Category Archives: Game Preview

Game News, Game Preview

Brigandine: Abyss Launches This Week on Switch 2 and PS5 — New World, Six Campaigns, 24 Factions

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After a six-year gap, Brigandine is back — and this time it’s not revisiting the Holy Grail War. Brigandine: Abyss arrives on PC this Thursday, August 26, with Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S following on August 27. Publisher NIS America and developer Happinet have set the series up in an all-new world from scratch, and the demo that went live at the end of July is a strong signal the wait was worth it.

BRIGANDINE ABYSS – Release Date Announcement Trailer — via NIS America on YouTube

New World, Familiar Bones

Previous entries in the series — the original PlayStation title, its 2000 remake Brigandine: The Legend of Forsena, and the 2020 Switch revival Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia — each built on the same foundational loop: manage an empire between turns, then fight over a hex-grid map using officers, knights, and bound monsters. Abyss carries that DNA intact but transplants it entirely into a new continent with new factions, new lore, and a darker tone.

The setup: a mysterious Abyss has begun consuming the world, and six major powers respond to the crisis from entirely different angles. That’s six separate story campaigns with their own casts, perspectives, and endings — giving completionists a proper reason to replay.

Brigandine Abyss hex-grid battlefield in a snow environment showing unit positioning and character Zeilzarde
Image courtesy of Happinet / NIS America

Mission Mode — 24 Factions, Your Own Rules

Beyond the story campaigns, Abyss introduces Mission Mode: a freeform strategic sandbox where you pick one of 24 distinct factions, each carrying unique win conditions, and attempt to dominate the continent on your own terms. This is where the game’s depth opens up for long sessions — different factions play very differently, and the win conditions range from territory control to eliminating specific rivals.

Combat itself runs on the familiar two-phase cycle: an Organisation Phase where you recruit units, position forces, and manage resources, followed by an Attack Phase where the hexagonal-grid battles play out. Elemental weaknesses, officer skills, and the monsters bound to your knights all factor in. Veterans of Runersia will feel at home quickly; newcomers will find the demo a solid entry point.

Brigandine Abyss forest battlefield with the Lady of War character Saya and fantasy creature units
Image courtesy of Happinet / NIS America

Switch 2 Performance — Stable Over 60fps

Happinet confirmed that the Switch 2 version will not target 60 frames per second. The decision was deliberate: hitting 60fps would have required visual compromises the developer didn’t want to make. The game runs at a locked 30fps on Switch 2, prioritising stability. For a turn-based strategy title, that’s entirely reasonable — you’re never reacting to fast action, and a steady frame rate beats a fluctuating one during battle animations.

Brigandine Abyss Meteoric Doom spell animation showing a massive fire explosion on a forest battlefield
Image courtesy of Happinet / NIS America

Demo Is Live — Try It Before Launch

A free demo is already available on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop and PlayStation Store. If you’ve been curious about the series or strategy RPGs in general, that’s the cleanest way to decide before committing. A Deluxe Edition is available for Switch 2 and PS5, bundling the game with a digital art book and soundtrack — check your regional storefront for pricing and availability in Singapore.

Brigandine: Abyss doesn’t have the name recognition of Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Tactics, but it fills a gap that those games don’t: a slower, empire-management-first tactical RPG with enough faction variety to keep strategy fans going for a long time. For Singapore gamers looking for something to dig into across the long National Day weekend aftermath, this is worth putting on the radar. Browse other game news here.

Game News, Game Preview

Star Wars Zero Company Launches This Thursday — Everything Singapore Gamers Need to Know

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It’s almost time to rally the squad. Star Wars Zero Company launches this Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 11:00 PM SGT — and after months of previews, a stunning final trailer, and near-universal praise from the press, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting tactics games of the year. Here’s everything Singapore gamers need to know before they deploy.

What Is Star Wars Zero Company?

Developed by Bit Reactor — a studio founded by veterans of the XCOM series — and co-developed with Respawn Entertainment, Star Wars Zero Company is a single-player turn-based tactics game set in the twilight of the Clone Wars era. Think XCOM DNA wrapped in a Star Wars skin, crafted by people who literally built XCOM.

The game is published by EA under Lucasfilm Games and arrives on PC (Steam and EA App), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. There is no Nintendo Switch 2 version.

The Story: Zero Company and the Infinite Coil

You play as Commander Hawks, leader of Zero Company — a mercenary outfit operating out of the Ring of Kafrene, the asteroid mining belt fans will recognise from Rogue One. When a shadowy cult called the Infinite Coil and its leader Kundri Fathom begin threatening the fragile galactic order, Hawks and Zero Company are dragged into a conspiracy that cuts to the heart of the Clone Wars.

Two special operatives join the roster: a Jedi Padawan and a Mandalorian bounty hunter, each bringing unique playstyles to squad composition. The story is presented as an original narrative sitting within established Star Wars canon — not a tie-in to any existing film or show.

Star Wars Zero Company – squad tactics gameplay
Image courtesy of Lucasfilm Games / EA

Gameplay: XCOM DNA, Star Wars Soul

The core loop will be immediately familiar to tactics veterans: 3 action points per turn, cover-based positioning, and a squad you’ll grow attached to — and mourn if they fall. Layered on top is an Advantage resource system, a pool capped at 10 points that fuels special abilities and adds a strategic economy to every engagement.

Permadeath is in — injured squad members can be permanently scarred or killed if you push your luck — and for the truly bold, Beskar Mode (the game’s Ironman mode) locks saves so every decision is final. Deep squad customisation lets you tailor skills and loadouts between missions.

Most importantly: Zero Company is fully single-player with no battle pass, no multiplayer, and no live-service elements. Estimated playtime is 30–40 hours for the main story and 50+ hours with side content. A complete, premium package.

Preview Reception: Critics Are Impressed

Previews from the major gaming press have been overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers consistently praise the atmosphere, the tactical depth, and the way Zero Company threads Star Wars lore through a genuinely compelling original story. The XCOM pedigree is unmistakable and handled with confidence — tight, rewarding turn-based combat with meaningful stakes. If you were on the fence, the critical consensus should tip you over.

Singapore Release Details

Star Wars Zero Company unlocks for Singapore players at 11:00 PM SGT on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Pick it up on Steam, the EA App, the PlayStation Store, or the Xbox Store — wherever you game.

We covered the game’s SDCC cast reveal back in July — now it’s almost time to actually play it. Are you picking Zero Company up at launch? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Game News, Game Preview

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Arrives August 27 — Day One on Xbox Game Pass

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If you’ve been following Asobo Studio’s acclaimed A Plague Tale series, you’ll want to mark your calendar: Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy arrives on August 27, 2026 — just 18 days away — and it’s shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the franchise yet.

Sophia stands on ancient Minoan ruins overlooking a coastal island in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy
The Minotaur’s Island — a hauntingly beautiful Mediterranean setting steeped in ancient myth

A Prequel Set 15 Years Before Innocence

Resonance is a standalone prequel, set roughly 15 years before the events of A Plague Tale: Innocence. Players step into the boots of Sophia — a warrior introduced in Requiem — as she finds herself stranded on a cursed island that guards the secrets of an ancient Minoan civilisation. The game unfolds across two interwoven timelines: Sophia’s desperate medieval-era journey through crumbling ruins, and flashbacks to the island’s Minoan past, where a ritual gone wrong awakened something that was never meant to walk the world again.

That something is the Minotaur — not the myth you remember, but something altogether more restless. It hunts Sophia through every corridor of the island, and early previews suggest Asobo has crafted a creature encounter that feels genuinely threatening rather than scripted.

Combat That Bites Back

Sophia fights multiple enemies with sword and dagger in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy
The new parry-based combat system rewards aggression — and punishes complacency

The series has always leaned on stealth and survival over direct combat, but Resonance marks a deliberate shift. Sophia comes armed with a sword, a dagger, and a grappling hook, and the new parry-driven system rewards players who stay aggressive. Previews from IGN called it “the best A Plague Tale has ever played” — high praise from a publication that covered every entry in the series. Eurogamer, meanwhile, noted it still feels “unmistakably A Plague Tale”, reassuring fans that the atmospheric, story-driven DNA of the originals hasn’t been abandoned for pure action.

Ancient Puzzles, Stolen Light

Sophia uses a glowing Minoan sphere to solve a light-based puzzle in a labyrinthine chamber
The Minoan sphere bends light to reveal ancient mechanisms — and hidden paths

Alongside the revamped combat is a brand-new puzzle mechanic built around a stolen Minoan artefact: a sphere that manipulates light. Sophia uses it to activate ancient mechanisms, reveal hidden passages, and unlock the island’s deeper mysteries. Screenshots show the sphere casting brilliant cyan light through labyrinthine stone chambers — it looks visually stunning, and judging by previews, it integrates naturally into both exploration and story beats.

The Ancient World Comes Alive

Armoured gladiators clash in a Minoan arena as the Minotaur looms in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy
The ancient Minoan timeline brings a fiery arena spectacle that contrasts sharply with Sophia’s grim present

The dual-timeline structure is where Resonance earns its subtitle. The flashback sequences — set in the Minoan era — show a thriving, brutal civilisation complete with packed arenas and gladiatorial combat, all rendered in Asobo’s stunning engine. The visual contrast between the burning-gold past and Sophia’s decayed, ash-grey present is striking, and it suggests the studio has a lot of story to tell beyond what the trailers have revealed.

Composer Olivier Derivière returns to score the game, bringing the same atmospheric tension that defined the soundscapes of Innocence and Requiem.

Watch the Official Trailer

Singapore Availability — PS5, Game Pass, and Steam

For readers in Singapore, the good news is that all three platforms are fully supported:

  • PS5 — physical and digital, USD $59.99 (expect regional SG pricing on PSN)
  • Xbox Series X|S — including day-one on Xbox Game Pass, making it an instant play for subscribers
  • PC via Steam — USD $49.99, with English, Japanese, and Korean language support confirmed (handy for our multilingual gaming community)

Game Pass subscribers in Singapore have a particularly strong reason to celebrate: Resonance launches day one on the service, meaning no extra spend required if you’re already subscribed.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy releases August 27, 2026. You can wishlist it on Steam now.

Game News, Game Preview

Nintendo’s Gamescom 2026 Switch 2 Lineup: 007 First Light Leads Nine-Game Showcase

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Nintendo just confirmed a nine-game Switch 2 lineup for Gamescom 2026, and two of those titles are quietly rewriting what Switch 2 can do — one ending a 13-year drought, the other about to end a months-long wait.

007 First Light – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch 2 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

Nine Switch 2 Games at Gamescom 2026

Nintendo of Europe announced on 5 August that it will bring a full roster of playable Switch 2 titles to Hall 9 of Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, when Gamescom runs from 26 to 30 August 2026. Admission to the Nintendo booth is free, and the full lineup covers first-party Nintendo titles alongside some of the biggest third-party games coming to the platform this year:

  • 007 First Light
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
  • EA Sports FC 27
  • Metaphor: ReFantazio
  • Minecraft Dungeons 2
  • Nintendo Switch Sports Resort
  • Orbitals
  • Pokémon Pokopia (Bubbly Basin Expansion Pass)
  • Splatoon Raiders
007 First Light review scores and key art
Image courtesy of IO Interactive

Nintendo also noted that “and more” titles are possible, leaving the door open for surprises ahead of the company’s financial results this week.

007 First Light on Switch 2 — First Public Demo, and a September Date Lurking

007 First Light launched on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on 27 May 2026 to exceptional reviews — the IO Interactive-developed origin story earned 9s and 10s across major outlets and sits as one of the year’s best-reviewed games. The Switch 2 version has been delayed twice since its initial March window, and up until Gamescom no Switch 2 footage has been released publicly. That changes in Cologne, where attendees will get hands-on time with a build IO Interactive has not yet shown the world.

What makes this particularly interesting for Switch 2 owners in Singapore: Amazon Japan’s listing for the physical Switch 2 edition of 007 First Light currently shows a September 16, 2026 release date. IO Interactive has not officially confirmed this date, and Amazon Japan retailer listings are known to use placeholder dates — but a mid-month placeholder is unusual enough that it warrants watching. If September 16 holds, Switch 2 players would only have a six-week wait from Gamescom to launch. IO Interactive previously committed to a “before end of year” window for the Switch 2 version.

The Switch 2 physical copy, when it ships, will use a Game-Key Card format — a new Nintendo format that functions as a download license rather than containing onboard game data.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 — CoD Back on Nintendo Hardware After 13 Years

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Korean soldier
Image courtesy of Activision / Infinity Ward

The last Call of Duty game on a Nintendo platform was 2013’s Call of Duty: Ghosts on Wii U. Modern Warfare 4 ends that 13-year gap, and it does so as a genuinely native port — not cloud-streamed. Infinity Ward co-developed the Switch 2 version alongside Digital Legends, running directly on the hardware powered by NVIDIA’s DLSS-lite processing in the Switch 2’s chip.

The feature set confirmed for the Switch 2 version is the full package:

  • Joy-Con 2 mouse controls — optional, for precision aiming without a desk required
  • Full cross-play — matched into the same lobbies as PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players
  • Cross-progression — loadouts, unlocks, and battle pass progress carry across platforms
  • Modes — Campaign, Multiplayer, and DMZ all included
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 soldier vehicle
Image courtesy of Activision / Infinity Ward

Modern Warfare 4’s campaign follows a young South Korean squad on collapsing front lines while Captain Price wages a personal war on the other side of the world. The game launches October 23, 2026 across all platforms simultaneously — Singapore included. Pre-order details for Switch 2 will be announced separately.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Captain Price
Image courtesy of Activision / Infinity Ward

The Rest of the Gamescom Switch 2 Lineup

Beyond the two headline titles, the Gamescom booth rounds out a strong autumn picture for Switch 2 in Singapore. Metaphor: ReFantazio — the Atlus JRPG that swept awards in 2024 — arrives on Switch 2 on 12 November 2026. Pokémon Pokopia’s Bubbly Basin expansion, the paid DLC that launched on 5 August, will be playable at the booth. Orbitals, the fast-paced arena shooter confirmed for Switch 2 last month, also makes the list. Splatoon Raiders, Minecraft Dungeons 2, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and EA Sports FC 27 complete the nine confirmed titles.

For Singapore Switch 2 owners, the picture coming out of Gamescom 2026 is unusually rich: two of the world’s biggest gaming franchises — James Bond and Call of Duty — both arriving on the platform within weeks of each other, both natively, both with global cross-play. The question of when for 007 First Light should get an official answer soon, whether at Gamescom itself or just before it. In the meantime, check out our Game News section for more Switch 2 coverage.

Game News, Game Preview

Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 4 Drops September 17 on PC

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After nearly a decade since Dawn of War III, the Warhammer 40,000 real-time strategy series is marching back to war. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 — developed by King Art Games and published by Deep Silver — has locked in a September 17, 2026 release date on PC via Steam, with a Commander Edition granting early access from September 14.

Singapore PC gamers who grew up commanding Blood Ravens or greenskins across Kronus and Aurelia finally have a date to circle. The game goes up on Steam on launch day, so no regional delays to worry about.

Dawn of War 4 RTS gameplay showing Space Marines battling Necrons on a grimdark battlefield
Image courtesy of Deep Silver / King Art Games

Back to Kronus — a 70-Mission Campaign

The campaign returns to Kronus, the contested planet fans will remember from Dark Crusade, now reimagined under King Art Games’ direction. Over 70 missions with branching narrative paths fill the single-player offering, and every mission can be played in two-player co-op — a series first for the campaign mode. Each of the four factions has its own campaign arc, giving invested players a strong reason to replay on all sides.

Four Factions at Launch

Dawn of War 4 ships with four playable factions, each built around a distinct playstyle:

  • Space Marines — Blood Ravens: The veterans return with Terminators, Land Raiders, and narrative continuity stretching back to Dark Crusade and Retribution. Familiar but refined.
  • Orks: Overwhelming hordes, improvised fortifications, and Nobz who hit harder than physics should allow. The WAAAGH! build menu is as chaotic as you’d expect.
  • Necrons: Immortal mechanical warriors wielding gauss weaponry. King Art describe them as a high-skill-ceiling faction — rewarding for players who master their timing and positioning.
  • Adeptus Mechanicus: Making their Dawn of War series debut. The Martian tech-priests field plasma weapons and cybernetic infantry, bringing a completely new playstyle to the franchise.
A Necron warrior atop a battle platform firing a devastating green gauss beam in Dawn of War 4
Image courtesy of Deep Silver / King Art Games

Today IGN dropped the first dedicated Necron cinematic trailer — aptly timed given the faction’s high-profile reveal earlier in the year:

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 – Official Necron Cinematic Trailer — via IGN on YouTube

Modes Beyond the Campaign

Alongside the campaign, Dawn of War 4 revives fan-favourite modes and adds competitive play:

  • Last Stand: The beloved three-player horde-defense mode returns, letting you hold a position against escalating waves alongside two allies.
  • Skirmish: AI matches for solo or cooperative play against the computer.
  • Competitive Multiplayer: Ranked 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 modes — the arena where Singapore’s RTS scene can really dig in.
Ork faction RTS gameplay in Dawn of War 4 showing WAAAGH banner, Ork structures and Mekboy unit
Image courtesy of Deep Silver / King Art Games

Year-One Roadmap — and a Fifth Faction on the Way

King Art and Deep Silver have mapped out a full year of post-launch content. Free updates will add Crusade Mode, additional multiplayer maps, a Mission Editor, and new Last Stand commanders. Paid DLC comes in two waves:

  • Blood Ravens Prologue — an Aurelia prequel focusing on the Chapter’s history
  • Aftermath — introduces a fifth faction that has not yet been named, expanding the roster beyond launch

The Commander Edition bundles the base game with the full Year 1 Expansion Pass, available on Steam from September 14 (three days early). The standard edition releases September 17.

Dramatic hero close-up with glowing eyes and electric hammer in Dawn of War 4
Image courtesy of Deep Silver / King Art Games

King Art at the Helm — a Fresh Take

Original series developer Relic Entertainment did not return for this entry. Instead, Deep Silver handed the licence to King Art Games — the German studio behind The Dwarves and Iron Harvest. Warhammer 40K veterans may raise an eyebrow, but Iron Harvest’s critical reception shows King Art understand large-scale tactical RTS. The full release date and roadmap were first revealed at the Warhammer Skulls 2026 showcase in May.

For Singapore gamers who have been waiting since Dawn of War III’s divisive 2017 launch, this is the reset the series needed. Four distinct factions, a co-op campaign on a beloved planet, Last Stand back in the fold, and a fifth faction already planned — the grimdark is looking very good for September. Keep an eye on the Game News section; we’ll have more coverage as the launch approaches.

Warhammer 40K: Dawn Of War 4 – Official Release Date And Content Roadmap Reveal Trailer — via GameSpot on YouTube

Rose Belmont, protagonist of Castlevania: Belmont's Curse
Game News, Game Preview

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Preview Roundup — Critics Call It a “Potential GOTY Contender”

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The hands-on preview embargo for Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse lifted this past weekend (July 17–18), and early impressions from the press have been overwhelmingly positive. Kotaku put it bluntly: “the game f***ing rules.” GameRant called it a “potential GOTY contender.” Eurogamer said “superb.” For a franchise celebrating its 40th anniversary, it’s the kind of reception Konami fans have been waiting years to see.

Paris and Notre Dame cathedral at dusk in Castlevania: Belmont's Curse
©Konami Digital Entertainment

Forty Years of Legacy, Reimagined in 1499 Paris

The preview builds drop players into a dark, beautifully rendered 15th-century Paris, set 23 years after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. You play as Rose Belmont, daughter of the legendary Trevor Belmont, on a mission that threads directly into the franchise’s gothic mythology.

Crucially, Evil Empire and Motion Twin — the studio behind Dead Cells — have confirmed that Belmont’s Curse contains no roguelite mechanics. This is a pure Metroidvania: a hand-crafted world, permanent progression, and deliberate exploration. Rose’s moveset centres on seven distinct weapon types and the Arcana Whip, which doubles as a grappling hook for both traversal and combat. IGN praised the whip mechanics specifically, noting how fluidly it extends Rose’s reach in tight platforming sequences and mid-boss encounters. A tarot-based spell system and a Relic passive-ability layer round out the build options.

Rose fighting on the docks with Notre Dame in the background
©Konami Digital Entertainment

Boss Design That Demands Attention

Two bosses from the preview build — The Fallen and a reimagined Joan of Arc — drew widespread praise. Both were described as multi-phase encounters with striking visual design, using Paris’s rooftops and Notre Dame cathedral as dramatic backdrops.

Konami Producer Tsutomu Taniguchi and Evil Empire Creative Director Emmanuel Nouaille told the PlayStation Blog (July 17) that the team wanted every boss to feel “worthy of the Belmont legacy” while introducing entirely new narrative threads. PC Gamer called the overall package “a very solid Metroidvania with tremendous potential.”

Boss fight with golden flames and Paris skyline in Castlevania: Belmont's Curse
©Konami Digital Entertainment

Singapore Pricing and Pre-Order Details

Singapore players can pre-order now on the PlayStation Store ahead of the October 15, 2026 global release:

  • Standard Edition: SGD 35.50
  • Midnight Edition (adds Soundtrack + Digital Artbook): SGD 42.60
  • Pre-order bonus (all editions): Alucard Style Costume

The game launches simultaneously on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Gameplay screenshot from Castlevania: Belmont's Curse
©Konami Digital Entertainment

We covered the initial Nintendo Switch confirmation and October release window earlier this month. The preview coverage this week makes it clear that Belmont’s Curse is shaping up to be one of the biggest titles of the 2026 holiday season — and one of the most anticipated Castlevania entries in years.

Images: ©Konami Digital Entertainment. Preview quotes sourced from PlayStation Blog, Kotaku, GameRant, Eurogamer, PC Gamer, and IGN.

Game News, Game Preview

Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters Arrives 28 August — World Youth Arc on PS5, Switch & PC

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Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters is arriving worldwide on 28 August 2026 — and if you grew up watching Tsubasa Ozora bend physics on a football pitch, Bandai Namco and developer Tamsoft’s sequel is shaping up as the biggest Captain Tsubasa game yet. The follow-up hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, bringing the beloved World Youth arc to life with over 110 playable characters and some of the most over-the-top super moves we have seen in a sports title in years.

Japan national team in Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

Two Story Modes: Build Your Own Footballer or Play the Legend

Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters offers two distinct single-player campaigns. New Stars Mode is the bigger deal for newcomers — you create a fully customisable footballer and join Japan’s national youth squad, experiencing the World Youth arc alongside Tsubasa from the perspective of your own character. You build bonds with the established cast to unlock their signature moves, and your choices shape how the journey unfolds.

Legendary / Advanced Mode takes the canon further with original storylines not found in Yoichi Takahashi’s manga, developed under the creator’s personal supervision. Think of it as an official what-if expansion to the source material — Takahashi is directly involved, so the power fantasy stays true to how he writes his characters.

Two players contest a tackle in Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

Watch the Story Trailer

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS – Story Trailer — via Bandai Namco Entertainment America on YouTube

22 National Teams — Including Asia

One of the best things about the World Youth arc for an Asian audience is that the stage is genuinely global. Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters ships with 22 national teams, and the roster is not just a European-heavy selection — Asian sides are represented, meaning Singapore fans who grew up cheering for different Asian squads in the original anime will find familiar strips on the pitch. Screenshots show Japan facing Saudi Arabia, among other matchups.

Japan vs Saudi Arabia in Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco
Asian team striker unleashing a super move in Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

Super Moves That Make Real Football Look Boring

This is not a FIFA-style simulation and it never pretended to be. Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters packs 150+ new super moves — volleys wrapped in lion spirits, hurricane shots, goalkeeper blocks that look like the final round of a fighting game. The new Chain System rewards sustained possession by ramping up your shot power and charge speed, making every well-built attack sequence feel increasingly dangerous. Goalkeeper duels now have their own tactical depth too: you wear down a keeper over the course of a match by testing their trajectory-reading and positioning, rather than simply hammering the shot button.

Character unleashing a lion-spirit super move in Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

Editions, Pricing and Where to Pre-Order

Three editions are available for pre-order now across all platforms:

  • Standard Edition — base game
  • Deluxe Edition — base game + season pass bonus + three DLC character packs
  • Ultimate Edition — everything in Deluxe plus the Ultimate Pack

The Steam base price is listed at USD 59.99 (approximately S$80+ at current rates). SGD pricing at local game retailers is to be confirmed closer to the 28 August launch. The game also carries 100+ music tracks composed by Tadayoshi Makino and a Collection Mode housing in-game movies, music and a character gallery for fans who want to spend hours with the lore outside of a match.

Pre-orders are live now on Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, and Nintendo eShop. For more upcoming gaming releases, check our Game News section or browse the full Game Previews archive.

Game News, Game Preview

Splatoon Raiders Arrives 23 July on Nintendo Switch 2

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Splatoon has always been Nintendo’s ink-splattered multiplayer playground — but Splatoon Raiders takes the series somewhere entirely new. Launching 23 July 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, this single-player-focused spin-off puts players at the helm of a mechanic sailing the mysterious Spirhalite Islands in search of treasure, alongside the fan-favourite trio Deep Cut.

What Splatoon Raiders Is — And Why It’s Different

This is not Splatoon 4. Raiders is a deliberate step sideways — a story-driven, single-player action shooter that draws inspiration from the beloved Salmon Run mode while building something much bigger around it. You create your own Inkling or Octoling character, take on the role of a mechanic hired by Shiver, Frye, and Big Man, and set out to plunder the Spirhalite Islands for loot. The gameplay blends ink-splattering combat against waves of Salmonid enemies with exploration, crafting at a Mechanic Shack aboard your hideout ship, and dungeon-style raids for increasingly rare treasure. Nintendo ran a dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct on 30 June 2026 going deep on all the systems — well worth a watch for anyone on the fence.

Splatoon Raiders — Release Date Revealed — Nintendo Switch 2 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

Exploring the Spirhalite Islands With Deep Cut

The setting is a string of mysterious islands packed with Salmonid foes and buried loot. One Deep Cut member joins each raid as a powerful companion bot, providing firepower and personality as you push deeper into each island. An Exploration Bot travels with you too, detecting hidden treasure caches and flagging points of interest along the way. Between missions you return to your hideout ship — your base of operations — to upgrade gear, craft gadgets, and plan the next run. Three difficulty settings (Tourist, Raider, and Survivalist) let you calibrate the challenge, and rideable Stingray mounts appear in certain battles for a burst of extra chaos.

Splatoon Raiders — gameplay on the Spirhalite Islands, Nintendo Switch 2
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Character Creator and Gear Progression

Raiders introduces the most comprehensive character creator the Splatoon series has seen. Players choose between Inkling and Octoling, then customise their look and voice before heading out. Gear found and crafted during raids feeds directly into your loadout, giving meaningful progression between runs. The 30 June Nintendo Direct went deep on the customisation systems, showing how weapons, gadgets, and ship upgrades layer together as you advance through the islands. It’s a loop that should feel satisfying for Splatoon veterans while remaining approachable for newcomers.

Splatoon Raiders — character creation and customisation
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Optional Co-op for Up to Four Players

Single-player is the core experience, but Splatoon Raiders supports co-op for up to four players via online or local wireless. Call in friends for a specific raid when you want extra firepower, then continue solo whenever you prefer. Difficulty scales to the number of players present, so the experience stays balanced whether you’re running it alone or in a full crew. It’s a flexible design that lets Raiders serve both solo players who prefer a focused adventure and groups who want to tackle the hardest raids together.

Splatoon Raiders — action-packed combat on Nintendo Switch 2
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Release Date, Pricing and Pre-order Details

Splatoon Raiders launches 23 July 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. The digital price is US$49.99 and the physical edition is US$59.99 — SGD pricing via the Nintendo eShop Singapore and local retailers is to be confirmed, so keep an eye on the Nintendo Singapore site. Singapore eShop availability should align with the Japan launch at 1 PM JST on 23 July, which works out to around noon SGT. Pre-orders are already live on the Nintendo eShop, and three new amiibo — Shiver, Frye, and Big Man in Raiders-themed designs — launch the same day as the game. For more game news and Switch 2 coverage, we’ll have ongoing updates as the 23 July launch approaches.

Splatoon Raiders — character creator screen and customisation options
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Game Preview

GTA + Heavy Rain = L.A. Noire

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I can’t stop thinking of Heavy Rain when I first saw this trailer for L.A. Noire. Of course, this game is not surprisingly similar to GTA since it is developed by Rockstar Games. I am glad that Rockstar moved away from GTA IV. The novelty of an open world concept whereby you can commit all sorts of vices is dying off. Personally, I find that chasing cars, killing people and racing on GTA is getting mundane and repetitive with GTA IV. I stopped at the 20th mission when I keep failing to chase down a car and having to repeat it all over again.

So now Rockstar wants you to be the good guy. In L.A. Noire, you play as Cole Phelps, an LAPD officer in the turbulent time of 1947 Los Angeles. Instead of having mission to kill a certain gang leader or to fight off some gangster, you are now presented with cases. As a detective, it is your job to interrogate suspect, interview witness and gather evidences to bring justice to L.A.

Tech

The facial express is really sophisticated and the level of details is simply amazing. Compared to GTA IV, this is definitely a giant step forward. I had to compare this with Quantic Dream’s Heavy Rain.

The level of details seen in Heavy Rain, published about a year ago, managed to achieve fairly realistic facial expression as well. However, the two technologies used by Quantic and Rockstar are slightly different. In Rockstar implementation, there is a mix of 3D video with mesh animation whereas in Quantic Dream is purely mesh animation. In other words, what you see on Rockstar is essentially a 3D video of the facial expression captured by the cameras.

Gameplay
In this game, you have to solve crimes ranging from homicide to arson. While interrogating suspect and gathering evidence is part of a case itself, Rockstar also dishes out the regular high-action shooting and chasing mission. A fresh game compared to the usual GTA. And yes, this game is also having the same open world concept. You are free to explore the city. Check out the review by IGN below.