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Mortal Shell II Is Now Out On Xbox, PlayStation And PC
Mortal Shell II, the standalone sequel from Cold Symmetry and publisher Playstack, is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. This action RPG features faster combat, deeper weapon customization, and a compact open world with secrets and dungeons. The game removes the stamina gauge for a more aggressive approach while retaining challenging encounters and the signature Shell system.
Mortal Shell 2 review: A monumental heavy metal sequel with the spirit of a '90s PC game
Mortal Shell 2 is a monumental sequel that blends modern Soulslike elements with the spirit of '90s PC games, offering a unique and humorous take on the genre. It significantly improves upon its predecessor with diverse playable 'Shells,' a more straightforward narrative, and innovative combat mechanics that forgo a stamina bar, making it highly accessible and flexible.
Mortal Shell 2 review: "The best Soulslike I've played since Elden Ring thanks to brilliant death-dealing toys and speedy combat"
Mortal Shell 2 is a superior and more accessible sequel to the original, offering faster combat and a world dense with ideas. While it doesn't dethrone Elden Ring, it stands as a strong Soulslike with its own merits, featuring unique "mortal shells" with distinct abilities and a satisfying combat system. Despite minor issues with camera control and difficulty balance, the game is a visually impressive and fun experience available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 17 to 21
This week's "Next Week on Xbox" feature highlights numerous game releases for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC between August 17 and 21, including titles available on Game Pass. Notable releases include S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (DLC), Backyard Baseball, The Sinking City 2, and Mortal Shell II, alongside a variety of indie titles across different genres.
Best New Xbox And Game Pass Games For August 2026
August 2026 is set to be a strong month for Xbox and Game Pass, featuring a diverse lineup of new releases. Highlights include the action RPG Beast of Reincarnation and the story-driven Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, both launching day one on Game Pass. Other notable titles span genres like survival horror, strategy, and multiplayer warfare, offering something for every player.
Narrative Notebook #5 – UNBEATABLE's music video vibes can't be beat
This analysis delves into the narrative design of the rhythm game UNBEATABLE, highlighting its unique approach to storytelling through music and its "artificial reality" aesthetic, drawing parallels to music videos and film trailers. Co-director RJ Lake discusses the challenges of conveying emotion and meaning without explicit exposition, emphasizing the game's demand for player interpretation.
Unbeatable delayed on Nintendo Switch 2, statement shared
The release of Unbeatable on Nintendo Switch 2 has been delayed due to performance issues. Developer D-Cell stated that the game is not running at a satisfactory frame rate, detracting from the experience. A new release date has not yet been announced, but the team is working to improve performance.
Mortal Shell 2 sells out of physical Revered Edition PS5 pre-orders as players rush to buy the highly-anticipated game on disc
Physical pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 Revered Edition of Mortal Shell 2 have completely sold out, with publisher Playstack announcing that supply has been fully reserved across retailers. Due to manufacturing and shipping times, it is unlikely that additional copies will become available before the game's August 20th release date. The standard edition of the game remains available for pre-order.
Mortal Shell 2’s Limited Physical Edition Sells Out on PS5
The physical "Revered Edition" of Mortal Shell 2 for PlayStation 5 has sold out due to high demand, exceeding publisher Playstack's expectations. While a limited supply issue, the sell-out highlights continued consumer interest in physical game releases. The game is set to launch on August 20th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Upcoming Souls-Like So Popular It Sells Out Of PS5 Preorders
The upcoming souls-like game Mortal Shell 2 has sold out of its physical PlayStation 5 preorders due to exceeding expectations. Developer Cold Symmetry and publisher Playstack announced that the limited supply of the Revered Edition could not meet demand, and replenishment before the August 20 release date is unlikely. A demo is currently available on Steam.
Aream & Co: Gaming M&A hits $2.3bn in Q2, highest level since 2022
Gaming mergers and acquisitions reached $2.3 billion in Q2 2026, marking the highest level since 2022, according to Aream & Co. Mid-market acquisitions, particularly in PC and mobile gaming, drove this growth. Despite a decline in mobile installs and spending, PC gaming saw a 13% increase, and Nintendo reported significant revenue gains from its Switch 2 hardware and software.
PlayStation 5 Sequel to Sleeper Hit PS4 RPG Gets Release Date
Cold Symmetry and Playstack have announced that Mortal Shell 2, a sequel to the 2020 action RPG, will release on August 20, 2026, for PlayStation 5. The game will feature faster combat, deeper weapon design, and an emphasis on free exploration within a compact open world. It will be available in Standard and Devout Editions, with a retail "Revered Edition" also planned.
'Balatro' Plays Winning Hand at GDCA 2025, Receiving Game of the Year
Balatro, the indie roguelike deckbuilder from solo developer LocalThunk, won Game of the Year at the 25th annual Game Developers Choice Awards. The game also secured wins for Best Debut, Best Design, and the Innovation Award. Other notable winners included Astro Bot for Best Audio and Best Technology, and Sam Lake received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 10 best games I played during Steam Next Fest: June 2026 edition
This article highlights ten notable games showcased during the June 2026 Steam Next Fest, featuring a diverse range of indie titles. Despite the overwhelming number of demos, the author found several promising games, including Moss: The Forgotten Relic, FISH, and GEPPY-X, maintaining optimism for the future of gaming.
Raccoin: Coin Pusher Roguelike announced for Nintendo Switch 2
Playstack and Doraccoon have announced Raccoin: Coin Pusher Roguelike, a roguelike deckbuilder that combines coin pusher mechanics with strategic item usage. The game is planned for a fall release on consoles, including the Nintendo Switch 2. Players can expect to discover unique coins and items to create powerful combos and utilize different characters with distinct playstyles.
Unbeatable confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2, will have a physical release
Unbeatable, an anime-inspired rhythm adventure game, is confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Publisher Playstack and developer D-Cell Games announced the upcoming title, which will also receive a physical release produced by iam8bit. The game features rhythm-based gameplay, story mode, and an arcade mode with unlockable content.
Mortal Shell 2 deconstructs the mechanics of Soulslikes even more effectively than its predecessor
Mortal Shell 2 effectively deconstructs Soulslike mechanics, building upon its predecessor's foundation with evolved systems like the 'hardening' mechanic now tied to equippable Seals. The game offers significant build variety through these Seals, addressing the rigid character archetypes of the original. While the beta shows promise, some technical polish and clarity issues remain, but fans of the genre should keep an eye on its development.
Playstack CEO pledges to be 'mindful' about growth after majority takeover
UK publisher Playstack has been acquired by Integrated Media Company (IMC), which purchased an 84.5 percent stake from previous owner TruFin for approximately £125 million. Playstack CEO Harvey Elliott stated that the company's operational model will remain largely unchanged, with IMC and its parent company Texas Pacific Group supporting Playstack's growth plans. Elliott also indicated that studio acquisitions are a possibility for future expansion.
Playstack sold, Xbox announces business 'reset,' and is generative AI poisoning the well? - Patch Notes #56
Playstack has been sold to Integrated Media Company, with TruFin divesting its majority stake. Xbox announced a business 'reset' involving potential layoffs and studio closures, as confirmed by leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. Concerns are also rising about generative AI's impact on the industry, with Take-Two's former head of AI, Luke Dicken, expressing worries about the current hype cycle.
Playstack CEO: new owner will keep it separate from its games media brands including GamesSpot and Fandom
Playstack, the publisher behind games like Balatro and Abiotic Factor, has been acquired by Integrated Media Company (IMC), the owner of Fandom and GameSpot. CEO Harvey Elliott stated that Playstack will remain a separate entity and continue its strategy as a "variety publisher" with a commitment to an eclectic lineup through 2028. The new ownership structure is expected to provide scale without operational integration, ensuring no staff changes and continued respect for Playstack's creative decisions.
