Latest news with #Gematsu
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Square Enix cancels Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link and shifts focus to Kingdom Hearts IV development
Square Enix has officially announced the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, its GPS-based action RPG originally planned for iOS and Android. First announced in April 2022, the game underwent a closed prototype test in January 2023. Originally slated for a 2024 launch, the game was delayed indefinitely in November last year. An important announcement regarding KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link. — Official KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link (@KHMLink_NA) May 14, 2025 In a statement released by the development team and shared by Gematsu on May 14, Square Enix expressed regret over the decision, offering apologies to fans who had been anticipating the game's release. 'Although we worked hard on developing and adjusting the game… we determined that it would be difficult for us to offer a service that players would find satisfactory over a long period of time,' the company stated. The developers also extended thanks to players who participated in the closed beta testing phases and supported the project during its early stages. The cancellation comes despite extensive development efforts aimed at creating a mobile experience tailored for long-term player engagement. Despite the setback, Square Enix reaffirmed its commitment to the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Development on Kingdom Hearts IV remains ongoing. The company assured fans that the series remains a priority, stating, 'We are hard at work on Kingdom Hearts IV, and hope you'll continue to support the series as you keep an eye out for further updates.' No new details or release timeline have been shared for Kingdom Hearts IV at this time.
Metro
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Nintendo Switch 2 small print causes confusion over upgrades and game-key cards
Nintendo has been muddying the water again when it comes to the Switch 2 launch line-up, as visual upgrades for Super Mario Party Jamboree come with a strange caveat. Nintendo's messaging around the Switch 2 has been a mess ever since its big reveal earlier this month, and while the company finally offered some clarification around game prices in the UK this week, a whole new can of worms has now opened concerning game-key cards. If you're unfamiliar, game-key cards are presented as an alternative way to buy and share physical games. Unlike normal physical Switch titles, which come with the game data on the cartridge, these cards are used as a key to download the game from the Nintendo eShop. Once it is downloaded, you then play the game by inserting the card into your system. These game-key cards aren't tied to your Nintendo Account, so they can be shared or resold like normal physical games, but the lack of game data on the cartridge, coupled with the reliance on an online store, has raised some eyebrows among physical collectors. The bad news is, a big chunk of the Switch 2 launch line-up has adopted this method. As highlighted by Gematsu, almost all physical third party Switch 2 games in Japan, except Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, use game-key cards. Only Nintendo's first party games, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, use standard game cards. It appears to be a similar situation in the West, albeit with some differences. Pre-orders on UK retailer Smyths show Hitman World Of Assassination – Signature Edition, Street Fighter 6: Year 1-2 Fighters Edition, and Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster all use game-key cards. Meanwhile, Amazon listings in the US show the likes of Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Sonic X Shadows Generations, and Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess all carry the game-key card logo on the box – so it's likely this will apply in the UK too. Switch 2 game pre-orders have been up in Japan for a few hours, revealing all physical third-party games (so far—except Cyberpunk 2077) that are not "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" to be shipping on game-key cards (requires internet to download the full game). — Gematsu (@ 2025-04-23T18:57:30.823Z Notably, indie publisher Marvelous has released a statement (via Nintendo Life) to clarify the physical editions of Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma, Story Of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, and Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion in the West will have the full game on the cartridge – unlike Japan where it is a game-key card. These key cards are presumably a cheaper way for developers to distribute physical games, and while it does offer advantages over buying digitally, old school physical collectors will be perturbed by the amount of Switch 2 games already adopting this approach. It appears these game-key cards haven't eliminated a greater evil: the dreaded 'code-in-a-box'. According to a listing on US retailer Best Buy, physical copies of EA's Split Fiction on Switch 2 will not include any game card at all, which means you won't be able to resell it. Overall, while many might not be bothered by these differences, as digital downloads are around 90% of all sales nowadays, the lack of consistency across physical versions isn't exactly reassuring for those who prefer boxed copies, especially as they're the most consumer-friendly option. The ever expanding grey areas concerning the Switch 2 have carried over to the upgraded versions of Nintendo's first party games too. While these include the full game on the cartridge, users on ResetEra have spotted some small print to suggest the improvements aren't quite as comprehensive as previously thought. According to Nintendo's website, the Switch 2 version of Super Mario Party Jamboree, which comes with the added Jamboree TV mode, supports up to 1440p resolution when docked to the TV. However, a disclaimer at the bottom states this upgraded resolution is for 'Jamboree TV only'. This implies the improved 1440p resolution only applies to the new game mode, and isn't an upgrade across Super Mario Party Jamboree at large. An Amazon UK listing appears to support this, with the 1440p docked resolution and 1080p resolution in handheld and tabletop modes being listed as 'Jamboree TV only'. More Trending This is probably because Jamboree TV has been built as a separate entity, but it feels very low effort when Nintendo is asking for £16.99 to upgrade to the Switch 2 version. This edition does boast a 'visually enhanced and improved frame rate' across the board, so there are some blanket upgrades, but it is still an odd caveat to throw into the mix – especially as it's only being brought up now. This wrinkle has sparked concern for other Switch 2 Edition games, with Kirby And The Forgotten Land, which comes with a Star-Crossed World expansion, also boasting 'improved graphics and frame rate' – although without any small print as of yet. This version, which is set to launch on August 28, also costs £16.99 to upgrade or £66.99 physically. Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games which do not feature any new content, such as The Legend Of Zelda remasters, have cheaper upgrades of £7.99 each. When coupled with the furore around the price for Mario Kart World, and confusion around prices for games at large, it's clear Nintendo has a task on its hands communicating all this information to the average consumer – even if it clearly hasn't slowed down pre-orders. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered review – remaster of the year MORE: Games Inbox: When will there be more UK Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders? MORE: New Lego Fortnite sets feature Klombo and Mecha Team Leader
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
PS5, PS4 Action RPG Shutting Down, Bringing 2025's Total to 6
A recently released PS5 and PS4 action RPG will shut down in the next few months. This will make it the sixth game to sunset in 2025. The game that is going offline is developer Aiming's Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Battle Chronicle. Aiming announced it will end service for the PS5 and PS5 versions of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Battle Chronicle on September 29, 2025. No reason behind its termination is given. Aiming will end Paid Selas Sales for the PS4 and PS5 versions of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Battle Chronicle on July 30, 2025. After that day's maintenance period, PlayStation players can no longer purchase the game's microtransactions. 'We regret to inform you that the distribution of 'Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Battle Chronicle' for PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5 will be discontinued,' reads the statement. 'We apologize for the sudden announcement to our players.' 'We deeply apologize for this sudden announcement and would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the players who have supported us until now,' the statement ends. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Battle Chronicle launched on the PS Store on February 13, 2024. While the PS4 and PS5 versions will cease to exist, the PC, iOS, and Android versions will remain in service. Here are all the PS4 and PS5 games being sunset in 2025 so far: xDefiant Dauntless MultiVersus Resident Evil Re:Verse Spectre Divide Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Battle Chronicle (Source: Gematsu) The post PS5, PS4 Action RPG Shutting Down, Bringing 2025's Total to 6 appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beloved PS2 Series Might Be Getting First New Game in 14 Years
It looks like a popular PS2 series is set to make a return with a new game, if a trademark application by its publisher is anything to go by. Bandai Namco Entertainment is no stranger to 'leaking' its own games by filing trademark applications shortly before announcements. This time, it looks set to announce something called Once Upon a Katamari. The Katamari series, which debuted in 2004, has been revived for modern consoles. However, it hasn't received a new entry in 14 years since 2011's PS Vita exclusive, Touch My Katamari. According to Gematsu, Bandai Namco filed a trademark application for Once Upon a Katamari and something called Gekishin Squadra on February 27 and February 14, respectively. Once Upon a Katamari was trademarked in Europe whereas Gekishin Squadra was trademarked in both Europe and the United States, indicating Western releases. At the moment, it's unclear if Touch My Katamari is a new game or not, but we can't think of any other possibilities. We've already received remastered versions of the classics, so we're leaning towards Touch My Katamari being a PS5 game. As for what Gekishin Squadra is, your guess is as good as ours. Gematsu pointed out that 'Gekishin' is not a Dragon Ball-specific term despite being used by the franchise before. We'll keep an eye out for more information and keep our readers posted. The post Beloved PS2 Series Might Be Getting First New Game in 14 Years appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nintendo Switch RPG Leaked for PS5, PS4 Alongside Release Date
A Level 5 RPG that was only announced for the Nintendo Switch may also be headed to the PS5 and PS4, according to a new leak. The leaker in this case happens to be none other than the PS Store, which published a listing for FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time. The page has since been removed but screenshots are already making rounds online. According to FANTASY LIFE i's now-deleted PS Store page, which was first spotted by Gematsu, the game will release on PS5 and PS4 on April 23 or April 24, depending on your time zone. A screenshot of the listing can be viewed below: 'Begin a fantastic life on a ruined island, and embark on a great adventure into the past!' reads an official description. 'Gather friends, craft, and build your own city! Adventure and live at a free and relaxed pace. Many new encounters await! Start your new life in a place that's entirely yours!' It's unclear when the official announcement will be made, but Level 5 fans can rest assured that the game is all but confirmed for the PS5 and PS4. The post Nintendo Switch RPG Leaked for PS5, PS4 Alongside Release Date appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.
