NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound D2 Update Now Available on All Platforms

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound D2 update

Dotemu has released the “D2” major update for NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound with fixes to checkpoint and cutscene soft-locks, adjusted boss fights and challenges, smoother animations and enemy behaviors, and much more. The NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound D2 update is live on all platforms. 

Patch notes for the NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound D2 update can be read below:

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound D2 Update Patch Notes

Key Fixes & Improvements

Boss Fights & Challenges
      • Fixed an issue where striking the boss at the edge of the arena on level 4-5 could push it out of the camera’s view.
      • Several challenge conditions (like “Kill boss with a Ragebound Art” in 3-2 or “Win the duel” in 1-1) now properly trigger and reward your performance.
      • Adjusted Rhyvashi’s encounters: improved stagger cooldown and prevented attacks from lingering after defeat.
      • Corrected issues where skipping certain boss cutscenes (e.g., 4-5 helicopter pad) could result in Kenji being unfairly hit.
Gameplay Flow & Checkpoints
      • Fixed multiple soft-locks and freeze scenarios when pausing or restarting from a checkpoint.
      • Checkpoints now consistently heal Kenji across all levels, and properly respect equipped talismans.
      • Restarting from the last checkpoint during boss fights no longer leaves the health bar stuck on screen.
Level-Specific Fixes
      • Various collision issues were resolved (Kenji or Kumori getting stuck, clipping through bulldozers, cranes, or going out of bounds in 3-5, 2-2, S-5 and others).
      • Environmental hazards (lava, fire, etc.) now correctly respect accessibility knockback settings.
        Several background and asset display issues corrected (floating containers in S-8, mountain edges in S-3, camera transitions in 3-5).
      • Music and dialogue triggers are fixed in multiple levels to align correctly with progression.
Talismans & Accessibility
      • Adjusted “Last Stance” to only affect melee slashes and guillotine boosts.
      • Fixed incorrect stacking effects between “No Rest for the Wicked” and “Unworthy”.
      • Accessibility settings (damage, screen shake, knockback) now behave consistently across all situations.
Enemies & Animations
      • Corrected erratic behavior in enemies like Bio Harpies, Flying Turrets, and Bio Blockers.
      • Fixed Kumori-specific issues (Guillotine charge talisman wrongly affecting Kenji, roll/jump behaviors).
      • Improved visual consistency for certain attacks and death animations (Cyclops Demon’s eye, Rhyvashi waves, etc.).
System & Miscellaneous
      • Application now detects Windows language settings on first launch instead of defaulting to English.
      • Additional improvements to performance and stability across the game.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound released on July 31 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Final Weapon reviewed NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound and gave it a 4.5 out of 5, noting that the game “offers some of the best 2D combat and movement I’ve ever experienced in an action platformer.”

Avalanche Studios Closing Down Liverpool Studio, Announces Layoffs

Avalanche Studios Contraband

Avalanche Studios released a statement on its official website, confirming that the group’s Liverpool studio will be closing down. There will be layoffs in the Malmö and Stockholm studio locations of Avalanche Studios as the group restructures its development teams. This news follows up after development of open-world co-op “smuggler’s paradise” game Contraband with Xbox was halted.

The full statement from the company can be read below:

A Studio Update from Avalanche Studios Group

In light of current challenges to our business and the industry, we have thoroughly reviewed how to best ensure Avalanche Studios Group’s long-term success.

This review has led us to the difficult conclusion that we must make changes to our staffing and locations. As a result, we are proposing to close our Liverpool studio, and to initiate a collective consultation process, as required by UK law. This will impact all Avalanchers in Liverpool. The changes will also impact our other studio locations in Malmö and Stockholm, where we will reduce our workforce and restructure the teams to address our games’ needs.

Our immediate focus is to offer full support to all Avalanchers during this challenging time.

Despite these changes, we remain deeply committed to providing amazing games to our passionate player communities.

Shueisha and BONES Film Announce MARRIAGETOXIN Anime Adaptation

MARRIAGETOXIN

Shueisha and BONES Film announced a TV anime adaptation of Joumyaku and Mizuki Yoda’s MARRIAGETOXIN manga series has been greenlit for 2026. A new promotional video, teaser visual, and new character images were revealed alongside the announcement of the MARRIAGETOXIN anime’s main cast and staff members.

Motonobu Hori is directing the MARRIAGETOXIN anime series. Kimiko Ueno is in charge of series composition and scripts, Kohei Tokuoka is the character designer and chief animation director, and Taisei Iwasaki and yuma yamaguchi are the music composers. BONES Animation is supervising the production by BONES Film and MARRIAGETOXIN Project. The main cast of the anime includes Haruki Ishiya as Hikaru Gero and Shion Wakayama as Mei Kinosaki.

MARRIAGETOXIN key visual
©Joumyaku・Mizuki Yoda/SHUEISHA, MARRIAGETOXIN Project

MARRIAGETOXIN Anime Teaser Trailer

​Get the latest details below:

This high-stakes, marriage centered, battle action story follows Hikaru Gero, a young assassin and heir to the  centuries-old Poison Masters Clan. In order to preserve his family bloodline, Hikaru teams up with master marriage swindler, Mei Kinosaki, to pursue the ultimate marriage.​

©Joumyaku・Mizuki Yoda/SHUEISHA, MARRIAGETOXIN Project
©Joumyaku・Mizuki Yoda/SHUEISHA, MARRIAGETOXIN Project

Heir to the “Poison Master” Gero Family, one of the Five Great Families of “Masters,” Hikaru Gero (Voiced by Haruki Ishiya) is a top-tier assassin with no experience in romance and little ability to interact with women. His life in the underworld has left no room for such things. He reluctantly begins searching for a bride to carry on the family line. His hobby is collecting DIY candy kits. 

©Joumyaku・Mizuki Yoda/SHUEISHA, MARRIAGETOXIN Project

Mei Kinosaki (Voiced by Shion Wakayama) is an experienced marriage swindler who boasts that they can charm almost anyone, man or woman, in just 30 seconds. After meeting Hikaru by chance, they unexpectedly end up helping him in his quest for marriage. Despite their refined appearance, they have an enormous appetite and love delicious food.​ 

©Joumyaku・Mizuki Yoda/SHUEISHA, MARRIAGETOXIN Project

Lastly, the main cast, staff, Joumyaku, and Mizuki Yoda shared comments on the announcement of the anime:

Haruki Ishiya (Voice of Hikaru Gero)

“Hello, this is Haruki Ishiya, and I’ll be voicing Hikaru Gero in the upcoming MARRIAGETOXIN TV anime.

I’ve been a huge fan of this series, eagerly awaiting each weekly update on Shonen Jump+. So when I heard I’d been chosen to play the lead role, I was so thrilled that I literally jumped up and yelled, ‘Yes!!’ It’s an absolute honor to contribute to a story I love so much. 
 
With its unique characters, rich worldbuilding, stunning artwork, and a blend of action and marriage-hunting chaos—seeing all of this brought to life through animation is something I’m personally very excited about. Please look forward to it!​”

Shion Wakayama (Voice of Mei Kinosaki)

“Hello, I’m Shion Wakayama, and I’ll be playing Mei Kinosaki. I can’t even begin to describe how happy I am to be part of this series—it’s one I always look forward to reading. Mei may be a marriage swindler turned matchmaking advisor, but at heart, they’re always doing their best for Hikaru’s happiness. I’ll put everything I have into delivering their charm and determination with all the love it deserves. Please look forward to the MARRIAGETOXIN TV anime!”

Story: Joumyaku

“A huge shout-out to artist Mizuki Yoda, our editors, and all the readers who have supported us—thank you so much!! I was able to be involved in the production just a little, but let me say this: Director Hori, character designer Tokuoka-san, series composer and scriptwriter Ueno-san, and the entire anime staff—their understanding of this work is on another level. Every meeting made the story even better; it was truly amazing to watch it evolve.

I also got to attend the voice recording for Episode 1, and with Haruki Ishiya as Hikaru, Shion Wakayama as Mei, and all the other incredible voice actors bringing their A-game, I became convinced: this anime will without a doubt be a masterpiece. 
 
The release is still a little ways off, but until then, I’ll keep doing everything I can to make sure the original manga is as thrilling as possible. Please look forward to it!” 

Art: Mizuki Yoda

“An anime adaptation—what a dream come true!

My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who helped bring this manga to life, to all the readers who have supported it, and to the entire anime production team for their incredible efforts. Truly, thank you so much!

I’ve been inspired by anime openings ever since I was young, so the fact that MARRIAGETOXIN will now have its very own opening theme in the world makes me incredibly happy! 
 
Together with the original manga, please look forward to the MARRIAGETOXIN TV anime!​” 

Director: Motonobu Hori

“I am honored to assist Hikaru Gero—the ‘Assassin’ himself—on his journey to find love. 
 
Despite the difficulties of inheriting such a dangerous family business, Gero is a man with a sincere and upright heart. With the help of Mei Kinosaki, I believe he will overcome these obstacles and one day find a partner to share his future with. 
 
We, the production staff, will be giving this project our absolute best, but I also hope all of you will continue to support and cheer on these characters as they move forward. 
 
I may not be the most eloquent speaker, but please take this as a heartfelt message to send these young characters off on their journey. 
 
Thank you very much.” 

Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Kohei Tokuoka

“Romance, action, comedy, handsome men, beautiful women, quirky characters… This story packs so many elements into a single work, making it an absolute joy to bring to life. 
 
Every character is full of unique personality traits, which makes the creative process so much fun. Through this anime, I hope we can elevate the charm and appeal of this series even further for all the viewers to enjoy.” 

Let’s Play Anime Gets Official Manga Adaptation

Let's Play key visual

The official website for the Let’s Play anime series announced a short web manga adaptation by Kei Kumoi and GEEK WONDERS. This manga will be posted on the anime’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, and kakao’s Piccoma platform will be publishing the Japanese version of the original Let’s Play webcomic that same day.

© Let’s Play製作委員会

Let’s Play premieres on October 1 on Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll will stream the anime in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, India, and Southeast Asia. In Japan, the anime will air on Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block.

The opening theme song “1, 2, Play” and ending theme song “Left & Right” will both be performed by musical artist Toshinobu Kubota. Daiki Tomiyasu will direct the Let’s Play anime series at studio OLM. Aya Matsui is handling the series composition, and Ebimo handles the character design concept. Saki Ebisawa is the character designer, and Cornish is the music composer.

The cast of the anime includes:

  • Kana Hanazawa as Sam Young
  • Shimba Tsuchiya as Marshall Law
  • Yuichi Nakamura as Charles Jones
  • Tomokazu Sugita as Link Hudson
© Let’s Play Production Committee

The web comic by Leeanne M. Krecic (Mongie) began in 2016 with three seasons released on WEBTOON. Lastly, here’s a synopsis of the series, courtesy of Crunchyroll:

Samara “Sam” Young is a developer in Los Angeles who’s about to achieve her dreams with her first video game, Ruminate. That is, until a popular streamer gives the game a scathing review. Even worse, Sam finds out the troublesome critic is now her new neighbor! Get lost in a comedic, romantic, and all-too-real story about gaming, memes, and social anxiety. Come for the plot, stay for the doggo.

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2 Trailer Reveals New Cast Members

Hell's Paradise Season 2

A new trailer for Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2 has revealed new cast members for the anime. The trailer also confirms that Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2 will air on TV Tokyo and affiliate channels, along with streaming services like Prime Video, Netflix, and Lemino in Japan.

The new Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2 cast members include:

  • Kōji Yusa as Yamada Asaemon Jikka
  • Maaya Uchida as Yamada Asaemon Kiyomaru
  • Sayaka Ōhara as Yamada Asaemon Isuzu

Hell’s Paradise Season 2 premieres in January 2026, and Crunchyroll will stream the series outside Japan. In addition, a new survival RPG titled Hell’s Paradise: Paradise Battle launches in early November 2025 for Android, iOS, and PC. MAPPA, Twin Engine, Kindaichi, and Dewa are all returning for the staff of the new title, and ZENTA will be one of the game’s composers. 

Kaori Makita directs the anime at MAPPA, with Twin Engine in charge of planning. Akira Kindaichi is in charge of series composition, Akitsugu Hisagi is the character designer, Yoshiaki Dewa is the composer, and Ayako Suenaga is the color designer. Chika Toda joins the staff as the new photography director for Hell’s Paradise Season 2, and Junichi Higashi is the new art director. 

The original Hell’s Paradise manga by Yuji Kaku was in serialization from 2018 to 2021 in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ magazine. In the west, Hell’s Paradise was published by VIZ Media.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the series, via Crunchyroll:

Gabimaru reigns as the strongest and most ruthless assassin in his village. But now finds himself on death row—with only one way out: retrieve the Elixir of Life from a sinister island. Longing for freedom, he accepts the challenge. But with fellow convicts vying for the same prize and demonic beasts lurking, how will Gabimaru survive this harrowing quest?

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles Celebrates Launch with New Trailer, Developer Message, and T-Shirts on Amazon

To celebrate the release of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, Square Enix released a new launch trailer and a message from game director Kazutoyo Maehiro and co-director Ayako Yokoyama. Additionally, Square Enix launched an exclusive collection of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles t-shirts (short and long sleeve) on Amazon, and a new illustration by Akihiko Yoshida was released.

 

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack is free to Nintendo Switch owners of the game. 

The new remaster of the original 1997 PlayStation RPG includes fully voiced dialogue, optimized and updated UI and art, graphical improvements, new quality of life features for the battle system, and an easy “Squire” difficulty setting. The remaster also includes sound novels cut from the game’s original English release, which can be read by acquiring certain books in the game.

The English voice cast includes:

  • Ramza Beoulve – Joe Pitts
  • Delita Heiral – Gregg Lowe
  • Princess Ovelia Atkascha – Eleanor Bennett
  • Alma Beoulve – Emily Carey
  • Agrias Oaks – Hannah Melbourn
  • Dycedarg Beoulve – Ben Starr
  • Mustadio Bunansa – Harry McEntire
  • Cidolfus Orlandeau – Timothy Watson
  • Goffard Gaffgarion – Paul Panting
  • Argath Thadalfus – Ben Allen
  • Duke Bestrald Larg – Huw Parmenter
  • Duke Druksmald Goltanna – Kevin McNally
  • Orran Durai – Matthew Duckett
  • Cameos by Cody Christian and Briana White

The Final Fantasy Tactics Best Selection Vinyl Soundtrack is available for ¥4,620 in Japan. The 15-track vinyl record includes a jacket with artwork by Final Fantasy Tactics illustrator Akihiko Yoshida. Moreover, the vinyl comes with a MP3 album for the Final Fantasy Tactics Original Soundtrack featuring 102 songs, including 31 tracks that didn’t appear in the original game.

Action RPG Maid of Salvation Launches on October 22

Maid of Salvation

Orange Popcorn announced fast-paced action RPG Maid of Salvation launches on October 22 for PC via Steam. Ahead of the game’s launch, players can enjoy a free demo of Maid of Salvation during Steam Next Fest, which begins on October 13.

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

Maid of Salvation features dynamic action built on the rhythm of swift battles and the creative combination of weapons and skills gained through exploration.

In this dark fantasy, Shizuka, a maid of purgatory, fights to bring salvation to lost souls. Entrusted with a mission from the Sanctuary’s Overseer, she crosses the portal into a Purgatory overrun by Fiends. Yet as her journey unfolds, Shizuka begins to realize that the salvation she believed in—and the truth of this world—is far more twisted than imagined.

Features

      • Deep, satisfying combat blending swords, firearms, and special techniques with precise controls.
      • Rich action combining exploration and a wide array of skills, including dodging, guarding, parrying, surprise attacks, and chain-based moves.
      • Over 20 powerful bosses. Use items and secret techniques to approach each battle with strategic precision.
      • Quests and hidden boss encounters revealing the unfolding stories of maids—whether allies or rivals.
      • Finely crafted skill board system to develop your character and match your playstyle.

Nintendo Music Adds Princess Peach: Showtime! Soundtrack

Princess Peach Showtime! Nintendo Music

Nintendo has added the original soundtrack of Princess Peach: Showtime! to Nintendo Music on iOS and Android. Princess Peach: Showtime! is currently available on Nintendo Switch, and its backwards compatible on Nintendo Switch 2.

The following soundtracks are already available on Nintendo Music alongside Princess Peach: Showtime!:

Nintendo Music Soundtrack List

  • Pikmin 4
  • Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet
  • Splatoon 3
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons
  • Kirby Star Allies
  • Super Mario Odyssey
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • Super Mario Galaxy
  • Wii Channels
  • Tomodachi Collection
  • nintendogs
  • Metroid Prime
  • Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  • Star Fox 64
  • Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
  • Donkey Kong Country
  • Kirby’s Dream Land
  • Dr. Mario
  • Metroid (NES)
  • Metroid (Famicom Disk System)
  • Super Mario Bros.
  • Super Mario Bros. Wonder
  • Brain Age
  • Splatoon 2
  • Wave Race 64
  • Super Mario 64
  • The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
  • Super Mario Kart
  • Pokémon Legends: Arceus
  • Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
  • Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble
  • The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
  • Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day
  • F-ZERO X (and Expansion Kit)
  • Wii Sports
  • Super Mario World
  • Golden Sun
  • StreetPass Mii Plaza
  • Super Mario Bros 3
  • Tetris (Game Boy)
  • Tetris (NES)
  • Dr. Mario (NES)
  • Kirby and the Forgotten Land
  • F-ZERO
  • Luigi’s Mansion
  • The Legend of Zelda (NES)
  • The Legend of Zelda (Famicom Disk System)
  • Fire Emblem Engage
  • Mario Kart 7
  • Pokémon Sword and Shield 
  • Kid Icarus (NES)
  • Kid Icarus (Famicom Disk System)
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
  • Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
  • Yoshi’s Story 
  • New Super Mario Bros U. Deluxe
  • Mario Kart 64
  • Balloon Fight
  • Baseball
  • Clu Clu Land
  • Devil World
  • Donkey Kong Jr.
  • Donkey Kong Jr. Math
  • Donkey Kong
  • Donkey Kong 3
  • Duck Hunt
  • Excitebike
  • F1 Race
  • Golf
  • Gomoku Narabe Renju
  • Gyromite
  • Hogan’s Alley
  • Ice Climber
  • Mach Rider
  • Mah-Jong
  • Mario Bros.
  • Pinball
  • Soccer
  • Stack-Up
  • Tennis
  • Urban Champion
  • Wild Gunman
  • Wrecking Crew
  • Pilotwings
  • Pilotwings 64
  • Pilotwings Resort
  • Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
  • Fire Emblem Awakening
  • Golden Sun: The Lost Age
  • Super Mario Galaxy 2
  • Zelda II – The Adventure of Link (Famicom Disk System)
  • Zelda II – The Adventure of Link (NES)

Absolum is Getting an Animated Series

Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks announced beat ’em up Absolum is getting a new animated series. Staying true to the original game, the Absolum animated series will be overseen by Supermonks, who also handled the entire art direction and animation for the game.

Supamonks CEO Julien Bagnol-Roy said, “We are particularly excited about making this animated series because Supamonks has been involved in the Absolum project since its inception. Our teams have helped shape this universe right from the very start, and being able to now transform it into an animated series feels like a logical and exciting next step in our work. It is a unique opportunity to add a new dimension to a world we already know so well.”

Dotemu CEO Cyrille Imbert said, “As the first original production in our portfolio, Absolum has been given special attention at every stage of its development. Thanks to the game’s lore, art, and narrative development, we are certain it will be transformed into an incredible TV series—one that we would love to watch ourselves! The quality of their work and their involvement in the game’s artistic direction make Supamonks the ideal partner for this ambitious project.”

Lastly, Absolum launches on October 9 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.

PowerWash Simulator 2 Demo is Now Available on Steam

PowerWash Simulator 2 demo

FuturLab announced a free demo of PowerWash Simulator 2 is available now on PC via Steam. The PowerWash Simulator 2 demo includes the Removals Van and Public Facility levels, the home base, the Prime Vista 1500 & Urban X U1 starter washers, unlockable furniture, and more. 

PowerWash Simulator 2 launches in fall 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store for $24.99. The game features a new campaign, new visuals, new equipment, and much more, and it costs the same amount as the previous game.

Lastly, the Steam page describes PowerWash Simulator 2 as follows:

Dust off your power washer and relax into pure feel-good fun. Blast away every last speck, smear and splatter of filth to restore Muckingham (and beyond ) to gleaming glory.

Craving more to Clean?

The jobs and water keep flowing in PowerWash Simulator 2. Play through a fresh new campaign, uncovering more of Muckingham’s mysteries. Plus, venture even further out to brand-new grime-coated locations like Sponge Valley, Power Falls and Lubri City.

No Place like your Home-base

Kick back and relax in your home-base after a hard-days-cleaning. Put down your roots and make the place yours by collecting furniture and trinkets to spruce it up along the way, then invite your power wash pals over to check out your pad.

Soap-erior Washing

Watch your worries melt away with each swipe of your power washer. Cleaning feels even better in PowerWash Simulator 2, including enhanced soap that clings to stubborn stains and annihilates dirt.

Clean in Split-screen!

Satisfaction on the double! Share campaign progression online together for the first time. In addition to online play, split-screen co-op has entered the chat. Team up and take on the dirt with twice the wash-power, from the convenience of one screen.