Enjoy life as a store owner, play exciting minigames and decorate your homestead in this shop sim with a twist
Oberhaching, Germany, August 7, 2025 – SunDust, a label from German publisher Toplitz Productions proudly announces that Wild West Supermarket Simulator is available on PC in Early Access on Steam, GOG and Epic Game Store today.
The shopkeeping simulation celebrates its grand opening after a successful demo run during Steam Next Fest in June where it was able to collect a positive rating to date. Based on the valuable community feedback collected since, the game has been tweaked, enhanced and improved on every level – from content to quality-of-life additions as well as visuals.
Your business acumen will be put to the test, when you’ll try to balance the sheets and ideally bring in a hefty profit, while reacting to a multitude of events that affect supply and demand of the ever-changing customers’ needs. You want a bigger challenge? Then choose the unforgiving “Realistic Prices” setting, where margins are slim and your reputation is on the line while you try to turn a rundown shop in a ghost town into a profitable business, while bringing the city back to life at the same time.
Level up your store, expand the premises and gain access to new product licences through exciting minigames like the shooting range or the bakery. Decorate your shop as well as your homestead overlooking the town to your liking with over 50 unlockable as well as collectable interior design elements from furniture to paintings.
With over 70 products available in Early Access and more planned on the roadmap, it is up to you to satisfy the constantly changing demand, while keeping the premises clean and proper. Word-of-mouth travels fast and happy patrons will return to buy more, while unhappy clients might avoid your shop altogether.
Features
Your Store, Your Choice You have control over every store element from shelves to interior design. Optimize your displays, so your customers have a pleasant and wholesome shopping experience in your general store and find what they are looking for. A happy customer will be a returning customer. Can you bring back life to the deserted ghost town?
Manage your stock Order your stock from over 70 goods from food items to weapons, tools and furniture. Barter with suppliers and wandering traders in an ever changing economic environment, where supply and demand is in constant flow. Adjust your prices to maximize the profits and react to changing markets and base prices. But don’t overdo it – a lost customer might never return.
Do-It-Yourself Unpack goods, stack the shelves and organize your storage space. Work the cash register and make sure that the customer gets the best service possible. Or hire helpers to help with the daily business.
Expand your store More is definitely more. Satisfied customers bring more business and a demand for more varied goods. So expand your property or build a second floor to display everything you have to offer. Who knows? Maybe you can take over a few of the other deserted shops in town and build a commercial district.
You’ll never know what’cha gonna get Increase product variety and attract more patrons. React to a multitude of events influencing your customers’ needs and shopping behavior.
Mini Games Participate in fun mini-games like the Tomahawk Throwing Contest or the baking challenge. Take on the leaderboards and unlock new licences for your shop.
Keep Your Poker Face From time to time suppliers old and new might offer you a mystery box that can contain a wide variety of items or an extended amount of goods. The contents can bring a tremendous profit – if you are willing to take a risk.
Make yourself at home You are not only responsible for the interior of the shop. Overlooking the town from a hill is your house, just waiting to be personalized and decorated.
Wild West Supermarket Simulator is available today in Early Access for PC on Steam, GOG and Epic Games Store. More information can be found on the official product page.
About SunDust
SunDust, a label of Toplitz Productions, focuses on charming indie games with a lot of heart and soul. The spectrum of casual-oriented titles ranges from user-friendly simulations to exuberant party games as well as other accessible and entertaining game concepts. At SunDust, indie studios with character can find a stage to give free rein to their creative ideas, personal flair and individual style.
Wishlisted over 10,000 times in less than a week, Frostliner puts players aboard a colossal train as it pushes through a frozen Earth in search of fuel, survivors, and safety
Perth, Australia – August 7, 2025 – Independent developer Nathan Gane has revealed the first details and trailer for Frostliner, a narrative-driven survival city-builder set aboard a colossal train cutting through the frozen ruins of a devastated world. Since its reveal just days ago, Frostliner has already captured the attention of strategy and survival fans worldwide, earning more than 10,000 wishlists on Steam.
In the aftermath of a shattered moon and the wars that followed, temperatures plummeted and civilization fractured into scattered pockets of survivors. You command the Frostliner, a massive locomotive built to endure the killing frost and adapt to the needs of its passengers. Every stop brings hard choices: scavenge for fuel and supplies, recruit survivors, and keep the heaters running before the frost claims your people.
“I’m blown away by the attention and support Frostliner has received. I never imagined I’d reach 10,000 wishlists so quickly! Seeing how much people believe in the game has inspired me to start exploring bringing other developers on board. I want to make Frostliner the best it can possibly be.” – Nathan Gane, Lead Developer
Key Features:
Roam the Frozen Earth – Explore a handcrafted world and uncover a gripping, linear narrative as you chase warmth, safety, and the faint promise of a future at the end of the line.
Build a City on Rails – Construct new carriages and fill them with facilities to sustain life, produce resources, and research vital technologies. Maximize productivity with adjacency bonuses as your Frostliner grows.
Risk Every Stop – Scavenge for fuel, supplies, and survivors at key locations, but beware: when the train stops, the heat dies. Limited batteries make every halt a race against the killing frost.
Defend What’s Yours – The cold is not your only enemy. Arm your Frostliner with weaponry to repel raiders and other threats, or push the engine to outrun them before they close in.
Frostliner is in development for PC, Linux, and Steam Deck and is estimated to launch on Steam in 2026. Players can wishlist now to join the journey and be notified when the train departs.
About the Developer
Nathan Gane is a solo developer from Western Australia who has been working toward his lifelong dream of creating and releasing a game. His journey began in childhood, making simple projects in GameMaker, and eventually led him to earn a degree in computer science with a focus on game technologies. After graduating, Nathan honed his skills by simulating heavy mining machinery and building his project management expertise before moving into the games industry. When the studio he worked for closed in 2024, he committed to developing Frostliner full time, a passion project he had been creating in his spare time for years.
A Brand-new Trailer Lands Today as the Wobbly’s Prepare to Leave Wobbly Island and Launch Into Orbit
London, England – August 7, 2025 – After five years of hilarious hijinks and sandbox mayhem on Wobbly Island, Wobbly Life is lifting off into Space for its full launch, doubling the size of the game with more missions, mini-games, and jobs waiting for players among the stars. RubberBandGames is proud to announce that Wobbly Life will officially launch out of Early Access with version 1.0 on September 18, featuring an all-new Space Update for PlayStation 5, Xbox X, Nintendo Switch and Steam PC. It’s time for the Wobblies to go beyond the island…way beyond!
A new trailer dropped today giving fans a peek at what’s coming when the Wobbly Life Space Update touches down.
With more than 2 million copies sold, an “Overwhelmingly Positive” user review score on Steam, and a thriving community of Wobblies across PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, Wobbly Life has become a global favorite for sandbox lovers of all ages. Players can explore a vibrant open world solo or with friends in local or online co-op, picking up odd jobs, unlocking wacky vehicles, collecting outfits, and uncovering secrets on Wobbly Island.
Welcome to the Wobbly Space Programme The Space Update will blast players to a whole new world map with brand-new missions, vehicles, and locations to explore. But before becoming a full-fledged Wobbly Astronaut, players will need to earn their Space Licence by completing a series of training challenges at the all-new Wobbly Space Centre – a fully upgraded facility packed with everything a recruit needs to prepare for a zero-gravity adventure. Once licensed, it’s time to board the mysterious rocket on Wobbly Island and launch into space. What awaits? Suit up and see for yourself.
Also launching September 18 are physical editions of Wobbly Life for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5. Pre-orders are available now at your local retailer with each copy coming with an exclusive sticker sheet and a map of Wobbly Island – perfect for planning your next adventure.
Key Gameplay Features (v1.0)
1 – 4 player local & online co-op
Open-world sandbox full of toys, mini-games, and secrets
50+ unique jobs and missions
90+ vehicles to drive (or crash)
250+ clothing items to unlock
Space Update with new missions, vehicles, and areas
Fully interactive world – if you can see it, you can probably wobble it
About RubberBandGames
RubberBandGames is a small independent studio based in the UK. Founded in 2020 by Thomas Dunn, the team is dedicated to creating fun, interactive games that bring people together. Wobbly Life is their first title and continues to grow thanks to a passionate community of players around the world.
Farm big and race hard! GIANTS Software embraces a motto as the publisher and developer rolls into gamescom with two powerhouse vehicles that represent the extremes of agriculture and motorsport, totalling 1,500 units of horsepower. Between Farming Simulator 25 and Project Motor Racing, visitors are able to examine two machines of pure engineering ambition – and they’ll definitely have no trouble finding the booth in hall 6.
Audi & John Deere Mark the Spot
As is tradition, GIANTS Software will showcase a massive tractor, in collaboration with one of its esteemed brand partners: this year, global leading agricultural machinery manufacturer John Deere, represented by the mighty 9RX 830. With a staggering 913 horsepower, an 18-liter six-cylinder engine, and a length of 8.83 meters, this High-Tec machine is guaranteed to turn heads from afar.
On the other side of the spectrum, Audi Tradition rolls in with a true motorsport icon: the Audi R8 that claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2002, proudly bearing the starting number 1. Packing 610 horsepower from its roaring V8 engine, this legendary race car adds a high-octane touch to the booth, and a nod to racing history that players can experience with Project Motor Racing.
Stage Show & Gaming Stations
GIANTS Software will present both the upcoming Highlands Fishing expansion for Farming Simulator 25 and Project Motor Racing, developed by Straight4 Studios. Visitors can look forward to engaging stage shows, frequent giveaways, and more surprises throughout the event. With a bit of luck, fans might even walk away sporting one of the ever-popular straw hats – or other exclusive merchandise.
GIANTS Software is an international game developer and publisher from Switzerland, established in 2004 and known worldwide for creating the popular Farming Simulator franchise. Self-sufficient with offices in Switzerland (Zurich), Germany (Erlangen), USA (Chicago) and the Czech Republic (Brno), the team is committed to position itself as a leading publisher in the simulation genre, with Project Motor Racing to be introduced to the racing scene soon. The company maintains a global network of partners and close ties with respective industries.
About Farming Simulator
With more than 40 million copies of the main series sold worldwide since 2008, the Farming Simulator franchise is leading in its genre. Available on all major platforms, the games feature hundreds of authentic machines from renowned brands and offer compelling agricultural simulation with relaxing, family-friendly gameplay. It’s based on the powerful GIANTS Engine – built in-house to provide realistic physics, high-fidelity graphics, dynamic systems and extensive modding support. .
About Straight4 Studios
Straight4 Studios features many of the key talents that have shaped sim racing’s heritage for over two decades. With over 20 years’ worth of remote work experience and working from three continents, Straight4 Studios’ veteran staff have earned dozens of industry awards. Merging the passion for motorsport and values derived from the sim racing community with the precision of a new, AI-driven physics engine and cutting-edge graphics, Straight4 Studios is hard at work developing the next generation of AAA-racing simulation.
About Project Motor Racing
Replicating the challenge and sensory overload of professional-level race cars with all the uncompromising passion of big-time motorsport, Project Motor Racing blends 20 years’ worth of racing simulator know-how into one undiluted and unforgettable racing experience.
Battle For King and Country in a World Where Death is Permanent
Bristol, UK – August 7, 2025 – Yogscast Games and Save Sloth Studios today invite players to the battlefield as The Royal Writ, the outlandish lane-based deckbuilder with real consequences, launches today on PC via Steam Store. In a game where death is permanent, players must deploy a mix of strategy, sacrifice, and good fortune to defeat the town-looting Bandit Leader and restore order to the medieval realm of Aranfold. Staring death squarely in the face, players encounter two distinctly different campaigns, from toe-to-toe combat to the introduction of gunpowder warfare, experimental weapons, and new strategic hazards and cards. With death all but guaranteed, no two runs will ever be the same.
Set against the backdrop of charming picturebook-esque visuals, The Royal Writ begins with King Mikolt the Second — ruler of Aranfold, raging war on anyone opposing His rule. Armed with a deck of battle cards featuring ants, bats, lizards, and other weird creatures, players deploy their troops across one to three lanes, balancing power and multipliers, advancing after every turn. Reaching the enemy gates or succumbing to perils randomly placed across the grid will result in the permanent removal of the card.
“The Royal Writ calls for emotional investment in your card strategy, striking a great balance between winning and sacrifice,” said Simon Byron, Managing Director, Yogscast Games. “Save Sloth Studios has created a roguelike deckbuilding masterpiece where players will feel the full range of emotions, from the heartbreak of losing trusty warriors to the exhilaration of creating the perfect strategic run.”
Between battles, players can earn items through events that can enhance the chances of victory. Upgrade your armies by visiting the shoppe, earn a relic with a trip to the dentist, or win cards by betting on the horses. These events offer a risk and reward element that can significantly boost strength and morale when heading into the later battles. With trial and error a considerable part of The Royal Writ, sacrifice for the greater good is essential as players formulate the perfect plan of attack.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and information, visit theYogscast Gameswebsite.
About Yogscast Games
Yogscast Games was established in 2017, with a simple goal: to work with independent teams to develop and publish games which are as fun to watch as they are to play. Responsible for a string of hits such as PlateUp!, which has sold over two million copies on Steam, and Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers, which grossed over $1m in its first month on sale, it prides itself in working with tiny teams doing brilliant things.
Solo-developed over four years by Malaysian artist Mas, this post-apocalyptic RPG blends heartfelt storytelling, expressive pixel art, and turn-based combat.
August 7, 2025. After four years of solo development, Artis Impactbrings pixel heart to Steam. This beautifully hand-drawn adventure by Malaysian artist Mas, reimagines the end of the world as something more human and a little more hopeful. Pick up Artis Impact today for $18.99, £14.99, €16.99 on Steam, and don’t miss the limited-time 10% launch discount.
Crafted one pixel at a time, this cozy post-apocalyptic adventure blends turn-based combat, offbeat humour, and a deeply personal story about connection, memory, and resilience. Players step into the shoes of Akane, a sharp-tongued wanderer with a mysterious past, accompanied by her AI companion Bot, as they explore the rusted remains of a post-apocalyptic world, filled with deep secrets.
What makes Artis Impact truly stand out?
Hand-Drawn with Heart Each environment, character, and creature was lovingly illustrated by Mas using Asperite, and brought together in RPG Maker MV. The result? A pixel art world bursting with personality.
The end of the world, or is it? Yes, the world as you know it has ended, but humanity lives on, making their homes among the debris. You’ll join them as you cook meals, work part-time jobs, and find connections with one another. People always find a way.
Turn-Based Battles Streamlined, turn-based combat allows players to meet and overcome challenges without requiring overwhelming, complex strategies. Improve Akane’s strength through continued training and upgrade your weapons to take on powerful bosses and master elegantly simple retro-inspired combat mechanics.
A Future Held Together by the Stories of those who remain Filled to the brim withcharacter-driven dialogue, delivering a lighthearted and humorous experience within this dark, futuristic world. Explore as Akane, and uncover a compelling narrative, unique art and animations, and heartwarming moments.
Even more content! The Artis Impact: Meiji Spa demo, originally released as a small, cozy feature for the Steam Summer Festival, received an outpouring of love from players. Thanks to the overwhelming feedback, Mas has also decided to include Meiji Spa as a full part of today’s full game launch!
Artis Impact offers a uniquely soulful adventure, one that doesn’t rush you, pressure you, or punish you for taking a break.
Curious about how it plays? The free demo on Steam lets you jump into the turn-based combat, explore the hand-drawn world, and test out the post-apocalyptic world before diving in. Whether you’re here for the story, the strategy, or the potato croquettes, the Demo is the perfect place to start.
Artis Impact is out today for PC via Steam. Grab your copy now, settle in, and embark on a journey through a beautifully hand-drawn world where the end of humanity still has heart and a good sense of humour.
About Mas
Mas is an independent developer from Malaysia and is behind the creation of Artis Impact. In 2019, he began to explore deeper themes through art and game development, bringing the two mediums together in his own, beautiful way.
Tanjiro’s story continues as we jump right back into the Demon Slayer storyline where it left off in the first game as we begin the Entertainment District Arc and try out a couple of Vs. matches in Sega and CyberConnect2’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2.
Step back into the world of Demon Slayer with The Hinokami Chronicles 2, an action-packed 3D arena fighter developed by CyberConnect2 and published globally by SEGA.
The sequel continues Tanjiro Kamado’s journey through the Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, and Hashira Training arcs, faithfully adapting anime storylines while incorporating fast-paced, combo-driven real-time combat with a 2‑character tag-system and support assists. With over 40 playable characters, including all nine Hashira and fan favorites like Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, the game adds new gear customization, dual ultimate attacks, multiple versus and solo modes, and visually stunning cel-shaded graphics that capture the anime’s style.
Launching on August 5, 2025, the game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, with early access starting on July 31 for Deluxe Edition owners
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Developer: CyberConnect2 Publisher: SEGA Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Serires X/S, Nintendo Switch Release Date: 6 Aug, 2025 Price: $59.99 USD
Recommended – “Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 delivers a solid sequel: same core combat, expanded roster, and a fresh story mode combine for fan-pleasing action, even if it plays it safe.”
For a long period there, there was one name that came to mind when someone thought of an anime arena fighting game and that was CyberConnect2 and their incredibly long running Naruto Ultimate Ninja games that began right alongside their beloved and sorely missed .hack franchise. Over the past decade we’ve seen various other developers try their hands at anime arena fighters with various levels of success and failure, some focusing on solo properties and others on entire crossovers, but never lost a step, or at least much of one when CyberConnect2 dipped their toe back in with the first Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles back in 2021 and delivered an exciting offering for fans and newcomers but lacked substance at the time. So now that they have returned four years later with plenty of more content to explore with Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2, is this sequel a worthwhile endeavor for Demon Slayer fans?
Story
Now before we begin, it is interesting to note that while Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is indeed a sequel and it’s storyline does take pick up shortly after the events of the first game’s final arc, the Mugen Train arc, that newcomers might not feel too left in the dark here. This is thanks to “The Path of a Demon Slayer” which tells a very condensed version of events leading up until this point in the story, including some pivotal fights that have been dumbed down from the first title as well, through six stages. This can work as a way for newcomers eager to see what Demon Slayer is about but, given its brevity and lack of depth, feels more like a refresher course on the plot until now.
The Hinokami Chronicles 2 kicks things off with the lengthy but detailed adaptation of the Entertainment District Arc before eventually moving on to the Swordsmith Village Arc, and closing out with the most of the Hashira Training Arc but leaving things open for the upcoming movie. In a rather unique seeming coincidence, or perhaps working alongside the anime studio, CyberConnect2 leaves players hanging right where things will kick off in the film that aired in Japan last month in July and will soon be releasing here in the West sometime later this year, serving as a great way to bridge the gap and deliver a different kind of experience compared to simply watching the anime.
That being said, it is also worth noting that Hinokami Chronicles 2 is faithful to a fault. The story mode plays out generally the same as anyone who has experienced the story before, be it through the anime or manga, would expect with no deviation. This isn’t much of a bad thing, as fans will be delighted to see all of the key moments displayed in signature CyberConnect2 glory including some rather bombastic looking cutscene/quick time event sequences that happen at the culmination of some battles that the company is known for, but those looking for a some unique new scenes or possible new events won’t find that here.
There are some side-quests that players can take on when they have a chance to free roam and these quests range from simply finding and talking to the right NPCs to actually hunting down and slaying a new and unique demon that may not have appeared before, but none of this leads to any actual unique developments or some twist. It simply serves as padding to the main storyline and while this is nice, it doesn’t do much. The same can be said about various “memories” and “mementos” that players can find while free-roaming with the former bringing up past scenes as characters remember moments that have happened to them so far or find an item that they’ll remember a fond memory of as well. These add a little extra characterization which is nice, especially given the straightforward nature of the story at its core.
Gameplay
At its core, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 actually hasn’t changed too much from the first iteration. This is still an arena fighter with a very simple set of combat mechanics that are all about being easy to learn but having layers of depth to them, but almost every aspect of it has seen some sort of upgrade, be it some slightly more refined and tighter combat mechanics, a much larger roster of actual characters to fight as right out of the gate, and even a slightly expanded option for single player modes beyond just the story mode and local versus alongside a fairly barebones multiplayer mode that oddly enough has “seasons.”
First and foremost is the fact that the first game only gave players an extremely limited number of playable characters right out of the gate, with playing through the story mode being a requirement, among other things, to unlock additional fighters. While there are still fighters to unlock in Hinokami Chronicles 2 the starting roster is actually quite impressive right out of the starting gate with nearly every major leading character, Hashira, and even a number of demons already unlocked and available for play either online or in one of the game’s aforementioned single player modes. Similar to before, every fight is a two on two battle with a primary fighter and an assist in the exception of a few characters that are already pre-assembled as a team and demons that, in most cases, fight solo. These assistants can be called in to perform a special support attack for half of a support meter or pull the player out of a combo attack at the cost of burning a full meter. Thankfully demon characters can do the same on their own, triggering special attacks with their demon gauge or slipping out of a combo with supernatural grace, leaving things somewhat balanced.
As for the actual combat, the bread and butter remains very much the same here and in the cases of characters that have their exact same form, even their combos and special attacks remain the exact same, meaning that a good portion of the roster won’t feel fresh despite this actually being a new game. In general, players are given a standard light combo that differs for every fighter, a skill button that unleashes a variety of skills depending on whether or not it is pressed on its own, with the analog stick tilted, or performed out of a guard, and even a heavy attack though this time they are performed by attacking out of a guard, making it easier to pull off and less likely to mistakenly throw a heavy attack instead of a light combo string. Defensive options come in the form of simple blocks, parries, and straight up dodging as well as aforementioned assist help to pull the player out of a dangerous combo string. Similar to the original players will still have a skill gauge to manage depending on how often they want to utilize skills and a meter for that fills as they dish out and take damage that, when filled, can be used to trigger two different actions.
Players can either opt to burst their entire gauge at once by triggering a flashy and powerful “Ultimate Art” that even features a little cutscene flash if used to finish off the opponent or an even stronger “Ascended Ultimate Art” if two gauges are filled, allowing players to potentially trigger unique Ultimates depending on if their partnered characters have special combos or just straight up dealing extra damage if not. The other way to utilize this meter is to enter a boosted state. While boosted characters move faster, hit harder, and have an extended basic combo that has its own little finisher every time it strikes. Anytime in boost mode players can activate “Surge” which burns through the meter even faster but allows for an unlimited use of skills to potentially put a tough foe away for good.
As mentioned, this style of combat is simplistic but deep and mastering when to activate specials, gauging the range of attacks and when to dodge or block, or even grab an opponent that is going for a charged blow, is all part of the challenge of figuring out how to best play a character you’ve taken a shine to. Alongside the story mode, which we will discuss in a moment, the single player options available are expanded in the form of the standard versus mode, a timed survival mode against a set number of opponents or straight up survival to see how long players can make it, to a roguelike “Training Path” mode. This training path allows players to select a difficulty level and a Hashira they wish to “train” under that they will ultimately face off against in the end. Along the way the player’s chosen duo or even single fighter will fight their way across a board with rewards such as gaining an attack or defense boost if players win with 50% of their health remaining or landing an ultimate attack. These boosts are one-off uses during fights and can be either saved to challenge the Hashira at the end or against a particularly rough looking opponent. This little bit of randomization and unique way to pit enemies against the player makes for some interesting combinations that will keep players coming back for more, even as single player content.
As for the story mode, where players will spend most of their time, at least until they complete it of course, the players will be treated to a visual feast as the story is broken down between bombastic fights against demons unlike anything they would face in a Vs. match or even completely unique to the story mode demons with interspersed wandering around moments and even mini-games mixed between. These mini-games are simple but enjoyable though players can choose to ramp up the difficulty of them after completing them the first time should they wish. As for the exploration, it is far better this time around as not only can players actually run, jump, and climb around to navigate areas quicker, there are side-quests and even sometimes demons to fight as well as the various collectables scattered throughout and Kimetsu Points players can use in the shop to buy “gear” which can be equipped to provide minimal boosts, characters, costume unlocks, and random aesthetics. As mentioned earlier, side-quests also spring up here and there and there during these open roam moments and players are almost always warned of when they might trigger a scene that’ll end exploration, so players shouldn’t have to worry about missing out on something but even if they do, an easy chapter access is readily available.
As for the game’s online mode, it is… serviceable at best and unfortunately nothing special. The characters themselves are hardly balanced given this is an arena fighter and all. The actual choice of fighting online is slim as well, ranging from ranked matches, player matches, and room matches where players can invite friends. These online fights ran well enough from what we tested out but whether or not players will actually find much longevity here compared to just enjoying the randomly generated challenges of the Training Path mode is a hard sell, surprisingly making the single player content for Hinokami Chronicles 2 more robust than its serviceable online mode.
Audio & Visuals
It is clear that Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 benefits from the onset simply by being a sequel as the in-game character models are as on-design as possible and every character has plenty of flashy special moves and even flashier finishers to unleash. In fact some characters have more than one finisher and, as mentioned before, when teamed with the right partner can pull off an even more outstanding looking finishing move. The demon designs from the series are also handled exceptionally well here and the new and unique demons that appear only within the game match well. It is unfortunate though that all character customization is kept to the “gear” and that’s it. Alternate costumes or simply reskinned versions of the same fighter are handled entirely separately and cannot be customized. In fact the only customizable aspect is the player’s namecard using anime screencaps, logos, and various phrases from the characters.
Thankfully the English dub cast for the main franchise has once again returned to reprise their roles or, in many cases, play their roles for the first time in Hinokami Chronicles 2. As such the English dub is handled quite well and fans of the franchise in English will be delighted to hear their favorite characters sound as they remember them while a Japanese voice track is also available for those that prefer that route. The soundtrack for the game features some solid tracks with each environment having its own theme of sorts, but none really stand out in any unique way.
Overall
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 feels like the most direct definition of a sequel as possible. With largely unchanged fighting mechanics that have only seen slight improvements, the only major expansion of content comes in the form of a much greater roster, brand new story content that continues the story arc of the actual franchise, and of course the various expanded single player modes. Again, this is far from a bad thing as seeing an improvement while still experiencing CyberConnect2’s skill in handling the source material in their own way is still a blast in this arena fighter, even if it doesn’t elevate it much beyond that.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
NBA 2K26 brings fans closer to the court with cutting-edge visuals, iconic broadcasters, and the unmatched spectacle of NBA game nights
Today, 2K announced the latest presentation enhancements coming to NBA 2K26 on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, designed to authentically reflect the energy of the NBA for a fully immersive experience. From heightened player fidelity to palpable arena atmosphere, energetic commentary and captivating pageantry, NBA 2K26 pushes the limits of realism in-game.
“We want to blur the line between reality and gameplay as much as possible, and NBA 2K26 portrays that lifelike presentation like never before,” said Erick Boenisch, VP of NBA Development at Visual Concepts. “Each detail, big and small, captures the essence of what it feels like to be in your favourite team’s arena – the championship banners hanging from the rafters, iconic broadcast voices, and fans cheering and heckling in the stands are fully brought to life.”
New and updated presentation enhancements in NBA 2K26 include:
Player Fidelity: In NBA 2K26, the evolution of player fidelity is more noticeable thanks to a new shader that brings out the subtleties of each player’s skin. This latest shading technology makes every detail of the game more vivid and dynamic – highlighting elements like the curvature of embroidered names on the backs of jerseys, ultra-fine stitching, and even improved muscle definition after a thunderous dunk.
Arena Visuals: In addition to the new skin shader,lighting has been redesigned to improve light intensity and colour correction ensuring players shine and reflect under the bright lights of basketball’s biggest stage. New floor shaders have also been introduced to add more life and sheen to every court, representing even the distinct contrast in wood grain colour.
Arena Atmosphere: Crowd variety has been significantly expanded, featuring twice as many unique character models – including a wider range of body types, heads, and age groups – to better represent the NBA’s diverse fanbase. Fans in the crowd have also been given rally towels, foam fingers and even rubber chickens to show their team spirit in key moments of special games. In certain arenas, fans will also wear an arena provided LED wristband that’s used to create light shows for player introductions, after big plays, and more.
Team-Specific Features: From the shape of each arena’s overhead spotlights to the Clippers’ towering “Wall,” or the Pistons’ courtside lounge, all 30 arenas in NBA 2K26have been designed to closely match their real-world counterparts. Authenticity extends to pre-game rituals across the league down to the specific patterns of light shows, how they illuminate the court with team colours, and even capturing the thin haze that fills the arena after pyrotechnics.
Broadcast Voices & Late-Game Commentary: Tim Legler joins the broadcast booth this year, accompanied by 2K vets Kevin Harlan, Greg Anthony, Stan Van Gundy, Shams Charania, and more. NBA 2K26 will also feature new PA announcers and international correspondents. Additionally, when the clock ticks down and the game is on the line, there will be a noticeable shift in tone from the commentators to match the intensity in the arena.
Big NBA Moments: Capture the magnitude of NBA awards and moments, including a full integration of the NBA Cup. Now all seven NBA regular season trophies from MVP to Rookie of the Year will be presented to players at their first home game after winning the award. Adding to the pageantry, as players win titles, banners will be raised in the rafters to celebrate their achievements and championships. Throughout their career, these dynamic banners will update to reflect and commemorate their legacy and place in NBA history.
For full details including updates to player interactions, instant replays and more check out the Sony Blog. Visit the NBA 2K26official website for a full breakdown of the SKU details, availability, and more information. Stay tuned for additional announcements about the latest on NBA 2K26.
Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K26 is rated M in Australia and New Zealand.
Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
Access to online or bonus features, content, or services, including MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W Online, and Play Now Online, 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. ProPLAY, The City, The W, and MyNBA are only available for Gen 9 NBA 2K26. Crossplay is only available for Gen 9 NBA 2K26 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. 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.
BORDEAUX, France – 7 Aug. 2025 – Wartales, the medieval open-world tactical RPG with more than 1 MM units sold from developer Shiro Games, introduces a host of highly anticipated mechanics and expands world depth in Contract: The FiefDLC, arriving on PC via Steam and GOG in September 2025.
Raise and rule over a domain of your own, balancing law, production, and governance as your fief expands. Whether you favor prosperity or control, each decision leaves a lasting mark on the population and the identity of your fief, even influencing how other realms respond to your rule, with diplomatic ties that can affect your mercenaries troop’s treatment across the land.
Expand your fief district by district, choosing central and production buildings that fulfill your population’s growing needs. As new factions emerge, scholars, peasants, nobles, and more, their influence shifts your domain’s identity toward militarism, erudition, commerce, or even criminality.
Enact laws, assign mandates, and unlock unique building effects while managing the shifting happiness of your people. Each rest cycle advances time, filling or neglecting their needs: food, security, education, and comfort.
“Contract: The Fief provides an enjoyable and dynamic long-term progression system that we know fans have been hoping for,” said Quentin Lapeyre, Game Director at Shiro Games. “It ties directly into the rest system, allowing mercenaries to grow their domain without breaking the pace or spirit of the game.”
Contract: The Fief DLC will launch in September on PC via Steam and GOG for $12.99 / 12.99€ / £10.99. For more information about Wartales, please visit the official website and follow the game on X/Twitter, Facebook, or Discord.
About Shiro Games
Shiro Games is an independent Bordeaux-based studio founded by video game veterans Sebastien Vidal and Nicolas Cannasse to bring new innovative games to life. Based in Bordeaux, France, the studio released its first project Evoland in 2013 and its acclaimed sequel Evoland 2 in 2015. Shiro Games then launched its popular Viking strategy game Northgard on Steam in 2018, which has gone on to sell more than 3 million units across various platforms as well as Dune: Spice Wars, the spice-infused blend of 4X and RTS gameplay. Wartales is their latest title, with several major DLC additions since its release in April 2023.
