Ok, so here’s the card that’s giving me some trouble:
I’m pretty sure there’s a few typos in here, because at first glance is seemed like it wanted me to deal 5 cards per each of the 4 players into a “barrow deck”, then shuffle the Ring cards back in and deal another 8 to each player. Which is a problem, because that would require 53 cards and there’s only 37 :P.
After much study and prayer I have determined that it’s wants me to deal 5 cards, if you are using 4 players, in to the “barrow deck” and then deal the 8 cards out. The math checks out now. But, the last line says that Tom Bombadil puts those 5 cards into his hand. So after all that I could have just dealt Tom 5 extra cards?
Am I missing something? It just seems a little underwhelming to have this whole spooky “Fog on the Barrow-downs Event”, and all it is is that you give some extra cards to ol’ Tom.
Last month, Saber Interactive confirmed that Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 would be getting a second year of post-launch support – hardly surprising, given it’s remained hugely popular and that Space Marine 3 is a long way off. Still, it was reassuring to hear that more content was on the way, and from what Saber initially revealed, it sounds pretty epic. When Year 2 and Patch 10 arrive in September, Space Marine 2’s delayed PvP mode, Helbrute Onslaught, will also hit the co-op shooter, and now we know how its mech-infused gameplay loop will work.
Fresh off of dropping Patch 9, the team behind Space Marine 2 has today released a new blog post that shares some more information about what’s coming in Patch 10, and Helbrute Onslaught is undoubtedly the highlight. Initially meant to be in players’ hands already before getting hit with a delay, it sounds like this new PvP mode will be worth the wait. Giving players plenty of unique experiences is one way to cement your status as one of the best co-op games, but giving them mechs will (in most cases) get you there even faster.
We already knew that Helbrute Onslaught would be a Chaos versus Chaos competitive mode, pitting two teams against each other in an objective-based battle for control of a Helbrute mech. Thanks to these new details from Saber, we now know how you’ll get the chance to pilot the monstrous machine.
“The first team to take control of an objective gets to control the Helbrute, until the opposite team takes it down,” Saber says. “One player gets to control the Helbrute at a time, and this player will be picked randomly among players who participated in securing the control point. To have the Helbrute on their side, the team that failed to secure the first control point will need to slay the Helbrute before securing a new designated control point. Controlling the Helbrute grants the team a strong advantage, but killing it will also reward points to the opposite team.”
But what use is stomping around in a mech if you haven’t got some ridiculous weaponry to use as well? Thankfully, the Helbrutes in this new mode come equipped with a Thunder Hammer for powerful melee attacks and a Plasma Cannon for ranged attacks. Delicious.
Away from Helbrute Onslaught, Saber also confirms a new PvP mode is arriving that will facilitate all of Space Marine 2’s competitive modes. While we haven’t got a name yet, the studio has shared some screenshots (including the one below), confirmed it’s set Avarax, and described it as having “a mix of close quarters and long hallways.”
Another brand new weapon has also been revealed. When the Year 2 news first broke a few weeks ago, Saber said that the Power Axe would be coming to Space Marine 2. Now we know that it’ll be joined by the fiery Pyrecannon.
On top of all this, we also get a first look at the new Majoris enemy, the Chaos Spawn, which will have “three different variations, each with their own moveset and abilities.”
Space Marine 2 Patch 10 will arrive in September as a free update, kicking off the game’s Year 2 content. There will also be a new premium Year 2 Season Pass, packed with cosmetics and exclusive items. If you want to read Saber’s blog in its entirety, head here.
Until then, go and see what Space Marine 2 already has to offer, or try out some of the other best Warhammer 40k games. If you want to leave the Warhammer universe for a bit, but still want to do some galactic stomping, head to our best space games list.
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⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.
One of the biggest surprises of the Xbox Games Showcase, Super Meat Boy 3D is a brand new take on the tough-as-nails platformer made for a new generation. It’s been nearly five years since the last release in the franchise, the disappointing auto-runner Super Meat Boy Forever, giving Team Meat (and Sluggerfly) another shot at franchise superstardom.
We’re going over everything there is to know about the expected Super Meat Boy 3D release date, which is currently earmarked for a yet-to-be-determined 2026 release window, as well as analyzing the gameplay, characters, features, and more further down the page. Is a perspective and art style change enough to give the slab of raw beef another shot? Let’s find out.
The Escapist recaps
Super Meat Boy 3D will be released in ‘early 2026’ according to Team Meat.
As well as a graphical facelift, Super Meat Boy 3D translates the action to three dimensions.
Confirmed Super Meat Boy 3D platforms are Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.
No Super Meat Boy 3D price has been announced yet, however, it’s rumored to cost around $30-40.
Precision platforming is still just as vital for Super Meat Boy 3D gameplay, just with more room to move.
When could Super Meat Boy 3D be released?
Confirmed for ‘early 2026’ with no concrete release date yet.
We won’t be waiting too long for the third game in the franchise as Sluggerfly and Team Meat have recently confirmed the Super Meat Boy 3D release window to be “early 2026”. While that’s no exact release date, it does nail things down to Q1 of next year, meaning we could see the platformer debut between January and March 2026, provided that a delay isn’t on the cards.
The proposed Super Meat Boy 3D release date marks a departure from what we saw from the original game and its sequel, as both titles were released in November and December (Q4) of their respective launch years. With that said, the Steam release of Super Meat Boy Forever dropped on January 10, 2022, after previously being an Epic Games exclusive on the platform.
Are Super Meat Boy 3D pre-orders and price live?
Pricing and pre-orders for Super Meat Boy 3D are yet to be announced.
With no confirmed release date, it’s unsurprising that Super Meat Boy 3D pre-orders are not yet available. Similarly, the pricing is still to be determined, meaning we can only speculate on how much the title will cost. Historically, Sluggerfly’s and Team Meat’s games have ranged between $15 and $20, which is fitting given their indie backgrounds, but this could change.
You only have to take one look at the gameplay and graphics to know that it’s a much more sophisticated release, featuring a more advanced game engine. As such, it wouldn’t be out of the question to expect the Super Meat Boy 3D price to be higher than its predecessors; we estimate anywhere from $30 to $40, considering the face-lift, but this is unconfirmed at this time.
Super Meat Boy 3D platforms
Confirmed for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Most people will be able to play the third entry in the franchise as the confirmed Super Meat Boy 3D platforms include the Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC via Steam and Epic. You will, however, note the lack of a Switch / Switch 2 port from Team Meat at this time. It’s currently unknown whether the title will arrive on either of Nintendo’s handhelds.
We wouldn’t necessarily rule out an eventual Super Meat Boy 3D Switch 2 port in the future. That’s because the original Super Meat Boy arrived on the Switch in January 2018, and Super Meat Boy Forever dropped the same day as the other platforms. However, considering the graphical upgrades, some work may need to be implemented for the handheld-hybrid version.
The first Super Meat Boy 3D trailer was revealed during the Summer Xbox Games showcase last month as a shock reveal. It had been five years since we saw the sentient brick of mystery meat in action, and he is looking better than ever. True to its namesake, it’s no longer a 2D cartoon precision platformer, but instead, elevated to the three dimensions.
In just over a minute, we get a new look at not only Meat Boy, but also Dr. Fetus and Bandage Girl in this new art style. However, it’s the Super Meat Boy 3D gameplay that is the big talking point. The game shares more of its DNA with Super Mario 3D World and Sackboy: A Big Adventure than either of its predecessors, albeit as a title that’s still just as hellbent on punishing players.
That leads us to the latest Super Meat Boy 3D gameplay trailer, which also gave us the release window of early 2026. We get a substantial look at how the franchise’s motifs, such as a Forest, Factory, and Junkyard, have translated to 3D. What kind of Meat Boy game would it be without perilous threats such as saw blades, saw shooters, spikes, and missiles, too? Check.
Meat Boy’s sense of speed and unique momentum have been perfectly preserved in the jump to 3D, as the wall jumping and slick acceleration are present and accounted for. There are countless instances throughout the new Super Meat Boy 3D trailer where he’s seen weaving through obstacles, leaping up narrow gaps like Ryu Hayabusa, and gliding around the terrain on his meat… juices.
If you were worried that a new Super Meat Boy game would make the same missteps as Forever, better hands seem to be at the wheel here. 3D isn’t an autorunner, giving you full autonomy for your movement, nor is it geared towards the imprecise nature that a touchscreen facilitates. Everything seen so far looks promising; hopefully, the franchise will be back to form.
What is Super Meat Boy about?
Precision platforming over harsh hazards is still the name of the game in Super Meat Boy 3D. Image credit: Steam
Meat Boy was originally developed as a proof of concept Flash game for Newgrounds by Team Meat, Edmund McMillen, Tommy Refenes, and Jon McEntee. The 2008 demo proved to be such a hit that the game was then expanded into Super Meat Boy two years later for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms, which took the indie world by storm for its challenging gameplay.
Difficulty aside, what also helped Super Meat Boy stand out from the crowd was its irreverence. The 2010 game was very of its time with the humor on display, often parodying not only established franchises, such as Ninja Gaiden, but also the tropes of the genre as well. The puerile comedy isn’t going to be for everyone, but that’s the identity cultivated by the release, something it seems that Super Meat Boy 3D looks to uphold 15 years later, too.
Ask The Escapist
Is Super Meat Boy 3D a remake?
It’s currently unknown whether Super Meat Boy 3D will be a remake of the 2010 original or a play on the locales and themes of its predecessor. All we know is that there are familiar locations and characters, and not that the title will employ the same levels, bosses, and structure.
Why is Super Meat Boy so difficult?
Super Meat Boy is regarded as one of the hardest video games of all time, and this is due to the title’s unforgiving nature. This is due to ‘slippery’ physics, increased presence of threats, and a slim margin of error for making a mistake. Mitigating (most) of the frustration, however, is the fact that you respawn instantly to try (and die) again.
Who is developing Super Meat Boy 3D?
Super Meat Boy 3D is being made by Sluggerfly and Team Meat, where the game is currently scheduled for an ‘early 2026’ release window.
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⚠️ 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.
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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⚠️ 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.
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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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.
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.
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Not every game gets its audience right away. Plenty of classics were not commercially successful or critically derided when they first arrived, only to build a reputation through word-of-mouth. John Wick Hex was one such game, a slick and exciting tactics treat that was a pleasantly small-scale offering. But soon, it will disappear from storefronts entirely.
For the unfamiliar, John Wick Hex uses a combination of real-time and turn-based strategy. Instead of set turns, each action is associated with a specific amount of time. Sure, you can sprint across that room in one “turn,” but you’ll open yourself up to multiple rounds of gunfire if you do. You have to time reloads and and melee to create opportunities and prevent injuries. Like the best RTS games, you’ll need both quick thinking and careful strategy to survive.
John Wick Hex was also developed in collaboration with the team behind the films. Lance Reddick and Ian McShane both reprise their roles. The game is drenched in the same slick neon hue that defines John Wick’s visual language.
However, John Wick Hex will soon no longer be available for purchase on any storefront. Publisher Big Fan Games released the following statement,
“John Wick Hex will be removed from sale on all platforms beginning July 17th, 2025.
After July 17th, 2025, existing owners of John Wick Hex will still be able to access the game via their digital libraries (PC/Console) and/or physical copies (Console), however new purchases of John Wick Hex will not be possible, regardless of platform or storefront.”
The statement does not elaborate on why they are removing the game, so that is up to speculation.
You can buy John Wick Hex on Steam for $19.99 until July 17.
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Umamusume: Pretty Derby, the latest gacha game import from Japan, has really struck a chord with fans. It currently sits at 35th place on iOS in the UK (amongst a lot of junk), and since its launch in 2021 in Japan, it has racked up $2.5 billion in revenue.
The combination of different anime horse girls, along with the typical sickly sweet idol aesthetics and addictive rogue-lite gameplay, probably has something to do with that. However, developers Cygames have had to put out a mild warning to the influx of new fans to please, please, be normal around the actual race horses the characters are based on.
It’s an obvious concern for stables that there could be a sudden tidal rain of gacha game fans suddenly descending on them. Especially with the notoriously calm animals, horses, it’s just a headache waiting to happen.
Umumusume politely requests you don’t smoke around the horses
Issued on the website and promoted through the in-game news feed, Cygames really wants players to take note of proper etiquette when making the pilgrimage.
The full message in-game reads:
“We’ve posted important guidelines on rules and etiquette for stable visits to our official site. It is thanks to the cooperation of racehorse owners and their respective stables that we’re able to share their stories in Umamusume: Pretty Derby.
“If you wish to visit a horse in person, please be sure to review the following guidelines in advance.
“We appreciate your cooperation in protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the horses, and hope you’ll continue to enjoy Umamusume: Pretty Derby.”
The guidelines themselves are pulled straight from the Kyousoba Furusato, a business dedicated to dealing with various ranches across Japan. It effectively breaks down into nine different rules to follow when visiting stables, including don’t smoke, no flash photography, and don’t spook the horses.
While it’s unlikely that most players would ever travel to see a horse in particular, modern fan bases tend to have obsessives lurking amongst them. Rather than wait for something to happen, Cygames has seen the writing on the wall (as have we with a brief glance over social media) and gotten in front of it. According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, “many Japanese players have visited, but issues have occasionally arisen.”
Pretty Derby brings fandom to horses, like Haru Urara, a loser
Umamusume’s roster of horse girls, which you acquire through its gacha system, has all quickly built little fanbases around them. One horse in particular, Haru Urara, has become a fan favourite thanks to her being a total loser who never gives up, much like in real life.
The real horse ran 113 races and lost them all. There’s a short documentary on Vimeo about her, aptly named “The Shining Star of Losers Everywhere”. However, she did recently run in a “soft horse race”, something the Japanese circuit does for retired horses, and reportedly, she actually won.
She’s also featured on an X account, where the owner has been surprised by the boom in attention. That and McDonald’s Samurai Mac burgers are upsetting his stomach.
What even is a gacha game?
Gacha games are a style of game originating from Japan that harkens back to gachapon. Pop a coin in the machine, twist the knob, and out pops a random toy. It’s now taken on new life since the very late 2000s and early 2010s, wherein the same concept is applied to multiple elements of the game. Instead of “pulling” for toys, you’re often trying to obtain different characters, skins, or items.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is available on iOS, Android, and PC through Steam.
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⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.
007 First Light has to be the one upcoming game that I’m most excited for right now, with GTA 6 being a close second. Developed by IO Interactive, a studio we all know and love for its Hitman series, the game will explore an all-new story for James Bond.
Instead of following a storyline from one of the movies, IO Interactive reimagined Bond’s origin story, introducing us to the rebellious agent before he ever became a spy. 007 will be younger than we’ve ever seen him before, but you can bet that his charm and penchant for getting in (and out of) trouble will be just the same. It was originally known as Project 007.
The Escapist recaps
007 First Light, the new Bond game, is currently being developed by IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman franchise.
The game is shaping up to be a third-person action-adventure, featuring a blend of cinematics, dynamic combat scenes, stealthy action, and story-driven depth.
This is the first new James Bond game in over a decade, and IO Interactive is diving right in with its own, previously unseen storyline.
Players will meet familiar faces from the Bond universe, but also brand-new characters, such as a mysterious figure designated as 009.
Similar to the recent Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the game appears to be set in various locations around the globe.
When could 007 First Light be released?
IO InteractiveIO Interactive
While the 007 First Light release date has yet to be revealed, IO Interactive has confirmed the game will be coming sometime in 2026. The current development stage is still a mystery, so we don’t even have a ballpark as to whether 007 First Light will arrive in the first or the second half of the year. However, there are signs pointing to it being sooner rather than later.
While the 007 First Light release window seems vague, we can look to the studio’s previous work, Hitman 3, for a rough time frame of when the James Bond title could debut. Hitman 3 was announced in June 2020 before being released in January 2021, a gap of just seven months. Similarly, First Light was officially revealed in June 2025 and could come out early next year.
Expected 007 First Light price & pre-orders
While we still don’t know the confirmed007 First Light price, we can speculate given the state of the industry, as the game is likely to cost $70 / £70 / €70 in line with today’s AAA releases. The studio’s previous standalone release, Hitman 3, debuted at $60 / £60 / €60 back in 2021, which was then later replaced by the tiered monetization system of World of Assassination.
It’s also likely that we’ll see different 007 First Light editions alongside the standard version. For those who sign up at the game’s official website, they can unlock the “On Duty” outfit (a black turtleneck with holster inspired by Daniel Craig’s look in No Time To Die) and the Gilded Wrath golden Walther PPK. We could see a deluxe/premium edition including more cosmetics.
Considering the lack of a firm release window,007 First Light pre-orders aren’t open yet, but you can already wishlist the game on Steam. It’s possible that we could see a confirmed price and pre-order window available by the end of 2025, around the Holiday period, to gear fans up. However, as IO Interactive is privately owned, it could break away from genre conventions.
007 First Light platforms
Although 007 First Light was announced at Sony’s State of Play, the game is, fortunately, not a PS5 exclusive. The new James Bond game will be available on the PlayStation 5, but also on the Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via the Epic Games Store and Steam. However, PS5 Pro gamers will be able to enjoy PSSR and 60 fps in Quality Mode.
By the looks of it, we’re in for a treat. IO Interactive shared a three-minute trailer of 007 First Light, and the game appears to be fast-paced, action-packed, and rather story-driven.
The 007 First Light trailer starts by making us privy to a conversation involving M and Greenway, a new mentor figure for Bond. Bond appears to have made an impression during a mission in Iceland, but his recklessness and rebellious spirit have done him no favors with Greenway. M, however, is impressed.
“Always at the top of his class,” says M of young Bond. “Always at odds with authority,” counters Greenway. Bond fears nothing and relies on luck to keep him alive, and that makes him a “bullet without a target” in the eyes of his mentors. That’s not a bad thing—that’s exactly what MI6 wants to see.
We learn the origin story of James Bond, whose parents died to save his life, and he had to witness it firsthand. He’d been bouncing around all kinds of boarding schools ever since. When the game begins, Bond is 26, and he’s not a spy yet—he’s a Royal Navy air crewman, later recruited into MI6.
The 007 trailer sets the stage for a completely new story. 007 First Light is set in the modern day, long before any of the movies ever took place. Aside from new characters such as the mysterious antagonist referred to as 009, we’ll see familiar faces, such as M, Q, and Moneypenny.
Apart from giving us a glimpse into Bond’s dark story, the trailer shows us the kind of 007 First Light gameplay we can expect. Bond travels all over the globe, sneaks around, shoots his gun, and throws grenades, not to mention racing fancy-looking cars and looking death in the eye (on more than one occasion). It appears to be a more cinematic take on the studio’s previous work with the Hitman reboot trilogy.
Ask The Escapist
Is 007 First Light PlayStation exclusive?
Fortunately, 007 First Light is not a PlayStation exclusive. The game is confirmed for a broad multi-platform release in 2026, and will be available on the PS5, but also on the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S.
Who is playing James Bond in 007 First Light?
IO Interactive has yet to reveal who will play James Bond in 007 First Light, but the rumor mill is buzzing with just one name: Patrick Gibson. This widespread belief stems from his striking resemblance to the character shown in the reveal trailer.
Will 007 First Light be on PC?
Yes, 007 First Light will be available on PC in 2026. You’ll be able to buy the game through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
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!!! Before reading the post, I’m not talking about Dots and Boxes, but Dots (a paper-based game).
I’ve been playing the game for some time and to become better at it, I started to search for different strategies for the game, but as this game is not so fame/popular there is only one (wikipedia) article to it. Can you share some different experience you’ve had with the game? Eventually how would you place more and more dots?
This game is pretty similar to go, the only difference is, that you don’t have living points (I guess they’re called breathing points?), but the only thing that counts is to circle the enemy. You start in a position where in 2×2 dots the opposite corners are of one player, and the other two dots are from the other.
Can I just assign Go-strategies here? Because it looks like I can’t use them.
PS. Add ‘dots’, ‘paper-based’ tags for the forum, if possible. (Or if this forum is strictly for board games, are paper-based games board-games?)
Published: Jul 20, 2025 07:00 am