Monthly Archives: June 2025

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, Xbox

Xbox 360 Gets a Surprise 2025 Update

After nearly two decades, Microsoft quietly rolled out a system update for the Xbox 360—yes, the console that launched in 2005 and whose digital store officially closed in July 2024! This blog post dives into what changed, why it matters, and how fans reacted.

When the Xbox 360 hit shelves in November 2005, it redefined console online play, selling over 80 million units worldwide and spawning genre-defining titles like Halo 3 and Gears of War. Despite two newer generations arriving since—the Xbox One in 2013 and the Series X|S in 2020—many gamers still cherish their 360s for a mix of nostalgia and exclusive library gems.

What’s in the June 2025 Update?

Although the Xbox 360 store shuttered last summer, users powering on today will find a refreshed dashboard that addresses long-standing visual quirks and adds a dash of marketing flair:

  • Fixed Thumbnails: Game art no longer appears stretched when a disc is inserted—a fix that Redditors hailed as “actually good”.
  • Dashboard Tiles Restored: Empty spaces left when store-related tiles were removed are now filled with new graphics, including promo images for Xbox Series X|S.
  • Subtle UI Polish: Menu fonts and background transitions feel smoother, giving the aging interface a surprisingly modern sheen.

Most of these tweaks rolled out first to U.S. consoles, though reports indicate a gradual global rollout as well.

Why Bother with an Old Console?

This mid-life facelift might seem odd, but Microsoft’s motivations likely include:

  1. Preserving User Experience: Even post-store, backward compatibility keeps many 360 titles alive on newer hardware. A clean dashboard underpins that legacy.
  2. Brand Continuity: Promoting Series X|S on legacy hardware nudges die-hard fans toward upgrades without being too heavy-handed.
  3. Goodwill Gesture: A small but meaningful nod to the community that helped build Xbox into a household name.

In a landscape where consoles age out faster than ever, this demonstrates a rare dedication to a product long past its prime.

Across Reddit and Bluesky, longtime 360 owners expressed genuine surprise and gratitude:

  • “No more stretched game thumbnails—my 360 looks so nice!”
  • “Feels like Microsoft remembered we still exist.”
  • “Ads for Series X|S are cheeky but not overbearing.”

Many joked that Microsoft clearly assumes we’re “two generations behind”—but the overall sentiment is that a little love goes a long way.

What This Means Going Forward

While it’s unlikely we’ll see major feature drops or new services for the 360, this update underscores a few trends:

  • Extended Lifespans: Consoles can remain relevant beyond expected support windows.
  • Backward-Compatibility as a Pillar: Keeping old libraries accessible drives long-term brand loyalty.
  • Micro-Marketing: Legacy platforms can serve as low-friction channels to highlight new products.

For anyone still booting up their Xbox 360, this is more than a cosmetic tweak—it’s a reminder that in gaming, the past never truly fades away.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation, Xbox

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced – Your Ultimate Guide for PS5, Xbox Series X & Series S

When Ninja Theory’s breathtaking sequel first launched in May 2024, it set a new bar for immersive storytelling and technical prowess. This August 12, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced arrives as a free update on Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam/Xbox on PC) and, for the first time, PlayStation 5. Whether you’re wielding DualSense or enjoying razor-sharp Xbox visuals, here’s everything you need to know—broken down by platform—to squeeze the most out of Senua’s updated saga.

What’s Inside the “Enhanced” Update

  1. Performance Mode
    • Xbox Series X & PS5: Toggle a 60 FPS option for dramatically smoother combat and camera pans.
    • Xbox Series S: Stays at 30 FPS due to hardware limits.
    • PC: New “Very High” preset pushes fidelity even further if your rig can handle it.
  2. Graphics & Fidelity Boosts
    • Refined lighting, textures and volumetric effects across all platforms.
    • On Series X and PC “Very High,” dynamic 4K (Series X) and ray-tracing tweaks deepen the visual realism.
  3. The Dark Rot Returns
    • An optional permadeath challenge from the original game. Each failure grows the Dark Rot—if it reaches Senua’s mind, you lose all progress. Perfect for speedrunners and hardcore fans.
  4. Enhanced Photo Mode
    • Expanded toolkit with a brand-new “Motion” tab for cinematic video captures.
    • Tweak depth-of-field, camera shake, filters and more to craft showstopping screenshots or clips in 4K (where supported).
  5. Developer Commentary
    • Over four hours of in-game developer and cast insights.
    • Tap into Ninja Theory’s creative process as you explore Iceland’s haunting vistas.

PlayStation 5 Expectations

  • Release & Editions
    • Launches August 12 for $49.99 (Standard) or $69.99 (Deluxe).
    • Deluxe includes a PS5-optimized Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice plus its soundtrack.
    • PS4 owners of the original Sacrifice get a free PS5 upgrade.
  • DualSense Integration
    • Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback simulate the weight of Senua’s blade and the thrum of her heartbeat.
    • 3D audio spatialization intensifies whispers and environmental cues.
  • Performance & Quality
    • 60 FPS Performance Mode at native or checkerboard‐upscaled 4K.
    • Fast SSD loading slashes scene-transition times.
    • Photo Mode and developer commentary mirror Xbox/PC features.
  • Other Perks
    • Preorder bonuses include the Hellblade II OST and exclusive PS5 loading screens.

Xbox Series X Expectations

  • Cost & Upgrade
    • Free update on Day One if you already own Hellblade II or play via Game Pass.
  • Performance Mode
    • 60 FPS toggle with stable frame-times.
    • Dynamic 4K rendering, with ray-traced shadows and reflections optimized for Series X hardware.
  • “Very High” PC-Style Preset
    • Developers ported the high-end PC preset to Series X, pushing fidelity beyond the original launch build.
  • Extras
    • Full Photo Mode, Dark Rot, and developer commentary.
    • HDR-calibrated output for compatible TVs.

Xbox Series S Expectations

  • Cost & Upgrade
    • Same free update via Game Pass or digital library on August 12.
  • Frame-Rate & Resolution
    • Locked at 30 FPS to maintain stability.
    • Scales between 1080p and dynamic 1440p under the hood.
  • Visual & UX Enhancements
    • Improved texture streaming and lighting tweaks over the original release.
    • Photo Mode and commentary included—even on S’s slimmer hardware footprint.
  • Load Speeds
    • Faster load times courtesy of the internal SSD, shrinking wait times compared to Series X.

Why This Update Matters

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II isn’t just a visual feast—it’s an emotional journey that delves deep into trauma, mythology and the fragility of the human mind. The Enhanced update makes this voyage more accessible, more challenging and more cinematic across every next-gen platform. Whether you crave lightning-fast responsiveness at 60 FPS or want to savor every frame in Photo Mode, Ninja Theory has meticulously optimized Senua’s world for your hardware of choice.

Mark your calendars for August 12, sharpen your blades and prepare to face your inner darkness—enhanced and unleashed on your console of choice.

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Why Sony Refuses to Copy Xbox Game Pass: The Strategy Behind Delaying First-Party PS Plus Releases

For years, Xbox Game Pass has redefined subscriptions by offering every new first-party title on day one. Sony, however, remains resolute: it will not add its blockbuster PlayStation exclusives to PS Plus at launch. Instead of chasing the instant-gratification model, PlayStation leans on a hybrid approach—boosting indie and third-party day-one titles while drip-feeding first-party hits 12–18 months after release. Let’s unpack why, how it works, and what it means for gamers, developers, and content creators alike.

The Status Quo: PS Plus vs. Game Pass

  • Game Pass: Subscribers get every first-party Xbox title—Halo, Forza, Starfield—on launch day across cloud, console, and PC.
  • PS Plus: Three tiers (Essential, Extra, Premium) with monthly “free” games, a sizable back catalog, cloud streaming (Premium only), and day-one indie drop-ins. First-party blockbusters arrive well after they’ve maximized retail and digital sales.

Sony’s logic? Protect the “virtuous cycle” of studio investment → high-quality games → strong sales → more investment. As former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan warned, dumping new AAA titles into PS Plus at launch would undermine studio budgets and the quality that gamers expect.

In a June 2025 interview, PlayStation VP of Global Services Nick Maguire reiterated the company’s stance:

“We’ve stayed true to our strategy… we’re not looking to put games in day and date.”

Sony balances two pillars:

  1. Selective day-one additions—4–5 indie/third-party titles per year to freshen the service.
  2. Delayed first-party integration—bringing blockbuster exclusives to PS Plus 12, 18 months, or longer after launch, once the title’s initial revenue peak has passed.

This “indie first, AAA later” approach gives subscribers immediate perks, preserves premium launch sales, and re-ignites interest in older hits around sequel announcements or DLC drops.

The Indie Advantage: Spotlighting Emerging Talent

Since Resogun’s PS4 launch-day drop and Destruction All-Stars on PS5, Sony’s indie strategy has exploded. Recent day-one PS Plus titles include:

  • FBC: Firebreak (Remedy Entertainment)
  • The Plucky Squire
  • Dave the Diver
  • Animal Well
  • Tales of Kenzera: Zau
  • Stray

By cherry-picking standout indies, PlayStation:

  • Provides value to subscribers without sacrificing AAA revenue.
  • Elevates small studios to a global audience overnight.
  • Fosters loyalty among indies, who see PS Plus as a launchpad for discovery.

For content creators, these indie drops are gold: you can cover fresh titles that haven’t saturated YouTube or TikTok, driving unique engagement and SEO traction.

Patience is a virtue here. First-party hits like God of War Ragnarök or Horizon Forbidden West typically arrive on PS Plus after their initial sales run—often aligning with big discounts, expansions, or anniversaries. That delay:

  • Maximizes profit from early adopters.
  • Keeps catalog offerings rotating and newsworthy.
  • Positions PS Plus as a way to catch up on the “classics” you might’ve missed at launch.

If you’re building a content calendar, plan AAA deep dives and retrospectives around that 12–18-month window—viewers who skipped the original release will be searching for “is it worth it?” guides.

Retro Rewind: Curating Classics in Premium

Beyond day-one indies and delayed blockbusters, the Premium tier offers a rotating “Classics” vault. Maguire says Sony aims for at least one retro addition per month, sometimes cycling out older titles to keep the lineup fresh—think Resistance, Infamous, or PS2 fan favorites.

For historians of gaming, this is a treasure trove. If you’re passionate about preservation, spotlight hidden gems in your blog or videos—show how these classics influenced modern design and culture.

Sony has admitted it would revisit its policy if market conditions shift, but for now, the “day-one first-party” ship has sailed elsewhere. As streaming and cloud-only subscribers grow, we might see hybrid models—but expect Sony to guard its tentpole franchises fiercely in that early launch window.

PS Plus Essential for July 2025 announced

Sony is all-in on PlayStation Plus, says its most expensive tier is thriving
Sony kicks off PS Plus’ 15th anniversary by chatting with Game File about the past, present and future of its gaming subscription service: Talking price, catalogue tweaks and where the PS3 games are.
Source/Via
Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Nvidia announced the GeForce RTX 5050 as new midrange alternative

When budget meets ambition, magic happens. Enter NVIDIA’s new GeForce RTX 5050—a card that brings the full Blackwell treatment (AI, ray tracing, DLSS 4) to anyone upgrading from a GTX 16-series or aging first-gen RTX. At just $249, it punches well above its weight, letting you game, stream and experiment with on-GPU AI without mortgaging your next build.

Built on Blackwell, the RTX 5050 packs 2,560 CUDA cores, 5th-gen Tensor cores (421 TOPS AI throughput) and 4th-gen RT cores. That means you get:

  • DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation (real frames, not just pixels).
  • NVIDIA Reflex 2 with Frame Warp for sub-flicker latency.
  • Neural Rendering tools for digital humans and on-the-fly AI assistants in games.

These features turn 1080p AAA gaming into a buttery, future-proof experience—and give streamers and YouTubers hardware-accelerated denoising plus studio-grade encoders.

Power, Thermals & Real-World Performance
Clocked at 2.31 GHz base and 2.57 GHz boost, the RTX 5050 stays within a 130 W TGP envelope. A quality 550 W PSU in a mid-tower is all you need. According to NVIDIA’s in-house tests, you’ll see roughly:

  • +60% raster performance vs. RTX 3050
  • Parity with RTX 4060 in many titles

Expect stable 60 fps on high settings in the latest AAA at 1080p and 144 Hz+ headroom for esports favorites.

Specs at a Glance
• 8 GB GDDR6 on a 128-bit bus (320 GB/s bandwidth)
• 3× DisplayPort 2.1b, 1× HDMI 2.1b
• 9th-gen NVENC / 6th-gen NVDEC for streaming/video work
• No Founders Edition—partners (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.) will ship custom-cooled, overclocked models

Who Should Upgrade?

  • 1080p gamers tired of frame dips and wanting DLSS 4’s next-gen boost.
  • Budget content creators craving real-time AI denoising & hardware encoding.
  • AI hobbyists keen on on-card inference for experimental mods, shaders or digital characters.

The RTX 5050 marks NVIDIA’s pledge that cutting-edge AI/graphics won’t stay confined to flagship cards. In the coming months, we’ll see:

  • Broader DLSS 4 adoption across indie and AAA titles.
  • Community-built AI modding tools (texture upscaling, procedural asset creation).
  • GeForce Now integrations tapping 50-series features in the cloud.

Ready to plan your next build? Pair the RTX 5050 with an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X for a balanced 1080p powerhouse, or push into 1440p with an Intel Core i5-13600K. Either way, you’re stepping into the Blackwell era without breaking the bank—let’s talk motherboard, RAM and PSU choices next!

Games, Gaming, Mobile, News

When Netflix Hits Pause: The July 2025 Mobile Game Purge—and Why It’s Not the First Time

Netflix’s push into mobile gaming promised a laid-back way to play premium titles on the couch or commute. But as July rolls in, subscribers are waking up to a big list of departures: over 20 games are vanishing from Netflix Games, including indie darlings and blockbuster exclusives.

Later this month, Netflix will pull 21 mobile games from its library. Here are some of the most eye-catching departures:

  • Hades (iOS exclusive) – bows out July 1
  • Monument Valley, Monument Valley 2 and Monument Valley 3 – leave July 14
  • Braid: Anniversary Edition – leaves July 14
  • Death’s Door – leaves July 14
  • Carmen Sandiego, Katana Zero, Raji: An Ancient Epic, Ludo King, Rainbow Six: SMOL and more…

These titles span puzzle masterpieces, roguelike legends, and high-profile licensed IPs. Once exclusively available through Netflix’s mobile app, most won’t reappear on the App Store or Google Play—at least not immediately.

Not a One-Off: A History of Game Cuts

Netflix’s mobile games arm has weathered multiple trimming rounds in the past year:

  • December 2024 saw its first major wave of removals, with a handful of exclusive titles quietly disappearing.
  • February 2025 brought an early-month cull of six games, underscoring the volatility of licensing deals and development cancellations.
  • This spring, Bandersnatch—the Emmy-winning interactive Black Mirror special—left the platform on May 12, part of Netflix’s broader pullback from interactive storytelling.
  • In June 2025, Devolver Digital’s acclaimed Poinpy also exited Netflix, though the studio is actively working to re-release it on app stores outside the service.

These waves signal that Netflix’s gaming strategy has been in constant flux, shifting with executive changes and market realities.

On why the purges keep coming? Well, several factors explain these recurrent cutbacks:

  1. Licensing Expirations: Many Netflix Games are based on third-party IP (e.g., Carmen Sandiego, SpongeBob), meaning contracts end and renewals get pricey or complex.
  2. Studio Restructuring: Following the closure of its AAA game studio in October 2024 and the departure of gaming lead Mike Verdu, Netflix has streamlined its gaming roadmap, canceling planned projects like Tales of the Shire and Crashlands 2.
  3. Strategic Refocus: Internal sources indicate Netflix will slow down mobile-only launches and funnel resources into “big-screen” experiences—cloud gaming on TV, web, and consoles—leveraging its strongest TV and film IPs for deeper cross-platform experiences.

What This Means for Players

If you’ve been holding off on trying Hades or Monument Valley on your phone, now’s the time to dive in. After these deadlines, your only recourse may be hunting down alternative releases or waiting for studios to re-release titles independently. In fact, Devolver Digital has already pledged to bring Katana Zero, Death’s Door, and Poinpy to traditional app stores “as soon as possible”.

While these cuts feel abrupt, they’re part of a larger maturation. Netflix Games is testing what resonates—big IP tie-ins, family-friendly titles, and tentpole crossovers with hit shows. Upcoming cloud gaming bets, like Ghost Detective on TV and Spirit Crossing (an MMO), alongside live WWE 2K streams, suggest that Netflix isn’t abandoning games—it’s refining its focus to align with core streaming strengths and subscriber behavior.

So, is this the first time Netflix has yanked games? Absolutely not. July 2025 marks the latest, largest tranche in an ongoing curation cycle. It highlights the balancing act of hosting licensed content while crafting a sustainable, long-term gaming ecosystem.

Netflix To Remove Over 20 Mobile Games Including Monument Valley Trilogy and Hades
Almost 20% of Netflix’s mobile game library is scheduled to depart soon.
Source/Via

Games, Gaming, News

The Fall of Hytale: How Riot Games Closed Hypixel Studios After a Decade-Long Journey

On June 23, 2025, Riot Games stunned the gaming world by announcing the cancellation of Hytale and the winding down of Hypixel Studios after ten years of development. What began as one of the most ambitious sandbox RPG projects—backed by a studio renowned for its record-breaking Minecraft minigame server—came to an abrupt end as its creators conceded they couldn’t deliver the experience they’d long envisioned.

From Modders to AAA Dreamers: The Origin Story

Hypixel Studios was founded by the team behind Hypixel, the most popular Minecraft server of all time. In 2015, Riot Games injected initial funding to help the fledgling studio expand beyond community-made minigames into a standalone title. Five years later, in 2020, Riot acquired the studio outright, pledging full support for Hytale’s development and granting access to resources commensurate with a AAA roadmap.

Revealed to the public in 2018, Hytale promised procedurally generated fantasy biomes, moddable tools, and integrated RPG mechanics. Under the hood, the team first wrote the engine in C#, then ported it to C++ for performance—and later initiated a full engine reboot to meet rising ambitions. Despite these major overhauls, the game remained in pre-beta as of mid-2024, with critical systems still incomplete. Each milestone revealed fresh technical hurdles, and as the genre evolved, fans’ expectations soared ever higher.

Why Hytale Couldn’t Cross the Finish Line

As Hypixel’s co-founder Aaron “Noxy” Donaghey explained, the crux of the issue was mission creep. Every attempt to pare back features or adjust timelines threatened to dilute Hytale’s core identity. The team explored narrowing the scope and securing external investment, but each workaround risked creating a game “unrecognizable from its original pitch.” In the end, they concluded that finishing a compromised version would betray both their vision and their community’s hopes.

With cancellation came difficult news for the people behind the project. Riot laid off roughly 150 Hypixel Studios employees, offering generous severance packages and career support to help ease the transition. While precise numbers vary, insiders report that close to a hundred and a half developers, artists, and engineers saw their positions end as part of the studio wind-down.

The Legacy of Hypixel Lives On

Although Hytale itself will never launch, the original Hypixel Minecraft server remains in operation under separate management, continuing to host millions of daily players. Its enduring popularity stands as a testament to the team’s creativity—even if their most ambitious project ultimately proved too vast to complete under current constraints.

Fans reacted with a mixture of disappointment and understanding. Social media filled with tributes to early Hytale trailers and heartfelt thanks to the development team. At the same time, industry analysts pointed to the cancellation as yet another example of the risks inherent in modern AAA development: unchecked scope can derail even the most well-funded projects.

The story of Hytale serves as a cautionary tale for developers and publishers alike: vision without pragmatic execution can collapse under its own weight. Yet the passion and ingenuity that defined Hypixel Studios will leave a lasting mark on sandbox gaming—and perhaps inform the next generation of creators who dare to dream big.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News, PC, Xbox

Xbox trying new frontiers this summer along with Meta

In a week already brimming with gaming news, Xbox has dropped two announcements that signal its evolving strategy in both digital storefronts and immersive gaming. Whether you’re a preservationist watching the digital tide with cautious optimism or a tech enthusiast eager for the next frontier, there’s something here worth unpacking.

A New Era for Xbox on PC?

Xbox has quietly begun testing a dedicated PC store experience, a move that could reshape how players interact with the Xbox ecosystem outside of consoles. While details remain sparse, early testers report a streamlined interface, faster downloads, and a more curated approach to game discovery. This isn’t just a UI refresh—it’s a signal that Microsoft is taking the PC storefront war seriously, potentially positioning itself as a more direct competitor to Steam and Epic Games.

For those of us who’ve watched the slow erosion of physical media, this raises important questions. Will this new store offer better ownership models? Will it respect the archival needs of players who want to preserve their libraries long-term? If Xbox can strike a balance between convenience and consumer respect, it could set a new standard for digital storefronts.

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: A Collector’s Delight or Cloud Gaming Trojan Horse?

Meanwhile, in a more visually striking reveal, Xbox and Meta have teamed up to launch the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition—a limited-edition VR headset that blends Xbox’s iconic black-and-green aesthetic with Meta’s latest mixed reality tech.

At $399.99 USD, the bundle includes:

  • A custom 128GB Meta Quest 3S in Carbon Black with Velocity Green accents
  • Matching Touch Plus controllers
  • A limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller
  • Meta Quest Elite Strap
  • 3 months of Meta Horizon+
  • 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

While the hardware itself mirrors the standard Quest 3S, the real draw is its seamless integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming. Players can stream titles like Avowed or Oblivion Remastered on a massive virtual screen, with cross-progression ensuring your saves follow you across devices.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t a VR headset for Xbox console gaming. It’s a cloud-first device, and that distinction matters. For collectors, the limited-edition design is undeniably slick. For skeptics, it’s another step toward a future where physical ownership is replaced by streaming licenses and subscription cycles.

These two announcements—one about infrastructure, the other about hardware—paint a picture of Xbox’s ambitions. They’re not just building a console brand anymore; they’re building a platform that spans screens, devices, and realities. Whether that future respects the legacy of physical media or accelerates its obsolescence remains to be seen.

But one thing’s for sure: Xbox is playing the long game. And for those of us who care about how games are played, preserved, and passed down, it’s a game worth watching.

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Death Stranding 2 — Kojima’s Legacy Taken to the Max

Following his split with Konami, Hideo Kojima attempted to distance himself from the Metal Gear Solid legacy with the release of Death Stranding. However, he failed to completely disassociate himself, and Death Stranding 2 is the definitive proof of that. This sequel takes the best of Metal Gear Solid V and fuses it with the foundations of the first game to deliver an ambitious, intense experience brimming with the director’s signature style.

This time, we once again accompany Sam Bridges on his mission to reconnect Australia with the rest of the world. But, unlike the first game, the threat isn’t just isolation: an enemy from the past returns, accompanied by new allies that will force the player to take a more aggressive stance. While package transport is still present, the focus is now on infiltration, combat, and tactical raids.

The arsenal is varied, with lethal and non-lethal weapons that transform the game into an open-world espionage title. All of this is complemented by extensive cinematics and fights against extravagant bosses: cybernetic ninjas, mechanical octopuses, and giant dinosaur-like robots, among many other surprises that will delight fans of the Japanese creator.

In addition, RPG mechanics are integrated that allow Sam to improve his skills, whether in combat, stealth, or even as a delivery driver. Death Stranding 2 is a discarded homage to Metal Gear, but also an evolution of his own ideas.

The result is a colossal, ambitious, and, above all, satisfying game for those of us who have closely followed Kojima’s career. Death Stranding 2 is the perfect closing to a period and the beginning of a new era for the creator.

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Rematch Review — Soccer Never Felt So Realistic

The creators of Sifu decided to move away from martial arts and embark on a completely different project: Rematch, a soccer simulator with a competitive multiplayer focus. This offering features realistic gameplay in a third-person perspective, where every action—from kicking to passing the ball—must be executed entirely manually. There’s no automation here; everything depends on your precision, reflexes, and strategy.

The learning curve is demanding. Mastering the controls can be frustrating at first, but with dedication and practice, it becomes an addictive experience. When you manage to score a goal on your own, the adrenaline rush is comparable to what Rocket League offered in its day.

However, the content is sparse. The game only features 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 modes, which severely limits its gameplay. Furthermore, relying on your teammates can be a double-edged sword: if one decides not to cooperate, you’re likely to lose the match. Each match ends after four goals or five minutes of play, offering quick but repetitive encounters.

The most questionable aspect is its business model. Despite costing $30, Rematch includes an additional $10 Battle Pass if you want to unlock cosmetics, digital currency, or logos. Real-player skins are also available, but their prices are excessive.

Rematch has an excellent gameplay base and an interesting proposition, but the limited content and unnecessary trading mechanics mar the experience. With more modes, a better structure, and without aggressive monetization policies, it could have been a true gem.

3/5

Entertainment, Games, Gaming, Movies, News

Report: Death Stranding will also have an animated film too

When Hideo Kojima isn’t redefining what a video game can be, he’s busy stretching the boundaries of narrative across film and television. The latest chapter in his cross-media saga is an adult-targeted animated feature set in the world of Death Stranding. Slated as an original story rather than a retelling of Sam Porter Bridges’ journey, this project promises fresh perspectives on the fractured, soul-stirring universe that Kojima first unveiled in 2019.

Unlike the planned live-action adaptation (in collaboration with A24), this animation will forge its own path. Aaron Guzikowski—the mind behind HBO’s Raised by Wolves and Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners—is penning the screenplay. Guzikowski’s track record for atmospheric, emotionally resonant storytelling makes him an inspired choice to explore the game’s themes of connection, isolation and existential dread in a purely cinematic medium.

Powered by Line Mileage

The film is a co-production between Kojima Productions and LA’s Line Mileage, an outfit with roots in game-to-animation work (they’ve lent their skills to projects like Castlevania). Line Mileage co-founder Daniel Dominguez raved about Death Stranding’s “emotional rush” and “intellectual pleasure,” likening it to Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. That tonal ambition hints at a mature, contemplative piece—likely heavy on mood and atmosphere.

Reports indicate the animation will chase the same gritty, R-rated sensibility as titles like Predator: Killer of Killers or the John Wick prequel. Expect stylized violence and psychological tension to amplify the world’s inherent eeriness: a post-apocalyptic Earth where invisible threats bind souls together even as they tear society apart.

Original Story, Infinite Possibilities

By opting for a new storyline, Kojima and Guzikowski can:

  • Introduce characters untouched by the games’ narrative constraints
  • Explore uncharted regions of the Death Stranding map (both physical and metaphysical)
  • Dive deeper into the phenomenon of “stranding” as metaphor—what it means to be emotionally cut off, yet yearning for connection

Given Kojima’s fascination with life, death and the space between, we might see side tales about bridge-builders striving to reconnect humanity—or perhaps a darker vignette showing the cost of those efforts.

Parallel to the animated feature, A24 is moving forward with a live-action Death Stranding film. While Line Mileage shapes the animation, A24—renowned for Everything Everywhere All at Once and Hereditary—partners with Michael Sarnoski (director of A Quiet Place: Day One) to bring Sam’s world into physical form. Two simultaneous adaptations will let fans experience Kojima’s vision through distinct lenses: one grounded in cinematic realism, the other liberated by stylized animation.

Riding the Wave into Death Stranding 2

With Death Stranding 2: On The Beach arriving on June 26 exclusively for PS5, the timing is electric. The game reignites interest in the universe, priming audiences for both films. Kojima’s refusal to silo his creations means these projects will likely inform each other—imagery or themes teased in one medium may echo in another, creating a transmedia tapestry for hardcore fans to unravel.

What This Means for Kojima’s Legacy

Kojima has long aspired to be more than “just” a game director. His ventures into TV (The Man Who Sold the World), manga and now dual film adaptations form a multi-layered narrative ecosystem. By weaving threads across interactive and passive media, he’s building a world where the audience isn’t just playing—they’re witnessing, interpreting and connecting across formats.

Exact release dates for the animated film remain unannounced. But with Guzikowski’s creative firepower and Line Mileage’s animation chops, we can anticipate a late-2026 or 2027 premiere. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Kojima’s interviews—he’s known to drop cryptic clues in passing, and every stray comment could hint at character cameos, thematic focus or even musical collaborators.

For Death Stranding devotees, this is more than a movie news cycle; it’s an invitation to rediscover the chiral network that binds us all. Whether you’re drawn to ghostly silhouettes in the mist or crackling radio chatter between delivery runs, the animated film promises new jolts of wonder—and perhaps a few tears—along the way.

‘Death Stranding’ Set For Animated Feature Adaptation With Aaron Guzikowski On Board As Writer
Hideo Kojima’s ‘Death Stranding’ Set For Animated Feature Adaptation With Aaron Guzikowski On Board As Writer
Source/Via