Author: GeeViouS

In 2008, Kojima Productions released what was billed as the swan song for Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear series: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. The game had the staggering task of tying up decades of storytelling by bringing together Solid Snake, Ocelot, Otacon, Raiden, and many more characters for one explosive finale. The adventure centers on a rapidly aging Solid Snake racing against the clock to stop his twin and nemesis, Liquid Snake, one last time. Of course, there are far more bizarre shenanigans at play. 

Guns of the Patriots was acclaimed for its storytelling, cinematic presentation, and evolution of the series' stealth gameplay, namely the OctoCamo suit that allowed Snake to mimic the appearance/texture of any surface he touched. It is also one of the few games to score a rare 10/10 from Game Informer. Now, thanks to the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, we can finally revisit MGS 4 without dusting off a PlayStation 3. 

Join recent Metal Gear convert Charles Harte, who will be on the sticks to experience Guns of the Patriots (via the Master Collection Vol. 2) for the very first time, alongside long-time series fan Marcus Stewart, who is revisiting MGS 4 for the first time in over a decade. The stream kicks off today live on Twitch and YouTube at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET, and will continue for two hours each week until we roll credits. 

Episode 1 - Charles Goes in Blind

Apparently not to be outdone by PlayStation airing back-to-back State of Play presentations this week, Nintendo has announced two Direct broadcasts scheduled for next week. This includes a traditional Nintendo Direct and a special Direct celebrating The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary.

The news was first announced on the Nintendo Today app. On Tuesday, September 8, The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Direct airs at 7:00 a.m. PT/10:00 a.m. ET. It will last approximately 30 minutes. Nintendo has not detailed what announcements to expect, but it's fair to assume updates on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and the live-action film The Legend of Zelda are on the table. 

The next day, Wednesday, September 9, a standard Nintendo Direct airs at 7:00 a.m. PT/10:00 a.m. ET. This presentation will run for roughly 45 minutes. It’s anyone’s guess as to what to expect. Announced upcoming Nintendo first-party/Switch-exclusive projects, other than the aforementioned Ocarina of Time, include Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, which launches on September 17, as well as Xenoblade Genesis and Pokémon Winds and Waves, both of which arrive next year. Nintendo has a penchant for announcing major projects with little to no prior hints or leaks, so it's fair to expect just about anything could be showcased next week. 

What announcements do you hope/expect to see at these Nintendo Directs? Let us know in the comments!

Xbox has announced a major change to its cloud gaming service, which is included in Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. Starting in November, Game Pass plans will now have limits on the number of hours players can spend cloud gaming based on their subscription tier. 

Xbox Cloud Gaming launched in 2020 and allows users to stream select games over the internet to supported mobile devices, letting them enjoy console-quality experiences on the go. There has never been a limit to using the feature, but this will soon change according to an Xbox Wire Post. In November, the number of cloud gaming hours allotted each month will be as follows: 

“Today, eligible Game Pass subscribers can stream without these monthly hour limits,” reads Xbox’s post. “We recognize that introducing limits is a meaningful change, particularly for players who regularly spend more time gaming through the cloud. We expect this upcoming change to impact 4% of Game Pass subscribers.”

Xbox adds that once players use up the hours of cloud gaming play time included in their monthly subscription, they can purchase additional hours. This pricing has not been detailed yet, and will vary by market. Additionally, players can now use cloud gaming without subscribing to Game Pass by purchasing cloud playtime hours à la carte to stream games on supported devices. Xbox promises to provide information on pricing for playtime hours, the eligible games, how to check remaining hours, and more in November. 

As for why Xbox is making this change, it states, “We’re introducing this model because the cost of providing cloud gaming grows as more people use it and play for longer. Moving to monthly limits allows us to keep offering the service while continuing to invest in its reliability and performance. We understand that for some players the practical result is a higher cost.”

This move is the latest big change in a year full of them for Xbox. Following the appointment of current CEO Asha Sharma in February, the company has undergone a massive restructuring, resulting in 3,000 layoffs across the entire Xbox division and the splitting off of five internal development studios. Xbox Game Pass subscriptions dropped in price in response to a previous hike, but Xbox consoles had another price increase in the past month. Most recently, Xbox announced a program letting players use their physical game discs to claim entitlement to their digital counterparts. These big shifts come as Xbox prepares its next-generation console, Project Helix. 

If today's State of Play from PlayStation wasn't enough gaming news, Konami was hot in its heels with its own showcase. The Press Start stream showed off looks at a handful of Konami games, with new trailers and details. Here's a rundown of everything we saw.

Release Date: September 24

Motoi Okamoto, Silent Hill series producer, teed up a new trailer showing off the game's creators and cast. Writer/director Jon McKellan tells the story of how he cast Jovan Adepo as Simon after seeing his performance in Three Body Problem, how Terry O'Quinn (Lost) was his dream casting for the game (he did an impression of O'Quinn in an early teaser) and how the studio was excited to reunite with Kezia Burrows, who worked with developer Screen Burn Interactive on 2019's Observation.

For more on the game, check out our thoughts from a Summer Game Fest demo.

Release Date: October 15

This new footage of Belmont's Curse provides a look at some new abilities and weapons Rose can equip, but it also showed off a trio of formidable new bosses. It looks just as good as it did when I played it in France back in June.

Release Date: TBA

This game has you create levels for a 3D platformer using a 3D block grid system. You can create levels, share them online, and compete for high scores. The trailer mostly shows off gameplay on mobile devices and PCs. It also includes crossovers with Castlevania and Contra, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more crossovers with other Konami franchises.

Release Date: Out Now

A new trailer for the Switch 2 game that teases a Leagues mode, which comes out this Autumn, was shown. 

Release Date: TBA

This roguelike deckbuilder was announced in September 2023 as Konami's first "Web3 project." Today's trailer showed off some new gameplay, but if its current iteration includes any blockchain-based elements, today's footage did not mention it, and it's excluded from the game's steam page. It combines strategic and narrative elements, and the story has multiple endings depending on your actions during the campaign.

Release Date: 2027

This is one of Konami's headliners, and it looks like a big swing into the action-RPG genre. Rev. Noir follows Asch and his companions as they attempt to end Lightfall, a catastrophe that turns people into blight husks, killing them. In this world, people also live according to their Astral Ordinances, and while many people accept them without question while the world is peaceful, Lightfall's return changes things. Asch Finé, and the rest of their companions embark on a journey next year on PS5, Xbox, and PC.

Release Date: TBA

Revealed during today's State of Play, the Press Play showcase gives another look at Rhapsody in Scarlet. Co-Producer Takanori Murayama reveals the protagonist, Ellie Myer, is played by Cherami Leigh in English, while her Japanese VO will be provided by Akari Kito. Meanwhile, Ilya, a supporting character, will be voiced by Hannah Grace, with a Japanese performance from Saori Onishi. Murayama also shares a little more about the game's combat, hinting at customizable combat-based gameplay. The trailer shows footage of Rhapsody in Scarlet's New York City, and includes a jazz performance from Soil & "Pimp" sessions and singer Emi Meyer.

Sony hosted a double-header showcase today, split between its main State of Play showcase and a specific State of Play Japan right after. The first showcase hosted quite a bit of new info, from release dates for big games to reveals of upcoming titles. State of Play Japan, right after, veered into a series of trailers for Japan-developed titles for PlayStation consoles with host Yuki Kaji.

Here's everything we saw in the big September 2026 showcase for Sony State of Play Japan.

Release Date: 2027

Leading off today's showcase is a trailer for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, showing the many, many characters and fighting styles we can expect to see in the new entry of Bandai Namco's Xenoverse series. It looks packed full of Dragon Ball action, as well as the many cameos you'd hope for. Really, though, I'm just looking forward to making my awesome Saiyan avatar and having him do nothing but Ginyu Force moves.

Release Date: January 28, 2027

Though it was recently shifted to a new publisher in Aniplex, Fate/Extra Record seems to be pushing ahead towards a January 2027 release date. This remake of the original 2010 dungeon-crawling RPG Fate/Extra certainly looks intriguing for all the Nasuverse fans. Now, they won't be waiting long until the full game arrives.

Release Date: 2027

Today's trailer showed off the new vertical zones in Ascendance, which the hunter and their Seikret can float around in. Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto sat down with the host to share some new info, including the name of our new Elder Dragon, Gundoraja. 

Release Date: December 3, 2026

The latest Dragon Quest Monsters game is headed to PlayStation 5 (as well as Switch 1 and 2, Xbox, and PC), and we got a new glimpse of the exciting journey ahead. It will be, of course, filled with various Dragon Quest Monsters from throughout the series. In today's trailer, we got to see some colosseum fights as well as some story teases. And I also really dig the brides from Dragon Quest V taking the lead in this game. You can look forward to that in December.

Release Date: 2027

This is some news for a very specific subset of anime and manga fans, but an Eminence In Shadow game is on the way. Few details were given, other than it starring Alpha of Shadow Garden and seemingly showing a darker version of the main protagonist from The Eminence In Shadow. (Which, by the way, is a surprisingly fun and comedic take on isekai stories, if you're looking for something a little off the beaten path.) It's also a roguelite of some kind. This likely appeals to a very specific subset of fans, but if you're in that group, it might be worth keeping an eye on Phantom Echoes.

Release Date: September 24, 2026

Remember Rematch? The surprisingly excellent soccer title from Sifu developer SloClap? Well, the anime hit Blue Lock is crossing over into Rematch, with some special cosmetics this September. Honestly, I like it as an excuse to get back into Rematch. I've been itching to revisit this game, and maybe the power of anime will help me score a few more goals than I normally would have.

Release Date: November 5, 2026

A new game under CyGames' new publishing label, Where The Seeds Fall is a game about risk-taking vertical jumps and platforming, as your hero tries to descend down the World Tree. The main story takes about three hours to play, but there are also extra levels and time trials. It's a pretty neat new effort from CyGames Edge, and I'm happy to see something new and novel get a spotlight here amid some big names.

Release Date: March 5, 2027

Bandai Namco's new action-driven Gundam game Rogue Orbit got a March release date during the Sony State of Play, and a sit-down interview section during today's State of Play Japan put the spotlight on a few more cool notes. Namely, you can pilot a version of the Gundam RX-78-2 in Rogue Orbit. That's really all I wanted. Well, maybe add the Gundam Sandrock and that windmill one from G Gundam, too.

Release Date: 2028

This brand-new game had surprisingly little fanfare during the show, but its trailer description adds at least a little more context. WPCA seems to be an action-horror game, immediately reminiscent of Scarlet Nexus. (When are we getting another one of those, by the way?) As a containment agent of the Seoul Branch of the World Phasebound Control Authority (WPCA), your job is to apparently slice, dice, and destroy supernatural phenomena for the benefit of humanity. We've got some time to learn more, though, as it's currently targeting a 2028 launch.

Release Date: October 21, 2026

Man, I really love the vibe of Stupid Never Dies. It feels like a long-lost Xbox 360 game in the best way. Today's trailer for the pop-punk dungeon-diver showed off a bunch of boss characters, ranging from the werewolf Wolfgang and vampire Dragul to a scary specter named Takiyasha-Hime. If you're curious about this one ahead of its October release, a demo is out today with the first two hours of the game, and save data will carry over to the final. Pop punk never dies!

Release Date: Spring 2027

This gorgeous 3D anime side-scrolling action game has apparently had a closed beta rolling around for a while now, but today's cinematic trailer revealed a new demo out today, featuring a new map and a total of three playable characters now available. I'm admittedly in the dark on this one, but I like how colorful and action-filled the game looks. And it's a demo! No better way to try and pitch me than offering a taster slice of the game up for free.

Release Date: Winter 2026

Bandai Namco took the virtual stage next to announce two new DLC additions to existing games in its catalog. The first: Sword Art Online game Echoes of Aincrad is getting a new DLC this winter, centering on the Genesis Maidens. Mito from Sword Art Online Progressive will join the fray; there's a new Curved Sword weapon type, and some new systems to dig into. My experience with SAO goes as far as exactly a single season of the anime, but I did get a kick out of Echoes of Aincrad's permadeath mode. More games should have that.

Release Date: 2027

Second on the Bandai Namco DLC lineup, Digimon Story Time Stranger is getting its big new story DLC in 2027. Dubbed A Hero's Eternal Legacy, the new story will center on a new protagonist, with new maps in Iliad and 50 new Digimon. That's a whole lot of new. Digimon fans have often raved about this series as a viable competitor in the monster-trainer genre, and though I only got enough time to dip my toes into Time Stranger, maybe this is a good enough push to get further in.

Release Date: 2027

Saying it up front: I love this name. "CONQ." Onomatopoetic is your word of the day, and CONQ is it. Anyways, CONQ is not a grim reboot of the Conker series but is instead an action game that seems to lift some good notes from various Assassin's Creed entries, including Black Flag and Valhalla. We've got Viking warriors, ship battles, cannons, and even some impressive-looking castle sieges. Add in some magical powers, like summoning the undead, and I'm pretty interested in CONQ. You'll have to wait a bit to CONQ, though, as it won't launch until sometime next year.

Release Date: TBD

Revealed during the preceding State of Play, we got a longer look at Rhapsody In Scarlet, the strangely magical New York action game that looks to pit mages and wizards against each other in a roaring '20s setting. It looks absolutely bonkers, but honestly? I'm enjoying how strange it all is. Producer Takanori Murayama offered some more details in a sit-down interview, expanding on the story of polar-opposite characters Ellie and Ilya caught up in the drama of this magical Big Apple. Even more new information is set for the upcoming Konami presentation today, so keep an eye out for that.

Release Date: 2027

The new RPG from Konami is certainly laden with proper nouns and mysterious dialogue, with phrases like "Travelers of the Cessation." That does, however, mean it's probably of high interest to people who love deep party-driven RPGs, like myself. We got a glimpse at the journey ahead, and the potentially grim twists and turns waiting for Asch and crew. This one stays on my radar as an under-the-radar RPG to watch for next year.

Release Date: Spring 2027

Another new game reveal, and part of Sony's China Hero Project, Daba: Land of Water Scar is a third-person action game where you play as a clayman brought to life, seeking to seize the water and reforge the divine soul. In practice, it looks like a challenging action game, likely with some parries, impressive boss fights, and various weapons to master. The aesthetic really draws me in here; I love the ornamental attire on the various characters we see in the trailer, and some of the attacks — from both foes and the player character — are wonderfully balletic. Consider me intrigued for the spring 2027 arrival of Daba.

Release Date: TK

The Complete Edition of Ghost of Yotei is on the way, with several modes and new gameplay options packed in. During the stream, Fairouz Ai sat down with the host of State of Play Japan to discuss her own approach to playing Atsu in Japanese, including taking cues from Erika Ishii's performance and the drama of specific moments in Yotei's story. We also got a narrative trailer for the Echoes of Sekigahara expansion, arriving as part of the Complete Edition. That, alongside the Most Wanted mode shown off during the State of Play, arrives on October 1, 2026.