Bandai Namco released the new “Digimon Special Moves Vol. 3” trailer for Digimon Story Time Stranger, highlighting the special moves of Venusmon, Marsmon, Diaboromon, UlforceVeedramon, and many other Digimon.
Digimon Story Time Stranger launches October 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam with Japanese and English voice overs. A free demo of Digimon Story Time Stranger is available now on all platforms featuring the opening sequence and save data transfers to the full game. Pre-orders are now available in the PlayStation Store, and various editions will be sold at the Bandai Namco Store, including an exclusive Collector’s Edition.
Bandai Namco recently announced new Tekken 8, Tales of Arise, and Taiko no Tatsujin collaboration t-shirts for Digimon Story Time Stranger. The new in-game t-shirts feature the key art of Tekken 8, a pixel illustration of Hoodle from Tales of Arise, and artwork of Don-chan from Taiko no Tatsujin.
The Digimon Story Time Stranger “Anime Song Pack” DLC was also revealed with the following tracks:
Cygames announced executive director Yuito Kimura has stepped down from this position on the board as of September 30, 2025. Yuito Kimura was one of the founders of Cygames alongside president Koichi Watanabe in 2011, and he worked as a producer on a number of titles, including Granblue Fantasy, Rage of Bahamut, Shadowverse, and Princess Connect! Re: Dive.
On X (formerly Twitter), Kimura shared a message to fans, revealing that he’s been dealing with health issues. Although non-life-threatening, these health issues have made it difficult for Kimura to perform his duties, resulting in his decision to step down. The games he previously oversaw were passed down to trusted colleagues, and he hopes to return to game production in the future.
Video game publisher and developer Cygames, Inc. (HQ: Shibuya, Tokyo; President: Koichi Watanabe; hereinafter referred to as “Cygames”), hereby announces that board member Yuito Kimura has stepped down from his position as executive director at Cygames as of September 30, 2025.
Since Cygames’ inception, Mr. Kimura has been instrumental in driving and shaping the company’s growth with his significant contributions. We respect his decision and are profoundly grateful for his achievements throughout his tenure at Cygames.
His responsibilities have been allocated among the current board members, and a comprehensive road map has been established to ensure the seamless continuation of future business operations.
Moving forward, Cygames as a company remains committed to delighting people around the world by fulfilling its vision of being the best in entertainment.
Bandai Namco announced anime action-fighting game My Hero Academia All’s Justice launches February 6, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders for the Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions are available now in the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, and Steam.
Here’s an overview of My Hero Academia All’s Justice, via Bandai Namco:
Overview
My Hero Academia All’s Justice features dynamic singleplayer and PvP battles with maximum 3-character tag-team fights and the largest roster of playable characters in franchise history. Heroes and Villains collide as fans take control of U.A. students, Pro Heroes, and Villains across the full story of My Hero Academia, including their final, full-powered forms. Players will get to unleash their favorite characters’ unique Quirks, enhanced with the new “Rising” mechanic that boosts attack power, speed, and Quirk abilities for explosive combat. By mixing and matching team members, fans can chain combos, switch characters mid-fight, and discover new tactical synergies.
In addition to reliving the climactic Final War storyline, players can take part in all-new, game-exclusive scenarios. “Team Up Mission” is a new mode for the franchise that puts players into a training exercise within a Virtual Space, where they will form a team with Class 1-A students to complete missions and overcome enemies in an exclusive map. Beating this mode unlocks “Archives Battle”, where players can revisit legendary clashes from across the anime’s history and experience them firsthand. Players will get to relive the Final War of My Hero Academia through a rich “Story Mode” from both the Hero and Villain perspectives. In this mode, fans can also look forward to visually stunning, game-exclusive cinematics that will bring the emotional intensity and world-shaking stakes of the Final War to life, culminating in the legendary confrontation between One For All and All For One.
In addition, My Hero Academia Final Season will premiere on October 4 at 5:30 p.m. JST on YTV and NTV’s affiliate channels. My Hero Academia Final Season will stream on Crunchyroll outside Japan. The staff of My Hero Academia Final Season includes chief director Kenji Nagasaki, director Naomi Nakayama, script supervisor Yōsuke Kuroda, character designers Yoshihiko Umakoshi and Hitomi Odashima, composer Yuki Hayashi, and studio BONES.
The My Hero Academia Vigilantes anime series is now streaming on Crunchyroll with English dubs and subs. Kocchi no Kento performs the opening theme song “Kekka Orai (All’s Well in the End).” Rock band yutori performs the ending theme song “Speed.” My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2 will premiere in 2026, and in the meantime, fans can read the manga at VIZ Media.
Final Weapon had the opportunity to interview development team members of upcoming monster-taming RPG MONGIL: STAR DIVE, including Netmarble game publishing director Jung-ho Lee Netmarble Monster project director Min-kyun Kim, and Netmarble Monster production director Dong-jo Lee. The interview goes over updates to MONGIL: STAR DIVE since G-STAR 2024, Netmarble’s collaboration with Samsung, and what players can expect after the game launches.
As Netmarble’s game publishing director, Jung-ho Lee spearheaded the launch and live operations of over 50 Netmarble titles, including Seven Knights and Marvel Future Fight. The game publishing director also played a role in Netmarble’s global expansion through collaborations with entertainment and platform companies like HYBE, Tencent, and LINE.
Min-kyun Kim is a project director at Netmarble Monster and MONGIL: STAR DIVE. Kim also served as director of Marvel Future Fight, and he’s now spearheading the development of MONGIL: STAR DIVE. Final Weapon also had the opportunity to interview MONGIL: STAR DIVE project director Min-kyun Kim during last year’s G-STAR event.
Dong-jo Lee led the global rollout of Monster Taming, which is MONGIL: STAR DIVE’s predecessor. Lee also managed projects like Star Wars: Force Arena and Marvel Future Revolution before leading the development of MONGIL: STAR DIVE as production director at Netmarble Monster.
Get the full interview with the MONGIL: STAR DIVE development team below:
It’s been almost a year since MONGIL: STAR DIVE was first exhibited at G-STAR 2024. Can you discuss some of the major developments and updates involving your work on the game since then?
Dong-jo Lee: We actively reflected diverse player feedback. Comedic elements and memes that were poorly received were removed, animations were improved for greater naturalness, and combat readability was refined through changes to camera distance and hit effects.
(left to right) Jung-ho Lee, Min-kyun Kim, and Dong-jo Lee
Have you encountered any challenges while developing MONGIL: STAR DIVE in Unreal Engine 5?
Min-kyun Kim: There have been no particular obstacles beyond the usual discussions and revisions. That said, the industry’s high-quality releases continually challenge and inspire us to refine our work further.
MONGIL: STAR DIVE’s story builds on the setting and characters of Monster Taming, and there will be real-time tag-based combat and a monster-taming system. Can you discuss how in-game progression works in MONGIL: STAR DIVE?
Min-kyun Kim: Progression revolves around nurturing characters and Monsterlings. Endgame content emphasizes both “challenge” and “collection,” with modes like Rift and Monster Races offering goals that leverage the units players have invested in. Collection systems, such as capturing monsters and filling the codex, add long-term engagement.
MONGIL: STAR DIVE will be exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2025 with a playable build for fans to try out. What takeaways would you like fans to receive from playing the build at the event?
Dong-jo Lee: Our aim is for players to experience accessible but rewarding combat, enjoy meeting characters firsthand, and provide us with valuable feedback. These shows are as much about communication with players as they are about presentation.
Will players around the world have an opportunity to play MONGIL: STAR DIVE in an open beta or demo before launch?
Jung-ho Lee: Following TGS, a CBT is planned prior to launch, giving players additional opportunities to try the game and provide feedback. Details around OBT will follow as we progress towards our launch.
Netmarble has collaborated with Samsung to showcase MONGIL: STAR DIVE on supported devices like Odyssey 3D gaming monitors and the new Galaxy Z Fold7. Can you discuss the collaboration with Samsung and the features that players can take advantage of when the game launches?
Jung-ho Lee + Dong-jo Lee: We are working closely with Samsung to optimize the experience on cutting-edge hardware, including their Odyssey 3D monitors and Galaxy devices. Our collaboration ensures that players can experience the game with advanced visual fidelity and smoothness across multiple device types.
MONGIL: STAR DIVE is currently planned to launch by the end of 2025 for PC and mobile platforms. Is Netmarble planning the release of MONGIL: STAR DIVE on additional platforms or consoles for 2026?
Dong-jo Lee: Technical preparations for console are underway. We will be rolling the first demo via PS5 at TGS 2025. Exact timing for console launch is to be determined.
What can players expect at launch and beyond in terms of in-game events and updates?
Min-kyun Kim: We plan to release two new characters with each update, alongside ongoing content expansions. Post-launch events will focus on deepening the sense of challenge and collection while keeping players engaged with fresh story and character content.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Jung-ho Lee: We hope to meet our players as soon as possible. We will continue to listen closely to feedback to make MONGIL: STAR DIVE an even better game. We ask for your interest and anticipation until launch.
Thank you so much for your time!
MONGIL: STAR DIVE is coming soon to Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows and Epic Games Store. The second MONGIL: STAR DIVE closed beta test will be held from September 30 to October 10 on PC via the Netmarble Launcher and Epic Games Store. The MONGIL: STAR DIVE second closed beta test will feature Episode 2 of the main story, new playable character Daisy, the new Monsterling Link Chain system.
Global pre-registration for MONGIL: STAR DIVE is also open with rewards like 4-star character Francis. Additional rewards, including Compass of Promise ×10, will be given to players who pre-register via the App Store or Google Play.
SHIFT UP announced a new update for Stellar Blade will be released on September 30 with three additional epilogue clips after reaching a certain ending. The September 30 update for Stellar Blade also adds the new Bulletin Board quests to the PC version, and a 20% sale is still ongoing. As a reminder, players who complete the new Bulletin Board quests in Stellar Blade receive a “small gift.”
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.
SHIFT UP plans to release a Stellar Blade sequel and the 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.
A 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.
Alongside the PC release, SHIFT UP released the June 11 update for Stellar Blade. The update brought Photo Mode improvements and a preset saving function. EVE received three new facial expressions in the update, along with four new poses for EVE and Lily. Moreover, up to six lights can now be used, giving players more options in Photo Mode.
Tei performs the opening theme song “Sen Yori Kaminari Ya, Sarariya Takaki.” Nowlu performs the ending theme song “Shirogarasu.”
Katsushi Sakurabi directs the anime at J.C. STAFF, and Hiroshi Ohnogi is in charge of the series scripts. Yoshikazu Iwanami is the sound director, Yukie Suzuki is the character designer, and Ryō Takahashi is the music composer.
Additional staff includes:
Art Director: Yukiko Ashino
Color Design: Tomomi Andō
Compositing Director of Photography: Shingo Fukuyo
Editing: Maki Sendo
Sound Effects: Yasumasa Koyama
Music Production: Lantis
Shisui Meikyou launched the light novel series in April 2020, the 12th volume of the series was released on April 18. Takashi Ohmae released the manga adaptation in May 2021 on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket. Lastly, the novel and manga are available at J-Novel Club.
Nintendo announced the establishment of Nintendo Singapore, a new local entity in the Republic of Singapore aimed at accelerating Nintendo’s business in Southeast Asia.
Nintendo Singapore is being led by managing director Takahiro Miura, and the company has a capital stock of SGD $8 million. In the press release, Nintendo noted that it’s considering opening a local entity in the Kingdom of Thailand to accelerate its business.
What’s more, Satoru Shibata will join Nintendo of America as chief executive officer and continue his roles as managing executive officer and corporate director, member of the board at Nintendo Co., Ltd. (NCL). Pritchard will also join the Nintendo of America Board of Directors and become an NCL executive officer. The Nintendo press release notes that Pritchard values Nintendo fans and plans to build on many experiences that allow consumers that connect with Nintendo’s brand, games, and retail offerings.
Doug Bowser led Nintendo of America after the retirement of Reggie Fils-Aimé in 2019, and Bowser led Nintendo for the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 and various brand expansions, including Nintendo’s collaboration with Universal in the U.S.
DMM Games and Shiravune announced AQUAPLUS-developed action RPG Utawarerumono: Zan 2 is coming to PC via Steam in English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese. A release date for the Steam version of Utawarerumono: Zan 2 was not announced yet.
Here’s an overview of the game, via the official Steam page:
Mix and match flashy combat techniques, gameplay-altering equippables, and evolvable abilities. Create an unstoppable team from the 20+ playable characters to blast through 50+ story missions and more in this action-packed adventure. Utawarerumono: ZAN is back and it’s better than ever!
Beyond Mask of Deception
The primary story mode follows the plot of Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth, including many new, fully-voiced scenes original to Utawarerumono: ZAN 2 that expand the breadth of the world and the depth of the characters.
3D Hack-and-Slash Reborn
ZAN 2 improves on its predecessor in every way, with a new Skill Board system and refined hack-and-slash elements that allow for a renewed focus on character exploration and growth. Meanwhile, the new base system allows you to explore Oshtor’s estate in Ennakamuy, where you can interact with your companions, progress the story, strengthen your characters, and more. You can even upgrade the base’s functionality using points obtained in the course of gameplay!
Animated Storytelling
No paper dolls here! 3D animated story cutscenes give every pivotal moment the sense of weight and place that it deserves, bringing the adventure to life like never before.
Dream Online
Co-op or in single player, the Dream Arena mode brings enemies, challenges, and maps that wouldn’t be possible within the scope of the regular story. Play online with friends from around the world.
Bandai Namco announced Season 5 of Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream will launch on October 2 featuring Spriggan Kirito, 1st anniversary rewards, Tales of Xillia Remastered collaboration costumes, and much more. Log in daily from October 2 during the 1st Anniversary Daily Present Campaign to earn rewards like SAO Tickets and Jewels.
On October 2, the Character Rank Limit will be increased from 130 to 500, and players can reach milestones to level-up character-specific Passive Skills. What’s more the Last Recollection event will be added to History of SAO, and players can collect Memory Crystals to relive a chapter of the Underworld War.
Neige will also be a playable tank character for those with four Neige Fragments, and Extreme Boss Raid reruns will be active from October to December 2025 for those wanting to get Neige Fragments. Moreover, the new Extreme Boss “Dolzel the Chaos Drake Nova” will be available, and the “Angel of Death” will begin to appear in Free Quests.
New Diva of Another World and Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online II collaboration costumes will be available in the store. Players can obtain these costumes with SAO Tickets. A 1st anniversary store sale will be active until October 16. Additionally, playable character Spriggan Kirito will be available in the store at a discount.
Master this new 《Black Swordsman》 with flight & dual blades! Available in 《STORE》! Plus…Get him at a discount until 10/16! *The content and schedule are subject to change.#SAOpic.twitter.com/33a4NAVzZD
A single-player beta will be available, allowing players to test out Co-Op Quests and Boss Raids solo with NPCs. An online connection is still required, however. Lastly, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream Season 5 update features a collaboration with Tales of Xillia Remastered. Log in after October 2 to get Jude’s outfit, and Milla’s outfit may be obtained with SAO Tickets.
Lastly, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is available now for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Full details on the new Atelier Yumia DLC packs can be read below, via the game’s official website:
Additional Map “Secret Research Area Aladissia”
Adds the new map “Secret Research Area Aladissia” to the Auruma region. This content features a new story following a secret plan, as well as an expansive field and new features. Work with your companions to bring the secret plan to light.
In order to access the additional map, you must first clear the main quest “An Inexplicable Sight.” This product is part of the “Atelier Yumia Season Pass.” Please be aware that there are other products which contain this content. Be careful not to make duplicate purchases.
“The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian” Costume Set
Adds one collaboration costume each for both Viktor and Isla. Costumes are available after unlocking base building and placing a Dressing Room.
The “Tekken Series Collaboration Pack” DLC for Atelier Yumia recently added items and cosmetics based on Tekken 8. The Fantasy Academy Costume Set and The Art of Aladiss DLC packs are also available now for Atelier Yumia.
Atelier Yumia also received Tales of Graces f Remastered DLC alongside the additional map “Falbra Thicket,” the Atelier Series Legacy BGM Pack, and the Gust Extra BGM Pack DLCs. The new Tales of Graces f Remastered DLC added Asbel’s outfit as a new costume for Yumia.
Lastly, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Before launch, Final Weapon reviewed Atelier Yumia and gave it a 4 out of 5, stating that the game is a great starting point into the series for new players.
