Scenes From Awajima Anime Reveals Opening Theme Song and Visual

By
Soul Kiwami
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Kadokawa has revealed the opening theme song and a new key visual for the TV anime adaptation of Takako Shimura’s Scenes From Awajima manga series. Hana Hope performs the opening theme song “Blue Hour” for Scenes From Awajima.

Scenes From Awajima anime main visual
©志村貴子・太田出版／淡島百景製作委員会

Scenes From Awajima premieres in April 2026 on Fuji TV.

The cast of the anime includes:

  • Niina Nakabayashi as Wakana Tabata
  • Yō Taichi as Kinue Takehara
  • Ai Kayano as Ryōko Ueda
  • Natsumi Fujiwara as Emi Okabe
  • Ayumi Tsunematsu as Katsurako Ibuki

Morio Asaka directs the anime at Madhouse. Kunihiko Hamada is the character designer, and Yasuhiro Nakanishi is in charge of series scripts. Hideki Nakamura is the art director, Junko Sakai is the compositing director of photography, and Takahiro Obata is the music composer.

Shimura launched the manga in Ohta Publishing’s PocoPoco website in July 2011, before moving to Ohta Web Comic in July 2016. The manga went into a hiatus in 2019 and resumed with a monthly serialization in in January 2022. After another hiatus from August 2022 to November 2023, the manga resumed and later ended in March 2024. Ohta Publishing released the manga’s fifth and final compiled book volume in May 2024.

Yen Press will release the first volume on January 20, 2026. Here’s an overview of the series, via Yen Press:

Awajima Opera School—where countless girls from across the country flock in hopes of one day standing on the big stage. As they work toward achieving their dreams of stardom, their time at Awajima is filled with as much friendship and admiration as competition and jealousy. The precious feelings of girls who are at once both classmates and rivals, tenderly captured in the portraits of an ensemble cast!

VTuber’s Game: Ctrl+Alt+Del Revealed for PC via Steam

By
Saras Rajpal
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VTuber’s Game: Ctrl+Alt+Del Revealed for PC via Steam

2YAMA has announced a game called VTuber’s Game: Ctrl+Alt+Del, described as a puzzle-based visual novel with horror elements. Additionally, the first trailer for the game has also premiered. 

Alongside the announcement, a crowdfunding campaign released, which gives fans a way to support the project directly. The game features sixteen endings and tower defense-esque mechanics, plus hand-drawn animations. While little details about the game’s release date are known, more information will likely be available at a later date. Check out the first trailer for VTuber’s Game: Ctrl+Alt+Del below:

Lastly, the Steam page describes VTuber’s Game: Ctrl+Alt+Del as follows:

Become a VTuber and stream while responding to viewer comments (fans/haters).
In this desktop-operated adventure, you gradually approach the “fake” who killed your favorite. It’s a Stream & Stack: A Falling-Puzzle Tower Defense Adventure.

Outside of streams, you can chat with VTubers in the group. Have casual conversations, send stamps, or even arrange collaborations. You might even get clues leading to the culprit.

Your livestreams get clipped by viewers. “Super precious” moments are born, and sometimes they spark controversies—everything moves the story forward. 

The goal is to get close to the “fake VTuber”—the imposter ‘Maria Tenno’—who killed the protagonist and continues their activities by impersonating them. The protagonist chooses to become a famous VTuber themselves, climbing to the same level, inviting the imposter to an offline collaboration, and exacting revenge. There are 13 top-ranked members of the VTuber production company ‘SUIT’. The culprit is among them.

The story branches based on choices made during livestreams and relationships between VTubers. What will you witness in the end—the conclusion of revenge, or the protagonist’s transformation?

Crisol: Theater of Idols Releases on February 10

By
Saras Rajpal
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Crisol: Theater of Idols Releases on February 10

Blumhouse Games and Vermila Studios have announced that Crisol: Theater of Idols will release on February 10. Additionally, a demo is available now on PC via Steam. 

At launch, the game will cost $17.99. Steam players will be able to purchase it at a 10% discount. Check out the new trailer for Crisol: Theater of Idols, confirming its release date of February 10, below:

Lastly, Crisol: Theater of Idols will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Steam page describes it as follows:

Crisol: Theater of Idols is a gripping survival horror adventure set in the haunting world of Hispania, a nightmarish reimagining of Spain.   

Playing as Gabriel, a soldier who can use his own blood as a deadly weapon, you endeavor on a journey to fulfill a divine mission from the Sun God.  

Explore the Cursed Island of Tormentosa   

Uncover the chilling history and twisted folklore of Tormentosa, a beautiful but malevolent island. Traverse eerie landscapes, crumbling grand ruins, and labyrinthine streets as you peel back the layers of cults and blood sacrifice. 

Your Weapon—and Your Curse   

Blood is both your lifeline and your ammunition. Wield this new-found power against terrifying enemies and solve intricate puzzles, but beware: every shot drains your life. Choose wisely—survival hinges on your ability to balance life and death.    

Manage Your Powers and Weapons 

Upgrading the powers that leverage the lethality of blood allows you to deal more damage, fight for longer, and gain bonuses in combat. Navigate myriad weapon options for the right scenario and improve them through coins found in your exploration of Tormentosa.   

French Bread is Hiring a New Battle Planner

By
Saras Rajpal
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French Bread is Hiring a New Battle Planner

In a new post on its Twitter/X account, French Bread announced that it is hiring a new battle planner. The developers have worked on both the Under Night In-Birth series and Melty Blood. 

A battle planner is a job designed for those who are able to plan and fine-tune characters within a fighting game. Further, they will need to conduct actual matches and test out the balancing of characters. While programming experience isn’t a necessity, the potential hire must ideally have some grasp of it. While the reason French Bread need a battle planner is currently unknown, it’s possible that it could be for a new fighting game project that is in development. 

The most recent fighting game from French Bread, Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes, is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam worldwide. Lastly, the Steam page describes it as follows:

Sys:Celes sinks towards ruination.
For the Immortalize, the collapse of all that is, looms on the horizon.
The curtain rises on the final chapter of the Hollow Night. Catastrophe beckons…

Experience the Dramatic Stylish 2D Fighting Action in the latest entry of the UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH series! The first numbered sequel in the series!

3 new characters join the battle: Moonlight Dancer “Twin Barrel Beauty” Kaguya, Indomitable Rampart “Steel Guardian” Tsurugi, and Endless Entity “Eternal Re-Birth” Kuon.
You won’t be able to take your eyes off the intense battles between these 24 fighters with the highly detailed HD pixel art graphics!

New to fighting games? Not a problem – simple inputs mean even beginners can pull off moves with a single button!

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct Announced for January 25

By
Saras Rajpal
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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct Announced for January 25

Nintendo has announced that it will hold another direct dedicated to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on January 25. It will take place at 6 AM PDT/9 AM EDT/2 PM GMT. 

According to the livestream’s description, the Nintendo Direct will feature “an exclusive look at The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Please note that no game information will be included in this presentation.” Check out the livestream for the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct below:

Brie Larson, the Academy Award winning actress from Room and Captain Marvel, will voice Rosalina. Benny Safdie, director of The Smashing Machine and Uncut Gems, who has also acted in Oppenheimer and Obi-Wan Kenobi, will voice Bowser Jr. The movie’s previously released clip gave fans a better look at the introduction of Bowser Jr, who dons his Super Mario Bros. Wonder design. The film will feature elements from both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Odyssey. 

Nintendo released Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Nintendo Switch for $39.99 on October 2. Final Weapon reviewed Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2  and rated it a 4.5/5, noting that the collection “brings two of Nintendo’s most beloved 3D platformers to Nintendo Switch with meaningful updates. These re-releases enhance the originals with sharper textures, 4K support, smoother performance, and a few quality-of-life additions. Overall, this is the definitive way to experience these two inventive and magical 3D platformers.” 

Lastly, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will release in the United States on April 3, 2026. The movie will premiere on April 24, 2026 in Japan, three weeks after the US premiere. 

No Rest for the Wicked Adds Co-Op Multiplayer in New Update

By
Saras Rajpal
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No Rest for the Wicked Adds Co-Op Multiplayer in New Update

Moon Studios have announced that a new update for No Rest for the Wicked, which adds co-op multiplayer, is available now. The game is currently available on Early Access on PC via Steam. 

The update features revamped combat that accounts for multiple players. You can also build and share a house with said players. Further, there is no need for a dedicated host player to be present: anyone can log on and make progress. Check out the trailer showcasing co-op multiplayer in No Rest for the Wicked below:

The Steam page describes No Rest for the Wicked as follows:

From Moon Studios, the award-winning creators of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, comes No Rest for the Wicked, a unique, visceral Action RPG set in a hand-crafted world, featuring Souls-like combat, where every strike matters, and every friend can join the fight.

Play solo or with up to 4 players in seamless online co-op. Face monstrous enemies, build your home, and carve your path through a world torn apart by plague, greed, and glory.

    • Precision, weighty combat where every fight matters. Now with multiple difficulty options so you can fine tune the experience that’s right for your play style.

    • A vast pool of loot to discover – collect weapons, armor, runes and more as you build your unique character

    • A main campaign story that will take you through a unique, hand-crafted world

    • A living island that evolves over time – new events, vendors, and challenges emerge as days pass.

    • Homebuilding and crafting systems that tie directly into gameplay.

    • Seamless co-op, no separate mode, no fluff. Just the full game, shared.

    • No microtransactions, everything is earned through play.

Fire Emblem Shadows ‘Hegemon’ Season Pass Released

By
Saras Rajpal
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Fire Emblem Shadows 'Hegemon' Season Pass Released

Nintendo has released a new season pass for Fire Emblem Shadows, titled “Hegemon.” It adds multiple new premium and free rewards, including a Hegemon variant of Edelgard. 

Some of the free and premium awards include in-game currency, various disciple medals, and Edelgard: Hegemon souls. If you collect 12, you will unlock the character. She wields Tetrawind Trilemma EX, Tetraheal, Axe Knight, and Dark Tetrashield. Check out the trailer which showcases the Hegemon season pass for Fire Emblem Shadows below:

Lastly, Fire Emblem Shadows is available now on iOS and Android. Here’s an overview of the game, via Nintendo and the game’s respective store pages (Google Play, App Store):

The gameplay of Fire Emblem Shadows combines real-time strategy and social deduction. One of the three allies participating in each battle is secretly a treacherous disciple of shadow. Players choose to take on the role of either a disciple of light, aiming to find their way through the labyrinth, or a disciple of shadow.

After the initial battle, players vote to determine who they believe is the treacherous disciple of shadow. The outcome of the vote affects whether the next battle is more favorable or more challenging. Whether the disciples of light can correctly discover the traitor—or the disciple of shadow can successfully deceive the others—holds the key to how the next battle unfolds.

Consider the ally to your left and the one to your right. One of the three of you will betray the others. Can you manage real-time strategy and social deduction at the same time?

    • Listen—There’s Not Much Time – Someone in your party is a traitor. You only
      have a few minutes per battle to figure out who.
    • Prepare for Battle – Choose your weapons and magic skills for maximum impact.
      Will you remain loyal or betray all you knew? Expect the unexpected.
    • Hunt for Bargains – Buy and sell the treasure from battle with other players using in-game Gold! You’ll need a sharp eye to find the sharpest sword.
    • Two Tales – Enter the war between the goddesses of light and shadow. Discover the truth in the story by playing through both perspectives.

Screamer Releases Game Modes Trailer

By
Saras Rajpal
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Screamer Releases Game Modes Trailer

Milestone has released a new trailer for Screamer, which outline its various game modes. It will release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on March 26. 

The first major mode is the tournament, the game’s story mode which focuses on five different teams. There are also team races with either duos or trios, score challenge, long ride, overdrive challenge, time attacks, and multiple online and local multiplayer options. Check out the trailer showcasing the game modes in Screamer below:

Lastly, the Steam page describes Screamer as follows:

A Reason to Race

Longing, ambition, vengeance. Everyone has a reason to enter the Screamer tournament, and no one’s backing down. Join the competition and race side by side with fearless drivers, ready to push past every limit to chase what they believe in.

The Screamers

Five teams. Five reasons to risk it all – on and off the track.

Soldiers, scientists, criminals, superstars, and ruthless magnates. Different paths now converging on a single focal point: the Screamer tournament. Led by a mysterious master, this merciless competition will be the key to each participant’s personal goals.

Choose your driver wisely: each one steers a vehicle that mirrors their style, with a bespoke design and a unique ability that gives them an edge in this brutal showdown.

A Unique Style

The stage of the most lethal races, this arcade racing game plunges you into a futuristic universe brimming with 90s anime vibes. Step into a neon-lit world and speed across tracks where the adrenaline is always high!

The Echo

Mysterious tech that changed racing forever: the ECHO.

Thanks to it, cars don’t just race – they fight! Push them past the edge again and again. Juggle between Boost, Strike, and Shield to stay in the lead, unleashing blistering bursts of speed and well-placed hits to knock your rivals off the track. And once Overdrive kicks in, it’s full-throttle chaos: no mercy, no brakes, and no room for anyone in your path. Master the ECHO power and you’ll become a real Screamer!

New Super Lucky’s Tale Releases for PlayStation 5 on March 26

By
Saras Rajpal
-
New Super Lucky's Tale Releases for PlayStation 5 on March 26

PQube has announced that New Super Lucky’s Tale will release for the PlayStation 5 on March 26, 2026. It is currently available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. 

The new version of New Super Lucky’s Tale adds 4K resolution, 120 FPS, and the ability to feel Lucky’s every move and attack via the DualSense controller. A physical edition will be available. Check out the trailer confirming the release of New Super Lucky’s Tale for the PlayStation 5 below:

Lastly, the Steam page describes New Super Lucky’s Tale as follows:

Join Lucky on his thrilling journey through the Book of Ages, a magical artifact that opens doors to amazing worlds. Meet new friends, explore exciting lands, and recover the missing pages from the evil sorcerer Jinx and his villainous family, the dreaded Kitty Litter.

    • Featuring a huge variety of gameplay, from expansive 3D hubs, to story-based adventure levels, 2D side-scrolling challenges, rewarding mini-games, mind-bending puzzles, and thrilling boss battles.
    • Thousands of collectibles to gather, tons of rewarding secrets to discover, a cast of memorable characters, and an entire wardrobe of costumes for the stylish adventurer.
    • Designed to delight and challenge players of all ages and skill levels.
    • A complete re-imagining of the original Super Lucky’s Tale, featuring redesigned and new levels, a fully rotatable camera, tighter movement control, and major overhauls to nearly every other aspect, including the story, cinematics, music, and more.

Jump, burrow, and tail swipe your way to victory in this love letter to classic 3D platformers!

PSYREN Anime Reveals New Cast Members

By
Soul Kiwami
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PSYREN cast announcement

REMOW has revealed three new cast members for the TV anime adaptation of Toshiaki Iwashiro’s psychic battle action manga PSYREN, which premieres in 2026. 

The new cast members for PSYREN include:

  • Shunsuke Takeuchi as Hiryu Asaga
  • Soma Saito as Oboro Mochizuki
  • Yukihiro Nozuyama as Kabuto Kirisaki

The new cast members also shared comments regarding their roles:

Message from Shunsuke Takeuchi

Shunsuke Takeuchi

I’m Shunsuke Takeuchi, and I’ll be voicing Hiryu Asaga! This is a series fans have long wished to see animated, and I’m thrilled to finally help bring it to life! Hiryu’s constantly being dragged along while bickering with Ageha, and I’m full of excitement to deliver that dynamic. I believe the anime beautifully captures the essence of the
original, so please look forward to it!

Stand tall—Spiky Dragon Hair!
Thanks for your support!

Message from Soma Saito

Soma Saito

I’m Soma Saito, and I’ll be voicing Oboro Mochizuki. I’ve loved the original manga for a long time and had always hoped it would get an anime adaptation someday—so I’m
truly overjoyed to be involved as the voice of my absolute favorite character. As a fan myself, I can’t wait for the broadcast to begin! I truly hope many people will tune in and enjoy it. Thank you very much for your support!

Message from Yukihiro Nozuyama

Yukihiro Nozuyama

I’m Yukihiro Nozuyama, and I play Kabuto Kirisaki. I’ve poured my heart into bringing out all sides of his charm—his sharp wit, his cuteness, his coolness.
I gave it my all in the recording booth, facing it head-on, without running away! Everyone this is the anime adaptation we’ve all been waiting for, isn’t it? I can’t wait to finally share it with you. Thanks so much for your support!

The previously announced staff and cast of the PSYREN anime include:

Staff

  • Original Work by Toshiaki Iwashiro (Published by Shueisha)
  • Directed by Katsumi Ono
  • Series Composition by Shin Yoshida
  • Character Design by Akira Okuma
  • Music by Takashi Ohmama, Tatsuhiko Saiki, Shu Kanematsu
  • Animation Production by SATELIGHT

Cast

  • Ageha Yoshina voiced by Rikuya Yasuda
  • Sakurako Amamiya voiced by Mayuko Kazama
©Toshiaki Iwashiro,Shueisha/PSYREN Secret Society
©Toshiaki Iwashiro,Shueisha/PSYREN Secret Society

Iwashiro’s PSYREN manga was serialized on Weekly Shonen Jump from 2008 to 2010. Lastly, here’s an overview of the series, via REMOW:

One day, high schooler Ageha Yoshina picks up a mysterious “red phone card” left
behind in a public telephone booth.

A few days later, his childhood friend and classmate, Sakurako Amamiya—who possessed the same card—suddenly vanishes without a trace. In search of her, Ageha finds himself drawn into the rumors surrounding a nationwide string of mysterious disappearances, said to be the work of a secret organization known only as “Psyren.” When he accesses the group, a deadly game begins—one that will change his fate
forever.

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