Japanese Biopunk Action Game Sonokuni Launches in Early 2025

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December 5, 2024

Kakehashi Games and the Japanese hip hop group/game developer Don Yasa Crew announced its new 2D top-down biopunk action game Sonokuni will launch in early 2025 for PC via Steam. A new trailer was shown during the PC Gaming Show Most Wanted Showcase 2024 broadcast.

The new trailer highlights the new track “DO” by Don Yasa Crew, and the developers confirmed that a free demo of Sonokuni is available on PC via Steam.

Watch the new trailer below:

Lastly, here’s an overview of the game, via the official Steam page:

Battle your way through a biopunk and Japanese mythology-inspired landscape filled with over-the-top, hip hop-infused 2D action. A single hit means death, but use your time-bending skills to take down your oppressors and you might yet save your dying nation.

Become a harbinger of vengeance

Engage in up-close-and-personal combat against bizarre genetically mutated enemies. Attack, parry and bend time to your will to make it out clean on the other side. Fail and gain the wisdom needed to refine your strategy.

A mind-bending take on Japanese mythology

Take on the role of Takeru, a lone assassin tasked with raiding a surreal superpower empowered by biotechnology. Join in her struggle to balance the morality of extreme violence against the defence of her own people, in a story inspired by real-life Japanese mythology.

Immerse yourself in neon-drenched hip hop

Let the intense hip hop soundscape and neon-soaked visuals assault your senses until they are raw. Every moment is punctuated with a visceral soundtrack from Japanese developer and hip hop group, DON YASA CREW.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Surpasses 2 Million Copies Sold

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Soul Kiwami

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December 5, 2024

Square Enix provided a sales update for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, confirming that the turn-based RPG surpassed 2 million copies sold worldwide. These sales include worldwide shipments and digital downloads across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on Windows.

Previously, Famitsu sales revealed that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake sold 821,770 physical copies in Japan during launch week. That successful launch made Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake the current best-selling game of the year in Japan. A majority of copies were sold on Nintendo Switch, with 641,195 copies. 180,575 copies were sold on PlayStation 5. Digital sales were not disclosed yet at that time.

ARTDINK and Team Asano are currently leading development of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, with series creator Yuji Horii as supervisor. These remakes will bring the entire Erdrick trilogy to the modern era, while vastly upgrading its visuals in a way that stays true to the classic RPGs.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is out now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. First-print copies include the Trouble-Free Travel Kit bonus, with Elevating Shoes, Seed of Defence x3, Seed of Agility x3, Seed of Magic x3, Seed of Strength x3 and Seed of Life x3.

If you’re interested in learning more about the new title, Final Weapon had the opportunity to preview Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and spent time with both the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch versions. Additionally, Final Weapon reviewed Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake ahead of launch to see what the entire experience offers.

Lastly, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will release in 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Fire Force Season 3 Official Trailer Reconfirms Two-Cour Run

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Soul Kiwami

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December 5, 2024

The official YouTube channel for the Fire Force anime series revealed a new trailer for Fire Force Season 3, reconfirming the anime’s run for two consecutive cours. The first cour will premiere first in April 2025, followed by the second cour in January 2026.

Fire Force Season 3 will air on the “Animeism” programming block on BS-TBS, along with MBS, TBS, and other networks in Japan. Outside of Japan, Crunchyroll will stream the anime series every week.

Along with the new Fire Force Season 3 trailer, a new key visual depicting members of Special Fire Force Company 8 was revealed. Check it out below, via the anime’s Twitter/X account:

Fire Force Season 3 was initially announced back in May 2022, following the final volume’s release. The anime was announced alongside the Fire Force: Enbu no Sho mobile game. During Anime Expo 2024, Crunchyroll confirmed that the service will stream the third season as it premieres in Japan.

Lastly, the first two seasons of Fire Force are available to stream right now on Crunchyroll. Here’s a story synopsis of the Fire Force anime series from the streaming service:

Tokyo is burning, and citizens are mysteriously suffering from spontaneous human combustion all throughout the city! Responsible for snuffing out this inferno is the Fire Force, and Shinra is ready to join their fight.

Now, as part of Company 8, he’ll use his devil’s footprints to help keep the city from turning to ash! But his past and a burning secret behind the scenes could set everything ablaze.

First Look at Mai in Street Fighter 6 Revealed, Launching Early 2025

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Noah Hunter

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December 5, 2024

Capcom has revealed our first look at Mai in Street Fighter 6 with a new teaser trailer available now on YouTube. She will act as the third character in the Year 2 Pass, which includes M. Bison, Terry, Mai, and Elena.

Street Fighter 6 is poised to have a major 2025, kicking off with the release of Mai. Beyond that, we’ll have the release of Elena, tournaments like EVO Japan, and even Year 3 DLC. You can take a look at the new trailer for Mai below:

“Mai will teach you all the Shiranui techniques you can handle—as long as you don’t keep her waiting. This good girl from SNK’s Fatal Fury series is coming to Street Fighter 6 in early 2025!”

This collaboration between SNK and Capcom for Street Fighter 6 started with the announcement of the Year 2 DLC in June at Summer Game Fest. We even got to chat with SNK’s Yasuyuki Oda, Nobuyuki Kuroki, and Joshua Weatherford to discuss the collaboration.

Mai will be available for all owners of the Street Fighter 6 Year 2 DLC at no extra charge. Otherwise, she will be available to be purchased as a standalone character at release. As of now, SF6 has sold over four million copies worldwide. That number is expected to only continue to grow as more DLC is released.

Street Fighter 6 is available now on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC via Steam, and Xbox Series X|S.

Dragon Ball Daima Episode 9 Release Date and Time

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Soul Kiwami

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December 5, 2024

Dragon Ball Daima episode 9 picks up right after Goku secures the first Dragon Ball from Tamagami Number Three, and it looks like they will have to deal with some thieves. We’ve got everything you need to know about Dragon Ball Daima episode 9, including the release date and time for this week’s episode.

In Dragon Ball Daima episode 8, Goku and Tamagami Number Three fought in an epic brawl over the three-star Dragon Ball. After ascending to Super Saiyan 2 in his mini form, Goku was able to catch Tamagami off-guard with a devestating elbow. Tamagami conceded, but he had a final trick up his sleeve: a cup switching test. Goku saw through the trick to find the Dragon Ball, and Tamagami honored the outcome. This episode saw Goku become a hero for the Majin, as the first of three Tamagami was finally bested.

Dragon Ball Daima Episode 9 Release Date and Time

Dragon Ball Daima episode 9 will release on Friday, December 6 at 9:00 a.m. PST / 12:00 p.m. EST on Crunchyroll, followed by Netflix exactly one week later. The new episode is titled “Thieves,” and it will be streaming first with English subs.

Next, here are the exact release times for the new episode:

Pacific Standard Time (PST): 9:00 a.m.
Mountain Standard Time (MST): 10:00 a.m.
Central Standard Time (CST): 11:00 a.m.
Eastern Standard Time (EST): 12:00 p.m.
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 5:00 p.m.

At least 20 episodes are reportedly planned with Dragon Ball Daima’s weekly schedule, so you can expect episode 10 to follow up on December 13.

Episode 8 Recap

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

After Goku fought Tamagami Number Three and secured the first of three Dragon Balls, Glorio quietly reported to Dr. Arinsu, who is advancing her plans. Coincidentally, Degesu and Gomah discover that Dr. Arinsu was present during Majin Vegeta’s fight with Majin Buu. After the fateful explosion that day, Dr. Arinsu gathered fragments of Majin Buu for her devious plan.

Shortly after, we learn that Dr. Arinsu maintains contact with Marba, the witch who created Majin Buu. Shockingly, it turns out that Bibidi, Babidi’s father, wasn’t the creator of Buu after all. Dr. Arinsu reveals her plan to become Supreme Demon King and create a subservient Majin, with the help of Marba.

Lastly, the episode wraps up with Panzy’s father, Kadan, and denizens of the castle celebrating Goku’s win. He calls his lackey Hybis, who is transporting Bulma, Vegeta, and Piccolo as they attempt to catch up with Goku. As the group heads to a hotel, Vegeta arrogantly asks Hybis to tell him more about the Demon Realm’s Dragon Balls.

X8 Reveals Collaboration DLC with Contra: Operation Galuga

By

Ryuji Shiryu

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December 5, 2024

Developer Thirdverse has just announced that their free-to-play VR multiplayer hero shooter X8 will be releasing a special collaboration DLC with Konami’s Contra: Operation Galuga, with a brand-new gameplay trailer showcasing the aspects of the collab. The DLC is currently available for wishlisting from the Meta store.

In this unique crossover, the rogue AI Index seeks to expand its influence beyond X8’s digital domain by targeting the game Contra. After gathering data on Bill and Lance, the heroes of Contra, Index creates millions of replicas of these iconic characters; the purpose is to make them fight in arenas to train and perfect its system.

Players will take on the role of Bill and Lance and experience the world of Contra in VR, as they face off against the formidable Red Falcon in an intense 360-degree VR world, battling waves of oncoming enemies. Along with the classic weapon power-ups that define the Contra series, players can experience special attacks through the new Overload feature introduced in Contra: Operation Galuga.

Players can purchase this game mode for $19.99. Included alongside the purchase is a Supreme Skin for Bill and Lance, an exclusive character voice, 5 exclusive splats, and 1000 X8 coins.

You can watch the gameplay trailer of the Contra: Super Wall Storm game mode below:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Turn-Based Video Game Announced

By

Saras Rajpal

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December 5, 2024

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Turn-Based Video Game Announced

Strange Scaffold has announced the first ever turn-based Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown. Currently, it has only been confirmed for release on PC via Steam. The release date is currently unknown. Check out the first trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown below:

The Steam page describes it as follows:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is the first-ever turn-based TMNT video game. Inspired by the classic cartoon, you’ll experience a bold new approach to the world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Splinter and Shredder are dead, and as the Turtles approach adulthood, they’re not just growing up… they’re growing apart.

Battle the Foot Clan as a powerful new leader takes control in action-packed campaigns that showcase each Turtle individually. Carve through enemies in 20 constantly-mutating levels that grow, shrink, and add new threats with each turn, inspired by classic TMNT games! Rack up points for high scores while experiencing a powerful original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles story from acclaimed indie studio Strange Scaffold. This is the next step for Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael–and you can experience it with flying, slashing figurines in graphic novel-inspired splendor.

Features

20 action-packed levels, divided into campaigns focusing on individual characters.
A unique take on the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the minds at Strange Scaffold (Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator, I Am Your Beast).
Innovative turn-based beat-em-up combat, complete with mutating arenas.
Gorgeous graphic novel-inspired art style, with paint splatter, figurines, and diorama setpieces.
Customizable movesets to shape each Turtles’ playstyle
Thumping multi-genre soundtrack from award-winning composer RJ Lake (Unbeatable, El Paso, Elsewhere).

Warframe: 1999 ‘The Hex’ Animated Short Released

By

Saras Rajpal

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December 5, 2024

Digital Extremes and animation arthouse THE LINE have collaborated on a new animated short based on the upcoming expansion, Warframe: 1999. The short highlights the Hex’s personal struggles, the disorderly dynamics within their found family, and the lengths each team member will go to stop the Techrot infestation.” Check out the full animated short for Warframe: 1999 below:

Warframe: 1999 sends players travel back to the 20th century to discover a grungy world filled with secrets. A cast of six different Protoframes head to this era to track down Dr. Entrati before 2000 hits on New Year’s Eve. These Protoframes are voiced by Amelia Tyler (Baldur’s Gate 3), Kevin Afghani (Super Mario Bros. Wonder), and Melissa Medina (Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail). The cast also includes Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Forza Horizon 5), Alpha Takahashi (Cyberpunk 2077), and Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI).

Digital Extremes recently confirmed that they will reveal the release date for Warframe: 1999 at The Game Awards 2024 on December 12. By tuning into The Game Awards 2024 on Twitch, Warframe fans will see the release date reveal for Warframe: 1999 and get a Twitch Drop for the Nyx Warframe. Further, viewers must watch from a Twitch account linked to their Warframe account for 30 consecutive minutes to claim the Twitch Drop.

In the meantime, a 33-page prequel webcomic is now available for free on the official Warframe website, Tapas Canvas, Imgur, and Webtoon. The novel tells the tale of six misfits that Albrecht Entrati, the infamous scientist, ruined through his experiments. This is the story of the Protoframes that players will see in Warframe: 1999.

Lastly, Warframe is available now for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Revenge of the Savage Planet Launches in May 2025

By

Soul Kiwami

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December 5, 2024

Raccoon Logic announced Revenge of the Savage Planet is coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam in May 2025. Players may enjoy the latest addition to the Savage Planet series by themselves, with a friend in split-screen and couch co-op, or online with crossplay.

The developers will reveal more information about Revenge of the Savage Planet on December 17 at 2:00 p.m. GMT. Revenge of the Savage Planet will be sold digitally and physically, with select retailers offering a Day One Edition. Day One Edition contents include an exclusive in-game Hot Wizz spacesuit and an aromatic scratch ‘n’ sniff art card.

“We’re thrilled to share that Revenge of the Savage Planet launches in May next year,” said creative director Alex Hutchinson. “This new chapter sees the return of everyone’s favorite Kindred Aerospace CEO, Martin Tweed, as he rallies the troops against his new nemesis, Gunther Harrison, the CEO of Alta Interglobal. While that’s all we can say on Tweed and Gunther for now, we hope you enjoy watching the story unfold as you explore the far reaches of space, stick your nose in every nook and cranny, and work on serving up some delicious, delicious revenge.”

Lastly, here’s an overview of Revenge of the Savage Planet, via the game’s official Steam page:

Welcome to the Pioneer Program!

In a future knocked off its axis by corporate greed and stupidity, you have been made redundant and abandoned on the far edge of space with little gear and no safety net. You must explore every nook and cranny, collect dozens of upgrades, and turn over every mysterious alien rock if you want to get revenge on your former employer and return to Earth.

Across multiple planets and through myriad challenges, you will be tasked with exploring and understanding these beautiful alien worlds. There are plants to scan, creatures to capture, lakes to swim, caves to spelunk, mountains to climb, upgrades to craft, and hundreds of secrets to uncover…

Dynamic Co-op

Play with your best friend, partner or hellspawn on or between any platform! Or better still, experience the nostalgia tinged joy of sitting on the same couch and playing on the same screen with someone you love. Like the olden days when the world was young and we were happy.

Exciting Fresh Abilities and Tools

Run, Jump, Shoot, Grind, Stomp, Dodge, Slide, Whip and Grapple your way through the world! Experiment with 3 different types of gameplay goo! Lasso and Capture dozens of strange creatures and store them in Pens near your Habitat!

Four Planets to Explore

Four large, vibrant worlds to explore, each with their own weird and wonderful plants and creatures. Scan everything, catalog everything, and complete experiments to increase your science level… which unlocks exciting new gear! Plus… there may be more than four planets. Maybe.

Intergalactic Hoarder

Alien plants! Bizarre creatures! Exciting gear! Weird rocks! Each planet is packed with nooks and crannies hiding all manner of rewards and secrets. Many of which can be displayed with pride in your own personal, customizable Space Trailer.

The Summer Hikaru Died Anime is Coming Soon to Netflix

By

Soul Kiwami

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December 5, 2024

CyberAgent announced the TV anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s The Summer Hikaru Died manga series is coming soon to Netflix globally. The anime will be produced by Cygames Pictures.

The anime is directed by Ryohei Takeshita, the director of Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night. Yuichi Takahashi is the character designer and chief animation director, and Masanobu Hiraoka is the DORODORO animator. The cast of The Summer Hikaru Died includes Chiaki Kobayashi as Yoshiki Tsujinaka, and Shuichiro Umeda as Hikaru Indou.

Watch the announcement trailer below:

©Mokumokuren/KADOKAWA/The Summer Hikaru Died Partners

Here are some comments from the Chiaki Kobayashi, Shuichiro Umeda, and director Ryohei Takeshita:

Chiaki Kobayashi

“I am pleased to take on the role of Yoshiki. My name is Chiaki Kobayashi. From the time of the audition, I was swept up in a jumble of emotions: I shouldn’t be with him, but I want him to be with me; I’m scared, but comfortable with him; and I’m not sure what to do. I will do my best to pull out all Yoshiki’s feelings and melancholy by mobilizing all my blood, flesh, and bones. Since various values are intermingled in today’s society, I hope that many people will watch this anime. Please look forward to its release.”

Shuichiro Umeda

“I will be playing the role of Hikaru in the anime ‘The Summer Hikaru Died’. My name is Shuichiro Umeda. It was a new experience for me to play the role of Hikaru, and at the same time, it was like looking into the darkness. I am uncertain about many things in my mind and body, but I am certain that I want to stay with Yoshiki, so I will play his role with a strong sense of that feeling. I went into the audition with that in mind. I will do my best to play the role.”

Ryohei Takeshita

“When I first read the original work, I remember reading the pages with excitement, wondering what kind of expression I should use to express the frames of the original story in the animation. The entire staff has been working earnestly on the original work in order to skillfully animate not only the delicate emotions of Yoshiki and Hikaru, two young boys struggling to understand each other, but also the beautiful and innovative manga structure, so please look forward to the release.”

Lastly, here’s a story synopsis for the TV anime:

In a certain village

Since their childhood, they have grown up together.

Yoshiki and Hikaru, childhood friends.

the sun shining down on them

the chirping sound of a crypto tympana facialis

Ice cream on the way home

Laughing over trivial things

One day in summer, no different from any other day

…… You’re not Hikaru after all, are you?

Half a year ago, Hikaru went missing in the mountains.

A week later, he came back on a whim.

The voice, the figure, the thing that looked like Hikaru

What was stirring inside…

“Hikaru is no longer with us. …… if that’s the case.”

Starting the days with “something” in the form of a friend,

The “same as usual” everyday life.

But at the same time…

Strange incidents begin to plague the village.

Falling into the unknown “something”

The curtain rises on a coming-of-age horror story.