The Music of Square Enix – Magic, Memories, and Melodies Tour Announced for 2026 and 2027

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Soul Kiwami
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The Music of Square Enix

Square Enix and AWR Music Productions have announced The Music of Square Enix – Magic, Memories, and Melodies, a new symphonic concert tour with music from iconic Square Enix properties. Fans can expect performances covering music from Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Mana, NieR, Octopath Traveler, Chrono Trigger, and more fan-favorite series from Square Enix.

The Music of Square Enix – Magic, Memories, and Melodies comes from the creators of Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY and NieR:Orchestra Concert. The production is being helmed by conductors Arnie Roth and Eric Roth, and it will run through several key cities in 2026 and 2027, including Tokyo, Chicago, Seattle, and London.

The schedule includes the following dates (subject to change), via the official website:

The Music of Square Enix – Magic, Memories, and Melodies Venues and Schedule

Mario Kart World Update 1.4.0 Adds Custom Items to Item Rules

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Soul Kiwami
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Mario Kart World update 1.4.0

Nintendo has revealed the patch notes for Mario Kart World update 1.4.0, which is available now on Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Kart World update 1.4.0 introduces Custom Items to item rules, a music volume setting, “Restart” and “Next Race” options to the Pause Menu for “VS Race” in single player, and so much more. Like previous updates, update 1.4.0 applies several bug fixes as well.

The patch notes for the new Mario Kart World update can be read below, via Nintendo’s official support website:

Mario Kart World Update 1.4.0 Patch Notes

General

  • Added “Custom Items” to the item rules.
    • This is a feature that lets you set which items appear.
    • This is supported in “VS Race”, “Balloon Battle”, “Coin Runners”, and “Room” in “Online Play” or “Wireless Play”.
  • Made it so that music track name and source title of the track that is playing will be displayed on the Pause Menu.
  • Added “Music Volume” to “Settings/Controller”.
  • Made it so players who gathered in a “Room” of “Online Play” can participate in “Race”, “Knockout Tour”, and “Battle”.
    • Up to 4 players can participate in “Race”, “Knockout Tour”, and “Battle”.
  • Made it so you can join in with friends who are playing “Knockout Tour” from “Friends” in “2p”, “Online Play” as well.
  • Added “Restart” and “Next Race” in the Pause Menu for “VS Race” in “Single Player”.
  • Made it so you can select “Photo Mode” from the Pause Menu in “Race against Ghost” in “Time Trials”.
  • Changed the course layout of below courses for “VS Race”, or “Race” in “Online Play” or “Wireless Play”.
      • Race that heads from “Koopa Troopa Beach” to “DK Spaceport”.
      • Race that heads from “Koopa Troopa Beach” to “Crown City”.
      • Race that heads from “Koopa Troopa Beach” to “Peach Stadium”.
      • Race that heads from “Whistlestop Summit” to “Koopa Troopa Beach”.
      • Race that heads from “Desert Hills” to “Koopa Troopa Beach”.
      • Race that heads from “DK Spaceport” to “Koopa Troopa Beach”.
      • Race that heads from “Crown City” to “Koopa Troopa Beach”.
      • Race that heads from “Peach Stadium” to “Koopa Troopa Beach”.

    *Changed it so that, in all races heading toward “Koopa Troopa Beach”, including the above courses, you will cross the finish line after two laps once you arrive at “Koopa Troopa Beach”.

  • You will now dash when riding on Manta Ramp’s back. 
  • Made it so the player will not hit Dragoneel when transformed into Bullet Bill. 
  • Made it so the player cannot use a second Boo while already using a Boo, when holding two Boos.
  • When Dash Food is taken by someone, shortened the time until that Dash Food reappears.
  • When a coin placed on water is taken by someone, shortened the time until that coin reappears.

Fixed Issues

  • Fixed an issue where the dash time was not correct after a Charge Jump.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would slip through a wall when being stomped on from above by a vehicle driving on the road.
  • Fixed an issue where a player would be squashed when touching a Thwomp that had landed.
  • Fixed an issue where a Bullet Bill would not be displayed after using it.
  • Fixed an issue where a character would be blurry even when making “Focus” “Character” when taking a photo in “Photo Mode” on the Pause Menu.
  • Fixed an issue where the screen would look distorted if entering a pipe at the same time as joining a Free Roam in “Online Play”.
  • Fixed an issue where player could not get in a UFO when multiple players tried to get in a UFO at the same time in Free Roam in “Online Play”.
  • Fixed an issue where a friend’s information would not be updated when looking at the list of friends in “Friends” in “Online Play”.
  • Fixed an issue where there would be a communication error when looking at a group ID in “View Room Info” when participating in a group in “Friends” in “Online Play”.
  • Fixed an issue where a player’s place would go down if retiring during “Knockout Tour” in “Online Play”.
  • Fixed an issue where a player that is seen when spectating looks like they are going off the course over and over during “Knockout Tour” in “Online Play” or “Wireless Play”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player’s own character or vehicle would change when starting “Online Play” or “Wireless Play” again after quitting a game after “Knockout Tour” in “Online Play” or “Wireless Play”.
  • Fixed an issue where a player would get stuck on a wall when using a Bullet Bill while falling off the course in “Sky-High Sundae”.
  • Fixed an issue where a Bullet Bill would go outside the course when using it on the final curve in “Boo Cinema”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would slip through a bulldozer in “Toad’s Factory”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would get stuck on a spotlight in the race that heads from “Toad’s Factory” to “Bowser’s Castle” when transformed into Bullet Bill.
  • Fixed an issue where if the player used a Bullet Bill or Spiny Shell in the first curve of “Desert Hills”, it would get stuck on a rock.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would get stuck on a tree when using a Bullet Bill on “DK Pass”.
  • Fixed an issue where, when the player was small because of Lightning, they would slip through the wall on the final curve of “DK Pass.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would get stuck on a billboard when transforming into Bullet Bill in the race that heads from “Crown City” to “Desert Hills”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would slip through the ring of stone when using a Bullet Bill or Mega Mushroom while falling in “Great ? Block Ruins” right before the final curve.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would get stuck on the ground on the meadows near “Big Donut”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would slip through the wall if rewinding after wall riding in the special room you can go to from a pipe in “Shy Guy Bazaar”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would still fall into the lava even though they have “Smart Steering” ON in “Dry Bones Burnout”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would go off the course when using a Bullet Bill while rail riding in “Wario Stadium”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would not be able to glide if getting on a glide panel while gliding in the race that heads from “Wario Stadium” to “Airship Fortress”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would get stuck on the ground while heading from “Wario Stadium” to “Airship Fortress”.
  • Fixed an issue where the vehicle would float up from the rail when the player did a rail ride after a wall ride in a bike-type vehicle in “Wario Stadium”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would go off the course when using a Bullet Bill on the shortcut while heading from “Dandelion Depths” to “Cheep Cheep Falls” in the “Ice Rally” of “Knockout Tour”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would go off the course while gliding, while heading from “Dandelion Depths” to “Cheep Cheep Falls” in the “Moon Rally” of “Knockout Tour”.
  • Fixed an issue where a green shell would get stuck on the ground while heading from “Airship Fortress” to “Dry Bones Burnout” in the “Heart Rally” of “Knockout Tour”.
  • Fixed an issue where the player would go off the course when they transformed into Bullet Bill on top of a building in “Crown City” in the below races:
    • Race that heads from “DK Spaceport” to “Crown City”.
    • Race that heads from “Koopa Troopa Beach” to “Crown City”.
    • Race that heads from “Faraway Oasis” to “Crown City”.
  • Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

SLEEP AWAKE is Now Available Alongside Original Soundtrack

By
Soul Kiwami
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SLEEP AWAKE

Blumhouse Games and EYES OUT have released atmospheric narrative horror game SLEEP AWAKE for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. In addition, the original soundtrack for SLEEP AWAKE by Robin Finck from Nine Inch Nails is now available on various music streaming services, including Spotify.

Lastly, the Steam page describes the game as follows:

SLEEP AWAKE is an immersive first-person psychedelic horror narrative experience that explores the realm between sleep and death.  

Submitted to perpetual insomnia, the denizens of the last known city on Earth are reaching a panic crisis of reckless experiments in an effort to avoid The HUSH, the inexplicable disappearance of those who sleep.  

Playing as Katja, you must survive the devotees of various depraved death cults and desperately try to stay awake. Solve the puzzles of this mysterious world while avoiding the grasp of the death cults in an attempt to shatter the horrors of the past.   

Led by Cory Davis (Spec Ops: The Line) and Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails), SLEEP AWAKE combines FMV sequences with psychedelic visuals, blurring boundaries between reality and imagination.  

Key Features:

A psychedelic trip of the senses: Immersive and vibrant. A gorgeous visualization of a terrifying reality caught between the crumbling physical world and a symbolic otherworldly realm.

Struggle between oblivion and the waking world: Katja confronts the grief of having lost her family to The Swell in the disaster-ravaged city of The Crush where the only fate worse than death… is sleep.

Unique and deeply unsettling horror gameplay: Explore and solve the puzzles of a distorted reality. Survive harrowing enemy encounters through challenging stealth, survival, and chase sequences.

Arresting audio experience: Hypnotic evil from Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nails.

Mobile Suit Gundam Gets New Gundam Base Store in Chicago

By
Soul Kiwami
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The Gundam Base World Tour Chicago

Bandai Namco Amusement America and Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles have announced the grand opening of THE GUNDAM BASE CHIGAGO, the first official GUNDAM BASE store in the U.S. THE GUNDAM BASE CHIGAGO will open on Friday, December 12, at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois.

THE GUNDAM BASE CHICAGO offers an immersive retail and hands-on experience designed for Gundam fans and newcomers. The 3,000-square-foot  features exclusive GUNPLA Kits and Merchandise, GUNDAM CARD GAME, a dedicated play area, exhibit displays with Gundam models and dioramas, a six-foot-tall Gundam statue, and limited-edition promotional items. 

In addition, the limited-time “THE GUNDAM BASE POP-UP WORLD TOUR” pop-up experience will be located inside the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a few steps away from the main store. The pop-up will offer exclusive items, special GUNPLA displays, and interactive
workshops, such as “Build your own GUNPLA.”

The Gundam Base World Tour Chicago

What’s more, the official Gundam website recently relaunched with the franchise’s first-ever Global Gundam Poll, which is open to all fans worldwide. Supported in 10 different languages, the poll lets players vote for their favorite Gundam-type mobile suits from the long-running Mobile Suit Gundam series until December 25 at 11:59 p.m. JST / 9:59 a.m. EST. 

The Global Gundam Poll includes 233 Gundam units from 34 different Gundam TV series, OVAs, and films. There are also variants and upgrades of some Gundams as individual entries, such as the Strike Gundam and Unicorn Gundam. Results of the poll will be announced in spring 2026.

Helldivers 2 Gets Major File Size Optimizations

By
Soul Kiwami
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Helldivers 2 update

Arrowhead Game Studios and support studio Nixxes Software have released a major optimization update for Helldivers 2 on Steam, reducing the overall file size from roughly 154 GB to just 23 GB—an 85% decrease. Steam users can opt into a technical beta branch of Helldivers 2 on Steam to reduce the file size and test out the new update before its global deployment.

However, it’s worth noting that the update may break the installation for users who have mods installed, and mod support for Helldivers 2 is not ensured with the beta build. Players have the option to roll back to the legacy version while the beta build is still ongoing, but the plan is for Arrowhead Game Studios and Nixxes to deploy the complete update in 2026. As a result, the legacy version will no longer be supported after the update’s deployment next year, according to the developer’s latest technical blog.

Here are the steps you need to follow to install the beta build:

  • Step 1.
    • In your steam library, right click on Helldivers 2 and select ‘Properties’.
  • Step 2.
    • Next select the ‘Betas’ tab.
  • Step 3.
    • In the Beta Participation drop down list, select “prod_slim”
  • Step 4.
    • Finally just close the properties dialog and wait for the game to download the patch!

Lastly, Helldivers 2 launched on February 8, 2024 for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, followed by August 26, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S. 

Demons’ Crest Novel Series is Getting an Anime

By
Soul Kiwami
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Demons' Crest anime

Kadokawa has announced a TV anime adaptation of Sword Art Online author Reki Kawahara’s Demons’ Crest novel series is in the works. To celebrate the announcement of the anime, Demons’ Crest novel illustrator Yukiko Horiguchi drew a new illustration. Kadokawa will reveal more details about the anime at a later date. 

© 川原 礫 イラスト／堀口 悠紀子 背景：whomor

Kawahara launched the series in November 2022, and Kadokawa will release the novel’s fourth volume on December 10. What’s more, Yen Press publishes the novel series in English.

Scriptwriter Koroku Takano and artist Tomoe launched a vertical-scrolling manga adaptation in WIT Studio’s HykeComic manga service in November 22. Kadokawa released the manga’s first compiled book volume in June 2024.

Lastly, here’s an story synopsis of the ongoing series, via Yen Press:

The latest VRMMORPG, Actual Magic, has sealed an entire class of sixth graders in a terrifying game of life or death. Countless dangers await eleven-year-old Yuuma and his friends. One of their classmates has been turned into a monster, and gargantuan beasts lurk around every corner. Their only hope? The demon Valac who has possessed Yuuma’s twin sister. Following Valac’s guidance, Yuuma and his party set out to save their missing friend, Nagi. But an unexpected encounter awaits them…

HIDIVE Reveals Anime Frontier 2025 Schedule and Lineup

By
Soul Kiwami
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HIDIVE Anime Frontier 2025

HIDIVE has announced its lineup of anime titles and event schedule for Anime Frontier 2025, which will be held from December 12 to 14 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas. There will be screenings for the winter simulcast lineup that will be streaming on HIDIVE, including Chained Soldier Season 2, HELL MODE: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing and Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling. All panels and screenings will be free and open to all Anime Frontier badge holders.

Here’s the full schedule (subject to change), courtesy of HIDIVE:

HIDIVE Anime Frontier 2025 Schedule of Events (All Times in CST)

Friday, December 12, 2025
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Fort Worth Convention Center

Second Floor

Room 202CD

 HIDIVE Presents Hero Without a Class: Who Even Needs Skills?! Special Dub Screening

Action is in store at this special English dub encore screening of the first two episodes of this fall’s fan-favorite fantasy series Hero Without a Class: Who Even Needs Skills?!, produced by Studio A-Cat and streaming exclusively on HIDIVE in both sub and dub.

  
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Fort Worth Convention Center

Second Floor

Room 202CD

 HIDIVE Presents My Gift Lvl 9999 Unlimited Gacha Special Dub Screening

Expect action, adventure, magic and more at this special English dub encore screening of the first three episodes of the new fall fantasy series My Gift Lvl 9999 Unlimited Gacha, produced by J.C.STAFF and streaming exclusively on HIDIVE in both sub and dub.

  
Saturday, December 13, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Fort Worth Convention Center

Second Floor

Room 202AB

 HIDIVE Presents HELL MODE: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing North American Premiere

Otherworldly action awaits at the North American premiere of the isekai action series and upcoming winter simulcast HELL MODE: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing, produced by Yokohama Animation Lab and streaming exclusively on HIDIVE starting in January.

  
4:15 pm – 5:15 pm

Fort Worth Convention Center

Second Floor

Room 204AB

 HIDIVE Presents Chained Soldier Season 2 North American Premiere with Special Japanese Guest Yukana

The fight against the Shuuki continues at the North American premiere of this winter’s action dark fantasy series Chained Soldier Season 2 with special Japanese guest Yukana (voice of Fubuki Azuma), produced Seven Arcs and streaming exclusively on HIDIVE next season.

  
Sunday, December 14, 2025
10:45 am – 11:45 am

Fort Worth Convention Center

Second Floor

Room 202CD

 HIDIVE Presents Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling North American Premiere

Follow a hero reborn at the North American premiere of the isekai fantasy and winter simulcast series Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling, produced by GA-CREW x Felix Film and streaming exclusively in January on HIDIVE.

  
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm

Fort Worth Convention Center

Second Floor

Room 204AB

 HIDIVE Presents Dusk Beyond the End of the World Dub World Premiere

Enter a futuristic world transformed by technology at the English dub world premiere of this fall’s hit original sci-fi series Dusk Beyond the End of the World, produced by P.A. WORKS and streaming exclusively on HIDIVE in both sub and dub.

KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME Launches New Christmas Content Update

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Soul Kiwami
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Kaiju No.8 THE GAME Main Story Chapter 6: Operation: Reclaim Christmas Eve

Akatsuki Games, TOHO CO., and Production I.G have released a new update for KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME with content celebrating Christmas, including Main Story Chapter 6: Operation: Reclaim Christmas Eve. Fan-favorite Kaiju No. 8 characters will also don Christmas-themed attire, including the newly introduced 5-star [Japan’s Strongest Santa] Gen Narumi. 

With the Christmas update, KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME players can earn up to 1,500 Dimensional Crystals by progressing Main Story Chapter 6: Operation: Reclaim Christmas Eve and completing Score Battles. In addition, players can receive up to 10 Pickup Gacha Tickets by logging in during the latest login bonus event. These tickets may prove useful toward pulling [Japan’s Strongest Santa] Gen Narumi from the new Pickup Gacha Event.

Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 is streaming with English dubs and subs on Crunchyroll. Aurora performs the opening theme song “You Can’t Run From Yourself.” OneRepublic performs the ending theme song “Beautiful Colors.”

Crunchyroll describes the anime as follows:

In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno’s determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka’s promise to join Mina and protect humanity.

Lastly, KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME is available now for Android, iOS, and PC via Steam.

Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: The Immortal Bloodline is Coming to Theaters in the U.S.

By
Soul Kiwami
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Lupin the IIIrd the Movie The Immortal Bloodline

GKIDS has announced Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: The Immortal Bloodline is coming to theaters in the U.S. on January 4 through January 6, 2026. An English-subtitled trailer for Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: The Immortal Bloodline was released.

Lupin the IIIrd the Movie Immortal Bloodline key visual
©TMS

Here’s an overview of the film, via GKIDS:

After fending off a series of skilled assassins, gentleman thief Lupin III and his band of allies follow a strange invitation to an uncharted island. When their plane is shot down, the gang is stranded and soon hunted by the island’s inhabitants, past enemies, and a monstrous immortal being known as Muom, who threatens to destroy Lupin’s legacy. As a deadly toxic fog settles over them, Lupin must confront his greatest enemy in his most daring escapade yet.

Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: The Immortal Bloodline was previously released on June 27 in theaters in Japan. B’z performs the theme song for the new Lupin the IIIrd film, titled “The IIIRD Eye.”

The staff for the film includes:

  • Director: Takeshi Koike
  • Studio: Telecom Animation Film
  • Screenplay: Yūya Takahashi
  • Composer: James Shimoji
  • Creative Advisor: Katsuhito Ishii
  • Production: TMS Entertainment
  • Distributor: TOHO Next

The Lupin the IIIrd franchise originally began in 1965 with the release of the first manga. The fictional French “gentleman thief,” Arsène Lupin, inspired the creation of the series. Over the years, several anime and film adaptations have released, with the most recent movie premiering in 2019.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Anime Film Reveals New Trailer and Songs

By
Soul Kiwami
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Cosmic Princess Kaguya anime

Netflix has revealed new songs and a new official trailer for Shingo Yamashita’s new Cosmic Princess Kaguya! anime film. Leading up to the anime film’s release on Netflix, several of the new songs will be released over time with music videos.

  • “Ex-Otogibanashi (Ex-Fairy Tale)” by Saori Hayami and composer Ryo (supercell)
    • Streaming December 5
  • “Watashiha Watashinokotoga Suki (I like who I am)” by Yūko Natsuyoshi and composer HoneyWorks
    • Streaming December 12
  • “Hoshi Furu Umi (Starry Sea)” by Aqu3ra
    • Streaming December 19
  • “Remember” by yuigot
    • Streaming December 26

40mP performs “Shunkan, Symphony. (Moment, Symphony.)” kz (livetune) is composing the song “Reply.”

What’s more, the “Ex-Otogibanashi” single will launch on January 23 alongside CPK! Remix, a collection of song remixes from the film by Nagi Yanagi and Hatsune Miku.

Further, the film is getting a manga adaptation by Tarō Yoneda on Kadokawa’s Comptiq magazine starting January 9. A novel adaptation by author Naruto Kiriyama and illustrator Asao Urata will release on January 30. Yamashita is supervising the project.

 

The new Cosmic Princess Kaguya! anime film premieres on January 22, 2026.

The main cast includes: 

Shingo Yamashita makes his feature-length directorial debut in collaboration with Studio Colorido (Burn the Witch) and his own studio, Studio Chromato. Yamashita is acclaimed for this work on the opening sequences for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Chainsaw Man, and Urusei Yatsura. Hechima and Akihiro Nagae are the character designers.

The story of Cosmic Princess Kaguya! focuses on the dream-filled virtual realm of Tsukiyomi with a reimagined take on the Japanese legend, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.

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