Month: April 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages will have its early access phase starting May 13, allowing players to engage with the game two days prior to its official launch. This opportunity is exclusively offered through the Premium Edition of the game, which is priced at $99.99.

Additionally, an upgrade option for those who already own the game will be available for $31.49, specifically for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Developed by id Software and published by Bethesda, which now operates under the Microsoft umbrella, Doom: The Dark Ages will also be part of the Xbox Game Pass lineup right from its debut on May 15.

This trend of providing early access for an additional fee has become popular among major game releases, encouraging fans to consider purchasing the game even if they plan to access it through the Game Pass service. The Premium Edition not only grants early access but also includes additional perks.

Players will receive the game’s soundtrack, an artbook, and several exclusive skins for the Doom Slayer, his dragon, and his mech. While campaign DLC plans have yet to be revealed, it is anticipated that further details will be available post-launch.

Fans looking for more information on potential DLC can mark June 8 on their calendars. This date coincides with the Xbox Games Showcase of 2025, where further announcements and insights on upcoming titles, potentially including Doom: The Dark Ages’ DLC, may be shared.

For now, players eager to dive into Doom: The Dark Ages can look forward to the early access on May 13 and the official release on May 15.

A recent leak concerning Marvel Rivals has unveiled the potential arrival of five new heroes. Players can look forward to new characters being integrated into the popular hero shooter each month. The game is set to introduce a new game mode, Giant-Size Brain Blast, on April 25, adding more excitement for fans. The leak, attributed to a well-known Marvel Rivals leaker, reveals that characters such as Forge, Amaranth, Hive, Armor, and White Fox may be making their way into the game soon.

Recently, Season 2 launched, introducing Emma Frost as a Vanguard, enhancing the gameplay dynamics as she leads her team against rivals. While it may appear that numerous heroes have been leaked since the game’s debut, NetEase Games has outlined an ambitious schedule for releasing new characters. Prior to the second season, developers announced a shift from three-month to two-month seasons. Despite this change, they plan to continue delivering two characters per season, ensuring that players can anticipate a new hero every month.

The leaker X0X_LEAK has publicly shared insights into the characters found within the game’s files, though the exact timing of their introduction remains uncertain. Speculation points to White Fox joining as a Strategist and Amaranth as a melee-oriented Duelist. Additionally, both Hive and Armor are expected to fill the Vanguard role, while the long-awaited X-Men character Forge is rumored to also be a Strategist, providing crucial support in battles. Players have been expressing a desire for more Strategists and Vanguards to balance the current roster, which leans heavily towards Duelists.

With hints at Ultron’s potential debut as a Strategist in an imminent mid-season update, fans have much to look forward to. In summary, the upcoming Giant-Size Brain Blast mode and the fresh influx of characters signal an exciting time ahead for Marvel Rivals, leaving many fans feeling optimistic about the game’s future.

Nintendo has unveiled its latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2, which will officially launch on June 5 with a strong lineup of games. At debut, the Switch 2 will feature five exclusive titles: Mario Kart World, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Fast Fusion, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and Survival Kids.

Additionally, at least four other games will arrive with exclusive content, enhancing the gameplay experience for players. As more titles have been confirmed, the total count of Switch 2 launch games has reached at least 22.

Sega’s Sonic X Shadow Generations will be among the launch titles, alongside the HD remaster of Suikoden 1 & 2, marking a well-rounded array of offerings for gamers right from the start. For those who have pre-ordered the console, the exclusive launch games are particularly important for prioritizing their gaming experience.

Mario Kart World stands out as a highlight of the launch lineup, complete with a special bundle priced at $499.99 that includes the console and a digital copy of the game. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster offers an updated take on the classic JRPG, while the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour serves as a tutorial to showcase the new system’s features.

Survival Kids provides a co-op survival experience, appealing to fans of the genre. In addition to exclusive titles, several games will have unique features on the Switch 2.

For example, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S will introduce a new 2v2 mode, while The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive significant performance enhancements. Further down the line, gamers can anticipate various other titles available on Switch 2, ranging from popular releases such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition to promising new games like Split Fiction.

Nintendo has also confirmed major upcoming titles, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which will showcase impressive graphics on the new hardware. Excitingly, within the next few years, Switch 2 will see the release of exclusive games like Drag x Drive and Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as anticipated titles such as Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.

With a robust gaming catalog and innovative features, the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to make a significant impact in the gaming community.

Michael Douse, the publishing director for Baldur’s Gate 3, has expressed his admiration for the newly launched RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, encouraging fans to support the game and its development team. Since its release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has garnered enthusiastic responses from both players and critics, solidifying its reputation in the gaming community. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as a fantasy RPG that uniquely blends turn-based gameplay with real-time mechanics.

Developed by Sandfall Interactive, the game was initially announced at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2024, where it began to generate significant excitement among gamers. By January 2025, the Collector’s Edition had sold out within just a week, underscoring its growing popularity. The official launch on April 24 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S led to overwhelmingly positive reviews and endorsements from esteemed figures within the gaming industry, including Douse himself.

Before diving into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, players should be aware of some unwritten rules regarding its combat and exploration. Douse publicly commended the game on Twitter, highlighting its achievement as the highest-rated title of 2025. He recommended that fans experience the game, particularly as it includes voice talents from Baldur’s Gate 3, such as Jennifer English, who voices Shadowheart.

Additionally, the cast features other prominent actors like Charlie Cox, Andy Serkis, and Ben Starr. Douse also acknowledged the impressive work of Sandfall Interactive’s small team of just 30 members, stating that their output rivals that of much larger studios. He emphasized the importance of purchasing the game to provide financial support to the developers, rather than relying solely on platforms like Xbox Game Pass.

As the week unfolds, RPG enthusiasts are excited to explore Clair Obscur’s expansive 30-hour campaign, which can extend to about 60 hours with side quests. Moreover, the developers have hinted at a live-action movie adaptation in the works, although it may not be released until 2026. Overall, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is poised to be one of the year’s standout titles.

Street Fighter 6 amiibo cards are set to be a GameStop exclusive, priced at $39.99 for a collection of 22 character cards. These amiibo cards, alongside Street Fighter 6 amiibo figures, will allow players to save their settings, unlock various features, and have compatibility with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for these amiibo have begun, revealing that the cards will only be available through GameStop. Fans wishing to obtain the cards will need to pre-order ahead of the game’s release on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Street Fighter 6 marks the latest entry in the franchise, initially launched on other platforms in 2023 but confirmed as a launch title for the Switch 2 during a recent Nintendo Direct. Additionally, a price increase for the Amiibo line is anticipated with the introduction of the first set designed for the Switch 2. The Street Fighter 6 Amiibo Card Starter Set, now available for pre-order, comprises cards representing the base roster and Year 1 Character Pass roster of the game, including characters like Jamie, Kimberly, and Luke. These characters also have full amiibo figures planned for release.

Players can expect the amiibo and cards to function similarly to previous games, enabling them to save player-specific settings such as preferred outfits and button configurations, while also unlocking features like photo frames and wallpapers for devices. The initial set of characters featured in the Street Fighter 6 amiibo cards includes favorites like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Ken, among others. Although it’s unclear whether Capcom and Nintendo have plans for additional amiibo waves based on further character additions, the Starter Set name suggests that there may be more cards in the future. Given the affordable pricing for the complete card set, it appears likely to attract interest among collectors and fans alike.

The Kvatch bug is posing challenges for players of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, particularly during the “Battle for Castle Kvatch” quest. Fans have been excited about the game’s release, but it is not without its share of technical issues. Various bugs have been discovered since its launch, with some proving to be more aggravating than others. One major issue players have encountered is the potential loss of save files, which can be devastating in a sprawling RPG like this.

Meanwhile, other bugs, while less severe, create confusion and hinder progress through the main quest. A specific glitch involves the character Savlian Matius, who continues to shout, “Charge the courtyard! Leave none of them standing!” even after players have defeated all enemies in the courtyard.

Fortunately, there is a simple fix for this problem. Players should proceed to the Great Hall located at the end of the courtyard, eliminate the remaining foes, and then loot the Colovian Signet Ring from Ormellius Goldwine’s body. Once this is done, players can return to Savlian Matius and continue the quest. However, individual experiences may vary regarding the effectiveness of this solution.

As for whether this glitch will be addressed in future updates, that remains uncertain. Oblivion Remastered, with its enhanced visuals and gameplay improvements, also brings over some technical issues from the original game. While the community hopes that serious bugs, such as the Kvatch bug and the save file issue, will be resolved, the overall reception of Oblivion Remastered has been overwhelmingly positive. Players appreciate the modern enhancements and are eager for similar updates to other classic titles, like Fallout 3.

Nintendo has issued a warning to fans eager to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting the emergence of scams related to the console’s launch. Many potential buyers, particularly in Japan, are at risk of falling victim to fraudulent emails claiming they have won a lottery to secure the highly sought-after system.

This situation arises from the intense demand for the new console, which scammers are exploiting to potentially steal personal information or hijack gaming accounts. The prevalence of scams targeting gamers is not a new phenomenon; they tend to increase around significant releases.

Recently, fans of popular titles like Elden Ring and Silent Hill have also encountered fake invitations for playtesting, designed to capture sensitive data. Nintendo’s alert serves as a reminder that similar threats are surfacing with the anticipation surrounding the Switch 2.

While the current scams appear to primarily affect Japanese customers, the global reach of such fraudulent schemes is anticipated. As excitement builds for the Switch 2, fans might be more inclined to respond without caution to enticing offers.

Nintendo emphasizes that any legitimate communication regarding pre-order rights will not include links to verify information. Instead, users should manually navigate to the official site to ensure their safety.

As anticipation mounts, the high demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has posed challenges for retailers overwhelmed by eager customers. On launch day, it’s likely that many fans will face disappointment, as not everyone will secure a console.

In this landscape of excitement and potential scams, consumers are urged to remain vigilant to protect themselves from deceitful tactics while securing their spot in line for the new gaming system.

GameStop has announced the cancellation of bot-generated and duplicate pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Fans of the console will soon have a fresh opportunity to secure their pre-orders as GameStop is set to reopen its inventory after addressing issues that plagued the initial pre-order phase. The excitement around the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders began on April 24 in the US, leading to significant online chaos. Retail websites, including those of Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, were overwhelmed by the influx of eager customers trying to claim their consoles.

While some managed to successfully place orders, many others struggled, prompting them to seek alternatives at GameStop. When GameStop initiated its pre-orders at 11 AM ET on the same day, it encountered similar technical difficulties, including website crashes. Customers who opted to visit their local GameStop locations tended to have better luck, though they were required to get there early to secure a spot in line. As it stands, all pre-orders for the Switch 2 across various retailers are sold out.

However, GameStop’s efforts to cancel bot and duplicate orders provide a glimmer of hope for those still hoping to pre-order. With the cancellation of these problematic orders, GameStop plans to reopen its pre-order inventory, allowing fans another chance to secure a Switch 2 ahead of its June 5 launch. Customers are encouraged to check in with their local stores for any available pre-orders. Despite the excitement, Nintendo has acknowledged that supply issues may hinder availability on launch day and through the holiday season.

As the console arrives with five exclusive games, anticipation continues to grow, although frustrations remain for fans unable to pre-order. The hope is that Nintendo will ramp up production to meet the high demand.

Pokemon TCG Pocket is marking its half-year anniversary with a variety of exciting rewards. Players can look forward to receiving a Shaymin coin and a full art Rayquaza EX card, as part of this celebration. Additionally, the game is gearing up for the release of a new expansion titled Celestial Guardians, which will introduce over 200 new cards into the game. Launched in October 2023, Pokemon TCG Pocket has quickly gained popularity due to its streamlined gameplay.

Unlike the physical Trading Card Game, this digital version features simpler rules, allowing players to build decks consisting of just 20 cards and engage in battles with a limit of 50 turns. The game’s appeal lies in the thrill of opening booster packs to discover new cards. Since its release, it has seen the launch of two expansions and three mini-sets, the latest being the Shining Revelry, which introduced 111 cards and the highly anticipated shiny Pokemon. To commemorate six months of success, the developers have announced special gifts that players can earn.

Beginning on April 29 at 11 PM PDT, a new round of missions and solo battles will be available, allowing players to win Promo Pack A Series Vol. 7 boosters. These packs feature the coveted full art Rayquaza EX card as the primary reward. Until May 12, players can also complete special missions to obtain a Shaymin coin and an engaging playmat designed with characters like Charmander, Piplup, and Rockruff.

Players can participate in solo battles against AI opponents of varying difficulty to earn promotional card packs. These promotional cards are unique variations of existing ones, featuring distinct attributes, alternate artwork, and a special Poke Ball stamp. The coins and playmats serve as accessories that enhance the experience of building and customizing decks. In addition to the anniversary festivities, DeNA has announced the upcoming expansion Celestial Guardians, which promises to add even more depth to the game with the introduction of ex variants of Legendary Pokemon Solgaleo and Lunala, as well as the first immersive Support card.

Elena has been officially announced as the next downloadable content (DLC) character for Street Fighter 6, marking the conclusion of the Season 2 releases that have featured several iconic figures from the fighting game franchise. Players can anticipate Elena’s arrival on June 5, 2024, along with a newly designed stage. Elena is a beloved capoeirista who first appeared in Street Fighter 3: New Generation.

To prepare for her entry into Street Fighter 6, Capcom has released a new gameplay trailer highlighting her updated moveset. Classic moves like Rhino Horn make a comeback, accompanied by new abilities such as Lynx Song. The trailer showcases her dynamic fighting style, featuring a variety of forward-moving kicks and evasive techniques.

In Season 2, Capcom has already introduced other fan-favorites, starting with M. Bison, who made his debut on June 26, 2024. This iteration of Bison features a striking new look, including long white hair and a tattered cape. Following him, Terry Bogard was added to the roster in September, further enriching the game’s character lineup, while Mai Shiranui followed on February 5, 2025.

Elena’s enhanced gameplay includes a set of versatile moves that give players the chance to chain attacks effectively. Notable skills such as Leopard Snap and Harvest Circle promise to extend her offensive capabilities. Additionally, her Super Arts, which range from powerful anti-air attacks to multi-hit flurries of kicks, give her a diverse toolkit for engaging opponents.

On Elena’s release day, players will have the opportunity to unlock her classic outfit from Street Fighter 3 and Ultra Street Fighter 4 by completing in-game challenges or using Fighter Coins. Furthermore, the new stage, Reniala Remains, will offer a stunning nocturnal panorama of the African plains, creating an immersive backdrop for Elena’s return to the series.