NEOWIZ to Publish New Korean Indie CRPG Wind Up Deadman

By
Soul Kiwami
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NEOWIZ has announced a publishing agreement with Korean indie game developer SaneNuts Studio to release Wind Up Deadman, a new retro pixel-art styled CRPG for PC (Steam) set in a “Cassette Futuristic” world. Wind Up Deadman takes place in a world where survivors of a bio-disaster live in a solitary tower in the desert and rely on cassette tapes to preserve their memories.

In the story of Wind Up Deadman, players take on the role of Zephyr, an archive runner who entrusts his soul to a robot as they track down his lost memories. Memories will dynamically influence the game’s narrative and affect Zephyr’s personality while aiming to discover the legacy of the past.

“Wind Up Deadman meshes branching narratives with a powerful character-building system in a way we haven’t seen in other games, aligning with our story-driven philosophy and making it a perfect addition to our publishing catalog,” said a NEOWIZ representative. “We’ve seen SaneNuts Studio’s ability to grow an IP with their previous work, and we hope our partnership further elevates this new CRPG to a wider, more global audience. Whether it is first-party or third-party, we want to develop titles that push the envelope of modern narrative experiences.”

SaneNuts Studio is a Korean development team with extensive experience in the RPG genre. Their debut mobile title, Metro Blossom: Choice and Dice, was recognized as a Korea Game Award Indie Sector Finalist and placed in the TOP 10 at the 2021 Google Play Indie Game Festival. The studio also published the spin-off novel “Coffee of the End of the World,” set 13 years after the game.

Resident Evil Veronica Nintendo eShop Listing Confirms Amiibo and HDR Support

By
Saras Rajpal
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Resident Evil Veronica Japanese Nintendo eShop Confirms Amiibo Support

A listing for Resident Evil Veronica on the Japanese Nintendo eShop has revealed that the game will support HDR and Amiibo. The game will release on Nintendo Switch 2, as well as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, in 2027. 

Capcom will likely reveal more details about Resident Evil Veronica‘s gameplay, features, and compatible Amiibo in the coming months. That said, considering Resident Evil Requiem received Amiibo based on Leon Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft, it is safe to assume that a Claire Redfield Amiibo will also release. The Steam page describes Resident Evil Veronica as follows:

Resident Evil Veronica is a remake of 2000’s Resident Evil Code: Veronica.

This new title preserves the essence of the original game, while introducing modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics. In 2027, madness and intrigue, love and hate all combine to create a chilling new entry in survival horror.

3 months have passed since the biological disaster in Raccoon City.

Claire Redfield, having survived along with Leon S. Kennedy and Sherry Birkin, travels to France in search of her brother, Chris Redfield.

However, what awaits her is not a reunion with her brother, but the Umbrella special forces unit responsible for the incident. They capture Claire and transport her to a mysterious island.

Now Claire must make a desperate attempt to escape the remote Rockfort Island which, due to another biological disaster, has transformed into a living hellscape of survival horror.

Lastly, the most recent entry in the series, Resident Evil Requiem, is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.

Summoners War and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Collaboration Starts on June 29

By
Saras Rajpal
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Com2uS has revealed that Summoners War will add content based on Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End starting on June 29. The collaboration will feature Frieren, Fern, Himmel, Stark, and Übel as playable characters.

On the official Summoners War website, you can watch a sneak preview of each character’s gameplay capabilities. Check out the teaser video for the Summoners War and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End collaboration below:

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 is streaming with English subs and an English dub on Crunchyroll. 21 episodes of the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End ●●’s Magic mini anime are streaming on YouTube, along with a “selected version” of the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 original soundtrack. Season 3 will premiere in February 2027. 

Lastly, Summoners War is available on Android, iOS, and PC worldwide. The Steam page describes the game as follows:

Features
    • Stunning Action and Infinite Strategy
      • Experience dynamic battles in a truly different fantasy world! Utilize 23 types of Rune Sets, each with unique effects, and build your own strategy to claim victory.
    • The True Essence of a Collectible RPG: Massive Monster Collection
      • Fire, Water, Wind, Light, and Dark! Five attributes and over 1,000 Monsters, each with distinctive skills and styles. Maximize each Monster’s individuality and craft the ultimate strategy for thrilling victories!
    • Infinite Possibilities! Upgraded Monster Summoning and Growth
      • Obtain a guaranteed default 5-star Monster with Summon Mileage that accumulates as you summon. Power up Monsters with Relics, the new equipment that grants immense strength. Build the ultimate Monster that stands above the rest!
    • A World of Endless Adventure and Battle
      • Village, battle, adventure, collection, growth, and crafting! Uncover the schemes of dark forces and take down powerful bosses like Dragons and Giants. Join real-time 3-player raids, awaken new power in the Dimension Hole, explore Tartarus’ Labyrinth, hunt giant slimes with guildmates, and engage in intense Guild PvP battles.
    • Real-Time Global Strategy Battles
      • Real-time tactical duels that begin with Pick & Ban! Engage others in Challenge Battle, where victory belongs to strategy with equally provided Monsters. Compete in the World Arena, the pinnacle of strategic combat, and prove your mastery on the global stage in the SWC (Summoners War World Championship)!
    • Fast Growth Support System to Become a Stronger Summoner
      • Farm efficiently with Ameria’s Luck and Scout Battle! From support quests for new and returning Summoners to special tasks that guarantee a 5-star Monster! Dive into the world of Summoners War at lightning speed!
         

Chainsmoker Cat Anime is Getting an ‘Evil Dragon Unleashed’ Uncut Version

By
Soul Kiwami
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Chainsmoker Cat Evil Dragon Unleashed

The staff for the TV anime adaptation of Nyan Nyan Factory’s Chainsmoker Cat manga confirmed that there will be an uncut “Evil Dragon Unleashed” version that respects the work’s direction on some of the episodes. For context, the original manga series has toilet humor and gross-out comedy bits, which could be off-putting for on-air audiences.

In Japan, fans can watch the “Evil Dragon Unleashed” version of Chainsmoker Cat on the AT-X premium subscription channel and AnimeFesta, DMM TV, Fuji TV On Demand, Hulu, Netflix, and Anime Times streaming services. Meanwhile, the on-air version will stream on 18 streaming services, including AnimeFesta and Anime Times. 

Chainsmoker Cat will premiere on July 2 at 24:30, or July 3 at 12:30 a.m. JST, on the Tokyo MX and BS11 channels.

Wasureranneyo performs the opening theme song “Nanmonee,” and Necry Talkie performs the ending theme song “Kemuri to Blue (Smoke and Blue).”

The cast of the anime includes:

  • Yūko Natsuyoshi as Yani Neko
  • Misato Matsuoka as Yaku Neko
  • Yurie Funato as Hame Neko
  • Ayaka Shimizu as Kansai Neko
  • Shiori Izawa as Al Neko
  • Riko Akechi as Tatsurō Ochinpo
  • Tetsu Inada as Landlord

Taku Kimura (Studio Lemon) directs the anime at Bibury Animation Studio, and Takashi Aoshima writes the scripts. Riki Matsuura is designing the characters, and Keiichi Suzuki is composing the music.

Newly announced staff members include:

  • Sound Production: Magic Capsule
  • Color Design: Yuiha Ōta
  • Editing: Mutsumi Takemiya
  • Sound Director: Takatoshi Hamano
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Hisashi Yonezawa
  • Art Directors: Atelier Musa’s Yukiko Maruyama, Shōtarō Yoshino

Nyan Nyan Factory is serializing the Chainsmoker Cat manga series in Kodansha’s Young Magazine. Kodansha will publish the manga’s 11th volume on February 6. Seven Seas Entertainment is publishing the manga series in English. published the first volume b

Lastly, Seven Seas Entertainment describes the series as follows:

Yani is a catgirl with a seriously bad smoking habit. She smokes so much that her apartment smells like ash and is littered with cigarette butts—and plenty of other trash! Every time she tries to quit, she becomes weak to the cravings and gives in almost instantly. Will she ever get her life together, or is she doomed to live as a chainsmoking slob forever?

Capcom Spotlight Set for 30-Minute Broadcast on June 25

By
Soul Kiwami
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Capcom Spotlight Onimusha Way of the Sword

Capcom has announced that a 30-minute Capcom Spotlight broadcast will be hosted on June 25 at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET on Capcom’s official YouTube channel. The Capcom Spotlight broadcast will feature the latest news and updates for Dragon’s Dogma II: Dark Arisen, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

Capcom recently revealed the resolution and frame rate specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Onimusha: Way of the Sword. The Switch 2 version runs at an upscaled 1080p 30 FPS in docked mode and an upscaled 900p 30 FPS in handheld mode. The Switch 2 version also has a variable 30 to 40 FPS frame rate, allowing players to take advantage of the VRR-supported display. 

Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches September 25 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). The Nintendo Switch 2 version includes exclusive motion controls via the Joy-Con 2 controllers for aiming with the bow and performing sword swings. A free demo for Onimusha: Way of the Sword is available on all other platforms.

Lastly, the Steam page describes Onimusha: Way of the Sword as follows:

Fight through bloodstained battlefields of intense swordplay action. Explore the historic Japanese capital of Edo-era Kyoto, twisted by malevolent clouds of Malice. With every stage cloaked in mystery, danger and intrigue. Battle against monstrosities from the underworld known as Genma in a tale of dark fantasy.

Follow the tale of a samurai who wields the Oni Gauntlet, a mystical artifact that grants its bearer the power to slay Genma.
Through gritty, blood-soaked brawls, he searches for his reason to fight. What fate awaits at the end of his path?

Rhythm Heaven Groove Demo is Now Available

By
Soul Kiwami
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Rhythm Heaven Groove demo

Nintendo has released a new demo for Rhythm Heaven Groove on Nintendo Switch with a sneak peek at some of the game’s mini-games, including Hoop Trundling and Rhythm Tweezers. Rhythm Tweezers can be played in multi-player in the Rhythm Heaven Groove demo.

Rhythm Heaven Groove launches on July 2 for $39.99 digitally and $49.99 physically, and pre-orders are available now in the Nintendo eShop. The full Rhythm Heaven Groove game will feature four player co-op, along with a total of 80 mini-games and 30 co-op based mini-games. Rhythm Heaven Groove is also playable on Nintendo Switch 2 via backwards compatibility, though no Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has been confirmed.

Lastly, the Nintendo eShop describes Rhythm Heaven Groove as follows:

Time your button presses to the beat across a splashy collection of games that will challenge your rhythm. Chop flying veggies, bounce fruit off your biceps, flap along with birds in flight, and more—all to the beat of the bop! Feast your ears on catchy original music while you focus, including tracks by renowned Japanese musician Tsunku♂.

No matter how strange the situation, the rules are always the same: just press buttons in time with the beat! Hop through hoops, catch flying vegetables, swing sledgehammers, and much more – perform surprising feats with the music as your guide!

Shakugan no Shana: Blaze Edge Reveals Official Teaser Trailer

By
Soul Kiwami
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Shakugan no Shana: Blaze Edge

CTW Inc. has released a new official teaser trailer for Shakugan no Shana: Blaze Edge, the new free-to-play browser game adaptation of the Shakugan no Shana light novel and anime series. The latest trailer for Shakugan no Shana: Blaze Edge features all-new voice lines from Rie Kugimiya, the voice actress for Shana.

Pre-registration for Shakugan no Shana: Blaze Edge is available on the official game page on G123. At 50,000 sign-ups, all players will earn SSR Yukari Hirai at launch. 

Here’s an overview of the game, via the game’s official page:

Shakugan no Shana: Blaze Edge is an idle RPG based on the TV anime Shakugan no Shana. The player trains the main hero, Shana, while exploring a never-before depicted new world—the Shadow World.

Collect Artifacts, learn Unrestraint (Skills), and encounter reliable Allies along the way. Battle to gather materials, enhance gear, and lead Shana to become the strongest of the Flame Hazes.

The game is playable on web browsers and requires no installations. Play on smartphones, tablets, PCs, and more.

With over 8.6 million copies in print and a devoted fanbase, Shakugan no Shana proudly marks its 20th anime anniversary this year. Experience the world that has captivated millions.

VIZ Media publishes the original light novel series with illustrations by illustrator Noizi Itō. Takahashi published the 22nd and last of the main novels in 2011, the Shakugan no Shana SIII short story collection book in 2012, and the final fan guidebook in 2013. VIZ Media published two novels for the series in 2007. Fans can watch the anime adaptation on Crunchyroll. 

One Piece Heroines Anime Gets Theme Song by Aina The End

By
Soul Kiwami
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One Piece Heroines

The staff of the TV anime adaptation of Jun Esaka and Sayaka Suwa’s One Piece Heroines light novel series has revealed that Aina The End will perform the anime’s theme song “Blue Shining Star.” 

One Piece Heroines premieres July 5 at 11:15 p.m. JST / 10:15 a.m. EDT on Fuji TV with “episode: NAMI.” Haruka Kamatani directs the anime, Takashi Kojima is the character designer, and Momoka Toyoda is the script writer.

The main cast members include Maaya Sakamoto as Miucha and Takehito Koyasu as Lubun.

One Piece: Heroines was serialized in issues of One Piece Magazine in 2019. Shueisha publishes the novel series in Japan, and VIZ Media publishes the series in English outside Japan. Here’s an overview of the novel series, via VIZ Media:

Go behind the runway as style icon Nami stars in a life-changing fashion show, observe wise Robin as she helps to decipher an ancient tablet with Koala and Sabo, watch as solemn Princess Vivi receives a love letter from an unexpected admirer, and check out Ghost Princess Perona’s battle over the last bottle of wine with Zolo and Mihawk!

The One Piece Elbaph Arc anime is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. Ryūta Koike is producing the anime series with returning staff at Toei Animation. 

The main cast of One Piece includes: 

  • Mayumi Tanaka as Monkey D. Luffy
  • Akemi Okamura as Nami
  • Chō as Brook
  • Hiroaki Hirata as Sanji
  • Ikue Ōtani as Tony Tony Chopper
  • Kappei Yamaguchi as Usopp
  • Katsuhisa Hōki as Jimbei
  • Kazuya Nakai as Roronoa Zoro
  • Subaru Kimura as Franky
  • Yuriko Yamaguchi as Nico Robin

Lastly, the One Piece manga has been serialized since July 1997. Fans can read the One Piece manga weekly on VIZ Media and Manga Plus in English.

Sonic the Hedgehog Birthday Livestream Set for June 23

By
Soul Kiwami
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SEGA has announced that a special livestream celebrating the birthday of Sonic the Hedgehog will be held on June 23 at 9:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. ET. The birthday livestream will be hosted by Jacki Jing, GamesCage and RogersBase on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube and Twitch channels, and viewers can expect special guests, gameplay, activities, music and much more. The broadcast will also host a charity fundraiser supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

The birthday livestream could be where Sonic Frontiers – Definitive Edition is finally announced for Nintendo Switch 2. The new version of Sonic Frontiers was recently given a rating by PEGI and the Korean Ratings Board, and an imminent release seems likely.

Sonic Frontiers is available now to purchase on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam. with a boatload of free post-launch content, including new playable characters and story content. While there are rumors that SEGA is developing a sequel to Sonic Frontiers, nothing has been officially announced in the four years since the game’s release.

Earlier this year, Paramount Pictures released the first teaser trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4. It featured Sonic, Dr. Robotnik, Knuckles, Tails, Shadow, Tom and Maddie, Amy Rose, and Metal Sonic. The trailer features the description “the countdown to chaos has begun,” leading to many to speculate that the film will feature the debut of Team Chaotix or Chaos. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will premiere in theaters on March 19, 2027.

Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] Retail Box Art Gets Updated Following AI Accusations

By
Soul Kiwami
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Square Enix has seemingly updated its retail box art for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] following accusations of AI usage for character positioning in the artwork. The updated artwork replaces the old one at nearly every single retail listing of Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] (Game-Key Card) in the U.S., including Best Buy. The current box art now appears to be a cropped and edited version of Tetsuya Nomura’s original artwork for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III], which was not assisted by AI whatsoever.

Old box art
New box art

 

Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] launches October 8 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions. Pre-orders for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] are available now digitally and at retail. Fans can pre-order Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] or Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind to receive an exclusive keyblade per platform.

A demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available now in the Nintendo eShop. The demo includes the beginning of the game through the early stages of Olympus, along with the start and middle section of Toy Box World. Save data from the beginning of the game to Olympus carries over to the full game, while the data from the Toy Box World section does not. 

Players who own the Nintendo Switch (Cloud ver.), PlayStation 4, or Xbox One versions can get a 50% discount on digital pre-orders and digital post-launch purchases on their respective platforms. Save data transfers from Nintendo Switch (Cloud ver.), allowing players to pick up from where they left off on Switch 2. All sales for Nintendo Switch (Cloud ver.) have been discounted, and service for the cloud-based games will end on June 9, 2027, at 7:59 a.m. PT.

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