It’ll soon be time for another season of Marvel Rivals, the super-duper Overwotlike and thirsty delivery vehicle for every variation of Marvel character known to the human mind. What’s coming in season three? Wesley Snipes and a bloody great burning bird lady. By which I mean, Blade and Phoenix. They’ll be matching wits with Hera, goddess of death, who has palled up with Knull, god of symbioties, aka the wriggly black pyjamas sported by Venom.
All of this may seem frightening and bizarre if you’re here because you accidentally hit auto-complete while googling “Marks & Spencers opening times”, so here’s a swift trailer to fill you in.
Bandai Namco has revealed a new pre-order trailer for Shadow Labyrinth on the Switch 2, confirming that the game will run at 4K/60fps when docked.
Not only that, but if you wish to purchase the game on the Switch 1 for the time being, you can rest easy knowing that a free upgrade to the Switch 2 version will be available when you eventually nab Nintendo’s new console. Bosh!
Last month, we battled many forms and shapes of the supernatural to connect and escape. Some big new releases included Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, FBC: Firebreak, and Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic.
How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog.
What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake.
How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll.
NetEase Games has finally pulled back the curtain on Marvel Rivals Season 3: The Abyss Awakens with a trailer, below, that features major comic book characters like the symbiote king, Knull, as well as Blade and Jean Grey.
The minute-and-a-half-long cinematic trailer was published today, revealing a first look at the upcoming season’s theme, its new playable characters, and even a few symbiote-themed skins. The Season 3 release date is set for July 11, though it remains unclear how some of the content shown in today’s video will roll out.
Where Season 2: Hellfire Gala introduced new Heroes, Ultron and Emma Frost, Season 3: The Abyss Awakens looks like it will finally allow players to control Blade and Jean Grey/The Phoenix. The former is an especially important addition, as Marvel Rivals fans have speculated about when the Daywalker would be added to the roster since teases began during the vampire-themed Season 1. Jean Grey’s inclusion, meanwhile, comes with the surprise that she’ll be able to harness the power of The Phoenix for her telekinetic abilities.
Knull will serve as the big bad this time around, with the Marvel Rivals Season 2 trailer teasing that he’ll be teaming up with Hela to take power.
“In the wake of the Timestream Entanglement, Knull stirs deep within Klyntar’s core, stretching his shadowed hands across the cosmos,” an official description for Marvel Rivals Season 3 says. “Power promised by the dark symbiote god beckons the awakening of a new queen. The Phoenix arrives from across the stars to erase Klyntar before the darkness can rise again! However, she’ll require unlikely aid from a warrior of two worlds who lives to fight against the tide of night. As the god of the symbiotes and the Phoenix Force collide, will you burn with the light of creation or embrace the darkness?”
Eagle-eyed Marvel Rivals players will also notice what is most likely a collection of new skins set to arrive at some point during Season 3. There is, of course, Hela’s symbiote skin, which Knull gives her early on in the footage, but it’s toward the end that we get a closer look at a few more. Wolverine can be seen sporting a Phoenix Force skin of his own, with Blade and Magik both sporting fiery outfits as well. It’s Jeff the Landshark symbiote skin that has most fans really freaking out, though.
Marvel Rivals Season 3: The Abyss Awakens will introduce at least two new playable Heroes, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the popular Marvel hero shooter experience. Starting July 11, NetEase will begin rolling out new content at a much quicker pace following pressure it received on social media. While past seasons have been approximately three months long, Season 3 will see that schedule change to two-month-long seasons. That means major updates will drop much faster than before without sacrificing any content, as NetEase hopes to keep fans engaged.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor 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).
I love it when a machine whirrs and clunks and bzzts in just the right way. Kaizen: A Factory Story is the next mechanical puzzler from the people who made Opus Magnum and Exapunks. A demo hit Steam a few weeks ago, but it fell down the wrong side of a conveyor belt here at RPS and we all forgot about it until it jammed up our meticulous assembly line of articles and I had to jimmy it out with a big salad fork. “Ah,” I said, “there’s yer problem. Nobody has played this excellent developer’s new game yet.”
Red Dead Online is showing signs of life after Rockstar added new missions to the game, and as you’d expect fans are once again speculating that a next-gen update for Red Dead Redemption 2 is in the works.
Most fans had come to terms with the idea that Rockstar had moved on from Read Dead Online back in 2022, but the developer has unexpectedly released the new Strange Tales of the West update, which includes four new missions and a tease of more to come.
The new trailer, below, is the first Rockstar has released for Red Dead Online since 2021.
Here’s the official blurb:
Author Theodore Levin can’t believe the rumors and missives he’s been receiving from the four corners of the American frontier. He’s working on an anthology of these unexplained and weird phenomena and he needs your help investigating the wildest claims that cross his desk.
Strange Tales of the West will require steely resolve and courage in the face of the odd, twisted, and downright supernatural. Embark upon these four new Telegram Missions by picking up Mr. Levin’s letter at any Post Office or from your Camp’s Lockbox, then opening it via your Satchel or launching Telegram Missions from your Player Menu.
The four new missions are Strange Tales of The Plague, Strange Tales of Modern Science, Strange Tales of The Bayou, and Strange Tales of The Wilderness. As reported by @videotechuk_ on X / Twitter, the update adds a new zombie infected mode, the first mission of which takes place in Armadillo.
Rockstar has launched a new zombie “infected” mode in Red Dead Online as part of the new Strange Tales of The West telegram missions
The first mission takes place in Armadillo and the main objective to kill infected and bring them to a wagon as a team.
But what does this mean for Red Dead Online and parent game Red Dead Redemption 2? Given the zombie nature of the update, some are wondering if Rockstar has prepared an Undead Nightmare-style expansion for Red Dead Redemption 2. That would come as a huge shock given the studio’s all-hands-on-deck focus on next year’s Grand Theft Auto VI, but perhaps more likely is a next-gen port.
In May, GameReactor reported that a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Rockstar’s Wild West romp was on the way, along with a “next-gen upgrade patch” that would improve the game for current-gen systems (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S). Both could be released later in 2025, according to the site.
Fans have long called for an updated version of Red Dead Redemption 2, which is considered a masterpiece. IGN’s Red Dead Redemption 2 review returned a 10/10. We said: “Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game of rare quality; a meticulously polished open-world ode to the outlaw era.”
For now, Red Dead Online fans are enjoying digging into Strange Tales of the West, which is officially described as Vol.1. This suggests another content drop is coming. Whatever the future holds, it seems Red Dead Online is back from the dead.
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.
If you like getting Warhammered and having a scrap as a space marine, then here’s some good news. Following the release of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2‘s siege mode last week, developers Saber Interactive have confirmed that it’ll be getting second year of free and paid updates.
Hey, it’s something to help quench your bloodlust while you wait for Space Marine 3 to become more than a glint in the eye of a dev working on a big gun to be wielded by a big lad in big armour.
Microsoft has announced Wave 1 of the Xbox Game Pass July 2025 lineup, which includes Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, the return of High On Life, and more.
As revealed in a post on Xbox Wire, out today, July 1, is Little Nightmares 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) across Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard, and the return of Rise of the Tomb Raider (Cloud, Console, and PC), also across Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard.
Tomorrow, July 2, Legend of Mana (Console) and Trials of Mana (Console) enter Game Pass Standard. On July 3, Ultimate Chicken Horse (Cloud, Console, and PC) hits Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard.
Cool cyberpunk action RPG The Ascent (Cloud, Console, and PC) returns to Game Pass on July 8 via Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard. A day later, on July 9, Minami Lane (Cloud, Console, and PC) enters Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Here’s the big one: on July 11 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) launches day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Members can get up to three days early access starting July 8, including the Doom Slayer and The Revenant playable skaters, with the Deluxe Edition Upgrade.
Moving on to July 15 and we have the return of High On Life (Cloud, Console, and PC) to Game Pass via Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard. The comedy first-person shooter was a smash hit on Game Pass back in 2022, and a sequel is on the way.
Xbox Game Pass Wave 1 July 2025 lineup:
Legend of Mana (Console) – July 2 Now with Game Pass Standard
Trials of Mana (Console) – July 2 Now with Game Pass Standard
Ultimate Chicken Horse(Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 3 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
The Ascent(Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 8 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Minami Lane(Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 9 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
High On Life(Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 15 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
And finally, Retro Classics has a new batch of games for subscribers. This is Microsoft’s collaboration with Antstream Arcade to bring Activision games from the 80s and 90s to Game Pass members.
Cosmic Commuter
Heart of China
Skiing
Solar Storm
Subterranea
As always, a number of games are set to leave Game Pass this month. Members can get a 20% discount to keep the games in their library.
Games leaving Xbox Game Pass on July 15:
Flock (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Mafia Definitive Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Magical Delicacy (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Tchia (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The Callisto Protocol (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The Case of the Golden Idol (Cloud, Console, and PC)
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.
With the Switch 2 entering its second month, following his Switch 2 debut in the Mario Kart World roster, DK is back in his own game – and it’s looking bananas.
Coming to Game Pass: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, Minami Lane, Ultimate Chicken Horse, and More
Megan Spurr, Senior Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass
*Waves hands in front of your face* Watch me do a magic trick – in a few days all these games that are “coming soon” are suddenly going to appear as “available today” in your download queue. Pretty neat, right? Let’s get to the games!
Available Today
Little Nightmares II (Cloud, Console, and PC) Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Return to a world of charming horror in Little Nightmares II, a suspense adventure game in which you play as Mono, a young boy trapped in a world that has been distorted by the humming transmission of a distant tower. Will you dare to face this collection of new, little nightmares?
Rise of the Tomb Raider (Cloud, Console, and PC) Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Making a return to the Game Pass library! Featuring epic, high-octane action moments set in the most beautifully hostile environments on earth, Rise of the Tomb Raider delivers a cinematic survival action-adventure where you will join Lara Croft on her first tomb raiding expedition.
Coming Soon
Legend of Mana (Console) – July 2 Now with Game Pass Standard
Set off on a journey to find the mystical Mana Tree in Legend of Mana. Meet a colorful cast of characters, square off against fearsome monsters, and complete quests in the vast world of Fa’Diel. Discover the classic title, remastered with a rearranged soundtrack, graphical improvements, and more!
Trials of Mana (Console) – July 2 Now with Game Pass Standard
Trials of Mana is the 3D remake of the classic RPG. Experience the beloved adventure with graphic improvements, character voiceover support, a remastered soundtrack, and a new episode, in addition to an ability system and a new class that reconstructs the character levelling system plus more active battles!
Ultimate Chicken Horse (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 3 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
A party platformer where you and your friends build the level as you play, placing deadly traps before trying to reach the end of the level. Play online or locally with your animal buddies and experiment with a wide variety of platforms in all sorts of strange locations to find new ways to mess with your friends.
The Ascent (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 8 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Making a return to the Game Pass library, The Ascent is a solo and co-op action-shooter RPG set in a cyberpunk world. The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Can you survive without it?
Minami Lane (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 9 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Welcome to Minami Lane! Build your own street in this tiny, cozy, casual management sim Minami Lane is a small, wholesome management game set on a Japanese-inspired street. Create and manage your own street, make sure everyone is happy, and watch the villagers live their lives!
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 11 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass! Get hyped for the legendary franchise to return with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Everything you loved is back, but revamped with more skaters, new parks, gnarlier tricks, eardrum-shattering music, plus a whole lot more. Members can get up to 3-days early access starting July 8, including the Doom Slayer and The Revenant playable skaters, and more with the Deluxe Edition Upgrade.
High On Life (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 15 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
High On Life is returning to Game Pass! Humanity is being threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs. It’s up to you to rescue, and partner with, charismatic guns to take down Garmantuous and his gang to save the world!
Celebrating One Million Retro Classics Players
We’ve got some exciting news for you. Retro Classics, our awesome collaboration with Antstream Arcade, keeps getting better. We’ve added a new batch of games recently for Game Pass members and want to share a big thanks to the more than 1 million players who have already checked out Retro Classics since launch!
So, what’s new? Check out these recently added gems:
Cosmic Commuter
Heart of China
Skiing
Solar Storm
Subterranea
Be on the lookout for new tournaments, community challenges, and even more games soon. Click here to learn all about Retro Classics.
DLC / Game Updates
Diablo IV: Sins of the Horadrim – Available today Uncover the buried truth; the arcane magic of the Horadrim awaits – Discover new permanent Nightmare Dungeon updates and activities across Sanctuary, create unique spells, and prepare to face a familiar foe, Astaroth, with fresh fury in Diablo IV‘s new season: Sins of the Horadrim.
Palworld: Tides of Terraria – Available now The long-awaited Palworld x Terraria update is out now bringing fishing, salvaging, bigger towns, Pal trust and much more! But beware, impending doom approaches…
In-Game Benefits
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members get access to these in-game benefits with your membership. Benefits can vary by game, region, and time.
Mecha Break: Mashmak Rocket Bundle (PC and Xbox Series X|S) – July 2 Kickstart your Mecha Break experience with the Mashmak Rocket Bundle, Exclusive Pilot Outfit, Exclusive Striker Paint, and Exclusive Insignia.
Splitgate 2: Meridian Obex Ace Skin – (Console and PC) – July 3 Splitgate 2 is the only free-to-play shooter with portals and an all-new arena/battle royale hybrid mode. This Ace character skin is designed with Xbox Green.
Asphalt Legends Unite: Exclusive Monthly Gift Bundle (Console and PC) – Available now Unlock card packs, credits, and tokens! Obtain 10 Card Packs, 250 tokens, and 250,000 credits to upgrade your collection and take the lead on the track!
Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Get even more game Perks with Game Pass Ultimate. Find them in the Game Pass section of your console, PC app, and mobile app — new Perks are added all the time.
3on3 Freestyle: Xclusive Play Package – Available now Step onto the court in style with exclusive Xbox-only outfits, 50 Points to spend in-game, and 3 Random Platinum Card Packs to boost your character’s performance. Base game 3on3 FreeStyle included with this Perk.
EA Sports UFC 5: Heavyweight Icons Bundle – Available now Step into the Octagon throwing haymakers with the Heavyweight Icons Bundle, available with your EA Play membership.
Leaving July 15
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Jump back in before they go or use your membership discount to save up to 20% on your purchase to keep them in your library.
Flock (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Mafia Definitive Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Magical Delicacy (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Tchia (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The Callisto Protocol (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The Case of the Golden Idol (Cloud, Console, and PC)
We’re adding more games over time to the Stream Your Own Game collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Visit Xbox.com/Play to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them.
