In the last Nintendo Direct, we had several important announcements, but one of the most shocking came from Square Enix. Announcing a new Final Fantasy, the most surprising thing is that it would not be in 3D, but in HD-2D, the aesthetic they have used in games like Octopath Traveler or Triangle Strategy, but never before in a Final Fantasy. And indeed, Final Fantasy Resonance, although it has been marketed to us as a new game in the franchise, is actually something different. A new Final Fantasy, but halfway through Final Fantasy Resonance is an adaptation of the story of the […]
In the last Nintendo Direct, we had several important announcements, but one of the most shocking came from Square Enix. Announcing a new Final Fantasy, the most surprising thing is that it would not be in 3D, but in HD-2D, the aesthetic they have used in games like Octopath Traveler or Triangle Strategy, but never before in a Final Fantasy. And indeed, Final Fantasy Resonance, although it has been marketed to us as a new game in the franchise, is actually something different.
A new Final Fantasy, but half-baked
Final Fantasy Resonance is an adaptation of the story from the first season of Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, a mobile game that has already closed and is no longer available to play.According to Square Enix, Resonance takes from the original story to extensively reimagine and reconstruct everything else. Considering that this is neither a port nor a remake of Brave Exvius, but its own game based on the original.
To demonstrate their differences, they have started from the fact that it has new cinematics and 3D-rendered abilities, a new turn-based combat system and elements, as well as a new overworld and thirty-three new songs for the soundtrack, which make it a new game in itself.
https://en.softonic.com/articles/nintendo-give-a-switch-2-patch-to-these-switch-gamesIn addition to all of the above, there will be numerous nods to other games in the franchise, in the form of characters from other installments. Warrior of Light (FF1), Terra (FFVI), Cloud (FFVII), Zidane (FFIX), Shantotto (FFXI), and Y’shtola (FFXIV) will appear as Visions, for the fans of the franchise. And you will be able to discover it for yourself when it releases on October 22 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
The Pokémon Company has announced the date for the highly anticipated mobile release of Pokémon Champions. This Pokémon game focused on the competitive side of Pokémon battles was launched last April on Nintendo Switch, promising to be the new focal point of competitive play, as it will be where the official Pokémon tournaments will be held from now on, starting this year. Pokémon Champions comes with new features for everyone. The Pokémon Company has already confirmed some important things regarding this version. To begin with, we will be able to share our progress between our console and our mobile […]
The Pokémon Company has already confirmed some important things regarding this version. To start, we will be able to share our progress between our console and our mobile by linking a Nintendo account to both.
Additionally, players who log into the game after the mobile game launch and before September 2 will receive a special reward: a Raichu and the mega stones to mega evolve it: a Raichunita X and a Raichunita Y, to mega evolve into Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y respectively.
Although the game has caused some division within the community due to the relative scarcity of items and Pokémon, its reception has been positive. Less positive has been the glaring absence of new features over the months, likely due to the delay in the release of the mobile version. This is why players hope that, with the launch of this version for mobile devices, the game will start to evolve more quickly.
Pokémon Champions will be released for iOS and Android mobile devices on June 17. It is already available on Nintendo Switch. And if you like Pokémon, especially combat, and if you have any interest in competitive play, you shouldn’t miss this unique game.
Square Enix has held a special stream to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved JRPG franchise Dragon Quest. In it, Yosuke Saito, the game’s producer, and Yuji Horii, the creator of the saga, presented the new installment of the franchise: Dragon Quest XII. With one particularity. They announced that they had to reboot the project and that it will now be called Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams. A project full of problems Dragon Quest XII, technically, had already been announced. Five years ago it was presented under the name of Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate with a, […]
Square Enix has held a special stream to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved JRPG franchise Dragon Quest. In it, Yosuke Saito, the game’s producer, Yuji Horii, the creator of the saga, presented the new installment of the franchise: Dragon Quest XII. With a particularity. They announced that they had to reboot the project and that it will now be called Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams.
A project full of problems
Dragon Quest XII was technically already announced. Five years ago it was presented under the name Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate with a, literally, flaming logo, and no further information. Now, due to a series of problems that have led them to restart the project, it returns in this new incarnation.
Although the information we have is still very scarce, we have been left with a small conceptual teaser trailer of the game that shows us the protagonists. Including the designs by Akira Toriyama, who passed away in 2024, and whose last works created during his lifetime had technically already been shown, both for video games and for manga. Horii has stated that he will clarify how this is possible in the future, emphasizing that the music is by Koichi Sugiyama, the composer since the first installment of the saga, who passed away in 2021.
Without a release date or confirmed platforms, it seems we will still have to wait a long time to see the new installment of Dragon Quest. At the same event, they also announced Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World, a new installment of the Dragon Quest subfranchise —a mix of Dragon Quest and Pokémon—, with nothing more than a logo and stating that it will be coming soon to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
There are games that are easy to predict will do well. All the numbers are in their favor, the studio is well-liked, and they are talked about positively on social media. But sometimes that’s not enough. If its development has been bizarre, it has been very expensive, or the studio is in a precarious situation, it is perfectly possible that just being a success is not enough. It may need to break the scales to be considered a triumph. And it could very well be that one of the most anticipated indies of the year, Mina the Hollower, is in that situation. Some inspirations in the […]
There are games that it’s easy to predict will do well. All the numbers are in their favor, the studio is beloved, and they are talked about positively on social media. But sometimes that’s not enough. If its development has been bizarre, it has been very expensive, or the studio is in a precarious situation, it is perfectly possible that simply being a success is not enough. It may need to break the scales to be considered a triumph. And it could very well be that one of the most anticipated indies of the year, Mina the Hollower, is in that situation.
Some inspirations in the sleeve
Mina the Hollower surprises because it does not hide its inspirations. It doesn’t even try to. It is a game heavily inspired by The Legend of Zelda, but specifically by the 2D games of the franchise that came after A Link to the Past, the last game released for Super Nintendo. Embracing what Nintendo did in games like A Link to the Past, Oracle of Seasons, and Oracle of Ages, Mina the Hollower takes them as inspiration to create its own identity.
Because it is true that it draws a lot from them. It has an isometric perspective of 3/4, a pixel art aesthetic similar to that of a Super Nintendo, and a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzles, but it is not exactly like a Zelda. Not only because Mina is a little mouse with a clear purpose: to discover why the spark generators that power the Dark Island are failing. But also because it has another great inspiration: the games from From Software.
Where in Zelda we only have one sword, in Mina The Hollower we have a whole variety of weapons to choose from. Each of them encourages a different playstyle, which is enhanced by a secondary weapon, in the style of Castlevania, with limited uses. This promotes combat in a way much closer to a 2D Bloodborne than to any The Legend of Zelda.
This makes the game have a higher level of difficulty than we would expect in this type of games. Something unexpected from a game that, while set in a pseudo 18th century gothic environment, is inhabited by adorable anthropomorphic animals. But where there are also deadly traps, castles filled with monsters, and of course, poisonous swamps. Just in case the influence of From Software wasn’t clear.
A study that has given it all
Additionally, Mina has to achieve something even more important than discovering what is happening on Shadow Island. She has to sell well and quickly. Why? Because the fate of her studio depends on it. Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Mina The Hollower, has stated that they are on the brink of bankruptcy and, if the game is not an immediate success, they may have to close their doors.
Now, this doesn’t seem to be a problem. Yacht Club Games are the creators of Shovel Knight, a game released in 2014 that delighted fans of retro platformers in the style of the NES. With exquisite pixel art and a devilish difficulty, it has created an entire franchise around it adored by an enthusiastic audience. The reason? The quality of their games and the care dedicated to them, establishing Yacht Club Games as a hallmark of quality.
Moreover, this is reflected in the numbers. Mina the Hollower is currently the sixth most wished game on Steam. This means that, even in the most conservative forecasts, it should reach six figures in its first twenty-four hours without any issues. If marketing and enthusiasm are on point, it could reach seven. But that remains to be seen.
Will Mina the Hollower be the next big indie hit? Everything points to yes. It is a beautiful game that is causing a sensation on social media and comes from a studio known for delivering excellent results. Whether that will be enough remains to be seen, given its situation. But we won’t have to wait long: Mina the Hollower will be released for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S on May 29. And barring a major catastrophe, we could very well be looking at one of the games of the year.
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.
Pokémon is a franchise that has been dominating for years. It has everything to do so. Tremendously charismatic characters, a company with the financial and logistical muscle to carry it forward, and a fandom willing to forgive the missteps that are never so loud as to be a problem. At The Pokémon Company, they have what Disney, Sanrio, and practically no one else has: a franchise of eternal success and the intelligence to know how to exploit it. That is not the only reason for Pokémon’s popularity. Another is that its video games are good in a very peculiar way. They are accessible and enjoyable […]
Pokémon is a franchise that has been dominating for years. It has everything to do so. Tremendously charismatic characters, a company with the financial and logistical muscle to carry it forward, and a fandom willing to forgive the missteps that are never so loud as to be a problem. At The Pokémon Company, they have what Disney, Sanrio, and practically no one else has: a franchise of eternal success and the intelligence to know how to exploit it.
That is not the only reason for the popularity of Pokémon. Another is that its video games are good in a very peculiar way. They are accessible and enjoyable for casual and child audiences, for whom they are designed, but they are also deep enough for a whole competitive scene to emerge around them. One that is sanctioned by The Pokémon Company itself. Something they have wanted to exploit more deeply with Pokémon Champions.
Pokémon Champions shows that competitive play is for everyone
Launched on April 8 on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with a mobile version announced for a later time this year, Pokémon Champions aims to be the centerpiece of competitive Pokémon gaming. This is evident from the moment we start the game.
Here there is barely any story. We don’t capture Pokémon, but rather obtain them through a kind of gacha system or transfer them from other Pokémon titles. We can’t even deeply customize our main character. The central part of the game is combat. With ranked, friendly, and tournament modes, everything revolves around battles, and after a series of tutorials to teach us the absolute basics of the game, we are given a choice of a Pokémon, provided with five others that align with it, and thrown into the arena to fight.
Pokémon Champions feels like it wants to convince players that competitive play is for everyone. And it succeeds. Because while it makes some concessions along the way to achieve this, what it does, to this day, adds more than it takes away from the game and its future possibilities.
If Pokémon’s competitive scene had two problems, they were, first, that it was completely inaccessible for newcomers, and second, that being connected to the main franchise games, they had to adhere to the rules and systems designed primarily for a casual experience. With Champions, specifically focused on providing a competitive game centered on combat, they have managed to address both issues. How? By doing something tremendously unpopular that has cost them a lot of criticism, somewhat unfairly: drastically cutting content.
In Pokémon Champions, there are 187 Pokémon and only mega evolutions as combat mechanics, of which there are 59. Items, a little over 100. Considering that there are currently 1,025 Pokémon, mega evolutions, Z-moves, Dynamax, Teracristalization, and moves +, in addition to a little over 300 items, many players have felt disappointed by the tremendous scarcity compared to what has been available so far. Especially because the next competitive season will already be played in Pokémon Champions.
But this change is positive. With fewer Pokémon and fewer items, it is easier to deal with for players who are entering competitive play for the first time, allowing for a simpler learning process. It also allows Pokémon Company to create tighter metas, where they delicately control the power level they want to achieve at any given moment, being able to combine different battle mechanics or items if they want to add an extra level of complexity at any given time. Giving them greater flexibility in shaping the competitive scene, and opening the possibility for a richer and more varied meta, thanks to that constraint. Because sometimes, less is more.
The problem of being free-to-play
That said, not everything is good. It is true that the absence of many key items and the focus on most items being mega-evolution stones, with most items being berries of one kind or another, makes item-based strategies excessively poor. This is something they should correct by adding in future updates, if not the most popular items from the competitive scene, then at least a dozen items that would make this strategic layer of the game richer and more complex.
The issue of monetization is more problematic. Because while it is not a problem now, it is easy to see how it could become one.
Pokémon Champions is very generous. Almost too generous. But that’s the trick. All free-to-play games start off being very generous only to end up not being so, and it’s easy to see how this can turn into a money pit. To begin with, the monthly battle passes, which mainly correspond to cosmetics, already represent a more than generous expense for anyone who wants to complete them monthly.
But, who wants to play completely free-to-play? They can, in theory. There is only one in-game currency and two types of different tickets, which are obtained through paid subscriptions, which, as we mentioned, have been distributed generously so far. And even more generously if you pay the 8 euros for the starter pack that gives a small advantage in that sense, but which is in no way necessary.
The problem is that the game has a subscription. For 50 euros annually, or 5 euros monthly, it offers great advantages in in-game currency and tickets. Although it remains to be seen whether it will really be necessary to keep up with the game’s updates, that is not the only subscription we will need. If we want to import our Pokémon from other installments of the franchise, we will have to bring them from Pokémon Home, a free app where we can store our Pokémon. As long as there are no more than 30.
Here is the trap that will surely end up costing money to its players. The Pokémon from Pokémon Home are not transferred to Pokémon Champions, but rather lent: they can be used in Champions, but they remain in Home. They take up space in both Home and Champions. This means that if we bring our previously optimized Pokémon from other games to save money, we will be testing the limits of our Home account. And if we exceed it, we will have to pay a monthly or annual subscription that, while not very expensive, is another subscription to add to the one for Champions. Or if we wanted to play free-to-play, one that we have to pay for, at least.
That is the big problem with the game. You can already see where they want to take our money. The most expensive thing by far is catching Pokémon, as obtaining Pokémon permanently is really costly, but bringing them from Home requires a permanent space that may lead us to have to pay a subscription, whether we want to or not. And that could very well end up being exactly what kills the game: The Pokémon Company’s need to get our money.
The Pokémon saga, one of the most iconic franchises in the entertainment world, is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026. The significance of this event has led The Pokémon Company to announce a Pokémon Presents that will be broadcast on February 27 at 3:00 PM (Spanish mainland time). With a planned duration of 25 minutes, the event will feature a pre-show starting at 2:30 PM, offering fans a special countdown. Two roms with not much substance regarding the originals During this presentation, a long-awaited news will be revealed: […]
The Pokémon saga, one of the most iconic franchises in the entertainment world, is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.
The significance of this event has led The Pokémon Company to announce a Pokémon Presents that will be broadcast on February 27 at 3:00 PM (Spanish mainland time). With an expected duration of 25 minutes, the event will feature a pre-show starting at 2:30 PM, offering fans a special countdown.
Two roms with not much substance compared to the originals
During this presentation, a news awaited by many will be revealed: the launch of Pokémon Fire Red and Pokémon Leaf Green for Nintendo Switch. Both titles will arrive on the same day as the Pokémon Presents, priced at 19.99 euros.
The re-releases will maintain the original features of the Game Boy Advance titles, including local wireless communication, allowing players to trade Pokémon and enjoy various mini-games.
In addition, it has been confirmed that these games will have future compatibility with Pokémon HOME, facilitating transfers between different games in the franchise. Pokémon fans have also been informed about an exclusive physical edition that will include both titles along with a figure of the Kanto starter Pokémon. However, the price and availability in the West have not yet been disclosed, leaving many European players in uncertainty.
Nintendo has announced a new Partner Showcase scheduled for February 5, where various third-party titles coming to the Switch console will be presented. This event, which will last 30 minutes, can be followed live on Nintendo’s YouTube channel. More games than ever! In this upcoming presentation, it is expected that no first-party titles from iconic franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, or Splatoon will be included. Additionally, the Pokémon saga may have a limited focus this time, given that The Pokémon Company is concentrated on other commitments, including the upcoming […]
Nintendo has announced a new Partner Showcase scheduled for February 5, where various third-party titles that will arrive on the Switch console will be presented. This event, which will last 30 minutes, can be followed live on Nintendo’s YouTube channel.
More games than ever!
In this upcoming presentation, it is expected that first-party titles from iconic franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, or Splatoon will not be included. Additionally, the Pokémon saga may have a limited focus this time, given that The Pokémon Company is concentrated on other commitments, including the upcoming Pokémon Day at the end of February and the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Pokopia.
With this announcement, Nintendo continues to strengthen its communication strategy, which it has maintained for years, and which gives players a glimpse of what they can expect in the near future. Those interested in upcoming releases for 2026 should be ready to see what this Partner Showcase has to offer.
This confirmation of the Nintendo Direct comes after a recent financial report highlighting the success of the Nintendo Switch 2. Since its launch in June 2025, it has sold 17.37 million units, becoming the fastest-selling console in Nintendo’s history. However, rumors may indicate a possible price increase in the future due to the current RAM module crisis affecting the market. Nintendo has emphasized that it will continue to monitor the situation before making decisions that impact the price of the device.
As they prepare for the February event, fans are eagerly awaiting new offerings in the vast universe of third-party games that could revitalize the console’s lineup and attract an even larger audience.
Nintendo has announced the release of the highly anticipated update 3.0 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which will take place on February 15. This update is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive that the popular life simulator has received, incorporating a wide range of new content and features that are sure to attract both veterans and new players. To celebrate the occasion, Nintendo has decided to carry out a simultaneous release in different territories, which could mean that some players in different time zones will be in bed when the update becomes available. Get ready to return to […]
Nintendo has announced the release of the highly anticipated update 3.0 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which will take place on February 15. This update is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive that the popular life simulator has received, incorporating a wide range of new content and features that are sure to attract both veterans and new players. To celebrate the occasion, Nintendo has decided to carry out a simultaneous release in different territories, which could mean that some players in different time zones will be in bed when the update becomes available.
Get ready to set aside your real life again
Users will be able to start downloading the new update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on their Nintendo Switch 1 or Nintendo Switch 2 at the designated time, although availability will depend on each player’s geographical location. For those who have been away from their islands, this will be a great opportunity to return and explore everything they have prepared.
Additionally, as part of the launch celebration, Nintendo will be offering players a free image that they can use as wallpaper on their devices. This gift is available in various resolutions: horizontal at 1920×1080 and vertical at 1440×2560 and 1320×2868. To obtain it, you need to access your My Nintendo account and redeem the image, which will not cost any platinum points or any other type of reward. This initiative aims not only to excite the community but also to encourage interaction with Nintendo’s rewards platform.
Game fans should stay tuned, as the additional content promises to further enrich the life experience on their islands. With this update, it is expected that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will remain one of Nintendo’s standout titles in the realm of life simulators.
Lucasfilm Games has confirmed its plans for the development of a remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, which promises to incorporate content cut from the original version. This news comes from court documents revealed in the context of a lawsuit against Lucasfilm and Aspyr, who previously collaborated on a remaster of the game released on Nintendo Switch in 2022. A high-profile remake KOTOR 2 fans have often criticized the game’s ending for being rushed, a perception stemming from cuts made by Obsidian Entertainment due to time constraints. With the remake, there are […]
Lucasfilm Games has confirmed its plans for the development of a remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, which promises to incorporate content that was removed from the original version. This news comes from court documents revealed in the context of a lawsuit against Lucasfilm and Aspyr, who previously collaborated on a remaster of the game released on Nintendo Switch in 2022.
A high-profile remake
KOTOR 2 fans have often criticized the game’s ending for being rushed, a perception stemming from cuts made by Obsidian Entertainment due to time constraints. With the remake, there are hopes that the removed content will be included, which some community members have already restored through a mod. Douglas Reilly, vice president of Lucasfilm Games, has indicated that they will make significant improvements in terms of art and gameplay while maintaining the narrative essence of the original game.
However, the news of the remake has been overshadowed by the cancellation of a DLC called “Restored Content Mod,” which had generated expectations among players. This led to community discontent and a legal action that revealed the complications surrounding the intellectual property rights related to the mod. Lawyers from Disney and Lucasfilm expressed their concerns, which affects the possibility of fan-created content being officially included in the new project.
Despite the setbacks, Reilly has assured that the remake remains viable within Lucasfilm Games’ roadmap, although its release is not imminent. Additionally, there are rumors that significant announcements about KOTOR could be made during the 2025 Game Awards, which fuels expectations among Star Wars saga fans. The community will remain attentive to how these events unfold in the future.
