All posts by Xian Skyrider
Xian Skyrider

Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Secret Ending Points to a Halo 2 Remake

⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This article discusses the secret post-credits ending of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Stop here if you want to experience it blind — but know that it’s generating serious buzz about where the franchise goes next.

Early access to Halo: Campaign Evolved opened on 24 July for Premium Edition players in Singapore and globally. Within hours, players who cleared the campaign had discovered something unexpected tucked away after the credits: a secret cutscene that has sent the Halo community into a frenzy — and prompted outlets including IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon to declare it one of the most significant story beats the franchise has dropped in years.

A Secret Ending That Points Straight to a Halo 2 Remake

A UNSC soldier — widely identified as Sergeant Johnson — in Halo: Campaign Evolved
Image courtesy of Halo Studios / Microsoft

According to reporting from IGN, the cutscene “suggests a Halo 2 remake is on the way.” GameSpot describes it as a “tease” for a sequel remake, while Polygon went further, writing that the scene “teases a Halo 2 remake and finally addresses a 25-year-old plot hole” dating back to the original Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001. Eurogamer, covering the same footage, concluded it looks “like we’re getting a Halo 2 remake next” — calling it unsurprising given how Campaign Evolved was structured as a reimagining of that same foundational game.

The scene appears to involve Sergeant Avery Johnson, the fan-favourite UNSC marine and one of the franchise’s most iconic supporting characters. GamingBolt noted that the story implications of the cutscene are clear even if they fall short of an official announcement, writing that “there’s a strong argument in favor of” Halo 2 being the next title in the evolved remake series — though nothing has been formally confirmed by Xbox or Halo Studios.

What We Know — and What We Don’t

Cortana holographic form in Halo: Campaign Evolved
Image courtesy of Halo Studios / Microsoft

To be precise: Xbox and Halo Studios have not officially announced Halo 2: Campaign Evolved or any Halo 2 remake. What early access players found is a secret cutscene that strongly implies one is in development. The difference matters — Halo Studios could yet surprise us with a completely different next project.

What is confirmed is that Campaign Evolved was always designed to bridge the franchise’s past and future. As we covered when the review scores landed, the game earned an 84 on Metacritic for Xbox and 81 for PS5 — critical consensus is that Halo Studios has delivered a respectful, confident reimagining that earns the right to keep going. A follow-up feels less like speculation and more like a formality.

Halo: Campaign Evolved – Launch Trailer | PS5 Games — via PlayStation on YouTube

Halo: Campaign Evolved Launches on PS5 in Singapore Tomorrow

Warthog Gauss cannon in action in an ice cave in Halo: Campaign Evolved
Image courtesy of Halo Studios / Microsoft

As we covered when the Singapore pricing was confirmed, the full global launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved lands on PlayStation 5 and Xbox on 28 July — that’s tomorrow. Standard Edition is priced at S$79.90 on PS5. This is the first time a Halo campaign has ever launched on PlayStation, making it a genuine milestone for Singapore PS5 owners who grew up hearing about Master Chief but never had a way to play on Sony hardware.

If you picked up the Premium Edition, you already have access — and you can already go find that secret ending for yourself. For Standard Edition buyers jumping in tomorrow, the campaign is around 10–12 hours on Normal difficulty, so the ending is not far off once you start.

A Good Time to Join the Fight

Master Chief facing the Flood parasite in Halo: Campaign Evolved
Image courtesy of Halo Studios / Microsoft

Whether or not the secret ending turns into a formal announcement soon, the broader picture for Halo fans in Singapore looks genuinely exciting. Campaign Evolved has been a strong relaunch for the franchise — polished, accessible to newcomers, and rewarding for veterans who remember the original. If it is setting up a Halo 2 remake, this is exactly the right foundation to build from.

Inside the Halo ring structure, looking out toward the planet below
Image courtesy of Halo Studios / Microsoft

Keep an eye on our game news section for any official announcement from Xbox or Halo Studios. When they confirm the follow-up — and at this point it feels like a when, not an if — we’ll have full Singapore pricing and launch details ready.

Wreckreation 2 Announced: Burnout Creator Goes Fully Indie

Fiona Sperry, the director behind Burnout Paradise and one of the driving forces at Criterion Games during its golden era, has revealed Wreckreation 2 — and she’s doing it entirely on her own terms. The sequel is being developed by When Tides Turn, Sperry’s newly founded independent studio with no publisher attached, and is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2027.

Wreckreation 2 gameplay screenshot showing Heartbreak City streets
Image courtesy of When Tides Turn

The Burnout Legacy Behind When Tides Turn

Sperry spent years at Criterion Games, where she led development on titles that defined the arcade racing genre — Burnout Paradise and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit among them. When Tides Turn is the studio she founded after going independent, and Wreckreation 2 carries forward the same ethos: aggressive, physics-driven driving in dense, lived-in environments where every car is a potential weapon.

The studio behind the original Wreckreation is now operating without any publisher, which means no compromise on design and no external pressure on release timing. For fans who feel modern racing games have drifted too far toward simulation, the return of Sperry’s no-publisher setup is a genuine signal of creative intent.

Wreckreation 2: Official Announcement Trailer — via IGN on YouTube

Welcome to Heartbreak City

The action unfolds across Heartbreak City — a dense open-world environment built with close-quarters chaos in mind. Unlike the first game’s sprawling open world that felt sparse in places, When Tides Turn’s stated focus for the sequel is a compact, tightly designed city with dense streets, freeways, airport runways, dockyards, and hidden backroads that reward learning the layout rather than just driving straight.

Wreckreation 2 — aerial view of Heartbreak City open world
Image courtesy of When Tides Turn

Modes Built for Mayhem

The confirmed mode list reads like a greatest-hits for fans of the Burnout era. Road Rage and Marked Man return alongside Pursuits, Blackspots, Wreckonings, and Eliminators. Rounding things out is the Live Mix tool — a creator mode for building custom challenges and races within Heartbreak City.

It’s an unusually complete-sounding feature list for an announcement-stage reveal, which suggests When Tides Turn has been developing in stealth for some time before going public.

Wreckreation 2 — Road Rage mode in action
Image courtesy of When Tides Turn

What Singapore Racers Need to Know

PS5 is the dominant gaming platform in Singapore, and arcade racers with a strong multiplayer hook — exactly Wreckreation’s wheelhouse — have consistently found a home in the local community. With PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC all confirmed, no players are left out.

Regional pricing and a specific release date within the 2027 window have not yet been announced. Given When Tides Turn operates without a publisher, pricing decisions will be their own to make — worth watching as more details emerge. For now, keep an eye on the Game News section here for any follow-up announcements.

Wreckreation 2 was announced on 21 July 2026. Sources: Gematsu, Insider Gaming.

FFXIV Switch 2 Launches 4 August — Editions, Pricing and 117 GB Download Confirmed

Square Enix confirmed the exact date at the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in Berlin on Saturday: FFXIV Online arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on 4 August 2026 — one week away. All editions are live on the Nintendo eShop for pre-order now, a free first month is baked in for every new Switch 2 subscriber, and the download weighs in at a substantial 117 GB. Here is everything Singapore players need to know before launch day. (We covered the initial announcement in June when Square Enix first confirmed the Switch 2 version for August.)

Final Fantasy XIV Online Nintendo Switch 2 key art with chocobo riders
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Every FFXIV Switch 2 Edition — USD Pricing and Pre-Order Discounts

Five editions are available at launch, covering every type of player from newcomers to returning subscribers on other platforms:

FFXIV Switch 2 edition pricing revealed at Berlin Fan Fest 2026 — Starter, Complete and Dawntrail
Image courtesy of Square Enix
  • Starter Edition — US$19.99. Covers the base game and the first expansion, Heavensward. The cheapest way in, ideal for players who want to try the game before committing to Dawntrail.
  • Complete Edition — US$59.99 standard / US$41.99 pre-order. Everything through Dawntrail included. Best value for new players who plan to go all-in.
  • Complete Collector’s Edition — US$139.99 standard / US$97.99 pre-order. Same full content as Complete Edition plus collector’s-tier in-game and physical bonuses.
  • Dawntrail Expansion — US$39.99. For players who already own the base game on PC or PS5 and want to add only the latest expansion on Switch 2.
  • Dawntrail Collector’s Edition — US$59.99. Dawntrail expansion with collector’s bonuses.

Square Enix has not yet listed regional SGD prices on the Nintendo eShop Singapore — check the Singapore eShop directly as 4 August approaches. The pre-order discount on the Complete Edition shaves roughly 30% off the standard price and runs until launch.

FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Berlin – Day 1 — via FINAL FANTASY XIV on YouTube

One Month Free, Then a Switch 2-Specific Sub — and 50% Off for Existing Subscribers

FFXIV Switch 2 subscription model: free first month, Switch 2-specific subscription, 50% discount for existing subscribers
Image courtesy of Square Enix

From 4 August, FFXIV on Switch 2 runs on a Nintendo Switch 2-specific subscription tier — separate from PC and PS5. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. The first month is free for all Switch 2 players, giving Square Enix time to stress-test servers under real load before billing begins. After that:

  • New subscribers pay the full Switch 2 subscription rate once the free month ends.
  • Players with an active PC or PS5 subscription get a 50% discount on the Switch 2 subscription for as long as their other-platform sub remains active — making portable Eorzea a much softer ask for Singapore players already subbed elsewhere.

117 GB — Sort Your Switch 2 Storage Before Next Sunday

FFXIV on Switch 2 downloads at 117 GB, which will comfortably fill a sizeable chunk of the console’s internal storage. Most Singapore players will want a microSD Express card before launch day — Switch 2’s fast microSD Express slot means transfers stay manageable, and a 256 GB card leaves room for other titles. With a week to go, cards are available at major electronics chains and games retailers. Factor in download time at local ISP speeds too; a 300 Mbps connection handles 117 GB in roughly an hour, but queuing the pre-load the night before is a safer call.

Evercold Arrives January 2027 — Plenty to Do Until Then

The 4 August Switch 2 launch gives players access to the full game through Dawntrail, the current expansion. The next expansion, Evercold, was revealed in full at the same Berlin Fan Fest — it adds the Bastion tank job, sweeping new Realmship zones, and two crossover raid series (Evangelion and FF7 Remake) landing in January 2027. That means Switch 2 newcomers have roughly six months of existing content, raids, and side quests before the expansion drops. For Singapore players who have wanted to try the most-praised MMORPG of the last decade in a portable form, there has never been a better entry window. Check our game news section for all FFXIV and Switch 2 updates as August 4 approaches.

Every Marvel SDCC 2026 Reveal: Ghost Rider, Doomsday, BP3 and More

Marvel Studios came back to San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H on Saturday after skipping 2025 entirely, and they made every minute count. Over roughly one hour, Kevin Feige and a parade of surprise guests unpacked the next chapter of the MCU — from a December blockbuster with a cast of hundreds to a 2028 wildcard that had fans screaming the moment Ryan Gosling walked on stage. Here is everything revealed, and what it means for Singapore fans heading into the busiest Marvel year in recent memory.

Ryan Gosling Rides Into the MCU as Ghost Rider

Marvel Studios Ghost Rider official logo
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios

The biggest surprise of the night landed early. Ryan Gosling walked out to the sound of a motorcycle revving, then told Hall H what many had long hoped to hear: he is playing Johnny Blaze in a new Ghost Rider film for Marvel Studios, set for a 2028 release. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy is attached to direct, with Jonathan Tropper writing the script.

Gosling and Levy are currently co-starring and directing respectively on Star Wars: Starfighter (releasing May 2027), and Gosling told the crowd they spent a lot of their downtime on that set dreaming up what a Ghost Rider story could look like. “This is a character I’ve wanted to play for a very long time,” Gosling said on stage at SDCC, as relayed by Deadline. No plot details were revealed, but the casting alone is one of the most anticipated MCU announcements in years — Gosling’s charisma (and his track record with Levy) has set the bar very high.

For Singapore fans: Gosling is box-office gold here after Barbie and The Fall Guy, and Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine was one of the biggest theatrical events in Singapore in 2024. A 2028 release puts Ghost Rider squarely in the post-Secret Wars era of the MCU.

Avengers: Doomsday — New Hall H Footage and a Packed December Slot

Doctor Doom faces Thor's hammer in Avengers: Doomsday
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios
Avengers: Doomsday | Only in Theaters December 18, 2026 — via Marvel Entertainment on YouTube

Avengers: Doomsday arrives on December 18, 2026, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (returning after Infinity War and Endgame), and running 165 minutes. The film assembles the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Wakandans, and Thunderbolts against Robert Downey Jr.‘s Doctor Doom — and the Hall H footage made it clear this is not the Iron Man audiences knew. As described by GamesRadar, the screened clip opens on Doom seated on his throne as Vanessa Kirby‘s Sue Storm tells him he is “broken as a person.” Pedro Pascal‘s Reed Richards confirmed to the crowd that his character and Doom share a history that will be explored in the film. The footage ends with Doom placing his hand on the ground and raising an army of broken Sentinels, declaring: “Hell answers to me. For I am Doom.”

Steve Rogers and Thor face off in Avengers: Doomsday
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios

Chris Evans is back as Steve Rogers, with Chris Hemsworth‘s Thor using Mjolnir to confirm his identity in a scene shown to Hall H. Hayley Atwell is also confirmed in the cast. On the post-Doomsday slate: Avengers: Endgame Encore hits theatres on September 25, 2026, with a theatrical re-run that includes an exclusive look at Doomsday footage — a warm-up for the December event. Avengers: Secret Wars, the follow-up, is locked for December 17, 2027.

December 18 in Singapore means the usual early-access screenings across Golden Village, Cathay, and Shaw — expect preview screenings to open well ahead of the US release given the time zone advantage. For a 165-minute runtime, IMAX and Dolby showings will sell out fast.

Black Panther III: A New King Steps Up

Black Panther III official Marvel Studios logo
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios

Black Panther III is official, with director Ryan Coogler returning and David Jonsson stepping in as the new Black Panther — playing T’Challa’s son, who takes up the mantle. Jonsson is best known for Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk. The film is dated for December 15, 2028, per CBR’s full panel recap. Feige kept further plot details close to his chest, but Jonsson’s casting signals the franchise is ready to move forward with a fresh lead while keeping Coogler’s creative vision intact.

More From Hall H: VisionQuest, Spider-Man, and Ryan Reynolds

VisionQuest, which Marvel is calling the conclusion of the “WandaVision trilogy,” lands on Disney+ on October 14, 2026. Spider-Man: Brand New Day had new footage screened, featuring Tom Holland‘s Peter Parker alongside Jon Bernthal‘s Punisher in a confrontation against Mark Ruffalo‘s Hulk — confirmation that the Punisher has fully crossed into the main MCU timeline. And in classic Hall H fashion, Ryan Reynolds appeared in the audience dressed as “Gray Deadpool” and spent much of the presentation providing commentary for the crowd.

Taken together, Marvel’s SDCC 2026 slate is the clearest picture yet of where the MCU is headed post-Doomsday. Ghost Rider under Gosling and Levy, Black Panther III with Jonsson carrying the mantle, and the promise of Secret Wars in 2027 — the next two years are shaping up to be among the most event-driven in the franchise’s history. Keep an eye on the GameTrader news feed as local cinema dates and Singapore ticket pre-sales are confirmed.

All 146 Kamen Rider Works Hit Prime Video Japan on 29 August

The 55th anniversary of Kamen Rider is shaping up to be the franchise’s biggest year yet. From 29 August 2026, Amazon Prime members in Japan will be able to watch all 146 works in the Kamen Rider franchise for free — no extra charge, no gaps in the library.

146 Works, Zero Extra Charge

The announcement, confirmed via Japanese media including natalie.mu (Japanese) and Denfaminicogamer (Japanese), covers the full breadth of the franchise on Prime Video Japan:

  • Full TV series catalogue — the original 1971 Kamen Rider through the entire Heisei era (Kuuga through Zi-O) and all Reiwa-era entries including Zero-One, Saber, Revice, and beyond
  • V-Cinema films making their unlimited streaming debut — including Kamen Rider Faiz 20th: Paradise Regained and Kamen Rider OOO 10th: Core Medals of Resurrection
  • TV specials and streaming originals — such as Rider Time: Kamen Rider Ryuki

One small exception: Kamen Rider Geats joins the library on 1 September rather than the 29th. Everything else drops together.

The timing is deliberate. The archive unlock coincides with the Prime Video premiere of Kamen Rider Agito: Super Power War, the 55th anniversary theatrical film. Toei and TV Asahi ran a fan vote earlier this year to choose which Heisei-era Rider would receive the anniversary treatment; Agito — which achieved an average TV rating of 11.7%, the highest of any Heisei Rider — was the clear fans’ choice.

KAMEN RIDER MY-TH | Official Teaser — via TOEI TOKUSATSU WORLD OFFICIAL on YouTube

Kamen Rider My-Th: A Mouse Takes the Belt This September

Kamen Rider MY-TH full suit official photo
Image courtesy of Toei / TV Asahi

While the archive headlines are huge for long-time fans, the franchise’s future is also being mapped out. Kamen Rider My-Th — the next mainline series — is confirmed for September 2026 on TV Asahi, replacing Kamen Rider Zeztz in the Sunday-morning Super Hero Time block alongside Kakusei Hunter Omegahorn.

It marks a franchise first: the lead Rider’s motif is a mouse. Kamen Rider MY-TH himself is silver and blue, wearing the MY-TH Driver diagonally across the chest in a style reminiscent of Zeztz. Two rival Riders have also been revealed: the crimson, crystal-armoured Maou (with the Maou Driver worn at the waist) and the blue-accented Rid, who uses the MY-TH Driver augmented by a Hammer Bone Buckle.

The series follows Sora Otosumi, a butler-turned-hero who serves as “meister” to a young girl named Yuna Mizuki and transforms on her behalf. Toei’s tagline: “Awakening from a century’s slumber — people’s wishes endure, and a falling star becomes a MYTH.”

Kamen Rider Maou official suit photo — the crimson antagonist Rider
Image courtesy of Toei / TV Asahi

For Singapore Tokusatsu Fans

The 146-work streaming deal is confirmed for Prime Video Japan — not yet for other regions. Singapore fans who want to dig into the full archive now will need a Japanese Prime Video account.

That said, Toei has a consistent track record of bringing Kamen Rider to Prime Video globally. Kamen Rider Black Sun and Shin Kamen Rider both launched on Prime Video Singapore, and new Reiwa-era series have generally followed within months of their Japanese broadcast start. Based on that pattern, Kamen Rider My-Th is the one to watch: once it airs in Japan this September, a global Prime Video window is the most likely path — though no SEA date has been confirmed.

Whether you are coming back to the franchise after years away or discovering it for the first time, 29 August is shaping up to be a landmark date for tokusatsu. Keep an eye on GameTrader’s anime and manga coverage for updates as they land.

Hello Kitty Party Land Launches 29 October — 145 Sanrio Characters and 45+ Mini-Games on Switch

Bandai Namco and Sanrio have dropped a fresh pre-order trailer for Hello Kitty Party Land, and it’s confirmed: the party game arrives on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on 29 October 2026. With over 145 Sanrio characters and more than 45 mini-games, this is shaping up to be the ultimate year-end multiplayer pick for Singapore fans of all ages.

Hello Kitty Party Land – Pre-Order Trailer — via Bandai Namco Entertainment America on YouTube

What Is Hello Kitty Party Land?

Hello Kitty Party Land is a family party game set in a colourful Sanrio-themed town. Players create a custom avatar, choose a Sanrio character as their companion, and then compete — or cooperate — in a mix of board game rounds and rapid-fire mini-games. It supports one to four players in both local multiplayer and online play, making it just as fun on the couch as it is over the internet with friends elsewhere in Singapore or across the region.

Beyond the competitive modes, the game layers in side activities — fishing, avatar dress-up, and sticker collecting — giving it the kind of casual depth that keeps players coming back between sessions. It’s published by Bandai Namco and marks the debut title from Sanrio Games, the brand’s in-house games label.

Board Game Mode: Spin, Move, Repeat

Hello Kitty Party Land board game mode showing four players on a flower-shaped spinner tile
Image courtesy of Sanrio/Bandai Namco

The backbone of Hello Kitty Party Land is its board game mode, which will feel immediately familiar to anyone who’s spent time with Mario Party. Four players move around themed boards, triggering mini-games at key spots and racing to collect stars before time runs out. The boards are set across different areas of the Sanrio town — each with its own Sanrio character host — and the petal-shaped spinner dice add a distinctly Sanrio flavour to every roll.

Sanrio companions appear throughout the boards, offering buffs, surprises, and character-specific interactions, keeping the game fresh across multiple sessions. The structure runs on an in-game day countdown, with each turn advancing the clock toward the final tally.

45+ Mini-Games Across Sports, Food, Music and More

Hello Kitty Party Land cooking mini-game with four player avatars and Hello Kitty in a kitchen
Image courtesy of Sanrio/Bandai Namco

With over 45 original mini-games on offer, variety isn’t a concern. The trailer spotlights a range of themes — a competitive food-prep challenge hosted by Hello Kitty, a group jump-rope game overlooking a swan lake, and quick-reaction sports rounds. Some mini-games pit all four players against each other; others are fully cooperative, asking the whole group to work together to beat a shared target.

Named mini-games confirmed so far include Hello Kitty’s Speedy Peeling, Little Twin Stars’ Stellar Fishing, and Cinnamoroll’s Home Run Derby. Each mini-game leans on the personality of its Sanrio host, giving characters like Pompompurin and Kuromi their own distinct flavour of chaos.

Meet 145+ Sanrio Characters — Including Some Deep Cuts

Hello Kitty Party Land jump rope mini-game with four player avatars jumping over a glowing rope
Image courtesy of Sanrio/Bandai Namco

This is where Hello Kitty Party Land stands out from other party games: the sheer breadth of the Sanrio IP on display. More than 145 Sanrio characters appear across the game, from the mega-popular faces — Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Little Twin Stars, Badtz-Maru — to a long tail of obscure mascots that most fans will encounter here for the first time. Sixteen of these characters are available as playable in-game companions, while the rest show up as mini-game stars, board inhabitants, or sticker collectibles to discover.

For Singapore’s Sanrio community — where Cinnamoroll and Kuromi merchandise consistently sells out at local pop culture stores and conventions — that depth of roster is a genuine draw. The sticker collection system gives completionists a reason to keep playing long after the boards are memorised.

Pre-Orders Now Open for Singapore Nintendo Switch Players

Hello Kitty Party Land launches on 29 October 2026 for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 — meaning every Switch owner in Singapore can pick it up, regardless of which console they’re on. Digital pre-orders are live now on the Nintendo eShop; a physical edition is also confirmed, available at major game retailers when it launches. SGD pricing has not yet been confirmed — watch for an update closer to release.

The October 29 date lands just as Singapore’s year-end school holiday period begins, making this a strong candidate for family gaming sessions and holiday gift lists alike. Given how popular Sanrio characters are across all age groups here, expect Hello Kitty Party Land to move fast at retail.

Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC Goes Live — BLiNX, Conker, Crimson Skies and More Now Playable

Microsoft has officially launched Xbox backward compatibility on PC, letting Windows 11 players revisit original Xbox classics through the Xbox app for the first time. Four launch titles are available now, with modern visual enhancements baked in — no disc required.

The inaugural line-up covers four iconic games from the original Xbox era:

  • BLiNX: The Time Sweeper — Microsoft’s cult-favourite time-manipulation platformer from 2002, a game that was once intended as a flagship Xbox mascot and has been stuck on the original hardware ever since
  • Fuzion Frenzy — the chaotic multi-player party game that shipped as a launch title alongside the original Xbox in 2001
  • Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge — the beloved aerial combat adventure set in a dieselpunk alternate-history America, widely regarded as one of the best exclusives the original Xbox produced
  • Conker: Live & Reloaded — Rare’s irreverent, adult-oriented action platformer, an enhanced Xbox remake of the N64 classic Conker’s Bad Fur Day

All four games are available with an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. Individual purchase is also supported via the Xbox app on PC.

ROG Xbox Ally handheld running Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge with gameplay on screen
The ROG Xbox Ally running Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge. Image courtesy of Xbox / ASUS ROG

Enhanced for Modern Displays

This isn’t a bare-bones emulation layer. Microsoft has added a range of visual improvements to the backward-compatible titles: up to 4× resolution upscaling, VSync support, and anti-aliasing enhancements. The result is that games from 2001–2004 should look noticeably sharper on contemporary monitors and OLED screens.

Handheld PC gaming is explicitly supported from day one. The ROG Xbox Ally — ASUS ROG’s dedicated Xbox-branded handheld — is a confirmed compatible device, making it easy to replay these classics in portable form.

Person holding a white ROG Ally X handheld showing the Xbox app game library
The ROG Ally X displaying the Xbox app game library. Image courtesy of ASUS ROG

Requirements and Current Limitations

Windows 11 is required — Windows 10 users will need to upgrade before backward-compatible titles become accessible. A download is also required for each game even if you have a Game Pass subscription, as expected.

Achievement support is not available at launch. Microsoft has indicated it is planned for a future update, so completionists will want to hold off for now if their Gamerscore matters to them.

Singapore Availability — Check Before You Buy

Microsoft’s official announcement notes that backward compatibility on PC is available in select markets only. Singapore-based readers should verify current availability through the Xbox app or the Xbox Singapore page before purchasing individual titles, as a specific regional roll-out confirmation for Singapore has not been separately issued at time of writing. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate — which covers the backward-compatible games — remains available in Singapore.

Source: Xbox Wire by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor (22 July 2026). Xbox Game Pass details.

MGS1 Free on Steam Now — Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 Out August 27

If you have even a passing interest in stealth games, now is the time to fire up Steam: Metal Gear Solid — Master Collection Version is completely free to play until 28 July at 1 AM SGT, no purchase required. This is not a demo — the full package is unlocked, including the original 1998 campaign, the VR Missions expansion, and the Japan-exclusive Integral edition. The giveaway is Konami’s warm-up act for something bigger: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, which drops on 27 August 2026 and is already open for pre-order.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 — What’s Inside

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots gameplay screenshot
Image courtesy of Konami

Volume 2 bundles three titles — two of them making their modern-platform debut:

  • Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots — the PS3-exclusive that launched in 2008 finally escapes PlayStation, arriving on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time.
  • Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version) — the PSP co-op stealth gem, polished up for modern screens.
  • Metal Gear: Ghost Babel — included as bonus digital content, with new screen filters and a rewind function making its handheld-era design friendlier to modern play.

The collection releases on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 simultaneously on 27 August.

METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.2 – Announcement Trailer (4K) — via KONAMI公式 on YouTube

New Features and Technical Upgrades

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 gameplay
Image courtesy of Konami

Switch 2 owners are getting the definitive portable version of MGS4, which has never run on handheld hardware before. On Nintendo Switch 2 the game runs at up to 60 FPS, rendering at 1440p docked and 1080p in handheld mode — a marked jump over the original PS3 release. Peace Walker on Switch 2 reaches 1080p and also hits 60 FPS. Both titles offer selectable image modes (Adjusted and High Resolution) when docked on Switch 2, so players can tune for fidelity or framerate.

Across the board, Konami has added fully customisable button mapping — a welcome quality-of-life addition for a series that historically had some unusual control decisions. Ghost Babel gets a rewind function, making it much more approachable for newcomers who didn’t grow up with the Game Boy Color original.

Pre-Order Bonuses and Digital Extras

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 screenshot
Image courtesy of Konami

Pre-ordering unlocks two in-game costumes: the Cardboard Camouflage Uniform for MGS4 and the Love Cardboard Uniform for Peace Walker. (Apparently the cardboard box is eternal.) Players who have save data from Vol. 1 can also claim additional in-game bonus items.

Beyond the games themselves, the collection includes a full Screenplay Book (in-game text from MGS4 and Peace Walker), a Master Book covering story and characters, a Digital Soundtrack Vol. 2, and a Database cataloguing the series’ sprawling lore.

What About MGS1 — Is It Worth Playing Right Now?

Metal Gear Solid 1 Master Collection Version gameplay
Image courtesy of Konami

Short answer: yes. The 1998 original holds up far better than you might expect — the stealth mechanics, boss fights, and fourth-wall-breaking writing are all still remarkable. If you’ve never played it, the free weekend (until 28 July, 1 AM SGT) is the best possible entry point into the franchise before Vol. 2 lands. And if you enjoy it, the Master Collection Version stays at 50% off ($9.99 USD) through the promotion window.

Singapore PC gamers can grab the free weekend on Steam now. Pre-orders for Vol. 2 are live on Steam and through major game retailers and electronics chains. For more upcoming game launches, check out our Game News section.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 screenshot
Image courtesy of Konami

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Reveals Seven New Bracers, Fishing, and Viewer Mode — Out 17 September

Nihon Falcom’s remake of the beloved 2006 JRPG Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is two months out, and the studio has used the lead-up to September 17 wisely — a new batch of reveals this week details seven returning bracers, a full fishing system, and the game’s new Viewer Mode photography feature.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — gameplay screenshot showing Estelle and party in battle
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom

Seven New Bracers Join Estelle’s Journey

The reveals centre on senior and receptionist-rank Bracers stationed across Liberl — familiar faces for players who cleared the first chapter, now with full English and Japanese voice casts confirmed.

  • Aina Holden (23) — Rolent receptionist, calm and composed, with a hidden talent for heavy drinking (Katiana Sarkissian / Sayumi Suzushiro).
  • Jean (24) — Ruan receptionist and long-time friend of Agate, upbeat and personable (Kylen Deporter / Kent Itou).
  • Kilika Rouran (27) — Zeiss branch strategist, exceptionally sharp intuition, trained in Eastern martial arts, and an old acquaintance of Zin from Calvard (Meli Grant / Haruka Michii).
  • Elnan (25) — Grancel branch leader whose leadership helped prevent the first chapter’s coup (MacLeod Andrews / Sohei Horikane).
  • Kurt Nardin (29) — High-ranked senior bracer in Grancel, masterful with a spear and Eastern Fangshu techniques; serves as a mentor figure for Estelle and Anelace (Kyle Hebert / Shouichirou Oomi).
  • Carna (25) — Ruan-area senior bracer specialising in orbal firearms and support Arts, a Royal Tournament competitor tracking the mysterious Society (Yuuki Luna / Yurina Amami).
  • Grant (22) — Bose branch vanguard, cheerful and self-taught with a greatsword, the kind of straightforward fighter who punches well above his rank (Stephen Fu / Tasuku Hatanaka).

The depth of detail here — specific ages, region assignments, and dual voice casts — signals that Falcom is treating the 2nd Chapter as a full production rather than a light visual refresh. Fans of JRPG releases will recognise several of the English voice actors from other Kiseki titles and broader anime-adjacent work.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — character detail showing a senior bracer
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom

Fishing Comes to Liberl — with a Notebook to Fill

A fishing mini-game is in, playable at designated spots scattered across the Liberl Kingdom. The system asks players to match rod and bait to attract specific species — each successful catch logs into a Fishing Notebook, and completing the entries unlocks bonus items. Mechanically: pick a casting location, time a button press to hook the fish, then manage the reel with the control stick. Simple enough to pick up between story beats, deep enough to keep completionists busy.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — fishing gameplay at a scenic waterside location
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — Release Date Trailer via GungHo on YouTube

Viewer Mode: Liberl as Your Photo Studio

Viewer Mode is a new photography feature that lets players pose characters against a range of backdrops and dress them in costume items and accessories — including anything unlocked from DLC or the Season Pass. Locations and characters available in the mode expand as you progress through the main story, giving fans a reason to return to the feature throughout the playthrough rather than burning through it on day one.

It is a feature set you would have expected from a modern JRPG, and its inclusion here shows Falcom is aware that Singapore and SEA audiences — who have embraced the character-collection side of JRPGs enthusiastically — expect more than just remastered battle systems.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — Viewer Mode photography feature with Estelle
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom

17 September, Worldwide — Including Singapore

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter launches 17 September 2026 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Publisher GungHo Online Entertainment has confirmed a worldwide simultaneous release, which means Singapore players on every major platform are in from day one — no region delays, no waiting for a separate Asia SKU.

The Switch 2 version specifically is notable: for Singapore players who already upgraded, this will run on the new hardware with whatever performance improvements Falcom has baked in for that version. A price has not been confirmed for Singapore yet; the Steam page is live for wishlisting in the meantime.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — overworld exploration in the Liberl Kingdom
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom

For those new to the series: the 2nd Chapter is the direct sequel to last year’s Trails in the Sky remake, picking up immediately where Estelle’s first journey ended with Joshua’s disappearance and the Ouroboros conspiracy beginning to surface. Falcom has built the remake with modern 3D visuals while keeping the turn-based battle system and dense world-building that made the originals cult classics — and the 2nd Chapter is widely considered the stronger of the two Liberl arcs.