Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.8 Special Program is Set for December 5

By
Soul Kiwami
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HoYoverse has announced the Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.8 “Memories are the Prelude to Dreams” Special Program livestream is set for December 5 at 19:30 (UTC+8) / 6:30 a.m. EST. The Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.8 Special Program will be streamed on the game’s official YouTube channel and official Twitch channel.

The upcoming livestream will feature new character introductions for The Dahlia, along with details on new events for Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.8. HoYoverse will also release several promo codes that Honkai: Star Rail fans may redeem for a limited time.

Honkai Star Rail Version 3.8 Special Program

The stream begins at the following times: 

  • Pacific Standard Time: 3:30 a.m. PST
  • Mountain Standard Time: 4:30 a.m. MST
  • Central Daylight Time: 5:30 a.m. CST
  • Eastern Daylight Time: 6:30 a.m. EST
  • Greenwich Mean Time: 11:30 a.m. GMT

Previously, HoYoverse released the Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.7 “As Tomorrow Became Yesterday” update on November 5, serving as the climatic finale chapter and update of the Amphoreous saga. Cyrene joins as a new playable character in the upcoming update, and there will be new powerful enemies and rewarding limited-time events. In Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.7, Cyrene opens up to the Trailblazer about her past, and she joins as a 5-star Ice-Type character on the Path of the Remembrance. 

Lastly, Honkai: Star Rail is available now for Android via Google Play Store, iOS via App Store, PlayStation 5, and PC via Epic Games Store.

SEGA and MyArcade Release Sonic the Hedgehog Retro Devices

By
Saras Rajpal
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SEGA and MyArcade Release Sonic the Hedgehog Retro Devices

SEGA has announced a collaboration with MyArcade, and released new retro devices based on Sonic the Hedgehog. Two devices are available to purchase via select local and online retailers. 

The first device, titled the Sonic the Hedgehog Mighty Player, costs $119.99. It includes Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Sonic Spinball, and Sonic 3D Blast. It also features a high resolution, 3.5” full color display, a rechargeable battery with up to six hours of playtime, and “classic wood construction.”

The second of the devices, titled Sonic the Hedgehog Joystick Player, costs $59.99. This includes Sonic The Hedgehog and Sonic The Hedgehog 2, and features a high resolution, 3.5” full color display, as well as a battery powered by either 4 AA batteries (not included) or by a USB-C cable (not included).

Recently, Paramount announced a new “Sonic Universe Event Film,” which will release in theaters on December 22, 2028. The film will release a year after Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which premieres on March 19, 2027. While little details about the film are known, the close proximity to the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the fact that it’s described as an “event” film, plus the already confirmed role of Metal Sonic as an antagonist in the next entry in the franchise, could imply an adaptation of Sonic Heroes. It may also be the highly rumored Shadow the Hedgehog spin-off film. It’s likely that Paramount will confirm more information in the lead up to Sonic 4‘s premiere. 

Lastly, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the most recent entry in the Sonic game series, is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches on December 4 digitally for $69.99. 

Golden Kamuy Anime Final Arc Starts on January 5

By
Saras Rajpal
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Golden Kamuy Anime Final Arc Starts on January 5

The staff for the Golden Kamuy anime has announced that the final arc will officially premiere on January 5. Additionally, the opening theme for the arc has been revealed via a new trailer. 

Awich x ALI will perform the theme song, titled “Kogane no Kanata” (Beyond the Gold). The song returns from the recent prequel films, titled Golden Kamuy: Sapporo Beer Factory Arc. The films premiered on October 10 and 31 in Japan. Check out the first trailer for the Golden Kamuy anime final arc below:

The first season of Golden Kamuy initially premiered in January 2018. The most recent season released in October 2022. The upcoming final arc of Golden Kamuy will wrap up the series’ story when it airs. The anime thus far is available on Crunchyroll. The streaming service describes it as follows:

After the Immortal Sugimoto, AKA, Sugimoto Saichi, and the Ainu girl Asirpa reunited in the freezing land of Karafuto, Asirpa witnesses the death of Kiroranke and remembers the key to solving the mystery behind the missing gold. Sugimoto and Asirpa then renew their vows as partners.

But none of this changes the fact that Sugimoto is under the 7th Division’s control. While they continue their conflict with Lieutenant Tsurumi, who gets news about Asripa being found, how will Shiraishi Yoshitake, Tanigaki Genjirou, Tsukishima Hajime, and Koito Otonoshin, all move next after the perilous journey they shared together?

Meanwhile, the demon vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, Hijikata Toshizou, and his crew, who are competing against the 7th Division for the gold, continue to look for clues on the remaining tattoos. Also, the currently missing Ogata Hyakunosuke could also change the outcome of their progress. You won’t be able to look away from the continuing gold rush survival series that continues to take place up north!

Monogatari Series and hololive holoX Collaboration Announced

By
Soul Kiwami
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Monogatari x hololive holoX collaboration

COVER Corporation has announced a collaboration between the Monogatari anime series and the hololive Secret Society holoX group, which includes VTubers La+ Darknesss, Takane Lui, Hakui Koyori, Kazama Iroha, and Sakamata Chloe. More details about the hololive holoX and Monogatari are coming soon, so stay tuned. 

The Monogatari Off & Monster Season anime series premiered on July 6, 2024 on the ABEMA streaming service in Japan. Crunchyroll streams the anime series outside Japan. A new special episode of Monogatari Off & Monster Season is in the works.

The anime is produced at SHAFT with staff from the original Monogatari anime. Akiyuki Simbo is the chief director for Monogatari Off & Monster Season, with Midori Yoshizawa serving as director. Simbo worked with Fuyashi Tou to oversee the scripts. Once more, Akio Watanabe is character designer and chief animation director.

YOASOBI performs the theme song “Undead.”

Moreover, the following staff assisted in the production: 

  • Art Director: Hisaharu Iijima
  • Color Key Artist: Yasuko Watanabe
  • CG Director: Hisato Shima
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Hiyori Hashimoto, Mizuho Ishikawa
  • Editing: Rie Matsubara
  • Sound Director: Yota Tsuruoka
Monogatari Off and Monster Season new episode visual
©西尾維新／講談社・アニプレックス・シャフト

Here’s an overview of the latest anime series, via Crunchyroll: 

While Koyomi Araragi’s time may be ending, the journey continues with the girls he’s saved. Their own tales of struggles and supernatural threats once thought to be resolved are far from over. From the past to the future, discover their stories, challenges, and intertwined destinies they now face in the wake of Araragi’s departure.

Final Weapon previously interviewed COVER Corporation CEO Motoaki Tanigo (YAGOO) and hololive Alternative producer Yuuki Oooka to learn more about COVER USA and Holoearth, respectively. Final Weapon also spoke with hololive holo’s Hanafuda game designer Naoya Fujita to learn more about the game’s development

One Piece Anime Casts Urara Takano as Joy Boy

By
Soul Kiwami
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Joy Boy in One Piece

The staff of the One Piece anime series confirmed that Urara Takano is voicing Joy Boy, starting in episode 1,152. Urara Takano originally voiced Monkey D. Luffy in the One Piece: Defeat The Pirate Ganzak! Jump Super Anime Tour 1998 special, which is prior to Mayumi Tanaka’s debut as Luffy in 1999.

The One Piece Elbaph arc anime premieres in April 2026 with a new two-cour structure featuring a maximum of 26 episodes. This change to the seasonal model aims to bring improvements in story pacing and animation quality. Once the Egghead arc concludes this year, One Piece will go on a three-month hiatus from January to March 2026. Among one of the anime’s new cast additions is Kenjiro Tsuda, who voices Shamrock—the Figarland family leader and twin brother of pirate Shanks in the One Piece world.

One Piece Egghead Arc episodes 1134 through 1143 are streaming with an English dub on Crunchyroll. The English dub for One Piece Egghead Arc episodes 1134 – 1143 is available in United States, Canada, LATAM, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.

An anime adaptation of Jun Esaka and Sayaka Suwa’s One Piece: Heroines light novel series is also coming soon. One Piece: Heroines was serialized in issues of One Piece Magazine in 2019. Shueisha publishes the novel series in Japan, and VIZ Media publishes the series in English outside Japan.

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

Umamusume: Cinderella Gray Anime Reveals Second Cour ‘Climax’ Key Visual

By
Soul Kiwami
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Umamusume: Cinderella Gray

The staff of the TV anime adaptation of Taiyo Kuzumi’s Umamusume: Cinderella Gray manga series revealed a new “Climax” key visual for the anime’s second cour. The new key visual depicts Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross as their final showdown approaches in Umamusume: Cinderella Gray episode 21, which premieres on December 7.

Umamusume Cinderella Gray 2nd cour climax key visual
©K, S, I/S, UCP © Cygames, Inc

The Umamusume: Cinderella Gray anime series is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and the It’s Anime YouTube channel in the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Ireland, and Australia. The anime is also available on YouTube in New Zealand, select parts of Europe, and the Middle East. 

Yūki Itō and Takehiro Miura are the directors of the anime at Cygames, with Aki Kindaichi handling series compositions. In addition, Takuya Miyahara and Keigo Sasaki are the anime’s character designers. Masafumi Sugiura and Junnosuke Itō are credited for screenplay and manga planning, respectively. 

The staff includes:

  • Chief Animation Directors: Yōsuke Fukumoto, Akira Takata and Atsushi Komori
  • Color Key Artist: Nanako Okazaki
  • Art Director: Osamu Hasada
  • 3D CG Director: Nobuyuki Kamiya
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara
  • Editor: Akinori Mishima
  • Sound Director: Fumiyuki Go
  • Music Composer: Kenji Kawai
  • Animation Producers: Takuya Chikamatsu, Sōta Machiguchi

The cast includes: 

  • Tomoyo Takayanagi as Oguri Cap
  • Hōchū Ōtsuka as Ginjirō Musaka
  • Ayano Shibuya as Norn Ace
  • Yō Taichi as Rudy Lemono
  • Shiori Izawa as Mini the Lady
  • Azusa Tadokoro as Symboli Rudolf
  • Lynn as Maruzensky
  • Yurina Amami as Mr. C.B.
  • Ayumi Hinohara as Yaeno Muteki
  • Ruriko Noguchi as Sakura Chiyono O
  • Saya Aizawa as Mejiro Ardan
  • Kana Yūki as Super Creek
  • Yumiri Hanamori as Dicta Striker
  • Yūko Kaida as Toni Bianca
  • Shizuka Ishigami as Obey Your Master
  • Akira Sekine as Moon Light Lunacy
  • Ayahi Takagaki as Michelle My Baby
  • Miyu Tomita as Ellerslie Pride

In the second cour, 10-FEET performs the opening theme song “Spurt Syndromer.” Tomoyo Takayanagi and Naomi Ōzora perform the ending theme song “Futari.”

‘Sonic Universe Event Film’ Announced for December 22, 2028 Release

By
Saras Rajpal
-
'Sonic Universe Event Film' Announced for December 22, 2028 Release

Paramount has announced a new “Sonic Universe Event Film,” which will release in theaters on December 22, 2028. The film will release a year after Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which premieres on March 19, 2027.

While little details about the film are known, the close proximity to the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the fact that it’s described as an “event” film, plus the already confirmed role of Metal Sonic as an antagonist in the next entry in the franchise, could imply an adaptation of Sonic Heroes. It may also be the highly rumored Shadow the Hedgehog spin-off film. It’s likely that Paramount will confirm more information in the lead up to Sonic 4‘s premiere. 

Thus far, the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise has exceed well over $1 billion worldwide. The Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise will likely continue to earn far more than 1 billion dollars in the future. The statistic will further grow with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 in 2027.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the latest film in the film franchise, stars Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba as Knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails. It also features Jim Carrey as Dr. Ivo and Gerald Robotnik and Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 takes the series to its greatest heights yet as it includes higher stakes, bigger fights, and more homages to the broader Sonic franchise than ever before. The film is available now on digital stores.

Lastly, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the most recent entry in the Sonic game series, is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches on December 4 digitally for $69.99. 

The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie Reveals New Trailer and Key Visual

By
Soul Kiwami
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The staff for the The Dangers in My Heart anime series revealed a new trailer and key visual for The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie, the compilation film premiering on February 13, 2026 in Japan. The new trailer confirms that yorushika will be performing the theme song “Madder” for The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie.

The Dangers in My Heart The Movie key visual
©桜井のりお（秋田書店）／僕ヤバ製作委員会

The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie covers The Dangers in My Heart Seasons 1 and 2. It will also contain new scenes, as well as the continuation of Anna and Kyotaro’s journey after the series finale.

The anime’s first season premiered in April 2023, while the second season premiered in January 2024. HIDIVE streamed both seasons of the anime. 

The cast of The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie includes Hina Yomiya as Anna Yamada and Shun Horie as Kyōtaro Ichikawa.

The anime’s staff includes:

  • Chief Director: Hiroaki Akagi
  • Animation Production: Shin-Ei Animation
  • Character Design: Masato Katsumata
  • Color Design: Kumiko Yanagizawa
  • Art Director: Masaki Mayuzumi
  • Music: Kensuke Ushio
  • Sound Director: Noriyoshi Konuma
  • Sound Production: Bit Groove Promotion

Lastly, Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the manga, and it describes the story:

Ichikawa Kyotaro, a boy barely clinging to the bottom rung of his school’s social ladder, secretly believes he’s the tortured lead in some psychological thriller. He spends his days dreaming up ways to disrupt his classmates’ peaceful lives and pining after Anna Yamada, the class idol. But Kyotaro’s not nearly the troubled teen he pretends to be…and it turns out Anna’s a bit odd herself!

Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy Anime Trailer Reveals Opening Theme Song

By
Soul Kiwami
-
Ichigo Aika Strawberry Elegy anime

AnimeFesta has revealed a new trailer for the anime adaptation of Hirafumi and Yagi Shinba’s Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy manga series, confirming that Yuka Akashi and Yui Otokura perform the opening theme song “Koi wa Prism (Love is a Prism).” The new trailer previews the TV broadcast version of Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy, which premieres on January 4, 2026 on BS11 and Tokyo MX.

The Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy anime will be streaming uncensored with English subtitles on OceanVeil starting December 12 at 12:00 a.m. PST / 3:00 a.m. EST. AnimeFesta will be streaming the anime at the same time in Japan.

The cast of Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy includes:

  • Hana Yurimoto as Aika Takamura
  • Yūta Ikarashi as Kōta Takamura
  • Momosuke as Yoshiyuki Takamura
  • Iroha Haruno as Misaki Takamura

Pyuta Konno directs the anime at Studio Hōkiboshi. Eeyo Kurosaki handles the series composition, Yoshihiro Watanabe is the character designer, and Aiue Oka composes the anime’s music. Suiseisha is producing the series.

Additional staff members include:

  • Color Design: Washimi
  • Art Director: Yemaoyama
  • Director of Photography: Shurakura Hōōin
  • Editor: Kōki Shinkai
  • Sound Director: Mikumo Amakuwa
Ichigo Aika Strawberry Elegy anime key visual
© 神馬耶樹 ひらふみ／Suiseisha Inc.

CLLENN’s adult comic label DEDEDE publishes the Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy manga on the Comic Cmoa service digitally. On Comic Cmoa, chapters are made available for individual for purchase. The manga is also available on Coolmic in English with the first chapter being completely free.

Lastly, here’s an overview of Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy, via Coolmic:

Kota’s world just got turned upside down. His dad’s remarriage meant a new stepsister, Aika, and from their first encounter, it’s clear she’s everything he isn’t. By day, Aika effortlessly plays the “perfect angel” for her parents, but behind closed doors, she’s a cheeky teenager, a complete mismatch for Kota. Their personalities clash violently, sparking arguments the moment their eyes meet. They might just be the world’s worst siblings, locked in a constant battle of wills. Despite an incredibly rocky start, a subtle shift begins. Beneath Aika’s wild exterior, a flicker of interest starts to grow for her caring brother.

Octopath Traveler 0 Gets Featured on December 18 Famitsu Issue

By
Soul Kiwami
-

Square Enix’s HD-2D turn-based RPG Octopath Traveler 0 will be featured on the cover of Famitsu’s December 18 magazine issue, which releases on December 4 alongside the game. The December 18 Famitsu issue includes a cover illustration by Octopath Traveler 0 character designer Naoki Ikushima, and the issue includes a 21-page feature and interview with producer Hirohito Suzuki.

Octopath Traveler 0 Famitsu December 18 issue

 

Octopath Traveler 0 launches December 4 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. A free demo is available now with save data transfers over to the full game.

Digital pre-orders for Octopath Traveler 0 are live with a Travel Provisions bonus, featuring Healing Grape (M) x5, Inspiriting Plum (M) x5, Revitalizing Jam x2, and Icewind Mastery.

The Standard Edition costs $49.99, while the Digital Deluxe Edition costs $59.99. Digital Deluxe Edition contents include:

  • Deluxe Travel Provisions
    • Action Skills
      • Triple Strike Mastery
      • SP Saver Mastery
      • Extra JP Mastery
  • Consumable Items: 8 Types of Nuts (M)
    • Fortifying Nut (M)
    • Magic Nut (M)
    • Tough Nut (M)
    • Resistant Nut (M)
    • Light Nut (M)
    • Critical Nut (M)
    • Sharp Nut (M)
    • Slippery Nut (M)
  • Town Decorations: Festive Decoration Designs
    • Table with Roasted Chicken
    • Festive Arch
    • Large Festive Arch
    • Festive Flag
    • Grand Vase
  • Digital Art Book

Save data from the following HD-2D titles unlocks bonus items:

  • Octopath Traveler – Blue Cait Statue: Slightly increases EXP and leaves obtained while placed. Effects from decorations of the same type do not stack.
  • Octopath Traveler II – Blue Octopuff Statue: Slightly increases JP obtained while placed. Effects from decorations of the same type do not stack.
  • BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster – Fortifying Nut (M): Greatly increases Phys. Atk.
  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake – Nourishing Nut (M): Greatly increases max. HP.
  • Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake – Invigorating Nut (M): Greatly increases max. SP.
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