Category: Games

Limited Run Games, in collaboration with id Software, is releasing the highly anticipated “Will It Run” Edition of DOOM. This unique bundle contains both DOOM and DOOM 2, featuring an impressive packaging box and a handheld Cacodemon that can play the game. Limited to just 666 units, this exclusive edition will be available for $666.66 starting April 18, 2025.

id Software has been a pioneer in the first-person shooter genre, with DOOM transitioning from an iconic game to a comprehensive media franchise.

This includes eight main video game entries, a series of novels, comic adaptations, and several films, notably the cult classic from 2005 featuring Karl Urban. Last year, a surprise release compiling DOOM and DOOM 2 was introduced, which added cross-platform multiplayer support and a mod to play earlier titles. Recently, the SIGIL 2 campaign, created by original designer John Romero, was added to the collection for free, further enhancing the experience for fans.

The Will It Run Edition boasts a myriad of collectible items, including a Cassette Tape Soundtrack Set, a floating Cacodemon, and a trading card pack. The standout features, however, are the gameplay-enabled packaging box and the handheld Cacodemon. This edition aligns with Limited Run Games’ commitment to delivering stunning physical releases tailored for dedicated fans, similar to their recent Tomb Raider Remastered physical edition.

Echoing the ongoing trend of tech enthusiasts finding innovative ways to run DOOM on unconventional devices, the Will It Run Edition pays homage to this phenomenon. The sale will commence at 10 am EDT on April 18, 2025, with only 666 copies available. Meanwhile, excitement builds for DOOM: The Dark Ages, set to release on May 15, 2025, which will serve as a prequel to the 2016 installment and return to a medieval setting focused on a single-player experience.

The game’s creative team emphasizes a more grounded combat style, paired with spectacular slow-motion kills that fans can expect.

Bungie’s upcoming title, Marathon, will be a premium release rather than the previously speculated free-to-play model. While specific pricing details have yet to be announced, it’s clarified that it will not retail at the full price typically associated with games, hinting that it will be more affordable than $70.

Marathon’s gameplay trailer has provided players with an intriguing glimpse into what’s to come, showcasing four distinct playable Runners and the game’s intense extraction shooter mechanics. The eagerly awaited release date is set for September 23, but those fortunate enough to receive an invitation for the closed alpha can dive into the experience as early as April 23.

Despite receiving positive feedback from early players, the decision to have Marathon as a premium title has sparked some negative reactions within the gaming community. Many fans are concerned about its chargeable model, especially with only three maps available at launch and a battle pass system planned.

Comparisons are being drawn between Marathon and Concord, another premium online shooter from Sony that struggled in a market dominated by free-to-play games. Despite these concerns, it’s essential to acknowledge Bungie’s strong history in the first-person shooter genre.

While some may doubt the viability of a paid model in this competitive landscape, it’s possible that high-quality gameplay might persuade players to invest in the title. The success of Marathon will largely hinge on its gameplay experience, making the upcoming alpha test vital for user feedback.

Fans eagerly await the reception of this feedback and the full launch in September to determine if Marathon will prove its worth in the gaming community.

Bungie has announced the first closed alpha for its upcoming game, Marathon, starting on April 23 and running through May 4. The alpha will be exclusively available to residents of the U.S. and Canada, with future tests expected to be conducted in other regions.

This initiative follows the release of a new cinematic trailer that also revealed the game’s official launch date of September 23. Marathon marks a significant milestone for Bungie as it is the studio’s first new title since Destiny 2, which debuted in September 2017.

Unlike the original Marathon games from the mid-’90s, the upcoming sequel is an extraction shooter, a genre that has gained prominence only in recent years. Bungie originally introduced Marathon during the May 2023 PlayStation Games Showcase, but there has been little information released about the game in the meantime.

However, a recent gameplay reveal on April 12 has reinvigorated excitement among fans. The closed alpha is set to support PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.

Participants selected for testing will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) prior to accessing the pre-release version of the game. To qualify for the alpha, players must be U.S. or Canadian residents aged 18 or older.

Interested players can express their intention by typing /alpha into a designated message channel and will need to check their email for an invitation to participate. Although Marathon is poised to launch with three maps, it remains unclear if the closed alpha will include the same content.

Some players have reported issues with the sign-up process, particularly those whose usernames begin with a number or special character. Bungie is actively addressing these technical difficulties.

Recent leaks for Honkai: Star Rail have revealed that the upcoming Version 3.3 update will feature re-run banners for two popular characters: The Herta and Aglaea. Both characters made their debuts a few months prior and are now set to make a quick return to the game. This update promises to be exciting for players looking to obtain favorites from earlier releases.

Version 3.3 will not only bring back these two characters but will also introduce two new five-star additions to the game’s roster. Hyacine and Cipher are expected to join the game, with Hyacine potentially serving as a Wind Remembrance healer and Cipher emerging as a new Quantum DPS character in the Nihility Path. This combination of new and returning characters presents players with a variety of options to enhance their gameplay experience.

According to trusted leaker HomDGCat, Version 3.3 is anticipated to launch on May 20 and will include the re-appearance of The Herta and Aglaea on the limited gacha banner. The Herta was one of the most sought-after characters in the game, significantly impacting the meta, while Aglaea marked the introduction of the first five-star Remembrance character. The swift return of both characters underscores HoYoverse’s commitment to keeping the game dynamic with re-run banners.

As players gear up for this update, they can also look forward to in-game celebrations for the game’s second anniversary. The current Version 3.2 has already provided players with special rewards such as Star Rail Special Passes and Stellar Jades, along with numerous events. Moreover, rumors are circulating about the anticipated Fate/Stay Night collaboration expected in Version 3.4, promising fans a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

The April 2025 update for Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel has brought a significant expansion to the game, introducing five new packs, including an exciting Selection Pack and four Secret Packs. The highlight of this update is the “Onslaught of Emperors” Selection Pack, which debuts the new Primite archetype and enhances support for several existing themes.

In addition to the new Selection Pack, the update includes four Secret Packs tailored for popular archetypes such as Shark, Centur-ion, and Mementotlan. These Secret Packs have proven to be a crucial resource for players looking to develop diverse decks, as they focus on one to three specific archetypes, allowing for a more targeted approach when building decks.

Konami frequently updates these packs to include new cards, making it easier for players to refresh their older strategies. Released on Thursday, the “Onslaught of Emperors” pack introduces not only new archetypes but also powerful individual cards well-suited for established decks.

For instance, the new pack features the “Necroquip Princess,” which enhances the Fiendsmith archetype. This Selection Pack will be accessible in the in-game shop for two months, set to rotate out on June 4.

The Secret Packs released alongside the new Selection Pack include “Overlay of Obsidian Armor,” focusing on Shark and Armored Xyz strategies, and “True Awakening of the Oathbound Knights,” which supports the Centur-ion and Adamancipator decks. Furthermore, “Agathokakologically Whispered Fates” showcases the Vaalmonica and Majespecter archetypes, while “Forgotten Underworld” centers on Mementotlan and Thunder Dragon themes.

Players can also acquire one free pack from each Secret Pack while they are available. Recent months have seen substantial shifts in the competitive meta of Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel, influenced by the addition of powerful new cards.

According to a March infographic, the emergence of archetypes like “Mulcharmy” and “Fiendsmith” has led to their prominence in gameplay. Changes in the game’s banlist, which removed cards such as “Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal” and “Pot of Prosperity,” have further reshaped the competitive landscape.

With these new packs, accessing popular decks will be more attainable for players.

Recent leaks within the *Genshin Impact* community suggest that the popular game may soon introduce a new endgame mode that features six floors, requires players to form three teams, and begins with a zero energy start. Since the Fontaine era, *Genshin Impact* has been evolving its endgame content. Historically, the Spiral Abyss served as the primary source of challenging gameplay, but recent additions like Local Legends and the Imaginarium Theater have provided players with more options to test their characters. The Imaginarium Theater, which debuted in Version 4.7, has been a highlight in the Natlan era, introducing innovative concepts such as Visionary Mode and the Cryo-Dendro reaction.

These new features have kept the mode engaging, especially with ongoing cosmetic rewards. However, recent combat events hint at the developers exploring entirely new content. For instance, the event titled “Unlimited Fighting Championship” appears to foreshadow a fresh endgame mode, as suggested by various leaks. This new gameplay mode may include three teams facing off against different World Bosses across six rooms, with players starting at zero energy.

This unique aspect places a focus on Energy Recharge and characters that do not depend on their Elemental Burst abilities. However, the zero energy mechanic has garnered mixed reactions from the community. Some players are wary of its potential for future gameplay, particularly if it favors new characters over established ones. While leaks should always be approached cautiously, players are encouraged to watch for updates as *Genshin Impact* transitions into the Nod-Krai region.

The southern part of Snezhnaya has seen significant teasing lately, and it is expected that fans will soon receive detailed insights into upcoming content, including the much-anticipated Version 5.6, which will return the Traveler and Paimon to Mondstadt to continue their Archon Quest.

Marathon has unveiled its first four playable Runners: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. This diverse roster showcases a variety of skills and weaknesses, catering to different playstyles. The game will feature two additional characters at launch, with the extraction shooter set to release on PC and consoles on September 23. The revival of the Marathon franchise was announced in May 2023, marking it as the first extraction shooter in this long-dormant series.

This title is also significant as it will be the first game released by Bungie under the ownership of Sony Interactive Entertainment, following their acquisition in July 2022 for a deal valued at $3.6 billion. In a recent reveal, Bungie provided new insights into Marathon, confirming it as a paid game. Just a month prior to the second anniversary of the game’s announcement, the developer showcased gameplay footage along with a nine-minute animated short that introduces the game’s world. As part of this reveal, Bungie presented the four classes, referred to as “Runners,” in the game.

The four newly revealed characters offer unique strengths and weaknesses. Void and Blackbird are more defensively oriented, albeit in different ways. Void specializes in stealth and strategic escapes, utilizing smoke grenades and an active camo suit to employ hit-and-run tactics. On the other hand, Blackbird excels in reconnaissance, scouting enemy positions rather than sneaking around.

Players who favor aggression can adopt Locus, who possesses strong offensive capabilities but may lack in other areas. The final class introduced is Glitch, a quick Runner who leverages superior positioning to outmaneuver opponents. Bungie has hinted at two more classes that will be revealed before the game’s launch, and it’s possible these will be available during the upcoming closed alpha test, although participants must adhere to an NDA, minimizing character leaks.

A recent leak hints that Arakko might be the next map introduced in Season 2 of Marvel Rivals, drawing inspiration from the comics. The insider known as X0X_LEAK has provided details about Arakko’s lore entries within the game files, suggesting a storyline involving an attack from Ultron.

Given Arakko’s significance in mutant lore, particularly in relation to Krakoa, this rumor appears quite credible. Currently, Marvel Rivals boasts a total of 15 maps, with initial locations focused on Yggsgard, including Yggdrasill Path and the Royal Palace.

These settings explore key areas of Asgard. In Season 1, NetEase added maps such as the Sanctum Sanctorum and Midtown, depicting the chaos resulting from Dracula’s invasion.

The latest leaks indicate that another iconic comic location, Arakko, could soon be included. Reputable leaker X0X_LEAK has speculated that Arakko may debut as the second map in Season 2.

They pointed out new lore entries about an attack on Krakoa, led by Ultron, who takes Cerebro and heads to Arakko. Another entry suggests that mutants in Krakoa have lost contact with those in Arakko, raising concerns about its current location—even the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda cannot determine where it is.

This information has also been corroborated by Miller Ross, another leaker known for providing reliable Marvel Rivals updates. It is anticipated that the new map will make its debut on May 30, along with Ultron and the mid-season update.

Historically, Arakko was a sister nation to Krakoa, originating from the sentient island of Okkara. After an attack led by the demon god Annihilation, Okkara was divided, with Arakko being sealed off by its leader, Apocalypse, to safeguard against further demonic advances.

While the leaks should be approached cautiously, Arakko’s importance to the narrative of Krakoa suggests a high likelihood of this rumor materializing into reality. In the meantime, players can experience a new map introduced at the start of Season 2: Krakoa.

This lush landscape hosts the Hellfire Gala and is available in Domination mode, where gamers can fight to control strategic points, including notable landmarks like the statue of Professor X.

Star Wars Battlefront 2 is facing significant challenges as hackers have infested its online modes, making the experience nearly unplayable. Despite being nearly eight years old, the game has seen a resurgence in popularity, but the current hacking problem poses a serious threat to its community.

The responsibility now lies with EA to restore the game to a functional state and address these issues effectively. Upon its release in 2017, Star Wars Battlefront 2 faced heavy backlash from players and critics alike, primarily due to its controversial loot box system.

Many of the franchise’s beloved characters were locked behind these mechanics, making them virtually unattainable for most players without excessive grinding. Once DICE adjusted these systems, gamers could appreciate the quality gameplay, leading to the game developing a dedicated cult following over the years.

Recently, concerns have intensified as players have reported on Reddit and EA forums that hackers have disrupted online gameplay, particularly in modes like Galactic Assault. Players are unable to spawn at all, rendering these modes unplayable.

This worsening situation has made it increasingly difficult for players to find unaffected lobbies, leading to widespread frustration in the community. In response to the hacking issue, there are indications that EA is taking action.

According to sources within the Star Wars Battlefront 2 modding project Kyber, a server-side fix was reportedly deployed to mitigate some exploits impacting official game servers. However, player feedback remains mixed, and EA has not yet made any official confirmations regarding the updates designed to rectify the issues.

As for the future of the franchise, the prospect of Star Wars Battlefront 3 seems distant, leaving players invested in the second installment while looking eagerly towards upcoming titles, such as the upcoming reveal of the tactical Star Wars game on April 19. Fans can also expect new content for Star Wars Outlaws at the Star Wars Celebration convention in Japan.

Baldur’s Gate 3’s Update 8 patch notes are an impressive 48 pages long, highlighting an extensive array of content. This update from Larian Studios serves as the final major enhancement for Baldur’s Gate 3, introducing features such as Photo Mode, 12 new subclasses, and crossplay functionality.

The game, released in August 2023 after years in Early Access, has become one of the biggest success stories in gaming, earning critical acclaim and multiple Game of the Year awards. Larian Studios has continually worked to improve the game post-launch, providing seven substantial updates.

Now, they are ready to roll out the eighth and final content drop, which has been revealed to be scheduled for April 15. Swen Vincke, a prominent figure at Larian, recently confirmed the length of the patch notes, signaling an extensive and thorough update.

The new features, including the highly-anticipated Photo Mode and the addition of new subclasses, underline the scope of this update, making it a fitting farewell to a beloved title. As Larian prepares to hand over the game to the community after April 15, they are expected to address only significant bugs that may arise.

Meanwhile, the studio has not announced any immediate future projects, suggesting that new titles could be years away. Following Baldur’s Gate 3, it will be a challenging task for any studio, including the one selected by Wizards of the Coast, to develop Baldur’s Gate 4.

While comparisons to Larian’s work are inevitable, it is essential to evaluate future titles on their own merits. Although some actors from Baldur’s Gate 3 have expressed willingness to return, replicating the depth and richness of the original experience will be no easy feat.