot of fans, I don't think there are too many remakes. Every year, the industry provides us with hundreds of notable games (and thousands of games in general). Who cares if a handful are remakes? Actually, I’ll take it one step further. I look forward to remakes. Well, not every kind of remake. There’s only one kind that gets me truly excited: the transformational remake. This is a project that recognizes and respects the original release, but which veers off in different, unexpected directions. It doesn't replace the source material; it sits beside it as a complementary offering. Think of the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4, or, much further back, the GBA remake of Metroid. These are unique experiences that stand on their own. 

This is what I wanted for Ocarina of Time. Last week, as I continued to watch the hands-on footage, I gradually realized that's not what it is. Despite the glow-up, it appears to share the same level designs, layouts, and plot points as the original. It's certainly not an exact 1:1 transfer, which is good news (the closer a remake comes to a remaster, the less interesting it becomes), but it's far more loyal to the earlier work than I had hoped. In a way, that loyalty comes with a certain sense of security. The Ocarina template from 1998 remains brilliant, so this remake, by cutting the same general path, should also be brilliant. 

It should also handle and perform much better than when gas cost $1.04 per gallon. It appears to render at 1080p and run at 60 fps, a giant leap above the specs on N64. Aonuma confirmed a sprint option, a jump button, gyro aiming, streamlined item swapping, and, of course, dual analog controls, all of which make the base game more accessible, nimble, and efficient. I'm grateful for all of this. I'm grateful for the game in general. I only wish it were less slavish to the source material.

I also wish it looked different.

I know what you're thinking. I'm well aware the Zelda series has a reputation for art styles that initially turn off fans, but which become beloved in the years that follow. Personally, I've never experienced this. Believe it or not, I adored the cel-shaded cartoon graphics in The Wind Waker from the get-go. I was fine with the drabber, earthier visuals in Twilight Princess. I enjoyed the painterly aesthetic in Skyward Sword. I've never begun a journey with a new Zelda game with trepidation over its art style. Until now.

There are two main issues at play. The first is the focus on extreme realism. Personally, I gravitate toward stylized graphics. The most beautiful games, I find, are cel-shaded, or constructed from pixel art, or somehow out of sync with the real world. I adore, in equal measure, the stylish, semi-realistic look of a game like Monster Hunter Stories 3 and the chunky, vibrant sprites of something like Mina the Hollower. As mentioned before, I greatly admire the visual identity of Skyward Sword, which at times looks like a Cézanne come to life. Yet I never get truly excited by graphics in the realistic style. For me, the closer a game appears to real life, the less enchanting it becomes.

To be fair to Nintendo, the Ocarina remake, despite its hyper-realistic approach, doesn't look like one of those ghastly DLSS 5 experiments. In some places, in fact, it's jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The Great Deku Tree is an absolute show-stopper, both outside and inside. There's a moment when the camera pans up as Young Link first enters the dungeon that took my breath away. You see a ring of gray-brown desiccated wood draped in spider webs and, above it, a cone of endless light wreathed in wispy gossamer. It looks like a painting. Then there's the Deku Baba, which is simply a work of art. It has a frill of purplish fibrous roots at the base of its head, a row of crooked teeth, and a thick carrot-like root for a tongue. It's the perfect example of a remade enemy — recognizable but reimagined.

The realistic style isn't my favorite, but I can look past it. In fact, after watching the Nintendo Direct footage over and over for the purposes of this article, I've already begun to get used to it. The bigger issue is a lack of consistency within the new art style. It's hyper-realistic in places, but exaggerated in others. Consider Young Link. His clothing is remarkably detailed, with amazingly lifelike fabrics and textures. Yet his face is glossy and his eyes are unusually large. "We didn't just aim for realistic graphics," said Aonuma via a translator, "we were particularly focused on re-imagining them in a way that evokes nostalgia for the original game." This is the crux of the problem. By pushing the envelope technologically while remaining linked to the past, the development team ended up in an inconsistent middle area.

Young Link doesn't only look inconsistent on his own; he's also, at times, incongruous with those around him. When he's out in the wild or deep within a dungeon, everything looks cohesive. When he's in the same space as other human-looking characters, though, things start to break down. The scene in Hyrule Castle Town is the most obvious offender. Compared to the incredibly detailed and expressive Link, the town's citizens look like they were imported from an older, more cartoonish game. I realize that background NPCs are often less detailed and emotive than main characters, but the gap here seems unusually wide.

The problem that unites my concerns with the Ocarina of Time remake — that it follows the contours of the original too closely and that its art style is a sometimes uncomfortable mix of realistic and stylized assets — is a misplaced focus on nostalgia. If Nintendo were less concerned with honoring the past and evoking sentimental feelings among older players, it would be free to treat the source material as a springboard toward something different, as opposed to a blueprint to be closely followed. It would also be free to move forward with a realistic aesthetic without being tethered to character geometry from the late 90s. I know it sounds strange, but Aonuma and company are being too respectful with this remake. Heck, they even re-introduced loading screens to replicate the feeling of the N64 game.

Don't get me wrong; I'm still looking forward to this remake. I wouldn't turn down the chance to play through Ocarina of Time again, this time with modern amenities, new dialogue, and greatly improved performance. I just wish it didn't feel like I was playing it again, but for the first time.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469050/the-ocarina-of-time-remake-has-a-nostalgia-problem/

"With Putty World, we are not simply asking how we can reproduce a game from the past, we are asking what we might have created in the mid-1990s if we had access to the technology available today,” said System 3 founder and CEO Mark Cale.

"The original Putty games were shaped by the imagination of their creators and the capabilities of the hardware at the time. Our ‘What If?’ concept allows us to revisit that same creative vision without those technical limitations, combining the character, humor, and personality of the originals with the fluidity, responsiveness, and visual detail now possible on Nintendo Switch 2."

Read details on the game below:

Putty World is an ambitious reimagining of System 3’s classic Putty series. It is built around a simple question: What if Nintendo Switch 2 hardware had existed in the mid-1990s?

What would the Putty series have looked and played like if its original creators had access to modern processing power, higher frame rates, greater memory, improved resolution, and today’s dual-stick, multi-button controllers?

This concept forms the foundation of System 3’s new “What If?” series, which will explore how classic games could have looked, felt, and played if today’s technology had been available when they were originally created.

Three Putty Worlds Connected in One Game

Putty World brings together the worlds of Putty, Super Putty, and Putty Squad in one connected experience. As players progress, they will unlock recreated and updated levels inspired by other games from across the series.

The game is planned to include 75 new or extensively updated levels, with more than 45 new enemies already added. Players will encounter new opponents, expanded enemy behaviors, and new ways in which enemies react, attack, and fight. Additional surprises are being introduced throughout development, including end-of-level bosses and dedicated boss battles.

Putty himself has also been given considerably more personality and expression. The updated character features more than 50 facial-expression combinations, helping him react dynamically to the world and events around him.

From Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2

At Gamescom 2026, System 3 demonstrated the scale of the transformation by comparing the Nintendo Switch version of Putty Squad directly with Putty World running on Nintendo Switch 2.

The comparison highlighted the completely recreated graphics, more detailed character renders, richer animation, modernized controls, improved playability, and substantially greater fluidity made possible by the new hardware.

System 3’s goal is for Putty World to capture the imagination and distinctive character of a special platform game from the mid-1990s, reimagined without the technical restrictions of the era and made possible by Nintendo Switch 2.

The game is being developed with a stable 60 frames-per-second target and is designed to support 1080p resolution in handheld mode and up to 4K when played on a TV.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469065/putty-world-announced-for-switch-2/

A free update will release on September 21. It will add a new device and a new customer.

ReStory released for PC via Steam on August 6.

View the accolades trailer below:

Read details on the game below:

ReStory lets you run your own electronics repair shop in Y2K-era Japan. Fix iconic pieces of 2000s tech, like cell phones, video game consoles (including officially licensed Atari systems), handhelds, digital pets, home appliances, music players, cameras, and more—all while hearing the unique stories of your customers and making meaningful decisions that influence a branching storyline.

ReStory combines tactile repair gameplay with the relaxing atmosphere, shop management mechanics, and a cast of memorable characters. Grow your business by carefully unscrewing, cleaning, soldering, repainting, and assembling devices to bring them back to life—and if you need spare parts, you can always buy them online via an old-school in-game web browser. Talk to customers, hear their stories, and see how your decisions impact both their lives and your shop through a non-linear narrative.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469064/restory-sales-top-500000-units/

The game first released for PC via Steam in December 2025.

View the console launch trailer below:

Read details on the game below:

Immerse yourself in a survival first-person shooter adventure. Stranded on a dangerous island, face mercenaries, dinosaurs, and a vibrant yet hostile ecosystem. Explore breathtaking environments and survive the onslaught of intense, fast-paced encounters.

A Savage and Dangerous Island

Wake up on an uncharted island where the world feels alive and unpredictable. From ancient ruins to apex predators, every element of the environment shapes your fight for survival. Explore, adapt, and use the island’s dangers to your advantage. This isn’t just a setting—it’s a relentless, ever-changing force that challenges and rewards those who dare to uncover its secrets.

Intense and Adaptive First-Person Shooter Combat

Engage in relentless combat with mercenaries, dinosaurs, and mechas in a dynamic FPS adventure. Craft weapons and gear using resources from the environment to adapt to any challenge. Tailor your arsenal to suit your approach. Every fight delivers a high-stakes, unforgettable experience.

Master the Wild

Stranded on a deadly island, survival is all that matters.

Every step challenges you with savage predators, treacherous terrain, and limited resources.

Explore carefully to uncover hidden paths, secrets, and essential gear. Turn the wild to your advantage: control dinosaurs to attack enemies, open paths, or infiltrate guarded areas.

Every encounter is an opportunity—or a threat.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469063/dinosaur-fps-ferocious-is-out-now-for-ps5-and-xbox-series/

View the trailer below:

Read new details on the game below:

Story Trailer

Let’s deep dive into the story and be sure to stick around to the end for an exclusive reveal on a fan-favorite mode that is confirmed in the franchise’s next release!

Dogfights are notorious within the Ace Combat series as you engage in exhilarating dogfight against daunting rival aces. Today’s trailer showcased a head-to-head battle between the Leader of the Elite Sotoan Air Force Shadows Unit “Shadow 22” and the Joker Flight led by the “Wings of Theve.”

In addition to threats in the skies, you will also be forced to face off against numerous superweapons that dominate the ground or overwhelm the distant skies. It is up to you to lead your squad to victory and save the Federation of Central Usea (FCU).

This is what you’ll find in the heart of our next mission reveal!

A Fan-Favorite Mission in Ace Combat

In this mission, you are tasked with a counterattack against Sotoan forces where you must destroy every enemy and targets in sight.

Not only will you have the chance to experience the full thrill of flight shooting, but fans will also be able to experience a franchise favorite mode, Annihilation Battle.

The Freedom of Annihilation Missions

In this Annihilation Battle, you’ll face key enemy facilities—including a solar power plant, an oil tank, an air base, and an ammo dump —all while making good use of supply lines where you can replenish your own weapons during the mission. The gameplay offers a high degree of freedom within the time limit, allowing players to devise their own strategies—such as deciding which enemies to take down and in what order, as well as when to return to the “return line” to reload their weapons.

“I believe this mission category best embodies the core pillar of the Ace Combat series: the player’s ability to eliminate enemies based on their own judgment,” said Manabu Shimomoto, the game’s producer, sharing his thoughts on why Mission 7 will be appealing to Ace Combat 8 players.

New Ways to Enjoy Annihilation Battles in Ace Combat 8

Just like the large transport aircraft Podarge we introduced in previous trailers, you can enjoy chain destruction in the Annihilation battles for this newest installment in the series.

Shimomoto-san notes, “For example, if you hit a flammable object—such as an oil tank at an enemy base—and cause an explosion, you can also cause a chain reaction that destroys surrounding buildings.”

In addition, structures located near where downed enemy aircraft crash may also be destroyed.

The production team had this consideration when developing the mission as it adds depth to the strategy regarding the order and timing of players’ attacks.

Formidable Foes Threatening the Federation of Central Usea Forces

Outside of the Annihilation Mission, you’ll face numerous enemies or have to evade their threats. Here are just a few that you can look forward to battling:

Megafloat Fatsia

The Megafloat Fatsia, situated off of the west coast of the Republic of Sotoa, is a marine megafacility in the form of an artificial island. It serves as an arms factory for the Sotoan military as well as a supply station for landing invasions. It was constructed as part of a national project to develop coastal waters and provide future housing to compensate for land lost to desertification.

The Megafloat extends a full six kilometers and has multiple layers, with a 2,000-meter runway on its top deck that allows for even large transport aircraft to land and take off.

The central block contains a power plant that uses Sotoan cold fusion technology. Deuterium is harvested from seawater as fuel to provide the various parts of the structure with electricity, from arms factories to synthetic fuel plants. Surplus power is used to create fresh water via desalination and deliver it to the mainland via pipeline.

For defenses, each area is equipped with automated systems linked to multifunction radar. Weaponry include CIWS, SAM batteries, and railguns linked in cooperative engagement capability (CEC) to defensive aircraft, allowing the Megafloat to attack targets over the horizon. UAVs fly around the structure, acting as sensor nodes that expand its defensive range to a 400 km radius.

Attack Satellite Tonitrus Spear

“Tonitrus Spear” refers to a Sotoan satellite weapon, a kinetic weapon based on a project conceived of by the Yuktobania during the Cold War as a strategic alternative to nuclear strikes.

From a platform stationed at a low-orbit altitude of 500 km, the Tonitrus Spear employs mass and gravitational acceleration to launch dense metal rods using pure kinetic energy, destroying targets in a wide radius without the drawbacks of radioactive fallout.

Aces will need to use their wit to slip through its attacks and dodge this weapon!

In addition to these formidable foes we’ve shared here, you’ll be able to find more unidentified enemies when you play the campaign mode. Be sure to see for yourself what these other threats are all about and get ready to take to the skies.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will launch for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via  Steam on October 2.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469062/ace-combat-8-wings-of-theve-gets-story-trailer/

"I learned that people really liked the movie, but they thought it was too funny," said Cregger. "So over the course of my testing, I stripped out as much of the jokes as possible.

"I then found that not only did the audience enjoy the movie more, but I also liked the movie a lot more. A little bit of humor goes a long way in a horror movie, and there’s not a single joke I took out of this movie that I miss. So that perspective was really helpful."

He was also asked if he was worried about Resident Evil fans reacting poorly to the fact the movie doesn't revolve around the characters from the games.

"There are different kinds of Resident Evil fans," he said. "There are fans like me who love the experience of playing the games and think there's never been a movie that has represented what it feels like to play Resident Evil. That's how I categorize myself as a fan.

"Then there are fans of the games who specifically love the lore and the characters and the nitty-gritty details of the backstory. But my movie is not spending a lot of currency on those things. I'm not putting any of the legacy characters into this movie.

"So if that is what you love about these games, then you're going to feel a certain way about it – 'here comes yet another Hollywood movie, and they're once again not doing Leon and all the characters I was hoping they were going to do.'

"I understand that perspective, but at the same time, I can't let that affect my output. I have to make the best version of this movie that I'm capable of making and devote myself entirely to it. I cannot be worried about whether I am pleasing enough of every spectrum of fandom. If I tried to please everybody, I'd end up pleasing nobody. That much is obvious.

"I just have to be okay with people voicing their opinion. I'm a grown-up. When I took this on, I understood what I was walking into. So it would be weird for me to act surprised or bent out of shape that the thing that was obviously going to happen is now happening."

The upcoming Resident Evil film will premiere in theaters on September 18.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469061/new-resident-evil-removed-jokes-following-test-screenings/

There were three other new games to debut in the top five this week with Onimusha: Way Of The Sword debuting in second place, NBA 2K27 debuting in third place, and Orbitals debuting in fourth place.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy in its second week dropped from first to fifth place.

Top sellers per system were as follows:

Nintendo Switch 2

1. Orbitals
2. Mario Kart World
3. Pokémon Pokopia

PlayStation 5

1. The Blood Of Dawnwalker
2. Onimusha: Way Of The Sword
3. NBA 2K27

Xbox Series X|S

1. The Blood Of Dawnwalker
2. NBA 2K27
3. Onimusha: Way Of The Sword

1. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
2. Minecraft
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469060/the-blood-of-dawnwalker-onimusha-and-more-debut-on-the-french-charts/

View the video below:

The video features the following games:

1. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
2. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World
3. Persona 4 Revival
4. Silent Hill: Townfall
5. Onimusha: Way of the Sword
6. Stranger Than Heaven
7. Ananta
8. Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember
9. Dragon’s Dogma II: Dark Arisen
10. Silver Palace
11. Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories
12. Danganronpa 2×2
13. Earth Defense Force 6.2: Invaders from Another World
14. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
15. Sonic Piko Park
16. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter
17. Final Fantasy Resonance

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469059/playstation-japan-lineup-video-features-17-games/

Pokémon series director and Pokémon Pokopia concept and senior director Shigeru Ohmori is the  director and producer on Ame no Chi Hare Onna.

The game is set in modern-day Japan and features real-world weather that influences various aspects of the game. 

View the teaser trailer below:

Thanks, Gematsu.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469058/game-freak-announces-laundry-game-ame-no-chi-hare-onna-for-mobile/

View the trailer below:

Read details on the game below:

The Heroic Games are about to begin!

Enter the Dagdan Empire—a prosperous land ruled by the gods—and compete in the Heroic Games for the chance to be granted one wish. Powerful fighters from across the land have gathered to participate, including four heroes whose fortunes are tied to the fate of the world.

Play as Cai, a young boy determined to win the games to save his imprisoned father; Dietrich, a swordsman ever on the hunt for a stronger foe; Theodora, a queen seeking to fulfill the long-held dream of her homeland; and Leda, a musician with her sights set on revenge. The stories of these four heroes are key to this time-traveling saga of strength and steel.

Guide Your Heroes to Victory as Each Weaves Their Own Tale

Prepare for each match of the Heroic Games by exploring Dagda and its capital city of Dagsion. Learn techniques and hone skills at the training grounds, recruit allies and build bonds of friendship, and explore beyond Dagsion’s walls to gain experience and strengthen your forces in a variety of ways. How you spend your free time is up to you, but the tactical matches of the Games themselves will put your preparations to the test. Use everything you have at your disposal, including your heroes’ special abilities, to turn the tide of battle!

Determine the Fate of the World

Travel through time to gather allies and defeat the demon god Balor. Test your tactical prowess in battle as you guide four heroes on their interwoven journeys from past to present. Together, you’ll save the future from ruin—or fall trying.

Meet the Characters

Follow the different paths of the four heroes and their allies as their tales are woven across time.

• Protagonist – Tasked with saving the world, you travel back in time to guide the heroes.
• Cai – A young boy determined to save his father from imprisonment.
• Dietrich – A ruthless swordsman ever on the hunt for a stronger foe.
• Theodora – A queen seeking to fulfill the long-held dream of her homeland.
• Leda – A talented musician with her sights set on taking her revenge.
• Fortuna – The Goddess of Fate who aids you on your journey through time.
• Sothis – The Progenitor God who sets you and Fortuna on a quest to save the world.

Lead Your Army Into Battle

Command your units in strategic turn-based combat against the enemy. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of your units and direct them wisely on the grid-based map, and you just might gain the upper hand.

• Turn the Tide With Blaze Arts – Heroes can unleash powerful signature moves called Blaze Arts at the cost of HP. Using them fills the Blaze Gauge, which grants a helpful power boost at the halfway mark. But be mindful—filling up the gauge completely leads to Burst, ending any bonuses and cutting the hero’s max HP in half.
• Call Upon Blessings for Aid – Earn a god’s favor, and they will bestow boons you can use to gain advantages in battle. Level up each Blessing to acquire more effects, such as temporarily reducing damage from enemy attacks.

Enter the Heroic Games

Worthy fighters from all over the land have come to Dagsion, the capital city of the Dagdan Empire, to compete in the Heroic Games for the chance to win one wish. Among the combatants are four heroes tied to the fate of the world. Whose fortune will lead them to victory?

• Explore the City of Dagsion – Between matches, you can visit numerous locations within the city to prepare. Recruit allies around town, level up Blessings at temples, hone your skills at the training ground, build bonds of friendship at inns, and more.

Travel Across the World Map

Venture out into the surrounding land to complete quests, gather resources, and defeat roaming enemies for experience.

• Delve Into Dungeons – Explore Dungeons with your hero to gather materials and uncover treasure chests. Fight the monsters and ruffians lurking there in Clashes, battles where your team takes turns attacking the enemy.
• Fight in the Heroic Games – Eventually, it will be time for you to take part in the Heroic Games and face your competitors in battle. Some matches might involve unique rules or make use of terrain, so be prepared for anything.

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave will launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 17.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469057/fire-emblem-fortunes-weave-gets-overview-trailer/

The Switch Axe boosted actions includes: Blast & build Switch and Amp Gauge, burst forward with element discharge, and unleash new combos & follow-ups.

View the trailer below:

Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance will launch for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2027.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469056/monster-hunter-wilds-ascendance-expansion-gets-switch-axe-breakdown-trailer/

View the teaser trailer below:

Read details on the game below:

Shade of the Marionette is a story-driven 3D action RPG that blends fast-paced, accessible, and stylish combat with an intricate story that builds on the expansive world of WitchSpring and a rich crafting system.

The order in which you unlock the rooms changes the scenes you witness and the way the story unfolds.

Choose which hidden rooms beyond the mirror to unlock, and guide the “little bird” as she absorbs the dolls she encounters on her journey to become the Masterpiece.

Synopsis

Shade of the Marionette is a story-driven 3D action RPG in which you explore hidden rooms beyond the mirror, absorb other dolls, and strive to become the Masterpiece.

Awakened by a familiar voice, the “little bird” opens her eyes for the first time in the “White Nest.” She sets out in search of the “food” prepared especially for her.

Meet the Protagonist

A doll given the name Piyorita. Quiet, taciturn, and calm by nature. She was born a blank doll, devoid of both emotion and memory.

Drawn onward by a familiar voice, the other “Failures,” and surroundings that somehow feel familiar, she explores the rooms beyond the mirror with one goal: to become the Masterpiece.

The World

The “little bird” awakens to a familiar voice in a white Nest that, for reasons she cannot explain, feels strangely familiar. Guided by the gentle voice, she takes up a weapon to absorb the “food” prepared for her. Still incomplete, she is told by the Voice that to become the Masterpiece, she must steal the life force of other dolls and make herself whole. The rooms beyond the mirror lead to worlds that are unfamiliar, yet somehow not new. As though they had been prepared solely for her. She battles the dolls she encounters and fills herself with their life force, but even these beings she has never met seem strangely familiar.

Yet the other Failures, desperate to earn the Voice’s approval, view the “little bird” with jealousy and hostility and compete to become the Masterpiece… Will the “little bird” truly be able to become the Masterpiece?

Key Features

• Prepare for Your Next Expedition in the “Nest” – In the White Nest Room where the “little bird” awakens, combine weapons, traps, and spells to prepare her for the next battle. You can also change her costume or manage captured bosses.
• Collect and Upgrade Boss “Dolls” – Defeat the boss of each room and, when certain conditions are met, turn them into “Dolls” you can command. Use materials gathered in the field to upgrade their parts and enjoy an even wider variety of combat options.
• Gather Materials and “Craft” New Spells and Weapons – As you explore a variety of rooms and face their enemies, you will gather a wide range of materials. Use the magical materials you collect to create new spells, weapons, and traps, then put them to use in battle.

Combat Features

• Intense, stylish action with targeting assistance. No complex command inputs to memorize.
• Unlimited dashes and fast-paced, swordplay-driven action.
• Combat that combines swordplay with a wide variety of weapons and spectacular magic.
• Three-dimensional combat that turns cover, elevation, and movement routes into puzzle-like battlefield challenges.
• Coordinated skills performed together with the special “Dolls” you meet throughout the story.

A Distinctive World from Kiwi Walks

In the rich and distinctive world of WitchSpring, experience a story as enchanting as a fairy tale and as vivid as an animated film. All alongside fast-paced action. More beautiful visuals, captivating characters, and a brand-new story from Kiwi Walks await you.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469055/shade-of-the-marionette-the-story-of-piyorita-announced-nintendo-playstation-xbox-and-pc/

The Legend of Dark Witch first released for the Nintendo 3DS in November 2015, for PC in January 2017, and for the Nintendo Switch in August 2024.

Read details on the game below:

The Legend of Dark Witch Episode 2: The Price of Desire is a 2D action game in which you use distinctive magic to battle through stages packed with diverse enemies and obstacles.

Choose any stage and press deeper to challenge the boss waiting at the end. Defeating bosses unlocks new magic and opens up even more ways to overcome each stage.

Use Tres obtained by defeating enemies to power up your character during play. Increase shot power, movement speed, and other abilities to create a play style of your own.

Customize Technical Skills and search each stage for hidden Pure Syega for even more challenges and replay value.

Join a charming cast of pixel-art characters and enjoy a new story surrounding Syega.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469054/the-legend-of-dark-witch-episode-2-the-price-of-desire-out-now-for-ps5/

Blizzard president Johanna Faries told Bloomberg the reason the games were announced years before the release was to "convey confidence."

"We want to convey confidence in some of our biggest bets coming forward," said Faries. "We're a Blizzard that's going to ship, and ship big, and ship on time, and all hands on deck to set those projects up for success."

Faries did not comment on the potential lay offs at Blizzard as Xbox plans to cut another 1,600 employees during the current fiscal year.

"I'm completely focused on creating as healthy a Blizzard as possible," she said. Faries added, "The unique special sauce that is Blizzard both culturally and creatively. And to the extent that we can perform well for Microsoft, I think that should be seen as a mutual win."

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469053/diablo-v-and-starcraft-shooter-were-announced-years-in-advance-to-convey-confidence/