Persona5: The Phantom Xlaunched earlier this week as a free-to-play JRPG spin-off of Persona5 Royal, and within the first 48 hours of the game's launch it has already become the second most popular game in the Persona franchise, at least if the Steam numbers are anything to go by. According to SteamDB, which tracks concurrent player counts, Persona5: The Phantom X has already reached a peak concurrent player count of 41,622 players, which is over 6,000 higher than Persona 5 Royal, which launched in 2022. Persona5: The Phantom X also launched simultaneously on the Google Play Store, where it has already surpassed 500,000 downloads, and on the Apple App Store.

At the time of writing, the only Persona game that still maintains a higher all-time peak concurrent player count than Persona5: The Phantom X is Persona 3 Reload, which launched on Steam in January 2024 and almost immediately peaked at 45,002 concurrent players. Part of the reason for the success of The Phantom X is likely the free-to-play nature, and despite the solid player count, not everything about the launch is positive, with the current Steam review rating sitting at a rather mediocre 71% positive. Most of the negative reviews on the Steam Store page point to aggressive monetization and gacha mechanics, which are often perceived as predatory, although there are many reviews that still praise the game for not taking the gacha side too far and delivering a game that sticks to the JRPG roots of the Persona games. Persona5: The Phantom X features heavily stylized visuals typical of a Persona game, and turn-based spectacle combat, and the story follows a high school student who goes on nightly adventures to thwart villains and bring back order to the world.

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. has announced CODE VEIN II, the next major action RPG from Bandai Namco Studios Inc. and a follow-up to the 2019 hit CODE VEIN. Showcased at Summer Game Fest, the debut trailer introduces a post-apocalyptic world where memories of loss echo across time and the fate of the Revenants and humanity hangs by a thread. Featuring dynamic action with strategic combat, explorable environments, intense boss battles, and memorable characters that drive the rich narrative forward, players are called to wield time itself as a weapon. CODE VEIN II is coming in 2026 to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

CODE VEIN II features a deep narrative where players and characters are bound by blood, fate, and destiny, set in a future where the last remnants of humanity and Revenants struggle against a world on the verge of collapse. Following the sudden emergence of a threat known as the Luna Rapacis, Revenants have succumbed to madness, transforming into terrifying creatures called Horrors. A Revenant Hunter, guided by a mysterious girl named Lou who possesses the power to travel into the past to rewrite the fate of the world. The player, as the Revenant Hunter, will intervene in key moments of history to alter key revenants' destinies that reveal hidden truths and information to save the future.

One of the greatest games in the entire FINAL FANTASY series is back! FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles releases September 30th for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. This enhanced version has been created by a team composed of both original team members and new developers, and features everything that made the 1997 PlayStation original so acclaimed. That includes the epic story, the satisfyingly strategic battles and the flexible job system—but it also adds new content and features that make the game even more fun to play. We'll go into those new additions shortly, but first, for those new to the game…

What is FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles?
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles is a tactical RPG that tells the true history of a troubled land. Following the death of the king, a mere boy of two ascends the throne. That means whoever is named regent essentially rules the land. Two dukes vie for the position—Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion. These powerful figures are destined to clash, and the resulting conflict would become known as the War of the Lions.

On the dawn of the fifth day, 3.5 million Nightfarers took up arms against the Night in ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN. We are ever grateful for your passion. But the Night is far from over. In addition to the DLC releasing later this year, new additions will be gradually implemented, including enhanced fights against existing Nightlords starting this month, as well as Duo Expeditions at a later date.Thank you for your support.

Nightfarers, Thank you for playing ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN. Patch 1.01.1 is out; it includes several bug fixes as well as improvements for solo expeditions. The following improvements for solo expeditions are added to the game:

• The effect "Automatic Revival Upon Defeat", which allows revival once per night boss battle, will be added to solo expeditions.
• The number of runes gained will be increased.

Welcome to the first week of June, which kicks off the summer with a whimper when it comes to new games, courtesy of the Switch 2 launch which seems to be getting all the spotlight when it comes to new game releases. As such, this week's major release is a retro RPG that takes place in the Undertale universe. This is followed by a co-op platform adventurer, your chance to become a 1980's industry tycoon, trying to clear your name after having been accused of murder, take on the role of the hero in a new JRPG and finally you have the chance to explore a long lost underground civilization.

Deltarune / This week's major release / Wednesday 4 June
Dive into the parallel story to Undertale. Fight or spare your way through action-packed battles as you explore a mysterious world alongside an endearing cast of new and familiar characters. Chapters 1-4 will be available on launch, with more planned as free updates. Steam link

ELDEN RING Nightreign, the standalone multiplayer co-op action survival game by FromSoftware, Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., is now available to players, having already surpassed the milestone of 2 million units. In the game, players must navigate the twists and turns and various challenges in the harsh and unforgiving world of Limveld—a new land to explore in the ELDEN RING universe.

The game thrusts players into co-op multiplayer PVE combat against a harsh and unforgiving world. Teaming up in squads of three—or daring to go solo—they must outlast a three day-and-night cycle, making split decisions about combat and exploration across a changing map to become strong enough to take down terrifying bosses, including the occasional familiar foe from prior FromSofware games, at the end of each day. ELDEN RING Nightreign is available now in Standard and Deluxe edition as well as a physical Collector's Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Dragon Quest is the beloved series that's widely credited for founding the entire JPRG (Japanese role-playing game) genre. Every year, fans around the world (usually) celebrate Dragon Quest Day on May 27-the release date of the very first game in 1986. And so: Happy (belated) Dragon Quest Day! Whether this is your first time hearing about the series or you're a longtime fan, it's the perfect day to step into the world of these amazing games! So, celebrate with us as we tell you all about the wonders of Dragon Quest.

Introducing Legendary Creators
The Dragon Quest franchise was brought to life by a trio of legendary creators. Yuji Horii is the visionary game designer and creator of the series and has shaped its direction since the original title's release in 1986. The distinctive character designs were crafted by the late Akira Toriyama, the world-renowned manga artist. Complementing visuals and storytelling is the iconic music composed by the late Koichi Sugiyama. Together, these three pioneers established a legacy that continues to inspire RPGs today, and each of their specific elements have become the defining traits of the Dragon Quest experience.

The release of Fantasy Life i is just around the corner! We hope you guys are as excited as we are. Make sure to check when exactly the game launches in your timezone (see chart below). Are you ready to start your new Life in this Fantasy World? Step into this Slow-Life RPG where you can freely switch between 14 unique jobs, so-called "Lives," and enjoy a carefree life in a fantasy world. Fish, cook, shape the island to your liking, or team up with friends to battle monsters across the vast world.

LEVEL5 has announced that "Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time" is available for Early / Advanced Access on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and PC/Steam—as of May 18 (yesterday). The full game is playable ahead of the scheduled general release on May 21.

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is heating up springtime in Boston with can't miss activations at PAX East, including a brand-new demo for FromSoftware, Inc.'s hotly anticipated next game, ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN. The demo will feature large in an immersive theater on the show floor, where popular content creators will enlist players to take on the game's challenging three-player co-op action, and if successful win prizes for everyone the audience. SHADOW LABYRINTH, the 2D action platformer with a surprising Sci-Fi take on the iconic PAC-MAN, will also be at the show as part of the panel "A Platform for Adventure: Metroidvania Game Makers Roundtable." Organized by Bandai Namco, the panel brings together developers, and (subject matter expert) Jeremy Parish as moderator to discuss the resurgence of the genre.

PAX East 2025 takes place May 8 - 11 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is located at the Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. booth (#16055). SHADOW LABYRINTH will be on the panel "A Platform for Adventure: Metroidvania Game Makers Roundtable" taking place at 2:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 10, at the Albatross Theater. For show information, visit: www.bandainamcoent.com/events/pax-east.

HYTE, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge PC components and peripherals, announced today its continued partnership with ATLUS for its latest HYTE Collection with Metaphor: ReFantazio. Starting today, fans can pre-order a Y70 computer case themed after the game, accompanying keycaps, desk pads, and more—all with an aesthetic that is fit for aspirant royalty! To learn more, and to pre-order these items, head over here. As part of this latest project, HYTE worked closely with the Metaphor: ReFantazio team on the case, keycaps, and desk pad's design to ensure a high-quality product that is authentic to the game's environment and themes. The Metaphor: ReFantazio Y70 case lovingly displays the game's incredible artwork on its glass panels. Fans can also expect in-game elements thoughtfully integrated across the Y70's metal paneling, a custom metal plate that calls back to the game, and a deep mahogany colorway made for this collaboration.

Fans can also pre-order the Metaphor: ReFantazio Keycap Set, which comes with 152 individual keycaps that are fully compatible with ANSI / ISO / JIS WW keyboards. Like with the Y70, in-game elements, typography, and design inspired by the game, along with the deep mahogany colorway, have also been integrated into the keycaps. As part of this lineup, HYTE is also launching three 900 mm x 400 mm Desk Pads, a 60 cm x 45 cm Wall Scroll, and a Metaphor: ReFantazio keychain with a special glowing effect that lets natural backlight shine through - all of which feature the game's impeccable artwork in stunning detail.

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN, the standalone multiplayer co-op action survival game by FromSoftware, Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., unveiled a new trailer to showcase an overview of the systems at players' disposal to conquer the game's various challenges in its harsh and unforgiving world. The network test was just a glimpse of the surface of the game's malleability, as the world of Limveld can twist and change with each run. Discover what awaits players when ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN launches later this month, by watching the new Gameplay Overview trailer (below).

In ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN, players must make split-second decisions about combat and exploration across a map that can fluctuate with different biomes, weapons, and enemies in order to become stronger, and outrun the encroaching circle of fire to be able to take on terrifying bosses at the end of each day. This culminates on the third day, where if players were successful in surviving the night must take on one of the Nightlords—new bosses for this version. Nightfarers must learn to cooperate to take down these challenges, combining their unique abilities together for an unparalleled experience in the ELDEN RING universe. All is not lost for those who fall in defeat. Unsuccessful runs will grant players relics to allow them to customize and upgrade their characters tailored to their personal play styles.

Hey everyone! We're almost exactly one year past the release of Sea of Stars (!!!), and while we've been a bit quiet lately, we're excited to share some fantastic news today. Throes of the Watchmaker is coming Spring 2025, for free! Visit the DLC's website for everything there is to know so far. We hope you're as excited as we are about this new adventure!

Malevolent Spectacle Awaits
Throes of the Watchmaker finds the Solstice Warriors Valere and Zale venturing into the miniature clockwork world of Horloge. In this magical land where denizens are threatened by a cursed carnival, our heroes will need to adapt to unfamiliar rules if their Sun and Moon powers are to manifest.

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN, the standalone multiplayer co-op action survival game by FromSoftware, Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., challenges players with PVE combat against a harsh and unforgiving world. Teaming up in squads of three—or daring to go solo—players must choose one of eight Nightfarers, each with different abilities, to outlast a three day-and-night cycle. Of these eight intrepid adventurers, the first four have been revealed with character trailers, the latest of which is the element-wielding mage, the Recluse. ELDEN RING Nightreign launches for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on May 30.

In ELDEN RING Nightreign, players must make split-second decisions about combat and exploration across a map that can fluctuate with different biomes, weapons, and enemies in order to become stronger, and outrun the encroaching circle of fire to be able to take on terrifying bosses at the end of each day. This culminates on the third day, where if players were successful in surviving the night must take on one of the Nightlords—new bosses for this version. Nightfarers must learn to cooperate to take down these challenges, combining their unique abilities together for an unparalleled experience in the ELDEN RING universe. All is not lost for those who fall in defeat. Unsuccessful runs will grant players relics to allow them to customize and upgrade their characters tailored to their personal play styles.

The Hundred-day war between "extremeness" and "despair" begins..."The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy" is finally out, as of yesterday! Please enjoy this one-of-a-kind work born from the creators' "madness and passion" to your heart's content. Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi join forces for the first time to deliver the ULTIMATE adventure game! 15 students are tasked with defending a school from grotesque monsters for 100 days. Can they make it to the end? And will they survive long enough to uncover the truth? Takumi Sumino is a totally average teenager living in the Tokyo Residential Complex, a place where every day is much like the last and nothing bad ever happens.

All that changes when freakish monsters attack the town and start wreaking havoc. A strange creature calling himself Sirei appears and offers Takumi the power to protect those he holds dear... All he has to do is stab himself in the chest! The next thing he knows, Takumi is in Last Defense Academy, a school in the middle of nowhere surrounded by a wall of otherworldly flames. He and 14 other students have been drafted into the Special Defense Unit, a team tasked with keeping the school safe for the next 100 days. How much are they willing to sacrifice to take back their normal lives and save the world from the grotesque school invaders?

Players will get to fight epic battles in SUPER ROBOT WARS Y, slated to release on 28 of August 2025. Part of the SUPER ROBOT WARS series, the title will bring this grid-based tactical JRPG to PC via Steam. Also, digital pre-orders are now opened for PC via Steam. In SUPER ROBOT WARS Y, players will compete in turn-based tactical combat on grid-based maps while controlling a team of pilots with various abilities. They will get to enjoy fan-favorite units from past games, as well brand-new ones to the franchise, including some appearing on console for the very first time.

Conquer fate and embark on a journey into the new saga in SUPER ROBOT WARS Y. Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. and developed by Bandai Namco Forge Digitals Inc. SUPER ROBOT WARS Y is a grid-based tactical combat RPG that brings mechs and pilots from beloved series like Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury Season 1, Code Geass Lelouch of the Re;surrection, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, SSSS.DYNAZENON, Getter Robo Arc, Macross Delta: Passionate Walküre and more to battle mutual foes. The game will be available on consoles and PC beginning August 28.

To celebrate the release of Lunar Remastered Collection—out now for PC (Steam), Xbox One (compatible with Xbox Series X|S), PlayStation 4 (compatible with PS5), and Nintendo Switch—I sat down with our Senior Graphic Designer, Amy Nguyen, and talked to her about how this remaster's logo came to be. I asked her about her inspirations, her design process, and more!

Dive into the enchanting worlds of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete! Tag along on Alex and Hiro's quests and challenge enemies like the Magic Emperor and God of Destruction to save the world from dire peril in two adventures set 1000 years apart from each other! LUNAR Remastered Collection brings together LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete with enhanced graphics, audio, and quality-of-life improvements. Available for the first time on modern consoles, this remastered edition honors the beloved series that has remained in the heart of gamers since its initial release in 1992.

Happy Anniversary to SaGa Emerald Beyond! The fabulously free-form RPG released April 25 last year, so it's nearly a whole year old. They grow up so fast. To celebrate, we have a very exciting collaboration to announce—a new SaGa Emerald Beyond-themed update for the utterly awesome Vampire Survivors! Titled "Emerald Diorama," it adds loads of new content to the game, including a new stage, new weapons, new characters and more.

What is Vampire Survivors?
We're sure this game needs no introduction, but just in case some of you are yet to experience this intensely fun gothic horror survival game, allow us to introduce it. Developed by poncle, Vampire Survivors pits you against hordes of undead in fast-paced action, but you don't need to shoot - your character attacks automatically. This means you can focus on positioning, levelling up, finding new weapons and evolving them into new forms, discovering secrets and more. It's fast-paced, easy to play, full of depth and very, very absorbing. Fun fact: I play it on the train each day I travel to Square Enix HQ and have missed my stop at least 3 times as a result. Thanks to this new SaGa Emerald Beyond crossover, I expect it to happen again fairly regularly. I apologize to my employers in advance.

Mecha fandoms collide in an epic battle to determine the world's future in the upcoming tactical RPG series SUPER ROBOT WARS Y. Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. and developed by Bandai Namco Forge Digitals Inc., the game features immersive strategic game play and is a return for the legendary series to the West in a English localized installment, following the success of SUPER ROBOT WARS 30. The anticipated sequel brings together iconic mecha characters and units from beloved series including COMBATTLER V, Aura Battler Dunbine, Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury (Season 1), Majestic Prince, Macross Delta: Passionate Walküre, Code Geass Lelouch of the Re;surrection, Getter Robo Arc, and more. SUPER ROBOT WARS Y will launch in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

In the looming calamity of inevitable ruin, SUPER ROBOT WARS Y challenges the guardians of steel to rise and conquer fate. The lauded series combines an all-star mecha cast, action-packed attack animations, and an upgrade system to customize various units and pilots. The game also features a deep and engaging original story that weaves together universes from a variety of mecha anime. In a battle to determine the world's future, players strategically command an army on a grid-based battlefield, utilizing their arsenal of weapons and abilities to defeat the opposing army. SUPER ROBOT WARS Y is the anticipated new entry to the franchise, following the 2021 hit SUPER ROBOT WARS 30, as a must-have for fans of the long-running game series in the West.

Here's something exciting—a first look at DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake! We've released a brand-new teaser for the game, which gives you the most tantalizing of glimpses at these beautiful new remakes. Take a look and read on to learn a little more about the game. DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake reimagines the first two DRAGON QUEST games with the beautiful HD-2D visual style featured in titles like OCTOPATH TRAVELER series, TRIANGLE STRATEGY, LIVE A LIVE and, of course, DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake. As you can see in the teaser (below), both titles have been remade with the same level of passion and attention to detail as the recent DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake. Speaking of which…

Why is this releasing after DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake?
If you're not familiar with DRAGON QUEST, you may be wondering—why are Square Enix releasing DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake after last year's DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake? That's because these three games are narratively connected and together form the "Erdrick Trilogy." DRAGON QUEST III is chronologically the first game, set many years before DRAGON QUEST I, so it makes sense for it to come out first. That said, each game tells its own largely standalone story, so you can start with any of them and get a complete tale with a beginning, middle and end.

Hello Raidou fans, we're pleased to announce RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army! Unleash the supernatural in a thrilling detective adventure set in a fantastical era of 1930s Tokyo. Play the action JRPG remaster in a brand-new way with revamped visuals, QOL changes, an overhauled battle system, and much more!

The Return of Raidou Kuzunoha | World Spotlight
Want to dive deeper into the world of Raidou? Watch "The Return of Raidou Kuzunoha | World Spotlight," a special spotlight video now live on our YouTube channel (check it out after the jump). This 22-minute showcase details the game's setting, enhancements from the original version, as well as an interview with Director Kazuyuki Yamai.

Surprise game alert! SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is digitally available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam, iOS and Android! This excellent RPG is a real fan-favorite thanks to its unique storytelling, beautiful watercolor graphics, satisfying turn-based combat and character progression and top-tier soundtrack. This new remastered edition enhances the game further, with updated visuals and UI, new gameplay features, additional playable characters, new events and more.

Basically, it's one of the crown jewels of the franchise brought bang up to date… and available today. SaGa fans are no doubt frantically checking their respective storefronts to download the game, but for anyone unfamiliar with SaGa Frontier 2, read on and we'll explain everything you need to know about this epic history-spanning RPG, including what's new.

I want to thank everyone for your support approaching launch, we—at Sword & Axe LLC—have been working hard for years to bring Dark Deity 2 to you and I think you're going to be really happy with it! Can't wait to see all the builds and team compositions you put together as your build up the Eternal Order! Verroa is a peaceful continent on the brink of war as the Asverellian Empire seeks to expand—at your homeland's expense. Command unlikely heroes, fight challenging turn-based battles, and watch hardship forge iron into steel. Dark Deity is back, bigger and better than before!

Engage in Thrilling Tactical Combat
Fight through over 40 tactical scenarios utilizing your team of twenty's varied abilities and prowess, where you will complete side objectives and balance your experience gain to make your squad as strong as can be.

It's been nearly one month since the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on PC and modern consoles! Thank you to all hunters around the world for your incredible support. Whether you're a series veteran with many hunts under your belt, or started your hunting journey with Wilds, we hope you've been enjoying making your way through the game and putting in many hours of hunts in High Rank, long after the credits have rolled. Today, we're excited to share what's next for Monster Hunter Wilds by taking the wraps off of the game's first Free Title Update.

The graceful Leviathan Mizutsune makes its way to the Wilds
Equal parts dazzling and dangerous, Mizutsune moves almost as if it's dancing, and skillfully attacks foes with debilitating bubbles. Get your gear ready to take on this returning monster for the first time in Monster Hunter Wilds. Mizutsune also comes with stylish new armor sets to forge for your hunter and Palico. An eight-star Tempered Mizutsune will also appear. To start the Mizutsune hunt, talk to Kanya in the Scarlet Forest Base Camp at Hunter Rank (HR)21 or above.

Hunters! Join us on Tuesday March 25th at 7:00AM PDT / 14:00 GMT for a Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase stream, presented by Monster Hunter Wilds producer, Ryozo Tsujimoto! The stream will be approximately 15 minutes with news on the next free title update that we're looking forward to sharing with you! Please note that actual stream time is subject to change.

The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality. Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit. The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds.

When Lunar debuted in North America in 1993, it was a standout in the emerging Western market for Japanese RPGs. Lunar featured detailed, animated cinematic cutscenes, plenty of voice acting, high-quality music, and-most importantly-an endearing story packed with engaging and memorable characters. While it wasn't the first CD-ROM-based JRPG to hit the market, it was one that left a powerful impact on everyone who played it. A sequel, two PlayStation remakes, a PSP outing and more further broadened the audience for Lunar. More than 30 years after the series' debut, Lunar and Lunar 2 are coming back to the realm of PlayStation with the Lunar Remastered Collection. To give some insight into what makes the Lunar games special—and to stir fond memories among longtime fans—we talked to Matthias Pergams, producer over at GungHo Online Entertainment America.

Silver Standard
"LUNAR was one of the first JRPGs on the CD-ROM format, with animated cutscenes, in-game voice acting, and even an opening theme song," Pergams explains. "The series gained a dedicated following both within and outside Japan, paving the way for the genre as a whole. It's a work that has a unique historical significance." The original Lunar has been remade and re-released a few times for various platforms (along with Lunar 2, to a lesser degree), so we were curious as to why the PlayStation 'Complete' versions of the two games were chosen as the base for the remasters. "Each version is different and possesses unique merits, so we actually struggled quite a bit with this question. Ultimately, the choice came down to which version we felt represented the series best. For us, it was the PlayStation version."