THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK Adds Rock Howard

By
Saras Rajpal
-
THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK Adds Rock Howard

SNK and Netmarble has announced that Rock Howard is now available as a new fighter in THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK. The most recent update to the game also adds the Summer Festival Eve event, expanded content, and various limited-time events.

Rock Howard, the son of Geese Howard and student of Terry Bogard, wields his skills “Deadly Rave Neo EX” and “Raging Storm.” As part of an arrival event that will last until June 24, he features the [Fury] synergy that adds new strategic options for team building. Ahead of the upcoming Summer Festival update, the game is holding a commemorative rerun event featuring Halloween-style fighters. Halloween-style Iori Yagami once again be available from June 11 through June 24, while Halloween-style Mature will return between June 25 through July 8.

Through the seasonal check-in event and weekly coupons, players can obtain 15,000 Seasonal Fighter Tokens, which can be used to summon Halloween-style fighters. Additionally, a [Fury] Synergy Pick-Up event is now available through June 24, increasing the acquisition rates of fighters with the [Fury] synergy. The latest update also expands multiple content areas, including Stage, Void Sanctuary Dungeon, City of Vengeance, Paradox Research Lab, Infinity Challenge, and Influence. Further, it offers The Lucky Elpy event, which will be available from June 15 through June 19 and gives players a chance to obtain the Legendary Supporter Gai Tendo, and The Ready Action! event, which will take place from June 18 through July 1, and features the Legendary pets Goldie and Trunkie.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK is available now for Android via Google Play and iOS via App Store. Final Weapon previously interviewed Netmarble Neo CTO and project director Myeong-hyeon Kim about THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK. In our interview, Myeong-hyeon Kim discusses his role as project director of THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK, the team’s outlook on the game, and even possible collaborations and a PC version. 

EVO 2026 Reveals Arena Finals and Showcase Stage Schedule

By
Saras Rajpal
-
EVO 2026 Reveals Arena Finals Schedule

EVO has revealed the full schedule for its 2026 Arena Finals and Showcase Stage events, which will take place from June 26-28. The games with the most registered competitors will be present at Arena Finals, while the rest will be highlighted at the Showcase Stage. 

The Arena Finals schedule is as follows:

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

  • 10 AM PDT – 2XKO (making its first appearance at an EVO event). 
  • 2:00 PM PDT – TEKKEN 8 
  • 6:00 PM PDT – Special Announcements
  • 6:30 PM PDT – Street Fighter 6 

Further, the Showcase Stage schedule includes:

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

In a press release, Rick Thiher, GM for EVO, stated that “EVO 2026 is shaping up to be our most expansive event experience yet, and our growing team is excited to welcome the FGC back to our bellwether festival in Las Vegas. It’s our first time hosting EVO in June, so we’re looking forward to kicking summer into high gear with a weekend of fighting game competition for fans from around the world.” 

Recently, Capcom revealed Fighter Pass 4 for Street Fighter 6. The new additions include original characters Yasmine, Arjun, and Bosch, as well as Tifa from Final Fantasy VII. Yasmine will release on August 3, 2026, Arjun will be available in fall 2026, Tifa will release in early 2027 (likely to coincide with the release of Final Fantasy VII Revelation), and Bosch will launch in spring 2027. A first look at Yasmine will likely be revealed during EVO 2026. 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Begins October 23

By
Soul Kiwami
-

Activision and Infinity Ward have announced that the Campaign Early Access period for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will begin on October 23, giving players access to the game’s campaign before the full global launch. Players receive Campaign Early Access by pre-ordering the Standard or Vault Editions of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which also includes access to the upcoming beta. 

Pre-orders for the Standard Edition ($69.99) and Vault Edition ($99.99) are now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 version will open at a later date with more details to come in summer 2026.

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Vault Edition includes:

  • ​Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
  • ​Beta Early Access
  • Campaign Early Access, Starting October 16
  • ​Hunter Killer Operator Skin
  • ​Hostile Alliance Operator Pack
  • ​Special Forces Operator Pack
  • ​Signature Weapon Collection
  • ​BlackCell (1 Season)
  • ​DMZ Deployment Bonus

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will launch on October 23 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Battle.net, and Microsoft Store. Infinity Ward is working with Digital Legends to develop Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo Switch 2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will support cross-play across all platforms, and the Switch 2 version supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

Final Fantasy VII Revelation PlayStation Store Page is Now Live

By
Soul Kiwami
-

Square Enix has opened its official PlayStation Store page for Final Fantasy VII Revelation, with store pages on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S expected to open soon. Fans can wishlist Final Fantasy VII Revelation in the PlayStation Store and get notified when pre-orders go live.

Final Fantasy VII Revelation will launch in spring 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. players with save data from Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will get bonuses in the game, including Summoning Materia: Chocobo & Moogle and Summoning Materia: Phoenix.

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

As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, the final battle against Sephiroth begins.
A meteor mars the sky, monstrous planetary guardians wreak havoc across the globe, and the fires of war rage. Now, Cloud and his companions must stand against this chaos to not only decide the planet’s fate, but bring a legendary conflict to its conclusion.

In the final chapter of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake project, the scale has never been larger and the stakes have never been higher. Take to the skies and explore a boundless world, fight alongside a fully assembled party, master strategic and dynamic combat, and prepare yourself for the climactic finale.

A vast planet awaits. Everything leads here.

Explore the World on a Planetary Scale

Soar the skies with your airship—the Highwind—and explore a vast, interconnected world. Choose where to drop and skydive down to areas of interest across a wide variety of biomes, cities, and remote frontiers.

An Iconic Ensemble, Fully United

Fight alongside a roster of unique companions, including newly playable party members Cid Highwind and Vincent Valentine. Each character brings distinct combat roles and abilities to the fray, greatly expanding your strategic options.

Refined Action and Strategy

Experience the series’ iconic hybrid of real‑time action and command‑based combat in its most polished form yet. Seamlessly switch between party members, issue commands in Tactical Mode, and unleash powerful abilities and synergies to overcome colossal threats.

Deep Customization and Builds

Prepare your team for the battles ahead with extensive customization options. Adjust your characters’ weapons, armor, skills, materia, and FITS—a new system which adds class-based abilities and special outfits. Refine your builds to suit your playstyle and adapt to each unique encounter.

Before Final Fantasy VII Revelation arrives, fans can catch up with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S. Final Weapon reviewed the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and gave it a 4.5/5 score, noting that this version is “a very impressive port that brings one of the generation’s best RPGs to Nintendo’s new console in great form.” A free demo is also available in the Nintendo eShop and Microsoft Store. The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo contains Chapters 1 and 2, the Streamlined Progression system, and save data transfers to the full game.

Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Anime Casts Sumo Wrestlers Tamawashi and Tamashoho

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Jaadugar The Witch in Mongolia sumo

The official website for Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, the anime adaptation of Tomato Soup’s A Witch’s Life in Mongol manga series, revealed that sumo wrestlers Tamawashi and Tamashoho will be making their voice acting debuts in the anime’s cast. Tamawashi plays the role of Genghis Khan, while Tamashoho plays a resilient Mongol soldier.

Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will perform on July 4 with a 1-hour special premiere featuring two back-to-back episodes on the “IMAnimation” block on TV Asahi, BS Asahi, and more channels.

A special panel and screening for Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia episodes 1 and 2 will be held at Anime Expo 2026 on July 3 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. PDT at the JW Diamond. Special guests include Naoko Yamada (Executive Director), Abel Gongora (Director), Rie Misumi (Producer, Science SARU), and Kazuki Endo (Producer, TV Asahi).

SEKAI NO OWARI performs the opening theme song “Stella.”

The anime’s cast includes:

  • Miyu Irino as Shira
  • Jun Saitō as Muhammad
  • Akira Sekine as Shitara
  • Houko Kuwashima as Fatima
  • Ryōta Suzuki as Tolui
  • Kenji Nojima as Jochi
  • Ami Koshimizu as Töregen
  • Hiro Shimono as Ögedei
  • Daisuke Namikawa as Chagatai

Naoko Yamada is serving as chief director, and Abel Góngora is directing the anime at Science SARU. Kenichi Yoshida is designing the characters and serving as animation chief, and Kanichi Katō is overseeing the series scripts. Kōshirō Hino is composing the music.

Additional staff members include:

  • Technical Director Chief: Takuya Fujikura
  • Art Director: Yuri Kabasawa
  • Color Key Artist: Narumi Konno
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Naoki Takahashi
  • Editing: Kiyoshi Hirose
  • Sound Director: Noriyoshi Konuma
Jaadugar The Witch in Mongolia main key visual
©Tomato Soup(AKITASHOTEN)/Jaadugar Committee

Tomato Soup first released the manga on Akita Shoten’s Souffle website in September 2021. Akita Shoten will publish the manga’s sixth compiled book volume on July 15. Moreover, Yen Press publishes the series in English.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the anime, via TV Asahi:

There was once a young girl in the 13th century slave markets of Iran. This is the tale of a witch who toyed with a vast continent. After losing her mother and being torn far from her homeland, Sitara found herself utterly alone, with no ability to survive on her own, and no hope for the future. Taken in by a family of scholars, the power of “knowledge” is imparted on her within the calm of her new life.

Meanwhile, under the reign of Emperor Genghis Khan, the mighty Mongol Empire continues its unstoppable march, conquering nation after nation and expanding its influence across the world. When that boundless ambition finally reaches Sitaraʼs city, her quiet days come to an end, and the wheels of fate begin to turn.

Cyberpunk 2077: Future Sound of Night City Album is Getting a Vinyl Release

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Cyberpunk 2077 Future Sound of Night City vinyl

WRWTFWW Records announced that the Cyberpunk 2077: Future Sound of Night City album will be getting a vinyl release this August. Pre-orders for the Cyberpunk 2077: Future Sound of Night City vinyl are available now for €46 at Black Screen Records.

Here’s an overview of the album, via its product listing:

WRWTFWW Records is very excited to announce the first ever release for the Cyberpunk 2077: Future Sound of Night City soundtrack – atmospheric music from one of the most celebrated video games of the decade! The compilation, showcasing a who’s who of Polish electronic underground, is available as a limited edition 45rpm-cut yellow vinyl 3LP in heavyweight 3-panel gatefold with a sticker sheet. The album is also available on CD with super jewel case.

Dive deep into the pulsating world of Cyberpunk 2077 with an immersive soundscape perfectly capturing the gritty and neon-soaked streets of Night City. Curated by Rafa? Grobel and Wojtek Sokó? of Most Records, the epic 15-track compilation features a diverse offering of electrifying Polish beats, cohesively flowing between techno, ambient, synthwave, bass music, industrial, and IDM. Ominous, powerful, evocative, and filled with futuristic nostalgia, the music of Night City is a thrill ride in a dystopian urban landscape, heavy hearts riding through the night, menacing streets surrounded by infinite skyscrapers. The music transports you, soul-stirring, cinematic, and timeless, the most beautiful kind of escapism.

The award-winning Cyberpunk 2077 action role-playing game was developed by CD Projekt Red and published in 2020 and has since become one of the most recognized and best selling video games of all time. With a cast including Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba, unmistakable visuals, music, and atmosphere, CP77 has earned a spot in the pantheon of 2020s pop culture.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, and PC.

Crimson Desert Update 1.11.00 Adds New Challenges for Pets

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Crimson Desert update 1.11.00

Pearl Abyss has released the version 1.11.00 update for open-world action-adventure game Crimson Desert, which adds new challenges that allow you to register up to 100 pets. Crimson Desert update 1.11.00 also applies numerous bug fixes.

Read up on the patch notes for Crimson Desert update 1.11.00 below, via the game’s official website:

Crimson Desert Update 1.11.00 Patch Notes

New Additions

  • Added new challenges that allow you to register more pets.
    • You can now register up to 100 pets.
    • However, you can only summon up to 50 pets at camp even if you have more than 50 pets registered.
    • Added reward items for the existing pet challenge that increases the number of pets you can register.
      • If you have already completed the relevant challenge, you will receive the items retroactively.
  • Added a dedicated map icon for baby wyverns.
  • [Damiane/Oongka] Can now equip the Mining Drill and Chainsaw.
  • The Iron Eagle and Phoenix can now equip the “Sigil of Valor.” (Removed: 2026/06/12)

Major Improvements

Content
  • Shopkeepers will begin collecting and reselling lost rare equipment.
    • Rare equipment obtained from treasure chests, quests, and other methods can now be purchased from shops if lost.
    • These items will be sold at a higher price than their original value.
    • Lost equipment will become available in shops within 7 days of being lost.
  • Improved the pinball minigame and lowered its difficulty.
    • Adjusted the ball to move with a slightly heavier feel.
    • Reduced the occurrence of an issue where the ball would pass through walls.
    • Adjusted the positions of pins and removed some fixed pins.
    • Reduced the occurrence of an issue where the ball would often get stuck in the upper-left area.
    • Adjusted the force and launch angle when the ball is launched from the portal.
    • Fixed an issue where the ball would fall when bounced off the launcher.
  • Fixed an issue where the Sigil of Solidarity could not be used in certain situations.
  • Improved pets so that their names are kept when they grow.
  • Fixed an issue where the wyvern would be summoned in an unmountable state.
  • Kuku bird eggs and Wyvern eggs are no longer stackable.
  • Improved mounts so that they are no longer summoned in dangerous zones.
  • Improved foul detection in the duel minigame.
Controls
  • [Controller] Buttons for opening Inventory, Map, Skills, Journal, and Photo Mode can now be assigned.
  • Fixed an issue where dismounting from a wyvern midair would cause the player to automatically remount it.
  • Fixed an issue where certain housing items could not be moved after being taken out in Housing Mode.
Combat / Action
  • [Damiane/Oongka] Fixed an issue where the amount of Spirit recovered did not increase even after leveling up “Focus.”
  • Improved Wyvern mounts so that players can use “Axiom Force” to mount them without learning “Back Hang.”
  • Adjusted the attack patterns of Golem monsters.
  • Improved “Explosive Evasive Shot” and “Multishot” so that additional effects trigger when using them with special arrows equipped.
UI
  • Improved images for certain animals, Knowledge entries, and Guides.
  • Fixed an issue where names of animals would appear as ??? at the Rancher’s Shop.
  • Fixed an issue where the experience UI would not appear after feeding a pet.
Localization
  • Fixed various localization errors and improved localization quality across all languages.
Others
  • [Oongka] Fixed an issue where using “Scatter Shot” while clinging to a wall would not consume any cannonballs.
  • Fixed an issue where the bonus yield effect did not function properly when using the drill while clinging to a wall.
  • Fixed an issue where the “Depth of Field” could not be disabled in Photo Mode.
  • Fixed an issue where Blackstar and wyverns would walk into water in certain situations.
  • Fixed an issue where attacking with a wyvern on land would consume an excessive amount of stamina.
  • “Flower Basket” has been added to the Hernand Provisioner’s Shop, and “Ranged Weapons of the World – Bows, Vol. I” has been added to the Hernand Equipment Shop.
  • Fixed an issue where feeding would consume two food items on Hard difficulty.
  • The Knowledge entry for “Irkyn” can now be obtained after completing the quest to repair the kiln at the Kilnden Workshop.

Crimson Desert launched on March 19 for Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam for $69.99. A Deluxe Edition is available for $79.99 with Standard Edition contents and the Deluxe Pack (Kairos Pack, Balgran Shield, and Exclaire Horse Tack Set). 

Persona Live Tour 2026 -Resonance- Concert Tour Announced for September to October 2026

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Persona Live 2026 Resonance

ATLUS has announced Persona Live Tour 2026 -Resonance-, a new concert tour that will run from September to October in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Persona Live Tour 2026 -Resonance- will feature tracks from Persona 3 Reload and the Persona 5 series, and Lyn Inaizumi, Lotus Juice, Azumi Takahashi, and Toshiki Konishi will attend the concerts (attendance may vary per concert).

Here’s the current schedule for the concert tour (subject to change):

  • Fukuoka, Japan – Zepp Fukuoka – Friday, September 11, at 19:00 JST
  • Osaka, Japan – Zepp Namba (Osaka) – Sunday, September 13, at 18:00 JST
  • Tokyo, Japan – Zepp DiverCity (Tokyo) – Wednesday, September 23, at 13:00 & 18:00 JST
  • Seoul, South Korea – YES 24 Live Hall – Saturday, October 3
  • Taipei – Zepp New Taipei – Saturday, October 10

What’s more, ATLUS confirmed that demo sessions for Persona 4 Revival will be held on July 12 in Tokyo, Japan. Applications to attend these demo sessions are now open to fans in Japan through June 21. The demo features the beginning of the game and lasts around 30 minutes. Feedback from attendees will be collected and shared online sometime after the event ends.

Persona 4 Revival will launch on February 18, 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Microsoft Store and Steam. Persona 4 Revival will be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one. Pre-orders for the Persona 4 Revival Collector’s Edition (console only) are available now at participating retailers. 

The Persona 4 Revival Broadcast Livestream will be held on June 18 at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET with new details to be revealed by P-STUDIO director Kazuhisa Wada. The broadcast will be streamed on the official ATLUS West YouTube channel and Steam.

Persona 6 was also announced for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Microsoft Store and Steam.

Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories Reveals New Story Details, Gameplay, Screenshots and More

By
Soul Kiwami
-

Koei Tecmo and Gust have revealed new details, gameplay, screenshots, and artwork for Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories, the second entry in the Atelier franchise’s “Memories” subseries following Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land. 

Get the full details below, via Koei Tecmo:

In Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories, players will return to the continent of Aladiss, first introduced in Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land. This new chapter follows amnesiac alchemist Karia on a profound quest centered on discovery and growth. Working together with Servio Lektor, a heretic biologist from the pioneering team, and Fina Rozen, a talented fighter, Karia sets out on a journey to explore Aladiss’ mysterious underworld to uncover its secret. Guided by alchemist Yumia Liessfeldt, Karia will develop her talent for alchemy whilst seeking to recover her lost memories, to reawaken the past and savor the present.

As depicted in all Atelier titles, alchemy and synthesis will remain at the absolute heart of the gameplay experience, deepening players’ experience and allowing them to use synthesized items for more than just combat. Using the alchemy cauldron found in the depth of Aladdiss’ underworld, players will be able to create unique items thanks to a deep synthesis system that blends strategy and creativity. By connecting the mana pieces of the different ingredients selected, players can change the effects of the item synthesized, resulting in an infinite number of possible variations and combinations.

Fans can anticipate an entirely fresh take on the franchise, however, with Karia’s signature mechanic: a unique system that blends traditional alchemy with culinary exploration. While foraging, players can snack on gathered ingredients to trigger immediate, dynamic effects, such as sprouting animal ears and gaining specialized traits when consuming animal-based components.

The combat mechanics introduced in Atelier Yumia have also been meticulously refined to offer an advanced hybrid battle system. The updated mechanics seamlessly blend high-octane action with strategic command menus. Players must test their reflexes by parrying enemy attacks in real time, while retaining complete tactical control over the flow of battle by pausing time, allowing them to select the skills and items to use via the command menu.

The power of alchemy extends far beyond the battlefield as synthesized items can now be used during exploration to allow players to reach new locations or find hidden treasures. Depending on the items used, they will be able to solve challenges and even gather different ingredients. Furthermore, it will be possible to use synthesized items while building to improve the efficiency of their bases.

Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories will launch in early 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, and it’s available to wishlist now.

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP Surpasses 400,000 Copies Sold

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP 14th anniversary screenshot

Dragami Games has announced that Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP surpassed 400,000 copies sold worldwide. To celebrate reaching 400,000 copies sold and Lollipop Chainsaw’s 14th anniversary, Dragami Games confirmed that the new Kogai costume will be released in late June for Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP. The Kogai costumer is the DRAGAMI Special Award winner from last year’s Costume Design Contest.

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP Kogai costume

Previously, Nada Holdings and Dragami Games teamed up to announce a new Lollipop Chainsaw game and anime were in the works. The development team of the new game involves key staff members that were part of the previous Lollipop Chainsaw game, and an official X (formerly Twitter) account for the upcoming project has been opened.

Dragami Games said, “development is already underway on a brand-new Lollipop Chainsaw title that both preserves and builds upon the appeal of the original. With a firm commitment to honoring the spirit of the original work, the development team includes key staff members who were involved in the previous title. The new project is also being developed with close attention to fan feedback.”

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Switch 2 version features major improvements in resolution, frame rate, and graphics quality, along with an exclusive exclusive “Gun Shooting Mode.” Nintendo Switch owners of Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP may upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 version via an upgrade pack for $9.99.

1...474849...3,681Page 48 of 3,681