Month: June 2025

Sony’s summer State of Play presentation unveiled Lumines Arise, a fresh entry in the iconic puzzle series, slated for release in fall 2025. Developed by Enhance, known for Tetris Effect, Lumines Arise marks the ninth installment in the series and is the first to be released on the ninth console generation.

Lumines has a rich history, having appeared on multiple platforms since its debut on the PlayStation Portable in 2004. The most recent game, Lumines Remastered, updated the original experience for the eighth console generation.

Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the CEO of Enhance and creator of the first Lumines, is back with Lumines Arise. Fans can expect classic tile-matching gameplay reminiscent of Tetris but with a unique twist: the Timeline, which synchronizes block erasure to the rhythm of the music.

The upcoming title will be available for both PC via Steam and PlayStation 5, with optional PS VR2 compatibility. A demo is set to be released later this summer, promising an immersive sonic experience with new music from the award-winning composer, Hydelic.

Lumines Arise introduces innovative mechanics to elevate the classic gameplay, including the Burst feature. Players can build combos and fill a gauge above the Timeline.

Once the gauge is full, activating Burst allows locked blocks to increase scoring potential. A character creation system will also offer players a chance to personalize their experience with various avatars.

Judging by the announcement trailer, Lumines Arise looks to be another captivating offering from Mizuguchi and Enhance. While currently confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC, there are hopes for a future release on Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2.

This would be a fitting return to its mobile roots, akin to Tetris Effect’s success on handheld platforms. Overall, Lumines Arise promises addictive gameplay, stunning visuals, and a variety of modes that cater to both casual players and veterans.

Whether users prefer solo play or online challenges, Lumines Arise aims to deliver a captivating puzzle experience.

Monolith Soft played a significant role in the development of Mario Kart World for the Switch 2, contributing to the creation of fields and character designs. The studio, recognized for its expertise, has a longstanding partnership with Nintendo, having participated in the development of several successful titles over the years. Mario Kart World, released alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, offers gamers an exciting array of new courses, engaging modes, and a varied character roster.

Although it retains the beloved Grand Prix mode, which fans know well, the game also introduces fresh experiences like Free Roam and Knockout Tour modes, promising to keep gameplay dynamic and entertaining. In a recent social media update, Monolith Soft confirmed its contributions to Mario Kart World, showcasing its involvement in crafting the game’s vibrant environments and character designs. Given the game’s extensive roster and numerous courses, Monolith Soft’s expertise has undoubtedly been crucial to the project, especially considering their extensive history with Nintendo.

Beyond their work on the Xenoblade series, Monolith Soft has supported various other Nintendo games, including the expansive worlds of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild. Recently, with Nintendo acquiring full ownership of Monolith Soft in 2024, the studio is expected to continue partnering with Nintendo during the Switch 2 era. The dedication and effort poured into Mario Kart World are evident, as the latest installment leverages the improved hardware capabilities of the Switch 2 to enhance visuals compared to its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

With a diverse array of familiar and quirky characters, the design team’s contributions are particularly noteworthy. As the Switch 2 generation unfolds, fans are eager to see what future projects Monolith Soft will undertake. In addition to assisting with other Nintendo titles, the studio recently launched Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, sparking speculation about potential enhancements, including a 60fps patch for the game.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is priced at $9.99 and requires additional accessories for a complete experience. To fully enjoy the Welcome Tour, players may end up spending as much as $140 or even thousands if they need a 4K screen. This unexpected financial burden is leading some fans to reconsider participating in the Welcome Tour due to the console’s already high cost.

Introduced during the recent Switch 2 Direct, the Welcome Tour serves as an introduction to the new system, showcasing various mini-games and technological features. Fans were taken aback to find that this welcome experience has a fee attached. While the $9.99 cost seems modest initially, the added requirement of purchasing extra items could deter players.

The Nintendo Switch 2 significantly improves upon its predecessor, yet its launch lineup feels lacking apart from a few standout titles. According to reports, including insights from NintendoSoup, completing the Welcome Tour is impossible without acquiring supplementary accessories. While players can access 12 areas without additional purchases, enjoying all 34 mini-games and demos hinges on obtaining several extras.

For instance, specific mini-games require a USB camera and controllers equipped with GL/GR buttons. To experience everything fully, a 4K screen is also necessary. The total cost for gamers looking to complete the Welcome Tour can vary widely.

Many players may already own essential items like 4K screens or USB-compatible webcams. For those who do not, the expenses can quickly add up, potentially reaching $140 when purchasing both the Nintendo Switch 2 camera and Pro Controller with GL/GR buttons. Those lacking a 4K screen could face costs in the hundreds or even thousands, depending on their choices.

Though the initial price for the Welcome Tour is relatively low, the hidden costs associated with completing it may dissuade potential buyers. At $449.99, the Nintendo Switch 2’s price tag is already steep, which could leave some fans hesitant to commit further.

Fans of Pokémon continue to showcase their creativity, particularly through unique Gigantamax designs for beloved characters. A notable example is Gengar, one of the franchise’s most iconic Ghost-types. Recently, a Pokémon enthusiast shared imaginative Gigantamax forms for Gengar online, highlighting the character’s lasting popularity since its introduction in Generation 1.

Gengar, known for its mischievous nature and affinity for playing pranks, possesses the ability to hide in the shadows despite its large physique. This playful spirit is evident in its portrayal as a loyal companion to trainers who treat it kindly. The recent fan designs reflect a deep appreciation for Gengar’s character.

One fan, known as LapiSan_Laboratory on the Pokémon subreddit, unveiled two new Gigantamax forms for Gengar. The first form features a body split in two with a prominent tongue connecting the sections. This design comes with a G-Max Move called Treat, which allows Gengar to inflict damage and transform the opponent’s type to pure Ghost.

The second form depicts Gengar with distinctly white eyes, a smoke-like aura, and two shadowy figures accompanying it. Its G-Max Move, Get Out, not only damages opponents but also forces them to switch Pokémon. These forms draw inspiration from Agatha, a member of the Indigo Elite Four, and Morty, the Gym Leader of Ecruteak City, both of whom are experts in Ghost-type Pokémon.

Gigantamaxing, introduced in 2019 with Pokémon Sword and Shield, allows select Pokémon to adopt powerful new forms. Although only 32 Pokémon can Gigantamax, the concept remains a source of inspiration for fan creations. This continued creativity reinforces Gengar’s status as a favorite character in the expansive Pokémon universe.

Excitement is brewing among fans of the SpongeBob franchise with rumors of a new game titled “SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide” currently in development. This title follows a notable resurgence of SpongeBob games, sparked by releases such as the remake of “Battle for Bikini Bottom” and “The Patrick Star Game.” The anticipated reveal comes from recent game rating classifications in South Korea and Germany, suggesting that this new title could be on the horizon.

Over the last 25 years, while the animated series has consistently captivated viewers, video games based on the franchise have experienced fluctuating popularity. The early 2000s marked a golden era with classics like “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Movie” game and others. However, the subsequent decade saw a decline in significant releases, until recently.

The 2020 remake of “Battle for Bikini Bottom,” followed by “The Cosmic Shake” and “The Patrick Star Game,” has revived interest in SpongeBob gaming adventures. In addition to “Titans of the Tide,” some fans are speculating that SpongeBob may also appear in a forthcoming title, “Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.” A recent leak hinted at potential DLC featuring our beloved sponge, further fueling excitement.

As anticipation grows around these new developments, fans also express hopes for a collaboration between LEGO and SpongeBob SquarePants, taking inspiration from LEGO’s successful partnerships with other franchises. Although details about “SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide” remain scarce, its announcement signifies a promising new chapter in the world of SpongeBob video games. With the recent rekindling of interest in the franchise, it appears that SpongeBob’s gaming legacy is stronger than ever.

Dune: Awakening has made a remarkable entrance into the gaming world, attracting an impressive 93,634 concurrent players on Steam during its early access launch. Scheduled for its official release on June 10, the game is expected to see an even larger influx of players. Despite facing some technical issues, Funcom is committed to improving the gaming experience through features like private servers and Twitch drops.

This survival MMO has become highly awaited since its announcement nearly three years ago, garnering attention from fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune universe. Instead of following the events of the original books, the game offers an alternate timeline. Players will navigate the challenging desert environment of Arrakis, focusing on the mysterious disappearance of the Fremen.

Initially set for release on May 20, 2025, the launch was postponed to June 10 to accommodate one final beta testing phase. For those interested in purchasing, a guide containing details about the various editions of Dune: Awakening will help players determine which version is best for them. The game’s early access period has been particularly successful, with SteamDB reporting a peak of 93,634 concurrent players just hours after launch.

It’s noteworthy that this early access was limited to purchasers of the $70 Deluxe Edition or the $90 Ultimate Edition. With the full release, including the more affordable $50 Base Edition, a significant surge in player numbers is anticipated. Currently, Dune: Awakening enjoys a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam, with about 76% of nearly 1,900 reviews favorably received.

However, players have reported some crashes and performance problems, which are active topics in community discussions. Funcom is enhancing the game through features like private servers and a collaboration with Twitch that offers exclusive rewards. From June 5 to June 24, 2025, players can earn three unique Observer building items to aid in base construction.

Arrowhead Studios has exciting news for Helldivers 2 players, as they will be receiving a new cape in recognition of the community’s triumph over the Illuminate during the Battle of Super Earth. Since its launch in 2024, the game has been receiving regular updates that enhance the cooperative shooter experience and maintain substantial player engagement. The recent Heart of Democracy update introduced a formidable new wave of Illuminate units, masking them as an even more dire threat to Super Earth. As players battled these enemies, they faced intense conflicts within the Mega Cities of Super Earth, which included significant plot developments such as the assassination of humanity’s president.

In addition to the new cape, Arrowhead Game Studios has announced an upcoming premium Warbond known as Force of Law, set to release on June 12. This Warbond will provide players with a range of impressive weapons, armor, and items, including the AR-32 Pacifier assault rifle, which boasts a substantial ammo capacity. The new armor will come with the Ballistic Padding passive effect, increasing resistance to chest and explosive damage as well as mitigating bleeding effects. Despite some recent negative feedback affecting the game’s rating on Steam, the community is rallying to restore Helldivers 2’s positive standing.

Fans are enthusiastic about the developers’ efforts to create special rewards commemorating key milestones within the game. For those who want to extend their Helldivers 2 experience beyond the screen, Dark Horse Comics is working on replica helmets inspired by the game, available for pre-order now, with plans for release in 2026. With so much content being introduced and more on the horizon, the future of Helldivers 2 looks promising for its dedicated fanbase.

Elden Ring Nightreign’s servers will be undergoing maintenance on June 6 at 1 AM PDT to tackle ongoing matchmaking issues. This update specifically aims to address problems related to Remembrance quests, which have caused some players to struggle with launching expeditions and hindered their ability to receive valuable rewards. The maintenance is expected to last for two hours.

Since its recent launch on May 30, Elden Ring Nightreign has proven to be a remarkable success, attracting 3.5 million players within its first five days. The announcement of this milestone came from FromSoftware on June 3, delighting fans who have embraced the game’s new features. Notably, the game sold two million units on its first day due to pre-orders and early copies, marking a strong start for the title.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Elden Ring Nightreign, some issues remain. Xbox Series X/S players have reported persistent matchmaking problems, especially when trying to team up with friends. While players have managed to connect with random gamers for expeditions, coordinating with friends has been challenging, resulting in frustration within the community.

Many were hopeful that the 1.01.1 update following the June 2 patch would offer solutions. The June 2 patch did bring improvements to solo gameplay by increasing the number of runes earned during expeditions, allowing players to level up more effectively before tackling tougher bosses. Additionally, it introduced a feature that enables players to revive once per night boss, making challenges slightly more manageable.

With the promise of more content and future DLC set for release in 2025, fans are optimistic about the ongoing evolution of Elden Ring Nightreign.

ShiinaBR, a notable Fortnite leaker, recently unveiled an exciting roadmap for the upcoming seasons of the popular battle royale game, including details about Chapter 7. Players can look forward to a range of new content as the game approaches the conclusion of its Galactic Battle mini-season, which marks one of the largest collaborations between Star Wars and Epic Games to date. There is also news that Star Wars tools will be integrated into the Unreal Editor, enabling players to create their own experiences within the universe.

The Galactic Battle mini-season has garnered a positive reception from fans, although some players have expressed concerns regarding the incorporation of AI into the game. An update added an AI Darth Vader, who can engage in voice interactions with players—using an AI-generated version of James Earl Jones’ iconic voice. This has resulted in a legal dispute, as SAG-AFTRA has filed a lawsuit concerning the use of the AI voice following the actor’s passing in 2024.

In addition to these developments, ShiinaBR hinted at a possible Simpsons-themed mini-season bridging Chapter 6 and Chapter 7. This comes after reports that Chapter 6 Season 3 will feature characters like Superman and Robin, with the Superman design influenced by an upcoming James Gunn film. Chapter 6 Season 4 may introduce another alien invasion, culminating in a live event to conclude the chapter.

Looking ahead, Chapter 7 promises to bring back concert events and may follow a gala theme in its first season, with a Norse theme expected in its second. The return of key factions, including The Seven and the Imagined Order, is also anticipated due to their significant roles in the game’s narrative. Additionally, the leaker Blortzen mentioned a futuristic location, Utopia City, home to a Hero Academy, potentially adding new dimensions to gameplay.

As updates continue to emerge, fans remain hopeful for an exciting future in Fortnite.

MindsEye paints a vivid picture of a future where technology reigns supreme. As you journey through this world, you will encounter an array of advanced AI, robots, and drones that dominate the landscape.

Get ready to step into the shoes of Jacob Diaz, who must navigate the treacherous waters of Big Tech and Big Government to uncover the truth lurking beneath the facade of the so-called “safest city in the world.” In this explosive action-adventure game, you will take on the role of Jacob Diaz, a former soldier grappling with a mysterious neural implant.

This implant has left him with troubling memory loss and haunting flashbacks that propel him into a series of high-stakes covert missions. Your objective is to unravel secrets from Jacob’s past while contending with the ever-present dangers of artificial intelligence, high-tech experimentation, corporate espionage, political corruption, and an unchecked military.

MindsEye offers an immersive gaming experience characterized by a complex narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The richly designed environments are teeming with detail, while groundbreaking combat mechanics and thrilling high-speed chases heighten the intensity of the gameplay.

You will find yourself engaged in situations that challenge not only your skills but your perception of technology’s impact on society. Prepare yourself for a journey that blends action with psychological intrigue, as you navigate through the intricate web of conspiracies that define Jacob’s existence.

With so much at stake, can you uncover the truth before it’s too late? MindsEye is waiting for you to dive in.