Crimson Desert Releases Launch Trailer

By
Soul Kiwami
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Crimson Desert launch trailer

Pearl Abyss has released the launch trailer for open-world action adventure game Crimson Desert. In addition to the launch trailer, the PC, console, and Mac performance specs for Crimson Desert were also revealed.

Crimson Desert launches on March 19 for Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Standard Edition will be sold for $69.99 featuring the Khaled Shield, and PlayStation 5 players get the exclusive Grotevant Plate Set. A Deluxe Edition will be sold for $79.99 with Standard Edition contents and the Deluxe Pack (Kairos Pack, Balgran Shield, and Exclaire Horse Tack Set). 

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

An Open-World Action-Adventure

Welcome to the beautiful yet brutal continent of Pywel.
From the snow-blasted mountains of Kweiden to the verdant expanses of Akapen and the towering ridges scattering the Crimson Desert, this land is a testament to nature’s grandeur. Yet, amidst this beauty, the continent stands locked in war as factions vie for unprecedented power.

Discover adventure, explore exciting locations, and fight thrilling battles as you travel across an incredible open world filled with wonder and mystery.

Kliff and the Greymanes 

“This is our mission.”
Join Kliff, captain of the Greymanes, and his comrades as they embark on a relentless journey to defend Pywel and fulfill their mission.
Along your perilous path stands both dependable allies and countless foes who will stop at nothing to see your downfall.
Face trials to uncover the truth of the catastrophe looming over Pywel and restore peace to the continent.

NIS America Announces PAX East 2026 Lineup

By
Saras Rajpal
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NIS America Announces PAX East 2026 Lineup

NIS America has revealed its lineup for PAX East 2026, which will take place from March 26 to March 29. The event will feature several hands-on demos for Etrange Overlord, Brigandine Abyss, and Disgaea Mayhem (or Kyouran Makaism as it released in Japan). 

NIS America will be located at Booth #16079 in the Expo Hall at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts. On Saturday, March 28 at 12:30 PM EDT in the Bumblebee Theater, it will hold the “Shaping a Strategy Epic: The Evolution and Future of Tactical Games in BRIGANDINE ABYSS” panel. The panel will feature the game’s producer, Masaru Saito. Further, those who play the hands-on demos will be able to get one of the following rewards via exclusive giveaways:

  • Disgaea Mayhem: Earn a pin featuring Wurst, a new character debuting in Disgaea
    Mayhem.
  • BRIGANDINE ABYSS: Receive a BRIGANDINE Microfiber Cloth of the World Map.
  • Etrange Overlord: Play solo or with friends to earn collectibles celebrating the launch of
    the new action RPG!

Brigandine Abyss will release for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2026, while Disgaea Mayhem will release on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Etrange Overlord launches on March 26 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Fans can pre-order the Etrange Overlord Limited Edition for $89.99 at the NIS America Online Store while supplies last.

Lastly, the Etrange Overlord Limited Edition includes:

  • Etrange Overlord Deluxe Edition
  • Collector’s Box
  • “Art of Étrange: From Hell to Heaven” Art Book
  • Étrange Encore Original Soundtrack
  • Conductor of Chaos Musical Acrylic Stand
  • Stuck in Hell Sticker Sheet

‘This Is An Xbox’ Marketing Campaign Quietly Ends

By
Saras Rajpal
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'This Is An Xbox' Marketing Campaign Quietly Ends

Microsoft has quietly wiped all mentions and instances of the “This Is An Xbox” marketing campaign from the Xbox Wire website. The campaign started back in November 2024. 

While you can still find videos pertaining to the marketing campaign on the Xbox YouTube channel, it appears that Xbox has officially ended the somewhat controversial initiative. The change comes just a few weeks after former Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer retired, Xbox President Sarah Bond resigned. In their place, Asha Sharma took the reins as Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty took over as Chief Content Officer of Microsoft Gaming. While rumors have circulated that Bond was responsible for the “This Is An Xbox” initiative, the validity of these reports have not been verified. 

Recently, during the Xbox Developer Summit keynote address at GDC 2026, Microsoft Gaming revealed that it plans to ship alpha version development kits of the next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, in 2027. Xbox is also planning on “rolling out new ways to play some of the most iconic games from our past” to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2026.

Further, Xbox mode will be releasing on Windows 11 for desktop PCs and handhelds in April in select markets. Windows 11’s Xbox mode previously made its debut on ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices. The console will seemingly be able to play both Xbox and PC games. Lastly, during the company’s 25th anniversary, Xbox will release games such as Forza Horizon 6, Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Gears of War: E-Day for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. 

Chained Soldier Season 2 English Dub Cast Revealed

By
Soul Kiwami
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HIDIVE has revealed the English dub cast and crew of Chained Soldier Season 2, which is now streaming on HIDIVE.com. Like the English sub, the English dub of Chained Soldier Season 2 will also be uncensored.

The English dub cast and crew includes:

English Cast

  • Gabriel Regojo as Yuuki 
  • Roxanna George as Kyouka
  • Natalie Rial as Himari
  • Kristen McGuire as Nei
  • Juliet Simmons as Shushu
  • Karlii Hoch as Aoba
  • Savanna Menzel as Bell
  • Courtney Lomelo as Fubuki
  • Brittney Karbowski as Ginna
  • Katelyn Barr as Homare
  • Rachael Messer as Jouryuu
  • Carli Mosier as Kaiko \ Prime Minister
  • Annie Wild as Konomi
  • Jad Saxton as Kuusetsu
  • Jade Kelly as Maia
  • Christie Guidry as Mira
  • Shelley Calene-Black as President
  • Christina Kelly as Ren
  • Marcy Bannor as Riu
  • Monica Rial as Sahara \ Rairen \ Narrator
  • Caitlynn French as Saki
  • Maggie Flecknoe as Shikoku
  • Alissa Simmons as Sorako
  • Joslin Johnson as Takemi
  • Kelly Greenshield as Tenka
  • Hilary Haag as Tovera
  • Margaret McDonald as Yachiho
  • Shelby Marie Blocker as Varvara
  • Ellen Elise Evans as Yakumo
  • Cara Nguyen as Yumina
  • Additional Voices:
    • Alissa Simmons
    • Cara Nguyen
    • Carli Mosier
    • Joe Daniels
    • Juliet Simmons
    • Natalie Rial
    • Shelby Marie Blocker

English Crew

  • Director: Shannon D. Reed
  • Assistant Director: Christina Kelly
  • Audio Engineers: David Lascoe, Neil O’Reilly, Keegan Daleo
  • Translation: Natalie Jones
  • ADR Script: Kalin Black
  • Mix Engineer: Brent Marshall

New episodes of Chained Soldier Season 2 release on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET on HIDIVE. 

Akari Kitō performs the opening theme song “Hikari yo, Boku ni,” Kana Hanazawa performs the first ending theme song “Cipher Cipher,” and Maaya Uchida performs the second ending theme song “LOVE LOVE Beam.” 

The Japanese cast includes:

  • Kana Hanazawa as Ren Yamashiro
  • Akari Kitō as Kyōka Uzen
  • Kana Ichinose as Konomi Tatara
  • Fairouz Ai as Mira Kamiunten
  • Manaka Iwami as Bell Tsukiyono
  • Fūka Izumi as Yakumo Ezo
  • Maaya Uchida as Tenka Izumo
  • Yukana as Fubuki Azuma
  • Sayuri Sadaoka as Riu Myouga
  • Hina Kino as Saki Tokoroyama
  • Anna Yamaki as Kaiko Itsuki
  • Shiori Isawa as Tobera Azuma
  • Yuna Nemoto as Homare Azuma
  • Kaori Maeda as Maia Azuma

Masafumi Tamura is directing the anime at studio Passione and Hayabusa Film. Keiya Nakano is handling the character design, while Kohta Yamamoto handles the music. Yasuhiro Nakanishi, Ohine Ezaki, Takahiro Nagase, and Kyōta Kanō are the scriptwriters.

Additional staff includes:

  • Series Composition: Yasuhiro Nakanishi
  • Concept Composite: Junpei Takatsu
  • Art Director: Shino Ohara
  • Color Design: Sakie Suzuki
  • Assistant Color Designer: Mai Kabatani
  • Director of Photography: Kōji Hayashi
  • CG Director: Takayuki Taba (SANZIGEN)
  • Editor: Ayako Tan
  • Sound Director: Chikako Yokota
  • Sound Production: Dax Production 
Chained Soldier Season 2 second key visual
©T,Y/S,CS2P

Here’s an overview of the second season, via HIDIVE:

The fight against the Shuuki continues as Chained Soldier returns with more monsters, supernatural action, and spicy ‘rewards’! In a world where only women can wield the power of supernatural “Peaches,” which grant unusual powers to those who eat them, Yuki (despite his gender) joins the Demon Defense Squad to combat evil demons called Shuuki from destroying human civilization.

Takahiro and Yōhei Takemura released the Chained Soldier manga on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ manga website in January 2019.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Physical Pre-Orders Now Live, Switch 2 Version is Fully on Cart

By
Soul Kiwami
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GungHo Online Entertainment has confirmed that physical pre-orders for Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Standard Edition are now available at retail for $59.99, including Amazon and VGP. The Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will cost $64.99 and contain the full game data on the cart, meaning that players will not need to fully download and install the game. 

What’s more, pre-orders for the physical Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Steelbook Edition will open on March 16 at Panax Store. This edition features a premium Steelbook case, a protective slipcover, and the Standard Edition. 

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter physical

Pre-orders for the Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Golden Wings Edition are available for $274.99 ($279.99 for Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) at Panax Store while supplies last. Once sold out, there will be no additional production runs.

The Golden Wings Edition includes:

  • Standard edition (Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, or Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
  • Glorious x Arseille Model Diorama
  • SteelBook
  • Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Artbook
  • Mini Soundtrack CD
  • Collector’s Box
  • Season Pass (digital)
    • This grants access to a variety of cosmetic DLC

Further, fans can look forward to officially licensed merchandise of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, with pre-orders running through April 1 at Bracer Guild. Orders for the new merchandise are expected to ship out between May and June during the first production wave.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is coming to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam in fall 2026. The Standard Edition will be available for $59.99 ($64.99 for Nintendo Switch 2 Edition). Players can transfer their save data from Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter to receive bonuses, and more details about in-game features and a release date will be announced at a later date on the game’s official website.

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster Shadow Drops on PC and Xbox Series X|S

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

Square Enix has released Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster for Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store for $39.99. A 20% discount for Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is also available for a limited time on Xbox and Steam, and players who purchase the game also receive a digital artbook, which is accessible through D-Viewer.

In addition, Square Enix confirmed that the Bravely series has surpassed 4 million copies sold.

Released alongside Nintendo Switch 2, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster features HD character model textures and environments, along with many other improvements. The graphics that defined the original Nintendo 3DS title are now much more clear. The two-screen user interface that was designed for the original game has been rebuilt for Nintendo Switch 2. It’s now a convenient single screen user interface with features like recommended character levels for dungeons and a “Heal All” button. 

A fast forward feature allows players to increase battle speed by up to four times. Event scenes can also be fast-forwarded at double time while autoplay is enabled. The encounter rate can be set at 50% intervals from 50% to 200%. The rate can be adjusted at any time on the field map to suit the player’s needs. The network features of the original game on Nintendo 3DS have been retooled for Nintendo Switch 2. Players can work together with allies from their friend list or proceed on their own.

What’s more, the remaster includes two brand-new minigames, as shown at the official website. Players can test their rhythm with Luxencheer Rhythm Catch or pilot their own airships in Ringabel’s Panic Cruise. Playing the minigames awards various bonuses, including newly added notes in D’s Journal that reveal previously untold facets of the story.

The Next Mainline Neptunia Game will be Revealed on March 19

By
Soul Kiwami
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New Neptunia mainline game reveal

Compile Heart has confirmed that the next mainline Neptunia game will be officially revealed on March 19 at 5:00 a.m. PDT / 8:00 a.m. EDT / 9:00 p.m. JST. This will be the first mainline game in the Neptunia series since the release of Megadimension Neptunia VII in 2015, and fans can tune into the reveal on YouTube.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Neptunia franchise, Neptune voice actress Rie Tanaka will be singing a new insert song for the new Neptunia game. Last October, Compile Heart invited fans to submit phrases and words that might appear in the lyrics of the new Neptunia theme song, with examples including “courage,” friendship,” and “determination.”

Previously, Compile Heart opened the official Neptunia 15th anniversary website, along with a survey and art contest. A new trailer was also released, teasing that the Neptunia series will continue, and more updates will come over time on the official website. The next mainline Neptunia game has been in development for the past three or four years in collaboration with series illustrator Tsunako. Neptune, Noire, Blanc, and Vert will appear. 

Lastly, the latest game in the Neptunia series is Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. A Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos Digital Deluxe Edition is available for $49.99 featuring the game, 35-page digital art book, original soundtrack, and Swimsuit, Apocalyptic, Race Queen Costume Sets for Uzume, Neptune, Noire, Blanc, and Vert. These Costume Sets may be bought in a bundle as standalone DLC for $6.99.

BALL x PIT is Now Available for Android and iOS

By
Soul Kiwami
-
BALL x PIT

Devolver Digital and Kenny Sun have announced that fast-paced ball-fusing and brick-breaking roguelite game BALL x PIT is now available on Android via Google Play and iOS via App Store for $9.99. The Android and iOS versions of BALL x PIT contain the same versions as its PC and console counterparts.

BALL x PIT is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, and it’s also available with Xbox Game Pass. The Shadow and Naturalist updates for BALL x PIT are planned to release in April and July, respectively. 

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

BALL x PIT is a fast-paced fantasy roguelite where heroes must find the balls to plunge deeper into a seemingly bottomless pit of monsters. Develop arcane ammunition and resources in pursuit of treasure, recruiting additional heroes to aid you in your perilous quest.

Ballbylon has fallen. After a meteoric and completely unexpected event annihilated the great city, all that remains is an ominous, yawning pit. Treasure hunters from far and wide flock to the city’s tomb to seek their fortune, plumbing the depths in search of Ballbylon’s scattered riches. Few return.

The pit plays host to armies of barbaric creatures, hellbent on ending your quest before it even begins. Armed with a growing arsenal of magic-infused projectiles, batter your way through multiple levels of increasingly challenging obstacles to claim the ultimate prizes and rebuild New Ballbylon.

Fuse Your Balls

The Ball Fusion system encourages explosive experimentation with over 60 randomized balls to equip and combine during your journey. Discover overpowered combinations and unexpected synergies from hundreds of possible outcomes.

Build New Ballbylon

Expand New Ballbylon with over 70 unique buildings that provide gameplay bonuses and unlock further power-ups, new characters, and more! As your community grows, task homebound heroes with automated tasks to keep the resources coming while you dive deeper into the pit.

Discover New Realms

Face legions of diverse enemies within the pit, battling through barren deserts, frozen caverns, savage forests and more. Each region offers its own unique set of hazards on top of hordes of increasingly challenging foes and mighty, screen-filling bosses.

Recruit Fellow Hunters

As you explore the pit you’ll encounter fellow treasure hunters eager to add their skills to your expedition. Each character has unique, upgradable mechanics that totally change the way you play the game. Experimentation and adaptation are crucial to the success of New Ballbylon!

Etrange Overlord Demo is Now Available

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Etrange Overlord demo

NIS America has announced a new demo for Gemdrops and Broccoli’s “sushi lane musical action adventure” game Etrange Overlord is now available on all platforms. The Etrange Overlord demo features content up to stage 2-4, and save data carries over to the full game after installing the day one update.

Etrange Overlord launches on March 26 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam in the west. Fans can pre-order the Etrange Overlord Limited Edition for $89.99 at the NIS America Online Store while supplies last.

The Etrange Overlord Limited Edition includes:

  • Etrange Overlord Deluxe Edition
  • Collector’s Box
  • “Art of Étrange: From Hell to Heaven” Art Book
  • Étrange Encore Original Soundtrack
  • Conductor of Chaos Musical Acrylic Stand
  • Stuck in Hell Sticker Sheet

Etrange Overlord Limited Edition

The staff of Etrange Overlord includes: 

  • Original Story: Kitayama Roman
  • Producer: Sohei Shinkawa (SuperNiche)
  • Character Design: Shinichiro Otsuka
  • Developer: Gemdrops
  • Publisher: Broccoli
  • Theme Song: “Etrange Overlord”
    • Lyrics: Roman Kitayama
    • Music: Noriyasu Agematsu (Elements Garden)
    • Singer: Watame Tsunomaki

The game’s cast includes:

  • Etrange voiced by Kaori Mizuhashi
  • Nekotaro voiced by ???
  • Hihi voiced by Ryohei Arai
  • Cook voiced by Toru Inada
  • Hyahaha voiced by Momoka Udagawa
  • Sweetia voiced by Watame Tsunomaki
  • Erit voiced by Yuuki Ishikari
  • Schwartz voiced by Makoto Sahara
  • Ignacio voiced by Yuri Sakamoto
  • Kel voiced by Yuka Shinoda
  • Bello voiced by Yuri Sakamoto
  • Sue voiced by Hotori Asami
  • Aria voiced by Fubuki Shirakami
  • Demon Lord Ahoborn voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto
  • Jewel Butler voiced by Takuma Terashima
  • First Prince voiced by Yusuke Tonozaki
  • Angelina voiced by Saya Aizawa

In Japan, Etrange Overlord Standard Edition copies cost 8,580 yen, and Limited Edition copies cost 12,980 yen for Nintendo Switch in Japan. Limited Edition contents include a special box, a 3-disc original soundtrack, a one-disc theme song CD, an art book, and a hololive collaborative bonus DLC Sweetia costume “Tsunomaki Watame Ver.”

Haibara’s Teenage New Game+ Anime Premieres on April 2

By
Soul Kiwami
-

The official website for the TV anime adaptation of Kazuki Amamiya’s Haibara’s Teenage New Game+ light novel series confirmed the anime’s premiere is set for April 2 at 1:18 a.m. JST, effectively April 3, on TBS. Following the April 2 premiere, Haibara’s Teenage New Game+ will also air on BS11 on April 3 and AT-X on April 5, and an advance screening event featuring the first four episodes will be held on March 15 in Tokyo.

A new promotional video and key visual were also revealed:

Haibara's Teenage New Game+ main key visual
©雨宮和希・ホビージャパン／「灰原くんの強くて青春ニューゲーム」製作委員会

Ami Maeshima performs the opening theme song “Fly Again!!,” and Aimi performs the ending theme song “Dramatic Tōhikō (Dramatic Runaway Trip).”

The cast of the anime includes:

  • Yūto Uemura as Natsuki Haibara
  • Kanon Takao as Hikari Hoshimiya
  • Kanna Nakamura as Miori Motomiya
  • Aya Yamane as Uta Sakura
  • Sayumi Suzushiro as Yuino Nanase
  • Ryōta Suzuki as Tatsuya Nagiura
  • Tomohiro Ōno as Reita Shiratori

The anime’s staff includes:

  • Director: Misuzu Hoshino
  • Studio: Studio Comet
  • Script Overseer: Keiichirō Ōchi
  • Character Designer: Hiromi Ono
  • Composer: Sōnosuke Takao
  • Art Director: Seo Gu Lee
  • Color Design: Aiko Yamagami
  • Director of Photography: Shintaro Sakai
  • Editing: Hideaki Murai
  • Sound Director: Yayoi Tateishi
  • Sound Production: Jinnan Studio

Hobby Japan shipped the first volume of the light novel from Kazuki Amamiya in December 2021. A full-color vertical comic adaptation by Misaomaru also launched in June 2023. Further, the final arc began with the ninth volume on July 1, 2025.

Lastly, J-Novel Club publishes the series in English and describes the story:

We all have embarrassing memories or deep regrets from high school, right? Socially anxious college senior Natsuki Haibara sure does. When he thinks back on that time of his life, all he has are fleeting fantasies of a happy adolescence that could have been. Imagine his bewilderment and surprise, then, when he inexplicably finds himself seven years in the past—one month before his first year of high school!

Can Haibara avoid his previous mistakes, make his way to the top of the school social pyramid, and end up with the girl of his dreams? Or will he be forced to relive three years of solitude as the most hated guy in school? He’ll need all the help he can get in order to succeed, from a workout regimen to online how-to guides, a childhood friend, and plenty of sheer willpower. Watch as Haibara takes a second shot at his teenage years!

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