With almost 2.5 million sign ups for tomorrow’s beta, Rematch developer Sloclap unveils new partnerships for launch and a behind-the-scenes video with official Rematch ambassador Ronaldinho
PARIS (May 27, 2025) – The final open beta for Sloclap’s online football action game Rematch is upon us, and to mark the occasion, Sloclap revealed its first pro partnerships for the game today. Joining the starting lineup on June 19 are Marc Ter Stegen, Goalkeeper and Captain of Barcelona Football Club and Goalkeeper of Germany’s national team; Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United and the English national team; and legendary Brazilian football player Ronaldo “Ronaldinho” de Assis Moreira.
After achieving near 150,000 concurrent players on the PC-only beta last month and a total of 2.8 million matches, Rematch is charging toward its official June 19 launch with its last open beta tomorrow, May 28, beginning at 2pm CEST/1pm BST/5am PDT for 72 hours. The beta is free and open to players via PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S (www.playrematch.com).
Sloclap also released a brand-new, behind-the-scenes video unveiling Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho as the game’s ambassador today. In the video, Ronaldinho shares thoughts drawn from his legendary career, offering feedback on the game — especially its animations — and reacting to his in-game likeness. His joga bonito style and joyful take on football were major inspirations for the team and corresponded perfectly to the values of positive sportsmanship the game aims to convey. Seeing him engage with their work was a special experience for everyone at the studio.
Teamwork, strategy and skill are at the core of Rematch. Set against a variety of virtual backdrops, Rematch brings forth the core essence of what it means to play football from the perspective of the player on the field.
The gameplay is designed for nonstop competitive play – there are no fouls, offsides or VAR. Control one player on the field for an intense showdown of 5v5, or choose from a variety of quickplay modes, evolving tactics and decisions to fit the moment-to-moment needs of the match.
Just like the beautiful game in real life, precision is everything.
This week’s open beta features all main game modes for Rematch: Quick play, 3v3, 4v4, 5v5 + 5v5 ranked, as well as most key features for tutorials, training sessions, full cosmetics and customizations. Players are eligible to jump in anytime throughout the beta’s 72-hour window, join the ranked & quick-play matchmaking as well as create custom lobbies for matches with friends. Tomorrow, the beta will be available on PC, Xbox and PlayStation platforms. The pro players announced today will not be in this week’s beta but will be playable at launch with more real-world football stars arriving post-launch.
Fans wishing to be part of the starting lineup are able to preorder any one, or all, of the available editions: Standard, Elite and Pro Edition here.
The Standard Edition ($29.99)
Nab a spot on the team with the base game and make sure you don’t miss out on the action on Day 1
Show your team spirit with an exclusive “early adopter” Sloclap cap, available to everyone who pre-orders
The Pro Edition ($39.99)
The contents of the Standard Edition PLUS:
72-hour early access – build your stats and gain ground in your training
A Captain Pass Upgrade Ticket gets you into the upper tier to unlock all rewards of the Battle Pass – more challenges, more rewards
Blazon player background and title for the ultimate player card – a design that is as unique as you are
Blazon jewel set and Blazon Buckler tank top define you as a seriously hardcore player
The Elite Edition ($49.99)
The contents of the Pro Edition PLUS:
Additional Captain Pass Upgrade Ticket
Glitcher trainers that give your footwork the dazzle it deserves
Blazon Augmented Reality Cage gives you homefield advantage for your matches
Digital blazon cap to complete the perfect player outfit
Pre-order now on Xbox, PlayStation and Steam. Visitwww.playrematch.com to register for Beta invites, and follow @PlayRematch on Twitter.
About Sloclap
Paris-based Sloclap is an independent game development studio known for blending diverse gameplay mechanics into visually captivating, action-driven titles. With celebrated releases like Absolver and Sifu, the studio has demonstrated a passion for martial arts and dynamic, third-person action experiences that have been lauded by international media, including several award nominations. With a team of over 100 talented developers, Sloclap is now bringing its immersive approach to online football, delivering a game that raises the bar for competitive multiplayer sports.
Marvelous Europe today shared the “Customization” video, part of a series of gameplay system introductions for their upcoming dark sci-fi action game, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, ahead of its release for Nintendo Switch™ 2, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via Steam on September 5, 2025.
This latest video showcases the highly customizable nature of the Arsenal, featuring five armor slots and six weapon slots filled with an array of ranged, melee, and explosive options to suit players’ various battle strategies. Each individual piece of equipment has its own unique stats, which combined with the number of weapon and armor types to choose from allows Outers, the altered humans who can don Arsenals, to customize their Arsenal to their combat style and always have gear to chase. Outers can acquire gear through multiple avenues, including purchasing it from in-game vendors, finding hidden boxes of equipment in the world, defeating enemies, and using data to craft gear at their home base. The more gear Outers collect, the more build options and strategies they’ll have at their disposal when picking loadouts for the battlefield.
Additionally, anyone looking to enhance their enjoyment of the original DAEMON X MACHINA while they wait for Titanic Scion can currently find a “complete” edition of the DLC, which contains 57 available add-ons into one new, massive bundle, for sale on Steam. Normally available for $41.21, already a savings of 30% off the purchase price of individual items, you can save an additional 40% through May 30.
Created and produced by Kenichiro Tsukuda and featuring stunning mechanical designs from Shoji Kawamori, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion takes the franchise in a dramatic new direction. Join the Reclaimers in their fight against the Axiom. Humanity’s battle for liberation begins now!
KEY FEATURES
A Titanic Evolution – Daemon X Machina’s high-octane armored action debuts on a new generation of platforms, bringing with it an epic sci-fi adventure, gameplay that’s accessible to newcomers, and an expanded scope sure to satisfy returning fans.
Build a Better You – Now a nimble suit of armor, each Arsenal can be fully customized both in design and in loadout, with the ability to craft or salvage new elements.
Together You Can Make a Difference – Cooperative and asynchronous multiplayer means players never truly fight alone. Team up with friends online to tackle the epic story and battles together.
Beautiful and Deadly – Explore an alien planet in an Arsenal as players battle against mechanical and organic enemies. Trek through the vast open world on foot, fly through the skies, or when all else fails, gallop on horseback across plains, swamps, mountains, and more.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is available for physical pre-order through participating retailers via the Marvelous Europe website in a standard physical edition with the full game on the physical disc or cartridge on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for an RRP of €69.99, and a physical Limited Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system only including a copy of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, an original soundtrack CD with 15 tracks, an art book, a set of three flight tags, a set of three patches, and an acrylic standee for an RRP of €99.99.
The title will also be available digitally on all platforms in a standard edition for €69.99; a Digital Deluxe edition, which includes the game and an expansion pack DLC featuring new story content and customization options for your Arsenal and Outer, for €89.99; and a Super Digital Deluxe edition, which includes the game, the expansion pack DLC, a digital soundtrack, and a digital art book, for €99.99. Digital pre-order options will be available soon.
The title will be published in Asia by Marvelous Inc. and in the Americas by Marvelous USA. More information can be found on the official website and on X @DXM_Game.
For more information regarding Marvelous Europe, please visit the official website.
About Marvelous Europe
Marvelous Europe is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Marvelous Inc., developer of beloved Story of Seasons and Rune Factory games. Established in 2012, Marvelous Europe’s varied portfolio includes both third-party titles such as Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, Leximan, Cuisineer and Moonlight Peaks in addition to select Marvelous Inc. content.
Legacy of Persia Coming to Crusader Kings III Next Month
STOCKHOLM – 27 May 2025 – The struggle to succeed the collapse of the Abbassid Caliphate comes to life in Legacy of Persia, a new flavor pack for Crusader Kings III on consoles. Designed and updated for Xbox Series X|S and Playstation 5 systems, this challenging depiction of war and diplomacy in the borderlands of Arabic rule in Asia arrives on June 03.
Developed by Room 8 Group in partnership with Paradox Development Studio, Legacy of Persia uses the Struggle System to provide a new setting and new rulesets with the Iranian Intermezzo – a conflict that tests personal, cultural and religious loyalties, inspired by the historical Anarchy of Samarra. Establish your own new dynasty in this cradle of empires – ending Arab domination over Persia, or steer the Caliphate through the crisis, strengthening the power of the imperial authority.
Features of Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia include:
The Iranian Intermezzo: The Abbasid Caliphate is on the decline, and strong-willed Iranian rulers are set upon independence and a new future for the region. Will you forge a new Empire, subjugate the faltering Caliphate for your own benefit, or see a resurgent Caliphate bring order to the region?
More Historical Flavor: New decisions, interactions and buildings for rulers in the Persian region, as well as special content highlighting the importance of clan leadership and protecting the frontier regions.
Changes to Iranian Cultures: New Iranian traditions include innovative Court Scholars, unique Men-at-Arms, and powerful new buildings to bring riches out of barren lands.
New Art and Music: Persian characters get new clothing, Persian buildings get a redesign and the UI can take on a more Iranian appearance in this Flavor Pack. There are also 8 new music tracks, some cued to events and some to set the mood.
Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia will be available for consoles on 03 June 2025. Check your relevant local online store for pricing information.
About Paradox Interactive
Paradox Interactive is one of the premier developers and publishers of strategy and management games for PC and consoles. The players are located all over the world but some of the biggest markets are North America, Western Europe and Asia.
The game portfolio consists of popular franchises such as Stellaris, Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings, Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect, the Surviving games, Age of Wonders and Victoria. Paradox Interactive also owns the World of Darkness brand catalog.
Live the frontier dream with cozy gameplay, charming characters, and a world full of Wild West wonder.
Burton-on-Trent, UK – 27 May 2025. Grab your hat, dust off your boots, and get ready to head out West. Cattle Countryis open for homesteading! Now available on PCviaSteam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, this cozy frontier life-sim invites players to build, grow, and thrive under big skies and starry nights. And that’s not all! Budding cowpokes can grab a thigh-slapping 15% launch discount for a limited time!
From the fine folks at Castle Pixel and Playtonic Friends, Cattle Country blends rustic charm with heartfelt storytelling and community-driven gameplay. Whether you’re tending crops, raising cattle, or rustlin’ up friendships with the townsfolk, there’s always something rewarding just over the next hill.
What to Expect in Cattle Country:
Ranchin’ & Handcraftin’ – Roll up your sleeves and build your dream homestead from the ground up. Raise cattle, craft tools, and carve out your slice of paradise under those big blue skies.
Swappin’ Stories – Meet a tough but kind-hearted community. Lend a hand, share a tale, and maybe find yourself a few lifelong friends.
Beware of Bandits – Not all folks are friendly. Defend your ranch and keep an eye out for trouble brewing on the horizon.
Rodeos to Romance – From bonds of friendship to sparks of love, get to know 18 romanceable characters and see where your heart leads.
Buried Treasure – Grab a pickaxe and strike it rich! Explore mines full of rare minerals, secrets, and maybe a bandit stash or two.
Trackin’ Wildlife – The wilderness is teemin’ with critters. Hunt for survival or simply roam and admire nature’s bounty.
Whether you’re a greenhorn settler or a seasoned ranch hand, Cattle Country offers a warm, relaxing experience full of discovery, humor, and heartfelt moments. Cozy up to a slower pace of life in the Wild West, and maybe even find a little romance along the way.
So hitch your wagon partner, it’s time to carve out your own slice of the West.
Cattle Country is now available digitally on PC viaSteam ($18.99, £14.99, €18.99) PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch ($24.99, £19.99, €24.99 all consoles) with a 15% limited-time launch discount!
Silver Lining Interactive will release the physical PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch versions on 4 July! Pre-order now exclusively at Silver Lining Direct
About Playtonic Friends
The studio that brought you Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, Playtonic launched their publishing arm, Playtonic Friends to be a helping hand to indie developers around the world. Established in February 2021 Playtonic Friends has helped bring incredible titles such as B.P.M, Demon Turf, Blossom Tales 2 and Lil Gator Game to wider audiences.
About Castle Pixel
Castle Pixel are a small creative indie dev team based in the US and Canada. They are devoted to making big new adventures inspired by the classics they grew up with! Get ready for a new experience from the team that brought you Blossom Tales and Rex Rocket.
Darkly hilarious 2D action-adventure narrative game gets its first taste of chaos on PC.
Barcelona, Spain – 27th May 2025. SelectaPlay and the talented (and slightly unhinged minds) at Hungry Pixel are delighted (and mildly concerned) to unleash the free PC demo of NetherWorld, the twisted, liquor-drenched, worm-squirming, unapologetically degenerate 2D action-adventure narrative game. Now available on Steam for anyone brave or reckless enough to give it a spin!
Step into the tentacles of Medoo, the world’s saddest jellyfish, freshly dumped and fully committed to self-destruction via vodka and poor life choices. Plunge into a sleazy fever dream of grotesque characters, shady deals, and nightmarish nightlife as you explore a world where dignity goes to die and takes a few shots on the way.
Warning: This demo contains scenes of surreal depravity, questionable fashion, and emotional damage (mostly Medoo’s, maybe yours too). But hey, you might just find a cool hat.
NetherWorld is set to launch digitally on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch later in 2025. A special physical edition for Nintendo Switch is also coming, because even the most degenerate adventures deserve shelf space. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch boxed edition are open now. Wishlist us on Steam or Medoo might cry. Again.
NetherWorld Features:
A Twisted Story – Stumble through a world of coke-fueled mages, entrepreneurial prostitutes, deranged mobsters, sociopathic kids, and sleazy old perverts, all of whom claim they can help you put your shattered life back together. (Spoiler: they absolutely won’t.)
Insane Minigames – Need cash or questionable rewards? Test your skills in drunken brawls, reckless flings, trigger-happy shootouts, and even piloting a bionic tick named Joe through grimy roguelike dungeons. Bonus: Complete certain quests and unlock stylish hats, masks, weapons, and more!
Bonkers Boss Fights – Time to throw down! Face grotesque, nightmarish bosses with an arsenal of guns, melee weapons, and environmental hazards, or if you’re feeling especially masochistic, go in completely unarmed. (Good luck with that.)
About Hungry Pixel
Hungry Pixel is a small indie game studio based in Spain. They’re currently developing a dark and bizarre adventure called NetherWorld.
About SelectaPlay
SelectaPlay is SelectaVisión’s video games publishing branch. The company works with talented studios on unique video games and helps them publish their titles in both physical and digital formats in Europe and worldwide.
About SelectaVisión
SelectaVisión is a video publishing company founded in 1984. Based in Spain, SelectaVisión’s catalog includes anime and live-action feature films, TV shows, and movies.
Millions of virtual farmers are already thriving in Farming Simulator 25, and now there’s even more to enjoy. Publisher and developer GIANTS Software has released the second free Content Update, bringing four new machines into the game.
Farming, Driving & Forestry
The update expands the vehicle fleet with the following additions:
John Deere 1270G
Pöttinger AEROSEM VT 5000 DD
ŠKODA ENYAQ Coupé RS iV
Väderstad TopDown 600
Led by the forestry-focused John Deere 1270G, this update enhances the farming experience with useful tools from Pöttinger and Väderstad, while the Škoda Enyaq offers a stylish way to hit the roads.
Farm in Style & Patch 1.9
New outfits have arrived: Players can customize their character with the latest Pöttinger clothing options. Released in tandem with the Content Update, the patch 1.9 introduces a variety of optimizations to improve the user experience.
Farming Simulator 25 is available for PC, Mac, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. A Year 1 Season Pass is available and includes three packs and one major expansion – fans save up to 25% compared to getting the content separately. GIANTS Software will also continue to release free content updates and user-generated content on the official ModHub. Visit the official FarmingSimulator website.
About GIANTS Software
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. Visit giants-software.com for more information.
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. Visit farming-simulator.com for more information.
Developer Bluecurse Studios and publisher Armor Games Studios proudly present the full release of the charming cat-filled farming sim
Edmonton, Canada – May 27, 2025. Meowllo, cozy gamers! The day has finally arrived! After a heartwarming journey from Kickstarter dreams to Early Access reality, Snacko, the cozy feline farming sim, officially launches its Version 1.0 on PC via Steam today! Thanks to an amazing community of fans and cozy game lovers, indie developer Bluecurse Studios has been able to craft a delightful and meaningful experience that’s now ready to welcome players old and new into its fully realised world.
Snacko invites you to step into the soft paws of adventurous kitties Momo and Mikan, as they leave the hustle and bustle behind to begin a peaceful new life on the mysterious and once-abandoned Snacko Island. With a little hard work, a lot of heart, and help from some new friends, you’ll turn this forgotten land into a thriving community, and maybe uncover the secrets hidden beneath its surface.
What’s New & Meowgical in V1.0?
The V1.0 launch introduces several exciting additions to Snacko, including a newly redesigned mine layout filled with fresh items to discover, kart upgrades for faster travel, and a magical new staff that lets players cast spells. The update also brings new NPC questlines and heartfelt confession events, adding even more personality and charm to the world of Snacko. More features include:
Four Unique Biomes – From lush plains to frosty tundras, explore diverse regions full of charm, resources, and surprises.
Customizable Tools & Upgrades – Mix and match gems to create tool effects tailored to your playstyle.
Smart Inventory & Storage – Auto-deposit, overflow storage, crafting from storage, and the handy Lunchbox for auto-stamina recovery.
Flexible Building & Decorating – Over 300 items, full colour customisation, snap-to-grid, floating furniture, object nudging, and more, plus Screenshot Mode and timelapse-ready undo/redo.
Rich Story & Side Quests – Uncover the island’s mysteries, build your community, and follow unique questlines that reveal character backstories.
Heartfelt Social Life – Meet 26 characters (shopkeepers, villagers, and more), with 21 romance options regardless of gender or species.
Daily Life, Your Way – Cook, decorate, fish, farm, donate to the Cultural Centre, or simply relax with friends on joint quests.
Guild Quests – Unlock crafting, cooking, and farming upgrades while getting to know quirky Guild leaders.
Beautiful Soundtrack – Enjoy a cozy original score by Dale North and Camellia as you explore at your own pace.
Snacko V1.0 is available now on Steam for £20.99 / $24.99 / €24.50, and to celebrate the big launch, there’s a limited-time 25% discount to help you start your journey with an extra sprinkle of joy!
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, there’s never been a better moment to curl up with a cozy controller and start your next adventure. Follow Snacko’s development journey at https://www.snacko.land/.
Essential Accessories for the Next Generation of Nintendo Gaming Offer Trusted Performance and Style – Controllers with Hall Effect Sensors and System Protection.
Woodinville, Wash. (June 5, 2025) – PowerA, a global leader in gaming accessories, is proud to unveil its exciting lineup for the Nintendo Switch™ 2 system. Designed to meet Nintendo’s rigorous standards and to deliver high-performance, PowerA’s new collection includes hall effect equipped controllers and protective gear for gamers ready to level up.
Embracing the brand’s legacy of leadership in video game accessories, PowerA will be bringing the first, licensed controllers with Hall Effect sensors to the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Hall effect technology provides contact-free magnetic sensors in the thumbsticks delivering a more fluid pro-level feel to help with precision and longevity.
PowerA’s commitment to quality and innovation is embedded in every product in the lineup. As a 20+ year trusted partner of Nintendo, each product has undergone testing through Nintendo’s official licensing program to ensure optimal compatibility, safety, and durability.
Featured Products
Advantage Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch 2: Built for performance and precision, this officially licensed wired controller features Hall Effect thumbsticks for reduced drift, two mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons, a C Button for quick GameChat* access, onboard audio controls with multiple EQ modes, and anti-friction rings. A 10 ft. USB-C® cable and lightweight ergonomic design make it ideal for both competitive and everyday gaming. Available in three designs classic black, nostalgic Super Mario™, and a vibrant collection of characters from the Mushroom Kingdom.
Slim Case for Nintendo Switch 2: A low-profile, dark heather gray, on-the-go carrying case designed to keep the Nintendo Switch 2 system protected with minimal bulk. Features a zippered outer shell, plush interior lining, built-in screen protector, integrated tabletop play stand, and storage for up to ten game cards. This slim case is the perfect accessory for gamers wanting to take their new system on the go but keep it safe.
Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch 2: This 2-pack includes two screen protectors, a microfiber cloth, placement guides, dust removal stickers, and an applicator for easy, bubble-free installation.
Availability & Pricing
PowerA Nintendo Switch 2 accessories will be available this June at PowerA.com, Amazon, and other major retailers, for the respective prices listed below.
In addition to launching new gear, PowerA is actively testing and verifying forward compatibility across its current Nintendo Switch accessory catalog to support Nintendo Switch 2. More details on forward compatibility will be shared soon.
PowerA Warranty
All PowerA products, including the new Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, 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, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, designs, manufactures and markets consumer and end-user products that help people work, learn, and play. 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. * Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. Not available in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. support.nintendo.com. Until March 31, 2026, GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat.
Guilty Gear -Strive- welcomes a new playable character today with the all-rounder Unika! She is available in Season Pass 4 and for individual purchase on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC.
Unika is the daughter of Ky and Dizzy with Gear blood, born in the ruined future and raised by Nerville to change the past. Sent back in time, she initially fights for him but defects after meeting Sin, her brother, and Bridget. She helps stop Nerville’s invasion and then, travels under U.S. supervision to discover the world and herself. In the game, Unika is a versatile rookie with a highly accessible and effective moveset at her disposal, making her a great choice for new players.
Two new battle stages are also available in Season Pass 4, as well as for individual purchase, for players to discover. First, “In the Name of Peace” stage features plains where signs of the Crusades still linger and where the peaceful greenery and harsh reality blend together. Second, “New Dawn, A Future Unfolding” is composed of an autonomous city of Gears, showing the creatures’ culture and the deepening bond between Gears and humans.
Unika joins the roster of Guilty Gear -Strive-, with one more additional character, Lucy from Cyberpunk, to come later in Season Pass 4. Guilty Gear -Strive- is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition is available on Nintendo Switch.
When it comes to some of Capcom’s beloved franchises, Onimusha generally isn’t one of the titles that will get mentioned much. This is partially due to the fact that, outside of a remaster of the first game in 2019, the last new Onimusha title was released nearly twenty years ago. Then, the announcement of a brand new entry in the form of Onimusha: Way of the Sword makes all the more sense, ready to arrive next year at that twenty year mark. In an effort to bring more light to the Onimusha name and also make the PlayStation 2 original actually available to audiences to enjoy as a whole, Capcom has now given the remaster treatment to Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny. Bringing with it a number of quality of life improvements and some minor graphical improvements, is this remaster a successful transformation?
Story
Samurai’s Destiny begins not too long after the events from the first game. With the demon lord Fortinbras slain by the first game’s protagonist, the demonic Gemna forces under his command have been taken in by Oda Nobunaga who uses his cunning and bloodthirsty plans to sweep the land of any who dare oppose his might. With these new near-unstoppable allies at his command, Nobunaga’s rampage knows no bounds as he terrorizes Japan, laying waste to countless villages along the way, including Yagyu Village. Returning to find the aftermath of the attack and the remnants of the demonic forces still picking away at his beloved hometown, Jubei Yagyu begins trying to sift through the rubble to see if anyone has survived only for a mysterious voice to call out to him from the village’s sacred cave.
Within, a demonic snake woman gifts Jubei not only the power to absorb demonic souls to empower himself, but the secrets to sealing the demonic Genma away forever using the five orbs created for such a purpose, gifting Jubei the first along with an Oni weapon only he can use thanks to the demonic blood that Jubei too has running through his veins. This makes Jubei’s quest one with two purposes, one of revenge for his slaughtered people but also one to save all of Japan from Nobunaga and the Genma’s demonic powers and along the way he’ll meet four allies that share that same goal, in some form or another, with Oyu, Magoichi, Kotaro, and Ekei each playing a role no matter what, though how much of a role they might play will depend on a surprisingly early implementation of bond building.
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny doesn’t tell a very complex tale, in fact it is quite the straightforward one with the only real twists being the realization of who some characters might actually be, and some players may not even see these scenes initially. That being said, there isn’t a whole lot of reason for there to be a complex storyline here, Jubei’s on a mission for revenge and the deeper he enters demonic territory to get it the more dangerous things become. Now, one of the things mentioned before is that some players may not be able to see some aspects initially and that is something that helped set Onimusha 2 apart back in the day, the bonds mechanic.
As players play through the game they will acquire gold that can be used to purchase “gift” items from the town players regularly return to or find gifts out during a mission. These gifts can then be given to any of the four allied characters with each character having their own affinity for each. For example, giving Ekei a bottle of Vodka will make him as happy as a drunken horse while trying to give it to Kotaro will have him flat out turning it down. Similarly, giving a baby chick to Oyu will see her delighted while Magoichi will wonder what the world is going on, potentially even lowering their bond with Jubei. Giving gifts as well as completely eliminating all enemies in a location when one of your allies is in a room can raise these bonds and the higher bonds Jubei has with characters will unlock additional scenes and dialogue. In fact, it can even determine who players might play at times when they aren’t controlling Jubei. These overall story changes are rather minimal but it does give players plenty of reasons to play through Onimusha 2 multiple times in an effort to see every variation and unique scene and how it’ll play out if they happen to be best friends with Kotaro instead of Oyu this time through.
Gameplay
In many ways Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny still plays the same that anyone who touched the original release will remember. Ironically, it might be best described as a take on samurai Resident Evil as players will find themselves navigating fixed camera locations, tank controls, and using their sword to dispatch monstrous creatures that are trying to take their life all while managing limited healing resources. Though that is far too much of a simplification here. As mentioned before, quality of life is the name of the game here when it comes to improvements and the first major change made was to give players full 360 degree character movement using the analog stick when navigating and fighting enemies. This makes action and movement feel more fluid, but can cause a bit of trouble when swapping between rooms as character spawns can often send players right back the way they came if they are using modern movement. Though thankfully for those who want to use it, tank controls are freely available using the D-Pad.
Combat remains as straightforward and simple as ever, with Jubei having an attack button, a block button, and a magic attack button. Every weapon, be it a sword, spear, or hammer, has a standard attack combo and the magical attack button will vary depending on the type of weapon equipped. There are some extra combo options available, though players need to find documents hidden throughout the game to properly use them. There are also a number of ranged weapons that Jubei can use such as a bow and arrow or even flintlock rifle though given the way enemies move and respawn, they have limited use or are primarily meant for puzzle solving. Another major quality of life improvement, especially for those who like to take combat to as hard of a level as possible, is the fact that players no longer have to pause the game, go to the menu, and swap weapons anytime they want to change things up. Now Jubei can simply swap to another weapon, be it melee or ranged, with a button hold and tap left or right on the d-pad, making for easy weapon changes on the fly.
Another unique element to Onimusha 2‘s combat mechanics is the “Issen” system. The Issen mechanic is based around having players attack just before the enemy does, allowing them to perform a powerful critical blow that will instantly kill nearly any standard foe and deal severe damage to most larger enemies as well. Not only this but Issen’s can be chained together, making for some truly bombastic looking finishes to fights as Jubei chains his way through a swathe of demons and pops up numerous orbs as a result, since enemies slain by critical blows provide extra rewards. That being said, it isn’t required to master Issen to get through the game, though for true masochists out there there is also a difficulty option that makes it so enemies can only be killed by utilizing this mechanic. Though that being said, there is also a new difficulty called “Hell Mode” where even a single blow can instantly kill the player.
As mentioned earlier, Jubei quickly gains the ability to absorb the souls of defeated demons and depending on the color absorbed, it’ll change what effect it might have. Anytime an enemy is slain, souls will spring forth from their body and slowly start to dissipate, encouraging players to absorb them quickly, and if they happen to be a red soul, they’ll be used as XP to boost the levels of Jubei’s weapons or armor, yellow souls will refill his health, and blue to restore his magic. The real special souls are purple Onimusha orbs that allow Jubei to temporarily transform into an incredibly powerful Onimusha form to lay waste to nearly any opponent or boss. Herein lies another major quality of life improvement from the original release, the fact that players actually have control over when to trigger Jubei’s Onimusha transformation. The original game saw the transformation occur instantly whenever enough orbs were gathered and now players have the option of holding onto them as long as they might need, holding out for a difficult foe or boss fight.
The puzzles players still need to solve from time to time, be it an optional one or one related to progressing the main story are still quite fitting and just challenging enough to feel rewarding and it does not appear that these have been modified in any way since the original release. The last major quality of life elements added into the game are the fact that all of the mini-games and side-content available that players would have to otherwise unlock, including extra costumes and bonus modes, are unlocked immediately as soon as players start the game. This includes the aforementioned Hell mode and even an Easy mode for those wanting to take things simpler or are newcomers to the franchise.
Audio & Visuals
It should be noted coming in that it is quite clear that Capcom was likely aiming to provide more quality of life upgrades than actual graphical improvements in Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny as the latter is quite sparse. The character models have all been slightly retouched to look a bit better and the backgrounds have also been given a small improvement but this is still very much a PlayStation 2 era game and one that looks only markedly better in many areas as a result. Thankfully the game runs flawlessly with a completely smooth frame rate even when facing down bosses using Onimusha mode or teamed up with another character. It is worth noting that there is some light censorship in the game with Oyu’s bonus outfit and one in-game scene but these are quite minor.
One nice improvement with this remastered version of Onimusha 2 is the fact that the Japanese voice track is now available in the game as an option as well as the original cheesy English dub that feels like it is more campy than good. That being said, players have the options between the two which is always nice. The background music throughout the game is fitting and appears to have been retouched a little as well.
Overall
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny remains a strong entry in the franchise even all these years later and now that it has been brought to modern platforms for a potentially new audience to experience in anticipation for the franchise to continue it is great to see it make a return, even if it is a bit limited and dated by modern day standards. The lack of significant graphical improvements or additions to the base game will likely disappoint those hoping for more from a remaster, especially one with such a straightforward story, but thankfully the cast of characters and unique scenes they all offer continue to make the game as impressive as ever upon numerous replays, and now with more quality of life elements made to combat, even slaying countless demons is as fun as it has ever been.
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