First, Xbox will focus on showcasing news on its upcoming first-party games, as well as titles from its third-party partners. It’s possible this may include new looks at Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Persona 4 Revival. Afterwards, a direct focused entirely on Gears of War: E-Day will take place. This will feature new looks at the upcoming release’s gameplay, story, and maybe even a release date. While the length of both presentations are unknown, it is likely the initial showcase will be somewhere over an hour and that the Direct will last around 30 minutes, based on previous events.
Last month, former Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer retired and Xbox President Sarah Bond resigned from Xbox. In their place, Asha Sharma took the reins as Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty took over as Chief Content Officer of Microsoft Gaming. This will be the first showcase in over a decade without Phil Spencer present.
Recently, during the Xbox Developer Summit keynote address at GDC 2026, Microsoft Gaming revealed that it plans to ship alpha version development kits of the next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, in 2027. Xbox is also planning on “rolling out new ways to play some of the most iconic games from our past” to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2026. It is unknown if more details about the Helix will be unveiled at the upcoming showcase.
Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers doesn’t leave the best first impression. It tries to emulate the look of a comic book, but the visuals are noticeably dated. Additionally, animations are of a sometimes questionable quality. Everything appears to be rather cheap, but beyond its rough exterior, Rushing Beat X holds some charm underneath. Strong character designs and solid core mechanics hint at something far greater. Whether this makes up for the game’s faults is another question entirely.
Return to Neo-Cisco
For those unaware, Rushing Beat isn’t a new franchise. This series of beat-em-up games dates back to the 90s, with three games localized as different titles. As such, the latest entry doesn’t stray far from the arcadey design philosophy typically associated with the genre.
Rushing Beat X is easy to pick up and play with an intuitive control scheme and flashy auto combos. The game is split up into nine stages, with one serving as a brief tutorial level. This means the actual number is closer to eight, but the stages are quite lengthy. Perhaps to the point of some of them overstaying their welcome.
Players fight a wide array of enemies, including street punks, zombies, and robots. It’s borderline nonsensical, but that’s part of the charm. This isn’t a game that expects the player to take it too seriously. Character selection is limited at the start, with only a few options to choose from. The roster does quickly expand as the player progresses, however. There are quite a few characters to play around with.
Rushing Beat X Lacks Polish
What’s noticeable right away is the game’s lack of polish. The dated visuals are certainly one factor contributing to this, but it isn’t the only one. Animations can be overly stiff, and the game doesn’t always feel responsive.
Hitboxes are sometimes poorly represented by their attack animations, and hit detection doesn’t always seem consistent. As such, the game is often awkward to play, especially compared to more polished titles in the beat ’em up genre.
Furthermore, visual clarity can prove to be an issue. Enemies often clutter stages and may be difficult to tell apart. The perspective doesn’t help, either, making positioning a challenge.
Making matters worse, some enemies seem to be magnetized to the edges of the screen, resulting in annoying wait times. Bosses are questionably designed with limited movesets, often deploying attacks that are all too easy to whiff punish.
Combat With Surprising Depth
It’s a shame that Rushing Beat X is so awkward to play, because there are some great core mechanics here. There is more depth than one may expect from a combat system that only requires the player to hold the attack button to execute an auto combo.
The game allows a variety of cancels to string together various actions or get out of a sticky situation. Some weapons work great as combo starters. The more I played, the more I began to see the game’s full potential.
My favorite character to play is Kahlua due to her speedy maneuverability. She has the most fluid moveset by far. It’s especially handy in a game where quick movement and positioning are often needed.
The other characters are of varying quality. Some are a bit sluggish to play, resulting in more clunky gameplay. However, most characters don’t play too differently from each other. It’s not going to take a long time to adjust to a new character after sticking to one for a while.
Other Issues and Observations
A frustrating aspect of the Steam version is a lack of proper keyboard support. It’s hard to recommend this game to PC players without a gamepad. While the game can be played on a keyboard, there is no visual representation of keyboard inputs, and the menus can’t be navigated with a mouse.
Strangely, pressing the escape key quits the game entirely. This means it’s all too easy to exit the application and lose progress accidentally. This did happen to me on one or two occasions.
Additionally, the game appears to allow only one save file at a time. If players start a free-play game after progressing through the story mode, they will lose all progress within the story mode. I don’t recall receiving any warning that this was going to occur.
Rushing Beat X is an Incredibly Rough Gem
I wanted to enjoy Rushing Beat X more than I did. There is potential here for a fantastic beat-em-up, but the flaws make it difficult to recommend. Although it may be worthwhile for fans of the genre who are desperate for a new game to play.
For those who have yet to experience Streets of Rage 4, it’s hard not to recommend it instead. It’s a far more competent modern entry into a classic beat-em-up franchise.
Regardless, Rushing Beat X makes up for some of its issues with old-school charm and technical gameplay. Those who are willing to look past the jank may find something to enjoy here. It’s just too bad it couldn’t have been better.
Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
Disclaimer: City Connection provided Final Weapon with a PC copy of Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers for review purposes.
During PAX East 2026, Digital Extremes revealed that it will add a new Duelo Pact and Wolf Mount to the Soulframe closed alpha in April. It also features the latest Fable, titled The Wreck Of Mestra Carmo.
Players will be able to forge the Duelo Pact and utilize a new Ancestor, Carmo. He can harness the nimble wit of a swashbuckling sailor and wield the latest one-handed sword, the rapier Navalha, and weave together materials to craft the new Mestra armour set. You’ll also be able to explore the new Fallen Ode Skytower, discover a new progression system for Orlick, and use a new Wolf Mount.
Check out the trailer for both the Duelo Pact and the upcoming Wolf Mount releasing in the Soulframe closed alpha, titled Preludes, below:
Washed ashore on the northern isle of Midrath, a new adventure begins.
Omen beasts in Ode’n chain bellow in mourning. The voicing trees sag ‘long tortured streams. The worldflesh of Alca splits with rage.
Who will find the Silvern Seas and awaken our Ancestors? Who will learn the melodies of soul unbinding, and break the gaunting spellsong? Who will hold in their heart the wanderers, the wild, the world? You will, Envoy.
While Soulframe was initially listed for a 2025 release date, community manager Sarah Asselin stated that the release window is an “aspirational goal.” It is unknown whether or not the game will release in 2026 or afterwards. Additionally, while Digital Extremes’ have not yet confirmed Soulframe’s consoles, it will likely be available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, similarly to Warframe.
During PAX East 2026, Digital Extremes revealed that Warframe will add Voruna Prime Access on April 8 via a new trailer. The update also adds two new deluxe cosmetic Warframe skin designs for Dante and Baruuk, as well as the next entry in the Heirloom cosmetic skin line for Mesa.
The trailer description outlines Voruna Prime: “Brutal, bestial and burnished in Orokin Gold, this is Voruna more feral than ever. Pouncing into Prime Access on April 8 to satiate her boundless bloodlust, she vaults into venery alongside her signature Prime Weapons and exclusive Prime Accessories. Gain instant access to her full complement of Prime equipment for a limited time and lead the hunt with this untamable wolven queen.”
Check out the “Red Band” trailer for Voruna Prime, coming to Warframe next week, below:
Recently, Digital Extremes released Warframe for Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 version of Warframe features mouse controls for menu navigation and combat, along with cross-saves and cross-play. The game runs at a locked 60 FPS at 1080p across handheld and docked modes with improved load times, textures, and shader quality. To celebrate the release on Switch 2, all players who log in to Warframe on the console before April 15 will earn the exclusive Ambimanus Pack, featuring the Vericres Warfan weapon, the Akomeogi Warfan weapon skin, Slicing Feathers Stance Mod, Affinity/Credit boosters, and more.
Lastly, Warframe is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. The Voruna Prime Access update will release on April 8 on all platforms.
On March 28, EVO held the EVO Awards 2026 and revealed the winners of each of the 20 awards. This is the second iteration of the event, created to celebrate the fighting game community.
The event was held on both EVO’s official YouTube and Twitch. The award winners and nominees are as follows:
Best Artist
WINNER: Hungry Clicker
Nominees: SpaceDey, BeffenM, Klever Art, Rskad
Best Character
WINNER: Mai Shiranui
Nominees: Ryu, Ekko, Potemkin, Armor King
Best Combo
WINNER: Blaz’s Sagat vs Xiohai’s Mai Fan
Nominees: Ed’s Dream Combo, Ryan Hart’s Dragon Dance, SuperKawaiiDesu’s Arhi Tod, AbuOmar Double Super vs Kindevu
Best Commentary
WINNER: Rynge on Blaz Entering Grand Finals of CapCom Cup 11
Nominees: “MenaRD cannot be denied.” – Sajam, “Ninjas in Paris!” – MarkMan, Tasty Steve Narrating Arslan Ash’s Evo Win, “This cell might be bleeding, but he remains perfect.” – Damascus
Best Content Creator
WINNER: Rooflemonger
Nominees: Brian_F, Sharkparty, Sajam, Diaphone
Best Cosplay
WINNER: Sharkparty’s Juri
Nominees: RhinosaurousRex’s R. Mika, Bridoof’s Jack-O, Steff Von Schweetz’s Cagliostro, Kaho Shibuya’s Hsein-Ko
Best Custom Controller, presented by Chipotle
WINNER: The Bard Box
Nominees: Arcade Cab Folding Table, Itabashi Zangeif’s 3D Controller, The Plant Box, The Giant Fight Stick
Best Dressed, presented by Zenni
WINNER: Ryan Hart
Nominees: WhiteBl4ck, Tasty Steve, Unroolie, Hollywood RobTV
Com2uS has released four new “combat” trailers for the upcoming GACHIAKUTA: The Game, which showcases its playable characters and their unique play style. The exact release date for the game is currently unknown.
Check out the trailers showcasing the combat of all four playable characters in GACHIAKUTA: The Game below:
Lastly, GACHIAKUTA: The Game will release at a later date for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Steam page describes it as follows:
GACHIAKUTA: The Game is a real-time action RPG that fully recreates the world of the hit Japanese anime IP Gachiakuta in full 3D. Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine and later adapted into an anime, the anime’s unique atmosphere and worldview have been reinterpreted through the game’s own stylish action.
Rudo, a boy surviving in the slums by scavenging through the trash, faces constant discrimination. One day, he is falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and cast down into the Pit, a place feared by all.
There, he encounters the cleaner Enjin and uncovers the truth behind the world. Rudo awakens his power—the ability to draw out the soul of discarded objects and manifest their value as a weapon. Rudo’s journey to change the world begins now.
BILIBILI GAME and EPIDGames are celebrating the half-year anniversary of collectible card RPG Trickcal: Chibi Go with a new update featuring the debut of the new Eldyne Apostle [Eternal Dreamer] ED and the chance to obtain up to 200 pulls. There are also various limited-time events, Legendary Pets (Petite Speaki, Petite Butter, and Petite Kommy), new story content, rewards, and more.
The half-year anniversary update for Trickcal: Chibi Go introduces Double Attendance events with rewards that players can claim through login. The limited-time Eternal Light Border can be acquired from the Encounter with Nata Attendance Event, for example.
The new Eldyne Apostle [Eternal Dreamer] ED (CV: Maaya Uchida) is available from the pool as well, and 3-star ED and the Legendary Card [Luc-ED Dream] will have increased draw rates. No other Eldyne Apostles will appear in this pool, but starting April 2, 3-star Vivi and Momo will each be featured in their own limited-time UP pools.
Further, the new Yearning system is available with additional potential unlocks for 5-star Apostles, with ED, Momo, and Vivi available first. The Eternal Dreams of Electric Sheep event delves into ED’s story and offers additional rewards, including Warm Contact Figure and ED’s Adventure.
The new mini-game MOD: Made of Daydream, the new event “The Conversation with Nata.” and return of past stories through Revival Theater are also highlights of the new update. Four new Apostle skins are available, and the Interior Store has been updated with an ED-themed room set, Petite Nata.
The official website for the TV anime adaptation of WSS playground and Xemono’s Needy Streamer Overload game revealed that a new 4-panel manga by Kokamumo will be launching on April 5 (JST) alongside the anime. Titled Needyga Plus (Needy Girl Plus), the Needy Streamer Overload 4-panel manga will receive new strips every Sunday.
— アニメ『NEEDY GIRL OVERDOSE』公式 (@needygirl_anime) March 29, 2026
The Needy Streamer Overload anime, which retains the game’s original Needy Girl Overdose title, will premiere on April 5 at 12:30 JST on Tokyo MX, BS11, Gunma TV, and Tochigi TV.
Aiobahn +81 and “KAngel” (“Chōten-chan”) perform the opening theme song “Internet Angel,” with lyrics written by nyalra. Tatsuya Kitani performs the ending theme song “Levitation.”
Masaoki Nakajima directs the anime at Yostar Pictures. Needy Streamer Overload scenario writer nyalra is credited for the original idea, scenario, and supervision. Ohisashiburi is credited for the original character design, and Kenji Saikai, Akari Takei, and Umito Shimizu are the main character designers.
Previously, WSS Playground released spinoff typing game Needy Streamer Overload: Typing of The Net for PC via Steam. Additionally, a Digital Deluxe Edition “Internet Angel Pack” is available with both games, a digital artbook, two soundtracks, and access to the spinoff Petit Game Collection Vol. 1.
Lastly, Needy Streamer Overload is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam worldwide.
During AnimeJapan 2026, the NBCUniversal booth revealed new cast members for the upcoming anime adaptation of Kentarou’s From Overshadowed to Overpowered manga. The series will premiere in July 2026.
The newly announced cast members include:
Hiroki Tōchi as Ephtal (as a sage and old man)
Ayaka Fukuhara as young Ephtal (as a youth)
Emiri Katō as Iria
Daisuke Hirakawa as Fraser
Check out the announcement post revealing the new cast members of From Overshadowed to Overpowered below:
— TVアニメ『落第賢者の学院無双 ～二度目の転生、Sランクチート魔術師冒険録～』 (@rakudai_anime) March 29, 2026
The anime will also star Shūichirō Umeda as Ephtal the protagonist, Reo Osanai will star as heroine Anastasia, and Haruka Shiraishi will star as magical academy head Marin. The staff behind the upcoming anime also revealed a new teaser video for the series during AnimeJapan. More details about its exact release date will be available at a later date.
Hisashi Ishii is directing the From Overshadowed to Overpowered anime at EMT Squared, with Deko Akao handling the series’ scripts. Hideki Furukawa will be in charge of character design. Kentarou first launched the manga in Square Enix’s Manga UP! website in September 2019. Square Enix published the manga’s eighth compiled book volume in June 2025.
Lastly, here’s an overview of From Overshadowed to Overpowered via Comickey, who releases the manga in English:
Ephtal is reincarnated as a human, coming from modern Earth. In this new world where magic is real, he decides to devote the entirety of his lifein the pursuit of magic. Despite his efforts, though, he discovers that he isabsolutely talentless in magic, and breathed his last in anguish….But it isn’t the end for him just yet! He reincarnates once again bearing the same name, Ephtal, 400 years later. Having retained his knowledge and power, he steels his resolve and once again sets his sights for the peak of magic!
During AnimeJapan 2026 event, Hakuhodo revealed that the upcoming anime adaptation of Hiroshi Shiibashi’s Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto manga will premiere in July 2026. Additionally, it has revealed a second promotional video, new visual, and additional cast members for the series.
Check out the new promotional video for Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto below:
Newly announced cast members include:
Akira Ishida as Bōkyo Kizujō
Takuma Nagatsuka as Shizuma Aonuma
Masaya Fukunishi as Oni Okuaki
They join Taito Ban, Yuki Sakakihara, and Kent Itō, who play the roles of Kodō Iwamoto, Kai Haramachi, and Sōichirō Amaha, respectively. Toshifumi Kawase directs the Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto anime at Studio DEEN. Keiichirō Ōchi oversees the series scripts, and Atsuko Nakajima is the character designer. Takuya Hiramitsu is the sound director, and Yoshiaki Dewa and Tōru Ishitsuka are the music composers.
Shiibashi initially launched the Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto manga in 2021. Shueisha recently published the 13th compiled volume of the manga on January 19. Shiibashi also previously worked on the Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan (Nurarihyon no Mago) manga series, which ran from 2008 to 2012. 25 volumes of the manga were released, and VIZ Media published the manga series in English. The manga received four more chapters in 2023.
Lastly, here’s an overview of the Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto manga, via Manga Dex:
The year 1910. Iwamoto Kodou is a young boy who has successfully carried out many curious missions under the military’s directive. His destinations lead to encounters with the strange, weaving tales of history that have yet to be told.
