Category: News

A dedicated Pokémon fan artist known as shunixe has created an impressive mecha version of Lucario, a well-loved Fighting/Steel-type Pokémon. While many Pokémon enthusiasts typically redesign creatures based on established game concepts like Mega evolutions or regional variants, shunixe has opted for a unique, anime-inspired mecha aesthetic.

This fresh take brings a different perspective to the iconic character. Lucario made its debut in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl as the evolved form of Riolu.

Initially, players could only obtain Lucario through evolution, but subsequent games have allowed trainers to encounter this popular Pokémon in the wild. Known for its strong offensive stats and powerful moves like Meteor Mash and Close Combat, Lucario can also Mega Evolve into Mega Lucario when equipped with a Lucarionite.

Shunixe’s rendition, dubbed Mechario, retains the essence of the original Lucario while incorporating metallic plates instead of fur. The design features a helmet-like canine head and maintains the iconic blue and black color scheme, accented with yellow and red highlights on the mecha armor.

Shunixe is a prominent figure in the Pokémon art community and has previously shown a deep appreciation for Lucario. The artist has previously created a Monster Hunter-themed version of the Pokémon that transformed its figure into a dragon-like creature while keeping the characteristic shape of Lucario’s head.

Additional creative fan artworks have emerged, including a fusion of Lucario and Mudkip, resulting in a Water/Fighting-type resembling a human-like Mudkip draped in Lucario’s colors. Another fan introduced a Fire-type variant named Lucanine, reimagining Lucario as a quadruped and embedding it with guardian-like flames.

With Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the horizon, the expectation is high for fans to continue innovating and sharing their unique takes on beloved Pokémon.

Final Fantasy 14 will cease its support for Windows 10 starting October 14, coinciding with Microsoft’s termination of mainstream updates for the operating system. While users can still play on Windows 10 after this date, Square Enix has indicated that they will not provide complete support for any potential issues. However, informal technical assistance will be available on a case-by-case basis. To receive full technical support while continuing to play Final Fantasy 14, players will need to upgrade to Windows 11.

The decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 impacts a substantial number of players, as it remains the second-most-used operating system in Microsoft’s lineup, holding a market share of 45.57%. In contrast, Windows 11 currently dominates the market with 51.36%. Although mainstream feature updates for Windows 10 will end this fall, users can participate in a free extended security update program by signing in with a Microsoft account and syncing their settings. In addition to the operating system changes, Final Fantasy 14 is also adjusting its minimum CPU specifications.

The requirements will shift from needing an Intel Core i7-7700 or higher to requiring at least an Intel Core i5-8400 or newer. This means that players must have a six-core CPU from 2017 or later to continue playing the game on Windows 11. Other specifications for running Final Fantasy 14 will remain unchanged. Lastly, Square Enix has hinted that the adjustments in housing space on certain servers may soon become a reality, further enhancing the gaming experience.

For players reluctant to shift to Windows 11, the game remains available on macOS, as well as on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, complete with cross-play and cross-progression features.

The recently unveiled trailer for Mortal Kombat 2 suggests that Warner Bros. intends to position Johnny Cage as the main protagonist in the sequel. The character, a confident movie star and Earthrealm defender, was notably absent from the 2021 Mortal Kombat film, which introduced original character Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan, as the new face in the conflict against the villainous Shang Tsung and his forces.

Although Cage was referenced in a post-credits scene to set the stage for the sequel, excitement builds as fans anticipate its release on October 24. In this upcoming installment, Mortal Kombat 2 is set to introduce a host of classic fighters into its live-action universe.

Notably, the formidable Shao Kahn will serve as the primary antagonist, with familiar characters like Kitana, Jade, and Quan Chi also making an appearance. Karl Urban, known for roles in Star Trek and The Boys, will portray Johnny Cage, marking an interesting transition as he steps into the shoes of a character who transforms from a self-absorbed actor into a genuine hero.

The focus of the recent trailer is squarely on Johnny Cage. It opens with him in a bar where a fan enthusiastically discusses his favorite films featuring the character.

Cage’s initial reluctance to engage in the battles—given his lack of special powers—sets the stage for his character development. However, he soon finds himself facing off against Baraka, demonstrating impressive martial arts skills.

Viewers of the trailer may feel that Johnny Cage has taken center stage over Cole Young, who appears only briefly and without any dialogue. Although trailers can sometimes misrepresent the final product, it hints that Cage will face off against Shao Kahn.

The trailer closes with a dramatic shot of the Outworld tyrant advancing on Cage, who is ready for battle. Additionally, it delights longtime fans with thrilling moments, including Scorpion executing a Fatality on Noob Saibot.

Meanwhile, many fans may be relieved to see Cage become the primary focus, especially given the polarized reception of Cole Young in the previous film.

Sony has made a final gesture for PlayStation Stars members as the loyalty program approaches its end. This last digital collectible acts as a parting gift for users still participating in PlayStation Stars, which is entering its wind-down phase.

Launched in 2022, PlayStation Stars aimed to reward loyal gamers with digital collectibles and redeemable points for completing various tasks. Despite its intentions, the program encountered numerous challenges during its existence.

It was restricted to select regions and operated exclusively through the PlayStation mobile app, never making its way to the PS4 or PS5 consoles. Furthermore, PlayStation Stars suffered significant technical issues, including a major outage last June.

While the program existed for nearly three years, many members could only fully engage with it for about a year. As PlayStation prepares for its major Summer Sale in 2025, discounts on popular AAA titles and indie games are now available.

In October 2024, Sony removed store credit rewards from PlayStation Stars, and by May 2025, it announced the program’s impending termination. Now, ahead of the final campaigns closing on July 23, 2025, Sony has released a blue-and-purple star collectible symbolizing the essence of PlayStation Stars, accompanied by a heartfelt message: “Thank you for three years of silly jokes, fun collectibles, and a shared love of incredible games.”

To earn this final Mythic collectible, PlayStation Stars members must log into the PlayStation mobile app and play any PS4 or PS5 game before July 23, 2025. After this date, all PlayStation Stars campaigns will conclude, and no new rewards or points will be distributed.

While current users can still redeem unused points until the program fully closes on November 2, 2026, many have expressed disappointment over its limited functionality and diminishing rewards. There is no information yet on a direct replacement for the program, but Sony has hinted at a potential new loyalty initiative in the future.

Donkey Kong Bananza has emerged as a remarkable critical success, garnering high ratings and widespread acclaim from players. This achievement is particularly notable as Nintendo has deviated somewhat from its traditional development methods that have historically positioned the company at the forefront of the gaming industry.

While Donkey Kong is a beloved figure among gamers, he does not belong to the elite group of characters—like Mario and Link—that have been pivotal in building Nintendo’s legacy. The success of this new title might signal the beginning of a refreshing new era for the franchise.

Launched exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, Donkey Kong Bananza has quickly become one of the top-rated games of 2025. With an impressive average score of 91 on OpenCritic and a remarkable 100 percent recommendation rate, it surpasses even the acclaimed Mario Kart World.

Although it was not released concurrently with the Switch 2’s June 5 launch, Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to be remembered as the console’s first major success. One interesting aspect of this game’s release is its divergence from the established Mario and Legend of Zelda franchises, which have characterized previous console launches.

Since the NES era, Mario games have typically dominated the spotlight. With Donkey Kong securing his place as a major player in an open-world game on the Switch 2, players can expect more diversity among Nintendo’s flagship characters.

The popularity of Donkey Kong Bananza transcends its well-known protagonist and his companion, Pauline. Nintendo’s rich history of delivering high-quality action-adventure games shines through, with DK’s legacy dating back to Donkey Kong Country on the SNES.

However, the innovative mechanics introduced in Bananza offer players a fresh experience, demonstrating Nintendo’s willingness to innovate and take risks. Surprisingly, the development of Donkey Kong Bananza took nearly eight years to complete, as revealed by producer Kenta Motokura.

The long period of secrecy surrounding the project suggests that Nintendo was confident in its potential, and the game’s success might inspire a resurgence of other beloved characters within the gaming landscape.

Atlus has announced that Persona 4 Revival will feature the controversial Denuvo digital rights management (DRM) system, much to the disappointment of PC gamers. Denuvo is often criticized for being intrusive and is thought to negatively impact game performance. This news was particularly disheartening for fans eager to experience the game on their PCs.

Originally released in 2008, Persona 4 quickly became a significant success for Atlus. The game’s popularity led to the development of Persona 4 Golden, which enhanced the original and was launched on the PS Vita in 2012. The franchise later expanded with spin-offs like Persona 4 Arena and Persona 4: Dancing All Night.

Earlier this year, Persona 4 Revival was officially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025. Atlus has now opened pre-orders for Persona 4 Revival on both PS5 and PC. The Steam listing confirmed the use of Denuvo, which, while not unexpected given its implementation in other Sega titles like Persona 3 Reload, remains unwelcome news for many gamers.

On a brighter note, the game will support 15 languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian, among others. The story of Persona 4 Revival will reflect that of the original, following a protagonist who investigates a series of murders in the fictional Japanese town of Inaba. Together with friends, the protagonist uncovers a mysterious realm within televisions that reveals deep secrets about individuals’ souls.

Persona 4 Golden is well-regarded, boasting an average critic score of 88 on OpenCritic. Currently, Persona 4 Revival does not have a confirmed release date. However, Sega’s financial documents suggest that it will launch no earlier than April 2026, likely within the fiscal year stretching to March 2027.

Given the recent success of Persona 3 Reload, which sold over a million units in its first week, expectations are high for Persona 4 Revival to achieve similar acclaim.

A recent rumor suggests that Sledgehammer Games is set to unveil a new Call of Duty installment in 2027, which would provide a break from the popular Modern Warfare and Black Ops subseries. Currently, fans are enjoying Black Ops 6, now in its fourth season.

The upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is already confirmed to take place in a futuristic setting post-Black Ops 2 and will feature the return of David Mason. This title is expected to have a significant presence at Gamescom in August, leading up to its rumored release on November 14.

As the youngest of the “Big Three” Call of Duty studios, Sledgehammer Games was established as a co-developer for 2011’s Modern Warfare 3. Since then, the studio has developed titles such as the futuristic Advanced Warfare in 2014, and the historical WW2 installments, including 2017’s Call of Duty: WW2 and 2021’s Vanguard.

Recently, Sledgehammer took the lead on this year’s Modern Warfare 3, part of the series’ reboot. In the context of the battle royale game Warzone, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 could represent a thematic shift.

According to the Twitter insider TheGhostOfHope, Sledgehammer’s next game will not be a sequel to Advanced Warfare but will launch a new subseries set in contemporary times. Interestingly, this new title will exclude the co-op Zombies mode that Sledgehammer has incorporated in previous titles.

Instead, gameplay will heavily feature dynamic movement mechanics and martial arts moves like kicks and chops. If accurate, this would mark the first non-Modern Warfare or Black Ops release in five years.

2022 and 2023 saw back-to-back Modern Warfare games, while Black Ops is also expected to continue its trend into 2024 and 2025. For fans eager for a fresh subseries after Vanguard’s lukewarm reception, this potential new direction is promising.

However, those hoping for a return to Advanced Warfare may need to wait longer. Fans should keep an eye on Gamescom for more details on Black Ops 7 and upcoming content for Black Ops 6.

The Crystarium Rebel’s Attire, a new addition to the cash shop in Final Fantasy 14, has sparked discontent among players due to its resemblance to existing items in the game. While this set has some distinct features, many fans are frustrated by the idea of selling it for real money. Final Fantasy 14’s online store offers a wide variety of items, including mounts, minions, and cosmetic glamour sets.

These outfits often mirror those worn by popular characters such as Y’shtola, G’raha Tia, and the Leveilleur twins, Alphinaud and Alisaie. However, the release of the Crystarium Rebel’s Attire, priced at $12, has raised eyebrows. The outfit is modeled after Alisaie’s gear from the Shadowbringers expansion, yet players have noted that they can achieve a similar look using existing in-game items like the Astral Silk Doublet and Angelic Thighboots.

While the new attire includes some minor design changes, such as different sleeve styles and red potions on the belt, many fans feel that these slight modifications do not justify the real-money price tag. The new glamour utilizes two dye channels introduced in the Dawntrail expansion and is accessible to all classes, which adds some value, yet it has not quelled the displeasure among the community. This scenario is not new for Final Fantasy 14 players.

In the past, items like Iceheart’s Attire and the Crystarium Prodigy’s Attire have faced similar scrutiny for resembling already available gear. With ongoing criticism directed at the cash shop, including dissatisfaction with recent offerings like the Belt-leather sets, fans are hopeful that Square Enix takes their feedback into account for future releases to avoid further backlash.

As of today, Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) is finally accessible in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The game, part of Rockstar’s controversial crime simulator series, was banned in both nations for years, which was not unexpected given its provocative content.

However, over a decade since its initial release, the landscape has begun to change, providing a glimmer of hope for future games in the franchise. The Middle East is not typically characterized as a major gaming hub, yet recent developments indicate a growing acceptance of the industry.

Notably, in 2024, the International Olympic Committee announced that Saudi Arabia would host the inaugural Olympic eSports Games, which was originally slated for 2025 but has since been postponed to 2027. The lifting of bans on GTA 5 in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE is another step toward embracing gaming in the region.

On July 3, the General Authority of Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia confirmed that GTA 5 and GTA Online would be available starting July 17. Coinciding with this announcement, PlayStation Arabia revealed that the UAE would also release both games on the same date.

In Saudi Arabia, the games received a 21+ rating, stricter than the ESRB’s M rating, but still allows legal-age gamers to enjoy them after years of prohibition. The reversal of the ban is particularly interesting, especially given the game’s notably provocative mission and the duration of its previous restrictions.

This change could signify a relaxation of standards by the Saudi and UAE governments regarding bans. Alternatively, GTA 5 may not appear as mature as it did when launched.

For Rockstar, this news is promising; the game continues to perform well, with lifetime sales exceeding 215 million copies. The newfound availability in regions where it was once illegal could further boost these numbers.

Despite its age, GTA 5 provides players with an engaging experience while they await the release of the anticipated GTA 6 in 2026. Whether the next installment will be available in these regions remains uncertain, but regulators now have GTA 5 as a reference point for future decisions.

Sucker Punch Productions’ directors, Nate Fox and Jason Connell, recently addressed the inevitable comparisons between their upcoming game, Ghost of Yotei, and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Scheduled for release on October 2, Ghost of Yotei shares a similar setting, focusing on the final days of Feudal Japan, making it hard for fans to avoid linking the two titles given that AC Shadows launched earlier this year.

Ghost of Tsushima, which debuted in 2020, was a massive success, selling over 13 million units. Following this triumph, the sequel Ghost of Yotei was officially announced during the PlayStation State of Play in September 2024.

Set 300 years after its predecessor and featuring a new protagonist named Atsu, the game promises fresh mechanics and weaponry that enhance gameplay versatility. Notably, Atsu’s abilities are designed to offer players an engaging experience reminiscent of Star Wars: Jedi’s Cal Kestis.

In an interview with Game Informer, Fox and Connell were asked about their thoughts on the similarities with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and whether they felt any apprehension about the comparisons. Connell expressed a positive outlook, suggesting that creators can either feel intimidated or inspired by similar titles.

He emphasized that they are excited to see the gaming medium evolve and recognize Ubisoft’s contributions, acknowledging, “they make awesome games.” The comparisons between Ghost of Yotei and Assassin’s Creed Shadows seem inevitable due to their shared themes and statuses as high-profile AAA games.

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows enjoyed strong financial performance and received a critic score of 81 on OpenCritic, Ghost of Tsushima holds a slightly higher average score of 84. Ghost of Yotei, set in Hokkaido in 1603, contrasts with AC Shadows’ backdrop in central Japan from 1579.

For fans eager to experience Ghost of Yotei, there is a limited-time PS5 bundle available, including options for both the PS5 Pro and PS5 Slim, though supplies are limited.