Home Dear Developers Game Reviews Product Reviews Family Game Night
Showing posts with label PS5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PS5. Show all posts

FTS: Crystal Dynamics Reveals Two New Legacy of Kain Games Launching March 2026 (PC, Consoles)

CRYSTAL DYNAMICS REVEALS TWO NEW LEGACY OF KAIN VIDEO GAME TITLES LAUNCHING THIS MARCH ON PC & CONSOLES

 The franchise resurgence continues with the return of an action-adventure classic in Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, launching March 3, and the brand-new 2D action platformer Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, releasing March 31!

SAN MATEO, Calif. – Feb. 12, 2026 – Crystal Dynamics is excited to reveal two new video game titles in the Legacy of Kain franchise! Debuted today at Sony’s State of Play, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered modernizes the iconic 2003 action-adventure game with new graphic upgrades, modernized controls, and extensive bonus content. Published by Crystal Dynamics and developed by Crystal Dynamics and PlayEveryWare, this definitive edition of the classic adventure launches for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on March 3, 2026, and is available to pre-order today. Customers who pre-order will receive Kain and Raziel character skins inspired by the “Shifter” game concept, the inspiration for the entire Soul Reaver saga. (If you know, you know).


Also announced today is Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, a fast-paced 2D action platformer published by Crystal Dynamics and developed by Bit Bot Media in association with FreakZone Games (A Bit Bot Company) that introduces a brand-new gameplay style to the franchise, and features original voice actors reprising their iconic roles: Simon Templeman as Kain, Michael Bell as Raziel, Anna Gunn as Ariel and Richard Doyle as Moebius, plus a soundtrack from hit recording artist Klayton (Celldweller), releasing for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on March 31, 2026.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is a timeless dark fantasy reborn for a new generation. Return to the dark world of Nosgoth as you take control of both the vampire Kain and his betrayed lieutenant, Raziel, two powerful entities bound by the conflict between fate and free will.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered Key Features

  • Two Legendary Protagonists: Play as both Kain and Raziel, each with distinct abilities, combat styles, and perspectives that shape how the story unfolds.
  • Return to Nosgoth’s Dark Fantasy World: Explore ruined cities, ancient temples, and towering strongholds filled with challenging environmental puzzles, enemies, and secrets to discover.
  • New! Updated HD Visuals: Experience Nosgoth like never before with a new camera, as well as upgraded character models, textures, and environments, with the ability to switch between classic and modern presentation on the fly.
  • New! Refined Camera: Play the game with the original fixed camera or a new third-person camera built for modern platforms. 
  • New! Bonus Content: Enjoy a slew of additions including a photo mode, alternate character skins, a comprehensive lore reader, unreleased content and 'lost levels' from the original game.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is available to pre-order today on PC, PlayStation and Xbox, with three editions to choose from:

  • The Standard Edition, which includes the base game and the pre-order exclusive “Defiance Remastered Shifter Skin Pack,” for $24.99.
  • The Deluxe Edition, which includes everything in the Standard Edition, plus a comic book reader (with three classic comics), a demo of the unreleased Legacy of Kain: The Dark Prophecy, and the pre-order exclusive “Defiance Remastered Shifter Skin Pack” for $29.99.
  • The Heart of Darkness Collection, which includes everything in the Deluxe Edition, plus Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, an Ascendance-themed skin pack for Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, and the pre-order exclusive “Defiance Remastered Shifter Skin Pack, "for $44.99. The Heart of Darkness Collection is available to pre-order on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

A prequel to Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a fast-paced, 2D action platformer built around vertical movement, fluid combat, and skill-driven play, with select PS1 era–inspired 3D sequences. Story and narrative are key to the experience, woven directly into gameplay, cutscenes, and world design. Beautifully crafted retro pixel-art gameplay and anime-influenced cinematics bring Nosgoth’s dark fantasy world to life, telling a new story set in a vast world of collapsing kingdoms, haunted ruins, and shattered timelines.

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance Key Features

  • Retro-Inspired 2D Action Platformer: Chain melee strikes, evasive dashes, and supernatural attacks in fluid, vicious combat in this brand-new Legacy of Kain adventure.
  • Throwback 3D Moments: 3D sections inspired by the PS1 era appear at key narrative points, offering story-driven interaction and lore-heavy sequences that reward fans of the Legacy of Kain mythos.
  • Anime-Inspired Cinematics: A bold new animated style debuts for the franchise, enhancing major story beats with anime-inspired visuals.
  • Play as Three Powerful Protagonists: Overwhelm the battlefield with Kain’s vampiric powers. Play Raziel before his fall as a human Sarafan knight, then take flight for the first time in his vampiric form. And discover an aggressive playstyle focused on fast, relentless offense as the vampire Elaleth.
  • Iconic Voice Talent Returns: Legendary Legacy of Kain voice actors Michael Bell (Raziel), Simon Templeman (Kain), Anna Gunn (Ariel), and Richard Doyle (Moebius).
  • Experience an Epic Original Score: Feel the thrill of the action with a powerful original score by award-winning recording artist Klayton (Celldweller/Scandroid).

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is available to pre-order today exclusively as part of the Heart of Darkness Collection on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Fans can also wishlist on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. 




Support us below!

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Sony Is Exploring AI Gameplay Assistance That Could Help Players Get Unstuck

Sony may be laying the groundwork for a new kind of in‑game assistance, according to a recently published patent that describes an AI system capable of stepping in when players are stuck.

The patent outlines a feature where an AI‑controlled “ghost player” could temporarily take over gameplay to help complete difficult sections, then return control back to the player. While patents do not guarantee a feature will ship, they often reveal the direction companies are exploring behind the scenes.


 What the Patent Describes 

According to the filing, the system would monitor a player’s repeated failures at a specific point in a game. If certain thresholds are met, the AI could demonstrate how to progress — either by completing the section itself or by showing optimal strategies in real time.

Unlike traditional difficulty sliders or hint systems, this AI would actively play the game using learned behavior, potentially adapting to each individual player’s style.


 Why Sony Is Looking at This 

Modern games are often longer, more complex, and mechanically demanding than ever. While many players enjoy a challenge, others can become blocked by difficulty spikes that prevent them from finishing a story or accessing later content.

Sony’s patent suggests a focus on accessibility and player retention, offering assistance without forcing players to lower difficulty or quit altogether.

 Potential Benefits for Players 

If implemented, this system could:

  • Help players progress without frustration

  • Improve accessibility for players with physical or cognitive limitations

  • Reduce reliance on external walkthroughs or videos

For single‑player games especially, this could allow more players to experience full narratives without sacrificing engagement.

 The Concerns and Questions 

Not all players may welcome AI assistance. Some fans value overcoming challenges through personal skill and persistence, and may see automated help as diminishing that experience.

"The challenges are things some of us pop our collar too... when we overcome them. If gameplay isn't affected and it helps those who want to get past the challenge with AI to continue enjoying the adventure, it is what it is... for them." - Blu | SDGT Entertainment

Key questions remain:

  • Would this feature be optional in PvP?

  • Would it be limited to certain difficulty modes?

  • How transparent would AI assistance be to the player?

Sony has not announced any official plans to deploy the "Ghost Player" system in upcoming games.

 What This Signals for the Future 

This patent fits into a broader industry trend where AI is being explored as a way to enhance gameplay rather than replace it. From smarter NPCs to adaptive difficulty systems, developers are increasingly looking at AI as a behind‑the‑scenes support tool.

For now, Sony’s AI gameplay assistant remains conceptual — but it offers a glimpse into how future PlayStation titles might balance challenge, accessibility, and player satisfaction.

* This story is based on publicly available patent information. Features described may never appear in a final product.


More on Sony Gaming AI

游戏开始！
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

FTS: (ININ) Never-Seen-Before 'R-Type Dimensions III' - A Fully-Reimagined Evolution! (PC/XB/NSW/PS5)

I remember playing Super R-Type on the SNES with my cousins back in Arcadia, Florida. We never actually beat the game — not even close — but that didn’t matter. Super R-Type was one of those “bad ass” experiences we kept coming back to, determined to see just how far we could push ourselves before the game sent us right back to the start of a stage. And if you played it, you know exactly why: unlike the arcade originals, this SNES entry had no mid‑level checkpoints. One mistake and boom — you were restarting the whole level. Brutal, but unforgettable.

What made it even cooler is that Super R-Type wasn’t just a straight port. The SNES never got the original R-Type, but this version took elements of R-Type II, added new stages, and gave the series a fresh identity on Nintendo’s 16‑bit hardware. For us as kids, none of that technical stuff mattered — we just knew it looked awesome, sounded awesome, and kicked our asses in the best way possible.

Fast forward to today, and the R-Type franchise is still going strong. It’s wild to think how long this series has been around, evolving from those punishing SNES afternoons in Arcadia to modern releases that keep the spirit alive. Now ININ Games is stepping up with R-Type Dimensions III, bringing that classic side‑scrolling chaos into a new era. And honestly, the special and collector’s editions they’re putting out are pretty bad ass too.

Check out the full article below — straight from the source. (Cheers Derek!)

______________________________________________________________


ININ Games Announces R-Type Dimensions III

To release on PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 & Steam PC


A Spectacular, Fully-Reimagined Evolution of the Legendary Shoot ’Em Up Franchise


Stuttgart, Germany – ININ Games is proud to officially announce R-Type Dimensions III, a major new milestone in one of gaming’s most iconic shoot ’em up series. Developed in close cooperation with Tozai and Irem, the license owner, and the original creator of R-Type, this new project represents one of the most ambitious and significant undertakings in ININ’s history. The game is set to be released on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC (Steam).

Building on the legacy of R-Type Dimensions and R-Type Dimensions EX, Dimensions III has been completely re-envisioned with cutting-edge visuals and sounds and expanded gameplay modes to deliver the most definitive modern edition of R-Type’s classic era.


A Landmark Project for ININ Games

As one of ININ’s most extensive projects to date, R-Type Dimensions III emphasizes precision craftsmanship, technical ambition, and deep respect for one of gaming’s most influential arcade properties.


A Complete Modern Rebuild of the Arcade Legend

R-Type Dimensions III brings the intensity, precision, and creative enemy design of the arcade originals to a new generation. Every stage, boss, and projectile pattern has been rebuilt with high-end 3D graphics, enhanced animations, and richly detailed environments, whilst preserving the instantly recognizable atmosphere that defined R-Type’s identity.

The same applies to the original music and sound effects. With an enormous effort, everything has been rebuilt so that Players can switch seamlessly between the original and the new R-Type III at any time, offering both nostalgic authenticity and a striking modern reinterpretation.

“R-Type is a cornerstone of video game history, and working with Tozai to reimagine these classics at this scale has been an extraordinary honor,” said Felix Wagner, Publishing Producer at ININ Games. “Dimensions III is our most ambitious restoration and modernization project yet, created for long-time fans and newcomers discovering R-Type for the first time.”


Key features include:
  • A fully remastered experience with completely reconstructed assets
  • Local co-op, enhanced with new scoring and survival mechanics
  • Advanced mode is accessible from the start
  • Customizable controls and quality-of-life features in the settings
  • 3D Camera settings (normal and crazy) 


Pre-Order Now Live – Special & Collector’s Edition

Alongside today’s announcement, pre-orders for R-Type Dimensions III begin immediately. Fans can secure one of two premium physical editions:

The Special Edition includes the full game, a beautifully crafted artbook showcasing concept art and visual development, as well as the complete new original soundtrack, perfect for players who want to dive deeper into the creative universe of R-Type Dimensions III. This edition will be sold for $59.99.


For devoted R-Type enthusiasts, the ultra-limited Collector’s Edition offers everything from the Special Edition plus a selection of exclusive bonus items. The centerpiece is a highly collectible figurine based on the new cover interpretation. This exclusive edition is priced at $199.99.


More information will be available soon. The game is going to be released in May 2026 worldwide, physical and digital.



Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

FTS: Firefighting Simulator: Ignite

Announcement Trailer Reveals New DLC Coming December 11

Düsseldorf, December 1, 2025 – Following the recently released free “Alarm Mode Update,” Firefighting Simulator: Ignite will soon receive new missions. On December 11, the “Parker’s Story DLC” will be released. The announcement trailer showcases the new missions that put players in the role of a crew member.

Don’t Look Back in Anger

Parker is an experienced firefighter with the Oakridge City Fire Department who has so far supported players as an NPC crew member. The DLC looks back to a time when Parker himself took command of a response team during a high-risk mission. What initially seemed like a routine operation quickly turns into a highly complex situation, leading to tensions between Parker and his team.

The new “Parker’s Story DLC” adds two new story missions that not only deliver intense firefighting action but also reveal more about the background of crew member Andrew Parker.

Free Update Introduces New Mode

A free update released on November 6 added a highly requested feature from the community — a new game mode. The “Alarm Mode” allows players to respond to randomly generated emergency calls that can occur at any time.

Additionally, new customization options for NPC crew members have been introduced. Since its launch on September 9, the game has received several updates, including new activities at the fire station and the ability to switch between uniform and gear.

The Parkers’ Story DLC will be released on October 16 for 4.99 EUR / 4.99 USD (SRP) on PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. The DLC is part of the Year 1 Season Pass.

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is available for PC/Steam, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. 

The Firefighting Simulator: Ignite – Year 1 Edition can be purchased for PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. This Edition includes the base game, the Fire Station Companion Pack and the Year 1 Season Pass. With the Year 1 Season Pass, players save more than 35% compared to purchasing the included DLCs individually. Throughout the Year 1 Season, a cosmetic pack, two vehicle packs, three mission expansions, and one major expansion will be released. 



Support us below!
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Where Winds Meet... hits the mark with Wuxia-inspired action!

The long-awaited release of Where Winds Meet has finally arrived, and it feels less like a typical RPG and more like stepping into a fantasy-based Chinese action movie. Developed by Everstone Studio and published by NetEase, this open-world Wuxia adventure blends sweeping martial arts choreography, cinematic storytelling, and a living world set during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Every duel feels like a scene ripped straight from a wuxia film, with blades clashing, robes flowing, and gravity-defying leaps across breathtaking landscapes. I've definitely watched enough of these film, and this game truly feels right at home.

But before I go any further, let's jump into some gameplay... shall we?

Once you dive in, the game’s combat system immediately stands out (versus getting in the way). Players can master traditional weapons like swords, spears, and even unconventional tools such as umbrellas and fans. Each weapon has its own rhythm, and the game encourages experimentation with 12 martial arts sets and 23 mystical techniques. The newly introduced Rope Dart adds a cinematic flair, letting you pull enemies in or swing across terrain like a wuxia hero.

Beyond combat, Where Winds Meet thrives on exploration. The open world is vast, filled with villages, temples, and hidden paths that reward curiosity. Choices matter—whether you align with righteousness, pursue personal gain, or carve your own legend, the branching narrative adapts to your decisions. This freedom makes the game feel like you’re starring in your own martial arts epic.

Visually, the game is stunning. From misty mountains to bustling marketplaces, the environments are drenched in atmosphere. Combined with fluid animations and dynamic weather, the world feels alive and cinematic, echoing the grandeur of films like Hero or Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

For fans of ensemble-driven storytelling, the multiplayer and co-op features add another layer. Teaming up with allies to tackle quests or duel rivals feels like building your own wuxia troupe, complete with camaraderie and conflict.

Ultimately, Where Winds Meet isn’t just a game—it’s an experience that blurs the line between interactive entertainment and martial arts cinema. If you’ve ever dreamed of starring in a fantastical Chinese action movie, this is your chance. Where Winds Meet is available on EPIC, PS5, and Steam!


Illustration of Blu with headphones and sunglasses.
 + Sophi 

Support us below!
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)