The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Details Age of Budding, New Characters, and Faie’s Magic

By

-

May 21, 2026

Square Enix has revealed new details about the “Age of Budding” in The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, including more characters and additional insights into Faie’s Magic. Several new screenshots and the Age of Budding key art for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales were also revealed.

Get the full details below, courtesy of Square Enix:

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales – Age of Budding

The Age of Budding is the period furthest back in time in Elliot and Faie’s adventure. Here, at the dawn of civilization, humans use weapons of their own making to keep the beast tribes at bay.

Within the precarious balance of humans and beasts exists a tribe called the
Myū that can speak the human language and use powerful magic. Does their power represent a new hope or a new threat? In it, humanity faces the greatest turning point in the history of Philabieldia.

Characters

Kai (Voiced by: Yoshimasa Hosoya / Brandon McInnis)

The chief of Hitoyori, the earliest human settlement.

As the village’s young leader, he is most concerned with the beast tribe threat and feels he must protect the village at all costs.

To Kai, the Myū are nothing more than another beast tribe, and their magic a threat to the village’s safety.

Hirk (Voiced by:Yukana/ Nadia Marshall)

A woman of Hitoyori who has spent years studying magic, but has yet to be able to put it to practical use.

She believes magic is the key to Hitoyori’s future—a means by which the village’s children might live to see adulthood—and she seeks to establish relations with the
Myū in order to learn from them.

Lyudmila (Voiced by: Mamiko Noto / Allegra Clark)

A woman of the Myū who lives in the snow field away from Hitoyori.

Through a certain course of events, she comes to teach magic to the humans. She possesses a strength of will that never gives in, never losing hope even in the face of the cruelest circumstances.

System: Faie’s Magic

Scattered around Philabieldia are structures known as Shrines of the Mystic wherein
Faie can learn new magic powers. Elliot will inevitably encounter obstacles impassable
without certain magical assistance, so any shrines found are worth a visit.

Wrap Faie in Flames with Ignite

Light torches, melt ice, detonate explosives—fire magic is indispensable for its myriad of uses.

Beastmen bombs can be made to go off prematurely with ignite.

Draw in Surrounding Enemies and Objects with Vacuum

Items and loot dropped by enemies can be vacuumed right up.

Enemies caught in Faie’s vortex can be attacked or simply deposited off the side of a nearby ledge.

Mimic Elliot with Copy

Turn Faie into a copy of Elliot and mirror his every move, perfect for problem solving: Faie can even press switches as Elliot.

Not just swords and spears, but bombs and anything else Elliot might throw is copied, so seek out magicite that complements your attacks.

System: Combining Attacks and Magic for Expanded Strategies

Elliot’s attacks and Faie’s magic can be combined for synergistic effects and more effective fighting power. Experiment with magicite combinations, too, which play a crucial role.

Ripe bomb magicite increases explosive damage but delays detonation. With ignite, however, Faie can detonate the enhanced bombs at a touch.

Extra throw magicite adds a second boomerang to Elliot’s attacks, and Faie can copy that for a total of four boomerangs flying about.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales launches on June 18 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. A “Prologue Demo” for is now available with save data transfers to the full game.

Digital pre-orders for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales are now available in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales are also available now at the Square Enix Store.

A The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Collector’s Edition will be available for $229.99 with the following contents:

A copy of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
Code for the Digital Deluxe Upgrade
Original Soundtrack
Faie and the Door of Time Desktop Clock

If The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales detects that you have save data from Trials of Mana, you’ll earn Laurent’s Decorative Feather, an item that lets players meet Princess Riesz later into the journey. Riesz will give you a “portion of money from the adventure” from the Trials of Mana save. This is in addition to the bonus you receive for having save data from Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Octopath Traveler 0, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Various Daylife, and Triangle Strategy.

Azure Striker Gunvolt Trilogy Enhanced is Coming to Switch 2

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

Azure Striker Gunvolt Trilogy Enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Inti Creates has announced that Azure Striker Gunvolt Trilogy Enhanced is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 alongside the “Azure Striker Gunvolt GX” story mode DLC. The DLC will be available across all platforms alongside the release of Azure Striker Gunvolt Trilogy Enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

Inti Creates has announced Azure Striker Gunvolt Trilogy Enhanced is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.

Lastly, here’s an overview, via Steam:

The Azure Striker’s journey, all 3 games in one collection!

The Azure Striker Gunvolt Trilogy Enhanced is a collection of three traditional 2D action platformers,

“Azure Striker Gunvolt” (2014), “Azure Striker Gunvolt 2” (2016), and “Azure Striker Gunvolt 3” (2022)

together in one release, complete with all DLC.

The Gunvolt series boasts a rich story, played out with real-time dialog during missions, and an vast catalog of music, with over 37 songs performed by the games’ characters.

Plus, this special Trilogy comes with exclusive features: action revisions from the series director, revised voices and songs, and once Japan-exclusive CD dramas included in the game. This collection strives to be as complete as possible!

Included Games

Azure Striker Gunvolt:

Dash through stages at high speed and take down enemies with your “Flashfield” in this satisfying action platformer.

Players control Gunvolt, a superhuman (known as an Adept) with the power of lightning who must confront the oppressive Sumeragi Group in a battle for freedom.

The Trilogy Enhanced version adds new Skills to Gunvolt’s arsenal.

Unleash overwhelming power like never before!

Azure Striker Gunvolt 2:

Gunvolt’s rival, Copen, becomes a new star and playable character alongside the Azure Striker.

Copen uses his dash to tackle and lock onto enemies before unleashing a devastating homing laser barrage.

Master his aerial “Bullit Dash” to gracefully fly through stages and destroy enemies from above, unlocking new weapons from the abilities of defeated bosses.

Copen and Lola’s voices have been re-recorded for the Trilogy Enhanced edition of the game.

Azure Striker Gunvolt 3:

A new style of action arrives with the new heroine “Kirin” who can swap with Gunvolt to overcome any situation.

Kirin has the power to teleport instantly to strike down enemies with her “Arc Chain” ability for melee action of unprecedented speed. Or switch to Gunvolt, whose tag and electrify style has leveled up to allow him to dash through enemies while striking them down, teleport, and unleash other new “Voltaic Arts”.

The Image Pulse system brings characters from the series as buffs and attacks, with over 150 varieties to collect.

Cast:

- - Gunvolt – Kaito Ishikawa
  - Lumen/Joule – Megu Sakuragawa
  - Nova – Ayumu Murase
  - Copen – Yuma Uchida
  - Lola – Mayu Mineda
  - Zonda – Sho Nogami / Kaori Nazuka
  - Kirin – Yu Sasahara
  - ZedΩ – Shun Horie
  - Layla/Luxia – Rico Sasaki

A collection of “Azure Striker Gunvolt“, “Azure Striker Gunvolt 2“, “Azure Striker Gunvolt 3“, with all DLC and new features.

Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 3 Officially Revealed

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

Inti Creates has announced Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 3, the latest entry in the 2D action game series. Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 3 will launch in 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:

The speedy and stylish action of the Luminous Avenger series is back!

Our hero Copen must use his new “Divide Edge” energy swords to protect his home from otherworldly invaders!

His trusty partner Lola is there to support him with evolutionary new modes!

Story

Copen, the Luminous Avenger.

After defeating the berserk AI dominating the world, he supports its new protector Blade, maintaining an uneasy peace.

Until one day when a young girl appears before him, begging for help, claiming to be from another world.

She warns him that his world will soon be under attack by countless invaders, the “iX Bearers”…

Feature 1 – All new weapon, “Divide Edge”

Copen wields a pair of energy blades, the Divide Edge.

These twin swords suit Copen’s high-flying style perfectly, capable of combo attacks in mid-air, or combining into a single polearm for extended reach.

Feature 2 – Muse of Hope Lola’s Seven Transformations

Lola now creates more than EX Weapons from defeated enemies: she also gets new modes.

Use her unprecedented variety of transformations to take on any challenge.

1998: The Toll Keeper Story is Coming to PS5

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

GameChanger Studio has announced that narrative-driven simulation game 1998: The Toll Keeper Story is coming soon to PlayStation 5. The announcement was made at BitSummit PUNCH, but a release date was not confirmed yet.

1998: The Toll Keeper Story is currently available now for Android and PC via Steam. Here’s an overview of the game from its Steam page:

1998: The Toll Keeper Story is a narrative simulation about survival, motherhood, and moral weight during a nation’s collapse, inspired by one of the darkest chapters of Indonesia’s history.

You play as Dewi, a pregnant woman working as a toll keeper, caught in the middle of growing civil unrest and financial turmoil in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Janapa. The nation is crumbling—protests erupt, prices skyrocket, and trust in authority fades. Every shift, you inspect vehicles, verify documents, and decide who gets to pass—all while trying to stay safe, keep your job, and protect your unborn child.

You’re not a hero or a fighter—just a regular human being trying to endure overwhelming hardship. But even your smallest decisions carry consequences. Will you follow every rule, or look the other way when someone begs for help? Can you stay strong through fear, uncertainty, and pressure?

Features:

- - A Story of Survival and Motherhood: Make difficult choices not just for your safety, but also for your unborn child.
  - Narrative Simulation Gameplay: Check vehicles, documents, and identities while managing rising tension and limited resources.
  - Small Decisions, Heavy Consequences: Every action matters: who you let through, who you turn away, what rules you follow or bend.
  - Distinct 90s-Inspired Visual Style: Fusing dot textures, old-paper aesthetics, and a blueish filter, the art direction echoes printed materials from the 90s—grounding the game in the mood and texture of its era.
  - Inspired by True Events: This game is set during the 1998 Asian financial crisis, with Indonesia’s situation serving as one of the primary inspirations. Set in a fictional Southeast Asian country, it explores the fear, chaos, and uncertainty of the era, challenging you to navigate through moral dilemmas where survival demands difficult sacrifices.

Mononoke no Kuni Gets a New Trailer at BitSummit PUNCH

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

Happinet and Shinjuku-based development studio Studio Lights have released a new trailer for isekai action adventure game Mononoke no Kuni. Mononoke no Kuni is playable at BitSummit PUNCH, which runs from May 22 to 24 at the Miyako Messe in Kyoto, Japan. In addition, a playtest for the game will be held.

Mononoke no Kuni launches in fall 2026 worldwide for PC via Steam.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:

A Boy Who Defies Fate and the Bond with His Loyal Pup

Taiki, a lonely boy, suddenly loses his only family—his beloved puppy, Musashi. Overcome with grief, he prays at a shrine, and Musashi is miraculously revived as an “Inubashira,” a divine canine. However, he is bound by mysterious cursed chains. A shrine maiden, Kushina, appears and tells Taiki, “If you gather the sacred relics from the Realm of Roots, you can save Musashi.”

Yet, this journey is not so simple. As they venture forth, an unexpected truth begins to unravel.

Set in a world where myths and yokai breathe life, this action-adventure follows a boy and his faithful pup as they challenge both fate and their unbreakable bond.

Three sacred relics, the whispers of yokai, and a hidden truth waiting to be uncovered.

And in the end, the final choice.

—Is the path you take to save Musashi truly the right one?

Game Features

- Meet the Mononoke – Encounter unique Mononoke such as Nekomata, the cat spirit, Gama, the frog, Komi, the fox, and Mujina, the tanuki. Forge bonds with them, seek their aid, and battle against fearsome yokai to collect the sacred relics that will save Musashi.
- A World of Painted Beauty – Explore the Mononoke Realm, a land brought to life with a painterly art style. Each region has its own distinct landscapes and atmosphere, creating a strange yet mesmerizing world.
- An Adventure with Musashi – Your loyal companion Musashi, a puppy who once perished in the human world, must now fight to survive as a divine being. Work together to purify the yokai that threaten this land.
- Interact with the Mononoke and Musashi – The Mononoke you meet have their own troubles and dilemmas. Assist them with Musashi by your side—perhaps good fortune awaits those who lend a helping hand!
- Battle Against Ferocious Yokai – Face relentless yokai and cleanse them through purification battles with Musashi’s divine powers.
- Bond with Musashi – Musashi, your tiny Shiba Inu companion, will always be by your side. When exhaustion sets in, take a moment to rest and bond with him. No matter what dangers await, as long as you’re together—nothing is impossible.

Poppin-Play Kitchen Project PRISMation Anime is Getting an Sequel

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

ABEMA has announced that Poppin-Play Kitchen, the original Project PRISMation anime pilot film from Thailand-based creator Zemyata, is getting a sequel. The Poppin-Play Kitchen film was a major success, accruing more than 1 million views on YouTube within 10 days of release and 2.13 million views in total as of May 14, according to ABEMA research. The film was also nominated for the international 47th Annual Telly Awards in the “People’s Telly” category.

To celebrate the announcement of the Poppin-Play Kitchen sequel, a newly drawn visual (shown above) and message from Zemyata were revealed:

Hello, viewers, fans and passersby-alike!
As the creator of Poppin-Play Kitchen, I’m thrilled to bring you the great news―we’ve been green-lit for sequel episodes!

Though words cannot express my excitement and gratefulness of this news, I will try my best to put it into proper sentences.
I’d like to thank all fans of our pilot for your support, theories, and wonderful fan art of the show.
It brings me immense joy to know this little project has left a lasting impression
on many.

Myself and the of my team will be sure to build on this impression.
We can’t wait to show you more of this terrible, colorful, confetti-filled world!

We won’t keep you waiting for too long… So please, as always, stay tuned!

In addition, Project PRISMation launched its first public call for project proposals to discover next-generation talents to co-create new stories. It is seeking “Short Original Anime Proposals” alongside “Expansion Plans.” Projects will be selected through a rigorous review process by ABEMA. Those selected will receive production funding for a short original anime, along with comprehensive support like promotional and commercial expansion. Applications are open through August 31 to anyone regardless of professional or amateur status, age, gender, or nationality.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master The American Classics DLC Releases June 25, Roadmap Revealed

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

Gaming Factory has announced the new JDM: Japanese Drift Master American Classics DLC will launch on June 25 featuring six new cars inspired by iconic American muscle cars. The DLC will be available for $5.99.

The cars included in the JDM: Japanese Drift Master American Classics DLC include:

Ironvale Hauler F84
Ironvale Stallion 2024
Roebuck Striker
Roebuck Jetstream 1959
Roebuck Reaver 1969
Roebuck Reaver 2024

In addition, multiplayer playtests are now available in the Steam version of JDM: Japanese Drift Master, which has a separate branch with the build. This branch is available for free to all players, and instructions and more details can be read at the game’s latest blog post.

Gaming Factory also revealed an updated roadmap for JDM: Japanese Drift Master and confirmed that development on the next side story campaign is underway. The rollout of multiplayer is confirmed for June, followed by multiplayer events in Q3 and the liveries system at a later date. More updates will be revealed at a later date.

To celebrate the game’s one year anniversary, JDM: Japanese Drift Master will be 45% off through June 4, allowing new players to get into the game at steep discount on Steam.

Lastly, JDM: Japanese Drift Master is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store.

KILLER INN Gets Free Trial Version and NieR: Automata Collaboration

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

Square Enix and Tactic Studios have released a “Free Trial” version of multiplayer murder mystery action game KILLER INN alongside a new update featuring a limited-time collaboration with NieR: Automata. In addition, the paid version of KILLER INN in Steam Early Access is 75% off through June 4.

The KILLER INN Free Trial lets players jump into the game for free with no playtime restrictions. There are some limitations to consider, such a match eligibility and playable characters. Progress carries over the full version, so players can pick up from where they left off.

The NieR: Automata collaboration is available with the following items in KILLER INN:

Two new Collaboration Skins: Cosplayer 2B & Martial Artist 9S
Eight new NieR:Automata themed Collaboration Banners
Eight themed emotes with pixel art effects
Eight Collaboration Titles based on NieR:Automata
A limited-time Battle Pass, which allows players to earn themed rewards by gaining XP to progress through the rankings

The latest update, patch 0.9.3, also brought the following improvements and updates, according to Square Enix:

Updates to custom matches, including new options and allowing all participants to use characters unlocked by the host
Defenses against instant kills have been simplified and adjusted
Showdown mode will now start at 6 players remaining instead of 3 players; the threshold will automatically adjust for smaller matches
Updates to matchmaking for beginner players
Various updates to character ability and weapon balancing and bug fixes

KILLER INN is available now for PC via Steam.

The Drops of God Anime Gets New Theme Songs for 2nd Cour

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

The staff of the anime adaptation of Tadashi Agi and Shū Okimoto’s The Drops of God manga series revealed new opening and ending theme songs for the anime’s 2nd cour. SUPER★DRAGON performs the second opening theme song “Call Me Asap,” and singer-songwriter eill performs the second ending theme song “Every Summer.”

New episodes of The Drops of God release on Fridays on Crunchyroll with English subtitles and an English dub.

HOKUTO performs the first opening theme song “hate you? love you?,” and Maaya Uchida performs the first ending theme song “Kami no Shizuku.”

The main cast includes:

Takuya Satō as Issei Tomine
Kazuya Kamenashi as Shizuku Kanzaki
Maaya Uchida as Miyabi Shinohara
Banjō Ginga as Yutaka Kanzaki
Yūko Kaida plays Ryōko Kiryū
Shinshū Fuji plays Shirō Fujieda
Misa Watanabe plays Maki Saionji
Yūya Uchida plays Sōichirō Mishima
Jin Urayama as Robert Doi

Kenji Itoso directs the series at Satelight in collaboration with YANCHESTER. Yū Mitsuru supervises and writes the series scripts, Takehiro Suwa designs the characters, and Eishi Segawa composes the music.

Additional staff members include:

Art Setting: Yōko Komiya
Color Key Artist: Hiromi Uchibayashi (Graphinica)
3D CG Director: Hiroyuki Gotō
Compositing Director of Photography: Tetsuya Kawada
Editor: Ryoko Kaneshige
Sound Director: Chikako Yokota
Sound Production: Studio Sound Bee

Tadashi Agi, the pen name of siblings Shin and Yuko Kibayashi, launched The Drops of God with artist Okimoto in Kodansha’s Morning magazine in 2004. The first manga series in the franchise ended in June 2014. Kodansha USA Publishing publishes the manga in English digitally.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the manga, via Kodansha:

The award-winning comic about wine that has been a hit not just all over Asia but also in France! Learn about legendary bottles as well as affordable secrets while enjoying a page-turner that’s not about superheroes but people with jobs to keep. When world-renowned wine critic Kanzaki passes away, his will reveals that his fortune of a wine collection isn’t bequeathed as a matter of course to his only son, who in a snub went to work sales at a beer company. To come into the inheritance, Shizuku must identify—in competition with a stellar young critic—twelve heaven-sent wines whose impressions the will describes in flowing terms…

Pokémon TCG Pocket ‘Paradox Drive’ Expansion Launches on May 27

By

Soul Kiwami

-

May 21, 2026

The Pokémon Company has announced the Pokémon TCG Pocket “Paradox Drive” expansion releases on May 27 with a new update. Pokémon TCG Pocket Paradox Drive draws inspiration from Paradox Pokémon, which were featured in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games.

Paradox Drive marks the introduction of Ancient and Future Pokémon cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Players will be able to obtain the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon. What’s more, players can create new powerful decks by using Ancient and Future cards alongside other cards of the same subcategory.

The following events will also be available in late May through June:

Paradox Drive Emblem Event (late May – early June): Players can compete in battles for a chance to obtain new emblems, shinedust, and other items.
Community Week (early June): Players can trade and share cards to obtain trade hourglasses, accessories, and other rewards.
Ceruledge ex Drop Event (mid–late June): Players can tackle special solo battles to obtain B Series promo packs vol. 9.
Wonder Pick Event (mid–late June): Promo cards featuring Sableye and Floragato will appear in Wonder Picks. During this event period, there will also be missions that allow players to obtain an event shop ticket, which can be exchanged for a promo card at the Shop.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now for Android and iOS. Last year, Pokémon TCG Pocket took home the iPhone Game of the Year 2025 award and Google Play Best Game of 2025 award.