GamersHeroes Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:41 AM The team at KRAFTON, Inc. will host an online showcase for the upcoming realistic life simulation game inZOI in just a few short weeks, on March 19. The post inZOI Global Showcase Happening March 19 appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
Kotaku Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:00 AM ![]() This week, Warner Bros. shuttered Monolith, the legendary studio responsible for games ranging from 2000's The Operative: No One Lives Forever to 2017's Middle-earth: Shadow of War. The closure means that the studio's promising Wonder Woman game, first revealed in 2021, has been cancelled as well. |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 11:35 AM ![]() What are the best Monster Hunter Wilds design codes? We're so grateful to the talented artists working with the Monster Hunter Wilds character creator tool, providing the community with handcrafted iconic warriors. Thanks to their hard work, we're able to hunt monsters as Wednesday's Jenna Ortega, something we couldn't possibly do on our own. If you'd rather spend your time hunting monsters in the action game than creating your character, Monster Hunter Wilds character codes give you instant access to highly detailed characters and Palicos. Once your Monster Hunter Wilds character is up and running, check out one of the best MH Wilds builds, and get hunting. Continue reading Monster Hunter Wilds character design codes MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Monster Hunter Wilds armor, Monster Hunter Wilds weapons, Monster Hunter Wilds review |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 11:24 AM ![]() If you're looking for the next perfect way to virtually scare your friends so hard they land in 2026, REPO is it. Steam's newest social horror game has a bit of Lethal Company about it, but twists the formula with in-game physics that make every action a dance with death. Players are already raving about it, and you can grab REPO for yourself at a 20% discount for a limited time. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best horror games , Best multiplayer games, Best co-op games |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 11:00 AM ![]() One of my earliest memories is playing the original Sonic the Hedgehog game from the 1990s, and I still have a lot of love for the franchise. That's why this Sonic gaming PC build is an absolute showstopper for me. It's simply gorgeous, with clean lines and a stunning blue color scheme that leaves me genuinely wanting to see more. This PC build manages to be bold and subtle in equal measure, using color sparingly but with a firm impact, helped by the pop of color in the water-cooling tubes. While the specs are a little dated compared to the best gaming PCs of today, there's still plenty of power for 1080p gaming, with an AMD gaming CPU and Nvidia graphics card. Of course, the specs aren't really what make this PC interesting anyway - just look at those tubing runs. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Ryzen 7 9800X3D review, Best gaming CPU, Radeon RX 7800 XT review |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:12 AM ![]() With Diablo 4 Season 8 postponed and as we await news on the next Path of Exile 2 update, one very promising 2025 ARPG has a special surprise announcement. Titan Quest 2, the long-awaited sequel to the beloved Greek mythology classic, is getting close to its early access launch, and now developer Grimlore Games reveals that we'll be getting our hands on one more class type than previously expected. The Rogue mastery joins the previously announced trio of Warfare, Earth, and Storm to further amplify your builds. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best fantasy games, Best games like Diablo, Best co-op games |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:05 AM ![]() The Two Point series is home to some of the best simulation strategy experiences around. Both the Hospital and Campus games offer you unparalleled freedom to hire, manage, and run the institutions how you see fit, and the new Two Point Museum is about to do the same for public exhibitions of history. We've already had a great time with the game, and advanced access is proving popular, so if you want to grab a Steam code ahead of launch you can get one cheap with Fanatical right now. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best management games, Two Point Museum system requirements, Two Point Museum Steam Deck guide |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:28 AM ![]() March 1, 2025: New SpongeBob Tower Defense codes for UPD 9 have arrived. What are the new SpongeBob Tower Defense codes? Bikini Bottom is in danger and only the sub-aquatic city's goofiest goobers can protect it. From SpongeGar to double Krabby Pattied-up Squidward, there's a wild cast of characters that can be called upon to aid the defense effort. Of course, these iconic faces come at a cost, requiring you to cough up Gems and Magic Conches to partake in the Roblox game's gacha system. Fortunately, the SpongeBob Tower Defense codes often reward you with these precious materials, so load up Roblox, dive into Bikini Bottom, and use the following codes to keep it safe. Continue reading SpongeBob Tower Defense codes March 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:32 AM ![]() March 1, 2025: We're out on the migration route looking for new Fisch codes for the Moby Dick update. What are the new Fisch codes? Promising the pinnacle of exploration and progression of what Roblox fishing experiences have to offer, Fisch gets even better when you use the latest working codes to get free rewards. After launching in early 2024, the Stardew-inspired fishing game by WoozyNate has seen millions of visits, meaning even more players just like you can benefit from the bonuses on offer. Just like when using Fishing Simulator codes, getting extra items or currency will make the Roblox angling experience far easier since you'll be able to access or buy upgrades much faster. That's even the case when trying out Meme Sea codes too. This quick and easy Fisch guide will tell you about all the free rewards you can get so far. Continue reading Fisch codes March 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:27 AM ![]() March 1, 2025: We're back to bashing eggs in the great search for new Pets Go codes. What are the new Pets Go codes? This is the latest spinoff from BIG Games Pets' series of Pet-themed Roblox experiences. This one lets you fulfill your dreams of collecting cube-shaped critters. When codes for free items or boosts are thrown into the mix, though, the experience for Pets Go will get even better. Just like when using Pet Simulator 99 codes or Pet Catchers codes, the opportunity to grab free rewards for Go should add even more fun to the pet-tapping RNG experience. For Roblox players searching for the latest Pets Go codes, this is the guide for you. Continue reading Pets Go codes March 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:31 AM ![]() March 1, 2025: A single new Blue Lock Rivals code is in ahead of the Don Lorzeno update. What are the new Blue Lock Rivals codes? While your metavision may let you play the perfect pinpoint pass, you'll need a little extra assistance perceiving all the freebies the Roblox game offers. Blue Lock Rivals throws you into world soccer's biggest pressure cooker, putting your skills to the test as you channel the playstyles of the hit series' biggest hitters on the field. Whether you're consuming your opponents Rin-style, or sending them to the store with your Nagi-esque tekkerz, you'll need to be on your A-game to succeed in the Roblox experience. Read on to find out the anime game's latest codes and how to redeem them. Continue reading Blue Lock Rivals codes March 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:33 AM ![]() March 1, 2025: We're expecting a new Dress to Impress code for the launch of the Style Showdown update. What are the new Dress to Impress codes? Look no further if you want to strut your stuff on the catwalk with all the latest fashion accessories. The latest DTI codes grant you the hottest cosmetics to add to your ensemble and create a stunning new look, and it's as simple as entering a code or two. As the name suggests, Dress to Impress is all about fashion, collecting new clothes, and trying out different styles. Unlike most Roblox games, these DTI codes permanently unlock a set of items to add to your wardrobe. If you're looking for extra freebies, we also have codes for some of the other best Roblox games such as Blox Fruits codes to help you get an edge on the competition. Alternatively, you can check out our list of Dress to Impress outfit ideas. Continue reading Dress to Impress codes March 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:50 AM ![]() March 1, 2025: There's a new Blox Fruits code to get you 2x xp this weekend. What are the new Blox Fruits codes? We've compiled a regularly updated list of all Roblox Blox Fruits codes to redeem in-game freebies like XP boosts, free Beli, and stat resets for your pirate adventures. Need a boost to take on the increasingly tricky competition? We've got you covered. Blox Fruits is one of the biggest Roblox games ever, thanks to its fun, anime-inspired pirate action. That said, it can be challenging to find new free codes, so we've done the hard work and listed all the active Blox Fruits codes in 2025, including for Update 23, in one handy place below. Once you're up to date on the new Blox Fruits codes, consider checking out our ultimate Blox Fruits guide or our in-depth Blox Fruits tier list for the current meta. Continue reading Blox Fruits codes March 2025 - 2x exp, reset stats and more MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 8:03 AM ![]() Take the blocky aesthetics and satisfying base building of Minecraft, combine it with the RTS elements of Age of Empires, and throw in the destructive delights of Besiege. What you've created is Castle Craft, a new action sandbox game all about constructing the ultimate fortress and demolishing any foe that attempts to stop you. Developed by Twin Earth and set to launch in April, you can try Castle Craft right now thanks to a new, free demo available as part of Steam Next Fest. Continue reading Besiege meets base building in new action sandbox game Castle Craft MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best sandbox games, Best building games, Best RTS games |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 7:34 AM ![]() Halo Infinite is easily one of the best feeling shooters around right now. The locomotion and control on offer when running, sliding, and mantling across a multiplayer arena is unmatched, and the series' leading sandbox gameplay pairs so well with it that I'm constantly hoping it'll make a huge comeback. Yes, the launch was rocky to say the least, but what's on offer after all this time is one of the best multiplayer FPS games around. It's about to get even better, too, as a new game mode is coming to shake things up. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Halo Infinite system requirements, Halo Infinite Bosses, Halo Infinite ranks |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 7:01 AM ![]() Perhaps my most anticipated free PC game of 2025 is finally about to open its doors to everyone. The Bazaar has been making the rounds in deckbuilding and strategy game circles since its closed beta release in October 2024. If you ever move in the Twitch or YouTube circles around games like Slay The Spire, Hearthstone, or TFT, there's a good chance you're already familiar with it - but until now, you could only join by purchasing one of the premium founders packs. Now, developer Tempo is ready to kickstart the road to full launch with the announcement of The Bazaar open beta release date. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best strategy games, Best card games, Best multiplayer games |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 6:22 AM ![]() First-person shooters wouldn't exist as they do today without the genre's '90s explosion. Games like Doom, Quake, Marathon, Unreal Tournament, and Half-Life all came to define the FPS back then, and each is still worth trying today. This is equally true of Turok, Iguana Entertainment's prehistoric and action-infused take on proceedings. Back in 2015 prolific remaster developer Nightdive Studios made Turok easily approachable for everyone, and now the team has suddenly made it even better. |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 5:48 AM ![]() March 1, 2025: We've added the latest Monopoly Go dice links for free dice rolls and tokens. How can I get Monopoly Go free dice links? The household favorite board game has been reimagined as a free-to-play app on smartphones, allowing everyone to experience the thrills of Monopoly on practically any device. Everything that makes the board game special is here in Monopoly Go, so you'll be collecting properties and building hotels as you go around the board, and there are a variety of multiplayer minigames to get through along the way. You're going to need to get your hands on Monopoly dice rolls, but they are difficult to come by no matter how far you are into the board game. There are ways to earn additional dice rolls, including logging into the game every day to collect daily bonuses, progressing further in the game, and inviting friends to try Monopoly Go. While you can also spend real money to unlock more dice rolls, you may want to give our list of Monopoly Go dice links a try instead, especially if you're waiting for the next Monopoly Go Golden Blitz event. Take a look at all the currently active Monopoly Go free dice links for today. Continue reading Free Monopoly Go dice links March 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best board games, Monopoly Go events, Monopoly Go dice |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 5:32 AM ![]() Monster Hunter Wilds is a fantastic game. I've now put around 100 hours into the mammoth new Capcom RPG, and I'm expecting to play much more of it over the coming months, especially as new monsters begin to arrive in the free title updates. If you're just getting started, however, there's one thing I'd recommend all players do as early as possible. It might not be quite as interesting as smacking Rey Dau over the head with that new hammer you've just built, but it'll make a world of difference to your experience. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Monster Hunter Wilds armor, Monster Hunter Wilds weapons, Monster Hunter Wilds review |
PCGamesN Saturday, March 1, 2025 8:58 AM ![]() Diablo 4's much-anticipated Season 8 has been pushed back by two weeks, to add a little polish. The good news, if you're a long-time Diablo player, is that Blizzard is teasing the return of an 'old friend'. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Diablo 4 builds, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred review, Diablo 4 classes |
Siliconera Saturday, March 1, 2025 12:00 PM
While Handyman Saitou in Another World often comes across as a slice-of-life isekai story, it also ends up being a serious explorations of characters and their relationships. Never is this so obvious as in volume 6. Because of the nature of the story, we get to see not only how much Saitou means to everyone in his party, but also the nuances of more personal one-on-one pairings.
Editor's Note: There will be spoilers for volume 6 of the Handyman Saitou in Another World manga below.
Volume 6 of Handyman Saitou in Another World volume 6 picks up right where the last volume of the manga left off. Raelza ended up separated from Saitou, Morlock, and Lafanpan went into the dungeon investigating the Golden Dullahan. When that happened, Raelza ended up with the Septicolor Knights leader, the Holy Knight Cadrea. That group is also searching for the unexpectedly strong foe that's venturing into higher levels of the labyrinth where it hadn't before.
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Right away, this already provides an opportunity for some insights. Recent installments pointed out the feelings that developed between Saitou and Raelza, as well as the general affection between everyone in the party. So rather than abandon her, the group is trying to reach the level where she dropped. There's also a sense of respect and immediate camraderie between Raelza and Cadrea, since the two are both strong warriors who loved people they traveled with.
It's especially fascinating when we get these glimpses at Saitou's inner thoughts concerning Raelza. We know he loves her. We've also seen over all the volumes how handy he's proven as a party member, thanks to his versatility. So even if he isn't physically strong, he's more than proven his value and worth in a multitude of other ways. But with this separation and possible danger posed by the Golden Dullahan, we're seeing his anxieties on full display. Given the nature of the foe and the ensuing events, it also makes it easy to see exactly why he might succumb to an attractive offer that would make him exactly who he thinks Raelza might need him to be, even though we have substantial proof over hundreds of pages that he's already that person.
Likewise, seeing Raelza's reactions to Saitou when he's at his worst and in danger are so heartening. Sad, considering what the two are going through, of course. But we're seeing her respond in kind and do things that put her own safety at risk to show exactly how important he is. She'll even turn on someone who previously she admired and respected if it means he'll be safe.
This goes for everyone. While the focus of this installment is Saitou and Raelza, as well as the comparison in some ways of their romance between Cadrea and her lost love, we also get prime examples of how much Morlock and Lafanpan care about Raelza and Saitou. There's the fact that neither is willing to abandon either character in the dungeon in Handyman Saitou in Another World volume 6. We also see them going out of their way to keep Saitou safe. This means also putting their own lives at risk, just like Raelza, with Lafanpan's assertion being even more potentially tragic and chilling.
Of course, I'm not going to spoil the outcome of this excursion into the dungeon, but volume 6 of the Handyman Saitou in Another World manga once again does a fantastic job of developing characters and showcasing relationships. We get an even better look at how the main couple Saitou and Raelza feel about each other. There's more background showing how everyone in the party feels about one another. It's just satisfying to see even more interactions involving the group.
Volume 6 of Handyman Saitou in Another World is available now, and Yen Press will release volume 7 on June 24, 2025. The anime is on Crunchyroll.
The post Handyman Saitou in Another World Manga Volume 6 Highlights Relationships appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:00 AM
Ever since I was little, I have adored the Digimon series. I always found the various anime series to be far better than Pokemon's anime, but the games were always severely lacking to me. That was, at least, until the Cyber Sleuth games. The turn-based combat and in-depth Digimon evolution system reeled me in for hundreds of hours. With Digimon Story: Time Stranger on the horizon, there are a few features and improvements I want to see.
For starters, bigger isn't always better in terms of the amount of Digimon that will be available in Digimon Story: Time Stranger. The last game in this JRPG sub-series had nearly 350 different ones to choose from. While more is welcome, such as around 400 Digimon in total, I want to see more of a focus on quality than quantity.
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There were only a couple of brand new, original Digimon featured in Hacker's Memory. Almost every single Digimon in that game already existed in some form or another. And the totally new ones? Well, you'd have to get pretty deep into the experience to check them out. That needs to change for this upcoming title.
I'd like to see more original Digimon, especially early on. It doesn't have to be a lot — maybe 15-20 — but it'd be nice if the three starters you can pick from were all brand new monsters. This would immediately surprise players and provide tons of replayability since players would want to know what the others turn into.
Another feature that would be great would be player customization. The protagonists of the previous two titles were pretty much set in stone in design. It appears this may be a similar situation in the upcoming title, but it would at least be nice to have clothing options. This would give you more stores to buy from, which would be neat in a fashion-forward location like Tokyo where places like Shibuya and Harajuku exist.
From there, it would be nice to have an expansion of the Digimon systems. The Digi Farm is a great part of the previous games. You could leave Digimon behind to level up and the like. I'd love to see an expansion of this, such as the ability to farm for special evolution materials that are otherwise a challenge to get. It would also be nice to have a breeding system of sorts. It is a grind to find certain Digimon and it is annoying having to constantly devolve and Digivolve rarer ones to see the other evolutions.
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Finally, there is the element of Digimon Story: Time Stranger multiplayer. There were light multiplayer options available in the previous titles, such as battling online. I would like to see a full expansion of this aspect. Let there be rooms or hub areas you can explore online alongside others. Having a more co-op focus would be thrilling and encourage playing more.
In addition, maybe these hub areas could act as places to challenge other players to battles or, dare I say, trade. Trading would be an intriguing feature. It isn't a requirement, but it would help with some of the grind to obtain fan-favorite Digimon.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger is suddenly one of my most anticipated games of 2025. I spent over 100 hours with both Cyber Sleuth games in the past and I fully expect to do the same here. While more of the same is better in this experience, there is room for improvements and changes. If Digimon Story: Time Stranger can bring more original Digimon, improve online, and bring player customization, it could be a must-play monster-collector and JRPG in 2025.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger will release for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC sometime in 2025.
The post Here's Hoping Digimon Story: Time Stranger Builds Up the Series With New Features appeared first on Siliconera. |
Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 11:01 AM
Fisch just launched its Moby update and, as you can probably tell, it involves a very famous whale. Just like all smaller updates, there are a couple of new things to go through, hence why we made this guide. Here's Everything New in the Fisch Moby Update.
All New content in Fisch Moby Update
Here's everything new in this mini-update:
Double XP extended weekend
You can enjoy double XP for three whole days. This is a great opportunity to level up and catch up to all your friends who are already fishing using the No-Life Rod. This XP buff also stacks with other XP buffs. We're definitely going to take advantage of this one.
New Skins, Bobbers, and Bundle
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As we've come to expect, there are a few new premium / limited items and bundles available. In case you are using the Royal Scepter, the No-Life Rod, or the... Training Rod (Seriously???), you can buy a new skin for them. There are also three new Moby Dick related Bobbers which you can buy in a single bundle at a discount.
Of course, there are two new boats. The Flipper Express is part of the Flipper Bundle, which also comes with a Whale Lantern and a 64 times Luck boost for one hour. The more expensive boat is the Mawrider, which looks like a creepy Lanternfish. As always, we'll let you decide if these premium items are worth it.
Blue Whale migration
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Much like the Orca migration, there are now Blue Whale migrations that can happen whenever it's rainy or foggy on the server. According to reports, there is a 20% chance that a Blue Whale migration will occur whenever it's raining or foggy on your server, and using Tempest or Smokescreen Totems can help you trigger it faster. Good luck catching these guys because, just like Orcas, they are quite tricky to catch.
Moby, Captain Ahab, and the new rod Enchant
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Arguably, the biggest innovation with this small update is the chance to catch Moby, the Legendary Whale. During a Blue Whale migration, you have a 5% chance to catch a Moby whenever you are reeling in a Blue Whale.
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After you catch Moby, you can visit Captain Ahab and trade Moby in for a new enchant: Blessed Song. This gives you a +10% progress speed to every fish you reel in, so it sounds pretty cool. Here's the bad news: according to some players, even if you catch Moby and bring him to Captain Ahab, you can fail at receiving the enchant, which means you are basically giving him a Moby for free. This will likely get patched soon.
And there you have it. Even if you aren't keen on going for the elusive Moby, we hope you enjoy the double XP event. Have fun, and if you haven't already, check out our Fisch codes for some free boosts.
The post Everything New in the Fisch Moby Update appeared first on Destructoid. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:55 AM
The Rising of the Shield Hero came out just as isekai anime are flooding the market. Despite the tough competition, it managed to rise above the others — at least enough to last until the present. Whether it lives up to that reputation is up to you to decide.
What we do know for certain is that the anime's fourth season is coming out in July this year. Given that it's been more than a year since The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3 came to an end, it's reasonable that the story isn't as stark as day in your memory. But fret not, here's everything you need to remember before the fourth season drops.
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Return to Melromarc
Before jumping to the third season, it can be remembered that Naofumi and the gang were transported to another world. There, they joined forces with its heroes to fight against the Spirit Tortoise. After saving that world, the gang returned to Melromarc to prepare for the fight against the next Guardian Beast — the Phoenix.
Upon their return, however, Naofumi and Co. are greeted with grim news. At the time they were at Glass' world, the other three Cardinal Heroes had gone missing, and they weren't the only ones. Bitch's (Princess Malty) whereabouts were also unknown, so Queen Mirellia reminded Naofumi to keep safe.
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Recruiting allies like collectibles
The bulk of the last season was focused on Naofumi recruiting allies. His first course of action was to buy all of the remaining demi-human slaves in Melromarc. After that, he started rebuilding Lurolona Village. Afterward, he — accompanied by Raphtalia and Filo — went to Zeltoble to free more demi-humans. Unfortunately, he didn't have enough money to purchase more, forcing him to join an underground fighting arena.
It was there that he met Nadia, who turned out to be Raphtalia's friend Sadeena. Nadia then colluded with Naofumi to take the prize money. However, their ruse was discovered and they were forced to battle the mysterious Syne, who also eventually joined the gang.
After getting the prize money, Naofumi managed to buy the other former residents of Lurolona Village. During that process, he also met and purchased the siblings Atla and Fohl. They were demi-humans who would eventually become crucial members of Naofumi's party.
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Given the gravity of the Phoenix's threat, Naofumi alone wouldn't be able to stop it. He had to somehow unite the Four Cardinal Heroes to fend off the Guardian Beast. Even though it seemed impossible, Naofumi somehow pulled it off.
After being rejected by Bitch, Motoyasu spiraled into oblivion. That was until he met Filo and was enthralled by her dancing, which became a key factor in his decision to join Naofumi. Ren was also in a slump after losing all of his party members. To make matters worse, he became Bitch's next target. Instead of self-reflecting, he blamed his party members' death on their supposed weakness. He then went on a rampage against Naofumi, but he ultimately lost despite utilizing his weapon's Curse series. And so, he joined the team in pursuit of true power.
After Ren, Bitch moved on to the Bow Hero Itsuki. Bitch and his former party members manipulated and turned him into a cash cow. Ironically, Rishia — the member he abandoned — was the one to knock sense into him through her unwavering loyalty.
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How did The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3 end?
Despite all the preparation to face off against the Phoenix, Season 3 surprisingly ends by setting up another adversary — Q'ten Lo. Raphtalia turned out to be of royal descent and was a rightful competitor for the throne. Her dawning the priestess garb Naofumi gifted her was misunderstood as her declaration of contesting for the throne. And so, the assassins targeted and would continue to relentlessly attack her.
This turn of events rightfully angered Naofumi. With Q'ten Lo targeting Raphtalia, he decided to confront the nation and fight them if needed.
The post How did The Rising of the Shield Hero season 3 end? A primer before Season 4 drops appeared first on Destructoid. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:41 AM
Book censorship is like a snake in the grass; you don't always see it until the fangs pop out. Efforts to challenge books are as old as the printed medium, but the frequency and intensity of these attacks have spiked hard over the last few years.
Thankfully, this recent influx of anti-book crusades is getting smacked with pushback from equally enthusiastic campaigns to keep challenged books in libraries and bookstores. Censorship is a rejection of the ideas a book explores, and people who are afraid of ideas rarely have the best intentions, especially if they hammer their opinions in with flowery speeches about "decency" or "protecting the children."
If you're in the mood to challenge authority (and I can think of plenty of reasons you're feeling that way right now), here are ten excellent challenged books that belong in the public square. Stare in ignorance in the eye and say, "Not today, friend."
10. New English Canaan or New Canaan by Thomas Morton
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Honest question: Is there a better way to start a list of challenged books than talking about the first book to be banned in North America? New English Canaan or New Canaan by Thomas Morton is older than the United States by over a century, but it's just as relevant now as it was in the 1600s.
Through the pages of New English Canaan, Morton delivers a blistering critique of the Puritan culture that dominated the Thirteen Colonies, casting an especially withering light on its despicable treatment of Native Americans. Morton's words made him a pariah in the eyes of his peers, but despite the best efforts of colonial authorities, his book remains on shelves to this day.
9. And Tango Makes Three by Lesléa Newman and Justin Richardson
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People don't always treat same-sex couples with the same respect as their heterosexual counterparts, and that can make it difficult for children to form an unbiased opinion of these unions and the children raised by them. And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson challenges the notion that families have to look a certain way by focusing on a trio of penguins who formed an unlikely family.
Based on the story of two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo who came together to care for an abandoned egg, And Tango Makes Three is a fantastic way to introduce children to LGBTQ+ families. For that same reason, it's one of the most challenged children's picture books ever printed, sitting at the top of the American Library Association's Most Challenged Books lists three years in a row from 2007 to 2009.
8. Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
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Judy Blume holds the illustrious honor of being the most challenged author of the twenty-first century. Blume's work regularly explores ideas that self-appointed guardians of childhood innocence find appalling, including menstruation, teenage sex, birth control, and infant mortality. Any of her books could have made it on this list, but ultimately, I went with Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret tells the tale of Margarette, an inquisitive young girl raised by interfaith parents. The book follows Margaret as she deals with her growing attraction to boys, broods over her first period, and reconciles her complicated views of religion. That's a literal laundry list of heavy topics right there, and Blume's courageous exploration of them has landed this book on many censors' dartboards.
7. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
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Graphic novels add a visual element to the reading experience, so they usually get more attention when they court controversy. Persepolis, an autobiographical account of Marjane Satrapi's life before, during, and after the Iranian Revolution, is one of those "high-profile" graphic novels.
A gorgeous tapestry woven with visual storytelling and insightful prose, Persepolis is a story about the hypocrisy of authoritarianism and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of oppression. Unfortunately, these messages, and the book's willingness to convey them through frightening imagery and harsh language, have led to multiple censorship attempts.
6. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
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Racial profiling and the threat of police brutality are threats that far too many people face today. Few books dare to challenge younger readers to reflect on these issues, and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas does so with remarkable maturity and nuance.
The book follows Star Carter, who becomes the face and voice of a massive protest movement after a white police officer guns down her best friend during a traffic stop. Controversial from the moment it hit print, The Hate U Give has frequently topped the ALA's "most challenged books of the year" lists since 2017.
5. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
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Thanks to the all-time hit show on Netflix, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale has become a household name. The sixth and final season of the said show will premiere in April of this year (barring any unexpected and agonizing delays), so now's the perfect time to read the book that started it all if you haven't gotten around to it yet.
Through Gilead and its fundamentalist oppression of women, Atwood presents a terrifying what-if scenario for any nation, one that asks haunting questions about the fragility of civil rights and the ways one can resist tyranny. Parents, teachers, and politicians worldwide have challenged The Handmaid's Tale's presence in schools, but the lessons Atwood teaches through her prose are worth learning.
4. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
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Identity can be tricky to figure out, especially when caught in the push-and-pull of two radically different worlds and feel you don't entirely belong in either. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is as much a comic as a novel. That juxtaposition is a perfect metaphor for the themes this coming-of-age story tackles.
The story of Arnold Spirit Jr., a Spokane Native American boy attending an almost all-white school near his tribe's reservation, is about finding oneself. Its graphic depiction of the harsh realities Native American communities face has earned it a healthy mix of supporters and detractors. Speaking for myself, I think it's a great way to help young readers understand the nastier side of colonialism's legacy.
3. North to Alaska by John Greene
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John Green is an author who isn't afraid to break his readers like a fistful of dry noodles. The tears Green drew through The Fault in Our Stars could fill Hoover Dam with enough water to last a decade, but there haven't been many high-profile attempts to keep the book out of readers' hands. Looking for Alaska is a whole other story.
Loosely based on Green's own experiences in a private school for troubled students, Looking for Alaska has everything moral crusaders don't want to see in a book aimed at young readers: swearing, drug use, and a very explicit sex scene. Many have tried to keep this book out of schools, but dismissing it as an obscene slop ignores the moments when it slows down and transforms into a thoughtful meditation on grief, the endless search for meaning, and the mysterious, restrictive power of hope.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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I first read To Kill a Mockingbird in fifth grade and then had to reread it in seventh grade. Schools across the country fold it into their curriculums, but that same notoriety has made it a frequent target for book censors.
To Kill a Mockingbird doesn't pull its punches; it's an honest examination of normalized racism and the failings of the justice system. It's not afraid to be ugly when it needs to be, and that's inspired many, even a few teachers, to make a move to remove it from schools out of a misguided urge to "protect" students.
As noble as that sentiment might be, keeping kids from witnessing the evils of Bob Ewell also means preventing them from seeing the incredible paragon of virtue that is Atticus Finch standing up for an innocent man in court. The good far outweighs the bad here, if you ask me
1. Maus by Art Spiegelman
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Maus by Art Spiegelman is a book that genuinely changed my life. This biographical dive into the complicated relationship Art shared with his father, an aloof and volatile Holocaust survivor, is equal parts grotesque, uplifting, infuriating, and uncomfortably hilarious. It's a surreal journey into the misty depths of collective trauma, one that some don't want anyone to experience.
As celebrated as it is controversial, Maus has been at the center of several high-profile attempts to remove it from circulation. As crazy as it may sound, some people have argued that a story about the lingering impact of the greatest atrocity in human history needs to be banned because it has a few panels with naked mice on them. What a scandal! Someone, get a pyre going!
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Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:40 AM
The first of the three movies that would comprise Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle officially received a release date. The first film is set to premiere in Japan on July 18, though an international release date has yet to be confirmed.
Aniplex announced the date during a livestream event, along with a few other interesting news. The Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train will be re-released in a 4K remaster. The screening will start on May 9 in Japan. Furthermore, previous arcs from the anime will also receive special screenings after being given the "Kimetsu Theater" treatment.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle movie trilogy
The Infinity Castle Arc serves as the grand finale to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, bringing the long-running battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan Kibutsuji to an epic conclusion. But unlike the seasonal adaptation of previous arcs, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle will be told through a trilogy of films.
Crunchyroll revealed last December that the first of the three films will premiere sometime this year. Additionally, it also confirmed the acquisition of the trilogy for a global theatrical release. Unfortunately, select Asian territories and Japan are not part of the acquisition.
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About Demon Slayer anime
The anime adaptation of Demon Slayer first aired in April 2019. The series quickly gained traction with its mesmerizing animation. Just a year after, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train started screening in Japan. Its seven-episode arc equivalent then premiered in October 2021.
The second season, Entertainment District Arc, came out in December 2021. Swordsmith Village Arc was then released in April 2023, followed by Hashira Training Arc in June 2024.
These seasons can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix, though availability varies depending on region.
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Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:38 AM
REPO is the newest wacky comedy/survival horror co-op game in town. This mix of genres and inspirations has had a powerful grip on online gaming groups since the release of bad job simulators Lethal Company, Pacify, Content Warning and more. Compared to those games, REPO is quite feature-complete for an early access title, with one exception: matchmaking.
What is a lonely player to do? What if you don't have an online gaming group of two to six players, or at least not one willing to play a game with screenshots as deep-fried as REPO? There's no nice way to say it: this game looks so weird that you might have to fish out interested players from outside your community, something the game won't help you with, as it doesn't currently support matchmaking with random players.
That's a real problem, but it didn't slow down the game's popularity. A look at the Steam Forums page in the Community Hub will prove as much, with its endless flood of players looking for a gaming group and spamming no-name Discord servers. And while tight-knit communities are great, a random unmoderated server is not always good news. And telling the two apart is not as easy as you might think. Thankfully, there is an alternative.
The official REPO Discord server
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Discord invites are fragile things, as they can change or expire with time. To get access to the official REPO fan Discord server, you should check developer Semiwork's bio on X. It is currently displaying a valid invite to the studio's official Discord and will hopefully still have one by the time you find it. However, the studio's server is not where you should go to find REPO players. Instead, head to the Discussions chat room of that server and look for the words "REPO Discord server." You'll find an invite for the dedicated, official looking-for-game server.
Now, if you've been willing to play detective to find this weirdly hidden official server because you crave the curated experience of in-game matchmaking, you're out of luck. This is pretty much a self-directed group, and it seems like the developers are only there to enforce moderation. While it's hard to say whether they have had any success enforcing those rules, their presence is reassuring.
Adding players to a multiplayer session
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Even once you find someone to play with, it can be a pain to actually get a multiplayer game started. Currently, the player who is hosting the game has to invite everyone else, one at a time, after they have added the host to their Steam friends list. That's quite a lot of work to play one game, and while it makes it easier to play with the same group in the future, you don't know if that's going to happen yet. Plus, you have to add a stranger to your Steam friends, which you might not be comfortable with.
An alternative (but no less convoluted) way to add players to a game lobby is to share the secret lobby link. This isn't really a secret, of course, just a useful Steam feature you might not know about. First, open a multiplayer game and make sure it's public. Then, follow these instructions:
To use this link, simply paste it into a browser like you would any other. Instead of opening a website, the browser will ask if you want to open the link in Steam. This will let you join your friend's game.
If you're running Linux, your browser might not send the link to Steam automatically. A fan-made Lethal Company guide claims that you can fix this problem by forcing Steam to open the link through the terminal, but we weren't able to verify its validity. Just make sure to check it's safe before you inject random users' code into the terminal.
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Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:23 AM
The Divergent Universe is one of the best ways to load up on Stellar Jade in Honkai Star Rail, and invaluable to making completed endgame builds. The Protean Hero version, released with 3.1, brings new mechanics, equipment, and, most importantly, tons of rewards. Here's how to earn them all.
All rewards in Divergent Universe Protean Hero
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The Protean Hero version of Divergent Universe has three main reward sources. They're mostly equivalent in total value, but the time it takes to acquire them varies wildly. At the time of its release, you can earn a bit more than 3,500 Stellar Jades by reaching 100% completion. Getting to that point will take some time, though. To get every reward, you need to:
All Synchronicity Level rewards and how to get them
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Earning 60 Synchronicity Level can be the most tedious grind in the Divergent Universe, as each level costs 800 points to reach, and you can earn a maximum of 1,000 points per successful run. You do get an extra 1,000 points per week for completing Cyclical Extrapolation, but that's a one-time deal.
Provided you fully clear every Divergent Universe run, you'll need 48 completed runs. My runs take around 15 minutes or so if things go well, meaning I would expect to spend at most 12 hours in the Divergent Universe to max out my Synchronicity Level. If you include the 12 instances of double points, that's a maximum of 36 runs over 12 weeks, or around nine hours spent in the activity.
However you do it, here's the complete list of rewards you can earn, including 1,080 Stellar Jade.
All Gallery of Possibility rewards and how to get them
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The Gallery of Possibility tracks how many in-activity bonuses you earn across your Divergent Universe runs. That includes how many unique Occurences, Blessings, Curios, etc., you can find. There are almost 500 individual upgrades and items to find, but you thankfully don't need to collect all of them, just most.
The best way I've found to maximize the Gallery of Possibility is to rarely go into a Combat domain if you can help it. Choose between the following three for the best progress results:
I almost always go for Occurrences between the three, then mix and match the other two. Following this progression path will ensure you unlock all the Occurrences you need, and many of them also reward Blessings, Curios, and the like. Most importantly, they're faster to complete if you don't take the time to read the expository text and focus on the rewards.
You should always save as many Cosmic Fragments as possible for the Transaction Domains following a boss fight. Herta and Screwellum have a fair probability of selling Curios and Blessings you don't already have.
Totaling 1,070 Stellar Jade, here are all the rewards and reward requirements in the Gallery of Possibility:
Blessing Rewards
Curio Rewards
Golden Blood's Boon Rewards
Equations Rewards
Weighted Curio Rewards
Occurrence Rewards
All Stable Computation Array rewards and how to get them
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Completing the Gallery of Possibility and earning Synchronicity Level asks you to do little more than play Divergent Universe, but the Stable Computation Array asks you to play it in certain ways. Every reward in this third source is tied to activity progression, especially the Conundrum requirements.
In practice, it's best to complete all the non-Conundrum objectives at whatever difficulty you feel comfortable with. If you can consistently complete level five versions of Divergent Universe, I'd recommend those for the higher Synchronicity Point returns, but do what feels best.
You'll want to save the Conundrum enhanced difficulty objectives until you've acquired every upgrade in the Inspiration Circuit tree and have a fully endgame-ready team. That means four level 80 characters, maxed-out Traces, good Relics across the board, and a ton of patience.
If you get every reward available, you'll receive 1,000 Stellar Jades.
Test: Narrative Poetry Rewards
Test: Lyric Poetry Rewards
Test: Fable Poetry Rewards
Conundrum Rewards
Ordinary Extrapolation Difficulty Completion Rewards
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We would, of course, be remiss not to mention the reward for completing the five difficulties of Ordinary Extrapolation. Altogether, they award 360 Stellar Jades.
Those are all the rewards you can get in the Protean Hero version of the Divergent Universe. As tempting as it might be to plow through them all as quickly as possible, I recommend saving at least 1,000 Stellar Jade rewards when you need them again. Honkai Star Rail loves to drain your Jade coffers, and having some put away for a rainy day could be a godsend.
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Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:01 AM
Discord has a server for every interest under the sun, and for more than 300 users in Tekkenscript, that interest is breaking down Tekken 8's code to gain a competitive advantage. Now, a pair of YouTubers are trying to raise awareness of the cheaters.
Tekkenscript is a haven for cheaters, where they share and promote the use of scripts for auto-blocking, combo execution, movement, and more. Members used the cheats in various Tekken 8 game modes, including ranked mode, and shared their accomplishments on the server.
YouTubers Mike Hollow and Blackheart59 brought Tekkenscript to light in a February 26 video highlighting the server's activities, even tagging long-time Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada on Twitter in an effort to put an end to Tekkenscript's cheating.
The site sells access to the script with price points ranging between $3 and $100 and also advertises the capabilities of the cheats on its YouTube page. However, since the release of Mike Hollow's video, nearly all of the server's channels and posts have been deleted except for the ones advertising scripts. It also removed the ability to send messages from all users on the server except for the owners.
Cheating has been a prevalent issue for Tekken 8. As of this writing, neither Harada, designer Michael Murray, nor Bandai Namco have responded to the situation. However, one of the Tekken development team's core philosophies is maintaining frequent communication with the players, so it may just be a matter of time. Meanwhile, more reports of servers and channels like Tekkenscript are surfacing.
Cheaters negatively impact the health and longevity of a game, so hopefully, Bandai Namco can act soon to prevent further cheating, and Tekken 8 can continue thriving.
The post YouTubers are working to shut down a Tekken 8 Discord community just for cheaters appeared first on Destructoid. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:28 AM
As part of the In Search of Lost Dreams event in Infinity Nikki, you'll need to complete several tasks surrounding Bullquets if you want to get your hands on the Dreams Chaser outfit. One of the three tasks in the day, taking a photo of a blue bullquet, is remarkably easy.
To do that, you'll need to combine ingredients to make certain Soothing Aromas during a quest called "Bullquet, Perk Up!" to calm the Bullquet during Eerie Season. These different combinations of ingredients will result in different colored Bullquets when used, but how do you get a blue Bullquet?
How to unlock "Bullquet, Perk Up!" in Infinity Nikki
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If you're struggling to figure out how to even begin the "Bullquet, Perk Up!" quest in Infinity Nikki, make sure that you've completed the "Deep Into the Forest" world quest. This quest is your first introduction to Lumi and can be located West of the Lakeside Hill Warp Spire, as shown on the map above.
After you've completed "Deep Into the Forest," head back to the Bullquet Temporary Observation Camp and Lumi will be waiting for you to begin "Bullquet, Perk Up!"
All Soothing Aroma combinations in Infinity Nikki
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During "Bullquet, Perk Up!" Lumi will introduce you to Romito, who will introduce you to the Soothing Aroma Vial. This piece of equipment will allow you to make Soothing Aromas by combining various ingredients from around Miraland.
There are five potential Soothing Aroma recipes in Infinity Nikki, each of which will change the color of the Bullquet to one of the following colors:
All of the Soothing Aromas are remarkably easy to make as long as you know what ingredients to use:
The final two Soothing Aromas are made by combining ingredients from the above three categories:
How to get a photo with a blue Bullquet in Infinity Nikki
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Once you've completed the "Bullquet, Perk Up!" quest, you'll have free reign with the Soothing Aroma Vial that was introduced during the quest itself. You can now use the required ingredients to change the color of the Bullquet to blue (although it looks dark purple, don't worry, it still counts), then all that's left to do is take a photo.
Nikki needs to be in the photo with the blue Bullquet, but it doesn't need to be even vaguely well framed. As long as both Nikki and the Bullquet are visible within the photo, it should count and allow you to tick off the task in the In Search of Lost Dreams event window.
You'll need to be quick, though, because the Bullquet does not like to stay still for very long, so you might find yourself chasing it around the enclosure to try and get a good shot.
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Destructoid Saturday, March 1, 2025 5:37 AM
Special items represent a specific set of goods that can be extremely rewarding to collect in Monster Hunter Wilds.
When you collect these items, you'll see a direct contribution to your Guild Points. Some of these items can also be used to trade with other NPC characters. There are multiple items to find, and this guide will help keep track of all of them.
Complete list of items in Monster Hunter Wilds
You could end up finding some of the items on Endemic Creatures in Monster Hunter Wilds, and this guide will help you to know more about their habitats.
The post All special items in Monster Hunter Wilds appeared first on Destructoid. |
PC Invasion - FeedDDD Saturday, March 1, 2025 10:27 AM ![]() |
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WGB Saturday, March 1, 2025 8:06 AM Forza Horizon 5 is topping UK PS5 pre-order charts, reflecting the multiplatform trend. Former Xbox exclusives are increasingly available on PlayStation, creating significant market shifts in gaming. |