Kiln Releases on April 23, Open Beta Announced

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March 18, 2026

Kiln Releases on April 23, Open Beta Announced

Double Fine and Xbox have announced that Kiln will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on April 23. Additionally, it revealed that you can sign up for closed playtests, and that an open beta will take place from April 9 to April 11 on Steam.

A new Xbox Wire post outlines new preview details about the game, and more intricate information about the gameplay. Pre-orders will go live for both the standard ($19.99) and Fired Up ($29.99) editions when the open beta starts. Further, the Fired Up edition includes the base game, alongside premium glazes, stickers, attachments, custom pots, and bonus chips.

The Steam page describes Kiln as follows:

Kiln is a pottery power-fantasy that celebrates both Creativity and Destruction: the pleasure that comes from both making beautiful things, and then smashing those things to smithereens. Create your pot, grab your friends, and join a team of colorful spirits who face off against one another in online arenas, where the ceramic creations you sculpt on a pottery wheel become the bodies you bring into battle.

Brawl in 4v4 Combat

The shape of your pots affect your attributes and your play-style. Will you be big, or small? Wide, or tall? Will you make a plate, a jug, a cup or a bowl?

Sculpt Custom Pots

There are a multitude of different sizes and combinations to discover, each with unique abilities and attacks, along with new and surprising ways to play. Work together to find the best combination of pots and play-styles to break through enemy lines, and collect enough water to douse the flames of the enemy’s kiln — Does your team have what it takes to shape and smash your way to victory? As the battlefield becomes strewn with the shattered fragments of friend and foes alike, your brawling skills and some great teamwork will be required to assure victory.

Relax Between Pots

After the battle is won, head to The Wedge to practice your pottery prowess, decorate your pots to make them yours, then share your creations with others (and admire their handiwork, too).

Make and Break With Friends

Create and Destroy Together – Making pots and breaking pots are both better with friends. Hang out, experiment with clay and share what you make, or jump right into multiplayer battles and start swinging!

Become a Master Potter– Manipulate realistic clay to craft and decorate in an immersive pottery wheel experience featuring a variety of tools and techniques.

Splatoon 3 Updated to Version 11.1.0, Patch Notes Released

By

Saras Rajpal

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March 18, 2026

Splatoon 3 Updated to Version 1.1.0, Patch Notes Released

Nintendo has released version 11.1.0 of Splatoon 3, a new patch that features adjustments to X battles and numerous weapons. The game is available now on Nintendo Switch.

The patch notes are as follows:

Specifications for some main weapons have changed

Splattershot Nova/Annaki Splattershot Nova
- Increased the speed of shots by approximately 25% without changing the flight distance.
Flingza Roller/Foil Flingza Roller
- Adjusted the damage-falloff rate based on distance for vertical swings, allowing them to deal 50.0 damage/100 damage farther than they did before.
Octobrush/Octobrush Nouveau/Cometz Octobrush/Orderbrush Replica
- Reduced the amount of ink consumed when swinging the brush by approximately 10%.
Bamboozler 14 Mk I/Bamboozler 14 Mk II
- Increased movement speed while charging or firing by approximately 13%.
Bloblobber/Bloblobber Deco
- Increased damage from 30.0 to 32.0.
Douser Dualies FF/Custom Douser Dualies FF
- Reduced the time between doing a Dodge Roll and being able to take another action by approximately 1/30th of a second.
Tenta Brella/Tenta Sorella Brella/Tenta Brella CRE-M
- Reduced the amount of ink consumed by launching the canopy by approximately 23%.
Dynamo Roller/Gold Dynamo Roller/Starz Dynamo Roller
- Lessened the effect of the ink-consumption reduction when equipping the Ink Saver (Main) ability.

Specifications for some special weapons have changed

Ultra Stamp
- Decreased the radius of the 220.0 damage area of the explosion at the point of impact when throwing the stamp by approximately 10%.

Points required for some special weapons have been changed

Splattershot/Hero Shot Replica/Order Shot Replica
- Before: 210
- After: 200
Sploosh-o-matic
- Before: 180
- After: 190
Splash-o-matic
- Before: 200
- After: 210
Luna Blaster Neo
- Before: 180
- After: 190
Blaster
- Before: 180
- After: 190
Custom Blaster
- Before: 180
- After: 190
Rapid Blaster Pro Deco
- Before: 190
- After: 200
Dynamo Roller
- Before: 190
- After: 200
Inkbrush Nouveau
- Before: 180
- After: 190
Heavy Splatling/Order Splatling Replica
- Before: 200
- After: 210
Dapple Dualies
- Before: 170
- After: 180
Splat Dualies/Order Dualie Replicas
- Before: 190
- After: 200

Changes to X Battles

Changed the system for matchmaking so that, rather than having players with similar X Power at that time battle each other, now players whose final X Power will likely become similar after accumulating matches will be paired for battles.
Changed the systems for matchmaking and team division to make it less likely to result in skill disparity between teams, even in time zones or regions where there are not many players.
In the Tentatek Division, players with X Power less than 2000.0 and players with X Power of 2000.0 or higher may now be matched together.
Changed the matchmaking system to allow battles against more different weapons than before.

This update focuses on making changes to matchmaking and multiplayer balance

For X Battles, we have changed the systems for matchmaking and team division.

First of all, rather than simply gathering players with similar X Powers at that point in time, we have made it so that it will instead gather players whose final X Power will likely become similar after accumulating matches.

With this change, extreme matches will be less likely, even immediately after the start of the season or immediately after finishing calculation.

Also, when matchmaking is taking a long time, it will gradually soften the criteria for determining a “similar level of ability,” but we have changed these criteria and the system for team division to ensure that the level of ability of players on both teams will be symmetrical, even in time zones and regions with fewer players.

Additionally, we have changed the pairing system for the weapons that players may battle against.

Up until now, weapons have been divided into several groups, and the system more frequently paired weapons belonging to the same group for battles.

We have changed this system to make it so that players more frequently battle with weapons of similar preferred ranges, regardless of group, in order to reduce the likelihood of a player’s weapon always being pitted against weapons with a longer (or shorter) preferred range.

As for multiplayer balance, we made changes based on the battle data from version 11.0.0.

Among the weapons that were upgraded in version 11.0.0 or were greatly affected by changes to the battle system, we made changes to slightly reduce the performance of some weapons that the battle data showed have become highly impactful.

For some of the weapons that did not receive much benefit from the battle-system changes, we have made changes to slightly raise their performance and make them easier to wield.

The next update will focus on changes to the balance of battles.

Sanrio Characters Smash Festa! Releases on March 26 in Japan

By

Saras Rajpal

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March 18, 2026

Sanrio Characters Smash Festa! Releases on March 26 in Japan

Tatsumaki Games and Mankind Games have revealed that Sanrio Characters Smash Festa! will release on March 26 in Japan. It will be available for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

The developers initially announced the game in February 2026. It is described as a “fast-paced action sports game” that features beloved Sanrio characters. At the moment, neither Tatsumaki Games or Mankind Games have confirmed whether it will be available in other territories. The Steam page describes the game as follows:

All your favorite Sanrio characters come together in a fast-paced action sports game that mixes tennis-style rallies with hockey-like speed. Easy to pick up and play, but use stage gimmicks and character abilities to enjoy deeper, more strategic matches!

Over 20 Unique Playable Characters!

With over 20 playable characters, each one comes with their own unique stats—like movement speed, shot power, and lob shot range.

Try them all, find the character that fits your playstyle best, and have a blast!

Packed Single-Player Mode

Jump into Solo Mode and aim for the championship with your favorite character! There are 50 stages in total, offering tons of content.

Beat the final stage and keep playing—the CPU difficulty increases with each loop, so the challenge never ends! Train hard and show off your skills to your friends.

Tons of Local and Online Multiplayer Fun

- Local Play
  - Supports up to four players!
  - Get together with family and friends for 1v1 Singles or 2v2 Doubles matches and hype things up!
- Online Matches
  - Play against others across Japan in Random Match, or enjoy private games with friends in Room Match.
- Room Match Feature
  - Just enter a room number and jump straight into a match—even with friends far away!

55 Stages That Change the Game!

Battle it out across 55 different stages, each packed with unique gimmicks! Breakable blocks, unpredictable mechanics, and all kinds of wild combinations will keep you on your toes.

Will you push aggressively toward the goal? Or use the stage gimmicks for a more tactical play? Find your own way to win!

SAROS Reveals New Features Trailer

By

Saras Rajpal

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March 18, 2026

PlayStation has released a new trailer for SAROS, which outlines the game’s features that take advantage of the PlayStation 5’s hardware. The game will release on April 30 for the system.

The features highlighted in the trailer are as follows:

Track alien threats with precision 3D audio.
Feel eclipse-driven weaponry through adaptive triggers.
Seize control of Arjun’s fate with haptic feedback.
Come back stronger with near-instant loading speeds.

Check out the trailer showcasing the features of SAROS below:

SAROS is the latest from Housemarque, best known for games like Resogun, Nex Machina, and Returnal. It is set to release for PlayStation 5 and 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.

Unleash a high-tech arsenal as you dodge, shield and parry enemy attacks in a fluid, flow-state-inducing dance. Combine abilities and learn enemy bullet patterns to gain the upper hand when the odds seem stacked against you.

Augment your loadout using an evolving set of weapons and upgrades. After every run you’ll face a changed world, but the resources you gain will ensure Carcosa yields to you. With Second Chance you’ll be revived instantly on your first death, getting you straight back into the action.

From Far Away Manga is Getting an Anime Series

By

Soul Kiwami

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March 18, 2026

A newly launched website has announced a TV anime adaptation of Kyouko Hikawa’s From Far Away (Kanata Kara) shōjo manga will premiere in 2026. A new promotional video for From Far Away was released, confirming that Bleach director Noriyuki Abe will be directing the new anime. The anime announcement celebrates the manga’s 35th anniversary, which was accompanied by an illustration by Hikawa.

From Far Away illustration — ©Kyouko Hikawa, Hakusensha

The From Far Away manga ran from 1991 to 2002 in Hakusensha’s LaLa magazine. Hakusensha published the manga’s 14th and final compiled book volume in 2003. The Bunko edition of the manga was published in seven volumes from 2004 to 2005. VIZ Media publishes the manga in English.

Here’s a story synopsis, via VIZ Media:

On her way home from school one day, Noriko is unexpectedly plunged into a strange and extraordinary fantasy world. Her troubles compound exponentially when she is rescued and befriended by a handsome young man by the name of Izark.

He may be brave and courageous, but inside Izark lurks the darkest evil imaginable. And according to an ancient prophecy, Noriko possesses the power to unleash that evil. Now, inexorably bound together, these two unlikely allies must navigate a world both wondrous and hostile.

Side-Scrolling Metroidvania Game Vanishing Starlight Launches March 26

By

Soul Kiwami

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March 18, 2026

Gamepoch and Heart Seven have announced that side-scrolling Metroidvania action game Vanishing Starlight is coming to PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam on March 26. A free demo of Vanishing Starlight is available now on Steam.

Here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:

Backstory

Boundless barrens veil like a celestial prison. In the darkness forged by the unyielding law, planets adrift like faint candle flames, spinning, guttering.

A death-sentenced prisoner who lost his memory escapes from the realm of prison: Gibetuary. On the journey, travel through the eerie realms like Ignysium and Tidesong, witness the peoples struggling for survival while reuniting the long-lost allies and reclaim everything they have torn away.

Behind the veil of these realms, traces of the Gods loom near. Seemingly, they are capable of spurring the evolution of a people like miracles. Yet with absolute indifference, they may wipe out a realm’s value.

Who are they?

Nurturers? Overseers? Or executioners?

Are they gods who answer prayers, or the nemesis of all who strive for their people’s survival?

When a condemned soul stands at the threshold of a darkened future, facing those deities who temper fates—can he still voice his questions?

Who am I?

How come my crime?

Why was I born… and why must I die?

Key Features:

- - Brand-new Experience
    - Thrilling non-stop combo
    - Unlock weapons, learn skills, customize your own fight style with various chips
  - Sci-fi style Chinese mythologies
    - Traditional Chinese mythological characters in a sci-fi world
    - Explore with Xingtian and Nubris. Fight against Kuafu and Ilona
  - Explore various landscapes
    - Travel to different realms, witness exotic views and cultures, unravel the mysteries hidden deep.
    - Repair armors, update AI. Explore more areas with new abilities or open up short-cut
  - Who you are & Where you go
    - Play as the condemned prisoner, retrieve your memory
    - Reforge the long-lost connection with your friends
    - Together embark on the journey of rebelling the Gods.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Mega Man Pack Releases on March 25

By

Soul Kiwami

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March 18, 2026

SEGA has announced that the Mega Man Pack for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will launch on March 25, and a new teaser trailer was revealed. As previously announced, the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Mega Man Pack includes two playable characters, a themed course, and a new vehicle.

What’s more, Red, Goro Majima, and Arle are coming to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds after the Patch 3 Update goes live on March 18 at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET. Red and Goro Majima will arrive this April, followed by Arle in May 2026, and the new DLC characters come with new vehicles.

Red (April 2026)
- Red from Angry Birds as a playable character
- Super Roaster vehicle
Goro Majima (Captain Majima, April 2026)
- Goro Majima (Captain Majima) as a playable character
- Goromaru vehicle
Arle (May 2026)
- Arle from Puyo Puyo as a playable character
- Twinkle Bayoen vehicle

What’s more, the following eight new songs will be added to the jukebox:

MAGICAL SOUND SHOWER – Hiro (From Outrun)
Let’s Go Away – Takenobu Mitsuyoshi (From Daytona USA)
Soul on Desert – Jun Senoue (From SEGA Rally 2)
Like The Wind (B Course) Arcade Version – Hiro (From Power Drift)
Outside a Crisis – SEGA (Katsuhiro “Funky K.H” Hayashi) (From Super Hang-on)
Main Theme (Enduro Racer) – Hiro (From Enduro Racer)
God Only Knows – A-One
Like the Wind (Reborn) – Sampling Masters MEGA (From Power Drift)

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 Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Season Pass is available now for $29.99. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be released at physical retailers on March 26 for $69.99, featuring the full game on the cartridge.

The Season Pass includes the following collaborative content:

Minecraft
- Playable characters: Steve, Alex, and Creeper
- Minecraft-themed course and vehicle
SpongeBob SquarePants
- Playable characters: SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick
- SpongeBob SquarePants-themed course and vehicle
PAC-MAN
- Playable characters: Pac-Man and rival ghosts
- PAC-MAN-themed course and vehicle
Mega Man
- Playable characters: Mega Man and Proto Man
- Mega Man-themed course and vehicle
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Avatar Legends

Final Weapon previously reviewed Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and gave it a 4.5/5 score, noting that “there is very little in the way between the player and the game’s content, making for a refreshing pick-up-and-play experience that will satisfy players of all ages and skill levels. CrossWorlds is a kart racer that deeply understands the appeal of the genre and manages to finish in first place because of that.”

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains Stage DLC Releases on April 3

By

Soul Kiwami

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March 18, 2026

SEGA has announced the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains Stage DLC will launch on April 3. The new DLC will include three new bosses: Goro Majima boss from the Yakuza / Like a Dragon franchise, Death Adder from Golden Axe and Dr. Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog.

The SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains Stage DLC includes:

Three new bosses
Five new stages
Two new Boss Rush modes
Three new ninpo
Three new outfits
Six new music tracks

Players can purchase the SEGA Villains Stage DLC as a standalone item for $9.99 or as an upgrade pack for $11.99.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance launched on August 29 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam for $29.99, and a free demo is available now. A Digital Deluxe Edition is available for $39.99 featuring the Season Pass and SEGA Villains Stage DLC, the Starter Pack (Ghost Outfit, Medic Lite Amulet, and in-game currency), a digital art book, and a digital soundtrack.

Previously, SEGA released a SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance trailer for featuring the new original song YDB of the Wu Legacy and son of Ol’ Dirty Bastard. “The Path Just Begun” by YDB is also available on various music platforms and streaming services, and new SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance apparel by YDB’s Dirty Magic brand is available. SEGA also collaborated with Kinjaz for a music video with a choreographed dance routine playing YDB’s “The Path Just Begun.”

The original soundtrack of SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is composed by Tee Lopes (Sonic Mania, Streets of Rage 4) and Yuzo Koshiro (The Revenge of Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Shenmue). Fans can experience the soundtrack in the free demo.

9 R.I.P. sequel is Coming to Switch in the West

By

Soul Kiwami

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March 18, 2026

Idea Factory International has announced that otome visual novel 9 R.I.P. sequel is coming to Nintendo Switch physically and digitally in 2026 in the west. 9 R.I.P. sequel includes 9 full routes, including direct continuations of the Heavenly and Godly Endings from 9 R.I.P. There will also be new sub characters and unlockable bonus content.

Idea Factory International will release a physical Standard Edition and Limited Edition of 9 R.I.P. on the IFI Online Store. Limited Edition contents will be revealed at a later date.

Here’s an overview of the game, courtesy of Idea Factory International:

About 9 R.I.P. sequel

Following the endings of 9 R.I.P., Misa Isshiki finds herself at a crossroads with navigating romantic life and the consequences of her actions during her second year of high school. New challenges await depending on the route taken…

Whether it’s grappling with the fallout of her death, or navigating a relationship with a supernatural being, Misa must come to terms with her decisions to move forward.

Will she continue along the same path, or take another route entirely?

Key Features

- - Back from the Dead — 9 R.I.P. has returned from the grave with a sequel! With 9 full routes of love interests from the previous game, there’s sure to be a man, demon, or spirit for everyone’s tastes.
  - We’re in Heaven — Heavenly Routes are back with a more direct sequel to the previous Heavenly Endings. These stories feature new obstacles to overcome. Make your choices carefully, or they will have consequences for everyone around you… Can you and your love prevail through the challenges of life (and possibly death)?
  - Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice — Need something more on the romantic side to sweep you off your feet? Godly Routes suit fans who crave a happy and sweet ending, serving as epilogues for each Love Interest’s Godly Ending in the first game.
  - Killer Views — Character designer Yuuya kills with breathtaking visuals that once again manage to bring even the dead back to life.

The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World Anime in the Works

By

Soul Kiwami

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March 18, 2026

The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World anime

Happinet has announced that Yoneori’s The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World light novel series is getting an anime adaptation in 2026. The anime’s teaser visual, main cast, and main staff members were also revealed.

©2026/米織・仁藤あかね/KADOKAWA/「捨てられ聖女の異世界ごはん旅」製作委員会

The anime’s main cast includes Sora Tokui as Rin Takanashi and Yūki Ono as Vil. Atsushi Nigorikawa directs the anime at EMT Squared. Takashi Aoshima is in charge of series scripts, novel illustrator Akane Nitou is credited for the original character designs, and Izumi Ishii is drawing the characters. Ankichi Kobo is credited for production assistance.

Yoneori launched the series on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website in 2019. Kadokawa began publishing the novels with illustration by Nitou in 2020. Nana Kogami launched the manga adaptation on Kadokawa’s ComicWalker website in 2020, and the fourth compiled book volume was shipped in May 2025.

Here’s an overview of the series, via Manga Dex:

Rin Takanashi, a caregiver in her thirties, was unceremoniously discarded as “trash” despite being summoned as a saint. However, as a lover of the great outdoors and all things camping, she was blessed with a special skill, [Survival], as well as another unique skill! Thus, a riveting tale begins: one of sweat, tears, and insatiable hunger as Rin, together with companions she picked up along the way, leisurely explores this parallel world and savours gourmet cuisine to her heart’s content… Or so the story should have gone, but it looks like their road is going in an unexpected direction…?