XD Games has released two new playable characters, Asal and Airon, to Etheria: Restart in a new update. The new additions mark the beginning of Season SS3’s final phase, which will end on April 5.
Check out the character PV showcasing both Asal and Airon below:
Asal is the First Attaché of the Elysian. She’s a boisterous and offensive Animus, hellbent on destruction. She attacks enemies with her giant blade, slashing and suppressing whenever the opportunity arises. Additionally, Asal’s attack can add insult to injury, as her Hunt Chase skill can result in her stealing a target’s buffs. Check out the trailer showcasing her below:
Airon is the noble Inspector of the E.O.S. Security Defense Agency, who prides himself on using his power to protect those that do not have any. He’s a defensive tactician that can transfer buffs and debuffs between friend and foe, creating openings on the battlefield where there previously were none. Check out his gameplay trailer:
Lastly, Etheria: Restart is available now for Android, iOS, and PC via Steam. The store page describes the game as follows:
When a devastating global freeze threatens to extinguish human civilization, humanity transfers their consciousness into “Etheria,” a virtual world, to preserve their legacy.
Within Etheria, humans coexist with beings known as the Animus, who wield mysterious Anima Powers. Their peaceful coexistence shatters when the “Genesis Virus” emerges, corrupting the Animus and driving them berserk, endangering humanity’s survival. In response, the Hyperlinker Union forms to combat this threat.
Take on the role of a Hyperlinker and begin your adventure in Etheria.
Earlier this month, Quillo Entertainment released Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale for PC via Steam. Following its release, we had the chance to speak with Director Onon “Andy” Ng about the influences behind the game, its narrative and emotional moments, challenges faced in development, various gameplay styles, and much more.
What were your main inspirations behind Apopia?
Onon “Andy” Ng (ON): The main inspiration was a dream that has kept daunting me for over 20 years. In that dream, I saw my mother standing there, ignoring my emotional pain, my cries, and my screams. That feeling — that hopelessness — was something I can’t describe with words alone, so I decided to make a game to express that feeling.
Besides my personal experience, there are some game titles that deeply influenced me to create Apopia: Doki Doki Literature Club, Life is Strange, Ib, The Witch’s House, and Fran Bow, to name a few. These titles contain very strong narration and emotion that stuck with me. Such narrative power can only be found in games, and they significantly influenced me in the making of Apopia.
Apopia has been in development for quite some time – what were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
ON: With such a long development cycle, Ricky and I were bound to encounter challenges along the way. We have very different personalities so our differing styles of working and processing things resulted in arguments at first. I think what really helped me overcome them was my fiancée. She inspired me to see things and handle relationships with a new perspective. And eventually, our communication improved and things went much smoother. And I think it was my faith that helped me see my flaws. That’s how real connections are supposed to be built. Like the message from Apopia. You have to open your heart to let others in.
It was incredible to see the variety in dark worlds. What were some inspirations that you had when designing them?
ON: The End of Time in Chrono Trigger.
I remember one summer, my cousin came to my home and stayed for several months. While he was there, I watched him play Chrono Trigger. Out of many different scenes, The End of Time was the one that particularly drew my attention. It’s a scene that literally feels like the end of time. The stillness, the sound, the atmosphere inspired me so much when designing the Dark Worlds.
Mai’s relationship with her mother really stood out and resonated with me. What made you decide to take the game in this direction?
ON: As mentioned previously, it stemmed from a personal experience for me. I felt compelled to do it to help me work through my recurring nightmare that haunted me for many years. I also wanted to help others who may have had similar experiences, if they could relate to that emotion.
Of course, the game is a bit more intense than my own experiences, But the emotions in the game all came from my true feelings. I think that’s why they feel so real and relatable to some people.
What was the most challenging sequence to animate in a way that truly captured the intended emotion? [WARNING: APOPIA: SUGAR COATED TALE SPOILERS INBOUND]
ON: It’s definitely the final scene when Moly and BOSS hug.
I drew several versions of that animation before the final version that you see in game, and the final was finished just a few days before the launch!
It took so long to finish because it is literally the ultimate salvation of Moly. For her entire life, she never admitted / accepted the existence of BOSS, a.k.a. her “negative thoughts”. In the BOSS fight, she successfully conquered BOSS with the support of her friends, but ultimately, the real salvation came from within herself. The only thing she needed to do was accept her other side.
And if you notice in the final shot of that animation, when the camera zooms out, the frame appears around them. It is because that moment when Moly accepted BOSS has now become one of her core memories. BOSS helped Moly overcome a difficult time.
Within the game, there are sections where the gameplay almost switches to different genres. Were there any you wanted to add but couldn’t?
ON: Haha… now thinking back, there’s really a crazy idea I had for one part in the game but didn’t do.
It was the part where Moly “built” the minecart. Initially, I wanted to make something similar to Minecraft / Don’t Starve. I wanted to make Town East a very large environment for Moly and explore and gather different materials… and she’d be able to craft various items, including the minecart of course…
In retrospect, I was grateful that we didn’t try to do it. I think the narration now is more hilarious, which I really like. And execution wise, it was the correct choice.
Curve Games has announced that the Human Fall Flat – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is available now. Additionally, owners of the Nintendo Switch version can purchase a $4.99 upgrade pack to get the Nintendo Switch 2 edition.
In a press release, Curve Games’ Vice President of Publishing, Rich Keen, said the following: “We are delighted to bring Human Fall Flat to the Nintendo Switch 2. Players of this enhanced edition will enjoy brilliant new features such as Gamechat and Gameshare, experience five levels previously unavailable to play on Switch and will be kept up-to-date with all new levels as soon as they land on consoles.”
Check out the launch trailer for the Human Fall Flat – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition below:
Here’s an overview of the new version, via Curve Games:
This enhanced edition brings the full dose of charm, chaos, and creativity fans adore — now optimized for Nintendo’s next-generation console. Players can dive into a delightful mix of brand-new levels, including Dockyard, Museum, Hike, and the sugary sweet Candyland, alongside timeless fan-favorites like Castle, Aztec, and Water. Even better: all future levels will be included.
Whether you’re upgrading from the original Nintendo Switch version or jumping in for the first time, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition brings the ultimate Human Fall Flat experience.
Players can enjoy:
All current and future levels — from classics to brand-new worlds.
Online multiplayer for up to 8 players — where teamwork, chaos, and laughter collide.
Endless possibilities — push, pull, climb, flop, and fumble your way through ingenious puzzles, solo or with friends.
Lastly, Human Fall Flat is available now for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac, and Linux.
While previous demos that have released on PC via Steam give players the ability to transfer the progress to the full game when it releases, it is unknown if that applies to the Switch demo. Check out the latest trailer for Kingdom’s Return: Time-Eating Fruit and the Ancient Monster below:
Kingdom’s Return: Time-Eating Fruit and the Ancient Monster launches on April 23 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The new title costs $14.99, and players who own the game on Switch may upgrade to the Switch 2 version for free via an Upgrade Pack. An Azure Striker Gunvolt Character Skin Pack will be available featuring the Gunvolt (Alchemist), Copen (Imperial), Kirin (Zipangu), and Lola (Wizard) skins.
Lastly, here’s an overview of Kingdom’s Return: Time-Eating Fruit and the Ancient Monster, via Steam:
Kingdom’s Return: Time-Eating Fruit and the Ancient Monster
A kingdom-rebuilding adventure filled with action and strategy!
Kingdom’s Return is an action RPG where you’ll adventure to restore your fallen kingdom. Collect materials in 2D side-scrolling adventure stages, then use them in the strategy part to rebuild your kingdom and power up your characters!
Story
In a world of swords, magic, and fairies, you are a lone adventurer who suddenly becomes tasked to revive the ruined kingdom of Almacia along with the Fairy of Time, Chronos.
Through adventure (action) and revival (strategy), restore the kingdom to its former glory!
Adventure + Strategy
Kingdom’s Return combines action with strategy for an addictive hybrid experience!
In adventure stages, you’ll collect items for construction in the strategy part, all while levelling up your kingdom and characters.
You can approach each side in balance, or concentrate primarily on just one and still clear the game.
Build your kingdom and characters however you like!
When rebuilding your kingdom, the type of castle you select at the start will change how you build.
As you fill the land with buildings, the characters you take on adventures will also grow stronger.
Build the kingdom of your dreams and strengthen your allies!
The playable cast is brimming with personality!
Start your adventure by choosing from “Imperial”, “Wizard”, “Alchemist”, and “Zipangu”.
Each has unique stats, skills and attacks, so choose the one that fits your action style!
You can always change characters while in your kingdom, so you’ll always have a variety of styles to choose from!
Adventure in an idyllic fantasy world!
In Kingdom’s Return, you’ll build your cozy fantasy kingdom and bravely adventure into dungeons.
Get quests from villagers, build up your lands, and play around with powerful bosses!
Gakuen Alice author Tachibana Higuchi’s Champignon Witch manga is getting a magical anime series that will keep fans invested in a world full of emotion and fantasy. Final Weapon has everything you need to know about the Champignon Witch anime, including release dates for new episodes and the weekly schedule.
The story of Champignon Witch follows protagonist Luna, who people believe is a black witch due to all the poisonous mushrooms that grow wherever she goes. She’s earned the nickname of Mushroom Witch as a result, but then, her fortunes seemingly turn around when she begins to feel affection for the local townspeople.
Champignon Witch Release Dates, Exact Premiere Time and Schedule
New episodes of Champignon Witchwill release on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET on Crunchyroll. Champignon Witch will run for 12 episodes this season with English subtitles.
Here are the release dates and schedule for Champignon Witch (subject to change):
Episode 1 – January 8 – OUT NOW
Episode 2 – January 8 – OUT NOW
Double episode premiere
Episode 3 – January 15 – OUT NOW
Episode 4 – January 22 – OUT NOW
Episode 5 – January 29 – OUT NOW
Episode 6 – February 5 – OUT NOW
Episode 7 – February 12 – OUT NOW
Episode 8 – February 19 – OUT NOW
Episode 9 – February 26 – OUT NOW
Episode 10 – March 5 – OUT NOW
Episode 11 – March 12 – OUT NOW
Episode 12 – March 19 – OUT NOW
New episodes of Champignon Witch will premiere at the following times (subject to change):
Pacific Daylight Time: 11:00 a.m. PDT
Mountain Daylight Time: 12:00 p.m. MDT
Central Daylight Time: 1:00 p.m. CDT
Eastern Daylight Time: 2:00 p.m. EDT
Greenwich Mean Time: 6:00 p.m. GMT
OP/ED, Cast and Staff
ROSU
Ms.OOJA
ROSU performs the opening theme song “Maho Tsukai no Nikki (Magician’s Diary),” and Ms.OOJA performs the ending theme song “Kimi wa (You Are).”
The cast of the Champignon Witch anime include:
Haruka Shiraishi as Luna
Yuki Sakakihara as Lize
Jun Fukushima as Claude
Emiri Katō as Minos
Miho Okasaki as Merino
Misato Fukuen as Sisi
Shōya Chiba as Henri
Yōsuke Kubo, known for his work on Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start With Magical Tools, is directing the anime. Yūko Kakihara is handling the series scripts, while Miki Matsumoto is designing the characters. Typhoon Graphics and Qzil.la are in charge of animation production.
Crunchyroll is streaming the anime in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS and India. In Japan, the anime is airing on the TBS, BS11, and AT-X channels.
What is Champignon Witch About?
Tachibana Higuchi launched the manga in October 2019, and Hakusensha publishes the series in print.
Here’s an overview of the series, via Crunchyroll:
Champignon Witch follows the dark forest-dwelling Luna, who people fear is a black witch because poisonous mushrooms grow wherever she goes. As such, the townspeople call her the “Mushroom Witch.” However, despite never feeling any warmth from them, Luna begins to feel affection for them…? It’s a magical fantasy of love, adventure and emotions!
NEOWIZ has announced that Lies of P has reached 4 million copies sold after initially releasing in September 2023. The game is available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and Mac via App Store.
In a press statement, a NEOWIZ representative said the following: “Reaching this milestone is an incredibly meaningful moment for the Lies of P team. The enthusiasm and passion the global community has shown for this title continues to inspire us, and we’re grateful to see players around the world discover and embrace our dark, reimagined take on Pinocchio’s story.”
Last year, NEOWIZ released the Lies of P: Overture DLC. In January 2026, the New York Game Awards gave the game the award of “Best DLC” for 2025. Final Weapon reviewed the DLC, giving it a 4/5. We described it as an expansion that “largely retains the quality of the base game, if not improving upon it in some aspects. While it isn’t particularly experimental, it is more Lies of P, and it proves why that isn’t a bad thing in the slightest.”
Lastly, the Steam page describes Lies of P as follows:
You are a puppet created by Geppetto who’s caught in a web of lies with unimaginable monsters and untrustworthy figures standing between you and the events that have befallen the world of Lies of P.
You are awakened by a mysterious voice that guides you through the plagued city of Krat – a once lively place that has been poisoned by madness and bloodlust. In our soulslike, you must adapt yourself and your weapons to face untold horrors, untangle the unfathomable secrets of the city’s elites and choose whether to confront predicaments with the truth or weave lies to overcome them on the journey to find yourself.
Team Ninja has released version 1.04.02 of Nioh 3 on both PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. The patch features several bug fixes for the game on both systems.
The patch notes for version 1.04.02 of Nioh 3 are as follows:
PlayStation 5/Steam
Fixed an issue occurring when learning the Ninja Style Martial Art Footstool Jump, where quickly pressing the jump input two times in a row with a sheathed weapon or an unsheathed kusarigama would cancel the jump.
Fixed an issue that greatly reduced the amount of damage dealt when activating Arts Proficiency.
Steam
Fixed an issue preventing Martial Art 1 Controls and Martial Art 2 Controls from triggering Martial Arts in mid-air if the player had assigned Martial Art 1 Controls and Martial Art 2 Controls to a single key via Configure Controls (Keyboard/Mouse).
Lastly, here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:
Conquer the Crucible, Become Shogun
Nioh 3 is the eagerly anticipated continuation of the dark samurai action RPG series Nioh. A deadly struggle unfolds amidst the devastation of an alternate Warring States period where bandits run rampant and yokai skulk about.
Key Elements of the Game:
An open field that challenges you to the fullest
This game features an open field filled with the sense of tension characteristic of the “Nioh” series while also allowing you to explore to your heart’s content. In this dark samurai world, you will encounter formidable yokai, explore menacing villages where darkness lurks, and struggle against the ominous presence of “the Crucible.”
Samurai and Ninja combat styles
You can enjoy an instantaneous and seamless switch between two combat styles during battle, facing your enemies head-on with Samurai Style and using quick movements and special techniques with Ninja Style.
According to a report from Insider Gaming, PlayStation will phase out the PlayStation Network branding by September 2026. The reason for the change, as well as its new name, are currently unknown.
In an internal email sent to developers, PlayStation stated the following: “We’d like to inform you that Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has strategically decided to phase out the terms ‘PlayStation Network’ and ‘PSN’ across our platform in order to properly capture the breadth of our evolving digital services. What’s changing and timeline.
The upcoming changes are purely visual and will not introduce any technical alterations to our offerings. To simplify and unify branding, the terms ‘PlayStation Network’ and ‘PSN’ will be phased out across all SIE assets by September 2026. All features currently associated with PSN, including core network features such as friends, multiplayer, and trophies, will remain unaffected and available to players.”
The next major game that will release for the PlayStation 5 is SAROS. SAROS is the latest from Housemarque, best known for games like Resogun, Nex Machina, and Returnal. It will be playable 48 hours early for those who preorder the digital deluxe version. The digital deluxe version also includes the Astra Armor, Onryo Armor, and Midgard Armor. The PlayStation Store describes it as follows:
Beneath the shadow of an ominous eclipse, Arjun Devraj (Rahul Kohli) is a Soltari enforcer who will stop at nothing to pursue answers on the shape-shifting Carcosa, a world of dark secrets and hostile inhabitants.
Master electrifying bullet ballet combat – intense projectile-focused gameplay with a unique, neon-infused aesthetic – to overcome ferocious enemies and spectacular boss fights.
The official website for the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series confirmed that the 12th and final episode of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 – The Culling Game Part 1 will be an extended 27-minute episode. The extended final episode of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 – The Culling Game Part 1 will premiere on March 26 as the 59th overall episode of the anime series.
Here’s an overview of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, via Crunchyroll:
Yuji Itadori is a boy with tremendous physical strength, though he lives a completely ordinary high school life. One day, to save a classmate who has been attacked by curses, he eats the finger of Ryomen Sukuna, taking the curse into his own soul. From then on, he shares one body with Ryomen Sukuna. Guided by the most powerful of sorcerers, Satoru Gojo, Itadori is admitted to Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses… and thus begins the heroic tale of a boy who became a curse to exorcise a curse, a life from which he could never turn back.
Paramount Pictures have released the first teaser trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Additionally, it revealed the full cast for the upcoming film.
The first teaser trailer features 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. It also Check out the first teaser trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 below:
Additionally, Paramount has also revealed the full cast for the film. A majority of the cast from the previous films will reprise their roles. This includes Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, Idris Elba as Knuckles, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, James Marsden as Tom, Tika Sumpter as Maddie, Keanu Reeves as Shadow, and Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone. As previously announced, Kristen Bell will play the role of Amy Rose. The following actors have been cast in currently unannounced roles:
Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation, The Last of Us Season 1)
Richard Ayoade (Soul, The IT Crowd)
The most recent entry in the Sonic game franchise, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. The first ever Sonic the Hedgehog audio drama, titled Sonic the Hedgehog Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles, is also available on services such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Lastly, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will premiere in theaters on March 19, 2027.
