Category: Video Games

Feature: Child’s Play: From Bokunatsu To Natsu-Mon – The Kaz Ayabe Interview

A sit-down with the creator of My Summer Vacation & Attack of the Friday Monsters.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer has come to an end. Fortunately, through the magic of video games — and the video games created by one man in particular — it’s never too late to take a little summer holiday…

With the recent English-language release of Spike Chunsoft’s open-world summer simulator, Natsu-Mon, coming hot on the heels of 2022’s Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation, and the upcoming Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town, the time seemed right to sit down with Natsu-Mon director, game designer, and writer, Kaz Ayabe. We discuss the hard-earned breakthrough in the West of the ‘cosy game’ genre he helped establish in Japan with his long-running series Boku No Natsuyasumi — colloquially known as ‘Bokunatsu’ — made popular on PlayStation, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation 3.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Tekken 8: hands-on with Heihachi Mishima

Tekken 8 launched earlier this year, but it feels like so much has happened in the game between then and now: several major tournament showcases, numerous game updates and adjustments, and two fan-favorite DLC characters. Now, Tekken 8 is preparing for the return of none other than Heihachi Mishima, unkillable like a cockroach and eager to reclaim the title of Mishima clan overlord.

Bandai Namco gave us a sneak peek at the upcoming version 1.08, which launches on October 3 on PS5, that adds Heihachi as a playable character along with a brand-new stage and a new set of story fights and cinematics continuing the Tekken 8 saga. We also chatted with Tekken series Creative Director Katsuhiro Harada and Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda.

Spending quality time with the fighting world’s worst dad

If you’re worried that Heihachi’s near-death experience fundamentally changed his gameplay, fear not. Much of Heihachi’s moveset will be very familiar to Tekken veterans, and the old, beloved staples like the Wind God Fist are still around to make you feel right at home.

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That’s not to say that he doesn’t have any new tricks. Two new stances, Thunder God and Wind God, can be entered into at certain points and allow him to use some powerful new moves. And that’s not all: Heihachi can also transform with Warrior Instinct, a powered-up state that requires Heihachi to go into Heat state three times. Warrior Instinct grants various buffs, like more damage to recoverable health, and altered/additional skills. For example, Heihachi’s axe kick, which is already a good pressure tool, gets additional follow-ups when Warrior Instinct is activated. However,  since Heat usage is restricted to once per round you’ll only be able to see Heihachi at his maximum potential when you’re pretty deep into battle.

“When we brought Heihachi back from his ‘death,’ we needed it to feel convincing. He needed to seem powerful if he was able to survive. I wanted a new gameplay mechanic to link into the story. The Tekken Monks, which debut in the new story content, are also linked to Heihachi. We wanted him to feel like he’d learned some of the secret, long-buried techniques of the Mishima Style,” states Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda. 

Heihachi also comes with a brand-new stage, the Genmaji Temple, a secluded hideaway among a beautiful forest where the Tekken Monks train around the clock. Both daytime and dusk variants of the level are available to fight on.

“We wanted the stage to be a centerpiece for Heihachi’s return,” Ikeda continues. “We wanted the stage to reflect Japanese stylistic tastes, like the falling leaves indicating the shift from autumn to winter. But since it is a training ground, we wanted to hammer home that it’s a place where people have practiced martial arts from long ago — but there’s also a touch of humor when you see the strange moves the Monks are doing.” 

The tale of Fists and Fate continues

I also had the opportunity to run through the new story content being added in the next update. This episode, titled Unforgotten Echoes, focuses on Eddy, Lidia, and Yoshimitsu coming together in the midst of the ongoing conflict. Eddy’s trying to atone for his crimes with the Tekken Force, while Lidia’s received word of a secluded tribe of monks with ancient ties to the Mishima clan. When they travel to the Genmaji Temple, the trio encounter a very unexpected but very familiar face.

“Heihachi is very important for the ongoing story, but he’s also a character that a lot of players want,” says Katsuhiro Harada who is the Creative Director of the Tekken series. “The same could be said for both Eddy and Lidia. Eddy was necessary for the storyline, and Capoeira is an iconic martial art that a lot of people enjoy, so we wanted to include him. And then Lidia was added at the end of Tekken 7. She uses karate and proved to be extremely popular.  So the factors we consider are: they play important story roles, players wanted them, were used a lot, or had new fighting backdrops. The DLC characters so far have those elements, which is why they were added.”

The Tekken 8 update patch drops on October 3 on PS5. Early access begins September 30 for those who preorder. Even if you’re not planning on purchasing Heihachi, the Unforgotten Echoes story and some other new content, including a customizable home screen, will be available for free to all players.

Tekken 8: Unforgotten Echoes and Heihachi Mishima Hands-On Impressions

It turns out that it’s really hard to kill a Tekken character, especially with gravity. Despite Tekken series creator Katsuhiro Harada doing his best to convince us that Heihachi Mishima was actually, really, truly 100% dead this time around, lo and behold the third DLC character for Tekken 8 is none other than the King of Iron Fist himself.

The upcoming free story expansion for Tekken 8, titled Unforgotten Echoes, is all about explaining the how and the why of Heihachi’s return, and as part of a preview event, I got to play the entirety of the two-hour-long DLC campaign. My general impression? If you’re able to turn your brain off and just let it take you for a ride, it’s more good (albeit quite silly) ass Tekken story content.

While Unforgotten Echoes is an eight-chapter story of how and why Heihachi survived being tossed into a pool of lava at the end of Tekken 7, it actually begins by catching you up with what Eddy, Yoshimitsu, and Lidia were all doing during Tekken 8’s campaign. Eddy now works under Lidia as a part of a resistance force against G-Corp, alongside Yoshimitsu, who… I’m gonna be honest, largely just feels like window dressing throughout this entire DLC. Sorry Yoshimitsu fans, if you were disappointed at his lack of a presence in the base Tekken 8 story, this DLC still doesn’t really give him much of a chance to shine.

The early fights with Eddy do largely feel like filler, as there isn’t really much story consequence to them, but at least they’ve got some cool moments like Eddy reuniting with Jin for the first time since Tekken 6, and they also do a good job of including snippets of gameplay from old Tekken games as flashbacks, which is a very cool touch.

Eventually, Eddy, Lidia, and Yoshimitsu all get wrapped up in the lives of a group known as the Tekken Monks, which is where Heihachi comes into play. I don’t want to spoil how Heihachi managed to survive, or anything regards to his specific journey through the DLC, but I will say that the DLC does a good job of showing another side of Heihachi, and the way it ties back into the main storyline of Tekken 8 left me with a big old smile on my face, even more eager to see what’s next in the storied series.

As for Heihachi himself, the word that comes to mind when describing what he feels like to play is “powerful”.

As for Heihachi himself, the word that comes to mind when describing what he feels like to play as is “powerful”. That’s not to say that I think he’ll be one of the best characters in the game, but rather that his moves hit with such incredible force that “powerful” is just the first word that comes to mind. His attacks feel extremely impactful and brutal to look at, with a moveset that is filled with screen shaking stomps, slams, chops, and no shortage of electric wind god fists. It’s all extremely satisfying, even if he seems like a character that will require some serious time in the lab to get good with, thanks to usual just frame timings of the aforementioned Electric Wind God Fist that all Mishimas share, on top of also having a new stance in the Wind God’s Kamae, and a new mechanic that seemingly buffs his attacks and gives him access to new moves once he gets it to level 3.

Ultimately, Unforgotten Echoes was a fine way to spend two hours, and does a good job of setting up whatever comes next in the world of Tekken by reintroducing Heihachi into the fold. Most importantly though, it’s free, and is a neat way to give the DLC characters a test drive to see if they fit your style of play before you drop actual money on them. Time will tell if Bandai Namco decides to do something similar for future DLC packs, or if this was just a special one-off due to Heihachi’s role in the story, and as a celebration of Tekken’s 30th anniversary.

In any case, you’ll be able to experience it all for yourself once Unforgotten Echoes is released in for Deluxe and Ultimate Edition owners on October 1, and for everyone else on October 4.

Mitchell Saltzman is an editorial producer at IGN. You can find him on twitter @JurassicRabbit

Two Point Museum is all about turning expeditions into exhibitions, provided your staff survive

I don’t like to brag, but it turns out that running a museum is actually well easy. Within an hour of sitting down to play Two Point Museum at Gamescom last month, I was running a modest monthly profit, educating the masses about one-fifth of a dinosaur skeleton, and most importantly, had not ordered a single staff member to their death.

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Shogun Showdown review: an exceptional roguelike that hits different

Like a samurai poised patiently for an opening in their opponent’s defences, Shogun Showdown understands that focus and finesse are the means to delivering an impactful blow. This rare roguelike distils the genre down to its purest components, all in favour of amplifying its dizzying combat that plays gracefully with the concepts of positioning and patience. Highly refined, stylish and complex, Shogun Showdown is a delight.

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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Drops to New All-Time Low Price at Walmart

If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to pick up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for PS5, now’s a great time to do so. Thanks to Walmart, you can score the game at a new all-time low price of $49.94 (see here at Walmart), $20.05 off its $69.99 MSRP. That’s a fantastic deal on one of the best games of 2024, and considering it’ll make good use of the PS5 Pro’s enhancements, there’s truly no better time to grab it before the console’s preorders go live on September 26.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Is on Sale at Walmart

In case you’re in need of some convincing before buying it, it’s worth having a look at our 9/10 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review. In it, writer Michael Higham states that, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth impressively builds off of what Remake set in motion as both a best-in-class action-RPG full of exciting challenge and depth, and as an awe-inspiring recreation of a world that has meant so much to so many for so long.” He continues on to say that, “for as flawed as parts of how this classic has been reimagined might be, Rebirth still stands out as something both thrilling and unexpectedly impactful.”

If you’re looking for even more game deals, you’ve come to the right place. We have a variety of video game roundups to check out that are chock-full of discounts for each platform, including a breakdown of the best PlayStation deals, the best Xbox deals, and the best Nintendo Switch deals. We also have an overall look at the best video game deals, if you’d prefer to see the highlights for each console. Another great place to look for gaming deals is our Daily Deals roundup, which also features some excellent tech deals.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.

Soul Reaver remaster release date, screens and trailer leak via PlayStation and it all looks far too shiny

These apparitions and portents, Crystal Dynamics – what game are you playing now? It turns out the game they are playing is: a remaster of amazeballs vampire odyssey Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver, together with its less amazing but sturdy sequel. Said remaster project was rumoured earlier this year, when Sarafan scouts caught sight of a telltale plaque at San Diego Comic-Con. Consider that rumour strongly trending towards the status of a Real Thing, because Sony are in the habit of publishing Real Things, and they’ve just (accidentally, I guess) popped a bunch of screens and a trailer with a release date – 10th December 2024 – on the PlayStation website.

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Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Finally Launches June 2025, DS Game Getting Remake

At last!

Eight years after its official announcement (under a different name too), Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road finally has a release window, and it’s a bit further out than you might think. And yes, a release window — not a date.

The soccer RPG will be launching in June 2025 on Switch and other consoles, marking what will be a nine-year wait for the game. The game was meant to launch this year, but the delay has allowed Level-5 to add a few new systems, along with listen to player feedback from the Beta earlier this year.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Transparent is Back – Introducing the Cipher Series

Transparent is Back – Introducing the Cipher Series

  • Mekias BekaluProduct Marketing Manager, Xbox Accessories

The wait is over! We’re thrilled to unveil the Cipher Series for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, with Xbox Design Lab. This collection taps into the nostalgia of classic tech designs with six stunning transparent top cases, letting you relive the magic of seeing the inner workings of your favorite gadgets—while adding a modern twist. Alongside the Cipher Series, we’re also introducing two vibrant chromatic D-pad and paddle designs in Sunset Chroma and Energy Chroma, bringing fresh style to the Elite Series 2 controller. And to elevate the retro-modern aesthetic, we’re excited to announce the Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition – Ghost Cipher, a follow-up to the fan-favorite Sky Cipher.

With its transparent casing and metallic silver details, the Cipher Series lets you look inside the controller, capturing the spirit of those iconic see-through devices that tech enthusiasts still fondly remember—now making a bold comeback for a new generation of players.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic translucent tech of the ’90s and early 2000s, the Cipher Series brings six stunning transparent top case designs to Xbox Design Lab. These vibrant, candy-colored top cases encapsulate the controller’s metallic frame, showcasing both its external beauty and the advanced engineering within the Elite Series 2 controller.

Each color tells a unique story: Ghost Cipher strips away all color to reveal a fully transparent top case, offering a clear view of the controller’s inner workings; Velocity Cipher pays homage to the iconic Xbox green, made transparent to expose the energized world inside; Astral Cipher captures the mysteries of deep space with a rich, regal shade of purple; Surf Cipher channels the energy of ocean waves with its transparent blue; Candy Cipher offers a dreamy, sweet vision with a playful pink top case; and Pulse Cipher embodies passion and power with a striking transparent red.

Chromatic Paddle Designs

In addition to the Cipher Series, two new chromatic D-pad and paddle designs—Energy Chroma and Sunset Chroma—introduce a dynamic spectrum of color. These metallic finishes blend hues to create a hypnotic gradient that shifts depending on the angle, adding a sci-fi, jewelry-like feel to your controller. Energy Chroma starts with the signature Xbox green and fades into blues, yellows, and magenta accents, while Sunset Chroma evokes a warm, summery glow with its transition from yellow to bright pink.

Cipher Series Image

These new designs don’t just look great, they’re built around the most advanced controller Xbox has to offer. With rubberized diamond grips, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, and shorter hair trigger locks, the Elite Series 2 controller ensures performance tailored to your playstyle. And with Xbox Design Lab, you can add extra thumbsticks, D-pads, paddles, and complimentary 3D printable files to 3D print for adaptive thumbstick toppers to make your controller as personalized and comfortable as possible.

The Cipher Series for the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Chromatic D-pad and paddle designs are available to purchase now in select Xbox markets. Visit Xbox Design Lab for additional information.

Ghost Cipher Image

Alongside these new Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 top cases, we’re also excited to announce the release of our latest special edition: Xbox Wireless Controller – Ghost Cipher. This controller features grey and bronze accents and a clear top case, revealing silver interior parts including a rumble pack in the side grips. Its rubberized back grips and bronze metallic D-pad and triggers offer both style and performance, perfect for players who appreciate a refined, sophisticated design.

Ghost Cipher Image

The Ghost Cipher Special Edition controller comes with all your favorite features. Seamlessly connect to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, and Android devices via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details) and enjoy up to 40 hours of battery life (varies with usage and other factors). Utilize the 3.5mm audio jack to plug in your favorite compatible headset, perfect for listening to your game or chatting with friends. Share your gaming moments effortlessly with the dedicated share button, and customize your experience with the Xbox Accessories app, giving you endless potential to elevate your play.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Ghost Cipher Special Edition is available for pre-order today in select Xbox markets worldwide for $69.99 USD ERP. Visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including Microsoft Store, for more information.

The post Transparent is Back – Introducing the Cipher Series appeared first on Xbox Wire.