Alma & the Wolf is now playing in select theaters and available on digital.
Alma & the Wolfis a frustrating type of movie to talk about, in part because it’s really more like two types of movie pressed together. On the one hand, it’s an intentionally schlocky horror movie about a town being terrorized by a supernatural threat – a bit of a creature feature blended with a dash of the ol’ Wicker Man folk-horror. On the other, it’s a more psychological, unreliable-narrator yarn about a cop (Ethan Embry) trying to find his missing estranged son. For a while, both movies are pretty compelling, with director Michael Patrick Jann relying on his deep comedy background to walk the tonal tightrope of laughs and scares in Abigail Miller’s screenplay. But despite their best efforts, and those of Embry and Sinners breakout Li Jun Li, this curious hybrid topples over during a conclusion that cheapens much of what comes before it.
Our cop, Deputy Ren Accord, is actually the main character, first glimpsed in the rather striking image of Embry standing in a field holding a red balloon. As you might expect, he’s not a particularly good dad: He drinks a bit too much and he’s almost late for his son’s critical baseball game. The titular Alma enters the picture a little earlier; we first see her covered in blood and cradling a mysterious bundle. Anyone entranced by the badass, vampire-fighting mom Li played earlier this year will still recognize her here, though she transforms herself into a meek, traumatized presence for Alma’s introduction. She also has a bit of a drinking problem that’s known to the whole town of Spiral Creek, Oregon, which means Ren isn’t exactly keen to believe Alma when she says a giant wolf attacked her and her dog.
As the pair forms a tentative relationship, Ren’s own sanity comes into question, and Alma & The Wolf begins weaving together the threads of its various genres. Jann, who got his start with influential sketch troupe The State before directing the cult classic Drop Dead Gorgeous, maintains a slightly off-kilter tone and sense of humor, best represented by material like a running joke about wolf hunting being a Class-C felony in Oregon. But that also means that it’s hard to figure out exactly what kind of movie we’re watching: Does that wolf suit look intentionally low-rent, or is it a result of the low budget? Is the dialogue, delivered by comedy pros like Jann’s State mate Kevin Allison and fellow Reno 911! alum Mather Zickel, knowingly corny and awkward? Miller’s script entertains well enough to suggest it’s aware of and capitalizing on this dissonance, and combined with Jann’s direction, it actually begins to gel together with all the dream sequences and surreal fakeouts and possible gaslighting orchestrated by the people of Spiral Creek. You may even forget for a bit that Li is disappointingly absent for long stretches of time.
The thing is, Alma & the Wolf does eventually have to decide what kind of movie it is, and the result is a third act that lets the wind out of the sails. It’s not so much that it’s an out-of-nowhere twist or that it’s stupid; in fact, the most frustrating part is that taken on its own, it’s actually quite suspenseful. The climax breaks out some impressively gnarly FX, and feels like it’s delivering the cult werewolf freakout promised by the rest of the movie.
Unfortunately, when the waning runtime forces Miller and Jann to come down on one side or the other, their decision ends up feeling a little obvious and cheap in a way that reverberates back through the preceding scenes. The characters just aren’t drawn well enough for it to be emotionally devastating or hit at a some deeper thematic level. That’s not helped by the way Alma & the Wolf goes out of its way to show us “the truth” about what’s really going on for 90 minutes and change. It dampens the blow, but it in a way that feels mildly defensive – like it needs to cross the “t”s and dot the “i”s so people don’t get mad. The final scene itself seems to come from an entirely different movie – and the thing is, that movie would’ve been great. It’s a testament to all involved that there’s something to appreciate in Alma & the Wolf even when you just wanna say “Man, come on” to it all.
Thankfully, we are finally starting to get some updates about when we can expect more consoles to be available. Walmart has recently confirmed that it will have more Switch 2 stock starting on Wednesday, June 25. The only catch is, Walmart+ members are getting a full one-hour head start to buy one before everyone else.
Walmart Switch 2 Restocks on June 25
As of right now, only the Switch 2 console will be getting restocked on June 25. It is unclear if the popular Mario Kart World bundle will also be available, but since it wasn't specifically called out, we can assume it probably won't be. The Switch 2 will be available for purchase again starting at 9pm ET on Wednesday for Walmart+ members, and 10pm ET for everyone else. Walmart has not specified how many Switch 2s it's getting, but it's highly possible that they will sell out before that exclusive one-hour window ends.
What does a Walmart+ Membership include?
If you don't already have a Walmart+ subscription but still want to try to snag a Switch 2, the good news is that you can actually get it for free. Walmart offers a free 30-day trial of its service for new subscribers. You can sign up for an account now, try to grab a Switch 2, and then later cancel your service – though you may want to take advantage of some of the other benefits of the service before you do. Most notably, Walmart+ is bundled with Paramount+. You'll also get free grocery delivery from your local store, as well as free shipping on anything with no order minimum.
If you want to learn more about Walmart+ before you pick up a free trial, you can take a look at our in-depth explainer of everything the service offers.
Whatever your budget may be, there's an AirPods for you. Apple's newest AirPods are all on sale including our favorite earbuds for iPhone, the AirPods Pro. The second generation model with USB Type-C charging has dropped to $169 from $249 after a 33% off instant discount. The next step down, the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (active noise cancelation) is down to $148 (normally $179). Finally, the value-packed AirPods 4 without ANC drops to $99.99 (normally $129).
Apple AirPods Pro for $169
The AirPods Pro is the best-sounding "truly wireless" earbuds for iPhone users thanks to its passively isolating in-ear design combined with excellent active noise cancelation, low-distortion driver and amp, and the Apple H2 chip. It also has useful features like Adaptive Transparency Mode, which lets you better hear your surroundings without removing your earbuds, and Conversation Mode, which automatically enhances the voices of people you're talking to. The second generation AirPods Pro replaces the Lightning port with a more universal USB Type-C port so you don't have to mix and match cables, and also includes a MagSafe charging case as standard.
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC for $149, without for $99
The Apple AirPods 4 was released on September, 2024 in two variants: both models are mostly identical with the exception of the noise canceling functionality on the more expensive one. The AirPods 4 features several updates over the AirPods 3 which brings it in-line with modern day standards. These improvements include the newer Apple H2 chip (vs H1), Bluetooth 5.3 support (vs Bluetooth 5.0), better IP54 resistance rating which now protects against dust intrustion (vs IPX4), USB Type-C (vs Lightning), and replacement of the skin detect sensor with a more reliable optical in-ear sensor.
Should you get the AirPods Pro over AirPods 4 with ANC?
The AirPods Pro is a superior earbud, which is why it retails for $70 more than the AirPods 4 ANC. Both feature active noise cancelation, but the AirPods Pro produces better sound quality and more effective noise canceling because of its design. The AirPods 4 ANC is an open-ear style earbud with non-adjustable tips. They're designed to sit right outside of the ear which – while comfortable – means you get plenty of sound leakage and ambient noise intrusion.
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro is an in-ear style of earbud that sits right inside your ear canal, sealing the passage and passively isolating it from the ambient air. Adjustable tips are included to accomodate different sized ears and ensure you get that proper sealing fit, which is very important to squeeze out the best performance. At this price, the only compelling reason to still go for the AirPods 4 ANC is if you don't like the intrusive nature of in-ear style earbuds in general.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Are you wondering if 28 Years Later has any post-credits scenes? We’ll tell you right here: No, it does not. That said, the ending is a doozy, and we’re here to fill you in on what it all means.
Full spoilers follow from here!
Stock up on your survival supplies, horror fans, because 28 Years Later is now in theaters. The long anticipated follow-up to 28 Weeks Later comes from original 28 Days Later creative team Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, who return to directing and screenwriting duties respectively. This has led to the latest entry in the pseudo-zombie series receiving stellar reviews as it heads into its opening weekend, including a 9/10 rave from IGN. We also know that we’re receiving a direct sequel in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple from director Nia DaCosta of Little Woods, Candyman, and The Marvels fame, which was shot back-to-back with its predecessor and is set to debut on January 16, 2026. A third film, with Boyle prospectively returning to direct, is also planned… depending on how 28 Years Later does at the box office.
Since the franchise seems to be sticking around, let’s take a look at how the new film sets the stage for future sequels. Specifically, we want to look at 28 Years’ ending, which has left many early viewers flabbergasted. Join us as we dive into all the spoilery details of 28 Years Later.
A Small-Scale Apocalypse
Stop us if you guessed this one already: This movie takes place 28 years after the last one. After a small flashback to the original outbreak, the opening text reveals that the Rage virus that transforms humans into mindless monsters was contained to the United Kingdom. Although this detail may come across as a light retcon of the ending of 28 Weeks Later, which showed the infected spreading to Paris, Boyle has debunked the idea that 28 Weeks didn’t happen, instead telling Inverse that “somehow the French had managed to drive the virus back across the channel to its origin in the British mainland.” This serves two purposes: to dial back the scale so the film can focus on a small handful of characters, and to evolve the franchise so it can speak more to contemporary culture.
In a similar way to how the modern Planet of the Apes movies focus on specific, smaller scale emotional stakes over abstract, world-ending ones that would be common in the sci-fi genre, 28 Years Later feels like a direct continuation of 28 Days Later’s narrative sensibilities. Both movies have a tiny cast we spend a lot of time with, with the larger apocalyptic science-fiction setting providing a catalyst for the character journeys instead of being the main course. Besides, plenty of zombie media has already depicted a global downfall. 28 Years does something different, and arguably more realistic (as realistic as movies with viruses that turn people into bloodthirsty monsters can be, anyway) by confirming the world didn’t stop progressing once the Rage virus was quarantined to the British Isles.
In the time since 28 Days Later’s release, we’ve seen isolationism and disassociation become the order of the day in response to real world traumatic events.
In the time since 28 Days Later’s release, we’ve seen isolationism and disassociation become the order of the day in response to real world traumatic events. From Britain formally withdrawing from the European Union, to the COVID pandemic, to the global ramifications of climate change, and to the ongoing violence in the Middle East, the response from much of society to events of such magnitude has been to just pretend they’re not happening if they’re not directly in front of you. Boyle confirmed that Brexit was an inspiration for the film in an interview with IGN, saying that he considers films like 28 Years Later “not lectures or anything like that, but they do reflect or there is a reflection in them of where you are and what’s happened to you really as individuals and as people.
“Certainly in terms of Brexit, it's unique,” he continued. “There's a couple of things that have happened to us in the intervening period since the first film that you thought, ‘Well, this is the opportunity to look at that.’”
In 28 Years, we meet a Swedish navy trooper named Erik (Edvin Ryding) who has a smartphone and talks about delivery app drivers and the internet, things a whole generation of children born in post-outbreak Britain, represented here by 12-year-old main character Spike (Alfie Williams), have never heard of. Outside of navy patrols to enforce the quarantine, the rest of the world has long since stopped caring about what happens to the Rage-infested UK. It doesn’t just help keep the focus on the primary cast as Spike goes on a quest to find a doctor to help his ill mother Isla (Jodie Comer), but it’s also a potent parallel to how much we compartmentalize horrific tragedies in today’s landscape. Yet that somber, meditative tone is subverted in the film’s final moments, in a way we’re having trouble wrapping our heads around.
28 Years Later Ending Explained
After Spike has to say goodbye to his mother, who doctor Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) consensually euthanizes after diagnosing her with cancer, he returns a newborn baby recovered from an infected mother (the baby is uninfected because of the way the placenta works) to his island village. He also leaves a note for his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), where he explains that he’s going to keep exploring the mainland and may return home someday. Spike has become more assertive and independent over the course of the film, and at the end we see him hunting for his own food and battling infected with his bow and arrow. But when he’s pursued by a larger group, Spike is saved by what we can only describe as a parkour ninja gang (PNG?) led by a man named Jimmy (Sinners’ Jack O’Connell), an older version of the only child to survive the film’s grisly prologue. Boyle told IGN that the Jimmy character is a “hugely significant figure” in the upcoming second film.
Boyle told IGN that the Jimmy character is a 'hugely significant figure' in the upcoming second film.
It’s hard to overstate just how tonally inconsistent this last scene is with the rest of the movie. What had up to this point been a fairly depressing and atmospheric film suddenly drops in a bunch of tracksuit-wearing gangsters killing infected with kick flips and golf clubs. It feels like something from an entirely different movie, but according to Boyle, it’s a deliberate lead-in to the next film: “It’s the epilogue or an end theme at the end of the first film that gives you a handover to the second film.” The tonal shift seems to indicate that The Bone Temple will be a more humorous and off-kilter affair, with new characters and factions that Spike encounters as he explores more of the mainland having found different ways of existing among the infected.
We’d be remiss not to mention that Jimmy and his gang appear to be an homage to Jimmy Savile, a figure who may not be familiar to people outside the UK. Savile was a media personality who made many appearances on British television, particularly in children-oriented programs. He died in 2011, and afterwards was revealed to have been a prolific sexual predator, accused by hundreds of victims. It seems that in the universe of 28 Years Later, Savile’s predatory behavior was never revealed to the public (since the outbreak happened before his death), hence this gang that seems to exist in tribute to him. It’s hard to evaluate this as a creative choice since it’s a thread that will be expanded upon in the next film, but it’s certainly an odd one.
Either way, the ending of 28 Years Later proves that the franchise will continue to keep fans guessing as we wait for the upcoming sequels.
“Everybody's standing by for that, really,” Boyle told IGN. “Including Cillian. … He is in the second one. I shouldn't give away too much. I'll get killed.”
Boyle’s joking about getting “killed” by studio Sony Pictures for giving away too many spoilers before the films are out, but he also points out that they were willing to play ball by not including the original film’s cast in this sequel.
“[The studio] could have said, ‘Oh no, it needs to be more sequel-y. You need to rely on some of the ideas that are in the original. And what do you mean Cillian's not going to appear in the first one? I thought you said Cillian was going to be in it,’” he laughs. “We said, ‘Yeah, Cillian is going to be in it, but not quite the first one.’ So fair play to them.”
The director also confirmed to IGN that while the plan is for 28 Years to be the first chapter of a new trilogy, and The Bone Temple has already been shot, the proposed third film is dependent on how these first two films do.
“Spike, played by Alfie, he will run right away through the films,” explained Boyle. “And we've shot the first two back-to-back. And that was for logistical reasons, actor availability reasons, and for story reasons as well. They're literally continuous. … Although each story completes itself, there's a handover section to the next film as well. So it's very ambitious. We haven't got the money for the third one yet. It will depend how the first one does, I guess.”
Aside from Murphy’s long-awaited return to the franchise, we’d also like to see more elaboration on the way the infected have evolved in the decades since the outbreak, including more info on the Alphas we meet in 28 Years, the “leader” infected that have grown to immense stature. Also, is it too late to get Naomie Harris back for the third one?
Is There a Post-Credits Scene in 28 Years Later?
Nope, as stated earlier, there are no scenes after the credits.
What did you think of 28 Years Later? Let us know in the comments!
Carlos Morales writes novels, articles and Mass Effect essays. You can follow his fixations on Twitter.
28 Years Later has arrived in theaters. While it may not have Cillian Murphy, early reviews have certainly suggested a return to horrifying form for the zombie franchise. If you’re anything like me, you might be planning to rewatch the originals before heading to the theaters. It's not entirely necessary for enjoying the new movie, but it gives good context and prepares you to eagerly point out any callbacks or references.
Whether you’re catching up before seeing 28 Years Later or just interested in some good ol’ zombie movies, I’m happy to report that 28 Days Later is streaming for free.
Stream 28 Days Later for Free
28 Years Later has gone through several periods of being near impossible to find on streaming. Thankfully, the new sequel seemed to inspire several new licensing agreements, with 28 Days Later finding its new home on the free streaming service Pluto TV. Yes, you will have to deal with ads. If those are simply too much to bear, you can pick up the movie on digital marketplaces like Prime Video or in one of its many variations on DVD.
As for 28 Weeks Later, well, that’s also streaming for free. You can check out the second installment, directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, over on Tubi.
28 Years Later, Over 20 Years in the Making
Twenty-three years after the original movie, screenwriter Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle have returned with a new sequel. IGN’s review goes so far as to say “28 Years Later is as potent and timely an exploration of cultural strife as the original, and Danny Boyle and Alex Garland tug at the heartstrings with bloody, deadly skill.” The film takes advantage of the past 20 years of tech advancements too, even using iPhone rigs to capture its jarring new types of infected.
Since the original movie, Garland has made a name for himself in the sci-fi genre, directing films like Ex Machina and Annihilation. Meanwhile, this is Boyle's return from a five-year break from directing, but he had previously followed 28 Days Later with award-winning films like Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours. (Check out Boyle breaking down his favorite shots from his career.)
Looking ahead, yet another sequel, called 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple directed by Nia DaCosta, is already set to release on January 16, 2026. Where the franchise goes from there is unclear, but we do know that Garland has the upcoming Elden Ring movie – and probably an eighth playthrough of the game – on his plate.
Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.
Prime Day 2025 is officially set to run from July 8 through July 11, but there are already a handful of early deals and promotions you can take advantage of now. Kindle Unlimited is one such promotion, and you can get three months free and start reading thousands of books and graphic novels. The service has a massive collection of Batman comics and graphic novels you can read, from modern masterpieces to timeless classics. If you're not interested in using Amazon, there are a couple of other ways to read free Batman comics online, but this deal is the best option right now. Be aware, this promotion is offered only to Amazon Prime members and if you do not already have a subscription or have used a free Kindle Unlimited trial in the past.
If you're unfamiliar, Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service from Amazon that offers literally millions of different books, comics, magazines, audiobooks, and more. You can access all of your downloads on a Kindle device, or through the Kindle app on your phone, reading tablet, or desktop. This is also one of the best ways to gain access to tons of audiobooks to experience stories you may not have the time to sit down and read, perfect for long commutes or car rides, similar to Audible.
The Best Batman Comics on Kindle Unlimited
The entire catalogue of available Batman comics on Kindle Unlimited is vast, but I've collected some of the best (and a few of my personal recommendations). I've spoken ad nauseum about Batman: Hush and the Long Halloween, which are some of the best contemporary detective and supervillain stories in the history of the character. Then there's Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's New 52 run on Batman, which introduced the iconic and mysterious Court of Owls, which is easily another contender for one of the best runs of all time. Oddly enough, Alan Moore's Batman: The Killing Joke is not available on Kindle Unlimited.
Then I'd highly recommend Riddler: Year One. Paul Dano played the Riddler in Matt Reeve's The Batman to much acclaim, and this comic penned by the actor explores the backstory and deeper motivations of this gritty take on the usually campy supervillain.
Batman: Death in the Family is also iconic, as back when it was published DC asked fans to vote and the fate of the second Robin, Jason Todd: Does he live or die? It's common knowledge now, but fans voted to kill the youngster, but this is comics: nobody stays dead. Death in the Family is a good starting point to really explore Batman's relationship with the extended Bat-family and see the origin of Red Hood, who Jason would later become.
These are just a drop in the larger puddle of what Batman comics are available, but are required reading for any Bat-fan. Kindle Unlimited is also a great service for other types of reading, including a pretty vast library of LitRPG books.
Red Dead Redemption fans believe they've now worked out the truth behind recent teases that suggested something was going on with Rockstar's beloved cowboy franchise — but it's not what many fans had been hoping for.
Last week, John Marston actor Rob Wiethoff teased that he had "exciting news" to share that was "absolutely killing" him to keep quiet, while chatting with fans during a livestream. Wiethoff suggested that, whatever the news was, fans would hear about it by the end of this week — and that he wouldn't be the only one sharing it.
With fan hopes at fever pitch, Wiethoff released a statement earlier this week clearly designed to manage expectations. In it, John Marston's voice actor said he "possibly misled some people" in regards to how exciting the announcement was, and said he did "not make announcements for Rockstar games."
"I do have something I'm really excited about, I truly am, and I think you will be too," Wiethoff said. "I really do think so, but I possibly misled some people when I announced that I have something to announce that I can't talk about right now.
"Just please recognize – and I know that you know this, but let me remind you, I guess – I do not make announcements for Rockstar Games. We all know that, I'm just reminding you I do not make announcements for Rockstar Games. Rockstar Games makes announcements for Rockstar Games, and they don't use me to do that."
So what is the big mystery announcement? Well, fans have now spotted confirmation of a Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 cast reunion, which is set to take place at the National Gaming Expo in Tampa, Florida from August 8 to August 10.
"Was this the announcement [Wiethoff] was so excited for?" wrote one fan on reddit.
"I think so," added replied.
"It would be great if they waited for this convention to reveal there's going to be SOME kind of update, remastering, DLC, a next chapter etc," said a third. "It's definitely wishful thinking on my part."
Red Dead Redemption 2 originally launched for PS4 and Xbox One back in October 2018, and arrived on PC a year later. Fans have long hoped for a revamped version designed to take advantage of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but, more than five years after those consoles launched, a re-release or remaster is yet to arrive.
Of course, Rockstar has been busy during this time building Grand Theft Auto 6, which after its recent delay will now launch on May 26, 2026. Surely there's time to pop out a Red Dead Redemption 2 patch before then?
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
If you've been waiting for a great deal on a high-end OLED TV, here's one you should seriously consider. Woot! (owned by Amazon) is offering the 65" Samsung S90D 4K OLED Smart TV for only $1,074.99. Amazon Prime members get free shipping, but the rest of us pay just $6 for delivery. This is a brand new TV with a full 1 year Samsung warranty. According to RTINGS, the Samsung S90D is a brighter TV than the popular LG C4 OLED TV with a wider color gamut, better color volume, wider viewing angle, and better HDR gradient handling. It's also an excellent TV for your PS5 or Xbox Series X.
65" Samsung S90D 4K OLED Smart TV for $1,074.99
The Samsung S90D is the prior generation 2024 model. A new "S90F" model has been released for 2025, but it costs more than double the price. The S90D is equipped with Samsung's proprietary quantum dot (QD) OLED panel. QD OLED panels are brighter than traditional OLED panels without losing the color accuracy, range, and wide-viewing angles that OLEDs are known for. Compared to a traditional LED LCD TV, an OLED TV offers superior image quality, near-infinite blacks, near-infinite contrast ratio, and near-instantaneous response times.
OLED technology aside, the Samsung S90D also has all the features you'd want in a gaming TV. It has a native 120Hz panel that can be pushed to as high as 144Hz as well as four total HDMI 2.1 ports for running 4K at 120Hz on a PS5 or Xbox Series X gaming console. The S90D also supports variable refresh rate and auto low latency mode. This is an especially good complement to the recently released Playstation 5 Pro console since it can drive more games in quality mode (native 4K @ 120fps) than the standard PS5, which often needs to be set to performance mode (upscaled 4K).
Is this a good TV for the Nintendo Switch 2?
Despite being a current generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2 has lax TV requirements compared to the PS5 or Xbox Series X. When the Switch is connected to its dock and a television, it is only capable of outputting a 4K resolution signal at up to 60 frames per second. It can go up to 120fps if the resolution drops to 1080p, but the data rate required for both these options is pretty much the same. Oddly, it doesn’t even get VRR when docked – that’s reserved for handheld mode only. The Switch 2 console, however, will still benefit greatly from the Samsung's gorgeous OLED panel.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Looking for active Parasite Testing codes? We've got all the working codes for this Roblox experience, so you don't have to search for them. Redeem each one for rewards like credits to buy weapons or leveling up to access the armory sooner!
Working Parasite Testing Codes (June 2025)
Here are all the current active codes you can redeem in Parasite Testing as well as the rewards you'll get from them:
2KSERVER - 5 Credits, 5 Levels (NEW)
1M VISITS - 75 Credits, 25 Levels
PUPPETEER - 5 Credits, 5 Levels
Expired Parasite Testing Codes (June 2025)
The below codes have unfortunately expired and will no longer work. We've included them here so you know not to bother trying to redeem them:
1KSERVER
How to Redeem Parasite Testing Codes
Redeeming codes in Parasite Testing isn't too hard once you know where to look. Follow these simple steps to start getting those rewards:
Launch Parasite Testing
Interact with the laptop in the first room you spawn in. You can see it in the screenshot above.
Enter a code in the box that says, "Enter a code..."
Press the big green Submit button to redeem your code.
Why Isn't My Parasite Testing Code Working?
If you're having trouble redeeming a code, there are two common reasons why it may not be working:
The code is expired
The code has been entered incorrectly
If a code has been entered incorrectly or has expired, you'll see a message that says, "Not a valid code". In order to avoid this, we recommend copying and pasting the code directly from this article. As long as you don't accidentally get an extra space in there when copying it, it should work if it's active. We make sure to check and test every Parasite Testing code before we add them to this article.
Where to Find More Parasite Testing Codes
We always recommend checking our article here for up to date codes since you can rely on us to verify which ones are working. But, if you'd prefer to search for some Parasite Testing codes on your own, you can check the dedicated Discord server.
What is Parasite Testing in Roblox?
Parasite Testing is a Roblox experience that revolves around shooting eldritch creatures. A large red biomass will keep spawning parasites that evolve when attacking players. If you let them get too close, you'll become infected and have to worry about your teammates taking you out. Depending on the parasite type, you'll either respawn or can fight researchers while infected.
Eliminating creatures and infected players will give you credits and level you up. This will help you unlock new weapons for taking on tougher creatures. But you can also use traps to wipe out hordes of parasites via decontamination or electricity.
Jeffrey Lerman is a freelance game journalist for IGN who has been covering games for over a decade. You can follow him on Bluesky.
It’s safe to say that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is the most successful indie comic book series of all time. What started as a labor of love by creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird in 1984 quickly grew into a global phenomenon and a multimedia franchise that spawned all manner of toys, animated shows, and movies.
Even as the TMNT franchise enjoys a resurgence on the big and small screens, the comics are continuing to thrive. In fact, there’s probably never been a better time to start reading the comics. But how does one do that in 2025? How do you make sense of the different continuities and various relaunches? What comics should an aspiring Turtle fanatic read first?
We’re here to answer those questions. Read on for a full breakdown on the differences between the various universes and which TMNT comics are best for newcomers, as well as helpful links for which graphic novels to buy.
Which TMNT Universe Should You Read?
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has evolved a lot over the years. Just as there are numerous different animated series and movies taking place in their own, separate universes, there have been several different incarnations of the franchise in print form.
First, there was the original Mirage Comics series that started it all. This is the version of TMNT from which all others have sprung. That said, the Mirage universe lacks some of the franchise hallmarks fans have come to expect over the years. The Mirage comics are generally much darker than those that have come since (given that Eastman and Laird were heavily inspired by Frank Miller’s Daredevil comics), and the Turtles’ happy-go-lucky personalities and obsession with pizza would come later. Even the color-coded bandanas are absent in these early comics.
Later, Archie Comics established its own TMNT series as an extension of the 1987 animated series. Dubbed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, that book first adapted episodes of the cartoon before transitioning into telling new stories set in that universe. There have been several other comics published over the years that tie into the various animated series.
In the late ‘90s, during a time when Mirage was no longer publishing new TMNT content, Image Comics published its own comic that continued the Mirage continuity. That series proved even darker still, with plot twists like Raphael becoming the new Shredder. The series was canceled and left unfinished after Mirage resumed publishing its comics, but IDW Publishing would eventually reprint the Image material and publish several new, concluding issues under the title TMNT: Urban Legends.
These older TMNT comics certainly still have value, particularly the early, formative Mirage issues by Eastman and Laird. But for the vast majority of readers, IDW Publishing’s TMNT universe is the ideal entry point into the franchise. IDW acquired the TMNT publishing rights in 2011, at which point they began reprinting classic material and publishing a new monthly series with a completely rebooted continuity.
IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series takes a holistic approach to the franchise. It draws on characters and elements from past comics and cartoons, intending to provide the most complete and fully realized TMNT universe to date. With the original IDW series spanning 150 issues (plus numerous spinoff miniseries), it’s certainly achieved that goal by now. But where do you start?
How to Read IDW’s TMNT Universe From the Beginning
There are basically two options for diving into IDW’s TMNT universe in 2025. The first is to start at the beginning, with 2011’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1. Again, with this being a complete reboot of the franchise, it’s easy for Turtle novices to dive in with the series. You’ll get the full origin stories for the various characters and see their world steadily grow and evolve as new villains and conflicts are introduced.
IDW’s series has added many new elements of its own to the TMNT mythos, not the least of which being the fifth, female Turtle Jennika. It helps that Eastman himself co-wrote the early issues of the new TMNT run alongside Tom Waltz, giving this rebooted universe a certain extra weight and legitimacy. The IDW series ultimately lasted 150 issues before reaching its conclusion in 2024 (making it by far the longest-running TMNT comic ever). It’s since been followed by a relaunched volume, which we’ll get to in a minute.
But complicating matters is the fact that IDW published a lot of spinoffs of the main TMNT series over the years, bringing the title number of comics to well over 300. These spinoffs do everything from shining a solo spotlight on various characters to establishing the history of Shredder and the Foot Clan to thrusting the Turtles into crossovers with other franchises like Ghostbusters and Power Rangers. The main series will frequently reference the events of these spinoffs, so reading them is generally worthwhile (particularly the Mateus Santolouco-drawn Shredder and Foot Clan books).
If you just want to read the core IDW series, it’s been collected in a series of numbered trade paperbacks. That lineup includes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vols. 1-23 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Reborn Vols. 1-9. The various spinoffs each have their own trade paperback collections as well.
On the other hand, if you want to read everything in the IDW-verse, including the spinoff books, you’re better served looking at the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection lineup. These books collect both the main series and the spinoffs in chronological order, totaling 18 volumes so far. While the IDW Collections were originally published in hardcover format, IDW has recently begun reprinting them as cheaper paperback versions, too.
IDW’s 2024 TMNT Relaunch
Starting from the beginning is all fine and well, but not everyone has the time, money, or inclination to catch up on 300+ issues. What about those who just want to dive into the current monthly TMNT comic?
Thankfully, IDW has made things very easy in that regard. The previous IDW volume finally reached its conclusion in 2024’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #150, as writer Sophie Campbell wrapped up her 50-issue storyline. From there, IDW quickly relaunched the series with a new #1 issue, a new creative team that includes writer Jason Aaron, and a new status quo.
2024’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 serves as a very easy jumping-on point for new readers. To be clear, it isn’t another reboot of the TMNT canon. The new volume does continue to build on the universe established in the original IDW series. But it’s intentionally designed to be accessible, with many of the previous volume’s supporting cast fading into the background and the spotlight narrowing on the four main Turtles and their renewed fight against the Foot Clan.
The new TMNT volume is still pretty young. The first trade paperback collection, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Vol. 1: Return to New York, is scheduled for release on June 24, 2025. IDW will continue to collect new issues in both softcover and hardcover format.
For those who miss some of the supporting characters who have faded out of the spotlight in the relaunch, IDW still has you covered. They’re currently publishing several ancillary TMNT comics, such as TMNT: Mutant Nation and TMNT: Nightwatcher. Later in 2025, Shredder and Casey Jones will each receive new solo series. As before, we assume new volumes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection will be released that collect all of these books in chronological order.
How TMNT: The Last Ronin Fits In
There’s another option out there for TMNT fans who just want to dive into a good book without having to worry much about continuity. IDW’s TMNT: The Last Ronin is easily one of the most popular Turtles comics to come along in years, and it only requires a basic familiarity with the franchise.
The Last Ronin is best described as this franchise’s answer to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. The Last Ronin is set in a grim, futuristic version of New York where all but one of the Turtles is dead (we won’t spoil which one survives). The sole survivor embarks on a quest to kill Shredder’s grandson and avenge his fallen brothers. The series is also notable for springing from an idea Eastman and Laird originally developed back in the late ‘80s, making this what will likely be their final collaboration together.
The Last Ronin isn’t a sequel to any one particular incarnation of the TMNT comics. It’s instead part of its own continuity dubbed “The Ronin-verse.”
“I think we're creating our own universe here, but I call it very Mirage-adjacent,” co-writer Tom Waltz told IGN. “The Dark Knight Returns, for me, works so well, because if somebody really wants to say, ‘It's Adam West's future,’ it could be Adam West's future, because all the basic elements are there for a Batman story… I think it works so well in a generic sense, because there's just certain elements of Turtles that you have to hit, and everybody knows those things by now. Most people know what those things are, where they come from, that you can write this kind of story and let people fill in the blanks as they want.”
Those interested in reading The Last Ronin saga won’t find the reading order too complicated. There’s the original Last Ronin miniseries from 2020. That’s followed by 2023’s The Last Ronin: Lost Years, which acts as both a prequel and sequel to the first story. Then there’s The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution, a direct sequel that focuses on a new generation of Turtles defending New York. Eastman and Waltz confirmed to IGN that another sequel is currently in development, though we wouldn’t expect it to debut until 2026 at the earliest.
It's been roughly three weeks since Elden Ring Nightreign dropped on May 30, and players have started to get their heads around all the different tools and abilities available to them in Limveld. What some are starting to do with those abilities, though, is pretty fascinating.
One of the top posts on the r/Nightreign subreddit this morning was from user u/Quantam-Law, who was playing with a Raider under the username "BRO....". BRO had a pretty great idea: the trio of Nightfarers had the Noklateo Shifting Earth event, and rather than storm the front gate of the city, BRO popped Raider's ultimate to provide a new platform for entry.
Noklateo, and other Shifting Earth events, are random, map-changing alterations that can appear, adding new encounters and areas to explore in the process. But while this usage of Totem Stela is good for that, it gets the gears turning on other places and ways you could use the massive brick to get up and around designed obstacles.
Raider's not the only one with tricks, either. u/Mockz_ also had a recent skip posted up on the Elden Ring Nightreign subreddit, this time for the Crater Shifting Earth event. In this one, Mockz uses their abilities, and a little bit of good ol' fashioned gravity to get where they need to go, at the bottom of the Crater.
Another user, u/ninjabladeJr, posted a feasible—albeit challenging and dangerous—skip of their own to the bottom of the Crater, using a spectral hawk and specific line-ups. Are these Crater skips dangerous? Absolutely. Is it awesome to see someone breeze past the many, many encounters of the dungeon and straight to the big boss, the ultimate goal and prize of the Shifting Earth event? You betcha.
Heck, there are people even finding ways to the top of the Mountaintop event by just Skyrim-jumping their way up the side of the cliffs like an ibex. Shifting Earth events are a fun, fascinating part of Nightreign's construction and layout, and it's amazing how players are already finding ways to navigate them faster and smarter.
The actual usability of these is absolutely up-in-the-air. I could see popping the Noklateo totem-skip in a random lobby, but I think attempting the spectral hawk Crater skip in a room with two random players who don't know what I'm doing is a fast path to two, if not three, Nightfarers down.
But the fact players are getting so creative with their abilities and finding such interesting uses for them bodes well for the long-term health of Elden Ring Nightreign. As of this writing, the speedrun leaderboards for Elden Ring Nightreign still aren't live, but these community-discovered skips already have me intrigued to see what speedrunners can showcase with the game.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and if you're looking to pick up some extra items to go with your brand new console, we've found some very nice Switch 2 deals that are worth looking at right now. These range from sturdy carrying cases to keep your new Switch stored in, to screen protectors and a selection of accessories to stock up on.
If you're in the Switch shopping mood, now is a good time to pick up some of these items with great discounts available. Have a look through the latest Switch 2 deals we could find below.
TL;DR - The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Deals
Switch 2 Carrying Case Deals
If you're planning on taking your Switch 2 out on any trips or adventures you have planned this summer, a carrying case is a very wise investment. Thankfully, there are plenty of great deals to check out right now on a variety of different case styles, whether you want something slimmer or with a very sturdy build.
Switch 2 Accessory Deals
If you've picked up your Switch 2 console and are now on the hunt for some accessories, there are a few deals worth checking out at the moment. From thumb grips to a charger to a protective case that can be wrapped around your Switch 2 in handheld mode, we've included some of our favorite deals above that are available at the moment.
Best Switch 2 Screen Protector Deals
Once you've picked up your new Switch 2, it's important to find some extra protection for it. Screen protectors are a worthy investment and, thankfully, there are plenty of deals available right now. Even though these items are usually pretty affordable on their own, the discounts are a nice little treat to take advantage of while they're available.
Best Switch 2 Power Bank Deals
And lastly in our list of Nintendo Switch 2 deals for right now, you'll want to make sure you've got plenty of power to keep you going once you start playing your new console. If you've been looking for a new power bank to have for when you're on-the-go, we've included a few great deals above that are worth checking out.
Where to Buy Official Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories
If official Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have been on your radar, we've included where you can buy those as well. Some of these have been going out of stock quick, though, so if something that catches your eye is still in stock you'll want to be quick to scoop it up while it's still available.
Where to Buy Nintendo Switch 2 Games
Most importantly: the games. If you're looking to fill up your Switch 2 library with some brand new games, or Nintendo Switch 2 editions of your favorites, we've included a wide variety of Switch 2 games that are available to preorder or buy above. Again, be quick to grab your favorites while they're still in stock.
Where to Buy Nintendo Switch 2
If you're curious where you can buy the Nintendo Switch 2, have a look through the retailers above. Stock has been in and out online, but keep an eye on our Nintendo Switch 2 buying guide for more updates on restocks and availability.
Even more Switch 2 deals are sure to pop up in the weeks to come. We'll make sure to update this when more noteworthy discounts appear.
In the meantime, if you're curious to see what's on offer for other consoles, have a look at our roundups of the best PS5 and Xbox deals.
We also have an overall roundup of the best video game deals that highlights our favorite discounts at the moment that we've found across each platform, including PC.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
After a three-year wait between previous chapter releases of Deltarune, developer Toby Fox is promising a faster turnaround on the next episode of the saga. Chapter 5 is currently set for a 2026 release.
This information was revealed in the end credits of Deltarune Chapter 4, which released alongside Chapter 3 earlier this month. No further specificity about dates or windows was given.
Deltarune is a "sequel" of sorts to beloved indie RPG Undertale, and has released chapter by chapter starting in 2018, with Chapter 2 releasing in 2021 and the two most recent chapters dropping alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 earlier this month. The game follows a human named Kris who lives in a peaceful town of monsters familiar to those who played Undertale. Together with the school bully Suzie, they fall into a mysterious "Dark World" and meet a prince named Ralsei, who charges them with saving both the dark and light world by sealing dark fountains. Each chapter tackles a different dark fountain in something like a "monster of the week" format, though Chapter 4 goes off the rails a bit in exploring the game's overarching meta-plot that fans speculate may eventually tie the game back to Undertale.
Chapters 1 and 2 are available on all major platforms for free, while the full game including Chapters 3, 4, and all future chapters (up to at least seven) costs $25. With the paid release, we reviewed all of Deltarune so far, giving it a 9/10 and saying that "its incredible and well-refined culmination of captivating characters, hilarious and earnest writing, and stellar music has already left one hell of a lasting impact I’m not likely to forget."
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
Remedy has posted a candid statement acknowledging "not everything has gone well" at the launch of its multiplayer Control spin-off FBC: Firebreak, and outlined how it hopes to improve the game in the coming weeks.
FBC: Firebreak launched on June 17, but already sits on a "mixed" user score on Steam. Calling the launch an "exciting and nerve-wracking time," developer Remedy told players it had heard feedback "loudly and clearly," and admitted "it's clear there are features that need to improve, and they will improve."
"We are improving some features starting now. While we can improve some features today and in the near term, some others will take longer and require more thinking from us. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
"But you’re not here for platitudes," the statement added. "You want to know how we will improve your player experience in FBC: Firebreak, so let’s get into it."
The team has immediately identified a problem with "the first hour experience," saying that FBC: Firebreak's opening gameplay was not "a great experience due to a combination of things," including issues with onboarding, poorly explained systems and tools, and "a lack of clarity as to what to do in the Jobs and how to do the work effectively." The developer also said: "the power fantasy isn't great in the first hours of the game as starting weapons feel weak, and unlocking higher-tier weapons requires a bit too much grinding."
Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, Remedy wants better onboarding and user-interface clarity, as well as making Jobs easier to access. This means you'll no longer need to play the first two Clearance Levels of each Job, and new players start off with a "full three-zone Hot Fix Job run." There are also plans to speed up progression and gear unlocks.
Remedy says these changes are just the beginning, and represent the most "immediate changes" coming to the game. It is also actively discussing broader improvements based on player feedback.
"Right now, despite how sparse the story can seem in moments, there’s a lot of fun to be had wrangling erratic monsters in Remedy’s spectacularly absurd bureaucratic setting," we wrote in IGN's FBC: Firebreak review in progress. "I’ll be playing more this week and wrap up this review as soon as I’ve tested the limits of Remedy’s chaotic cooperative job simulator."
Remedy also recently confirmed its plans for ongoing support post-launch, including two new Jobs (missions) coming in 2025. More updates will arrive in 2026, the developer said. All playable content released post launch, such as Jobs, will be free to all players. Players have the option to buy cosmetics, but none of these items will affect gameplay, and there will be no limited-time rotations or daily log-ins, Remedy insisted.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
This premium hardcover companion covers everything from detailed Nightfarer class breakdowns and full system explainers to expedition maps, a complete bestiary, and deep item and build-crafting analysis. It also features high-quality artwork, lore entries, and collectible art prints, making it as much a collector's piece as it is a gameplay resource.
These guides often sell out quickly and have been known to appreciate in value over time, so securing a copy early may be wise. Amazon’s preorder price guarantee also ensures you’ll pay the lowest price between now and launch, and you won’t be charged until it ships.
According to Amazon’s official description, the guide “delves deep into the enigmatic world of Nightreign, offering unparalleled insights into its dynamic mechanics,” and aims to help players “strike a delicate balance between careful teamwork and gaining synergistic power as quickly as possible.”
In other news, patch 1.01.3 for Elden Ring Nightreign went live yesterday, and at first glance, it looked like a routine update, just bug fixes and minor quality-of-life tweaks.
The James Gunn-helmed Phase 1 of the DC Cinematic Universe is upon us, beginning with Gunn’s upcoming Superman film — and as it turns out, the filmmaker and studio head considers the project to be absolutely crucial to making the Gods and Monsters phase work as an overall storytelling experience.
“Oh, it is very important,” Gunn explained to Entertainment Weekly in an interview published on June 19. “I wouldn't say [animated series] Creature Commandos is important, but Peacemaker and Superman are both pretty important in terms of getting to the bigger story.”
That said, the boss did note that it’s really about striking the right balance between giving audiences vital information and moments while also not alienating those who might be more casual fans — because after all, if you don’t shut them out completely, you might just hook them.
“At the same time, I am really trying to be careful that anybody can dip in and see the story that is up next and not feel like they're missing information. The other stories can provide added texture to what you're watching,” Gunn explained to the outlet. “That might change down the line as we get deeper into what's happening in this universe. It could be like Infinity War and Endgame, where you kind of have to see Infinity War to know what's going on in Endgame.”
He continued, “But right now, I'm trying to keep it so that you don't have to see Superman to see Supergirl, for example. Even though there's a lot of stuff in Superman that leads to Peacemaker, you certainly don't need to see it to see Peacemaker. It's just good if you have, but we also say ‘Previously in the DCU’ before every episode, so the TV stuff's pretty easy.”
Gunn’s Superman film will arrive in theaters on July 8, but we’ll have to wait another month and change for season 2 of Peacemaker, which hits Max on August 21.
Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.
With the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, director Hideo Kojima enters his fourth decade in game development as a director. While the celebrated “auteur” has spent the majority of his career so far working on the Metal Gear series, Death Stranding 2 sees him expanding upon his newest universe, where he both introduces new concepts and revisits some of his most enduring ideas.
With a truly staggering list of credits in his impressive resume, there’s no better time to revisit every genre-defying adventure Kojima has taken us on. Here is every Kojima game that he directed or designed, ranked from worst to best.
12. Policenauts
Before the Metal Gear Solid series took over his life, Kojima dabbled in the graphic adventure genre. One of his earliest games, Policenauts is a point-and-click, visual novel game for the PC-9821 billed as a hard science fiction detective story. Set in the not-too-distant future, players take on the role of Jonathan Ingram, an astronaut turned hard-boiled L.A. detective investigating a man’s disappearance. As a visual novel, Policenauts doesn’t have the level of gameplay innovations Kojima would eventually be known for, but this early work highlights how movies — in this case buddy cop films like Lethal Weapon — would seep into his video game works for years to come.
11. Snatcher
Before there was Policenauts, Kojima had already dabbled with graphic adventure games. Clearly influenced by cyberpunk stories like Blade Runner, Snatcher is set in a futuristic city where human-like robots known as Snatchers are murdering humans, with special members of the anti-Snatcher force tasked to stop them. While the plot may sound very derivative of Ridley Scott’s iconic movie, critics praised Snatcher for how Kojima took these ideas to even more extreme places with violence, humor, and an operatic scope that was ahead of most visual novels at the time.
10. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Following the success of the very first Metal Gear, Konami pushed forward with a sequel called Snake’s Revenge that was being made entirely without any involvement from Hideo Kojima. Unaware a sequel was even being made, a coworker finally told Kojima about the sequel and convinced him to create a true follow-up to the 1987 original. While Metal Gear 2’s visuals are more sophisticated and its story introduces some important characters to the Metal Gear canon, Metal Gear 2 largely feels like a half-step. Thankfully, Kojima would go on to completely revolutionize the series with the 3D Metal Gear Solid games, eventually righting the wrongs of his iterative attempt at progress in Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.
9. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was originally designed to be the finale of the series, capping off the Solid Snake storyline with a bang. This mega-budget, PS3 exclusive was released in 2008 and set a technological benchmark thanks to its breathtaking graphics and cinematics. Snake is back, but this time he’s aged significantly. The familiar faces of Otocon, Meryl, and Revolver Ocelot all return, as well as other fan-service surprises. Together, these characters work through a story that finally closes the book on an extremely complex tale that began with the very first Metal Gear game.
Despite being the dramatic final act in an iconic game series, MGS 4 also represents Kojima indulging in some of his worst creative tendencies. While the plot ties up a lot of loose storylines and gives Old Snake a hero’s farewell, the majority of cutscenes border on self-parody (including one character’s constant need to find a toilet) and Kojima, in general, seems too focused on his nostalgia for older games in the series, which has an impact on the overall execution of Solid Snake’s final tale. There are also a lot of big gameplay ideas here that aren’t fully fleshed out, perhaps due to the technological limitations of the PS3 – some of these mechanics, like active camo, would finally be refined in Metal Gear Solid 5. With all this in consideration, Metal Gear Solid 4, despite being an incredible spectacle in its own right, is our least favorite game from the Metal Gear Solid series.
8. Metal Gear
The original Metal Gear on the MSX2 was the game that started it all, introducing the world to the iconic Solid Snake. Metal Gear combines compelling (and revolutionary for the time) stealth action gameplay with a twisting story of Cold War era paranoia, nuclear proliferation, and espionage. You play as Solid Snake, a young member of the special forces group FOXHOUND sent to stop the development of a new weapon known as Metal Gear. Inspired by James Bond stories and the original Mission: Impossible TV series, Metal Gear stood out in 1987 thanks to a heavily twisting plot that culminates in Snake facing off against Big Boss, Snake’s commanding officer-turned-villain. Metal Gear’s unique stealth gameplay made waves at the time and although its plot was relatively simple, it would end up starting one of the greatest decade-spanning stories in gaming history.
7. Death Stranding
Death Stranding was a complete departure for Kojima and his first game developed outside of the walls of Konami. Starring Norman Reedus as the post-apocalyptic mailman Sam Porter Bridges, the game is less about sneaking past Soviet agents and more about sneaking past goopy monsters from beyond the astral plane. Despite all the sneaking action, this time around stealth takes a backseat to lots and lots and LOTS of walking. While Death Stranding indulges in heavy use of sponsored products, bizarre character names like Die Hard Man, and an aggressive number of celebrity cameos, underneath all that questionable content might be one of Kojima’s most prophetic stories yet. Set in a world where humans are painfully disconnected from each other due to an apocalyptic event that forces everyone to seclude in bunkers, Death Stranding was actually released before the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey of Sam Porter Bridges as he goes on foot to re-connect the United States with a mystical form of the internet feels like something written in 2023 with all the experience of an isolating lockdown, instead of a game that began development several years prior.
6. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
When Kojima announced the PSP-exclusive Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, he made clear that this was a full-fledged, canonical entry into the Metal Gear series with ramifications for the overarching storyline. And he wasn’t bluffing. The events of Peace Walker, which is set after Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, forms a substantial chapter in the legend of Big Boss and Outer Heaven, and plays directly into the events of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain.
Kojima found a way to cut up his stealth-action gameplay into bite-sized chunks that are perfect for on-the-go fun. Despite the limited technical capabilities of the PSP, mechanically this might be one of the most fun and creative games in the Metal Gear series. New systems like base building, weapons R&D, and recruiting enemy soldiers by fulton-ing them up into space means that Peace Walker not only delivers way beyond expectations for a handheld game, but also stands out as an excellent addition to the series in its own right. These mechanics and plot connections go on to reappear in Metal Gear Solid 5, proving how vital Peace Walker is to the entire Metal Gear canon.
5. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain + Ground Zeroes
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain would end up being Kojima’s last Metal Gear game, but in our opinion he left the franchise on a banger, with Metal Gear Solid 5 being the best-playing Metal Gear game in the entire series. Combining decades of stealth action experience and every mechanic Kojima ever fiddled with, MGS 5’s stealth combat feels better than ever. That’s largely thanks to the variety of tools and weapons that can be mixed and matched, ensuring you can infiltrate using your exact preferred playstyle. Want to go in guns blazing on an enemy camp? No problem. Prefer to be the sneaky stealth warrior utilizing camouflage, distractions, and even the time of day to your advantage? You can do that, too.
Metal Gear Solid 5 and its prologue, Ground Zeroes, is set after the events of Metal Gear Solid 3 and Peace Walker, focussing once more on Big Boss’ quest to build a private army in the middle of the ocean. If we’re being uncharitable, Metal Gear Solid 5’s big twist feels like Kojima put a lot of effort to explain how Big Boss survived the first Metal Gear game. But Metal Gear Solid 5 feels more like a tone piece where Kojima gets to explore the many horrors of war. From child soldiers, torture, and chemical weapons, to other nightmarish scenarios born of humanity’s never-ending thirst for conflict. Yes, on the whole, the events of MGS 5 don’t affect the overall canon of Metal Gear too much, but by the end of the experience you will begin to feel ashamed for your words and deeds.
4. P.T.
One of gaming’s most famous almosts. P.T. (or Playable Teaser) was meant to be an interactive preview for Kojima’s Silent Hills, the doomed-to-be-cancelled next installment in Konami’s legendary horror series starring Norman Reedus and developed in collaboration with director Guillermo del Toro. P.T was something of a demonstration of Kojima’s intent for that project. At just a couple of hours long, P.T. is set almost entirely within the confines of a single hallway in a non-descript, American house, and is genuinely one of the most terrifying games of all time.
Trapped in a loop, you are forced to endure terrifying events on every lap of the house, such as the radio recounting a gruesome murder, unimaginable horrors found in the bathroom, and a blood-chilling ghost stalking your every move. This self-contained teaser is so full of terrifying ideas that it’s truly a tragedy that Kojima never got a chance to complete Silent Hills. P.T., however, is so satisfying that even though it can barely be considered a full game, it still feels like a complete experience.
3. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Kojima famously said that there was a chance that Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty would never be released. Scheduled to hit shelves in 2001, a few months after the events of September 11, Kojima explained to Konami’s board of directors the story of Metal Gear Solid 2 and, from his recollection, “they all turned pale”.
Set against a backdrop of government conspiracies, United States war profiteering, and presidents-turned cyborg warriors, Metal Gear Solid 2 is proof that Kojima’s thematic obsessions with nuclear proliferation, memes, and the military-industrial-complex aren’t just for show. He even goes as far as to replace everyone’s favorite Solid Snake with newcomer Raiden to hammer home his points about how the world operates under the shadow of duplicity, and you can never trust anyone to be who they really are (and also because Kojima really did want to introduce a younger playable character to the series).
Metal Gear Solid 2 is such an astronomical leap above the first Metal Gear Solid in terms of gameplay that it’s hard to believe the two games were released just three years apart. It's Metal Gear Solid on steroids thanks to massively improved graphics that truly capture Kojima’s cinematic intentions, and controls that finally give Snake and Raiden the proper tools to be the ultimate stealth warriors.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3 is considered one of the greatest games of all time, and rightly so. With the third entry in his ever-popular series, Kojima took on his biggest challenge yet. Gone are the narrow corridors, tankers and military bases as Metal Gear Solid 3 welcomes the open jungles of the southern USSR. Naked Snake, the code name for the character who’d eventually go on to be called Big Boss and our hero this time around, is forced to brave harsh environments crawling with Soviet soldiers, perform emergency on-the-field first aid, and eat whatever creatures he could catch in the wild (hence that subtitle). It was the ultimate marriage of stealth combat and survivalist wish-fulfilment that would go on to inspire games like Escape From Tarkov.
With Metal Gear Solid 3, Kojima created one of history’s best tributes to James Bond. Snake’s mission brings him face to face with disfigured villains, sees him fall for a mysterious femme fatale, and is even prefaced by a big, brassy theme song that’s a clear homage to 007’s best intros. But while it features a checklist of Bond’s key tropes, there’s a deep and emotionally resonant story beneath them all: Naked Snake is forced to confront his former mentor, who defects to the Soviet Union to ally herself with the certifiably insane Colonel Volgin. A treatise on the global divisions caused by the Cold War and a continuation of his long-running anti-war themes, Metal Gear Solid 3 stands at the pinnacle of playability, storytelling, and technical achievement.
1. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid is the game that put Kojima on the map. While the older Metal Gear games were lauded for their creative gameplay, 1998’s Metal Gear Solid on PlayStation took that innovation and creativity to the next level. At the time, its cinematic storytelling techniques were considered second to none (and even by today’s standards, it remains special), its interactive movie-like presentation demonstrating Kojima’s love and understanding of cinema. The plot of a special ops soldier sneaking into a remote military base to take down a stolen nuclear weapon may be simple compared to some of the later games’ deep lore wells, but it became an instant and enduring classic.
With Metal Gear Solid, Kojima’s extraordinary skills as a game developer are clear to see. Advanced stealth mechanics that made extensive use of enemy vision cones, a variety of unique and ingenious boss battles, and uncovering brilliant surprises such as having your game controller “taken over” by Psycho Mantis are long-standing reminders that Kojima’s ideas about how players can interact with video games (and how video games can interact with their players) were ahead of their time. In an era where so many game developers were focused on pushing the boundaries of graphics and gameplay, Kojima managed to stand head and shoulders above the rest, pushing the medium forward in ways few others could dream of. With MGS, Kojima evolved how games look, play, tell stories, and ultimately, mature.
Metal Gear Solid is a true masterpiece. It’s the game that created the blueprint for generations to come, and truly is Hideo Kojima’s Magnum Opus.
And that’s every Hideo Kojima game ranked. Disagree with our picks? Let us know which Kojima game is your favorite in the comments below.
The Patapon series on the original PSP helped define the quirky and easygoing nature of the much-loved handheld. As one of the first of what you can call a Rhythm-Strategy game, Patapon was all about guiding a plucky following of worshipers against a mounting series of battles – all to the beat of their leader's song. The franchise has been dormant for some time, but that hasn't stopped the original developers from creating their successor, which adds a clever roguelite twist.
During Summer Game Fest 2025, I had the special opportunity to see the latest build of Ratatan, which cast me as a new leader guiding my determined flock through some challenging skirmishes. It took me a few runs to find my groove in the face of ruthless opposition, but I could still see that Ratatan has so much more in mind than just settling on being a revival of a PSP classic.
Ratatan takes place in the land of Redo, where music guides the fates of the tiny Cobun. After facing a fierce conflict with invaders, the Cobun team up with a crew of musical guardians known as the Ratatan, who guide the Cobun on a campaign to defend their lands so they can reach fabled lands of the Everafter. By selecting one of several Ratatan armed with special instruments, you'll be able to guide various Cobun units and infantry to battle enemies, retake settlements, and score enough power-ups to take down each of the big bosses.
Ratatan channels the flow and pacing of the original Patapon games but ups the sense of scale to the action in a big way. I loved seeing the whimsical and more vibrant art style come to life once the action got going. You control the leader of the pack, but not the units that follow along. To get them in motion, you'll need to execute a command that's in tune with the beat of the Ratatan's flow. These commands include movement, jumping, defensive skills, and, of course, the good ol' offensive strikes. The big trick with Ratatan, much like the Patapon series, is managing to keep your tempo while in the heat of battle.
Speaking to game producer Saisu Sakijiri, Kazuto discussed the differences in gameplay styles between Ratatan and Patapon, which lean more toward the in-the-moment action of gameplay than the original games.
"Looking back at Patapon, those games had an RPG style of influence to it, but with Ratatan, we go for a more action-focused take on that gameplay, and of course, with the added roguelite elements going along with it," said the producer. "I was inspired by games like Hollow Knight, which I'm a big fan of, and I wanted to give this type of rhythm action gameplay."
Finding your rhythm is essential, and I'll admit it certainly took me some time to find mine. I kept asking myself if I was rushing or dragging when it came to landing the beat for commands, but I also had to keep in mind that I needed to anticipate and react to enemy attacks. In one instance, I led a march forward with my units, but they almost immediately walked right into a devastating counterattack from the enemy. Facing these setbacks felt discombobulating, but once I got my groove back, things finally came together, and I was chaining attacks and dodging enemy laser blasts and other hazards with greater ease.
The key departure from the style of gameplay set by the Patapon series is the move to a roguelite experience. Each run will have you choose from a roster of Ratatan armed with trumpets, drums, tubas, and guitars, who all have their special modifiers and perks to apply in battle. Once the stage was finished, I was able to pick up different modifiers that applied attack and skill bonuses to the units and Ratatan.
It's a very familiar roguelite loop, but within the context of a rhythm-action game, it feels especially exciting and interesting. Much like Hades and other roguelites that allow you to take in the setting, you can also visit a hub base of sorts that will have characters to chat up. These characters will help the Ratatan by giving you the opportunity to buy persistent upgrades for the squad, allowing them to be more prepared when heading out into a fresh run.
According to the producer of Ratatan, feedback from longtime fans has been coming in for the game following its rapid success on Kickstarter in 2023, which led to the stronger distinction between Ratatan and its focus on a unique experience.
"We're very happy that fans of the Patapon series have liked what we have with the game so far, but I do feel that Ratatan is very much a successor to Patapon and is doing its own thing," said the producer. "It's been a bit of a challenge to make things more modernized with the roguelite elements, but also realize that it is a challenge for players as well. There is definitely a learning curve for the game, but we're happy to see the feedback that we have been getting from players."
From my hands-on with the latest build of Ratatan, it's so far a fun but truly challenging rhythm game. Yet I couldn't help but be drawn in by its infectiously charming world and flow. It's a type of revival that captures the original, quirky tone and gameplay, and hopefully, its larger structure will come together to potentially surpass its forebears.
28 Years Later may just be out in cinemas today, but a 4K steelbook is already available to preorder. If you're itching to add Danny Boyle's latest to your physical media collection, you don't have to wait to do so. Walmart's got a 4K steelbook available to preorder right now for $44.99. A release date for it is not currently available, but by preordering a copy today you'll be all set to receive it once it's out.
Preorder 28 Years Later 4K Steelbook
This 4K steelbook comes with a 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and digital copy of the film. At the moment, there are no bonus features revealed for it, but we'll be sure to add them in once they're announced.
It's also worth noting that the price for this steelbook is protected by Walmart's Preorder Price Guarantee, which states that, "you will not be charged more than the price displayed when you completed your order. For items sold by Walmart, you will be charged the lowest price offered by Walmart for the item between the time you completed your order and the time the item ships to you."
If you're hoping to catch this film at the cinema right now, we had quite a lot of praise for it in our glowing 9/10 review. IGN's Tom Jorgensen said that the film "finds Danny Boyle and Alex Garland mining the last two decades of cultural strife to build a timely coming-of-age story full of beauty and brutality in equal measure." Thankfully, fans won't have to wait too long for the follow-up either, as 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to release on January 16, 2026.
There are plenty of great films releasing in a physical format that are available to preorder right now alongside 28 Years Later. If you're looking to stock up your library, have a look through our breakdown of upcoming 4K UHD and Blu-ray releases. This doesn't just highlight movies, either. There are also some great shows worth adding to your physical media collection, too.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
Today’s lineup is a mix of new preorders, smart accessories, and a few standout discounts. Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Switch 2 is getting a performance boost and extra content, while Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be one of the console’s early must-plays. Over in collectibles, the DOOM: The Dark Ages 4LP vinyl set is now available to preorder, and a Friends Central Perk mug is just $6.12, PIVOT!
TL;DR: Deals For Today
On the tech side, the Lenovo Legion Go handheld gaming PC is down to $499.99, and a flat plug surge protector with USB-C ports is going for under $10. Anker’s 4-in-1 HDMI switch is also discounted, along with a 3-pack of Switch 2 screen protectors for just $7.49. Humble’s June Tunes Bundle is live too, offering nine rhythm games for only $10.
Hulu + Live TV Free Trial
Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial that allows you to take the live TV streaming service for a spin. This is one of the overall best streaming free trials because it gets you a bundle of services. It is quite a bit shorter than the standard Hulu free trial of 30 days, but it's a great way to test it out over the weekend.
Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo Legion Go handheld gaming PC is down to $499.99 (29% off), making it a solid pick for portable, high-performance play. It features an 8.8-inch WQXGA touchscreen with a 144Hz refresh rate, powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. With customizable gamepad controls, stereo speakers, and USB4 ports for expanded connectivity, it's a cool bit of kit for PC gaming on the go.
Pokémon Restock Updates
Destined Rivals Booster Bundles and Elite Trainer Boxes are in stock on Amazon at the time of writing, and they've come down considerably. They're still above MSRP, but if you want to open packs it's a good time to bite.
Checking these prices against TCG Player secondary market values, a lot of these products aren't far off the mark. Make no mistake, they're still way off MSRP, but finding Pokémon products on shelves that haven't been marked up past the point of anyone caring is a positive. Still refusing to pay over MSRP for new sets? Well played, I'm proud of you. Here's some single card highlights for you to shuffle through instead. Spoiler, there's plenty of deals to be had.
Destined Rivals Singles Are On The Rise (Again)
It's hard to stick a pin on Destined Rivals single card values right now, and the dips in value seem to match the little bits of stock distributors release to stores. Looking at the tracking charts for each of these cards, we can see mostly plummets from day one, then either upticks or cards for sale that exceed the original value at launch. It's crazy, but we now know how low these cards can go. Sure there's always attempts at market manipulation, but I wouldn't buy any cards on the rise right now.
The Most Expensive Pokémon Cards In Packs RIGHT NOW
We're not talking about vintage or out of print sets, all of these are incredible chase cards you can pull from booster packs available now. You can probably put money on their value going up as soon as their respective sets go out of print. If you don't want to spend mega money ripping open packs, market values on these single cards are quite reasonable for the most part..
Destined Rivals Sealed Stock
Wew're look to market values for Destined Rivals at the moment, seeing as big box stores are either fresh out of stock or charging over MSRP and what they're worth on the secondary market. So here's the full lineup to pop on your shelf or rip open like THAT Tyranitar. If you know you know.
Final Fantasy x Secret Lair
While boosters, Commander decks, and a new Starter Kit are up for grabs (if you can find them in stock), collectors will be most drawn to the highly coveted Secret Lair drops. Despite selling out instantly via Wizards of the Coast, these limited-edition mini-sets (Game Over, Weapons, and Grimoire) are still available through third-party platforms like TCGPlayer, though you’ll be paying premium prices well above the original $30–$40 MSRP.
Each set features beautifully reimagined cards themed around iconic Final Fantasy characters and spells: the Weapons drop highlights legendary arms like Cloud’s Buster Sword and Tidus’s Brotherhood, Grimoire centers on magic-wielders like Vivi and Aerith, and Game Over pays tribute to villains with cards like Spira’s Punishment and Meteorfall. All sets come in standard and foil variants, with Japanese versions available as well. If you’re considering adding these to your collection, be sure to check listings carefully and be prepared for markups ranging from $70 to $150 or more.
MTG Final Fantasy Chase Cards
It's insane how quickly these cards have climbed in value just days after release, and I can guarantee you (almost) that they won't be coming down any time soon. If you fancy saving some money ripping packs of MTG FF, just buy the card you want on TCGPlayer instead and save a fortune.
Where To Buy MTG: Final Fantasy
It's finally here, Magic the Gathering: Final Fantasy is out in the wild. If you got a preorder for MSRP, well played, but many TCG and Final Fantasy fans missed out. Fear not, there's still some options on sealed products available right now, including options from the secondary market with TCG Player which is around the same or lower than the pricing of big box retailers right now.
Iniu 10,000mAh 22.5W USB Power Bank
If you need a budget-friendly power bank for your new Nintendo Switch 2, this deal is hard to beat. Amazon currently has the INIU 10,000mAh 22.5W USB power bank on sale for just $11.87 when you clip the 10% off coupon and use promo code F4M479K9 at checkout. That’s a 56% discount off its $26.99 list price. This compact charger can fully juice up a Switch 2 about 1.5 times and offers three outputs—including a 22.5W USB-C port with Power Delivery 3.0 for fast charging, plus two USB-A QuickCharge 4 ports. With over 18,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it’s a reliable pick that rivals pricier options like Anker. It’s also TSA-compliant and travel-friendly thanks to its slim 10,000mAh capacity.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2)
Kirby’s back with a fresh upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 in a reworked version of Kirby and the Forgotten Land. This enhanced edition features smoother performance, higher resolution, and a brand new post-meteor storyline with extra Mouthful Modes. It’s the same colorful 3D platforming adventure, complete with abandoned malls, mystery-filled ruins, and chaotic boss fights, now with expanded content and improved visuals. You can even team up with a friend in local co-op to save the Waddle Dees and rebuild their town together.
Donkey Kong Bananza
With a Nintendo Direct dropping for Donkey Kong Bananza tommorow, it's a good time to make sure you've got the Mario Odyssey-esque 3D platformer secured for day one. This physical edition has the full game on the cart and is giving DK the kind of 3D platforming love it's been missing since the Nintendo 64 days.
Doom - The Dark Ages Soundtrack Collection 4LP Vinyl
Preorders are live for the Doom: The Dark Ages Soundtrack Collection on vinyl, featuring 35 tracks across four heavyweight LPs. This standard edition comes housed in a rigid slipcase embossed with the Slayer symbol, with art from id Software and Grzegorz Domaradzki. The soundtrack by Finishing Move mixes thrash, deathcore, folk, and black metal influences to match the game’s medieval brutality. Expected to ship in December 2025.
Silver Buffalo FRIENDS Central Perk Black Ceramic Mug
This oversized 24-ounce Central Perk mug from Silver Buffalo is a must-have for any Friends fan, whether you're sipping coffee or using it as desk decor. Featuring the iconic café logo, it’s a fun, functional collector’s item that’s currently just $6.12, 66% off its usual price. It’s hand wash only and not microwave-safe, but for under $10, it’s a solid gift or addition to your own sitcom-inspired kitchen setup.
June Tunes Humble Bundle
The June Tunes Bundle from Humble hits all the right notes with nine rhythm-based games for just $10, valued at $170 total. Highlights include DJMAX Respect V featuring tracks from Marshmello and Porter Robinson, the meme-fueled Trombone Champ, and musical platformer Wandersong. You’ll also find creative picks like Oddada and Onde, plus VR-ready Ragnarock and the rhythm roguelike Rhythm Fighter. All titles redeem on Steam, and proceeds help support Girls Who Code.
Surge Protector Power Strip
This 12-in-1 power strip from HANYCONY packs eight AC outlets and four USB ports (including two USB-C) into a compact, ultra-slim design, currently down to $9.99 from its usual $16.99. It features a 5-foot extension cord, 1080J surge protection, and a 0.35-inch flat plug that fits neatly behind furniture. With wide outlet spacing and certified safety features, it’s a solid pick for desks, dorms, or any setup that needs clean, efficient power management.
Skytech King 95 Gaming PC
Skytech King 95 Gaming PC delivers serious performance for gamers ready to step into high-end territory without going overboard. Priced at $2,099.99 with a 5% coupon currently available on Amazon, this build features an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU and a Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, making it well-equipped for smooth gameplay at 1440p and capable 4K performance. It also includes 32GB of fast DDR5-5600 RAM, a 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD for quick load times, and an 850W Gold-rated PSU to ensure stable power delivery. The system comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home, built-in Wi-Fi, and even includes an RGB keyboard and mouse to complete your setup.
IGN Live 2025 Bundle
Celebrate IGN Live 2025 with a Humble Bundle packed with critically acclaimed games, all while supporting a great cause. For just $22, you can unlock a collection of eight PC titles worth $239, including fan favorites like Slay the Spire, The Medium, art of rally, Old World, and Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator. Whether you're into strategic turn-based combat in Wartales, mystical adventures in Black Book, or fast-paced action in Bloodroots, this bundle has something for every kind of gamer. All proceeds benefit Child’s Play, a charity that brings games and technology to children in hospitals around the world. Redeemable on Steam and available across multiple platforms, this deal is only live for a limited time.
Woodkid for Death Stranding 2 On the Beach - 2LP Vinyl
Available now for pre-order, the Woodkid for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach 2LP vinyl features 16 original tracks composed by Woodkid for the upcoming sequel to Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed Death Stranding. Set to release on September 26, 2025, this deluxe edition includes collaborations with Elle Fanning and Bryce Dessner, alongside ethereal vocals from the Suginami Junior Chorus. Pressed on two translucent ultra-clear vinyl records, the soundtrack is packaged in printed sleeves and housed in a metallic case featuring official game artwork, wrapped with a translucent belly band..
FiGGYZ
FiGGYZ are a new line of 4.3-inch pixel art collectibles that snap into place with magnets and feature characters from major franchises like Sonic, Street Fighter, and Banjo & Kazooie. They're compact enough for desks or shelves, and every release includes a chance at rare gold, silver, and bronze variants with drop rates as low as 1%. A clean, fun option for collectors who want to show off their favorite characters without clutter.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail - 4K UHD Combo + Steelbook
Monty Python and the Holy Grail gets the 4K UHD treatment in this limited edition SteelBook release, celebrating 50 years of absurdity. Follow King Arthur and his coconut-clopping knights on their chaotic quest for the Holy Grail, now with upgraded Dolby Vision visuals and Atmos audio. This edition includes a tribute feature with comedians and fans, plus a bonus “Near-Theatrical” HD cut of the film.
Badass Brawlers Bundle
Humble’s Badass Brawlers Bundle serves up seven beat-’em-ups for just $16, with a total value of $179. Highlights include River City Girls 2 with four-player co-op, the kaiju-smashing Dawn of the Monsters, and cult favorite Double Dragon Neon. Other picks like Full Metal Furies, Final Vendetta, and Young Souls round out a solid lineup of co-op-friendly, side-scrolling brawlers. All games redeem on Steam, and proceeds help support the charity SpecialEffect.
Self Adhesive Hook And Loop Cable Ties
These self-adhesive hook and loop cable ties from MUTOTO are a simple solution for tidying up cords around the house or office. Each pack includes 40 grey straps made from durable nylon with strong back glue, making them ideal for desks, entertainment centers, or kitchen setups. They’re adjustable, reusable, and easy to apply with no tools needed. Just stick, wrap, and adjust as needed. Be mindful when using on painted walls though, as the adhesive may cause damage if removed too soon.
Anker HDMI Switch
Anker’s 4-in-1 HDMI Switch lets you connect up to four devices to a single display, making it easier to swap between your console, PC, or projector setup. It supports 4K at 60Hz with HDR, Dolby, and DTS compatibility for crisp, lag-free viewing. The included remote allows for quick input switching, though you’ll need to supply your own batteries and charger. It’s a compact, reliable pick for anyone looking to simplify their entertainment or workstation setup.
This 3-pack of JSAUX tempered glass screen protectors is made specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 and offers full edge-to-edge coverage without removing the pre-applied film. Each protector features 9H hardness to guard against scratches and drops, and the included guide frame makes installation quick and bubble-free.
Switch 2 tomtoc Slim Carrying Case
This Switch 2 case isn't a chunk, protects all the buttons including the shoulders and triggers and has been tested for drops and bumps that are bound to happen. It also has an inlay to store up to 12 carts, so it ticks all my boxes.
The Legend of Zelda Master Sword
So this Master Sword replica is made of ABS and has sound effects alongside some iconic themes from across the Legend of Zelda mainline game series. The cuttons to activate it all are easy to reach when holding it, and in all honesty it sounds so cool. Just don't go hitting your mate over the head with it, I reckon It would still hurt!
Borderlands 4 Preorders
Borderlands 4 preorders have finally landed, and the started edition is just under the $70 mark in a suprising move after the comments made by Randy Pitchford. We've had a bit of a behind the scenes look with the beggining of the "Beyond the Borderlands" video dropping on how to make a vault hunter, and it's all looking good.
Narrative Arc Bundle
This Humble Bundle highlights seven story-rich indie games for $20, with a total value of $162. Titles include Harold Halibut, a stop-motion-style adventure; Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out, a myth-driven survival strategy game; and SEASON: A letter to the future, a reflective travel narrative. Also in the bundle are Dustborn, Mutazione, Venba, and Frank and Drake, each offering unique perspectives and storytelling formats. Purchases support the It Gets Better Project, and you can choose to pay more or less depending on the number of games you want.
Apple Mac and iPad Deals
Need an upgrade or a good introduction into the Apple ecosystem? There's plenty of choices here, with the M4 chip powering the MacBook and Mac Mini, it's just a case of thinking about if you'd like a traditional desktop setup or something you can take on the go. iPad A16 is perfect for pretty much anything too, even a bit of Apple Arcade.
Samsung 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor
This beast is the first Dual UHD gaming monitor, combining two UHD screens into one curved 1000R display and its $450 off. It supports a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, with DisplayPort 2.1 for full performance. Quantum Mini LED backlighting with DisplayHDR 1000 and 2,392 local dimming zones delivers strong contrast and color accuracy. You also get ergonomic adjustments, CoreSync ambient lighting, and features like Picture-by-Picture for multitasking. Just note: full DUHD at 240Hz requires a compatible graphics card with DP 2.1 or HDMI 2.1 support.
Big Discounts On Crucial DDR5 and Storage
Crucial are one of the most dependable brands when it comes to M.2 and portable drives, and is a great option for those wanting the benefits of DDR5 RAM without flashy RGB and it's price tag. Here's some of the best deals in the Crucial price slashing marathon on Amazon right now. I currently use the X10 Pro 4TB for backing up files and folders on my PC and for watching videos on my projector, just a solid piece of kit.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5)
Kingdom Come Deliverance II drops you into the brutal heart of 15th century Bohemia, and right now the PS5 version is just $47.99, down from $69.99. You play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son caught in a fight for survival, revenge, and rebellion. With over five hours of cinematic storytelling, a massive open world, and intense first-person melee combat, this sequel builds on everything that made the original a cult hit. Whether you're swordfighting, smithing, or trying to navigate life in a war-torn land, this is medieval roleplaying at its most immersive.
DOOM The Dark Ages Art Print
This limited-edition DOOM The Dark Ages art print is a must for fans of the Slayer's latest crusade. Officially licensed and hand-numbered out of 995 copies, it's printed on high-quality art paper and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Produced by one of the UK’s oldest commercial printers, the A3-sized piece measures 11.69 x 16.53 inches and captures the brutal tone of the game perfectly. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping expected in July 2025.
Power Up Pride Bundle
Power Up Pride Game Bundle brings together seven standout indie titles for just $13, with all games yours to keep. You’ll find cozy village life in Echoes of the Plum Grove, charming shop sim gameplay in Sticky Business, and emotional storytelling in titles like Haven and A Normal Lost Phone. It’s a solid mix of narrative-driven adventures, life sims, and visual novels, all picked for their unique stories and engaging mechanics. Great value, great games, and a portion of your purchase supports charity through Xperience Studios.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
You may have, once or twice in your travels, heard the rumor that the legendary Guillermo del Toro wants to make a Justice League Dark film. Would be cool, wouldn’t it? Well, despite word of del Toro's interest, DC boss James Gunn says he's yet to hear from the filmmaker about wanting to work on the project.
“I love Guillermo, and we own a movie theater together. By the way, Guillermo's never said that to me,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “I hear all these things about, ‘Guillermo would love to do Justice League Dark.’ Well, Guillermo's never said that to me.”
DC did make an animated Justice League Dark series in 2017, but a new incarnation with del Toro at the helm? Well, the idea was cool while it lasted.
Gunn even noted that del Toro isn’t the only major filmmaker he’s heard these types of comments about. “‘Just let Steven Spielberg do his Blackhawks movie that he wants to do!’ Steven Spielberg, who I love above anyone else, has never said that to me. So these things get blown out of proportion,” he added.
The filmmaker — who is head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, as well as the writer-director of the upcoming Superman movie — said he even had the same thing happen years ago to him in relation to Thunderbolts.
“Years and years ago, I said I wanted to make a Thunderbolts movie,” the director explained. “I was [at a] convention somewhere, and somebody asked me, What did I want to do that wasn't Guardians of the Galaxy? I said Thunderbolts. And for years and years, it's like, ‘James Gunn should be allowed to make his Thunderbolts movie.’ I have a million things that I thought I wanted to do in certain moments.”
Gunn did not, in fact, get to make his Thunderbolts movie — director Jake Scheier ended up getting that privilege, helming the film from a script by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. That film dropped back in May, and fans really dug it. That said, it would be interesting to see what Gunn would’ve done with the concept.
As for Gunn’s Superman, that flies into theaters on July 8 — just one week after Thunderbolts will arrive on streaming for rent or purchase.
Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.
Log into Fortnite right now and you'll find that the game's most-played mode is, very unusually, not its main Battle Royale option. Instead the new Blitz Royale is currently ruling the roost — but what is it? And why is this fresh offering from Epic Games so popular?
Blitz Royale launched this week in Fortnite's latest update, alongside Expeditions, a new story-infused PVE Lego experience, and a Bruno Mars-starring new season of Guitar Hero-like Fortnite Festival.
But, as has continually been the case, it is the mode closest to Fortnite's classic Battle Royale that has broken out — and, for now, Blitz Royale feels like it has found a fresh niche for players keen to try something faster-paced and more quickfire.
As its name suggests, Blitz Royale matches are meant to take less time overall and power-up players much faster than in a classic Battle Royale offering. The mode's map, currently based on Fortnite's classic OG Island, is a fraction of its size, building is disabled, and there's an in-match levelling system to grant weapons and power-ups, meaning there's no need to spend time scrounging for loot.
That said, other Battle Royale staples remain: a fast moving storm circle, limited inventory and need to be the last player standing. Over the next four weeks (Epic Games is yet to specifically state that Blitz Royale will be a permanent addition), various loot pools will be offered — including items and power-granting medallions from various classic Fortnite eras.
Blitz Royale is playable within Fortnite on every platform, but is the first mode designed with a specific piece of hardware in mind: your phone.
Timed to hit shortly after Fortnite's triumphant return to the iPhone App Store in the US, following years of legal wrangling with Apple, Blitz Royale is meant to appeal to those wanting a bite-size battle royale, perfect for a quick bus journey or coffee break. Even the Battle Bus flies in faster at the start of games.
A suitably quick trailer for Blitz Royale claims you can secure victory within five minutes — around a quarter of the time usually necessary to secure a Victory Royale in Fortnite's regular Battle Royale and Zero Build modes.
Right now, Fortnite stats show around 240,000 players in Blitz Royale, making it the game's biggest mode by some margin, aftr hitting 443,000 players during peak hours last night. Battle Royale currently has half this count — 119,000 players at the time of writing.
"Blitz Royale is the s**t," wrote one fan on reddit. "Seriously, Epic - love the mode, y’all cooked. I am seriously blown away and having so much fun."
"The mode is surprising myself," wrote another. "I’m playing far more aggressively than I would in normal mode and honestly it’s pretty cool."
Epic Games will likely be watching Blitz Royale and other new additions carefully to see how well they perform over the coming days, and whether any of them are actually drawing in new players to Fortnite, as well as offering existing users new ways to play.
Fortnite's average player numbers have generally fallen this year, according to publicly-available numbers from Fortnite.gg. Following growth and significant player spikes last year, particularly around September 2024's Doctor Doom global boss battle, and November live events including a concert held in Times Square and an in-game extravaganza featuring Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Ice Spice and Juice Wrld.
2025 has seen Fortnite run a limited-time Star Wars mini-season that removed all regular ammo from the game, replacing the usual guns in Battle Royale mode with sci-fi energy weapons. The game's recent season, which features a return to the game's semi-regular focus on superheroes has seen numbers begin to bounce back. Next step, beating current Roblox hit Grow a Garden? One thing at a time, perhaps.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Limited Run Games has asked Nintendo to remove Gex Trilogy from sale via the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, until there's "clarity" on when a patch will be deployed to address a problem with the game's backwards compatibility.
In a statement posted to social media, Limited Run said it did not expect the patch to arrive this week due to delays with its approval, something it linked to yesterday's US public holiday. So, in the meantime, the publisher said it had instructed Nintendo to pull the game instead.
Limited Run said it had faced Switch 2 backwards compatibility issues with a number of its games originally released for Switch 1, and while a recent Switch 2 firmware update had improved this situation for the "majority" of its titles, GEX Trilogy was still impacted. The company had then tried to solve the issue with a patch — and it is this patch the developer is still waiting to be approved for public release.
"Since we do not have clarity on when GEX Trilogy on Switch 2 will be fixed in firmware, we submitted our own patch last week to correct the issue," Limited Run said. "Due to the Juneteenth holiday, patch approval this week is delayed, but we expect to be able to issue the patch early next week.
"In the meantime, we have asked Nintendo to remove the game from the Switch 2 eShop. Thank you for your patience as we work with Nintendo to resolve these issues."
The publisher has suggested players check to see if other titles from the company are indeed now running as intended — a list of which you can see below:
Clock Tower: Rewind
Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection
Tomba! Special Edition
River City Girls Zero
A Boy and his Blob Collection
Rocket Knight Adventures
Shantae
Bill & Ted's Excellent Retro Collection
Xtreme Sports
Trip World DX
Felix the Cat
Rendering Ranger R-2: Rewind
Gex Trilogy is a collection of all three of the wise-cracking, snarky gecko's platform adventures: Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko. It released for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Xbox Series, and last-gen consoles on June 16. The original Gex first released all the way back in 1995 for the 3DO and later ported onto the original PlayStation, the Sega Saturn, and PC. It spawned sequels in 1998 and 1999, but publisher Square Enix hasn’t released any new entries since — hence the excitement for this remaster.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
Ever since developer Heart Machine burst onto the scene with its hyper-stylized 2D action game Hyper Light Drifter, every effort from the studio comes with the promise of visual splendor and tight gameplay, and Possessor(s) is no different.
If Hyper Light Drifter is Zelda-like, then Possessor(s) is the team’s take on the Metroidvania. Although their dev team will probably get mad at me for calling it that, as they prefer the original genre term of “search-action.” Regardless of which label you prefer, you’ll find the genre’s familiar hallmarks here. Possessor(s) drops you in a big open map full of powerful demon enemies and branching paths that aren’t all open to you just yet.
Unlike Heart Machine’s past games with stylized, but masked or hooded, heroes, Possessor(s) is led by a cast of beautifully hand-drawn characters whose stories I’m curious to learn more of. Set in a fictional, Japan-inspired, city, the player controls Luca, who survives a devastating, apocalyptic event. But only just barely. She awakens to find herself without her legs, which were damaged during the attack. Luckily (or not), she makes contact with a demon named Rehm, who offers her the classic devil’s bargain. She can get her legs back, but only if she helps him get revenge on some unnamed but powerful demonic forces.
Similarly, Possessor(s) feels heavily inspired by urban fantasy anime. Shows like Jujutsu Kaisen come quickly to mind as Luca and Rehm explore a ruined metropolitan city and fight off demon-possessed everyday objects like haunted searchlights and demon fridges. This extends to Luca as well. While she’s now powered by demon-magic legs, her weapons are also everyday objects. Things like kitchen knives or even a computer mouse she can wield like a whip.
All of this combines into a fast-paced action-adventure. Combat feels rapid-fast, which is great because there are a lot of enemies to cut through. And running through the devastated city, or jumping and grappling over obstacles, also feels fast and great, which is a plus because I get the sense this is a pretty big game. The portion of the map I played already felt quite large and I only played a 20-minute demo.
Mechanically, I wouldn’t say Possessor(s) upends the search-action genre, or at the very least not in the early portion of the game I saw. But both narratively and in the design there’s tons more that I’m interested in learning more of. Possessor(s) has moments where the camera pans out into the ruined city, highlighting a cinematic sense of scale that Heart Machine has explored before in games like Solar Ash. And even in my short hands-on time there was a lot of dialogue and exposition between Luca and Rehm.
There’s also likely more to the RPG element that I haven’t discovered yet. Luca’s character menu seemed to show empty slots for a variety of weapons and upgrades – way more than the couple I found during my demo. And having only been given a glimpse of the map, which was primarily a lot of abandoned and destroyed office buildings, there’s clearly a lot more under the hood in Possessor(s) than what I saw. I’ll be keeping an eye on this one.
If you're looking for Infinity Nikki codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Infinity Nikki codes that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses in June 2025, including Diamonds and Energy Crystals.
Active Infinity Nikki Codes (June 2025)
Below, you'll find all the active and working Infinity Nikki codes in June 2025, the free rewards you get for redeeming them, and their expiry date (if known):
The Infinity Nikki codes listed below have expired and are no longer working as of June 2025:
NIKKISFAVORITERICEDUMPLING
NOSTRANGELINKS
WARMSPRINGBONUS
RevelrySeasonDC
GIRLPOWER25
100THDAYCELEBRATION
MAYEVERYGIRLHAPPINESS
Newstoryawaits
Newyearbliss
NIKKIFIREWORKS
NIKKIEXCURSIONTIME
NIKKINEWBLOOM2025
HEARTFELTGIFTS
NIKKIBEWITHYOU
NIKKIRELEASE
dreamweavernikki
NIKKI20241022
infinitynikki1205
BDAYSURPRISE
GIFTFROMMOMO
GIFTTONIKKI
nikkihappybirthday2024
NIKKITHEBEST
QUACKQUACK
AAbNxRNMmSm
AAbQjjYKwbH
AAb7xf6hWuS
AAbtWkna3V7
AAbaEyDU4EX
AAbMNJX8hxF
AAb5S3RSK8M
AAbUfWnYUtd
AAbUa8e2U3a
AAbtk9jmpnV
How to Redeem Infinity Nikki Codes
To redeem Infinity Nikki codes, follow the steps below:
Unlock your Pear-Pal during the Chapter 1: Wishes Without Wings - Land of Wishes main quest. It's about 20 minutes into your Infinity Nikki adventure.
Open the Pear-Pal menu by pressing ESC on PC (or the Menu button when using an Xbox controller on PC), the Menu button on PlayStation, or by tapping the Pear-Pal icon in the top-left corner on mobile.
Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
Scroll over to the Other tab.
You’ll see a “Redeem Code” option here. Click on “Apply” and a Redeem Rewards pop-up menu will appear.
Input your code into the “Enter the redeem code” field and tap “Apply.”
If successful, a pop-up will appear showing your free rewards.
Why Isn't My Infinity Nikki Code Working?
If the Infinity Nikki code that you're trying to redeem isn't working, it's likely due to one of the following reasons:
There's a typo in the code.
The Infinity Nikki code is expired.
When inputting a code into Infinity Nikki, make sure there are no typos (Os instead of zeroes, capital Is instead of lowercase Ls, etc.) and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. If your Infinity Nikki code still doesn't work, it's probably expired and can no longer be redeemed. You'll get a message informing you that the code is wrong if it's expired.
How to Get More Infinity Nikki Codes
The best way to get more Infinity Nikki codes is to join the official Infinity Nikki Discord server. Once you're in, head to the #self-assign-roles channel and opt-in for the Redeem Code role. You'll receive a notification when a new code is released so you can receive your free rewards ASAP!
Alternatively, bookmark this Infinity Nikki Codes article, as we update it each time a new code comes out. The Discord server has missed a couple of codes posted to other channels, so we'd recommend checking our article every so often.
What is Infinity Nikki?
Developed by Infold Games, Infinity Nikki is a cozy, open-world RPG. You play as Nikki, as she's whisked away to the world of Miraland, a place where people make Wishes with the help of Stylists. You'll find and create a plethora of outfits and accessories, take on quests, and gather many types of collectibles with the help of Momo, Nikki's adorable feline companion. As you play, you earn Diamonds, which can be spent on Revelation and Resonite Crystals, which are used to pull on the limited time and permanent outfit banners for 5-star and 4-star clothing.
Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her playing an RPG or spending time with her corgi.
Lies of P's DLC has been patched to reduce monster difficulty in repeat playthroughs and "adjusted stats" for some of the field monsters you encounter in your first playthrough of Overture.
Similarly, players have complained about the DLC's "intended" difficulty, Legendary Stalker. There have been so many comments — both for and against the DLC's difficulty spike — that the Lies of P subreddit has had to merge them all into a "megathread" to stop the community from being overwhelmed by complaints. It prompted developer Neowiz to acknowledge that some areas "did not turn out quite as intended."
Now, as well as addressing some bugs such as the progression issue after you give a bottle of beer to the Old Fisherman, or another that causes visual bugs when wearing certain items, Neowiz has applied "combat balance adjustments" with patch 1.9.0.0, which went live earlier today, June 20. You can also now unlock the DLC from Chapter 5 instead of Chapter 9 from your second playthrough onwards.
Here's the full patch notes, as taken from the Steam page.
Lies of P Update Notes Version 1.9.0.0
Important Notice
Using software or data not officially distributed by the developer may cause the game to crash.
Failing to do so may result in crashes, save data errors, or even irreversible data loss.If you are starting the game after installing from a disc, be sure to update to the latest version before playing.
Please be sure to check your Storage for the item.
Major Changes
Please read any on-screen prompts carefully.
Combat Balance Adjustments
Reduced monster difficulty in repeat playthroughs.
Adjusted stats for certain field monsters in the first playthrough of Lies of P: Overture.
Bug Fixes
Fixed a bug where benefit items were not delivered properly.
If you experienced issues with benefit items such as the "Azure Dragon Crescent Glaive" or "Winter Festival Peaked Hat" not being received, please update the game to the latest version and check if the issue has been resolved.
If your Bag was full, these items may have been sent to the Storage. Please check your Storage as well.
If you encountered this bug, update the game to the latest version and try speaking with Salao again.
Fixed a bug that allowed movement to unintended areas outside the normal route.
Fixed a bug that sometimes caused the character to be launched into the air when using the Blade Fable Arts of "Monad's Rose Sword."
Fixed a bug where using the Blade Fable Arts of "Monad's Rose Sword" in Hotel Krat while listening to a record would skip the current record.
Fixed a bug where the triggered effect of the "Solutionist's Amulet" would persist even after the item was unequipped.
Fixed a visual bug affecting the Legion Arm "Flamberge" when wearing the "Blazing Death's Hunting Apparel."
Fixed various minor issues, including icon display errors, localization and text errors, monster-related bugs, and other miscellaneous bugs.
We had a good time with Lies of P, awarding it 8/10, and Overture itself also secured a 8/10. "Even if it’s clearly dancing on the same old strings, Lies of P: Overture is an excellent expansion that adds a whole lot more to a game that was already great," we wrote.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
Critical Role's Robbie Daymond will join the cast of Assassin's Creed Shadows next week, as a new character you can recruit as an ally for Yasuke and Naoe.
Daymond will play Rufino, a character he originally created for an Assassin's Creed Shadows promotional one-shot. A quick glimpse at the character shows Rufino wearing a Portuguese-style doublet and sporting a lavish moustache.
Rufino will arrive as a recruitable ally in Shadows' next game update, due next Wednesday, June 25. This will be the latest free drop of additional story content made available post-launch, following an earlier mission that served as a crossover with Dead by Daylight.
So far, Shadows' extra story add-ons have been brief, with little more than 20 minutes gameplay each time. But as a recruitable ally — one of only half a dozen in the game — there's scope here for Rufino to make more of an impact.
Still, it's unclear exactly how large Rufino's role will be. Will you be able to call upon him in battle, as your other allies can be? Will you be able to romance Rufino, even — something other allies are open to exploring. Or will Rufino simply just be another face that hangs around your hideout? Next week, we'll find out.
Ubisoft previously stated that its June content update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows would also include new difficulty settings, gameplay immersion options, and an open-world alarm system to keep players on their toes. A much requested option to keep headgear on or off during cutscenes will also be added.
Further down the line, Ubisoft is working on a New Game Plus option and additionally story drops, including more crossovers. And before 2025 is out, Shadows will receive its first major expansion — Claws of Awaji — that is set to pick up from the game's ending and add a new region of Japan to explore.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Surprise! NetEase Thunder Fire has just revealed Blood Message, an all-new action-adventure game that looks like a wuxia Uncharted.
Described as a "story-driven, single-player, action-adventure set in Ancient China," Blood Message will feature "cutting-edge technology [to] heighten immersion in [an] epic blockbuster experience."
Players can expect a deeply emotional journey with gameplay "anchored in cinematic storytelling," and visceral, realistic combat that blends stealth and survival mechanics. You'll visit diverse landscapes right across eastern and central Asia.
Blood Message is an upcoming third-person linear action-adventure game developed by 24 Entertainment Studio and NetEase Thunder Fire. It introduces a forgotten odyssey of loyalty and survival where players join Dunhuang’s uprising, taking control of a nameless messenger and his young son in this immersive third-person action-adventure.
"Caught in the crossfire of a righteous uprising and driven by loyalty to both family and country, players will embark on a perilous eastward journey to deliver a message that holds the fate of their war-torn homeland," teases the blurb. "Amidst the shifting sands of history, they will etch a final tale of loyalty. "
"From not knowing about this game five minutes ago, it is now at the top of my most wanted list. Looks incredible!" said one impressive fan on YouTube, with another suggesting: "I see quite a bit of Uncharted/Tomb Raider Reboot DNA in this and I'm liking it!"
Blood Message coming to PC and consoles, although a release window has not yet been confirmed.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a strong start, with 3.5 million consoles sold. But outside of playing Mario Kart World, have you bought many other games? And how many of those weren't made by Nintendo?
Analysis has begun on the console's launch week sales figures, and it paints a mixed picture of how non-Nintendo software has fared. Of course, Nintendo games are always the prime attraction on Nintendo hardware — and around 80 percent of Switch 2 consoles sold so far have been the console's bundle option with Mario Kart World packed in.
Beyond that, Nintendo launched its new platform with bitesize tech demo/mini-game collection Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour to sample, plus The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom's Switch 2 Editions you can buy outright or buy upgrades for. And, of course, Switch 1 owners have access to their full back catalogues to continue playing. So perhaps it's not a huge surprise that third-party Switch 2 software hasn't dominated more.
In the UK, 86% of Switch 2 physical game sales during launch week were first-party titles. This includes copies of Mario Kart World sold as part of the Switch 2 console bundle, according to NielsenIQ numbers reported by The Game Business. This is roughly equivalent to the 89% first-party physical game sales seen in the UK during Switch 1's launch week.
In the US, third-party publishers saw a slightly rosier picture, with 62% of Switch 2 physical game sales during launch week from first-party titles, per figures from Circana. According to industry analyst Mat Piscatella, that compares to a figure above 80% for the first month of Switch 1.
The best selling non-Nintendo game on Switch 2 during its first week on sale was Cyberpunk 2077, from CD Projekt Red. Sega, which launched Yakuza 0: Director's Cut, Sonic x Shadow Generations and Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, was the platform's third biggest publisher during launch week, meanwhile.
The Game Business states that one unnamed third-party publisher described their Switch 2 launch sales as 'below our lowest estimates', despite Nintendo's console hardware selling well. It's an eye-catching quote, but up against Mario Kart World, and with no pre-launch Switch 2 reviews for any games, it's perhaps not too surprising.
And another factor to be considered is that the original Switch launched with just five physical games, whereas Switch 2 has 13 available to buy, likely spreading demand.
Ultimately, Piscatella wrote, solid results on how Switch 2 is performing for third-party publishers will come — but for now, it is still too soon to tell.
"It's far too early to claim best or worst this or that or whatever when it comes to Switch 2," Piscatella concluded. "Sheesh, the thing hasn't even been out 3 weeks yet."
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
In its first Q&A since Dune: Awakening launched on June 10, developer Funcom responded to questions on what's next for its survival MMO, and in particular changes due to come to its endgame.
Funcom said it's "currently formulating a plan" to improve PvP in the Deep Desert, which players have previously branded as "toxic" due to griefing. Funcom has already patched out the ability for players to squish other people with their Ornithopter, but senior game director Viljar Sommerbakk also revealed the team was considering tweaking Ornis further, such as equipping them with rockets that "reduces overall maneuverability and max speed".
The team is also considering making Scout Orni rockets cost slightly more heat to fire, something Sommerbakk said would limit its combat usefulness relative to the Assault Ornithopter "while still allowing it to be an aerial threat."
"We have a lot of plans to address [players'] points about respawn times and revives," creative director Joel Bylos added. "Full loot is a decree that can be obtained via the Landsraad (so compete there if you want to make it a reality), there are control points in the deep desert already, we have no plans to reduce the DD size. As we work on the game, we will continue to work on making PvP more rewarding (I am sure you will note I am not being very concrete but that is because we are planning and watching how people are playing and finding the right points to address)."
Lead producer Ole Andreas Hayley said: "The Deep Desert will always stay a PvP free-for-all area, but we might consider adding other locations that offer factional warfare."
"We want players to make meaningful decisions about what they bring with them and how they outfit their vehicles," Sommerbakk continued. "Once players have engaged in PvP, we want the experience to be reliable, responsive, and clearly understood. This determines how PvP as a whole feels and how players make their moment-to-moment decisions in a fight. To ensure a more reliable experience in ground combat, we are continuing to address issues with movement desyncs and rubber banding, as well as ability activation reliability."
There's also some quality of life tweaks on the way, too, including named storage containers and vehicles, to help you differentiate, as well as "deposit/extract all" buttons for water storages and the like. We should also expect boss encounters as part of future dungeons as the team continues to evolve PvE content.
Interestingly, Hayley also teased that we could receive additional maps in the future, also.
"The Dune universe has a lot of interesting locations and worlds to explore, and we're looking forward to continuing to build on top of the foundation we have," he said.
Right now, there are no plans to make it easier to distinguish between NPCs and other players — "this is in line with the vision of the game" — and when asked if it would be possible to skip all dialogue and animations, Bylos said: "Absolutely not."
We gave Dune: Awakening a Great 8/10 in our review, writing: "Dune: Awakening is an excellent survival MMO that captures Frank Herbet’s sci-fi world incredibly well, mostly to its advantage and occasionally to its detriment. The survival climb from dehydrated peasant to powerful warlord of Arrakis is a joy almost every step of the way, and the story and worldbuilding filled this nerd with absolute joy.
"There’s still plenty for Awakening to work on though, as its combat never really hits its stride, the endgame is a bit of a chaotic mess not worth the effort, and there’s quite a few technical bugs yet to be squashed, but even these rough patches felt like tiny desert mice next to the leviathan shai-huluds that are this survival game’s wonderful successes."
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
UPDATE: Nintendo has confirmed to IGN that the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond advert currently at Oxford Circus in London is incorrect, and the game still lacks an official release date.
"We can confirm that the 'Out Now' message on this advert is incorrect," a Nintendo spokesperson said. "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition are not yet available and are scheduled for release in 2025."
IGN has been able to verify the advert currently remains in place at the station — as detailed in our original report below.
ORIGINAL STORY: A giant advert for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at London's Oxford Circus tube station states that the game is now available, sparking confusion from Nintendo fans on their morning commute.
First off, if you've seen the advert yourself, no — the current London heatwave hasn't melted your senses. The advert, now spotted by multiple fans and confirmed in person by IGN staff, really does say the game is "out now".
Officially, Nintendo has not announced a Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date other than a vague promise it will launch this year. But even if the game isn't out now, its appearance on an advert in such a prominent location is giving Nintendo fans hope its launch is right around the corner.
"Any idea why the MP4 Beyond ad in the London Underground says 'out now'?" Nintendo fan orchestar wrote on reddit. "I’m genuinely confused. Do they mean the Switch 2 is out? I wish the game was truly out though haha."
Fans have speculated that the advert is perhaps outdated — maybe Nintendo did initially plan to launch Metroid Prime 4 now, and the wording wasn't updated? Alternatively, we could be seeing a version of the advert not due until later, alongside the game's actual release date.
As IGN senior commerce editor Rob Anderson told me this morning, reporting from the scene, the whole of this Oxford Circus tube platform is one long Nintendo Switch 2 advert, with individual panels for games such as Super Mario Party Jamboree, Donkey Kong Bananza and the Switch 2 console itself. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's placement here, then, looks just to be part of a wider promotional campaign — rather than a specific placement for the individual game.
IGN has contacted Nintendo for comment.
Now a cross-gen title for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to finally arrive at some point in 2025 after a long and eventful development.
Originally announced back in 2017, the follow-up to Retro Studios' beloved GameCube and Wii trilogy was rebooted in 2019, and development restarted by Retro Studios after an earlier version in the works at Bandai Namco failed to meet Nintendo's standards. Years later, with Switch 2 on the horizon, Nintendo finally gave the game a proper unveiling in June 2024.
On Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will run at 120 frames per second and offer optional controls that take advantage of the Joy-Con's mouse feature. It seems most likely to arrive at some point between Donkey Kong Bananza's July launch and Pokémon Legends: Z-A's arrival in October.
Photo credit: Rob Anderson
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
In a new entry on Sony’s official PlayStation blog, Sucker Punch Productions' co-creative director Nate Fox shared more insight into the research trips the Ghost of Yotei team took to Japan. Following on from his previous PlayStation blog contribution (more on that here), Fox yet again emphasized the team’s commitment to portraying feudal Japan in a respectful way, this time focusing on the efforts they made to represent the culture of the Ainu.
The Ainu are an indigenous people from north Japan, especially Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, which provides Ghost of Yotei’s setting. Their language, culture, beliefs, and traditions are distinctly different from the Yamato (also known as Wajin), the main ethnic group that makes up the overwhelming majority of Japan’s population today.
Ghost of Yotei is set at a pivotal point in the history — 1603 was the year the Tokugawa Shogunate was formed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s great unifiers, putting an end to decades of civil war. Edo (now Tokyo) became Japan’s center of power, ushering in the peaceful Edo period in which Japan’s culture and society blossomed. However, at this time, Hokkaido was still a wild, sparsely populated island home to the Ainu, its formidable winter snow and rugged landscape making it a tough place to live.
“When setting a game in Hokkaido we knew a crucial element was doing our best to represent Ainu culture in a respectful way,” Nate Fox explained. “Thankfully we’d connected with an Ainu cultural adviser before setting out on our reference gathering trip.” Not only that, but they were invited by the adviser to meet her family, which led to the Ghost of Yotei team getting to forage for vegetables in the mountains. “It was a lovely way to make new friends and start our journey in learning about Ainu culture. That night we resolved to put foraging into our new game, we wanted players to be able to share (our) experience.”
According to Fox, the Ghost of Yotei team spent part of their research gathering trip in Oshima Peninsula, the southern part of Hokkaido that is closest to Japan’s main island of Honshu. In the 1600s, this was the domain of Matsumae clan, who would be given exclusive rights by the Tokugawa government to trade with the Ainu living further north. Fox observed that there are signs even today of how the mainland Japanese people of this time rarely lived any further north of Oshima. There is a “proliferation of cherry trees on the peninsula, brought there from Honshu, yet uncommon in the rest of the island. That really told the story of how sparsely settled Hokkaido was in 1603 by the Wajin people,” he noted.
“We’ve tried to mimic that quality in the game, leaning into areas of wilderness between homesteads.” This rugged wilderness will provide a backdrop for protagonist Atsu’s quest to take revenge on those who killed her family.
Fox and the team also went to the Nibutani Ainu Museum with their Ainu cultural adviser. Traditional Ainu houses (called cise) differ from traditional Japanese houses. The museum trip “really helped us get a sense for sorts of objects we’d see in the game and how they were used.”
We can get a glimpse of the inside of an Ainu house, with its large central hearth, in Ghost of Yotei’s official release date trailer (around the 2-minute mark). The woman protagonist Atsu is talking to in this scene seems to be Ainu, as she has a lip tattoo. This symbol of beauty for the Ainu would later be cracked down on by the Japanese government in the late 1800s, after it had fully annexed Hokkaido (source: Embassy of Japan in the UK). By then, measures to force Ainu to abandon their language and culture and integrate into Japanese society were in full swing.
(As a side note, J.K Goodrich’s 1888 account of Ainu houses paints a first-hand picture of the contrast, and complicated relations between the Ainu and Japanese at this time.)
Fox also touched on the time that the Ghost of Yotei team spent learning about Edo period Japan, which took them to Nikko Toshogu, one of the shrines in Japan dedicated to the unifying shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who kickstarted the Edo period. “While there we obtained a blessing for the game from the enshrined deity, Tokugawa Ieyasu,” Fox explained, adding that they proudly display the ema (wooden plaque) and omamori (protective charm) that they obtained from Nikko Toshogu at the studio as reminders of their trip.
Reflecting on the research trip, Fox explained that “while our version of Hokkaido is fictional, the feeling of authenticity we strive to create has roots in those real world experiences.” It will be interesting to see how Ghost of Yotei portrays the contrast between the Wajin/Edo culture, and that of the Ainu.
Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.
Thank your own personal deity—possibly the Seneschal—it's Friday. Need an excuse to add to the backlog? Today's digital discounts span epic space operas, cult oddities, and co-op masterpieces, with some titles hitting historically low prices. From Switch swordplay to PC wizardry, there’s something for every controller type or keyboard warrior.
This Day in Gaming 🎂
In retro news, I’m lighting 22 candles for Sonic Adventure DX, the high-speed 3D platformer that burst onto the GameCube in 2003. Back then, the excitement was real. This wasn’t just a basic port of the Dreamcast hit. It came with a stack of extra missions, a playable Metal Sonic skin (!!!), and a gallery of visual upgrades that brought a glossier look to familiar levels.
Sure, the camera had a mind of its own, and Big the Cat's fishing stages were divisive at best, but it still felt fresh. DX kept Sonic relevant during a weird transitional time for Sega, and for fans like me, it scratched a nostalgic itch at just the right moment.
Nintendo is swinging with a rare price drop on Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, a musou-style spin-off where Byleth is actually the villain. The devs revealed they initially planned three endings, but the darker one was so bleak it got scrapped. Meanwhile, What Remains of Edith Finch is a bargain at under eight bucks. Fun fact: the Finch family’s bizarre deaths were inspired by classic tragicomic literature like One Hundred Years of Solitude.
On Xbox Series X, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is absurdly cheap. Bioware confirmed they considered giving Shepard a full voice-over customiser, but scrapped it due to memory limits on original hardware. Gotham Knights, though divisive, hides deep lore entries referencing Batman Beyond and The Court of Owls.
Over on PlayStation, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is slashed by 60 percent. Its creator, Hideaki Itsuno, said he built the game’s “vocation” system after becoming obsessed with Western tabletop RPGs. Until Dawn, meanwhile, features motion-captured performances from Rami Malek before he won an Oscar.
On PC, Dead Space is an absolute steal at under twenty bucks. When remaking the game, EA Motive used NASA audio archives to help shape the vacuum soundscape—those eerie silences are scientifically accurate. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor also features a hefty 80 percent discount. Look closely at BD-1’s animations: they were inspired by the twitchy, curious movements of meerkats observed during on-site visits to wildlife sanctuaries.
For a limited time, Amazon is offering the lowest price I've ever seen on one of the best Windows-based gaming handhelds. Right now you can pick up a Lenovo Legion Go with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and 512GB of storage for only $499.99 shipped after a 30% off instant discount. The Legion Go boasts a larger and sharper display, detachable controllers, and a larger battery compared to the Asus ROG Ally. And now that Valve has made SteamOS widely available, you can install it and turn this device basically into a super-powered Steam Deck.
30% Off Lenovo Legion Go 512GB Gaming Handheld
The Lenovo Legion Go is a Windows-based gaming handheld that's powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU with Radeon graphics and 16GB RAM, which is the same configuration as the one found in the $700 Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme or ROG Ally X. The Legion Go also boasts a a bigger and sharper 8.8" 2560x1600 144Hz IPS touchscreen display and detachable controllers like the Nintendo Switch. Since the Legion Go operates off Windows 11, it works with most PC game clients, including Steam, Origin, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Genshin Impact, Battle.net, and more.
In Jacqueline Thomas' Lenovo Legion Go review, she wrote that "it is easily the best handheld gaming PC on the market right now as measured by screen size, horsepower, and USB-C port placement, but there are some caveats. It's absolutely massive, and the 1600p display is more than even this powerhouse chip can handle. That means you're going to have to spend some time tinkering with – and specifically lowering – quality settings to get your games running properly. Even then the battery life isn’t great, and naturally you’re paying a premium over the Steam Deck OLED for the bigger display, a full Windows 11 license, and extra oomph. But if you love the idea of the Switch, where you can remove the controllers, prop the screen up on a beefy kickstand, and sit back and enjoy? This is the one for you."
After the article was written, the Asus ROG Ally X was released and competes with the Legion Go for the title of "best gaming handheld". However, the Ally X is much more expensive: right now it sits at $899.99 on Best Buy, or $400 more than the Legion Go. The Legion Go is definitely a much better value for the price.
If you end up getting this deal, we'd recommend picking up a portable power bank for extended travels and a Micro SD card. We've compared the Steam Deck to the ROG Ally and although the Legion Go isn't mentioned, the article gives you a good idea of the major differences between a Steam-based and Windows-based gaming handheld.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Summertime has arrived, and plenty of great video game deals along with it. There are quite a few Xbox deals, in particular, that are worth checking out at the moment. With big sale events like Amazon Prime Day on the horizon as well, there are bound to be many more to come as we get closer to the sale's start day on July 8. Until then, though, some of our favorite Xbox deals at the moment include discounts on Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Metaphor: ReFantazio, but these just scratch the surface of what's out there.
If you're looking to stock up on new Xbox games or accessories, we're here to help. Here are the best Xbox deals available right now.
Best Xbox Game Deals
If you're looking to stock up on new Xbox games, there are quite a few on sale right now that are worth checking out. Some of our favorite deals at the moment are from Woot's Video Game Super Sale, which includes discounts on Metaphor: ReFantazio, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Sniper Elite: Resistance, but there are so many more to look through. You can check out those deals and more of our favorites above.
What's Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?
Game Pass has a nice rotation of new titles to play every month. If you're curious about what's in store for the end of June and start of July, we've got you covered. The Xbox Game Pass June Wave 2 lineup is:
Star Trucker (Xbox Series X|S) – June 18 Now with Game Pass Standard
Wildfrost (Console) – June 18 Now with Game Pass Standard
Rematch (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – June 19 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Volcano Princess (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 24 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Call of Duty: WWII (Console and PC) – June 30 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Little Nightmares II (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 1 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Rise of the Tomb Raider (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 1 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Best Xbox Accessory Deals
Outside of games, there are a few different Xbox accessory deals that are worth your time and money as well. Walmart's offering a nice discount at the moment on the Elite Series 2 controller, while Amazon's got the 1TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card on sale. Woot also has a couple of nice accessory deals as part of its Video Game Super Sale.
When Should I Buy an Xbox?
In general, it is advisable to keep an eye out for sales and restocks throughout the year, as availability has improved since the initial launch of the console. Unlike the Nintendo Switch, there is no specific recommendation to wait for a sale regardless of the time of year. Instead, it's a good idea to monitor various retailers and online platforms for restock announcements and promotional offers.
However, certain events like Black Friday or other holiday seasons may bring about unique bundles, discounts, or promotional deals specifically for the Xbox Series X. These bundles may include additional games, accessories, or exclusive limited editions. While quantities for such promotions might be limited, they can provide an opportunity to get more value for your purchase.
It's worth keeing in mind that Xbox recently increased console prices as well, which you can read more about here.
Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S?
Choosing between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S ultimately depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and specific requirements. Let's compare the two consoles to help you make an informed decision:
1. Performance: The Xbox Series X is the more powerful option, offering native 4K gaming, higher graphical fidelity, and faster loading times. It has more advanced hardware, including a larger storage capacity. On the other hand, the Xbox Series S targets a lower price point and offers a less powerful performance, targeting 1440p resolution gaming and upscaling to 4K.
2. Price: The Xbox Series S is more affordable compared to the Xbox Series X. If budget is a significant factor for you, the Xbox Series S provides a cost-effective option while still delivering a next-generation gaming experience. For example, the Series S can play Starfield at 1440p 30fps (vs 4K 30fps on Series X).
3. Storage: The Xbox Series X comes with a larger internal storage capacity, allowing you to store more games directly on the console. The Xbox Series S, however, has a smaller storage capacity, which means you may need to manage your game library more actively or rely on external storage solutions.
4. Disc Drive: The Xbox Series X includes a disc drive, enabling you to play physical game discs and enjoy a wider range of media options, including Blu-ray and DVD playback. The Xbox Series S, in contrast, is a digital-only console, meaning you can only play games downloaded from the digital store.
5. Graphics and Performance: While both consoles support ray tracing, the Xbox Series X provides a more immersive and visually impressive experience due to its superior hardware capabilities. If you prioritize cutting-edge graphics and want the best performance available, the Xbox Series X is the preferable choice.
Consider your gaming preferences, budget, and whether you prioritize top-of-the-line performance or cost-effectiveness. If you have a 4K TV, want the most powerful console, and are willing to invest more, the Xbox Series X is the recommended option. If you have a lower budget, a 1080p or 1440p TV, and don't mind sacrificing some performance, the Xbox Series S offers excellent value for money.
With how expensive gaming is getting in 2025, we're trying to save you as much money as possible on the games and other tech you actually want to buy. We've got great deal roundups available for all major platforms such as Switch and Xbox, and keep these updated daily with brand new offers. If you're trying to keep costs down while maintaining your favorite hobby, stay tuned for more incredible discounts.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
If you’ve been holding out for a solid deal, today’s lineup delivers some excellent finds. From a $12 power bank perfect for your Nintendo Switch 2 to a hefty Skytech gaming PC loaded with AMD’s latest hardware, there’s a little something for everyone.
TL;DR: Deals For Today
Vinyl collectors can also look forward to Woodkid’s emotionally rich Death Stranding 2 soundtrack, while digital deal hunters should check out the IGN Live 2025 Bundle. Eight well-reviewed PC games for just $22.
Hulu + Live TV Free Trial
Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial that allows you to take the live TV streaming service for a spin. This is one of the overall best streaming free trials because it gets you a bundle of services. It is quite a bit shorter than the standard Hulu free trial of 30 days, but it's a great way to test it out over the weekend.
Final Fantasy x Secret Lair
While boosters, Commander decks, and a new Starter Kit are up for grabs (if you can find them in stock), collectors will be most drawn to the highly coveted Secret Lair drops. Despite selling out instantly via Wizards of the Coast, these limited-edition mini-sets (Game Over, Weapons, and Grimoire) are still available through third-party platforms like TCGPlayer, though you’ll be paying premium prices well above the original $30–$40 MSRP.
Each set features beautifully reimagined cards themed around iconic Final Fantasy characters and spells: the Weapons drop highlights legendary arms like Cloud’s Buster Sword and Tidus’s Brotherhood, Grimoire centers on magic-wielders like Vivi and Aerith, and Game Over pays tribute to villains with cards like Spira’s Punishment and Meteorfall. All sets come in standard and foil variants, with Japanese versions available as well. If you’re considering adding these to your collection, be sure to check listings carefully and be prepared for markups ranging from $70 to $150 or more.
MTG Final Fantasy Chase Cards
It's insane how quickly these cards have climbed in value just days after release, and I can guarantee you (almost) that they won't be coming down any time soon. If you fancy saving some money ripping packs of MTG FF, just buy the card you want on TCGPlayer instead and save a fortune.
Where To Buy MTG: Final Fantasy
It's finally here, Magic the Gathering: Final Fantasy is out in the wild. If you got a preorder for MSRP, well played, but many TCG and Final Fantasy fans missed out. Fear not, there's still some options on sealed products available right now, including options from the secondary market with TCG Player which is around the same or lower than the pricing of big box retailers right now.
Pokémon Restock Updates
Checking these prices against TCG Player secondary market values, a lot of these products aren't far off the mark. Make no mistake, they're still way off MSRP, but finding Pokémon products on shelves that haven't been marked up past the point of anyone caring is a positive. Still refusing to pay over MSRP for new sets? Well played, I'm proud of you. Here's some single card highlights for you to shuffle through instead. Spoiler, there's plenty of deals to be had.
Destined Rivals Singles Are On The Rise (Again)
It's hard to stick a pin on Destined Rivals single card values right now, and the dips in value seem to match the little bits of stock distributors release to stores. Looking at the tracking charts for each of these cards, we can see mostly plummets from day one, then either upticks or cards for sale that exceed the original value at launch. It's crazy, but we now know how low these cards can go. Sure there's always attempts at market manipulation, but I wouldn't buy any cards on the rise right now.
The Most Expensive Pokémon Cards In Packs RIGHT NOW
We're not talking about vintage or out of print sets, all of these are incredible chase cards you can pull from booster packs available now. You can probably put money on their value going up as soon as their respective sets go out of print. If you don't want to spend mega money ripping open packs, market values on these single cards are quite reasonable for the most part..
Destined Rivals Sealed Stock
Wew're look to market values for Destined Rivals at the moment, seeing as big box stores are either fresh out of stock or charging over MSRP and what they're worth on the secondary market. So here's the full lineup to pop on your shelf or rip open like THAT Tyranitar. If you know you know.
Skytech King 95 Gaming PC
Skytech King 95 Gaming PC delivers serious performance for gamers ready to step into high-end territory without going overboard. Priced at $2,099.99 with a 5% coupon currently available on Amazon, this build features an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU and a Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, making it well-equipped for smooth gameplay at 1440p and capable 4K performance. It also includes 32GB of fast DDR5-5600 RAM, a 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD for quick load times, and an 850W Gold-rated PSU to ensure stable power delivery. The system comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home, built-in Wi-Fi, and even includes an RGB keyboard and mouse to complete your setup.
Iniu 10,000mAh 22.5W USB Power Bank
If you need a budget-friendly power bank for your new Nintendo Switch 2, this deal is hard to beat. Amazon currently has the INIU 10,000mAh 22.5W USB power bank on sale for just $11.87 when you clip the 10% off coupon and use promo code F4M479K9 at checkout. That’s a 56% discount off its $26.99 list price. This compact charger can fully juice up a Switch 2 about 1.5 times and offers three outputs—including a 22.5W USB-C port with Power Delivery 3.0 for fast charging, plus two USB-A QuickCharge 4 ports. With over 18,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it’s a reliable pick that rivals pricier options like Anker. It’s also TSA-compliant and travel-friendly thanks to its slim 10,000mAh capacity.
IGN Live 2025 Bundle
Celebrate IGN Live 2025 with a Humble Bundle packed with critically acclaimed games, all while supporting a great cause. For just $22, you can unlock a collection of eight PC titles worth $239, including fan favorites like Slay the Spire, The Medium, art of rally, Old World, and Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator. Whether you're into strategic turn-based combat in Wartales, mystical adventures in Black Book, or fast-paced action in Bloodroots, this bundle has something for every kind of gamer. All proceeds benefit Child’s Play, a charity that brings games and technology to children in hospitals around the world. Redeemable on Steam and available across multiple platforms, this deal is only live for a limited time.
Woodkid for Death Stranding 2 On the Beach - 2LP Vinyl
Available now for pre-order, the Woodkid for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach 2LP vinyl features 16 original tracks composed by Woodkid for the upcoming sequel to Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed Death Stranding. Set to release on September 26, 2025, this deluxe edition includes collaborations with Elle Fanning and Bryce Dessner, alongside ethereal vocals from the Suginami Junior Chorus. Pressed on two translucent ultra-clear vinyl records, the soundtrack is packaged in printed sleeves and housed in a metallic case featuring official game artwork, wrapped with a translucent belly band..
Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2)
Kirby’s back with a fresh upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 in a reworked version of Kirby and the Forgotten Land. This enhanced edition features smoother performance, higher resolution, and a brand new post-meteor storyline with extra Mouthful Modes. It’s the same colorful 3D platforming adventure, complete with abandoned malls, mystery-filled ruins, and chaotic boss fights, now with expanded content and improved visuals. You can even team up with a friend in local co-op to save the Waddle Dees and rebuild their town together.
Donkey Kong Bananza
With a Nintendo Direct dropping for Donkey Kong Bananza tommorow, it's a good time to make sure you've got the Mario Odyssey-esque 3D platformer secured for day one. This physical edition has the full game on the cart and is giving DK the kind of 3D platforming love it's been missing since the Nintendo 64 days.
FiGGYZ
FiGGYZ are a new line of 4.3-inch pixel art collectibles that snap into place with magnets and feature characters from major franchises like Sonic, Street Fighter, and Banjo & Kazooie. They're compact enough for desks or shelves, and every release includes a chance at rare gold, silver, and bronze variants with drop rates as low as 1%. A clean, fun option for collectors who want to show off their favorite characters without clutter.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail - 4K UHD Combo + Steelbook
Monty Python and the Holy Grail gets the 4K UHD treatment in this limited edition SteelBook release, celebrating 50 years of absurdity. Follow King Arthur and his coconut-clopping knights on their chaotic quest for the Holy Grail, now with upgraded Dolby Vision visuals and Atmos audio. This edition includes a tribute feature with comedians and fans, plus a bonus “Near-Theatrical” HD cut of the film.
Badass Brawlers Bundle
Humble’s Badass Brawlers Bundle serves up seven beat-’em-ups for just $16, with a total value of $179. Highlights include River City Girls 2 with four-player co-op, the kaiju-smashing Dawn of the Monsters, and cult favorite Double Dragon Neon. Other picks like Full Metal Furies, Final Vendetta, and Young Souls round out a solid lineup of co-op-friendly, side-scrolling brawlers. All games redeem on Steam, and proceeds help support the charity SpecialEffect.
Self Adhesive Hook And Loop Cable Ties
These self-adhesive hook and loop cable ties from MUTOTO are a simple solution for tidying up cords around the house or office. Each pack includes 40 grey straps made from durable nylon with strong back glue, making them ideal for desks, entertainment centers, or kitchen setups. They’re adjustable, reusable, and easy to apply with no tools needed. Just stick, wrap, and adjust as needed. Be mindful when using on painted walls though, as the adhesive may cause damage if removed too soon.
Anker HDMI Switch
Anker’s 4-in-1 HDMI Switch lets you connect up to four devices to a single display, making it easier to swap between your console, PC, or projector setup. It supports 4K at 60Hz with HDR, Dolby, and DTS compatibility for crisp, lag-free viewing. The included remote allows for quick input switching, though you’ll need to supply your own batteries and charger. It’s a compact, reliable pick for anyone looking to simplify their entertainment or workstation setup.
This 3-pack of JSAUX tempered glass screen protectors is made specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 and offers full edge-to-edge coverage without removing the pre-applied film. Each protector features 9H hardness to guard against scratches and drops, and the included guide frame makes installation quick and bubble-free.
Switch 2 tomtoc Slim Carrying Case
This Switch 2 case isn't a chunk, protects all the buttons including the shoulders and triggers and has been tested for drops and bumps that are bound to happen. It also has an inlay to store up to 12 carts, so it ticks all my boxes.
The Legend of Zelda Master Sword
So this Master Sword replica is made of ABS and has sound effects alongside some iconic themes from across the Legend of Zelda mainline game series. The cuttons to activate it all are easy to reach when holding it, and in all honesty it sounds so cool. Just don't go hitting your mate over the head with it, I reckon It would still hurt!
Borderlands 4 Preorders
Borderlands 4 preorders have finally landed, and the started edition is just under the $70 mark in a suprising move after the comments made by Randy Pitchford. We've had a bit of a behind the scenes look with the beggining of the "Beyond the Borderlands" video dropping on how to make a vault hunter, and it's all looking good.
Narrative Arc Bundle
This Humble Bundle highlights seven story-rich indie games for $20, with a total value of $162. Titles include Harold Halibut, a stop-motion-style adventure; Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out, a myth-driven survival strategy game; and SEASON: A letter to the future, a reflective travel narrative. Also in the bundle are Dustborn, Mutazione, Venba, and Frank and Drake, each offering unique perspectives and storytelling formats. Purchases support the It Gets Better Project, and you can choose to pay more or less depending on the number of games you want.
Apple Mac and iPad Deals
Need an upgrade or a good introduction into the Apple ecosystem? There's plenty of choices here, with the M4 chip powering the MacBook and Mac Mini, it's just a case of thinking about if you'd like a traditional desktop setup or something you can take on the go. iPad A16 is perfect for pretty much anything too, even a bit of Apple Arcade.
Samsung 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor
This beast is the first Dual UHD gaming monitor, combining two UHD screens into one curved 1000R display and its $450 off. It supports a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, with DisplayPort 2.1 for full performance. Quantum Mini LED backlighting with DisplayHDR 1000 and 2,392 local dimming zones delivers strong contrast and color accuracy. You also get ergonomic adjustments, CoreSync ambient lighting, and features like Picture-by-Picture for multitasking. Just note: full DUHD at 240Hz requires a compatible graphics card with DP 2.1 or HDMI 2.1 support.
Big Discounts On Crucial DDR5 and Storage
Crucial are one of the most dependable brands when it comes to M.2 and portable drives, and is a great option for those wanting the benefits of DDR5 RAM without flashy RGB and it's price tag. Here's some of the best deals in the Crucial price slashing marathon on Amazon right now. I currently use the X10 Pro 4TB for backing up files and folders on my PC and for watching videos on my projector, just a solid piece of kit.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5)
Kingdom Come Deliverance II drops you into the brutal heart of 15th century Bohemia, and right now the PS5 version is just $47.99, down from $69.99. You play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son caught in a fight for survival, revenge, and rebellion. With over five hours of cinematic storytelling, a massive open world, and intense first-person melee combat, this sequel builds on everything that made the original a cult hit. Whether you're swordfighting, smithing, or trying to navigate life in a war-torn land, this is medieval roleplaying at its most immersive.
DOOM The Dark Ages Art Print
This limited-edition DOOM The Dark Ages art print is a must for fans of the Slayer's latest crusade. Officially licensed and hand-numbered out of 995 copies, it's printed on high-quality art paper and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Produced by one of the UK’s oldest commercial printers, the A3-sized piece measures 11.69 x 16.53 inches and captures the brutal tone of the game perfectly. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping expected in July 2025.
Power Up Pride Bundle
Power Up Pride Game Bundle brings together seven standout indie titles for just $13, with all games yours to keep. You’ll find cozy village life in Echoes of the Plum Grove, charming shop sim gameplay in Sticky Business, and emotional storytelling in titles like Haven and A Normal Lost Phone. It’s a solid mix of narrative-driven adventures, life sims, and visual novels, all picked for their unique stories and engaging mechanics. Great value, great games, and a portion of your purchase supports charity through Xperience Studios.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Nintendo has confirmed the age of Donkey Kong Bananza sidekick Pauline, sparking questions regarding the young character's timeline and how Bananza's story will tally with previous titles — such as Mario's original arcade game, where DK was famously portrayed as the villain and Pauline was his abductee.
In a character profile found on Donkey Kong Bananza's Japanese website, Nintendo states that Pauline is a "13-year-old girl who loves to sing. She used to live above ground, but for some reason she was brought to the underground world and transformed into a rock."
Nintendo fans have been quick to highlight what this might mean for Pauline's overall timeline — and the fact that DK and Pauline's friendly team-up in Bananza is a very different vibe to the pair's usual relationship of kidnapper and victim. Does something happen to DK, turning him evil? Or have we been getting Pauline and DK's friendship wrong all these years?
Donkey Kong Bananza sees the two characters working together to help the teenage Pauline get back to the surface, in order to pursue her dream of becoming a world famous singer. Pauline's appearance as a singer in Odyssey suggests that she does indeed make it.
But while Bananza looks story-wise to be an Odyssey prequel, the exact timeline here is somewhat unclear. Nintendo has never stated Pauline's age in Odyssey, or in any of her other appearances, so it's unknown how long before those events it is that Bananza takes place.
But by linking the character across these games through Pauline's musical ambitions, it also highlights the fact that Odyssey's Pauline does address her kidnapping by DK — something she describes as "traumatic."
Pauline has been kidnapped by DK multiple times over the years. Most notably, she is saved from DK's clutches in the original Donkey Kong arcade game, but she is then abducted again in various entries within the Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 series.
In Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, Pauline is snatched by Donkey Kong after the she dares to pick a gift from Mario instead of DK. In Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!, Pauline is kidnapped once more by an enraged DK, upset that he's missed out on a theme park opening.
Later entries in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series paint Pauline's interactions with DK in a kinder light, however, such as in Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move, where the two team up to host a mini-game, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars, where the pair plan Mario a surprise party.
Does something happen to sour DK and Pauline's relationship at the end of Donkey Kong Bananza, turning the ape from an ally to kidnapper? Will we see the events of the original Donkey Kong arcade game take place within Bananza, perhaps, with Mario coming in to save the day? Or have we been getting it wrong all these years?
Some fans have suggested that Bananza will turn the Mario universe on its head by revealing that DK and Pauline are in fact friends — and that Mario has been the villain all along, effectively stealing Pauline back when she's just been hanging out with her pal.
Hopefully all will be revealed when Donkey Kong Bananza arrives as Nintendo's next major Switch 2 launch on July 17, 2025.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Chinese studios are fully embracing AI, with a recent announcement that the iconic kung-fu films of Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, and other martial arts greats will get remade via AI.
A group of Chinese studios unveiled what they’re calling the “Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project 100 Classics AI Revitalization Project” during the Shanghai International Film Festival on June 19, according to The Hollywood Reporter. They specifically highlighted titles like Lee’s 1972 film Fists of Fury, Chan’s breakout 1978 film Drunken Master, and the 1991 film Once Upon a Time in China, which made Li a household name in kung-fu films.
The studios also plan to rework John Woo’s 1986 film A Better Tomorrow with a cyberpunk edge, in what they’re calling “the world’s first full-process, AI-produced animated feature film.”
China Film Foundation Zhang Pimin addressed the work at the announcement and said using AI on these “aesthetic historical treasures” would transform their look in a way that “conforms to contemporary film viewing.” He added: “It is not only film heritage, but also a brave exploration of the innovative development of film art.”
Shanghai Canxing Culture and Media chairman of project partners Tian Ming claimed these new versions would “pay tribute to the original work” and “reshape the visual aesthetics,” while also demonstrating upgrades in image, sound, and overall production levels. Ming also revealed that a fund worth a whopping 100 million yuan (approx. $13.9 million), would be used to get the initiative going.
“We sincerely invite the world’s top AI animation companies to jointly start a film revolution that subverts tradition,” Tian said.
Additional partners for the project include the China Film Foundation’s Film and Urban Development Special Fund and Quantum Animation.
Warning: Spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2 follow.
The Last of Us Season 1’s Nico Parker hasn’t watched its second season yet, because she “can’t watch Pedro die.”
Parker, who played Joel’s daughter Sarah in the season one premiere of the HBO adaptation of the hit Naughty Dog game series, told IGN that her on-screen father, Pedro Pascal, has been asking, “Have you seen it yet? What did you think of it?” “I literally can’t do it,” the How to Train Your Dragon star replied.
It’s somewhat understandable — Joel’s demise comes suddenly and shockingly violently — but that doesn’t mean Parker won’t eventually get around to facing her fears, though. “I’ve seen some of it,” she confirmed, “I just can’t watch that episode, but I am gonna. I’m gonna do it. I just need to have, like, three days of rest period afterwards. I keep seeing clips, and it’s just too much, I can’t. It makes me too sad.”
If Parker can make it through Episode 2, she’s looking forward to seeing the rest of the story play out. “I think that the cast is so brilliant, and I’m so excited to see Bella just absolutely storm it,” she continued. “So I need to watch it. I’m very proud of all of them. That group of people behind that show is so brilliant, and that cast is so talented. We’re very lucky that we all get to witness them be brilliant.”
Parker’s trepidation is valid, but maybe not a sentiment that showrunner Craig Mazin shares, if his recent comments are anything to go by. "The big complaint that I've gotten is, 'Why did you kill Pedro Pascal?', said Mazin. “And I keep explaining, we didn't kill him! He's a man, he's alive. He's fine. And he's in literally everything else. So I don't know what the problem is!"
Simon Cardy is a Senior Editor at IGN who can mainly be found skulking around open world games, indulging in Korean cinema, or despairing at the state of Tottenham Hotspur and the New York Jets. Follow him on Bluesky at @cardy.bsky.social.
Few living comic book artists are as renowned as Paul Pope. That's why it's so fitting that Pope's work is the subject of the latest exhibit at New York’s Philippe Labaune Gallery. Running from June 19-26, the exhibit will showcase some of Pope's original artwork from projects like Batman: Year 100, Battling Boy, THB, and Heavy Liquid, as well as his personal work and artistic homages.
IGN can exclusively reveal some of the artwork featured in this exhibit. Read on to see several of Pope's stunning original pieces and see creator commentary from Pope himself.
HOUSE OF MOORE
Pope: This was a piece I did for myself after a long day of inks. I like to do personal pieces on occasion to keep the knife sharp, push style and technique a bit beyond what I'd normally do for a comics page or cover for Marvel or DC. I'm enamored with the sculptures and drawings of Henry Moore, there's a lyrical buoyancy and rhythm to his shapes and a dreamlike presence in how he presents figures and objects. I wanted to do a page exploring that--two Moore figures seeing each other in an empty desertscape.
SELF-PORTRAIT
Pope: Initially, I wanted to reprint an updated version of the cover to PULPHOPE, my first monograph (AdHouse 2007), which was designed to be at first an unreadable abstract expressionist canvas. I took a side self-portrait I shot on my old Nikon 8008 camera and blew out the levels until it was high contrast B&W, and added layers of abstract ink marks over a scan of some old yellowed paper I had lying around. I wanted something which was off-putting but irresistible, like it is just too strange to NOT want to pick it up. BOOM! asked me to update this idea and use a drawn self-portrait this time, add some color and make it distinct from the first cover design. I was a bit hesitant at first, thinking it'd feel a bit self-indulgent, but I started thinking about album covers and how it is customary for a recording artist to present themselves on the cover of an album. We don't think twice seeing the musician on the cover of their album, the album is a sort of snapshot in time or a confessional or a testimony. I approached this cover with the same spirit, here adding some subtle dotscreen textures and oil paint layers digitally after the inks dried. This is one of the more recent pieces on display at Philippe Labaune Gallery, made in 2024.
RODAN
Pope: This is an early concept drawing for the character Rodan, from Heavy Liquid, which is out now from Image Comics. In the book she is a sculptor, hence the slight nod to sculptor Rodin, and the Kaiju monster bird Rodan. In the '90s there used to be a heavy music group called Rodan, which I liked. Rodan herself is based on Bianca Jagger circa 1971, for my money one of the sexiest and most commanding faces of women in Rock'n'Roll.
THB LIPSTICK
Pope: Like House Of Moore, this was another one page thought experiment. I had an extra page at the back of one of my THB one-shots (THB:M3, Horse Press 1999) and wanted to do something funny and strange. I was re-reading "The Secret Life Of Salvador Dali," one of my favorite artist auto-bios (although it's full of Munchhausian fabrications), and thinking of the old dance/pantomime group Mummenschanz, whose short performance films used to be shown on Sesame Street in the '70s and '80s. Somehow those two disparate influences ended up in Lipstick. It's one of my favorite THB shorts.
Learn More About Philippe Labaune Gallery's Paul Pope Exhibit
The Paul Pope exhibit runs from June 19-26 at the Phillipe Labaune Gallery, which is located at 534 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011. The gallery will hold an opening reception on June 19 from 6-9pm ET.
“Paul Pope is a singular force in contemporary comics — a comics destroyer, who pushes the boundaries of traditional comic art, “ said Labaune in a statement. “His distinctive style brings together the dynamism of Japanese manga with the narrative depth of European Bande Dessinee, and the spirit of American pulp. Pope blends a manga awareness with a European attention to mood and form. Moebius, Hugo Pratt, and Enki Bilal are all clear touchstones.”
The exhibit itself is timed to the release of PulpHope2: The Art of Paul Pope, an art book published by BOOM! Studios. You can order a copy of PulpHope2 on Amazon.
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