The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Continues in Season 2

By
Soul Kiwami
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CyberAgent announced the TV anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s The Summer Hikaru Died manga will continue in The Summer Hikaru Died Season 2. To celebrate the announcement of The Summer Hikaru Died Season 2, voice actors Chiaki Kobayashi and Shuichiro Umeda shared some comments, and special illustrations by Mokumokuren and character designer Yuichi Takahashi were released. 

©Mokumokuren/KADOKAWA/The Summer Hikaru Died Partners
Illustration by Mokumokuren
Illustration by Yuichi Takahashi

The Summer Hikaru Died Season 2 Cast Comments

 

Chiaki Kobayashi, Voice of Yoshiki Tsujinaka

“Congratulations on the announcement of Season 2 of The Summer Hikaru Died!

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the summer of 2025 was defined by this series for me. It was such a meaningful time, and I’m truly happy to see the story continue- and to once again portray Yoshiki Tsujinaka. Even with all of Yoshiki’s struggles and hardships, I’m eager to see where his journey goes next.

I hope you’ll stay with us, and thank you as always for your support!”

Shuichiro Umeda, Voice of Hikaru

“Congratulations on The Summer Hikaru Died getting a second season!

I’m truly happy. I can’t wait to spend more time with Hikaru and the others when we return to the recording booth. I’m also really looking forward to sharing this second season of the anime with all the fans.

Thank you so much, as always, for your support!”

What’s more, The Summer Hikaru Died Exhibition will be held inside Sunshine 60’s Tenbou-Park Observatory in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan from November 14. The event will feature displays with memorable scenes from the anime, along with photo spots. Attendees can also view exclusive production materials and reproductions of key animations. At the exhibition’s store, a range of original goods featuring newly drawn illustrations will be available for purchase.

The Summer Hikaru Died premiered on July 5 on Netflix. Vaundy performs the opening theme song “Saikai (Reunion),” and TOOBOE performs the ending theme song “you are my monster.”

The anime’s cast includes: 

  • Chiaki Kobayashi as Yoshiki Tsujinaka
  • Shuichiro Umeda as Hikaru Indou
  • Yumiri Hanamori as Asako Yamagishi
  • Wakana Kowaka as Rie Kurebayashi
  • Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tanaka
  • Yoshiki Nakajima as Yūta Maki
  • Shion Wakayama as Yūki Tadokoro

Ryohei Takeshita directs the anime. Yuichi Takahashi is the character designer and chief animation director, and Masanobu Hiraoka is the DORODORO animator. In addition, the anime will be produced by Cygames Pictures and published by Kadokawa.

Lastly, here’s a story synopsis for the anime:

In a certain village
Since their childhood, they have grown up together.
Yoshiki and Hikaru, childhood friends.
the sun shining down on them
the chirping sound of a crypto tympana facialis
Ice cream on the way home

Laughing over trivial things
One day in summer, no different from any other day

…… You’re not Hikaru after all, are you?

Half a year ago, Hikaru went missing in the mountains.
A week later, he came back on a whim.
The voice, the figure, the thing that looked like Hikaru
What was stirring inside…

“Hikaru is no longer with us. …… if that’s the case.”

Starting the days with “something” in the form of a friend,
The “same as usual” everyday life.
But at the same time…
Strange incidents begin to plague the village.

Falling into the unknown “something”

Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Release Dates, Schedule, and All Episodes

By
Soul Kiwami
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More than a year after the first season premiered, Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 is finally here to continue Kafka’s story. Just like for the first season, Final Weapon has everything you need to know about the release dates and schedule for all episodes of Kaiju No.8 Season 2.

In Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Kafka faces new allies and learns more about No. 8’s power. Meanwhile, new Kaiju threats are preparing to emerge, and it will take his strength to help ensure his own survival along with his closest friends.

Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Release Dates, Exact Premiere Time and Schedule

Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
©防衛隊第3部隊 ©松本直也／集英社

New Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 episodes will premiere on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. PDT / 10:30 a.m. EDT on Crunchyroll. The anime will be streaming with English subs and same-day English dubs. 11 episodes are expected to air this season. 

Here are the release dates and schedule for Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 (subject to change):

  1. Episode 1 – July 19 – OUT NOW
  2. Episode 2 – July 26 – OUT NOW
  3. Episode 3 – August 2 – OUT NOW
  4. Episode 4 – August 9 – OUT NOW
  5. Episode 5 – August 16 – OUT NOW
  6. Episode 6 – August 23 – OUT NOW
  7. Episode 7 – August 30 – OUT NOW
  8. Episode 8 – September 6 – OUT NOW
  9. Episode 9 – September 13 – OUT NOW
  10. Episode 10 – September 20 – OUT NOW
  11. Episode 11 – September 27 – OUT NOW

New episodes of Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 will premiere at the following times (subject to change):

  • Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 7:30 a.m.
  • Mountain Daylight Time (MDT): 8:30 a.m.
  • Central Daylight Time (CDT): 9:30 a.m.
  • Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 10:30 a.m.
  • Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 2:30 p.m.

OP/ED, Cast and Staff

Aurora
OneRepublic

Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora performs the Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 opening theme song “You Can’t Run From Yourself.” OneRepublic performs the ending theme song “Beautiful Colors.”

The cast includes (via Anime News Network): 

  • Fairouz Ai as Kikoru Shinomiya
  • Kengo Kawanishi as Sōshirō Hoshina
  • Masaya Fukunishi as Kafka Hibino/Kaiju No. 8
  • Wataru Katō as Reno Ichikawa
  • Asami Seto as Mina Ashiro
  • Hiroki Yasumoto as Eiji Hasegawa
  • Hiroyuki Yoshino as Kaiju No. 9
  • Kana Hanazawa as Rin Shinonome
  • Keisuke Kōmoto as Haruichi Izumo
  • Kenta Miyake as Kaiju No. 10
  • Kōki Uchiyama as Gen Narumi
  • Kotono Mitsuishi as Hikaru Shinomiya
  • Sayaka Senbongi as Konomi Okonogi
  • Shunsuke Takeuchi as Aoi Kaguragi
  • Tesshō Genda as Isao Shinomiya
  • Yūki Shin as Iharu Furuhashi

Shigeyuki Miya is the director of Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, with series composition by Yūichirō Kido, music composed by Yūta Bandō, and character designs by Tetsuya Nishio. Production I.G. and Khara are producing the series.

Additional staff members include:

  • Art Director: Shinji Kimura
  • Chief Animation Director: Tetsuya Nishio
  • 3D Director: Hayato Aragaki
  • Sound Director: Fumiyuki Go
  • Director of Photography: Eiji Arai
  • Brand Art Direction: Shingo Kitada
  • Color design: Izumi Hirose
  • Editing: Aya Hida
  • Kaiju Design: Mahiro Maeda
  • Logo Design: Shingo Kitada
  • Prop Design: Yukiko Watabe
  • PV Production: Nobutaka Yoda (10GAUGE)

Where Can I Watch Kaiju No. 8 Season 2?

Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 key visual
©防衛隊第3部隊 ©松本直也／集英社

Similarly to the first season, Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 will be streaming on Crunchyroll with English subs and dubs. In Japan, the anime will air on TV Tokyo and affiliate channels. 

What is Kaiju No. 8 About?

Lastly, Crunchyroll describes the anime as follows:

In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno’s determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka’s promise to join Mina and protect humanity.

Monster Hunter Wilds x Final Fantasy XIV Collaboration Includes Planetes Protocol (Savage) Quest

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Soul Kiwami
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Monster Hunter Wilds x Final Fantasy XIV Planetes Protocol Savage

Capcom released a new trailer for the Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy XIV collaboration, confirming that the Planetes Protocol (Savage) Quest will be available on September 29. In the Final Fantasy XIV collaboration, Omega Planetes offers an extreme (or Savage) challenge to Monster Hunter Wilds players who completed the Planetes Protocol Quest, and those who claim victory may craft new weapons and armor.

Additionally, two jobs from Final Fantasy XIV will be available: Dark Knight and Pictomancer. The September 29 update will also include Arch-Tempered Nu Udra, alongside new paid cosmetics, and customizable “Quest Clear Animations.” 

Additionally, Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 4 will introduce optimizations to the game’s PC version as part of a “multifaceted plan.” Title Update 4 is planned for release in December 2025, but it’s worth noting that plans can change. Gradual improvements to Monster Hunter Wilds on PC will be made in the weeks ahead as well. After Title Update 4, there will be further updates to improve overall performance in the game.

Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 2 launched on June 30 with the arrival of Lagiacrus, Seregios, Arch-Tempered Uth Duna, Layered Weapons, and other additional features. The Festival of Accord: Flamefete Season Event was also held alongside Event Quests featuring Arch-tempered Uth Duna.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Before launch, Final Weapon reviewed Monster Hunter Wilds and gave it a 4 out of 5 score, noting that the game is “a worthy follow-up to Capcom’s most successful game ever.”

Suikoden: Star Leap Trailer Introduces HQ Functions

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Soul Kiwami
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Suikoden Star Leap

During Tokyo Game Show 2025, Konami released a new trailer for Suikoden: Star Leap, showcasing the mobile strategy RPG’s HQ (home base) functions and features. At the HQ, players can interact with characters and engage with blacksmithing and other important shops, organize dinner parties, play various mini games like fishing and mining, and so much more.

Suikoden: Star Leap is coming soon to Android, iOS, and PC via Steam. The new game features gacha elements and events, but the new title retains the Suikoden franchise’s signature combat system. Out of 108 stars, players can assemble a “dream team” of their favorite Suikoden heroes for battle. 

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

Introduction

The Rune of Change is one of the 27 True Runes that are said to have created the world.

Solar Year 453. Tragedy strikes a lakeside village located east to the Scarlet Moon Empire, where mysterious enemies attack, houses go up in flames, and people have to flee for their lives.

After the threat leaves, the Hero, along with Hisui, Shirin, and Shapur stand up to restore the village.

As the Hero and his friends depart for their journey, they quickly get caught up in the great swells of history.

What are the atrocities that torment the people of the Empire?

What kind of destiny will these encounters with Viktor, Flik, Odessa, and various others lead to?

Small adventures eventually turn into a large ambition.

For our precious one.

Features: 

      • A story spun through encounters with 108 stars and many other characters as it travels around the world
      • Profound dots for location and character expression
      • Battle strategies and experiences that expand as many as the number of characters

Spell-Craft 3rd Person Shooter Spell Trigger Revealed for PC

By
Soul Kiwami
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Spell Trigger

Indonesia-based studio Tosca Orca has revealed Spell Trigger, a fast-paced third-person shooter with gunplay and spell-craft for PC via Steam. A release date for Spell Trigger was not announced, but a new trailer was revealed during Tokyo Game Show 2025, which runs until September 28 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Lastly, here’s an overview of Spell Trigger, via the official Steam page:

Engage in high-octane third-person shooter, weaving precision gunplay with devastating spell-craft.

Play as Vivian, the Warden Magus, chosen to stand at the edge of collapse. Armed with the Spell Trigger, a weapon that fuses modern firearms with raw spell power, confront an otherworldly force behind a mysterious wave of slumber and mortality threatening humanity.

Key Features:

      • Spell-Infused Combat – Shoot, unleash spells, and chain abilities in fluid third-person action shooter.
      • Multiplayer Support – Join forces with friends to take on missions together.
      • Progression & Customization – Level up, unlock new spells, and enhance your arsenal.
      • Immersive Story Campaign – Face a hidden entropy faction threatening humanity, with missions that expand the lore of the Magus Order.

Story-Driven Survival Game Project Retrograde: The Becoming Revealed

By
Soul Kiwami
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Project Retrograde The Becoming

Chinese developer Invercity Game Works has revealed Project Retrograde: The Becoming, a new story-driven survival game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. A release date for the new survival game was not announced, however. 

Check out the new trailer below, via IGN:

Lastly, here’s an overview of Project Retrograde: The Becoming from the game’s official website, via Gematsu:

Doomsday Gloom

In 1995, humanity’s last hope—Project Retrograde—collapsed as the underground world was shattered by the ancient parasite L.U.C.A. Play as a bounty hunter symbiotic with parasite, using its dangerous power to save the world, even if it consumes you.

Parasitic Combat

Infected by L.U.C.A, you survive and gain the ability to absorb combat memories from other hosts. Unlock parasitic skills, become a Kung Fu master or the Baba Yaga, and experience adrenaline-fueled combat!

Mysterious Underground

Delve into the post-apocalyptic realm filled with retro technology. Manipulate the LUX system to alter underground weather or climb towers to reach unknown regions and uncover the truth buried for years.

Romeo is a Dead Man Releases ‘Extremely Bloody Action Buffet’ Gameplay Trailer

By
Soul Kiwami
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Romeo is a Dead Man

Grasshopper Manufacture has released a new gameplay trailer for action game Romeo is a Dead Man, titled “Extremely Bloody Action Buffet.” The latest gameplay trailer showcases some of the many weapons that players will have access to in Romeo is a Dead Man.

Romeo is a Dead Man launches in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and “Switch 2, maybe…”. Previously, Suda51 confirmed that Grasshopper Manufacture is testing Romeo is a Dead Man on Nintendo Switch 2.

Romeo is a Dead Man Gameplay Trailer: Extremely Bloody Action Buffet

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

Take control of the protagonist Romeo Stargazer in this third person singleplayer action adventure, split into various chapters. His story is both unpredictable and littered with intense battles, interspersed with side missions to suit the player’s pace.

A story that transcends space-time

This game’s story starts with space-time itself being shattered by a certain incident. Romeo, too, on the brink of life and death finds himself revived by a new kind of super technology. Thus he is recruited for the FBI’s Space-Time Police as a special agent, and wanders the cosmos in search of criminals who’ve taken advantage of the situation at hand in an attempt to bring justice back to the universe. At the same time, he looks for clues concerning his missing girlfriend Juliet, and quickly comes to find both her disappearance and the destruction of space may be more linked than he thought. Donning the mask called Deadgear, what awaits Romeo at the edges of space-time?

Fight blood with blood

Romeo switches between swords and guns to fight. Wipe out the waves of enemies that stand in your path to give birth to a new kind of bloody action, and take down the fearsome space-time criminals that await. Absorb the blood of your enemies to unleash Romeo’s special attack: Bloody Summer, capable of turning any situation around. Romeo’s various weapons can be strengthened and altered as the story moves forward as he takes on even stronger enemies.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 Gets ‘Combat First Look’ Gameplay Trailer

By
Soul Kiwami
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Yakuza Kiwami 3 gameplay

SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio released the “Combat First Look” trailer for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties with a closer look at gameplay footage shown during RGG Summit and RGG Direct. Specifically, the commentary-less gameplay video shows off Kazuma Kiryu’s signature Dragon of Dojima and weapon-based Ryukyu fighting styles in Yakuza Kiwami 3.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties includes a remake of 2009’s Yakuza 3 and Dark Ties, a Like a Dragon Gaiden-style game with Yoshitaka Mine as the protagonist. Yakuza Kiwami 3 features revamped gameplay, story changes, new cast members and English voice-overs, and new cutscenes in the Dragon Engine.

The cast includes:

  • Takaya Kuroda as Kazuma Kiryu
  • Shido Nakamura as Yoshitaka Mine
  • Satoshi Tokushige as Daigo Dojima
  • Ryo Ishibashi as Shigeru Nakahara
  • Teruyuki Kagawa as Goh Hamazaki
  • Show Kasamatsu as Rikiya Shimabukuro
  • Hiroyuki Miyasako as Tsuyoshi Kanda
  • Kenji Matsuda as Shinpei Ikari

Players may choose to play Yakuza Kiwami 3 or Dark Ties in any order. Mine has a unique fighting style and access to mini-games like Karaoke. There’s also Kanda Damage Control, a new request-based system with substories, and Hell’s Arena, a underground fight club with Survival.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches February 12, 2026 for $59.99 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. There will be physical and digital editions, and pre-orders include the Ichiban Legendary Lad DLC. A Digital Deluxe Edition costs $74.99 with the following add-on packs (also sold separately):

  • Legendary Outfit Pack
    • Legendary Character Outfit Set
    • Original T-Shirt Set
  • Legendary Lads & Gals Pack
    • Legendary Lads Set
    • Legendary Gals Set
  • Ryukyu Gal Gang Customization Pack
    • Jacket Set
    • Motorcycle Design Customization Set
  • Flip Phone Customization Pack
    • Flip Phone Lock Screen Set
    • Flip Phone Design Set
    • Flip Phone Decoration Set
  • Legendary BGM CD Set

LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS Releases New Trailer Animated by MAPPA

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Soul Kiwami
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LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS

NCSOFT and Big Game Studio released a new trailer for upcoming action RPG LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS with animation by MAPPA. The developers partnered with MAPPA to illustrate the worldwiew of LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS in the trailer, along with colorful characters and storylines. 

LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS is being exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2025, which takes place until September 28 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Lastly, LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS launches in 2026 for iOS, Android, and PC via Steam and PURPLE. Here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:

About LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS

Live an Anime-Inspired Adventure

Step into a playable anime, where every frame is filled with emotion and energy. A real-time action RPG with anime aesthetics and thrilling boss hunts at its core.

Unleash Stylish Combat

Time your dodges. Nail your parries. Land crushing counterattacks.

Activate Break Mode to trigger cinematic finishers and turn every fight into a personal triumph.

Your rhythm. Your action.

Ignite Elemental Chaos

Trigger relentless, explosive elemental reactions in battle with no limits on combinations. Combine opposing or harmonizing elements to create powerful skill chains.

Join the Raid

Team up with two other players in thrilling 3-player boss raids.

Combine your powers to take down colossal enemies and uncover the secrets hidden deep within Seraphia.

The Legendary Quest

Each Breaker boards the Weaverwhale in search of their own wish.

Journey across floating ruins and forgotten realms, chasing the legends said to grant any desire.

Where Every Wish Begins—The Journey to Seraphia

In a world shaped by gods and ruled by angels, legends speak of the “Archives of the Gods”—a vault said to grant any wish.

A Breaker girl aboard the airship Weaverwhale encounters a boy with no memory.
Their story unfolds through cinematic cutscenes and emotional arcs.

Duet Night Abyss Tokyo Game Show 2025 Trailer Highlights Sybille

By
Soul Kiwami
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Duet Night Abyss

During Tokyo Game Show 2025, Hero Games and Pan Studio released a new trailer for anime-style mobile RPG Duet Night Abyss highlighting Sibylle, the first boss of the game’s prologue. Sibylle quickly became one of the most popular characters since Duet Night Abyss was first announced. 

The latest Duet Night Abyss trailer reveals the backstory of Sibylle and showcases her skills and abilities in combat. Several other characters appear alongside Sibylle to do battle against waves of monsters. Tokyo Game Show 2025 attendees can try out the latest build of Duet Night Abyss until September 28 to see what the combat entails for themselves. 

During the previous Duet Night Abyss Special Program, the development team revealed major updates for in-game movement and combat before launch, including zero-stamina sprinting and a Grappling Hook. There will also be new commissions and increased large-scale enemy waves for more intense combat. In addition, there will be new systems, such as Demon Wedges and Sigils. 

After receiving feedback from the Duet Night Abyss closed beta test, all stamina restrictions on commissions were removed. Players will be able to freely choose between the two protagonists across different chapters, and character outfits and accessories have been optimized and improved, resulting in better overall quality in appearance. Weapons, costumes, and accessories also support multi-part dying for added customization.

Moreover, the Geniemon pet system were updated to support various active and passive skills in the open beta. Players can customize attributes through targeted training to unlock their full combat capabilities. The weapon star rating system was removed entirely, too. All characters and weapons will be available for free, with the latter being obtainable via the Forging System.

Duet Night Abyss launches October 28 for Android, iOS, and PC via Windows, and fans can pre-register on game’s official website.

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