Updates include WWE Draft, Universe Wizard, double the Create-A-Superstar and Image slots, body morphing, and more
Today, 2K revealed details of several updates coming to Universe mode and Community Creations to allow players more creative freedom than ever in the newest WWE® 2K26Ringside Report, voiced by four-time Women’s World Champion Bayley.
In Universe, WWE 2K’s popular sandbox mode, where players control feuds, storylines, and match outcomes, several new additions add to the customisation and control players experience as they build their own WWE Universe. After years of community requests, the WWE Draft makes its debut, allowing players to trade Superstars between their different show rosters over an entire week. Players can also create, edit, or remove drafts from their Universe, mixing things up and keeping the action fresh and exciting.
The new Universe Wizard allows players to choose which weekly shows and PLEs will be featured, assign Superstars for each show, as well as their champions, and then decide which month the calendar will start on. Other new introductions include new Watch Show mode, improved Money in the Bank cash-ins, and additional Promo types. Each show can support up to 8 titles from the men’s and women’s divisions, inclusive of tag team titles and intergender-supported championships, along with two Money In The Bank briefcases.
Several improvements to Universe Promos crank up the variety and realism of the experience. With Self-Promos, Superstars can now make announcements that affect their immediate future, such as turning into a hero or villain, changing their division, self-imposed challenges, and even departing a show. With the Call-Out / Interrupt Promo, options have been expanded to allow challengers to choose their match type or to challenge for a title, while champions have the ability to pick a show for title matches. Also, Open Challenges have now been expanded to feature spontaneous title defences. A new Promo type, the Post-Match Interview, allows the winner of a match the option to announce a division change, discuss a #1 contender’s match, or make a title challenge. The loser of the match can interrupt the winner’s interview and either shake their hand, engage in a brawl, or get into a staredown.
In Community Creations, several new additions are sure to please players. The number of Create-A Superstar slots has been doubled to 200, while the number of Create-An-Image slots has been doubled to 2,000. Body morphing is now available to allow players to mix and match body parts for unusual and amusing appearances, and new two-tone hair colour blending offers an additional outlet for players’ creative imaginations. For Nintendo Switch 2 players, the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls can be used to add and customise body paint, and the Image Uploader feature is also available.
Create-an-Arena now supports LED barricades, while the customisation options for ring aprons and announce tables have been increased. Finally, an advanced timeline feature for all entrance motions, inclusive of champion, double champion, MITB, and default, has been added.
Four editions of WWE 2K26 are available for pre-order now. King of Kings Edition, Attitude Era Edition, and Monday Night War Edition are scheduled for worldwide release on Friday, March 6, 2026, seven days prior to the Standard Edition, which will be available Friday, March 13, 2026.
Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
Access to online or bonus features, content, or services, including MyFACTION, The Island, and Online Multiplayer, may require Internet connection, online account registration, and/or may not be accessible by accounts registered to users below the age of 13 (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Game includes optional in-game purchases and paid random items. Some in-game content may require download and/or online gameplay to unlock. Online console play may require separate paid platform subscription and account registration. Terms apply.
Magical Princess, the child-rearing simulator based on the beloved Magical board game series, arrives on PC in Spring 2026. Ahead of release, co-developer Neotoro. Inc and publisher MAGI Inc. shares heartwarming stories and fresh battle strategies with its new demo update, available now ahead of Steam Next Fest!
In appreciation of the community’s passionate support, a new trailer has also been released today. Check it out here
In the updated demo, dress Alice to impress with two new stat-boosting outfits, opening up all-new combat approaches through the first six months of Alice’s journey, plus a plethora of quality-of-life updates, balancing adjustments, and bug fixes for a smoother gameplay experience. Step into the shoes of a newly-widowed father. Raise his beloved daughter Alice with patience and devotion as she navigates the early years of her enrollment at school.
Navigate the unpredictable twists and turns of parenting, where every choice has a lasting impact on Alice’s growth, influencing her Intelligence, Charm, Sense, and Stamina stats. Encourage Alice to study, build her discipline and help her pursue a higher education. Daring parents might lead her down a path of troublemaking, leading to thievery, odd jobs, and a discovery of the darkest corners of her hometown.
Experience Alice’s journey while interacting with 30+ eccentric and expressive townspeople powered by Live2D animations. You never know…one of them might be her soulmate! Delve into hundreds of thousands of words of storytelling, more than 700 pages of comic-style storytelling, 100 illustrations, and 170+ date events — all leading to one of 50+ possible endings.
“Magical Bakery” was the first game in the Magical Series of board games, first released in 2018, followed by “Magical Patisserie,” “Magical Kingdom,” and more, for a total of 11 games (including expansion packs). The games tell the story of an apprentice at a magical bakery that reaches the top of the kingdom. Magical Princess is the series’s first digital game and aims to spread the enjoyment of the Magical Series to players around the world.
About MAGI Inc.
MAGI Inc. is a board game creator that was established in 2015 and has created over 10 board games, including Magical Series board games “Magical Bakery,” “Magical Patisserie,” and “Magical Kingdom.”
Neotro Inc. is a development company established in 2016, known for NeverAwake and arcade SHMUP game VRITRA HEXA, as well as their experience with various other genres such as shooting, action, and puzzle games.
Season 2 Brings a New Theater of War, Psychoactive Smoke, Chemical Warfare, Night Operations, and a Three-Phase Content Rollout Across Battlefield 6 and Battlefield REDSEC
Sydney, Australia – February 18, 2026 — Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Battlefield Studios today launched Season 2 across Battlefield 6™ and REDSEC. Season 2 sends the fight to Europe with two new maps, limited-time modes, and much more, rolling out across three seasonal phases beginning today.
Launching across Battlefield 6 and Battlefield REDSEC, Season 2 introduces two all-new maps, Contaminated, a large-scale map set in a once-vibrant forest now scarred by experimental weapons and heavy shelling, alongside Hagental Base, a military facility that becomes the stage for intense close-quarters combat and stealth-focused gameplay later in the season.
Phase 1: Extreme Measures, begins today with the debut of Contaminated, and the introduction of VL-7, a new limited-time experience built around psychoactive smoke intensifying combat. These smoke clouds blanket key areas of the map, disorienting players with immersive hallucinations and forcing squads to adapt in real time.
On March 17, Phase 2: Nightfall takes the battle to the deepest depths of a military facility called Hagental Base. Tied to this phase’s theme, a limited time mode brings darkness to the map, where blacked out corridors create a stealth driven experience. Players gain access to Night Vision Goggles, allowing squads to navigate the darkness and gain the tactical advantage. Nightfall will also arrive in Battlefield REDSEC with a dedicated Gauntlet playlist.
Season 2 concludes on April 17 with Phase 3: Hunter & Prey, introducing Operation Augur, a limited-time mode across both Contaminated and Hagental Base. Inspired by Battlefield 1’s Operations mode, this is Battlefield at its most cinematic, with emphasis on large-scale objectives, sustained momentum, and squad coordination over the course of an extended campaign.
Additional Season 2 highlights include new weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and customisation options rolling out across all three phases, along with a new Battle Pass and store content.
Battlefield 6™ and REDSEC are available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam™, EA App, Epic Games Store).
*Applicable platform account and platform subscription (sold separately) may be required. Persistent internet connection and EA account required. * This announcement may change as we listen to community feedback and continue developing and evolving our Live Service & Content. We will always strive to keep our community as informed as possible.
About Battlefield Battlefield is a storied franchise renowned for uncompromising combat gameplay, and all-out warfare, for over two decades. 100 million players and 5 billion hours played later, Battlefield Studios is defining the future of the first-person shooter with the biggest launch in franchise history with Battlefield 6, and a new era beginning with Battlefield REDSEC.
About Electronic Arts Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.
In fiscal year 2025, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.5 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ College Football, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and EA SPORTS F1®. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Dragon Age, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, and F1 are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.
Embark on an Epic Viking Saga of Honor, Justice, and Vengeance; Title Discounted 15% as Part of Tripwire Interactive Publisher Sale on Steam
ROSWELL, Ga. — Feb. 17, 2026 — Gather your warriors, a song of swords awaits… Tripwire Presents, the publishing division ofTripwire Interactive, and developer Arctic Hazard today announced the release of their Viking turn-based tactical game set in Dark Age Norway, NORSE: Oath of Blood, on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Good Old Games. The standard digital edition is available for $34.99 and a Special Edition, including the in-game Kievan War armor set and unique Ulfberht sword, is available for $44.99, with both versions discounted 15% on all storefronts, including as part of the Tripwire Interactive Publisher Sale on Steam, through Tuesday, Feb. 24. The PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S versions remain in development and will launch this Spring.
“I’m thrilled to say, ‘The Vikings are here!’ Creating NORSE: Oath of Blood has been a saga in its own right, one that has brought many challenges, forged new friendships, and highlighted the spirit, dedication, and passion of everyone involved,” said Terje Lundberg, CEO and Creative Director at Arctic Hazard. “We will continue to work on and support the game as it makes its way into the world, and we truly hope people enjoy playing it as much as we have enjoyed making it.”
“Working with Arctic Hazard on NORSE: Oath of Blood is an incredible opportunity for Tripwire Presents to bring a bold and immersive Viking experience to players,” noted Bryan West, Publishing Director at Tripwire Presents. “The game’s strategic depth, intense turn-based combat and rich world-building make it a truly unique and thrilling adventure.”
Step into the rugged, untamed beauty of Dark Age Norway in NORSE: Oath of Blood, a turn-based tactics game that plunges players into the heart of the Viking Age. Embark on an epic quest for vengeance as Gunnar, a young warrior whose destiny is forged in blood and betrayal. After the treacherous Steinarr Far-Spear murders his father, Jarl Gripr, and usurps his high seat, Gunnar’s path is clear: rebuild, ally, and rise to reclaim honor and justice.
Craft a settlement from the ground up, gather allies from far and wide, and train a formidable warband to stand by your side. Every decision shapes the world around you, as you navigate a landscape teeming with both danger and opportunity. Face off against rival factions, forge unbreakable bonds, and outmaneuver your enemies in tactical, turn-based battles that test your strategic prowess.
NORSE: Oath of Blood Key Features:
Tactical Turn-Based Combat: Command a warband in tactical skirmishes where positioning, terrain, and timing determine survival.
Settlement Building & Resource Management: Oversee Gunnar’s Viking village as it grows from a small camp into a thriving stronghold.
Character-Driven Narrative: Make impactful choices that influence relationships, shape alliances, and unfold the story of Gunnar as he restores his father’s legacy.
Historically Grounded World: Get fully immersed in a gritty Viking saga penned by prize-winning and Sunday Times bestselling author Giles Kristian, enriched by compelling cinematic cutscenes directed by award-winning filmmaker Philip Stevens, and accompanied by a haunting original soundtrack scored by composer Dan Wakefield and dark pagan neo-folk band Galdorcræft.
Read or listen to Sword Brothers, the official short prequel story to NORSE: Oath of Blood written by Giles Kristian.
Visit the newly launched NORSE: Oath of Blood online store with items themed after the game, presented in partnership with Grimfrost, a company focused on the highest quality Viking reproductions available.
Hear the latest single LEGACY, from dark neo-folk band Galdorcræft, featured in NORSE: Oath of Blood on Spotify and watch the music video featuring in-game footage on the GrimfrostYouTube channel. The full soundtrack for the game will be available through Grimfrost Recordssoon.
Find out more about NORSE: Oath of Blood on the official website, and follow the game on X, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Discord. This game has not been rated for PC, and expects a rating of 17+ on consoles by the ESRB and 18+ PEGI.
Arctic Hazard AS is an independent Norwegian game developer dedicated to creating high-quality international electronic entertainment across all platforms. Founded in 2010 by industry veterans Terje Lundberg and Mats Tveita—each bringing over a decade of experience—the company boasts a team of some of Norway’s most talented and experienced developers. Every member of the Arctic Hazard team is a passionate gamer at heart, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience working on international game titles.
At Arctic Hazard, the focus is all about crafting exceptional gaming experiences. To achieve this, the company licenses advanced technology from trusted third-party vendors, which it then adapts and enhances. This approach ensures the team always has access to the best tools and engines, allowing them to channel their resources into delivering innovative and engaging gameplay.
Arctic Hazard’s ultimate mission is to establish Norway as a major hub for game development in Europe.
About Tripwire Interactive
Formed in 2005 as a humble independent developer founded by gamers who found success in the video game modding community, Tripwire Interactive has developed and self-published multiple critically acclaimed titles in the wildly popular Killing Floor and Rising Storm franchises, which have collectively sold over 30 million units to date. The studio’s last internal project, Maneater, broke new ground in the popular action RPG genre and tasked players with taking on the role of a deadly shark with the uncanny ability to evolve as it feeds. Since its release in 2020 Maneater has sold over 14 million units worldwide across all platforms.
Since then, Tripwire Interactive has expanded its business with the publishing division, Tripwire Presents, turning its experience and resources to include publishing titles spanning multiple platforms and genres from other talented independent studios. Tripwire Presents aims to help like-minded independent studios bring their titles to market, including Chivalry 2 developed by Torn Banner Studios, Espire 1: VR Operative and Espire 2 developed by Digital Lode, DECEIVE INC. developed by Sweet Bandits Studios, Road Redemption developed by EQ Games and Pixel Dash Studios, Rogue Waters developed by Ice Code Games, The Stone of Madness developed by The Game Kitchen and NORSE: Oath of Blood, developed by Arctic Hazard. Tripwire Presents continues to grow their portfolio, and are always on the lookout for the next great team and game. Inquiries and pitches can be directed to [email protected], or submitted through theirpublishing application form. Tripwire Interactive is a standalone entity within the Embracer Group.
All product titles, publisher names, trademarks, artwork and associated imagery are trademarks, registered trademarks and/or copyright material of the respective owners. All rights reserved.
Steam release priced at $24.99; console releases due in summer 2026
iRacing Arcade, the all-new arcade-style racing title from iRacing Studios and Original Fire Games, will receive its long-awaited release on Steam on Tuesday, March 3. Priced at $24.99, iRacing Arcade will serve as a fun, inexpensive entry point for gamers of all ages to fall in love with racing and become new fans of the sport. A console release for PlayStation and Xbox will follow this summer.
The heart of iRacing Arcade is an extensive career mode that sees players progress from the bottom levels of road racing up to premier vehicle classes like the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTP class and Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Drivers will adapt to an all-new style of racing that puts fun first, combining an adorable art style with the realistic fuel burn and tire wear that iRacing Studios products are known for.
Players will take on fun, pocket-sized versions of premier global tracks along the way, ranging from the world-class Imola, Mexico City, and Miami circuits to the iRacing Studios debuts of Bahrain International Circuit and Kyalami Circuit. Between races, players will build the fully customizable motorsports campus of their dreams, with garages, engine and chassis shops, and R&D buildings allowing them to unlock in-race boosts, with no two campuses ever looking the same. Team management allows players to manage multiple series at once, with hired drivers available to keep your team on top of the racing world. Additional single-player and multiplayer modes will also fill out the iRacing Arcade experience.
In the meantime, the iRacing Arcade demo, which features the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup at Tsukuba Circuit, has already received more than 100,000 downloads and remains free to play on Steam. Click here to wishlist iRacing Arcade on Steam and download the demo now!
Play as Will Robinson, team up with Dr. Smith and Robot, and uncover what happened to the Jupiter 2 crew.
RedDeer.Games has released Lost in Space: The First Adventure on Nintendo Switch. In this all-new point-and-click adventure inspired by the beloved 1960s TV series, players step into the roles of Will Robinson, the mercurial Dr. Zachary Smith, and the loyal Robot to solve the mystery of the missing Jupiter 2 crew.
After a late-night rock-hunting trip goes wrong, Will returns to the ship to find it ransacked—and the crew gone. Track clues across treacherous environments, connect the dots through classic adventure-style puzzles, and push deeper with every discovery. Designed as a spiritual “fourth season,” the game recreates the tone and personalities of the original series, complete with dialogue pulled directly from the show and iconic music themes.
Key features of DunHero:
A faithful “fourth season” adventure inspired by the classic ’60s TV series
Play as Will Robinson, Dr. Smith, and Robot in a mystery-driven story
Classic point-and-click puzzling with a multi-tier hint system
Original show dialogue and music, including iconic themes • Classic villains and sci-fi threats from the series (and more)
Lost in Space: The First Adventure launches on Nintendo Switch on Feb 19 — check it now on Nintendo Switch.
About RedDeer.Games
RedDeer.Games (RDG) has been an independent video game publisher and developer since 2019. According to Forbes, RDG is ranked among the Top 50 Polish game developers and has been recognized as the Fastest Growing Gamedev Company in Central Europe.
RDG’s portfolio includes over 90 original indie titles, such as Sprout Valley, One Night: Burlesque, Little Mouse Encyclopedia, She Wants Me Dead, and Tell Me Your Story, along with licensed games from The Smurfs, Kayko & Kokosh, and The Evil One. RedDeer.Games publishes titles on the biggest distribution platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Steam, Xbox, and iOS.
RDG’s extensive plans for the future include the releases of Wrack, Lost in Space – The Adventure Game, DunHero, and many more, including new games for Nintendo Switch.
A relaxing diorama-builder about fitting life into small spaces will feature fresh content and festive touches during Steam’s February showcase
February 2026 – Publisher Kinephantom and solo developer Erik Rempen of Silk Softworks have announced that ShantyTown will be featured in Steam Next Fest this February, giving players another chance to enjoy its peaceful, urban-diorama building ahead of its full launch this spring.
Alongside the festival appearance, a brand new trailer is available for viewing, offering a deeper look at the calming atmosphere and the layered charm of its neighbourhoods.
To celebrate the season, ShantyTown will also introduce festive decorations for the Year of the Horse and other Chinese New Year-themed upgrades, bringing subtle festive details and limited-time additions inspired by the holiday. These seasonal touches add even more personality to its cosy worlds, inviting players to express themselves through their own unique town creations.
Over the past year, the game has grown significantly in detail and colour. Early versions of ShantyTown were darker, simpler, and colder in tone but were atmospheric in its own way. Today the same locations feel transformed, filled with more object variety, brighter lighting, and richer detail.
This evolution has been shaped directly by player feedback. Closed playtests began in February of last year, followed by a public demo launch in June. The demo has continued to evolve through multiple iterations and remains available to explore during Next Fest.
The latest Steam Next Fest demo will feature updated content, seasonal enhancements, and a refreshed look at the creative freedom at the heart of the experience.
Key Features
Building with instinct – Objects can be placed wherever they make sense to the player, creating a town that feels natural, personal, and full of character
A relaxing, adaptive atmosphere – As lights shift from day to night, players are accompanied by a custom soundtrack by artist Macroblank, designed to keep the experience peaceful and immersive
Playful world details – Walking houses, drifting birds, and small visual surprises await players, giving it a unique sense of personality
In-depth photography – Complete a diorama, photograph it, and add it to your in-game dossier to later revisit or share with friends
Seasonal Chinese New Year upgrades – Festive and limited-time additions inspired by the holiday bring extra charm to the February build
As previously announced, ShantyTown will launch April 16th, 2026, inviting players to explore its unusual locations and craft their own small, meaningful dioramas in just a few months.
Players can wishlist ShantyTown on Steam today and explore the demo during Steam Next Fest this February. Players can also stay up to date with the latest news and community updates by joining the official Discord server.
About Kinephantom
Kinephantom is a small team that loves working closely with indie developers and helping thoughtful projects find their true audience. They take a hands-on, people-first approach, supporting creators with marketing, community development, and launch planning so that developers can stay focused on what matters most.
About Silk Softworks
ShantyTown is created by Erik Rempen, a solo developer and the mind behind Kainga, a well-received strategy title known for its creative systems and distinctive worldbuilding. Working under his studio, Silk Softworks, Erik builds games with a warm, human touch – inspired by dense cities and cosy aesthetics. With ShantyTown, he continues to create spaces that feel imperfect, meaningful, and full of quiet life.
Press, creators, and community members are welcome to reach out for interviews, preview access, or additional assets as Kinephantom prepares for launch.
The Yakuza franchise has been on quite the rise over the past decade. Initially released on the PlayStation 2, the first two games didn’t really find an audience in the West. Only with Yakuza 3 on the PlayStation 3 did the franchise start to find some footing despite being a rather odd jumping in point in Kazuma’s journey. Not only that, but at the time countless parts of the game were removed for Western release only to finally be brought back in a Yakuza 3 Remaster in 2021.
Now, with that version removed from sale from all but bundle purchases, Yakuza 3 is the latest game to be given the Kiwami treatment to upgrade the content and align the storyline with what the team has been slowly adding and adjusting since Yakuza Kiwami 1. Unfortunately for fans though, this time around Yakuza Kiwami 3 shows the first time that the franchise has dragged itself down with even the bundled Dark Ties doing little to help its case and is a worrying sign of future remakes.
Story
Kazuma Kiryu is trying to put his past behind him, as a former yakuza member and Tojo Clan chairman, he has stepped down following the events of the last game in order to take on a civilian life to raise Haruka and care for the orphans at the Morning Glory Orphanage. After paying respects at the cemetery (where recaps of Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2 can be viewed), and saying goodbye to some close friends while entrusting the care of the Tojo Clan’s fresh chairman, Daigo Dojima, to Goro Majima, the pair leave to settle into their new life in Okinawa.
Unfortunately, a year later Kiryu’s peaceful life is already being threatened as the orphanage is hounded by eviction notices from the local yakuza, the Ryudo Family, who own the land. With rival patriarchs seeking to use the seaside location for their own means, Kiryu soon finds himself swept right back into the Yakuza world to protect his new home. To make matters worse, even as Morning Glory comes under threat Kiryu learns that Daigo has been shot and put into a coma while the deed to the orphanage is stolen. Despite trying to escape the life of a yakuza, Kiryu soon finds himself becoming the Dragon of Dojima once more to find out the truth behind what is happening and who is seeking to take away his new life.
In many ways the general storyline of Kiryu’s adventure remains the same as before in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and, if anything, feels a bit more streamlined. The Morning Glory sections of the storyline no longer force players off of the main plot like they did before and instead have been relegated to side-content with somewhat equal emotional impact. This is both a plus and a negative, as the original storyline saw players bouncing back and forth from the drama of the yakuza world all while raising the kids at the orphanage and the pacing felt off as a result, which is no longer the case. Unfortunately the negative is the fact that, being treated as side content makes it feel far more optional than it actually should be given how pivotal the orphanage is to Kiryu as a character, the bonds he builds with Haruka and the other orphans, as well as future events. That being said, there has been extra mini-games and bonus content added to expand the orphanage a bit that we’ll go over later.
Speaking of future events, a lot of content that was previously available in Yakuza 3 (and in the Remaster) has been removed entirely as far as story content goes. Oddly enough the sub-stories have been drastically reduced from over a hundred to barely more than thirty. Not only does this cut away some of the best substories that were in the original game, some incredibly emotional moments, some funny, but also some that actually play a role in future games. While a few of these were simple “find an object” substories, others were intricate and interesting as well as heartfelt and emotional. Some of these substories even played important roles in actually developing side characters that were part of the orphanage as well but now barely play a role. In fact, entire characters that are referenced in future entries of Yakuza, even to the point of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, have been removed from this game. This can call into question whether or not future changes and rewrites will affect future entries, especially since so much culling was done this time around.
On the flip side of the story, we have Dark Ties that is meant to be played after players have completed Yakuza Kiwami 3, though it isn’t required to do so. Dark Ties follows the fall and rise of Yoshitaka Mine within the background as a villain and explains both why he acts the way he does and how he got there. It is a rather interesting storyline for a character that didn’t get quite enough spotlight in the original release and also serves as both something of a prequel and short epilogue at the same time. Unfortunately the Dark Ties mode is rather short, clocking in at roughly six hours even if players complete all the “Good Deeds” (substories), and the ending is absolutely ridiculous. Now while we won’t spoil anything here, anyone familiar with how Yakuza 3 originally ended will find the altered ending to Yakuza Kiwami 3 and revelation of Dark Ties to be incredibly ridiculous and another sign that longtime fans might need to worry about where storylines will shift in further remakes.
Gameplay
The general flow of gameplay in Yakuza Kiwami 3 remains the same as before, though a bit faster thanks to the Dragon Engine and Kiryu’s revised main combat style. Players will wander around the city fighting random groups of thugs, taking part in mini-games that are usually optional and range from darts, baseball cages, and pool, to mahjong and the like. There are of course the arcade cabinets filled with some of the better offerings of classic Sega games in recent entries and even a GameGear that players can purchase and unlock games for as well, something that is a nice little touch.
Kiryu’s Dragon of Dojima fighting style has been upgraded even further inKiwami to be as fast moving as possible with players able to side-step and lay-down some brutal punishment on enemies in combat. There are a variety of heat moves, though the Revelations that used to unveil new heat moves have been removed from the game entirely. In this style, and another style we will mention in a moment, Kiryu can also enter an enhanced state where he deals extra damage and extends his combos into brutal finishing attacks and even unleash a “Dragon Ultimate” to close out the enhanced state and deal massive damage as well. This style makes Kiryu feel like the fastest he has ever been in a Yakuza entry and, thanks to enemies no longer blocking every single time like they did in the original, combat is far more enjoyable.
The new style added into the game is called Ryukyu style and is based off of Okinawan fighting styles but is also rather odd. This fighting style sees Kiryu wielding an entire array of melee weapons each tied to a different face button press or hold, including wielding a shield that can block most attacks or even parry and counter-attack. The weapons include sais, a spinning chain, nunchucks, tonfas, and more with certain combinations of weapons being able to trigger bleed effect on enemies or stunning them entirely. There is even a thrust punch to break through enemy guards to make it even easier to break through the previous block heavy enemies. Players can swap between styles mid-combat and there is no detriment to using either style, though it does feel like Ryukyu is a bit more overpowered.
Kiryu learns various skills and abilities through either spending money and “investing in himself” to increase his health and damage dealt or spending “training points” earned by completing various tasks. This includes the random objectives in every Yakuza title like eating at various places, defeating a certain number of enemies, etc. Two smaller new mini-game elements from recent games have also been reworked and added into this one in the form of the photo-hunt mechanic where players can take photos of specific locations around town to obtain special phone cosmetics, which in turn provide small boosts to Kiryu, and “LaLaLa Loveland” phone-friends that basically let’s players become friends with random NPCs walking around town and obtaining a few extra bonuses the more friends they get. Some of the profiles for characters are rather funny, especially once players unlock all of their details by coming across the same character multiple times.
Now earlier we mentioned that the orphanage has been placed as more of a side-activity than before and that is true but it also sees the addition of a number of mini-games to interact with the kids and raise Kiryu’s “Daddy Rank.” These include a rather ridiculous looking cooking minigame that is fun, a bug catching one, a difficult but unique sewing machine game, and more. This also includes things like growing a garden and more, making it feel more natural at times even if it does mean that, should players choose, the orphanage can be almost completely abandoned rather than weaved into the story.
The Hostess mini-game and anything related to the hostesses have been removed entirely from Yakuza 3 Kiwami and in their place is now “Bad Boy Dragon” which is essentially the pirate crew from Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This mode sees Kiryu take charge of a girl gang of bikers that is on the verge of being wiped out and try to bring them to the top of the Okinawan street scene through gang combat and team brawls. This essentially boils down to Kiryu needing to recruit potential “baddies” from the streets, be it through simply coming across them or completing substories related to them, and assigning them to the gang while also leveling them up or giving them “badges” to increase their level cap. These big brawls are impressive looking and being able to create a ridiculous team with multiple squads and a special attack is always a delight but it feels like recycled content at this point, especially since so many of the mechanics feel the same.
Swapping focus to Dark Ties we see a far more simplified version of things as Mine has far less to do overall but can still partake in various side-content such as “Good Deeds” and other random mini-games. Mine only has one combat style focused around boxing with dodging and weaving attacks as well as some devastating heat moves of his own. The combat is as simplistic as it gets but it is fast and fluid even if there isn’t a whole lot of variety here since anything not story related revolves around doing odd things to help improve Kanda’s reputation, since he takes all the credit for things Mine does. It also features an Underground Fight Club that is a roguelike-lite dungeon mode where players will fight through a randomized dungeon, picking up weapons and upgrades as they go with extra allies able to join Mine the further they advance. This is a nice little addition but something that can feel a bit like padding.
Audio & Visuals
Yakuza Kiwami 3 has seen some significant graphical improvements thanks to its shift to the Dragon Engine with many character models and the cities of both Kamurocho and Okinawa looking quite detailed while Kiryu himself has plenty of customization options and unique looking Baddies. It is also nice to note that the combat for both Kiryu and Mine in Dark Ties flows incredibly well and features some absolutely brutal looking Heat moves. Unfortunately that is where the praise happens to end as Yakuza Kiwami 3 also features some significantly washed-out looking scenes, stiff facial animations, and poor lighting during some of the more dramatic cinematics.
Now to make things worse, in an attempt to try and appeal to newer fans, a handful of characters that play significant roles in the game have been altered entirely to match the famous actors replacing them. One of these happens to be Rikiya, a young yakuza that serves a strong role in the Okinawan side of the storyline, who now has been given a remodel that doesn’t match his partnered character Mikio at all nor does his voice work match the way Rikiya is presented in any way as a character. The other is the recasting and redesign of Hamazaki, one of the major villains. While we won’t spoil just how important he is here, it is worth noting that his characterization has also been shifted dramatically to fit his new appearance nevermind the fact that the actor he is based off of, Teruyuki Kagawa, is as controversial as they come.
Those who play the English dub won’t have to worry too much about the changed roles as this is the first time that the game has ever been offered with English voicework but longtime fans that played the original Japanese voicework will find that the roles aren’t handled the best even there. As for the English dub itself, the voice work is fitting but lacks emotion at times, especially with Mine. The soundtrack features a great collection of background music once again as well as a “playlist” of songs that players can have running at any time that players can find songs from other Sega titles to include in their playlist as they run around the cities.
Overall
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a strange entry in the franchise and not in a good way. The original Yakuza 3 had its flaws and Kiwami does fix some of these issues but adds numerous others atop of it. As a direct remake it strips away a large amount of content from the original while adding only a bit of new content that is recycled from other entries while Dark Ties itself feels more like an add-on than a true experience on its own. Newcomers to the franchise won’t find this to be much of an issue and there is still a lot of fun to be had with the game’s fast-paced brawling with Kiryu’s two fighting styles as well as Mine’s, but this is perhaps the first entry in a long time to bring into question just where the Yakuza series might be going and it is unfortunately not on the most stable path.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
EvoCreo 2,the sequel to the mobile hit tactical monster-catching RPG with more than 2 million players from Ilmfinity Studios, journeys through its debut demo during the upcoming Steam Next Fest.
Investigate the mysterious disappearances of powerful creatures known as Creo as a new cadet in the world of Shoru. Capture and raise more than 300 distinct species of Creo, each with its own Shiny and Genetically Modified color variants, to build a personalized battle party!
Create the perfect strategy by synergizing 100+ Creo traits, 200+ trainable moves, equippable items, and more. Go beyond limits and exceed level 100 with no level cap! Stay vigilant of elemental types, traits, abilities, status effects, and move cooldowns to plan a winning strategy and make the most of every match.
Discover ancient secrets across the many biomes of Shoru, from hidden caves to bustling cities. Uncover nefarious plots in vibrant pixel-art through more than 30 hours of offline gameplay. Battle fellow Evokers globally online, and climb to the top of the leaderboard in casual and ranked matches!
Discover ancient secrets across the many biomes of Shoru, from hidden caves to bustling cities. Uncover nefarious plots in vibrant pixel-art through more than 30 hours of offline gameplay. Battle fellow Evokers globally online, and climb to the top of the leaderboard in casual and ranked matches!
About Ilmfinity Studios
Ilmfinity Studios has been dedicated to creating engaging experiences and stories since 2010. Its first title, EvoCreo, has been downloaded over 2.5 million times since its launch, and its sequel, EvoCreo 2, launched recently on mobile devices. The studio is currently developing several unannounced titles.
A therapy session you can really sink your teeth into
Berlin, Germany — February 3, 2026 | Little Bat Games, in partnership with Ultimate Games S.A., is thrilled to announce that its BAFTA-nominated visual novel adventure through the (im)mortal mind, Vampire Therapist, is coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch later this month, before arriving on Xbox in March.
Released on PC in 2024, Vampire Therapist sees players take on the role of a reformed Wild West gunslinger-slash-vampire, as they guide their fellow undead spawn through the twists and turns of an immortal existence. The world may not accept them, but perhaps they can learn to accept themselves.
Vampire Therapist launches on consoles complete with the base game, all free content updates, and the Couples Therapy DLC included. The game has also been revamped with improved controller support, so console players can sink into their chaise longue (other sofa types are available) and enjoy Vampire Therapist in relaxed repose.
Vampire Therapist Features:
Real Therapy Concepts: You’ll learn and apply real cognitive behavioral therapy concepts vetted by licensed therapists. By challenging client statements that contain “cognitive distortions”, you’ll help vampires see where their thoughts don’t match reality.
A Comedic Look Through History: Meet emotionally damaged vampires from ancient Greece, Renaissance Italy, revolutionary France, Tudor England, and Iron Age Ireland.
An All-Star Voice Cast: Featuring Matthew Mercer (Critical Role, Baldur’s Gate 3), Francesca Meaux (Hades), Sarah Grayson (Gone Home, Hades II), Kylie Clark, and the game’s creator, Cyrus Nemati (Hades, Pyre).
Unique Setting: Vampire Therapist merges cozy self-introspection with a dark European goth vibe. In fact, the whole thing takes place above a goth club in Germany filled with willing necks to bite.
Minigames: Learn mindfulness meditation, safely and consensually bite sexy necks!
Vampire Therapist launches on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on 17 February 2026, before arriving on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on 5 March 2026.
About Little Bat Games
Little Bat Games is an indie games studio funded in partnership with Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. Helmed by Vampire Therapist creator and Hades voice actor Cyrus Nemati, Little Bat Games aims to create titles with rich stories, engaging characters, and innovative mechanics that will resonate with players long after they have finished playing. This is all underpinned by a dedication to sustainable studio practices.
