Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0 Update is Out Now

By
Soul Kiwami
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Animal Crossing New Horizons Version 3.0

Nintendo has launched the version 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons ahead of the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on January 15. The update adds a resort hotel hosted by the Kapp’n family, along with the ability to decorate guest rooms inside the hotel.

In version 3.0, Animal Crossing: New Horizons players can craft multiple items at a time, invite guests using amiibo, upgrade storage size, and visit and maintain a dream world that allows you to create an entire island at will. The update also introduces a collaboration featuring LEGO items, and characters from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and the Splatoon franchise also appear. 

By tapping select amiibo figures from The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon series, Animal Crossing: New Horizons players can invite certain characters to visit their island in update 3.0 and beyond. Prior to the release of the update, Nintendo revealed the updated list of compatible amiibo for Animal Crossing: New Horizons version 3.0.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches January 15 and will cost $64.99, and an Upgrade Pack will be available for $4.99 in the Nintendo eShop. The new edition will add 4K visuals, the ability to redecorate and write messages using the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, a Megaphone which utilizes the Switch 2’s mic, and the ability to play with up to 12 players at a time instead of 8. You can also use GameChat and the Switch 2 camera while playing with friends.  

Patch notes for the version 3.0 update are listed below:

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0 Patch Notes

General updates (Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch)
  • The previously announced new content and features have been added.
  • It’s now possible to craft up to 10 items at once if you have enough materials.
  • Items stored in your home storage can now be used as DIY materials.
  • The DIY Recipes app now includes a page where you can check hotel DIY requests and items requested by Tom Nook as you progress through the game.
  • Items obtained by linking with Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp can now always be ordered from Nook Shopping.
  • Super Mario Bros. items can now be ordered from Nook Shopping without linking to a Nintendo Account.
  • While outdoors on an island, holding down the L Button allows you to move while facing the same direction.
  • When changing the island tune at Resident Services, Isabelle will now suggest recommended melodies, including the original island tune.
  • When changing the island flag at Resident Services, you can now revert it to the original design from when the island was created.
  • You can now purchase up to 50 Customization Kits at once from Nook’s Cranny.
  • Several items, including Snowflakes, can now be sold at the drop-off box at Nook’s Cranny.
  • You will receive a Pearl every time you give a scallop to Pascal.
  • You can now ask Leif to remove weeds when there are 30 or more weeds on your island, either on Harv’s Island or during his visits
  • The fee for asking Leif to remove weeds has been reduced.
  • New tips have been added to the Island Life 101 app.
  • Additional Nook Miles tasks have been added alongside the new features.
  • The order of some collaboration items has been updated in the catalogs used for photo studios and hotel decorating.
  • Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specific Updates
  • Fixed an issue where the startup sound for Nook Shopping on the smartphone would not play correctly.
NookLink (Nintendo Switch App) Updates
  • Added new articles to the Island Newspaper.
  • The Catalog now supports new items added in Ver. 3.0.0.

Note: A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership and a compatible smart device with the Nintendo Switch App installed are required to use this service.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon to Launch with Limited-Time Discount

By
Soul Kiwami
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The Legend of Heroes Trails beyond the Horizon

NIS America has announced that The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon will launch with a special limited-time discount through January 28. Players can save 20% on the PC version of Trails beyond the Horizon, and the Mini Art Book, Soundtrack, Digital Art Book will also be discounted at the same rate. What’s more, the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 versions of Trails beyond the Horizon Special Editions and Service Packs will also benefit from a 20% discount. 

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon launches on January 15 at 12:00 a.m. PST / 3:00 a.m. EST for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. The Story Demo for Trails beyond the Horizon is available now on all platforms with save data transfers to the full game. A Battle Demo is also available, exclusively on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Final Weapon reviewed The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon and gave it a perfect score, 5 stars. The review notes that Trails beyond the Horizon is “a modern-day masterpiece of a RPG that elevates the Trails franchise thematically with its story and structurally with its superb gameplay. The time investment pays off with many big reveals and lore drops that fans have been waiting for, along with unexpected ones. With a slew of quality-of-life improvements, meaningful new gameplay features, and a memorable and emotional story, Trails beyond the Horizon is a cut above many RPGs in the industry.”

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy POP UP SHOP Announced for Japan

By
Soul Kiwami
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The Hundred Line Last Defense Academy POP UP SHOP

Aniplex and Too Kyo Games announced that a The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy POP UP SHOP will run at THE CHARA SHOP (8F) from February 19 to March 11 at Yurakucho Marui in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy POP UP SHOP will feature new “Morning Routine” artwork, and additional news for the game has been teased for January 16.

A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is seemingly being considered by creator Kazutaka Kodaka. The release of The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy Nintendo Switch 2 Edition wasn’t outright confirmed, but Kodaka and the team have thought about the possibility for an upgraded version of the turn-based strategy RPG.

Previously, XSEED Games and Too Kyo Games released the version 1.1.1 update for The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, which introduced the “Extreme & Despair” difficulty mode, several quality of life improvements, battle balance adjustments, and bug fixes.

Before the game’s launch for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, Final Weapon reviewed The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy and gave it a 4 out of 5 score. Our review praises the RPG’s intriguing cast of characters, easy pick-up and play combat system, and compelling elements reminiscent of Kodaka’s Danganronpa franchise. 

Blue Archive Releases ‘We Are the Occult Investigation Society! Ancient Spells and Mysteries’ Update

By
Saras Rajpal
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Blue Archive Releases 'We Are the Occult Investigation Society! Ancient Spells and Mysteries' Update

Nexon has released a new update for Blue Archive, titled “We Are the Occult Investigation Society! Ancient Spells and Mysteries.” The update adds a new story of the same name and two new students, Eri (3★) and Kanoe (3★). 

A new student recruitment event is also now live and available until January 27. Eri is a new character who is part of the Wild Hunt Academy of Arts and president of the Occult Investigation Society, while Kanoe is another member of the Society. In a press release, Nexon states that the new story “features the Occult Investigation Society guiding Sensei through the Wild Hunt Academy of Arts, filled with artistic and supernatural landmarks. Throughout the tour, players will encounter mysterious incidents.”

Check out the trailer for the latest update for Blue Archive, “We Are the Occult Investigation Society! Ancient Spells and Mysteries,” below:

Lastly, Blue Archive is available now on iOS, Android, and PC via Steam. The Steam page describes the game as follows:

Begin Your Story with the Girls of This Epic Anime Fantasy RPG

Blue Archive‘s world immerses you in a detailed fantasy journey, following the stories of the girls in Kivotos. This title blends anime visuals, action, relationships, and RPG strategy. Embark on a journey filled with emotion, adventure, and unforgettable moments.

A Fantasy-Filled Anime RPG You’ll Never Forget!

Step into the role of a teacher in Kivotos, a fantasy city with magical schools and thrilling adventures. Guide students through school experiences and military operations. Each girl’s story is part of the Kivotos adventure, creating a vibrant RPG world with heartwarming moments and unforgettable stories.

HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE! Launches New Feature MYSEKAI

By
Soul Kiwami
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SEGA has launched a major update for rhythm adventure game HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE! with the new feature MYSEKAI. A mysterious song named “Untitled,” which has no melody or lyrics, spreads throughout Shibuya and unlocks access to SEKAI, where everyone can discover their true emotions and songs. 

In MYSEKAI, HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE! players can plan and decorate their SEKAI through harvesting materials, building furniture, and placing decorations and furniture. The life-sim inspired mode also lets players meet characters and earn special materials daily called Memoria.

Gates can be leveled up to allow for more visitors, and there are MYSEKAI Missions and a Rank system that allows for more harvesting areas, higher furniture limits, and much more. Players can also visit other players’ SEKAIs and take photos. To demonstrate the new MYSEKAI feature, Ironmouse and CDawgVA will stream the game on January 17.

Fans can also watch the COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Movies, YouTube Movies, and Fandango At Home. In addition, COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing will be available on Blu-ray with a Collector’s Edition Set on April 14.

The COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing Blu-ray Collector’s Edition Set includes packaging with exclusive illustrations by animator Yuki Akiyama, a 36-page art book, acrylic standee, and various bonus features, including after show concerts, teasers and trailers, unit 2D music videos, and non-credits opening. Pre-orders are available now for $58.99 (MSRP: $74.98) at the GKIDS Store.

 

One Piece College Basketball US Voyage Announced, Starts on January 23

By
Saras Rajpal
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One Piece College Basketball US Voyage Announced, Starts on January 23

Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced the One Piece College Basketball US Voyage, a collaboration with multiple NCAA schools. The collaboration will start on January 23. 

Specifically, Bandai Namco will work with Gonzaga University (Washington), Rutgers University (New Jersey), St. John’s University (New York), University of Houston (Texas), and University of Illinois (Illinois). Each game will include merch, such as exclusive posters and T-shirts, and screenings of promo videos.

Every college will hold a special half-time show themed around the series, which will feature a marching band performing the anime’s theme, “We Are!” and T-shirt toss. Further, the cast of the Netflix adaptation will give shout-out videos on January 23 at Rutgers and on February 6 at St. John’s. More details are available via the collaboration’s official website. 

Season 2 of the One Piece Netflix adaptation premieres on March 10. Some of the new cast members include Mikaela Hoover as Tony Tony Chopper, Callum Kerr as Smoker, Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday, and more. One Piece Season 3 follows up at a later date, and, so far, the third season’s confirmed cast members are Cole Escola as Bon Clay, Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace, Awdo Awdo as Mr. 1, and Daisy Head as Miss Doublefinger.

The One Piece Elbaph arc anime premieres on April 5, 2026 with a new two-cour structure featuring a maximum of 26 episodes. Once the Egghead arc concludes this year, One Piece will go on a three-month hiatus from January to March 2026.

Lastly, One Piece has been serialized since July 1997, and fans can read the manga weekly on VIZ Media and Manga Plus in English.

The Disney Afternoon Collection Rated for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

By
Saras Rajpal
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The Disney Afternoon Collection Rated for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

ESRB has rated The Disney Afternoon Collection for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. This potentially indicates that the game will finally release on both consoles at a later date. 

Disney and Atari initially released The Disney Afternoon Collection on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam in 2017. It includes the following games: Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2, DuckTales, DuckTales 2, Darkwing Duck, and TaleSpin. The game has not yet released on Switch systems, however, the recent rating indicates that an announcement for a port could be imminent.

The Steam page describes the game as follows:

Starring a cast of beloved Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. Hunt for treasure around the globe as Scrooge McDuck, fight crime as the hero Darkwing Duck, take to the skies as ace pilot Baloo the bear, and enjoy co-op as Chip and Dale to take down Fat Cat.

All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel. This collection also offers new ways to play with Boss Rush and Time Attack modes, each of which encourages time-based gameplay and features online leaderboards. Additionally, a new “Rewind” feature makes these challenging titles more accessible for newcomers, with the option to rewind time and enjoy a swift recovery from blunders. Best of all, the in-game Museum will provide history buffs with a wealth of extras to celebrate the era of the original releases, such as concept art, and music – all lovingly preserved.

Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary Anime Gets an English Dub

By
Soul Kiwami
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Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary English dub

Crunchyoll has added an English dub to the anime adaptation of Yuritaro’s Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary horror action manga series, which is now streaming on the service. The English dub cast and crew of Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary was not disclosed, since it was provided by Kadokawa, according to Crunchyroll’s Liam Dempsey. 

The Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary anime is airing on TV Tokyo and its affiliate channels, AT-X, and WOWOW. Isekaijoucho performs the opening theme song “Maboroshi no Yukue (The Phantom’s Destination)” and SAKED and TAO perform the ending theme song “Playmour feat. Kaya-chan (Azusa Tachibana).”

Cast members for Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary include:

  • Azusa Tachibana as Kaya-chan
  • Maaya Uchida as Chie-sensei
  • Yūki Kaji as Namu
  • Fukushi Ochiai as Mobuo
  • Azusa Tadokoro as Akira-sensei
  • Shiori Izawa as Chihiro-sensei
  • Toshiyuki Morikawa as Kaya-Papa (Shizuo Satō)
  • Mamiko Noto as Kaya-Mama (Mirai Satō)
  • Haruka Tomatsu as Nana Ebisumori
  • Yoshiko Sakakibara as Mutsu Ebisumori
  • Misaki Kuno as Saku-chan
  • Mutsumi Tamura as Kenken
  • Chiemi Tanaka as Yuzu-chan

Hiroshi Ikehata directs the Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary anime at East Fish Studio. Tarō Yamada and Hiroyuki Moriguchi are the character designers, and Shigeru Murakoshi handles the series scripts. Yukio Nagasaki is the sound director, and Kohta Yamamoto and Shun Narita are composing the music. 

Additional staff members include:

  • Art Setting/Art Director: Ayumi Satō
  • Color Design: Ritsuko Utagawa
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Natsuki Yoshizawa
  • Editing: Gō Sadamatsu
  • Sound Effects: Hiromune Kurahashi
  • Music Production: Pony Canyon
Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary key visual
© 百合太郎・新潮社/カヤコワ製作委員会

Yuritaro first launched the Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary manga Shinchosha’s Kurage Bunch website in April 2022.

Seven Seas Entertainment describes the manga as follows:

Are you braver than a kindergartner? Find out with this horror manga that takes place in the most unlikely of places–and don’t miss the upcoming anime!

Kaya-chan is a notorious problem child in her kindergarten, but none of the adults know her secret–till Chie-sensei is put in charge and learns of Kaya-chan’s hidden ability to see evil spirits and vanquish them with a punch! What will happen to this five-year-old who gets in trouble when she’s only trying to help?

Clover Reset is Coming to Switch

By
Soul Kiwami
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Clover Reset

vividX’s yuri visual novel Clover Reset is coming soon to Nintendo Switch, and a release date will be announced at a later date. 

Clover Reset is available now for PC via Steam with English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language options. Here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:

The wheels of fate begin to turn.

The girls meet, fall in love, and deepen their bonds.

“Hey, do you know the meaning of the four-leaf clover?”

Set at “Shonan Saika Academy,” a prestigious school in Shonan, Kanagawa Prefecture, this is a youthful story of girls wavering between friendship and love.

Shonan Saika Academy, a high-achieving all-girls school in Kanagawa Prefecture.

One day, Marin Tachibana, along with her best friends Mashiro Saotome and Kiyoka Jinguji, experiences a special day.

It begins with meeting an unusual new transfer student, Shizuku Kujyo.

A beautiful girl with a calm and dignified demeanor.

Meeting her feels like déjà vu…

While showing her around the school, they stop by an observation deck, where Marin finds a four-leaf clover.

There is a tradition at this school:

If you press a four-leaf clover found on the observation deck into your student notebook, your wish will come true.

(I want to get closer to her. To spend more time with her…)

With this wish, Marin gives Shizuku the “coincidental” four-leaf clover she found.

This act becomes a turning point, bringing Marin and Shizuku closer together with the help of Mashiro and Kiyoka. However…

“Please, stop worrying about me. I don’t want to just be protected…”

“Shizuku, we’re friends, right?”

A storm threatens to tear them apart.

It is deeply tied to a “secret” Shizuku is hiding and a “trauma” from Marin’s past.

The story follows the growth, mutual support, and cherished memories of the four girls.

Will Marin and the others find their personal “clover” (happiness)?

Aerial_Knight’s Dropshot Launches on February 17

By
Soul Kiwami
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Aerial_Knight's Dropshot

Indie developer Aerial_Knight has announced skydiving “finger gun” first-person shooter Aerial_Knight’s Dropshot will launch on February 17 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Epic Games Store and Steam. A new trailer for the upcoming title was also released.

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

Aerial_Knight’s Dropshot is a fast-paced, heart-pounding FPS where five characters. You and four Enemies are racing to grab the 1 parachute as you fall from the sky. Be the first to the ground alive. But with bullets flying, every second counts. Outfall your opponents, avoid enemy fire, and use your Finger Gun to take out Enemies 

You’re armed with a limited number of Finger bullets. Finger blasting Enemies and clear your path to victory,  Use the slipstreams from Enemies to gain speed, but they’ll try to take you down before you reach the ground.

Five fall but only one will land.

Key Features

      • Survive the Fall: Race against four other players to reach the ground first — and stay alive.

      • Limited Ammo: Start with only (X) bullets. Use them wisely to eliminate threats or protect yourself.

      • Slipstream Speed: Use your enemies’ slipstreams to gain speed, but they can do the same to you.

      • Quick Rounds: Each round lasts 30-45 seconds — fast-paced action that never lets up.

      • Dynamic Visuals: Stunning environments and thrilling perspectives as you plummet toward the earth.

      • Intense Soundtrack: Pulse-pounding music and sound effects with some style

Live out your dream of finger-blasting multiple enemies as you all fall to your death.

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