Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Collaborate for New Steam Bundle

By
Soul Kiwami
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Clair Obscur Expedition 33 x Metaphor ReFantazio

SEGA and ATLUS have teamed up with Sandfall Interactive to release a bundle featuring critically acclaimed turn-based RPGs Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Steam. There’s a 10% discount for the Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Steam bundle, and those who own one title may purchase the other at 10% off. What’s more, all editions of Metaphor: ReFantazio are currently 50% off on Steam until February 26.

Metaphor: ReFantazio creative director Katsura Hashino and Sandfall Interactive CEO/creative director Guillaume Broche also shared comments about the launch of the new bundle.

“I am very pleased to hear that a Steam bundle will be released with Expedition 33, a title that has received high praise around the world,” said Hashino. “Expedition 33 is a work that conveys a deep understanding of and sincere dedication to the JRPG genre, crafted with great care down to the finest details. As someone who also creates RPGs, I found it to be truly inspiring.”

Hashino continued, “I am genuinely delighted to see Japanese-style RPGs being born and embraced, not only from Japanese-based studios like ours, but other places around the world through diverse creative approaches. While the two titles differ in their worlds and overall direction, players may find a shared spirit in how we each approach and express the RPG genre. I hope that this bundle encourages players to experience both titles and enjoy the breadth of what RPGs can offer.”

“Metaphor: ReFantazio is a game that is really inspiring for us,” said Broche. “It tells a beautiful story in a completely new world that is masterfully crafted. It deals with heavy themes but one that resonates strongly with me is the importance of imagination in all aspects of our lives.

“The cast is lovable and the turn-based battle system is one of the best I have played. The re-imagination of the traditional jobs system through Archetypes is fantastic and opens up so many playstyles that are fun to play around with. On top of that, the game has one of the most charismatic villains I’ve ever seen in an RPG.

“It is a great honor to be able to collaborate with ATLUS on this bundle, as I have been a fan of their work since Shin Megami Tensei: Lucifer’s Call (also known as Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne for some players).”

The Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra Concert-ReSimfonio- event is set for June 6 at the Bunkyo Civic Center in Tokyo. There will be two performances by the Royal Symphony Orchestra of Euchronia, and Yuki Takai will serve as the orchestra’s conductor. Applications for advance ticket sales are available through February 8 at 11:59 p.m. JST. Tickets (all seats reserved) will cost 9,900 yen (tax included), and a ticket bundle featuring a two-disc set of the concert and a special booklet costs 16,500 yen (tax included).

Metaphor: ReFantazio is available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. Final Weapon reviewed Metaphor: ReFantazio and awarded it a 5/5 score. 

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea Reveals a 92-Second Clip

By
Soul Kiwami
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That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie Tears of the Azure Sea clip

The staff of the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea film released a 92-second clip ahead of the film’s premiere. The latest clip highlights protagonist Rimuru and other characters as they ride an air dragon ship heading to a resort island following the Tempest opening festival.

Saori Ōnishi will perform the new insert song “Sōkoku (Blue Moment),” and the six-member unit ARCANA PROJECT sings the insert song “Renainō (Talent for Romance).” STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION and ASH DA HERO member ASH perform the insert song “Harmonics.” These songs, along with the theme song “Utopia” by TRUE, will go on sale February 28 in a limited first edition and regular edition release.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea premieres in Japanese theaters on February 27, and Sony Pictures Entertainment and Crunchyroll are bringing the movie to theaters worldwide, excluding most Asian territories. The film has an original plot that wasn’t featured in the manga and novel series. 8-Bit is the studio behind the movie’s animation.

Cast members for the film include: 

  • Inori Minase as Maribel (Mariabell) Rosso
  • Kenji Nojima as Renard (Leonard)
  • Eiji Takemoto as Arnaud
  • Hajime Iijima as Bacchus
  • Haruka Aikawa as Ritus
  • Wataru Komada as Garde
  • Taishi Murata as Fritz
  • Shōya Chiba as Saare
  • Mari Hino as Glenda
  • Masashi Yamane as Grigori
  • Saori Ōnishi as Yura
  • Koichi Domoto as Zodon
  • Kōji Yusa as Djeese

Hinatazaka46 members Nao Kosaka and Kaho Fujishima will voice shrine maidens and original characters Mio and Yori, respectively.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie Tears of the Blue Sea Arc key visual
©川上泰樹・伏瀬・講談社／転スラ製作委員会

Fuse initially serialized the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime light novel from 2013 to 2016. Over the years, it has garnered several video games, anime, and more adaptations, alongside several collaborations. Lastly, the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime anime series is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll.

The Ghost in the Shell, Fist of the North Star and From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 to Stream on Prime Video

By
Soul Kiwami
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The Ghost in the Shell anime series

During the “Prime Video Presents: International Originals” presentation in London, Amazon announced that The Ghost in the Shell, Hokuto no Ken -Fist of the North Star-, and From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 will be streaming on Prime Video. The Ghost in the Shell will stream worldwide, except Russia and China, and Prime Video will stream it in Japan as a timed exclusive. 

The Ghost in the Shell will premiere in July 2026 on Kansai TV and Fuji TV during the “Ka-Anival!!” programming block on Tuesdays at 11:00 p.m. JST. DAN DA DAN key animator Moko-chan is directing The Ghost in the Shell at Science SARU. Toh Enjoe is writing and overseeing the series scrips, Shūhei Handa is the character designer and chief animation director of The Ghost in the Shell. Taisei Iwasaki is the music director and composer, alongside Ryō Konishi and Yuki Kanesaka. Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, and Production I.G. are involved with the project on the production committee.

The Ghost in the Shell anime key visual
© 2026 Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA/THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE

Hokuto no Ken -Fist of the North Star- premieres in 2026. Hiroshi Maeda directs the anime at TMS Entertainment, and Kazuma Ogasawara is the assistant director. Kazuhiko Inuka is in charge of the series scripts, and Naoki Hisatsune is the character designer. Kōji is the animation director, and Yūki Hayashi is the music composer. NIA Animation and Kishida Studio BACU are working on the production.

The cast includes:

  • Shunsuke Takeuchi as Kenshiro
  • Daiki Yamashita as Bat
  • M.A.O as Rin
  • Wataru Takagi as Jagi
  • Tsuguo Mogami as Toki
  • Taiten Kusunoki as Raoh
  • Kōji Yusa as Shin
  • Saori Hayami as Yuria
Hokuto no Ken Fist of the North Star second key visual
© 武論尊・原哲夫／コアミックス, 「北斗の拳」製作委員会

Akio Kazumi directs From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 at Passione and Hayabusa Film. Kunihiko Okada is in charge of the series scripts. Moreover, Satsuki Hayasaka is the character designer and chief animation director. Yasaharu Takanashi is composing the anime’s music.

The cast includes:

  • Hiroaki Hirata as Beryl Gardinant
  • Nao Tōyama as Allucia Citrus
  • Hitomi Ueda as Surena Lysandra
  • Yūki Hirose as Curuni Crueciel
  • Hinaki Yano as Ficelle Harbeller
  • Chiwa Saitō as Lucy Diamond
  • Kaito Ishikawa as Henblitz Drout
  • Arisa Nakada as Myui Flare
  • Ryōta Ōsaka as Spur
  • Ai Kayano as Rose Marblehart
  • Hidenobu Kiuchi as Gatoga Lazorne
From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 key visual
©​Shigeru​ ​Sagazaki​,​Tetsuhiro​ ​Nabeshima​/​SQUARE​ ​ENIX​,​ ​From​ ​Old​ ​Country​ ​Bumpkin​ ​to​ ​Master​ ​Swordsman​ ​Project

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 premieres in July 2026.

Haigakura Anime to Stream on OceanVeil Starting February 20

By
Soul Kiwami
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Haigakura anime

WWWave Corporation has announced the TV anime adaptation of Shinobu Takayama’s Haigakura manga series will be streaming on OceanVeil starting February 20 at 6:00 p.m. EST. Fans can expect Oceanveil to stream Haigakura with English subtitles. 

Previously, the Haigakura anime series was indefinitely delayed to ensure the animation’s quality. Only seven episodes aired before the delay, and the first six episodes of the Haigakura anime began to air in a rerun that began on November 25, 2024. The anime restarted from episode 1 on July 3, 2025 and continued from where it last left off on August 21 with episode 8. Episodes 1 through 13 are streaming with multi-sub support on REMOW’s It’s Anime YouTube channel for free.

Typhoon Graphics is producing Haigakura anime. Junichi Yamamoto is the director, and Yū Murai is handling the series composition. Yuki Kurihara is the composer of Haigakura’s music. The voice cast includes: 

  • Takeo Ōtsuka as Ichiyō
  • Kaito Ishikawa as Tenkō
  • Lynn as Hakushurin
  • Hiro Shimono as Ransaiwa
  • Satoshi Hino as Sontō
  • Rie Kugimiya as Kaka
  • Mutsumi Tamura as Ryū
  • Ayumu Murase as Heikan
  • Gakuto Kajiwara as Hōryūsei
  • Ryōhei Kimura as Hiki
  • Ryōta Suzuki as Sanu
  • Kazuhiko Inoue as Hakugō
  • Daisuke Hirakawa as Sōkōmei
  • Daisuke Kishio as Ritekkai
  • Ryūnosuke Watanuki as Kanshōri
  • Shinnosuke Tachibana as Rakan
  • Kentaro Itō as Bui
  • Junko Takeuchi as young Ichiyō
  • Akira Sasanuma as Jungei
  • Tatsumaru Tachibana as Gaishi
  • Atsushi Tamaru as Gas Mask
  • Kazutomi Yamamoto as Rabbit Mask

Here’s an overview of the anime series, via REMOW:

With captured family and a missing past, Ichiyo, a kashi, battles alongside Tenko to regain what’s lost.. Ichiyo and Tenko search for the key to salvation, the ‘Four Perils’ who hold this land together Based on Shinobu Takayama’s popular manga, you can’t miss this action fantasy!

Lords of the Fallen II Gameplay Showcase Released in New Dev Update

By
Saras Rajpal
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Lords of the Fallen II Gameplay Showcase Released in New Dev Update

CI Games has released a new look at the gameplay for Lords of the Fallen II via a new episode of its Dev Update series called “Lifting the Veil.” The game will release in 2026. 

The new “Lifting the Veil” episode focuses on all the new additions to combat compared to the game’s predecessor. It features new executions, a brand-new scythe weapon class, and combat that is overall faster and more brutal than ever before. The episode also highlights never-before-seen footage of Lords of the Fallen II, which further emphasize the new combat mechanics, enemies, weapons, and spells. 

Check out the new gameplay footage for Lords of the Fallen II in the latest “Lifting the Veil” episode below:

Lastly, Lord of the Fallen II will release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Epic Games Store. The PlayStation Store describes it as follows:

Realm by realm, nation after nation, the Umbral darkness consumed all in Her path. Now, over 1,000 years later, only one Kingdom remains; a sacred land, shrouded by an ancient force. Or so it was…

Stolen by the Gods themselves, mankind is left forsaken, defenceless against the darkness. Unless this force is restored, the shadow of death will devour all. But how do you kill… an immortal?

A hero must rise, for a God to fall.

Journey across a vast, war-torn kingdom crumbling from within, as the realms of living and dead begin to bleed into one. From moonlit citadels to time-ravaged temples, tread carefully, for each step forward may well be your last.

MAO Anime Gets Opening Theme Song by Kis-My-Ft2

By
Soul Kiwami
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MAO anime

Bandai Namco Filmworks has announced that Kis-My-Ft2 will perform the opening theme song “HEARTLOUD” for the Sunrise’s new TV anime anime adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s MAO manga series. The MAO anime series will air weekly on the NHK-General channel in Japan starting in spring 2026, and more details will be revealed in a special program on March 2 at 8:00 p.m. JST on YouTube.

©高橋留美子/小学館/「MAO」製作委員会

The main cast includes:

  • Yūki Kaji as Mao
  • Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba
  • Hiro Shimono as Hyakka
  • Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon

The staff includes: 

  • Director: Teruo Sato
  • Series Script Supervisor: Yūko Kakihara
  • Character Designer, Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma
  • Art Director: Hiroshi Katō, Izumi Hoki
  • Color Key Artist: Masumi Ōtsuka
  • CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara
  • Editing: Kazuhiro Nii
  • Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta
  • Music: Shū Kanematsu

Takahashi launched the MAO manga in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine on May 8, 2019, and VIZ Media publishes the manga in English. Here’s an overview of the manga’s first volume, via VIZ Media:

Nanoka passes through a portal into the Taisho era, where exorcist Mao reluctantly rescues her from the jaws of a grotesque yokai. When Nanoka gets back to the present, she discovers she has some new, incredible abilities. She returns to the past looking for answers, only to get caught up in Mao’s investigation of a series of gruesome murders. As her questions about herself multiply, Nanoka learns that Mao is cursed by a cat demon named Byoki—and so is his sword. If anyone but Mao attempts to wield it, they are doomed. But when Mao’s life is in jeopardy, Nanoka picks up his blade and swings!

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Original Soundtrack is Now Streaming

By
Soul Kiwami
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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Original Soundtrack streaming

SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have announced that the Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Original Soundtrack is now available on various streaming services, including YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music. The Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Original Soundtrack includes 108 music tracks.

What’s more, the Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Original Soundtrack will be released physically by Wave Master for 5,280 yen (tax included) on March 4 in Japan. The Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Original Soundtrack comes in a massive four-CD set, which includes a cover of Bakamitai by Japanese singer Akiko Wada. In addition, the set includes an exclusive sticker set as a bonus.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties includes a remake of 2009’s Yakuza 3 and Dark Ties, a Like a Dragon Gaiden-style game. The title features revamped gameplay, story changes, new cast members and English voice-overs, and new cutscenes in the Dragon Engine. Players may choose to play Yakuza Kiwami 3 or Dark Ties in any order. Mine has a unique fighting style and access to mini-games and side content like Karaoke and Kanda Damage Control.

The cast includes:

  • Takaya Kuroda as Kazuma Kiryu
  • Shido Nakamura as Yoshitaka Mine
  • Satoshi Tokushige as Daigo Dojima
  • Ryo Ishibashi as Shigeru Nakahara
  • Teruyuki Kagawa as Goh Hamazaki
  • Show Kasamatsu as Rikiya Shimabukuro
  • Hiroyuki Miyasako as Tsuyoshi Kanda
  • Kenji Matsuda as Shinpei Ikari

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is available now for $59.99 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. There are physical and digital editions, and early purchases include the Ichiban Legendary Lad DLC. A Digital Deluxe Edition costs $74.99 and includes several DLC packs (also sold separately).

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic Announced for Nintendo Switch and VR

By
Saras Rajpal
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Five Nights at Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic Announced for Nintendo Switch and VR

Steel Wool Studios has announced that Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic will release soon on Nintendo Switch and VR devices. Physical copies for the former will be available, courtesy of iam8bit. 

The physical edition of Secret of the Mimic on Nintendo Switch will cost $39.99 and include a 12”x18” fold-out poster and a download code for the soundtrack. It will start shipping on July 3, 2026. Check out the trailer for the Nintendo Switch edition of the game below:

Currently, Steel Wool has not yet confirmed which VR devices Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic will be available on. However, it will likely be available on both PlayStation VR2 and SteamVR. It will reveal more details about the upcoming version of the game in the coming months leading up to its launch in Spring 2026. Check out the trailer for the VR version of Secret of the Mimic:

Lastly, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Steam page describes the game as follows:

Enter the abandoned workshop of Murray’s Costume Manor and unravel the mystery left behind by the reclusive inventor, Edwin Murray. In Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic, you’ll step into a world where every dark corner holds a secret and every flicker of light hints at an ever-present threat.

The Mimic, a prototype endoskeleton, can adapt to any costume and become any character, including what you fear most. Armed with only your wits, a few gadgets, and a heavily redacted corporate briefing, you’ll attempt to retrieve Fazbear’s prized prototype technology while grappling with cryptic clues and a relentless shadow determined to dispatch all unwanted company.

PlayStation 5 System Software Version 26.01-12.70.00 Releasing Today

By
Saras Rajpal
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PlayStation 5 System Software Version 26.01-12.70.00 Releasing Today

PlayStation is starting to roll out version 26.01-12.70.00 of the PlayStation 5 system software. The update improves system software performance and stability.

The update will be available to download automatically or manually on the PlayStation 5 as it starts rolling out by regions. To update, players can go to Settings then System to check if it is available, or it will automatically scan for the update. Later today, PlayStation will hold a 60+ State of Play dedicated to news, updates, and announcements for upcoming games releasing for the PlayStation 5. 

The State of Play will take place at 2 PM PDT/4 PM CDT/5 PM EDT/10 PM GMT/11 PM CET and stream on the company’s YouTube and Twitch. According to PlayStation, it will showcase “eye-catching third-party and indie games headed to PS5, along with the latest from teams at PlayStation Studios.” PlayStation has not stated if the event will only focus on games releasing in 2026. 

In 2026, PlayStation Studios will release SAROS and Marvel’s Wolverine from Housemarque and Insomniac Games, respectively. The former will release on April 30, while the latter will launch in Fall 2026. There will likely be new gameplay trailers for both. Additionally, Square Enix recently confirmed that it will reveal new details about the Final Fantasy VII Remake games than “ever before,” while Hideo Kojima recently revealed that he is editing a new trailer for “A Hideo Kojima Game,” leading to speculation that both will be present during the event. 

The next major third-party game releasing on PlayStation 5 is Resident Evil Requiem. The game will launch on February 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.

Mewgenics Sells Over 500,000 Units In 36 Hours

By
Saras Rajpal
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Mewgenics Sells Over 500,000 Units In 36 Hours

After just 36 hours, the latest game from Edmund McMillen, titled Mewgenics, has sold 500,000 copies. The game is available now on PC via Steam. 

McMillen is most well known for creating The Binding of Isaac franchise. He developed Mewgenics alongside Tyler Glaiel, the creator of The End is Nigh. The game will be available soon on consoles such as the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. As the months pass, it will likely continue to sell beyond 500,000 units.

Lastly, the Steam page describes Mewgenics as follows:

From Edmund McMillen (The Binding of Isaac, Super Meat Boy) and Tyler Glaiel (Closure, The End Is Nigh) comes a deeply tactical legacy roguelite that asks:

What if you could breed the perfect army of whiskered warriors, then send them on tactical adventures in search of food, money and loads of treasure?

The Cat Loop:

Welcome to Boon County, where each day you’ll assemble a team from your ever-growing house and outfit your cats with class-specific collars (Fighter, Tank, Mage, and  many more). Send your mutant feline squad clawing through adventures of turn-based battles that demand careful positioning, wild power combos, and environmental shenanigans.

Combat That Rewards Mastery:

With 1000+ unique abilities (75 per class), 900+ items, and countless environmental interactions, every run throws fresh tactical puzzles at you. There’s real depth here, and endless room for experimenters and optimizers alike.

Breeding Creates Your Future:

Cats that return home carry scars, experience (and sometimes extra heads!) Pass down strange skills and mutations, tinker with your bloodline, tackle genetic quirks, and build ever stranger, more powerful cats for the next adventure.

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