Dreamcast is rarely thought of as the start of anything. It was the full stop on Sega's reign as a hardware company, the console that died as PlayStation 2 thrived. But it was also, Rockstar says, the birthplace of the era's defining PlayStation game. You know, the one your mum heard was about killing prostitutes: Grand Theft Auto 3.

The story goes like this: GTA's developer, DMA Design, had just opened a new office in Edinburgh after a decade in Dundee. Change crackled in the air. The '90s were ending, and all around DMA the game industry was transitioning to three dimensions. The young team behind an early 3D game named Body Harvest believed they were ready to do the same with GTA.

Yet the studio's old guard was unconvinced. The team had already experimented with tilting the camera a little in GTA 2, but weren't sure it was possible to go further. A simulated city, navigated at breakneck speeds in whatever direction the player chose? Surely not in 3D.

"We had a bit of pushback from them," recalls Rockstar North co-studio head and art director Aaron Garbut. "So we did a tech demo of a city environment on the Dreamcast with cars driving around and characters walking the streets. We got it working over a period of weeks to the point where you could steal a car and drive it about, then we got it in front of Sam."

Sam Houser was the executive producer of Take-Two's new publishing label in New York, which had rather audaciously named itself Rockstar Games. He'd been a backer of GTA since its earliest days, egging its team on as they embraced player criminality and transgression. Now he was more than keen for the series to take its next revolutionary step.

"Sam has always been the voice of the player," Garbut says. "He has always encouraged us to go further, to take risks, to make every game our best yet and never to settle. He has also given us the support, the room, and the flexibility we've needed over the years to get things where they need to be. He's still that person for the team now."

The GTA 3 team were galvanised by the Dreamcast demo, basic though it was. It became a source of inspiration and a focal point for their ambitions. "We knew what we were doing in 3D and were young, arrogant, and naïve enough to feel like it was easy and exciting," Garbut says. "We just knew how far we could take things. We could see the impact of an urban environment in 3D and were filled with ideas first and foremost about how we could bring it alive. That was our initial focus – building the toys and playset, making a world that functioned as well as we could make it, a living, breathing city."

From the previous games came the premise: the arresting idea of being an antihero, a criminal who worked for even worse criminals. GTA had always had multiple mission-givers, albeit at the other end of a phone. And its developers had already invented Wanted levels, not to mention their antidote, the Pay And Spray shop. The formula was there.

Electric dreams

But the GTA 3 team consciously rejected the arcade-like elements that had come before – in particular, the running point total for destruction that Garbut describes as "pinball scoring". In an immersive 3D world, those abstract touches no longer seemed to fit. Conversely, DMA leaned into the natural sense of cinema and emotional connection that came with a 3D camera. "We didn't really approach it like a sequel," Garbut says. "We weren't slavishly looking at how the earlier GTAs had done things. We worked in broad strokes and without referring too much to them."

Some of GTA 3's greatest development challenges were the fundamentals we take for granted in open worlds today. As Garbut points out, DMA didn't have any contemporaries working with densely populated urban environments.

"The density was the difference," he says. "There were simpler games – driving games set in urban worlds but without too much interaction – that were designed to traverse at speed." Though Garbut doesn't name any, 1999's Driver springs to mind.

"Then there were denser games like Zelda that did amazing things but spread it out or split it across empty spaces and denser dungeons," he continues. "We didn't split things into nice manageable, loadable chunks, we didn't spread it out with empty areas, we didn't design it to only work at speed or to explore in detail on foot in small areas. We were trying to offer it all in one experience, and to make it feel as alive as possible."

Chop shop

Players of the time were gobsmacked by the way GTA 3's world was constantly streamed into being, just outside their vision. Well, except for the rare occasions when a wall only appeared in time to tear the bonnet from their Banshee. It's a system that Garbut clearly remains deeply proud of, all these years later.

"The art team broke the world apart by hand in the best way to squeeze all we could into memory while getting it off the drive fast enough," he says. "The code team built an elegant streaming system and we got as granular as writing the files to the DVD in specific orders to keep areas of the world together physically on the disk. It's a testament to the talent and ingenuity of the team that we made this work."

The decision represented a huge risk, but in the end the results spoke for themselves – Liberty City rendered at great distances, across moody bays and packed urban thoroughfares, and did so seamlessly, without long loading screens. "Getting it right effectively removed a lot of limitations for scale and detail," Garbut says. "We could build what we wanted as long as the area around the player would fit in memory and we could get it off the DVD drive fast enough."

If GTA 3 was a living world, then DMA Design was the hospital crash team tasked with keeping it breathing, against the odds. "You have to ensure the system can cope with a random pileup round the corner exploding at the same time you are also trying to run an intense mission," Garbut says. "It's all about managing the chaos and the competing systems rather than just focussing on what you see. Keeping the world alive and allowing real interaction with it is one of the big challenges with open world games."

New car smell

The making of GTA 3 established the methodology that Rockstar North, as the developer is known now, still uses today. The studio always begins with the place and then, once it's fit to live in, moves up one layer to the toys. In GTA 3's case, the toys were the cars – the aspect of the game players would spend more time with than anything else.

"Seeing the world come alive through these vehicles, that's when I remember starting to feel things come together," Garbut says. "Every so often a build comes along with a feature you've been discussing or planning forever – it's normally rough and only there when you squint a bit. But it's there. Everything shifts, the world you had been working in changes and now this new thing has made it better or worse. On some projects at some points, it feels like that happens every day. GTA 3 could be like that."

With the addition of cars, GTA 3 changed overwhelmingly for the better. The team imbued their vehicles with physics that were both buoyant and dramatic, making even downtime in Liberty City gripping.

"This was a long time ago so seeing cars behave physically was not the norm," Garbut says. "I remember spending a good few hours skidding the car around and watching its suspension bounce on kerbs. Seeing that in our world, then seeing the variation in tuning with trucks, sports cars, and the like, it was inspiring. We had the toys we needed."

Garbut evidently adores the process of making games, and in particular these moments of punctuation that spark ever more extraordinary feats – the single flaming car which triggers a cascade of explosions that eventually ends in the downing of a police helicopter.

"The work of one team changes, motivates, and pushes the next team to take it and run with it," he says. "It's a lovely whirlwind of creativity."

For Garbut's art team, the sprawling 3D city was a canvas on which to paint their vision of New York. This city wasn't the real-life home of Rockstar's producers in the US, but a semi-fictional place pieced together from afar.

"At this point I'd only been there a couple of times," Garbut says. "There was no internet in the studio at first, there was no Google Maps. I just had a little box of 35mm photos a couple of us had taken on a trip there."

Old York

Instead, DMA's reference material came from old films and television. Liberty City mimicked not the glamour but the gloomy mundanity of urban life – soggy streets, grey concrete, dark water, and litter. It was an approach that played to the strengths of PS2's limited fidelity, capturing mood rather than detail.

"We wanted to lean into the grime, the rain, the weather," Garbut says. "We had also made a call to add a dynamic weather system and time of day, and this helped leverage that. It felt right for the kind of story we had, the kind of characters we had, and the way we felt New York had to be from growing up watching it on screen."

It seems very likely that the whole GTA series owes its cartoonish satire – the warped prism through which it has long viewed America – to this literal and critical distance. While success has brought LA and New York within easy reach of Rockstar North's developers, the studio has carefully cultivated its unique perspective in Edinburgh.

"Right from GTA 3 our focus was always on creating the impression of the place we were building over the reality," Garbut says. "Back then there was far less connection in the world digitally – the sheer volume of content and accessibility these days has blurred the line so much that I don't really feel like a cultural outsider in the same way any more, but what it did I think was force us to rely on the US we knew from television and film. It was more about an exaggerated impression, the feeling of the place. It gave us more choices and more control in some ways, and I think it served us well."

Rockstar's storytelling has come a long way since the release of GTA 3, to the point where writer Dan Houser's departure last year felt like a serious blow to the company. But even Liberty City's Scorsese-style drama, while broad and daft, served an important purpose.

"It's quite simple compared to how we work these days," Garbut says. "It's lacking any real refinement, but there's a charm to it and a consistency. I'm proud of what it did. It let us figure out a lot of things, it taught us what we could do better and with Vice City we were already on the path to do that. There were certain choices – a silent main character, for example – that we moved away from quickly, but we have always been good I think at re-evaluating and moving forward."

Concrete tower

The story of Claude and Catalina was a blueprint. So, Garbut says, was GTA 3 as a whole. There's little in GTA Online today that can't somehow be traced back to this strange, grey game. Its foundations were so firm, in fact, that its sequel was released to critical acclaim just one year later. You might argue that Vice City is the most successful reskin of all time, though that description does a disservice to the power with which Garbut's art team evoked the '80s, using pitch-perfect costumes and coloured lighting.

"We are building on the path we started on GTA 3," he says. "We are building on that game and evolving it every day, to this day. We carry all that experience and expertise, the stuff that is impossible to replicate that is down to working together forever, to knowing the people you work with and what they know, what each person brings and how to get the best from them."

Long before Rockstar North was a household name, Garbut went to art college. There he studied fine art, and learned that drawing, painting and sculpting was all about 'roughing it in' – getting the basic structure right so that the artist can refine over the top. He sees GTA 3 in those terms.

"The 'squint a bit and it looks kind of finished' sort of idea," he says. "It's how I've always approached both building our game worlds and the games themselves. GTA 3 was as resolved as we could make it at the time, but for today's standards it's simple and rough. Things have come so incredibly far, the detail and depth and sophistication, the interplay of the complex systems we build these days. Squint a bit, though, and it's still the foundation we have built on and I love it for that."

Our GTA 6 guide details everything you need to know about the story, gameplay, and world so far! Or, check out our best GTA games list for what to play while you wait!

Last year was not a good one for the Football Manager series. In a display of confidence in this year's course correction, FM27 is going live for a limited time ahead of launch to ensure everyone understands that things are different now.

The move was announced on social media by Sports Interactive. This limited preview period will start on October 29, and it'll last until November 3, putting it right over Halloween weekend. The best part? It's completely free for everyone.

Hopefully, nobody will wind up frightened by what they discover; instead, it'll be the comfort people want during the scariest few days of the year. "From October 29 to November 3, experience five free days of Football Manager 27 across Steam, Epic, Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass," says the official blurb.

As you can tell, this spans all the major PC gaming platforms, which is handy. Regardless of where you were planning to pick up the game, you can get involved. Should you take part, the demo ends exactly one week before the full release, giving you time to get in your pre-order if you wind up enjoying it.

Sadly, some kind of damage control was absolutely necessary about FM26. Although the transition to Unity was seen as a worthwhile move overall, a longer-than-usual development cycle - wherein FM25 was skipped - resulted in a glitchy game, missing features and mechanics that had long been part of the series.

It now holds the distinction of being the lowest rated entry on Metacritic. Not something anyone wants to talk about. But that was then, this is now, and it seems FM 27 will treat all of that like a bad dream.

EA finally says the words PS3 gamers have waited 15 years to hear: "Fight Night is coming back"

Playing Stranger Than Heaven, I see obscured police officer reflections through the well lit high-fashion storefront windows. They shout "Where the hell did he go? You're not gettin' away with murder! Just give up!" as an unknown man covered in dirt and grime emerges into a back alley, clearly on the run. A loud foghorn blares in the distance, signaling a ship departure and the man stumbles through the alleyway in the direction of the horn. This mystery man donning a ratty blonde wig and big pink bow in his hair slowly makes his way through the alley as jazz music swells to fill every crack in the brick lined walls.

He approaches the quiet and foggy docks only to catch more police officers lying in wait. The only way onto the boat is through them, and so they duke it out. Back up against the ocean with nowhere else to run, a seemingly impossible opening presents itself and the man makes a break for it, leaping into the ocean to chase after the boat, to leave America behind, and start again. Those are my opening moments with Stranger Than Heaven's protagonist Makoto Daito, Yakuza developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's latest project, a game that finds ways to blend familiar ideas of found family with new and ambitious storytelling structures.

Finding home

Stranger Than Heaven posits the question of what it means to belong in this world, to have a sense of home. Daito is of blended American and Japanese heritage, ceaselessly wrestling with not being enough of either nationality to find acceptance amongst his peers. This thread carries through the early hours of my hands-on, eventually coalescing into a powerful moment shared between Daito and a companion, where he is welcomed home for the first time in his life. He sits there, pondering the words over a drink, quietly muttering "welcome home" to himself, realizing it's the first time he's ever felt like he belongs.

This somber moment of reflection helps paint the larger picture of Stranger Than Heaven's bigger ideas of self identity, taking the concepts often found in Yakuza that deal in identity as it relates to group roles and dynamics and pairing it down to focus on an individual. Putting the emphasis on the life of Makoto Daito through multiple different eras of his life and the ever-changing landscape of Japan, we get to see a whole life lived.

1915 Kokura, Kyushu island's castle town, is the first of many stops in my preview. While this section sees high-stakes action in the form of a warehouse raid to free a kidnapped love interest, it's also juxtaposed with comedic relief. International smuggler and Makoto's mentor Orpheus (Snoop Dogg) takes time to teach Makoto how to roll a cigarette, which acts as a moment of levity while also showing how to create an item that boosts both attack and defense.

Kokura in this era is a large town with small village vibes. Numerous storefronts line the dirt roads I walk. I visit an apothecary to stock up on healing medicine, I drink straight from a water faucet in the ground to sober up after having one too many drinks, and of course, I pick a fight or two.

Combat is drastically different from anything RGG Studio has done before. Attacks are mapped to the shoulder buttons and triggers, meaning the left and right bumpers swing each matching fist while the triggers control my kicks. It's a system that takes some getting used to, especially as I attempt to weave in more complicated inputs like grabs and parries.

Stranger Than Heaven's combat feels more akin to the flow of a fighting game rather than a traditional beat 'em up. I find myself getting better with each fight, becoming more confident in each swing. I can feel Makoto getting more knowledgeable through the eras as well.

"Once you start using the same weapon, for example, Daito will start to learn a lot of skills based on that weapon," says director Mikinobu Abe. "So, it's more like you can customize Daito's life to your preference of what weapon you want him to master. If you want to use a knife throughout the 50 years of his life, of course Makoto himself will get good at the weapon, and that triggers making him do more move sets and more combos."

Later, Abe makes an announcement that there is a dangerous samurai near the river, advising against fighting him too early. So, naturally, I head straight for the katana wielding madman by the river.

Under the moonlight we clash steel. I learn to parry his seemingly never-ending combo strings. Constantly switching between my left and right arm to block his multi-directional strikes, trading heavy blows back and forth, I finally stagger him. This provides my opening to get a few good hits in. Using both triggers I grab and toss him to the ground and begin slamming him with everything I have until he rises to his feet again.

We swap hits back and forth again until he knocks me onto my back. Slashing down at me I roll out of the way so it misses me by a hair. It's like a choreographed action movie sequence, but one that feels natural and intuitive to unfurl during play. Plenty of other side activities I encounter have this same sense of flair, space between missions always have a sense of absurdity and danger.

Jumping ahead 14 years to 1929 Kure, Hiroshima, Daito is older, a little more established, and growing in confidence. As I approach alongside a trolleycar while walking Kure, Daito hops up and grabs the side, hanging off of it as it carries me down the street. Despite it being my first time in Kure, it's clear Daito has been around the block a few times. The way he enters shops, takes part in the underground fight clubs, and enters his home presents a more mature version of the man I knew nearly fifteen years prior.

There's a liveliness to Kure in the daytime. People dining in the streets, old men playing Menko along the river, and hooligans looking for a street brawl. I spend most of my time in an underground fight club, defeating a rotating cast of difficult enemies for pocket change and bragging rights as I master challenges under special conditions ("no weapons", for instance).

Make some noise

Fast-forward to 1943 Minami, Osaka and things have changed quite a bit again. The low hum and bright glow of neon signs seep color onto the streets below. I hop into the first building I see, a small theater venue looking to put on a performance. At this moment I learn about Makoto's involvement in show business, and how deep those systems go.

Everything in Stranger Than Heaven feeds into a system that allows Makoto to gather music inspiration. Colorful bubbles populate the screen during combat, when Daito hears a small tune from a nearby radio, or the sound of dice rattling in a cup before being thrown. The world is filled with little bits and bobs for Makoto to grab. Focusing one of those bubbles and clicking a button lets you hone in and obtain the inspiration for later use.

After collecting a few different inspirations from local storefront radios I make my way to where this all comes together, my base of operations – marked with a house icon on the map – going upstairs to where the upright piano is. Here I talk to pianist Takashi to begin composing music. Each song has different moods that can be tweaked and changed to alter the way it sounds. Taking a piano backing that's tagged as relaxing and swapping it for a more intense sound changes how people respond to it when played live.

After changing out the instrumentation of the song I head over to a nearby desk where I begin selecting ticket prices, hiring musicians and singers, and customizing the stage lighting and attire in order to ensure the show is profitable. It's reminiscent of the Yakuza 0 cabaret minigame, but blown up to be much more detailed.

Music plays a massive role in Stranger Than Heaven, not just as a tool for Makoto to make money, but as a way of connecting to people. "He finds the joy that music is something that needs no explanation with a race or a language barrier," says Abe. "And that was something that was really important for Makoto to progress, having motivation within his life, as well as something that he could connect with people."

There's still so much more to uncover in Stranger Than Heaven, but after this relatively small slice of the game, I'm excited to see what's waiting for Makoto Daito through the rest of his life.

Wondering what heavenly gaming experiences will tide you over while you wait for Stranger Than Heaven? Look no further than our best Yakuza games or best ARPGs rankings for what to play next!

After dipping his toes into gaming with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Daredevil star Charlie Cox says he's working on an upcoming Sega game.

After over 20 years of acting, Cox finally made his game debut in 2025's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as lead character Gustave. And despite only spending four hours working on the French JRPG (or J'RPG if you will), the game blew up and unexpectedly became one of his most beloved roles in the long acting career. On top of that, the Cox noted that the game "has seemingly opened a new avenue for my professional work" as he confirmed he was working on another game earlier this year.

At New York Comic Con 2026, Cox spoke to IGN (below) and revealed a little more about his upcoming game, explaining, "I did another one, it doesn't have a name yet," and revealing that "I did a Sega one." He adds: "It hasn't come out yet but it was fun to do."

Cox continues, "It's hard. It's a whole different job," explaining, "I had to do, like, 40 hours," which is obviously a bit more intensive than his four hours on Clair Obscur.

With it not even having a name, naturally details are scarce, but Cox shares an amusing anecdote that maybe shines a bit more light on the game. "I showed up for the first day, and I was like, 'Hi guys, nice to meet you! How are you?' And all of them went, '...oh, he's English.'" He adds, "they wanted him to be American, but like, now I've got to do 40 hours of lines I've not prepared in an accent."

It being so early that it doesn't have a name yet means it's probably something we don't even know about; which is to say RPG fans hoping for Cox to bless Persona 6 with a performance are probably out of luck. Given how much RGG Studio loves casting celebrity actors, I can imagine the studio casting Cox in an upcoming game. With Cox having an American accent in Daredevil, a TV show where he plays a lawyer, I'd maybe have to speculate that perhaps a return of the Judgment series could be in the cards?

A year later, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Daredevil star Charlie Cox has finally played the hit J'RPG: "I'm not very good at it."

Sega has created an official Sonic the Hedgehog Discord server, giving the blue blur's most dedicated fans a space to chat about the series and everything they love about it together, in an extremely bold move that everyone seems to be having the same reaction to: Oh no.

Look, I have nothing against Sonic. In fact, one of the very first games I ever played at 4 years old was Sonic: 3D Blast, and I've been a casual fan of the series ever since. But the hardcore Sonic fanbase has a reputation for being a rowdy bunch, to put it politely. While not everyone is out here posting about Eggman mpreg, engaging in aggressive Sonadow vs Sonamy shipping wars, and other not exactly PG-13 behavior, it's fair to say that enough people have participated in the fandom, er, loudly enough to leave folks concerned as to what chaos could unfold when tens of thousands of fans are invited into the same virtual space.

"Why the fuck would you think this is a good idea," as one Twitter user puts it, and… yeah.

Right from the get-go, Sega has outlined some rules for anyone who wants to participate. The very first is to "keep it family friendly," and "ensure your messages, images, links, and videos are appropriate for fellow fans and small woodland critters of all ages." Basically, please don't post inappropriate messages about the cartoon hedgehogs, thanks.

Almost certainly with this in mind, there are currently some strict media sharing restrictions. In a frequently asked questions post, the official Sonic account (amusingly named johnsega1960) explains that a fan art channel will be added "in the future," but "right now, with the large amount of new users joining in, images are disabled by default. You'll be able to unlock these permissions in time."

That means that the server hasn't been flooded with the cursed artworks you might expect. Yet. But that's not stopping folks from expressing themselves in other ways, many of which truly push the limits of Sega's "family friendly" rule.

"Eggman is hot," one message proudly sent within – count 'em – 14 minutes of the server invite being posted on Twitter, declares. "Sonic pregnant," another early user sagely shares. "Sega when are you confirming that Eggman and Agent Stone are married," asks another, and hey, they have a point, actually.

It should be said that it's not all been silly shenanigans, though. Over on Twitter, some users have also reported people filling the server with slurs and other hateful language. A huge wave of bans was quickly rolled out, as well as an apparent temporary server lockdown where no users could send messages at all. Sega has since acknowledged that some users "may have been accidentally banned" automatically, which it's going to deal with in due course.

Needless to say, the server has hardly had a smooth start, and frankly, I'm not sure how much that situation is going to improve over time, especially when that fan art channel is added. Over 78,000 people have joined the Discord at the time of writing, so to say Sega is going to have its hands full would be an understatement.

Sonic boss sees the franchise "like my own son" after 35 years, since the hedgehog is technically older than his human children.

Sonic Team lead Takashi Iizuka hears your requests for more remakes, remasters, and ports, but he feels like focusing on new games is the priority.

Despite the world loving a good remake and remaster in the modern era, of all the biggest gaming franchises, Sonic has been surprisingly lacking them. Sonic Colors Remastered was a bit of a mess, and then the Sonic Generations remaster did its own version of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury by including a whole new game as part of it. But other than those and more ways to sell you the Mega Drive games again, the obvious ones have never been redone.

Speaking to Automaton, Iizuka acknowledges this, saying, "We hear all sorts of requests from the fan community for remakes and remasters," with the Sonic Team lead singling out Sonic Unleashed as one he hears about a lot. He explains, "Our resources are limited… Rather than using those limited resources to make remakes and remasters, we have a stronger desire to provide fans with new games and deliver new surprises.

"With remakes and remasters, you're essentially providing the same experience again," Iizuka notes, but adds that it's not quite as simple: "Remaking an old game requires about as many resources as creating a new title."

He explains, "You have to remake all the graphics, and you can't simply release the gameplay as it was back then because many things are deemed rough by modern standards."

Ultimately, I still think there's a middle ground, that being ensuring that these games are still playable on modern hardware. Konami announced the remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 at the same time it announced the Master Collection. Having a way to play Sonic Adventure 2 in its native form on Switch 2 or PS5 would go a long way for many.

Sonic boss sees the franchise "like my own son" after 35 years, since the hedgehog is technically older than his human children.

Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka is reflecting on the franchise as it reaches 35 years old, saying Sonic himself is like a child to him.

Speaking to One More Game, Iizuka says that the franchise's journey has been a very personal one for him, having been a part of it since 1992's Sonic 2, which he did debugging work on before becoming an integral part of the franchise from then onwards.

"It has been 35 years," Iizuka begins, acknowledging that means Sonic has been around longer than even his own children. As such, he adds that "I look upon this franchise" like you might a child – "sort of like my own son."

Iizuka also recalls the times the series was under threat of cancellation by Sega, noting that the release of 2020's Sonic The Hedgehog film was a major turning point. "That had been a great hit and definitely changed the course of this franchise," he says.

The lead singles out Sonic Adventure as the game that changed the series the most, saying, "I believe the Sonic franchise now wouldn't have been the same if it wasn't for Sonic Adventure," with it being the first game to bring the character into 3D and introduce "Sonic's voice. He was able to speak. From there on, that had been pretty much the foundation of the new modern Sonic."

As of right now, there isn't much news as to what Sonic's future will be in games. While the character has a new Netflix show and film coming in the near future, there's been no word on a follow-up to Sonic Frontiers. Iizuka has teased there is more to come for the character's anniversary however, so we may find out soon.

Sonic Team boss says the most memorable game he's ever worked on is Sonic Adventure 2, and he was "really delighted" its story was used for the third movie.

SEGA announced last June during the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary festivities that two game collections were heading to the Nintendo Switch, and now they're finally available to pre-order.

The Classic Sonic Collection and Modern Sonic Collection are available for $49.99 / $49.99 at Best Buy each, and are expected to launch in October later this year. The collections provide exactly what they say on the tin - a collection of old-school and modern Sonic games in two physical releases, something that can please both types of fans. Though don't expect them to include every game in Sonic's massive 35-year lifespan.

Most notably, my personal 'modern' favorites, Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2, are missing from the Modern Sonic Collection, which is a bit of a bummer. Instead, modern fans can find Sonic Forces, Sonic Colors Ultimate, and Sonic Frontiers all on one cartridge. Meanwhile, old-school fans can take Sonic Mania, Sonic Origins, and Sonic Superstars for a spin, and you can find the best pre-order links for these below.

While these collections aren't as complete as they could be, Sega has thrown in a 35th Anniversary Logo Patch and reversible coversheet. There's no sign of what these actually look like, as we've only got the small mention of them on both games' box art to go off on. However, I'm always going to be an avid supporter of finding physical extras with my physical games.

As you've also likely surmised, these collections are for the Nintendo Switch and aren't exclusive to the Switch 2, so you'll still be able to play them even if you haven't invested in Nintendo's newest handheld. However, if you have forked out the now $499.99 MSRP for the console, it's worth noting that you can also grab the new Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition.

It's also available for $49.99 at Best Buy today and doesn't just include the base game, as found in the Modern Sonic Collection. Instead, you've also got the extra 'The Final Horizon' story campaign and extra content updates, alongside a digital art book and mini soundtrack to enjoy. The only thing better than Sonic the Hedgehog is even more Sonic the Hedgehog.

View all upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games at Best Buy

Love physical Switch games? Check out our Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake pre-order and Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave pre-order pages while you're here.

Various new games – and I mean various – have reportedly suffered countless spoilers thanks to a Steam leak that's seen their achievements go entirely public.

From Kingdom Hearts 4 to Persona 6 to Silent Hill: Townfall to… well, you name it, there's a downright plethora of titles seemingly affected by the massive leak on Valve's platform.

You can find lists of every game (and their achievements, be warned) on online forums and websites like Twitter – and it's all so big it's nearly mind-blowing. They're all live on achievement tracker site Exophase, too, but I'd once again caution checking anything out in too much detail.

Not only does the leak apparently expose a load of upcoming games' achievements, but it also lifts the veil on many "unannounced" titles, as users point out in a social media thread on the whole debacle.

There's an "unannounced Dune game" in there, an "unannounced Twin Peaks game," and even a dang "unannounced Shrek 2 Remaster" mentioned, y'all… and, erm… Penis Bird? Put simply, it's one heck of a leak – and not just of games we knew about.

So, how did this all happen in the first place? Well, it seems to boil down to an API error that isn't exactly new to Steam. For anyone who might not know what that means (because I certainly didn't), API stands for application programming interface, and it's essentially a set of rules that allows software programs to communicate.

Exophase owner "x3sphere" has described it a bit over on ResetEra, confirming what happened.

"I am the owner of the site and this is what appears to have happened," he writes. "Seems like a possible screw up on Valve's end, a bunch of games with achievements that should be private are accessible through the API right now and that's why they got scanned into the site. I usually never see games without an actual name pop up with achievements, yet over the past hour or so a bunch have."

Oof.

Valve has yet to respond itself, but I'm not sure it will aside from remedying the apparent private information from each game. As for studios like Sega and Square Enix which have seemingly seen their unreleased games go a bit more public, I doubt we'll hear anything, either.

So, there you have it – you can go explore the findings yourself if you're interested it, but after taking a peek at the alleged Persona 6 achievements myself, I can say I sort of wish I hadn't.

Spoilers, spoilers everywhere… and I shan't be sharing them here.

Kingdom Hearts 4 script "almost twice as big" as KH3's, Tetsuya Nomura says: "There were more parts that I wanted to include, but I was already pushing it."

A gang of thugs surround me on a dirty street in 1940s Osaka Japan early into my time playing Stranger Than Heaven. I throw a jab into one and block their reply. I follow up with a pair of hooks, sending them to the ground before grappling with another.

The biggest one swings a blunt weapon my way, which I block with both arms, and I assess my options. For the first time RGG Studio has me feeling outmatched rather than an overpowered man of danger, and I'm in awe of Stranger Than Heaven's ability to make me feel that way through game design alone.

Eyes wide open

Hiroyuki Sakamoto, producer on Stranger Than Heaven, explains how the game's combat is very different from the Like a Dragon series. "Frankly speaking, with Yakuza titles, you could even play it with closed eyes sometimes if you just continue pressing buttons," he opines. "You could blindly defeat an enemy," he adds, and I tell him with a smile that I have indeed done just that, much to his amusement.

"But this time we wanted to make it more intuitive and more rough," he continues. It takes mere minutes with Stranger Than Heaven in a Gamescom 2026 preview session to understand what he means. The game's combat utilizes a left and right structure, with LB and LT (on an Xbox gamepad) controlling the left arm, while RB and RT handle the opposite side. Pressing B and LB or RB will perform a one-armed block, while pressing all three inputs uses both arms.

The result is a greater sense of rhythm during combat, which Sakamoto describes as "the feeling of being more involved in a fight," before assuring me I'll get used to it. He's right on the money, as I start leading with my left and relying more on my right side, displaying a sense of intuition I usually reserve for Time Crisis 2.

The preview session is split into three sections: 1915 Kokura (easy mode), 1929 Kure (normal) and 1943 Osaka (hard). Each section is a short stroll through a street before clashing with waiting enemies. Kokura serves up a small group who serve as welcome tutorial fodder, while Kure has a bit more of an edge. The gang here are smarter and attempt to form a circle around me but die trying, including a tall mini-boss.

Osaka is not quite so chill, presenting one knife-wielding foe who is eager to slice through my character. Rude as he is, he's also annoyingly strong, able to kill me faster than you can say "hey don't kill me!" – a command I can't help but blurt out during my first attempt. However, while I may not be the fastest, smartest, or strongest person who will play Stranger Than Heaven when it launches on January 15, 2027, I am resilient. I've overcome Lies of P, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and numerous FromSoftware games, and I'll be damned if some punk from an RGG title is going to keep me down.

Attempt two goes better, with well-timed blocks proving a veritable kryptonite to the blade-boasting bastard. That is until he switches up his stance, leaps at me with an almost comical speed and bodies me again. I realize now I've no choice but to sit up straight and lock in.

This time I use the blocks to close the gap between us, doling out hooks when gaps appear, before using both hands to grab my enemy and strike them with a vicious force, laying them down to the ground. They rise up, and fly at me like shit from a shovel, but I block with both arms and grab them again. Another blow sees them go down, and I have the scent of blood in my nostrils, which is fitting given the impressive display of gore Stranger Than Heaven delivers during the fight.

My opponent stands up one more time, bloodied and desperate. I can sense something brewing, some kind of last-gasp attempt to change the momentum, but I nip it in the bud with a left hook to the face. They're done, and so is my preview session, but my excitement to play more has only just begun. Stranger Than Heaven is not what I ever expected from RGG Studio, but the developer has once again impressed me with its innovation. Now I have to wait until January to see what the game has in store.

There's nothing strange about wanting to play more while you wait for Stranger Than Heaven, so take a look at our best Yakuza games or best ARPGs rankings!

Ubisoft, Sega, Bandai Namco, and Square Enix are reportedly some of the publishers who are not supporting the Xbox disc-to-digital program, leading to concerns of the initiative's viability as a preservation tool.

Microsoft announced its disc-to-digital initiative for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One games last month, and at the end of the month, users on the Xbox Insider Program were able to access the feature in a beta form. This led to interesting discoveries like Activision's Deadpool, Transformers: Devastation and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan, as well as assorted titles from other publishers like Rock Band 4 and Lego Dimensions being available despite being delisted from digital stores.

However, unfortunately, Xbox Insider users have seemingly discovered another piece of the puzzle. As reported by users on Reddit, Ubisoft-published games are completely locked out of the program, with a message that reads, "This game is not participating in digital licensing." And since then, players on Reddit have reported the same thing is the case for Sega, Square Enix, and Bandai Namco, which in turn means every FromSoftware game, barring Sekiro, is unavailable on the service.

Sega is particularly interesting given that Sega president Shuji Utsumi pledged his support for physical games following Sony's announcement it's abandoning preservation by killing PS5 discs. On top of that, Sega has been a big supporter of the likes of Xbox Game Pass and Play Anywhere, so many are disappointed to see it seemingly isn't on board with this. However, the feature is still in beta, so hopefully Sega and others get on board once it's out in public.

13 years after famous Microsoft dunk, ex-PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida says Xbox disc-to-digital feature is "a great move"

Persona 4 Revival has big boots to fill, especially for me. Persona 4 Golden is my favorite game in Atlus's JRPG series, so I've been eager – though somewhat anxious – to see what the devs have done with the bubbly murder-mystery remake. Thankfully, an hour-long hands-on session with it at Gamescom 2026 has me thinking I might have been worried over nothing.

During my preview, I'm able to explore a handful of short sections from the opening hours of the JRPG, including some dungeon crawling, boss bashing, and enjoying daily life in Inaba. It's impossible to ignore the fuzzy warmth of familiarity as I watch beloved party members Yosuke and Chie awaken to their Personas and protagonist Yu Narukami explore the sleepy rural town that fans like myself have adored for the last 18 years. But this remake is more than a glossy new coat of paint. Quality-of-life improvements and tweaks are immediately apparent, and have me feeling confident that this will be the best way to experience Persona 4 come launch.

Inaba homecoming

Exploring dungeons is immediately a hundred times better than it was in Golden. Clunky sword swings completely missing Shadows in the overworld, leading to the enemies gaining the advantage in battle, is a thing of the past thanks to hitboxes that feel far more accurate. And you can now use your sword to defend from incoming Shadows, too – doing so will leave them stunned and let you get the upper hand, instead.

Similar to Persona 3 Reload, there are now new items you can smash with your sword while running around dungeons to restore small amounts of SP, too – a relief to someone who staggered through too many of Golden's dungeons after running out of SP-restoring items while refusing to call it a day. I also spotted a newly-added glowing path in the dungeons that led to the 'correct' way forward. I'm uncertain if this can be turned off, but I'd certainly hope so given that it was constantly on screen, and feels rather redundant given that you have a map of the dungeons anyway.

There are new additions to combat, too. Like in Persona 5, you can now Baton Pass to teammates after knocking an enemy down by hitting its weakness, allowing you to switch characters and hopefully strike even more weaknesses, making battles feel faster and more fluid than before. Although I didn't experience this during my demo, Persona 4 Revival also adds a new mechanic called Prime Time which lets you blast enemies with multiple attacks in a row, without costing any HP or SP to use your skills, and ignoring any resistances your foes might have. Prime Time also lets you whip out a fancy finishing move called Series Finale to deal some serious damage.

Visually, there's no doubt in my mind that this is the best-looking Persona game to date. Character models are more expressive than ever, both in cutscenes and during regular dialogue, and MAPPA's animated cutscenes (the studio behind the Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man anime series) look spectacular.

Things sound pretty different, too – Atlus has an entirely new English voice cast on board this time around, and while it's an odd feeling to see these cherished characters return not sounding quite like themselves, from what I've heard, all the new performances are very strong. Paul Castro Jr.'s take on Yosuke, for example, manages to match OG actor Yuri Lowenthal's outgoing vibe perfectly, even if the two don't sound exactly alike.

What might take more getting used to for veteran fans is the new music. I'm already in love with Revival's new advantage battle theme, Prime Time Golden Hour Show, but I'm yet to adjust to the remade versions of old favorites like Time to Make History and Reach out to the Truth. I imagine this will come with time, but I'm sure I won't be the only one who'll go back to the original version's soundtrack for these songs in the future regardless of how new and shiny the remake is.

I may have only experienced a small snippet of the remake, but I left feeling more optimistic than ever about Persona 4 Revival. While it was a shame to learn from producer Kazuhisa Wada himself that Revival won't be adding the highly requested Yosuke romance route, from what I've seen so far, I don't think veteran fans are going to be disappointed with Revival – Wada also clarified that previously mentioned dialog changes won't alter "any parts" of any characters' personalities.

It feels like a long wait until that February 18 release date, but I'm more excited than ever to tune in.

If that's persona-lly too long to wait for your next adventure, our games like Persona 5 recommendations or best JRPGs ranking might come in handy!

I was not ready for Total War: Warhammer 40K. Starting at the tutorial, I'm given 35 space marines to fight more than 1000 orcs – odds I would never take in another Total War game. Spoiler: it is one-sided.

With my squads positioned across hillside vantages and behind cover, the orcs charge into a slaughter. Space marines unload bolter fire into their ranks, some throwing frag grenades before drawing chainswords and carving the survivors up in vicious melee combat. The orcs are routed, and when the battle ends in my favor, I've only lost three space marines.

This introduction to Total War: Warhammer 40K teaches me a lot – like how its fluid ranged-to-melee battle lines work, the importance of cover, and how its armor system allows a handful of space marines to stand against thirty times their number. Just as importantly, it confirms that no amount of experience in Total War: Warhammer 3 is enough to prepare for developer Creative Assembly's jump to 40K – which has the makings to be the studio's most ambitious game ever.

'Eavy metal

Total War: Warhammer 40K is the freshest Total War game I've played since 2016, when Total War: Warhammer first took the series into fantasy territory. At the time, many wondered how its grounded strategic battles would survive contact with dragons and magic. I've asked similar questions about 40K – how much change is too much? – and after spending an hour with the game, it's a relief that it is still unmistakably Total War.

Asymmetricity is the cornerstone of Total War: Warhammer 40K, with each faction designed around unique strengths and weaknesses. Orcs are genuinely overwhelming, designed to whittle down elite forces over the course of several battles. Aeldari should feel like playing with cheats activated, I'm told by one developer. Space Marines, who I play with for several battles today, are few in number and difficult to replace. They rely on their individual unit strength and flexibility, calling down reinforcements and powerful fire support from orbit.

Off-map abilities in Total War: Warhammer 3 are a hammer for every nail – at times so strong they undermine the strategic layer – but they barely even the odds here. In a campaign slice that sees me trying to wrest a relay station away from orcs, I throw everything from bombing runs to orbital laser strikes at them and still lose. That's because each unit's firepower is ranked separately against light, medium, and heavy armor. Bolter fire turns lightly-armored orcs to mush (and yes, I'm told by CA that a bolter round will outright pop a regular human unit). But when I don't react in time to the orcs' super-heavy units, keeping marines to hold the line when in hindsight I should have pulled them back and left it to my tanks, they're slaughtered to the last man.

Picking the right tool for the correct job is more important than ever. I worried 40K's battles would be simpler thanks to the ludicrously powerful weaponry involved, but I actually have to pay closer attention to things like positioning. One-and-done decisions are fewer. While I can coast through most fantasy battles by marching a mealy frontline forwards and letting them work, here I'm punished for not pulling back and using more of the map to avoid being overwhelmed. Not matching fire to appropriately-armored targets is part of the challenge, but so is the asymmetrical layer. I foolishly let a number of space marines stand their ground against a combined mass of orcs, but the latter thrives in massed melee – while my own troops fall one by one.

It's been a long time since I felt tactically challenged by Total War's battles, so the change of pace is refreshing. The principles are the same – control the map as best you can and hope the enemy routes before you – but with more nuance between troops (unit loadouts are customizable!) and Creative Assembly leaning into each faction's unevenness, I get the impression that Total War is breaking new ground without losing itself.

I'll be sharing more on my hands-on soon, including my campaign experience and a chat with the game's developers. But if you've spent the last year worrying that there can be no Total War amongst the stars, I can put your mind at ease. After thousands of hours sunk into its fantasy predecessor, this already feels like a match made in heaven – for both Total War and 40K.

We've ranked the 10 best Warhammer games - how many have you played?

With Gamescom 2026 looming over us, it comes as no surprise that Alien: Isolation 2 fans are hopeful they'll see a release date at the big event – but they shouldn't hold their breath.

Developer Creative Assembly and publisher Sega are apparently not planning to unveil the long-awaited sequel's release date next week during the annual gaming event, as per their response to a fan's excitement over on Twitter.

The original post shows somebody exclaim that they "hope we get a release date next week," to which the official Alien: Isolation 2 account replies, "Hello, you won't get a release date next week."

It's short (not sweet, sadly), but it does provide all folks need to know, I suppose: there'll be no launch date reveal during Gamescom. Thankfully, the fan who initially posted in the first place is taking the news well, though.

They simply write, "Thank you for letting us know!" The Alien: Isolation 2 team says "you're welcome" in turn – so, all in all, it's not a bad interaction or anything… it's just disappointing.

As one fan jokes in the comments, it was "worth a try" regardless. That checks out, seeing as Alien: Isolation 2 has been in the works for at least a little while now, with its first footage having aired as part of the Summer Game Fest 2026 schedule earlier this summer.

It wouldn't be too surprising, then, to see people expecting a release date (or, at the least, a release window) to drop soon… but, alas, it won't be in August, anyway.

Here's hoping Creative Assembly and Sega give us another teaser of sorts, however – it's still possible, seeing as they only confirm they won't be showcasing a release date during this year's Gamescom.

Anything more than a quick sneak-peek at a xenomorph's mouth would be great at this point, as the original Alien: Isolation landed way back in 2014. I know I'll be keeping my own fingers crossed over the next few days.

Alien Isolation 2 uses Unreal Engine 5 instead of Creative Assembly's custom engine, and fans are starting to worry: "This completely ruins any enthusiasm I have for the game."

Atlus' Persona series sold a million copies during the three months of Sega's last financial quarter. Hype for Persona 4 Revival (coming next February) and Persona 6 (coming sometime after) might have had something to do with the continued sales momentum, of course, but the series is also home to some of the best JRPGs ever made. Becoming evergreen sellers comes with the territory.

Publisher Sega recently published its financial results for the first quarter of its 2027 fiscal year, which runs from the beginning of April to the end of June 2026. The Like A Dragon franchise sold well over 600,000 copies in that frame, Sonic the Hedgehog neared a million copies sold, but Persona remained king with more than a million copies sold across all games in the series.

Those stats seem especially impressive considering the high-schooling, demon-slaying series didn't see a new game release during those three months. Persona 3 Reload was ported to Switch 2 last October, but there hasn't been a totally new entry in the franchise for a couple of years now.

Last we heard, earlier this summer, Persona had sold a whopping 30 million copies combined, with Persona 5 making up an absurd chunk of that pie.

Probably not coincidentally, Sega's last quarter took place during the reveal of Persona 6 and a deep dive into Persona 4 Revival, so the series was likely front and center in the minds of the JRPG-loving public. Now's a good a time as any to jump into the series for the first time or catch up on the classics you might have missed, after all.

Persona's momentum in general bodes well for Atlus since Persona 4 Revival doesn't launch until February, 2027, and we've been warned to not expect much from Persona 6 until after the remake comes out, either.

Are you prepping for Persona 6, too? Find out where to start with our picks of the best Persona games, ranked worst to best.

Sega president Shuji Utsumi has promised fans of the Persona series that the teaser trailer for Persona 6 is just the start of what he believes will be a "truly memorable year" to celebrate the series' 30th anniversary. While Persona 4 Revival will be another hype moment for fans, Utsumi hints that there are more reveals on the horizon.

In an interview with Famitsu, that's been translated by GamesRadar+, Utsumi expresses how he's "very confident" that fans will be pleased with what Sega has planned for the series' 30th anniversary. A spin-off from Atlus' already popular Shin Megami Tensei series, Revelations: Persona added more of a narrative focus and emphasis on the character's relationships than its beast battling predecessor.

Originally released for the original PlayStation in 1996, the series has evolved well beyond its isometric pixel art roots. If you've only played the series' newer titles you might not be aware that it didn't always feature a spicy UI and ranked high school relationships.

As 2026 is the 30th anniversary of this game, it seemed natural that Sega would announce the next mainline entry in the series, the long-awaited Persona 6. "I think we were able to announce a truly memorable year for Persona's 30th anniversary," Utsumi says. "Hype for the series has been built by Persona 6's reveal.

"And I think Persona 4 Revival will spark fan excitement again," Utsumi continues. "I'm sure everyone will feel the same way, and I'm very confident we'll give the Persona series the lively 30th anniversary celebration it deserves."

Persona 4 Revival seemingly features more scenes with Marie, fuelling hopes she'll be integrated better than in Golden: "If they do that, the remake will have fulfilled its purpose."

Sega's president Shuji Utsumi has discussed his company's position on the digital versus physical games debate. He says that while Japanese culture focuses on physical media, the rising global popularity of PC gaming means the company needs to emphasize improving its digital releases.

In an interview with Famitsu, that's been translated by GamesRadar+, Utsumi talks about how Sega is approaching what could potentially be an all digital future. "With regards to what we call 'full games' on both console and PC, we think the shift towards digital titles is key," he says. "Of course consoles are important, but at the moment, we're seeing an increase in the number of people playing on PC."

Some consoles are difficult to purchase in many parts of the world due to a number of factors including import fees, exchange rates and licensing disputes. However, the vast array and variety of PCs produced means it's a more accessible gaming platform for people from many different countries.

"Even in regions where consoles aren't commonly available, there are a lot of people who are able to play on PC," Utsumi says. "I think it's important to strengthen our digital products in order to develop this market. [Japan] has a culture of physical media, but I think it's necessary that we're conscious of digital content in order to become more global."

Sega isn't ready to give up on physical games and embrace an entirely digital future, but it will be keeping a watchful eye on the digital market. "We used to develop consoles, and of course, we still have a fondness for physical culture," he says. "So rather than completely abandoning it, we are currently considering the important elements of digital media, and simultaneously trying to make a shift."

Sega cancels its "Super Game" project following free-to-play struggles, but new Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio are still on the way.

Persona 4 Revival might just be one of the most exciting new JRPGs underway – aside from Atlus' Persona 6, that is – and yes, its menus look just as stunning as the studio's past games.

In case you missed the likes of Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio in the past couple of years, Atlus' JRPGs have featured some of the most stunning menus I've seen in any game.

With vibrant visuals, eye-catching fonts, and fluid movement between selections, they're simply to die for – heck, it's one of the most notable features Metaphor: ReFantazio fans pointed out before the fantasy gem even launched in 2024.

It appears that Persona 4 Revival will join the studio's lineup of beautiful in-game menus, with new screenshots of its own UI drawing attention from series stans online.

In one post over on Twitter, we see bright turquoise shades and yellows showcased with various fonts, reflections, and shadowy backgrounds. It's a graphic designer's dream come true, and fans can't help but praise Atlus for the jaw-dropping menus.

"I think this might be the cleanest and best graphical presentation from an Atlus game ever, my God," writes one fan. Another adds, "These look sooo good." Elsewhere, someone jokes, "I hope they spent some of the budget fleshing out the characters" – because, you know, it feels like a lot of money went into the menu designs.

There's also a clip of the menus in action floating about, and yep… they're brilliant.

As one poster exclaims, "HOLY SHIT, THIS MENU IS SO RAD!" And, I have to include my favorite comment: "I FUCKING LOVE ATLUS MENU SCREENS!" Me, too, anon. Me, too.

That's not to say that Persona 4 Golden had bad menus or anything – but Revival is an upgrade, after all, and the menu redesigns certainly prove it. Personally, I can't wait to experience them in real-time.

Thankfully, I won't have to wait too long – Persona 4 Revival is releasing on February 18, 2027, which is mere months away at this point.

Searching for more to look forward to? Browse through our roundup of the best new games coming this year and beyond to add to your wishlist.

Turns out even the Sega Dreamcast isn't safe from the horrors of AI, as the tech appears to be messing with promotional keychains. While engaging in the usual social media doom-scrolling, my thumb came to a halt upon seeing a bastardized version of the retro console, its controller, and VMU, all of which featured garbled text and weird button glyphs.

Currently live at the Sega Shop, the offending Anime Expo Dreamcast keychains in question are actually really cute. They pay homage to the publisher's last best retro console contender, its accompanying controller, and a VMU with a Chao sprite from Sonic Adventure. That's enough to sell me on what would be an excellent collectable for my Sega collection had AI not destroyed the details.

At a glance, you might not realise anything is wrong with these Dreamcast keychains. Upon zooming into Sega's logo, though, it becomes apparent that it's not using real letters, instead wearing a vague cursive-shaped line that has been altered by AI. The buttons on the controller are particularly offensive, with the "B" looking more like a messy circle.

Upon auditing the site for other instances, I found that most of the accessories featured in the Anime Expo range and the general store weren't altered by AI. There's even another Dreamcast keychain that, despite using heavy grain, appears to be an image with untouched details. There is one other offender, though, and it's a set of Crazy Tazi air fresheners that have already flagged for gen AI shenanigans.

Previously highlighted by Danny8bit on X, the Crazy Tazi air fresheners in question suffer from the same garbled text as the Dreamcast keychains. In an attempt to replicate the issues, the site SEGAbits ran the art through gen AI tools and ended up with the same sort of image after using real artwork. This is all neatly summarized in a Time Extension report from last month, and it gives me hope that AI isn't directly making the artwork for the merch.

It appears that the issue lies with Sega taking real product images and using AI to place them on specific backdrops. By doing so, the apparent tools are doing more than just cutting out objects and popping them on top of an orange background, or hanging them from a car mirror in the case of the Crazy Taxi air fresheners, resulting in undesired alterations to details AI simply can't regenerate.

I'd be appalled if the above Dreamcast keychains show up IRL with AI-generated details, and I do suspect these are "placeholders". That's no real excuse, but it is one being increasingly used regarding game assets during development. Crazy Taxi: World Tour has already come under scrutiny for seemingly using the tech, so I'm hoping a legendary gaming brand I care deeply about isn't about to fall down a big artificial slop rabbit hole.

Take a peek at the best retro controllers for new gamepads with a classic feel.

As if Persona 4 Revival couldn't get any more exciting, it's now been confirmed that anime powerhouse MAPPA – the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan's final season, and more – is producing all of the JRPG remake's animated cutscenes.

That's right, from the animators who brought you Satoru Gojo's ethereal blue eyes and many of Attack on Titan's most explosive scenes, we can now get ready for Persona 4 Golden's cutscenes to be brought to life in a new way.

We've already seen some of these in action from the remake's trailers and promotional videos – like the snippet of protagonist Yu Narukami awakening to his first Persona, Izanagi, in the game's pre-order trailer.

From what's been shown so far, they look incredible.

MAPPA's involvement in Persona 4 Revival was announced during Anime Expo 2026 over the weekend, where it was also revealed that Rise (the game's navigator, like Persona 5's Futaba and Persona 3's Fuuka) will be voiced by Abby Trott in the English dub, replacing The Last of Us Part 2's Abby actor, Laura Bailey. This isn't Trott's first Persona role, as she also voiced Tae Takemi in 5 Royal.

The new cast might take some getting used to for veteran fans, but it'd be hard to fault the new performances, from what we've heard.

I always thought that Persona 3 Reload looked great, but I've got to say that Persona 4 Revival is already looking like an even more impressive remake from what we've seen. MAPPA is only handling those anime-style cutscenes, but even the regular in-game cutscenes look super expressive, too.

There's still quite a wait before Persona 4 Revival's February 17, 2027, launch, but at least we'll have something to tide us over until Persona 6 eventually releases.

It's real, it's green, and it's looking a bit sinister, but that's about all we know about that one right now.

One Persona 4 Revival actor shared her "hardcore manifestation" to get into the JRPG remake over 2 years ago, and it clearly worked: "Dreams really do come true."

Although Atlus didn't bring female protagonist Kotone Shiomi back from Persona 3 Portable in Persona 3 Reload, she is making a comeback now – albeit not in a mainline game.

She'll be returning to Persona, but she's not joining her male counterpart Makoto Yuki in Reload – instead, she's part of a new Persona 3 Portable crossover event in Persona 5 gacha spin-off The Phantom X.

It's a strictly mobile and PC game, but it is free to play, so fans of Kotone will finally be able to play as her should they please. Atlus confirms as much in a teaser for the event, showing Kotone in action.

The description of the video details that more information is coming soon, which will likely include the event's release date – but it doesn't provide any other word on what players can expect to see in the crossover aside from Kotone herself.

Regardless, it's a pretty big reveal for folks who've missed one of the Persona series' only female protagonists… and trust me, there are plenty of them to go around.

Heck, Persona 3 Reload fans have been redoing every cutscene in the JRPG to add Kotone in – the dedication is unparalleled, y'all. There's even a mod out there that attempts to bring her into the 2024 remake as seamlessly as possible.

In other words, there's no shortage of Kotone truthers to be found in the wild, and I've got a good feeling this crossover event might spur a rise in Persona 5: The Phantom X players thanks to that.

As for why Atlus didn't choose to include Kotone in Persona 3 Reload a couple of years ago, it all boils down to difficulty and expenses. General producer Kazuhisa Wada previously stated (in machine-translated comments) that even though adding the female character was considered during Reload's development, "the hurdles were too high" ultimately. It's certainly sad, but at least we can play as her in the Persona 5 spin-off.

Here's hoping we learn more about the crossover event from Atlus soon – and perhaps see what else the developers have in store for Persona 5: The Phantom X.

While you wait for the big event, why not read through everything we know about Persona 4 Revival and Persona 6 so far, or browse some other exciting new games underway?

Well, Sega's gone ahead and ruined Sonic's birthday party in a way only the worst Silicon Valley boyfriend would dare to: the publisher is letting it be an opportunity to train artificial intelligence.

Now the Sonic franchise's 35th anniversary feels a lot more gloomy. People were excited about the apparent alternate-reality game Sega had set up, in which players were meant to "recover" lost Chaos Emeralds during free events in Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, and New York. Participating either online or in-person could make you eligible to win prizes like a little enamel pin or a Leblon Delienne sculpture, but it would also require you to consent to being scraped and prodded for the sake of AI.

This fact is only revealed if you attempt to sign up for the Chaos Emeralds hunt on the game's official website and view its Terms of Service before plugging in your zip code, date of birth, and other personal information.

It turns out the Chaos hunt is being carried out "on behalf of SEGA via Community," a mass-texting tool that uses AI-generated messages. Giving the service your information means you "consent to our collection, use, and processing of your information [...] for the improvement, development, and training of our artificial intelligence (AI) models and tools."

More specifically, Community could use your data to "enhance our proprietary AI models," potentially make your data available to "third party providers," and possibly retain your data "as part of our AI model’s knowledge base," according to the platform's Terms of Service.

None of this sounds like the kind of 35th birthday blowout an anthropomorphic hedgehog like Sonic would want. Actually, Sega's Chaos hunt seems more aligned with Sonic villain Dr. Eggman's values, which generally involve deploying evil robots.

To that point, one popular reply to Sega on Twitter taunts, "Might as well change the main character to Eggman now cause it's clear how much you love bots."

"Ai data harvesting and decade old renders," says another defeated fan "What an anniversary.

But AI is sadly part of Sega's new normal. The developer is open about the fact that it thinks generative AI is "an optional support tool for developers," as company spokesperson recently said to Game Informer. It also seems to think of generative AI as a wonderful opportunity to kill a mood; Sega earned fans' animosity earlier this month when its Steam page for the upcoming Crazy Taxi: World Tour revealed it used "generative AI support tools during development."

To its very small credit, though, Sega is at least consistent in its tiptoeing around AI. The studio has been publicly sharing its medium-warm approach to the tech for months now, as company executives made it known in a translated 2025 investor call that Sega planned to "pursue efficiency improvements, such as leveraging AI," also noting that "we will proceed by carefully assess appropriate use cases, such as streamlining development processes."

Sega has seemingly stuck to that approach in using generative AI as a garnish, but not overwhelmingly. Maybe a blue guy who runs as fast as Sonic the Hedgehog could appreciate that kind of technological "streamlining"... but what's certain is that fans who are worried about Sega's ambiguous relationship to AI and buried partnerships with platforms like Community certainly do not.

Sonic lead says AAA studios can learn from indies in the same way the movie industry should take notes from Backrooms and Obsession.

Despite throwing shade at Nintendo ahead of its release, Sega has deemed Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' sales to be below expectations.

In Sega Sammy's latest financial results the company singles out two of its titles that it deems to have "fallen short of expectation" when it comes to sales, despite good reviews for both. These titles are Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, which garnered Metacritic scores of 82 and 87 respectively when they were released last year.

Sega confirmed earlier this year (thanks, Nintendo Life) that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds was still hovering around the previously announced one million copies sold mark, and given that Sonic x Shadow Generations the year prior had sold over three million, and Sonic Frontiers sold just under five million, Sega clearly had higher expectations for the project.

Last year was one of the biggest years for the kart racer genre to date – granted, it would've been huge with the launch of the first Mario Kart game in 11 years in the form of Mario Kart World alone. But Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Kirby Air Riders also released in 2025, meaning the typically niche genre was pretty crowded.

Ahead of launch, Sega threw a bit of shade at Nintendo with an ad making fun of "the open road," quite obviously in reference to Mario Kart World's open-world pivot and the prevalence of controversial intermission tracks in the game. Plus, the game's creative director Masaru Kobayakawa spoke about the Sonic Racing rewarding skill instead of luck, which also felt like a reference to Mario Kart.

According to Nintendo, as of March 31 this year, Mario Kart World had sold just under 15 million copies, and sure, it may have been helped along by the somewhat generous console bundle that arrived alongside the launch of the Switch 2, but Mario Kart always does well. However, the way more niche Kirby Air Riders is also seemingly out in front of Sonic Racing, at 1.87 million copies sold.

Personally, I had all three kart racers on my top 10 games of last year, so for me it was a three cakes situation, but I definitely didn't think it was the best time for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds to release. But given CrossWorlds released on seven platforms, I can somewhat understand why Sega would be disappointed.

10 years ago, Sega said "we're done with Sonic," and it was up to Takashi Iizuka to save the series: "Sonic was really at a low point."

Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka reveals Sega was ready to give up on Sonic at the low point of its history.

Sonic has had many ups and downs throughout its 35-year history, and while the classic line of "Sonic had a rough transition to 3D" isn't exactly accurate, given how beloved the Adventure duo is, the mixed reception to Heroes, before the triple bill of Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Genesis, and Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), led the series to a low point.

And while Sega did bring things back around with the beloved Sonic Colors and Generations, the series was right back in the bad books with the likes of Sonic Lost World, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, and Sonic Forces.

And while Sonic has always had a dedicated fanbase, his reputation wasn't the best, so much so that Sega delisted sub-par Sonic releases in 2010, ironically just before the worst Sonic game ever made – Sonic Free Riders – was released.

Speaking to GamesRadar+, Iizuka acknowledges "there's been a lot of ups and downs in our history," and recalls "There was even a time when Sega said, 'You know what? We don’t need you to make any more Sonic games. We’re good. We’re done with Sonic.'" He adds, "10 years ago, when I first moved to America, Sonic was really at a low point, and they [Sega] said, 'Iizuka-san, if you don’t go over to America and don’t start building this up and raising Sonic back up, Sonic is going to end, and we’re just going to be done with it.'"

10 years ago was 2016, which would place this moment as just over a year after the release of Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, a game so disastrously buggy that it instantly became a meme for glitches like Knuckles' infinite flight. While the next 3D game in the series, Sonic Forces, was also slated, Sonic Mania, released a few months prior, is one of the most beloved Sonic games to date. Iizuka also thanks the fanbase for sticking with the series through those low points, saying, "It's really thanks to the fans that Sonic lives on.

Not to mention the Sonic Boom cartoon amassed a big fanbase, and of course, the movie series kicked off in 2020 – which Sonic voice actor Roger Craig Smith credits with launching "the notoriety of the character" into "a whole other stratosphere." So thankfully, Sonic seems to be back in a good place, even if Frontiers and Superstars aren't the most beloved games in the series.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 director calls it the "best Sonic movie yet" as filming officially wraps.

Persona 6 is now on Steam, ready to wishlist as we wait who knows how long for the next big JRPG from Atlus.

As expected, the Persona 6 Steam page closely mirrors the existing pages on the PlayStation and Xbox stores. However, Atlus and publisher Sega have also shared a few moderately interesting breadcrumbs.

With just a short and vague reveal trailer to go on, we've had to resort to these store pages for any information sturdier than bread. Most of the details around Persona 6 have served only to confirm what hasn't changed since Persona 5, which is by far the most popular entry in the series. Today hasn't yielded any bombshells either, but sometimes no change is interesting news in its own right.

One thing that has changed a tiny bit is Persona 6's mature content description. This is unique to the Steam listing, at least for now, and reads: "This Game may contain content not appropriate for all ages, or may not be appropriate for viewing at work: Some Nudity or Sexual Content, Frequent Violence or Gore, General Mature Content".

For comparison, here's what Persona 5 Royal's Steam page says: "This game includes content such as blood, drug reference, partial nudity, sexual themes, strong language, and violence."

I'm really only pointing this out because, while Persona 6 shows very slight differences to Persona 5 Royal's mature content Steam description, it's identical to Persona 4 Revival's disclosure. This suggests Atlus or Sega have simply updated their boilerplate verbiage, so we shouldn't read it as a unique reflection of the tone or content of Persona 6, which, based on that graveyard reveal trailer, is currently suspected to be a bit darker than the more pop-flavored Persona 4 and 5 (though both of those also feature some grim scenes and subjects).

If nothing else, this does indicate that Persona 6 won't be a step back in terms of mature content or themes. Previously, we only had pending ESRB ratings, with the Xbox page predicting "likely mature 17+".

We can also look at the SteamDB page update history and find "content descriptors" which include "some nudity or sexual content," "frequent violence or gore," and "general mature content".

Speaking of Steam tags: separate from user-determined tags, Persona 6 has categories that include "single-player," "Steam Achievements," "Steam Cloud," and "Family Sharing". I look forward to seeing what tags Steam users brute force into the store page.

Another Steam update log matches a blurb on the live page: "Added 3rd-Party DRM – Denuvo Anti-tamper". This also comes as no surprise, as Persona 4 Revival uses the same tech.

Somewhat more interesting is clear confirmation that the Persona series' calendar structure hasn't changed. In store page descriptions, Atlus explains that we will "Live a Double Life in Modern-Day Japan". The Steam post co-published by Atlus and Sega notes that Persona 6 will see us "Live a Year Alongside Unforgettable Companions in Modern-Day Japan," recentering the calendar and putting us on a course for a year in "contemporary Japanese cities".

Additionally, Atlus and Sega continue to emphasize that Persona 6 is a completely standalone game, seemingly looking to avoid any confusion or fear around playing this as your first Persona. Atlus knows Persona 5 got a lot more attention than previous entries, and it obviously wants those people, and others, to play Persona 6. I've scoured every crumb of Persona 6 information, and I can't stress enough just how heavily this newcomer-friendly sentiment has been pushed.

That new Steam post reads: "While staying true to the distinctive atmosphere and innovative gameplay experience that have made the series beloved for years, Persona 6 introduces an entirely new setting and story. Each mainline title features a self-contained narrative with no story ties to previous games — so if this is your first Persona experience, jump right in!"

Persona 6 could release next year, Sega leaker hints, telling JRPG fans not to "read too much" into the teaser's lack of release window.

Sonic the Hedgehog actor Roger Craig Smith says the movies have sent the blue hedgehog's popularity to a whole different level.

Sonic games – as far as mainline entries in the series go – have been weirdly quiet this decade, with only Sonic Frontiers and a number of remakes, remasters, and spin-off titles to sustain it. But despite that, the series is bigger than ever thanks to the massively popular movie franchise that began in 2020 and is approaching its third sequel in 2027, with Sonic 3 being only the second video game movie to be Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes (Werewolves Within was the first, despite the game's lack of notoriety).

Speaking to GameSpot, Sonic's long-time voice actor Roger Craig Smith – who joined the series with 2010's Sonic Colors (although his voice debut as the character was at the UK's Alton Towers theme park) – was asked about where the franchise is at right now. "I really think we're just at an exciting time," Smith says, "I never would have thought that this many years later we'd be, I mean, as large of a brand as the entire thing has become sort of globally now."

Smith acknowledges that Sonic has always been popular with gamers, but "the fact that the movies have done so well, it's like, it really has sort of launched the notoriety of the character kind of into a whole other stratosphere."

Although, despite Tails actor Colleen O'Shaughnessey reprising her role for the films, Smith has mainly been the voice for the game series (albeit with some voice cameos in the likes of Wreck it Ralph, OK K.O., and being the voice of the character in the shockingly good Sonic Boom TV show).

As for the future of the game franchise, Smith says "I don't know where it goes from here," and explains, "as voice actors too, we're always like the last to sort of find out anything." Although he says this is "for good reason" as voice actors could potentially leak projects, as Devil May Cry's Daniel Southworth and Assassin's Creed Black Flag's Matt Ryan can attest to.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 director calls it the "best Sonic movie yet" as filming officially wraps.

Atlus has unveiled several of the new actors who'll provide the English voices of Persona 4 Revival's iconic characters, and the cast seems to know exactly how big the shoes they're stepping into are. The new actors have taken to social media to celebrate the news and pay tribute to the OGs, and at least one of the original actors is happily passing the torch to her replacement.

Brianna Knickerbocker will take on the role of Yukiko Amagi in Persona 4 Revival. She describes this as an "absolute bucket list dream role" on Twitter, promising fans that "we all poured so much love into this story/game. You all are going to LOVE it."

Among the people already certain to love it? Amanda Winn Lee, who voiced Yukiko in the original game. "This is fantastic news," Lee exclaims in her own tweet. "Brianna is an absolute doll and I know she will rock this role and it's ridiculous laugh! Have fun, gorgeous!!"

The Persona 4 characters are uniquely beloved, even among the intense world of JRPG fandom, and for many players in the West these personalities are inseparable from the English voices who previously brought them to life.

"I know how much this series and specifically this title means to Persona fans, so I just want you all to know the immeasurable amount of care and consideration that went into the recording of this game," says Paul Castro Jr, who's taking over the role of Yosuke Hanamura. "I can only hope to capture some of what made Yosuke so special to so many people, while bringing my own voice to the role."

As for Ari Thrash, who's taking over Marie from Eden Riegel, she says "I know most of you will miss the OG Marie’s voice and I can’t/won’t blame you for that (she slays), the OGs are iconic!! But– for every new persona fan and old, I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy my interpretation of her."

Funnily enough, Thrash tweeted way back in 2024 that if Persona 4 were to ever get a full remake with a new cast "and they give the characters other VA’s I would love the chance to try out [for] Rise or Nanako. This is hardcore manifestation." That manifestation did end up working, in a way, though Marie wasn't on her radar at the time. "I had never played Golden so I didn’t know who Marie was," she explains.

"My cast and I stand on the shoulders of giants," according to Nazeeh Tarsha, who's taking over the role of the protagonist from Johnny Yong Bosch. "We all grew up on monumental and iconic performances and the amount of respect we have toward our predecessors cannot be overstated. Truthfully I know that this news comes to the chagrin of many and I would be lying if I said I haven't been nervous about this reveal. I want to make it clear that I see myself solely as an iteration. Johnny will forever be my and many people's GOAT and I can only hope to aspire to his greatness. I did my best to do right by both him as well as the fandom."

These roles have clearly meant a lot to the actors who've taken them on over the years. Chie actor Erin Fitzgerald, who herself replaced OG actor Tracey Rooney for Persona 4 Golden, said she was "deeply grieving" losing the role for Revival. Here's hoping the new cast can live up to the precedent set by those who've come before.

You can't make a list of the best JRPGs without at least one Persona game.

Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka says he would love every Sonic game to be available on modern consoles, but thinks the effort involved would be better spent on new titles.

In case you weren't aware, there's a whole lot of Sonic games out there. Since 1991, there's been as many mainline console games as the entirety of Mario's mainline console and handheld games (that's with a six-year head start). But unlike Mario, where three of the New Super Mario Bros games and 3D Land are the extent of what you cannot play on the Switch consoles right now, there are a lot of Sonic Games that are simply unavailable on modern platforms.

And while some may be happy with not having the ability to play Sonic Heroes, Sonic 2006 or Sonic Lost World on modern consoles, there are absolute bangers like Sonic Adventure 2, the Sonic Advance trilogy and Rush duo that can't be played on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch (PC does have a few of them available still, however).

When asked by YouTube creator Jeremy Klinger which Sonic game he would personally choose to be remade for the franchise's 35th anniversary this year, Iizuka responded, "When we think about all the games in the 35 years that Sonic has been out there, I really want to be able to play all of those old games on the modern platforms." He continues, saying if he could "magically do it," Izuka would "want every single Sonic game ever put out there to be playable now on current hardware."

Unfortunately, however, "The cost that it would take to actually bring those games and have them not just be ported over, but actually be remade and be full experiences on that hardware" would be "about the same resource, money, or people's time and energy as it would to make a brand new title." Iizuka adds, "We're really focused more on making new experiences to surprise people."

Granted, I think many people would be happy with simple ports at this point. And with the GameCube on Nintendo Switch Online, we can easily get the Adventure games and Heroes on there. The saving grace, however, is that many older ports of these games are available on PC, and with a fan community as passionate as Sonic's, those have been updated into really good versions. Or in the case of Sonic Unleashed, a whole PC version was made by the fanbase, which is by far the best way to play the game.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 director calls it the "best Sonic movie yet" as filming officially wraps.

I usually have a rule to avoid most collector's editions. Often, the extra merch that's packed inside these pricey versions isn't of the quality you'd want to show off in your house, gaming room, or even your bathroom. Let's not forget the Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater statue, shall we?

That being said, I'm finding it pretty hard not to go all in with the $249.99 (Amazon) Persona 4 Revival Collector's Edition, and it includes a figure that has me reaching to click that 'add to basket' button. The $250 version of the game includes a 9.8-inch statue of 4's silver-haired protagonist, alongside his persona, Izanagi, sitting on a pile of old CRTVs, and if I may, it looks bloody fabulous. That pile of TVs included in the base looks good enough that I could jump right inside.

My rule of thumb for Collector's Editions is usually this: unless a well-known figure brand like Banpresto or Kotobukiya is behind the statue included, I'm not going to bother.

Having a recognized name brand can give you an idea of quality even without seeing the finished product. For example, I have the AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative Collector's Edition and felt incredibly comfortable adding it to my Switch game collection for the simple fact that the Aiba figure included is part of Good Smile Company's Pop-up Parade line. As I already owned a lot of Pop-up Parade figures, I had a basis of what kinda of sculpt and paint job to expect.

For now, the SEGA site doesn't include those details for Persona 4 Revival, bar the fact that it's "identical to the one that comes with the limited edition in other regions" and comes pre-painted, but I'm willing to take the risk today.

I have plenty of other SEGA-produced Persona figures on my shelf, and haven't been let down yet. Just keep your fingers crossed for me, and any of your Persona-loving friends who grabs it, that the Protag and Izanagi don't look like that Snake statue's distant relatives.

• View Persona 4 Revival: Amazon Edition for $69.99 at Amazon

Check out our Fable pre-orders, Wolverine pre-orders, and Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave pre-order pages if you like to secure your games ahead of time.

I suppose there are worse places to be than a spaceship; Earth, for example. So I'm happy to become Alien: Isolation 2 protagonist Blake during a preview of the horror game sequel at Summer Game Fest 2026. Though, it's obvious developer Creative Assembly doesn't want me easing into any cathartic sense of "escapism" with the franchise's apex predator, the Xenomorph, skulking around. Nearly 15 years after the first Alien: Isolation game made horror history, Alien: Isolation 2's unkillable, highly intelligent monster is even more adept at drooling over each crunch of your knuckles – this is a game about escaping.

So, I need to stop wanting to die. That's something I like to do in horror games – it's the closest I can get to finding out what the real thing is like – which I passively yearn for during both minor inconveniences, like running out of salt, and larger, life-altering tragedies. Horror games let you indulge in death and dying without any of the real drama. I can tell Blake has a sad fuzz around her, too, as she chooses to explore a piece of the infested Sevastopol station from Alien: Isolation, even though it's an obvious trap.

Escape from Kurosaki

But, Alien: Isolation 2 doesn't seem interested in our self-pity. I like that. All my favorite horror games, including Silent Hill 3 and Haunting Ground, challenge their female protagonists and often female fans in choosing life, even when unspoken trauma, unspeakable harm, and starving monsters forecast clouds and hellfire for the rest of time.

Blake and I could use the kick. In my case, bad news and politics often leads me to taking my sleeping pills early and hiding in a dream. Similarly, it seems like Blake made an attempt at sleeping through life before embarking on this job she's on in my preview. She attempts small talk with her new crewmates Cole and Otto – Cole is the one with the beard, he's more crabby than the other – about how she's been under cryosleep for eight months, and her mom back on Earth. The men suggest eight months is too long to be refrigerated, but, as Blake, I shrug them off. We're self-consciously apathetic.

But Otto and Cole are, too, seeming defeated by the demands of their work, and our wary camaraderie is just starting to stick together like alien tentacles when something weird happens. Our spacecraft goes down fast, and I'm now seeing Cole's hairy chin as an assurance of this guy's experience handling shit instead of ever bothering to shave. So I'm not scared yet. He's handling it.

We land onto a seemingly empty colony world – safely. There are little patches of flame here and there like freckles, but Blake seems invigorated. The woman who has been asleep is now awake – and that's a gift, even when I crawl out of my new ship alone.

Blake must be used to being alone. She's spent so long inside her mind, and I know from experience that there isn't anything lonelier than that.

Though this Alien: Isolation 2 preview is pre-alpha footage, as I duck under alien trees and scrape ragged cliffsides looking for Otto and Cole – they're OK, but a short walk away as I learn to sprint and climb in a tutorial – I'm impressed by how beautiful the horror game already looks.

The facts of the environment are maybe not beautiful: fat plops of rain, soupy mist, and increasingly angry wind, which is making every slender tree around me shiver like it's nervous. But, Creative Assembly has done a lovely job matching realism with style – it communicates that this soaked planet is something to be intimidated by, since no one ever wants to be stuck in the rain in a place they've never been before. At the same time, everything is so soft and blue, like waking up in the middle of the night. There's a romantic drama to it.

Blake clearly thinks so. You know the movie, Earth Girls Are Easy? Not this one. When the crew discovers another crashed station, she insists on forcing her way in to find survivors. Cole decides he wants nothing to do with it, but Otto is vaguely interested in the scavenging opportunity. So, Blake pops open a door that says not to open it, her hands no doubt strengthened by the stubborn curiosity I know I'd have too. I want to see what's inside the ship that's now a ring of fire. I'm ready to stop dreaming.

I guide Blake into that ship which, Otto acknowledges with a sigh, most people wouldn't bother with. The power's dead, so I need to complete the simple task of picking up a few pieces of scrap to fix it at a main controller panel.

This ends up being more difficult than I'd like. Alien: Isolation 2 uses first-person perspective, which the original 2014 game employed to make you feel like its slinky stalker enemy, the Xenomorph, really wanted to grind your bones into bread. The quiet (aside from suspicious squeaks and the occasional, baby chick beep of an abandoned computer) ship is tilted and disorienting. At times, I'm too physically nauseous from motion sickness to let myself curl into Alien: Isolation 2's tense stomach.

But, the glimpse of the Xenomorph I get during my preview sobers me up like a mosquito bite. The titular alien, an avenging angel the movies established as the ultimate mama bear, likes to penetrate your guts and have her babies pull them out. In Alien: Isolation 2, she's apparently even better than she used to be at identifying you by sight and sound – Creative Assembly tells me in an interview that even the shifting wind can carry the slow creaks of your footsteps to her.

So once she reveals herself to Blake, I think I know what to do. I crouch. I stay low, and… I'm too eager to leave the nest. I stand up unreasonably quick, and the Xenomorph dinosaur-walks over to me, shiny and Cadillac black – the unkillable creature is more machine than the soft, pillow tummies we associate with other mothers. She opens her beetle-butt head to reveal multiple rows of teeth sparkling from saliva dewdrops. And then I'm dead.

But I don't want to die anymore. I want to play more Alien: Isolation 2, and now I wonder who's hungrier to tiptoe in the shadows for the sake of proving herself – my enemy or me?

If the Xenomorph isn't scary enough, check out our best horror games ranking for more you could play with the lights out!

The Persona 4 remake is getting one of my favorite Persona 5 combat mechanics, and I bet you missed it in the trailer, too. Amid everything announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, which was in itself a fast-paced frenzy of updates and announcements including Persona 6, I don't feel bad that it took a more thorough and focused rewatch to spot. But spot it I did, and I can now confirm that swap out is coming to Persona 4 Revival.

Why is it so exciting? Well, I'm someone who plays the best turn-based RPGs by choosing my party more for the company than the logistics. There are a couple of caveats to that – no, I wouldn't pit Light damage specialists against a resistant enemy just for the sake of it, but unless I know what I'm up against, I'm a sucker for bringing my favs with me into each of the best Persona games. Persona 5's swap-out mechanic proved my saving grace for that precise reason, allowing me to switch up my party makeup mid-battle if I run into a nasty surprise. Seeing it come to Person 4 Revival is truly excellent news – and it shows how Atus is approaching its remakes with more in mind than a stylish new look alone.

Channeling the greats

I had been hoping to see swap out in Persona 3 Reloaded. The game was Atlus's first pop at its remake series, also made in tandem with the next mainline game (hell yeah for Persona 6 finally being revealed), and I knew it had set out to bring Persona 5's strong visual identity to one of its best-loved titles.

It absolutely pulled off making a stylish, slick remake, evoking the aesthetic charm and vibrance of the franchise's entry. But I was disappointed that the innovations stopped there. Persona 5's success made it the series' greatest hit, a lot of it probably down to how good it looks. There's more to the Joker's adventure than a cool vibe, though. It also has the best combat.

I see echoes of that in the Persona 4 Revival trailer. Everything is painted in vivid shocks of color, from the environs of the Midnight Channel itself to the skills Yu and his buddies use to defeat Shadows throughout. The UI is discernibly Persona 5-coded, much as it is in Persona 3 Reloaded, only reskinned to suit the game's own color palette. To that end, the P5 energy resides only in P4R's style instead of its substance.

Or so I thought, until about one minute and twenty five seconds into the trailer when the words "baton pass" flash on-screen. It looks like the protagonist is tagging Yosuke in, potentially swapping out a downed Chie to give her a chance to recover. It looks just like the swap out mechanic from Persona 5 and Persona 5 Golden – finally, it's coming to the remakes.

The real question will be how Atlus adapts its unlock path to accommodate a new context. Swapping party members out mid-combat is locked behind social sim elements in P5, specifically by building your relationship with the game's Star Confidant, classmate and love interest Hifumi Togo.

Maybe the role of Star Confidant is returning to P4R, but might be exclusive to one or more of the protagonists' eight love interests? Or, if Atlus wants to adapt rather than copy and paste the mechanic, there might be multiple ways to access it? Swap out is such a fun and essential tool in Persona 5, especially on higher difficulties or for anyone who struggles to be strategic about their party selection, and there are so many ways it could be introduced to P4R with the same effect.

For now, there's still a big question mark over what that might look like. But with a February 2027 release date locked in and less than a year to go until then, I'm excited to see which other ways Persona 4 Revival riffs off the fifth mainline game to deliver a fresh take on its coolest tricks. Style and substance, please!

The Xbox Game Showcase's best announcement was undoubtedly the actual announcement of Crazy Taxi: World Tour after it was teased three years ago. So, of course Sega has immediately killed all of that goodwill by confirming it used generative AI for it.

During the showcase, a trailer kicked off with someone stacking cans before the dulcet tones of The Offspring's Dexter Holland shouting "YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH," and everyone whose knees currently hurt was immediately struck with excitement. While Sega did announce that Crazy Taxi was coming back during The Game Awards 2023 (alongside Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, and a ton of other franchises Sega hasn't touched in years), this is our first look at the game now dubbed Crazy Taxi: World Tour.

We got some gameplay of the new game interspersed with CGI footage, with it teasing new types of Crazy Taxi-ing as your passengers are fishing for sharks, holding a tower of pizza, or playing air guitar. The trailer takes place throughout what seems to be a recreation of the original arcade game's map, however, a character invited Axel to new countries, implying there's going to be many more as part of the World Tour.

The Steam page explains the plot: "Embark on a globetrotting adventure to recover Axel's stolen car from a mysterious group of international car thieves in a compelling story-driven campaign." However, for those elderly people among us (anyone over 30), Sega promises a classic Arcade-style mode too "featuring a pulse-pounding race against the clock to earn the most cash possible".

Exciting, right? Well, unfortunately Sega has immediately put a big damp cloth on the hype, as that same Steam page unfortunately includes the dreaded "AI Generated Content Disclosure." The disclosure reads, "At SEGA Corporation, we utilize generative AI as a support tool for developers, aiming to provide better content to our users and enable developers to focus more on creative tasks. We have used such generative AI support tools during development of Crazy Taxi: World Tour. No AI was used in reference to the performers in the game."

The description is a little vague, however from the line about enabling "developers to focus more on creative tasks" Sega is presumably using the tech for behind-the-scenes tasks rather than flooding the game with AI slop artwork. There being a disclosure, however, has many thinking it's more than simply using AI support tools for coding – but the vagueness now allows people to assume the worst. And now, sadly one of the most exciting announcements of the showcase has been spoiled for many.

Of course, generative AI has become more commonplace in games as of late, with publishers like Ubisoft and Krafton openly talking about using the tech. However, players seem to be outright rejecting it, as the outcry over Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian using it for Divinity caused the studio to u-turn on the using it in concept art.

Speaking of Sega and disappointment, Atlus announced Persona 6 and proceeded to show us absolutely nothing.

Mike Fischer, former Sega of America vice president of entertainment marketing, recalls working with Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka, and not very fondly.

Fischer worked for Sega in the early 90s before returning to the company in the early 2000s, and speaking to Sega 16, he explains, "It was wonderful to go back and reconnect with those people. It was less pleasant to deal with Naka-san." He recalls speaking about trends in the western market going towards mature games, with the soon-to-be-developed Yakuza playing into this nicely. But Fischer recalls, "Naka just went fucking ballistic on me, yelling at me, saying I wanted to make porno games."

He also recalled the development of Sonic Team's Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, saying, "He wanted to call it Giant Eggs, and we’re like, 'Well, to lay a big egg in the U.S. just means a failure.'" Someone on the team suggested calling it "'Billy Hatcher' because it’s a hatching game with a cute character. The main character is the boy, not the egg." But, "Naka-san hated it. We called it Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, which he still hated."

Fischer then recalls another tale about the naming of the now-mostly-forgotten GameCube title. He notes, "I promise you, I am not making up this story," and says, "He goes, 'Well, I know another name for the boy wearing a rooster suit. Another name for [a] rooster is cock. Can we call the game Giant Cock in English?'"

And despite the hilarity of suggesting that, Fischer doesn't have the best memories of Sonic's co-creator, saying, "He is literally the most miserable person I have ever worked with in games or anything else in my life, just a horrible human being, and you can quote me on that," while also making reference to his prison sentence for insider trading charges in 2022.

However, Fischer has far better things to say about Sonic's other co-creator, Naoto Ōshima, saying "Ōshima-san is one of the most wonderful, kindhearted people you’ll ever meet in your life," while citing distaste at Naka speaking in an interview about why he decided to make Sonic blue – something Ōshima, as the character artist, was responsible for.

He also says that Naka "was so malignant in trying to rewrite history" and that he "refused to sit in the same row as Ōshima-san because he accused Ōshima-san of trying to steal his credit" at the Xbox One debut event. However, the duo would eventually collaborate again on 2021's Balan Wonderworld for the first time since Sonic Adventure, so presumably they had patched things up by then.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 director calls it the "best Sonic movie yet" as filming officially wraps.

Former Sega of America vice president of entertainment marketing Mike Fischer says he's heard a Sonic CD remake is in the works

In an interview with Sega 16, Fischer speaks at length about his time at Sega, including being around for the launch of the Sega CD, shifting the company from a first to third-party publisher after the fall of the Dreamcast, as well as his time at Namco between his two tenures at Sega. However, right at the end of the interview, he drops a nugget like it's nothing, saying: "I've heard that they're remaking Sonic CD, which would be wonderful. That was my favorite Sonic game."

Sega doesn't have anything in store for Sonic at the moment, at least, nothing that's been publicly announced (there are rumors about a Sonic Frontiers definitive edition release), and while most assume that this year's game will be a sequel to Frontiers – or just the next mainline game in general – the idea of a Sonic CD remake has certainly come out of nowhere.

While Sonic CD was remastered as part of Sonic Origins a few years ago, the timing for something with the classic Sega CD game would make sense, as the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4 movie is set to adapt it. And, as the best Sonic game in 2D (in my eyes, I know Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Knuckles and Mania are the fan consensus), I'd be down to see it adapted in a new way, just as long as they keep that all-timer soundtrack – the Japan and Europe version, before you ask.

Of course, Fischer doesn't work at Sega currently, and while it wouldn't be unusual for him to hear about the current goings on at the company, there's always the chance that this is a miscommunication or misunderstanding, so don't get yourself too hyped until we see evidence of it existing.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 director calls it the "best Sonic movie yet" as filming officially wraps.

When it comes to the RPGs I'm anticipating at Summer Game Fest 2026, I'm trying to think quality over quantity. There's an impressive number of upcoming RPGs in development right now, and many supposedly launching in the next 12 months still lack release dates. That feels like a great place to start when trying to picture which role-playing adventures might show up amid the already hectic Summer Game Fest 2026 schedule.

While I'm expecting plenty of brand new game announcements on the roster too, we really are owed an update from the developers of these six RPGs in particular. Many titles I've picked out are upcoming Xbox Series X games I'm especially confident in seeing this showcase season, kept in good company by titles riffing off the best JRPGs and best first-person RPGs for good measure. I have different reasons for being so sure of each one's appearance, though, from rumors to leaks and recent dev announcements. Without further ado, here are the six RPGs I'll be watching out for at SGF 2026.

1. Fable

Developer: Playground Games
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Release date: Fall 2026

With all the wonder, fantasy, and tongue-in-cheek humor you loved about the original trilogy, Playground's Fable is set to launch later in 2026 to breathe new life into a classic RPG world. The Forza developer has been generous in showing off numerous trailers over the past few years, and despite finally locking in a release window, the specifics have yet to be nailed down. Enter: Summer Game Fest, the perfect opportunity for the studio to iron out that final all-important detail.

I'm super convinced that we'll see Fable at some point this summer, most likely during the Xbox Games Showcase. This has the potential to be one of the best third-person RPGs of the year, not to mention one of the top new RPGs on Xbox's publishing roster, and it's high time we had something concrete to jot into our calendars.

2. Stranger than Heaven

Developer: RGG Studio
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Release date: Q4 2026 / Q1 2027

Like a Dragon JRPG diehards have been waiting for more Stranger than Heaven news – most importantly, a firm release date – and I have a feeling Summer Game Fest 2026 is primed to do the job. The gorgeous prequel seriously impressed me in its first reveal trailer, introducing a story spanning 50 years in mid-century Japan with a heavy focus on music, third-person combat, and a host of colorful characters (including one voiced by Snoop Dogg). Publisher Sega revealed some new details on the game in a May 2026 Xbox Presents special, which leads me to believe that the publisher is breadcrumbing an eventual appearance at the Xbox Games Showcase at SGF.

Plus, with GTA 6 looming on November's horizon and threatening to eclipse everything else, I'm keen to know where Stranger than Heaven will launch on its late 2026-early 2027 timeline. Gotta rip that bandaid off eventually, Sega!

3. The Blood of Dawnwalker

Developer: Rebel Wolves
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Release date: September 3, 2026

Finally, a 2026 RPG release that actually has a date locked in. The Blood of Dawnwalker has been one of my most-wanted games of 2026 for a very long time, with each new reveal doubling down on those cravings. I won't have to wait long to experience protagonist Cain's dual human vs. vampire playstyles for myself, but Rebel Wolves still has a brilliant opportunity to entice the masses at Summer Game Fest and rake in some extra pre-orders.

Whether it's a combat deep-dive off the back of its recent gameplay overview or something that digs into the vampiric lore of its universe, it still feels like there's so much of the RPG we've yet to see for ourselves – including whether Coen will be receiving a male romance option, as Redditors are speculating (hell yeah).

4. Clockwork Revolution

Developer: inXile
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X
Release date: TBC

With perhaps only a few months to go before Fable launches, Xbox will be scrabbling around in its pockets for the next RPG on its to-do list. Say hello (again) to Clockwork Revolution, a stunning new RPG that we haven't seen since last year's Summer Game Fest. The latest, rather meaty trailer gave us a closer look at the narrative aspects we can expect in this first-person sci-fi adventure, set in a quirky yet dangerous Victorian-futuristic world that riffs off BioShock Infinite.

As a possible Xbox exclusive for console and PC, I don't think it's out-of-pocket to gather that developer inXile might keep up the tradition and show face again at Xbox Games Showcase 2026, giving us something new to anticipate once Fable gets unleashed to the masses.

5. Persona 4 Revival

Developer: Atlus
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Release date: TBC

Following in the footsteps of 2024's Persona 3 Reloaded, Persona 4 Revival will be refreshing the classic JRPG for modern audiences – but the question is when? We've known about the remake for some time now, currently in production alongside Persona 6 (which is our Games Editor's wildcard wishlist pick for the showcase season), but Atlus has been keeping suspiciously quiet about it as of late.

Recent speculation around supposed leaks suggests we should expect the game around February 2027, which was the same month that Reload dropped a couple of years ago. It's about time Atlus puts those rumors to bed once and for all by locking in a release date at Summer Game Fest 2026 – which is actually when the Sega leaker says the announcement will come, funnily enough.

6. Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave

Developer: Intelligent Systems
Platform(s): Switch 2
Release date: TBC 2026

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is one of my favorite games of all-time, so naturally I also think it's the best tactical RPG in the entire series. And yes, I say that as a longtime fan of Fire Emblem. I've revisited it many times since it first released in 2019, and while we've had Fire Emblem Engage release in the years since, it couldn't quite reach the same heights as Three Houses in my book. So, when Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave was first announced towards the end of last year, it set my heart alight.

Why? Well, on a surface level at least, it looks like it's a direct sequel to Three Houses, with the appearance of an older Sothis sending me into a hype-based frenzy that can't be quelled. I may already be making grabby hands at it, but by Byleth do I desperately yearn to see more of this RPG and get that all-important release date.

We're roleplaying experts here at GamesRadar+, so why not check out our picks for the best fantasy RPGs to play while you wait for the above?

After a long day of working on the internet, I love nothing more than hiding offline with my Sega Mega Drive. While the retro console did have online capabilities back in the '90s via the Sega Channel, it's very much an off-grid platform in 2026 that's free from the burdens of downloads, DRM, and AI chatbots.

That said, a new Genesis / Mega Drive add-on dubbed the MegaWiFi has emerged on Kickstarter, and it aims to hook the console up to the net (thanks, Time Extension). The project's creator, PaCHoN, says the accessory aims to "liberate" the '90s system by enabling it to connect to modern networks and servers, in turn giving it abilities like online multiplayer.

PaCHoN uses a custom port of Battle City, a top-down tank shooter originally by Namco, to demonstrate the MegaWiFi in action. The basic idea is that you'll be able to play games with pals connected to the same IP address host, rather than perched next to each other on the couch. I'd argue the latter is all part of what makes playing retro games special, but I'm curious to see if internet play on an almost 40-year-old system is practical.

By that, I mean, can you actually enjoy old Genesis / Mega Drive online multiplayer on original hardware with no latency or lag caveats? The project's Kickstarter doesn't delve too deep into the technicalities, and the fact that the page itself has been written by AI is a bummer. A disclaimer that says chatbots were used for "decision making" is slightly odd, too, but the description does clarify that the accessory has been "tested on real hardware for an extended period," which does incite some confidence.

I'm all for arming old consoles like the Mega Drive with modern accessories, especially if they add some modern comforts. For instance, controllers like the 8Bitdo M30 can help untether you from your original gamepad wires while still enjoying low-latency wireless connectivity, but I'm not sure how I feel about dragging Sega's old-timer onto the net.

At the time of writing, the MegaWiFi has amassed 1,268 euros from 12 backers with 42 days to go. It hasn't quite reached its 1,500 euro goal yet, but there's every chance it will get over the line before its June 30 end date. The basic add-on comes in at 50 euros, which works out at around just under $60 or around £44, with different tiers throwing in WiFi testers and USB adapters. Since its early days, there have been no close-ups of the physical device itself yet, so I'll be looking out for some more fleshed-out footage and photos ahead of its planned December 2026 release date.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Looking to play classics on the go? Swing by the best retro handhelds for portable emulators and more.

The Sega Neptune is the all-in-one Genesis and 32X retro console that never was. It was supposed to serve as a stopgap for players before investing in the Saturn and its wild new 3D capabilities, but it was inevitably cancelled. However, in an age where it's possible to recreate even the obscurest systems using FPGA tech, it should come as no surprise that it's finally getting a release, and it's almost ready for take-off.

A new video shows the "GF1 Neptune" running Knuckles' Chaotix for the Sega 32X via a Mega Everdrive cartridge, with the demo representing a development milestone (Cheers, Time Extension). The team behind the console, GameCare, confirms that the system is now "up and running" and the main Mega Drive (Genesis), Master System, and 32X are all now functional on the remake.

GameCare says it's been working tirelessly to "deliver the most incredible product possible," but also pays tribute to the Nuptune community. "We have many important people in the community to thank," says GamesCare. "Without their help, none of this would be possible, and we will express our gratitude in a very special way soon."

Originally, the Sega Neptune remake was supposed to land last year, but it was pushed to 2026 to allow for development time. It's worth bearing in mind that this is an FPGA system by a small, community-focused team. That is to say, availability and distribution probably won't be on par with FPGA systems like the Commodore 64 Ultimate or Analogue 3D, and even the latter 4K N64 is frequently out of stock.

We also don't have a price for the GF1 Neptune yet, but again, I'd brace for a pretty eye-watering figure. We're talking handmade hardware in smaller batches, meaning you should leave the MSRP expectations you'd normally tie to mass-produced systems at the door. GamesCare also isn't offering any pre-orders right now, so if you do see any pages taking reservations, they're likely a scam.

The Sega Mega Drive, or Genesis as many of you will call it across the pond, is one of my favorite consoles of all time. Sadly, my hardware collection stops at my beloved Mega CD add-on, as I've never been lucky enough to find a 32X for an affordable price. I like to think it's players like me who'll be eyeing up this Nepture remake, not least since it offers up all the perks of FPGA hardware replication while offering an experience that never saw light of day.

My only reservation right now is with the price. I'm not convinced I'll be able to afford the GF1 Neptune, but the good news is there are 32X MiSter cores out there you can use with DIY setups. You could even use the SuperStation One to run your ROMs if you've already got one of those, and while that's a cheaper solution, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't longing for something that looks and runs actual carts like the cancelled Neptune.

• More retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro controllers at Amazon

Looking to play Sega games on the go? Swing by the best retro handhelds for emulation portables and more.

You may or may not be aware a new Sonic game came out last year. Sonic Rumble Party is a free, Fall Guys-esque experience, and you'd be forgiven for having missed it since the reception wasn't great. The returns haven't been, either, and Sega's rolling back its free-to-play plans in lieu of this and other releases underperforming.

The company says as much in the financial report for the fiscal year 2026. According to the presentation, "new F2P titles struggled in FY2026/3" – specifically, Sonic Rumble Party had a "weak performance" in the third quarter. Reports around the launch of the Sonic the Hedgehog spin-off in November had revenue for the first ten days at apparently below $250,000, a lackluster start that apparently didn't recover much in the months after.

But it's not just Tails, Amy, and Dr. Robotnik who weren't bringing in the dosh. Sega bought Angry Birds developer Rovio in 2023, and it's not been a fruitful partnership. "Did not achieve the creation of economic value through collaboration with Rovio," the slides state. Delays are noted as being an issue as well – Sonic Rumble Party took almost a year longer than planned to become publicly playable.

In response, Sega's "lowered the priority" of free-to-play projects in order to help the company's medium and long-term prospects. "Over 100" employees who were working in that space have since been moved onto the "Full Game development team focusing on mainstay IPs." In other words, Sonic Team, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio for the Yakuza and Super Monkey Ball series, Atlus for the Persona games, and beyond.

It's said that Rovio will "prioritize rebuilding first" before continuing to do what it's doing. Alas, Angry Birds lives to dive headfirst into a pile of miscellaneous blocks for another day.

In the same breath, Sega revealed the upcoming Super Game project is canceled as well. Uncertainty continues at the brand that once did what Ninten-don't, but it's nothing a new Golden Axe won't be able to fix. Yes, I'm still waiting – patiently.

I can't decide if this custom Sonic 2 controller with spin dash force feedback is genius or Eggman-levels of ridiculous.

Sega has announced that it has canceled its "Super Game" initiative following its games as a service struggles, but the rebooted Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio games are still coming.

In its latest financial results, a slide titled "Reviewed the strategic positioning of GaaS" details that the company's free-to-play titles like Sonic Rumble Party struggled after releasing. Alongside this is a note, which says: "Decided to cancel Super Game."

This was an initiative first announced back in 2021, with Sega positioning it alongside Creative Assembly's Hyenas – which was also canceled despite being quite fun – with word that Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio were being rebooted to chase the Fortnite trend.

In 2023, current Sega president Shuji Utsumi teased that "we are also making steady headway in development of the 'Super Game' that we are seeking to create in the medium to long term," and added: "As the name implies, a 'Super Game' involves the concept of a game that stands head and shoulders above normal games. I encourage stakeholders to look forward to the fruit of our efforts, which include R&D to create a game that builds a whole worldview involving the entire gaming ecosystem, including not only players but also streamers who stream the game and their viewers."

Back to today, and Sega notes that it has lowered the priority of free-to-play titles, and says "some of F2P development personnel (over 100 people) have already been transferred to Full Game development team focusing on the mainstay IPs." And, despite Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio being pegged to lead the Super Game charge, the titles announced as part of its "Power Surge" reveal at The Game Awards 2023 appear to still be coming. Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio are both listed as upcoming titles alongside Golden Axe and Streets of Rage.

As refreshing as it is that a company is seeing the writing on the walls with games as a service instead of giving us the next Concord or Highguard, I can't help but think about what had already been invested into the "Super Game" in the past half a decade that Sega has been talking about it, and the games that could've been made in the meantime. At the very least, Sega has been releasing a steady stream of quality single-player games too over the years, and it's not a Sony situation where the games people actually want to play take 40 years to come out while the publisher continues chasing doomed live service projects.

Sega president says "reviving" the Sonic maker will be "the greatest achievement in my career," despite also working on the first PlayStation and helping make Kingdom Hearts happen.

The extent to which Stranger Than Heaven is or isn't a Yakuza or Like a Dragon game is unclear. Both share a setting and a Japanese crime family theming, but what is certain is that it's the shot in the arm RGG Studio's crime dramas desperately need. The action feels zoomed-in, grittier, following two equally desperate young men trying to make names for themselves after being smuggled into early 20th century Japan.

It's the intimacy that's impressing me so far, seeping into every aspect of Stranger Than Heaven. This is, after all, a game where protagonist Makoto Daito can pummel enemies with his fists then moments later become inspired musically by their rhythmic hammer attacks for a tune he can take back to the jazz bar. And, set across fifty years (and five time periods), we get to see Makoto and fellow stowaway Yu as they grow from boys to men and then, well, older men.

Partners in crime

Yakuza has told sweeping stories, sure – but often across multiple games (like the '80s set Yakuza 0 and '00s set first Yakuza). It's never quite been the point like it is in Stranger Than Heaven, even if Makoto and Yu's shifting relationship definitely owes a debt to Kiryu and Nishiki's, which also evolved across the decades, though mostly off-screen. Stranger Than Heaven almost feels like a response: what if it was the whole point?

What we've seen so far has them as close friends bound by circumstance, going their separate ways, then coming together again to utilize the ways in which their diverging lives have given them unique skills. Music becomes a constant factor in that, with Makoto becoming a music producer, not only using these club performances as a front for the criminal element he eventually becomes involved with (does the Tojo Clan ring any bells?), but as a source of genuine joy for Makoto and company. This is no disposable mini-game like it might appear in a Yakuza, but a huge part of their lives.

Intimacy also comes in the form of locked fists, bruises forming from heavy, brutal blows. Action is chaotic, but a noticeable departure from the over-the-top brawling in recent Yakuza. Stranger Than Heaven's combat system had been built from the ground-up, left and right arms and legs controlled independently, promising full beatdown control in which tumbling in the mud to bring down just one enemy has real weight – a far cry from Kiryu spinning bicycles to send several dudes flying at once.

It's almost a bit surprising to find the violence in a game from RGG Studio a bit shocking, so used have I become to the exaggerated, ridiculous action from its recent games. Stranger Than Heaven is really selling every punch, and it helps to bridge the gap between the studio's penchant for well-told crime stories with big stakes and the action we actually get to play out – there's a real commitment to updating the fidelity of interaction.

I'll admit to being a bit anxious about combat having not played it yet myself – I can imagine becoming a tangle of limbs – but assurances from producer Hiroyuki Sakomoto that it'll flow naturally seems to fit with the footage I've seen. "Makoto will respond to these inputs with a wide array of vivid, visceral actions, allowing an unprecedented sense of control," he says. Conceptually the limb-based inputs are only a stone's throw away from some fighting games. Weapons promise to pack even more of a punch.

Given Yakuza's original combat has its roots in Virtua Fighter, it's great to see those sensibilities pivot from arcade-like to something more up close and personal. Do I dare invoke the tangibility and intimacy of Shenmue? I do. Where Yakuza felt like Shenmue's more arcadey, RPG-like cousin, Stranger Than Heaven feels like it's targeting somewhere in-between. A refresh of the broth.

Surprisingly, Snoop Dogg's turn as Orpheus is really pulling it all together for me. The smuggler ends up assisting with Makoto and Yu's journey to Japan, and becomes an early quest-giver of sorts to help Yu get his bearings in the new country (Makoto is only half-Japanese, having an American father – which means he faces a degree of prejudice in both countries).

More than a GTA-like mission giver, even this early character is packing plenty of nuance in the gameplay footage from early on in Stranger Than Heaven. All these faces have their own story to tell, and they're ones that'll evolve over the course of Makoto and Yu's decades long friendship (long may it prosper, and definitely not make me cry).

Exploring different Japanese cities and districts across different time periods looks visually stunning, but, again, I'm loving how close to it all we get. Little feels abstracted as Makoto explores these areas with a tight over-the-shoulder camera. We're really in the muck, and there's a sense of both danger and opportunity around every street I've glimpsed. From alleys, to twisting types of elevation, these hint at being more than simple overworlds but exciting places to get lost in. And, yes, there might be some silly mini-games along the way.

But, for once, it doesn't feel like these side diversions are there simply because this is a game and that's what you do. No, whether it's Makoto getting excitedly hooked on a card game, or hearing the tell-tale jingle of musical inspiration from a street, we're right there with him, along for the ride. Don't get me wrong, I'll always adore how strange and over-the-top Yakuza can get – they're some of the best RPG games you can play as far as I'm concerned – but by breaking away from the format and getting more grounded, Stranger Than Heaven is finally getting me excited about what RGG Studio can do all over again.

Stranger Than Heaven will be releasing in Winter 2026 across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, and will be on Xbox Game Pass.

Looking for more Japanese crime thrillers? Check out our best Yakuza games ranking!

For whatever reason, I’ve been unintentionally avoiding the 8Bitdo M30. That’s an absurd confession considering I’ve consistently cohabited with an original Sega Mega Drive for over 30 years, so you’d think I’d have picked up the wireless six-button controller at some point. Perhaps it’s the boxes of wired gamepads within my collection that pushed the accessory to the back of my mind, or the fact I already had a cordless set of buttons for special, wire-free occasions. I could spend all day making up excuses, but reality is that I’ve been missing out on a near-perfect wireless pad for the 16-bit system.

The specific version I’ve been tirelessly testing with Sega’s best retro console contender is the 8Bitdo M30 2.4GHz. Unlike its Bluetooth sibling, this gamepad is designed to hook up to an original Genesis/Mega Drive using a wireless receiver. Shove the dongle into the ‘90s machine’s old DE-9 controller port, hit the pair buttons, and just like magic, you’ve furnished your thumbs with a six-button pad that feels remarkably authentic given its unofficial status.

After five gruelling days using the 8Bitdo M30 with my OG console and the same Sega classics I’ve been playing for decades, I can confirm the M30 deserves the Mega Drive/Genesis retro controller crown. That regal status applies specifically to the 2.4GHz version, largely thanks to the included dongle in the box, but if you’re not fussed about absolute minimal latency, I’ll get onto why 8Bitdo’s Bluetooth solutions could be a more versatile fit.

A homage to a Sega gamepad you probably missed

As far as retro controller remakes and tasteful tributes go, 8Bitdo are masters at their craft. They both know how to make a gamepad that looks identical to an original and put a contemporary spin on a classic accessory. The M30 absolutely belongs in the latter category since it’s not trying to outright look like Sega’s six-button pad, and it actually draws inspiration from a Japanese version that didn’t make it to the US.

That’s not to say the West didn’t get a similar pad, but unlike the versions released in the US and UK, the Sega Mega Drive Fighting Pad 6B (also known as the JB-6000) is a smaller model of the six-button boomerang with a blue start button to match the Asian system. Side by side, it’s clear that the M30 was going for the same vibe rather than aiming for the dimensions of the Genesis and PAL region accessory, and in my humble opinion, it’s the superior design to pay homage to.

There are millimetres of a difference in width between the M30 and Sega 6B, so you’re practically getting the same size of pad. The good news is that, if you have large mits, 8Bitdo’s choice of dogbone design adds more surface area for your palms to rest on at the bottom and broader shoulders for your index digits to rest. The result is a take on ergonomics that still feels nice in the hands after several hours repeatedly playing Sonic the Hedgehog 2 or using all six inputs for serious Street Fighter 2 sessions. I’m sure there will be naysayers out there who aren’t into the smaller X, Y, and Z inputs or their dome shape, or even the very authentic feeling disc d-pad, but it’s certainly my go-to format for throwing punches.

Again, we’re talking about a modern spin on Sega’s pad rather than a direct remake, not unlike 8Bitdo’s N64 Controller designed to match the Analogue 3D. If you’d prefer the latter, you’ll want to look to Retro-Bit’s licensed six-button controller, as the UK version specifically looks like the PAL version without the cord. That’s the very pad I used for years when the need for no wires ever arose, and while it feels like the real deal, elements like micro USB charging are a bit of a bummer. The US version is also drastically different, squeezing extra inputs onto the OG larger Genesis design instead, meaning it’s not particularly authentic-feeling.

The licensed remake does feel almost exactly like the real thing, and even just having the Sega logo on the front helps facilitate the right vibe. That’s not to say that translates to excellent build quality, though, as it produces a pretty similar rattle to the actual six-button Mega Drive pad, which some people will find off-putting. By comparison, the M30 feels solid, swaps out the shiny plastic for a textured matte finish, and provides a reassuring sense of heft despite weighing just 114 grams.

Where 8Bitdo does commit controller sins is with its branding on the front. The gamepad maker has sort of moved on from slapping its full text logo on pads, but the long-form title is present on the M30. To add insult to injury, the printing on my specific pad appears to be squinty, and while that initially deeply upset my neurospicy brain, I later realised that the Sega logo on my real six-button Japanese pad is also slightly slanted. Go figure.

Unlike its Retro-Bit rival, the M30 includes modern perks like convenient USB-C charging, all while providing an extra turbo toggle alongside additional shoulder, home, and select buttons. The latter three are really geared towards PC and Switch use, something you can do wirelessly with the Bluetooth version, but the 2.4GHz also supports wired play.

Kill the cord, not the hedgehog

I’ve already spoiled the fact that playing Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is my Mega Drive and Genesis controller litmus test. I’m using plenty of other 16-bit Sega classics to put the M30 through its paces, don’t worry about that, but the mammal formerly known as Mr. Needlemouse and his sequel are my first port of call when testing refurbished gamepads or reviewing newcomers.

The need for responsive controls isn’t remotely exclusive to Sonic 2, but the sidescroller will punish you for making the wrong moves at an unfortunate time. All it takes is one misstep walking onto Chemical Plant Zone’s irritating moving platforms, and you’ll sink to the bottom of the drink, and don’t get me started on this damn Metropolis Zone starfish. Cutting the cord by using the M30 could make moments like those all the more painful since wireless signals will introduce latency. The fantastic news is that, thanks to its 2.4GHz abilities, 8Bitdo’s pad keeps lag to an absolutely unnoticeable minimum, and I don’t think I’d pass a wired vs wireless Pepsi challenge this time around.

If anything, I found that since the M30 is box-fresh, its buttons felt more responsive than my original Japanese pad. That’s despite having refurbished it myself, but there’s only so much you can do for original aging membranes. Not once during my most recent Sonic 2 playthrough did I feel like the gamepad was impeding my ability to blast through to the Death Egg, and I actually felt like I sucked less at the infuriating pseudo 3D special stages.

Sonic aside, the pad also impressed across every Mega Drive/Genesis genre I could throw at it. Again, while playing everything from punishing shmups like Truxton to six-button romps like Street Fighter 2 and Comix Zone to the chaotic run-and-gun Treasure classic Gunstar Heroes and the wonderfully janky Golden Axe, not once did I encounter input issues. It could be a gamepad placebo effect, but I genuinely felt like I was on my A-game throughout my weekend-long Sega marathon, and that might simply be due to the M30’s design and feel.

I’ve been continually playing the same segments of games while swapping between various wired pads, the Retro-Bit 2.4GHz controller, the M30, and even a Bluetooth Retro Receiver paired to the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro. Out of the three, 8Bitdo’s contender wins out in terms of ergonomic feel, largely because it blends the size of the JB-6000 with the texturized finish of the OG three-button accessory, but in truth, all three feel true to Sega’s ‘90s approach to controllers.

The feel of a controller in your hands is arguably just as important as responsiveness. For instance, the less textured finish on a d-pad can affect thumb grip, and when testing the Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Pro controller and the Mega Drive version, I found that it made things feel too slidey during twitchy moments. At the same time, while all three have great directional feel, the Elves 2 Pro features a slightly nicer pivot, albeit with a conventional button layout since it caters to multiplatforms.

Is using 2.4GHz vs Bluetooth a biggie?

The question that lived in my head rent-free while testing the M30 is whether opting for the 2.4Ghz over its Bluetooth counterpart actually matters. It’s cheaper if you’re sticking to just Sega’s console, yet, but it means you can’t just buy the one controller and sync it up to various systems using 8Bitdo Retro Receivers.

The fearmongering element here is that Bluetooth commits the retro console cardinal sin of introducing more input latency. Lag is something that terrorizes classic setups already, since using modern displays and upscalers typically introduces some delay in terms of visuals, so the wrong gamepad could make things feel even more out of whack. This admittedly matters more in games that require super reactive and responsive moves, which naturally applies to most ‘80s and ‘90s systems with arcade levels of difficulty.

Technically, 2.4GHz features lower input lag than Bluetooth, and the difference can look like a gulf. The issue is that I haven’t really felt any real delay when testing pads like 8Bitdo’s N64 or even the Elves 2 Pro with various Retro Receivers, so I decided to embark on a side quest to see just how much lag there actually is. There are very complicated ways you can measure this, including using expensive oscilloscopes to literally visualize frequencies, but I’m opting instead to use high frame rate slow-mo video.

I want to keep things simple, so to tie in with this M30 review specifically, I’m pitting it against the 8Bitdo Bluetooth receiver and the Elves 2 Pro. To get a baseline sense of any lag, I’m using the Life Meter dial in Golden Axe to see how quickly d-pad presses kick in. Even before working out lag based on a 480Hz clip, it was extremely clear that the 2.4GHz was pinging the button press near instantaneously, and it turns out only takes 4ms on average to register.

That’s actually bang in the middle of the 1-6ms range expected from 2.4GHz, so I’m pleased to see the latency ring true. It’s what I’d firmly deem as undetectable lag, even though my wired controller registers the same d-pad press in less than a millisecond. While I’m planning to explore whether all 2.4Ghz controllers are equal in the future, I also tested the Retro-bit Mega Drive pad in the same fashion, and around 6ms on average, which is the same ballpark as the M30

The big question here is whether Bluetooth features the expected increase in lag, and when it comes to the Elves 2 Pro connected to an 8Bitdo Bluetooth Receiver, the answer yes. The same tests using the Retro Receiver measured in at around 18ms, but that’s actually pretty on the nose for when it comes to the wireless tech. There are plenty of factors that will affect performance, like jitter and signal interference, and I’d be lying if I said I could feel the latency throughout my qualitative testing.

I don’t have a Bluetooth M30 to hand (yet), so I can’t confirm right now whether it’ll provide the same level of latency as the Elves 2 Pro. You’d hope 8Bitdo’s own pad and Retro Receiver somehow provide better performance, but these tests at least provide an idea of what to expect from the other model. If you’d prefer something you can easily use with multiple consoles, I wouldn’t let the lure of lower lag with the 2.4Ghz draw you in, even though it’s technically the “best” option for Mega Drive/Genesis specifically.

Battery life boons

Naturally, I’ve been keeping tabs on the M30’s battery life, and, well, I haven’t charged it since freeing it from its box six days ago. For the record, I’ve been diving into my cartridge collection every evening for around 5 hours, so it’s already living up the 35 hours of runtime 8Bitdo claims its 480mAh battery can deliver.

Of course, if you opt for the less efficient Bluetooth version, that runtime figure falls to 18 hours, which is still fairly decent. That is another reason to specifically buy the 2.4GHz M30, though, especially if it’s larger for your Mega Drive/Genesis setup. Charging is speedy too at 1-2 hours via USB-C, but the fact that there’s no way to recharge straight from the console is always irritating. Sega’s controller port simply isn’t capable of supplying the right juice to newfangled controllers to supply a charge, whereas later systems like the Dreamcast can actually do that (watch this space for my Retro Fighters Striker review).

A curious connection quirk

I’ve played a lot of Sega Mega Drive and Genesis games with the 8Bitdo M30 throughout the testing process, and I even snuck in some time with the Mega CD too. Throughout the process of jamming various carts into the system and assessing whether the 2.4GHz pad feels right, I stumbled across a weird hiccup that seems to impact any pad that uses a dongle.

The issue applies directly to the 1998 brawler Street Smart, and kicks in before you can even start fighting to “win money, girls, and glory on the streets.” For whatever reason, the game will only respond to a controller if it’s connected before powering on, and since 2.4GHz and Bluetooth dongles normally take a second to spring to life, the code that checks for a gamepad blocks it from working.

I’m unsure how many other Mega Drive / Genesis games are affected by this, as Street Smart is the only one I have within my collection like this. The workaround is to plug in a wired controller, then swap it out with the wireless receiver once the start screen appears, but that could leave players who only have the one 2.4Ghz or Bluetooth pad in a pickle. I suspect there are very few outings that the quirk actually impacts, but I’ll be on the lookout for more as they enter my collection.

Should you pick up the 8Bitdo M30 2.4Ghz?

The 8Bitdo M30 shouldn’t outright replace original wired gamepads, but the 2.4GHz version is the best wireless controller for your Sega Mega Drive / Genesis right now. Everything from its solid connectivity and fantastic battery life to the fact that it feels just as nice in the hands as an officially licensed accessory easily wins this accessory the crown, and cutting the cord for 16-bit classics seems to come with minimal caveats. By extension, the Bluetooth version is also worth a look, too, especially if you’re looking to play on Switch or use Retro Receivers with other compatible consoles, but that strategy will ultimately cost you more and come with battery and latency compromises.

That said, there is one thing missing from the M30 package that would have earned it a perfect score, and that’s an extra USB 2.4GHz adapter. Yes, such a thing does exist, but the version is sold separately and swaps out the 9-pin joystick dongle for something with Mega Drive Mini and Switch support. This is something Retro-bit gets right since most of its 2.4GHz pads include both, and I reckon 8Bitdo needs to up its game in this department across its entire range.

Still, the M30 is still a standout Sega controller, and the Mega Drive / Genesis version is the one you should grab for wireless play. I’ll be looking into trying out the Bluetooth version when I have the funds, which could pose a threat to Retro-Bit’s current best Sega Saturn pad status since 8Bitdo even has a colorway to match the Japanese system.

Prefer playing classics on the go? Take a peek at the best retro handhelds for emulation devices and more.

What am I up to this weekend? Well, since you asked, I'll be punishing 8Bitdo's M30 2.4Ghz Sega Genesis/Mega Drive controller with multiple Sonic the Hedgehog 2 playthroughs. That way, I'll be able to return on Monday and let you know if it's worth replacing your trusty old wired retro console controller with the wireless alternative, or if cutting the cord is too much of a compromise.

The 8Bitdo M30 has been around since 2019 and comes in 2.4GHz and Bluetooth flavors. The latter is sitting pretty at Amazon for $25.99, but you'll splash out another $20 on a Retro Receiver to use it with the OG system. That's half the reason I decided to opt for the dedicated 2.4GHz version for $24.99 instead, since it comes with its own 9-pin controller port adapter for your Genesis, or in my case, Mega Drive.

The other big reason why I picked up the 2.4Ghz M30 is tied to the idea of reducing potential latency. That's not to say Bluetooth controllers will inherently introduce unplayable lag, as I've been using a Blueretro adapter with Nintendo's official Switch Online GameCube controller without any connectivity complaints. I'm also a huge fan of the 8Bitdo N64 controller and couldn't feel any lag whatsoever with the Analogue 3D or actual console.

Okay, that might make it sound like there was zero reason to buy the 2.4Ghz M30 other than not having to buy another Retro Receiver. My upcoming tests might even prove that to be true, but the plan right now is to try to work out if there is an impactful frame delay and whether it matters when playing old 16-bit outings.

It's easy to simply assume that Bluetooth controllers will feel worse than direct wireless. The assumption comes from the fact that 2.4GHz signals allow for a 1,000Hz polling rate, whereas Bluetooth typically hits 125Hz. In reality, while that gap looks massive, not everyone's going to pick up on the latency during normal gameplay. I've not decided if I'm in that latter camp, so to truly get a feel for if it matters, I'm going to torture myself trying to survive Metropolis Zone repeatedly, get a proper feel for the level of responsiveness, then switch connection type.

The natural caveat of just going for 2.4Ghz is device versatility, as you'll be buying a controller exclusively for a specific system. That's why, at the moment, my best modern controller pick for retro consoles overall might very well be the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro, as you'll be able to pick up one pad then use it with multiple systems by acquiring cheaper-than-a-whole-new-gamepad receivers.

Basically, I'm planning to judge the M30 based on its abilities as a wireless Genesis/Mega Drive controller, then assess whether an alternative Bluetooth controller feels laggy by comparison. There's every chance that even 2.4Ghz won't feel quite right compared to my main weapon of choice, my six-button Japanese Mega Drive gamepad that happens to be smaller than the US or UK version, but I'll be sure to let you know after a few days blasting through my Sega collection.

P.S, if you're more into the Mega Drive's 3D successor, there's a Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Pro controller review you should probably check out.

Prefer to play on the go? Take a peek at the best retro handheld options for emulation devices and more.

I've been playing too much Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the original Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) lately, so much so that I see the horrors of Metropolis Zone when I close my eyes. Therefore, when I tell you that an electronics enthusiast is putting together a custom controller that marries the blue blur's spin dash with real-time force feedback, I promise I'm not hallucinating.

In a clip shared to r/SEGAGENESIS, Dr_BrownBR demonstrates the in-progress Sonic 2 controller and its synced-up rumble. The idea is that the pad will provide real-time force feedback when spin dashing in the iconic retro console sequel by spinning a motor left and right to match the 2D plane. Better still, the pad is also equipped with a tiny screen on top that acts as a visual charge meter, which may save you from dashing to the depths of Chemical Plant Zone.

The Sonic 2 controller is still very much a prototype. That much is obvious from the fact that its guts are hanging out in the video and its face buttons are bare microswitches, but Dr_BrownBR says they're already working on a second part to the project and is "actively counting on your help" when it comes to improvements and feedback.

The part that makes me suspicious that this is actually Dr Robotnik trying to torment me further is the use of a standard joystick rather than a D-pad. More often than not, 2D platformers from the 16-bit era require quick turns and movements that are far easier to pull off with digital controls, but Eggman Dr_BrownBR says, "It's an option, a choice, a matter of taste," in response to lighthearted jabs.

At the moment, the controller appears to be working exclusively with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 running on a PC emulator. If I had my way, it would eventually work with a real Sega Mega Drive, but the console's original DE-9 port isn't remotely capable of driving the real-time spin dash motor and LCD screen. That said, the pad could work with more than just the legendary '90s sequel, since Sonic Mania and Origins both feature spinny ball abilities, and the latter adds them to Mr. Needlemouse's back catalogue of classic outings.

With any luck, the Sonic 2 Spin Ball controller will eventually become the ultimate gamepad for ruining Eggman's day. It just so happens that I'm currently testing a bunch of modern controllers for the Genesis and other aging systems. While I'd probably pick up an 8Bitdo M30 for $22.99 if you're looking for something practical, I'd happily switch to the DIY pad just to feel Sonic rip past those damn Metropolis Zone starfish (if you know, you know).

• Sega Genesis controllers at Amazon
• Retro controllers at Amazon

Looking to play classics on the go? Check out the best retro handhelds for emulation consoles and more.

Perhaps there isn't such a thing as an Easter video game, but if there is one, it has to be Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg. Yes, that sounds like a made-up AI hallucination, but believe me when I say it's a real GameCube exclusive by Sega from 2003. Eggy title aside, it also ties in with the holiday, at least if you're where I'm from, far more than you'd expect, and playing on original hardware has swiftly become a yearly tradition in my household.

At this point, my lovely American readers are likely assuming that Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg features the Easter Bunny or peanut butter-filled chocolate ovals. Instead, the weird Sega platformer actually borrows elements from how my country, the sunny land of Scotland, celebrates the holiday, since the main gameplay loop involves rolling eggs.

No, really, rolling hard-boiled eggs down a hill on Easter Sunday is a thing in Scotland, and I'd argue that qualifies Billy Hatcher's GameCube romp as an Easter game. Therefore, it's my duty as GamesRadar's resident retro gaming editor to introduce you to the oddball 3D outing, provide you with some original console setup inspiration, and introduce you to Sonic the Hedgehog's strange chicken-suit-wearing cousin.

A weird, but cracking GameCube exclusive

Created by Sega's Sonic Team and veteran designer Yuji Naka, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg is slightly stranger than even its title suggests. Yes, you're a young boy on a quest to roll around oversized ovum, but the plot also features an antagonist dubbed "Dark Raven" and an army of crows hellbent on terrorising the chicken inhabitants of "Morning Land" with the threat of eternal night.

If I were you, I wouldn't look too deeply into the plot of this Sega platformer. All you need to know is that Billy and his pals, Bantam Scrambled, Chick Poacher, and Rolly Roll are transported to Morning Land after saving a chick from a crow. Yes, the crew's thematic names are all coincidental, and I'd find that weirder if the only person I know in real life with the surname Hatcher didn't also keep chickens in her backyard. All you really need to know is you'll be rolling massive eggs and squashing birds in a bid to free six Chicken Elders (ah, yes, the true meaning of Easter).

Mechanically, Billy Hatcher and Giant Egg feels like a blend of Sonic Adventure 2 and traditional 3D platformers with just a hint of Super Monkey Ball. You'll be smashing, dashing, and rolling eggs in a bid to feed them fruit (?) to grow their size, in turn allowing you to progress through each level. It's hard to explain, but the mechanics feel specifically suited to the original GameCube controller, especially since you're primarily using the back triggers to control your egg and simple stick movements to bowl around.

That's not to say your experience will be hampered if you choose to play with a gaming handheld or a PC controller. The design of Ninty's pad feels far more deliberate in-game, with the massive primary A button ready and waiting to be mashed by your thumb for egg shenanigans, one stick that cuts down on secondary distractions, and big clicky triggers.

In preparation for Easter Sunday, I've actually been playing the platformer using the GameCube Switch 2 controller with a Blueretro dongle. The adapter enables you to use the modern pad wirelessly via Bluetooth, and all while still getting to enjoy full rumble support that syncs with egg-rolling activities and solid connectivity. I've yet to experience any lag or latency with this setup, and while I haven't fully ditched my original wired gamepads, the new version is now a permanent part of my Gamecube setup.

Using Switch 2 GameCube pads with PC and emulators right now is a bit of a pain, so unless you're willing to experiment using the Blueretro wireless receiver and something like the Mayflash controller adapter ($18.99 at Amazon, FYI), I'd perhaps stick to something like the RetroFighters Battler GC. It's pricer than I'd like right now at $69.95, but the time you add up the price of Nintendo's remake pad and the required workaround dongles, it's a more straightforward option that feels almost as authentic.

Giving Billy Hatcher an eggy graphics glow-up

If you've still got a copy of Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, or can get hold of one on the likes of eBay, there are multiple setup paths you can roll down. The first is to simply get a real GameCube and an old CRT TV for the same experience you'd get at launch, and while that's going to provide you with time-accurate visuals and perceived sharpness thanks to the pixel separation provided by old screen tech, I get why you might want to avoid old tube sets.

That's exactly the reason why I've covered how to connect your retro console to a modern TV or monitor, as even if you opt for the OG Cube, chances are you'll want to use it with your main screen. When it comes to Ninty's console, you're faced with the task of converting its RCA Composite or S-video output into something HDMI-friendly, and that means investing in an upscaler.

I personally use an Open Source Scan Converter (OSSC) with my GameCube, and it's a fantastic scaler that uses line doubling to increase resolution. It will set you back $111.99, which is cheaper than enthusiast options by the likes of RetroTINK, but there's a big caveat to consider if you're in the US this time around.

For whatever reason, NTSC GameCube consoles lack SCART output, which happens to be the default input for the upscaler in question. I happen to have a PAL unit that supports the RGB cable, and if you're in the UK, you can directly connect to the OSSC in this manner. Otherwise, you'll have to use a secondary transcoder to convert composite to RGB, naturally leading to a more expensive setup.

Alternatively, you can also use an RGB component cable with your NTSC GameCube. Nintendo did make an official version at launch, but it will hilariously cost you around $300 today. Newer third-party alternatives are much cheaper, with the likes of Bitfunx providing options for $45.99, and those can hook straight into upscalers like the OSSC and GBS-C.

The good news is that if you're not worried about playing Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg or any other GameCube exclusive with perfect scaling, there are cheaper options. Specifically, you can grab HDMI adapters for $29.99 that will let you hook straight up to modern screens, and they're perfectly serviceable with not too much latency if you switch your TV to Game Mode.

Egg-rolling emulation

I know for a fact some of you prefer to use shiny new retro handhelds and other modern devices to play your classic collection. Providing you've got a physical copy backed up and ready to go, you can try and use punchier portables to embark on Billy's eggy adventure using emulation, but your mileage may vary.

I've been testing the Mangmi Pocket Max for review, a Snapdragon 865-powered Android handheld. It's going for $349.99 at Amazon right now (ouch), so it's far from a cheap option, but it does handle Sega's egg-rolling romp without too many cracks. The only quirks I've picked up on so far are some weird blue tints with specific textures, but you can resolve that in Dolphin or your specific RetroArch core of choice by disabling 24-bit color and setting texture cache accuracy to "safe".

The Pocket Max can scale up GameCube games like Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg to match its 1080p screen without a hitch. If you're armed with a cheaper portable like the Anbernic RG Cube, though, it's not going to run at full speed even at original resolution without some manual intervention, and that will only get you so far.

Ultimately, you're going to have a harder time running GameCube games on budget handhelds at full speed. There are a few tricks you can try to really push things on some portables, like using a PAL ROM designed to run at 50fps or use speed hacks. If you do have a device that has some success with Dolphin emulation, however, I'd take a crack at running Billy Hatcher and the Giant egg just in case it plays nice.

Regardless of how you choose to dive into Sega's oddball platformer, should you decide to this Easter, my actual aim is to get you thinking about experiencing GameCube games you missed. Whether that's via real hardware or emulation tricks is up to you, but it should be the start of your journey on an older platform with plenty of releases to revisit.

Who knows, maybe Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg will become your new obsession, or maybe you'll just think I've cracked.

• More retro consoles at Amazon
• GameCube accessories at Amazon

Using Valve's handheld for classic capers? Swing by the best Steam Deck docks to harness the portable's hybrid abilities.

As I bask in the evening sun and gaze upon the ocean, I feel at peace. Behind me is the orphanage I run in Okinawa, Japan, where I grow crops, tend animals, catch bugs, fish, and play games with the children. This idyllic world may sound like the latest Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing-like life sim, but it actually takes place in the gritty and dramatic realm of Yakuza Kiwami 3 – and I couldn't ask for a more wholesome cozy game experience.

The Yakuza / Like a Dragon series is no stranger to variety. While the narratives of the series' many games deliver drama and tragedy, they always come with a veritable buffet of spirit-lifting side dishes. Minigames range from singing karaoke and putting wood to leather in batting cages, to loading up classics from Sega's abundant back catalog like Virtua Fighter 3 and The Ocean Hunter.

But in developer RGG Studio's latest title, Yakuza Kiwami 3, which our own Oscar Taylor-Kent gave 4 stars in his Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Tides review, the most alluring distraction goes beyond such delicacies. Its life sim elements at Kazuma Kiryu's homestead are a sumptuous main course in their own right , and I have no qualms admitting it's my favorite element of the entire game, even if I do enjoy leading a motorcycle gang of predominantly tough-as-nails women. (Yes, this is real, and no, I won't elaborate further.)

Doing it for the kids

This isn't the first time Like A Dragon has delved into life sim territory. 2024's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – the best in the series, some would say – took this idea to an impressive scale with its Dondoko Island feature, allowing players to develop what is essentially a miniature holiday town from scratch.

As wonderful as Dondoko Island is, Yakuza Kiwami 3's smaller offering feels more soothing. Instead of developing an island for holidaymakers, you're tending a vegetable garden for your kids. It's giving daddy, and I mean that in more than one sense, as YK3 literally bestows a Daddy Rank upon Kiryu. The more you cook, harvest, do homework and play Reversi with the little ones, the more recognized as a daddy our protagonist becomes. And no, I won't stop saying daddy.

What we have here is an easygoing life sim where you can carry out wholesome tasks in a gorgeous location, while reaping rewards for your effort in the form of a measured stat, and the various other prizes (most often money) that come with completing each activity. Being a daddy is, according to Yakuza Kiwami 3, a rewarding and satisfying experience, and I agree – I don't want kids in the real world, but I'll help Taichi with his studies at the drop of a hat.

Daddy issues

Despite my affection for the series on the whole, I was hesitant to dive into Yakuza Kiwami 3. From the game's promotional material, I was wary of apparent changes, specifically the involvement of actor Teruyuki Kagawa, who faced sexual harassment allegations in 2022, and plays Hamazaki in the remake. Upon playing it I also don't appreciate the removal of some side content, including the cutting of Ayaka, a character featured in Yakuza 3 Remastered.

However, despite my initial concern and subsequent unease, I've still found myself utterly besotted with YK3's lowest-stakes offering. Kiryu's life at Morning Glory orphanage is always delightful thanks to its many minigames and wholesome moments, and engaging in each activity is rewarding enough thanks to it all being easy to learn yet satisfying to master. A special shout out to the fishing mode, where Kiryu launches a harpoon at swimming prey with the goal of catching as many as possible before the timer runs out. It's high octane yet lighthearted, and is almost impossible to stop playing unless you run out of the bait required for each run

With so many dauntingly massive life sims out there, I'm grateful Yakuza Kiwami 3 sets out this varied range of things to do within a relatively limited sandbox, and I've no doubt I'll revisit Okinawa throughout 2026 because no game has quite hooked me like this in a long time.

Did Yakuza just turn this fan favorite villain into Aerith, creating a Final Fantasy 7 Remake situation for its Kiwami re-releases?

Hideki Sato, the mind behind iconic consoles like the Sega Genesis, Saturn, and Dreamcast, has passed away at the age of 75. The designer and his R&D team undoubtedly changed the gaming scene forever, keeping fierce rivals like Atari, Nintendo, and eventually Sony on their toes with bold hardware ideas, and the Mega Drive exemplifies that legacy.

Of course, Hideki Sato's involvement in making the best retro consoles started well before the Sega Genesis. The designer first joined the then-budding arcade hardware maker back in 1971, and those coin-op efforts eventually led to the creation of the company's first home console, the Sega SG-1000. That Japanese-exclusive Nintendo Famicom (NES) rival pretty much put a design approach in motion that would lead to the better-known Sega Master System and eventually end with the Dreamcast, but the brand was arguably immortalised via the Mega Drive.

Whether you call Sega's 16-bit console the Genesis or the Mega Drive, there certainly hasn't been another like it. Yes, there are plenty of ways to explore the system's back catalogue, and some of the best retro handhelds have absolutely nailed emulating the '80s machine. But, if you're willing and able, I'd strongly recommend using the menacing black box that helped cement Sega as a force to be reckoned with in tribute to Hideki Sato.

Sega really did what Nintendidn't

Even just at a glance, you can tell Sega wanted to stand out with the Mega Drive. Compared to its rounder and slightly more colorful Super Nintendo rival and its simplistic two-button design, the 16-bit system looks like someone ripped it from a high-end audio setup or an expensive car dashboard, setting a sophisticated tone for the company's hardware.

Of course, the actual look of the Mega Drive can be attributed to industrial designer Mitsushige Shiraiwa, who deliberately infused the console with those aforementioned vibes. Subtle touches like using a blend of glossy and matte plastics, including vent-style ridges purely for aesthetic rather than functionality, and that gold 16-BIT badge on the front all feed into Sato's overarching goal of the hardware within, and it all culminates in what is a really novel hardware experience in 2026.

One of my favorite elements of the Mega Drive / Genesis is undoubtedly its front 3.5mm headphone jack and accompanying volume slider. To this day, I still like to plug in a pair of headphones and blast my ears with Sonic the Hedgehog 2's soundtrack straight from the source, and it makes for a really novel way to play 16-bit games compared to consoles before and after.

As quirky as having stereo output on the front of a non-portable console is, the feature is a double-edged sword. The back AV ports use mono sound, which made sense 30 years ago since it matched the standard of most consumer CRT TVs. Today, though, it means you'll need to either mod your system or use a cable that also taps into the 3.5mm jack. That setup can feel overly convoluted today since the SNES spits out stereo natively, but I still think it's a charming part of using the OG hardware in the modern age.

On the flip side, the Mega Drive did something arguably more important right with its AV: RGB output. While it took three versions of the SG-1000 to eventually include the higher quality video signal with the Mark III and Master System, it helped the 16-bit machine normalise not just using composite RCA phonos when it arrived in 1988.

Yes, other systems did use RGB output before Sega, including the Japanese exclusive Epoch Super Cassette Vision. The SNES also came armed with similar abilities when it arrived two years later in 1990, but I fully believe the Mega Drive / Genesis inspired Nintendo to include it. After all, we are talking about the company that, for whatever reason, decided to limit the N64 to composite and S-video, which is a headache if you're trying to navigate how to connect retro consoles to a modern TV or monitor.

In contrast, it's pretty easy to get a sharp and clean RGB signal out of Sega's system. Whether you're using a PAL or NTSC-J Mega Drive or a US Genesis, you can use the same Scart cable to hook up to upscalers like the OSSC. That's thanks to the fact that the 8-pin DIN is the same on the Model 1 version, and while the Mega Drive 2 / Genesis 2 uses a smaller 5-pin port, the same pinout applies to all regions. The same can't be said for the SNES, as the Super Famicom uses a different standard than the American and European consoles.

Sega's approach to output really makes a difference when using a Genesis in 2026. While I would highly recommend using RGB output if you can, the port's standardized pinout means you can tap into S-Video and composite using fairly generic cables, as I personally use the same RCA lead for my PC Engine and Mega Drive when using specific old CRT TVs without Scart input. While Nintendo did end up using the same proprietary connector for all its consoles between the SNES and GameCube, I still appreciate that Sato and his team led the charge on AV standardization.

Complicated outsides, simpler innards

After spending a weekend using my original Mega Drive consoles, I've also come to appreciate the simplicity of Sega's approach to hardware. Looks are absolutely deceiving when it comes to the 16-bit system, as while elements like its speedy Motorola 68000 CPU, aforementioned stereo headphone abilities, and even quirks like the side edge connector for hooking up to the eventual Mega CD add-on feel complicated, it's far easier to mod a Genesis than its rivals.

Specifically, I'm talking about the curse of region locks and compatibility. Every console maker throughout history is guilty of restricting the use of imported games in one way or another, but whether Sato and his team meant it or not, the Mega Drive is pretty easy to navigate in this regard. Modding your system so that it will happily run Mega Drive and Genesis-branded carts is as simple as removing a piece of plastic, and even circumventing DRM blocks included in cartridges later on isn't rocket science.

This all matters if you want to appreciate the majesty that is the Mega Drive / Genesis in 2026, as you'll want access to Sega's entire global catalogue. Plus, Japanese imports are often cheaper than their PAL or NTSC-U counterparts, so playing them on whatever console variant you actually have is important. The two main things that will help you achieve that is removing the plastic insert inside the console that blocks different-shaped carts and, if you're feeling handy, adding a switch to some jumpers on the board to toggle between PAL and NTSC as well as English and Japanese text.

You can go a step further with the latter mod by adding the right crystal oscillator to PAL systems so that it properly runs at 60Hz. However, the jumper mod will get around that previously mentioned DRM included specifically with blue Mega Drive and red Genesis-branded cartridges released in the '90s.

Having to mod the console at all might sound like a faff, but it's a very simple process compared to the SNES. Modding Nintendo's system with similar region-switching abilities is quite a bit more involved, especially if you're using a PAL machine. Ultimately, it's still all doable, and US players can remove plastic from the shell to make Japanese games fit, but it feels all the easier when using a Mega Drive.

The reason I'm highlighting how simple it is to work with the OG Mega Drive / Genesis hardware in terms of mods and multi-regions all comes down to the games. If you're going to go out of your way to use the actual hardware rather than emulators or the Nintendo Switch Online catalogue, you'll want to have access to more than just the common releases, and while Sato perhaps didn't anticipate players going to retro game stores and picking up carts from across the world, I'm glad his team made design choices that make it easier in the 21st century.

Sure, you could just use the Switch, but where's the fun in that?

I want to take a moment to say that you should enjoy Mega Drive / Genesis games in any manner you like. For some of you, using the Switch Expansion Pack to play some of the console's standout releases will make more sense, while some of you might have even already picked up something like the Anbernic RG ARC-D for its extremely authentic controls ($79.99 at Amazon, FYI). That's all fine and well, but if you are looking to experience the system's "blast processing" first-hand and get a taste for what the actual experience was like in the '90s, you should make a point of using the OG system.

At this stage, Genesis emulation isn't really a chore for devices. Even the cheapest handhelds out there, like the Anbernic RG28XX, can produce solid results, but using real hardware still hits different. Sometimes it's extremely subtle differences, like the way the piercing sounds produced by the original Yamaha YM2612 FM synthesis chip, or even the rough and ready pixels, analogue signal, warts and all. If you do have access to a CRT, you'll also get to enjoy sprites that look like developers originally intended, thanks to the definition and pixel separation afforded by shadow mask layers (or Sony's Aperture grille tech if you're lucky enough to own a Trinatron.

These are effects that emulators are starting to bake in, but I'd argue they'll never beat the real deal. I should note that I do regularly play Mega Drive games on a gaming monitor using an upscaler, and OLED screens like the Dough Spectrum Black 32 can really help the console's original graphics sing. There is something undeniably special about sitting down with the exact setup I used 30 years ago, though, and spending the weekend parked in front of said setup felt like a great way to pay homage to Sega's legendary console designer.

I could go on at length about how I prefer the sounds and rougher graphics of the Mega Drive / Genesis in Sega versions of games compared to the SNES (looking at you, Disney's Aladdin), or how I'll always pick the 6-button Mega Drive controller over Nintendo's gamepad (Retro-bit's wireless version is a great alternative for $35.99, but the Genesis design has recently changed).

However, the main point I'm trying to make is that the Sega Mega Drive is a system worth honoring, and making a point of at least trying the original hardware is one way you can celebrate the legacy Hideki Sato has now left behind.

• More retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Looking for ways to play on the go? Swing by the best gaming handheld options for portable PCs, emulation devices, and more. If you've already got Valve's powerhouse, take a peek at the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck docks to enhance your setup.

If you grew up shouting "SEGAAA" with your friends on the playground as I did, chances are that you've got some back pain, and love for all games with the blue and white logo in the corner. If that sounds about right, then you'll be happy to know that GameStop has dropped up to 50% off a bunch of SEGA games on the Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PS5, and the Xbox Series X today.

A lot of the companies' biggest series are on sale, from Yakuza, Persona, all the way up to the blue blur himself Sonic the Hedgehog, so it just depends on what platform you own and what you're in the mood for. Fans can race to grab Sonic Racing CrossWorlds as it's just $44.99 at GameStop, and that includes on Switch and Xbox too, and Yakuza fans can catch the Yakuza 0 Director's Cut for $39.99 (GameStop) on Nintendo's newest handheld.

In fact, the neat thing about this sale is that if the game is on different platforms, like Metaphor: ReFantazio, which starts from $44.99 (GameStop), then all of its versions are down to the same discounted price. It all depends on what platform you play and what game takes your fancy. You have your pick from the litter, and I've gathered my top picks from the GameStop SEGA sale down below.

• View all SEGA game deals at GameStop
• View all gaming deals at Amazon

Our guide to the best gaming headsets is full of some of the best PS5 headsets and the best Nintendo Switch headsets that will pair perfectly with any SEGA game.

Hyperkin just shared a big update on its Sega Genesis handheld, and it sounds like the best retro handheld contender is nearing completion. Not only has the hardware maker apparently ironed out the quirks "holding the Mega95 back," but the company is now gearing up to get the portable into the hands of "trusted retro specialists in the community."

"After a lot of testing, iteration, and late-night problem solving, we believe we’ve found a solution to the obstacles that were holding Mega95 back," proclaims Hyperkin in its latest update. Those hurdles were previously described in last month's quick update as "visual artifacts and occasional tearing," tied to software issues, and the attached clip of the portable handling a physical copy of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 suggests the quirks are now ironed out.

In the post, Hyperkin claims it's "nearing the next big milestone," before outlining plans to get the Mega95 into the hands of "trusted retro specialists in the community." Who those individuals actually are remains to be seen, but the company says "these are people who know the hardware, know the games, and won’t sugarcoat feedback."

The Sega Genesis / Mega Drive is one of the best retro consoles of all time in my book, so I'd happily take the Mega95 for an early test drive and share my honest impressions. I'm more than familiar with the issues that can sometimes crop up with the brand's ROM-dumping emulation systems, and inevitably ended up highlighting plenty of quirks with the Hyperkin Retron GX PC engine remake that hampered compatibility and playability.

While you could criticise Hyperkin for launching imperfect emulation systems in the past, I genuinely believe it is always striving to do better. Throughout my Retron GX testing, the company was extremely receptive to feedback and was fully willing to help with troubleshooting. The latest update rounds off saying "Our goal has always been to make sure Mega95 launches the right way, not rushed, not compromised, but worthy of your collection and the games it’s meant to play," and that tells me that it's really out to impress enthusiasts this time around.

Hyperkin promises more updates soon, and I have reached out regarding getting hands-on with an early Mega95 unit. I'll still be looking to get my grubby '90s gamer paws on the handheld regardless, but I am extremely eager to see if this format of emulation systems that use physical cartridges can reach new heights in 2026. They make for a cheap alternative to fancy FPGA systems like the Analogue 3D and Commodore 64 Ultimate that replicate the original circuitry with precision, and if the Genesis Portable works out, we might even get that Hyperkin 64 handheld that was previously hinted at.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, though, let's just root for the Mega95, as the Sega Nomad remake could save us from the horrors of 2026.

• More retro consoles at Amazon
• More retro handhelds at Amazon

Using Valve's handheld to play the classics? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck docks to soup up your current setup.

Once again, a former yakuza and ultimate fighter is forced to come out of retirement to punch crime in the face – but, this time, he's doing it for the orphanage full of lovable children he now runs on a sunny beach in Okinawa. I've always felt that Yakuza 3's story is one of the series' best, only let down by some odd pacing and some of the brawling RPG's clunkiest combat. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties wonderfully presents that same story, though minor changes do little to smooth out rough edges. Revised combat, at least, delivers the crunchiest nose-breaking since 2021's Lost Judgment.

The genius of Yakuza 3 is that it feels like an incredible trilogy-ender, as long as you disregard the knowledge that former-yakuza-with-a-heart-of-gold Kazuma Kiryu's story wouldn't actually end until Yakuza 6. And also in the seventh game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon. With his character arc also wrapping up in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Which also continued through to ending in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (the eighth game).

Forget all of that, and Yakuza 3 explores a genuinely heartwarming story of a man who has already fought to leave his crime family past behind him, and to begin to ask – what's next? Later entries go to great lengths to have Kiryu operate from the shadows, forced to lead a life of self-flagellation – but Yakuza 3 dares to have him confront the work of building a new life with his background head on, and to grapple with the day-to-day of caring for a new family of orphans, whether that's offering fashion advice or talking to them about bullying.

Retirement plan

Which isn't to say Yakuza 3 is some kind of beach episode. Small orphanages right next to the sea convey two things: they must be strapped for cash, and they are living on prime real estate. Kiryu and his orphans quickly find themselves caught between the schemes of politicians desperate to enact their plans for the Okinawan land regardless of what its residents think, and crime syndicates snapping up that land in order to make a killing from the situation. When nobody will listen to reason, they might just listen to the fists of Kazuma Kiryu – the dragon of Dojima.

The early parts of Yakuza Kiwami 3 have Kiryu exploring a small but relatively dense downtown Okinawan map, a far cry from the pervasive night of Tokyo's Kamurocho, with tropical vibes that echo the Hawaiian Honolulu from Yakuza's recent entries. A lot of the game's challenges and substories – half skit, half side-quest – are new as well, and also take pointers from the series' Hawaiian adventures. A lot of these mesh well, revolving around the sense that Kiryu isn't just bonding with his children, but building a strong community in Okinawa, whether that's taking a girl biker gang under his wing (which plays like Pirate Yakuza's crew battles), or tackling the local stamp rally photo competition.

Even so, there are occasions where it feels like Yakuza 3 is bending a bit too much to meet the expectation of the modern era of Yakuza. A flip phone-based scavenger hunt (there are a lot of cute nods to the '00s setting), unlocking a prototype Street Surfer personal transporter, and waving hello to passersby are fine on their surface. But, compared to sprawling Honolulu, they're a bit needless in the cramped Okinawan space, which is actually a smidge smaller in Yakuza Kiwami 3 than the original game.

While many new additions are great, I'm disappointed by a few things we've lost – most notably the revelations, where Kiryu would see an absurd, comical situation, record it on his flip phone, and be inspired to learn a new fighting move while blogging about it. Now it's just a skill tree menu where you spend money and arbitrary 'training points'. Some sauce has been lost. So too are some of the original's best substories now lost to time, even though I like a lot of the new ones – one major reason I'm irked about Yakuza 3 Remastered being partially delisted on storefronts.

Before playing, I was in two minds about Yakuza Kiwami 3's revised combat. Firstly, desperate for anything different to the original Yakuza 3, which was plagued by enemies who would constantly block everything, narrowing your options to a few miserable effective combos. Secondly, nervous it'd feel like the low-gravity, floaty mob combat in Like a Dragon Gaiden or Pirate Yakuza.

Thankfully, Yakuza Kiwami 3 proves RGG Studio can still make combat that packs impact in smaller scuffles rather than feeling like bowling. Dodging, weaving, parrying, and unloading rocket-powered punches into skulls, knees to the stomach, or just grabbing a thug by the collar and slamming their head into the wall – fighting as Kiryu feels incredible.

A brand new combat style, Ryukyu (taught to him by the izakaya owner and martial arts instructor he befriends), has Kiryu summon traditional Okinawan weaponry out of thin air. It doesn't make a lot of sense, but when it's this fun who cares? Using an oar-like weapon to paddle crowds, a shield to deflect bullets, or tonfa to stun the living daylights out of beefy foes is a joy. Brawls are still over-the-top, and sometimes outright comical as enemies ragdoll around and Kiryu, who famously doesn't kill, mercilessly thrusts knives into flesh.

Dark side

For the most part, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a great way to play through a great story that only features some minor changes. I'm not a big fan of some of the actor recasting, which has become the subject of controversy, and some spoilery endgame tweaks feel a bit needless but not greatly impactful on the core story. It's a shame bigger swings aren't taken. Some factions, for instance, have deep ties to Yokohama, a map that has been explorable in the last two mainline Yakuza games, but which still doesn't feature in Yakuza Kiwami 3. One chapter is still basically just back-to-back exposition cutscenes in a small room. Villain Yoshitaka Mine remains a fascinating foil to Kiryu, but with barely any screentime remains too underdeveloped.

Except, wait… What's the whole second part of the game's title about – Dark Ties? Ah, it's an additional campaign – complete with its own Sonic X Shadow Generation-style main menu launcher, that's focused entirely on playing as Mine. A prequel, it follows Mine as he joins the yakuza Tojo Clan, and explores his motivations for doing so.

Dark Ties is less a Yakuza 0 situation, which wonderfully cast former villain Goro Majima as a co-star with Kiryu, and more of a Yakuza 0 Deluxe Edition one. Everything in Dark Ties is brief and minor at best, or threatens to lessen the impact of Yakuza Kiwami 3's main story at worst. Yakuza 3 features some of the more irredeemable antagonists in the series – which is saying something – so cozying up to them as Mine, even if he's inner-monloguing about killing them himself, can feel tasteless and mean-spirited, the antithesis of such a warm-hearted series as Yakuza. But, Dark Ties is so insubstantial a package it's almost not worth the energy to grumble too much about, buoyed mostly by repetitive challenges, mini-games, and an almost-roguelike mode that's a bit too easy to even warrant having to tackle in multiple runs anyway.

Yakuza 3 has, despite its flaws, long been one of my favorites in the series. Helping out those kids – and with loads of new mini-games around doing so, you feel it more than ever – is a great bit of character development for Kiryu, as is getting closer to a new community (there's a reason it was thematically revisited for Yakuza 6). Yakuza Kiwami 3 makes it easier to enjoy those vibes than ever, and while I wish this remake was more focused on evolving what could have been, rather than poorly bundling in a strangely edgy and dull bonus campaign, Okinawa is still well worth a visit.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 + Dark Ties was reviewed on PS5, with a code provided by the publisher.

Check out our best Yakuza games ranking for more! Like a Dragon fans, please stop saying Kiwami 3 is a remake of the worst game in the series when Yakuza 4 is worse

Aya Nishitani, author of the Megami Tensei novels – which inspired the Atlus series of the same game – has said it's crucial that games take inspiration from other media.

While The Witcher is probably the biggest one in terms of popularity, when it comes to video games based on books, Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei has to take the crown. Atlus' flagship series started with a sequel to the first two books in the series, and eventually grew and spawned the likes of Shin Megami Tensei, Devil Summoner, Soul Hackers, and, of course, Persona (and Jack Bros. for the Virtual Boy, most importantly).

In a thread on Twitter (translated by Automaton) Nishitani responds to a user who cites developers basing their games on movies and music back in the day, as opposed to developers being inspired by other games. The author says: "I believe that if you draw inspiration from other forms of media, you'll be able to come up with brand-new game systems, but if you draw inspiration from outstanding games, you'll usually just end up making the exact same system."

Nishitani continues, sharing that he believes that "making only things that are popular" leads to stagnation. "If there are only works that are made with a tendency to become hits, the market won't expand and will start falling into a diminishing equilibrium."

He adds, "This means that, despite more creators coming on board, market revenue will drop, causing individual income to become even lower. This is something that often happens in other industries too."

JRPG icon behind Persona and Shin Megami Tensei breaks his 16-year hiatus from games with an upcoming "school life RPG"