Category: Video Games

Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match Brings a Fresh Flip to a Classic Puzzle

Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match Brings a Fresh Flip to a Classic Puzzle

  • Luis Otavio Co-founder at Hanoi Studios

Hanoi Flip Match key art

Summary

  • A Bridge between nostalgia and innovation.
  • Accessible yet challenging for puzzle enthusiasts.
  • Learn about the impact of Hanoi Puzzles series.

What if you could take one of the world’s most iconic puzzle and give it a futuristic, digital enhanced version? That is exactly what the Brazilian indie studio Hanoi Studios has done with Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match, available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows with Xbox Play Anywhere.

Hanoi Flip Match screenshot

Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match is the new game from Hanoi Puzzles series; an original hexagonal stacking game Inspired by the classic Tower of Hanoi puzzle. Flip Match elevates the formula with a bold new mechanic: The Flip!

Each piece have two sides with different colors, so players can build two towers with the same set of pieces, or even swap pieces between sets. These new feature multiply the possibilities and strategies, giving each puzzle a fresh and surprising dimension.

We wanted to keep the nostalgia of the classic puzzles, but push it forward with something daring and modern. Flip Match challenges your mind, but it also helps you find flow through its puzzle design and immersive soundtrack.

Flip Match is designed for players of all ages. It offers challenges that are tough but always “beatable”, striking a balance between accessibility and mastery. Those looking for deeper complexity will find clever shortcuts and advanced puzzles that reward experimentation and optimal movements.

The experience is wrapped in a moody, retro-futuristic atmosphere, carried by an original synthwave soundtrack influenced by “Blade Runner” and “Stranger Things”. The music is a companion, easing the mental strain of solving puzzles while immersing players in the game’s unique vibe.

Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast chasing mastery or someone looking for a relaxing futuristic escape, Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match delivers a fresh flip on a timeless classic.

What is the impact of Hanoi Puzzles series?

The launch of Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match marks not only a new chapter in the Hanoi Puzzles series, but the continuation of a journey that began as a modern take on a classic stacking puzzle and has grown into games that blend challenge, atmosphere, and social impact.

Hanoi Flip Match screenshot

From classrooms in Brazil to living rooms worldwide, the series has proven that puzzles can be more than entertainment: they sharpen minds, spark creativity, and even support education. Solid Match helped neurodivergent children improve focus and confidence, while Flip Match expands that vision with a bold new experience that invites players everywhere.

To learn more about the educational side of the series, visit the article How Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is Helping Neurodivergent Children in Brazil.

Hanoi Flip Match screenshot

With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can start a Level on your Xbox Series X|S at home and continue right where you left off on your Windows PC or vice versa. No matter where you are, Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match is always with you. It’s the ultimate flexibility for puzzle fans who want to challenge their minds anytime, anywhere, with no pressure.

Play Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match today!


Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match
Xbox Play Anywhere

Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match

Hanoi Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★


$5.99

$4.79
Get it now

Assemble towers by flipping pieces to get the right color on top, stack pieces of the same color to assemble a tower in a mysterious futuristic atmosphere.

Use the rules of the famous Tower of Hanoi puzzle,
where a larger piece cannot be on top of a smaller one.

Every move the piece Flip changing its main color,
some times you have to do more moves to get its right color on top.

Swap pieces between sets to make fewer moves,
you can also build two different towers with the same set by flipping all the pieces.

Unlock blocked hexagonal cells by building a tower of the same color,
to open new paths and advance in the resolution of the Level.

The post Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match Brings a Fresh Flip to a Classic Puzzle appeared first on Xbox Wire.

MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls hands-on report

Set to launch in 2026 on PlayStation 5, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a 4v4 team-based fighting game brought to life through a collaboration between Arc System Works — the studio behind the Guilty Gear series and Dragon Ball Fighter Z — PlayStation Studios, and Marvel Games. Featuring unique anime-inspired visuals, the game brings high speed, explosive combat packed with nonstop intensity. Every match promises dramatic, unpredictable showdowns that keep the action going.

At August’s Evolution Championship Series (EVO) and throughout the closed beta test, players were able to assemble a team of four out of six iconic characters: Captain America, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, Star-Lord, Storm, and Doctor Doom.

At Tokyo Game Show 2025, happening from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28, Spider-Man and Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes) will join the roster, expanding the playable character count to eight.

Spider-Man

A fast, agile fighter armed with versatile web attacks

Spider-Man’s key strength is his versatile offense built around his signature move, Web Zip. This technique lets him fire webs from the ground or air in multiple directions, then sling himself at high speed along a chosen path. He can also use Web Zip to launch upward diagonally for aerial strikes or dive down from above for sudden ambushes. His unpredictable moves will keep opponents constantly on edge.

Web Zip unlocks a variety of follow-up moves

When Spider-Man’s Web Zip connects with an opponent, you can follow up with powerful attacks like Zip Kick, a swift follow-up strike, or Web Slam that crushes opponents with his web. When blocked, or if Web Slam is chained too often, the move transitions into a Web Snare that drags opponents closer. Spider-Man can also shoot his web upward to hang in mid-air, baiting foes into performing anti-air attacks. Combining Web Zip with its various follow-up attacks keeps the pressure high and fuels Spider-Man’s chaotic high-paced offense.

Mix melee and projectiles for maximum pressure

Spider-Man comes equipped with a versatile toolkit, including those similar to special moves in traditional fighting games. His projectile attack, Web Shot, fires a blob of web that can also be used midair. You can switch between medium and heavy to shoot multiple webs in succession. It’s effective for zoning but risky if opponents anticipate it and jump in, due to its long animation. His rush skill, Arachnid Assault, shifts into a somersault kick when executed in the air. When used airborne, you have i-frames against other aerial attacks, making it valuable not only as a combo finisher but also as an anti-air move.

Versatile attacks that enhance both attack and defense

Web Bomb plants a lingering explosive. Although it can be destroyed by enemy attacks, it’s useful for disrupting movement. His counter skill, Spidey-Sense, shifts Spider-Man into a special stance that lets him evade attacks and throws while automatically striking back. It proves handy for deflecting attacks right as you’re recovering from a knockdown or interrupting enemy combos.

Spider-Man also has a unique ability: crouch-walking. While I didn’t have a chance to try it, his extremely low stance may help him slip under certain projectiles while advancing. The combination of his core movesets, including projectiles, rush moves, and anti-airs, alongside his arsenal of quirky skills like Web Zip, makes Spider-Man extremely versatile and dynamic.

Ghost Rider

A tactical fighter equipped with a unique gauge

Ghost Rider wields a unique gauge called the Vengeance Gauge, designed to resemble a car or motorcycle tachometer. Managing this gauge is integral to his gameplay. It builds as he uses his skills, boosting both hit count and damage the higher the meter climbs. However, when the gauge maxes out, Ghost Rider collapses to his knees and suffers a long recovery, forcing players to carefully manage the meter so it doesn’t overload.

Powerful abilities that evolve based on the Vengeance Gauge

Hellfire unleashes flames and has a short recovery, which makes it tough for enemies to counter when blocking, and is perfect for applying pressure or setting up a combo. Penance Driver is a powerful command throw great for breaking defenses, and both light and heavy versions allow him to lunge forward to grab foes from mid-range. Judgment Cradle, his ranged chain attack, can branch into a feint, low, or overhead, giving him another way to crack defenses. Rounding out his arsenal is Hell Scorcher, which sets the ground ablaze to create an area of lingering flames that deals continuous damage.

The key is to build the Vengeance Gauge without losing control

To reduce the Vengeance Gauge, players must rely on unique moves, powerful supers, ultimate skills, or even tagging in a teammate. One such move, Revelator Chain, spins Ghost Rider’s chain in a flurry of strikes that drain the gauge with each hit. Holding down the button extends the move, allowing him to continuously attack while lowering his gauge. Another option is Hell Throttle, which engulfs Ghost Rider in flames to damage nearby foes. While this move cuts down the gauge significantly, it leaves him wide open, so timing is key.

Maintaining a high but not maxed-out Vengeance Gauge empowers Ghost Rider’s skills, giving him an advantage. Combos enhanced by these boosted abilities can shave off massive chunks of an opponent’s health bar, which feels immensely rewarding. However, in the heat of battle, it’s easy to let the gauge max out, which will leave you completely vulnerable. Mastering Ghost Rider clearly requires practice and precision.

​​

Ghost Rider demands tactical gameplay and constant gauge management, but his over-the-top style with whipping chains and spewing flames makes him a thrill to both play and watch. He is a challenging but highly rewarding character, so don’t be afraid to give him a shot.

Dive into an all-new Marvel Universe, filled with iconic Marvel heroes and villains, fan-favorite stages, and an intuitive gameplay system with MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls!

Magic: The Gathering Sets for Marvel Super Heroes, The Hobbit, and Star Trek Arrive in 2026

Wizards of the Coast is keeping its line of Magic: The Gathering crossovers cards going with the announcement of three new card sets: Marvel Super Heroes, The Hobbit, and Star Trek.

Wizards of the Coast announced its latest trading card collaborations at a MagicCon: Atlanta panel today. Along with updates to the base MTG universe, the show has featured reveals for expansions in its line of Marvel and Middle-earth sets, as well as a completely new set of cards featuring familiar faces from Star Trek.

The Marvel Super Heroes set is the first bombshell of today’s show and comes with the promise of a June 2026 release date, which will be revealed at a later time. Although we’ll have to wait to see each card and its abilities (and hopefully more Infinity Stones), Wizards of the Coast shared a first look at key art featuring an army of Marvel heroes and villains.

It comes hot off the heels of the Spider-Man set, which launched today. The Marvel Super Heroes MTG cards will take things a step further, with the art featuring Thanos, Ultron, Black Panther, Iron Man, Luke Cage, Squirrel Girl, and many, many more.

Details on The Hobbit MTG set, which follows the monumental release of The Lord of the Rings Magic set in 2023, are quite a bit lighter. We know The Hobbit cards will drop August 2026, with key art featuring the likes of Gollum and Gandalf, but we’ll have to wait a while for any additional updates.

Finally, there’s the long-rumored Star Trek set, which is set to take MTG players to new worlds November 2026. This is uncharted territory for Magic fans, with key art revealing cards based on characters like William Shatner’s Captain Kirk and Gowron, son of M’Rel.

Including the newly announced Lorwyn Eclipsed (January), Secrets of Strixhaven (April), and Reality Fracture (October) sets, as well as an unannounced Universes Beyond set (March), MTG players can currently expect seven new sets to drop throughout the year. Meanwhile, more expansions in the MTG Universes Beyond line of sets should come as no surprise. The recently released Final Fantasy set, which is also prepped to receive new cards this December, managed to be quite the success for Wizards of the Coast when it launched earlier this year. Featuring names like Cloud, Vivi, Noctis, Sephiroth, and more, the set managed to rake in $200 million in just one day.

Spider-Man swung into the MTG universe today with cards based on everyone from Doctor Octopus to Miles Morales, with an Avatar: The Last Airbender set lined up with even more crossover content later this year. For more, you can see why MTG got their hopes about fake Star Trek cards earlier this year.

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).

The 10 Most Valuable Spider-Man MTG Cards That Collectors Are Already Chasing

Marvel’s Spider-Man set for Magic: The Gathering has finally swung into stores (after its recent prerelease), and the unique combination of comic book icons and fun new play designs is making it pretty popular so far.

So popular, in fact, that one rare card has already sold for $10,000, while others are also making a strong case for collectors themselves, tallying in the hundreds for market value. That’s at least for now, as these values could still change wildly in the coming weeks.

Yet, suppose you were hoping to snag these rare cards without dropping a fortune, tough luck, as standalone prices on these bad boys likely won’t change that much.

Collector Boosters were the only real shot to pick them up, and they’ve already vanished from shelves. The only ones left are with online resellers, who are asking over $1,000 for a box of just 12 packs.

So if you’re opening packs this week (particularly if you were lucky and snagged some Collector Boosters before the rush), these are some of the priciest cards to look out for, courtesy of data from our friends at TCGPlayer.

10 – Gwenom, Remorseless (Extended Art)

Kicking off the list with a banger, Gwenom, Remorseless is a Venomized version of Gwen. It’s 4/4 with Deathtouch and lifelink, which lets you spend life to play extra cards from the top of your library.

It’s a neat idea, and one I’m curious to see players build around. The card is around $37 right now.

9 – Gwen Stacy/Ghost-Spider (Borderless)

Sticking with Gwen, but a much less spooky version, this borderless card shows our heroine relaxing before flipping into action against Electro.

Gwen Stacy/Ghost-Spider (Borderless) is around $40 for the nonfoil and double that for the foil.

8 – Miles Morales/Ultimate Spider-Man (Borderless)

Another transforming Spidey card, this version of Miles Morales powers up other cards and then transforms into a camouflaging web-slinger with first strike and haste.

He’s sitting at around $40, but you can expect to pay $70 for the foil.

7 – The Soul Stone

We’ll see this card again very soon, but The Soul Stone is not only a piece of Marvel history – its card is exciting in its own right.

To play it, you’ll exile a card in order to trigger its ‘Harness’ ability, which essentially brings a creature card back from your Graveyard every turn. It’s going for around $85.

6 – Miles Morales/Ultimate Spider-Man (Borderless)

This version of Miles Morales is the same as the prior one on this list in terms of play functionality, but it has an awesome reverse that looks like a comic book cover.

It’s pricier, too, currently fetching close to $150.

5 – Peter Parker/Amazing Spider-Man (Borderless)

He had to show up eventually, right? This card looks like the iconic moment Peter Parker gets bit by a spider on one side, and his first appearance alongside Marvel’s Fantastic Four on the other.

It’s currently sitting at around $200, and could climb.

4 – Eddie Brock/Venom, Lethal Protector (Borderless)

This Eddie Brock/Venom, Lethal Protector card is another one with a comic-book cover on the flipside, and the iconic antihero is fetching a mean price at $200.

As for gameplay, Venom lets you sacrifice cards to draw and play other spells, potentially shifting your board state pretty quickly.

3 – The Soul Stone (Borderless)

Yes, there’s a less flashy version of The Soul Stone, but this Thanos artwork looks amazing. The Borderless version of the card is currently going for around $4,000 on TCGPlayer, but the site lists its market value as closer to $1,000.

2 – Spectacular Spider-Man (Various)

The Spectacular Spider-Man cards from this set were bound to be popular, both because the card is great and its artwork is awesome, but if you have a textured foil one, you might be in for a windfall.

There are five to get, starting at around $850 for the Future Foundation Suit and the Spider Armor MK 1 Suit, while The Black Suit variant can fetch around $950.

The Six-Armed Spider-Man suit is worth just over $1000, while the awesome Bombastic Bag-Man Suit card is already up to $1,250.

1 – The Soul Stone (Cosmic Foil)

This powerful card is up for big money in its borderless format as we’ve covered already, but the Soul Stone’s Cosmic Foil variant is even harder to find. As I mentioned, one has reportedly already sold for $10,000, which just about buys a box of Collector Boosters these days.

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.

Splatoon 3’s Spooky Splatoween Splatfest Returns Next Month – Which Team Will You Pick?

Monster mash.

Nintendo has announced that the next seasonal Splatfest is right around the corner, with Splatoon 3‘s Splatoween event returning next month.

Running from 25th-26th October (depending on your region), this event will see the return of the monster-based teams, with us all once again having to decide between Team Zombie, Skeleton, and Ghost in the battle of “Which would be the best friend?”

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Celebrating The Last of Us Day 2025

We here at Naughty Dog are honored to celebrate The Last of Us Day 2025, our annual recognition of the franchise that has meant so much to you, our incredible fans, and the teams at Naughty Dog who have contributed to the series over the years.

It’s been a busy year for The Last of Us, and we’re grateful for your incredible support of Joel, Ellie, and Abby’s journeys. So we’re excited to commemorate TLOU Day with you all in some fun, new ways:

The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PlayStation Plus

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is now available on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium!* PlayStation 5 players can experience the stories of Ellie and Abby, alongside extra modes like No Return, Guitar Free Play, and more. We’ve been overjoyed by the reception to additions like the roguelike mode No Return from fans who have already played, and can’t wait for more of you to jump in.

And for PC players who have yet to play either entry on the series, good news: The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II Remastered will both be on sale starting next Monday, September 29 through October 6 as part of the Steam Autumn Sale!

The Last of Us Part II Remastered: No Retournament

Dozens of Dogs competed in our first-ever internal No Retournament, putting their skills to the test in the fan-favorite No Return mode introduced in The Last of Us Part II Remastered.

We wanted to offer a peek into our studio coming together for this thrilling event, so watch our recap below:

Celebrating The Last of Us Day 2025

New The Last of Us Merchandise

We have a first look at Dark Horse’s incredible The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts collection:

Check out this new statue from our partners at Dark Horse offering an up-close look at the imposing Bloater. 

Our friends from YouTooz have also released new The Last of Us Monitor Buddies, so Ellie and Joel can keep watch while you work or play. YouTooz also released three new plush figures: Joel, Ellie, and Shimmer the horse.

Finally, Fangamer brought back the fan-favorite Brock the Brick plushie, and introduced Lev’s iconic shark plushie from The Last of Us Part II. 

TLOU Wallpapers and more

You may have seen our graphic designer Jason Ferry’s amazing work across our website, merchandise, and partnership collaborations. He’s even grown mold at home to use in his designs – don’t worry, he hasn’t turned into a Runner just yet. Here’s Jason to explain what he’s been up to:

“I’ve grown so much slime mold over the past year people have started calling me Mold Man. To celebrate TLOU Day, we’ve used the mold imagery to create six wallpapers for mobile and desktop. You can download them here, and carry my mold on the go, like a pro.” 

We’re also introducing new Animated Avatars and Avatar Frames for the Steam Points Shop. They’re designed in pairs, creating complex scenes when used together.

And with Halloween right around the corner, celebrate the holiday and TLOU with a set of nine The Last of Us Jack-O-Lantern stencils.

Submit your favorite Jack-O-Lanterns here by October 24 for a chance to be featured on the Naughty Dog social channels this Halloween!

Thank you for celebrating another The Last of Us Day with us! It’s a privilege to see your love for the series through beautiful art, inspired cosplay, and amazing Photo Mode shots, all of which inspires us to keep making memorable games for you.

*The Last of Us Part II (PS4) and The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PS5). Game Catalog varies over time, region/country, and plan. PS Plus is an ongoing subscription subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically (at the then-current PS Store price) at the frequency you choose until cancellation. Terms apply, see play.st/psplus-usageterms.

Build a tower city all the way to heaven in this spiritual, yet logistics-heavy strategy game

The city-building genre is grossly overpopulated. Competing Simvilles predicated on wholly opposed theories about plumbing and traffic wardens stretch as far as the eye can see. As such, the genre must imitate real-life urban centres of the 20th century, and begin expanding vertically. Enter Stario: Haven Tower, the new strategy management sim from Chinese developers Stargate Games, in which you build upward through the realms of Sand, Mist, Rain, Frost, and Clear Skies until finally, your city stands among the Stars.

Read more

Consume Me is a brilliant, funny, harrowing RPG about a girl on a diet, and it’s on sale now

I’ve yet to fully consume Consume Me, so please take that headline with a pinch of salt (not too much, because apparently salt can cause short-term weight gain). Still, I thought I’d rush out a quick “on sale now” piece before the weekend because this game is extremely good, and I worry based on the Steam stats that it’s being overlooked.

It’s a fast-talking, mildly anguished pocket RPG about a high schoolgirl, Jenny, who is trying to lose weight while balancing schoolwork, domestic duties, an emerging social life, and her domineering mom. It broadly consists of household tasks and Coming Of Age Milestones couched as a bunch of Wario Ware-style timed minigame puzzles. Among other antics, you’ll fold laundry by clicking on cue, manage a (dis)interest bar during a terrible date, apply your make-up as though doodling yourself in Kid Pix, and surgically arrange food on your plate while passing carbier morsels to your absurdly squishy dog.

Read more

Dying Light: The Beast’s Indoor Rain and ‘Disturbed Day/Night Cycle’ Have Been Fixed, Techland Says

Dying Light: The Beast has rolled out a hotfix to ensure all players who pre-ordered the game can get their Kyle Crane Legacy Skin. This means that if you’ve updated to version 1.2.2, you only have to check your in-game stash to find it.

It follows a number of other brief updates deployed since the standalone zombie game released on September 18, most recently Hotfix 1.2.1 which addresse the “indoor rain and disturbed day/night cycle” issue and similarly popped the APEX Car Skin into the in-game stash for all who pre-ordered the game or own it through the Dying Light 2 Ultimate Edition.

Techland had spotted the weather abnormalities shortly after launch, promising players it was “aware that you’re experiencing issues with Indoor Rain and the Disturbed Day/Night Cycle, and fixing them is our top priority.” But because the bug only appeared in “rare situations, it takes a lot of extra testing.”

Commenters on the post expressed relief that the hotfix had been sent out, although some are still asking for more information about ray tracing, stuttering, frame drops, and memory leaks.

In Dying Light: The Beast you play Kyle Crane, a legendary hero who breaks free after years of brutal experiments. It’s currently sitting on a ‘Very Positive’ Steam review rating, and secured a 7/10 in our recent review, in which we called it “a goofy, bloody sequel with a monstrous twist, but doesn’t do much else to mix things up.”

Dying Light: The Beast Hotfix 1.2.2 Patch Notes:

  • If you’ve pre-ordered the game, this update makes your Kyle Crane Legacy Skin automatically granted from the server. After updating, check your in-game stash – if it’s not there immediately, it should appear shortly.

Dying Light: The Beast Hotfix 1.2.1 Patch notes:

  • The fix addresses the issues with Indoor Rain and the Disturbed Day/Night Cycle.
  • Once the hotfix will be live on all platforms, the APEX Car Skin will be waiting in the in-game stash for all of you who pre-ordered the game or own it through the Dying Light 2 Ultimate Edition.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Dragon Quest I & II HD Remake’s Brand New Underwater Region Is Beautiful

I sea you.

If you’re excited to dive deep into Dragon Quest I & II HD Remake on 30th October, well, you’ll be able to do that quite literally, as Square Enix has shown off a brand new region, added to Dragon Quest II specifically, in this remake (thanks, Gematsu!).

The Seabed is (as you’d expect) an underwater region that you’ll be able to access as soon as you get the boat. And it’s here where you’ll meet the merfolk, who live in the aptly-named Mersea. But there’s no time to relax, as they’re being threatened by monsters.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com