Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Gets New Steam Bundles

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Gets New Steam Bundles

Lizardcube and SEGA have released two new Steam bundles for Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. One of the bundles includes Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, while the other includes Streets of Rage 4. 

The two bundles allow players to buy all of Lizardcube’s most beloved games. The bundle including Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap costs $23.38. On the other hand, the one featuring Streets of Rage 4 is priced at $26.76. You can also buy a bundle that includes BlazBlue Entropy Effect for $36.88. 

SEGA recently confirmed the new SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains Stage DLC will feature a Goro Majima boss from the Yakuza / Like a Dragon franchise. SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance protagonist Joe Musashi will face off Goro Majima, who is also be joined by Death Adder from Golden Axe and Dr. Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog in the SEGA Villains Stage DLC.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance launched on August 29 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam for $29.99, and a free demo is available now. A Digital Deluxe Edition is available for $39.99 featuring the game’s Season Pass.

The SEGA Villains Stage DLC will release in early 2026. You can download the DLC at no additional cost with the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Season Pass. The Season Pass also features the Starter Pack (Ghost Outfit, Medic Lite Amulet, and in-game currency), a digital art book, and a digital soundtrack. Check out our 4/5 review of the game here, in which we describe it as a game which “brings Joe Musashi back into the limelight in one of the most stunning-looking games of the year, which is sure to make longtime fans of the series happy.”

Dragon Ball FighterZ Update Will Bring Adjustments to ‘In-Game Behaviors and Phenomena’

Dragon Ball FighterZ update

Bandai Namco has announced that a new update for Dragon Ball FighterZ is coming soon with adjustments to “several in-game behaviors and phenomena.” The new Dragon Ball FighterZ update incorporates feedback from the most recent update, update 1.41, and more details will be revealed in the near future.

Dragon Ball FighterZ update 1.41 brought a slew of gameplay changes to the game on all platforms. Most notably, the Z Assist (A-Type, B-Type) cooldown time was adjusted greatly, and there were wide-sweeping character adjustments for Vegeta (Super Saiyan), Gohan (Teen), Yamcha, Zamasu (Fused), Videl, Goku Black, and Goku (Ultra Instinct). 

More updates will likely release in early 2026, especially with Dragon Ball FighterZ DLC character Goku (SS4, DAIMA) launching in spring 2026. SS4 Goku from Dragon Ball Daima is currently playable in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO with the Dragon Ball DAIMA: Character Pack 2 DLC, which launched on September 24 alongside a free content update featuring the “First Demon World Stage”. 

Dragon Ball FighterZ is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam worldwide. Dragon Ball FighterZ is backwards compatible on Nintendo Switch 2.

Fans can also try out the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO. Final Weapon reviewed Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO on Nintendo Switch 2 and gave it a 3.5/5 score, noting that the game comes packed with content and fun gameplay despite some performance drawbacks.

Seven Knights Re:BIRTH Adds New Yeonhee Costume

Seven Knights Re: BIRTH Adds New Yeonhee Costume

As part of the ongoing event commemorating the half-year anniversary of Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, a new costume for Yeonhee is available now. The costume depicts the character as a “Pop-Idol.” 

A press release describes the new addition: “The newly added Legendary costume for Yeonhee, “Pop Idol” Yeonhee, depicts her as a super-dimensional pop idol that transcends dimensions. Players who obtain Yeonhee’s new costume can experience its unique skill effects, sound, spine portrait, and exclusive Profile. 

The theme OST for Pop Idol Yeonhee, titled “Beyond the Seventh Season,” has been added to the Jukebox for players to listen to in the game’s Lobby. The track is also now available on music streaming platforms for players to enjoy. Alongside this update, the Yeonhee Rate Up Summon Event is now live that increases the chances to acquire Yeonhee.”

The half-year anniversary celebration is still ongoing and features multiple events for players to take part in. These events can grant rewards such as 4★ Legendary Ring Selection Boxes, a Seven Knights Selector, mission points, and more. The exact events that you can play through now include the following:

  • 0.5th Anniversary 7K Festival – Expedition of the Ring
  • 0.5th Anniversary 7K Festival Check-In
  • 0.5th Anniversary Celebration Summon
  • 0.5th Anniversary 7K Festival Special Missions:
  • 0.5th Anniversary 7K Festival Arena Missions

Seven Knights Re:BIRTH is available now for iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play Store. Final Weapon had the opportunity to interview Netmarble Nexus CEO and executive producer Jeong-min Kim to discuss the development of Seven Knights Re:BIRTH and various topics, including some of the challenges the team faced and what players can expect in the future. 

SHIFT UP Begins Large-Scale Recruitment for Stellar Blade Sequel Development

Stellar Blade sequel

SHIFT UP has begun large-scale recruitment for development of the upcoming Stellar Blade sequel, which is described as a “AAA multi-platform action game” for consoles and PC in the company’s latest news release. The Stellar Blade sequel inherits the stylish combat and narrative-driven world of the original game, and SHIFT UP is hiring staff to bring its development plans to fruition.

SHIFT UP plans to release the Stellar Blade sequel and the new Project Spirits action RPG by 2027. The two games are part of an IP expansion plan for SHIFT UP, which includes Goddess of Victory: NIKKE and “platform expansion” for Stellar Blade. If a Nintendo Switch 2 version is under development, it would certainly fall under the studio’s plans to expand the reach of Stellar Blade.

Stellar Blade is available now for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. The game quickly surpassed 3 million copies sold, just five days after the release of the PC version on June 11. To celebrate, SHIFT UP gifted Nintendo Switch 2 units to approximately 300 employees, causing speculation regarding a potential Switch 2 version of Stellar Blade. SHIFT UP has not officially confirmed a Switch 2 version, however.

Lastly, the Stellar Blade Complete Edition is also available featuring the digital game, Twin Expansion Pack featuring the NieR: Automata DLC and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE DLC, a Goddess of Victory: NIKKE CD-key for a Stellar Blade costume in the mobile game, Fluffy Bear Pack drone cosmetics, and Planet Diving Suit (Captain) for Eve. 

Dune: Awakening Free Trial Available Now Until November 27

Dune: Awakening Free Trial Available Now Until November 27

Funcom has revealed that a free trial for Dune: Awakening is available now until November 27. Additionally, the game is on sale for its lowest price ever, at $37.49, until December 1.

The free trial, like the previous one released in August, will allow players to explore the explore the vast Hagga Basin map for up to 10 hours. Unlike the previous trial, though, you can choose a server in any World you want and play with existing players. All progress will carry over if you decide to buy the game while it’s on sale. 

Recently, Funcom released season 2 of the game on September 10, alongside the new The Lost Harvest DLC. The DLC is available for $12.99 and brings a standalone storyline following the crash of a Miner’s Guild spice harvester. Players discover that it holds a secret cargo that proves to be quite valuable and important.

The new DLC unlocks several new cosmetics, the Treadwheel, the Dune Man building set, new decorations, armor sets, weapons, and much more. The DLC is included with the Season Pass ($24.99), which is also included in the game’s Deluxe and Ultimate Editions. The release date for the next season of Dune: Awakening is currently unknown. 

Dune: Awakening is available now for PC via Steam, and PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are coming soon. Final Weapon reviewed Dune: Awakening and noted that it’s “a love letter to the world of Frank Herbert” and “has some of the most immersive survival gameplay in recent years as well as an intriguing entry in the Dune lore.”

Undertale and Square Enix Music and Merchandise Collaboration Announced

Undertale and Square Enix Music and Merchandise Collaboration Announced

Square Enix has announced a collaboration with Undertale to commemorate the game’s 10th anniversary. The collaboration will feature new music and merchandise which will release at a later date. 

On the official collaboration website, Square Enix says the following: “Huh?! UNDERTALE × SQUARE ENIX?!…Yeah, you read that right. To celebrate UNDERTALE‘s 10th anniversary, a special collaboration with SQEX Music & Merchandising is happening! Music, apparel… things a little strange, but somehow wonderful, are starting to take shape. There are even whispers of some mysterious new merch…

And this project isn’t stopping in one place—it’s rolling out worldwide! With ten years of DETERMINATION in its heart, SQEX Music & Merchandising will deliver this quirky dream collaboration to fans across the globe!”

The first major release from the collaboration will be a new entry in Square Enix’s Chill Arrangement series, featuring new arrangements of popular Undertale songs. This includes “Fallen Down,” “Spear of Justice,” and of course, “Megalovania.” It will release in Japan on January 28, 2026, and in the United States at a later date. Additionally, a piano arrangement album featuring the talents of Yoko Shimomura will also release, alongside more merchandise that is yet to be announced. 

Undertale initially released for PC and Mac in 2015. It would later release for PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in the following years. New free content for the 10th anniversary of Undertale is also available now. Chapter 1-4 of its parallel story, Deltarune, are available now for $24.99 on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation, PC, and Mac. Chapters 5-7 will release at a later date. 

Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny Demo is Now Available

Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny demo

Capcom has released a free demo for Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. Save data from the Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny demo does not transfer to the full game, however.

In Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, one of the remaster’s features is “Hell” mode, which was also added to Onimusha: Warlords. Hell mode is a new difficulty where a single hit means instant death. In addition, the game includes the option to select Easy mode from the start, so players who want to enjoy the story first and foremost may do so. There’s also auto-saves, skippable cutscenes, multiple aspect ratios, and an extensive in-game gallery mode, and more.

Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny launched on May 23 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. Players with save data from the 2019 remaster of Onimusha: Warlords can also unlock a special outfit for Jubei inspired by Samanosuke, the protagonist from the original game.

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

Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny was originally released in 2002 and has become the best-selling entry in the Onimusha series. The story follows a new hero, master swordsman Jubei Yagyu, who sets out on a quest to defeat Nobunaga Oda and his army of demons. Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny features a range of new game mechanics, including an affinity system with Jubei’s allies and branching narrative paths.

CODE VEIN II Trailer Introduces Josée Anjou

Josée Anjou in CODE VEIN II

Bandai Namco has released a new trailer for action RPG CODE VEIN II to introduce character Josée Anjou. Josée is a Revenant who rules the Sunken City, the home of the launch surviving humans. She’s haunted by her inability to stop a Resurgence outbreak in the past, and she now works constantly as a guardian for the living.

In CODE VEIN II, Josée is a powerful front-line attacker that wields a two-handed sword capable of easily staggering foes. Her “Hound” trait gives her high resistance to being disrupted while attacking; her “Precision” support skill makes enemies easier to break; and her “Unquenchable Flame” skill summons devastating pillars of fire.

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.

Interview: Akita Shoten Executive Yuki Yokoi on Baki the Grappler’s 35th Anniversary

Baki Yuki Yokoi Interview

The Baki the Grappler franchise kicked off its 35th anniversary celebration with the “Beyond Baki: Cosplay, Editing & New Challenges” panel at New York Comic Con 2025, and to learn more about what’s in store for Baki’s next chapter, Final Weapon had the chance to interview Yuki Yokoi, the Assistant General Manager of the Business IP Department at Akita Shoten.

Yokoi has worked closely with the Baki title and its creator, Keisuke Itagaki, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the franchise. Kodama Inc. is working with Akita Shoten to bring the Baki the Grappler manga to fans around the world, and the new Baki-Dou anime is also scheduled for release next year. Our interview delves into these topics, along with Yokoi’s experience working with Itagaki, the outlook on the Baki franchise from the Japanese fandom, Baki 35th anniversary plans, and much more.

The interview is available below with slight edits for clarity:

Final Weapon: Could you please introduce yourself and your role at Akita Shoten?

Yuki Yokoi: I am Yuki Yokoi, Assistant General Manager of the Advertising & Promotion Department at Akita Publishing, also overseeing the Business IP Department.

As my title suggests, I am responsible for selling advertising space in our in-house magazines used as media outlets, as well as managing promotional advertising for our own titles. The department also functions as our company’s public relations division, and I serve as its deputy manager.

However, for the Baki series specifically, I have been acting as the point of contact and manager for all matters outside the manga serialization—such as anime, merchandising, and tie-ups—because the company did not originally have a dedicated IP licensing contact for Baki. Since I was the editor in charge up until the launch of the anime adaptation, I continue to oversee these areas related to the Baki IP.

Akita Shonen is working with Kodama to bring the Baki the Grappler manga to more fans around the world. What can fans expect in terms of Baki manga releases as the series celebrates its pivotal 35th anniversary?

Yokoi: First, for the core storyline of the original Baki series—from Baki the Grappler to the latest installment Baki Rahen, and the stories that will continue beyond—I hope to work closely with Kodama Inc. to bring the series to audiences around the world until the very end.

For the anniversary year, we have prepared both Japanese and English versions of our official X (Twitter) accounts so that we can share various updates, primarily through social media, with fans in Japan and overseas. From there, we plan to roll out many interactive initiatives.

As for the anime, as already announced, the Baki-Dou anime is scheduled for release in 2026, so there’s a lot to look forward to.

©Keisuke Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN)

Are there any new Baki adaptations being considered, such as live-action?

Yokoi: We are currently exploring various possibilities for expanding the series into different media formats.

While we are not yet at the stage where anything can be announced publicly, we are examining a wide range of potential opportunities.

You’ve worked closely with Keisuke Itagaki, the creator of the Baki series. What’s his outlook on Baki now that the series is approaching its 35th anniversary? How involved is Itagaki in the franchise’s plans heading into 2026 and beyond?

Yokoi: I myself have been working with Itagaki-sensei since 2007.

Itagaki-sensei refers to his own profession as a “Baki-ya” (a “Baki craftsman” or perhaps “Baki-maker”), and he often says that he has descended into this world, holding a video camera, and wants to deliver to the fans the footage he has been filming in the form of manga.

Even now, as the series reaches its 35th anniversary, he does not view this period as “long,” but rather sees it as an ongoing story woven by characters who will continue to exist far into the future.

In 2026 as well, he intends to continue his role as the original author—overseeing new anime-related merchandising and other developments—while also looking for opportunities, between chapters, to meet fans around the world.

Events like New York Comic Con give Baki fans an opportunity to engage with the franchise in new and insightful ways, including the recent panel. Could you discuss some plans for the Baki series at upcoming events?

Yokoi: Since it will be the 35th anniversary year, we are also considering participating in overseas conventions, both on the anime side and the original manga side.

We are also looking into taking exhibitions like the “Baki Expo,” which was held in Japan and featured original artwork, on an international tour.

If we are able to connect with local organizers who might work with us on such events, we believe we can create opportunities for people overseas to experience the world of Baki beyond the manga itself.

With over 100 million copies in circulation, the Baki series has impacted and resonated with many fans. What has fan reception been like from readers in Japan? How has it differed from fan reception outside Japan?

Yokoi: I think that fans in Japan tend to fall into a few groups: those whose lives have been changed by the series and who take to heart its message about becoming strong and staying strong; those who enjoy the work as an entertaining series, interpreting the extraordinary and over-the-top actions and expressions of the characters—who are sometimes almost absurdly formidable—as a kind of “gag”; and those who enjoy clipping scenes from the series and treating them as internet memes.

As for overseas fans, I feel that many of them are closer to the first group in Japan—people who are sincerely moved by the greatness of the work and its martial-arts expression.

But as more people like Logan (@loganchitwood), who cosplays Yujiro, appear, I think we may also see an increase in fans who enjoy Baki’s more humorous, meme-worthy scenes in a similar way.

What are some key takeaways that you would like to give to Baki fans for 2026?

Yokoi: To everyone in the English-speaking world, thank you for your patience as we prepare the release of Baki the Grappler. It will be published with the same specifications as the complete edition sold in Japan. Please look forward to receiving two volumes every month.

In addition, the official overseas account for the Baki series has now launched. We will be sharing updates and projects that fans can enjoy, so please follow and join us there as well.

The Baki-Dou anime is also coming to streaming! It features the ultimate and most powerful Miyamoto Musashi ever depicted. Please enjoy seeing him in action!

©Keisuke Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN)

What are some of your favorite moments from Baki?

Yokoi: It is Retsu Kaioh’s final scene in Baki-Dou.

His final line, “Next time, I will capitalize on my chance to…” was added based on my suggestion.

Itagaki-sensei himself thanked me for sharing that idea, so as someone who has worked on the series—even if only as a small part of the editorial team—it is one of the scenes I cherish the most.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Yokoi: We carried out many projects for the 30th anniversary, but we see the 35th as a year to expand even more and reach fans overseas as well!

We are committed to making it a year that Baki fans all around the world can enjoy.

Please stay tuned!

Thank you so much for your time, Yokoi-san!

Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE Review – Leveling Up Without Gacha

Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE review by Final Weapon

Solo Leveling: ARISE left a strong impression on me when it released in May 2024, especially the highs of the anime’s first season still fresh on my mind. Although my interest in the game waned after the first few months of service, I knew there was potential for more, but I didn’t know how it would come about. Flash forward a year later, and Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is the fully realized potential of Solo Leveling: ARISE. Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE isn’t perfect, but it’s a big upgrade in so many ways, both nuanced and simple.

I can sum up Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE very simply before delving into the deeper details, but essentially, it’s a single-player focused version of the original mobile and PC game with refined mechanics and features. In hindsight, Solo Leveling: ARISE was more like an early access version of what would eventually become Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE. Of course, there’s so much more to this revamped game, as there’s just more content across the board.

Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE Levels Up the Player Experience

From the get-go, Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE stands out from its free-to-play gacha game counterpart with a cinematic opening sequence where you face off Baran the Demon King as the Monarch of Shadows himself. This crazy series of events also serves as the game’s tutorial and a PC benchmark—from my experience at least. Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is a more graphically demanding game, and it’s apparent from in-game visuals, character animations, and much more. Netmarble put a lot more effort into the presentation of Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE, and character move-sets are much more stylish and varied. The English dub of Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is also really great with the cast of the anime reprising their roles, adding another layer of authenticity.

Once more, players take on the role of Sung Jinwoo as he evolves from being the Weakest Hunter of All Time to being one of the most powerful hunters to grace the streets of Korea. The tutorial section and opening sequence does a great job setting up what Jinwoo is, and will be, capable of. After the new opening sequence, the game follows the same missions of Solo Leveling: ARISE, but the structuring, pacing, and presentation of the content is greatly improved. Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE presents itself as a single-player, character-driven action game where you level up by getting good results in combat encounters, and the level design seems more in-line with a console game rather than the original gacha title.

The introductory missions introduce the weapon-switching mechanic, allowing you to extend combos and link together new chain attacks and abilities with swords, daggers, hammers, and more. There’s a greater variety of attacks in general, with makes combat a lot more fun here compared to the original ARISE. Combat is dynamic with the varied range of weaponry at your disposal, and you are rewarded for being cunning with parries, Extreme Evasion, and counter attacks. This is in addition to eight different jobs and skill trees to progress, including Assassin and Ruler—each of which has a difficulty level for general use. Assassin is tricker to use due to the reliance on counters and evasion, while Ruler is more well-rounded for beginners, for example.

The jobs and skill trees synergize with the new Overdrive system, which gives each Jinwoo and each hunter a very powerful signature move or ability. Jinwoo’s Overdrive is tied to his skill trees and the abilities he’s unlocked, while Hunter’s have unique traits that contribute toward their Overdrives. For example, with the Duel skill tree, Jinwoo’s Overdrive involves a special gauge that fills in combat, and once full, players can unleash a powerful skill that plays to the strengths of that tree. In Choi Jong-in’s case, he summons massive meteors that apply Burn to enemies in sight.

Keeping and Expanding What Works

Solo Leveling ARISE OVERDRIVE demo

There’s a lot of content that that Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE maintains and expands upon. Going back to the story mode, the game delves into the original story from the webtoon just like ARISE did, but there’s more content exclusive to this game. The Hunter’s Association lobby from ARISE returns, but the overall layout is different, and Jinwoo actually talks to the NPCs there, including Seorin, for example. The same features from ARISE can be accessed from the lobby, including co-op raids with up to four players, optional fights and encounters on the World Map, mini-games, and the ability to recruit characters.

Since Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is now longer a gacha game, players can unlock hunters, weapons, and other unlocks by simply playing the game. You don’t need to spend more than the $39.99 base price, as this is a premium game rather than its free-to-play counterpart. Since there’s no gacha, weapons can be earned and upgraded with the variety of materials you earn in game by completing missions, defeating bosses, and clearing special stages like bosses and other encounters.

There are extensive weapon trees that will keep you grinding for hours, in addition to the aforementioned skill trees. Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE feels like a fleshed out action RPG now, considering the leveling and stat systems that are also present. There’s a stronger sense of progression based on how you perform, especially when higher ranked results in the single-player encounters net you more XP and rewards. The artifact system, which appears to be a standard for games of this caliber, continues to give you the same stat and attribute bonuses as before, except now you can earn artifacts through normal progression.

As you progress further into the game, Jinwoo becomes more and more powerful with the Monarch’s Awakening system. Just like in ARISE, you’ll experience Jinwoo’s transformation into the Monarch of Shadows, allowing him to command his most powerful Shadows. The tutorial section gives you a sample of what Jinwoo’s transformation and abilities bring to the table, but through Monarch’s Awakening, Jinwoo becomes a force to be reckoned with, and combat becomes even more fast-paced in a controlled bout of chaos.  

Of course, Jinwoo is not the only playable hunter, as there are many playable hunters to choose for your team of up to four, and for playing content that’s not directly tied to the main story. Like Jinwoo, all the hunters need equipment, artifacts, and XP to grow stronger for harder end-game content, such as world content bosses and the returning Battlefield of Time. The roster is vast with characters that were released over time in free updates to Solo Leveling: ARISE, including game-original characters like Alicia Blanche and fan-favorites like Choi Jong-in and Cha Hae-in, all of which have unique move-sets and progression. To recruit them, players can hire them or give them an offer, with the success rate depending on how good they perceive the offer.

Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is a Welcomed Overhaul

Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is better in nearly every single way, from monetization to graphics and gameplay. However, there are still a few sore spots. Since Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is built in the same engine as ARISE, there’s still a mobile game “feel” that persists throughout the whole game, whether its level structure or the way characters interact in dialogue. Players who have played ARISE for the past year and invested time into that game likely won’t be blown away by what has changed or improved.

At this core, this game is still Solo Leveling: ARISE in its foundation. In fact, some of the gripes I once had from the time I was reviewing ARISE are still present, such as the basic level design and lack of voice lines for some moments in the story. That being said, I did play a development build that may differ from the full release version, so it’s possible that some of the issues I had could already be fixed or will be fixed through post-launch updates. Moreover, my issues were more limited to audio and voice lines here, as many technical features, including graphical settings and controller configurations, were working just fine.

Despite that, Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE brings a big enough overhaul that is worth commending to an extent, especially when it gives ARISE players the option to forgo gacha entirely. Standing on its own, the game is more immersive as a single-player title that can be played from in co-op, if the player decides to. The quality of life and gameplay improvements are also very welcomed, as it makes Jinwoo’s lengthy story mode even more of a joy to play than before. 

Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE launches November 24 for PC via Microsoft Store and Steam, followed by PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2026. Deluxe Edition purchases include early access, starting November 21.

Disclaimer: Netmarble provided a Steam key of Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE for review purposes.