Pokémon has just announced an all new Mega Pokémon species set to debut in the upcoming Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 game Pokémon Legends Z-A.
In a video debuted today, fans got a first look at Mega Victreebell, a more bulbous version of the pitcher plant Pokémon.
This new spooky trailer sees the game’s heroes investigate a sweet smell in a creepy building after dark. After various jump scares (Espurr! A Clefairy doll!) we finally see the new Mega species.
Pokémon Legends Z-A features a long-awaited return to the Kalos region, home to the series’ popular Mega Evolution mechanic. A previous trailer announced Mega Dragonite, the franchise’s first new Mega Pokémon in over a decade.
While not confirmed, Legends Z-A expected to feature several dozen new Mega Pokémon designs, as well as familiar Mega Pokémon such as Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Absol, and Mega Charizard X.
As for the game’s main story, it involves the seemingly-spontaneous Mega Evolution of local wild Pokémon, dubbed Rogue Mega Pokémon. You’ll need to utilise your own Mega Pokémon to take them down, and you can also bring in help from one of your allies to battle alongside you.
“Overall, Legends: Z-A didn’t feel like a full action game to me,” IGN wrote in our first hands-on impressions of Pokémon Legends Z-A’s battle systems, “but kind of more like an MMO, with its casting times, cooldowns, and behind-the-scenes math happening. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I do hope Legends: Z-A gets challenging enough to make me more intentionally dish out commands and think about switching Pokémon at just the right moment.”
Pokémon Legends Z-A arrives for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on October 16.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Fans believe they’ve worked out the setting of Forza Horizon 6, based on a teasing social media post from a car import company connected to the game.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, vehicle import firm Cult and Classic shared an image purporting to show a Forza Horizon staff member digitally scanning a car made by Japanese manufacturer Kei for use in the series’ next game.
The post went on to state that the staff member had travelled to its premises in Australia to scan a series of Kei models, which are unusual to find outside of Japan. And it’s because of this (as well as the post’s subsequent removal) that fans now believe Japan is Forza Horizon 6’s setting.
“Exciting news!” the post read. “We have Cody here, from @forzahorizonofficial, shooting cars for the next installation in the series. As there are no late-model Kei cars in America, he has flown out from the states to use our cars as the basis for their digital versions.
“We are HUGE gamers here at Cult and Classic, and it is an honor to be supporting Forza and making Kei cards accessible virtually for people who can’t have them IRL.”
An Australian car importeur might have leaked Japan as the next ‘Forza Horizon’ setting.
Japan has ranked highly among the most-requested locations for Forza Horizon 6, following previous series entries set in Australia, Mexico and the UK. Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently confirmed that the next Forza game would arrive in 2026, and this is widely expected to be a new Forza Horizon game.
In fact, the set will be standard legal for quite a while yet, but given its incredible popularity, some products are unlikely to see reprints.
Chief among them are Collector Boosters and Collector Editions of Commander Decks, which are sold out, but are selling at a mighty high markup on the secondary market right now.
Final Fantasy Collector Boosters
Collector Boosters offer 15 cards, including 5–6 cards of rarity Rare or higher and 3 – 6 Uncommon, 3 – 5 Common, and 1 Full-Art Land card, with a total of 8 – 12 Traditional Foil cards and 0 – 3 cards with a special foil treatment.
While Play Boosters are likely to be reprinted regularly, Collector Booster packs are going for as much as $149.99 – for fifteen cards, where as booster displays are rocking up to $1400 right now as well.
It’s worth stressing that these don’t offer any additional cards you won’t find in the standard versions, but give every single card a foil treatment. The price for that privelege is $159.99 and up, with the Final Fantasy 7 deck closer to $500 (blimey).
Final Fantasy: Affordable But Awesome Cards
Believe it or not, you don’t have to sell your house to buy Magic cards. There are a whole host of more affordable, but still awesome, cards you can find on the secondary market for a few dollars each.
Even some of the full-art, borderless cards are available if you know what to look for, and we’ve got a handy list.
Bonus Deal: Final Fantasy Commander Decks Just Dropped In Price Again
After weeks of being upwards of $70 each (with the exception of Final Fantasy 6’s Revival Trance, which has always hovered close to MSRP), you can now buy a bundle of all four decks for $200 (or $199.99, to be precise).
That’s less than $50 a deck, despite three out of four costing more than that when bought separately. In fact, Final Fantasy 7’s Limit Break is STILL $72.50 at Amazon.
Lloyd Coombes is an experienced freelancer in tech, gaming and fitness seen at Polygon, Eurogamer, Macworld, TechRadar and many more. He’s a big fan of Magic: The Gathering and other collectible card games, much to his wife’s dismay.
gamescom 2025 is fully underway and there have already been a ton of huge reveals that have given a glimpse at the future of video games. We’ve already had Opening Night Live and a full day of previews and interviews and news, and we’ve decided to gather all the biggest moments right here to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
So, check out everything below and continue to check back throughout gamescom to see what other surprises have been revealed.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 New Trailer Reveals Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies Details, Release Date, and Much More
The story of Black Ops 7 takes place in 2035 and is a follow-up to both Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 6. The campaign supports solo play of up to four-player co-op, with global progression for the first time for the franchise.
How Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s Campaign Weaponizes Fear
We talk to Call of Duty developers Miles Leslie and Natalie Pohorski at gamescom 2025 to find out how Black Ops 7’s co-op campaign takes cues from the Batman Arkham games by using fear toxin as the basis of the weirdest COD missions we’ve seen yet.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Shows Up at Gamescom: Opening Night Live With Almost 30 Seconds of New Gameplay, as a Treat
While we still don’t have a release date, Hollow Knight: Silksong showed up in a big way during ONL with a confirmation it will be out in 2025 and with almost 30 seconds of new gameplay. We also won’t have to wait long to learn more about this much-anticipated game as there will be a “special announcement” taking place this Thursday, August 22.
“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),” IGN’s Simon Cardy wrote. “It may have been the shortest of demos, but so far, Silksong is very much singing to me, maybe even more than the original.”
“The maximalism of Kirby Air Riders is its core charm; it feels brewed from impish, chaotic-neutral alchemy,” our previewer, Leanne Butkovic, said. “Even Nintendo is calling this a “vehicle action game,” not a kart racer, which honestly seems apt – a silly genre distinction for a purposefully unserious game. It might not have been the sequel the people were clamoring for, but I’m glad that it exists.”
Resident Evil Requiem Hands-On Preview
IGN’s Dale Driver had a chance to play a 20-minute demo of Resident Evil Requiem, and one of the biggest things we took away from playing the game is that a new, unstoppable stalker could be the scariest one yet.
Resident Evil: Requiem Trailer Shows Fresh Look at Grace Ashcroft’s Backstory, But Where’s Leon?
Resident Evil: Requiem showed up in a big way at ONL with a new story and gameplay trailer that dives deep into our protagonist, Grace Ashcroft. However, we are still waiting for Leon S. Kennedy, where is he?!
Resident Evil Requiem Takes Stalkers to the Next Terrifying Level
The latest stalker in the Resident Evil series takes the chase to the next level, hunting Grace Ashcroft throughout the hallways of the small but impactful Resident Evil Requiem demo. IGN’s Matt Purslow and Dale Driver got to go hands-on with the game and discuss their initial impressions of the latest Resident Evil game coming out in 2026.
Pragmata Aims to Break the Rules of Third-Person Shooters
Pragmata was playable at gamescom, and we said that, “while it produces a combat experience quite different to anything I’ve played before, I’m left wondering if that same level of ingenuity will be felt in Pragmata’s exploration and level design, too.”
Pragmata Rethinks Shooting but Is That a Good Thing?
Capcom’s Pragmata has a new system for shooting mechanics, asking you to do a hacking mini-game before each enemy encounter. It’s a fresh take, but is it a good thing? After playing the Pragmata demo at gamescom 2025, IGN’s Matt Purslow and Dale Driver have some mixed feelings, enjoying the innovation but with slight concerns that the process could wear thin over a full game.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword Skillfully Sharpens a PS2 Classic for a New Generation
Onimusha: Way of the Sword brings back the franchise for the first time since the PS2 days, and we walked away from playing this new game in a very positive way.
“The gamescom demo may have been short – little more than some winding paths and a boss fight in a temple – but it’s more than enough to convince me that Onimusha: Way of the Sword is built on rock-solid swordplay fundamentals,” IGN’s Matt Purslow said.
Onimusha Could be as Sharp as Sekiro Without the Soulslike Difficulty
Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword a triumphant return for the long-dormant franchise? IGN’s Matt Purslow and Dale Driver got to play the demo at gamescom 2025 and share their thoughts about the supernatural samurai fighting demon combat and the inevitable Soulslike comparisons. How does Onimusha compare to the obvious Ghost of Tsushima and Sekiro comparisons? Let’s find out.
LEGO Voyagers Might Already Be My Favorite LEGO Game Ever
“Will LEGO Voyagers have some poignant moment waiting for players near the end like fellow dialogue-free physics puzzle platformers Limbo and Inside? That remains to be seen, but even if it doesn’t, it’s clear that Voyagers intends to make its memories along the journey if not the destination. But hopefully it’ll do so in both.”
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Announced, Featuring Open World Gotham
“Whether he’s the wrathful Dark Knight, the brilliant detective, or the unlikely father of the ‘Batfam,’ Batman has constantly evolved — shaped by the world around him while remaining a timeless symbol,” said Jim Lee, President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer, DC.
“This game brings together nearly every facet of his legacy, letting you experience the full range of what makes Batman iconic. Built with incredible care, creativity, and deep respect for the mythos,TT Games has crafted a love letter to the world of Batman.”
Microsoft Still Can’t Say How Much the ROG Xbox Ally X Will Cost Due to “Macro-Economic” Conditions, Despite Announcing Release Date and Availability Details
Speaking to IGN today at gamescom, Microsoft and Asus said the companies still needed “more time to figure out the macro-economic impact to pricing”. The statement comes amid a backdrop of frequently shifting market conditions, fuelled by ever-changing US tariffs.
Xbox Hardware Boss Says ‘Who Knows What the Future Entails’ Following Report Company Had Sidelined First-Party Handheld Plans
Amidst reports that Microsoft has sidelined first-party handheld plans with Asus’ ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X on the way, we chatted with Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s vice president of gaming devices & ecosystems, to see what we could find out.
“We’re just really excited about the partnership with Asus, we’ve found an ideal partner to bring their strengths with our strengths, and for us we’re really focused on just growing the category overall,” Ronald said.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Offers 2 Very Different RPG Playstyles
A team of former creatives behind The Witcher 3 are working on dark fantasy RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker, and our hands-off demo showed how the game is handling the parallel playstyles of human and vampire action.
Ghost of Yotei Trailer Confirms Free Legends Multiplayer DLC Coming in 2026
“Set against the backdrop of the classic Chinese folktale ‘Zhong Kui Banishing Evil,’ Black Myth: Zhong Kui is a single-player action role-playing game rooted in ancient Chinese fantasy,” GameScience said. —“The game will deliver distinctive experiences and gameplay features that push our limits, while also bringing fresh ideas and necessary changes to address past flaws and regrets.”
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is Xbox’s First Nintendo Switch 2 Game
Alongside a trailer for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s The Order of Giants DLC, it was also confirmed that the adventure will be released on Switch 2 in 2026. The Order of the Giants, on the other hand, will be released on September 4 and expands on the game’s Rome location and has Indy searching for the helmet of the Nameless Crusader.
Silent Hill f Gamescom Trailer Reveals Suzie Yeung as Hinako
Fallout Season 2 Trailer Reveals First-Look at a Deathclaw, Mr. House, and a Release Date
gamescom is about more than games, as it was the place where the debut trailer of Fallout Season 2 was revealed. The much-anticipated new season arrives on December 17 and will see Walton Goggins’ Ghoul and Ella Purnell’s Lucy finally getting to Vegas.
Fallout: Season 2 Trailer Ties The Ghoul’s Origin Story to Mr. House
Elden Ring on Switch 2 Is a Disaster in Handheld Mode
We played Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition in handheld mode on Switch 2 and came away very disappointed with the game’s performance, especially when in the open areas like Limgrave. Frame rate drops were significant when turning the camera whilst exploring outside of the tutorial area, and this, combined with a confusing button layout on Switch 2, made combat confusing and exploration fairly dispiriting. We weren’t allowed to record gameplay at the booth, probably due to this fact, but you can hear our thoughts on Elden Ring Switch 2 handheld gameplay in this video. Elden Ring Tarnished Edition releases in 2025, so hopefully there’s time for Bandai Namco to work on its performance.
Borderlands 4 Has The Weirdest Weapons You’ll Ever See
Harlowe is the latest exciting addition to Borderlands 4’s vault hunter line-up. Randy Pitchford, founder and president of Gearbox teases what we can expect from the Gravitar-class hero, plus he reveals more about some of areas to explore and billions (!) of gun combos there are to play around with.
How Ninja Gaiden 4 Continues Ryu’s Legacy in New Ways
Ninja Gaiden 4’s producer and director Yuji Nakao reveals why they shifted away from the much-loved character of Ryu to new face Yakumo, goes into detail about its combat upgrades, and discusses how Ninja Gaiden 4 will continue the challenge the series is best known for.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Legacy of the Forge DLC Trailer Reveals September Release Date and Henry’s New Home
“Returning to Kuttenberg, Henry puts his blacksmithing skills to the test to acquire and repair a legendary burnt-down forge, where his father, Martin, spent his youth as an apprentice,” an official description for the Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Legacy of the Forge DLC says. “Venturing down memory lane, Henry learns of his father’s legacy as a blacksmith, revealing a part of his life that has remained hidden until now. Gaining new blacksmith prestige, Henry becomes a forge master, helping the people of Kuttenberg with sword crafting, armor-smithing, and other quirky requests.”
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 Is Finally a Reality — but Its Developer May Surprise You
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 is real, but is not being developed by Relic Entertainment. Instead, it is in development at King Art Games, the studio behind Iron Harvest. In Dawn of War 4, which looks to return the RTS series to its roots, will have four facitons, “deeply satisfying gameplay,” and a “brutal, expanded Sync Kill system.”
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 – First Impressions From a Series Veteran
“I certainly wasn’t expecting a new Dawn of War any time soon, much less from a studio other than Relic,” IGN’s Leana Hafer wrote. “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.”
Lords of the Fallen 2 Gets Official Reveal Trailer, Still on Track for 2026
CI Games has given Lords of the Fallen 2 its big coming out party, and this 2026 sequel looks to to be shaped by community feedback after an inital rocky reception at launch of the original game. As for the gameplay, expect to explore two parallel worlds, an expanded Umbral realm, and shared campaign progression in online co-op.
21 Years After the Original, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Finally Has a Release Date
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 – We FINALLY Played It
We also had the chance to play Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, and we came out of our play session “cautiously optimistic.” We may not love the combat yet, but its a well-written and well-voiced mystery story that also lets me explore our urban hunting ground with cool movement abilities.
Project Spectrum Is Looking Extremely Weird and More Than a Little Creepy
We had the chance to play eight minutes of Project Spectrum, and our previewer, Travis Northup, said it “left me with as many questions as I got answers, with lots left unexplained about how exactly this weird idea will work, but it also showed signs of a fairly new take on the asymmetrical multiplayer genre that’s become one of my favorite pastimes in recent years.”
Where Winds Meet’s Open World Could Take You 150 Hours to Fully Explore
Brutal sword fights and mastering devastating combos are at the heart of Where Winds Meet, an open world ARPG in which the action is so relentless there’s barely time to soak up the gorgeous visuals. It’s also massive, as the development team behind the game reveals in this gameplay walkthrough.
Monkey Island’s Ron Gilbert Is Making a New Roguelike RPG Where the Scrolling Screen Is Trying to Kill You (Again)
Monkey Island’s Ron Gilbert is working on Death by Scrolling, a rouguelike RPG when players are pursued throught Purgatory by a constantly-scrollins screen and Death herself.
Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy 14 Collaborations Reveal New Content Coming This Fall
Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes Aims to Deliver an FTL-Like Roguelike
Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hope is basically a turn-based roguelike that’s giving us big FTL vibes with a wonderful layer of Battlestar Galactica on top of it. In this game, you are actually a junker who is trying to catch up with the Galactica in hopes to find safe haven and, hopefully one day, find Earth.
Bubsy 3D Is Getting a Sequel, Almost 30 Years Later
Bubsy, that talking orange bobcat mascot from the 90s, is returning for a brand-new adventure called Bubsy 4D, and it will be the first new entry in the franchise since 1996’s Bubsy 3D.
Denshattack! Might Be a Killer Blend of Tony Hawk and Jet Set Radio
If you love Tony Hawk and Jet Set Radio, you may want to keep an eye on Denshattack!, which has you riding a train instead of a skateboard or roller blades. In this game, you have to be the fastest train on the track by doing incredible tricks.
Valor Mortis Announced From the Developer of Ghostrunner
Ghostrunner developer One More Level is back with a new game called Valor Mortis, and it is a single-player, first-person soulslike that takes place in an alt-history Eastern Europe during a ficitonalized version of Napoleon’s invasion. Valor Mortis will be released in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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.
