Shueisha Games and historia have announced that psychological adventure game UN:Me is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 alongside the previously announced PC (Steam) version. A new trailer for UN:Me was also released.
The staff of the Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers anime series confirmed that Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers Part 2 will premiere on July 7. A new trailer for Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers Part 2 was released, revealing new cast members and the second cour’s theme songs.
Dannie May performs the new opening theme song “Bad Idenshi” (Bad Gene), and karanoah performs the new ending theme song “Bakemon.”
The Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers anime is streaming on will release on Crunchyroll with English subtitles.
The Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Trooperscast includes:
Hiiro Ishibashi as Gai
Kentarō Kumagai as Shion Ishida/Senkō no Shion
Shunsuke Takeuchi as Yamato Hōjō/Kōya no Yamato
Junya Enoki as Kaito Uesugi/Sōkyū no Kaito
Ayumu Murase as Musashi Hōjō/Suiren no Musashi
Lynn as Mirei Aragaki
Katsuyuki Konishi as Ramaga
Takuya Satō as Sasuke
Kōsuke Toriumi as Saizō
Takuma Terashima as Kamanosuke
Tomokazu Sugita as Seikai Nyūdō
Kōhei Amasaki as Isa Nyūdō
Kenichi Suzumura as Nezu
Chiharu Sawashiro as Anayama
Ryōta Takeuchi as Unno
Daichi Endō as Kakei
Toshiki Kumagai as Mochizuki
Hirofumi Nojima as Toma Hashiba
Ryōtarō Okiayu as Seiji Date
Nozomu Sasaki as Shin Mouri
Tomohiro Nishimura as Shu Layfang
rock band blank paper performed the first opening theme song “YOAKE (Dawn),” and ONE OR EIGHT performed the first ending theme song “POWER.”
Yōichi Fujita, known for his work on Gintama, is directing the new anime at Sunrise. Shōgo Mutō is handling the series scripts. The character designers include Yūhei Murota, Hideo Okamoto, and Takuya Suzuki. Shūji Katayama is composing the music. Sunrise’s creative team, under the pen name Hajime Yatate, is credited with the original story.
Compositing Director of Photography: Rumi Ishiguro
Editing: Kumiko Sakamoto
Sound Director: Ryō Tanaka
Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers is the latest entry in the long-running franchise by Sunrise, which began with the Yoroiden Samurai Troopers series in 1988-1989.
Here’s an overview of the new anime, via its official description on Crunchyroll:
Official sequel to hero action TV anime Samurai Troopers (1988-1989) – Long ago, there existed an evil spirit that waged a war to conquer the human world. Defeat drove him back to the realm of darkness, but not before vowing to return and exact his revenge. A thousand years later, the world has all but forgotten the name of Arago, Emperor of Doom. When black clouds smother the bright city lights of Shinjuku, and a sinister laugh drowns out the dying hum of electricity, the people of the world plunge into terror, unprepared for the evil spirit’s return!
A new official trailer for the Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu (Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island) anime film was released, revealing two new cast members and the opening theme song “Kutsuzure (Shoe Sore)” by Makoto Tanaka, who voices Hachiware. The trailer also previews the song “Shima no Uta (Island Song).”
The new cast members include:
Tsuguo Mogami as Shimajiro
Minori Suzuki as Siren
Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island will make its theatrical debut on July 24 in Japan. As previously announced, Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island is the first anime film adaptation of Nagano’s Chiikawa manga and anime series, and it will be based on the “Island Arc” from March 2023 to November 2023.
Nagano is credited with the original story of the Chiikawa film, writing the script, and providing supervision. Kei Oikawa directs the film at Cygames Pictures, QTORY inc. is managing the production, and TOHO is distributing the film.
The movie’s story begins with Chiikawa and Hachiware relaxing before a rabbit with a flyer on its face appears. Hachiware reads the flyer, which reads “invitation to a special island” with promising of great rewards. Chiikawa and friends decide to go to the island, and Rakko goes along on his own accord due to his suspicions with the flyer.
The Chiikawa anime series first premiered in April 2022 on Fuji TV, and the anime returned for more episodes on July 15, 2025. Sentai Filmworks licensed the anime. HIDIVE is streaming the anime series with English subtitles outside Japan.
The cast of Chiikawa includes child actress Haruka Aoki as Chiikawa and Ari Ozawa as Usagi.
Sony has announced new details about a range of accessories for PlayStation 5 and PC, set to release this year. These are the FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick and a 27″ Gaming Monitor, launching in August, and Pulse Elevate Wireless Speakers, coming out later in 2026.
The previously announced FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick will launch with PlayStation 5 compatibility and later get PC support after its release on August 6. It contains a rechargeable battery and will come with a carrying case. It boasts swappable restrictor gates to allow different players and characters to use the same stick. Pre-orders open on June 12 with an RRP of $199.99 and will be available from PlayStation Direct and participating retailers.
Sony’s 27″ Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook will launch on August 27 and features a “27-inch QHD IPS display (2560×1440) with VRR, supporting up to 120Hz on PS5 and PS5 Pro, and up to 240Hz on a compatible PC or Mac. It costs $349.99, and pre-orders will open on June 5 on PlayStation Direct, Best Buy, and other participating retailers.
The Pulse Elevate Wireless Speakers have yet to reveal details such as price or pre-order date. They are Sony’s first wireless desktop speakers, using the same planar magnetic drivers as previous Pulse products. They have their own rechargeable batteries which last up to twelve hours.
All three accessories show off their compatibility with PlayStation Link, aiming for seamlessly use without latency. More details about the products are available on the PlayStation Blog. Lastly, Sony will hold a new State of Play event on Tuesday, June 2, at 2 PM PDT, 5 PM EDT, and 10 PM GMT, announcing new details about upcoming games for the PlayStation 5.
eastasiasoft has announced that Idea Factory-developed otome visual novel fan disc Hakuoki Memoirs: Drifting Clouds is coming to the west for Nintendo Switch in early 2027. Pre-orders for physical editions of Hakuoki Memoirs: Drifting Clouds will open on June 4 at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET on Playasia. 2,000 Limited Editions will be produced featuring the game, manual, drama CD, art book, acrylic character standees, Joy-Con sticker sheet, poster, and a numbered certificate in a collector’s box.
Reunite with beloved characters and get to know them like you never have before! Hakuoki Memoirs: Drifting Clouds is a “fan disc” expansion to the romantic tale of heroine Chizuru and the handsome warriors of the Shinsengumi. Explore a variety of character-focused vignettes set between the chapters of Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom and make key decisions for Chizuru along the way.
Previously unseen events and moments of romance unfold in gorgeously illustrated style! Engage in sweet, funny, lighthearted and sometimes surprising dialogue localized in English for the first time and immerse yourself in authentic settings inspired by the history of Japan’s Edo period. As an essential new supplement to the series’ core narrative, Hakuoki Memoirs: Drifting Clouds becomes an essential part of the definitive Hakuoki experience!
Key Features:
Take the role of Chizuru as she’s surrounded by familiar faces!
Explore events and romantic scenarios set between the series’ original chapters.
Make key choices and discover unique story routes!
Enjoy voiceovers in Japanese and newly localized text in English.
Navigate with ease using a variety of UI controls and preferences!
Formation Z is a side-scrolling shoot ’em up released for Japanese arcades in 1984 by developer Jaleco. The game would be released in the U.S. as Aeroboto and achieve moderate success with ports to home computers and the Famicom. It would also get its fair share of re-releases and is currently available on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, thanks to the Arcade Archives release. Even with all these releases, it’s still a somewhat obscure game in the genre, and it makes this current release interesting to me. That release is FZ: Formation Z, a full remake of the original developed by Granzilla and City Connection.
FZ: Formation Z is a side-scrolling shoot ’em up and run-and-gun game. It is a full remake of the original arcade game, aiming to update it for a modern audience while staying true to its gameplay. In it, you are a pilot who controls a robot called an Ixpel. The Ixpel can transform into a jet, and levels will have you switching between both as you traverse them. This makes for an interesting and enjoyable shoot ’em up, but one I had a couple of issues with, including some that could stop others from playing this who aren’t already massive fans of the genre.
Run and Fly in FZ: Formation Z
FZ: Formation Z has an interesting gameplay loop that feels prime for arcades. It is a side-scrolling game that combines shoot ’em up and run-and-gun gameplay. In it, you play a pilot who controls a robot called an Ixpel that can transform into a jet. The gameplay changes depending on what form you are in: the robot is your classic run-and-gun gameplay, while the jet is a free-flying shoot ’em up. Each level will have you switch between the forms to tackle different obstacles, and it all comes together fairly well.
While the gameplay is different, each form has some similar moves. Both forms have a standard rabid shot and charge up one. The robot has two melee attacks, while the jet has only a missile attack. You switch between the forms by holding jump, and you will be switching a lot depending on the level. There is one extra thing you have to keep an eye on when in jet form. The jet consumes energy, and when it reaches zero, you’ll switch back to robot form. Your melee and missile attacks also consume energy, adding a bit more to this gameplay loop.
While it took some time to get used to this loop, I did eventually find myself enjoying it. It’s fun to experiment with forms, and I found myself doing it the more I played. I think the jet has better traversal and crowd control, but the robot feels better for larger enemies and ground encounters. No play style is truly better than the others, and it adds some replayability to the short set of levels. Sadly, while this can be fun, it feels fully utilized only in one boss fight and the last two levels of the game. Also, did I mention there are only five levels?
A Short Time
My biggest criticism of FZ: Formation Z has to be the amount of content. Like I said earlier, the game only has five levels. While these levels can be fun, you can only play them so many times. It also has two game modes: story and score attack, both of which share the same five levels. There are five base difficulties, but more are unlockable. There are collectibles, multiple endings, and more incentives to keep you playing, but I lost interest after a couple of runs.
The game lets you customize and upgrade your Ixpel. There are three Ixpel models you can use, each with its own pros and cons. You can upgrade each as well, and trust me, you’ll need to. You can also customize your Ixpel or pilot with different parts, stickers, or colors. Normally, I like it when a game gives you some customization, but it just feels tacked on here. I didn’t feel the need to customize my Ixpel or pilot at all, so I focused on upgrades instead. While the upgrades are good, they also highlight another problem I have.
I did not enjoy how the game felt when I started it. The first mech you get isn’t the best and needs upgrades. I also don’t like how slow the game’s base speed is. Because of this, my first run was a slog, especially with the random spikes in difficulty. After this run, I decided to check the factory and get another Ixpel. I also got some upgrades and adjusted the game speed in my settings. My next run was way better, and I found myself enjoying the game. While my first run didn’t deter me, I do wish I had a better first impression of the game.
One last slight criticism I have is how the game looks. There is a lack of a visual identity here, as most of the models have a generic sci-fi look. This complaint carries over to the levels, with the last one being the only visually interesting one. It makes the game look very bland, which is a shame because I normally love sci-fi and mech designs.
Mission Complete
FZ: Formation Z is a fine game. While I have been pretty critical, the core gameplay loop is still fun. The combination of shoot ’em up and run-and-gun mechanics works pretty well, even if it doesn’t feel fully utilized. While I didn’t have the best start, I ended up enjoying my time with it. That time was sadly fleeting, as it feels like I’ve seen everything it has to offer after just a handful of runs. Fans of the genre will get a lot of replay value from it, but I don’t see that being true for others. I can still recommend giving FZ: Formation Z a chance, though your mileage may vary.
Disclaimer: Clear River Games provided a Nintendo Switch 2 copy of FZ: Formation Z for review purposes.
The JINYA Ramen Bar has announced that it has entered into a collaboration with the Dragon Ball Z franchise. The collaboration will last until August 31.
Starting today, two new Summer Chef’s Specials will be available: the Creamy Tonkotsu Ramen and the Hokkaido Mille Crepe. The former is a rich pork and soy broth topped with pork chashu, seasoned egg, green onion, kikurage, leek, crispy garlic and garlic spicy miso. The latter is a rolled mille crêpe served with vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce and raspberry. However, upon purchasing the Creamy Tonkotsu Ramen in-person, customers can receive one of three pins based on either Goku, Vegeta, or Shenron. These will be available as “supplies last.”
Check out the pins below:
Recently, Bandai Namco announced that Dragon Ball New Game Project AGE 1000 is in fact Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, the long-awaited entry in the successful online action game series by developer Dimps. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2027, and store pages for the new game will open soon. As previously announced, the new game will feature all-new original characters, along with those created and depicted by manga authors Akira Toriyama and Toyotarou. Toriyama was involved in the game’s development for six to seven years before his passing.
In addition, Toei Animation will release Dragon Ball Super Beerus, an enhanced version of the first arc of the Dragon Ball Super anime with improved animation and sound, redrawn cuts, and a “reconstructed narrative.” Dragon Ball Super Beerus will premiere in fall 2026 on Fuji TV.
Browser OperaGX has announced a collaboration with Neverness to Everness, which will last until June 15. Players can earn in-game rewards by either downloading the browser or installing the Neverness to Everness GX mod and redeeming the bundle through GX Corner.
By redeeming the bundle, you can earn the following:
One Elite Hunter Guide – A large character upgrade material drop that accelerates early leveling and reduces the need for repetitive grinding.
One Manhole Boss – A console upgrade item that strengthens player loadouts and boosts combat effectiveness.
30 Annulith – Thirty of the game’s core gacha currency, giving players an immediate shot at unlocking new characters or weapons.
Neverness to Everness is available now on April 29 for Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, and PC with cross-platform play support on all platforms. A MacOS version is also available with cross-platform support and cross-saves, ensuring iPhone and iPad users can also share their progress on Apple Mac devices. The Google Play Store describes the game as follows:
NTE is a supernatural open-world RPG developed by Hotta Studio. The story begins in the city of Hethereau, where you play as its first “unlicensed” Anomaly Hunter. You’ll join the crew at Eibon, a rundown antique shop that keeps the lights on by taking Anomaly commissions from anyone willing to pay. Alongside a diverse cast of extraordinary companions, you’ll unravel urban mysteries, ride out adventures full of laughs and heartbreak, and write your own stories in the neon-lit streets.
Strange City, Strange Adventures
Welcome to the first stop in your appraisal career—Hethereau, a sprawling and vibrant metropolis!
In the crowded halls of the Bureau of Anomaly Control, hopeful Oddities queue up for resident permits, while over at the train station, an Esper commuter snaps his fingers to clean his work suit on the fly. Down one block, a chaotic chase after Danzaburou is spiraling out of control; while across the street, a vacationing silver-gloved Butler is shooting the breeze with the owner of a second-hand electronics shop. Everywhere you look, there’s no shortage of intriguingly “abnormal” scenes.
Want to dive deeper into a world where humans and the supernatural coexist? Start your journey in Hethereau to see it for yourself. The lively and quirky daily life here is a grand adventure in itself.
The director of Tekken 8, Kohei Ikeda, has announced his departure from Bandai Namco Studios after 20 years with the company. The announcement comes a few months after franchise creator, Katsuhiro Harada, also departed the company.
I have officially left Bandai Namco Entertainment after many years with the company. Ever since I first discovered fighting games as a student, I spent countless days in arcades, completely immersed in competition and battling against others. For someone like me, becoming part of the company I had always admired namco was truly a dream come true.Looking back now, I realize that the opportunity that led me there was made possible by the many friendships and connections I built through fighting games and the people I met along the way.
As I reflect on the past 20 years at the company, I remember first stepping into game development through Soulcalibur IV. Later, I was given the opportunity to work on the Tekken series a franchise that had a tremendous impact on my life and one that I had always hoped to someday give back to.Being surrounded by passionate and incredibly talented mentors and colleagues, and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to game development together, remains one of the most cherished experiences of my life.
In particular, being entrusted with the role of Game Director for Tekken 7 and Tekken 8 gave me the opportunity to connect with fans and members of the Fighting Game Community (FGC) from all around the world. Sharing excitement, celebrating together, and spending unforgettable moments with all of you became one of the greatest treasures of my life. There were many joyful moments, and many difficult ones as well. There were times when we celebrated together, and times when I received passionate criticism and encouragement. Yet every one of those moments helped push both myself and the Tekken Project forward.
Whether it was hearing someone at an event say, “Thank you for working so hard for us!” or being told, “You need to balance the game better!”-every one of those comments supported and motivated me. For that, I am truly grateful.
And to the development team members who fought alongside me for so many years I can never thank you enough. There is no doubt that everything we achieved was possible because of this team. I am deeply proud that I had the opportunity to create games alongside such incredible people who poured their hearts into this work. While my role leading the team as Game Director is coming to a close, the values that both I personally and the Tekken Project have always cherished-staying close to the fans and the community and building the game together with everyone will never change. I have entrusted those values, and that baton, to the incredible team that will continue shaping the future of Tekken.
As I look forward to the future of Tekken and the FGC, I will also continue taking on new challenges as a game developer. I hope our paths cross again someday.
GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE!!!
To everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Tekken 8 is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Season 3 Character Pass will bring Kunimitsu on May 27 in early access and June 1 for all players, followed by Bob in summer and Roger Jr. this fall. In early 2027, the game will add its next guest character in the form of Yujiro Hanma from the Baki franchise.
Final Weapon previously reviewed Tekken 8 ahead of launch, noting that the game is “a perfect fighting game that hits almost all the important spots. The story mode is arguably the best in the franchise, having fantastic CGI cutscenes, emotional moments, and cool fights. The combat system is very strategic and forces players to use their resources wisely.”
Ragnarok Console Project will be developed by Waycoder and will be the newest entry in the Ragnarok series. It began in 2002 with Ragnarok Online, which received its latest patch at the end of May. There is currently a collaboration ongoing between Ragnarok Online and Kumamon, the mascot for the Japanese prefecture of Kuramoto.
The trailer for the new announcement is available here (from Gematsu):
The Steam page for Ragnarok Console Project describes it as follows:
“RAGNAROK PROJECT” is a new RPG based on the world of Ragnarok, a legendary IP enjoyed by over 100 million players worldwide.
Set in a familiar yet completely reimagined world, players will confront a collapsing reality and the hidden truths buried within it.
Choices and consequences. A journey from which there is no turning back.
Currently in development, with a planned release in the first half of 2027.
Key Features
A Narrative Built on Choice and Responsibility
Experience a story where beliefs and decisions collide — not a simple tale of good versus evil.
Explore a World on the Brink of Collapse
Travel through deserts, ruins, research facilities, and dimensional rift zones as you uncover the truth behind a world falling apart.
Diverse Characters and Classes
Continue your journey alongside companions with distinct roles and combat styles, including Knights, Mages, Priests, Hunters, and more.
Dimensions and Rifts
Dimensional distortions and the secrets surrounding the Heart of Ymir begin to slowly consume the world.
