CODE VEIN II Trailer Introduces Lyle McLeish

Lyle McLeish in CODE VEIN II

Bandai Namco has released the new trailer for action RPG CODE VEIN II introducing character Lyle McLeish. Lyle is the ace of the Dawn Chorus, an organization seeking to reclaim the Corroded Scar region in CODE VEIN II.

With a self-sacrificing combat style, Lyle is a evasion-focused attacker that can engage enemies at various ranges. His “Raikasen” skill can deliver a sweeping, lightning-charged strike, with use of mid-range Magic Formae. His “Overdrive” buff increases Attack Power for himself and the player until one of them is hit as well. Lyle’s “Ichor” Link Train activates when successfully dodging enemy attacks.

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.

Netflix To Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery And Warner Bros. Games

Netflix To Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery And Warner Bros. Games

Netflix has announced that it will acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, and according to a spokesperson, the purchase will include Warner Bros. Games. This will include Rocksteady, Traveler’s Tales, NetherRealm Studios, and Warner Bros. Montreal. 

The purchase, which is in cash and stock totaling up to $82.7 million, won’t go through until it is approved by the FTC and when Warner Bros. separates from Discovery Global. If approved, Netflix will own the rights to the DC universe, Harry Potter franchise, Game of Thrones, and countless more. Additionally, based on comments made to Game Developer, the gaming division will also be assimilated, which includes the LEGO games and Mortal Kombat series. 

Netflix co-CEO, Greg Peters, said the following about the purchase in a press release: “This acquisition will improve our offering and accelerate our business for decades to come. Warner Bros. has helped define entertainment for more than a century and continues to do so with phenomenal creative executives and production capabilities.

With our global reach and proven business model, we can introduce a broader audience to the worlds they create—giving our members more options, attracting more fans to our best-in-class streaming service, strengthening the entire entertainment industry and creating more value for shareholders.”

UPDATE: Paramount has launched a hostile bid of Warner Bros. to counter Netflix’s acquisition. The new bid is for $30 in cash a share, or approximately 108 billion dollars. Paramount intends to go directly to the shareholders of WBD, casting Netflix’s initial purchase in doubt. 

Earlier this year, Warner Bros. Games was restructured into four new divisions. These divisions are focused on Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and the DC universe. The restructured Warner Bros. Games also applies to the studio heads. Warner Bros Games Montréal studio head Yves Lachance has been promoted to senior vice president, development, and will oversee the development teams working on Harry Potter and the Game of Thrones games. NetherRealm studio head Shaun Himmerick has been promoted to senior vice president, development for the Mortal Kombat and DC games.

Tales of Xillia Remastered Update 1.03 Brings Several Bug Fixes

Tales of Xillia Remastered update 1.03

Bandai Namco has released the version 1.03 update for Tales of Xillia Remastered with numerous bug fixes for diagonal inputs, game and BGM volume, attire, and much more. Tales of Xillia Remastered update 1.03 also adjusts the localization by fixing errors in the subtitles. The update will come to the Nintendo Switch version at a later date.

Read up on the patch notes below, via Bandai Namco’s official website:

Tales of Xillia Remastered Update 1.03 Patch Notes

  • Fixed an issue where the diagonal inputs were too sensitive when inputting “quick-step” in battle.
  • Fixed an issue where adjusting the volume in “Menu -> System -> Options-> Sound” didn’t change the volume output.
  • Adjusted BGM volume for some songs in the “Battle BGM Pack.”
  • Fixed an issue where a character’s hair would disappear when changing to normal attire from a specific equipment set.
  • Fixed an issue where using the “mine” action in the Felgana Mines prevents players from progressing further when a certain button is mapped to the “talk” action.
  • Fixed an issue where the total play time counter would stop increasing after a certain value
  • 【Steam Ver.】Fixed an issue where “Holy Bottle” and “Dark Bottle” effects would not end after their timer ran out when the frame rate cap was set to 120.
  • Fixed several graphical issues.
  • Fixed several typographical errors in the subtitles.
  • Fixed various other issues that would prevent game progression.

Tales of Xillia Remastered launched on October 31 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Along with previously released DLC, the remaster includes notable quality of life enhancements, including auto-save and early access to the Grade Shop. The game also features the Dual Raid Linear Motion Battle System, a real-time combat system that allows players to unleash devastating combo attacks and unlock special support skills to overwhelm foes.

Tales of Xillia 2 Remastered and a new Tales of game are in development, according to series producer Yusuke Tomizawa in an interview with Famitsu. While fans wait for the next new Tales of game, new remasters will be released, including Tales of Xillia 2 Remastered. Tomizawa also shared that over 70% of Tales of sales are from overseas, or fans outside Japan.

Final Fantasy XIV Reveals New Patch 7.4 ‘Into the Mist’ Trailer, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension Collaboration

Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4 Into the Mist

Square Enix has revealed a new trailer for the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4 “Into the Mist” update, which launches on December 16 with new activities and features. Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4 and the 7.4x series of updates will introduce new Main Scenario Quests, dungeon, trial, Arcadion raid series tier, Variant & Criterion Dungeon, new additions to the Duty Support system, and updates to PvP, Gold Saucer, Occult Crescent, Cosmic Exploration.

Further, Final Fantasy XIV has announced a collaboration with FANTASIAN Neo Dimension will kick off on December 16 alongside the release of Patch 7.4. Attire sets inspired by Leo, Kina, and Cheryl’s outfits will be available in the Final Fantasy XIV Online Store.

Here’s a breakdown of the new content that players can expect:

Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4 Content

    • New Main Scenario Quests
    • New Dungeon – Mistwake
    • New Trial – Hell on Rails – Includes both Normal and Extreme modes
    • New Raid Tier – The Arcadion: Heavyweight – includes both Normal and Savage modes
      • Note: Savage difficulty will be released on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
    • New Unreal Trial – Tsukuyomi’s Pain (Unreal): Take on Tsukuyomi, at level 100
    • Duty Support Additions – Support for the Dzemael Darkhold and Aurum Vale will be added
    • Occult Crescent Update – 3 new Phantom Jobs (Mystic Knight, Dancer and Gladiator) and the introduction of accessories that include set bonuses
    • Further Cosmic Tool Enhancement
    • Glamour System Updates – Removal of level/class/job-restrictions on gear for glamour purposes, allowing players to glamour the appearance of gear regardless of previous level, class, and job restrictions.
      • Due to the impact on character animations, weapons and tools can only be equipped by the corresponding class/job
    • PvP Updates – The start of PvP Series 10, existing action adjustments, and the addition of a new Frontline campaign: Worqor Chirteh (Triumph)
    • Miscellaneous Updates – Gold Saucer updates, new UI color themes (Clear White, Clear Green), Strategy Board, Command Panel, and more
    • Phantom Weapon Updates (Patch 7.41)
    • Cosmic Exploration – New Planet – Oizys (Patch 7.41) – The latest planet for crafters and gatherers to explore, as well as new rewards and system updates
    • New Variant Dungeon (Patch 7.45) – Merchant’s Tale – Players can enjoy the content with different ways to play and difficulty levels to suit their playstyles
    • Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures (Patch 7.45)

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Fans can also look forward to Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival, which will span across three events in North America, Europe, and Japan in 2026.

Digimon Story Time Stranger Additional Digimon & Episode Pack 1: Alternate Dimension DLC Releases on December 8

Digimon Story Time Stranger Additional Digimon & Episode Pack 1 Alternate Dimension

Bandai Namco has announced the new “Additional Digimon & Episode Pack 1: Alternate Dimension” DLC for Digimon Story Time Stranger launches on December 8. Additional Digimon & Episode Pack 1: Alternate Dimension will be available as part of the Digimon Story Time Stranger Season Pass.

The new DLC includes new Digivolution routes for Mega Digimion, including BlitzGreymon, CresGarurumon, Omnimon Zwart Defeat, and Omnimon Alter-B. What’s more, there will be a special episode that “weaves together encounters across time and space.” 

Digimon Story Time Stranger is available now worldwide for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam with Japanese and English voice overs. Final Weapon reviewed Digimon Story Time Stranger and gave it a 4.5/5 score, noting that the game is “the boldest entry in the franchise to date, delivering a thrilling narrative, stunning environments, and over 450 Digimon to collect. Its deep combat system, expansive quality-of-life improvements, and superb English voice acting elevate it alongside the best RPGs of the year. Minor issues aside, this is the definitive Digimon experience fans have been waiting for.”

Previously, Bandai Namco released the November 6 update for Digimon Story Time Stranger to implement numerous bug fixes, including fixes to progression-blocking main story bugs and gameplay-related issues. Full patch notes for the November 6 Digimon Story Time Stranger update can be read here.

2XKO is Coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in January 2026

2XKO

Riot Games has announced that free-to-play tag-based fighting game 2XKO is coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in January 2026. Players can wishlist the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of 2XKO in the PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store starting today.

2XKO entered early access on October 7 for PC (client download). There’s cross-platform progression support, which means players who start on PC can keep their progress when switching to console. What’s more, a 2XKO Ultra Starter Pack is available with the early access version featuring new skins for Vi, Ekko, and Jinx inspired by the popular Arcane animated series.

Alongside the early access launch, 2XKO update 1.01 marked the beginning of Season 0, featuring playable champions Teemo and Warwick, character balance adjustments, Combo Trials, the Bandlewood Crossing and Firelight Run stages, a Training Mode Frame Data Bar feature, Ranked updates, and much more.

What’s more, with Season 1, each season of 2XKO will launch with a new playable champion. During the season’s first three weeks, the character may be unlocked in the store for 1,000 KO Points, one Champion Token, or a purchasable Ultra Battle Pass bundle. Characters can also be unlocked by completing Recruitment Events, allowing you to redeem Battle Pass XP to get the new champion for free. Once the three weeks are up, the new champion may be unlocked with 10,000 Credits, 1,000 KO Points, or one Champion Token.

LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS Closed Beta Test Begins in Q1 2026

LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS closed beta test

NCSOFT and Big Game Studio have announced a closed beta test for upcoming anime-inspired action RPG LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS will be held in Q1 2026 for Android via Google Play and PC via Steam. Sign-ups for the LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS closed beta test are available on the game’s official website, and selected testers will receive email notifications with further details.

Lastly, LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS launches in the first half of 2026 for iOS, Android, and PC via Steam and PURPLE. Here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:

About LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS

Live an Anime-Inspired Adventure

Step into a playable anime, where every frame is filled with emotion and energy. A real-time action RPG with anime aesthetics and thrilling boss hunts at its core.

Unleash Stylish Combat

Time your dodges. Nail your parries. Land crushing counterattacks.

Activate Break Mode to trigger cinematic finishers and turn every fight into a personal triumph.

Your rhythm. Your action.

Ignite Elemental Chaos

Trigger relentless, explosive elemental reactions in battle with no limits on combinations. Combine opposing or harmonizing elements to create powerful skill chains.

Join the Raid

Team up with two other players in thrilling 3-player boss raids.

Combine your powers to take down colossal enemies and uncover the secrets hidden deep within Seraphia.

The Legendary Quest

Each Breaker boards the Weaverwhale in search of their own wish.

Journey across floating ruins and forgotten realms, chasing the legends said to grant any desire.

Where Every Wish Begins—The Journey to Seraphia

In a world shaped by gods and ruled by angels, legends speak of the “Archives of the Gods”—a vault said to grant any wish.

A Breaker girl aboard the airship Weaverwhale encounters a boy with no memory.
Their story unfolds through cinematic cutscenes and emotional arcs.

Pokémon TCG Pocket Wins iPhone Game of the Year 2025 Award

Pokémon TCG Pocket

The results of Apple’s App Store Awards are in, and Pokémon TCG Pocket takes home the iPhone Game of the Year 2025 award. The iPhone Game of the Year finalists alongside Pokémon TCG Pocket were HABBY’s Capybara Go! and Doghowl Games’ Thronefall. In addition, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition was honored as Mac Game of the Year, 

Pokémon TCG Pocket also recently took home the Google Play Best Game of 2025 award. Alongside Pokémon TCG Pocket, Google Play awarded Sumiko Arai’s The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All (Vol. 1) and Chohokiteki Kaeru’s Witch and Mercenary (Vol. 1) with Favorite Manga and Favorite Light Novel awards, respectively.

Previously, The Pokémon Company launched the Pokémon TCG Pocket “Mega Rising” expansion on October 30, marking the introduction of Mega-Evolved Pokémon. The expansion introduced three new booster packs—Mega Rising: Mega Gyarados, Mega Rising: Mega Blaziken and Mega Rising: Mega Altaria. What’s more, a new share feature was introduced, allowing players to give ♦–♦♦♦♦ rarity cards to friends, with a limit of one card given and received per day. Players are able to trade cards from the latest expansions and booster packs, including ♦–♦♦♦♦ and ★ rarity cards, ★★ and Shiny 1–Shiny 2 rarity cards. Unobtained cards will also appear more often via the Wonder Pick system, which will also display the number of cards players currently on.

Lastly, Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now for Android and iOS.

Honkai: Star Rail Reveals Version 3.8 Content

Honkai Star Rail Version 3.8

HoYoverse has announced Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.8 “Memories are the Prelude to Dreams” is coming soon, marking the Astral Express’ return to Penacony. This update will prepare players for their next destination in Version 4.0.

In Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.8, Constance “The Dahlia” will appear, revealing that after the final battle of Amphoreus, the Trailblazer’s memories are incomplete with some key parts having been stolen. With Constance’s assistance, the Trailblazer will work to piece together a complete and true storyline of Penacony. The Trailblazer will also experience the story through Firefly’s perspective to learn how she initially entered the dreamscape and met us. On her journey, The Family’s seat of power and the Dream of Gnawing Oak will also emerge from the depths of memories, and Firefly will encounter an old friend connected to her past.

The Dahlia herself will be joining the roster as a 5-star playable character, and her main target is the Remembrance, as her power is also related to that path and the ability to “enkindle and fabricate memories.” The memories she’s after hold significance to herself and the Trailblazer. In combat, she follows the Path of Nihility and excels when teamed with characters who specialize in Break DMG. She can unleash a gloomy Zone, which lets Toughness Reduction inflicted by allies trigger Super Break DMG. The Dahlia can “invite” a teammate to become “Dance Partners,” which lets either partner deal an additional instance of Super Break DMG. Her Ultimate will apply every Dance Partner’s Type Weakness to all enemies as well.

The new event will also introduce a new event, dubbed “The Chrysos Awoo Championship.” In the event, the Trailblazer will be a special guest taking the role of a chimera trainer. Train the little chimeras to form a powerful team to win the championship. In addition, the new “Remnants of Twilight” event will be available with a variety of strategy-based battle challenges.

Honkai: Star Rail is available now for Android via Google Play Store, iOS via App Store, PlayStation 5, and PC via Epic Games Store. A release date for Version 3.8 will be announced at a later date, so stay tuned.

Wind Breaker Live-Action Film Releases Lyric Music Video for Theme Song by BE:FIRST

Wind Breaker

A new music video for the Wind Breaker live-action film has been released featuring the theme song “Stay Strong” by BE:FIRST. Not only does the music video contain the lyrics for the theme song, but it also contains new footage from the Wind Breaker live-action film.

The Wind Breaker live-action film opens December 5 in Japan. Kentarō Hagiwara directs the film, with a script by Japan Academy Prize winner Yōsuke Masaike. Warner Brothers is distributing the film, which was shot from February to April 2025 in Okinawa. The production rented a local shopping avenue to serve as the film’s open set.

The cast includes:

  • Kōshi Mizukami as Haruka Sakura
  • Taisei Kido as Akihiko Nirei
  • Keito Tsuna as Hayato Suō
  • JUNON as Kyōtarō Sugishita
  • Motoki Nakazawa as Tōma Hiragi
  • Shūhei Uesugi as Hajime Umemiya
  • Rikako Yagi as Kotoha Tachibana
  • Kōki Yamashita as Chōji Tomiyama
  • Noritaka Hamao as Jō Togame
Wind Breaker live-action film key visual
© にいさとる/講談社©2025「WIND BREAKER」製作委員会

Wind Breaker Season 2 aired weekly from April 3 to June 19 in the Super Animeism TURBO block on 28 MBS and TBS affiliate channels. The anime is streaming on ABEMA, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, and other streaming services in Japan. Crunchyroll is streaming the anime series outside of Japan with English subs and dubs.

Toshifumi Akai directed the second season at CloverWorks with Hiroshi Seko in charge of series scripts. Taishi Kawakami designed the characters and Ryō Takahashi composed the music.

Additional staff members include:

  • Chief Animation Directors: Taishi Kawakami and Yūsuke Tanaka
  • Action Director: Kazuyuki Asaka
  • Prop Design: Maiko Hado
  • Art Setting/Director: Yasunao Moriyasu
  • Color Key Artists: Kyōko Hara and Asuka Yokota
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Yukiko Nagase
  • 3D Director: Keita Watanabe (Sublimation)
  • Editing: Akinori Mishima
  • Sound Director: Jin Aketagawa