Since the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Tales Of series, Bandai Namco has been remastering several iconic titles, such as Tales of Graces f, Tales of Xillia, and more recently, Tales of Berseria. This trend of revitalizing classics seems to continue, as it has been announced that Tales of Eternia will be the next to receive a remastering treatment. Not the one everyone was expecting Tales of Eternia, originally released in Japan in 2000 and known as Tales of Destiny 2 in the United States, is a 2D JRPG that stood out at a time when […]
Since the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Tales Of series, Bandai Namco has been remastering several iconic titles, such as Tales of Graces f, Tales of Xillia, and more recently, Tales of Berseria. This trend of revitalizing classics seems to continue, as it has been announced that Tales of Eternia will be the next to receive a remastering treatment.
Not the one everyone was expecting
Tales of Eternia, originally released in Japan in 2000 and known as Tales of Destiny 2 in the United States, is a 2D JRPG that stood out at a time when 3D games were predominant. This remaster will allow players to reconnect with a work that enjoyed enough popularity in Japan to deserve a port to PSP, also released in Europe and Australia.
Recently, the video game rating site PEGI listed Tales of Eternia Remastered as an upcoming release, confirming the Nintendo Switch as one of the platforms, although it is considered unlikely to be a console exclusive. This return of a classic title has generated excitement not only among fans of the series, but also among casual gamers who appreciate the opportunity to play titles that were previously exclusive to older platforms.
Despite some observers expecting Bandai Namco to opt for remastering other titles, such as Tales Of Xillia 2, the focus on Tales of Eternia has taken some by surprise. However, this has not generated discouragement; many consider the rescue of these games that could have fallen into oblivion to be valuable. Although the release date has not yet been confirmed, the interest in the arrival of Tales of Eternia Remastered is undeniable and promises to rekindle nostalgia among players.
In the video game world, there are many forgotten franchises. Games that were huge successes in their time and that, perhaps because it is considered that times have changed a lot, have now been almost definitively shelved. Not having received a new Castlevania or a new F-Zero in over 20 years seems almost ridiculous, considering the infinite potential of both franchises, but fans have to resign themselves to the reality of things: there is little that can be done if companies have no interest. And this is despite the fact that we have chosen two franchises that are still alive, Castlevania even having made a comeback […]
In the video game world, there are many forgotten franchises. Games that were huge successes in their time and that, perhaps because it is considered that times have changed a lot, have now been almost definitively shelved. Not having received a new Castlevania or a new F-Zero in over 20 years seems almost ridiculous, considering the infinite potential of both franchises, but fans have to resign themselves to the reality of things: there is little that can be done if companies have no interest. And this is despite the fact that we have chosen two franchises that are still alive, with Castlevania even having returned from the dead with the announcement of a new game for this year.
Because there is always hope. Even franchises that seem dead and forgotten sometimes return in the most unexpected ways. This has happened with the .hack franchise, one of those sagas that seemed we would never see again even though, during the 00s, they became really popular within a very specific sector of anime fans. And we are going to tell you everything you need to know about it, including why there are people popping champagne for its return.
The franchise that made transmedia popular
.hack is a Japanese multimedia franchise created and developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, designed from its origins to establish synergies between different media. The story would be told through video games, anime, manga, and novels, all occurring in parallel, none being adaptations of any other. Each would tell a specific aspect of the world, focusing on common characters or situations among them, but each developing its own themes and stories.
The first iteration of this story was called Project .hack and involved, in addition to CyberConnect2, some of the most talented anime studios of the 2000s, such as Gainax and Bee Train. The result was a huge popularity of the franchise, especially of its video games and animes, even causing a significant impact in the West.
But what is .hack about? It’s about a world like ours, but in an alternative reality, where technology has evolved in a different and substantially faster way. Because of this, an alternative to the Internet has emerged, favoring virtual reality in interaction with technology. However, a global disaster in the computer network in 2005 caused by a virus called The Kiss of Pluto causes an MMORPG called The World to collapse, resulting in an extremely peculiar situation. Everyone who was connected at that moment became trapped inside the game. And those who die inside it also die in reality.
Although this is a well-known and overused premise today in manga and anime, even in young adult literature and science fiction, it was not at the time of its publication in 2002. And that made it tremendously popular. It quickly swept among young people in Japan and the West alike.
A franchise with many layers
The anime hack//Sign, directed by Kōichi Mashimo and produced by the Bee Train studio and Bandai Visual, served as a prequel for everything that was to come. Establishing its main characters, a tone focused on the psychological and sociological themes of being trapped in a foreign world, and embracing a tone bordering on thriller in which the studio had been specializing over the years.
This would serve as the basis for the tetralogy of PlayStation 2 games that would form the foundation for the franchise. .hack//INFECTION – Part 1, .hack//MUTATION – Part 2, .hack//OUTBREAK – Part 3, and .hack//QUARANTINE – Part 4 would imitate the style of an MMORPG within an action RPG, developing the themes of the anime more deeply, focusing more on the characters and The World, concentrating on the consequences of an increasingly unstable video game where all players are approaching, ever closer, to an inevitable apocalypse.
The tetralogy was extraordinarily well received and is still considered a masterpiece among its many fans. But the franchise didn’t stop there. After that, they made .hack//frägment, an MMORPG based on .hack, as well as several miniseries based on the universe. All of which would lead to a new project: .hack Conglomerate.
With new protagonists and the same structure as the original, with an anime .hack//Roots, occurring before the events of the main video game, .hack//G.U. Vol.1//Rebirth, .hack//G.U. Vol.2//Reminisce, .hack//G.U. Vol.3//Redemption, and .hack//G.U. Vol.4//Reconnection, although it had much more development, with more animes and more mangas and more spinoffs in video game format, the success of .hack Conglomerate was much more discreet. While many of its fans enjoyed this new iteration, many others considered it a lesser version of the previous one. And the critics in general did not see the same freshness that they found in the original tetralogy, even if Bee Train continued to offer the same quality on the anime side.
Although the franchise had six years of releases, by 2012 they had already finished with the last title, .hack//Versus, a fighting game that was only released with the Blu-ray launch of .hack//The Movie in its Japanese version. At least, until now.
CyberConnect2 has announced to celebrate its 30th anniversary the release of .hack//Z.E.R.O, an action RPG set in the universe of the .hack franchise. With no Bandai Namco behind it, we currently have no release date or announced platforms, except for a teaser from Kamikaze Douga, the studio behind animes like Pop Team Epic or Ghost of Tsushima: Legends.
Surely we still have to wait to see more of .hack//Z.E.R.O, but what we have seen so far is already impressive and has left us wanting more. And while it is true that the franchise did not end on its highest note, it is no less true that CyberConnect2 has demonstrated over the last fifteen years that they are a top-tier studio capable of making excellent games. That is why it is interesting to return to the .hack/ universe and see what they are capable of without having to rely on the burden of transmedia once again.
Bandai Namco has announced the development of Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters, the highly anticipated sequel to Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions, scheduled for release in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This new installment promises to include 110 playable characters, 22 national teams, and over 150 new animated sequences, offering a visual spectacle that aims to capture the nostalgia of fans of the series, known in Spain as Oliver and Benji. A highly anticipated sequel for fans The sequel stands out for its mechanical improvements, which will expand the action of the match beyond simple […]
Bandai Namco has announced the development of Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters, the highly anticipated sequel to Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions, scheduled for release in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This new installment promises to include 110 playable characters, 22 national teams, and over 150 new animated sequences, offering a visual spectacle that aims to capture the nostalgia of fans of the series, known in Spain as Oliver and Benji.
A highly anticipated sequel for fans
The sequel stands out for its mechanical improvements, which will expand the action of the game beyond simple shots and dribbles. The developers have promised to incorporate super moves and special techniques in aspects such as passing, defense, and shot blocking. This innovation aims to provide a more tactical and rich gameplay experience, adapting to the expectations of the gaming community.
On the other hand, the competition in the realm of anime football is intensifying with the recent release of Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road on November 13, 2025. This game has rekindled interest in the Level-5 saga, which has also introduced a new mobile title, Inazuma Eleven: Cross, focused on coach gameplay mechanics. While Captain Tsubasa focuses more on football action and charismatic characters, Inazuma Eleven promises a completely different experience, thus expanding the universe of anime football.
Level-5 has already indicated that player data integration between its titles will not be possible, anticipating future releases within its saga. This reflects a clear strategy to maintain interest in both franchises and benefit players with more options and variety in the market.
In summary, both the sequel from Bandai Namco and the new titles from Level-5 suggest a resurgence of anime football in the world of video games, captivating both old and new fans alike.
Katsuhiro Harada, the iconic creator of the Tekken saga, has announced his departure from Bandai Namco, scheduled for the end of 2025, for personal and professional reasons. Harada has been the central figure of Tekken since its debut in 1994, revolutionizing gameplay mechanics and establishing a deep cultural connection with fans worldwide. His legacy has defined the identity of the game and evoked a unique style in modern fighting games. What will become of the Tekken saga without him? Harada shared his decision through social media, mentioning personal reflections stemming from the loss of […]
Katsuhiro Harada, the iconic creator of the Tekken saga, has announced his departure from Bandai Namco, scheduled for the end of 2025, for personal and professional reasons. Harada has been the central figure of Tekken since its debut in 1994, revolutionizing gameplay mechanics and establishing a deep cultural connection with fans worldwide. His legacy has defined the identity of the game and evoked a unique style in modern fighting games.
What will happen to the Tekken saga without him?
Harada shared his decision through social media, mentioning personal reflections stemming from the loss of friends and colleagues in the industry. The absence of significant figures, such as his historic rival Tomonobu Itagaki, led him to consider his own paths and futures, indicating that it is time to close this chapter of his life at the age of 55.
Starting in 2026, Harada will attend events related to Tekken as a guest, marking a new era for the franchise under new leadership. Despite his departure, his influence will endure in a game that has managed to balance innovation and tradition, an aspect that will now depend on Bandai Namco. The company has expressed its intention to continue expanding the franchise, reinforcing the competitive aspect of Tekken 8, which has been a success both in sales and popularity.
However, the transition raises questions about how Tekken will maintain its connection with its fan base, given that Harada has been a bridge between Japan and the global community. Bandai Namco will need to demonstrate that the essence of Tekken will be preserved, while future developments and content are expected to continue attracting players. As the saga progresses, the future of Tekken promises to be both a challenge and an opportunity to reinvent itself without losing the magic that has made this franchise a benchmark in video games.
Bandai Namco has revealed that Tales of Berseria, a title released in 2016, will receive a remaster for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch. This decision has generated some confusion among the series’ fans, given that there are several older titles that could benefit from this treatment. The remastering of recent works is not unprecedented, especially in a context where titles like Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last of Us Part 1 have undergone similar revisions. Not the Tales of that its fans expected However, the inclusion of Berseria in the project […]
Bandai Namco has revealed that Tales of Berseria, a title released in 2016, will receive a remaster for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch. This decision has generated some confusion among fans of the series, given that there are several older titles that could benefit from this treatment. The remastering of recent works is not something unprecedented, especially in a context where titles like Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last of Us Part 1 have undergone similar revisions.
Not the Tales of that their fans were expecting
However, the inclusion of Berseria in the Tales Remaster project feels out of place, considering that it is already available on PS5 and PC through their respective platforms. Additionally, the remastered version will not be compatible with the new Switch 2 console due to “game progression issues,” leaving Xbox as the only new platform on which the title will be available.
The reactions on social media reflect the confusion and discontent among many users, who argue that older titles in the franchise, such as Tales of Abyss or Tales of Destiny, deserve this kind of attention. “I feel like I just finished the game,” commented Erik Mabry, QA manager at Zenimax Media, while other users expressed their frustration over the lack of remasterings of other iconic titles in the series.
Despite these doubts, Bandai Namco has stated that the remaster of Tales of Berseria will include new gameplay mechanics and quality of life features. This release is scheduled for February 27, and although it has generated debate, it also promises to offer players a renewed experience of a story cherished by fans.
Amid speculation about a possible sale of Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Interactive Entertainment has ruled out any interest in acquiring the American conglomerate. Hiroki Totoki, CEO of Sony, stated in an interview with the Japanese media Nikkei that the company does not plan to engage in major mergers or acquisitions in Hollywood at this time. Instead, the company will focus on its core strengths: anime and video games. A business strategy with a very specific focus Totoki highlighted the growth of the anime market, which could continue to increase at double-digit rates in the coming years, as […]
Amid speculation about a possible sale of Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Interactive Entertainment has ruled out any interest in acquiring the American conglomerate. Hiroki Totoki, CEO of Sony, stated in an interview with the Japanese media Nikkei that the company does not plan to engage in major mergers or acquisitions in Hollywood at this time. Instead, the company will focus on its core strengths: anime and video games.
A commercial strategy with a very specific focus
Totoki highlighted the growth of the anime market, which could continue to increase at double-digit rates in the coming years, as a priority compared to the current film industry. “The global anime market is just beginning,” he emphasized, making it clear that Japanese animation will be a strategic pillar in Sony’s future instead of seeking integration with large-scale film studios like Warner Bros.
Sony’s Aniplex division has proven to be a key player in the anime field, being responsible for hits like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle. With acquisitions in companies like Kadokawa and Bandai Namco, Sony has consolidated its position in the sector, viewing anime not just as a complement to its video game division, but as the central axis of its global strategy.
In recent months, rumors have circulated about a possible interest from Sony in acquiring the intellectual properties of Warner Bros. Games, which include the valuable DC licenses. However, Totoki’s recent statements seem to put an end to those speculations, indicating that the company will focus on consolidating its leadership in interactive entertainment and animation, leaving the competition for the future of Warner Bros. to others.
The remastering of the classic games in the Tales saga by Bandai Namco faces a significant challenge due to the lack of source code and master data from the original titles. This inconvenience is not exclusive to the Tales series; in fact, Square Enix experienced a similar problem when reconstructing Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. The project director, Kazutoyo Maehiro, confirmed that the absence of such data complicated the remastering. The situation is similar for Bandai Namco, which now has to investigate the location of the source code and who manages it, according to the producer of the […]
The remastering of the classic games in the Tales saga by Bandai Namco faces a significant challenge due to the lack of source code and master data from the original titles. This inconvenience is not exclusive to the Tales series; in fact, Square Enix experienced a similar problem when reconstructing Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. The project director, Kazutoyo Maehiro, confirmed that the absence of such data complicated the remastering. The situation is similar for Bandai Namco, which now has to investigate the location of the source code and who manages it, according to the series producer, Yusuke Tomizawa, at the Tokyo Game Show.
Playing by eye is quite complicated
The lack of detailed documentation and the work of multiple studies in the development of the series have made the search and analysis of the original data a prolonged process. Tomizawa admitted that finding the relevant information can take months and, once found, often presents gaps that must be filled before being able to proceed with the remastering.
Despite these challenges, Bandai Namco announced the Tales Remaster Project as part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the series, starting with the release of Tales of Graces f Remastered in January. The next title on the list is Tales of Xillia Remastered, scheduled for October 31. Bandai’s strategy does not follow a strict chronological order, but rather focuses on efficiency, opting to remaster first those titles that are easier to adapt.
Tomizawa also said: “I know some fans might be thinking ‘What is the release order?’; however, this non-linear production responds to the speed and quantity of releases.” Meanwhile, JRPG fans eagerly await the arrival of these remastered versions, which celebrate one of the most beloved franchises in the genre.
Bandai Namco has officially announced that the highly anticipated game Little Nightmares 3 will be released on October 10, just in time for Halloween festivities. This release strategy seems aimed at capturing the attention of horror fans, taking advantage of the spooky atmosphere of the season. Along with this exciting news, a 10-minute video has been released showcasing the gameplay of the game, introducing the new protagonists, Low and Alone, who must navigate a creepy rainy carnival while evading horrifying creatures. A game more focused on mechanizing its systems In this third […]
Bandai Namco has officially announced that the highly anticipated game Little Nightmares 3 will be released on October 10, just in time for Halloween festivities. This release strategy seems aimed at capturing the attention of horror fans, taking advantage of the spooky atmosphere of the season. Along with this exciting news, a 10-minute video showcasing the gameplay of the game has been presented, introducing the new protagonists, Low and Alone, who must navigate a creepy rainy carnival while evading horrifying creatures.
A game more focused on mechanizing its systems
In this third installment, players will find a mix of survival horror and Metroidvania mechanics, promising an engaging and challenging experience. The settings, filled with tension and mystery, are designed to keep players on the edge of their seats, something that fans of the franchise eagerly anticipate.
Little Nightmares 3 will be available for multiple platforms, including Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Additionally, an enhanced edition of the original title has been announced, which will include higher resolutions, faster loading times, and technical improvements such as improved lighting and ray-traced reflections. This Enhanced Edition will also be available on October 10, and players who pre-order Little Nightmares 3 will be able to access it immediately on next-generation consoles and PC.
The advancements in gameplay for Little Nightmares 3 have generated positive expectations among fans. Commentators highlight that the combination of clever level design with a focus on atmosphere and tension can result in an unforgettable gaming experience. With this mix of nostalgia and new ideas, Little Nightmares 3 promises to be one of the most impactful releases of this year.
The recent trailer for Elden Ring Nightreign has caught attention not only for its striking visuals but also for its soundtrack, which evokes a strong dose of nostalgia. The song Bring Me to Life by Evanescence, a nu-metal classic from the 2000s, accompanies the trailer, creating an atmosphere that recalls the early days of video games and their connection to pop culture. This experimental approach to music selection contrasts with the current trend of creating highly polished and artistically meticulous trailers. The director of Dark Souls, Hidetaka Miyazaki, was able to capture his vision […]
The recent trailer for Elden Ring Nightreign has caught attention not only for its stunning visuals but also for its soundtrack, which evokes a strong dose of nostalgia. The song Bring Me to Life by Evanescence, a nu-metal classic from the 2000s, accompanies the trailer, creating an atmosphere that recalls the early days of video games and their connection to pop culture. This experimental approach to music selection contrasts with the current trend of creating highly polished and artistically meticulous trailers.
The director of Dark Souls, Hidetaka Miyazaki, was able to capture his aesthetic vision in the creation of characters and creatures, as evidenced in the design of the Undead Dragon, where he insisted on conveying a sense of dignity and pain. This philosophy is still present in Elden Ring Nightreign, a game that promises to explore the tragic beauty and ruinous majesty of the world known as The Lands Between.
The structure of the trailer highlights the camaraderie and teamwork that are essential in the gaming experience, showing the characters moving together towards an uncertain destination. Tyler Colp, in his review of the game, gave it a score of 80, praising its complexity and chaos, but also emphasizing how fun it is to face challenges alongside friends.
The combination of elements that evoke the culture of the 2000s with rigorous gameplay creates an emotional connection with players, an aspect that Bandai Namco has been able to capitalize on by offering content that recalls the essence of classic video games. At a time when nostalgia plays a crucial role in the player experience, Elden Ring Nightreign could be on the right track to resonate with a new generation of enthusiasts.
FromSoftware has confirmed that the version for Nintendo Switch 2 of its acclaimed title Elden Ring, titled Tarnished Edition, will include a series of significant new features for players. This release offers the possibility to experience new weapons, armor, and exclusive customization for the horse Torrentera, in addition to access to the expansion Shadow of the Erdtree, which promises to further enrich the game’s narrative. Among the most exciting additions are two new classes: the Heavy Armor Knight and the Ides Knight, which will provide players with new strategic options in their confrontations. Additionally, new moves will be added […]
FromSoftware has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of its acclaimed title Elden Ring, titled Tarnished Edition, will include a series of significant new features for players. This release offers the opportunity to experience new weapons, armor, and exclusive customization for the horse Torrentera, in addition to access to the expansion Shadow of the Erdtree, which promises to further enrich the game’s narrative.
Among the most exciting additions are two new classes: the Heavy Armor Knight and the Ides Knight, which will provide players with new strategic options in their confrontations. Additionally, new moves will be added that will optimize the gaming experience, allowing players greater versatility in combat within the vast world of the Lands Between.
At an event held in Tokyo, FromSoftware also revealed that the multiplayer mode will be released on May 30, generating great anticipation among the community. During this presentation, various features of the game were discussed, highlighting the developer’s commitment to expanding its audience through the Tarnished Edition.
Players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC will also be able to enjoy these new features through a DLC called Tarnished Pack, although its price has not yet been announced. It is likely that Bandai Namco or FromSoftware will provide additional information about this content in the near future, which keeps the interest in the release and its accessibility for all Elden Ring fans.
As the release date approaches, the gaming community remains eager, as the combination of these new features promises to revitalize the experience of Elden Ring, thus maintaining its status as one of the most important games of the moment.
