Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Reveals New Visuals, MapleStory Collaboration

By
Soul Kiwami
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Frieren Beyond Journey's End Season 2 Frieren sleeping visual
© 山田鐘人・アベツカサ／小学館／「葬送のフリーレン」製作委員会

The staff of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 revealed three new character visuals depicting Frieren taking a nap, blowing a kissing, and being pulled from a mimic chest by Fern. In addition to the Season 2 visuals, a collaboration between Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and MMORPG MapleStory is being held.

© 山田鐘人・アベツカサ／小学館／「葬送のフリーレン」製作委員会
© 山田鐘人・アベツカサ／小学館／「葬送のフリーレン」製作委員会
© 山田鐘人・アベツカサ／小学館／「葬送のフリーレン」製作委員会

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 premieres on January 16, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. JST  on NTV’s “Friday Anime Night” programming block. The first season is streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix in the US, Canada, and Latin America. 17 episodes of the Magic of ?? mini anime episodes are streaming on YouTube as well.

Tomoya Kitagawa directs the anime with support from Keiichirō Saitō. Daiki Harashina is the assistant director, and Tomohiro Suzuki handles series composition. Takasemaru, Keisuke Kojima, and Yuri Fujinaka are the character designers, Seiko Yoshioka is the concept artist, and Evan Call is the music composer. Madhouse returns to animate the series.

Lastly, here’s an overview, via Crunchyroll:

The mage Frieren defeated the Demon King alongside the hero Himmel’s party after a 10-year quest. Peace was restored to the kingdom. Because she is an elf, she is able to live over a thousand years. She promises Himmel and the others that she will be back to see them and then sets out on a journey by herself. Fifty years later, Frieren goes to visit Himmel and the others. She remained unchanged, but Himmel and the others have aged and only a little of their lives remain. Later, she witnesses Himmel’s death. Frieren is pained by her desire to have spent more time getting to know people. With that regret in her heart, she then goes on a journey to do just that. On her journey, she meets many people and many events await her.

Sonic Rumble Update 1.4.0 is Out Now Before Global Launch

By
Soul Kiwami
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Sonic Rumble update 1.4.0

SEGA and Rovio have released the version 1.4.0 update for 32-player battle royale game Sonic Rumble ahead of launch. Sonic Rumble update 1.4.0 adds new Space Colony ARK stages, Biolizard Co-op Battle (November 20), Master Emerald League, and Rumble Plus upgrades.

Sonic Rumble launches November 5 worldwide for Android, iOS, and PC via Steam. Pre-registration for Sonic Rumble is live on Google Play, App Store, and Steam ahead of launch, and a new trailer was released to reveal the long-awaited release date. By pre-registering, players can earn rewards, including 5,000 Rings, a Happy sticker, Crystal Chao buddy, Garnet Knuckles skin, and Movie Sonic skin. 

Patch notes for Sonic Rumble update 1.4.0 are listed below:

Sonic Rumble Update 1.4.0 Patch Notes

Version 1.4.0 introduces new features, including new stages, a new co-op boss battle against the Biolizard, and a new top league to the Rumble Rankings. Get ready for lots of new content coming in version 1.4.0 of Sonic Rumble all leading up to the Global Launch on November 5th.

New & Updated Features

New Stages

The following stages will debut in Update 1.4.0! Be sure to try them out:

      • Sweet Mountain Run 2
      • Desert Ruins Hunt
      • Space Colony ARK Run
      • Space Colony ARK Run 2
      • Space Colony ARK Hunt
      • Space Colony ARK Survival
      • Space Colony ARK Ring Battle 2
      • Squad: Starlight Carnival Hunt

Co-op Battles

      • The big bad Biolizard is coming to Sonic Rumble on November 20 10:00 AM (UTC)
      • Earn Co-op Battle Mission Points by taking on Co-op Battles and get Skin fragments and Tune-Up Wrenches
      • Skin fragments can be exchanged for a Skin once you’ve collected enough of them

New Stage Challenges

      • Frozen Factory Hunt
      • Lava Mountain Team
      • Pinball Carnival Ring Battle

Rumble Rankings Changes

      • Starting from November 4th we’re adding a new top league to the Rumble Rankings the Master Emerald League
      • If you earn a place in the Master Emerald League you’ll get an even more spectacular Nameplate effect
      • Your Rumble Rankings Personal Best will now be displayed in the Battle Record tab on your Profile

Addition of Total Skill Level

      • The combined level of all the Skills you own will now be shown as your Total Skill Level
      • The higher your Total Skill Level the greater the score you receive for performing skills
      • Keep leveling up your Skills and shoot for higher scores
      • Your Total Skill Level will appear after progressing in the game and unlocking it

Addition of Seasonal Score Badges

      • We’re introducing Score Badges a new way to boost your Score Bonus
      • Score Badges are valid only for the season in which they are acquired and are mostly earned from seasonal events

Addition of the Ring Claw Machine

      • We’re adding a new Claw Machine you can play by spending Rings (1,000,000 per play)
      • You can get rewards like Score Badges or Red Star Rings from the Ring Claw Machine

Adjustments to Rumble Plus

Pre-Update

      • Get 5 free Omni Fragments by logging in daily
      • Earn more Rings from Battles
      • Increased Ring limit (16,000) and recovery rate (70 every 6 minutes)
      • 3 extra free Daily Prizes
      • 15 free Red Star Rings with your first subscription and each renewal

Post-Update

      • Get 5 free Omni Fragments 1,600 Pass XP and 7,500 Rings by logging in daily
      • Earn more Rings from Battles
      • Increased Ring limit (48,000) and recovery rate (200 every 6 minutes)
      • 3 extra free Daily Prizes
      • 15 free Red Star Rings with your first subscription and each renewal
      • Increased free XP Bonus Chances (earn extra XP twice a day without viewing ads)
      • Discount on the Ring Claw Machine (1,000,000 Rings → 500,000 Rings)
      • Access to the Bonus Bank

With Rumble Plus once you reach the max level on your Season Pass you can continue to store XP for extra rewards at the end of the season. The Bonus Bank will be available starting in Season 1 after Global Launch.

Skill Adjustments

Name Changes

      • Several skill have been renamed

Adjustments to Offensive Skills

      • Increased the rings gained on hit for multiple Skills
      • Increased the cooldown of Combo Strike and Charge Blast

Adjustments to Absorption Skills

      • Reduced the Absorption Range of Finders Keepers
      • Reduced the Absorption Range gained from leveling up Ring Swipe, Cyclone Dash, Breakthrough, Lucky Draw, I Am All of Me, Ring Snatch, Earshift, Psychic Pull, and Air Shield
      • Increased the cooldown of Ring Swipe, Cyclone Dash, Breakthrough, Lucky Draw, I Am All of Me, Ring Snatch, Earshift, Psychic Pull, and Air Shield

Adjustments to Invincibility Skills

      • Adjusted to prevent slowdown effects of terrain while invincible
      • Fixed a problem where blocks would not break while invincible
      • Reduced cooldown for Guard Dodge, Roll, Bubble Shield, PDA Scan, Power Squat, Shadow Special, Foiled!, Pyro Shield, Meditate, and Relentless Snooze

Other Adjustments

      • Added new achievements and rewards
      • Changed Skin and Buddy enhancement requirements to 100 Tune-Up Wrenches only
      • Frozen status can now be thawed quicker by pressing the action button repeatedly

Ring Shop Pricing Changes

      • Rare Avatars now cost 25,000 Rings (previously 10,000)
      • Rare Buddies now cost 10,000 Rings (previously 20,000)

Discontinuation of Skill Star Shop Items

      • Skill Star Sample Bundle, One-Time Skill Star Bundle, and Weekly Skill Star Bundle have been removed

Change to Regular Event Schedule

      • Squads are available from Monday 10:00 AM to Thursday 8:00 AM UTC (every other week)
      • Special Rumble is available from Monday 10:00 AM to Thursday 8:00 AM UTC (every other week)
      • Co-op Battle is available from Thursday 10:00 AM to Monday 8:00 AM UTC (every week)

Adjustment to Event Rewards

      • Rewards for Rumble Rankings Event Passes and Season Passes have been adjusted

Adjustment to Certain Emblem Rank Rewards

      • Rewards granted at certain Emblem Ranks have been adjusted

Raising Score Rank Requirements

      • Score requirements for Score Rank levels have been increased
      • Past earned ranks may change accordingly

User Interface Adjustments

      • Changed how squad members are shown
      • Login Bonus window has been adjusted
      • Stage Challenges transition has been adjusted
      • Score Booster appearance and display has been adjusted
      • Shop interface and control button behavior has been adjusted
      • Changed how game elements targeted by the Action button are shown
      • Added space for TikTok channel links to the Profile screen for Content Creators.

Other Changes

      • Google Play Points and Play Games Services have been integrated
      • Apple Game Center Achievements have been integrated

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Season 5 Brings Technical Improvements, New Content and Features

By
Soul Kiwami
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Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Season 5

KT Racing and Nacon has launched Season 5 of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown with major technical improvements to the game’s KT Engine, along with new content and features. One of the most notable additions includes Taxi Missions, a returning feature from the original Test Drive Unlimited.

In Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Season 5, Taxi Missions lets players earn Solar Coins by transporting a passenger from one point to another in a set time limit while providing a best possible experience for them. The season also introduces Casino’s Poker, where players can bet virtual currency to win rewards to earn special rewards like an exclusive car and new avatar and vehicle cosmetics.

The KT Engine has been improved with enhancements to visuals and performance, including enhanced graphical rendering with “special attention” for shadows and shaders. Additional performance optimizations, including frame rate improvements, are coming in future seasons. 

The in-game economy has also been re-balanced to offer more Solar Coins in races, the FRIM system has been revamped with reputation points and Solar Pass XP with unlimited rewards, and a new car resale feature was also introduced. There are also new cards, including the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule, De Tomaso P72, and Aston Martin Vantage GT3.

Lastly, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Releases Update 1.20 and Kaigaku DLC

By
Soul Kiwami
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Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 - Kaigaku

SEGA has released Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 DLC character Kaigaku is now available alongside the version 1.20 update. Kaigaku is available with the Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Infinity Castle Character Pass for $29.99, and the character may be purchased separately for $4.99.

Kaigaku joins as a playable character in Versus Mode along with a profile photo, quotes, decorations, and mastery rewards. Alongside Kaigaku, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 update 1.20 adds the new “Infinity Castle” for Versus Mode. What’s more, the Anime Song Pack is available for $14.99, allowing players to change the background music in Versus Mode to songs from the anime series. This includes TV versions of opening and ending theme songs.

Zenitsu Agatsuma (Infinity Castle) will be the next DLC character releasing in December 2025, and more updates are coming soon. The Infinity Castle Character Pass includes:

  • Tanjiro Kamado (Infinity Castle)
  • Zenitsu Agatsuma (Infinity Castle)
  • Giyu Tomioka (Infinity Castle)
  • Shinobu Kocho (Infinity Castle)
  • Doma
  • Akaza (Infinity Castle)
  • Kaigaku

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 launched on August 5 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam for $59.99. Final Weapon reviewed Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2, noting it’s a great game that recaps the events leading to the Infinity Castle Arc.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Infinity Castle – Akaza Returns premiered on September 12 in theaters across the U.S. The movie achieved the biggest opening weekend for an anime film in the country, surpassing the record held by Pokémon: The First Movie in 1999 ($31 million).

Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is Coming to PC, PS4, PS5 and Switch in 2026

By
Soul Kiwami
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Fear Effect 2 Retro Helix

Limited Run Games, Square Enix, and Implicit Conversions announced Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam in 2026. Physical editions of Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix will be available for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, and this is the first time the game is being ported to new platforms since the initial release for PlayStation on February 21, 2001.

Here’s an overview of the game, via Gematsu:

Delve into the colorful histories of the original cast of mercenaries and the extraordinary circumstances that brought them together in Fear Effect. Discover what drives Hana Tsu-Vachel, the beautiful assassin whose specialty lies in the dealings of love as well as death; Royce Glas, the master counter intelligence operative who is haunted by his past; Jakob “Deke” Decourt, the cold-blooded killer driven by money and murder. And meet Rain Qin, a stunning new character and close companion of Hana with unparalleled beauty wrapped around a dark secret core.

Key Features

      • New Motion FX 3D technology allows for the most breathtaking anime ever on a gaming console.
      • Unparalleled interaction with 8 new environments for mindbending puzzles and intense action.
      • Enemies react with cunning Al as you try to obliterate them with an expanded arsenal of weaponry such as tasers and flame throwers.
      • Gameplay and cinematics stream seamlessly, eliminating load times even after death sequences.

Fear Effect is already available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam for $9.99. Fear Effect first released on February 24, 2000 for the original PlayStation, and this is the first modern release of the game. 

Crunchyroll Opens Free 24/7 Anime Channel With Ads on Samsung TV Plus

By
Soul Kiwami
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Crunchyroll Samsung TV Plus

Crunchyroll has announced the launch of the free 24/7 Crunchyroll Channel with ads on the Samsung TV Plus service. The free channel is available on 2017-2025 Samsung smart televisions. 

On Samsung TV Plus, 24/7 Crunchyroll Channel airs anime all day from the company’s back catalog, including Yū Yū Hakusho, Assassination Classroom, Black Clover, To Your Eternity, and much more with Japanese with English subtitles and English dub. There will be promotional programming blocks on the channel, and the channel also features episodes of the Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect podcast. 

Previously, Crunchyroll announced that its curated anime lineup for the Delta Air Lines in-flight entertainment suite will launch in early November across more than 165,000 seatback screens. Delta Air Lines customers will be available to view select episodes from hit anime like Black Clover, My Roommate is a Cat, Horimiya, Fruits Basket, and Solo Leveling within the Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience for SkyMiles Members, which is available on more than 940 aircraft.

What’s more, Crunchyroll subscribers can log into their account on personal devices via Delta Sync Wi-Fi to enjoy the full catalog of 50,000 episodes across 2,000 unique titles, including anime series and films. Fans can also sign-up for an exclusive 24-hour free trial to use during the flight or after landing.

Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment previously launched Crunchyroll Anime Nights, a new monthly theatrical program that celebrates anime, including past and new releases. Crunchyroll Anime Nights began on October 20 with the release of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A lonely dragon wants to be loved. The program is running across over 225 theaters in the U.S., including Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, AMC Theatres, Regal, Cinemark Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Landmark Cinemas chains. An OVERLORD 10th anniversary celebration follows up this November.

Resident Evil Requiem Reveals Deluxe Edition, Switch 2 Pro Controller, and Grace amiibo

By
Soul Kiwami
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Capcom has opened pre-orders for Resident Evil Requiem and revealed a plethora of information, including a new Deluxe Edition, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and new Grace amiibo. All pre-orders include the “Apocalypse” costume for Grace. 

A Resident Evil Requiem Deluxe Edition will be available with the Standard Edition ($69.99), a pack of five costumes, four weapon skins, two screen filters, two weapon charms, and much more. A Premium Steelbook Edition ($89.99) was also revealed featuring the full game, Deluxe Edition contents, and a limited-edition lenticular card.

Players who purchase either edition of Resident Evil Requiem via Epic Games Store will earn special collaboration items in Fortnite, including the Grace outfit. More details about the collaboration are coming soon.

What’s more, a special edition Resident Evil Requiem Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($99.99), fashioned with designs from the game and a gunmetal-black finish, will be available from Nintendo on launch day, and pre-orders are live in the My Nintendo Store. Grace from Resident Evil Requiem will become the first-ever Resident Evil amiibo, launching in summer 2026.

Fans can also look forward to Nintendo Switch 2 versions of Resident Evil biohazard Gold Edition and Resident Evil Village Gold Edition, launching the same day as Resident Evil Requiem. A Resident Evil Generation Pack bundle, exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, will include all three games. Pre-orders are available now for $89.99 in the Nintendo eShop.

Additionally, a Resident Evil Showcase is set for early 2026 with more details about Resident Evil Requiem before launch.

Resident Evil Requiem launches February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam, and the game has already surpassed two million wishlists. This past June, we had the opportunity to experience hands-off gameplay of Resident Evil Requiem at Summer Game Fest. 

RAVEN2 Launches New Halloween Events

By
Soul Kiwami
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Raven2

Netmarble has launched new Halloween events for dark fantasy MMORPG RAVEN2 on Android, iOS and PC via Epic Games Store. Through November 12, RAVEN2 players can earn various rewards by taking part in the Pumpkin Ghost’s Candy Village and Trixy’s Invitation to Candy Village events, which last well past Halloween. 

In Pumpkin Ghost’s Candy Village, RAVEN2 players can complete a Halloween themed dungeon to collect Pumpkin Candy Ingredients and exchange them for a variety of valuable items. One of the rewards includes the Trixy’s Gift Selection Chest, which contains one of the following items: Special Transmutation Support Chest, a Rare Hell Battle Heavenstone Chest, a Heroic Stella Summon Scroll, or a +4 Dazzling Relic Chest. Players can also obtain Trixy Dolls (Rare/Heroic), which passively boost stats like bonus EXP, MP recovery, and more when held in the player’s possession.

What’s more, the Trixy’s Invitation to Candy Village Check-in event offers players free daily login rewards. These new rewards include Time Recharge Stones and Trixy’s Gift Baskets, which may contain Holy Garment, Familiar, or Stella Summon Scrolls in Superior to Special grades. 

The global version of RAVEN2 is available in 150 countries and support 16 different languages, including English, Thai, German, French, Indonesian, and Malay, to name a few. Service of RAVEN2 will be divided into three major regions: North America, Southeast Asia & Oceania, and Europe. Each region hosts two worlds with 12 servers each.

PAC-MAN Gets a New Balloon for 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By
Soul Kiwami
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PAC-MAN 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Bandai Namco has announced that PAC-MAN will make his official debut in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27 with a new balloon celebrating the franchise’s 45th anniversary and the recent release of PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC. The PAC-MAN balloon was created in collaboration with Macy’s Parade Studio, and it measures 40 feet and 5 inches long, 38 feet and 9 inches wide, and 37 feet and 3 inches tall.

What’s more, Bandai Namco is partnering with Macy’s to launch a new pop-up experience this November at the iconic Macy’s Herald Square with free-to-play PAC-MAN arcade games and new products.

“For 45 years, PAC-MAN has made a lasting impact by bringing people of all ages together through the power of play,” said Susan Tran, Sr. Director of Brand Development for PAC-MAN at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. “Seeing PAC-MAN join one of America’s most cherished holiday traditions is an incredible way to celebrate the legacy and joy he continues to spark around the world. We can’t wait for fans everywhere to spot him chomping high above New York City this Thanksgiving.”

“For more than a century, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has brought everyone’s favorite characters to life and this year we’re thrilled to see PAC-MAN join the fun” said Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “As he celebrates 45 years of nonstop adventures and Power Pellet chomping, PAC-MAN is trading pixels for pavement with his first ever flight through Manhattan. Generations of fans will be smiling and cheering ‘Waka Waka’ as he makes his Parade debut Thanksgiving morning!”

PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Fans at home can watch 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27 in the U.S. on NBC and stream on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in all time zones.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Soundtrack Vinyl Set Available Now to Pre-Order

By
Saras Rajpal
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Soundtrack Vinyl Set Available Now to Pre-Order

Nintendo of America has announced that it will release a vinyl set for the soundtrack of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Two editions are available to pre-order now in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, United Kingdom, and other territories. 

Nintendo and Laced Records are collaborating on the two editions of the Breath of the Wild vinyl set. The first edition is a limited edition double LP that has 34 tracks, including “Overworld (Day)”, “Great Fairy Fountain” and “Hyrule Castle.” It also has archival artwork by Nintendo, a widespined outer sleeve, and printed inner sleeves, all for the price of $49.99. The second edition is a deluxe 8 LP boxset that has 130 specially mastered tracks. It also features alternating blue and gold splatter effect heavyweight LPs, a rigid board dual slipcase, and printed disc inners for $194.99. Both will release on June 19, 2026. 

In an interview with Variety, Nintendo Vice President and head of Player & Product Experience, Bill Trinen, said the following about the release: “In the Japanese market, CD is still a pretty prominent format there, and they do a lot of video game soundtracks on CD in Japan, and they’ve been doing that for years and years.

Here in the U.S., we haven’t been releasing much in the way of physical soundtracks at all. And so partly, this is a little bit about us trying to gage and understand what is the demand for physical soundtracks in the United States. Part of this is also simply an interest in trying to bring video game music to a broader audience, and it’s part of a few steps that we’ve taken.”

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available now on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. 

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