There’s been lots of excitement over the presence of a Hollow Knight: Silksong game demo on the show floor at Gamescom this year, in both the Xbox and Nintendo booths. And by all accounts, the demo seems pretty great. Our own previewer said it’s “a piece of playable art that is as fun to wield as it is to watch.” But some Silksong superfans hoping for new story, new bosses, or new content to reveal themselves in this demo might be a little disappointed, because the Gamescom demo is the same demo from six years ago at E3 2019. But shinier.
We first noticed this when reading through our previews of the demo from today alongside our preview from 2019. It’s more discernable when looking at 2019’s video footage, but both demos cover the same two areas – the early game Moss Grotto, and the later Deep Docks. They cover the same encounters and bosses as well. We’ve been able to comb over some other footage posted by other individuals from Gamescom and yup, looks like an updated version of the same demo.
To be clear, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it shows how far the game has come in six years. Looking at similar clips from both demos, and there are very clear signs of polish. Lighting and backgrounds have been adjusted, platforms have been moved around slightly. Fans have even spotted the teensiest, tiniest dialogue change between the two demos. It’s also not surprising that neither area has undergone massive content changes in six years. If these two levels were ready for prime time in 2019, they were likely the closest to “done” at the time that Team Cherry had ready, and thus wouldn’t need developers to spend years tweaking them infinitely. And for what it’s worth, this is also the first time we’ve seen the game on both an Xbox Series console, and the Nintendo Switch 2, as the E3 2019 demo was only on Nintendo Switch 1.
The only real disappointment to be had here is that we’re not actually seeing any new content after such a long wait – no new bosses or enemies or characters or stories. So anyone looking to scour this new demo for clues as to what Silksong will be when it finally releases is probably not going to come up with much that we don’t already know.
Still, that probably won’t be necessary either. Team Cherry has announced an announcement of some sort for tomorrow, and after a rash of teases around Gamescom and the demo finally re-emerging after a six year cocoon, it seems likely that a release date is imminent. (Silk)soon, we won’t need to scour tidbits of footage for a crumb of new Silksong info. We’ll just be able to, finally, play the long-anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight for ourselves.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
Halloween was revealed at the Future Games Show during gamescom 2025 with a debut trailer and a raft of game details.
IllFonic, the asymmetrical horror specialist behind the likes of Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game, Friday the 13th: The Game, and Predator Hunting Grounds, is developing Halloween and will handle publishing with Gun Media. It’s based on the iconic 1978 movie, and is due out at some point in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC.
Unlike IllFonic’s previous horror games, Halloween has a single-player mode. John Carpenter was involved, as was Compass International Pictures, which produced the original film.
Here’s the official blurb:
Step into the chilling world of John Carpenter’s genre-defining film, now transformed into a suspenseful one-versus-many stealth horror experience. Put on the iconic mask to become the ultimate slasher, Michael Myers, stalking and executing the citizens of Haddonfield one by one, or striving to thwart Michael Myers’ plans as Civilians determined to save the unaware townsfolk before it’s too late.
Stick to the shadows as Civilians, seeking out Haddonfield residents to warn them and searching for a way to contact the authorities. As Michael Myers, give them a reason to fear the dark and cut the phone lines to prevent the police from ruining his favorite holiday. Whether playing solo in story mode, against bots offline, or facing others in online multiplayer, each mode rewards stealth, strategy, and skillful play.
Staying true to the original film, IllFonic masterfully recreates the eerie atmosphere of Haddonfield across multiple maps and authentic locations. With a haunting ambience and score inspired by the legendary movie, Halloween brings the terror home in a new experience that will keep both old and new generations looking over their shoulders.
Ahead of the announcement, IGN had the chance to interview Chief Creative Officer Jared Gerritzen and Design Director Jordan Mathewson to find out everything you need to know about Halloween.
IGN: People know IllFonic for their multiplayer horror games. Why was having a single-player mode for Halloween important for you?
Jared Gerritzen: It’s definitely because of the games that we’ve done. This is our fifth runaround with a multiplayer only game. But in the past, in my previous jobs, anytime that a multiplayer-only game gets released, especially if it has a very strong fan base — it is just a fact that some people don’t play multiplayer games. And we’ve learned that in the past. In Ghostbusters we added the ability to play by yourself and better AI. Hardcore Ghostbusters fans were able to come in and play the game and get a great experience, and then they got the skills, and then they saw that multiplayer button and then they came in. And it’s really cool because I now know people that were like, I came in for Ghostbusters, but now I’m a multiplayer fan, and now I’m playing multiplayer games.
Because I do think that in this day and age we are getting these massively cool and exciting IPs, but if there isn’t a multiplayer experience and if there isn’t a single-player experience, I do think that people don’t get those itches scratched. And so year after year, each one of our IllFonic games, it’s an iterative process where we look at the last project and we try to do better. And so with this, it was very important, especially with it being Halloween, that we brought in an experience for people that don’t play hardcore multiplayer games.
Asymmetrical multiplayer games can be a little bit more hardcore too. And the stress of being the killer versus a bunch of bullies can be pretty daunting. And so we really wanted to make a way that people can play a single-player game, get a bit of a story, get deeper into the universe. And so it was very, very important. And that’s why we’ve not only ramped up our development team, really put in some major effort on getting some really awesome AI engineers, but also bringing on Pollard to help out with their skills and their abilities. So I think it’s going to be a really cool experience just to have that total package finally of a popular IP.
IGN: How will the single-player mode actually work? You mentioned story. How extensive will that be?
Jared Gerritzen: Well, so we can’t really talk that much about that because that’s definitely a different phase. But we are working with John. We are working with Malek [Akkad, President of Compass International Pictures]. We’ve got some really great writers that we’re working with to bring this world to it.
It will crisscross the film a lot. When we take an IP, we really, really have to be a fan of it. We turn down IPs more than we chase IPs. We know this film like the back of our hands. And so there’s a lot of things that I think that if you have never seen the film, you’ll get this great experience, but if you have seen the film, you’ll see those really cool moments that you’ve seen for decades. If you’re a fan that just knows who Michael Myers is and you’ve seen a couple of the newer films, that’ll be cool. But I think that it’ll be fun for people to be able to really connect to the OG film.
IGN: You’ve decided to focus on the original film. Why was that important for you, and how involved has John Carpenter been in the process?
Jared Gerritzen: Listen, I have definitely said we need to make sure John’s happy multiple times! John Carpenter’s put out genuinely some of my favorite films, like my top five films. He’s put out such amazing films that just us getting to work with him, like with Predator or being able to work with Dan Aykroyd and Ivan Reitman with Ghostbusters, we’re used to that. We’re used to people like, this is their baby, this is their thing. We’re playing in their sandbox. But I do genuinely feel that we leave making some really cool stuff that they’re very happy about.
Malek, this is his birthright. His father was the one that produced this. He has been working on and with Halloween since he was a child. And so him and John are really the arbiters where when we come up with a crazy idea, we have to come and present it and we have to explain it and most likely give them a couple of days to unpack it, and then come back and get more of those questions.
So the way that I see it is, by working with those guys and proving to those guys what we’re doing is right, I think that that should mean that anyone who’s a fan should also be happy with what we’re doing. Because with a video game, we have to add systems, we have to add gameplay, we have to make sense of a scene that in the film you’re like, okay, that’s a cool scene. But in the game, you don’t cut the camera, you don’t have a way to just go like, okay, other location cut. We’re trying to explain these things, and I genuinely feel some of the systems that we’re going to talk about when we start going more heavy with the gameplay, I think that people will definitely go like, oh wow, that explains some major components in the franchise. And when we’ve presented it, people have been very happy with it.
And honestly, something that we’ll talk about in the future, I’m extremely happy we figured it out, because it’s changed the way that you look at Michael Myers. It’s been very cool. It’s always stressful coming and saying, ‘Hey, here’s this wild idea.’ Honestly, the way that they see us is as a bunch of kids. 1978, I was two. Jordan was still floating around. I’m the person that says, ‘Okay, in the seventies we did this, phones had cables connected to the wall.’ And so it has been one of those really weird things where by choosing that era, it’s so far away, and technology has gone so far, that it’s like playing — I don’t want to say it’s as bad as a Red Dead — but it’s definitely like playing something that a lot of kids won’t understand.
Jordan Mathewson: It is the purest form of Halloween. It is the starting of that entire concept, and it’s been wonderful not only to go towards that period piece mentality of making a unique seventies American town that we see in the movie itself. And the reason it resonates and kind of clicks into that horrific element is it’s such a calm and normal, unassuming town that you wouldn’t expect there to be this mass killer on the loose.
So it gave us a really good, grounded foundation to lay down everything that we wanted to in the play space on top of it being in that era. It gives us just a lot of good things to work off of that keep it very focused into what Halloween is as a whole. It’s been really fun going down that path and focusing on that movie.
IGN: You can’t just make a phone call outside to help save you! Were there any moments during development when you had to explain to younger staff how things worked back then?
Jordan Mathewson: One that’s pretty tame is getting ahold of the police back then. We have 911 now, which is the understanding of how you get ahold of emergency, but it’s not quite the same back then. It wasn’t developed like that. So we have to do a lot of technological understanding syncs to make sure everyone is very well aware of what existed back then.
We do some research just how that technology would flow into the Illinois section of the country. The idea of landlines, phone cords, that kind of thing. The way that you dial, it’s not always buttons, sometimes it’s the rotary. So it’s very much a fun conversation, and we’re always exploring back and forth the different things. And then from there it’s like, how do we make this a gameplay mechanic? Because that can be fun if we’re thinking about trying to set it in place and not making it a hassle and actually making it a mechanic.
IGN: Does Halloween have a canon? Does that factor into what you’re doing? Do you have to obey any rules?
Jared Gerritzen: Yeah! There’s a lot of rules that are set that we don’t talk about, that have been there since the beginning. But there’s a lot of elements where we really try to use the film as the canon. We’re pulling from as many frames as we can.
There’s definitely contention points and caveat points that we have to go like, well, the gameplay. So it’s not one-to-one, but it’s pretty much like, these are elements, these are the factors that we have to pull in. But really it is about Michael’s Halloween night, like him going out. You’re not stalking Laurie in the day, and you’re not doing boring stuff. You’re going to that, okay, this is what he was doing when it wasn’t about him. And so those are the big things that we’re really trying to push.
It’s very difficult, but we have done this a lot in the past. And honestly, the great part is when we have to push out that wall and break out of the box.
IGN: Have you had any fun situations where someone has had to point out that it would actually be like this at this point? Who are the custodians of the Halloween lore?
Jared Gerritzen: Yeah! Malek and Ryan [Freimann, Trancas Films] are absolutely… they’ve been very diligent. They’ve been really great, and it’s added the authenticity.
The mask is probably the best. We had to capture the mask in the highest possible fidelity. Looking at original molds, looking at original masks, they’re degraded. It’s not like someone put it in and made it exactly the same, but the turnaround on making just Mike’s mask has been, I mean, that’s probably the greatest thing to go like, okay, where did you guys spend a lot of effort? And that was the key thing, because when you get the screenshots of the renders… there’s been a lot of Michael Myers’ out there and a lot of other games, and they’ve been made by top top artists, but it was part of like, okay, we’re doing all of these other things.
We put a laser beam on that mask, and every wrinkle, every crack, finding out exactly how it happened, talking to them like, ‘Hey, in this shot, it’s like this and this shot, it’s like that.’ And it’s like, well, yeah, because he took the mask off in between and when he pulled it down, it kind of folded a little bit differently or the hair’s a little bit different. So that’s been the thing that we’ve really kind of cut our teeth with them.
Like I said, we’re in their sandbox so we have to adhere to it, but they’ve been very understanding and very flexible for what we need to do.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Square Enix is shadow dropping Triangle Strategy for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S today.
The surprise launch finally brings the tactical RPG to other platforms following its original launch on Nintendo Switch back in early 2022. Better yet, the announcement arrives alongside a new launch trailer for the PS5 and Xbox versions of Triangle Strategy, with PC players now also able to pick up a copy on the Microsoft Store.
PlayStation and Xbox players have waited years to see Triangle Strategy make the jump to their preferred platforms, so Square Enix is commemorating the moment with a limited-time offer. Those who purchase the game on either platform before September 4, 2025, can take advantage of a 30% launch discount.
That brings the price down to $41.99, or about $18 cheaper than its standard $59.99 price tag. It’s a deal that encourages early adopters to pick up Triangle Strategy within the next two weeks, though PlayStation players should note the offer is only available to PlayStation Plus subscribers.
“A brand-new tactical RPG from the team behind the Bravely and Octopath Traveler series,” Triangle Strategy’s PlayStation Store description says. “Experience the dramatic story of war-torn Norzelia from different perspectives in stunning HD-2D, with a complex turn-based battle system.”
Triangle Strategy launched as yet another addition to Square Enix’s lineup of HD-2D video games March 4, 2022. We called it “Great” in our original 8/10 review. Although we weren’t particularly impressed with its cast of characters, we felt its “grounded human story” had solid support thanks to its “simple but well-designed and appropriately challenging combat.”
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Nintendo recently raised the price of the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller from $85 to $90, but here’s an opportunity to get one for even less that either price. AliExpress currently has a genuine, imported Switch 2 Pro controller for $82.13 after you apply $20 off coupon code “AEUS20” during checkout. It ships free locally from the United States and arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. Check out our Switch 2 Pro Controller review.
This is a genuine official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller. It’s an import model, most likely from Hong Kong, China, or Japan. However, it doesn’t really matter because Switch hardware is region unlocked, meaning you can use the controller in the US with any locally purchased Switch 2 without any problems. Keep in mind that imported hardware does not get a US-based Nintendo warranty, however AliExpress does include a 15-day free returns window.
INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest Fast Charging 10000mAh
INIU Portable Charger is a slim and lightweight 10,000mAh power bank that delivers fast charging speeds up to 22.5W with PD 3.0 and QC4+ technology, capable of charging an iPhone from 0 to 65% in just 30 minutes. Designed for portability, it’s thinner, smaller, and lighter than most chargers in its class while still offering multiple charges for devices like iPhones, Samsung phones, iPads, and AirPods. It features a USB-C input and output for full compatibility with modern devices, a digital display, and even a built-in flashlight.
Fallout: Season One (4K Ultra HD)
With Fallout Season 2 officially set to drop this December, Amazon has perfectly timed a deal on Fallout: Season 1 in 4K UHD Blu-ray, now just $29.99 (25% off its usual $39.99 price). That’s the same MSRP as the DVD and standard Blu-ray versions, but with far superior image quality if you’ve got a 4K player built into your Xbox Series X or PS5. Fallout Season 1 debuted on Prime Video in April 2024 and quickly became a breakout hit, leading Amazon to lock in Seasons 2 and 3. While the limited-edition Steelbook is long sold out, this discounted 4K release is a must for fans who want a physical copy, especially given how rare it is for streaming exclusives to make their way onto disc.
Spawn [Limited Edition]
The 1997 cult-classic comic book adaptation Spawn is getting a deluxe upgrade with a limited-edition 4K Blu-ray from Arrow Video, releasing on October 7. Normally priced at $49.95, it’s currently down to $38.02 at Amazon (24% off), and preordering now locks in the lowest price if it drops again before release. This collector’s edition comes packed with extras alongside the film itself, making it a must-have for fans of Todd McFarlane’s iconic anti-hero. Spawn tells the story of Al Simmons, a government assassin who dies, makes a deal with the devil, and returns as a scarred “hellspawn”.
Pokémon TCG – Black Bolt Booster Bundle Set
Fancy knocking $5.50 off a preorder for a Pokémon TCG: Black Bolt Booster Bundle? Well TCGPlayer has once again knocked Amazon off their pedisstal as they charge more than neccessary for Pokémon TCG product. Inside you’ll find six booster packs of Black Bolt.
BOOKOO Jump Starter 2000A
Bookoo 12V 2,000A Cordless Car Jump Starter is down to just $19.26 on Amazon as part of a Lightning Deal when you use code TYLQ6GNL (normally $44.99). Compact yet powerful, it can jump start up to 8L gas or 6.5L diesel engines and packs a hefty 20,000mAh lithium battery that holds charge for up to two years. It also doubles as a portable power bank with 18W USB-C PD and two USB-A ports (including QuickCharge 3.0), plus a built-in flashlight with strobe and SOS modes.
Apple 20W USB-C Compact Power Adapter
Apple 20W USB-C Compact Power Adapter is on sale for $14.99 at Amazon (regularly $19), offering fast and efficient charging in a lightweight, travel-friendly design. Compatible with a wide range of iPhones from the iPhone 8 through the latest iPhone 16 lineup (Including iPads and other USB-C devices). It can deliver up to 50% charge in about 30 minutes when paired with the right device and cable
tomtoc Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2
Tomtoc Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) is currently on sale for $29.59 at Amazon (down from $47.99). Designed specifically for the new Switch 2, it offers a precision fit that aligns perfectly with every port and button while maintaining a slim, lightweight profile that’s easy to slip into a bag. Built with durable felt materials that provide military-grade drop protection, it also features a soft plush interior to guard against scratches.
EUKI Compressed Air Duster-150000RPM
EUKI Compressed Air Duster (X3-US) is available for $39.99 on Amazon, with an additional $15 coupon that drops the price even lower. Spinning at up to 150,000 RPM with three adjustable speed settings, it delivers powerful airflow for clearing dust, debris, and even drying surfaces quickly. Weighing just 315 grams, it’s portable enough for both home and outdoor use. It’s perfect for cleaning keyboards, PCs, and cars, or inflating air beds and more.
MTG Final Fantasy Commander Deck Price Drop
Amazon has dropped the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Commander Deck bundle to $189.99 (29% off MSRP), the lowest price yet and a significant saving over buying the decks individually. The set includes all four precons: Revival Trance, Scions and Spellcraft, Limit Break, and Counter Blitz. Limit Break offers strong reprints such as Darksteel Plate and Sword of the Animist, while Counter Blitz delivers powerful synergies built around counters and proliferate. Individually, three of these decks have been selling above $50, with Limit Break still listed at $72.50 on Amazon, making the bundle the best way to grab the full set at a discount.
MTG Aetherdrift Sale
Amazon has dropped one of the best Magic: The Gathering deals of the year, slashing the price of the Aetherdrift Finish Line Bundle from $79.99 to its lowest-ever $52.70. Packed with value, the bundle includes 2 premium Collector Boosters (worth nearly $20 each on their own), 6 Play Boosters, 20 foil lands, 3 exclusive Extended-Art cards, 2 foil Box Topper cards, a foil storage box, spindown life counter, stickers, and reference cards. Considering the Collector Boosters alone nearly cover the price, the rest of the contents are essentially a bonus, offering huge value for those chasing Aetherdrift’s rarest cards like the Radiant Lotus Fracture Foil or The Aetherspark First-Place Foil. With stock already more than halfway claimed, this deal won’t last long.
MTG Avatar Preorders Are Live
Best Buy and Amazon have posted its listings for Magic: The Gathering – Avatar: The Last Airbender,
The crossover Universes Beyond set officially launches November 21, 2025 (digital release November 18) and introduces bending-themed mechanics such as airbending, waterbending, earthbending, and firebending, along with fan-favorite characters including Aang, Katara, Zuko, Toph, and even the Cabbage Merchant.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy Limited Edition Blu-ray set brings together all three classic films in a newly restored collection. Starting with the gritty 1990 original, followed by the fun-filled 1991 sequel The Secret of the Ooze, and wrapping up with 1993’s time-travel adventure Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, the trilogy captures the mix of martial arts action, humor, and groundbreaking (for the time) effects that made the turtles global icons. Restored in 4K and loaded with extras like new director commentaries, cast and crew interviews, original and remixed audio tracks, and a collector’s booklet, this set celebrates the legacy of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael with style.
Amazon has dropped the price of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Technodrome Playset to $32.84, nearly 60% off its original $79.99 list price and the lowest it has ever been. Originally released in 1990 and now reimagined as an Amazon exclusive, the Technodrome is authentically sculpted and decorated to match the original toy, complete with retro 1980s box art. The discount follows strong preorder demand for the TMNT Classic Sewer Set, which ships in September, making this a tempting pickup for collectors who want both classic sets at a fraction of their original cost.
Nintendo Switch 2 Is on Sale at AliExpress
Brand new, genuine, imported, region unlocked units
If you’re still on the hunt for a Switch 2 console, here’s a rare opportunity to get one at a discounted price. In fact, this may very well be the only Switch 2 deal we’ll see for 2025. AliExpress is offering a genuine Nintendo Switch 2 console for just $428.99 after you apply a $100 off coupon code “AEUS100” or “USAFF100” during checkout. Alternatively you can bundle it with the Mario Kart World game for just $452.11 after the same coupon. Both consoles ship free locally from the United States and arrives within 1 to 2 weeks, however you will still have to pay local sales tax.
The catch? Although these are genuine Switch consoles, they are Hong Kong imports. Like all Switch consoles, they are region unlocked, meaning you can play them in the US without any problems. You’ll also be able to select English as your default language just like any console you buy here. They’ll come with a Hong Kong style plug, but a US adapter is included. Imported consoles do not get a US-based Nintendo warranty. AliExpress does include a 90-day free returns window for the Switch 2 console and a 15-day free returns window for the Mario Kart bundle.
ACEMAGIC Vista Mini V1 Mini PC
ACEMAGIC Vista Mini V1 is a compact and powerful mini PC powered by Intel’s latest Twin Lake N150 processor, offering up to 3.6GHz speeds and outperforming the N100 and N95 chips by more than 39 percent in performance tests. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, it comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, with easy expansion up to 2TB for extra storage. Despite its small 3.9×3.9×1.3-inch metal body, it features efficient cooling, quiet fans, and versatile connectivity including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.2, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Designed for business, education, entertainment, or everyday use, it supports 4K dual display output with Intel UHD Graphics, making it a sleek, portable, and reliable option for a second PC at home or in the office.
Superman (2025) (Bonus X-Ray Edition)
James Gunn’s Superman, the first theatrical release in his new DCU, soared into theaters last month and is already available to watch at home on digital platforms like Prime Video. The film, starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan with Nicholas Hoult, blends epic action, humor, and heart to reintroduce a Superman driven by compassion and belief in humanity. Despite the quick turnaround to streaming, it’s not a sign of weak box office.Superman has grossed over $580 million so far, earning the biggest opening weekend of any Superman movie and standing as 2025’s top-grossing superhero film to date. Gunn has emphasized that the early digital release was a creative choice tied to the future of the DCU, including the upcoming Peacemaker projects.
The Legend of Zelda – The Complete Series
This DVD collects all 13 episodes of the “so bad its good” Legend of Zelda cartoon, which has about three hours and 41 minutes of Link and Princess Zelda defending Hyrule from Ganondorf. While it’s a barebones release with no extras and everything on a single disc, the nostalgic box art featuring classic character designs, combined with the new low price, makes it a fun piece of Zelda and cartoon history to own, even if it’s only on DVD.
The Fantom Drives VENOM8 2TB NVMe Gen 4 M.2 Internal SSD with heatsink is now available for $149.45 at Amazon, 24% off its typical $197.65 price. This PS5-ready upgrade delivers read speeds up to 7400MB/s and write speeds up to 6500MB/s, providing faster load times and smoother gameplay. It features 3D NAND TLC technology with DDR4 DRAM Cache along with TRIM support, SMART monitoring, and LDPC ECC for reliability. The aluminum magnesium alloy heatsink helps keep temperatures in check for consistent performance, and installation is quick and simple. With 2TB of storage capacity, enough for around 50 games, it is an excellent option for expanding your PS5 library.
MTG: Spider-Man Play Booster Box Back In Stock
I’m expecting this MTG Universes Beyond expansion to web zip off shelves when it drops at the end of Feburary, so if you see a preorder like I have, just secure it.
The money won’t be taken from your bank until it ships either, so it’s a no brainer. I’ve also included the listings for the rest of the set from TCGPlayer incase you needed a massive ripping session.
McFarlane Marvel and DC Sale
Plenty of awesome figures to choose from here for more than 50% off in most cases. I absolutley love the comic front cover diorama ones, fantastic display pieces and belong on everyone’s show-off shelf for these kinds of prices.
In a revelation that shouldn’t suprise anyone at the moment, TCGPlayer is cheaper than Amazons instock products. Black Bolt Binder Box is an embarassing example of big box retailers ripping off their customers with Pokémon TCG right now.
It’s currently $68.49 on Amazon, where as TCGPlayer (A secondary market that should be more expensive) is $51.75. That’s over 28% cheaper, and there’s even more savings for those who want to rip open packs.
Most Expensive Pokémon Cards from Japan’s Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia
Japan’s Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia Pokémon TCG sets have quickly gained popularity with collectors and competitive players alike, thanks to their focus on iconic Mega Evolutions, powerful Supporter cards, and premium artwork. High-value chase cards like Mega Gardevoir ex 092/063 and Mega Lucario ex 092/063 are priced at $664 and $444 respectively, while many others remain above the $100 mark.
These sets combine strong gameplay mechanics such as Psychic energy acceleration and hard-hitting Fighting-type attacks with visually stunning Special and Ultra Rare treatments that elevate their appeal. Booster boxes and Premium Trainer Boxes are available on TCGPlayer and include guaranteed rare pulls due to Japanese packaging rules. While the most expensive cards draw attention, more affordable options like Lillie’s Determination 086/063, Mega Kangaskhan ex SAR, and Mega Absol ex SAR offer great value with solid gameplay and collector-friendly art, making these sets a standout release for fans looking for both playability and display-worthy cards.
This Week’s Pokemon Crashers and Climbers
Special Illustration Rares from Temporal Forces have cooled from their spring highs, with Raging Bolt ex, Iron Crown ex, and Walking Wake ex falling 11%, 13%, and 20% respectively due to limited competitive use and shifting collector focus.
In Twilight Masquerade, Supporter cards Perrin and Carmine have also dipped 11% each, but several other singles are trending upward as player experimentation and collector interest grow.
We’re not just talk about bricks here, we’ve even got a cracking deal for a physical copy of LEGO Horizon Adventures on PS5 for $21.99, a massive 63% off. Sick of buying your better half flowers and them dying quick? Just make some out of LEGO Botanicals instead thanks to some big savings on Amazon. Even Harry Potter has rocked up with some deals
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection Nintendo Switch
The Yu-Gi-Oh Early Days Collection for Nintendo Switch is currently available for $19.99 at Amazon, which is 60% off the original $49.99 list price and matches the lowest price seen during Prime Day. This bundle includes 14 classic Yu-Gi-Oh games, many released in the West for the first time, along with a collectible Harpie’s Feather Duster card in a special Quarter Century Secret Rare printing. Titles range from early Game Boy releases like Duel Monsters and Dark Duel Stories to Game Boy Advance favorites such as The Sacred Cards and Reshef of Destruction. The included card, offered in one of two variants, is part of the franchise’s 25th anniversary celebration and could hold significant value for collectors.
INIU Portable Charger
INIU Portable Charger 10000mAh is now available for $19.79 at Amazon, 10% off its typical $21.99 price. This slim and lightweight power bank delivers 22.5W fast charging with PD 3.0 and QC4+ technology, capable of charging an iPhone from 0 to 65% in just 30 minutes. It features a USB-C input and output for compatibility with the latest iPhones, iPads, Samsung devices, and other USB-C gadgets, along with a digital display, flashlight, and trickle-charging mode for smaller devices like AirPods. The 10000mAh capacity can provide up to 3.3 charges for an iPhone 8 or 2 full charges for a Samsung S8, making it a reliable and portable charging solution for travel or everyday use.
A Nightmare on Elm Street: 7-Film Collection
The A Nightmare on Elm Street: 7-Film Collection is now available for $99.95 at Amazon, 5% off the list price of $104.98. This set marks the first time all seven films in the iconic horror series have been released in 4K Ultra HD, and it also includes digital copies for each movie. Directed by Wes Craven and starring Robert Englund as the infamous Freddy Krueger, the collection delivers the complete nightmare experience in the highest quality yet for longtime fans and new viewers alike.
HOTO 25 in 1 Precision Electric Screwdriver Set
HOTO 25 in 1 Precision Electric Screwdriver Set bundled with the 28 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set is available for $59.98 at Amazon, a 36% discount off the $93.98 list price and $15.99 less than buying separately. This high-end kit features a sleek aluminum alloy design with an anodized, anti-sweat, and anti-corrosion finish, along with durable PC+ABS components. The electric screwdriver includes 25 precision S2 steel bits across 10 types for repairing electronics such as laptops, tablets, cameras, and game consoles, while the manual set adds 28 bits for even broader coverage. Both sets come with a built-in magnetizer for quick bit magnetization and precision torque control, making them suitable for both professionals and hobbyists.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Open-world action RPG The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin released a new trailer as part of gamescom’s Opening Night Live on Tuesday and also announced that sign-ups are open now for an upcoming closed beta test.
Presented by Netmarble, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin tells an original story set in Britannia, the same world as the globally popular The Seven Deadly Sins anime and manga series. The art style is also inspired by those series, and the game’s multiverse narrative will transcend timelines and dimensions to combine brand-new characters with established heroes from throughout the series.
The latest trailer continues a trend of releasing new footage at major game shows this year. Two new trailers released back-to-back at Summer Game Fest and the Future Games Show in June, and now the gamescom trailer (which you can watch above) shows some brand-new footage and gives us a look at combat and exploration. The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin is also scheduled to be showcased at Tokyo Game Show in September, and its presence at all these major game shows is steadily building momentum and anticipation of a release later this year.
Narrated by the Japanese voice actor of Meliodas, one of the series’ lead characters, the new trailer begins by giving us a glimpse of its vast open world from atop a cliff. We then see a series of short clips of characters that fans of the series will recognize before transitioning to exploration of the world.
There’s fishing and then the main character Tristan inserts blocks into a small monument and is rewarded with the appearance of a treasure chest. So it seems like the open world will have scattered environmental puzzles to solve and earn rewards.
After that, there’s a look at traversal methods. A character jumps onto a spinning flower and rides its updraft of wind into the air before summoning a flying mount, and then we see the full party exploring a desert region on the backs of other flying mounts. So you won’t have to hoof it across Britannia all the time; that’s a relief.
The rest of the trailer is essentially a supercut of several different characters in flashy, fast-paced combat against some wild-looking enemies. The combat showcase includes switching between characters to combo their attacks together, along with multiple different elements being used — lightning, fire, and ice all make an appearance. The trailer ends with 10 characters running toward the horizon together, giving us a taste of the large cast that will be available.
Alongside the trailer, Netmarble announced that they’re now accepting sign-ups for an upcoming closed beta test that will give fans a preview of gameplay mechanics, character interactions, and environments.
You can sign up on the game’s official website, and everyone is eligible. There are no location-based restrictions. All you need to do is submit your email address and fill out a short survey. Additional details about the closed beta test will be revealed at a later date.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin is scheduled to release simultaneously worldwide later this year on PlayStation 5, Steam, and mobile. You can add it to your wishlist on Steam or the PlayStation Store now and get the latest news and updates as soon as they’re available to keep you informed about the game’s progress.
You can pre-register for the game using your email by visiting the official website, where you can also find more details about the game’s world, characters, and story. Mobile pre-registration on the App Store and Google Play will be available later. If you’d like to join the game’s community, you can follow the official Twitter, Discord, YouTube, and Facebook pages.
The thunder of bolters repelling an Ork incursion and the distinctive red and white ceramite armor of the Blood Ravens bring me right back to the moment the trailer for the original Dawn of War made me an instant Warhammer 40K fan more than 20 years ago. And it’s that first game in the series that serves as the jumping off point for the upcoming Dawn of War 4. A lot has changed, but a lot remains the same, bringing bigger battles and snazzier graphics to a classic take-and-hold RTS that is equal parts spectacle and tactics. I played through the 1-2 hour demo a few times and it felt like Dark Crusade never left.
The last we heard of this franchise was in 2018 when Relic ended support for the divisive Dawn of War 3, and this next chapter is deploying under different masters. King Art Games, the developer of the alt-history dieselpunk RTS Iron Harvest, has taken up the banner, and I can definitely see a throughline between the big, stompy robots in that game and the classic dreadnoughts and titans in this one. King Art has also elevated the cinematic carnage by adding a synced animation melee system that can simulate a scrape between any two of its many dozens of units.
Like the recent editions of the tabletop game on which it’s based, Dawn of War 4 has jumped 200 years deeper into the 41st Millennium, after the Eye of Terror opened and split the Imperium of Man apart. The Blood Ravens are a scattered and beleaguered chapter trying to put themselves back together, serving as one of the four… and a half playable factions. Their roster reflects the newest Space Marines codex, with Primaris Intercessors and Bladeguard Veterans leading the charge. Older, tracked mainstays like the Rhino and Predator have been swapped for the higher-tech repulsor vehicles. But some classic favorites like the Dreadnought and Terminators have stuck around.
Dawn of War 4 has jumped 200 years deeper into the 41st Millennium, after the Eye of Terror opened and split the Imperium of Man apart.
Space Marines focus on small, elite squads that are expensive to build and reinforce, but outshine most of their opponents pound-for-pound. Their buildings are large and expensive, with defensive structures being fully automated rather than manned. In fact, they barely pay attention to cover at all, which was an adjustment from having replayed Dawn of War 2 fairly recently. They do have a lot of tactical flexibility though, with most infantry squads being trained into a pool of strategic reserves that can be deployed by drop pod to anywhere you have vision. The drop pods are even armed, and will stay on the map as a light defensive turret until destroyed.
ENEMIES OF THE IMPERIUM
The other ubiquitous Dawn of War race from that very first trailer, the Orks, are the second faction, and the primary enemies in the demo I played. They have much more of a horde style of combat, though with a few units like the Meganobz in their petroleum-fueled power armor that can go toe-to-toe with a space marine. Their buildings are cheap, and all of them have some kind of little guy with a machine gun on them, so vomiting production structures across the map is also how you create defensive positions. The animations are especially thematic and entertaining, as it really looks like a giant heap of scrap that was chucked unceremoniously through the atmosphere.
The Orks also, of course, get a WAAAGH! mechanic that lets them earn powerful deployable stratagems for causing all sorts of havoc.
Just as I was coming to grips with the Orks, though, one of my control points was taken by surprise by the other hostile race, the terminator-like Necrons. Hinted at in the epilogue of Dawn of War 3 but never fully materializing, they make a dramatic return with the monolith super unit that can warp in new squads to its location. For balance reasons, Necrons can’t simply get right back up when killed like they can in the tabletop game. But they do get a special building called the Resurrection Chamber that can respawn a certain number of destroyed squads for free.
They play the most differently from the other factions in that they aren’t especially concerned with the requisition and power capture points dotted around the map. Rather, their economy relies on spreading their matrix – like an eerie, cybernetic form of zerg creep from Starcraft – that grants bonuses to their units when fighting on it and provides them with resources the more of the map is covered in it.
STALWART ALLIES
Having barely fought off the Necron incursion and getting pushed back hard by the Orks due to my divided attention, who would arrive at the crucial moment to join the Blood Ravens in turning the tide of battle? Would you believe it’s a faction completely new to the Dawn of War series? The final of the four fully-playable multiplayer factions is the Adeptus Mechanicus, with their swarms of cyborg servitors and impressive, well-kept war machines.
The AdMech have a unique ability to see enemy contacts as blobs of color relative to their size and power on the minimap, even in the fog of war, so it’s almost impossible to surprise them. Their buildings are also networked, providing them with powerful boosts to production for being in range of a network node, which can make them vulnerable to surgical strikes severing the connection. Their super unit is the titanic Imperial Knight, which really shows off Dawn of War 4’s scale next to the puny units it’s stomping over.
The Imperial Guard were present on the mission I played as AI-controlled allies, although with a limited roster of units. They will also be playable in the tutorial mission of the campaign, but not in multiplayer. Not yet, at least.
I did say four and a half factions, though. The Imperial Guard were present on the mission I played as AI-controlled allies, although with a limited roster of units. They will also be playable in the tutorial mission of the campaign, but not in multiplayer. Not yet, at least.
The other four factions will each have their own campaigns with branching story paths, taking us back to the planet Kronus from the Dawn of War: Dark Crusade expansion. The story features more than 40 minutes of CGI cutscenes across all factions, and was written by prolific Black Library author John French, author of the recent Ahriman novels among others.
Dawn of War 4 will also bring back the popular Last Stand mode from Dawn of War 2, though in a way that was described to me as less hero-centric and “less MOBA-like,” focusing more on the classic RTS mechanics like Dawn of War 1. Co-op is also on the slate, and there was a conspicuously greyed-out “Painter” option on the main menu. The devs weren’t ready to talk about this one yet, but told me their goal was to include everything the previous Dawn of War games had in terms of customization and then add a bit more.
I certainly wasn’t expecting a new Dawn of War any time soon, much less from a studio other than Relic. But from the bit of it I’ve played, it seems like King Art Games understands the assignment. As a Dawn of War 2 fan, I miss the emphasis on cover and move-and-fire tactics. But Dawn of War 4 has nevertheless made a big first impression. I can hardly wait to get dug in next year.
Developer Positive Concept Games and game management platform indie.io announced at gamescom Wednesday that 16-bit action RPG Shrine’s Legacy will release October 7 on Steam.
If you’re not already familiar with Shrine’s Legacy, it’s inspired by classic RPGs of the SNES era and blends that retro look with more modern real-time combat and puzzle solving. The story takes place in a land called Ardemia, a magical world threatened by a returning evil. It can only be saved by uniting the Sword of the Shrine and the eight elements of magic scattered across the world.
You play as two young heroes, Rio and Reima. Rio is heir to the Sword and a descendant of the last hero to banish the ancient evil, while Reima is a mage who’s been desperately seeking the Sword. The two are brought together by the rise of this evil and will go on a journey to find the eight elements before it’s too late.
That journey will take you across an expansive world full of dungeons to explore, puzzles to solve, and secrets to discover. Investigate its nooks and crannies to find crafting materials and magical jewels, and face down treasure-guarding bosses to earn stat-increasing items and learn powerful spells.
This is a character-focused tale, one that will force its two heroes to deal with pain, tragedy, and loss. Vanquishing an ancient evil isn’t possible without sacrifice, and we won’t go into spoilers here, but you’ll find out just how much Rio and Reima are willing to lose to successfully complete their quest.
You can play all of Shrine’s Legacy either solo or in two-player co-op. As you could probably guess from their descriptions, Rio is a melee fighter and Reima is a ranged magic user. If you play solo, you can swap between them at any time, with AI controlling whichever character you’re not actively playing. For co-op, you can go the old-fashioned way and play with a friend on the couch or pair up online via Steam Remote Play Together or Parsec. Either way, there’s full controller support and customizable keyboard controls.
If you want to try Shrine’s Legacy for yourself, there’s a free demo available on Steam now. It contains about two hours of the game’s story, including two dungeons, two towns, and multiple bosses. Just like the full game, the demo can also be played solo or in co-op. If you want to stay up to date with the latest news and previews, you can also follow the game and developer on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
The only game IGN has awarded a 10 in 2025 has been discounted only a few weeks after it launched on Nintendo Switch 2. Donkey Kong Bananza is down to $62.99 at Amazon right now, $7 off its original list price, and a 10% saving for those counting.
$7 savings isn’t much, all things considered, but it’s still a tidy discount for anyone who was holding off until the game got cheaper after shelling out big for that shiny new Switch 2.
Plus, it’s mighty rare for Nintendo games to get any kind of discount so soon after release, so we shall take what we can get!
As far as I’m aware, Costco had this discount first for members, but it seems like sites like Amazon and Best Buy might finally be getting around to price matching.
Should I Wait For Black Friday Before Buying?
Maybe? Donkey Kong Bananza has received what can only be described as a super duper rare discount sale offer. 10% off isn’t game changing, but it is a nice saving for those who aren’t just yet ready to pay $70 for a video game.
Black Fridaymight offer better deals, but at this stage, it’s incredibly hard to tell how Nintendo will bestoy its gifts of discounts this year (if there even are any, with major price rises potentially even looming as well).
My advice? Go with your gut. If you want to gift yourself the truely valuable (but not actual currency) gift of time, and end your summer playing one of the best games of the year, then go for it! If $63 is still a little too pricey for you, hold off and stick with us on IGN as we cross our fingers and hope the game gets another discount a few of months down the line, and near the close of 2025.
Robert Anderson is Senior Commerce Editor and IGN’s resident deals expert on games, collectibles, trading card games, and more. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
I finally played Hollow Knight: Silksong. No, I don’t mean to brag, but instead find myself having to type it out just to convince my eyes that it actually happened. Yes, it may have only been for around 20 minutes, but the long-awaited sequel shows little sign of disappointing.
During my demo at gamescom 2025, I was faced with a choice of two areas to play in: Moss Grotto or Deep Docks. Of course, I was going to try both, but first went for Moss Grotto — based on nothing apart from green being my favourite colour — which turned out to be the right decision. This sunlit grassy zone appears to be the very beginning of Silksong, as I fell into it following a brief cutscene in which a caged Hornet (the playable princess-protector protagonist) breaks free from the metal wagon she’s held captive in by collapsing the bridge it’s being paraded on. Developer Team Cherry seems keen on immersing us straight back into the world of Hollow Knight right from the very beginning, teasing lore via a passage of Conductor Romino’s Pharloom Folly.
As for Moss Grotto itself, it felt very much like a (re)introduction to the core mechanics of Hollow Knight. A mixture of rudimentary platforming and simple battles was littered across its grassy floors in a short but sweet section of Silksong’s presumably sprawling labyrinth of a world. It all ended with a boss fight against a large queen-bee-like insect that attempted to lock me in her lair. Moss Mother gave me little boss bother, though, dispatching them by unlocking that long-dormant Hollow Knight muscle memory as I leapt over darting diagonal attacks and evaded crumbling rocks falling from the sky. It was action platforming 101, but still felt incredibly satisfying.
I then swiftly moved onto Deep Docks, which turned out to be an entirely different proposition. Tools such as kunai, which can be thrown horizontally to pierce foes, were added to my arsenal, along with skills such as a familiar dash ability. Things naturally get more complex with more items to juggle, t, which is reflected in Deep Docks’ level design that comprises a maze of clanking metal elevators and the numerous semi-hidden levers that operate them. I may have only spent a handful of minutes there, but I could already see myself getting hopelessly lost without the aid of one of Cornifer’s ever-valuable maps.
Discovering the secrets of Hollow Knight’s world was maybe the purest of its joys to me; I wouldn’t want Silksong to feel like running into a brick wall too often.
Upon unlocking a boss arena, I was confronted by an enemy of far greater threat than any I had encountered yet. Lace, a balletic white insect, not too dissimilar in look to Hornet herself, dazzled me with intricate combos delivered at a speed my poor brain could not compute quickly enough. Defeated, I moved on, knowing this would be a battle for another day and not one I particularly wanted the dozens of people waiting in the queue behind to witness me losing again and again.
While it’s too early to gauge the overall difficulty of Silksong, the jump up in this later area was noticeable, with enemies capable of far more than simple prods and darts. I usually welcome added complexity and evolution of combat when it comes to sequels, so I have no great issue here. I just hope that in totality, fights won’t become too tiresome with exploration and progress being halted too often. Discovering the secrets of Hollow Knight’s world was maybe the purest of its joys to me; I wouldn’t want Silksong to feel like running into a brick wall too often.
There are concessions to make you feel more powerful compared to the original, though. Health regain is now divorced from skills, meaning you can throw those kunai liberally without having to sacrifice a potential life-saving heal. Attack is still the best form of defense, echoing some of my favourite systems from the likes of Control, Doom Eternal, and, of course, the original Hollow Knight. This is emphasised by the fact that you can only trigger health regen when your silk-white bar is full, encouraging even more offensive maneuvers to build that up quickly. Dodging will only get you so far in Hollow Knight Silksong.
All of these tweaks and changes tie together to create a more aggressive minibeast, and, although I certainly have a soft spot for the original Hollow Knight, I’m finding myself instantly drawn to Silksong more. 2018’s game often placed you on the back foot, but here I felt instantly more empowered and ready to go toe-to-toe with my aggressors. As someone who traditionally enjoys the push of faster-paced action games as opposed to the pull of more modern examples of the genre (I’m really trying my hardest not to use the term soulslike here), I’m left encouraged. Creature design is still one of the highlights in the sequel, with the borderline adorable adversaries almost being too cute to stab. At one stage, I got locked in a room with some flying nuisances with pots over their heads who lobbed molten rocks at me, as well as a pudgy little round lad with a saucepan for a shield. I almost felt bad killing them.
But in truth, combat was never the highlight of Hollow Knight for me anyway, but rather the layers of exploration and discovery lurking beneath each of its beautifully crafted environments. And while I’ve barely scratched the surface of what secrets Silksong has stored in this regard, initial impressions promise a similar bounty of nooks and crannies packed full of insect friends and foes. Platforming through these mazes is still a joy; a delicately delightful balance between precision and floaty jumping that tests your skills, that crucially never feels unfair when dropping into a gap unwillingly. The addition of mantling in the sequel helps this massively, with edges freely within grasp even when slight misjudgments are made.
I was instantly taken by how much more colourful the environments are this time around. Cinders dance around caves dripping with lava and glowing green moss dresses earthy overhangs, themselves floating precariously above pools of glistening water. Hornet’s red cape billows against the painted backdrops, both acting in harmony to form the sort of Saturday morning cartoon look you’d expect if one were to hang in the Louvre. Hornet also feels bigger on the screen, dominating the frame to a greater degree than her meeker-yet-still-mighty forebearer. That visual design feels like a deliberate choice, one aimed at creating more of a power trip sensation this time around. It’s these ideas — from revamped combat design to its repainted world – that appear to be acting in concert to a magical degree, and impressive proof, even in this small dose, of what Team Cherry has been brewing.
Yes, we’ve been waiting many, many years for this sequel, but everything at this stage points to it being worth it. Each aspect feels authored and prescribed to a clear vision — a piece of playable art that is as fun to wield as it is to watch (I should know, the gamescom queue was very long). It may have been the shortest of demos, but so far, Silksong is very much singing to me, maybe even more than the original.
Simon Cardy is a Senior Editor at IGN who can mainly be found skulking around open world games, indulging in Korean cinema, or despairing at the state of Tottenham Hotspur and the New York Jets. Follow him on Bluesky at @cardy.bsky.social.
Since 2017’s Resident Evil 7, a regular staple of Capcom’s horror series has been the inclusion of an enemy that stalks you. Jack Baker burst through a wall and into our hearts, the world fell in love with Mr. X, and Lady Dimitrescu provoked *cough* her own kind of online adoration. Resident Evil Requiem appears to be keeping up this tradition with its own take on the hulking, relentless pursuer. And so far, from my small 20-minute sample at gamescom 2025, it feels like Capcom has created a new, lumbering foe that more than lives up to the mantle of a Resident Evil stalker.
The short demo takes place at the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center and stars our latest protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, who creeps through the dimly lit and suitably spooky setting armed only with a lighter and glass bottles. While I expect combat will be part of the full game, there are no firearms to be seen in this demo, so there’s an inherent emphasis on caution while creeping around the clinic’s handful of rooms and a single long connecting hallway. If you think that sounds like an incredibly small location to explore, then you’d be right. My sample of Requiem lacked any real kind of exploration and was largely a task of collecting item A to open item B, which allows you to get item C and so forth. All sounds simple enough, right? Well, in classic survival horror fashion, your uneasy confidence is quickly jump-scared out of existence upon the arrival of the as-yet-unamed stalker enemy.
After Grace discovers a lifeless zombie (or “infected,” in her words), a hulking claw lurches into frame to manhandle the corpse. The camera lifts just as the creature plunges its teeth into the zombie’s skull, both demonstrating the beast’s sheer mass and how it has little consideration for the series’ iconic fodder. This new stalker is Lady D tall, with the frame of Resident Evil’s Lisa Trevor, and the vice-like jaw of a Wendigo. She has bulbous eyes, claws for hands, and a hunched posture. Once unleashed, this stalker – like its recent relatives – is persistent, promptly reacting to the sounds, sights, and smells of Grace. And like her Xenomorph stalker cousin from Alien: Isolation, this monstrosity can and will travel above you through the ceiling space, dropping down as quickly as it can scarper up. Basically, she’s relentless and can easily out-manouvre you.
Fortunately, there are a few tools in Grace’s arsenal that can help you survive, the first being the aforementioned glass bottle. As you might expect, they are primarily used as a distraction tool, drawing the stalker’s attention to the other end of the hallway and buying you time to slip past. It can also, in theory, be used as a weapon, although I’m not sure I’d recommend it – as with most stalking enemies, you can’t damage or kill Grace’s pursuer.
Creep as much as you wish, but your pursuer is always hot on your heels, no matter how carefully you tread.
Perhaps Grace’s most valuable weapon though, as you might have gathered by now, is sneaking. While crouching, you are afforded some moments of mercy, as you take advantage of whatever small pockets of space you can find, be that under tables or behind corners. It’s a useful skill, particularly in the Nurse’s Station room when drawing the attention of the beast is inevitable due to a scripted sequence. It does, however, only buy you a moment to slip by, and even when you reach a safer spot, flicking open your lighter to illuminate the darkness will draw the stalker’s attention back to you. Creep as much as you wish, but your pursuer is always hot on your heels, no matter how carefully you tread.
Interestingly, this new enemy type does have an Achilles heel, though: Light. Or, more specifically, the bright white light of a room’s ceiling lamp (the lighter’s tiny flame didn’t appear to make any difference). When chasing Grace into a well-lit room, the monster’s skin visibly burns, causing her to scream and retreat. Not only does this put some of the power back into your hands, but it’s also a nice interpretation of Resident Evil’s safe room rules. If you’ve ever seen Mr. X’s bizarre backpedalling when he’s confronted with a safe room, you’ll know this change is a welcome one, adding some well overdue logic to the classic gameplay trope that magically blocks the stalker from entering your safe haven.
While there was neither much space nor opportunity to explore, thanks to the small environment and constant presence of the terrifying stalker, what little exploring I did do felt – perhaps to no surprise – very familiar. Like Resident Evil 7, Village, and the series in general, you’re managing inventory slots, examining items, finding strange keys to unlock strange doors, and fitting fuses into circuit breakers. It’s all very traditional and fans of the series will feel completely at home. The first-person perspective of the more recent mainline games also remains, and at the suggestion of both the developers and myself, it’s the optimal way to play a horror sequence like this one. However, following in line with the upgrade Capcom provided Resident Evil Village, you can also play Resident Evil Requiem from the classic third-person perspective. Your choice of camera can be changed on the fly in the menu anytime you wish, allowing you to freely switch and create a different atmosphere. It’s an interesting choice for a non-remake Resident Evil game, and certainly doesn’t feel like an afterthought, even if it may cynically appear to be at first. In a way that perhaps only a triple-A budget game can, both viewpoints are extremely well-designed, with moments tailored for each experience to maximise the player’s fear.
In first-person, the stalker looms larger and feels significantly more imposing, the restricted field of vision allowing for scripted scares to have more impact. During the demo, you’re forced to make noise by moving a cart across the room to create a step to reach your next item of importance. With the more focused first-person viewpoint, mid-action, you’re treated to a giant, claw-shaped signifier of the beast’s impending arrival scraping past the window. It’s a panic inducing moment, and one that loses its power when your hyper-specific point of view is opened up by a wide, third-person camera.
It’s clear that Capcom is aware of this, though, and has made an effort to maintain scares despite your preference. In this short gameplay slice, that ethos was perfectly demonstrated. In first-person, just after the stalker’s introduction, you simply turn around to smoothly run down the hallway as fast as you can, leaving the stalker in your wake – it’s only the sounds of her shambling that follow you that remind you of the danger. In third-person, however, perspective-specific animations have Grace stumble and fall, ratcheting up the tension to make up for the reduced level of threat produced by the wider, vision-granting perspective.
It’s a lovely touch, and something I hope to see a ton more of in the full game – hopefully providing ample amounts of horror despite your perspective preference. My short playtime was such a small sample size of Resident Evil Requiem that it’s very hard at this early stage to know where the ninth entry in the mainline series will fit in comparison to its predecessors. And that’s assuming that the scenario in this demo will even feature in the full game at all – there’s the possibility of this being a bespoke demo, something Capcom has prior experience in with Resident Evil 7’s “Beginning Hour” demo. But even if this is just a tonal example, it’s very hard to not be excited for what horrors Resident Evil Requiem has in store for us when this unstoppable beast arrives early next year.
Dale Driver is an Associate Director of Video Programming at IGN. Be thoroughly bored by following him on Bluesky at @daledriver.bsky.social
