PlayStation Network Branding Will Be Phased Out by September 2026

By
Saras Rajpal
-
PlayStation Network Branding Will Be Phased Out by September 2026

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.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 The Culling Game Part 1 Anime to End with Extended Episode

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 - The Culling Game Part 1

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. 

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 – The Culling Game Part 1 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll with English subtitles and an English dub.

King Gnu performs the opening theme song “AIZO.” jo0ji performs the ending theme song “Yoake no Uta.”

The Japanese cast includes:

  • Junya Enoki as Yuji Itadori
  • Yuma Uchida as Megumi Fushiguro
  • Daisuke Namikawa as Choso
  • Megumi Ogata as Yuta Okkotsu
  • Kōji Yusa as Naoya Zen’in
  • Yoshiko Sakakibara as Tengen and narrator
  • Kazuya Nakai as Kinji Hakari
  • Yuki Sakakihara as Kirara Hoshi
  • Tomokazu Sugita as Hiromi Higuruma
  • Satoshi Tsuruoka as Fumihiko Takaba
  • Yutaka Aoyama as Reggie Star
  • Neeko as Kogane

The staff includes:

  • Director: Shota Goshozono
  • Series Composition and Script Writer: Hiroshi Seko
  • Character Design: Yosuke Yajima and Hiromi Niwa
  • Deputy Director: Yosuke Takada
  • Art Director: Junichi Higashi
  • Color Design: Eiko Matsushima
  • CG Producer: Yusuke Tannawa
  • 3DCG Director: Daisuke Ishikawa (Monster’s Egg)
  • Director of Photography: Teppei Ito
  • Editor: Keisuke Yanagi
  • Music: Yoshimasa Terui
  • Music Producer: Yoshiki Kobayashi
  • Sound Director: Yasunori Ebina
  • Sound Production: dugout
  • Animation Studio: MAPPA

The English dub cast includes:

  • Adam McArthur as Yuji Itadori
  • Kayleigh McKee as Yuta Okkotsu
  • Anairis Quinones as Rika
  • Ray Chase as Choso
  • Alan Lee as Naoya Zen’in
  • Jamie Simone as Ogi Zen’in
  • Anjali Kunapaneni as Maki, Mai’s Mother, and Yuki Tsukumo
  • Jamie Simone as Furudate
  • Robbie Daymond as Megumi Fushigoro
  • Anne Yatco as Nobara Kugisaki
  • Kaiji Tang as Satoru Gojo
  • David Vincent as Kento Nanami
  • Lucien Dodge as Takuma Ino
  • Xander Mobus as Aoi Todo

The English dub crew includes:

  • Voiced Director: Kirstie Simone
  • Producer: Jamie Simone
  • Adaptation: Jeff Nimoy
  • Mixer: Ernie Sheesley
  • Engineer: Ernie Sheesley
JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3 –– © Gege Akutami_Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Project –– teaser visual Another ver.
©Gege Akutami/Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Project

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.

Gege Akutami’s original Jujutsu Kaisen manga is a complete work with over 150 million copies in circulation.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Reveals First Teaser Trailer and Cast

By
Saras Rajpal
-
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Reveals First Teaser Trailer and Cast

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:

  • Ben Kingsley (Iron Man 3, Gandhi)
  • Matt Berry (What We Do In the Shadows, Fallout)
  • 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.

Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors Launches on April 21

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Vampire Crawlers key art

Vampire Survivors developer poncle has announced that dungeon crawling spin-off Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors will launch on April 21 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Windows, Steam, and Epic Games Store for $9.99. The Android and iOS versions of Vampire Crawlers will launch at a later date.

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

In a dark world, a new adventure begins. Explore maps, level up powers, kill monsters. Find treasures.

From the somehow triple-BAFTA‑winning creators of Vampire Survivors, Vampire Crawlers: the turbo wildcard from Vampire Survivors turns the snowballing thrill of Vampire Survivors into a turbo turn‑based, card‑driven BLOBBER with rogue-lite elements. Build busted decks, explore familiar dungeons from a new perspective, and unleash world‑ending combos. Either take your time and be tactical, or play turns as fast as you humanly can: the outcome is always accurate!

What is Vampire Crawlers about?

      • Snowballing, turn‑based carnage: Play cards in ascending mana order to land combos; each step multiplies the next card’s effect. Use Wilds to extend the stack and keep going to 10, 20, 30… Can you reach infinite?
      • Pick your pace: Either take your time and be tactical, or play turns as fast as you humanly can: the outcome is always accurate!
      • Deck-Building: Accumulate experience and level up to gain new cards, headbutt chests for customization gems and power‑ups; chase weapon evolutions and summon survivors to trigger cascade of effects and break the game.
      • Dungeon Crawling: Explore dungeons packed with something seldom seen in Vampire Survivors: functioning walls. And then all sorts of unique treasures and interactions. Find the shovel to dig into the next floor, that will most likely take place in the clouds!

Wishlist now and get ready to Master the Turboturn!

Witch on the Holy Night Film Releasing New Information on March 21

By
Noah Hunter
-
Witch on the Holy Night New Information

ufotable announced this morning that the Witch on the Holy Night anime film will reveal new information on YouTube this Saturday, March 21. Considering that the announcement is on YouTube, it’s very likely this will be a full PV, featuring the cast, a release date, and a new key visual. The announcement will premiere at 6:00 PM JST / 2:00 AM PT / 4:00 AM CT. 

Earlier this year, ufotable confirmed Witch on the Holy Night is set to premiere in Japanese theaters in 2026. The new footage showcased more of the iconic Kitsy Land fight, in addition to another look at Soujyuro.

Studio ufotable is responsible for the animation of this film. The studio has a long-standing relationship with Type-Moon, being responsible for the production of Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, and the Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel movie trilogy. Additionally, ufotable animated the eight the Garden of Sinners films. Alongside their Type-Moon works, the company is also known for their work on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

It’s yet to be seen if this project will end up being multiple films or just one, but based on the source material, it seems likely that at least one more film will follow the first. Witch on the Holy Night was shown in ufotable’s “future projects” reel, which is worth noting.

Witch on the Holy Night is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam. Stay tuned for more details on the film coming this Spring.

Neptunia Unlimited Revealed for PS4, PS5, Switch and Switch 2

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Neptunia Unlimited

Compile Heart has announced Neptunia Unlimited, the next mainline entry in the long-running Neptunia series. Neptunia Unlimited will release on August 27 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Rie Tanaka performs the game’s theme song titled “Muteki no Kizuna -Re:boot & Update-.”

The game costs 8,580 yen, and the PlayStation 4 version is digital-only. Further, a Neptunia Unlimited Limited Edition will cost 19,800 yen and feature the physical game, a special box with packaging illustration by Tsunako, premium art book, soundtrack CD, the Season Pass, and a Divine Cross promotional card.

Here is an overview of the game from its official website, via Gematsu:

Story

It was the “first meteorite” that signaled the end of the world.

While everything was swallowed up in despair, only one remained—the Goddess Neptune—in the white void.

Guided by a mysterious voice, and with a number etched upon her cheek…

—The mark of another chance to face the end.

Neptune’s “Retry” activates, triggering a cycle of “Endings” and “Beginnings.”

Encounters with new allies and enemies…

Overcoming countless defeats, Neptune and company confront the “True End.”

To save the world from its impending doom, the Goddesses now soar into a new spacetime—!

Characters
      • Neptune / Purple Heart (voiced by Rie Tanaka)
      • Rouge / Red Heart (voiced by Hana Shimano)
      • Ciel / Blue Heart (voiced by Momoka Terasawa)
      • Anna and Lot / Eclipse Heart (voiced by Yukino Nishizono)
      • Noire / Black Heart (voiced by Asami Imai)
      • Blanc / White Heart (voiced by Kana Asumi)
      • Vert / Green Heart (voiced by Rina Satou)
Systems
      • Flying Goddesses – The Goddesses can take flight as they please! Enemies and mechanics unique to the skies will appear. Soar through the skies on a new adventure!
      • End Battles – In End Battles, every Goddess participates! The Goddesses take on an overwhelming battle against a colossal End Boss. By utilizing End Counter Skills, you can block the End Boss’ large-scale special attacks, as well as strike it with powerful attacks.

Crunchyroll to Stream Black Torch Anime in July 2026

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Black Torch Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll has announced that it will be streaming the TV anime adaptation of Tsuyoshi Takaki’s Black Torch manga when it premieres in July 2026. Black Torch will be streaming worldwide, excluding Asia, on Crunchyroll.

The Japanese main cast of the Black Torch anime includes:

  • Ryota Suzuki as Jiro Azuma
  • Yoji Ueda as Rago
  • Sayaka Sembongi as Ichika Kishimojin
  • Junya Enoki as Reiji Kirihara
  • Reina Ueda as Hana Usami
  • Junichi Suwabe as Ryosuke Shiba

Black Torch will receive an English dub with AJ Beckles starring as protagonist Jiro Azuma.

Black Torch key visual
©Tsuyoshi Takaki/Shueisha, Project BLACK TORCH

The Black Torch manga series was first serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square and Shonen Jump+ between 2017 and 2018. VIZ Media publishes the manga in English. 

Lastly, here’s a synopsis of the story, via Crunchyroll:

Jiro Azuma is not your average high schooler. Hailing from a long line of ninja, Jiro has been brought up by his grandfather in the ancient warrior art of the shinobi. Jiro also happens to be a particularly skilled communicator able to converse with the animal world. But life takes an abrupt turn thanks to a mysterious encounter in the forest with an injured black cat named Rago.

Only, Rago’s feline appearance is deceiving…
It turns out the “ordinary” cat is the stuff of mononoke legend–the Black Star of Doom!

Swarming in the shadows are more mononoke, eager to exploit Rago’s uniquely immense powers. To fight back against the tide of dark spirits, the undercover Bureau of Espionage is poised to seek and destroy.

Of course, everyone has their motives when it comes to Rago’s powers. But Jiro and Rago are ready.

A shinobi clash between boy and mononoke is about to ignite!

Persona5: The Phantom X Version 3.4 Adds 5-Star Phantom Thief Kasumi Yoshizawa

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Persona5 The Phantom X Version 3.4

SEGA has released the Version 3.4 update for Persona5: The Phantom X featuring a Persona 5 Royal special event, titled Crossroads of Fate: Laboratory Arc Part 1. Kasumi Yoshizawa (Codename: Violet) also joins the roster as a new 5-star Phantom Thief, and players can login to redeem free gifts from the Persona5: The Phantom X Version 3.4 login bonus campaign.

Kasumi Yoshizawa makes her debut in Laboratory Arc Part 1, which sees the Phantom Thieves of Persona5: The Phantom X and Persona 5: Royal team up in an original story. With Kasumi, players can explore a new Palace with challenging boss battles to earn rewards like Gold Tickets and Platinum Milicoins for Contracts (gacha), along with 8-Sided Dice, Loaded Dice, and Abnormal Rebel Coins. Abnormal Rebel Coins can exchanged for rewards at the exchange shop, and the event ends April 2 at 1:59 a.m. UTC.  

Persona5: The Phantom X players can use the dice they’ve earned from Laboratory Arc Part 1 to explore Mementos, where various events will occur and give players opportunities to earn rewards. After a certain point, players will run into the boss of that route, which much be defeat to proceed further. Players can also collect Flowers during exploration to exchange for Gold Tickets, Kagura Bells and other rewards. 

Defeating powerful bosses based on Distortion Level will reward you with more Loaded Dice and Joy Medals, which can be exchanged for Wonder’s exclusive weapon and other rewards. Once a level is cleared, stamina mode will be unlocked, giving players more opportunities to earn Abnormal Rebel Coins and other rewards by consuming stamina and defeating the boss. 

Kazumi Yoshizawa will also appear at Café Leblanc in Yongen-Jaya, and you can earn various rewards by completing related City Life activities. Available as a 5-star Bless Assassin, Kasumi may be drawn from the Most Wanted Phantom Idol Contract, which has a higher drop rate for certain Phantom Thieves. Her exclusive 5★ weapon is also available from the Arms Deals: Silent Pistol through April 16 at 1:59 a.m. (UTC). 

To celebrate the update, a new login bonus event is now available through April 2 at 1:59 a.m. UTC. Log in for 7 days to earn a total of 7 Platinum Milicoins, which can be used for Arms Deals. In addition, a total of 600 Meta Jewels have been sent to all players as a token of appreciation for watching the official broadcast Persona X-stream Ver. 3.4. 

Persona5: The Phantom X is available now for Android, iOS, and PC via Steam.

Shenmue III Enhanced is Coming to Switch 2, Physical Editions Revealed

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Shenmue III Enhanced

ININ Games and YS NET have announced that Shenmue III Enhanced is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the previously announced PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S versions. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will be a full physical cartridge release, and pre-orders for the Shenmue III Enhanced Special and Collector’s Editions are now available at ININ Games Online Store. Fans can also look forward to a special message from Yu Suzuki, who personally addresses the community in the latest trailer. 

Here are the key features of Shenmue III Enhanced, courtesy of ININ Games:

  • Enhanced Graphics & Performance – Sharper textures, richer details, faster load times, and smoother gameplay.
  • 4K Texture Uplift – Refined, more detailed environments and characters.
  • DLSS/FSR Support – High-quality upscaling without sacrificing performance (supported platforms only).
  • Increased NPC Density – The city village Niaowu feels more alive with more characters populating the streets.
  • Classic Camera Mode – An optional camera perspective inspired by Shenmue I & II, alongside the modern view.
  • Gameplay Tweaks – Optional stamina system adjustments, health restoration before fights, and reduced money barriers for smoother progression.
  • Improved Interactions – Cutscene and conversation skip options, expanded QTE timing window for more accessible gameplay.
  • Menu & UX Enhancements – Streamlined navigation and helpful purchase alerts.
  • Optionality First – All major changes can be toggled to preserve the original experience for purists.

Moreover, owners of the original Shenmue III on PlayStation 4 and PC will be offered an upgrade path to Shenmue III Enhanced.

All three Shenmue games are available now for PlayStation 4 and PC via Epic Games Store and Steam, and you can read Final Weapon’s review of Shenmue III here. Shenmue: The Animation is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll. 

Echoes of Aincrad Gets a New Gameplay Trailer

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Echoes of Aincrad Death Game Mode

Bandai Namco has released a new gameplay trailer for upcoming Sword Art Online action RPG Echoes of Aincrad. The gameplay trailer follows up on the recent announcement trailer for Echoes of Aincrad, which revealed the game’s July 10 release date.

Echoes of Aincrad launches on July 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, and pre-orders are available now for the Standard Edition ($69.99), Deluxe Edition ($89.99), Ultimate Edition ($109.99), and Aincrad Edition (Bandai Namco Store exclusive, $149.99). 

Available in all versions of Echoes of Aincrad and as an early unlock for the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, the new Death Game Mode is reference to the consequence that players of the in-universe MMORPG experience if they run out of health and dies in the game—permadeath. Upon death, Echoes of Aincrad will delete the player’s save data on the 2nd and 3rd slots, which are the slots that Death Game Mode supports.

In addition, the official Japanese website for Echoes of Aincrad confirmed that the single-player game doesn’t support HDR. The performance specifications per platform were also revealed: 

  • PlayStation 5 – 4K at 60 FPS max frame rate
  • Xbox Series X – 4K at 60 FPS max frame rate
  • Xbox Series S – 1440p at 60 FPS max frame rate
  • PC (Steam) – 720p to 4K supported, unlimited frame rate
1...310311312...3,754Page 311 of 3,754