Shanghai, China — September 30, 2025 | XD Games is excited to unveil two powerful new SSR Animus units, Kokardi and Mizusumi Aya in Etheria: Restart. These additions enhance the season’s strategic landscape, coinciding with the launch of the Animus Popularity Vote today, offering players a chance to win exclusive rewards.
Introducing the New Animus
Kokardi (Emberweave)
Representing the Hydra Bank faction, Kokardi is an elegant, predatory AoE DMG dealer. Untargetable while allies are alive, he stacks the [Calamity Flame] effect to ramp up damage, making him essential for prolonged battles and RTA team compositions. His mysterious persona hints at Hydra Bank’s shadowy financial dealings. Though impeccably dressed, he exudes the predatory stillness of a stalking beast, a man who, at a single glance, is undeniably dangerous.
Check out the Kokardi announcement cinematic below:
Mizusumi Aya (Resonant Sound)
From DOKI Entertainment, Mizusumi Aya is a proud recorder virtuoso turned support powerhouse. With team-wide cleansing, healing, Skill CD reduction, and Turn Meter boosts, she supports players in uncovering the truth behind her parents’ death at Shan Hoi Enterprise’s hands, adding depth to DOKI’s corporate intrigue. It wasn’t until the death of her beloved parents that she realized a sinister hand was at play. Now, for the first time, she desires to do something unrelated to her recorder: uncover the truth behind her parents’ death and make the one responsible pay the price.
Banner Time
Players can pull for Kokardi (Emberweave) and Mizusumi Aya (Resonant Sound) during the limited-time banner event, running from October 2 to October 23, 2025.
Strategic Highlights and Lore
Kokardi’s growth mechanics synergize with Hydra Bank debuffers, while Mizusumi Aya’s utility rivals DOKI’s top supports. Beta tests show Kokardi clearing DokiDoki waves 20% faster and Mizusumi Aya boosting team survival by 35% in RTA. Their lore ties into Etheria’s conflicts – Hydra Bank’s financial schemes and DOKI’s espionage – teasing future events like a “Bank Heist” raid.
Popularity Vote
The Animus Popularity Vote runs from 2025/09/27 to 2025/10/09 (UTC+8), encouraging players to cast votes for their favorite Animus. Event Rewards include server-wide milestones based on valid submissions (cumulative):
Etheria Restart is a free-to-play supernatural hero team-building RPG developed by XD Inc. The game features breathtaking visuals, an immersive narrative, and a rich blend of PvE and PvP content. Players can enhance their experience with optional in-game purchases.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, September 30th, 2025 – Saigon Dragon Studios today announced Space Tales, a retro-futuristic satirical real-time strategy game launching on Steam in early 2026. The game will continue to grow and evolve throughout Early Access, with regular content updates, quality-of-life improvements, and community-driven development shaping its journey. Players can already get a first taste of the adventure with afree playable demo available now on Steam.
Studio leads Victor and Matt, lifelong RTS fans, have brought together a passionate team of artists and developers with deep roots in the genre. With experience on acclaimed titles such as They Are Billions, Ablight, and Liquidation, they now channel their expertise into their first original game, Space Tales.
Blending classic RTS roots with fresh ideas, Space Tales puts players in command of humanity’s expansion across hostile alien worlds. Build modular bases, manage scarce resources, and lead tactical battles against unpredictable enemies. The game goes beyond traditional strategy by introducing colossal alien bosses that can be captured and turned into powerful allies.
About the game In Space Tales, players step into the boots of Xander, a rookie commander in the Intergalactic Planetary Expansion (I.P.E.), humanity’s ambitious empire-in-the-making. Sent to the outer edges of the galaxy, players must tame uncharted planets, construct modular bases using advanced HUB technology, manage limited resources, and protect their settlers from hostile alien factions.
With its unique blend of RTS, survival, and sci-fi satire, Space Tales features handcrafted missions, reactive alien AI, and challenging environments. At its heart, it’s about turning daring strategies into triumphs, one HUB at a time.
Space Tales also pushes the RTS formula further. Players will face massive alien bosses with unique abilities that can threaten even the strongest colonies. These cinematic encounters are more than just battles; they’re pivotal turning points that test everything you’ve built. And the best part? You can capture these behemoths and turn them into powerful allies. Once subdued, these alien titans become part of your army, shifting the balance of power and unlocking new strategic possibilities.
Story-Driven RTS Campaign: 16+ handcrafted missions filled with unique objectives, memorable characters, and satirical twists
Modular Base-Building: Expand your colony using a HUB system that lets you create sprawling power grids and defensive outposts
Tactical Combat: Face off against a range of alien threats, including giant boss monsters, in fast-paced RTS battles where every decision counts
Capture Alien Titans: Battle and tame colossal alien lifeforms and add them to your forces, giving you devastating new units to command
Deep Skill Tree & Playstyle Customization: Unlock new abilities, upgrades, and combat perks through a flexible tech and skill tree to build an army that reflects your strategic style
High Replayability: With multiple approaches to each mission, branching upgrades, and a wide range of unit compositions, every playthrough can unfold differently
Though Space Tales is Saigon Dragon’s first original game, the team is no stranger to RTS. Led by Victor and Matt, who met as students and bonded over their love of the genre, the studio brings together veterans with credits acclaimed RTS games. With Matt’s roots as a competitive player and Victor’s in game production, both grew up dreaming of creating their own strategy game, Space Tales is that vision realized.
Matt, Game Director at Saigon Dragon Studios, commented :“This isn’t just a game for us, it’s a tribute. We grew up on RTS. We spent our teenage years commanding armies, building bases, and debating the best tactics deep into the night. With Space Tales, we wanted to pour all that nostalgia, love, and ambition into a game that honors the genre while pushing it forward.”
About Saigon Dragon Studios Founded in 2015 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Saigon Dragon Studios built its reputation as a leading art production partner for the global games industry, contributing to more than 100 titles across AAA, indie, and mobile games. With a team of seasoned artists and developers, the studio is now channeling a decade of experience into its own original creation, Space Tales, blending artistic excellence with a deep passion for real-time strategy.
The absurdly interactive adventure makes its mobile debut on iPhone & iPad alongside the “Skully’s Fantastic Fails” major content update for PC, Meta Quest and iOS!
REYKJAVÍK, Iceland –Sept. 30, 2025 – Aldin Dynamics is happy to announce that Waltz of the Wizard, the wonderfully enchanting and absurd wizard simulator, will launch on the App Store for iOS devices on October 27. With many spells and secrets to discover, a deep and intriguing campaign, and, of course, the beloved Skully, the chattiest, most wisecracking skull companion, Waltz of the Wizard gives iOS players the chance to live out their wildest magical fantasies anywhere they go!
Unleash incredible magical powers in Waltz of the Wizard, an epic wizardry simulator inspired by classic fantasy fiction! Brew potions in a bubbling cauldron with the help of Skully, your hyper-interactive, hyper-tormentable sidekick who reacts to everything you do. Waltz of the Wizard boasts hours of exciting content, gameplay, humor, mystery, secrets and curiosities to explore, plus a reimagined interface and easy touch controls on mobile devices.
And that’s just the beginning! Waltz of the Wizard will expand even further on October 27 with the release of the massive “Skully’s Fantastic Fails” major content update, featuring even more magical wonders to experience! “Skully’s Fantastic Fails” will be available same-day on iOS, Steam and Meta Quest. The update will arrive later this year on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2.
“Skully’s Fantastic Fails” New Features
A brand-new rocket launch section in the Courtyard where players can engage in wild experiments with Skully
Hundreds of new reactions and voicelines!
A slew of new events in the Tower, including totally weird things that Igor and Milton can do
A fully redesigned menu with a detailed in-game Waltz Codex filled with information and discoveries
iOS-Exclusive “Reality Mode”: Interact with the in-game world in AR with your mobile device, capturing the feel of the VR experience. The game will even recognize your facial input – wink at Skully, play hide-and-seek, and find many other secret interactions!
Waltz of the Wizard is playable now on Steam, Steam Deck, SteamVR, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, and Meta Quest. For the latest news and updates from the game, follow Aldin Dynamics on X/Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.
About Aldin Dynamics
Based in Reykjavík, Iceland, Aldin is pioneering a new gaming format that blends simulated reality with dark comedy — where you can do and say anything you want, with hyper-interactive characters that feel alive. www.aldin.io
The officially licensed Advantage Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch™ 2 launches with fan-favorite Nintendo and Pokémon designs.
Woodinville, Wash. (September 30, 2025) –PowerA, a global leader in gaming accessories and a long-standing partner of Nintendo, today announced the Advantage Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch™ 2, the officially licensed wireless controller available for the next-generation console. This milestone expands PowerA’s portfolio of products designed for Nintendo Switch 2, delivering high-performance, rigorously tested, and officially licensed accessories that enhance gameplay and give fans more ways to play.
“PowerA is proud to offer Nintendo Switch 2 gamers one of the first collections of licensed wireless controllers available for Nintendo Switch 2, a testament to both our innovation and our trusted partnership with Nintendo,” said Brian Andersen, VP, Product Development & Marketing at PowerA. “We’ve always believed that gamers deserve accessories that combine official certification, quality, and creativity, and the Advantage Wireless Controller delivers on all fronts. We’re also excited to work with our partners at Nintendo and The Pokémon Company International to release unique designs featuring Mario as well as fan-favorite Pikachu alongside Mega Evolved Pokémon.”
New Features for the Next Generation
The Advantage Wireless Controller is engineered with Hall Effect sensors in the thumbsticks for long-lasting precision and reduced stick drift, paired with embedded anti-friction rings for smooth, accurate control. It also features the dedicated Chat Button on Nintendo Switch 2, enabling quick access to GameChat features for the first time. Players can further customize their experience with motion controls, mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons, and a status LED indicator for real-time connectivity updates. Gaming fans will appreciate conveniently relocated buttons, allowing for uninterrupted, bold designs showcasing gaming’s most beloved characters.
Fan-Favorite Designs
The Advantage Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 – Mario and Friends and the Advantage Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 – Mega Evolutions takes advantage of repositioned center faceplate buttons, providing uninterrupted character art. These beautiful controllers make great additions to any collection from these two classic franchises.
Built for Comfort and Endurance
Designed for extended play, the Advantage Wireless Controller offers up to 30 hours of battery life. The included detachable 10 ft. USB-C® cable offers wired play flexibility, while its lightweight ergonomic design ensures comfort over time.
Availability & Pricing
PowerA Nintendo Switch 2 Advantage Wireless Controller – Black, the Advantage Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 – Mario and Friends, and the Advantage Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 – Mega Evolutions are available for pre-order at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, and other participating retailers for $69.99 with an expected availability in time for the Holidays.
PowerA Warranty
All PowerA products, including the new Advantage Wireless Nintendo Switch 2 Controller, are backed by a two-year limited warranty.
About PowerA
PowerA creates innovative accessory products that enhance the world’s best video game and mobile technology experiences. A brand known for high standards and quality manufacturing, PowerA delivers some of the most reliable products, including game controllers, cases, starter kits, and a wide collection of other accessories. PowerA products are available across the globe at major retailers including North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. To learn more, visit PowerA.com.
About ACCO Brands ACCO Brands is the leader in branded consumer products that enable productivity, confidence, and enjoyment while working, when learning, and while playing. Our widely recognized brands, include AT-A-GLANCE®, Five Star®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Swingline®, Tilibra® and many others. More information about ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) can be found at www.accobrands.com.
Sure to tug at your heartstrings, Master Lemon’s new demo will prepare you for the full journey.
[São Paulo, Brazil – September 30, 2025] – Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland officially launches on November 4th for PC via Steam, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch! But you don’t have to wait that long to travel to the Bashires Islands. A new demo is available now ahead of Steam Next Fest. Begin the unforgettable journey now, then venture further into a powerful narrative where you must save entire languages from extinction when the game fully launches this fall.
In Master Lemon the world is under siege by a mysterious memory-erasing plague and it is up to Lemon to harness the power of language, memory, and friendship on an adventure like no other. In this wholesome tribute to a friend, overcome the boundaries of time and save what we all hold most dear.
Features:
A Heartwarming Adventure Inspired by Real Events: Immerse yourself in a narrative that tugs on your heartstrings, inspired by true events, as you play as Lemon, a polyglot tasked with saving a distant land from a memory-devouring plague.
Linguistic Puzzles: Solve engaging puzzles that challenge your language skills, learning new words and concepts from over 25 real-world languages to progress through the game. Each character belongs to a real culture or nation, allowing you to study their language and move forward in Master Lemon.
A Fantastical Pixel Land Steeped in the World’s Many Cultures: Explore a beautifully crafted world filled with vibrant, pixel art visuals, drawing inspiration from various real-world cultures.
Easy-to-Use Mechanics: Enjoy simple, intuitive gameplay reminiscent of classic handheld adventure games, designed for players of all ages and skill levels.
Celebrate Friendship and Legacy: Experience a story that honors the legacy of André Lima, a passionate adventurer, and the timeless bond of friendship, all while navigating a world that celebrates human curiosity and cultural diversity.
Check out the demo now and throughout Steam Next Fest ahead of launch! Then be sure to wishlist Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland on Steam.
About Pepita Digital Pepita Digital is the game development division of Pepita, a video production company founded by filmmaker Julio Santi. The company is driven by a commitment to human development, creating meaningful stories that resonate and connect people through shared experiences. Founded in 2021, Pepita Digital marks its debut in the gaming world with Master Lemon, a narrative-driven game that blends storytelling with interactive experiences. The team, which is comprised of 20 talented individuals with 7 focused on game development, aims to create emotional, thought-provoking content that leaves a lasting impact. Pepita Digital is dedicated to crafting stories that inspire, transform, and connect players to themselves and the world around them.
Enjoy wallet-friendly price reductions of up to 80% for fan favorites like Sengoku Dynasty or modern classics like Industry Giant 2
Oberhaching, Germany, September 30, 2025 – When the prices drop faster than the temperatures, it can mean only one thing: The Steam Autumn Sale has started. German publisher Toplitz Productions is excited to announce their participation in the seasonal sales event with bargain prices rolled out across their whole lineup.
Spearheading the price offensive is the fan favorite Sengoku Dynasty. Fresh on the heels of the console release it has never been easier to find likeminded players to join you on a co-operative survival and village building adventure in feudal Japan. Your journey from peasant to Daimyō is discounted by an inviting 35%, one of the highest ever price reductions for Sengoku Dynasty.
Celebrating its resurgence on gamescom was the highly anticipated Farmer’s Dynasty 2, which makes this sale the perfect opportunity to prepare for next year’s release with the predecessor Farmer’s Dynasty. Enjoy the game that started the whole farming craze with an unbeatable discount of 80%, while enhancing your gaming experience with the add-ons available with a price drop of 70%.
It is the perfectly themed game for the Autumn Steam Sale: Survive The Fall. Explore a world caught in a perpetual autumn, caused by a meteor strike that changed the very fabric of nature. Lead a group of survivors as you try to navigate the open world and fight the various factions vying for supremacy. Build, maintain and extend a base for the survivors who decide to join you. And all this with a wallet-friendly price reduction of 25%.
You are not one of the countless number of players, who built themselves a home away from home in Medieval Dynasty? Then maybe the whopping 40% chopped off its original price will convince you to start the journey to the two huge areas The Valley and The Oxbow, filled to the brim with quests, beautiful scenery and places to settle down, start a life in medieval times and raise a family.
For the full list of wallet-friendly bargain prices across the full lineup from classics like Industry Giant 2.0 to the latest releases like Aztecs: The Last Sun or Wild West Supermarket Simulator please visit the official Toplitz Productions sales page on Steam.
About Toplitz Productions The German-Austrian publisher, whose name originates from the mysterious Toplitz Lake in the heart of Austria, develops and publishes games with heart & soul for all platforms. The company consists of a healthy mix of experienced industry veterans and young talents, all of whom are passionate gamers. They enjoy working with creative developers on many exciting titles, such as those from the “Dynasty” and “Giant” series.
September 30th, 2025 — The World of Tanks team is announcing an explosive crossover with MachineGames’ iconic Wolfenstein video games series. Beginning October 2nd, World of Tanks players will step into the boots of William J. Blazkowicz and his Resistance allies in the upcoming Battle Pass Special: Wolfenstein. The event runs until October 13th, giving tank commanders the chance to receive exclusive Wolfenstein-themed rewards, including authentic franchise characters as crew members, 2D tank styles, a variety of customization elements, and the first German Tier VIII double-barreled heavy tank – the fearsome Zwilling.
The Zwilling, seized from Regime forces and repurposed by Blazkowicz and his allies, is the first German Tier VIII heavy tank to feature a double-barreled gun. Combining quick aim, durable armor, and swift maneuverability, the Zwilling wields twin cannons capable of unleashing brutal salvos or targeted single shots. Adorned with the “Götterfaust” 3D style, the tank embodies brutalist and industrial design, combining angular shapes, streamlined stamped armor plates, and Wolfenstein visual motifs – from drone hulls to trophies like the Panzerhund head and the Zitadelle. All these details transform it into a vengeful symbol of the Resistance.
Five authentic Wolfenstein characters, each fully voiced by their original actors, will join the battlefield. Through Chapter Progression, players can recruit the legendary William J. Blazkowicz alongside his nemesis, scientist Wilhelm “Deathshead” Strasse, both available with zero perks. Additional in-game bundles grant access to Resistance heroines Anya Oliwa and Caroline Becker, as well as the menacing Frau Engel – each with three perks and unique voiceovers.
Upon completing all 40 stages of the Base Rewards Track, Commanders will earn an arsenal of Wolfenstein-themed items, including exclusive decals, inscriptions, a 2D style, and William J. Blazkowicz himself as a tank commander. Wilhelm “Deathshead” Strasse is also available through the Base Progression, ready to join tankers’ ranks.
Players looking for the full Wolfenstein experience can grab themed bundles and take on special combat missions, unlocking even more rewards that reflect the series’ dark yet unyielding spirit.
Join the Resistance, command the Zwilling, and claim victory.
About World of Tanks
World of Tanks is the first team-based, massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to tank warfare. Throw yourself into the epic tank battles of World War II with gamers all over the world. Your arsenal includes over 800 armored vehicles from 11 nations, carefully detailed with historical accuracy.
Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry. Its 15 offices around the world include studios in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, Tokyo, Vilnius, Belgrade, and Kyiv. Millions of players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. Its flagship products include the free-to-play hits World of Tanks, World of Tanks Blitz, World of Warships, World of Warships: Legends, and World of Warships Blitz.
About MachineGames
MachineGames, located in Uppsala, Sweden, is an award-winning studio comprised of a seasoned group of developers recognized for their work creating story-driven action games. The studio’s reboot of the classic Wolfenstein™ franchise includes Wolfenstein: The New Order, Wolfenstein:The Old Blood,Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, and Wolfenstein: Youngblood, which have garnered numerous ‘Game of the Year,’ ‘Shooter of the Year,’ and other awards and nominations. MachineGames’ latest entry, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle™, is the winner of the 2025 D.I.C.E Adventure Game of the Year, and appears on over 200 “Best of” and “Game of the Year” lists globally. More information on MachineGames can be found on the official website, www.machinegames.com.
About Bethesda Softworks LLC
Bethesda Softworks LLC, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. group of companies, is a worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software. Titles published under the Bethesda label include such blockbuster franchises as The Elder Scrolls™, Fallout™, DOOM™, QUAKE™, Wolfenstein™, Dishonored™, The Evil Within™, Prey™, RAGE™, DEATHLOOP™, Ghostwire™: Tokyo and Starfield™. Titles are registered trademarks or trademarks of the ZeniMax group of companies in the US and other jurisdictions. All rights reserved. For more information on Bethesda Softworks’s products, visit www.bethesda.net.
The console wars of the past may be just a memory, but Sega has still been chasing Mario from generation to generation, trying to gain a footing in the kart racer genre. Fresh with the momentum of the massive Sonic movie franchise’s success, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds has been heavily marketed and pulled at by the publisher for over a year, finally seeing a release across all modern platforms. Is this the racer that finally rivals the plumber with the red hat? Let’s find out.
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds Gameplay
Story
There is no story whatsoever in Sonic Racing: Crossworlds. Despite that, I still feel like I got “something” from the experience with a bit of a narrative. You see, each racer featured is connected to the massive Sonic franchise. From the originals to even the deep cuts, if Sega felt they would look good with a kart and a character slot, they were enlisted. They take with them their distinct character quirks and rivalries from past games, spoken through voice lines on and off the track. Sure, it’s not exactly a narrative, but it is something for fans of the blue wonder to take away, as this game is littered with fan service. Do we get an explanation for the DLC characters? No, but we understand monetisation in this day and age, and I think the more appeal and eyeballs Sega get with this one, the better.
Gameplay
Before I even begin to speak about the gameplay here, it is equally, if not more, important to speak about the core experience of Crossworlds. Customisation is everywhere. You can customise your kart appearance. You can change and unlock “gadgets” that bring alterations in-game mechanics. Outside of menus, this world is yours to change however you may see fit. Gadgets are by far the most interesting of the lot, so we will speak there first. Every racer has a default card that has up to six slots in it that can be assigned techniques and boosts, known as a gadget. Some offer greater benefits than others, which can take up multiple slots. Others simply provide limited improvements to speed, power, and so on – mainly giving the player mild “by a nose” results if they have the skillset to take advantage of that particular addition.
It sounds complicated, but it’s really not. It’s a simple system that allows every individual player to tailor their playstyle to a specific set of mechanics. This makes every race feel interesting and unique, as every player goes in racing the same courses and with the same controls, but gains their own customised buffs to their liking. You would think that this would cripple the game’s meta immediately, but instead it provides a real sense of depth and strategy to what would otherwise be just another kart racer. I can’t tell you how many times I tweaked and changed my own starting items and speed boosts with my main, only to try a completely new character with a fresh card moments later. There is an addictive nature to one’s own sense of progression here that goes beyond laps, making it hard to put the game down once you understand the gadget system in full.
For the racing part, what we have here is a truly polished kart racer that is honestly one of the most polished titles Sega have ever created for the genre. Each character race with its own inherent buffs, such as Sonic being speed, Rouge being technical, and Knuckles with power, but those races with buffs can be played in any race without much room for disadvantage. The main gimmick here is charging drifts, as holding the trigger buttons down while hitting a corner can give a decent boost to the player. In air or water, holding down the same buttons will offer a jump or spin, which can also boost if you nail a trick while in mid-air. It’s not just about finishing the race successfully, but taking advantage of the track design in order to stay ahead.
Items are also littered all throughout each course. Some are simple boosts, while others are truly treacherous, such as a magnet that slows you down, random super attacks, and even the ability to take out both first and second place contestants with a smash of a button. This is a game where players will quickly fall back to last and still have the potential to rebound, which can be a good and a bad thing, depending on your preference for racing mechanics. The good of it is accessibility. Anyone can pick up and play and get “good” within minutes of play and still have the same odds to win. The bad is that skill is not really a major factor in winning. Instead, players must rely on quick strategies developed while they are in mid-race to overcome the chaos. If you are looking for realism here, you are in the wrong racing game. If you are looking for a ton of fun, Crossworlds surely has something for you under the hood.
The tracks are wonderful, by the way. Each track changes as you progress, blending perfectly into the next without much issue. It’s a seamless transition that I never got bored with, even though a few tracks just feel like they were not designed well enough for the game itself. Grand Prix mode puts together four races for each cup, which all have three tracks in each race. There are multiple difficulties, mirror mode, and so on, making this game feel expansive and full of content from the start. I can’t tell you how much I just kept unlocking things that I was actually excited to try out and use. New gadgets, new paint tools, new cars. The multiplayer mode itself is neat as well, as it assigns teams and offers new unlocks for those willing to face themed challenges together. It is really hard not to find something to do within all of it, and that is before you even step into online mode.
Audio
Can I still be singing this soundtrack in my head as I write this review? Absolutely. Sega has cultivated a masterpiece of a soundtrack, blending famous Sonic music to add familiar beats for longtime fans with some of the best original music that really captures the excitement of each race. Crossworlds also features some amazing voice work, giving a nice, yet still minimalistic sense of character to each racer. Seeing old rivalries return after Sonic smashes Robotnik with a boxing glove never gets old, and you can tell how much care went into it all makes sense for veterans of this franchise.
Visuals
These courses are stunning. Each one is fully animated and bursting with colour and charm. Some are original or at least based on a concept from the Sonic universe, while others are almost ripped from the games themselves. There is a lot to see here, and thankfull,y the racers look just as good in their vehicles and gliders as they take to the track. Never once did I have an issue with slowdown (outside of online), as the animation and framerate held up without any issue during my lengthy time with the game.
Overall
Some can say this is a Mario Kart clone, and you are right to a degree, as some things have been taken directly from that experience. That said, Crossworlds is its own thing and feels much more competitive and deep than Nintendo’s offerings. This may be the most fun I have had in a Kart racer since the days of Mario Kart 64 and Double Dash, and being that this is from a different franchise, it is refreshing to see Sonic finally get something to click in this genre that hopefully gives him staying power. Full of content, fan service, and even headscratching additions from other IPs, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds isn’t a continuation of the past, but instead what feels like a true start to another brand finally stepping up to challenge Mario for his famed foothold on this wacky genre.
Preview of the unique gameplay mechanic “Heavenstone” revealed in the new trailer… Opening of Wishlist pages on both Xbox and Steam
LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, today announced that it has revealed a new trailer for its upcoming title Project EVILBANE during the “Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 Broadcast” special program.
Currently in development by Netmarble Monster, Project EVILBANE is a third-person co-op multiplayer action game that combines Unreal Engine 5-powered high-end graphics with dynamic, tactical combat. Players can freely swap between melee and ranged weapons in real time, creating fluid encounters where timing, positioning, and reactive counters are critical to survival.
The newly released trailer showcases in-game combat sequences, highlighting cooperative boss battles and the ability to switch seamlessly between melee weapons and ranged options. Players can also catch a glimpse of powerful “Heavenstone” Skills capable of turning the tide of battle in an instant.
Pre-alpha testing for Project EVILBANE began on August 29 as part of the Xbox Insider Program users in the United States and Canada. The test has since expanded to additional regions, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
Wishlist pages for the game have also launched on Xbox and Steam as of September 25. Netmarble will be sharing further details on supported platforms and release timing in the coming months.
“Project EVILBANE is being built hand-in-hand with our community as their feedback from early testing directly shapes the game’s direction,” said Jung Ho Lee, Game Publishing Director at Netmarble, and added “We look forward to expanding test regions and encourage players worldwide to join us and share their thoughts.”
Set in a vast dark fantasy world, Project EVILBANE follows the story of squads battling demonic forces, warlords, and opportunistic factions, fighting for humanity’s survival and rebuilding. Players can form teams of up to four and infiltrate hostile territories, completing missions that unlock greater challenges and higher rewards.
For more information on Project EVILBANE, visit the official website, Xbox store page, or Steam page.
About Netmarble Corporation
Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Idle Adventure, Tower of God: New World, Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.
DUVALL, Washington – Sept. 29, 2025 – Get ready to type your way to victory! Keys of Fury, the high-octane retro-style beat ’em up typing game, just dropped its brand-new demo on Steam for PC, just in time for the 2025 October Steam Next Fest.
Take on the role of Tai Ping, a skilled key-fu master, and fight your way through a wild ride of robots, ninjas, and even vegetable vendors. Journey through a late 1800s American city, battling across trains, warehouses, sewers, and jungles in Story Mode.
Need more? In Arcade Mode, brace yourself for a randomized gauntlet of battles with roguelike upgrades that’ll supercharge Tai Ping’s abilities. You can also race against running raptors and fend off an onslaught of terrible dad jokes. And if that’s not enough, you can even create your own custom stages with easy-to-use mod support, allowing you to change words, art, music, and more to truly make the game your own.
“I wanted to create a typing game that was less about stress and more about fun, regardless of your skill level,” said Mike Smith, the solo developer behind Keys of Fury. “I did this by focusing on accuracy over speed and making sure that every keystroke packs a punch and brings the action to your fingertips.”
The demo is available now on Steam and will be part of the October Steam Next Fest from Monday, Oct. 13th to Monday, Oct. 20th.
Elecorn is an independent game development studio founded by solo developer Mike Smith. Mike is based in Washington state and uses his over 20 years of industry experience to bring award-winning indie games like Caster (2009) to life. Elecorn is dedicated to creating joyful and polished gaming experiences for players of all ages.
