Month: June 2025

Hellblade 2’s PS5 Deluxe Edition Includes Exciting Bonus Content for Gamers

PlayStation 5 gamers who opt for the Deluxe Edition of Senua Saga: Hellblade 2 will receive an exciting bonus. The game, initially launched on Xbox as a day one Game Pass title just over a year ago, has received positive reviews, standing at an 81 on Metacritic—matching the score of its predecessor, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, despite its underwhelming sales. Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy, which began in earnest last year, has seen significant growth in 2025, with no indications of slowing down.

Earlier this year, Bethesda’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle debuted on PS5 shortly after its Xbox release. Additionally, Forza Horizon 5 successfully transitioned to Sony’s platform, further demonstrating Xbox’s commitment to reaching a broader audience with its popular titles. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is on track to join this trend, launching on PlayStation 5 in August alongside a remastered version of Gears of War.

Ninja Theory’s sequel features intriguing environmental puzzles, although some comparisons have been made with Alan Wake 2, which boasts its own impressive puzzle mechanics. For those who purchase the Deluxe Edition of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 on August 12, there’s more in store. This edition includes a PS5-enhanced version of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, plus a digital copy of its soundtrack.

Priced at an additional $20, this enhanced version promises to provide even better visuals on the PS5 compared to the original. Given the success of similar titles like Indiana Jones and Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is poised to perform well. It’s likely to resonate with fans of PlayStation’s renowned franchises, such as God of War and The Last of Us.

Moreover, players are eagerly awaiting potential news from Limited Run Games regarding a rumored physical edition of Hellblade 2, which may mirror the Deluxe Edition with its enhancements and release shortly after the digital version. Players who favor digital gaming will only have to wait until August 12 to experience this cinematic sequel from Xbox.

Leaked: Upcoming Free Games on Epic Games Store for Next Week Revealed

On July 3, two free games, Figment and Backpack Hero, are set to debut on the Epic Games Store. Since its launch on December 6, 2018, the Epic Games Store has been popular for offering weekly giveaways. The first free game was the underwater survival horror title Subnautica, available from December 12 to December 27 of that year, aimed at attracting new users to its platform. Currently, the free game on the Epic Games Store is The Operator, available until June 26 at 10:00 AM CT.

Following this, players can download Sable, an adventurous open-world game, for free from June 26 to July 3. Sable is notable for its distinct visual style and allows players to explore a landscape filled with the remnants of ancient civilizations. As they progress, players will solve puzzles, overcome platforming challenges, and enhance their hoverbike, all while enjoying an original soundtrack by the indie pop band Japanese Breakfast. Recent reports reveal that the Epic Games Store will soon remove a game that players might already have in their libraries.

According to Reddit user MeguminShiro, Figment and Backpack Hero will be available for free from July 3 to July 10. Figment, developed by Bedtime Digital Games, is a stylish action-adventure puzzle game. Players join the cantankerous Dusty and his upbeat companion Piper on a quest to retrieve Dusty’s stolen scrapbook. This charming game was previously offered for free in 2020, giving players another chance to add it to their collections.

Backpack Hero, developed by Jaspel, is an inventory management game featuring anthropomorphic animals battling various enemies while organizing their packs during dungeon-crawling adventures. Its unique mechanics and challenging foes can pose a steep learning curve for newcomers. For nearly seven years, the Epic Games Store has provided gamers with a diverse selection of free games. With over 500 titles offered, ranging from indie hits to major releases like Grand Theft Auto 5, it serves as a viable alternative for gamers who prefer a budget-friendly gaming experience, even as many continue to favor Steam as their primary launcher.

Sony Delivers Disappointing Update for PS Plus First-Party Game Offerings

PlayStation Plus subscribers should manage their expectations regarding first-party day-one releases on the service. A company executive recently clarified that this feature won’t be available anytime soon.

With around 47 million subscribers utilizing the multi-tiered system, some players may be comparing it to the Xbox Game Pass model and expressing dissatisfaction. Since its launch in 2010, PlayStation Plus has offered a monthly selection of games, multiplayer access, and exclusive discounts.

The service is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary on June 29, 2025. Players can anticipate a broader selection of top-tier games, discounts on Sony movies, and a limited period of free multiplayer access for non-subscribers.

However, the subscription is not designed for immediate access to blockbuster releases, which are typically reserved for independently developed titles and a collection of older PS Plus Classics. Nick Maguire, the Vice President of Global Services, emphasized that the strategy of not including first-party games at launch would remain unchanged, stating, “We’ve sort of stayed true to our strategy across the board, where we’re not looking to put games in day and date.”

This approach departs from Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass model, which frequently features first-party titles available on the platform as soon as they launch, thanks to their extensive studio acquisitions. Recent and upcoming releases like Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater 3+4 and The Outer Worlds 2 are examples of this strategy.

PlayStation Plus consists of three subscription tiers—Essential, Extra, and Premium—allowing players to select the best value for their needs. With an 18 percent increase in Premium memberships in the last year, it’s evident that players appreciate the diverse offerings of the service.

Each plan is tailored to enhance the gaming experience, offering various benefits and access to a rich library of games.

World of Warcraft Patch 11.2 Introduces Valuable Quality-of-Life Enhancements for Delves

World of Warcraft is set to introduce a valuable new feature in Patch 11.2, specifically a tooltip on the world map that indicates which story variant is active in each Delve. This enhancement will significantly improve the player experience by making it easier to complete challenging achievements and steer clear of Delve stories that may not resonate with individual players. Delves are a fresh type of instance introduced in World of Warcraft: The War Within, allowing characters of any specialization or role to engage solo or in groups.

Each Delve presents various story variants that modify enemies, objectives, mechanics, and pathways. These variants rotate daily, adding an element of surprise and replayability. With the implementation of this map tooltip in Patch 11.2, players will no longer have to physically visit a Delve’s entrance to discover its active storyline.

Simply hovering over the Delve on the map will reveal the current variant, streamlining the process for those seeking specific narratives. This functionality serves two primary purposes. First, it aids players in achieving the Delve Loremaster: The War Within accolade, which necessitates the completion of every Delve storyline—a prerequisite for the Glory of the Delver achievement that rewards the sought-after Ivory Golianthus mount.

Second, it enables players to select Delve story variants that align with their preferences, whether they are looking for easier challenges or engaging narratives. Importantly, Delves are expected to remain a permanent feature in future expansions, enhancing the long-term value of this update. While Patch 11.2 does not yet have a specific release date, following the usual eight-week release pattern after the recent Patch 11.1.7 could place its arrival around August 12.

Additionally, Patch 11.2 will include new visual options to help manage the visual effects produced by other players during intense battles, further refining the gameplay experience. Gamers will have control over how much visual clutter they encounter, enhancing their overall enjoyment in raids and group content. As the story unfolds, players will embark on an adventure through subterranean realms, uncovering mysteries and challenges posed by the Harbinger of the Void in the depths of the Nerubian empire.

Official Approval Granted to Halo Fan Game by Halo Studios

The fan project Spartan Survivors, inspired by the Halo universe, has received official approval for development from Halo Studios. This exciting update has thrilled both the fan community and the developers behind the game. Spartan Survivors combines elements of roguelites and bullet heaven genres, challenging players to combat waves of enemies from the Covenant and the Flood.

Initially, there was some concern among fans about the project’s future. However, the development team recently announced through BlueSky that they had been contacted by Halo Studios. The studio expressed appreciation for the game and the effort that went into it, calling it enjoyable.

They requested, however, that the team include a disclaimer noting that Halo is a Microsoft property, and that the game follows the Game Content Usage Rules set by Microsoft, clarifying it is not affiliated with them. Currently, Spartan Survivors is available for download on Itchio, with plans for a release on Steam and Xbox in 2025. While a specific launch date has not been given, the support from Halo Studios has likely boosted the team’s morale and visibility, helping them gain notoriety among other enthusiasts.

A post from earlier indicated that the game was among the most popular on Itchio, contributing to its growing fan base. Historically, Microsoft has maintained a strict content policy regarding its properties. Despite this, fan-made titles often face scrutiny or shutdown by developers and publishers.

Thus, it is refreshing to see an encouraging response in this case. Spartan Survivors is now set to join other developer-supported projects, providing hope for fan communities eager for creative expansions of beloved franchises. Fans of Halo will want to keep an eye on Spartan Survivors and might try it out now on Itchio.

Exciting New Switch 2 Exclusive Game Available at a Great Price!

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game, Drag x Drive, is set to launch on August 14 at an attractive price of $19.99. This title is one of the first exclusives revealed during a special Nintendo Direct presentation, joining the ranks of other notable games such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. At its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 introduced five exclusive games for players to enjoy. Early adopters have already explored titles like Mario Kart World, Fast Fusion, Survival Kids, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.

While Mario Kart World has garnered more attention, the other exclusives have yet to make a significant impact. However, the good news is that more titles are on their way to diversify the platform’s offerings. Drag x Drive stands out as a creative concept, featuring wheelchair basketball and incorporating the Switch 2’s unique mouse functionality for controls. Its primary focus is a 3v3 multiplayer experience, and while the depth of content is still unclear, the budget-friendly price should entice more players to try it at launch.

In contrast, other Switch 2 exclusives, like Mario Kart World priced at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $69.99, may deter potential buyers. Furthermore, Drag x Drive is unique in being a multiplayer-only game—an unusual direction for Nintendo. It’s currently the only exclusive with a confirmed release date aside from Donkey Kong Bananza. While the later months of 2023 appear somewhat sparse, particularly regarding original titles, fans remain optimistic for more announcements in the future that could enhance the Switch 2’s lineup.

Pokemon GO Updates Storage Limit for Players

Recently, Pokemon GO has announced an increase in storage limits for both items and Pokemon, allowing players to manage their growing collections more effectively. Over time, as the game introduces new Pokemon and useful items, it was logical to provide players with more space to accommodate their needs. The Pokemon storage limit has now been raised to 10,500, while item capacity has reached 9,500, offering an increase of 700 slots in both categories.

The announcement comes at an opportune moment, as players are gearing up for the global GO Fest anticipated to occur in late June. These annual events provide players with exceptional opportunities to catch rare, limited, and Shiny Pokemon, making the expanded storage more relevant. Furthermore, the introduction of Gold Bottle Caps has sparked discussions among the community about whether the item presents a pay-to-win scenario.

While the new storage limits are appreciated by many, reactions from players have been mixed. Some are thankful for the added space, while others express that they are nowhere close to reaching the previous maximum and do not see the need for an upgrade. Additionally, some players have shared their frustration for having to release Pokemon they once cherished, which they could have kept had the update been implemented sooner.

There are calls for the storage upgrades to be cheaper, with many Free-to-Play (F2P) users feeling the pressure of increased costs, raising concerns about the future of monetization in Pokemon GO. Despite these concerns, players have the option to ignore the storage upgrade if they choose. For more casual players, storage management may not be an issue, but for dedicated players, like those who recently caught a staggering 600,000 Pokemon, an even larger storage capacity would indeed be welcomed.

Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader Introduces Twitch Drops in the Lex Imperialis Update

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader has recently launched a new Twitch Drop campaign to celebrate the release of its second expansion, Lex Imperialis. This campaign offers players a chance to acquire in-game items such as the Vox-Whistle, Arbites Handcuffs, and Welded Gloves by simply watching an hour of the game on Twitch. Fortunately, fans can obtain these rewards even if they do not own the DLC. Release on June 25, Lex Imperialis is the second expansion of the Warhammer 40K CRPG.

It introduces a new Arbitrator origin, an Overseer archetype, and enhanced shield equipment compatible with one-handed weapons. This update concludes the first Season Pass of Rogue Trader, featuring a 15-hour campaign focused on Solomorne Anthar, a new companion from the Adeptus Arbites. In celebration of the new content, Owlcat Games is offering useful in-game items that will aid players in navigating the dark and grim world of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Players can earn these Twitch Drops by linking their Twitch and Rogue Trader accounts, entering the game, and interacting with a chest featuring a Twitch logo to complete the account linking.

Currently, Twitch Drops are only accessible to PC players, who will receive their items automatically in the linked chest after watching one hour of any Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader stream on Twitch. Notably, the Vox-Whistle interacts with the Overseer archetype’s familiars but can still be obtained without the DLC. With the release of Lex Imperialis, all DLC from the first Rogue Trader Season Pass is now available. Owlcat Games has also announced a second season pass containing additional expansions set for release in 2026.

This means fans can expect plenty of new content in the coming years, particularly with Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy also in development.

Call of Duty: Mobile Unveils Gundam Collaboration for Season 6 Adventure

Activision has recently announced an exciting collaboration for Season 6 of Call of Duty: Mobile, featuring the popular Gundam franchise. Following the success of a previous Gundam crossover in Call of Duty: Warzone, this new collaboration promises Gundam-themed operator skins, a unique event, a fresh game mode, and more for mobile players to enjoy.

Despite not receiving as much attention as its console and PC counterparts, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone, Call of Duty: Mobile has emerged as one of Activision’s major successes. Launched in 2019, the free-to-play game generated an impressive $54 million within its first month and has accumulated over 500 million downloads by May 2021.

Activision continues to support this mobile title alongside its bigger siblings. The upcoming Season 6, titled “Gundams Arrive,” is set to launch on July 2 at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

As the name implies, the season will focus heavily on the new Gundam collaboration. Players can earn or purchase Gundam-themed operators, weapons, and rewards throughout the season.

A new limited-time 4v4 Gundam Team Deathmatch mode will allow players to deploy as iconic Gundam operators, each with their own unique abilities and weapons. In this mode, battles will take place from a third-person perspective, reminiscent of Bandai Namco’s Gundam games.

The setting is an interstellar space station with plenty of points of interest, and players can unlock animated rewards by watching Gundam-inspired sequences at the end of each match. Additionally, players can earn a variety of free rewards through missions and challenges in the Survival of the Fittest event.

Rewards include the legendary weapon J358 — Fin Funnel v Gundam, camos, emotes, and more. The in-game store will also feature new draws to unlock Gundam operator skins and weapon blueprints, enhancing the overall experience for fans of both Call of Duty and Gundam.

Disappointing Update for Nintendo Fans from Dying Light Developers

Nintendo Switch and Dying Light fans are facing disappointment as the upcoming Dying Light: Retouched Update will not be available for the console. The unfortunate news doesn’t stop there—Nintendo fans have been grappling with similar issues related to the franchise for some time. Originally released in 2015, Dying Light is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a major update on June 26.

This Retouched Update will enhance the game’s textures, lighting, and audio. The refreshed experience will be available on last-generation platforms like the PS4 and Xbox One, as well as the current generation of consoles. However, the Nintendo Switch version was notably absent from the list of platforms receiving this update, prompting concerns from players.

Following inquiries from IGN, Techland, the game’s developer, confirmed that there are no plans to implement the Retouched Update for Dying Light on the Nintendo Switch—or even for the anticipated Switch 2. Players looking to enjoy the game on the new system can only do so through backward compatibility. Fans who own the original Switch or are considering the Switch 2 may find this news disappointing, though it is not entirely surprising.

While Dying Light: Platinum Edition was made available on the Switch, plans for a Cloud Version of the sequel that launched on other platforms in 2022 fell through. Furthermore, there is currently no indication that spin-off Dying Light: The Beast will be released for any console in the Switch family. No official explanation has been provided for the Switch’s exclusion, although the console’s hardware limitations could be a factor.

Despite the Retouched Update being available on older consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One, the Switch is viewed as less powerful, potentially leading to performance issues. While demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 is high, original Switch owners may have to be patient, as there are no current plans for the franchise on their platform. Players on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S can look forward to the update’s release on June 26.