Blue Archive ‘Vol.5 Hyakkaryouran Chapter 2 Part 1’ Update Now Live

By
Saras Rajpal
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Blue Archive 'Vol.5 Hyakkaryouran Chapter 2 Part 1' Update Now Live

NEXON has released the latest update for Blue Archive, titled “Vol.5 Hyakkaryouran Chapter 2 Part 1.” The update adds two new students and a new story. 

The update adds two sonic-type students: Nagisa and Niya. You can recruit both students in an event which will last until November 3. Additionally, you can play through Episodes 1 through 15 in the new main story, titled “Hyakkaryouran – ‘To You, Who’s Trying to Bloom Alone’.”

According to a press release, the story update “highlights the students of the Hyakkaryouran Resolution Council as the main characters, depicting their journey of growth as they search for their missing president, Ayame. The second half of the story will be released on the 28th, featuring narratives from various councils across the Allied Hyakkiyako Academy.”

Check out the trailer for the latest update for Blue Archive, titled “Vol.5 Hyakkaryouran Chapter 2 Part 1,” below:

Lastly, Blue Archive is available now on iOS, Android, and PC via Steam. The Steam page describes the game as follows:

Begin Your Story with the Girls of This Epic Anime Fantasy RPG

Blue Archive‘s world immerses you in a detailed fantasy journey, following the stories of the girls in Kivotos. This title blends anime visuals, action, relationships, and RPG strategy. Embark on a journey filled with emotion, adventure, and unforgettable moments.

A Fantasy-Filled Anime RPG You’ll Never Forget!

Step into the role of a teacher in Kivotos, a fantasy city with magical schools and thrilling adventures. Guide students through school experiences and military operations. Each girl’s story is part of the Kivotos adventure, creating a vibrant RPG world with heartwarming moments and unforgettable stories.

Mahjong Soul Launches Gintama Collaboration, Lasts Until November 11

By
Soul Kiwami
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Yostar has launched a new update for free-to-play online mahjong game Mahjong Soul with a special Gintama collaboration event, which runs through November 11 at 13:59 (UTC-7). The collaboration introduces four playable characters from the Gintama series, including Gintoki Sakata, Kotaro Katsura, Shinsuke Takasugi, and Tatsuma Sakamoto.

What’s more, the Gintama collaboration introduces a new event to Mahjong Soul, dubbed “Ichihime’s Odd Jobs.” The event includes a unique match mode called Upside Down, where players with the fewer points in a mahjong match gain a big advantage. Players can participate in Ranked and Upside Down matches to earn Taiyaki tokens, which can be spent at the Hiring Center to hire staff members and other rewards.

The limited “All the World’s a Table” outfit series for the four collaboration characters is available in the in-game shop. Six new decorations are available as well, including: 

  • Tablecloth: Gintoki on a Scooter
  • Tile Back: Justaway
  • Riichi Bet: Shinpachi Shimura
  • Riichi: Elizabeth
  • Winning: Justaway’s Curtain Call
  • Portrait Frame: Elizabeth’s Placard

In addition, the game’s new Collab Story content sees Gintoki, Kotaro, Shinsuke, and Tatsuma visit the Mahjong Soul Shrine and interact with the game’s original cast. 

Mahjong Soul is available now on Android, iOS, and PC via Steam. Mahjong Soul Kan!!, an anime sequel to Mahjong Soul Pon, premiered in April 2024 on YouTube Premium. The Mahjong Soul Pon anime is available in its entirety on Crunchyroll.

Hideki Sorachi’s popular Gintama series began with the manga in 2004 and ran all the way until June 2021. The original Gintama anime series and GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class spin-off anime are streaming on Crunchyroll.

Village Vanguard to Release New Danganronpa 2 Merchandise

By
Soul Kiwami
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Danganronpa 2 Village Vanguard merchandise

Ahead of next year’s release of Danganronpa 2×2, Village Vanguard is teaming up with Spike Chunsoft to release new Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair merchandise. The Danganronpa 2 merchandise features illustrations by Kuroume, and international customers may purchase the merchandise via Buyee.

All of the Danganronpa 2 characters can be scene wearing Village Vanguard aprons over their signature attire, and they’re being led by store manager Nagito Komaeda. The characters are also holding accessories and other objects.

Here’s a price breakdown of what’s being offered, via Siliconera:

  • Acrylic cards: 700 yen individually, or 3,500 yen (set)
  • Acrylic cards (SD): 700 yen individually, or 3,500 yen (set)
  • Acrylic figures: 2,100 yen each
  • Acrylic keychains: 900 yen individually, or 4,500 yen (set)
  • Acrylic keychains (SD): 900 yen individually, or 4,500 yen (set)
  • Badges: 1,000 yen
  • Clear files: 900 yen
  • Cushion: 5,000 yen
  • Deskmat: 3,500 yen
  • Miniature die-cut acrylic block: 1,800 yen
  • Shiny stickers: 700 yen individually, or 3,500 yen (set)
  • Shiny stickers (SD): 700 yen individually, or 3,500 yen (set)
  • Tapestry: 5,000 yen
  • Trading aurora badge (normal): 800 yen individually, or 4,000 yen (set)
  • Trading aurora badge (SD): 800 yen individually, or 4,000 yen (set)
  • T-shirt: 4,800 yen

As previously announced, Danganronpa creator Kazutaka Kodaka is working on Danganronpa 2×2 alongside developers from Too Kyo Games, Spike Chunsoft, and Gemdrops. Kodaka is supervising the story and providing story and trick ideas. Character designer Rui Komatsuzaki and composer Masafumi Takada also return.

Danganronpa 2×2 launches in 2026 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. A demo is planned, but further details about it were not disclosed. Before launch, a fan-participation anniversary event will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 (JST), at Belle Salle Tokyo Nihonbashi. This event will feature the first trial play of Danganronpa 2×2.

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Anime Reveals Cast Members for Sentarо̄ and Shun

By
Soul Kiwami
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In the Clear Moonlit Dusk

The official website for the TV anime adaptation of the In the Clear Moonlit Dusk manga series revealed two new cast members for Sentarō Akane and Shun Kuwabatake. Shōta Hayama joins the cast of In the Clear Moonlit Dusk as Sentarō Akane, and Kentarō Kumagai plays the role of Shun Kuwabatake.

Sentarо̄ Akane
Shun Kuwabatake

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk will premiere in January 2026, and the main cast members include Rei Ichinomiya as Yoi Takiguchi and Ryōta Suzuki as Kohaku Ichimura. Aya Yamane and Momoko Seto will join the cast of In the Clear Moonlit Dusk as Nobara Tone and Kotobuki Hibiya, respectively.

Yūsuke Maruyama will direct the series at East Fish Studio. Ayumu Hisao is in charge of series composition, Yuki Fukuda will design the characters, and Tsubasa Ito will compose the music. Upon its premiere in January 2026, the anime will air on TBS.

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Key Art
© やまもり三香・講談社／うるわしの宵の月製作委員会

Mika Yamamori launched the In the Clear Moonlit Dusk manga in the Dessert magazine in 2020. Kodansha is publishing the series and published the ninth volume on May 13. All volumes are available to purchase via Kodansha’s official website. The website describes the In the Clear Moonlit Dusk manga as follows:

Yoi Takiguchi has long legs, a deep voice, and a handsome face…in other words, Yoi is such a good-looking guy that most people don’t notice or care that she is, in fact, a girl. Indeed, she’s had the nickname “Prince” for as long as she can remember. That is, until she met Ichimura-senpai…the only person who really seemed to see her for herself. To her surprise, she’s not sure how to handle this new relationship, especially when her newfound friend is a prince himself (and a guy prince, at that). The story of the two high school princes starts here!

NIGHT STRIKER GEAR is Coming to Switch on October 23

By
Soul Kiwami
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Night Striker Gear

M2 announced shoot ’em up NIGHT STRIKER GEAR is coming to Nintendo Switch on October 23, and the PC (Steam) version is now available with English and Japanese languages. NIGHT STRIKER GEAR costs $18.99 on Switch and Steam, and the original soundtrack is being sold separately for $10.99.

Lastly, the Steam page describes it as follows:

NIGHT STRIKER GEAR is an action-packed retro 3D shoot-’em-up.

Control the special armored vehicle INTER-GRAY in third-person view, ripping through a cyber futuristic highway while shooting down enemies.

Story

Lotus Raai is a resort complex and theme park of an unprecedented scale. Dignitaries from all around the world gather to celebrate its opening, when conspiracy begins to rear its head…

The United Nations intervenes to rescue the endangered guests and reveal the true nature of the events. As a member of the United Nations Special Tactical Action Force, often referred to as the Night Striker, you set out on a nocturnal infiltration into Lotus Raai, aboard your trusted hovercar INTER-GRAY.

Shoot down the enemies who try to stop you and get to the bottom of the mystery!

Key Features

      • Long-awaited sequel to the classic arcade 3D shoot-’em-up NIGHT STRIKER (1989)
      • Designed and created by M2, the Operation Night Strikers collection developer (published by Taito)
        All-new levels and a glamorous array of enemies presented in breathtaking graphics, utilizing the modern aspect ratio of 16:9 while staying true to the sprite scaling pseudo-3D style of the original NIGHT STRIKER.
      • New GEAR System that adds fresh and distinct tactical depth.
      • Brand new, stylish soundtrack that further accentuate the hallmark sense of rushing forward
      • Supports Micomsoft’s Cyber Stick (reissued) USB controller

Bleach Rebirth of Souls Releases DLC Character Ichibe Hyosube, Reveals Patch Notes for Version 1.30

By
Soul Kiwami
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Bandai Namco and Tamsoft have released the Bleach Rebirth of Souls version 1.30 update alongside DLC character Ichibe Hyosube, who is available in early access for Season Pass owners. Bleach Rebirth of Souls DLC character Ichibe Hyosube will release on October 28 for the general public, and a new character trailer was released to highlight his move set.

Bleach Rebirth of Souls update 1.30 brings a comprehensive list of character balance changes and battle system adjustments. Ichigo Kurosaki (Thousand-Year Blood War), Kaname Tosen, and Toshiro Hitsugaya are among the many characters that received changes and bug fixes.

Read up on the full patch notes for Bleach Rebirth of Souls update 1.30 below, via Bandai Namco’s website:

Bleach Rebirth of Souls Update 1.30 Patch Notes

Battle System Adjustments

  • Shortened the cancel frames for Assault Reverse Action and Follow-up Step.
  • Adjusted Chain Reverse activation conditions so it can now be triggered if the opponent is in damage or guard stun from the previous action.
  • Recovery speed of the Reverse Gauge after using each Reverse now varies by type.
  • Reverse Gauge now partially recovers when using a Spiritual Pressure Move.
  • Reduced the multiplier for Reverse Gauge gain based on the number of lost souls.
  • Reduced the active duration of the Anticipation success window.
  • Adjusted projectile attacks so that their speed decreases upon hitting the opponent.
  • Chain Reverse was originally intended to allow combos that would otherwise be impossible, but players were using it after whiffed Quick Attacks or delaying it mid-combo to maintain pressure safely, making it overly strong and hard to counter. We’ve restricted its activation timing to address this.
  • Reverse Gauge recovery speed was heavily influenced by lost souls, which made early-game movement too restrictive and late-game swings too drastic. We’ve adjusted recovery speed by Reverse type and added Reverse Gauge recovery when using Spiritual Pressure Moves, making gauge management more flexible.
  • Hoho consumes 50 Reverse Gauge but grants a parry leading to combos. To balance this with the above changes, we slightly reduced the active window for successful parries, lowering cases where a missed read still resulted in success. It remains a powerful universal mechanic, but we aim to keep it fun and fair.

Game Mode Adjustments

  • Fixed the calculation formula for Spirit Rank after a loss in Ranked Match.
Ichigo Kurosaki [Bankai]

Normal State & Awakened

  • Spiritual Pressure Move 1 (while Spiritual Pressure Move 2 is active): 
    • Increased hitstun.
    • Now cancelable into Step on hit.
    • Now consumes Getsuga Aura Gauge.
    • Reduced recovery time.

Awakened

  • Signature Move (while Spiritual Pressure Move 2 is active): 
    • Reduced Spirit gain.
  • Spiritual Pressure Move 2: 
    • Increased Getsuga Aura Gauge gain.

Spiritual Pressure Move 1 felt underwhelming, so adjustments were made to strengthen its presence. While Spiritual Pressure Move 2 “Getsuga Aura” is active, it now allows combos from invincible moves, greatly improving counterattack potential. Spirit gain from Signature Move “Getsugatensho” was significantly higher than intended, so the gain has been reduced.

Ichigo Kurosaki [Final Getsuga Tensho]
  • Dash Quick Attack: Startup sped up.
  • Special Flash Attacks (all types): Now cancelable into Reverse Action and Follow-up Step.
  • Signature Move
    • When Conclusion 1 or higher: Can now cancel into Reverse Action and Follow-up Step on hit.
    • When Conclusion 2: Startup sped up.
    • When Conclusion 2: Now cancelable into Step on hit.
  • Spiritual Pressure Move 1
    • When Conclusion 2: Reduced recovery time.
  •  Spiritual Pressure Move 2
    • Cannot cancel on whiff.
    • Increased hitstun.
    • Adjusted hit reaction.

In this update, we increased the return from Signature Move “Abrupt Throw” to provide more decisive options. Spiritual Pressure Move 2 “Power To Protect Everyone” now allows follow-ups after a hit, enabling extended combos by consuming Spiritual Power.

Uryu Ishida

Common

  • Adjusted knockback for Special Flash Attacks.
  • Special Flash Attacks (Exclusive Ability active)
    • Fixed an issue where a hitbox appeared behind the character. This was an unintended behavior and has been corrected.
Kisuke Urahara

Common

  • Adjusted knockback for Spiritual Pressure Move 1 (all types).

Normal State

  • Flash Attack: Reduced guard stun.
  • Flash Attack (while Spiritual Pressure Move 2 active): Reduced hitstun and guard stun.
  • Flash Attack follow-ups: Reduced recovery time.

Awakened

  • Flash Attack: Increased hitstun and guard stun.
  • Flash Attack (while Spiritual Pressure Move 2 active): Reduced hitstun and guard stun.
  • Flash Attack follow-ups: Increased recovery time.
  • Special Flash Attacks (all types): Reduced recovery time; sped up Step cancel frames.
  • Special Flash Attacks (while Spiritual Pressure Move 2 active): Sped up startup; increased damage.

Previously, players struggled to establish control, so we made Special Flash Attacks easier to use in neutral. During Spiritual Pressure Move 2 “Are you prepared?”, hits can now be followed up with Step into combos.

Yoruichi Shihoin

Common

  • Flash Attack: Increased active duration.
  • Signature Move (Quick Attack combo, Flash Attack combo follow-up): Fixed an issue where the hitbox disappeared in certain situations.
  • Spiritual Pressure Move 1 (Exclusive Ability active): Reduced damage, increased hitstun, adjusted hit reaction.

Awakened

  • Flash Attack follow-up (Exclusive Ability active): Increased hitstun.

Yoruichi struggled to fully utilize her speed during battles and often had to play cautiously due to low durability. We adjusted Spiritual Pressure Move 1 “Bakko” during Exclusive Ability “Flash Master,” reducing single-hit damage but allowing combo follow-ups. This improves combo potential and increases reward when evading attacks with Step or Signature Move “Flash Breaker.”

Renji Abarai

Common

  • Spiritual Pressure Move 2: Increased slow effect duration applied to the opponent.

Normal State & Weakened

  • Spiritual Pressure Move 1: Cannot use Reverse Action until the animation ends.

Awakened

  • Quick Attack and Dash Quick Attack: Can now transition to follow-up actions even on whiff.
  • Quick Attack and Flash Attack first hit: Now cancelable.
  • Flash Attack: Can now transition to follow-up actions even on whiff; increased cancelable frames.
  • Flash Attack follow-up: Increased cancelable frames; now cancelable into Special Flash Attack, Signature Move, and Spiritual Pressure Move 2.
  • Special Flash Attack: Increased guard chip damage.
  • Spiritual Pressure Move 2: Increased duration; now cancelable from Quick Attack, Flash Attack, Signature Move, and Special Flash Attack.

Renji often struggled in Awakened state under special rules, leading to disadvantageous situations when weakened. This update significantly improves Awakened mode, allowing greater pressure and easier follow-ups from Quick Attack, Dash Quick Attack, and Flash Attack, making it harder for opponents to evade consistently.

Rukia Kuchiki

Common

  • Quick Attack (first hit): Sped up cancel timing into Follow-up Step.

Awakened

  • Quick Attack (third hit): Sped up cancel timing into Follow-up Step. This was a fix for an unintended issue.
Rangiku Matsumoto

Normal State

  • Signature Move: Adjusted knockback. This was a fix for an unintended issue.
Izuru Kira

Common

  • Special Flash Attack: Reduced recovery time.
  • Disabled counter-hit from occurring.
    • This was a fix for an unintended issue.
Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto

Normal State

  • Signature Move: Reduced recovery time for the first hit.
  • Increased hitstun for the second hit.
    • This was a fix for an unintended issue.
Gin Ichimaru

Awakened

  • Dash Quick Attack (Snake Possession state): Fixed an issue where the tip hitbox always connected.
    • This was a fix for an unintended issue.
Sajin Komamura

Awakened

Quick Attack:

  • Can now transition to follow-up actions even on whiff
  • Sped up cancelable frames.

Dash Quick Attack: 

  • Can now transition to follow-up actions even on whiff
  • Now cancelable into Quick Attack and Flash Attack first hit.

Flash Attack: 

  • Can now transition to follow-up actions even on whiff
  • Increased cancelable frames.
  • Special Flash Attack: Increased damage; reduced guard chip damage.
  • Signature Move (all types): Now cancelable into Spiritual Pressure Moves.
  • Breaker: Increased Spiritual Power gain on hit.

Komamura’s Awakened form lacked explosive pressure opportunities. Similar to Renji, we improved follow-up options from multiple actions, increasing difficulty for opponents to respond. Signature Move can now cancel into Spiritual Pressure Moves, reducing vulnerability and boosting combo potential.

Kaname Tosen

Common

  • Spiritual Pressure Move 1: Adjusted hit reaction; increased hitstun.
  • Spiritual Pressure Move 2 (counter success follow-up): Increased recovery time; now cancelable into Step during recovery; adjusted final hit position closer to the opponent.

Although Tosen’s Exclusive Ability is very strong, adjusting it directly would compromise identity. Instead, we made it easier to close distance and transition into offense, especially after counter success with Spiritual Pressure Move 2 “Sayabane,” which now enables combo follow-ups.

Toshiro Hitsugaya

Common

  • Special Flash Attack: Adjusted knockback.
  • Signature Move: Disabled cancel into Reverse Action or Follow-up Step until animation ends.
  • Spiritual Pressure Move 2: Reduced hitbox size for the first hit and increased damage; expanded forward hitbox for subsequent hits except the final hit.

Normal State

  • Signature Move: Reduced recovery time.

Awakened

  • Signature Move: Increased damage.

Fixed an issue where canceling from Signature Move “Hyochu Senga” into other actions caused inconsistent hits. While Reverse Action cancels are disabled, the move itself is now easier to use, improving stability and combo potential.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi

Common

  • Signature Move: Sped up cancelable frames; reduced recovery time for follow-up actions.

Previously, stacking “Poison” was too risky, making players rely on automatic accumulation during Awakening. This adjustment makes Signature Moves easier to use and improves Poison buildup opportunities.

Kaien Shiba

Common

  • Fixed an issue where Signature Move could not cancel into Reverse Action or Follow-up Step.

Normal State

  • Special Flash Attack (charged): Fixed an issue where it could not cancel into Reverse Action or Follow-up Step.

Awakened

  • Special Flash Attack (all types): Fixed an issue where it could not cancel into Reverse Action or Follow-up Step.
  • Assault Attack: Fixed an issue where damage was lower than intended.

These were fixes for unintended issues.

Shinji Hirako

Awakened

  • Spiritual Pressure Move 1: Reduced hitstun.
    • This was a fix for an unintended issue.
Tier Halibel

Common

  • Signature Move (enhanced): Quick Attack and Flash Attack follow-ups: Sped up startup.
  • Signature Move (enhanced): Signature Move follow-ups: Reduced recovery time.
  • Spiritual Pressure Move 1 (all types): Adjusted knockback.

Harribel lacked presence in the previous environment. This update increases the benefits of acquiring the “Aura Gauge,” improving usability and versatility without altering core performance.

Ulquiorra Shifar

Awakened

  • Signature Move: Special Flash Attack follow-up: Slightly reduced hitstop.
    • This was a fix for an unintended issue.
Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck

Common

  • Spiritual Pressure Move 2: Reduced charge time required to enhance by consuming stock.
    • Previously, opportunities to actively use Spiritual Pressure Move 2 “Cero Sincretico” were limited. This adjustment makes it easier to capitalize on openings for high damage.
Ichigo Kurosaki [Thousand-Year Blood War]

Awakened

  • Signature Move (Flash Attack button follow-up): Increased forward movement.
    • This was a fix for an unintended issue.
Retsu Unohana

Common

  • Assault Attack: Fixed an issue where damage was lower than other characters.

Awakened

  • Hit reaction: Fixed an issue where recovery failed under certain conditions.
  • Signature Move (forward input): Increased Blood Aura Gauge consumption; increased damage; improved combo scaling.

Primarily fixes for unintended issues, but Signature Move “Minazuki” has been rebalanced. While it can no longer be spammed as before, it is now more reliable as a damage source.

Bleach Rebirth of Souls is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. A Season Pass will be available with four DLC characters from Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War releasing over time. The Season Pass grants one week of early access for each new character, along with additional Soul Crystals.

Final Weapon previously reviewed Bleach Rebirth of Souls and gave it a 3.5 out of 5 score, noting that the game is “a love letter to the long-running Bleach anime with full English and Japanese voice-overs in a faithful recreation of the franchise’s long story. The game’s simple but engaging combat system combine the best elements from anime arena fighters and traditional fighting games for some intense and visually pleasing battles. However, the game’s lack of online features repeats the same mistakes of Bandai Namco’s past arena fighters, reducing some of the game’s replay value.”

Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution Reveals New IMAX Key Visual

By
Soul Kiwami
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A new key visual for the Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution (Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution – Shibuya Incident x The Culling Game) compilation film was released to remind fans in Japan of the upcoming IMAX screenings. Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution premieres in Japanese theaters on November 7 with IMAX, and the film includes the first two episodes of the upcoming Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 – The Culling Game Part 1 anime.

Jujutsu Kaisen Execution IMAX key visual
©Gege Akutami/Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Project

GKIDS will bring Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution to theaters in North America on December 5 with Japanese voice-overs and English dubs. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 – The Culling Game Part 1 follows up with its premiere in January 2026. The third season will stream on Crunchyroll worldwide, excluding Asia, with new episodes premiering same-day as Japan.

The Japanese voice cast includes:

  • Junya Enoki as Yuji Itadori
  • Yuma Uchida as Megumi Fushiguro
  • Daisuke Namikawa as Choso
  • Megumi Ogata as Yuta Okkotsu

The anime’s staff includes:

  • Director: Shota Goshozono
  • Series Composition and Script Writer: Hiroshi Seko
  • Character Design: Yosuke Yajima and Hiromi Niwa
  • Deputy Director: Yosuke Takada
  • Art Director: Junichi Higashi
  • Color Design: Eiko Matsushima
  • CG Producer: Yusuke Tannawa
  • 3DCG Director: Daisuke Ishikawa (Monster’s Egg)
  • Director of Photography: Teppei Ito
  • Editor: Keisuke Yanagi
  • Music: Yoshimasa Terui
  • Music Producer: Yoshiki Kobayashi
  • Sound Director: Yasunori Ebina
  • Sound Production: dugout
  • Animation Studio: MAPPA

What’s more, Starforge Systems has launched its all-new Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Limited Edition PC collection featuring components with artwork from the popular anime film. The Starforge Systems Jujutsu Kaisen 0 PC bundle ($2399.99) is the all-encompassing headliner of the collection with a custom PC, desk mat, and wall art. The new PC bundle includes an AMD RX 9070 XT 16GB GPU, AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, and a custom UV printed case. The wall art and desk mat are available separately for $59.99 and $49.99 at starforgesystems.com, along with a PC case bundle.

Side-Scrolling Shooter Final Formation Releases October 30 for Switch, 2026 for Steam

By
Soul Kiwami
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Final Formation

City Connection and developer Happymeal have announced that side-scrolling shooter Final Formation will launch on October 30 for Nintendo Switch. The new shooter will coming to PC via Steam sometime in 2026, and those eager to play Final Formation can wishlist the game right now. A new trailer was also released to give players a preview of what’s to come. 

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

A New Evolution of Transformable Sci-Fi Action Shooting

Unified Calendar year 3005, the gene-mutated beasts from space—known as “Gene Beasts”—have evolved through a prolonged battle with humanity into highly advanced mechanical lifeforms called “Termination Bots”.

To face this new threat, the Earth Allied Forces deploy the transformable and combinable combat mecha EX-PELL to the frontlines.

Join forces with the autonomous battle unit PELL, equipped with SUPER AI, and engage in fierce battles against the Termination Bots!

“Free Map” for Strategic Exploration Across Vast Battlefields

Each stage is a freely explorable horizontal map, allowing players to choose their route and tactics.

Encounter enemy ambushes, resupply and defend scattered bases, and take on a variety of missions.

Dash through diverse terrain—land, air, and sea—and complete your objectives with precision.

Adapt to the Battlefield with the “PELL Chain System”

EX Fighter Mode

The player’s base form: a high-speed fighter aircraft. In addition to rapid-fire shots, it can unleash a powerful charged attack called “Big Bang”.

Armed Unit “PELL”

Autonomous combat units stationed at various bases. Equipped with SUPER AI, they operate independently and can merge with the EX Fighter when approached.

Fusion Form with PELL

Merging EX Fighter with a PELL unit transforms it into a humanoid robot. The form and performance vary depending on the PELL unit used.

This form supports multi-directional shooting, angled Big Bang shots, and powerful “PELL Shots” unique to each unit (limited use per mission).

Tactical Flexibility via Separation and Recombination

Except in certain scenarios, you can freely separate from the fusion form and return to EX Fighter mode.

Withstand enemy barrages in fusion mode, and utilize high mobility in fighter mode.

Master the art of combining and separating on demand to dominate with hit-and-run tactics.

Feature-Rich Options to Enhance Gameplay

      • Language Support – Supports both Japanese and English. Switching to English also changes in-game comic demos to English text.
      • Volume Controls – Individually adjust the volume of BGM, sound effects, and overall master volume.

What Is Formation Z?

Originally released in arcades by Jaleco in 1984, Formation Z is a classic shooting game featuring a transformable mecha.

Advance across the ground in humanoid robot form and transform mid-jump into a fighter jet, delivering fast-paced, exhilarating action. The game became a hit and was ported to numerous home consoles, becoming one of Jaleco’s most iconic titles.

This new title carries on the spirit of Formation Z as the second entry in the “Final Series”, reimagined with a fresh interpretation and worldview.

Co-developed by City Connection and Happy Meal, and featuring an intense comic story by manga artist U-Watari.

The thrill is reborn—now with evolved gameplay and visuals!

PIXEL DASH: Toast of Destiny Announced as First ‘AniBit’ Game

By
Soul Kiwami
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Xenotoon has revealed PIXEL DASH: Toast of Destiny, the first new game under the new “AniBit” brand that will “seamlessly connect” short anime and games. PIXEL DASH: Toast of Destiny will launch on October 31 for PC via Steam, and a free demo is available now featuring the opening animation and the first stage.

In PIXEL DASH: Toast of Destiny, players experience the story of Haruka Ran as a mystery unravels. Haruka must dash through the city and overcome various obstacles and stage mechanics to advance the story. Places that Haruka will visit include Kyoto and beautiful date spots in Japan.

Check out the short anime promotional video below:

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

The meeting of destiny is at the end of the run! Story of “Pixel Dash: Toast of Destiny“

The main character, Haruka Ran, is a regular high school girl who’s eager to meet her destiny.

Every morning, she’s always in a rush with a loaf of bread in her mouth. Today’s the day of the long-awaited school trip.

She wonders, “Could it be that I meet the man of my dreams on the trip? I was just about to start feeling hopeful when I remembered, “Oh no, I’m late, I’m late! Late, late, late!”

With a slice of bread in her mouth, Ran will start running again today!
 
Game Features

      • Exhilarating run action with simple controls! – The controls are simple—just jump and dash—but timing is everything. The speed and tempo are addictive!
      • Animated storyline! – This isn’t just an action game. The story progresses through animations that are put into the game, showing Ran’s daily life. What awaits Ran at the end of her run? Is it destiny, or something else? Only by playing will you uncover the truth.
      • A variety of items and obstacles! – Aim for the goal while collecting items that give you a barrier to prevent damage and earn points! Avoid obstacles such as pits, balls, and dogs with great jumps and dashes.
      • Backgrounds and stage mechanics change from level to level! – From a regular school route to a school trip to Kyoto to a date spot with a gorgeous night view! Each area is packed with stage mechanics and traps.

Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After is Coming to Switch

By
Soul Kiwami
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Muv-Luv Unlimited The Day After Switch

Muv-Luv series developer aNCHOR has announced that all four episodes of Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After are coming to Nintendo Switch. Each episode will be sold separately and digitally, but players can also buy Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After in a bundled set. A release date was not announced just yet.

What’s more, aNCHOR is working on Muv-Luv Tactics: Kalidasa’s Nightmare, a new strategy RPG set in the Muv-Luv universe for PC, with no concrete release date. While waiting on the new RPG, fans may catch up with the visual novel series by purchasing Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative Remastered on Nintendo Switch. 

DMM Games and KMS Games previously launched “super-classic-style school x beautiful girl (bishoujo) story x battle” game Muv-Luv Girls Garden on September 3 for Android, iOS, and PC via DMM Games Player. EXNOA and KMS are distributing and developing the new title. Hayato Tashiro is in charge of world building for the game, Hasama drafts the original character designs, and Siino and Pro-p are the character designers. Spirit Garden performs the theme song “Fukutsu no Fanfare (Unyielding Fanfare).”

âge released the first entry in the Muv Luv franchise in 2003, and aNCHOR publishes the series worldwide. The visual novel series comprises several prequels and spin-offs, such as Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse Remastered, Muv-Luv Resonative, Muv-Luv Integrate, and more. Lastly, Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative made their debut on Switch with digital and physical editions in April 2024 in Japan.

Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After is currently available now for PC via Steam.

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