Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles Surpasses 1 Million Copies Sold

By
Soul Kiwami
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Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles 1 million copies sold

Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles surpassed a total of 1 million copies sold worldwide as of January 5, 2026. 

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack is free to players who own Nintendo Switch copies of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles.

The new remaster of the original 1997 PlayStation RPG includes fully voiced dialogue, optimized and updated UI and art, graphical improvements, new quality of life features for the battle system, and an easy “Squire” difficulty setting. The remaster also includes sound novels cut from the game’s original English release, which can be read by acquiring certain books in the game.

The English voice cast includes:

  • Ramza Beoulve – Joe Pitts
  • Delita Heiral – Gregg Lowe
  • Princess Ovelia Atkascha – Eleanor Bennett
  • Alma Beoulve – Emily Carey
  • Agrias Oaks – Hannah Melbourn
  • Dycedarg Beoulve – Ben Starr
  • Mustadio Bunansa – Harry McEntire
  • Cidolfus Orlandeau – Timothy Watson
  • Goffard Gaffgarion – Paul Panting
  • Argath Thadalfus – Ben Allen
  • Duke Bestrald Larg – Huw Parmenter
  • Duke Druksmald Goltanna – Kevin McNally
  • Orran Durai – Matthew Duckett
  • Cameos by Cody Christian and Briana White

The Final Fantasy Tactics Best Selection Vinyl Soundtrack is available for ¥4,620 in Japan. The 15-track vinyl record includes a jacket with artwork by Final Fantasy Tactics illustrator Akihiko Yoshida. Moreover, the vinyl comes with a MP3 album for the Final Fantasy Tactics Original Soundtrack featuring 102 songs, including 31 tracks that didn’t appear in the original game.

AKIBA LOST Releases on September 17

By
Soul Kiwami
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AKIBA LOST screenshot

IzanagiGames and Nippon TV have announced AKIBA LOST will launch on September 17 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders for the standard physical and digital editions of AKIBA LOST are now open in Japan as well.

Pre-orders for the Special Collection Box (¥19,580 JPY, tax included) are now available, with Standard Edition pre-orders to opening this month at retailers in Japan. Special Collection Box contents include a 200-page special photo art book, a bonus making-of DVD, an in-game digital item download code, digital soundtrack, and Shirosawa Games Sticker. 

© IzanagiGames, Inc. / NTV / AX-ON.

The cast of the new game includes: 

  • Hiromitsu Kitayama as Game Creator / Daiki Shinjo
  • Sayuri Matsumura as Maid / Aoi Shinjo
  • Momoko Tanabe as Game Streamer / Yukimi Kurahashi
  • Misato Ugaki as Gourmet Writer / Moe Kurosu
  • Yui Oguri (AKB48) as Underground Idol / Kokone Nagato
  • Azusa Ohara as Shrine Maiden / Chihiro Jimbo
  • MINA (East Of Eden) as Cosplayer / Wakana Yusa

The live-action drama series for AKIBA LOST will premiere on January 13 at 24:59 JST, or January 14 at 12:59 a.m. JST. Hulu and TVer will stream the series, and there will be three songs featured in the AKIBA LOST TV series and game: “Answer Me” and “Shōtai Fumei no Lady (Unidentified Lady)”by Galali and “The weight of choice” by East of Eden.

You can keep up with the following social media channels for more information on AKIBA LOST:

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Demo Releases on January 7, Opening Movie Revealed

By
Soul Kiwami
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Dragon Quest VII Reimagined demo

Square Enix has announced a free demo of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined will be available on all platforms starting January 7. Save data from the Dragon Quest VII Reimagined demo transfers over to the full game. In addition, the game’s opening movie, which is also in the demo, was revealed.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches on February 5, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. A physical Collector’s Edition will be sold featuring a Ship in a Bottle figure, Slime Plush, Steelbook, and more. Moreover, a Digital Deluxe Edition will be available with 48 hours of early access, a unique costume for playable character Ruff and three paid DLC packs. Purchase any edition of the game early to receive the Early Bird Bonus, which will give players a Dragon Quest VIII costume for the Hero and three Seeds of Proficiency. Digital purchases include a Slime Shield specific to each platform.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined will not have an upgrade path from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2, however. In addition to no upgrade path, there will be no save data transfers between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. Download codes for in-game bonuses will also be tied to their respective versions. In addition, save data bonuses from Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake are also tied to Dragon Quest VII Reimagined’s respective versions.

Suika Game Planet Available Today on Switch and Switch 2

By
Saras Rajpal
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Suika Game Planet Available Today on Switch and Switch 2

Aladdin X has announced that Suika Game Planet is available today as a limited exclusive on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. It costs $3.00 on the Switch and $3.75 on the Switch 2. 

There are no major differences between the two versions. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Suika Game Planet supports GameShare functionality. It will release at a later date for other consoles, the identity of which are currently unknown. Nintendo first unveiled the game during the September 12, 2025 Nintendo Direct. Here’s an overview of Suika Game Planet, available now for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, via Nintendo:

The hit puzzle game returns in outer space. Collide matching fruit to “evolve” them into larger fruit and higher scores. Drop fruit towards the center of the planet to create as many big watermelons (Suika) as possible, and net bonus points by triggering new Super Evolution combos. Suika Game Planet on Nintendo Switch 2 also features an exclusive local four player co-op mode with GameShare. Suika Game Planet launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch as a timed console exclusive this winter.

The original world-renowned fruit matching game Suika Game is currently available now for Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch. Here’s an overview of the game, via the Nintendo eShop:

To prevent the fruits from overflowing from the box, collide the same kind of fruit. As you collide fruits, their types change. Let’s create big watermelons! This is a game where you combine two small fruits to make them larger and create big watermelons.

GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition Supports 60 FPS on Switch 2, GameCube Controller Analog Triggers

By
Soul Kiwami
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GRID Legends Deluxe Edition Switch 2

New details about GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 were recently revealed in a Reddit AMA with the developers, confirming a slew of new features like 60 FPS and GameCube controller support. Like other Switch 2 games, GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition will features Graphics (30 FPS) and Performance (60 FPS) modes for both docked and handheld modes.

In addition to the Graphics and Performance modes, there will be “Balanced” and “Battery Saver” presets for handheld mode. In general, the Switch 2 version will retain all the visual and graphical effects of the other version. Moreover, GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition can leverage the use of analog triggers with the GameCube controller, allowing for greater acceleration and braking control.

GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in early 2026 for $39.99. The game is already available now for Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. 

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

GRID Legends delivers thrilling wheel-to-wheel motorsport and edge-of-your-seat action around the globe. Create your dream motorsport events, hop into live multiplayer races, be part of the drama in an immersive virtual production story, and embrace the sensation of spectacular action racing.

Jostle for position. Drive legendary cars to their limits. Feel the rush of incredible speed. Push your Nemesis on the track. Defeat your friends again and again…and don’t let them ever forget it!

      • Play together with up to 21 friends in the most social and connected GRID ever, including cross-platform play, and cause havoc on the track.
      • Make racing memories with a stunning variety of cars, new city locations such as London, exciting event types; and create on-track enemies.
      • Use the Race Creator to design adrenaline-fueled races to tear up with your friends, with event types like Elimination, electrifying Boost races, and the return of Drift. Want to race hypercars against huge trucks? Go for it!
      • Be part of the spectacle of motorsport with our dramatic virtual production story Driven to Glory, or dive into our largest ever Career, featuring hundreds of exhilarating events.
      • New to GRID Legends: The Photomode Update – Snap and share your favourite in-game cars!

Capcom Arcade Stadium Vol. 1 Physical Edition Announced for PS4, Xbox, and Switch

By
Saras Rajpal
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Capcom Arcade Stadium Vol. 1 Physical Edition Announced for PS4, Xbox, and Switch

Limited Run Games has announced a physical edition for Capcom Arcade Stadium Vol. 1 for PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders will go live on January 9 and end on February 8. 

All three versions, each of which cost $59.99, come with the option to switch between five different covers. The options are the default Capcom Arcade Stadium cover, as well as covers based on Ghouls’n Ghosts, Captain Commando, Final Fight, and Strider. It also includes a booklet. Check out the announcement post from Limited Run Games below:

The collection, which initially released in 2021, includes the following games:

Dawn of the Arcade (1984–1988)
  • 1942 (1984)
  • 1943: The Battle of Midway (1987)
  • Bionic Commando (1987)
  • Commando (1985)
  • Forgotten Worlds (1988)
  • Ghosts ‘n Goblins (1985)
  • Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (1988)
  • Legendary Wings (1986)
  • Pirate Ship Higemaru (1984)
  • Section Z (1985)
  • Trojan (1986)
  • Vulgus (1984)
Arcade Revolution (1989–1992)
  • 1941: Counter Attack (1990)
  • Captain Commando (1991)
  • Carrier Air Wing (1990)
  • Dynasty Wars (1989)
  • Final Fight (1989)
  • Mega Twins (1990)
  • Mercs (1990)
  • Street Fighter II (1991)
  • Strider (1989)
  • Varth: Operation Thunderstorm (1992)
Arcade Evolution (1992–2001)
  • 19XX: The War Against Destiny (1995)
  • 1944: The Loop Master (2000)
  • Armored Warriors (1994)
  • Battle Circuit (1997)
  • Cyberbots: Full Metal Madness (1995)
  • Giga Wing (1999)
  • Progear (2001)
  • Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting (1992)
  • Super Street Fighter II Turbo (1994)
  • Warriors of Fate (1992)

The store page describes Capcom Arcade Stadium Vol. 1 as follows:

Shooters, fighting, action—all your favorite genres in this exciting collection! Capcom Arcade Stadium brings back all the nostalgia of the arcade, while adding in new and exciting features you’ll wish you had back then!

Just Like the Good Old Days

From 3D-rendered arcade cabinets to scanline filters, there’s everything you need to recreate that arcade atmosphere. Fully customizable display settings let you craft your own personal experience and truly relive the glory days of arcade gaming.

Brand New Ways to Play

With gameplay rewind, speed adjustment, and the ability to save and load your game at any time, your old favorites will feel new all over again!

Every game has online leaderboard rankings, so you can see where you stack up against players all over the world!

Capcom Arcade Stadium, where retro appeal meets cutting-edge features for a fresh take on Capcom’s classics!

NITRO PLUS’ Dolls Nest is Getting a Manga

By
Soul Kiwami
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Dolls Nest manga

Kadokawa’s Young Ace magazine has announced that a manga adaptation of NITRO PLUS’ 3D mecha girls action game Dolls Nest will launch in March. The Dolls Nest manga will be written by Satoshi Maejima and illustrated by Nykken on the Young Ace Up website. 

Dolls Nest launched on April 24, 2025 for $19.99 on PC via Steam with English and Japanese language support.

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

Doll.

My darling doll…

Your birth is nigh, so leave the cradle.

They plundered my body, my limbs ripped of, my eyes gouged.

To reclaim all, I give birth to you.

Awaken, my doll. It is time for battle.

Dolls Nest is a 3D action game where you control a mecha girl as she explores the gigantic factory world of Hod on her journey to uncover the truth. Hod, the world which you inhabit, is a massive crater crawling with armored units. Broken machines and ruined buildings are strewn across its landscape. But fate can be cruel. You must scavenge the land for resources if you wish to survive in this ruined world. Make use of the parts and items you find on your journey, and overcome the trials that lie before you.

Key Features:

      • Combat – Dodging and using weapons will consume energy. Be sure to manage your energy well and avoid running out of energy in the middle of a fight.
      • Exploration Aim to defeat the area boss and discover new unexplored areas. Some events may even trigger along the way.
      • Customization – Frame Units are capable of changing out and customizing parts. Select parts that are best suited for the situation at hand.

Final Fantasy IX Character Designer Toshiyuki Itahana Has Left Square Enix

By
Soul Kiwami
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Toshiyuki Itahana leaves Square Enix

Final Fantasy IX character designer Toshiyuki Itahana has announced his departure from Square Enix on his personal blog. According to Itahana, he left Square Enix at the end of 2025 after completing work associated with the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX, and he will continue to work in the industry as a freelance illustrator and character designer.

Here’s the full message from Itahana:

As I began thinking seriously about preparing myself to continue drawing for many years to come, I decided to leave Square Enix at the end of last year.

Last year marked a major milestone with the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX, a truly significant event, and I was deeply grateful to see so many people celebrating FFIX.

To everyone who celebrated with us, and to those who visited the exhibitions, shops, and cafés—thank you so very much! (The Osaka collaboration café is still ongoing!)

With the illustration work and supervision related to the 25th anniversary now complete, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment in having fulfilled the role entrusted to me. At the same time, I felt this was the right moment to draw a line under this chapter and take on new challenges.

From here on, I will be working as a freelance illustrator and character designer.
While remaining deeply grateful for all the connections I’ve been fortunate to receive through my work so far, I hope to draw upon my experience and continue creating a wide variety of new artwork.

At the moment, I’m still finding my way—listening to advice and learning from senior freelance illustrators—but if you happen to come across my work somewhere, I would be truly happy if you could support me.

To everyone who played the games I worked on at Square Enix, and to all those I had the pleasure of working with over the years, thank you very much. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude, and I sincerely hope for your continued support in the future.

May this new year be an exceptionally happy one for all of you.

Toshiyuki Itahana
Jan 05, 2026

Final Fantasy IX is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, and PC via Steam. A Final Fantasy IX 2D animated series is reportedly back in production for a 2028 targeted release.

CODE VEIN II ‘Character Creator’ Demo Releases January 22

By
Soul Kiwami
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CODE VEIN II Character Creator demo

Bandai Namco has announced a new demo for action RPG CODE VEIN II will launch on January 22, allowing players to fully utilize the Character Creator and prepare their Revenant Hunter for launch. The CODE VEIN II Character Creator demo offers a variety of settings for body type, hairstyle, facial expressions, accessories, and much more. The demo also features a Photo Mode. 

In the meantime, check out the walkthrough trailer below:

CODE VEIN II launches January 30, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Here’s an overview of the game, via Bandai Namco:

CODE VEIN II features a deep narrative where players and characters are bound by blood, fate, and destiny, set in a future where the last remnants of humanity and Revenants struggle against a world on the verge of collapse. The player’s journey will span across haunting, post-apocalyptic landscapes including the flooded ruins of the Sunken City, The Undead Forest, the isolated MagMell Island, and more. As the story unfolds, players will encounter the legendary heroes, Revenants who may hold the keys to saving this collapsing world. Among them are Josée Anjou, the “Queen of Solitude,” who once ruled a sanctuary swallowed by the sea, and Holly Asturias, a healer burdened by the title of “Reaper Witch.” 

CODE VEIN II features distinctive gameplay for an action RPG, where players use blood drained from enemies to unlock a variety of powerful skills, build strategy for combat with Blood codes, and use unique weapons and equipment called Jails to overcome challenging foes and epic bosses. CODE VEIN II also features a deep customization system for the game’s protagonist, where players can customize their characters to perfection with a vast array of settings for body type, hairstyle, facial expressions, accessories, makeup and more.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds PAC-MAN Pack Releases on January 7

By
Soul Kiwami
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

SEGA has announced the PAC-MAN Pack DLC for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will launch on January 7 with a new vehicle and multiple playable characters. Shortly after the launch of the PAC-MAN Pack, the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds PAC-MAN Festival event will run from January 8 at 4:00 p.m. PST / 7:00 p.m. EST to January 11 at 4:59 p.m. PST / 7:59 p.m. EST. 

Previously, SEGA released the NiGHTS content update, featuring NiGHTS as a playable characters, the Dream Sleeper vehicle, and special emotes and sounds. AiAi from Super Monkey Ball and the Banana Cruiser Vehicle will be added in a free update in January 2026. Sonic the Hedgehog IDW series characters Tangle and Whisper will join the roster in February 2026.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. The Season Pass is available now for $29.99.

The Season Pass includes the following collaborative content:

  • Minecraft
    • Playable characters: Steve, Alex, and Creeper
    • Minecraft-themed course and vehicle
  • SpongeBob SquarePants
    • Playable characters: SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick
    • SpongeBob SquarePants-themed course and vehicle
  • PAC-MAN
    • Playable characters: Pac-Man and rival ghosts
    • PAC-MAN-themed course and vehicle
  • Mega Man
    • Playable characters: Mega Man and Proto Man
    • Mega Man-themed course and vehicle
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • Avatar Legends

Final Weapon previously reviewed Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and gave it a 4.5/5 score, noting that “there is very little in the way between the player and the game’s content, making for a refreshing pick-up-and-play experience that will satisfy players of all ages and skill levels. CrossWorlds is a kart racer that deeply understands the appeal of the genre and manages to finish in first place because of that.”

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