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Relooted, which made its debut last week during the Summer Game Fest-adjacent Day of the Devs showcase, immediately turned heads. Its Killmonger-approved premise confronts one of the most uncomfortable truths undergirding Western society: We stole a lot of stuff! Land and lives, mainly, but as an extension of that, artifacts — precious pieces of the histories empires like the US and UK snuffed out. In Relooted, your crack team of liberators from a plethora of different African countries heists them back.

The game’s dev team is composed of people from African countries like Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, but during Summer Game Fest’s multi-day, demo-centric Play Days event, creative director Ben Myres, who is white and was raised in South Africa, manned the booth alone. This was not always the plan: Myres was originally going to be accompanied by another developer from South-Africa-based studio Nyamakop, whom Aftermath has granted anonymity due to their concerns that speaking out might exacerbate the challenges they’ve already faced entering the United States.

Game Information

Game Title: Dune: Awakening

Platforms:

• PC (Jun 10, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (Jun 10, 2025)
• Xbox Series X/S (Jun 10, 2025)

Trailer:

Developer: Funcom

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 84 average - 80% recommended - 11 reviews

Critic Reviews

Cinelinx - Jordan Maison - 4.5 / 5

Funcom's Dune: Awakening has arrived, offering players a chance to survive the harsh sands of Arrakis in a way that's thrilling for MMO genre fans and newcomers alike.

Comunidad Xbox - Samuel Ramírez - Spanish - 82 / 100

Overall, Dune: Awakening offers a unique experience within the Dune universe. It is a true awakening of this saga with a novel approach that moves away from the RTS (real-time strategy games) we are used to.

DualShockers - Miller Reynolds - 9 / 10

Dune: Awakening has impressed me at every turn. Stunning cinematics showcase an immersive story inspired by Dune's award-winning lore and set the scene for a thrilling adventure, focused on exploration, survival, base-building, and politics. In a time full of unfinished, bug-ridden game launches, Dune: Awakening is setting the bar higher for what the release of video games should be.

EvelonGames - Joel Isern Rodríguez - Kaym - Spanish - 8.5 / 10

Dune: Awakening isn’t perfect, but it’s exactly the game Dune fans have been waiting for. It captures the brutal, mesmerizing essence of Arrakis while offering enough mechanical depth to keep players engaged for months. If you can get past the initial learning curve and forgive some balancing issues, you’ll discover one of the most atmospheric and memorable survival experiences available today.

GAMES.CH - Christian Rotfeld - German - 75%

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Game8 - Charlene Sarmiento - 74 / 100

Dune: Awakening will surely keep players preoccupied with its myriad of survival game content and gameplay encased in its vast open-world, allowing for freedom to explore the dangerous but charming world of Arrakis at your own pace. However, its marred by its clunky and stiff melee combat, performance and server issues, as well as a few bugs and glitches that can sour the experience.

GameWatcher - Fran J. Ruiz - Unscored

The mystery of the disappearance of the Fremen is also a solid enough hook to keep me going through the main quest instead of getting sidetracked, and every excursion I make to collect resources doesn’t feel like a chore. Arrakis was made for a game like this, and small creative liberties aside, I think Funcom might have nailed what it needed to nail here.

Gamers Heroes - Casey Scheld - 90 / 100

Years of Funcom’s expertise managing Conan: Exiles have paved the way for Dune: Awakening to be one of the most impressive online survival games ever made.

Manual dos Games - Rafael Gomes - Portuguese - 8.6 / 10

Dune: Awakening is an ambitious experience set in the harsh and unforgiving universe of Arrakis. With an alternate timeline, the game blends MMO and survival elements in a dynamic world filled with moral decisions, unpredictable dangers, and strategic choices.

WayTooManyGames - Leonardo Faria - 7 / 10

There’s a lot of potential in here, and if you were a fan of Conan: Exiles‘ grindy loop, you’ll have a blast with Dune: Awakening, considering it’s a tad bit more forgiving than its predecessor. Oddly enough, however, the more you’re a fan of the Dune books, the more off-putting Awakening will become, considering its bizarre fanfic-y premise and ideas that just go against everything the books (and even the most recent movies) have been saying for the past half-decade. As a result, Dune: Awakening, whilst easily the best Dune game since the strategy titles from the early 90s, is more appealing to those just seeking for a new survival MMO, and not exactly die-hard fans of the seminal sci-fi franchise.

[...]Baby Steps' title may sound like an infantalising putdown of its protagonist, but in this era of Dualshock uniformity, it is genuinely wonderful to learn to walk "for the first time". Especially in the context of an open world game, a genre that prides frictionless exploration like few others. There are glowing waypoints on the skyline, but you can't just zip along the obvious routes. You have to study what's underfoot and organise your mass accordingly, and when you fall, it's at once ludicrous and frustrating and a source of connection.

You notice how certain helpful rocks snag at Nate's limbs, stopping him rolling too far. You see how he catches himself on his elbows as he slides, a tentative advertisement for having some degree of survival instinct. You appreciate the torquing of his spine as he bumps and slithers, and you feel the smaller, context-sensitive adjustments to what the controls do - the little, evolving motions that are presumably far too thoughtless and subtle to be offered up in a tutorial.

Game Information

Game Title: Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

Platforms:

• PC (Jun 5, 2025)
• Nintendo Switch (Jun 5, 2025)

Trailer:

Developer: Marvelous

Publisher: Marvelous USA

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 80 average - 74% recommended - 40 reviews

Critic Reviews

But Why Tho? - Kyle Foley - 9 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a heartfelt adventure with meaningful relationships and creative opportunities.

COGconnected - Patrick Anderson - 90 / 100

It’s got the many-games-in-one content extravaganza that previous Rune Factory games have had. But unlike Rune Factory 5, this time it really works together and meshes into an addictive and immersive experience.

Capsule Computers - Travis Bruno - 9 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma takes bold gameplay risks with mostly positive results. Despite AI quirks and weaker combat, its engaging story and lovable cast make it a worthy time sink.

Checkpoint Gaming - Victor Tan - 8 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma perfectly blends the farming and combat experience with Japanese influences. The result is an immersive cultural experience that you don't want to put down. You actually feel like you are rebuilding villages and restoring prosperity to the land instead of just being a landowner. While it isn't perfect despite several improvements to the formula, it nevertheless delivers a fun experience that you won't soon forget.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 8 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a really cool spin-off for the Rune Factory series, and it's an overall good game that'll tide you over until the inevitable sixth numbered entry.

Cubed3 - Nayu - 9 / 10

It is clear that Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has been crafted with passion and love of the long-running series. The breathtaking scenery, emotion-filled cutscenes and new elements focusing on being an earth dancer takes the beloved adventure-filled world in an exciting new direction that holds hope for more innovation in future titles.

Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 4.5 / 5

This is the strongest entry in a beloved series, and made all the more special because, after the original developer of the series closed shop, it looked like the entire series was dead for several years. This is a pretty good statement that there’s still so much more that it can offer yet.

DualShockers - Austin Conrad - 7.5 / 10

For me, it's a brilliant weekend RPG—a laid-back game that will keep you playing "just one more day" for hours. If Zelda plus Stardew Valley sounds fun, I recommend Guardians of Azuma. If that combo doesn't excite you, give it a pass.

Fextralife - Unscored

I went into this playthrough blind and expected the game to take me roughly 10 hours to finish the main story, I was pleasantly surprised by the length and even more so by the story. Now that I’ve finished the story, the real endgame has begun.

Game Hype UK - Aaron Moger - 80 / 100

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a fresh take on the farming sim Rune Factory series providing players with a new and intuitive base building system whilst retaining farming, cooking and interacting with a new and varied cast of characters who all have their own charm which we've grown to love the series for. It has a battle system that is fair and engaging and the most in depth story to date making it feel in line with a more traditional JRPG.

Game8 - Lloyd Opalec - 94 / 100

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the series’ most ambitious entry yet. From its well-told story to its surprisingly deep village-building system, it’s a game that fully embraces the joy of planting turnips at dawn and saving guardian deities by night. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Azuma is a harvest of everything Rune Factory can be when it dares to dream big.

GameBlast - Lucas Oliveira - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

Combining classic farming simulation elements with a more fluid combat system, new customization options, an engaging narrative and a cast full of charismatic characters, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma stands out as a great game and marks a significant step forward for the franchise. Even though it doesn't belong to the main numbered series, the title manages to generate plenty of excitement about the future of the series.

Gameliner - Jolien Mauritsz - Dutch - 4 / 5

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a surprisingly strong addition to the franchise, with an engaging story and meaningful town management mechanics—though occasionally overwhelming—solid performance despite some technical limitations, and strong visual and audio presentation, making it a must-play for farming RPG fans seeking more depth and responsibility.

Gamer Escape - Laura Borrayo - 6 / 10

The truth of it is, you’ll probably have more to do in this game than you’ve had in any previous Rune Factory title. But that comes with the understanding that the journey may not be as fun, and the scripted moments not as emotional. For die-hard fans like me, that can come with disappointment.

Gamer Social Club - Stephanie Richards - 8 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma feels like a great blend of cozy and grindy while still finding its narrative way. While there is definitely some experimentation going on with the streamling of certain areas from the general Rune Factory series, the game play loop is still very true to its origins. Those who enjoyed previous entries will mostly likely find themselves enjoying this as long as they don’t miss complex crafting. For those who want the in-depth crafting and complexity that required spreadsheets of data, yes, this will feel too simplistic to you. The complex crafting from Rune Factory 3 and beyond is removed for streamlined play and possibly a way to introduce new fans into the series. If you haven’t played a Rune Factory game, you can jump right into this entry and enjoy.

Gamersky - Chinese - 8.5 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma might just mark a fresh new beginning for the series. While it doesn't break much new ground, it approaches farming, building, management, and romance with genuine care and delivers each of them as well as it possibly can.

Hardcore Gamer - Matthew Mendisana - 3.5 / 5

The Rune Factory series continues with more characters to befriend, more locations to farm and more monsters to fight in Guardians of Azuma.

Hobby Consolas - David Rodriguez - Spanish - 73 / 100

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma manages to make the sum of its parts evolve a series with several palpable problems. Some of those hurdles remain, but for those looking for a content-packed management and combat game, this is a worthy representative... as long as you can overlook the poor technical aspects.

LadiesGamers.com - Yvonne van Geloven - Mind-blown

Marvelous totally changed direction, and I can say I love it. They kept the essence of farming, exploring, and romance and put a new twist on all of it. Adding a management element into the mix by taking care of various villages and workers is brilliant; it takes away what can ultimately become a tedious chore. To me, the fighting is more difficult, but then I’m never a big fan of action fighting. But by adding story mode, it is very much doable.

There really is so much to tell about Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, I could fill many pages detailing all there is to do in the game. For now, though, I’ll add my verdict to this review.

Loot Level Chill - Lyle Pendle - 8.5 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a farming game with very little farming, but the combat and exploration more than make up for it.

Marooners' Rock - Alexandra Campbell - 9.2 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is one of the most ambitious games in the franchise, offering a solid farming sim and action RPG experience with meaningful improvements and customization.

MonsterVine - Frank Wood - 4.5 / 5

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma absolutely smashed my expectations, delivering one of the most robust and feature-rich games in the farming/cozy/life sim genre while also being no slouch at its action RPG elements either. This game puts its best foot forward when it starts its sprint and doesn’t slow down anytime soon. I am still locked in and can’t wait to play even more of this gem, it stands shoulder to shoulder with some of my favorite similar games like Harvestella. Fans of the series and first timers, this is not a game to miss out on.

Nintendo Life - Jess Elizabeth Reed - 9 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma manages to reinvent itself while still maintaining the bones that make the Rune Factory series feel like itself. It takes bold new strides in unexpected directions that thankfully pay off. Guardians of Azuma is a must-play for Rune Factory fans and would be well-enjoyed by newcomers to the series as well.

NintendoBoy - Marcos Vinícius - Portuguese - 9.5 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the evolution to the franchise that I expected for the transition from handhelds to consoles, but Rune Factory 5 failed to do it.

NintendoWorldReport - Jordan Rudek - 8.5 / 10

The farming and construction mechanics are designed for expedience and ease of use, exchanging realism for simplicity, a real bargain given the satisfying main story and likeable characters. Even the helper/partner Woolby ended up growing on me by the time I had rolled credits. Guardians of Azuma may do as much to spoil farming games as invite players to earlier Rune Factory entries, but it's a worthwhile dance that marches to the beat of its own, confident drum, and I'm hopeful we'll see more like it.

NookGaming - Thomas Knight - 9 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the most fun I’ve had with a Rune Factory title yet. It’s certainly not perfect with quite a few little issues holding it back, but the core experience is so fun that it didn’t stop me from enjoying every moment. There’s just so much to enjoy here that it makes it easy to recommend.

PC Gamer - Maddi Chilton - 82 / 100

Once it finds its footing, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is an engaging romp through a charming and dynamic world.

Pizza Fria - Matheus Jenevain - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

It's a commendable endeavor, indeed, and I really enjoy seeing franchises trying new things, both in their mechanics and their overall aesthetics.

Pure Nintendo - Kirk Hiner - 9 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma's greatest accomplishment is its ability to pile so many gameplay elements into one big adventure, and to make all of them feel integral and organic. Whether you're farming, fighting, exploring, or romancing, every task-like the game itself-feels like it's worth completing.

RPG Fan - Niki Fakhoori - 94 / 100

Rune Factory keeps getting better, making Guardians of Azuma the best series entry yet.

RPG Site - Junior Miyai - 6 / 10

The journey through Azuma is a journey packed with a mish-mash of boring dungeons and weak RPG progression tools, supported by a fun cast of characters and decent story.

Rectify Gaming - Will "FncWill" Hogeweide - 6.5 / 10

Guardians of Azuma is a solid Rune Factory game that does most things right on a basic level – it’s not broken, it’s cute, and it’s plenty approachable – but it doesn’t stand out in any big way. It’s more like a pleasant afternoon chat with old friends than a fireworks show. So while I’d still recommend it to folks who adore farming sims and want a new cozy world to chill in, I’ll be honest: it’s definitely not the peak of the series for me. The villagers and the concept of dancing to heal the world are fun, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that this installment just played it a bit too safe. If you’re wondering why it’s my least favorite Rune Factory to date, it boils down to that lack of spark and depth compared to earlier entries. It’s a “fine” game with nice moments, but my nostalgia was left wanting a bit more of the old Rune Factory magic.

Restart.run - Robin Bea - 4 / 5

The best life sims make it fun to hang around in their worlds long after your main objectives are done, and while I can’t say for sure this one will pass that test just yet, Guardians of Azuma is easily the best game of its kind I’ve played in years. I can see myself passing time in its vibrant world for a long time to come.

Siliconera - Jenni Lada - 8 / 10

Rune Factory 4 is my favorite entry in the series, and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma feels close to being its equal in some ways.

TechRaptor - Isaac Todd - 6 / 10

Despite character events being the best they've ever been, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma fails to offer much depth after its opening hours.

TheSixthAxis - Miguel Moran - 9 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is packed full of exciting content, memorable characters, and unforgettable adventures.

Video Chums - Mary Billington - 8.4 / 10

As a long-time fan of Rune Factory, I was pleasantly surprised by Guardians of Azuma's additions. The beautiful traditional Japanese setting, engrossing village-building mechanics, and increased transparency around relationships all come together to make for a great time. 🌸

WellPlayed - Jade Stevenson - 7 / 10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma does a little bit of everything, and thanks to some very complementary core gameplay components, the whole is remarkably cohesive and a good deal of fun. There are plenty of aspects requiring a bit more polish, though, so don't go into it expecting a masterpiece.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 7.8 / 10

Overall, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a very solid spin-off of the franchise. It does a good job of capturing what makes the Rune Factory games enjoyable while throwing enough twists and turns into the mix that it doesn't just feel like Rune Factory 6. The town building is engaging enough that I worry that a Rune Factory without it might feel lacking now. The combat is solid but simple, and the cast is likable but not super special. Only the general poor performance drags down the game somewhat, but fans of the Rune Factory franchise should find a lot to like.

Video game voice actor union SAG-AFTRA say they've reached a "tentative agreement" with a group of games companies that could bring an end to the latest voice actor strike, providing it gets approved by the union's National Board and members.

This tentative deal "puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the A.I. age, alongside other important gains," say SAG-AFTRA. That's been the key issue at the heart of this strike, with the union citing a desire to push for protections against VAs being replaced or imitated by AI, though it has previously faced some criticism for how it's handled striking deals with companies that use AI.

The agreement the union have just announced is with a group of companies which includes Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices Inc, Electronic Arts Productions, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games.

Game Information

Game Title: Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Jun 5, 2025)

Trailers:

• Nintendo Switch 2 – Launch Trailer
• Nintendo Switch 2 - Official Welcome Tour Overview Trailer
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour – Overview trailer (Nintendo Switch 2)

Publisher: Nintendo

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 63 average - 25% recommended - 20 reviews

Critic Reviews

Checkpoint Gaming - Erielle Sudario - 6.5 / 10

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is exactly what it claims to be: an interactive manual with a few bells and whistles. It's the Wii Sports of the Switch 2 era, helping users understand the console, its features, and how it all fits together. While charging $15 for something that feels like it should've been bundled might be a turnoff, the level of detail and interactivity makes the price somewhat justifiable. It's not a must-have, but if you want a fun way to explore your new console, it's a decent way to spend a few hours. Just don't rush through it; enjoy it for its charm.

Dexerto - Brad Norton - 3 / 5

Let’s not beat around the bush. Having Welcome Tour pre-installed on the Switch 2 at no additional cost would have been wonderful. There’s certainly no denying the discourse around it would be quite different, praised as a proper value-add.

While $10 is reasonable for the 6-8 hours of fun here, the additional hardware costs bog it down if you’re looking to get all of the medals.

At the current price, it’s nonetheless well-rounded and achieves its goal. Alongside being plenty of fun, Welcome Tour is a cool showcase. It’s worth diving in and sticking through to the final area to get a sense of what your new purchase is capable of, while also enjoying some fun mini-games along the way.

Digital Trends - Giovanni Colantonio - 3 / 5

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour should have been a charming pack-in game.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 3 / 5

I enjoyed my time with the “Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour”. For around eight hours, I played my way through various mini-games and tech demos and learned lots of exciting things about the Switch 2 and Nintendo's past. It's a shame that the game feels artificially stretched out with unspectacular mini-games, annoying collecting tasks and boring quizzes despite its short playing time. If you're not interested in the technical intricacies of the console, deduct another star from the rating and give this paid tutorial a wide berth.

Eurogamer - Christian Donlan - 3 / 5

At times, Welcome Tour is Nintendo's Fantasia.

Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 3 / 5

All the charm and wit in this intriguing effort by Nintendo to show off all the features of its new console in a fun way doesn't allow you to escape the feeling that Welcome Tour should be included with every console and not as a game sold separately.

Game Rant - Dalton Cooper - 3 / 10

Expectations for Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour were low, but somehow the premium tech demo still manages to fall below them.

Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 2.5 / 5

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is essentially a paid interactive manual with a few tech demos and minigames that, while mildly informative, feels more like a missed opportunity—especially given its €10 price tag and limited appeal beyond hardware enthusiasts or those with nothing else to play.

Gfinity - Alister Kennedy - 4 / 10

It's competent and functional, and some may even enjoy one or two of the minigames, but for what it is, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is tough to recommend for any new Switch 2 owner expecting something more than a console tech demo with quizzes.

IGN - Tom Marks - 5 / 10

Even if Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour were the pack-in game it feels like it was meant to be, the execution of its charming concept is a muddled collection of quaint tech demos and boring factoids dressed up as an uncompelling completionist checklist.

MonsterVine - Austin Adamson - 4.5 / 5

I was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed every little detail and bit of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. The minimal approach to the art design of the characters and world only amplified the beauty of the 3D rendered hardware show. Glimpses into the inner workings of the hardware and the history of Nintendo products scratched a nerdy itch I didn’t realize I had. It’s a bit of a bummer that it wasn’t free, but I found myself unable to pull myself away from Welcome Tour after I started it, and have been thinking about it more than any other game available at launch. I hope Nintendo will add more content to this as new first party hardware is released, and while some of the mini games encourage using two people, adding a sleek way to pull up the catalog of mini games, tech demos and quizzes to offer a better experience to show friends and family would be a welcome addition.

Nintendo Life - Gavin Lane - 8 / 10

Welcome Tour is a calming, surprisingly engaging hardware exhibition with a handful of cool minigames, a trove of interesting info, and some neat demos that showcase exactly what the little system can do. It makes you feel good about buying the thing, which makes the platform holder's decision not to bundle it with the console utterly baffling. Featuring expensive add-ons you might not own also won't impress anyone who's indignant that the company wants another 10 bucks for this.That aside, it's an undeniably fine demonstration of Nintendo's thoughtful design approach. It's cute, it's fun, and it's a shame the whole pack-in argument overshadows the delightful software. Anyone interested in tech, design, or Nintendo in general should check it out immediately.

NintendoWorldReport - Jordan Rudek - 7 / 10

However, it does feel like it may have served as a very effective pack-in title, perhaps just outside the pantheon of those I mentioned earlier. I get it, though: in a world where many don't have the patience for or interest in multi-page manuals, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour fills a role. Ultimately, I come away with a better sense of the capabilities of my new Nintendo console, and that at the very least helps ease the pain of my poor wallet.

NookGaming - Thomas Knight - 7 / 10

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour won't be for everyone or even most people, but it is very good at what it sets out to do. It nicely shows off all the features of the new console, includes some entertaining gameplay, and is surprisingly informative about how the technology behind it all works. If nothing else, it gives a hint of how future games may use some of these new features.

ProjectN - Paulo Victor - Portuguese - 73%

Welcome Tour isn’t exactly a game in the traditional sense, but it’s also far from being just a disguised manual. It’s an interactive experience carefully designed to introduce the Nintendo Switch 2 in a creative—and often charming—way. Overall, the title does a good job of being both playful and informative. However, at times it lacks depth and challenge, which can make the journey feel brief and somewhat unremarkable. In the end, Welcome Tour is a lovely introduction to the console, but it might have worked better as a complimentary welcome gift rather than a paid title.

Rocket Chainsaw - Adam Ghiggino - 3 / 5

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a unique oddity that certainly teaches you everything you could possibly want to know about the Switch 2, but doesn’t always make it fun.

Shacknews - David Craddock - 7 / 10

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Spaziogames - Italian - 6 / 10

On one side, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a good entry point for whoever wants to discover the console's potential, but on the other side you have to pay for it as you would any other game, without nothing more to show for it.

TheSixthAxis - Dominic Leighton - 6 / 10

After a day of playing Mario Kart World and Fast Fusion, Welcome Tour was a light, engaging way to wind down from high speed thrills. While it could arguably be a free pack-in exhibit, the £8 asking price is low enough that you shouldn't feel too hard done by for the curious. If you want a undemanding and easily digested introduction to the way the Switch 2 works, then look no further. If you want an actual game, buy one of the other launch titles.

ZdobywcyGier.eu - Paweł Bortkiewicz - Polish - 6 / 10

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a pleasant game to play for an hour or two, but the longer you play, the more boring it becomes. The longer you play, the more repetitive it becomes and you realize that there is no real idea behind the core gameplay. Not to mention that the game requires additional accessories to complete it 100%. One thing is certain. This should never have been a paid game.

Game Information

Game Title: Mario Kart World

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch 2 (Jun 5, 2025)

Trailers:

• Mario Kart World – Mario Bundle – Nintendo Switch 2
• Mario Kart World Direct 4.17.2025
• Mario Kart World – Announcement Trailer (Nintendo Switch 2)

Developer: Nintendo

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 88 average - 97% recommended - 30 reviews

Critic Reviews

Areajugones - Ramón Baylos - Spanish - 9.5 / 10

Mario Kart World is the ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 launch game. This entry goes far beyond anything seen before in the franchise; it’s a true turning point. It’s simply better, offering far more than previous Mario Karts. Try it, or you’ll likely miss out on one of the decade’s best Nintendo games.

CBR - Mark O'Callaghan - 9 / 10

Mario Kart World is proving doubters wrong, as this is the innovation that Mario Kart needed. Even on the surface level, with docked support for 4K resolution and 120 FPS, the improvements are here. Because of all the new additions, everything feels more chaotic, and that’s a perfect compliment for any Mario Kart game.

Cloud Dosage - Jon Scarr - 4.5 / 5

Mario Kart World takes the series in a new direction with connected tracks, expanded online modes, and a massive open world. Knockout Tour is a highlight, delivering fast-paced chaos with 24 racers. While Free Roam feels underused, the core racing and presentation stay strong. Longtime fans will find plenty to enjoy, even if not every new idea lands.

Cubed3 - Jorge Ba-oh - 9 / 10

Does Mario Kart World bring something new to the series? A resounding yes. A reinvigorated setup with connected tracks within a bustling, vibrant, next-generation Super Mario Bros world. Mario Kart World is vibrant, playful, and truly feels alive. A compelling solo mode, knockout competition, and strong online play make it an essential Nintendo Switch 2 title.

Dexerto - James Busby - 4 / 5

It’s such a shame that the key selling point of the Mario Kart Switch 2 game, its open world, falls a bit flat, because pretty much everything else is so, so good. Ok, the lack of kart customization bothers me a little, but with a crazier cast of characters, fun items, and incredibly imaginative tracks, the racing is as good as it has ever been.

And in Knockout Tour’s hectic 24-player battle royale-style matches, it’s even better, proving that Nintendo can still deliver surprises that completely change the way we play its iconic games. I never thought I needed or wanted a BR-style mode in Mario Kart, and now I’m sitting here questioning why it’s never been added before. If only it had been called Mario Kart Knockout, eh?

Forbes - Ollie Barder - 9 / 10

Overall, Mario Kart World is a huge undertaking, but it still offers the classic Mario Kart progression we’ve all grown up with. Whether this will sell as much as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains to be seen, but from the off, Mario Kart World definitely has an enormous amount of content to wrap your head around, and the multiplayer will likely keep it an evergreen release for years to come, much like the other games in the series have been.

Fun Factor - Diogo Arez - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

Mario Kart World marks the beginning of a new console generation for Nintendo, and with it come several new introductions like Free Roam and Knockout Tour, with the latter being an amazing game mode. That said, some strange design choices in the grand prix and a lack of meaningful content at launch make the price point hard to recommend it outside of the console bundle.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 85%

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Game Rant - Dalton Cooper - 9 / 10

Mario Kart World is a gorgeous racing game with endless hours of fun to be had, though its defining new game mode doesn't quite hit the mark.

GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 8 / 10

In most regards, Mario Kart World is the best entry in the series yet. There are a wealth of characters to race as and lots of vehicles, with many more to unlock, and the courses are absolutely brilliant. On top of that, a Mario Kart game has never felt so good to play. It's just a shame that its open world feels like an afterthought for the most part, and that it's so expensive.

Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4.5 / 5

Mario Kart World is a worthy successor to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, combining classic racing fun with fresh mechanics, a connecting open world, an expansive roster, and a brilliant Battle Royale mode—making it a joy for players of all ages.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.8 / 10

Mario Kart World is a solid and well-crafted addition to the long-running series. It faithfully preserves the franchise's time-tested pillars-tight driving mechanics, brilliantly designed tracks, and that chaotic yet irresistible item system-all of which continue to deliver moments of pure, laugh-out-loud joy.

Gfinity - Alister Kennedy - 8 / 10

If you are looking for the best Nintendo game at launch for Switch 2, look no further, but for fans of 8, you may need to wait for Mario Kart World to make the podium.

Netto’s Game Room - Benjamin Bell - Essential

Mario Kart World is an outstanding new entry in the long running series, and it is a worthy launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Its unique gameplay prevents it from being a replacement for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and allows for both games to exist on the same console side by side. Anyone who enjoys Mario Kart should for sure give this one a chance, and it is the perfect introduction for new players as well.

Nindie Spotlight - Justin Nation - 9.4 / 10

Unquestionably still the gold standard in kart racing, World makes some bold swings but there were some costs that came with them

Rocket Chainsaw - Adam Ghiggino - 4 / 5

Mario Kart World is still an excellent opener for the Switch 2’s life cycle, and one that people will likely find themselves coming back to for quite some time to come.

SECTOR.sk - Matúš Štrba - Slovak - 9.5 / 10

Mario Kart World is all about big numbers'tons of content, characters, vehicles, power-ups, tracks, and music. It all adds up to countless hours of fun, making this a game you'll be coming back to for years.

Stevivor - Steve Wright - 9 / 10

Let’s just hope that Nintendo can broaden what’s available in-game quickly, akin to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While we’re waiting for more Switch 2 games, we need more World.

The Games Machine - Paolo Besser - Italian - 9.5 / 10

Mario Kart World evolves the iconic series with interconnected tracks, expanded multiplayer chaos, and a thrilling mix of exploration and competition - all while staying true to its fun, frantic roots.

ZdobywcyGier.eu - Bartosz Michalik - Polish - 8 / 10

Objectively speaking, this is a really solid production which, although not without its flaws, such as wasted open-world potential and a somewhat confusing set of available characters, still does many things well. It looks very good, sounds phenomenal, and is technically flawless. There is a lot of content available at launch, and the design of the world and routes is impressive in its ingenuity. This title will certainly find its fans, and it can liven up more than one party. It is one of those games that I think is appreciated not so much for its depth, but for the lightness and joy it can give to the right person at the right moment.

Have you ever dreamed of becoming mayor of your own backwater town in the deep recesses of infinite space? Well, the best space exploration game of the decade just released another free expansion that will let you fulfill that particular fantasy to your heart’s content.

No Man’s Sky just dropped its latest update titled Beacon, a complete overhaul of what’s possible in planetary settlements made throughout the galaxy. As detailed in another one of Hello Games’ excellent trailers, Beacons allows players to discover and lead robotic towns as mayor. As a settlement leader, players can make crucial decisions about a town’s production and create new structures like bars and fishing ponds for townsfolk to enjoy. Keeping people happy will be a big part of this.

“You can upgrade the settlements,” Hello Games Managing Director Sean Murray says. “Each inhabitant has their own little backstory.”

Being a leader won’t just be about growing your town into a thriving center. Players will have to protect their settlement from outsiders and invaders by hiring a defensive squadron. They’ll also act as the mediator who resolves disputes between town inhabitants. The trailer promises this is just the beginning of Hello Games’ plans for overhauled settlement mechanics.

Posting this here because c/residentevil is pretty dead.

So I have a bit of a dilemma. I loved RE2, both versions but especially the remake, as well as Code Veronica, so I've been wanting a new Claire game for a really long time, not to mention wanting to finally get to play VII and the newer games. I've played all RE games chronologically up to Revelations 1 at this point, but RE5 has been a bottleneck for years.

I've heard that you need to have played RE5 to fully understand/appreciate the lore/plot points of Revelations 2, so I'd like to get through it, but I'm having trouble getting into 5 for a few reasons:

-It's more of an action game versus horror and the partner AI isn't great solo.

-I can't find anyone to play it with. I got to play the beginning with a friend a few years ago and had a blast, but we haven't played since.

-The game forces you to play as Chris first playthrough, but I want to play as Sheva.

-I don't want to play through the entire game as a character I don't like.

-I can't find any NG+ save files for PC where it's not 100% infinite ammo.

So I'm wondering if it's worth it to just skip RE5, watch cutscenes on YouTube, or just get the game over with as Chris. What are your thoughts? I'd love some other opinions as I'm not sure what to do and I'd like to finally get caught up and play the new games after all these years.

cross-posted from: https://piefed.blahaj.zone/post/24221

1. Stay near the vertical center of your side. Yamada is slow and he can't roll up or down so, the moment you get too far away from center, your opponent will hurl the ball too far for you to catch it.

2. Spend all your energy to spawn bombs. Your charged attack is awkward to use and isn't any stronger than a bomb. Bombs are life. Bombs are love.

3. Your side attacks (the ones that replace dash of other characters) are stronger than your main attack. For some reason, they often send the ball in a fast and erratic manner - this effects is triggered by after dash attacks on other characters, and are thus riskier than what you as Yamada can do. Absolutely abuse it (until enemy's AI becomes so sophisticated they can send this hell of a ball back at you).

After you have mastered the three teachings, only a few attempts will stay between you and cherry in Bushido Ball!

I'm trying to remember a video game from about ten to twenty years ago. It was a tactical military battle simulator. It was played from a bird's eye view. The player could move units like vehicles and infantry groups around a map and needed to defeat enemy troops. The simulation of the combat itself was very detailed. After each mission, the player was rated on e.g. time and logistics.

Does anyone know what game this could be?

Edit: mistral gave me the "Close Combat" series, which seems correct from my memory. They even have a recent installment in 2019, do I don't need to cope with 2010 graphics. Thanks for your help everyone!

Set to launch February 27, 2026

The dlc releases today!

Game Information

Game Title: to a T

Platforms:

• PC (May 28, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (May 28, 2025)
• Xbox Series X/S (May 28, 2025)

Trailers:

• TO A T | Coming to PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S May 28
• to a T - Reveal Trailer

Developer: uvula

Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 73 average - 57% recommended - 23 reviews

Critic Reviews

But Why Tho? - Mick Abrahamson - 6 / 10

To a T, tries hard to be like a Saturday morning cartoon. Yet just like trying to recapture that same experience nowadays, it overall feels like it's missing something. Granted, this issue may mostly apply to older players. Maybe, the ones who will find the most fun are those who play this with young kids.

COGconnected - Mark Steighner - 72 / 100

There’s no denying that to a T has an affecting message about the struggles of being different, but it’s cloaked in an amusing story and illustrated with appealing visuals and music. Undemanding younger players might not notice the disappointing mechanics, but older gamers probably will and feel the need for more substance. There’s a lot to enjoy about to a T, it’s just a shame the gameplay can’t quite match the warm-hearted quality of the writing and quirky ideas.

Checkpoint Gaming - David McNamara - 7.5 / 10

A joyful, unapologetically silly celebration of being different, To a T offers up a chaotic series of adventures that the right player will find absolutely delightful. On top of this, it explores themes of disability inclusion, bullying, and loss in a positive and uniquely accessible way. Despite some moments of tedium and a little too much repetition, To a T is a jolly great time and a perfect treat for younger or cosy gamers.

Console-Tribe - Simone Cantini - Italian - 70 / 100

Keita Takahashi stays true to himself, and with To a T, he once again defies gaming and commercial conventions. He creates a highly personal experience that, despite its minimal gameplay, delivers a powerful message of tolerance and inclusion. While it lacks in pure gameplay depth, its artistic and narrative strength make it compelling. Ultimately, it's an auteur-driven game that simply needs the right audience to fully shine—just as expected from Takahashi, whom we appreciate for exactly this reason.

Digital Trends - Giovanni Colantonio - 3 / 5

It’s all a little Sesame Street in its approach, boiling everything down to a thin “we’re all just a little different” conclusion that feels insufficient. As clumsy as it may be, though, I can’t fault To a T for trying to craft an inclusive story that’s delivered with sincerity. It’s heartening to see a video game story that centers disability and encourages players to connect with one another’s experiences through play. It’s not perfect, but nothing is. To a T challenges us to reject the status quo, both in the way it experiments with a well-trodden genre and in its story about embracing our differences. The view out your window is bound to get boring when you see the same thing every day.

Entertainium - Gareth Brading - 5 / 5

If you have children or are a child at heart, to a T is a heartwarming adventure with plenty of laughs along the way.

Final Weapon - Saras Rajpal - 4 / 5

to a T is an extremely charming adventure from beginning to end. The story, visuals, sound design, and music is filled with so much heart and evokes the sort of cartoons you'd see on Nick Jr. or Disney Junior. While there are some issues here and there, namely with the repetition of the gameplay loop, the camera, and a few major glitches, if you're looking for an affordable family/child friendly game, then to a T is the title for you.

GameBlast - Hiero de Lima - Portuguese - 9.5 / 10

to a T is a love letter to humanity and the differences that make us so special. Its absurdist sense of humor walks hand in hand with its love of the unusual and is the wrapping to an experience that'll have you smiling from ear to ear. It is, without a doubt, a perfect example as to why Keita Takahashi's dreamy worldview is so beloved worldwide; getting to know the T-shaped world of Teen, Dog and co. is more than worth it.

GameSpot - Steve Watts - 6 / 10

To A T is a quirky and charming story about an underexplored topic; if only the act of playing it were a little more fun.

Gamepressure - Matt Buckley - 9 / 10

To a T is one of the strangest, most adorable, most heartwarming games I’ve played in a long time. Through all its absurdities, it has a profound message that will stay with you long after you put the controller down. This is a short, delightful experience that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone. It’s nearly impossible to play this game without smiling.

GamesRadar+ - Andrew Brown - 4 / 5

To a T is weird to its bones, and it's clear Uvula takes great pride in that. The whole thing is nebulous by design, and isn't so much a grand gesture of positivity as it is an ode to the little quirks you love almost without realizing.

Loot Level Chill - Lyle Pendle - 8.5 / 10

To a T may seem like a totally ridiculous video game in concept, but it has a lot of heart, fun exploration, and some seriously catchy songs.

MonsterVine - Spencer Legacy - 3 / 5

to a T is certainly a unique and charming game, but it’s not quite as fun as I had hoped. There are enjoyable bits and pieces throughout the experience, but for the most part, it never quite grabbed me in its roughly five-hour runtime.

PC Gamer - Christopher Livingston - 70 / 100

A weird and funny story with a lot of surprises, but control and camera issues dampen the fun.

Push Square - Liam Croft - 8 / 10

From one odd scenario to the next, to a T manages to be just as quirky and ludicrous as it is personal and touching. The overriding emotion, though, is one of joy. to a T is the perfect pick-me-up, guaranteed to make you smile no matter the circumstances.

RPG Fan - Tom Naylor - 82 / 100

to a T's unabashed silliness more than makes up for its occasional bugs and mechanical foibles, with a style and sensibility that's as sweet and heartfelt as it is cheeky and strange.

Shacknews - Ozzie Mejia - 8 / 10

This game has all of that, but it's also wrapped in a story that's inspirational to kids and adults alike. The game may not be perfect, because there are some dialogue issues that point to some localization snafus and occasional bugs that forced me to start from a previous save point. With that said, it won't take much to have you singing the main character's praises. He is, after all, the perfect shape.

Slant Magazine - Steven Scaife - 4 / 5

But To a T remains a life sim, lavishing idiosyncratic detail on its ground-level view of the world. Flight is just one stop along a broader, sillier journey that depicts Teen’s growing comfort in their own skin.

TheGamer - Jade King - 4 / 5

To a T is a delightful adventure, and the most accomplished we’ve ever seen Keita Takahashi as a fully-fledged storyteller. He is far more than absurd scenarios and strange mechanics, proving here that he can combine both of these with excellent storytelling that is simple yet effective in its characters, themes, and how it makes us sympathise with different ways of looking at the mundanity of life we might have never considered before. Few games this year have so much heart.

Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 8.1 / 10

to a T really connected with me and lifted my spirits during a particularly rough time. If you sometimes struggle in life and especially if you're disabled, I sincerely can't recommend this adorable, silly, and heartwarming game enough. 🤭

WellPlayed - Josefina Huq - 7 / 10

Players in To a T will live the life of a teenager while they navigate their town in perpetual T-pose. The game boasts wholesome themes of diversity and body positivity wrapped in a layer of brightly coloured weirdness, but its gameplay and story may not be engaging enough to keep both children and adults spinning along. Those with an interest in cooking and singing giraffes, having a dog sidekick, and becoming invested in a whacky plot-twist may find this a refreshing opportunity to turn their brain off for a few hours.

Xbox Tavern - Corey Lyle - 6 / 10

Listen, I am usually the first to play “weird” games or at least give them a go. This one was no different. It wasn’t quite what I expected and that’s okay. And the story has heart so I would encourage players to try it and see for yourself just what others can come up with in the creative space like videogames. If it had more gameplay elements, I’d probably be more keen on it but you may find a hidden gem in this one for yourself. You never know.

XboxEra - Jon Clarke - 6 / 10

There’s a lot of that wonderful charm – from its simplistic, bright and colourful presentation, great music and some amusing writing, but it unfortunately outweighs its welcome far to swiftly, even at only 5-6 hours or so in length.

I've been working really hard on a big project, I finally finished it, and now I'm bored. I want to play an RPG where I can slaughter hordes of enemies as a pretty girl who looks like me. Yes, I want self-indulgent trash. I'm tired of trying at things, I want to relax, kill things, and see boobs. No MMOs please, I want a good rate of progression. Indie games preferred.

Games like what I'm looking for:

• Prey (2017)
• Carrion
• Skyrim
• Borderlands
• Vermintide
• Hades (But I want to play as a girl)
• Control

Reading these news feels satisfying.