Gaming News

Shadow Labyrinth’s Weird Metroidvania Take on Pac-Man…Actually Works!

As an ancient gamer (now 32), I’ve had plenty of experience playing Pac-Man. During my pre-teen years, many of my summer days were spent losing quarters to my local arcade, attempting to reach the mythical "split-screen level." As a devoted fan of the franchise, I admittedly had reservations going into my PAX East preview of Bandai Namco’s new, unconventional take on the series, Shadow Labyrinth. On paper, Shadow Labyrinth should not work. Pac-Man as a dark sci-fi metroidvania where he turns into a giant mech and shoots lasers out of his mouth sounds like bad gaming Wattpad fiction. Yet, that is exactly what it is…and Puck, Man, it was glorious. The story takes place shortly after the events of the Prime Video animated short, Secret...

View full article »

Star Wars Outlaws: A Pirate’s Fortune Is a Love Letter to Hondo Ohnaka

Star Wars Outlaws got its first story expansion today with the release of the A Pirate’s Fortune DLC on PlayStation, Xbox and PC, and fans have one cheeky rascal called Hondo Ohnaka is the reason why. According to Drew Rechner, Creative Director at Ubisoft's Massive Entertainment, the DLC was born from his team's love of Hondo Ohnaka, the Weequay pirate who has previously appeared in the Darth Maul comics and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated TV show. "We always knew because there were so many passionate people on the team that we needed to feature Hondo. And, you know, that scoundrel fantasy of Kay mixing with the pirate fantasy of Hondo, it just kind of makes sense, right?" Rechner told IGN. "And we also knew that Kay...

View full article »

Take-Two CEO Has 'Great Optimism' for Nintendo Switch 2

We're less than a month away from the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and amid all the turmoil around pricing, tariffs, game key cards, and what-have-you, one third-party publisher says it's feeling pretty good about about the console: Take-Two Interactive. In a Q&A with investors today following the company's full year earnings, CEO Strauss Zelnick answered a question about the publisher's support of the Nintendo Switch 2 by saying he felt "great optimism" for Nintendo's new platform. In fact, he said Nintendo's support of third-party publishers this time around was better than it has been in the past: Specifically, Take-Two is bringing Civilization 7 (June 5, launch day), the NBA 2K and WWE 2K series (unclear which games, or...

View full article »

This Retired R2-D2 LEGO Set Is Still Available and Discounted at Amazon

Amazon still has some retired LEGO sets available for purchase. This super detailed to-scale R2-D2 set was retired in January 2025, but you can still pick it up for $221.27 (8% off). Star Wars has a long history with LEGO, dating back to 1999, and have released everything from child-friendly playsets to massive intricate models that look great on display. This R2-D2 falls in the latter camp, and its level of detail and size are a perfect addition to any Star Wars fan's collection. Although this R2-D2 build was recently on sale of Star Wars Day, we don't expect it to be below MSRP for much longer. Retired LEGO R2-D2 Is Still Available at Amazon This 2,315-piece set is the most detailed iteration of R2-D2 LEGO has released to date. IGN...

View full article »

Avowed Update 1.4 Patch Notes Include Arachnaphobia Mode and 2025 Post-Launch Roadmap

Obsidian Entertainment has released a 2025 post-launch roadmap for Avowed alongside patch notes for its 1.4 update. Details about the fantasy RPG’s present and future were posted on the Obsidian website today. While the contents of Avowed update 1.4 include worthwhile additions – including an Arachnophobia mode for those who prefer their giant spiders look more like faceless blobs and adjustments to map exploration – it’s the roadmap that paints the brightest future. Obsidian has three major updates planned for Avowed in 2025. The first of those is live now with update 1.4 and comes with the aforementioned improvements as well as mouse and keyboard support on Xbox, more gold and crafting materials, gear adjustments, a new party camp...

View full article »

Blue Protocol Gets a Pseudo-Revival in Star Resonance Later This Year

Blue Protocol may have been shut down last year, but it lives on in a new form now with Blue Protocol: Star Resonance. Publisher A Plus unveiled the new MMORPG today, and it's set for launch sometime in 2025. Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is an anime-inspired MMORPG, with action combat and an open world to explore, targeting PC on both Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as iOS and Android. Currently, the game is set to launch in Europe, North America, and Latin America sometime in 2025. Per Gematsu, Blue Protocol: Star Resonance was previously only announced for China. It was licensed to Bokura, the developer, after the closure of Blue Protocol and picked up some members of the original team in the process. Now, Star Resonance...

View full article »

Doom: The Dark Ages Is Out Today, and Already on Sale for Xbox and PC

The wait is over, as Doom: The Dark Ages is now available to play. If you haven't picked up the game yet, we've got even better news: It's already on sale for Xbox and PC so you can save some cash before jumping in. Fanatical and GMG are offering a nice little discount on it right now for PC players (17% off down to $58.09) while Newegg is offering an Xbox digital code for $10 off with promo code EPESA522 (dropping it to $59.99). No better time than now to pick up the shield and start bashing your way through the armies of Hell. Head to the links below to take advantage of these deals while they're still available. Doom: The Dark Ages PC Deal PC gamers can save 17% on a Steam code by picking the new Doom game up at Fanatical or Green...

View full article »

Guilty Gear Developer Arc System Works Addresses Data Leak — Here’s What We Know So Far, Including Potential Info About Nintendo Switch 2 Carts

Last Saturday, Dexerto broke the story that Japanese developer Arc System Works was hacked, with data allegedly being leaked about Switch 2 game formats, Guilty Gear Strive, and the company’s in-development games. On May 14, Arc System Works addressed the rumored leaks in a statement on its official website. In the statement, the company confirmed that such a data breach had taken place, but reassured users that “as of May 12, we have not confirmed the leak of any user personal information or player account information due to the unauthorized access.” The company is currently working with outside experts to investigate and confirm the cause of the breach and determine exactly what data was leaked. It also urged people not to access...

View full article »

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - Brushes With Death Review

I'm still not sick at all of galavanting around Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's idyllic Bohemian countryside even after the more than 100 hours I logged in February. So I was delighted to be given a reason to return to it with the first story DLC, Brushes With Death. I was greeted with more of the strong dialogue writing and open-ended adventuring I've come to expect, so I’m not overly disappointed. But I wasn’t wowed, either. The substance of this low-stakes tale managed to keep me entertained, but it doesn't stand especially strong on its own played outside the grand framework of the main campaign. You can start the DLC quest as early as the end of Act 1, when Henry's fate becomes intertwined with that of the eccentric and enigmatic...

View full article »

Baldur's Gate 3 Minis From WizKids Are Here, and They Aren't Leaving the Best Impression

The cast of Baldur's Gate 3 has been transformed into pre-painted miniatures by Wizkids. But the new mini's don't seem to be landing for everyone, as even one Baldur's Gate 3 developer took to social media to express frustration with the new figures. Shared on X/Twitter, one of the senior cinematic artists on Baldur's Gate 3 posted a comparison. "What I ordered VS what I received," they wrote. "Only Gale has a decent face. It's expensive for a 5 years old painting work... Shame on you @Wizards_DnD" You can see the results for yourself here: In the first set of images, yoiu might note some surprising paint jobs on the different figures, especially Shadowheart. In the second batch, we get a better look at favorites like Karlach...

View full article »

Hunger Is a Multiplayer First-Person RPG That Uses an Extraction Loop but Isn’t Defined by It

Extraction shooters are, at this point, a dime a dozen. And for my money, you’ve got to really do something different to stand out in that increasingly crowded genre. That’s why I was eager to meet up with a couple of developers from the team at Good Fun Corporation so they could show me Hunger, their upcoming zombie-tastic Unreal Engine 5-powered first-person action-RPG that utilizes an extraction loop. Yes, the developers specifically phrased it that way, as they seemingly aren’t looking to be thought of as just another extraction shooter. And in fairness to them, based on what I saw of an impressive early build (the team’s Early Access launch is still far enough away that they weren’t comfortable giving me an on-the-record release...

View full article »

Helldivers 2 'Is Our Main Focus and Will Be for a Loooong Time,' Arrowhead Boss Insists: 'As Long as You Keep Playing and Buying Super Credits We Can

Helldivers 2 developers Arrowhead has addressed player concern that it might leave the game behind to focus on its next project, dubbed "Game 6." As spotted by VG247, CEO Shams Jorjani spoke to fans in the official Helldivers Discord following the explosive launch of the full-scale Illuminate invasion this week. “The wonderful thing is that thanks to the amazing support of you FINE people Arrowhead's future is quite bright and we have the freedom to explore some really cool concepts that we couldn't have otherwise. Game 6 (our next project) will happen the way it will happen thanks to you,” Jorjani said. That seemingly innocuous quote sparked concern from one fan who said it suggested Arrowhead was “already abandoning a good chunk...

View full article »

No, Steam User Data Was Not Compromised In a Hack, Confirms Valve

Valve has dismissed recent reports its Steam platform suffered a "major" data hack, confirming there was "NOT a breach" of Steam systems. While some users were concerned about reports that over 89 million user records were compromised, Steam's own analysis determined that while there has been a leak of "older text messages," those one-time code SMSs did not include any personal data. In a statement posted to Steam, Valve said that after examining the leak sample, it has determined customer data has not been compromised, saying: "The leak consisted of older text messages that included one-time codes that were only valid for 15-minute time frames and the phone numbers they were sent to. The leaked data did not associate the phone...

View full article »

Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition Release Sparks Backlash, With Disgruntled Fans Fearing ‘The Game Is Done’ Less Than 2 Years After Launch

Warner Bros. Games has announced and released Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition, which it described as "the most extensive version" of the gory fighting game. But for fans, the release of the Definitive Edition has sparked significant concern that NetherRealm has now moved on from the game, and that it won’t see any new DLC characters or significant content updates. The Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition offers the main game packaged together with previously released downloadable content, including the Khaos Reigns story expansion, Kombat Pack 1, and Kombat Pack 2. The Definitive Edition also adds new character skins for Johnny Cage, Kitana, Scorpion, and Shao Khan “inspired” by the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 film, the Mortal Kombat...

View full article »

AU Deals: Save Serious Studs on LEGO Games, Clair Obscur, Hogwarts Legacy, Monster Huntin', and More!

Winter’s nearly here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to hunker down with some great games at even better prices. Whether you're chasing sprawling RPGs, stylish indies, or action-packed blockbusters, there’s something worth grabbing on every platform for the weekend. I've pulled out the standout steals from this mammoth lineup to save you some scrolling (and spare your gold supply). This Day in Gaming 🎂 In retro news, I'm celebrating the 27th birthday of Wario Land II, a top ten Gameboy Color great that I sacrificed many a AA battery to. Over the course of its 50+ levels, it impressed with diverse boss battles and a surprisingly complex web of hidden exits, secret paths, and alternate endings. But the guiltiest pleasure I got...

View full article »

EA Pushes Full Return to Office, Effectively Ends Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts has announced to employees that it will be ending its remote working policies permanently, and implementing a full return to office. In an email sent to employees today viewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson said that in-person work results in "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players." He then went on to broadly outline that "hybrid work" would now be defined as a "minimum of three days a week in your local office," and that "offsite local roles" would be gradually phased out. In a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president, Laura Miele, also viewed by IGN, she clarified further details, describing...

View full article »

Get a 512GB MicroSD Memory Card for Your Nintendo Switch for Just $23.99

Looking to upgrade the storage capacity of your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or Asus ROG Ally? For a limited time, Amazon is offering a 512GB PNY Premier-X Micro SDXC Card for just $23.99 after a 44% off instant discount. An SD card adapter is also included. Despite the low price tag, this is actually one of the faster Micro SD cards we've seen. It's compatible with most gaming handhelds, including the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally. 512GB PNY Premier-X Micro SDXC Card for $23.99 U3 A2 V30 rated If you've started compiling a collection of digital games, you probably already know just how limited the Switch's base storage capacity is. The Switch and Switch OLED have 32GB and 64GB of internal storage, respectively, some of...

View full article »

PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for May 2025 Confirmed

Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog additions for May 2025, unveiling a list of titles that includes newcomers such as Sand Land, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy, Battlefield 5, and more. The full lineup of titles coming to its gaming subscription service was revealed in a PlayStation.Blog post today. It’s a collection of six games for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers that will all drop come May 20, delivering a variety of experiences for fans of different genres and eras of gaming. Those starting at the Extra tier can take advantage of a whopping nine new titles coming to the Game Catalog for May 2025. Headlining the list of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games is Sand Land, an action RPG...

View full article »

Eat Like Pac-Man With the Official Cookbook, Out Now

Insight Editions' Pac-Man: The Official Cookbook is out now and available on Amazon. Like you probably are right now, I was a bit skeptical about how good the recipes could be from a Pac-Man-themed cookbook, but authors Lisa Kingsley and Jennifer Peterson — wait for it — cooked. The 160-page hardcover book features over 60 delicious recipes that are easy to make in the comfort of your own home. This is the perfect companion for when you're hosting a game night or having a video game-themed watch party of the industry's biggest events. While this latest cookbook may seem a bit strange, there are actually a lot of video game cookbooks already out there. It's actually surprising it took this long for Pac-Man to get in on the action. Get...

View full article »

A Riders Republic Film Is in the Works From Bad Boys for Life Director Duo

Ubisoft's extreme sports game Riders Republic is the latest in a long line of video games heading to the silver screen. The publisher announced today that a feature film adaptation of 2021's Riders Republic is underway, and it already has a directorial duo seated behind the camera. In a press release, Ubisoft Film & Television annnounced it's partnering with Gaumont for the adaptation of Riders Republic. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the Belgian duo who directed Bad Boys for Life and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, are already signed on to direct. The script adaptation will be penned by Noé Debré, whose credits include Stillwater and The World Is Yours. Not much has been said about the direction, other than the adaptation is "poised to be...

View full article »

Elden Ring Nightreign: How Limveld Will Change From Run to Run – IGN First

One of the biggest questions left over after Elden Ring Nightreign’s network test back in February was: “How will the world of Limveld change in the real game”? After all, Nightreign is, for all intents and purposes, a roguelite. And one of the core elements of any roguelite is a degree of randomness or procedural generation that ensures that every run feels just a little bit different. Nightreign has that in the loot department, with every run giving you different rewards and forcing you to cobble together a build based on what you’re able to find within that run; and also in the enemy and boss department, since none of the boss encounters are static, with the sole exception of the Nightlord battle on Day 3. But as far as the world of...

View full article »

Clair Obscur Studio Confirms It's Working On an Official Esquie Plushie, Warns Against Potential Scams

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has many memorable characters, but few might inspire as much joy as Esquie, the game's lovable giant pal who might as well be a mascot character. The studio is warning against issues with fake merch sales around him, but also teasing an official plush Esquie that's in the works. In a post on X/Twitter from the official Expedition 33 account, Sandfall Interactive said it has seen a number of "suspicious" websites pop up selling Esquie plushies. "To be clear: any third-party websites selling Esquie plushies are NOT officially licensed," the studio said. "Many of them are using AI-generated artwork to advertise, and we strongly recommend against purchasing from these sources. They could be scams." To balance...

View full article »

FBC: Firebreak is The Weirdest Shooter You’ll Play All Year

Stick with me, here. Mere hours after first playing FBC: Firebreak, I found myself mouth-to-dough with a delicious cream cake. Unfortunately, because I’m a clumsy bastard who can’t be trusted with anything nice, a dollop of that cream landed directly into my blood orange cocktail and melted into it. I stared at the swirling momentarily and found myself transported back into the halls of the Federal Bureau of Control as I fired white hot bursts of liquid into the glowing red enemies that stalk its hallways. It’s this sort of twisted leap of logic that a trip to Remedy’s headquarters does to a brain. Remedy is a studio with an eclectic library of games – some are horror, others sci-fi or neo-noir detective fiction. But what I've always...

View full article »

'FOMO Has Infected Modern Games,' Says Remedy Director of FBC: Firebreak

Mike Kayatta, game director of Remedy’s upcoming FBC: Firebreak, supports the notion of making games "that respect player time and don't try to overcharge." This suggestion comes in the wake of a flurry of recent games successfully being released at a lower price point than we’ve come to expect. These include two of the most critically acclaimed titles of the year so far, Split Fiction and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which have sold over 4 million and 2 million copies respectively so far this year. It’s a pattern that both Mafia: The Old Country – recently revealed to cost $50 when it launches on August 8 – and FBC: Firebreak will be hoping to continue. Launching on June 17, 2025 and costing $39.99/£32.99 (as well as on both Game...

View full article »

Hogwarts Legacy Switch 1 Players Can Upgrade For $10 To Get Better Graphics And No Loading Screens on Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy will include sharper visuals, faster loading times, and make use of those all-new mouse controls, too. As demonstrated in an all-new comparisons teaser trailer, while players of the original game had to sit through loading screens when players moved in or out of Hogsmeade, the Switch 2 version enables players to transition seamlessly from area to area. That's not all, either. Playing on the Nintendo Switch 2 also boosts frame rate, textures, shadows, and even the color saturation of Hogwarts and its surroundings — you can see it for yourself in the trailer below: As for mouse controls? We're intrigued, too. For now, though, developer Warner Bros. isn't ready to expand on that, but we...

View full article »

Helldivers 2 PlayStation Leak Suggests Players Will Fight Against the Illuminate on Super Earth Itself Next Week — and Now Gameplay of Super Earth Meg

Eagle-eyed Helldivers 2 fans have spotted what looks like a leak from PlayStation that suggests players will end up fighting back against the Illuminate on the streets of Super Earth. This week, developer Arrowhead launched the full Illuminate invasion, adding new enemy types in the process. The in-universe wording of the invasion suggested the Illuminate were heading straight for Super Earth, and now a leak coming out of the official Czech Republic Threads account suggests that the Illuminate will not only make it to our home planet, but we’ll have to fight them off there. Redditor xTekshi spotted the now-deleted post, which spoke of a "Heart of Democracy" update coming on May 20. While Heart of Democracy is referenced in the...

View full article »

AU Deals: Criminally Good Prices for The Precinct, Mafia Old Country, Doom Dark Ages, and More!

Get your gaming gear primed and wallets at the ready, because today’s lineup of stellar discounts is too good to miss. From adrenaline‑pumping races on Switch to monstrous PC conquests, there’s sweet, economical escapism for all. Nothing but games worth owning. Let's get to it. This Day in Gaming 🎂 In retro news, I've baked a cake with a big 16 on it for Pokémon Platinum. Part of the DS Gen IV series, this sprawling Sinnoh shenanigan served as a third version to Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. My memories of it include a gleeful hunt for the 59 extra Pokémon added and dipping into the new M.C. Escher-esque Distortion World to bag a Giratina. It also had some of the best post-game content in the series, and, oh crap—I've just talked myself...

View full article »

Palia Review in Progress

There’s something uniquely satisfying about putting down roots in a sleepy town in games like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, or Disney Dreamlight Valley. Palia evolves this tradition to great effect, injecting large-scale multiplayer into that tried-and-true formula. After 50 hours of chopping down trees, hunting woodland critters, decorating my home, and hanging out with my fellow Palians, I’ve had a fantastic time catching up on all I’ve missed since the early days of the beta. I still have to dive into the new content and loads of updates that arrived today with its console launch and first major expansion, Elderwood, but I am eager to do so ahead of my final review.= Palia is a cozy life sim with one major tweak: you’re in an...

View full article »

Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy Commander Decks Are Packed With Fun, Surprising References

Wizards of the Coast has been gradually rolling out what it's got in store for Magic: The Gathering and its big Final Fantasy crossover this summer. Over the weekend, the team debuted a significant chunk of cards, from both the main set and the Commander decks, and fans are enjoying some of the fun and even surprising cuts from their favorite Final Fantasy games. The Universes Beyond collaboration with Final Fantasy is getting both the usual Commander treatment and a booster-driven series, so there are a lot of cards to go over. The main set tinkers with the entirety of Final Fantasy's mainline, numbered games, running from Final Fantasy 1 to Final Fantasy 16. The Commander Decks, meanwhile, focus on four specific games: Final Fantasy...

View full article »

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Graphics Card Is in Stock, Includes Doom: The Dark Ages

If you are planning a PC build and have been waiting patiently to get ahold of one of the new Nvidia Blackwell graphics cards, here's an opportunity that's as good as you're going to get. Right now Amazon has Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Gaming graphics cards in stock starting at $899.99 shipped. Inventory is reserved for Amazon Prime members only. Also for a limited time, you'll get a free voucher for the upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages game with purchase. According to Nvidia, the version you'll receive is the Premium edition that retails for $99.99. "For a limited time, get the Premium Edition of DOOM: The Dark Ages (a $99.99 value) with the purchase of a qualifying NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, 5070 desktop system or...

View full article »