Category: News

Notable New Gaming Releases: Batsugun, Tekken 8, and More…

Welcome to the first notable new releases post of 2024. Since the last post wasn't since late October, I've made sure to round up some of the more prominent releases from the end of 2023, as well as the beginning of this year. This last week saw a very notable release with a GOG version of Toaplan's final shmup, the legendary arcade classic, Batsugun. Aside from arguably being their all-time best shooter, Batsugun is also famous for being the very first manic (aka bullet hell) shoot 'em up game. It may be great, but it's definitely not easy!

Also out in the last 16 weeks, the 8th installment to the long-running and incredibly popular Tekken series; the next entry in the also long-running and popular Yakuza/Like a Dragon series; and the first official sequel to the excellent 2012 Arcade fighter (and it's multiple updated ports), Under Night In-Birth. Take on the final chapter in Toaplan's Shmup saga, then jump past the break to see more new releases from the last 112 days.

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Lords of The Fallen 2023 – Crashing Issues and Potential Fixes

Lords of the Fallen 2 arrived a couple of weeks ago and it's proving to be quite a worthy souls-like with its strategic combat and beautifully built world populated by manic zealots, undead and some truly frightening bosses. I've been enjoying it greatly yet it has opened to a real roller coaster of emotions and mixed reviews. Viewing the Store page on Steam shows a fairly divided community with 59 percent of the 15,000 plus reviews being positive. Stability and performance seem to be the main issues. For myself it's definitely been stability that's been the negative. Let's take a look at this a bit. Read more

Notable New Gaming Releases: Spider-Man 2, Super Mario Bros Wonder, and More…

Well, the holidays are drawing near and that means it's about time for the final (and oftentimes, biggest) titles of the year to arrive. Case in point, this week saw the release of two, (Marvel) Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Bros Wonder. The follow-up to 2018's amazing Spider-Man and 2020's spectacular Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Spider-Man 2 represents the next logical step in the franchise by allowing you to swap back and forth between the two main characters from both of those previous entries. It also appears to have upped the ante by bringing in popular comics villains Kraven the Hunter and Venom (undoubtedly among others).

Meanwhile, Super Mario Bros Wonder appears to be bringing the same style of charming family-friendly 4-person multiplayer fun that 2013's outstanding Super Mario 3D World offered, but in a uniquely new, yet tried and true 2D setting. No matter which console you own, a Switch or a PS5 (or both), it seems like you've got something new you're going to want to try out. And for those without either, read on for a list of new hotness for you to play too.

​Also out in the last 12 weeks, a new Sonic the Hedgehog title that seems to be not entirely unlike the new Super Mario Bros game; the first new Forza Motorsport title in 6 years, and a follow-up to the pretty groovy 2019 strategy title, Wargroove. Be greater. Together. Jump past the break to see more new releases from the last 84 days.

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Notable New Gaming Releases: Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, Pikmin 4, and More…

Well, the year is more than halfway over and we're beginning to witness the release of some pretty interesting titles. This past week saw the return of the Lee brothers in a brand new entry in the legendary Double Dragon series. Double Dragon Gaiden looks to be largely inspired by last year's outstanding arcade-esque TMNT beat 'em up, Shredder's Revenge. Assuming the developer nailed more than just the art style, this too may be one that's well worth checking out.

Also out in the last 5 weeks, the 4th numeric installment to Nintendo's charming Pikmin series; a pretty fun-looking family-friendly 4-player platformer starring Mickey Mouse & friends; and GOG ports of Sega's Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Double Fine's The Cave. Double Dragon Returns with tag team action. Jump past the break to see more new releases from the last 35 days.

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Notable New Gaming Releases: Final Fantasy XVI, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and More…

It's a good thing that Square Enix doesn't seem to understand what the word "final" means. Otherwise, their legendary Final Fantasy series might have ended before the '80s did. Thankfully here we are, over 30 years and countless fantastic installments and spin-offs later, with their newest entry, Final Fantasy XVI; and by all indications, it's yet another worthy addition to their long-running franchise.

Also out in the last 8 weeks, the next fantastic installment to Nintendo's legendary Zelda series; a port of one of the greatest arcade horror titles of all time; and a brand new strategy game set in the Alien(s) universe. Fate is written in fire. Jump past the break to see more new releases from the last 56 days.

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Notable New Gaming Releases: Star Wars: Jedi – Survivor, Advance Wars 1+2 – Re-Boot Camp, and More…

Well, it's been longer than I meant it to be since my last new releases post, but better late than never, I suppose. At any rate, we're not even to May yet and already one of the heaviest hitters of 2023 has landed! Of course, I am talking about none other than the just-released, Star Wars: Jedi - Survivor, Respawn's hotly-anticipated follow-up to their incredible 2019 smash hit, Star Wars: Jedi - Fallen Order. Early reviews are looking good, but honestly, as long as it plays anything like the previous game, I'm pretty sure it will do nicely.

Also out in the last several weeks, Nintendo's long-awaited Advance wars compilation, Capcom's hotly-anticipated modern console remake of Resident Evil 4, and a PlatinumGames-developed prequel to their bewitching Bayonetta series. Stand against the darkness, then jump past the break to see more new releases from the last few months.

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My Diablo 4 Open Beta Weekend Impressions

I wasn't going to play the Diablo 4 open beta. I had decided it was going to be too much hassle to wait in long ques and barely get to play over what was already a short time. I would just wait for people to give their written impressions and take a look at some videos to get an idea of what things would be like. Then as the weekend crept up I bent to the winds, reinstalled Battle.net and downloaded the massive 85 gigabyte limited access demo. So stick with me in my little op-ed and I'll tell you what I thought about it. Read more

Notable New Gaming Releases: Bayonetta 3, Persona 5 – Royal, and More…

So it's been a good long while since I've done a new releases post on this site. Back then it was all separate weekly posts for Nintendo, Steam, and PlayStation releases, covering all manner of titles, some of which may not have really been worth your time or mine. I have since decided to change my format to one in which I round up all of them up into one convenient post, alongside new GOG and Xbox releases, and to only focus on the heavier hitters. I also may only post it once every so often. Today, for instance, I'll be covering the most interesting new releases of the past three months. So, without further ado, allow me now introduce you to the Notable New Gaming Releases.

It's late October, which means Halloween's nearly upon us. What better way to get in the spirit of the season than by playing a brand new title starring everybody's favorite Umbra Witch, Bayonetta! Though most people are no doubt at least somewhat aware of the supposed controversy surrounding Bayonetta's voice actress shake-up with this third installment, it's probably best not to worry about it too much. To be honest, it's kind of a lot to untangle and, at the end of the day, it's more Bayonetta, the critics seem to love it, and Jennifer Hale is awesome.

Also out in the last 13 weeks, an enhanced Switch port of Persona 5, one of the very best games of 2017; the much-anticipated follow-up to 2019's best period horror stealth game, A Plague Tale -Innocence-; and a multi-console release of the 2020 My Little Pony inspired indie fighter, Them's Fightin' Herds. Beauty becomes the beasts. Jump past the break to see more new releases from the last 91 days.

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AJ’s Upcoming Gaming Releases Roundup – 2021 Edition

Well, my Best Games of 2020 list is done now, so it's time to move ahead to 2021. There's a lot to look forward to over the next 11 months. Assuming the release dates all hold, that is. At any rate, it's looking like it should be another solid year for gaming, all in all. Go ahead and read on for a list of 12 particular highlights that you should be able to play all of before the year's end.

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AJ’s Upcoming Gaming Releases Roundup – 2020 Edition

Now that my Games of the Year list is behind me, I can start looking forward to this year. There are a lot of exciting new offerings on the horizon for 2020, some of which will begin releasing fairly soon. A few upcoming titles, however, have already been delayed and may, perhaps be delayed further. But regardless of when they all arrive, this should still certainly be a very entertaining year. As per my usual MO (in case you hadn't caught on yet), I've decided to lay out the top 12 highlights, along with the most current release information I have. Enjoy. Read more