Infinity Nikki is blessing the world with its stunning visuals and fabulous outfits, and it's available as a free-to-play experience. Many are wondering, however, if there are any Infinity Nikki gacha elements to worry about.

Are there Infinity Nikki gacha elements?

Infinity Nikki has you collect costumes for special abilities and gorgeous new outfits to wear in the game. While some can be received by simply progressing in the game, other outfits are exclusively gacha.

How does the gacha system work?

It works very similarly to Genshin Impact. You can get four- and five-star outfits from the Resonance (like Wish) system. With every 10 Revelation or Resonite Crystals, you'll get a guaranteed 4-sta??r or highe?r piece of an outfit. You'll need to gain Stellarites or Diamonds to get these Crystals.

Diamonds act similarly to Primogems if you've played Genshin Impact. You'll gain them from completing quests and finishing in-game activities. These diamond?s can be used to get the Revelation an??d Resonite Crystals. You'll need 120 of them to gain one, so 1,200 Diamonds are required to gain a 10-pull.

If you want ?to skip the Diamond grinding, you can pay for Stellarites, another currency that can be used to gain Crystals. They cost the following in real money:

With the first top-??up, you'll get a double bonus. For example, if you spend $0.99 on 60 Stellarites, you'll ??get a bonus 60 Stellarites for 120 in total.

Certain costumes can be purchased outright. If you hea?d to the bottom tab of the Store, you can access four different outfits, such as the Scalry Dream dress. They each vary in press and might be on sale.

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Neverness to Everness is an exciting sci-fi RPG that has us explore an o??pen-world cyber-punk-like city called Hethereau. Here's everything w??e know about the game's release window, platforms, and more.

When will Neverness to Everness launch?

Unfortunately, we've heard no details about a possible release date for Neverness to Everness. However, there will be a Singularity test for those who live in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and?? Macau, China, so ??it may not be far off from an official release worldwide.

Can you pre-register?

As of the time of writing, you can pre-register for access to Neverness to Everness. Go to the official Perfect World website and then click the? link underneath the art of the city. Put your email into the text box and then choose between PC, mobile, and console by clicking the tickbox. You can select multiple if you wish. If it goes through, it should say "Pre-registration? successful" and "Welcome to Hethereau."

Is Neverness to Everness free-to-play?

Ye??s, the game will be free-to-play on all of its available platforms.

All Neverness to Everness platforms

Neverness to Everness is confirmed to release for mobile platforms, PC, and the PS5 as of the time of writing. The PlayStation Blog article only mentions PS5. "Neverness to Everness (NTE for short) is ??a supernatural urban open-world game set to release for free on PS5," said the game's producer Kee Zhang.

The official press release does mention that the game will be released for multiple consoles, however, so Neverness to Everness may also launch on Xbox Series X|S or the next Nintendo system as well. Currently, Hotta Studio's last game Tower of Fantasy is available on both PS4 and PS5. Neverness to Everness runs on Unreal Engine 5, so it's unlikely to?? be released on past generations of platforms like the PS4 or Xbox One.

What engine is Neverness to Everness on?

As previously mentioned, Neverness to Everness is being developed with Unreal Engine 5. It will likely see a graphical boost from Hotta Studios' last game, Tower of Fantasy. The initial press release cla??ims the game will be "boasting cutting-edge NVIDIA DLSS rendering and ray tracing? technology."

All Neverness to Everness characters confirmed so far

So far, we have been given information on three characters in Neverness to Everness so far. They include:

• Mint
• Nanally
• Sakiri#

No male characters have been?? revealed for the game yet. Mint is a part of Containment Unit 2 and is apparently a rising star within the company. She knows a lot about Hethereau and the people that dwell in it. She can?? be very chatty, but only during off-hours. In battle, she's a dual-wielded badass. Her intro skills have her make flowers that cause damage while you're attacking. She can also create a thunderous storm around her.

Nanally is a kind, wise, and calm character you'll meet at the antique shop Eibon. She's helped with multiple major Anomaly containment and nullification operations, including the "Fluffy Demon King Showdown," "Danzabourou's Revenge," and more. She has a special move called the Coloccis Ultimate Death Shadow Nether Punch, which sounds deadly to watch in person. Her weapon is melee-focused with punches and kicks. Nanally can also go into kitt??y mode to climb walls and ceilings in the open world.

Sakiri is a little kid who has a pet/hammer anomaly called Kiroumaru. We don't know too much about this character, but she is the rule maker for the fridge sticky notes at Eibon. This character is ?an adorable bean, and she can use her weapon as a mount for traveling. She can cause a lot of damage with Kiromaru.??

You'll also control your main character. They have a sword at hand and can strike foes with hard-hitting attacks that s?eem to split reality.

What is the gameplay of Neverness to Everness?

This game features action-RPG combat similar to Genshin Impact and Tower of Fantasy. You're switching between four party members as you're fighting supernatural enemies in the game. Each character has their own? special abilities to add to the fight. For example, Sakiri slams her heavy hammer anomaly Kiroumaru t??owards foes in an epic attack.

In the open world itself, you'll be able to drive cars to get around the city like in Grand Theft Auto V. The city looks pretty big, so it's a good feature to have. The press release ?says the game "offers a variety of lifestyles for the pl??ayers to choose from: modify sports cars, manage businesses, etc., and experience a vibrant urban life in the way you like." You'll also own your own apartment or perhaps even a house in the game.

You'll be able to customize your cars with things like sprays, different paint, wheels, and spoilers. It will likely be fun to buy all sorts of sports cars in the game, such as GTA Online. With the day and night cycle, it should be stunning to see your car's lights beaming within the elements like rain. You'll be able to drive? in first-person as well.

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Disney Mirrorverse fans are poor, unfortunate souls, because the servers for the mobile game are shutting down on December 16. The Disney Mirrorverse shut down announcement has a?lso caused the removal of the game from the App Store and Google Pla?y Store, and players can't spend their hard-earned cash on microtransactions anymore.

Disney Mirrorverse gets its conclusion, however

Despite the Disney Mirrorverse shut down occurring this December, players of the game will thankfully get a resolution of the storyline that pits alternate universe Disney characters into one valiant adventure. The remaining content will be released "over the coming weeks," said Kabam on the Disney Mirrorverse website.

"Our sincere thanks to you, our amazing? community of players, who have made this journey unforgettable," said the developer. "Your support and passionate dedication to the game is truly inspiring to our team."

The mobile space is competitive, and likely as a result, Disney Mirrorverse only lasted for just over two years. No reason has been given by Kabam for the shutdown of the game, but it's possibly due to a lack of interest from Disney fans around the world. There are arguably better action-RPG experiences out there on mobile, like Genshin Impact.

Mirrorverse had a lot of competition, especially within the Disney gaming space. Gameloft's Disney Dreamlight Valley and Disney Speedstorm have been successful at gaining an audience, and consistently getting new updates. Just recently, Gameloft announced that Maleficent will become a racer in Disney Speedstorm. Tiana and Mulan also became recent villagers in Disney Dreamlight Valley.

Kabam still has its mobile fighting game Marvel: Contest of Champions going strong and is about to reach its 10th anniversary on December 10. In today's gaming lan??dscape, that's quite an accomplishment.

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Perhaps in an effort to show that mobile gaming is so much more than Homescape and cash grabs from notable franchises, Capcom released recent Resident Evil games for iPhone and iPad. We're now living in a world in which it's possible to play RE7, RE Village, and the remake of RE4 while waiting in line for a croissant.

However, thanks to a recent update, it looks as though you now need an internet connection to boot up the aforementioned games, even though they're all single-player. The report comes from VG247, which links to a Reddit thread where many are evidently?? displeased with the new changes. The thread opens with user Hall_Such insisting people not initiate the updates.

DO NOT UPDATE RESIDENT EVIL!!
byu/Hall_Such iniosgaming

Indeed, if you look on the Apple Store pages for all three Resident Evil titles, you can see under the "What's New" section that "due to changes to the startup process, an internet connection is now required when starting this app." The patch started rolling? out on August 27.

Who's the real Evil here?

Far be it from me to explain Capcom's reasoning behind this. Most would argue that a single-player game should not need an internet connection to boot up. Speculations suggest it could be for data collection or DRM checks, but it's difficult to confirm w??hether this is true or not.

Some might not see it as much of a problem, given that the majority of us have easy access to an internet connection of some kind. However, we're talking abou??t mobile ports here; it's understandable that many would take umbrage over needing to be connected when you can never be sure how stable the internet will be while out and about (subways are a classic example).

The iOS versions of the modern Resident Evil games have not exactly sold well to begin with, and it ?stands to reason that forcing an internet connection as of now can only do more harm than go??od.

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Horror multiplayer game Identity V is now hosting a new Persona 5 Royal event. As a result, you can now unlock costumes inspired by ????the Phantom Thieves and more.

The Identity V Persona 5 Royal event began on August 2 and runs until August 31. You'll b?e able to complete tasks to ?unlock the cat-inspired Morgana as a pet. You can also unlock the following crossover costumes, including:

• [S Costume] First Officer- Goro Akechi
• [A Costume] Coordinator - Makoto Niijima
• [A Costume] Mechanic - Ann Takamaki
• [A Costume] Gardener- Haru Okumura, Emote, Portrait, and Graffiti.

You can also get the 'Regular' and 'Souls of Resistance' costumes from past Identity V crossovers with Persona 5 Royal. "For those who missed the last Persona Crossover Event and were unable?? to obtain the sought-after costumes, this is the perfect opportunity to join the new activities and complete your collection," said the press? release. Past characters include Joker, Ryuji, Yusuke, and Futaba.

Identity V seems very much inspired by the popular Dead by Daylight. It's a 1v4 survival game, in which one player plays the monster while four others play the survivors. It's fr??ee to play on PC, Android, and iOS. For?? now, it's not available on consoles like the PS5 or Switch yet.

As for the Persona series, Atlus has a mobile spinoff on the way in Persona 5: The Phantom X. It has already been released in some territories on April 18 but will be getting a global launch for both mobile and PC with consoles down the line, according to Persona Central. It seems to have its own storyline and characters with high-quality cutscenes you'd expect from a mainline title. However, it will be gacha-based like Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero.

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Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is finally dropping soon, including revamped versions of old classic maps. If you're itching to play Verdansk and Rebirth Island, Warzone Mobile will soon be the best way to do it. However, many mobile players, especially new ones, might want a better way to play mobile games. That's where the Backbone comes in, and it's partnering with Warzone Mobile for the Backbone One x Call of Duty Warzone Mobile gaming controller on March 13.

Backbone One x Call of Duty Warzone Mobile

Backbone and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile's controller is the standard Backbone One device, but it comes with a custom Warzone Mobile sleeve and exclusive in-game content. The $99.99 device also give you 'the opportunity for two 30 minute double XP tokens.' Each unit will come with a single ??token, while purchasing an additional Backbone+ membership grants another 30 minutes of double XP.

Backbone+ is a membership within the Backbone mobile app. It lands all your games in one place, allowing for easy PS Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, and Steam Link gaming. Also, it adds features like gameplay cap??ture, unlimited cloud storage, and 1080p/60fps ??recording on iOS 15 for $4.17 a month.

What is the Backbone One mobile gaming controller?

The Backbone One mobile gaming controller is device that turns your mobile? platform into a controller. You snap your phone into place and can instantly play any game or service that supports controllers. These includ?e Apple Arcade, App Store Games, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or streaming from your console or PC. Moreover, the latest version of the Backbone One includes two sets of magnetic adapters allowing for better phone fit along with a more responsive D-pad.

Turning your mobile device into a controller will surely give you the leg up on enemies in Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. This version in the game, while casual, is certain to get competitive. Some high-profile Call of Duty content creators and streamers are even looking into getting Warzone Mobile running on their computer or mobile device. Bringing back the old classic maps is sure to draw a lot of interest, especially when most players haven't enjoyed any of the new m?aps nearly as much.

The Backbone One x Call of Duty Warzone Mobile gaming controller is available March 13 exclusively at Best Buy.

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Bitlife allows you to live out your dreams, no matter what they are. Some of those dreams, however, can feel as hard within the game as they are in real life, and one of these is becoming an Actor. To get you to stardom fast, here's the stats you'll need to become an actor in Bitlife.

The best thing to do when trying to become an Actor is start a new life, because the work for this route begins at age eight, when you can ask your parents for acting lessons. If they allow you to take them, make sure to take at least one Acting lesson every time you age up, ensuring you fill th?e skill bar be??fore you reach 18.

You’ll also want to join the Drama Club as soon as you’re able, so either in Middle School or Secondary School depen??ding on your starting location. 

How to become an Actor

Once you’ve reached age 18, you should have a full Acting s??kill bar after lessons. Now, start focusing on looks. Yo??u’ll need at least a part-time job for this, or take freelancing opportunities, to fund the lifestyle improvements. 

You’ll need at least 70% in the Looks category before you can ev??en think about becoming an Actor, so do the ?following to boost your looks:

• Go to the Gym
• Get a Manicure
• Plastic Surgery

While doing this, look for Extra roles. To do this, open up the Job menu and select Special Careers before selecting Actor. Acting as an Extra can sometimes get you spotted and a role can be handed to you, if youâ€?™re lucky. At the very least, Extra roles land your name in the credits, so you’re mor??e likely to be given a role that you audition for. You’ll also get paid, which helps. 

You’ll want to audition for absolutely everything in both Movies and Television, and I’d advise working from the bottom up. When you select a role that’s on offer, you’ll see tw?o bars:

• Script quality 
• Your fit

You want your fit to be as high as possible in order to maximise chances of getting the role.?? Don’t lose hope if you’re facing a wall of rejections, either. It only takes one successful audition to? begin your journey to fame and fortune as an Actor.

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Warframe has been around for a while, and over the years it has amassed a big following. There's plenty to l??ook forward to as it continues to receive new content. The community will be growing soon, as it's coming to iOS o?n February 20.

It's already available on multiple platforms where you can enjoy crossplay and cross-save features. iOS hasn't been left out, and it, too, will have cross-platform save capabilities, allowing you to continue your adve??nture on the operating system. According to Digital Extremes, you can expect the "same expansive, high-quality"? experience you get on consoles.

The iOS library keeps growing

It's not hard to believe that the port is coming, as several console titles have been finding their way into Apple's ecosystem, including Resident Evil Village, and Death Stranding. It's a good time to jump into the game, as from 20 to 27 February, you'll receive a "??free day 1 Reward in?cluding a 3 Day Affinity Booster and Bombyx Syandana."

For those not in the loop, Warframe is a sci-fi shooter that can be played with others or solo for shyer folks. The community continues to grow, and the beginning of the year has seen a spike in the number of players. On Steam alone, the average n?umber of players jumped from around 45,000 in November 2023 to over 64,000 in January 2024.

My time with Warframe has been more enjoyable than I expected, though it does have a bit of a learning curve and it can be somewhat intimidating for newcomers. It is a bit rough around the edges, so if you're having problems getting into the game, we have some handy guides to help you with common problems.

I've also found the Warframes to be more fetching than I care to admit, and we'll be getting a new one soon named Dante, who will wield a signature weapon. He comes as part of a larger planned update called Dante Unbound. The juicier details have yet to be revealed, though we do know that some quality-of-life updates are coming to Inaros, the Living Sa??ndsto??rm.

If you're looking for a break from Helldivers 2, or just want a sci-fi world to get lost in, Warframe comes recommended.

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If you've been enjoying the Apple Arcade-exclusive Sonic Dream Team, you'll have more to dig into la??ter today. SEGA has the first content update schedule?d to go live at 2:00 pm PT. 

From the looks of it, th??ere's a little something for those who want more from the bosses and folks who are st??riving to go even faster. For the former, the update adds eight new boss missions, as well as overhauls to some of the key boss fights.

Enemies like Dr. Crabulous, the Facto?ry Foremen, and the Guardian Hunter have all been tweaked to shake things up a bit. Accordi?ng to the announcement, this includes the addition of "a few new moves to keep players on their toes during battle."

If going fast is your thing â€?and why wouldn't it be, you're not playing a Big the Cat platformer! â€?the update introduces time trials and some handy tools for speedrunners. Taking part in time trials will give you a shot at nabbing the best completion time in each Act. The results will be available on the leaderboard once recorded so you can go back to try to best yourself or everyone else, depending on how competitive you're feeling. For speedrunners, the Sonic Dream Team update adds ranks for each Act.  

Sonic Dream Team first launched on December 5, 2023, taking a swerve from the recent 2D sidescroller Sonic Superstars to deliver 3D platforming exclusive to Apple devices. Those who subscribe to Apple Arcade can give it a spin on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, and there's more on the way at some point in the future. Sega reiterated that this is?? the first of three content updates, with other additions pla??nned for sometime in 2024. 

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WWE superstar Brock Lesnar has been removed from the 2K mobile game WWE Supercard, the latest in a series of changes following a federal investigation into sex trafficking allegations again??st former WW??E owner Vince McMahon.

Though Lesnar is not ment??ioned by name in ??a sexual assault and trafficking lawsuit against former WWE owner Vince McMahon from Janel Grant, there are several references to an individual who is believed to be Lesnar.

Why Brock Lesnar may have been removed from WWE Supercard

The lawsuit only names a "former UFC Heavyweight Champion" who was allegedly contacted by McMahon. Cageside Seats reports "McMahon [allegedly] enticed [Lesnar] to sign a new contract in Augus????t 2021 by offering Grant as 'a sexual commodity' for his use."

According to the? lawsuit, the individual in question showed interest in a s?exual encounter, but "a snowstorm changed WWE Superstar's travel plans, and Ms. Grant ultimately used the weather and COVID-19 as an excuse to back out."

Brock Lesnar is the only male UFC Heavyweight champion who was prominen??t on WWE programming during the events, leading many to speculate h?e was involved.

Though Lesnar's involvement has not been confirmed in court, he's now been removed from WWE Supercard. I??t is also rumored that Lesnar was taken off the 2024 Royal Rumble card, with many reporting that former NXT champion Bron Breakker took his place.

With all these changes, fan's eyes are now on the roster of the upcoming WWE 2K24, as many wonder if he'll be featured in the game. WWE 2K24 is scheduled to be released on March 8 for those who bu??y the stand??ard edition, with an early access period for those who purchase the Deluxe Edition or Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition. A full roster has yet to be announced, so fans will have to wait until closer to release to confirm if Lesnar is on the roster or not.

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After hoping for a release toward the end of 2023, we now know when the Death Stranding Director's Cut will be landing on iOS and Mac devices. 505 Games, the team handling th??e port, has confirmed the title will be delivered next week.

The release ??will make the de??finitive version of Hideo Kojima's 2019 hit available to a substantial new audience. It's playable for everyone with an iPhone 15 Pro or iPads and Macs with the M-series chip. It will be available for download via the Apple App Store on January 30.

The Director's Cut was initially released for PlayStation 5 in September 2021. It was then?? followed with a PC iteration in Mar?ch 2022. Within it comes the base game, as well as a new underground factory location, expanded story missions, and various delivery assists to make navigating terrain a bit easier.

505 Games is publishing the port. The Death Stranding Director's Cut is being listed on the App Store for $39.99. However, those who preorder ahead of the January 30 launch can enjoy a nice 50% discount on their purchase. It's the first of potentially many future titles that Kojima has committed to bring to Apple's platf??orms.

Players who own multiple newer Apple products should be aware that the game incorporates Apple's Special Delivery feature. This enables those with Mac and iOS devices to purchase the Director's Cut once and have it playable across all platforms. Just be sure to have space available, as the Death Stranding Director's Cut on iOS and Mac comes in at a sizeable 69.8 GB.

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If you've been hankering for a new tactical mech shooter, the first game from KEK Entertainment fits the bill. Armor Attack is in the works at?? a team comprised of former EA and Ubisoft devs, and it's due out sometime this year.

Armor Attack is billed as a cro?ssplay game with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android listed as its starting platforms. A console release is planned for an as-yet-undetermined date, and you can see how it looks in action in the announcement trailer below. 

At a glance, customization is going to play a large role in the tactics at hand. Each vehicle has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you can tweak your loadout in different ways depending on the desired playstyle. Abilities, weapons, talent systems, and other aspects will lend themselves well to certain objectives, and this combines with the different styles inherent to the three main factions. Naturally, everybody wants to rule the world, so these factions ar??e all about trying their best to control the last remnants of a wartorn Earth. 

The key styles at play are defense, damage,? and battlefield exploitation, the latter of which sounds like it might have something to do with the "game-changing mechanic" on each map. These range from changes to the overall layout to large boss enemies and the availability of vantage points that offer a competitive edge. KEK Entertainment CEO and co-founder Georgy Egorov says they want to offer the "ultimate mecha shooter experience for friends to enjoy across PC, mobile, and consoles without sacrificing caliber." We'll see how that pans out soon. 

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The Sonic franchise has taken many forms, from 2D to 3D, and even a point-and-click game. This time around, we're dealing with Sonic Dream Team which is a platformer avai?lable on various Apple devices throu?gh its Arcade.

As a fan of the series, Dream Team's concept piqued my curiosity. To my surprise, I'm subscribed to Apple Arcade, allowing me to download the game without forking out any cash. What I discovered is a sterling Sonic platformer that'll unfortunately fly under the radar for most, despite providing the kind? of gameplay fans are always desperate for.

Sonic Dream Team (Mac [reviewed], iOS, iPad, AppleTV)
Developer: Hardlight
Publisher: Sega
Released: December 5, 2023
MSRP: Free for Apple Arcade subscribers

A dream I don't want to wake up from

Sonic Dream Team's plot is what you'd typically expect from the franchise. Doctor Eggman's got some device or powerful object he wants to use for evil, and it's up to Sonic and his friends to stop it. This time around, Eggman's got the Reverie, a device that can make dreams come true. The story is mostly told throug??h comic-book-style panels that are gorgeous and feature voice acting, which is something I appreciated.

All the Sonic heroes that have become staples of the franchise are present (unfortunately, including the annoying Knuckles), and you can play as them. As the game's title suggests, you're thrust into a world that feels fantastical and sometimes dow?nright psychedelic. There is variation in the kinds of environments you encounter, and they each come with their unique style of beauty without deviating from the overarching theme.

The environments were pleasing to look at, and I enjoyed explori?ng the ??settings of the different stages. My favorite was Nightmare Maze, which contains waterways you can use to access some of the hidden areas of each level.

Dream Team is not a game that attempts to push grap?hical boundaries, but at the same time, it doesn't attempt to mimic the pixel art of the early games either. Instead, we have slightly blocky visuals that look a tad better than what you get from your average lower-budget game.

There's no need to discuss graphics all too much because that's not what draws fans to the franchise. Far more than graphical quality, a good soundtrack is what characterizes a Sonic game. Sonic Dream Team doesn't fail ??on this front, and while there's nothing there that comes close to classics like the Star Hill Zone, the t?racks don't disappoint.

The Sonic experience

In Sonic games influenced by the classic titles, there is a certain element of gameplay that'll dete?rmine whether you love them obsessively or loathe them intensely. The games encourage you to go fast, and that's?? where most of the fun comes from. However, doing so will inevitably have you crossing obstacles that you simply cannot predict.

Because of this, slowing down to get the hang of the platformer is one of the ways to conquer every level. This isn't the most fun way to do?? things, and I'd argue that it's not in the spirit of the game. Instead, you're supposed to lose, learn where the obstacle is, and then tackle it without getting tripped up the next time around.

This style of gameplay will have you dying dozens of time?s, but that's part of how you learn levels until you can complete them as fast as possible. In fact, you're frequently asked to do precisely this, with some levels challenging you to complete them within a set amount of time.

If you're a fan of this style of gameplay, Sonic Dream Team will satisfy you, and I had great fun learning the tricks necessary to cut down my completion time. ?The difficulty level in terms of th??e environmental design is moderately high - not impossible, but not something you're going to breeze through either. In the later levels, I got my butt kicked more times than I'd like to admit.

Sonic Dream Team gets the gameplay right

Sonic Dream Team features a few game modes. Most of them follow the regular style of gameplay you'd expect from the franchise - go fast in a relatively linear fashion while collecting rings and defeating enemies. Others require you to beat the clock and some force you to slow down to explore the di??fferent environments to find all Dream Orbs.

Each of the game modes are enjoyable, and than??ks to good level design, I don't mind trying different objectives in the same locations. The ability to play as different characters isn't an arbitrary addition, as they have varying abilities, allowing you to get to previously unreachable places.

The levels are a good length, about as long as those in classics like Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Completing the game wil??l take you about six hours, though that number can change drastically depending on your skills and whether you're slowing down to explore.

For the most part, Dream Team runs smoothly, though it isn't void of technical issues. Annoyingly, it froze a couple of times and even made my Macbook crash more than once. Granted, my M1 isn't exactly the latest machine on the market, but it shouldn't be having problems with a mobile game like Sonic Dream Team.

Weird and wonderful

The Sonic franchise has been around for decades, and through the good, bad, and terrible, it's managed to maintain an avid fanbase. At this point, it's hard to separate how much of this love is nostalgia and how much is a genuine appreciation for a franchise that debuted as an original, exciting platforme?r.

With the game ?released on Apple's de?vices, it's probably going to be missed by many who would have had a blast with it. It has a weird story with surreal settings and gameplay that's too good to be stuck where it currently is.

Sonic Dream Team deserves appreciation. In short, it's not the worst, but it's certainly not the best either, with just enough here to satisfy classic Sonic fans and those seek?ing to experience the hedgehog's adventure in 3D.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game purchased by the reviewer.]}

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The Shadowverse series is getting ready to expand with a new game for mobile devices and PC. Cygames announced Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond as a free-to-play card battler, with a summer?? 2024 re?lease planned for iOS, Android, and PC.

In the announcement overview, Cygames noted that "international language support" is planned for the new Shadowverse. While the competitive online collectible card ga??me will be free to play, there will naturally be optional in-app purchases, so we'll see how that balances out when it launches. 

Check out the first look at the direct sequel to Shadowverse: 

Players will be able to move around the world with custom avatars, interacting and battling with others they run into along the way. According to the footage, you'll also be able to kick a gia??nt soccer bal??l around, play Mahjong, and fish, among other activities. There are also events and "other content" in the works, with more details to come on everything at a later date. The battles themselves promise fresh features like super evolution and new amulet abilities. 

Tournaments are already planned for 2024, including the RAGE Shadowverse Pro Tour and both in-store and online tournaments in Japan. For overseas players, there will be the Shadowverse NetEase Championship, Shadowverse Korea Open, Shadowverse Taiwan Open, and Shadowverse Open West/SEAO. There's also a Shadowverse World Championship scheduled for early 2025, with 10 million yen and a special Shadowverse: Evolve card up ?for grabs. Various slot??s are available for qualifying through the other tournaments in Japan and other regions. 

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Hitman: Blood Money was a big hit for the franchise when it was released for PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360 back in 2006. Now, a new set of players can experience the classic stealth title as heads to iOS and Android at the end of November as Hitman: Blood Money - Reprisal.

Feral Interactive, the same studio that brought us a slew of AAA titles to mobile, is back at it again. The developer dropped a trailer for Hitman: Blood Money - Reprisal that shows exactly what iOS and Android users should expect whe??n the game releases on November 30.

The game's visuals remain on par with its PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 predecessors. But the stealth game's interface has been completely reworked?? to suit mobile devices. There have also been a few new bells and whistles includ??ed for a better overall experience.

Instinct Mode is something that's being brought to Reprisal f?rom later games in the series. It highlights targets and critical mission points to make navigati??ng maps a bit easier.

A mini-map is also being introduced to Blood Money for the first time. It offers better feedback on Agent 47's surroundings, including alerts if the character ??is raising suspicions. As in the original, there are 12 sandbox missions for players to enjoy over and over again due to their highly replayable nature.

Controls for Hitman: Blood Money - Reprisal have been reworked, too so that users can create a UI that fits them best on t??he go. However, those who wish to utilize a gamepad or keyboard and mouse have that option too.

Hitman: Blood Money - Reprisal sneaks up on iOS and Android users on November ??30. It's listed in the? App Store and Google Play Store for $14.99. A Nintendo Switch port is also planned for some point in the winter.

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Despite its legacy, Xbox 360 puzzle-platformer Braid hasn't been around much. However, that's all about to change as the game's creator Jon?athan Blow has recently annou??nced an Anniversary Edition coming in 2024.

Releasing April 30, this new version of Braid comes with improved v??isuals and animations, areas that have been "re-envisioned to make them more unique," and more than 15 hours of commentary. If y?ou're interested in the world game development, that last one may be of interest to you.

This special Anniversary Edition �which is launching to celebrate 15 years of Braid �is coming to PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, Android, and even Netflix. It'll also be availabl??e on PS4 and Xbox One, with Linux and Mac ports coming later on.

Considered a "masterpiece"

Originally released on Xbox 360 in 2008, Braid has been described as one of the greatest independent games of its generation. It won several awards and was the second-largest-selling game on Xbox Live Arcade. It has a Metacritic score of 93.

Its developer Blow is no stranger to the video game world. Some of his earlier work includes being a programmer on Oddworld: Munchy's Oddysee and Deus Ex: Invisible War. He released the puzzle title The Witness in 2016.

He's also gained something of a reputation over the years, often being held aloft as an outspoken critic of the gaming industry. He was described in a 2016 New Yorker article as a "prickly genius," while an interview with Kotaku in 2011 said Blow's opinions are not aimed at individuals, but at "trends." He's also no st??ranger to making public controversial s??tatements over the years, further complicating his legacy.

In any case, Braid is often signposted as an indie release that helped shape an industry of indie releases. This was before Minecraft did it. If you still haven't ??played the game (guilty), April's Anniversary Edition is definitely one to look out for.

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One of Apple's key selling points of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the devices' ability to play some pretty modern and demanding games. One of which is the recent Resident Evil 4 remake, and it's launching on compatible iOS devices soon.

Capcom announced that the Resident Evil 4 remake will be coming? to the iPhone 15 Pro on December 20. It will also be available for iPad and Mac devices with the M1 chip or later on the same day.

The Ada Wong-focused DLC, Separate Ways, la??unches alongside the core game. It features additional content tha?t resolves around "a secret mission that expands on the adventure and features thrilling new game mechanics."

The preorder available now enables a demo of Resident Evil 4. It showcases the beginning of Leon Kennedy's otherworldly endeavors, and gives you a feel for how the game works o?n mobile devices. You can play via the device's touchscreen or with compatible bluetooth controllers. It's also cross-platform playable with a single purchase so you can easily transfer play across your iPhone 15 Pro, iPad, or Mac. The latter of which offers keyboard and mouse controls.

Resident Evil 4 isn't the only prominent console title heading towards mobile. Ubisoft also confirmed it will be bringin Assassin's Creed Mirage to iOS platforms. And Capcom's Resident Evil Village launched for the aforementioned Apple devices on Oct??ober 30.

Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil Village, and Assassin's Creed Mirage are all landing on modern iOS devices without the need for cloud support. It's a pretty incredible time for mobile phone gaming. If you're hesitant, don't be. Resident Evil 4's remake earned a good score when it rolled out for consoles and PC in March. As did the Separated Ways DLC, which actually scored a bit better.

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Let's be honest, Kingdom Hearts 4 isn't coming anytime soon. So fans of the series may want to look elsewhere to get their fix of the Disney-verse. Luckily, with closed beta recruiting beginning today, Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link may not be all that far away.

Square Enix confirmed that Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link is arriving in 2024. Also, between today and November 19, iOS and Android users in the UK and Australia can sign up to potentially be chosen for the title's upcoming closed beta. In total, roughly 3,0??00 participants will be selected across the two platforms. To commemorate the announcement, the publisher also dropped a new trailer for the game:

As for the Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link closed beta schedule, iOS users are up first. Square Enix revealed that invitation emails will be going out around November 28, with the closed beta spanning from November 29 to December 8. Selected Android users will follow, with their closed beta launching at some point in January 2024. Square Enix recommends following the Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link X account for future news on the Android beta.

Not much is known about the new mobile title to this point. At the game's initial reveal, we were told that the adventure would depart from Scala ad Caelum and instead take place in the real world. The Heartless would once again be a focal point as players experience a brand new story. And if these words mean nothing to you, feel free to check out Destructoid's full Kingdom Hearts timeline explained.

Today's trailer describes the upcoming game as a "GPS Action RPG". It's unclear how exac?tly GPS is incorporated, but you do see a real-world global map with various chests scattered about. Though the trailer also states you can "travel the world without stepping outside".

The trailer also teases the ability to adventure through various Disney worlds and collect Disney characters to aid you. In a couple of quick battle clips, we can see Mickey, Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh, Ariel, Woody, Aladdin??, Rapunzel, Tinker Bell, Simba, and a few others.

As far as Kingdom Hearts 4 goes, we don't know much about that project either, aside from a teaser trailer. We do know a general timeframe that we will have Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link on our phones. Square Enix states in today's new trailer that the ga??me ??will release sometime in 2024. Unless, of course, you're one of the lucky 3,000 that gets to try the game out early.

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The Creative side of Fortnite just got a new experience, courtesy of developer Torus Games and publisher Starbreeze Entertainment. Turtle vs Turtle sets two teams on top ??of moving platforms and puts them in a battle of b??ase destruction. 

Turtle vs Turtle is essentially the Fortnite that you know and love with a slightly different hook. The game supports two teams of up to eight players. Each team gets a moving platform, and team members need to get to work building defenses and turrets. The goal is to keep your own platform stable and on?? the move while blasting your opponents�to bits. 

Bill McIntosh, CEO of Torus Games (LEGO 2K Drive, World War Z) released a statement saying: “Creating Turtle vs Turtle has been an exhilarating journey for us at Torus Games, and the support from Starbreeze has been pivotal in b??ringing our v??ision to life.�

Starbreeze Entertainment, mostly a live service games publisher with titles like Roboquest and Payday 3, will be supporting Torus on Turtle vs Turtle as the game continues to evolve. 

Creative 2.0

The game was built using Unreal Editor for Fortnite as part of the Creative system, which Epic released in March 2023. The toolset lets developers create new games inside Fortnite. It also lets them cash in on their work. Each month Epic pays a portion of its Fortnite re??venue to creators based on player?? engagement with their games.

Starbreeze's other recent live service release, Payday 3, debuted in September to mostly negative reception. Fans ran into frequent matchmaking problems and were frustrated by the game’s need for an internet connection even during solo play. An update addressing some of the issues has faced multiple delays.

Turtle vs Turtle has a solid foundation as part of the Fortnite ecosystem, but Payday 3's rough? start might make some reluctant to give it a shot.

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The Walking Dead franchise has ventured into a lot of different video game genres. But it has yet to infect the match 3 g?enre, until ??today.

Unlike The Walking Dead: Destinies, The Walking Dead Match 3 Tales is a puzzle RPG set within the universe of Robert Kirkman's original comic. Through match 3 puzzles, players will combat Walkers and various other enemies while playing as various characters? from the series, with each havin?g their own set of unique skills and weapons to aid you.

Both heroes and villains are selectable in th??e mobile title. Characters of note include Rick, Michonne, Carl, Glenn, The Governor, Maggie, Abraham, and more. There's weapon crafting outside of match 3 rounds that can give you an edge. As well as a mod??e to build your own settlement which leads to unlocking additional survivors and upgrades.

As per most The Walking Dead projects, the game's narrative is a focus of the Skybound Entertainment team. Dan Murray, managing partner at the studio, says in a press release that "fans can now take an active part in the decision-making that lends such drama and emotion to The Walking Dead’s story, whether defending their home or expanding it.â€?/p>

The Walking Dead Match 3 features brand new comic book-style art??. You'll revisit iconic moments from the original comics as well as never-before-seen ones. And the mobile title even features full voice acting as well.

What about The Walking Dead Match 3 multiplayer?

Match 3 Tales has both competitive and cooperative multiplayer included. Players can team up to take down difficult raid bosses that emerge as threats. You can go up against fellow survivors in PvP Raids, or participate in the game's All-Out War mode, which revolves around large-scale player alliance battles. And like many li?ve service mobile games, daily and weekly challenges will occur.

The Walking Dead: All-Stars, released last year for mobile, had a similar comic book style as Match 3 Tales. However, the survival RPG didn't embrace the iconicly intense story of the franchise. Really, since the conclusion of Telltale's The Walking Dead series, the gaming aspect of the series has had little focus on its comic??-verse.

The aforementioned The Walking Dead: Destinies is based within AMC's ever-popular live-action world. And when Negan joined the roster of Tekken 7 in 2018, it was an adaptation of Jeffrey Dean Morgan's take on the television character. So it's refreshing to feel as though we are finally adventuring back into the original world of Kirkman's The Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead Match 3 is available for both iOS and Android devices right now.

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Dynasty Warriors 9 is getting another turn in the spotlight, this time in the form of a mobile game. Nexon and Koei Tecmo announced Dynasty Warriors M for a global release this winter. 

Dynasty Warriors M promises an action-RPG based on the ninth mainline entry, which left something to be desired when it launched in 2018. The mobile version for iOS and Android will be free-to-play with in-app purchases, offering over 50 Officers from five factions to "collect and?? develop." Each Officer has their own tactics to employ acr??oss 520 stages and 13 regions.

According to Gematsu, a soft launch is live in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines. While we wait for the worldwide launch, Nexon Korea shared some cinematic tr??ailers. This one highlights the Battle of Hulao Gate:

The last we heard of Dynasty Warriors 9 was the Empires expansion that launched in 2021. M isn't the first game to strike phones and tablets exclusively. Dynasty Warriors: Overlords recently mixed Musou combat with town building, quests, and very mobile-style events. As teased in some of the videos, M will cover territory familiar to any?one modestly well-versed in the Three Kingdoms era. Settings like the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the Siege of Luoyang are deeply tread hack-and-slashing ground.

Will Dynasty Warriors M revitalize the greatest video game series ever? The official English Facebook page is live for any?one who wants to keep up with the game in the months leading up to its global release. 

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Last week we got an early peak at Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, a real-time collection RPG autobattler set in the MK universe that is exclusively on mobile. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, the features its own story centered around Shinnok's quest for destruction. Players must work together to aid Raiden and build a team of classic Mortal Kombat fighters to level up and progress through the story. Those interested in checking out this unique twist on Mortal Kombat can do so today on both iOS and Android.

"In Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, players will be able to unleash total mayhem in strategic, fast-paced battles with up to ten characters at once. Mortal Kombat: Onslaught introduces a new?? level of strategic gameplay ??and we’re excited to see how players build their teams to overcome various opponents and challenges."

- Ed Boon, CCO of NetherRealm Studios and Co-Creator of Mortal Kombat

Test Your Might

During our preview, we got to see an overview of how Mortal Kombat: Onslaught will play. Lead Designer Mike Lee showed us the real-time combat and gameplay. Players will grow their arsenal of Mortal Kombat fighters such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Liu Kang. As they progress they will level up their fighters. Along the way, you will also earn and enhance gear, equip powerful Relic items, and upgrade your Kombos and Special Abilities. Each fighter will fill the role of Assassin, Warrior, Sniper, or Defender. Each role has spec??ial abilities to excel at its specific role, and battles wil??l require specific setups.

I have to admit, the gameplay actually looked pretty good for? a mobile title. Players can deploy their fighters in an ideal formation to make use of their roles. Once the combat star??ts, players actively use their Special Abilities to change the tides of battle. You will have to grind a bit to level your character and increase their power to take on harder missions.

According to Lee, players will get a handful of characters via progression through the story. However, after that, Kombatants are acquired via a Gacha system. I asked Lee what we could expect in terms of microtransactions and he stated that as a F2P game there are certainly microtransactions, but that h?e felt NetherRealm was very generous with the MTX.

Khronicles

There are a variety of game modes in Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, including Boss Towers, Chasm Modes, and even Arena to engage in PvP. In Arena, player??s will challenge each other in real-time matches to climb leaderboards and earn unique rewards.

Onslaught will also feature Khronicles, which will progress the story as well as introduce new fighters. The first Khr??onicle will feature the MK11-specific version of Sc?orpion. Players who partake in the Khronicle will get to try out the fighter as well as unlock them for free by successfully completing the event.

Mortal Kombat: Onslaught releases today on iOS and Android.

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Announced last year, Activision Blizzard's upcoming mobile entry, Warcraft Rumble will be hitting iOS and Android devices in exactly one month on November 3. The collectible action-strategy title was originally announced as Warcraft: Arclight Rumble but somewhere lost the Arclight along the way. Those interested in checking it out can pre-register with Battle.net, on the App Store, or via Google Play. Warcraft Rumble will be free-to-play, though I'm sure th??er??e will be a cash shop.

Pocket Warcraft

According to the Warcraft Rumble website, players can expect to collect over 65 Warcraft-universe minis as they play through multiple game modes including a single-player campaign, head-to-head PvP battles, and more. Each mini will have its own unique playstyle and strategy to take on Warcraft Rumble's c??ampaign and dungeons, leveling your army along the way.

A few of the iconic Warcraft characters listed on the website include the Human Mage Jaina Proudmoore, Horde Leader Grommash Hel??lscream, and even Elwynn Forest miniboss Hogger. There are actually some pretty cool characters, like Rend Blackhand and Baron Rivendare. As players complete challenges they will unlock more Leaders and Spells, and eventually talents.

When Warcraft Rumble originally got announced, I wasn't too interested. But seeing all of the different characters and game modes it will be launching with, I'm willing to give it a shot. Just please don't have the same level of predator monetization that Diablo Immortal has. I know they aren't similar in any way, but there's?? a reason Blizzard is making this a mobile game, right?

World of Warcraft crossover with Warcraft Rumble brings new toys

Starting October 3, players can find Warcraft Rumble Machines throughout Azeroth in World of Warcraft. More specifically, all four major Dragonflight zones as well as Orgrimmar, Stormwind, and Valdrakken. Players can collect their own Warcraft Rumble minis that are actual toys in WoW. There are seven in total and each one requires a Rumble Coin to unlock it at a Rumble Machine. There are also two foil versions which players ??can find scattered around the world.

This is a pretty cool event, to be honest. I could never really get into the pet battle and collecting system in WoW, but the idea of their being f??oil versions makes me interested in collecting?? these minis.

Warcraft Rumble releases on iOS and Android on November 3.

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I didn't need to play much of Mario Kart Tour to find out it's not for me: but even if you're still enjoying it, the race is coming to an end in the near future. According to a new in-game notification straight from Nintendo (via OatmealDome), new content for Mario Kart Tour will cease to come out from October 4, 2023 onward.

Here's the full wording from Nintendo:

"From 10/04/2023 (Wed) on, tours will ?consist of content from tours that have appeared before. Note: No new courses, drivers, karts, or gliders will be added following the Battle Tour st??arting 10/04/2023 (Wed). We hope you continue to enjoy playing Mario Kart Tour."

Well, that's pretty?? definitive! I love how Nintendo clarified "courses, drivers, karts, or gliders" just to let folks know that there is no hope of new content coming to the gam?e post-October. This is just a few weeks following the fourth anniversary of the game's release on September 25, 2019.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will carry on the legacy of Mario Kart Tour's few bright spots

Funnily enough, a good chunk of the game's courses have already been ported over to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, so even when the microtransaction-filled game goes offline entirely, its legacy will still live on in some form. Even though it kicked off years ago, it's still so weird to see Nintendo getting into the mobile game with gacha fodder and loot boxes.

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From turtles and cars to one man's mountain

Apple's mobile gaming subscription service Apple Arcade is getting a fresh batch of new games. Today, Apple revealed 20 new games coming to the subscription service.

One of the leaders of the pack is TMNT Splintered Fate, a co-op roguelike adventure starring the turt??les. The crew is searching for Splinter, and will journey arou?nd New York City looking for clues while also picking up randomized power-ups.

Triband, the studio behind What the Golf? and What the Bat?, is also here with What the Car? It's a fittingly quirky take on motor vehicles, the kind that Triband has been especially good at over its other gam??es.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5wx0Takylc

Even more are on the docket, including some familiar faces like Getting Over It and Limbo. Here's the full list of today's games:

Games coming to Apple Arcade, May 2023

• TMNT Splintered Fate
• Disney SpellStruck
• What the Car?
• Cityscapes: Sim Builder
• Chess Universe+
• Disney Coloring World+
• Disney Getaway Blast+
• Farming Simulator 20+
• Getting Over It+
• Hill Climb Racing+
• Iron Marines+
• Kingdom Two Crowns+
• Playdead's Limbo+
• My Town Home - Family Games+
• Octodad: Dadliest Catch+
• PPKP+
• Snake.io+
• Temple Run+
• Time Locker+
• Very Little Nightmares+

It's a pretty solid lineup, with some familiar faces and neat new additions in there. I personally like the idea of seeing someone trying to make their way up the hill of Bennett Foddy's Getting Over It, and the ensuing frustration, in mobile form.

Apple Arcade has had some pretty stellar games hit the service over the years, from Hironobu Sakaguchi's Fantasian to the recent mobile version of Game Freak's Pocket Card Jockey. I'm cer?tainly curious to see if some more hits await in this update?.

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A lot of players are ready to board

HoYoverse's upcoming game Honkai: Star Rail is picking up a lot of speed heading into launch. The studio recently confirmed that it's garnered 10 million pre-registrations for Honkai: Star Rail ahead of release later this month.

This is the latest game from HoYoverse (also known as miHoYo), the makers of Genshin Impact and, before that, Honkai Impact 3rd. Considering the wild popularity of Genshin and the Honkai name attached, it's not terribly surprising that Star Rail is garnering numbers. Still, 10 million is a lot of players.

//tw??itter.com/ho??nkaistarrail/status/1647177950012354560

Honkai: Star Rail is a free-to-play game, so pre-registering doesn't cost anything. The goal, really, is to net some pre-release goodies. Pre-registering now will net you 20 Star Rail Passes, as well as a 4-Star character Serval. So if you want some extra fodder for launch day, pre-registering will net you that. You can find the site for it over here.

All aboard

Unlike Genshin Impact, an action RPG with Breath of the Wild vibes, Honkai: Star Rail looks towards old??er genre conventions. Namely, it's a turn-based RPG. But it also has all the gorgeous graphics and super-st??ylish character designs you'd want from this studio.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7jilzcZoiE

Considering the stories I've heard about how good Genshin Impact's story got over the years, I'm tempted to dip my toe in the water with Honkai: Star Rail. This one??'s a bit more sci-fi themed, wh??ich seems like a neat set-up, and a turn-based RPG might be a little easier for me to dip in and out of than a more action-driven game.

If neither one is your cup of tea, there's still Zenless Zone Zero on the way, which is one I've also been keeping an eye on. We'll see if it garners the same pre-release attention, but it certainly looks interesting too. Seems like HoYoverse is really using its Genshin momentum to expand outward into new ventures.

Honkai: Star Rail hits PC and mobile on April 26???, with a PlayStation version also planned for a "coming soon" window.

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Knights into the Knightmare

Shovel Knight Dig is striking the earth once again. Nitrome and Yacht Club Games have announced a free DLC update for Shovel Knight Dig dubbed "Fate and Fortune," out now for PC and Apple Ar?cade, arriv??ing later on console.

The Fame and Fortune DLC brings Black Knight into the fray. The shadowy dark knight?? teams up with Shovel Knight to help uncover the true Knightmare, unlocking Knightmare Mode once players have completed the base game.

This mode is a special challenge, where each stage will introduce new challenges. Enemies could hit harder, resources may become scarce, or the stage may even get longer. E??ach one stacks too, so expect some exponential escalation of difficulty.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PL9-Rorp3k

It's not all doom and gloom, though. A new pal Fetcher is also here, who will be waiting at the?? end of each stage. For a price, he'll give you a chance to exit the well mid-run, saving you??r gold and returning the Knight to the Hub.

Plus, there are some Mementos awarded to players for their accomplishments, with which they can decorate the Hub. Add in a new Compendium, new music track, and some quality-of-life adjustments, and it's a pretty solid update. Additionally, the crew notes on the announcement page that more free DLC is planned for Shovel Knight Dig.

Heading down the well

Shovel Knight Dig was one of several Shovel Knight spin-offs to arrive over the last few years. And with both Dig and Pocket Dungeon, it's been interesti??ng to see Yacht Club Games let others take a stab at the franchise and see what results come ??up.

While Yacht Club works away at Mina the Hollower, this new Dig update seems like a good way for eager spelunkers to dive back into the world of Dig. The update is out now on PC and mobile, and will arrive at a later date for consoles. And if you're eager to pick it up now, it's on sale on Steam right now for 40% off.

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Pokemon Go to sleep

The long-awaited lifestyle app Pokemon Sleep is finally nearing its wake-up call. The Pokemon Company announced today that Pokemon Sleep will arrive for mobile devices later this year.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=amLQr0l8n5Y

Shown as part of today's February 27 Pokemon Presents, Pokemon Sleep is a lifestyle app that tracks?? your sleep data. By simply activatin?g the app and going to sleep,

You'll be able to unlock d??ifferent Pokemon and their sleep styles. You'll start with styles like Dozing, Snoozing, and Slumbering, and gradually pick up more as you sleep.

This app will also work with the Pokemon Go Plus+ device announced today, he??lping you track sleep and even hear lullabies from?? special monsters.

Pokemon Sleep ??is set to arrive sometime later this year for Android and iOS.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=KghsZQSXG8g

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Bullet hell, now in Hell

The Doom Slayer is ready to take on demons with a new perspective. Mighty Doom is a new mobile, single-touch shoo?ter starring the Mini Slayer, arriving on March 21 for iOS and Android.

Created by Alpha Dog Games and Bethesda, this particular version of Doom events takes place in the "animated Doom universe." The Slayer is stolen away to another universe and is on a simple mission: get back their pet bunny Daisy, and destr??oy any demons in ??their way.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJgN_gZd1iE

This new universe was inspired by the collectible toys in Doom Eternal. But now, they will replicate the gory, blood-splattering violence of their inspira??tions in adorable cartoon form.

Rip, tear, swipe

Rather than a first-person shooter, Mighty Doom is? a scrolling run-and-gun arcade shooter. You view the Mini Slayer from a top-down perspective, directing him through waves of demons and through the perils of mini-Hell.

Those r?uns through mini-Hell will evolve, too. There are rogue-lite elements that allow you to upgrade the Mini Slayer's gear, enhancing weapons and finding new skill combinations. What's the fun of raiding the demon realm without a few new toys, right?

Mighty Doom is the creation of Alpha Dog Games, a studio that joined Bethesda in 2019. The team was given a shot to create a Doom spin-off, and here we are: Mighty Doom. Slayers Club members will get a special Mini Slayer skin in-game when Mighty Doom launches, and pre-registration is live now for both the Google Play Store and App Store on the Mighty Doom site.

While mobile game adaptations can be hit-or-miss, Mighty Doom seems built ground-up to be something that can stand on its own. I'm curious to see what the in-app purchases look like, as the store listing does say there will be some. But there have still been great ad??aptations of franchises into the mobile format. The lil' Mini Slayer is pretty fun, too.

Mighty Doom goes live for mobile on March 21.

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Hit the orange track

Velan Studios is working on another mixed reality racing game. Hot Wheels: Rift Rally is a new racing game from the studio behind Mario Kart Live, centered on Mattel's line of miniature cars.

Due out on March 14 for iOS and PlayStation, Hot Wheels: Rift Rally operates pretty similarly to Velan's Mario Kart Live. Players can set up differ??e??nt gates around their real-world accommodations to create a track, then use the car and built-in camera to race around.

While it's all controlled through the game, you're also driving ?the car. So it's a pretty solid w?ay to both re-imagine your living room, and keep a high-energy cat occupied.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Q0fYl0pH0

The big difference here is that while your car remains the same in the real world, in-game it can morph into different famous Hot Wheels cars. There are mini-games to compete in and stunts to perform, th?ough some of the fun will also be in seeing what that little car can do. I'm not advocating for you to set up any sick jumps or dangerous thrill courses, it's your money. But a childhood spent assembling orange track segments has me thinking about what kind of courses you co??uld concoct for this RC car.

Rallying around the rift

There's also a Campaign mode in Hot Wheels: Rift Rally, where different challenge maps and compe?titions await. Or in Stunt mode, players ??can drive around without those pesky gates, free to freestyle to their heart's content.

It will run you a decent amount for the kit. The standard edition for Hot Wheels: Rift Rally will go for $129.99, while the Collectors Edition adds in a special-edition RC car, extra McLaren Hot Wheels car, and bonus unlockable car for $149??.99.

Hot Wheels: Rift Rally races its way onto iOS, PlayStation 4, and?? PlayStation 5 on March 14, 2023.

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