Action RPG
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Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (Master Collection Vol. 2) – 15 Key Details You Need to Know
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 will include Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, a 2010 PSP title that introduced key gameplay mechanics like the Fulton Extraction System and Mother Base management, which were later expanded upon in Metal Gear Solid V. The collection features remastered versions of Peace Walker, with PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC versions capable of 4K resolution at 60fps. It also includes enhanced features like control remapping and multiple resolution settings, though high-resolution cutscenes may not be available at launch. The collection releases on August 27th for $49.99 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
PS5 Action RPG’s Intense DLC Expansion Out Today on PlayStation Store
The first DLC expansion for the PlayStation 5 action RPG Nioh 3, titled Hell Rising, is now available on the PlayStation Store. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, this expansion introduces new weapons, challenges, an open-field map set in the Keian era, and a new difficulty setting called the Enlightened One's Journey.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope DLC Review – Return to the Zone
The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl expansion, Cost of Hope, offers a non-linear experience with reimagined classic locations and improved gameplay systems. While it delivers on atmosphere and emergent AI behavior, the narrative and NPC depth fall short of their potential. Performance on PC is strong, making it a worthwhile addition for both new and returning players.
‘You Don’t Get XP, But Zones Do’ — How Control Resonant Is Rewriting the Action RPG Rule Book
Control Resonant is introducing a novel approach to action RPGs where defeating bosses has lasting consequences on the game world. This design choice aims to rewrite traditional RPG mechanics by integrating player actions directly into the environment's evolution.
Lord of the Rings: War in the North Legacy Edition Review – The North Still Needs a Fellowship
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition offers a competent remaster of the 2011 action RPG, improving solo play with features like character hot-swapping and a more visible HUD. While the facelift makes the game more comfortable, fundamental issues with repetitive level design, basic combat, and awkward camera angles remain. The game reviewed on PlayStation 5 runs smoothly at 60fps, but its core structure prevents it from feeling like a truly modern experience.
A Canceled Mandalorian Looter Shooter Just Surfaced, and Star Wars Fans Are Devastated
Footage has emerged from the defunct studio Echtra Games showcasing a canceled Star Wars looter shooter set in The Mandalorian universe. The game, which featured a Jedi and a Mandalorian protagonist, appeared to be in an advanced state of development, sparking disappointment and discussion among fans about what could have been.
Redfall Bosses Explain What Happened With The Failed Xbox Exclusive
Former Arkane directors Harvey Smith and Ben Horne, now heading Black Pony Immersive, discussed the challenges and missteps in the development of the Xbox exclusive Redfall. They cited the industry's focus on live-service games and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the great resignation as contributing to the game's difficulties and poor reception. Despite the studio closure and layoffs, a small team returned to release a significant update, 1.4, which improved the game.
The road to Kingdom Hearts 4 goes through Melody of Memory
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory serves as a crucial story recap for players looking to catch up before Kingdom Hearts 4, which is slated for a late 2027 release. While the first half recaps the series' narrative from Kairi's perspective, the latter half reveals critical plot points about Sora's disappearance and the world of Quadratum, directly setting up the events of Kingdom Hearts 4. This rhythm game, exclusive to the Epic Games Store, is essential for understanding the upcoming sequel.
Hack ‘n’ Stack receives Nintendo Switch release date, new trailer
Hack 'n' Stack, a co-op party game from Dodo Tako, will launch digitally on Nintendo Switch on September 24, 2026. The game supports up to four players locally or online, featuring physics-driven combat where almost anything can be used as a weapon. It includes 24 levels across four biomes, customizable heroes, and various enemy types.
Dishonored Director Announces New Studio, And Fans Should Be Very Excited
Veteran game developers Harvey Smith and Ben Horne have announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive, a new studio focused on creating first-person action-RPGs in well-realized worlds. Smith, a co-creator of the Dishonored series, aims to continue the legacy of immersive sims, a genre that has seen fewer releases in recent years. The studio will be based in Austin, Texas, the same location as Arkane Studios.
STALKER 2: Cost of Hope review: An expanded Zone that begs to be explored, even as its faction war fizzles
The Cost of Hope expansion for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl revisits iconic locations like the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and introduces new areas such as the Iron Forest and the town of Lymansk. While the expansion excels in exploration, atmosphere, and tense combat scenarios, its faction conflict storyline feels underdeveloped and lacks meaningful player choice.
Review – Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Switch 2 Upgrade (Switch 2)
This review examines the upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Switch 2, noting significant improvements in performance and resolution, aiming for 60FPS and 4K output. While occasional frame dips and minor graphical softness occur, the overall experience is transformed, making the Switch 2 the definitive platform for the game. New features include additional costumes, a new blade named Momo, and a Merc Assault mode.
Leaker claims Nintendo Switch 2 version of Diablo 4 will finally arrive two days after BlizzCon and include two…
A leaker claims that Diablo 4, along with its expansions Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred, will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15. This rumored 'Age of Hatred Collection' would include a code in the box for the physical edition and is expected to cost $69.99. The release date follows BlizzCon 2026, with pre-orders potentially starting during the event.
Three Decades In, Tomb Raider Is Swapping Genres for Good
The Tomb Raider franchise is undergoing a significant genre shift, moving away from its action-adventure roots towards RPG-inspired systems in the upcoming title, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. This reimagining introduces features like a skill tree, time-slowing combat mechanics, and a focus on enemy pattern study, diverging significantly from the original games. The development has also faced scrutiny regarding the use of generative AI.
Phantom Blade Zero Crushes Expectations Yet Again
Phantom Blade Zero was a standout at the recent PlayStation State of Play, showcasing extensive gameplay that highlighted its varied weapons, fluid combat, and intricate world design. Developer S-Game emphasized the game's Wuxia epic theme, with creative director Qiwei Liang detailing the exploration mechanics and challenging permadeath mode. The article suggests that the game's cohesive vision and depth of content exceed expectations, positioning it as a unique entry in the action RPG genre despite upcoming competition.
The Blood of Dawnwalker – 15 Huge Details You Probably Missed
The Blood of Dawnwalker will feature a 50-70 hour playthrough with a consequence-based story and multiple ending conditions. The game will include dynamic weather affecting gameplay, advanced accessibility options, and quality-of-life features like manual saves. PC requirements are detailed, with no Denuvo, while the Xbox Series X will support 4K and ray tracing, with Xbox Play Anywhere functionality also confirmed.
Control Resonant’s Zones Level Up Over Time and Introduce New Challenges With Each Resonant Kill
Remedy Entertainment's Control Resonant features a unique progression system where zones, not the player character Dylan, gain experience and level up, unlocking zone improvements and new challenges. Defeating 'Resonants' grants abilities but also increases enemy difficulty and spawns new threats globally, requiring strategic decision-making. The game launches September 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a physical edition delayed to October 15th.
Phantom Blade Zero Pre-orders “Far Exceeded Expectations” in First Week, Says Director
Phantom Blade Zero's director, Qiwei Liang, announced that pre-orders for the upcoming action RPG have far exceeded expectations within the first week of availability. The game, which features Donnie Yen in a significant role, is set to launch on October 29th for PlayStation 5 and PC. It currently holds strong pre-order rankings on both Steam and the PlayStation Store.
Horizon Hunters Gathering Rebooted After “Negative Player Feedback” With “Far Smaller” Scope – Rumor
Horizon Hunters Gathering is reportedly being rebooted by Guerrilla Games due to negative player feedback from closed playtests, shifting away from a live-service model to a more traditional co-op experience with a smaller scope. This change follows Sony's reassessment of its live-service initiatives after the failure of Concord, with the future of Hunters Gathering dependent on impressing executives by December. The next single-player Horizon game is still years away and likely to skip the current console generation.
Nioh 3’s Hell Rising DLC is Out Now
The first major DLC for Nioh 3, titled Hell Rising, is now available on PC and PlayStation 5. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, the expansion introduces new missions, enemies, weapon types, and a new difficulty mode set in Edo. A second DLC, Bloody Insurrection, is also confirmed to be in development.
