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The Yakuza / Like a Dragon franchise is now officially 20 years old, and RGG Studio has produced a rather touching little video to celebrate. Said video shows the past 20 years of a man's life, as he goes from being an overwhelmed university student to a stressed out office worker. Granted, this doesn't sound very celebratory, but at each pivotal point in his life, he recalls words of wisdom from Kazuma Kiryu himself, and he finds the strength to push on. He's even got Kaz's chin scruff by the end of it. It may seem crazy to think that the series has been around for so long, but then we can't forget that it's only really caught on in the west over the last decade. It was Yakuza 0 (released in 2017 outside of Japan) that put the property on the map for many, but Kiryu's been kicking bad guys to bits since the PS2 era. Indeed, the very first Yakuza launched all the way back on the 8th December, 2005. Yakuza / Like a Dragon has come a long way since, as evidenced by the fact that three Yakuza re-releases are out today on PS5. Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are now available on Sony's current-gen system, while Yakuza Kiwami 3 is still locked in for a 12th February 2026 launch. How long have you been playing Yakuza / Like a Dragon games for? Did you ever think it'd become the franchise that it is today? Show us your favorite heat action in the comments section below.

Although Capcom has remained tightlipped on the prospect of Leon Kennedy cropping up in the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem, a good number of fans are adamant that the veteran character will indeed appear. However, a new listing over on GameStop drops some new information regarding the Deluxe Edition of the game which, if accurate, seems to hint at a completely different playable character: Rosemary Winters (thanks, IGN). Rose Winters is, if you remember, the protagonist in the Shadows of Rose DLC for Resident Evil: Village, having previously appeared in the main game as, uh... a bunch of dismembered limbs. Look, it's a pretty wild story. The listing from GameStop specifically mentioned some cosmetic items for Rose, including the 'Morphic Visor' and 'Shadow Walker' costume pack. This is all very bizarre indeed, not least because of how old Rose would be in Requiem's story. The new game is said to take place in 2028, which would essentially make her seven or eight years old. The Shadows of Rose DLC shot the story forward to the year 2037 in which she was portrayed as a teenager. So if Rose does indeed appear as a child, would she really wear a visor of some sort? Would she wear a 'Shadow Walker' costume set? We're not so sure. Either way, the listing from GameStop is still up at the time of writing, so there seems to be at least some modicum of accuracy to it. The listing also seems to imply that the popular Mercenaries Mode will also make a return in Requiem, while two new story scenarios are also being planned for the future.

It looks like Housemarque plans to open digital PS5 pre-orders for Saros in the very near future, as standard and Digital Deluxe editions of the game were rated in Taiwan earlier today. Of course, with The Game Awards set to take place later this week, it appears likely that the PS5 title will appear during the show with a new trailer and official pre-order details. It's already scheduled in for 20th March 2026, meaning that the release is only three months away now. In recent years, Digital Deluxe editions of games have moved away from the season pass model, and — Sony's special editions in particular — instead, they bundle the base game with additional outfits, weapons, and upgrade tokens. You can probably expect this one for Saros to be similar, with protagonist Arjun Devraj getting some extra costumes for the intense trek across Carcosa. For when you can likely tune in for the announcement, check out our When Is The Game Awards 2025 guide. Are you looking forward to Saros off the back of Returnal? Let us know in the comments below.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, Sony announced Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake, a timed PS5 exclusive modernisation of the classic RPG. We first heard about this project way back in September 2021, but reported difficulties with development have significantly delayed its production. Now, rumour has it that it may finally be time for the game to make a reappearance. This comes from a leaker known as Kurakasis, who says a "big Star Wars game announcement is coming very soon", later clarifying that the game's title ends with "The Old Republic": Knights of the Old Republic Remake was originally in development at Aspyr, but duties were reportedly handed over to Saber Interactive, delaying the game indefinitely. The only thing made public about the project is its CG teaser trailer, which isn't even on official channels anymore, apparently due to the music licence expiring. We've heard very little about the game over the years, but Saber Interactive insists that it's still alive and in development. It would be great to see this game come back, hopefully with more to show, and The Game Awards would be a great venue for it. It is possible that this rumour could be related to some other project within the Old Republic universe; some speculate it could be a Total War game, for example. What are your thoughts on this? Have you been waiting to see the KOTOR remake return? Tell us in the comments section below.

Hideo Kojima and his team have only ever made great games, but even he is unsure about how OD, the title he's making with Xbox, will turn out. In an interview with Ananweb (via Automaton), Kojima is asked about his upcoming projects now that Death Stranding 2 is out. He says that while the latest trailer may make it look like a traditional horror game, it's actually "something completely different". He continues: "I can't say what it is yet, and I don't know if it will work. We've made games that haven't been done before, like games where you can't be found or games where you have to make deliveries, but the system is the same as other games." In the case of OD, Kojima says the developer is attempting to create "a different service format from the system", and it could be "quite challenging" to make. OD is thought to be the next project Kojima Productions will release, as Physint — which is being developed in partnership with PlayStation — is still incredibly early in development. Horror movie maker Jordan Peele is working with Kojima on the project, but it's only confirmed for Xbox Series X|S so far. Given the multi-platform moves Microsoft has made recently, however, there's a good chance OD releases for PS5 too. On Physint, Kojima jokingly says it could be made in his sleep since it's an espionage game. According to Kojima, the challenge with Physint comes from coming up with "new gimmicks" and crossing "the line between film and game". Kojima Productions is thinking of having filmmakers on board for Physint as staff, not just as part of the cast. It's so early in production, though, that the chances are we're realistically looking at a PS6 title. Do you want to play OD on PS5? Let us know in the comments below.

Even though 2023's Dead Space remake was a hit both critically and commercially, publisher EA apparently has "no plans" to develop another instalment in the series. And perhaps even more revealing, there's now talk of the company selling the horror IP off, in a bid to correct the debt that'll inevitably envelop EA when its acquisition deal closes next year. This is according to anonymous sources from within the publisher, as per Insider Gaming. Said sources are "hoping" that EA will want to move Dead Space on to a new owner. Indeed, it sounds like Dead Space could be one of numerous properties to be leveraged; it's described as being put "on ice", suggesting that the publisher has no interest in continuing the franchise itself. Just to quickly recap, EA is set to be bought out by a consortium made up of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside US-based investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. Recent reports have said that the PIF will own the vast majority (93.4%) of the company. The acquisition will cost the consortium a whopping $55 billion, but a huge part of that sum will be borrowed, dumping around $20 billion worth of debt on EA. In other words, there are going to be a lot of sales, closures, and layoffs throughout the company over the next few years. And so, onlookers — and EA employees — are currently weighing up the bits and pieces that its new owners could deem to be sellable assets. Again, Dead Space could be one such IP. Would you be okay with Dead Space jumping ship? Are you surprised there's no new game in the works? Stomp on some abominations in the comments section below.

For fans who have spent the last decade waiting for a true successor to the Looking Glass Studios classics, Legacy of Shadow is a complicated gift. It is not the hardcore immersive sim of the late 90s, but it is also far better than the infamous 2014 reboot. It sits somewhere in the middle: a genuinely atmospheric VR stealth game that nails the feeling of being a master thief, even if it sometimes stumbles on the mechanics. The GistYou don’t play as Garrett this time. Instead, you step into the boots of Magpie, a street-smart protégé. However, the legendary Master Thief (voiced again by the iconic Stephen Russell) is present as a "construct"—a spirit guiding you through a mechanical eye. The game is built from the ground up for VR, meaning the focus is on tactile interactions: physically reaching out to snatch loot, manually picking locks, and drawing your bowstring. The GoodThe Atmosphere is Back: The "City" feels right. The steampunk-meets-medieval aesthetic is heavy with fog, gloom, and gear-turning machinery. Hearing Stephen Russell’s gravelly voice in your ear instantly triggers nostalgia. Tactile Thievery: This is where the game shines. Looting: You don't just press 'X' to steal. You physically reach out, grab a goblet, and toss it over your shoulder into your backpack. It’s incredibly satisfying. Lockpicking: You insert picks with one hand and apply tension with the other, listening for the tumbler clicks. It’s tense and immersive. The Bow: Nocking a water arrow to douse a torch from across a courtyard feels fantastic. The Light Gem: A clever UI adaptation places the classic visibility gem on the back of your hand. A quick glance tells you if you are hidden in shadow or exposed in the light. Comfort: The game offers a robust suite of comfort options (vignetting, snap turning, teleport vs. smooth walk) making it accessible even if you don't have strong "VR legs." The BadArtificial Intelligence: The guards are... dim. They often struggle to spot you even when you feel exposed, and their patrol routes are rigid. If you are looking for the hyper-intelligent AI of Metal Gear Solid or the original Thief, you will find this too easy. Binary Stealth: The shadow mechanic can feel "on/off." You are often completely invisible in a shadow that realistically shouldn't hide you, which can break immersion. Length: The campaign runs about 6–8 hours. It is a tight experience, but it lacks the sprawling, labyrinthine maps of the original games. Quest Visuals: On standalone headsets (Quest 2/3), the textures can look muddy and flat compared to the PCVR or PSVR 2 versions, which feature dynamic shadows and much sharper lighting. The Verdict: 7/10Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is a "vibe" game. If you want to inhabit that world, physically sneak through dark corridors, and listen to Garrett begrudgingly mentor you, it is a delight. However, hardcore stealth purists may find the gameplay loops a bit too casual and the AI too forgiving. Recommended for: VR owners looking for a slower-paced, atmospheric game. Thief fans desperate for any new content (hearing Stephen Russell is worth the price of admission alone). Skip if: You require highly complex AI opponents. You are looking for a 20+ hour RPG.

Just under two months since the ROG Xbox Ally first arrived, it's just received its first major discount! Xbox has officially reduced its price by $100 in the US until December 20th, although only at certain retailers. This brings the price of the standard ROG Xbox Ally down from $599 to $499 USD (or actually slightly lower in some cases) in time for Christmas, although keep in mind that supplies are limited and may not last until that Dec. 20 date. Here's a look at Xbox's marketing for this deal: A quick glance shows us that the ROG Xbox Ally is currently discounted at ASUS, Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart, but it's sold out on the Microsoft Store (and will likely disappear at Amazon soon too). The discount unfortunately doesn't apply here in the UK, where the lowest price we've found is at Harvey Norman for £479.00. In terms of whether it's worth it, we've only been hands on with the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X version, but that system is fantastic and offers great ergonomics, cooling and access to a ridiculous number of games through the Xbox app, Steam, Epic Games Store and various other storefronts. The standard ROG Xbox Ally offers the same thing, but with reduced performance - similar to how the Xbox Series S stacks up against the more powerful Xbox Series X. Here's a look at those deals, and do let us know if you spot any other great offers beyond the US!

There's been an unfortunate narrative doing the rounds on social media this weekend about Xbox consoles, and it's all to do with some new Black Friday 2025 data that suggests the Series X and Series S sold poorly during BF week. Specifically, Mat Piscatella of the analysis group "Circana" took to Bluesky on Sunday to share how the PlayStation 5 dominated Black Friday week with 47% of gaming hardware sales in the US, followed by the Switch 2 at 24% and the little-known NEX Playground at 14%. The other 15% will have been shared by the Xbox Series X, Series S, Switch 1 and whatever else falls into the hardware category (not specified). To be honest, we had to look up the NEX Playground to figure out what it was — apparently it's a Kinect-like system for "kids and families" that's got amazing reviews and only costs $249 USD. The things you learn! As you can see, it wasn't great in the UK either. The Game Business reported that Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S only accounted for 10% of the market during Black Friday week, with the PS5 racking up a whopping 62%. Before we get all doom and gloom though, this is exactly what was to be expected. Xbox basically had no Black Friday deals for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S apart from some extremely slight reductions at a handful of retailers (mostly in the UK), whereas the PS5 received massive reductions and therefore ended up selling predictably well. Industry experts have warned that the BF sales data doesn't tell us much about "consumer demand" for Xbox: Nevertheless, the fact that Xbox Series X|S apparently lost to the NEX Playground in the US not only makes for an interesting angle, but adds fuel to the narrative that nobody's buying Xbox consoles anymore. There is a good reason behind it in this case, but that part's inevitably getting overlooked by many fans of the industry. Should Xbox have made a bigger effort to sell Series X and S consoles during Black Friday this year? Maybe that's a lesson to learn for next time, but we have a feeling Microsoft's more focused on the future of its hardware, services and software rather than continuing to push the Series X and S right now.

Nightdive Studios is bringing its awesome System Shock remake to the Switch and Switch 2, and we can now exclusively reveal that it'll be available to play from 18th December 2025. Originally released in 2023, System Shock is a comprehensive yet faithful remake of the 1994 FPS from Looking Light Studios. Development was lengthy and somewhat troubled, with Nightdive striving to reboot the original with more modern design principles. In the end, however, to deliver on the promises of its initial Kickstarter campaign, the team chose to lean more towards a remake, keeping the core elements of the original intact while introducing a plethora of quality-of-life updates. Ultimately, Nightdive succeeded in its goal, and System Shock received mostly positive critical acclaim upon release. Taking place in the year 2072, you play as an unnamed hacker who awakens in a station under total control of SHODAN, an AI completely removed from its moral and ethical restraints. Grotesque mutations and cyborgs roam the station, and it's up to you to defeat SHODAN. With visuals blending pixel art textures and modern lighting technology, the System Shock remake is, to put it lightly, a vibe. It's a significantly different experience compared to System Shock 2, which Nightdive also released on the Switch earlier this year. If you're curious, we definitely recommend giving it a shot. For those on Switch 2, the game will offer up both gyro aiming and optional mouse controls. Images: Nightdive Studios

What do you do when you're surfing the old interwebs and happen upon a bunch of lovely gaming folk wondering if anyone has ever stuffed a Switch — in fully working order — into a Wii U GamePad (also still in complete working order)? Well, if it were us, we'd shut off our internet and go for a nice, long walk outside. Maybe we'd never come back. However, (and as reported by GoNintendo) retro gaming YouTuber and modder extraordinaire @KouzexMods accepted it as a challenge and decided it was time to take matters into their own hands. As you can see in the impressively detailed video up top, this was no half-hearted job either. Nope, this expert retro modder has gone all in, drawing up a list of rules to stick by and everything, and it's fascinating to watch along as a Switch Lite console is stripped right down, very carefully, whilst designs are drawn up for how to have every part of the Wii U GamePad still fully functional whilst making it useable and comfortable. Images: @KouzexMods Images: @KouzexMods There are even some improvements made to the base Switch console's performance during the process here, with upgrades to its battery, screen and a few other things that you can check out in the vid. Honestly, it's worth watching the full thing to see just how much effort and ingenuity went in here, and how problems met along the way were circumvented. The vid wraps up with what we have to say looks like a very polished hybrid console, and muscle memory tells us that — let's face it — it's probably way more comfortable to hold than a vanilla Switch Lite. Man, that GamePad was comfortable. Like the modding job that's been done here? Fancy turning your GamePad (if you're one of the seventy or so people who owned one) into a Switch? Let us know! (But also, don't blame us when you break it)

Polymega Collection Vol. 6 - Heavy Barrel features two Data East-made run-and-gun shooters, neither of which really achieved the same level of fame as the likes of Commando, Ikari Warriors and Mercs back in the day. 1987's Heavy Barrel was clearly an attempt by Data East to muscle in on the craze for horizontally-scrolling shooters, and for the most part, it's a successful clone of the more notable examples from Capcom and SNK. Supporting two players at the same time, Heavy Barrel's levels scroll both horizontally and vertically, while keys you pick up during gameplay can be used to unlock chests and gain access to different weapons (a bit like Midnight Resistance, another Data East title). The most notable firearm is the titular 'Heavy Barrel', which cannot be acquired at once but has to be assembled from six different parts. It's the most potent weapon in the game and cuts through enemies like a hot knife through butter – but with a catch. It lasts for half a minute before it vanishes, which avoids you being so overpowered that you can literally sleepwalk through the game. Heavy Barrel got an NES port back in the day, but it can't really hold a candle to the arcade original – so it's great to see it get a new lease of life on Polymega. The aforementioned port is included, at least – so you can see just how weak it is when compared to the original. I would imagine there will be plenty of people out there who got their first taste of the game on Nintendo's console, so this could have some nostalgic appeal. However, even more appealing is the second game on this collection, 1991's Desert Assault (also known as Thunder Zone). This title was never ported to any home system back in the '90s, which is a crying shame as it's one of Data East's most accomplished arcade games. With its gorgeous visuals, insane set-pieces and support for up to four players, Desert Assault is simply brilliant – and, if you're interested in this kind of thing, there are a bunch of changes between the 'World' and Japanese versions of the game, which means it's worth experiencing both. Given that we've seen a lot of previous Polymega Collection releases with multiple games included, it feels a bit cheap for Playmaji to only have included two on this release (well, three if you count the NES port as a stand-alone game). Where's 1988's Bloody Wolf, for example, which is often considered by fans to be part of the same loose series as Heavy Barrel and Desert Assault? Still, while it's hard to argue that this sixth Polymega Collection is especially good value for money, at least the two games included are of a high standard.

Hitoshi Sakimoto has been composing music for video games for 40 years, and his remarkable contribution to the medium is being marked with a unique concert in London next year. "The Colors of Harmony will be the 40th anniversary of Hitoshi Sakimoto‘s work on soundtracks which brought to life many enchanting worlds created by legendary Japanese studios Vanillaware and Square Enix," says GameMusic.net, the company behind the event. "The composer will join us in person for this special evening, accompanied by the London Mozart Players orchestra and a host of talented soloists." Sakimoto has worked on titles such as Final Fantasy Tactics, Radiant Silvergun, Odin Sphere, Final Fantasy XII, Vagrant Story, Gradius V, Valkyria Chronicles and many, many more. He founded the music and audio production firm Basiscape in 2002, after leaving Square. "Music crafted by Basiscape under the direction of Hitoshi Sakimoto has always held a special place in the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide," adds Game Music.net. "The Colors of Harmony concert will feature beloved themes from Vanillaware titles such as 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, as well as Square Enix classics including Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII. Beyond the concert itself, there is an accompanying event planned with Hitoshi Sakimoto, the details of which will be revealed at a later stage." You can secure your tickets here.