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System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch delayed to first two weeks of July - Gematsu

Nightdive Studios has delayed the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch versions of System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster from their previously planned June 26 release date to sometime in the first two weeks of July. The PC version will still launch via Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Store on June 26.

Here is the full message from Nightdive Studios on the delay:

We have encountered issues that have prevented us from launching System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster on consoles, including Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation, on June 26 as originally intended. We’re currently working to address these issues as quickly as possible. Because of this, we’ve made the difficult decision to proceed with the game’s release on PC platforms (Steam, GOG, Epic, Humble) on June 26, with the console release now targeting the first two weeks of July. We’ll update everyone as soon as we have a set launch date for consoles.

—Nightdive Team

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Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse drops Early Access release, adds PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, and Switch versions - Gematsu

2D Metroidvania roguelike action game Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store as a full release, rather than its previously planned Early Access release, Pocketpair Publishing and developer Frontside 180 Studio announced. The console versions are newly announced. An official release date is still to be announced.

Get the latest details below.

■ Official Release Version (Version 1.0) Announced

It has been decided that Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse, originally planned as an Early Access title, will instead launch directly as the official version 1.0 release! Due to the valuable feedback from many players during the demo period, we have decided to deliver the game in its complete form, rather than in staged Early Access. The development team is currently making final adjustments to ensure that you receive the best gaming experience from day one. Stay tuned!

■ Multi-Platform Release and Cross-Play!

In addition to the Steam version, we have decided to release the game for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store. In addition, it will support cross-play between all platforms, allowing multiplayer across all devices.

■ About the Game

A Metroidvania x roguelike game where you adventure together with a cursed hat. Use a variety of magic to destroy possessed enemies! Bring back loot, build your own village, live your life, and strengthen your abilities for the next battle! Supports up to 4-player multiplayer.

Authentic 2D action

Identify enemy attacks, fight with magic, and sometimes use the terrain to win! Dungeons such as ruins and botanical gardens are auto-generated and change each time you play. Furthermore, there are obstacles and puzzles waiting to block the player’s path in the dungeons.

Possession System

Possess enemies using a cursed hat. Use unique abilities from your possessed enemies to open up avenues of action and gain an advantage in battle!

Rebuild a Ruined Village

Use materials collected in the dungeons to clear the rubble of ruined villages, build new facilities and cultivate crops in the fields. Produce food and potions in the village to prepare for the next battle!

Multiplayer

Multiplayer support for up to four players. Call your friends from other worlds and conquer dungeons together!

Key Features

Metroidvania x roguelite with an emphasis on exploration.

Sophisticated and tactilely designed player character controls.

Possession system where hats can possess enemies and use their unique abilities.

Traditional Japanese hand-drawn limited animation is used for character 2D animation.

Thickly painted backgrounds with depth, as if you are travelling through a world of picture books and　cut-out pictures.

Learn actions such as double-jump from artefacts to explore new areas.

Constantly changing play style depending on the synergy of “traits” associated with magic and items.

Intense battles with tough bosses. It will take more than just memorizing boss patterns to defeat　them without taking damage…

Rebuild your village. Strengthen yourself through building and production to prepare for the next adventure.

Explore different terrain each time you play through procedurally generated dungeons.

Multiplayer support. Up to four players can delve into the dungeon together!

View a set of screenshots at the gallery.

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Two-versus-two tag-team fighting game Saturday AM: Battle Manga announced - Gematsu

Son Studios, the studio behind the upcoming anime-inspired arena fighting game Netcode Warriors, have announced Saturday AM: Battle Manga, a two-versus-two tag-team fighting game featuring characters from Saturday AM manga like Apple Black, Clock Striker, Massively Multiplayer World of Ghosts, and Soul Beat. Platforms and a release date were not announced, but all major console and PC platforms are under consideration.

“For eleven years, Saturday AM has focused on crafting deep stories with fresh perspectives from a range of nationalities and cultures,” said Saturday AM founder and publisher Frederick L. Jones in a press release. “Anime aside, there is something so rich about giving our fans a chance to interact with our characters in such a dynamic, interactive manner as a videogame and we’re thrilled to do so with an amazing group like Son Studios.”

Son Studios CEO and game director Jesse Segun-Oside added, “The tag fighter space is one I’ve loved since childhood and always dreamed of leading a project in. Kicking things off with these characters is the perfect way to bring that vision to life—with impact.”

Here is an overview of the game, via Son Studios:

About

Saturday AM: Battle Manga brings fan-favorite original manga characters from Apple Black, Clock Striker, Massively Multiplayer World of Ghosts, Soul Beat, and others into an accessible but mechanically rich tag fighter. Each fighter offers a completely distinct game-play feel, with easy-to-learn controls built around classic motion inputs and competitive depth built in. The game features stylized visuals with boutique animation techniques to capture an expressive, manga-like presentation unique to each of the original artists, evoking the aesthetic of panel-driven storytelling while keeping game-play crisp and readable.

Key Features

Two-versus-two tag battles that emphasize creativity, adaptability, and team synergy.

Each character designed with unique mechanics and play styles—no clones.

Stylized 2.5D visuals utilizing limited animation for a bold, manga-inspired look.

Built for both casual enjoyment and competitive mastery.

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My 2nd artwork for the 90's-anizine 💙Uranus x Neptune💚

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Visual novel Re:Burn The Bonfire of Taiwan announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC - Gematsu

Publisher eastasiasoft and Urban Legend Hunters 2: Double developer toii have announced Re:Burn The Bonfire of Taiwan, an interactive reimagining of popular Taiwanese soap opera The Bonfire of Taiwan. It will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam in 2025 with English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language support.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

A classic drama is reborn in anime style! Step into an interactive reimagining of popular Taiwanese soap opera The Bonfire of Taiwan, fully licensed and ready to set the stage for a new generation of fans! Re:Burn The Bonfire of Taiwan puts you in control of the narrative, allowing you to guide the beloved characters to endings from the original show, complete with unlockable live action clips of iconic scenes, or make choices that lead to unique game-exclusive outcomes! With each chapter, you can choose to play from multiple perspectives and navigate the city map. Confront “boss” characters through direct combat or a war of words, use items like DNA test results and divorce agreements to state your case, rely on other characters’ unique support skills, leverage property deeds and more as the conflict between rival families heats up! Of course, romance is a key element in any great drama, so manage your relationships carefully, going on dates and making key decisions to get characters together or break them up! The choice is yours, and with cleared chapters available to try again any time, there’s loads of possibilities waiting to be explored!

Key Features

Enjoy anime aesthetics and a huge cast of memorable characters!

Control the drama with key decisions as the narrative unfolds.

Select various characters to view chapters from different perspectives!

Use your allies’ support skills when it’s time to confront rival bosses.

View the first screenshots at the gallery.

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Starsand Island details romance and friendship system - Gematsu

Seed Lab has released a new trailer and information for life simulation game Starsand Island introducing the game’s romance and relationship system.

“We’re aiming to make the inhabitants of Starsand Island truly compelling individuals, each with their own engaging personalities and long-term personal goals,” said Seed Lab technical director Goltan Gao in a press release. “We are looking to break new ground in how players will establish and nurture vibrant relationships with NPC inhabitants, building bonds as they interact with them throughout their time in the game, so islanders—and their stories—feel truly alive.”

Here is an overview of the system, via Seed Lab:

■ How Starsand Island Redefines NPC Bonds

Core Vision

With a focus on ultra-realistic simulation, deep emotional connections, and limitless interaction, Starsand Island aims to become a “The Sims of the farming genre”, breaking new ground in how players build relationships with NPCs in a rural life sim.

I. Intertwined interactions

1. Lively, Authentic NPCs

We’ve infused our NPCs with lifelike memory, perception, emotions, and independent decision-making; every character on Starsand Island even has long-term personal goals. Players can help them achieve these dreams, growing together along the way. NPCs will give you context-sensitive requests based on their progress, and they actively respond to what’s happening around them. For example: snap a photo and they’ll strike a pose; pass by, and they’ll greet you; animal lovers will go out of their way to pet any stray cat or dog they spot. The islanders feel truly alive and are proactive.

2. Unique, Rich Interactions

Most farming sims offer NPC chats and gift-giving, but Starsand Island goes further: every key character has signature interactions reflecting their personality. Maybe you’ve started a friendship with an islander who moonlights as a fortune teller? You can join them for a reading, complete with a touch of mysticism—sometimes with real-life advice! Plus, the island is packed with interactive objects, so you can ride bikes together, swing side by side, have sleepovers, even binge-watch TV.

3. Realistic, Gradual Relationship Growth

Organic, Repeatable Bonding – Build rapport through daily chats, gifts, invites, and teamwork—not just scripted story beats. Relationships feel genuine and continuous, rather than “checklist” moments.

Responsive Dialogue – As bonds deepen, NPC conversations and reactions evolve, showing off unique quirks and gestures. No more cardboard cutouts—your new friends feel real.

4. Deep Immersion in Daily Life

Action-Driven Events and QTEs – Key moments blend quick-time events and animation, with realistic details and true-to-life NPC responses, so you feel right in the heart of the story.

Dynamic Personal Events – Get surprise gifts, receive heartfelt letters, accept special requests, and unlock unique storylines for each NPC. Every friendship grows like a “life tree,” branching in new directions.

5. Customization and Growing Together

Relationship-Driven Gameplay – Your bond impacts everything, from how well NPCs help you collect resources to the rewards they give for completing jobs. The closer you are, the more they’ll pitch in and the better your rewards.

Personalized Nicknames – Customize how you and your friends address each other. Unique relationship labels and emotional replies from NPCs help you feel truly connected.

6. Integrated Social and Homebuilding Systems

Islanders, Not Tools – NPCs aren’t just quest-givers, they’re genuine friends with dreams, moods, and personalities. Their lives intertwine with yours, shaping the island’s entire community and how your home evolves.

7. Heartfelt Stories and Everyday Warmth

Heart Stories, Side Quests, and Banters – Each “heart level” unlocks new story chapters and slice-of-life side quests. Main plots and daily moments blend seamlessly, for a world that feels alive.

Surprise Rewards and Easter Eggs – Hidden events, Kabedons, rare items, and special animations keep things fresh and full of emotional payoffs.

II. Experience Overview—“It’s More Than Just Romance in Dialogue”

1. NPCs Grow and Remember

Every conversation, gift, or invitation leaves a mark. NPCs remember your habits and preferences. How often and how you interact shapes the future, creating shared memories unique to you.

2. NPCs Are Part of Your Daily Life, And Your Home

Relationships aren’t just a number. They have a real impact on production, resource gathering, and how your homestead develops. Get closer, and you’ll unlock more convenience, emotional satisfaction, and a thriving community.

3. Two-Way Growth for Emotional and Mutual Benefit

Friendship isn’t one-sided. NPCs will reach out to you, show care, ask for help, and give back in meaningful ways. Every relationship has its own flavor and story arc, supporting multiple endings and personalized companionship.

Conclusion

Our relationship system is a core innovation of Starsand Island:

In Starsand Island, friendships and relationships that are vibrant, authentic, and have emotional growth come alive through daily moments.

Every NPC can become your dearest companion, helping you write your own heartfelt story in a world that feels truly yours.

Starsand Island is due out this winter for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC via Steam.

Watch the trailer below. View a new set of images at the gallery.

NPC Affection System Trailer

English

Japanese

Traditional Chinese

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THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2025 set for August 1 - Gematsu

THQ Nordic will host THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2025 on August 1 at 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET, the company announced. You will be able to watch it on YouTube, Twitch, and Steam.

The showcase will feature “a feast of world premiere announcements, fresh updates on previously announced titles,” including “some long-awaited release dates” and “a few surprises [THQ Nordic] didn’t hint at already.”

Featured titles include Gothic Remake, Titan Quest II, REANIMAL, The Eternal Life of Goldman, Wreckfest 2, and “many more” to be announced.

“We’ve kept a few aces up our sleeve,” THQ Nordic teased. “Think dark and thrilling or colorful and heartwarming or even a true family game—and a couple that nobody’s expecting (No, it’s still not the Spanish Inquisition—sorry).”

Watch a teaser trailer below.

Teaser Trailer

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Arc System Works Showcase set for June 27 featuring new game announcements - Gematsu

Arc System Works will host Arc System Works Showcase on June 26 at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET / June 27 at 10:00 JST, featuring the latest information on Arc System Works, including the announcement of new titles, the company announced. You will be able to watch it on YouTube.

In addition to the latest information on various game titles, including completely new titles developed and published by Arc System Works, Arc System Works will also announce a new project that Daisuke Ishiwatari is working on.

Stay tuned.

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Re:VER PROJECT -TOKYO- demo now available - Gematsu

A demo for Tokyo survival suspense adventure game Re:VER PROJECT -TOKYO- is now available for PC via Steam, publisher Toei Animation and developer Nestopi announced.

Here is an overview of the game, via Toei Animation:

About

Re:VER PROJECT -TOKYO- is a new intellectual property in development since 2024 between Toei Animation and Nestopi Inc., an indie game developer based in Tokyo. The story is an original suspense adventure, about “survival life in modern Tokyo.” Players explore Tokyo’s famous spots such as Shinjuku and Shibuya, as well as old neighborhood areas with a traditional atmosphere, which are all drawn in a beautiful pixel art style.

Story

Yukinori, a manager at a talent agency, lived a quiet, ordinary life while earnestly doing his job. But everything changes when a shooting incident involving a politician occurs during a memorial service he attends for work. Hinagi, a nationally popular high school female idol, was also caught up in the incident and came down with a high fever. In order to help her, players must find a diner that is rumored to be conducting backroom deals and obtain high-end medicines in exchange for completing missions. Can you save Hinagi’s life and clear Yukinori’s name?

Key Features

Survive in the streets of Tokyo while avoiding the police, surveillance systems, and people’s attention.

Collect and create items in the streets to survive such as food, drink, and key items.

Explore Tokyo’s famous spots such as Shinjuku and Shibuya to find clues to clear Yukinori’s name.

Help protect high school idol Hinagi’s life as life-threatening dangers are around every corner for both of them.

Re:VER PROJECT -TOKYO- is due out for PC via Steam this winter.

Watch a new trailer below.

Demo Trailer

English

Japanese

Simplified Chinese

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happy birthday Monty

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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Avatar Legends DLC announced - Gematsu

SEGA has announced Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds downloadable content collaborations with SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Avatar Legends.

A new trailer showcases characters from the SpongeBob SquarePants universe racing alongside Sonic and Friends, as well as a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed vehicle and track.

The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Digital Deluxe Edition will include access to the Season Pass, which includes the SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Avatar Legends content, as well as the previously announced Minecraft characters, vehicles, and tracks, characters from the Netflix series Sonic Prime, and two more collaborations to be announced.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on September 25, followed by Switch 2 at a later date.

Watch a new trailer and gameplay video below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

Kids’ Choice Awards 2025 Trailer

English

Japanese

Colorful Mall Gameplay

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Persona 4 Revival and STRANGER THAN HEAVEN due out after April 1, 2026 - Gematsu

ATLUS‘ Persona 4 Revival and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio‘s STRANGER THAN HEAVEN will launch in or after fiscal year 2027, which runs between April 1, 2026 on March 31, 2027, according to a SEGA SAMMY Management Meeting 2025 presentation published on June 18.

Persona 4 Revival was announced for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam, Microsoft Store) earlier this month, with a teaser trailer showcasing “early development content.”

STRANGER THAN HEAVEN was first announced at The Game Awards 2024, but was officially titled with a new trailer earlier this month. Platforms have yet to be announced.

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world's cutest alchemist, cagliostro!!

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Lost 2004 Mobile RPG 'Tales Of Tactics' Recovered By Fan

Tales of fan Yuvi has announced that they have recovered a lost Tales of mobile phone title, Tales of Tactics. The game was a mobile-exclusive RPG originally released in Japan in February 2004. The recovery footage was recorded from an old P900iv.

Tales of Tactics is the debut title of the Tales of Mobile subseries, playing somewhat similarly to other tactics games. Players built a party by recruiting characters from across the Tales console games, like Cless from Phantasia, Lloyd from Symphonia, and Stahn from Destiny. They led them into grid-based battles against the Black Army, guided by a fairy named Rukku.

The game was structured into six standalone chapters, each comprising around 300 stages, plus various downloadable extras, including puzzle games, image and movie galleries, and wallpapers.

Yuvi has noted that they’ve recovered nearly every lost Tales of Mobile Keitai game at this point, such as Tales of Breaker.

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The Legend of Dark Witch Episode 4 for PC now available - Gematsu

Inside System has released retro-style side-scrolling action game The Legend of Dark Witch Episode 4 for PC via Steam for $11.99, the developer announced. It is available at a 10 percent-off discount price of $10.79 until June 27.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

The Legend of Dark Witch Episode 4 is the latest entry in the action game series that began in 2014.

This 2D action game features charming pixel art, where defeating enemies earns you Tres, a resource used to power up your character.

Each stage hides special enemies called Jammers. Your goal is to track them down and destroy them as you make your way to the stage’s final boss room. Winning boss battles grants you new magic, expanding the actions you can perform.

You play as the Dark Witch, Zizou, on a mission to stop Verde, a mysterious group using magical interference to disrupt global communication and seize control of the world.

A Switch 2 version of The Legend of Dark Witch Episode 4 is also planned for release.

Watch the launch trailer below.

Launch Trailer

English

Japanese