Tag Archives: Gaming News

Business, Featured, Gaming, News

Rockstar Games bought one of its bigger gaming developer partner

Rockstar Games has recently made headlines with its acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, a Sydney-based game development studio. This move marks a significant expansion for Rockstar, as it establishes a new development hub in Australia, aptly named Rockstar Australia.

Video Games Deluxe has a long history of collaboration with Rockstar Games. The studio was founded by Brendan McNamara, who previously led Team Bondi, the creators of the critically acclaimed game LA Noire. After Team Bondi’s dissolution in 2011, McNamara and several key staff members moved to Video Games Deluxe, which has since worked exclusively on Rockstar projects.

The partnership between Rockstar and Video Games Deluxe has yielded several successful projects. These include the 2017 re-release of LA Noire, LA Noire: The VR Case Files, and the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. Video Games Deluxe played a crucial role in bringing these titles to life, showcasing their expertise and dedication to quality2.

The Acquisition

The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe by Rockstar Games was announced with much enthusiasm from both parties. Jennifer Kolbe, head of publishing at Rockstar, expressed excitement about the new addition to the Rockstar family.

After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia.

Brendan McNamara echoed this sentiment, saying:

It’s been an honor to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade. We are thrilled to be a part of Rockstar Games and to continue our efforts to make the best games possible.

With the establishment of Rockstar Australia, the company now boasts a total of ten subsidiary studios, in addition to its headquarters in New York City. This expansion is expected to bolster Rockstar’s development capabilities and contribute to the creation of even more high-quality games in the future.

Grand Theft Auto 6

One of the most anticipated projects on Rockstar’s horizon is Grand Theft Auto 6. While the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe does not directly relate to GTA 6, it is speculated that Rockstar Australia may play a role in its development. GTA 6 is set for release later this year and is projected to sell 40 million copies, generating over $3 billion in revenue during its first year.

The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe by Rockstar Games is a strategic move that strengthens Rockstar’s global presence and development capabilities. With a proven track record of successful collaborations, Rockstar Australia is poised to contribute significantly to the company’s future projects. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the addition of Rockstar Australia promises to bring even more exciting developments to the world of gaming.

Business, Gaming, News

Visions Of Mana co-director returns after its studios demise at the hands of NetEase

Ouka Studios was a subsidiary of NetEase Games, known for developing the RPG Visions of Mana, which was published by Square Enix. The studio was founded with the goal of creating high-quality games that would resonate with players worldwide. However, the journey of Ouka Studios was short-lived, as it was shut down by NetEase shortly after the release of Visions of Mana.

The founding of Ouka Studios was marked by the collaboration of talented developers, including Kenji Ozawa, who co-directed Visions of Mana. The studio aimed to bring fresh and innovative ideas to the gaming industry, leveraging the expertise of its team members. Despite the initial excitement and potential, the studio faced challenges that ultimately led to its closure.

NetEase’s decision to shut down Ouka Studios was part of a broader strategy to scale back its investment in Japanese studios. This move was driven by cost-cutting efforts and a shift in focus towards other priorities.

The closure of Ouka Studios was a significant blow to the developers who had poured their passion and creativity into their projects.

In the wake of Ouka Studios’ closure, Kenji Ozawa decided to take matters into his own hands. Motivated by the desire to protect creators and ensure that management takes responsibility for its decisions, Ozawa founded a new studio called Studio Sasanqua. This new venture aims to integrate management and development, providing a supportive environment for creators to thrive.

Studio Sasanqua’s mission is to create smaller projects using Unreal Engine, with the long-term goal of developing larger-scale games for PC and consoles. Ozawa’s vision for the studio is to foster a sense of security for developers and to take full responsibility for any management-related mistakes.

This approach is a direct response to the challenges faced by Ouka Studios and reflects Ozawa’s commitment to creating a better future for game developers.

The story of Ouka Studios serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and supporting creators in the gaming industry. While the studio’s journey was cut short, its legacy lives on through the efforts of its former team members and the new ventures they embark on.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Twisted Metal was planned for a reboot, but never came to fruition

In the world of gaming, few franchises have managed to carve out a niche as unique and enduring as Twisted Metal. Known for its chaotic vehicular combat and memorable characters, the series has been a staple of PlayStation’s lineup since its debut in 1995.

However, fans of the franchise were recently hit with a wave of nostalgia and disappointment as details emerged about a cancelled Twisted Metal game that was in development for the PlayStation 5.

The cancelled Twisted Metal game, internally known as “Project Copper,” was being developed by Firesprite, the studio behind Horizon: Call of the Mountain. While PlayStation never officially confirmed the existence of this project, reports of Firesprite’s involvement began circulating online in 2022.

The game was reportedly cancelled last year, but new details have surfaced thanks to Hugo Silva, a lead UI programmer who was working on the project.

According to Silva, Project Copper was envisioned as a “3rd person vehicular action combat game” based on a classic IP owned by PlayStation. The game was set to introduce a significant shift in gameplay mechanics, incorporating third-person shooter elements alongside the traditional vehicular combat. The objective was to be the last one standing, effectively turning Twisted Metal into a battle royale game.

The Battle Royale Concept

The battle royale genre has seen immense popularity in recent years, with games like Fortnite and Apex Legends dominating the market. Firesprite and PlayStation aimed to capitalize on this trend by reimagining Twisted Metal as a battle royale game. Early images from Silva’s website, though labeled “under NDA,” highlight the battle royale concept, featuring generic characters engaged in third-person shooter combat. These placeholder designs would have likely been replaced by classic characters from the series or custom-designed protagonists.

The last new Twisted Metal game was released on the PlayStation 3 back in 2012, making it over a decade since fans have had a new entry in the series. The cancellation of Project Copper is undoubtedly frustrating for fans, especially considering the success of the Twisted Metal streaming series on Peacock. The absence of a new game to accompany the show’s popularity seems like a missed opportunity for PlayStation.

However, it’s possible that the decision to cancel the game was for the best. From the details revealed so far, Project Copper might not have delivered what fans have come to expect from the series. If the game had been released and failed, it could have potentially doomed the franchise for another decade or more.

The Future of Twisted Metal

Despite the cancellation of Project Copper, there is still hope for the future of Twisted Metal. PlayStation co-CEO Herman Hurst hinted back in December that the company is looking for ways to leverage its past IPs, offering a glimmer of hope that dormant franchises like Twisted Metal could make a return. Fans will have to wait and see if a new game finally materializes, but for now, the cancellation of Project Copper remains a tantalizing “what if” in the history of Twisted Metal.

In conclusion, the revelation of the cancelled Twisted Metal game has left fans with mixed emotions. While the concept of a battle royale Twisted Metal game is intriguing, it’s uncertain whether it would have lived up to the legacy of the franchise. As we look to the future, we can only hope that PlayStation finds a way to bring Twisted Metal back to its former glory.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Online will delist a game for the 1st time

Nintendo has announced that it will be removing a retro game from its Switch Online service for the first time. The game in question is Super Soccer, which will be delisted from the service on March 28, 2025. This marks the first time a game has been removed from the Switch Online retro library, raising concerns about the permanence of the service’s classic games catalog.

The removal of Super Soccer from the Switch Online service has sparked discussions among gamers about the future of the service and the potential for other games to be removed in the future.

Some players have expressed concerns about the possibility of losing access to their favorite retro games, while others have called for the return of the Virtual Console service, which allowed players to purchase and download individual games.

The decision to remove Super Soccer from the Switch Online service is believed to be due to licensing issues. The game was originally developed by Human Entertainment and published by Nintendo, and it is possible that the licensing agreement for the game has expired.

Nintendo has not provided any further details about the removal of Super Soccer or whether other games will be removed from the service in the future.

However, the company has assured players that it will continue to add new games to the Switch Online service, and that it remains committed to providing a diverse and extensive library of classic games.

The move was given the proper attention and one of the immediate reaction came from Hideki Kamiya and this is what PlatinumGames co-founder said:

Hey hey hey, I guess subscriptions are no good after all.

Seriously, bring back the Virtual Console… don’t be so mean.

Games, Gaming, News

LEGO classics and F.E.A.R. joins the GOG Preservation Program

In the ever-evolving world of video games, preserving the classics is a mission that resonates deeply with gamers and historians alike. The GOG Preservation Program, launched in November 2024, is a testament to this commitment. This initiative ensures that iconic games remain playable on modern systems, even after their developers have ceased support. Let’s dive into the latest additions to this program and explore the backstory of this noble endeavor.

Latest Additions: LEGO Games and F.E.A.R.

The GOG Preservation Program recently welcomed a slew of classic LEGO games and the horror shooter F.E.A.R. into its fold. These additions are not just about nostalgia; they are about ensuring that these beloved titles remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations.

LEGO Games: GOG has added 11 classic LEGO games to its Preservation Program. This includes fan favorites like LEGO Batman: The Video Game, LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, and LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game. These games have been updated to ensure compatibility with modern PCs, running at a default 1080p resolution with V-Sync enabled and a locked 60Hz frame rate.

F.E.A.R.: In a move to honor the contributions of the now-shuttered developer Monolith Productions, GOG has added F.E.A.R. Platinum to its Preservation Program ahead of schedule. This collection includes the base game and its expansions, ensuring that the legacy of Monolith’s work lives on.

The GOG Preservation Program is more than just a collection of old games; it’s a commitment to preserving gaming history. The idea was born out of a recognition that many classic games were becoming unplayable due to technological advancements and the discontinuation of support from developers.

The GOG Preservation Program aims to ensure that classic games remain playable on modern and future systems. This involves updating games to be compatible with current operating systems, fixing bugs, and sometimes even enhancing the graphics and gameplay. The program also includes dedicated tech support and offline installers, ensuring that players can enjoy these classics without any hassle.

Community Involvement

GOG actively involves the gaming community in its preservation efforts. Players can vote for their favorite classic games to be added to the program, ensuring that the most beloved titles are preserved. This community-driven approach helps GOG prioritize which games to update and maintain.

The GOG Preservation Program is a beacon of hope for gamers who cherish the classics. By ensuring that these games remain accessible and playable, GOG is preserving a vital part of gaming history. Whether you’re a fan of LEGO adventures or the spine-chilling thrills of F.E.A.R., the GOG Preservation Program has something for everyone. So, let’s celebrate these timeless classics and the efforts to keep them alive for generations to come.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Surprising Command & Conquer move by Electronic Arts

In a groundbreaking move that has thrilled gamers and developers alike, Electronic Arts has released the source code for several classic titles in the Command & Conquer series. This decision marks a significant milestone in the history of gaming, as it not only preserves the legacy of these iconic real-time strategy (RTS) games but also empowers the community to breathe new life into them.

The Command & Conquer series, often abbreviated as C&C, debuted in 1995 with Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn. Developed by Westwood Studios, the game was a pioneer in the RTS genre, introducing players to a world of strategic warfare, resource management, and gripping narratives. The series quickly gained a cult following, with subsequent titles like Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals cementing its place in gaming history.

Over the years, the franchise faced challenges, including the closure of Westwood Studios in 2003 and mixed reception to later entries. Despite these hurdles, the C&C community remained passionate, keeping the spirit of the games alive through mods, fan projects, and online forums.

The Road to Open Source

EA’s decision to release the source code for Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals under the GNU General Public License (GPL) is a testament to the enduring legacy of the series. This initiative builds on the success of the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection, released in 2020, which included remastered versions of Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert. The remastered collection was praised for its faithful recreation of the originals and its inclusion of modding tools.

The journey to open source was spearheaded by Luke “CCHyper” Feenan, a veteran of the C&C community and a key figure in the development of the remastered collection. Over the past year, Feenan worked closely with EA to restore the original source code archives to a buildable state. This meticulous process involved recovering and organizing decades-old files, ensuring that the code could be used effectively by the community.

What This Means for the Community

The release of the source code is a game-changer for the C&C community. Modders and developers now have unprecedented access to the inner workings of these classic games, enabling them to create new content, fix bugs, and even develop entirely new experiences. EA has also introduced Steam Workshop support for several titles, making it easier than ever for players to share and discover mods.

This move is not just about preserving the past; it’s about inspiring the future. By opening up the source code, EA has given the community the tools to innovate and expand upon the foundations laid by Westwood Studios. Whether it’s creating new campaigns, enhancing graphics, or experimenting with gameplay mechanics, the possibilities are endless.

The release of the source code is a bold step that underscores EA’s commitment to the C&C franchise and its fans. It acknowledges the importance of community-driven creativity and the role it plays in keeping classic games relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the Command & Conquer series is far from over. With the passion and ingenuity of its community, these games will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.

Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT are officially (re)announced

AMD has officially unveiled its latest graphics card, the Radeon RX 9070 XT, alongside its sibling, the RX 9070. These GPUs are built on AMD’s cutting-edge RDNA 4 architecture, promising a blend of high performance, efficiency, and affordability. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting release.

Price and Availability

The Radeon RX 9070 XT is priced at $599, while the RX 9070 starts at $549. Both models are set to hit the market globally on March 6, 2025. This aggressive pricing strategy positions AMD as a strong competitor to NVIDIA, particularly against the RTX 5070 Ti, which is priced at $749.

The RX 9070 XT boasts impressive performance metrics:

  • Up to 51% faster than its predecessor, the RX 6900 XT, in 4K gaming.
  • Enhanced ray tracing capabilities with third-generation ray accelerators.
  • Improved AI-driven upscaling, thanks to second-generation AI accelerators.

AMD claims that the RX 9070 XT delivers comparable performance to NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 Ti but at a significantly lower price point. This makes it an attractive option for gamers seeking high-end performance without breaking the bank.

Key Features

  1. RDNA 4 Architecture: The new architecture introduces dynamic register allocation for better resource utilization and enhanced compute units for improved parallel processing.
  2. Memory Management: Optimized memory bandwidth usage ensures faster data processing and reduced latency.
  3. FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4): The latest iteration of AMD’s upscaling technology offers sharper visuals and higher frame rates, making it ideal for demanding gaming scenarios.

AMD’s pricing strategy and technological advancements send a clear message to the GPU market: high-performance gaming doesn’t have to come at a premium price. By undercutting NVIDIA’s pricing while delivering comparable or superior performance, AMD is poised to dominate the mid-to-high-end GPU segment in 2025.

Fidelity Super Resolution 4 is an RDNA4 exclusive

AMD has also re-confirmed that FSR 4 utilizes FP8 capabilities of RDNA 4’s 2nd gen AI accelerators, which means older generation will have to resort in the possibility of backporting FSR 4 or its subsets to older cards, but the alternative is currently unknown if AMD is doing the effort.

What is official is that FSR 4 promises to offer up to a 3.7x fps boost at 4K with ray tracing enabled. Essentially, Hypr-RX enables all aforementioned features for a game with a single click in the Adrenalin driver.

RDNA 4 cards will ship with Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1 that offers a few nifty AI-powered features while largely retaining the familiar interface.

The latest Adrenalin offers Radeon Image Sharpening 2 that offers system-wide image sharpening without reliance on any third-party API. There’s support for up to 8K 75 fps video codec acceleration and hardware flip metering, leveraging the changes to the media engine in RDNA 4.

AMD is also bundling a few utilities with Adrenalin 25.3.1 including AMD Chat, Image Inspector, and AI Apps Manager.

Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Gaming still at the back seat of Nvidia Q4 2024 performance

Nvidia, the AI chip giant, recently released its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report, which has garnered significant attention from investors and tech enthusiasts alike. The company reported a record quarterly revenue of $39.3 billion, up 12% from the previous quarter and 78% from a year ago. This impressive growth is largely attributed to the booming demand for AI and data center products.

Key Highlights from the Earnings Report

  1. Revenue and Earnings: Nvidia’s revenue for the fourth quarter was $39.3 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $38.05 billion. The company’s net income rose to $22.09 billion, or 89 cents per diluted share, compared to $12.29 billion, or 49 cents per share, in the same period last year.
  2. AI Demand: The demand for AI inference and new AI models has significantly benefited Nvidia. CEO Jensen Huang highlighted that the company’s leadership in advanced AI chips has enabled them to unlock new use-cases and drive strong demand.
  3. Blackwell AI Chips: Nvidia’s next-generation AI chip, Blackwell, has seen a significant ramp-up in sales, contributing to the company’s strong performance. CFO Colette Kress mentioned that the company expects gross margins to reach the mid-70s later this year once Blackwell production has fully ramped up.
  4. Market Reaction: Despite the impressive earnings report, Nvidia’s stock experienced a slight decline in after-hours trading. Analysts suggest that the market’s tame response may indicate that all the good news has already been priced into the stock.

The RTX 50 series, powered by Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture, has been a game-changer for gamers and creators. The series includes the RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, and 5070, each offering significant performance improvements over their predecessors.

  1. Performance Uplift: The RTX 5090 demonstrates a 33% performance increase over the RTX 4090 in games like Resident Evil 4 and Horizon Forbidden West. Similarly, the RTX 5080 shows a 15% improvement, while the RTX 5070 Ti and 5070 are approximately 20% faster than their Ada Lovelace predecessors.
  2. AI and Ray Tracing: The RTX 50 series leverages AI and ray tracing technologies to deliver superior graphics fidelity and performance. The inclusion of DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and enhanced Ray Reconstruction has further boosted the performance of these GPUs.
  3. Market Reception: The RTX 50 series has received positive feedback from both gamers and creators. The GPUs’ ability to handle demanding tasks and deliver high-quality visuals has made them a popular choice among users.

Management’s Reaction to Recent RTX 50 News

Nvidia’s management has been actively addressing the recent issues and controversies surrounding the RTX 50 series. The company has acknowledged the concerns raised by users and is working diligently to resolve them.

  1. ROP Controversy: Nvidia’s global PR director, Ben Berraondo, confirmed that the missing Render Output Pipelines (ROPs) issue affects only about 0.5% of all GeForce RTX 5090/5090D and RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards. The company is investigating the matter and has assured users that they are committed to providing a solution.
  2. BSOD and Black Screen Troubles: Nvidia has confirmed that it is investigating the blue screen of death (BSOD) and black screen issues reported by users of the RTX 50 series. The company is working on identifying the root cause and determining whether the fix will come through a driver update or a VBIOS update.
Featured, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Pokémon Present 2025: The 25th year of 21st century will be another big year for Pokémon

February 27, 2025, marked another exciting Pokémon Day, and The Pokémon Company did not disappoint with their latest Pokémon Presents showcase. Here’s a detailed look at all the announcements made during the event:

Pokémon Concierge

The Pokémon Company kicked off the event by announcing new episodes of the charming stop-motion animation series, Pokémon Concierge. These episodes are set to air on Netflix in September 2025. As a special treat, the first four episodes of the show are available for free on YouTube until March 9th.

Pokémon Go Tour

The next Pokémon Go Tour is happening this weekend, featuring Black Kyurem and White Kyurem in Raid Battles. Players will also have the chance to catch Victini and a shiny Meloetta.

Mobile Game Updates

Three mobile-focused Pokémon titles received updates:

  • Pokémon Masters EX: Champion May and her shiny Primal Kyogre, as well as Champion Brendan and his shiny Primal Groudon, will be making an appearance.
  • Pokémon Café ReMix: A new apple-themed menu item along with appearances from Flapple and Appletun.
  • Pokémon Sleep: A new Cresselia versus Darkrai event is coming in March 2025.

Pokémon Unite

Three new fighters were revealed for Pokémon Unite:

  • Suicune: Coming to the game on March 1st.
  • Alolan Raichu: Arriving in April.
  • Alcremie: Joining later in the year.

Pokémon TCG Pocket

The next major expansion set for Pokémon TCG Pocket, titled Triumphant Light, was announced. This set is themed around the deific Pokémon Arceus and includes new Eevee, Magnemite, and Golbat variations, as well as a shiny Raichu. The set launches tomorrow, February 28, 2025.

Mega Evolved Pokémon in TCG

Mega Evolved Pokémon are making a comeback in Pokémon TCG this year. The trailer showcased ex cards for Mega Lucario and Mega Gardevoir, though the release date for this feature was not revealed.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Players of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can grab a special Rotom Phone cover for each game by inputting the codes SB00KC0VER for Scarlet and VB00KC0VER for Violet (those are zeroes, not Os). New Tera Raid Battles for Meowscarada, Skeledirge, and Quaquaval are also coming on February 28th, March 7th, and March 14th, respectively.

Pokémon Champions

A new game called Pokémon Champions was announced. This Pokémon Stadium-style game focuses on battling and will connect to Pokémon Home, allowing players to use Pokémon from their games to battle trainers worldwide. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

The event concluded with new information about Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The game is set in a futuristic Lumiose City, located in the Kalos region, and features Mega Evolutions. Players will start their journey from an old hotel and explore wild zones where humans and Pokémon coexist. The game is set to release in late 2025 exclusively on Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon Day 2025 was packed with exciting announcements, promising a thrilling year ahead for Pokémon fans. Whether you’re into mobile games, trading cards, or console adventures, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Terminator 2D: NO FATE: A Retro Revival

The Terminator franchise has always been synonymous with thrilling action and iconic characters. Now, fans of the series have something new to look forward to: Terminator 2D: NO FATE. This officially licensed 2D action side-scroller is set to launch on September 5, 2025, and promises to deliver a nostalgic yet fresh gaming experience.

A Love Letter to the ’80s and ’90s Arcade Games

Developed by Bitmap Bureau and published by Reef Entertainment, Terminator 2D: NO FATE is a heartfelt homage to the arcade games of the ’80s and ’90s. The game features stunning pixel art and adrenaline-fueled gameplay that captures the essence of classic arcade action. Players will control Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the T-800 in missions that retell the story of Terminator 2: Judgment Day while expanding its narrative.

The initial characters that are officially at the game includes:

  • Sarah Connor: Agile and reactive, Sarah excels in melee combat. Her playstyle reflects her intense training and paranoia, making her a formidable character in close-quarters combat. She also wields a laser sight inspired by the iconic Miles Dyson scene, which significantly boosts damage.
  • John Connor: As the leader of the Resistance in the Future War missions, John Connor’s gameplay emphasizes strategic mid-to-long-range combat. He uses a plasma rifle, pipe bombs, and three types of ammo. While less agile than Sarah, he can execute a tactical roll to evade attacks.
  • T-800: The T-800 moves deliberately, emphasizing his weight and power. He compensates for his slower speed with high durability, capable of taking significant damage before going down. Iconic moments like the Corral bar brawl and the motorcycle escape from the T-1000 are recreated in a 2D arcade style.
  • T-1000: One of the most legendary villains of all time, the T-1000’s liquid metal abilities are brought to life in pixel art. Players will feel the menace of Robert Patrick’s unforgettable performance as they face him in-game.

Terminator 2D: NO FATE offers multiple game modes, including Story, Arcade, Infinite, Boss Rush, Mother of the Future, and Level Training. Each mode provides a unique challenge and adds to the replayability of the game.

Preorder Details

Terminator 2D: NO FATE will be available on PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Digital preorders will be available at a later date, so keep an eye out for announcements from Bitmap Bureau and Reef Entertainment4.

In conclusion, Terminator 2D: NO FATE is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the franchise and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. With its faithful recreation of iconic characters and moments, combined with thrilling arcade gameplay, this game is set to be a standout release in 2025.