Donkey Kong Bananza is stuffed full of amazing little details and references, and thanks to some chatter online, we’ve discovered yet another incredible detail that takes more than a little soul from… well, Dark Souls.
On social media, we spotted a thread from the donkeykong subreddit being shared which revealed to us that, if you die in DK’s latest adventure — whether it be to an enemy, in the lava, or by taking too much damage in any of the standard layer levels (not the challenges) — DK’s corpse will be left waiting in a mound of gold.
Live the cosy life of a Hobbit in the peaceful corner of Bywater.
Get some tips and guidance on living life at a Hobbit’s peaceful pace.
The pies are cooling on the sill, the garden is being tended, and tea is nearly ready, dearest Hobbits. Our cosy life-sim, Tales of the Shire, launches on July 29 for Xbox Series X|S.
Based on the beloved fantasy books ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ by J.R.R. Tolkien, your time in this peaceful corner of The Shire will quietly unfold between the great epics of Middle-earth, as you arrive in the catchment of Bywater after hitching a ride with a grey-bearded steward. It’s enough to make a Took misty-eyed, and we cannot wait to welcome you to this quaint town to experience everything it has to offer.
We know it can be quite daunting starting off in a new town, so we’ve put together some helpful tips to help you settle in.
Take as Much Time as You Need Transforming Your Hobbit-hole into a Hobbit Home
Beyond your perfectly round door, things could do with, well, some tender loving care. You’ve inherited a Hobbit-hole from a generous relative, who, in her old age, has boarded up many of the rooms to save time on upkeep. As you settle into Bywater and forge deeper bonds with your neighbours, you’ll open new doorways, unlock grand rooms and cosy nooks, and discover undeveloped gardens full of good, tilled earth.
Perhaps you’re a bibliophile who’d like to steadily build your very own library, or maybe you’d like to set up a crafts room with a loom. In Decoration Mode, time holds still, meaning you can take as long as you like making sure everything is just where it should be, with grid-free placement.
Above all, a Hobbit-hole means comfort: artfully panelled walls, floors nicely tiled and carpeted, and an inviting hearth to sit by as you settle into your homestead. Take a short stroll to see Willow Took, Bywater’s local carpenter, who can help with renovating your home into something the whole town would envy.
Tip: Cook your neighbours their favourite meals and they’ll thank you with extra decoration rewards. The more delicious the dish, the sweeter the reward.
Your Garden Awaits! Just Be Sure to Have a Watering Can on Hand
Like your home, your garden is fully customisable. Plant fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers across your garden beds, then watch them grow into a veritable bounty for your home-cooked meals. Plants are precious things and require regular tending, though rainy days will save you a trip with the watering can.
When you haven’t got your hands in the soil, there’s plenty of decorating to be done. You can place many of youritems in your garden, if that’s where you think they’ll look best. Perhaps you’ll set up a daybed for some quiet respite or create a beautiful outdoor table setting for your next dinner party.
Tip: Bywater gardens love companion planting! Your garden will flourish by planting the right flowers and ingredients close to each other.
You Can Buy All Sorts at Bywater’s Village Centre, Though Trading is a Big Part of the Community too
Bywater is well-known for its busy market stalls, where you can buy and trade for fine wares, well-made clothes, fresh produce and more. Hobbits put care and craft into all things, and you’ll find plenty of goods that have been lovingly tooled and are built to last.
Shopkeeper, storyteller and obsessive collector of mathoms (the Hobbit term for trinkets with no use, but you never want to throw away), Nora Smallburrow runs the Bywater Store — the go-to place for stylish attire — with her brother, Fosco, an expert tailor (and perfectionist). Hobson Hornblower, a kindly fellow with a penchant for telling tall tales, sells interesting spices and unusual items like cloves, lemons, raisins and salt. If you’re thinking about dinner, say hullo to Young Tom Cotton at his family’s stall and pick up some mutton for a hearty stew.
Your neighbours might also be on the lookout for particular items. Swap your parsley for a jar of fragrant plum jam or give your milk to Rosie Cotton and she’ll curdle it into cheese.
Tip: Unlock better trades by developing closer bonds with your new friends and neighbours — even the grumpy ones!
The Fields and Forests Are Full of Riches — If You Know Where to Look
Nuts, berries, herbs and mushrooms are free — for those willing to explore a little. Stock up your pantry by foraging for seasonal items like just-ripe peaches dropped from their tree, bright chanterelle, and bunches of hedge mustard which grow along the Great Road and all the way back to Bree.
Collecting some juicy berries for a fresh summer tart or greens to add to a harvest pie? Delphinium Brandybuck, an avid herbalist and healer who lives at the edge of the forest and knows much about its bounties, might be able to help you find what you’re looking for.
Tip: Keen foragers should also keep a close eye on the butterflies fluttering by — when closely followed, they’ll serve as a helpful guide to new discoveries.
Secret Fishing Spots Abound, But You’ll Need to Win Over One of Your Neighbours
Nestled by a tranquil waterway, there’s ample opportunity to hook a tasty catch for your next meal in this corner of The Shire. Watch the bobber closely and carefully reel in your line once you have a bite from the quaint little jetty at Old Ruby’s Pond.
There are several quiet streams and bubbling brooks for you to cast your lure, though you’ll need to befriend Old Noakes, Bywater’s master angler, to unlock those secret fishing spots. He may be cantankerous (given a chance, he’d start an argument with an empty room), but he’ll play a vital role in teaching you how to fish. Become close enough with Old Noakes and he might even make you a trophy of your best catches to sit pride of place in your Hobbit-hole.
Tip: Fishing takes a bit of skill! Reel in your catch by pulling in the opposite direction that the fish is swimming. You’ll need to pause reeling every now and then to ease some of the tension on the line.
Invites for Good Food Go a Long Way
A slice of jam sponge for elevenses, a Sackville pasty for afternoon tea — the way to a Hobbit’s heart is through their stomach, so make sure to invite your neighbours over for second breakfast or a nice spot of lunch.
To begin, you’ll have access to a few cooking stations in your kitchen, where you’ll learn how to properly prepare meals that cover several core tastes: sweet, sour, spicy, salty and bitter.
Of course, hosting Hobbits is no easy task, and your neighbours will be paying close attention as they rate your food. As you develop your culinary skills and gain access to more equipment to chop, boil, fry and pickle, you’ll need to learn about their many likes and dislikes to satisfy their unique cravings. Be it smooth or crunchy,textures make taste even better.
You’ll know if you’ve made a meal to remember if you receive a thoughtful gift or another special reward. Well-mannered Hobbits give gifts, after all, and presents are freely given and accepted in Bywater.
Tip: Hobbits are a sociable bunch. If you forget to invite one of your neighbours over for mealtime, you’ll be sure to hear about it.
This all might sound like a lot to remember when everything is so new and different, but worry not. Bywater’s small, growing community will have you feeling right at home. Each new day brings so much to discover in The Shire — and as you’ll soon find out, there’s plenty more awaiting you. We look forward to seeing you on July 29. We’ll have the kettle ready.
Welcome Home, Hobbit! – From the creative studio, Wētā Workshop, live the cosy life of a Hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of the Shire. Discover, decorate, and share in this idyllic corner of Middle-earth. Join friendly Hobbits and familiar faces awaiting your arrival in Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game.
Create your own Hobbit as you set forth in Bywater. Though not yet established as an official village in Hobbiton, play a part in helping the quaint town flourish. Greet comfort at the door as you decorate your own Hobbit hole, tend to your garden, fish at the clear ponds, forage wild fruits and herbs, or trade with townsfolks. Prepare homemade meals to share with fellow Hobbits and foster relationships.
With much to see and lots more to eat, enjoy days of splendor in the picturesque forests, lakes, and pastures.
Unwind in the place where what matters most are all the little things. Help bring the community together to achieve village status in Bywater. Experience delight in Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game.
Key Features:
Welcome Home, Hobbit – Play as a Hobbit, directly out of J.R.R Tolkien’s beloved books! Personalise your appearance and brandish your best Hobbit attire with an array of customisations. Decorate your own Hobbit home and transform the cosy space with grid-free placement to position furniture home décor to your liking. Discover the wonders each new day brings to Bywater as you settle into your serene homestead for much needed rest.
Food Is Love – No Hobbit’s day is complete without food. Fish, garden, and forage to stock up the pantry with the fruits of your labour. Harvest for seasonal crops and flowers as time passes in your homestead. Enjoy the warmth of the kitchen and show off your culinary chops with recipes for mealtimes. Partake in second breakfast or host a dinner party with fellow Hobbits. Share meals with invited guests to create new relationships.
Explore Bywater – Explore the outdoors to discover secret glades and lost treasures of the Shire. Experience the ever-changing weather that affect daily routines and seasonal surprises based on time of year. Gain rewards through your story progression. Meet iconic characters and familiar Hobbit families to trade for upgrades to skills, clothes, home, and more. Join club missions to complete daily activities and help gain official village status in Bywater.
Last week, we asked you to share the friendly and villainous side characters of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:
youarerexamshares Neil with his gun raised moving through shadows
EmperorHalshares Tomorrow tossing an apple in the air
carletto0809shares a nightmarish version of Dollman
sorathlunashares Fragile playfully posing for a picture
calisarah1998shares Rainy basking in the nighttime air
Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?
THEME: Vacation SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 6, 2025
Over the next two weeks, we’re heading on vacation. Share places and spaces from the game of your choice that you would love to vacation at using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
A planned crossover event between Hitman and MindsEye has been delayed indefinitely, while developer Build a Rocket Boy says future updates “may be less frequent”.
We apologise that the release of the Hitman x MindsEye Mission, originally scheduled for July, has been postponed to a later date. We look forward to delivering this exciting crossover when the time is right and will provide further updates as soon as we’re able.
The update also says “Moving forward, updates may be less frequent, but with the aim for each to bring more meaningful changes.” Updates are still planned for August and September, but the developer says that these are focused on performance improvements and bug fixes rather than content.
Originally, the Hitman crossover was planned to bring Agent 47 to Redrock City, though it’s unclear exactly what that would have entailed. The crossover came about thanks to Hitman publisher IO Interactive also publishing MindsEye, but no details on the content update have been shared since its announcement in June.
MindsEye’s release thus far has been a disaster for Build a Rocket Boy. The game originally came with high expectations thanks to its studio being led by former Rockstar North employees, including GTA co-creator Leslie Benzies. However, the game itself received poor reviews (including a 4/10 from us) and mixed Steam reviews that largely criticized the game’s poor performance, bugs, glitches, and other major issues.
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.
You ever wake up and think it’ll be a normal day only to discover that literally everything you thought you knew about reality is wrong? That’s what happened to me today when I woke up, sat down to work, and then read a post stating that Mario and Peach are apparently “good friends” as opposed to, I dunno, anything else I might have thought they were to one another.
“Princess Peach and Mario are good friends and help each other out whenever they can.”
This aggravating discovery comes from the Nintendo Today app. The post that originally included this information is now gone due to the app’s regularly updating, but has since been preserved in several spots including by Twitter user @KirPinkFury, who originally surfaced it online. The post, which was a profile on Princess Peach, included the sentence, “Princess Peach and Mario are good friends and help each other out whenever they can.” Good friends, you say? What about all those times they definitely smooched?
“Look,” you might say, “they could be good friends and in a relationship. It’s important to be friends with the person you love also.” Sure, you’re correct. But who’s describing a relationship like that? I don’t go around referring to my husband as my “good friend”. That would probably confuse several people, including him! The only conclusion I can come to here is that Nintendo is trying to distance Mario and Peach from the previous very, very, very direct ways in which it indicated they were, at minimum, romantically interested.
Nintendo admittedly has been deeply inconsistent about this over the years. Peach has been referred to as Mario’s “special someone,” they’ve been shown on multiple occasions to have some level of romantic interest in one another. Nintendo’s Yoshiaki Koizumi has directly said in an interview before that Mario “carries a torch” for Peach. Nintendo celebrated them as a romantic couple, pink hearts and all, for Valentine’s Day at least once. And Mario even tried to propose to her at the end of Super Mario Odyssey. Though she refused at the time, she had also just gone through a wild ordeal with Bowser where he tried to kidnap her and force her into marrying him. If I had just been kidnapped into an attempted forced marriage and then rescued and my boyfriend tried to propose to me the second I was rescued, I’d probably tell him to take a hike too.
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.
The Last of Us fans have a sweet little holiday treat heading their way. The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts is a hardcover book featuring the scripts from both games, written by Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross. It’s currently listed for $66.63 (a nice little 5% discount off its usual list price of $69.99), and will be officially released on December 16 this year (see here at Amazon). If you’re a mega fan of the games who’s looking to have these stories in your library, it’s worth getting your preorder in now just in case it sells out.
Preorder The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts
The book’s cover features a sleek black design with the title and author names in gold and the games’ Cordyceps fungus spreading across the cover in white. Alongside both scripts for Part I and Part II, you’ll also get the first game’s DLC, Left Behind, to read as well. Some more features of this hardcover release include:
Art gallery with work by Naughty Dog principal character concept artist Hyoung Nam
A buckram-textured cover
Block printing along the pages edges that evokes the franchise’s iconic Cordyceps fungus
If you’re a fan of the games looking to relive their stories as they were originally written, or someone who recently jumped into the games after watching the show, this seems like a worthy pick-up for a library. Beware of spoilers, though, if you’ve not experienced the games yet.
For even more gaming-related items that are worth picking up, check out our breakdowns of the best PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 deals. In each of these, we’ve highlighted discounted games, accessories, and more that have caught are eye recently. Our overall breakdown of the best video game deals includes even more discounts for PC gamers as well.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
Ever since I was a kid stomping his feet to pop songs in Dance Dance Revolution and getting pep talks from PaRappa the Rapper about how I gotta believe, I’ve been a fan of rhythm games. And while I love popular juggernauts in the genre like Guitar Hero, I’ll always prefer something with more originality than just simply holding down a button, such as Final Fantasy Theatrhythm.
Cue Patapon, a quirky blend of rhythm and strategy originality released exclusively on Sony’s PSP and now out on other platforms thanks to Bandai Namco. You play as a god to the charming Smurf-esque creatures and use drums to direct them during missions. Your controller buttons correspond to a rhythmic phrase. Want them to move forward? That’s easy! Pata pata pata pon! Need to attack? No problem; just hit ‘em with a pon pon pata pon combo. Keep the beat going and you’ll enter into a Fever, which increases your attack and defence.
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for July 28 to August 1
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
Available on day one with Game Pass! Shrunk again, but the world is much larger. Survive a perilous open world alone or better yet, co-op together with friends. Craft weapons and armor, build your base, and explore the park on your trusty Buggy mounts. Unravel hidden mysteries and face unexpected threats. But something else is out there — and it hasn’t forgotten you.
Achilles: Survivor is a fast-paced, single-player bullet heaven set in Ancient Greece. Play as Achilles – or one of the legendary souls freed from Tartarus – and face relentless waves of enemies. Build deadly structures, evolve your powers, and grow stronger with every run. Defeat your enemies… or die trying.
In (Dis)Assemble, moving blocks has never been so challenging… or so satisfying. You control two geometric shapes at once: one with each hand. Sounds simple? Wait until obstacles enter the scene. With clean, minimalist 3D visuals, each level reveals a new architectural surprise. One pushes… the other dodges… and you must think in perfect sync. Master the controls, master the space, and guide your duo of shapes to the finish line.
Day of the Shell is a fast-paced tactical roguelite, where each turn is played in a single click. The gods have brought down their wrath on humanity, and only a few remote islands remain. A lonely monster huntress has risen to challenge and appease the gods, traveling through what’s left of the world.
Dragons vs Balloons TD
Kanuni Games Oyun Yazılım Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi
Prepare yourself for an epic battle in Dragons vs. Balloons TD, where strategy, power, and mythical beasts meet in an exciting tower defense showdown! Take control of a legion of powerful dragons as you defend your territory from waves of mischievous and dangerous balloons.
Welcome to Cyber Clutch, a high stakes racing competition set in a neon soaked future. This is arcade racing with an edge. Fast, aggressive and loaded with abilities that can flip the race in an instant. Drift through city streets, weave past collapsing traffic and outplay rivals in a world where speed alone will not be enough.
Welcome Home, Hobbit! From the creative studio, Wētā Workshop, live the cozy life of a Hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of the Shire. Discover, decorate, and share in this idyllic corner of Middle-earth. Join friendly Hobbits and familiar faces awaiting your arrival in Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game.
Maiden Cops – July 30 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
When Maiden City faces the fury of a secret criminal organization called The Liberators, seeking to control the city and its inhabitants through violence, fear, and chaos, it’s up to the Maiden Cops to bring the crackdown! Join Priscilla, Nina, and Meiga as they fight to eradicate crime and restore peace and justice in this old-school, side-scrolling beat ’em up packed with arcade-style action.
Each of the residents of Glasden has objects they have lost, and Morgan must search the island with her metal detector to find these lost treasures. Relax, explore and experience that childlike sense of wonder as you skip around the island. Traverse the island at your own pace, steadily solving the mystery your Grandpa couldn’t.
A side-scrolling Metroidvania by Halberd Studios. Travel alongside Europa, a brave warrior determined to enter the mechanical giant Talos and stop the corruption within before it swallows the world in darkness. Battle through tainted creatures, meet charismatic musicians and uncover the truth behind the curse that robbed the land of all color.
Step into a handcrafted Wild West-inspired world in this relaxing isometric adventure RPG with light survival elements. Build, explore, farm, and fight as you piece together your own unique journey across shifting biomes and mysterious threats.
Chop, stir, and sauté your way through the bustling solarpunk city of Helianthus. You play as Nori Kaga, a food cart chef aspiring to make it big like her role model, the Culinary Queen, Chef Rhubarb. Cook Serve Forever is a brand new, story-rich cooking adventure from the creators of Cook, Serve, Delicious!
Look for your car in a series of mazes and parking lots while you talk to your therapist about feeling lost. An interactive short story about trying to make sense out of the unreal. Based on real dreams!
From the acclaimed team behind Blasphemous, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound successfully unites the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed (now Koei Tecmo Games) Ninja Gaiden series from the classic era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries. The best of both eras come together to create an epic and thrilling adventure.
In a world of mysterious mazes, every move counts. Out of Moves: Another Try is a challenging puzzle game where you must carefully plan to reach the star before your moves run out.
Spell Disk is a rogue-lite action game with a unique synergy building mechanic so that your runs can never be the same. Strategize and create your own spell combo synergies to blast through enemies on your way! Each run is unique, so you must plan out how to build your power.
Being the Lord of Hell is hard. One minute you’re judging souls, the next you’re speed-dating devils and writing love poems to angels. You are the Lord of Hell, tasked with judging mortals who arrive for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes, you even have the power to resurrect certain individuals, changing the course of fate itself.
You are the Esophaguys, old folks with elongating necks! Stretch, bite, and swing yourself around in 1-4 player guttural mayhem: co-op, competitive, and solo. Progress across each mode, reuniting your lost kin!
A group of brave heroes must gather the fragments of the Magic Crystal to face the evil Black Knight and thus prevent the destruction of the kingdom. Be prepared to discover a huge open world to explore, with secrets and surprises in every corner. Embark on hidden dungeons, forge bonds with villagers and help them solve their problems, discover useful items to progress in your adventure, release imprisoned heroes, and unite them to your cause.
SOS OPS! is more than a game. Your task is to save the city. You will find yourself in the epicenter of madness, where co-op missions with friends will raise the adrenaline to the limit!
Dive into Tile Jong, a beautifully designed tile-matching game that blends relaxation with strategy! Solve engaging puzzles by selecting and matching sets of three identical tiles. Each level brings new challenges with increasingly intricate layouts that will test your concentration and problem-solving skills.
Top Driver – August 1 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Top Driver is a precision-based, top-down racing experience that challenges your skills in intense time trials across diverse tracks and terrains. It’s just you, the road, and the pursuit of perfection.
Join Ringo, a young martial artist looking for her brother, and Wolfe, a mysterious scoundrel running from his past, as they join forces in an unlikely partnership to collect the pieces of the fabled Wanderstar Map. Across 10 “episodes” of anime-inspired adventure, Ringo and Wolfe will have to work together to find answers, make up for past mistakes, and travel across the universe in search of their goal.
On PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is now only $34.99 — $25 off its $59.99 MSRP. That also puts it at the lowest price new physical copies have ever been, according to price trackers like CamelCamelCamel.
There are some exceptions to the deal depending on the platform and store. For instance, and Amazon only have the PS5 and Nintendo Switch versions bumped down to the new 42% off price, whilst the Xbox Series X versions are still marked at $59.94.
This multi-retailer deal hasn’t seemed to have hit all major stories either, with Walmart’s range of the game still around its regular price. Still, Best Buy and GameStop have the game on all three console platforms for $34.99 each, so you’ve got some good options — even if you’re playing on Xbox.
If you’re shopping in the UK, Hit has the PS5 and Xbox versions of the remake on sale as well, for £39.85 and £37.85 respectively. If you’re in the UK and you want to play on Nintendo Switch or PS5 stock runs out, Amazon UK has copies of the Dragon Quest III remake on sale too for £44.85 and £42.95.
Being a modernised remake of the start to the series’ beloved Erdrick Trilogy, Dragon Quest III is still an immersive treat in its HD-2D form that makes this a deal more than worth jumping on, if you hadn’t the chance to try it out already.
In our IGN review of the game by Logan Plant, he called it a “shining example of how to remake a classic RPG and a brilliant reminder of why the original is an essential work”. Granted, there a few areas that could’ve used a bit of extra modernisation, but those are few and far between — being an amazing remake effort for a 37-year-old game.
Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.
“You OK babe? You’ve barely touched your boost?” mentions a helpful fish in the trailer for roguelike racer Reality Drift, thus setting the new standard for all reminder pop-ups going forward. I tabbed this one because the phrase “racing game where your choices matter” intrigued me. I was unaware of the helpful fish at this point. Or the road signs that offer you a choice between ‘space’ ‘cat land’, and ‘hell’. Here’s a visual compilation of suchlike images, with added movement.
Game
