April 22, 2025 • By Adam Mathew

Your wallet will be breathing a sigh of relief today as a treasure trove of gaming steals crash down on every platform under the sun. Whether youre questing through Hyrule or organising zoo habitats,…

April 21, 2025 • By Bradly Shankar

A new mobile game called Pandoland has been released by the creators of Pokémon, Game Freak, and mobile game studio WonderPlanet. Pandoland is a casual adventure RPG where players explore dungeons, search for treasure, and collect over 500 characters and items to create a team of companions. The game features co-op multiplayer, allowing players to adventure together or share information. Pandoland is free-to-play with in-app purchases for virtual currencies. During the launch campaign, players can receive in-game goods like 15,000 Diamonds and an SR Character. The game is available for download on Android and iOS.

April 21, 2025 • By Gavin Sheehan

Blizzard Entertainment has announced the release of Diablo IV: Belial's Return, the Season Eight expansion, on April 29, 2025. The season will feature the return of The Lord of Lies, Belial, who has unleashed mysterious Apparition Monsters into Sanctuary. Players will join forces with characters Sayeena, a retired Vizjerei mage, and Jarius, a Cathedral of Light knight, to investigate and stop Belial's plans. The season will introduce new Boss Powers, and the fate of Sanctuary will depend on the players' success.

April 21, 2025 • By Marc Deschamps

Game Freak, the developer of the Pokémon franchise, has released a new game called Pandoland, a casual adventure RPG, globally on iOS and Android devices. The game allows players to explore a vast world, take on dungeons, and befriend new companions. It features multiplayer elements, including cooperative play and PvP battles. To celebrate the global release, the game is offering rewards to players who invite friends to play. Pandoland is free-to-play and available now, but there is no indication of a release on console or PC. The game marks a departure from Game Freak's usual Pokémon titles, and it will be interesting to see if it attracts fans of the franchise or a different audience.

April 21, 2025 • By Industry Direct

Quantum Universe Inc. has announced that its VR game, "The ChicKing Dead", is now available in Early Access on the Meta Oculus Store. The game is a free-to-play VR multiplayer experience that combines arm-based locomotion with tag-style chaos. Players are divided into two teams: Normal Chickens and Alpha Zombies, with the goal of infecting or surviving. The game features a unique LocoRoid system, which allows players to unlock powerful movement-based skills. In Early Access, players can level up, earn rewards, and participate in special in-game events. Quantum Universe plans to refine and expand the game based on community feedback, introducing features such as leaderboards and competitive league play.

April 21, 2025 • By Shawn Knight

Actor Paul Rudd has reprised his role as a Nintendo fanboy in a new commercial for the upcoming Switch 2. The ad pays homage to his 1991 Super Nintendo Entertainment System commercial, with Rudd wearing a similar outfit and highlighting the Switch 2's multiplayer capabilities. The console features a 7.9-inch display, custom-built Nvidia processor, and upgraded Joy-Cons with a new "mouse mode." The Switch 2 will be available for pre-order on April 24, priced at $450 or $500 with Mario Kart World, and will launch on June 5.

April 21, 2025 • By Camila Rinaldi

The article discusses various hidden and secret features of iPhones, particularly those introduced in iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence. Some of the features mentioned include: 1. Uninterrupted music playback during video recording, which can be enabled in iOS 18. 2. Recovering deleted photos and videos from the Photos app, which are stored in a hidden album for up to 30 days. 3. Using Siri with contextual awareness, which can reference details across multiple apps. 4. Scheduling messages in the iMessage app, which allows users to send messages at a specific date and time. 5. Setting multiple timers simultaneously, which can be helpful in various situations. 6. Streaming iPhone screen content to a TV using AirPlay, which requires a compatible TV or Apple TV device. 7. Controlling Apple Music on a PC or Mac from an iPhone or iPad using the iTunes Remote app. 8. Immediately deactivating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings using a shortcut in the control center. 9. Copying and pasting edits made to photos and videos, which can be useful for applying the same effects to multiple files. 10. Sharing Wi-Fi passwords with guests using a Face ID-protected clipboard. 11. Adding a level to the camera app screen to ensure intentional composition. 12. Customizing the iPhone home screen using the Shortcuts app, which allows users to transform application icons and create unique color combinations. 13. Hanging up on voice or FaceTime calls using Siri, and opening up to 500 tabs in the Safari app. 14. Pinging an Apple Watch directly from the control center, which can be helpful for locating a misplaced device. 15. Rearranging features in the Messages app, and turning off the option to hang up on people unintentionally after pressing the lock button. 16. Enabling haptic feedback for typing on the iPhone keyboard, which was introduced in iOS 16. 17. Using Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles, which are hardware-dependent features available on iPhone 13 series and newer models. 18. Enabling Picture-in-Picture mode on YouTube, which requires a Premium subscription or the PiPifier app. 19. Turning the iPhone keyboard into a trackpad, which can be done by long-pressing the space bar. 20. Using the Back Tap feature, which offers a range of features and shortcut options using two or three taps on the back of the iPhone. 21. Connecting a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con to an iPhone, which can be used as a separate controller. 22. Merging duplicate photos to free up storage space, and using the "zoom to crop" feature to maintain image quality while magnifying an image. 23. Deleting a contact using a single long press, which is a more intuitive method introduced in iOS 16. 24. Setting up Apple Pay, which can be used to make purchases using an iPhone. 25. Locking or hiding apps from the home screen, which requires authentication via Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. 26. Protecting notes with a password and/or Face ID, which can be done using the native note-taking app. 27. Resetting a forgotten iPhone passcode, which can be done within 72 hours of changing the passcode. 28. Activating the Private Browsing locker in Safari, which adds an extra layer of privacy to the phone. These features can enhance the overall iPhone experience and provide users with more convenience, customization, and privacy options.

April 21, 2025 • By Dominic Tarason

A group of dedicated fans has released an unofficial remaster of the classic fantasy tactics game series Myth, titled Myth: Twice Born Edition. The remaster includes a new engine, graphical overhaul, and rebalanced campaign, as well as enhancements for community-made missions. It features key art by original Bungie artist Mark R. Bernal and has the endorsement of several original Bungie crew members. The remaster is free, but requires users to source a copy of Myth 2: Soulblighter and follow a series of steps to download and assemble the necessary files. The final product includes three campaigns, including a re-balanced and enhanced version of the Myth 1 campaign, and a deadly multiplayer scene.

April 21, 2025 • By Agencies Ghacks

A new trailer for DOOM: The Dark Ages was released during WWE's WrestleMania 41. The game, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, is a prequel to the 2016 DOOM and promises a darker narrative and gruesome combat. The trailer showcases the game's brutal combat system, medieval-themed weaponry, and a new Saw Shield tool. The game will have a strong focus on single-player narrative and will not include a multiplayer mode. DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

April 21, 2025 • By Marc Griffin

Sony has increased the price of its PlayStation Plus subscription service in several countries, including Canada, Latin America, and Australia. The price hike, which took effect on April 16, affects the Essential, Extra, and Premium 12-month subscription plans. In Canada, the new prices are $110 (Essential), $190 (Extra), and $225 (Premium), representing increases of $15, $35, and $35, respectively. Similar price increases have been implemented in Latin America and Australia, with the US currently exempt from the changes. Sony attributes the price adjustment to its goal of continuing to provide high-quality games and benefits to subscribers. The company has notified affected subscribers via email, stating that the changes will take effect on or after June 24, 2025, depending on their next payment date.

April 21, 2025 • By Tyler Graham

A gamer discusses the issue of lag in online games, which can be caused by a slow internet connection. The article explains that ping, or latency, measures the time it takes for data to move across the network. A high ping can lead to discrepancies between what the player thinks should be happening in the game and what's actually happening. The quality of the internet connection and the location relative to the server can affect ping. The article suggests that using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can actually worsen the problem, as it can make it seem like the player is farther away from the server than they actually are. This can lead to higher latency and a worse gaming experience. The author notes that while VPNs are important for network security, they can slow down the internet connection and lower the ping. Other factors that can affect gaming performance include the laptop's cooling system, Random Access Memory (RAM), Solid-State Drive (SSD) capacity, and graphics settings. The article provides tips for improving gaming performance, such as adjusting graphics settings and ensuring sufficient RAM and storage space. In summary, while VPNs can provide security and privacy, they can also slow down the internet connection and worsen the gaming experience. Gamers should consider turning off their VPN while playing online games to ensure the best possible performance. However, if the issue persists, it may be due to other factors such as laptop overheating, insufficient RAM or storage, or poor graphics settings.

April 21, 2025 • By Gavin Lane

The article discusses the best Nintendo Switch games available in 2025. It highlights various titles, including Splatoon 3, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, Portal: Companion Collection, and Astral Chain, among others. Each game is praised for its unique features, engaging gameplay, and overall quality. The article also mentions other notable games, such as Xenoblade Chronicles 2, NieR:Automata, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which are considered must-haves for Switch owners. Additionally, it touches on the excellence of games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and Luigi's Mansion 3, showcasing the diversity and richness of the Switch's game library. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the best Switch games, catering to different tastes and preferences.

April 21, 2025 • By Alan Wen

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a new fighting game that marks the return of the series after 26 years. The game features a natural familiarity for fans of its arcade predecessor, Mark of the Wolves, with a graphical leap to 3D character models using Unreal Engine. The game's visual design is inspired by American comic book art, with a cel-shaded aesthetic that looks great in motion. The gameplay remains intact, with a control scheme similar to the previous game and new twists such as the Rev abilities and SPG system. The game also features online multiplayer with rollback netcode and cross-play support. However, the inclusion of two new characters, Cristiano Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci, feels out of place due to their real-life celebrity status and business ties to Saudi Arabia, which owns 96% of SNK. Despite some blemishes, the game delivers on its promise, with a single-player arcade mode and Episodes of South Town that allow players to catch up with their favorite characters. The game's lower price point is reflected in its presentation, but it lacks no substance, with plenty of bonus content to unlock. Overall, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a great addition to the modern era of fighting games.

April 21, 2025 • By Jody Macgregor

Marvel Comics is reviving the Marvel Swimsuit Special, a series from the 1990s featuring characters in swimsuits. The new issue, Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes & Rivals #1, will be published in July and include designs for new costumes in the Marvel Rivals video game. The original series was known for its pinups of female characters in bikinis, while male characters often wore swimsuits with their logos on them. The revival will have an overarching story and feature Earth's Mightiest fashion designer, Janet Van Dyne. The announcement suggests that Marvel Rivals may introduce new swimsuit-themed cosmetics, including potentially revealing outfits for male characters.

April 20, 2025 • By Kaan Serin

The developers of Equinox: Homecoming, a multiplayer open-world horse-riding game, used motion capture technology on a horse named Bella. They put a suit with white balls on Bella and used 60 cameras to capture her movements in a large barn in Canada. However, they faced logistical challenges such as wind shaking the building, which required them to build a secondary structure to prevent vibration. The team also had to deal with cold temperatures, using industrial heaters to keep the area warm. Despite these challenges, they were able to capture the necessary animations for the game. The developers compared the process to motion capturing humans, but with more logistical errors to consider.

April 20, 2025 • By Dominic Tarason

The MMO looter-shooter game Defiance has been relaunched under new publisher Fawkes Games. The game, which originally ran alongside a sci-fi TV show, is now free to play and available for download through Fawkes Games' launcher. Defiance is similar to Borderlands, with looting, shooting, and driving, and features large-scale quests and events with dozens of players. However, the relaunch has some limitations, including no transferred content from the old retail version and limited character customization options. The game's technical performance is mostly fine, but some minor issues, such as off-center HUD elements, have been noted. Despite these limitations, the game's content from its latter years is available, including tough encounters with enemies like the Volge.

April 20, 2025 • By Matt Kamen

The Nintendo Switch 2's new mouse mode feature has been tested by WIRED, and while it shows promise, it has a significant flaw: it hurts to use. The Joy-Con 2 controllers can be rotated 90 degrees to function as mice, but their design is not ergonomic, leading to discomfort and pain in the hands and wrists after extended use. WIRED played several games using the mouse mode, including Drag X Drive and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and found that the feature has potential but needs improvement. The lack of comfort and ergonomics in the Joy-Con 2 design makes it difficult to use the mouse mode for long periods. To address this issue, WIRED suggests that Nintendo release a "Mouse Pro" accessory, which would be a dedicated mouse designed specifically for the Switch 2, with features like motion sensing gyroscopes and haptic motors. This would provide a more comfortable and ergonomic way to use the mouse mode, making it viable for longer gaming sessions. Alternatively, a third-party accessory company could create a mouse-shaped shell to clip onto the Joy-Con 2s, making them more comfortable to use as mice. However, the high price of the Switch 2 and its accessories may be a hurdle for the adoption of such a peripheral. Overall, while the mouse mode feature on the Nintendo Switch 2 shows promise, its design flaws need to be addressed to make it a viable and comfortable gaming experience.

April 20, 2025 • By Stephanie Bai

The Atlantic Daily's Sunday culture edition features Allegra Frank, a senior editor, discussing her current entertainment favorites. She enjoys the animated comedy series "YOLO" for its surreal and moving storylines, despite its abrasive style. Frank also spent a day trying out the new Nintendo Switch 2, praising its emphasis on online social play and collaborative multiplayer environment. She cherishes a print of Yoshitomo Nara's artwork "Oh! My God! I Miss You" and was moved by the Netflix docuseries "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing." Frank also shares her love for music, particularly the indie-pop artist Jay Som, and recommends three Sunday reads from The Atlantic, including an essay on federal workers facing a new reality.

April 20, 2025 • By Luca Mazzocco

L'articolo presenta un'intervista a Matteo Bassini, concept artist che lavora su progetti come No Rest for the Wicked e Magic: The Gathering. L'intervista esplora le sue origini artistiche e la sua carriera nella concept art. Bassini ringrazia per l'opportunità di parlare del suo lavoro e saluta i lettori.