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Everything we know about the FromSoftware game
Image credit: Nintendo / FromSoftware

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Patrick Dane

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Published: Jul 20, 2025 07:00 am
⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.

The Duskbloods is an upcoming multiplayer Souls game by FromSoftware that has a lot in common with Bloodborne. The game will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 and was originally revealed during April 2025’s Nintendo Direct presentation, to a lot of hype from fans of the genre.

Below, we’ll reveal everything there is to know about The Duskbloods, including when we think its release window is likely to be, what the game is about, and if it’s a traditional Souls adventure, or something new. We’ll also address whether or not it’s connected to any other Soulsborne game.

The Escapist recaps
- The Duskbloods is a Soulslike adventure coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- The game will be a Switch 2 exclusive.
- The Duskbloods will be focused on PvP and PvE multiplayer.
- It is not connected to Bloodborne, despite sharing some visual similarities.
- The Duskbloods release date will be sometime in 2026.
When could The Duskbloods be released?

The Duskbloods is set to be released at some point during 2026.

Nintendo hasn’t revealed a Duskbloods release window yet, but we’d expect the game to come out at some point during the second half of 2026.

So expect The Duskbloods‘ release date to be sometime between summer and the winter holiday season of 2026. Of course, the release date is likely to be revealed well before then, and we’ll confirm it here once it is.

Are The Duskbloods pre-orders and price live?

No, the storefront for The Duskbloods pre-orders is not live yet.

It will likely be updated when the game’s release date is revealed. While we don’t have any concrete information from Nintendo as to when that will be, expect The Duskbloods pre-orders to go live anytime between now and early 2026.

Regarding The Duskbloods‘ price, Nintendo hasn’t revealed it yet. However, based on current pricing for brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 games, we’d estimate that price point will be approximately £64.95 / $69.99. We’ve seen this most recently with the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza, which forgoed the higher asking rate of Mario Kart World.

The Duskbloods platforms

The Duskbloods will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2, with the trailer saying, “Only on Nintendo Switch 2” at the end.

It won’t be released on the original Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox consoles.

The game is also unlikely to be released on PC, unless Nintendo permits it at a later date. However, this isn’t something Nintendo typically does with its first-party games.

The Duskbloods trailer & gameplay analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niKHDEKQ7xA

At first glance, The Duskbloods gameplay looks a lot like Bloodborne, with the trailer showing a dark world that’s overrun by monsters that need hunting down. These will include some massive and terrifying boss encounters, something FromSoftware is well known for.

The Duskbloods trailer showed some of these monsters, and as the game is primarily a multiplayer experience, players will likely need to work together to take down these mighty beasts.

The trailer also shows an art style that’s reminiscent of Code Vein, with the player characters being creatures similar to vampires. It also made a point of showing off some character examples, confirming that players will be able to make a variety of builds that are associated with the Souls games.

Players will be able to make strength-focused warriors in heavy armor, to lighter, more dexterity-focused characters like gunslingers, and many more. The game is also likely to have builds suited to casters, just like previous FromSoftware games have.

What is The Duskbloods about?

Like many of FromSoftware’s other games, The Duskbloods is set in a bleak, decaying world that has fallen on hard times, but could be revived by a hero. The gothic world is eerily similar to the one seen in Bloodborne and is also based on a dark interpretation of Victorian Europe.

The game’s story is focused on a group of warriors known as the “Bloodsworn,” who are taking part in a forbidden hunt known as the “First Blood”, now that the “Twilight of Humanity” has begun.

Having been given superhuman powers by their blood, the Bloodsworn must go out into the night and face down the hellish creatures that have started infecting the world. Each player will assume the role of a Bloodsworn as they battle against the darkness – and each other.

Ask The Escapist

Is Duskbloods a Switch 2 exclusive?

Yes, The Duskbloods is only going to be available on Nintendo’s Switch 2 console.

Is The Duskbloods a sequel to Bloodborne?

No, The Duskbloods is not a sequel to Bloodborne.

However, it will be a spiritual successor to Bloodborne in many ways, featuring a similar dark style and art design. The world that The Duskbloods is set in looks reminiscent of Yharnam, with the buildings, weapons, and even clothing of the characters resembling those from Bloodborne.

The game’s trailer also reveals that The Duskbloods shares themes with Bloodborne, such as the moon, and that blood contains both power and a curse. These were both key elements in Bloodborne’s story, and the trailer confirms that The Duskbloods will continue to explore such ideas.

Is The Duskbloods going to be open world?

FromSoftware hasn’t confirmed if The Duskbloods is going to feature an open world or not.

It’s more likely that The Duskbloods will feature a smaller but interconnected world like the ones seen in the Dark Souls series and Bloodborne, rather than a fully open world like the one seen in Elden Ring.

Is Duskbloods made by Miyazaki?

Yes. The Duskbloods developer and director will indeed be Hidetaka Miyazaki.

So, expect the game to feature his usual grimdark style, and for it to have some elements in common with his previous games, such as Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne.

We also put money on the character Patches showing up at some point in the game, as he did in so many other Souls games directed by Miyazaki.

Is Duskbloods a Soulsborne game?

Yes, The Duskbloods trailer reveals that it will contain many gameplay elements, especially the combat, that mark it as a Soulsborne title. However, the game will focus on multiplayer over single-player exploration.

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20/07/2025
Postal 2 Redux upgrades the controversial FPS, but won’t “lose the soul”

22 years since the original ‘graced’ our screens, Postal 2 Redux is set to bring back the beloved, bad-taste FPS, courtesy of Flat2VR Studios and Running With Scissors. There’s unquestionably a fondness for this controversial classic; head to Steam, and you’ll find Postal 2 with a 96%-positive rating from over 100,000 user reviews. People know what they’re getting into, and in that sense it certainly delivers. Speaking exclusively to PCGamesN, Flat2VR CIO and co-founder Harry ‘Skeeva’ Skigis tells us how the developer decided what parts needed to change, and the importance of preserving its brash, crass essence.

There are lots of modern picks among our best FPS games, but there’s also been a notable resurgence for ‘boomer shooters’ that harken back to the ’90s and early ’00s, or come from that era originally. Postal 2 slots neatly into that lineup alongside classics such as Doom and Duke Nukem 3D, or modern takes such as Dusk and Ultrakill. “There’s the nostalgia angle, but more than that, boomer shooters were refined experiences that focused on doing one thing right: making the player feel powerful but challenged, while having fun,” Skigis muses.

That sense of instant action is something people crave at times, he says. “There have been some world-class narrative games the last 20 years, but sometimes I just want to shoot something and have a thrilling experience.” Flat2VR describes Redux as ‘preservation with purpose,’ but justifying a remaster means deciding which elements of the original should stay and what you’re going to change.

Skigis was eager to build out the likes of interior locations to feel more full and representative of the lore, for example, but the visuals needed a lighter touch. “We don’t want fancy graphics just for the sake of it, but rather something that feels fresh and updated, while somehow also very familiar,” he remarks. “It’s easy to end in an uncanny valley or lose the soul of the game; part of the charm was the quirkiness.”

While we’ve arguably seen an increasing ‘maturity’ across some games in recent years, Skigis is adamant that there’s still very much a demand for more vulgar and ‘shocking’ experiences, pointing to the huge success of Grand Theft Auto 5 as an example. “For some players, having those elements of shock can be cathartic; for others, it will leave them with thoughts for reflection. Games should be interesting and discussed; they are not just products to consume.

“We shouldn’t be placing limits on what can and cannot be made,” Skigis continues, “as expression is one of the most important freedoms to protect. Players want a wide range of experiences. In some cases, these games can be violent, but ‘non-violent’ games can do just as well. Having a wide range of options is important for players so they can make their own choices.”

Flat2VR says it’s aware of potential issues in regions including Germany and New Zealand that have particular content restrictions. While it intends to push hard to bring the game to a worldwide audience, it admits that it cannot guarantee Postal 2 Redux (and the separate VR project) will be available everywhere. It doesn’t intend to change anything, however, stating that the PC version will remain uncensored even if other platform holders request tweaks.

With the Postal 2 Redux Kickstarter currently in pre-launch, Flat2VR says it’s currently expecting the game to arrive in 2026. While there will be some additional content, this will depend on stretch goals; while multiplayer and co-op is likely to fall on this list, the studio notes that it “doesn’t feel like Postal if you can’t cross streams with your friends.” It’s also worth noting that the remaster won’t be a free upgrade like the 20th-anniversary update, but the developer promises it’ll be “worth every penny.”

In closing, Skigis tells us he believes Postal is special because it offers players freedom to find what they want. “It doesn’t ask you to play a certain way. It doesn’t judge you for your actions. The game is about you. In a lot of modern games, it feels like you are playing on rails narratively. In Postal, you are the Postal Dude, but it’s more like you are cosplaying him rather than watching his life. It’s a crazy world out there in Paradise, AZ; go and have fun!”

Flat2VR and Running With Scissors are aiming to launch Postal 2 Redux in 2026. You can follow the Kickstarter campaign here, with additional stretch goals based on the total count reached. These include a Postal 4 outfit for the Dude, new moves for Mike J when you piss on him, full Steamworks support for modders, and the Super-Fun Pigeon Hunter Mission (for real this time).

While we wait for its arrival, take a look through the best classic PC games you can still play today, or make sure your experiences really shine with an upgrade to the best gaming monitor in 2025.

Additional reporting by Ed Smith for PCGamesN.

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20/07/2025
Everything to know about the anime soulslike sequel
⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.

Code Vein 2 is the sequel to the Soulslike game that saw a group of vampires hack, slash, and bloodsuck their way through a post-apocalyptic sci-fi wasteland. Much like last time, they’re going to slay monsters and save the world in style, but as with any game that’s inspired by Dark Souls, things aren’t going to be easy.

Below, we’ll gather all the Code Vein 2 news in one place, including the game’s most likely release window, what you need to know about the gameplay, and what platforms it will be released on. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about Code Vein 2, such as addressing if it’s part of the God Eater franchise or if it’s just an anime Dark Souls game.

The Escapist recaps
- Code Vein 2 is an anime Soulslike game coming sometime in 2026.
- There’s no official Code Vein 2 release date as of yet.
- The game will feature a deep character creation system.
- The AI partner system will return from the first game.
- Code Vein 2 will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
When could Code Vein 2 be released?

No official Code Vein 2 release date has been confirmed yet by Bandai Namco, but the game is slated to be released in 2026.

While the developers haven’t confirmed when in 2026 the game will be released, we’d estimate that the Code Vein 2 release window is likely to be during the second half of the year, between June and December 2026.

Are Code Vein 2 pre-orders and price live?

No. Code Vein 2 pre-orders are not yet available on any of the digital storefronts.

However, this is likely to change soon after Bandai Namco, the Code Vein 2 developer, announces an official release date.

We’ll also most likely learn about the different Code Vein 2 editions, too, when this happens, such as if there will be a limited or collector’s edition of the game.

As for the Code Vein 2 price, this also hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, we can take an educated guess based on what new games are going for currently. So, we’d estimate that Code Vein 2 will cost approximately $59.99 / £64.99.

Of course, this price isn’t set in stone until it’s confirmed by Bandai Namco.

Code Vein 2 platforms

Code Vein 2 is set to be released on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.

There’s been no word on a PS4 or Xbox One version as of yet, but as the game is releasing in 2026, a last-gen version may be unlikely.

While Bandai Namco hasn’t announced Code Vein 2 for Switch 2, the company’s relationship with Nintendo means one isn’t out of the question, at least eventually.

Code Vein 2 trailer & gameplay analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdD6dEhhges

The Code Vein 2 trailer shows the new protagonist killing a creepy figure made of wax and candles, only for her to transform into a more ordinary-looking vampire (on account of her red eyes). This figure then extends her hand to the protagonist, and they leave together.

This, and some of the gameplay footage, suggests that Code Vein 2 features the partner system from the original game, allowing players to explore and take on bosses with an AI ally.

This mechanic makes the Code Vein 2 gameplay less punishing than other Soulslikes, but the sequel is still likely to be very challenging, just like the first game could be in spots.

The trailer shows both figures going back in time and suggests that history could be changed to save the world from ruin. So, we expect that this will play into the death and rebirth mechanic that Soulslike games often have, explaining why characters can continuously die and try again.

Finally, the trailer shows some epic new boss encounters, which fans of the first game are likely very keen to take on in battle.

How is Code Vein different from other Soulslikes?

Code Vein is a traditional Soulslike experience and is heavily inspired by FromSoftware’s Dark Souls games, but it also borrows from Bandai Namco’s anime franchise, God Eater, particularly its art style and several gameplay mechanics.

The first Code Vein game allowed players to explore and take on bosses with an AI ally, something that eliminated the need for co-op multiplayer if players wanted to roll solo, but it also made the game less difficult than games like Dark Souls or Nioh.

The original game also didn’t feature any PvP multiplayer, like an invasion mechanic, something that has become synonymous with Soulslike games and adds to their crushing difficulty. While co-op play is likely to return in Code Vein 2, PvP is unlikely to be added, unless the developers say otherwise.

Ask The Escapist

Will Code Vein 2 have character creation?

Yes. Code Vein 2 will feature a deep character creation system that expands on the one from the first game.

So players can look forward to making their own unique vampire and letting them loose on the post-apocalyptic world.

Players will be unable to create their own AI partner, but they will be able to customize a range of existing NPC characters that will fight alongside them.

Is Code Vein a sequel to God Eater?

No. While the Code Vein and God Eater franchises are both developed by Bandai Namco and feature a similar art style, each is set in its own distinct continuity.

However, don’t be surprised to see ideas, items, and characters from God Eater potentially pop up in Code Vein 2 as playable skins and upgrades. This is something Bandai Namco often does between its IPs.

Is Code Vein a spin-off?

No. Code Vein is an original franchise, developed by Bandai Namco, that features a group of vampires trying to survive in a ravaged post-apocalyptic version of Earth.

The game has a lot in common with other Soulslike games and action adventures like God Eater, but Code Vein is its own unique franchise and not a spin-off of any other.

Is Code Vein just anime Dark Souls?

While Code Vein is heavily inspired by FromSoftware’s Souls series, and is absolutely a Soulslike game, it’s much more than just anime Dark Souls.

Its anime art style gives it a very different and less gritty feel than Dark Souls games have. While Dark Souls is often subtle, understated, restrained, and grimdark, Code Vein is flashy, loud, colorful, and overtly stylish.

In truth, Code Vein often has more in common with games like Devil May Cry and Nioh than it does Dark Souls, Bloodborne, or Elden Ring. Code Vein 2 gameplay is also likely to reflect this.

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20/07/2025
Destiny 2 dev apologizes for missing details in The Edge of Fate patch notes

Bungie has apologized for the missing information in its Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate patch notes, and promised that it’s trying to get these details out as soon as possible. Players are reporting plenty changes that need to be addressed in the game, which they’ve had to end up guessing at due to a lack of official confirmation. There’s no exact timeframe for when Bungie will get the info out just yet, but the team at least assures that it never intentionally brings “stealth nerfs” to the game.

On Tuesday July 15, Bungie released the Destiny 2 update 9.0.0.1 patch notes. These were some of the biggest the studio has ever published, covering The Edge of Fate expansion, new Portal feature, Seasonal Hub, gear changes, and more. One of the best FPS games on PC has completely changed, and the patch notes need to fully reflect that.

That said, players have been noticing that the notes don’t completely show some of the free Steam game‘s biggest alterations. So the community has been making lists of what’s different in the game, especially around the Warlock Destiny 2 class. That’s why principal communications manager Dylan ‘dmg 04’ Gafner is addressing the missing patch notes, and outlining what Bungie plans to do.

“For the last few days, teams have been reviewing player reports and auditing changes to identify gaps in our patch notes article. We’re looking to get details out ASAP on the missed notes, and seriously – many apologies here,” Gafner writes.

“I’ve said it before, but we never intend to ship ‘stealth nerfs’ in Destiny 2. I understand this has happened a few times before, too – and it stands to show that a few of our processes need improvement. We would be completely out of our minds if we thought we could slip something under the rug without players noticing. We’re committed to clear and honest comms, and never wish to deviate from that. This was one of (if not the) longest patch notes submissions we’ve had, and while we hoped we had every bullet buttoned up, we fully acknowledge we missed on some big ones here.

“I don’t have a specific timeline yet on when we’ll get the exacts out. Warlock changes are a big one, but there’s more we’ll be getting straightened out too. Some exotic ammo backpack changes were also not detailed enough – we had notes on how ammo was changing all up with a broad rebalancing line, but no specific bullets for things like Queenbreaker.”

From what I’m seeing online, The Edge of Fate and Destiny 2’s systematic changes have split the community. Some find the Portal quite messy, for example, but I appreciate how it breaks up the PvE and PvP activities you can do. I think the newest expansion makes now the ideal time to jump in, even if the game can still be a nightmare to navigate at times. If you want to dive in now, we’ve got the cheapest deal for The Edge of Fate we could find online.

If you’re thinking about diving back into the game with The Edge of Fate, we’ve got all the best Destiny 2 settings and Destiny 2 system requirements, to make sure your rig is up to the task.

You can follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides. We’ve also got a vibrant community Discord server, where you can chat about this story with members of the team and fellow readers.

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19/07/2025
Is This Goodbye? – The TouchArcade Show #602 – TouchArcade

In this week’s episode of The TouchArcade Show, we talk about the site’s closure and what that will mean moving forward. We plan to still do this here podcast, but there are a few logistical things to figure out first. Most likely we will be pivoting to have our Patreon be the new home of the podcast, so be sure to at least join up as a free member over on our Patreon so that you’ll be sure to get any news or updates regarding the future of the show. And, just because it wouldn’t be a TouchArcade Show without off-topic banter, we weigh in on the hock tua girl’s new gig and give you our thoughts about all of Apple’s new gadgets that were launched this month. And we read emails!

Don’t forget to shoot us emails with any questions, feedback, or anything else relevant or irrelevant to [email protected]. We read ’em all, and love decoding messages written entirely in emoji. As always, you can listen to us with the links below… And if you like what you hear, please subscribe and/or drop us a review in iTunes. Much appreciated!

As a companion to this audio podcast, we also do a video version of the same show that is exclusive to Patreon which allows you to see us playing the games we’re talking about. Backers can view the most recent video episodes of the TouchArcade show by clicking here. Be sure you’re logged in to see the latest content. For everyone else who is curious, you can check out our public patreon posts to see older episodes of the video podcast. If you like what you see, consider becoming a TouchArcade Patreon backer.

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Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-602.mp3

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19/07/2025
Everything we know about the upcoming soulslike
Team Ninja’s devilishly difficult samurai souls-like is back, and it’s bigger and bloodier than ever. Revealed during PlayStation’s June 2025 State of Play, the Nioh 3 announcement confirmed what many hoped was coming: a brutal, faster, and more ambitious sequel. PS5 players even got hands-on time via a limited-time demo.

While that has now passed, the Nioh 3 news cycle is just getting started. Nioh 3 introduces open-field zones, dual-style combat stances, and new yokai-related hijinks. Whether you’re here for the masochist punishment or the Japanese folklore setting, the next in the franchise promises a defining step forward in Team Ninja’s samurai saga.

The Escapist recaps
- Nioh 3 release window is set for early 2026.
- PS5 demo ran June 4–18, 2025, but it is now now offline.
- Dual-style combat: Samurai & Ninja stances.
- Open-field exploration replaces linear maps.
- The game will launch day one on PS5 and PC (Steam).
When could Nioh 3 be released?

The Nioh 3 release window is officially confirmed as early 2026, according to the PlayStation Blog and the June 2025 State of Play event.

That places the Nioh 3 release date somewhere between January and March, barring any major delays. From what was observed by the state of the demo, it’s not hard to speculate that a Q1 launch seems highly likely.

While it’s not clear when Nioh 3 will get a more specific release date, Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show are likely candidates. Given Team Ninja’s tight marketing windows in the past, expect a steady rollout of more content and previews over the coming months.

Nioh is full of surprising enemies, meaning you never know what you’ll see when you round a corner. Image credit: Team Ninja

Expected Nioh 3 Price & pre-orders

Nioh 3 pre-orders aren’t live yet, but they will likely appear when the game receives its full release date..

Completing the demo (now expired) rewarded players with a special Crimson Kabuto Helmet, which will be available in the full game. Whether there will be more demos or chances to get the cosmetics in the future is not currently known.

Expect various editions, with collector’s bundles and digital bonuses, especially if Koei Tecmo repeats its strategy from Nioh 2’s launch. With that in mind, we expect this to be a full-priced $69.99 release.

Nioh 3 Platforms

Confirmed Nioh 3 platforms on day one are PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. This is a first for the series—Nioh 1 and 2 both launched on PlayStation first before trickling over to PC months later. There’s no PS4 version planned, and Team Ninja hasn’t announced any plans for an Xbox release either.

Nioh 3 trailer & gameplay breakdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXGm-JaxY54

The official Nioh 3 trailer set the tone perfectly: fast, vicious, and stylish. Combat has evolved with a new dual-style system, letting you switch in real-time between a heavy, defensive Samurai stance and a fast, evasive Ninja stance. This gives players more tools than ever to control the pace and flow of each battle.

The transition to open-field zones is another big shift. Gone are the segmented, mission-based maps. Instead, Nioh 3 offers larger, interconnected areas filled with side paths, minibosses, yokai ambushes, and hidden gear

The demo also gave players a taste of the character creator, with promises of full customization at launch. All of these points suggest a faster, more flexible, and even deadlier evolution of the classic Nioh formula, especially with the inclusion of a double-jump, giving Nioh 3 some serious Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice vibes.

What is the Nioh series about?

Nioh is an action RPG series developed by Team Ninja and set in a dark, mythologized version of Japan’s war-torn Sengoku era. The games blend the historical with the supernatural, pitting players against legendary samurai and grotesque yokai.

The gameplay is known for being brutally difficult. You’ll need to master parries, Ki (stamina) management, and weapon stances to survive. Nioh has always rewarded patience, precision, and planning. With each entry, Team Ninja has expanded on that core, adding more weapons, systems, and now—in Nioh 3—more space to explore and fight.

Nioh (2017) had you play as real-life Englishman turned samurai, William Adams. You were in pursuit of an evil sorcerer, all while fighting off hordes of yokai in a fictional retelling of Adams’ involvement in the unification of Japan before the Edo period.

Nioh 2 (2020) was set earlier in Japan in the late 1500s, acting as a prequel to some of the events of Nioh, where you play a Hidechiyo, a half-human half yokai, who can be customized by the player, trying to uncover the secrets of their past.

You’ll be able to embody a Ninja – or a Samurai – in Nioh 3. Image credit: Team Ninja

Ask The Escapist

Is Team Ninja making Nioh 3?

Yes. Team Ninja—the original studio behind Nioh and Nioh 2—is developing Nioh 3, once again led by director Fumihiko Yasuda. It’s a proper sequel with all the original DNA intact, not a reboot or spin-off.

Is Nioh 3 open world?

Not quite. While it’s not a seamless open world like Elden Ring or Ghost of Tsushima, Nioh 3 uses an “open-field” structure. Think larger, interconnected areas with multiple objectives and plenty of reasons to explore. It’s a step up in scale and freedom compared to the mission-based zones of previous entries.

Will Nioh 3 have multiplayer?

Yes. Multiplayer is returning in Nioh 3, including co-op features like Visitor Summons and Expedition Missions. Team Ninja hasn’t detailed PvP yet, but given past games, it’s very likely. Whether helping friends or summoning assistance, multiplayer remains central to the Nioh formula.

Is there a Nioh 3 demo?

There was, for a limited time. The Nioh 3 demo was available exclusively on PS5 from June 4 to June 18, 2025. It offered early access to new mechanics, an open-field zone, and a character creator. Completing the demo unlocked a reward for the full game. No second demo has been announced, but a wider beta before release isn’t out of the question.

References
1. https://blog.playstation.com/2025/06/04/nioh-3-announced-for-ps5-limited-time-demo-available-today/
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19/07/2025
This new AMD Ryzen CPU benchmark leak is astounding, over 7x faster than 9800X3D

A new AMD Ryzen CPU benchmark leak has just appeared, and it shows the potentially awesome power of the company’s new Threadripper CPUs for multi-threading work. This new leak appears to show the raw power of the 96-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX, which is massively more powerful than your average gaming CPU, even if it isn’t a chip aimed at the gaming market.

We’ve not seen new Threadripper CPUs from AMD in a few years, and their release is highly anticipated. Packed with a ridiculous number of cores, at least by usual desktop standards, Threadripper Pro 9000 prices are already set to be ridiculous, with the 9995WX costing as much as $11,699 at launch. Expensive as they may be, raw power alone isn’t enough to make them great for gaming, either, with the options in our best gaming CPU guide still likely to top a Threadripper as the choice for a gamer-focused PC build.

This new leak, released on the Chinese industry forum Chiphell by admin user nApoleon, and caught by tech leaker 9950pro, shows a screenshot from benchmarking tool Cinebench R23. The leak shows a CPU multi-core test score of 173,452 for a CPU that 9950pro identifies in a post on X (formerly Twitter) as the new flagship AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX.

To put that into perspective, the eight-core 9800X3D scored an average of 23,265 when we tested it for our AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D review. Meanwhile, the 24-core Intel Core i9 14900K, Intel’s last-gen flagship, scores 36,072 in our own benchmarks.

That’s a somewhat unfair comparison, however. Gaming CPUs rarely have excessive amounts of cores, and a 96-core CPU is clearly going to outperform an eight-core 9800X3D in a multi-core CPU test. Recent Threadripper CPUs in the past, including the 96-core 7995WX that this chip is replacing, have scored well over 100,000 in the same Cinebench tests, according to user test scores posted online, including in this recent Chiphell forum post that put the 7995WX through benchmark testing.

As AMD itself has stated, this is a processor aimed at the professional market, with AI and video rendering tasks in mind. High CPU counts work well in those situations, but not for gaming. That makes these CPUs a far less likely option for most gamers, especially with the 9995WX’s $11,699 price tag.

You might want to skip the Threadripper for your next gaming PC, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still go big when you’re picking your parts. Our best gaming motherboard guide is a good place to get started to pick the right centerpiece for your build. Once you’ve picked your CPU to go with it, you should head over to our best CPU cooler guide, which has several stylish options to help keep those CPU temps down.

You can also follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides. We also have a vibrant community Discord server, where you can chat about this story with members of the team and fellow readers.

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18/07/2025
5 Reasons why Wario Land was Virtual Boy’s redemption
Image credit: Nintendo

Daryl Baxter

and

Patrick Dane

|

Published: Jul 17, 2025 12:45 pm
For every success, like the Nintendo Switch 2, there’s a dud, like the Virtual Boy. Released in Japan and America in 1995, it was developed by Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi as the next evolutionary step in gaming. However, this bulky red headset was arguably Dead on Arrival. Owners would complain about feeling nauseous after using the Virtual Boy for several minutes, and the games available were subpar at best.

The device was an example of Nintendo trying to be forward-thinking as to where the industry was going. However, despite Virtual Boy being a flop, there was one game that shone through: Wario Land. Although it was slightly similar to the first Wario Land that debuted on the Game Boy handheld in 1994, it differed in many ways, being regarded as an underrated classic, nearly 30 years on.

The Escapist recaps
- The Virtual Boy was released 30 years ago in July 1995.
- The system only supported games made for it, which could only have a black and red color scheme.
- The system was a notable failure for Nintendo, perhaps remaining one of the biggest in the company’s past.
- Wario Land is the best game of the 22 games made for the system.
- The game made use of the system’s headache-inducing, but impressive at the time, 3D.
Art Style

It’s hard to fathom that Virtual Boy Wario Land came out just 18 months after the original Wario Land on the Game Boy, but it did. The extra power the headset offered meant that a crisper art style could be used.

Despite the red and black color scheme that tried to simulate 3D effects in the game, the way hazards like lava and enemies move brings the world alive. When you discover certain treasures in unique rooms, you feel as though it’s a special moment.

Background and Foreground

Although arguably part of the art style too, the effect of Wario being able to jump into the background and foreground is worth its own mention. As you run through the many levels, you’ll come across an arrow on the ground.

Jumping on this will have Wario leap to the background in a quasi-3D effect, adding to the parallax depth that the Virtual Boy tried to achieve. It may have seemed like a gimmick in other games like Golf and Mario Tennis, but Wario Land arguably did it right by making it a part of the levels so that treasures and more could be uncovered, as well as using the effect for enemies and bosses.

A New Hat

The art style of Wario Land translated surprisingly well to the black and red display. Image credit: Nintendo

Granting Wario new abilities via hats is a lost art in recent titles, but early on, collecting hats that looked like jets and dragons was a fun moment. These would enable Wario to fly through the levels, charge through them like a bull, or breathe fire in order to break blocks and destroy multiple enemies at once.

Despite Virtual Boy Wario Land having the same hats as its Game Boy predecessor, it did have a new one. Called the ‘King Dragon’ hat, this would combine two of these abilities at once, meaning Wario can fly and breathe fire at once, making certain moments ones to remember, but also makes us pine for a return of these abilities in a new Wario game someday.

Bosses

The bosses in the entire Wario Land series are arguably one of its best attributes. From the Genie in the first title to the mutated bat in the fourth game, they can be unpredictable, challenging, but very fun to play repeatedly. The same applies for this Virtual Boy entry, with each of the five bosses using the quasi-3D effects to appear between the background and foreground to try and hit Wario in various ways.

You’ll find robots, goblins, and more trying to hurt you with projectiles being fired from the background, but it’s the detail of these that makes a big impression when playing the game. They’re all incredibly fun to replay, even with the red and black color scheme.

Endings

Another lost art of the Wario Land series is the multiple endings players can get, depending on how much treasure gets collected throughout. The very first entry on Game Boy had a bunch of them, which could vary from Wario earning a birdhouse after collecting barely any treasure, to a whole planet after collecting a boatload.

The same applies to Virtual Boy Wario Land, with a few endings dependent on how much treasure you collect throughout the 14 levels. As you defeat the final boss, you’ll go into another room where it will show the treasure you’ve collected, and after the credits roll, Wario appears on a mode of transport. It could be a magic carpet, a blimp, or something more, totally dependent on how much treasure has been collected!

It’s a fun aspect to finish off the game, and could encourage you to try again to see what else Wario travels on.

Ask The Escapist

Did Nintendo ever try virtual reality after the Virtual Boy?

Although there have been modern attempts to bring Virtual Reality to the mainstream, like the Meta Quest and the PlayStation VR, Nintendo hasn’t returned to the format since the Virtual Boy. It did have great success with stereoscopic 3D, though, with the 3DS consoles.

Does Wario remain relevant to Nintendo after the Virtual Boy’s failure?

Wario has never eclipsed Mario in terms of popularity, but he remains a favorite of Nintendo players, especially thanks to the bizarre yet wonderful WarioWare series. Although he’s not had a platformer outing since 2008’s Wario Land: Shake It!

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18/07/2025
Here’s the cheapest way to buy Destiny 2 Edge of Fate

Oh, Destiny 2, my beloved. Like a toxic relationship, it keeps me coming back for more. While I’m not huge on the seasonal content between each major expansion, ever since Destiny’s original release back in 2014, I’ve been in love with the world. After the explosive finale of the Light and Darkness Saga, Destiny 2’s Edge of Fate is bringing us into a new era – one that you can already grab on sale.

The Final Shape, which was the last expansion of the previous saga, cemented Destiny 2 as one of my favorite FPS games, but I can’t deny and pretend that I wasn’t disinterested in the epilogue. The three seasons, Echoes, Revenant, and Heresy, looked great, but after such an incredible end to a decade-long saga, I took a break.

However, I can feel the call of the Traveler pulling me back, and with The Fate Saga opening up Destiny’s universe even more, I’m excited. For one, Destiny 2’s builds have changed with the introduction of Armor 3.0, as well as the new gear tier system, something that delivers major changes to the game for new and veteran players.

However, those are both free updates. Edge of Fate is the paid expansion, and despite Destiny’s overarching universe being massive in lore, we’re only just seeing the edge of our home’s solar system. The DLC delivers a new story, giving you the first taste of Destiny 2’s latest saga, alongside an interesting area to visit, as well as fresh gear to unlock.

If you’re keen to play Destiny 2 Edge of Fate, you can grab it for just $34.79 / £30.44 at Fanatical, a 13% discount on the typical price. You don’t need to wait around for a Steam sale to grab a bargain.

Alternatively, if you’re a Destiny 2 diehard like me, you can always opt for the Destiny 2 Year of Prophecy Ultimate Edition, which includes Edge of Fate, the upcoming Renegades DLC, and a bunch of other goodies like Star Wars-inspired armor sets. That’s just $86.99 / £73.94 at Fanatical right now, which also works out at 13% off.

Before setting off into Destiny 2 Edge of Fate, you should get a reminder on the Destiny 2 classes. Personally, I’m sticking with my Warlock for my first playthrough. Also, now’s your chance to finally spend time optimizing your game, so check our Destiny 2 best settings guide.

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17/07/2025
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Review – Customizable, Comfortable, but Lacking in Ways – TouchArcade

For our last full controller review on TouchArcade, I’ve been using the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition for PC and PlayStation across my Steam Deck, PS5, and PS4 Pro for over a month now. Before I interviewed PDP Victrix about the controller and arcade sticks, I was very curious about the controller for its modular nature and also because I’ve wanted to try out another “Pro” controller after adoring the Xbox Elite (1st generation) and DualSense Edge over the years.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller – what’s in the box

Usually, controllers just ship with a cable and sometimes a charging stand. In the case of the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition, you get the controller, a braided cable, a high quality protective case to house the controller and everything else it ships with, a replacement fightpad module with a six button layout for fighting games, two gates, two replacement analog stick caps, two d-pad caps, a screwdriver for use with the controller, and a blue wireless USB dongle.

The items are all neatly placed within the case which is very good quality on its own. Unlike the normal Victrix Pro BFG controller, some of the items with this one are themed to match the new Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition aesthetic. Keep this in mind as I don’t see replacements available officially for this, but I hope they start selling them soon.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller compatibility

On paper, the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller supports PS5, PS4, and PC. I don’t use Windows anymore, so I was curious if this would work on Steam Deck out of the box. Since I prefer the PlayStation button prompts in games, I set it to PS5 and plugged in the dongle into my Steam Deck Docking Station. It worked without issue and without needing any update.

On the console side, if you want to play wirelessly, you need the same dongle and to set the toggle to PS4 or PS5. I had no issues playing with it on my PS4 Pro in PS4 mode and on my PS5 in PS5 mode. In fact, since I don’t have any PS4 controller that works outside of arcade sticks with PS4 support, this is a very good bonus to have for when I want to test something on PS4 to compare with PS5.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller features

The big draw of the Victrix Pro BFG controller is the modular nature letting you work with a symmetric stick layout, asymmetric stick layout, change things up for fighting games with the fightpad, adjust the triggers, thumbsticks, and also the d-pads. The aim with this design was to allow you to adjust the controller depending on the game you’re playing. As an example, I’d use the symmetric stick layout when playing Katamari Damacy Reroll, but I might swap to the Xbox-style asymmetric layout while playing DOOM Eternal.

Being able to adjust the trigger stop is also great as I can change that when playing a racing game with analog trigger support and also go for the shortest stop when playing a game with digital trigger support. Beyond that, the multiple d-pad options are very nice, but I’ve been trying to stick to the default diamond shape one to get used to it, and I like it a lot. I wouldn’t use it for platformers though, but the other d-pad options work well here.

Since this is an official PS5 and PS4 licensed controller, it is worth noting that this has no rumble, no haptic feedback, no adaptive trigger support, and no gyro/motion control support. I don’t care about gyro much, but no rumble at all is disappointing since you have sub $30 controllers now offering decent rumble, though they aren’t PS5 compatible. I’ve been informed that third party wireless controllers for PS5 might have restrictions for rumble as well, and I’ve seen more reports from folks using other third party controllers here. Either way, this is disappointing.

The Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition ships with 4 paddles or well paddle-like buttons. I wish there were proper paddles you could remove though. I mapped two of them to L3 and R3 and the ones above to L1 and R1 since I use those the most in games like Monster Hunter World and also hate pressing the sticks. Having four buttons here is very good though.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller look and feel

Visually, I love the gorgeous and bright highlights and colors used on the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition. It isn’t as elegant as the default black model with purple highlights, but for a themed controller it looks very good with its light blue, pink, purple, and Tekken 8 branding.

The Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition feels very comfortable, but it is a bit too light for my liking. The material on the main controller body ranges from feeling premium to just fine. It is a far cry from the premium feeling DualSense Edge, but that controller has that ugly glossy front plate that ruins things. The grip on this controller makes a big difference, and I’ve had 8 hour sessions with the controller wired without getting tired of holding it. It being light pays off here.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller on PS5

On PS5, there are a few things to keep in mind. This is an officially licensed controller, but you can’t turn on your PS5 with it. This seems like a limitation for 3rd party controllers on PS5, but is an annoyance to keep in mind. Beyond that, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro are not available here. Aside from that, it has touchpad support and all the buttons I use on a DualSense controller including the share button.

Victrix Pro BFG on Steam Deck

Like I mentioned above, the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition works out of the box on Steam Deck with the dongle plugged into the official Docking Station I use. It even correctly is recognized as a PS5 Victrix controller with the share button working for capturing screenshots and the touchpad working as it should in PC games that have PlayStation controller support. This was great to see as some games don’t even recognize my DualSense correctly.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller battery life

The huge advantage the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller or the normal one has over the DualSense and DualSense Edge is the battery life. It lasts multiple times longer than the DualSense and the DualSense Edge on a single charge. It also helps that the logo on the touchpad indicates when the battery is low. This is good for playing on Steam Deck as other controllers don’t really visually indicate when the battery is low.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller software

The software is something I couldn’t test as it is only available on the Microsoft Store and I don’t use Windows anymore. Thankfully, it works out of the box with Steam Deck, PS5, and PS4. The one thing I was hoping to see is if the controller would work on iOS. I tested wirelessly with the dongle on my iPad, wired on my iPhone 15 Pro, and also wired on my iPad Pro with no luck.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller negatives

Right now, it has a few big negatives. These include no rumble, the low polling rate, not shipping with the Hall Effect sensors, and it requires a dongle for wireless, at least for the model I have. The lack of rumble might not be an issue for some, but for a “Pro” controller, the polling rate is disappointing. There are multiple videos on YouTube showcasing this and why it is a problem as well. Comparatively, the DualSense Edge wired is massively better with its response.

As for the Hall Effect sensors, I’m glad Victrix now sells the new modules, but why do new purchases of the controller not just ship with those in the first place? Also if I were to buy either of the module color options available for my Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller, it wouldn’t fit with the aesthetic and will not have PS5 face buttons.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Review

Having gotten well over a hundred hours of use out of the controller per platform across games like UFO 50, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Persona 3 Reload, and many more, I can safely say that I love using the controller, but the few issues are annoying to see given its price point. In a lot of ways, the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition has the potential to be one of the best controllers in years if it sees some fixes and changes for a potential successor. Right now, there are a few too many caveats involved for its high asking price that make sure it is very good, but not amazing. The big issues holding it back right now are the lack of rumble (which seems like a restriction from Sony), dongle requirement, additional cost involved for Hall Effect sticks, and the polling rate. These might not matter to some folks, but for a “Pro” controller priced at $200, I expected a bit more.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Review Score: 4/5

Update: Added more information for the lack of a rumble feature.

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17/07/2025