France and Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that they will build a $7 billion Dragon Ball Z theme park northwest of Paris near Cergy-Pontoise. The announcement came during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris, where he and President Emmanuel Macron discussed the anime franchise. The project, led by Qiddiya, is expected to create about 22,000 jobs and will feature seven recreations of locations from the series, including the Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’s Planet, as well as more than 30 attractions and a 70‑meter statue of Shenron. Construction is projected to take several years, and no opening date has been set. The initiative follows Saudi Arabia’s broader investments in gaming and entertainment, including its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, a 10% stake in Capcom, and its full ownership of the Evo fighting game tournament series. It also follows the relocation of the Esports World Cup to Paris over security concerns in Riyadh. The park’s opening timeline remains unspecified.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
Nintendo has held a Direct livestream in September in nine of the past ten years, the only exception being a 2024 event that combined an Indie World Showcase with a Partner Showcase on August 27. The company typically uses the September showcase to provide release dates for upcoming titles and to outline the following year’s lineup.
The September Directs over the last decade have occurred on dates ranging from September 1, 2016, to September 23, 2021, including a mini Partner Showcase on September 17, 2020. Recent presentations have announced release windows for titles such as The Duskbloods and a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, both scheduled for release this year.
The September 2023 Direct revealed Switch 2 exclusives Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and Pokemon Pokopia, which are expected to launch in the first half of 2026. The 2024 presentation also featured Princess Peach: Showtime, released in March 2024, and a remaster of Paper Mario: The Thousand‑Year Door, released in May 2024.
While no official confirmation has been issued, the historical pattern suggests a September Direct is likely. Specifics about the upcoming titles and dates remain unverified pending the event.
Square Enix announced that the Übel Blatt II manga will end in the series' 11th issue of Monthly Big Gangan on October 23. The sequel began serialization in February 2024, following the original manga's debut in 2004, and Square Enix released its fourth compiled volume on April 24. Yen Press handles the English-language digital release through Manga UP! Global, and the anime adaptation premiered in January 2025 on Amazon Prime Video, with an English dub added in April 2025. The series follows Viceroy Ascheriit Köinzell and other imperial officials as they combat rebellions while a resistance group called the Knights of the Fallen King operates in the southern region of Helenirdo. The conclusion marks the end of the 23‑year franchise, which includes three compiled volumes, multiple spin‑off series, and a globally streamed anime.
Akira returns to theaters in IMAX and 4K for one day on September 4 in the United States and Canada.
The 1988 anime film, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, is based on his manga and depicts a post‑apocalyptic Tokyo in 2019.
Tickets are available through the IMAX website and Fandango. The screenings will show the original Japanese audio with English subtitles and an English dub.
The event is distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
No additional screenings have been announced.
Xbox and PlayStation have altered their public messaging about multiplatform game releases. Xbox recently uploaded a trailer for Minecraft Dungeons 2 on its YouTube channel that makes no mention of versions for the PS5 or Nintendo Switch 2, whereas earlier trailers released in March and June referenced all planned platforms. The change follows Microsoft's decision to cancel a PS5 version of Gears of War: E-Day shortly before its announcement, a move that coincided with the removal of a piece of promotional art showing a PS5 logo from a podcast. PlayStation, meanwhile, has emphasized exclusive titles, displaying the phrase "PlayStation 5 exclusive" across promotional material for Marvel's Wolverine, Ghost of Yotei, Astro Bot, Gran Turismo 7, Saros, and God of War Laufey, indicating a return to full‑time exclusivity. Xbox has said Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be permanently exclusive, but it has not clarified the status of upcoming titles such as The Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout 3, and New Vegas remasters. Analysts note that the shifts reflect evolving marketing strategies rather than definitive policy changes. Both companies have not confirmed long‑term plans, leaving the future of multiplatform availability uncertain.
Roblox game 'Steal an Egg' reached the No. 1 spot on the platform before being removed on Aug. 24, 2026. The game had more than 500,000 concurrent players and generated about 1.3 million views on a YouTube video that demonstrated its speed mechanic.
Players collect eggs that hatch into pets which earn money per second. Rarer pets earn more. Players can purchase speed upgrades with real money or by using a treadmill that includes a Reels feature for watching videos.
Users described the treadmill mechanic as dystopian and likened it to the Netflix Black Mirror episode 'Fifteen Million Merits.' Screenshots of the treadmill and Reels feature circulated on social media, drawing negative reactions. The game was delisted shortly after reaching the top rank, and the developer posted on Discord that the game would return within a few hours.
Roblox did not respond to a request for comment. The developer did not provide a detailed reason for the removal, and the platform's policies prohibit sharing links to TikTok or Instagram Reels, which may have been a factor.
The removal leaves the game's availability unresolved, and it is unclear whether the issue will be addressed before a later reinstatement.
Konami announced the English voice cast for Castlevania: Belmont's Curse in a trailer released on Monday. The cast includes Abby Trott as Rose Belmont, J.B. Blanc as Trevor Belmont, Alejandra Reynoso as Sypha Belnades, Graham McTavish as Dracula, Ray Chase as The Fallen, Erica Lindbeck as Joan of Arc, Melique Berger as Medusa, Liam O'Brien as Isaac, Dawn M. Bennett as Carmilla, and Aaron LaPlante as Death. The game is scheduled for release on October 15 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud, Xbox PC, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Evil Empire leads development, with Motion Twin providing advisory support. Konami said the title is set in 15th‑century Paris and follows a successor to Trevor Belmont who must battle monsters and a mystical castle using a holy whip. It marks the first entirely new entry in the Castlevania series since Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 in 2014. Earlier in August 2024, Konami released the Castlevania Dominus Collection, which includes the DS titles Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia, the original arcade game Haunted Castle, and a reimagined version called Haunted Castle Revisited. The spinoff series Castlevania: Nocturne, which debuted in September 2023, is set during the French Revolution and focuses on Richter Belmont and Maria Renard; its second season premiered in January 2025.
Ang Lee's 2003 science‑fi thriller 'Hulk', produced on a $140 million budget, is now streaming for free on YouTube. The film was directed by Ang Lee and stars Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott and Nick Nolte. Its visual style employed split‑screen panels and unconventional transitions that echoed comic‑book layouts, setting it apart from contemporaneous superhero movies such as 'X‑Men' and 'Daredevil'. Critics described the panel‑like framing as a bold attempt to translate comic‑book aesthetics to film, while other reviewers noted that the early‑2000s transitions appeared jarring. Since the launch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008, superhero cinema has generally moved toward more conventional visual language, making 'Hulk' an outlier in the genre's evolution. The free availability on YouTube offers audiences the chance to view the film without cost, though its critical reception and lasting impact remain subjects of discussion.
Red Dead Redemption 2 fans will soon receive a free Mexico-themed expansion called Nuevo Paraiso--the Forgotten Frontier, scheduled for release on September 16. The mod, created by community developer Roxis724, adds new settlements, gang hideouts, treasure hunts, minigames, bounty‑hunter missions, random encounters and other content, and introduces a playable version of the character Sadie Adler. Players may choose to experience the mod as Sadie, Arthur Morgan, or John Marston, though the Sadie storyline is recommended for narrative reasons. Roxis724 previously released an earlier Mexico expansion that served as a foundation for this project; the current version expands its scope and aims to reflect the social and political tensions of the early 20th‑century Mexican Revolution. The trailer description states the mod seeks to provide an immersive experience that contextualizes the original game’s setting with historical Mexican events. The mod will be downloadable at no cost from Nexus Mods for PC. Rockstar Games remains focused on Grand Theft Auto 6 development, with a planned reveal on August 27 and a November 19 release date.
The Mandalorian and Grogu will receive a 4K Ultra HD and Blu‑ray release on August 25, along with a SteelBook and a Beskar Collector’s Edition that include a digital code. The home‑media launch follows a digital release on July 21 and a theatrical debut on May 22, the first new Star Wars film in six years.
The release package adds several special features. A behind‑the‑scenes documentary examines the puppetry, miniatures, sound design and visual effects used to create the film’s worlds. Another segment shows how director Jon Favreau and his team built new environments, including a snowy landscape and a swamp, and constructed a city set for the story. A recreation of the Dejarik holochess game from the original trilogy is also included, as is an audio commentary track by Favreau.
The film received mixed critical reception. Polygon critic Jake Kleinman wrote that the movie appears designed to attract new viewers rather than satisfy long‑time fans, noting its reliance on visual moments featuring Grogu and references to earlier Star Wars material. He described the effort as an achievement but said the film does not fully represent a traditional Star Wars movie.
The physical and digital editions will be available on the announced date, providing fans with additional ways to experience the film.
Re-Animator, a 1985 horror film directed by Stuart Gordon, is now available for free streaming on Tubi. The movie follows Herbert West, a medical student who develops a serum that reanimates dead tissue. West reanimates his mentor Dr. Hans Gruber, whose deteriorating condition and violent reactions are observed by those present. He later moves to a medical school in Massachusetts, where he shares a room with Dan Cain and begins a relationship with Cain’s girlfriend Meg. Carl Hill, a faculty member, seeks credit for West’s invention. The film depicts reanimated characters retaining aspects of their former personalities, differing from earlier portrayals of mindless undead. Notable scenes include a decapitated head directing its reanimated body and a morgue climax where reanimated corpses use internal organs as weapons. Re-Animator has spawned two direct sequels and is frequently referenced in discussions of horror cinema. Its free availability on Tubi expands access to the film.
The FlashForge AD5X multi‑color 3D printer is available on AliExpress for $203.16 after applying coupon code JJX32B. The listing indicates free shipping from the United States and delivery within one to two weeks, provided the buyer is signed in. The same model typically retails for $349 on Amazon. The AD5X is FlashForge’s least expensive printer that includes a multi‑material system, enabling the use of multiple filaments or colors on a single print. It employs a CoreXY design, where the print head moves while the motors remain fixed, a configuration intended to improve speed and precision. The printer offers an open build volume of approximately 8.7 cubic inches, with an optional $50 enclosure kit available for purchase. It has a maximum print speed of 600 mm/s and acceleration of 20,000 mm/s², and can complete a benchy model in about 12 minutes. Additional features include a 4.3‑inch color touchscreen, automatic bed leveling, vibration compensation, and an integrated multi‑filament module that can manage up to four spools and automatically switch filament. The module would normally cost $200 to $300 separately, making the integrated solution a cost saving for mid‑level enthusiasts. Assembly is reported to be quick, and the printer is built from metal components. No camera is included, though a separate kit can be purchased.
An author reported missing Vatra's Seal, an ability in Mortal Shell 2, after completing the prologue. The seal is obtained by looting Haros' corpse following the Tar Golem encounter and can be used with any shell equipped. It grants damage immunity, freezes the character mid‑animation, and allows a perfect parry that deals posture damage. The author discovered the seal was absent after several hours of play and confirmed that it cannot be retrieved once the prologue area is left. As an alternative, the author used the Untarnished Seal, which provides a guard that blocks damage until the posture meter breaks and enables a perfect parry, but does not grant damage immunity. Cold Symmetry released a patch that reduces boss difficulty and increases gold rewards, though some players have reported issues with bear traps. The author advises new players to loot Haros' corpse to secure the seal, noting its availability throughout the game.
Hideo Kojima turned 63 on August 24 and said he remains mindful of his mortality while continuing to work on video games. He began his professional career in 1986 and will mark 40 years of game development in 2026, the same year he celebrates the 10th anniversary of Kojima Productions, the studio he founded after leaving Konami. In a social media post, Kojima said he is aware that he will not live forever and has considered how he wants to die, prompting him to reassess how he spends his time. He emphasized that once a project is started, it cannot simply be abandoned. Kojima added that he wants to remain focused on creating games, despite receiving various offers. He declined an invitation to direct a Death Stranding film, according to reports. Current projects include the espionage title Physint and the horror game OD. Kojima Productions updated a night sky scene in the upcoming Death Stranding 2 to mark his birthday, as shared on Twitter. His staff posted a photo of a birthday cake and a picture of Kojima with Geoff Keighley on social media.
France and Saudi Arabia announced a joint plan to construct a Dragon Ball Z–themed amusement park north‑west of Paris, with an estimated cost of €6 billion ($7 billion).
France and Saudi Arabia announced a joint plan to construct a Dragon Ball Z–themed amusement park north‑west of Paris, with an estimated cost of €6 billion ($7 billion). Reuters reported that the idea originated from a 2025 meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who discussed their mutual appreciation for the Dragon Ball franchise. The project will be financed by Qiddiya, the Saudi entertainment and investment group developing a similar Dragon Ball attraction in its planned city near Riyadh. The park will include more than five rides, 30 attractions, a 230‑foot Shenron statue, hotels and restaurants, and a construction timeline has not been disclosed. The announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s broader investments in sports and entertainment, such as the LIV Golf league and the acquisition of EA, and comes as France considers additional theme park developments near Paris.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has reached approximately 400,000 pre‑order copies on Steam, according to Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics. The pre‑order revenue is estimated at $21 million, and the game is scheduled for release on October 23, two months after the beta period. Black Ops 7 had about 200,000 pre‑order copies on Steam at launch, the same source reported. Its US sales ranking was the lowest for the series since 2008. The Modern Warfare 4 beta recorded a peak of more than 115,000 concurrent Steam users, compared with Black Ops 7’s peak of roughly 100,000 concurrent users after its launch, according to ChalieIntel. The beta ran from August 28 to September 1 and was open to all platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2. Modern Warfare 4 will not be included in PC Game Pass, unlike Black Ops 7, which was available through the service at launch. Elliott said the launch of Modern Warfare 4, the first entry since 2013 to skip previous‑generation consoles, could increase sales of PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, as the high cost of new hardware may prompt upgrades. Microsoft has encouraged consumers to consider used consoles or buy‑now‑pay‑later financing to offset the expense of new hardware. Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19.
The indie fishing game How to Fish reached a peak of 341,000 concurrent players on Steam, outpacing the Modern Warfare 4 early‑access beta, which logged just over 115,000 concurrent players on Friday, according to Steam data.
How to Fish, a physics‑based title developed by Dazed Games and published by Evil Landfall, launched on August 20 and has sold more than one million copies, the developer announced. The game is priced at under $5, down from a regular $8 price.
The Modern Warfare 4 beta, limited to players who preordered the upcoming entry in the franchise, began on Friday and is scheduled for an open period from August 28 to September 1. The beta includes a campaign mission for the first time and offers special rewards for the full release, which is set for October 23 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and the upcoming Switch 2.
The rapid rise of How to Fish suggests growing interest in casual multiplayer experiences, while the declining player count for the Modern Warfare 4 beta indicates waning early enthusiasm.
Batman: Knightfall Part 1 is now available for digital purchase through VOD platforms.
The film is the first installment of a planned trilogy of DC animated movies, derived from a well‑known Batman graphic novel. It is not being shown in theaters.
The digital release includes a standard version. A 4K UHD and Blu‑ray edition can be preordered for a September 8 release at a higher price. No release date has been announced for Knightfall Part 2; it is expected sometime in 2026, with the final film slated for early 2027. The next live‑action Batman film has been delayed to 2028, and James Gunn’s The Brave and the Bold also has no release date.
"After the largely disappointing Crisis trilogy, Batman: Knightfall Part 1 succeeds in cutting through the essential core of a classic Batman crossover and offers a vivid psychological portrait of Batman and his latest arch‑nemesis. The film looks good and features a talented voice cast." – Jesse Schedeen
No further release timeline for the sequel has been provided, and details about future live‑action projects remain pending.
Voice actress Masako Nozawa turned 90 on Saturday and announced a new line of apparel created with the Japanese brand FAVOLC.
The collection, available through FAVOLC’s website and the Animate online store, includes shirts, sweatshirts, pouches, a tote bag, shorts and a baseball hat that feature images of Nozawa from her youth and later years.
Masako Nozawa is best known for voicing Son Goku in the Dragon Ball franchise, a role she has performed since the series’ debut in 1986. She began her voice acting career in 1963 with Astro Boy and has since lent her voice to characters such as Kitarō in Gegege no Kitarō, Medama Oyaji in later adaptations, Tetsurō Hashino in Galaxy Express 999, Doctor Kureha in One Piece, and T0‑B1 in Star Wars: Visions.
The first wave of the Nozawa collection is priced between ¥3,080 and ¥8,800 (approximately US$19.38–$55.37). Purchasers on the FAVOLC website receive an original “Nozawa Masako 90th Anniversary” pin in black, purple or yellow. The items are sold through the FAVOLC site and the Animate online store.
Nozawa holds Guinness World Records for the longest video game voice acting career and for voicing the same character in a video game for the longest period. She received the 71st Kan Kikuchi Prize in 2023 and was honored as a Person of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government in 2025.
Her statement that she intends to continue voice acting until age 182 was made in her 2023 acceptance speech, and the new apparel marks a milestone in her long‑standing career.
Flashforge Adventurer 5M, a CoreXY 3D printer, is listed at $132.05 on AliExpress with free shipping after applying coupon code VSUSAFF20. The listing indicates delivery within one to two weeks from a U.S.-based warehouse. The printer features an 8.7‑inch cubic build volume, a CoreXY frame in which only the print head moves, and a maximum print speed of 600 mm/s with 20,000 mm/s² acceleration. Its 32 mm³/s high‑flow nozzle and 280 °C direct extruder reach 200 °C in about 35 seconds. The unit includes a 4.3‑inch color touchscreen, auto‑leveling, vibration compensation, and a metal frame. An optional enclosure kit is sold separately for $39.99. Assembly is described as quick, allowing the first print within minutes. The IGN Deals team, which has over 30 years of combined experience identifying online discounts, reported the price and availability. Eric Song, IGN commerce manager, oversees the deal coverage.
Director Joe Russo said he altered Spider-Man's death scene during filming to heighten its emotional impact. The moment occurs at the end of Avengers: Infinity War when Thanos' snap causes half of the heroes to disintegrate. Russo explained that the original script had Peter Parker say, "I don't feel so good," followed by an apology. He asked Tom Holland to imagine the fear of dying, which he believed would make audiences cry. Russo said the prolonged death was designed to exploit the mentor‑mentee relationship between Peter Parker and Tony Stark, which he and his brother developed throughout the film. He noted that they spent considerable time building that relationship to maximize the scene's impact. Russo will return with his brother Anthony Russo and Robert Downey Jr. for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars films, whose trailers suggest further Marvel storylines.
Venom: The Last Dance ranked #2 on Netflix’s global streaming chart, with 478 million hours of viewing reported for the 2024 release. The film is the third installment in Sony’s Venom series starring Tom Hardy, who portrayed Eddie Brock and the alien symbiote. Earlier Venom movies struggled at the box office, but the series has sustained audience interest. Nielsen data show the movie attracted 478 million hours of viewing in its first four weeks on the platform. Hardy has said the role will conclude with this installment, though an end‑credits scene in Spider‑Man: No Way Home left a symbiote fragment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, prompting fan speculation about potential future appearances. Sony announced an animated Venom film is in development, with Hardy attached as a producer and Kelly Marcel returning as writer and director. The streaming success highlights the franchise’s continued popularity on digital platforms, while no additional live‑action sequels have been confirmed.
From Software producer Yasuhiro Kitao said the The Duskbloods playtest on the Switch 2 attracted more sign‑up applications than the Elden Ring Nightreign playtest, which was conducted on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
During a Famitsu livestream that was translated by GamesRadar+, Kitao noted the higher interest despite the Switch 2’s relatively small installed base compared with the other consoles.
The Elden Ring Nightreign playtest followed a multiplayer experiment that later sold more than 5 million copies, with its downloadable content reaching 2 million sales in under a week. The Duskbloods, directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, remained largely undisclosed before the closed network test, prompting many players to apply to learn more about its classes and mechanics.
The first test session was canceled due to server and connectivity problems, but the subsequent period introduced Zork, a playable character that quickly became a meme.
GameSpot’s Jake Dekker described his hands‑on experience as unlike any other game he had played and said he looked forward to further sessions.
The Duskbloods is scheduled for release sometime this year, though no specific launch date has been announced.
Konami announced that Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a 2D action‑exploration game developed by Evil Empire, will launch on October 15 for PC and consoles, and revealed a voice cast that includes Graham McTavish as Dracula.
The game marks the franchise's 40th anniversary after a period of limited releases. It follows the Netflix Castlevania animated series, which featured McTavish in the role of Dracula for two seasons.
The announced cast also includes Alejandra Reynoso as Sypha Belnades and Liam O'Brien as Isaac, who previously voiced Isaac in Castlevania: Curse of Darkness. Abby Trot provides the voice for Rose Belmont and has worked extensively in anime, most recently as Momo Ayase in Dandadan. JB Blanc voices Trevor Belmont and has lent his voice to Brauner in Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin and other titles in the Lords of Shadow series. Aaron LaPlante is cast as Death. Additional voice actors announced are Ray Chase as The Fallen, Erica Lindbeck as Joan of Arc, Melique Berger as Medusa, and Dawn M. Bennett as Carmilla. The development studio Evil Empire, known for its work on Dead Cells, stated that the title will incorporate modern gameplay ideas while preserving the classic Castlevania formula.
The game is scheduled for release on October 15 across PC and console platforms.
Leaked footage of an unfinished Iron Man video game has appeared online. The video was posted on Reddit and traced to a PS3 developer kit, according to reports.
Avalanche Studios began development of the title in the early 2010s. Co‑founder Christofer Sundberg confirmed the project's existence and subsequent cancellation during a 2022 interview. The game was never officially announced.
The footage shows Iron Man flying through a large environment, engaging jets and attacking facilities. A longer clip appears to be an unfinished E3 demo featuring hand‑to‑hand combat with soldiers that resembles the combat system used in the Batman Arkham series. The character is equipped with repulsors, missiles and other gadgets. The environment was designed to be semi‑destructible, allowing players to break walls and tear down structures. The build resembles the visual style of SEGA’s recent Marvel Iron Man titles but does not show significant differentiation.
EA Motive announced development of a new Iron Man game in 2022, but no further details have been released, according to the company. Earlier, EA also canceled a Black Panther game, indicating a pattern of uncertain project trajectories for Marvel‑related titles.
No official update regarding the canceled project has been provided, leaving its future unresolved.
Newegg lists 32GB (2x16GB) V‑COLOR Manta XSky DDR5‑6000MHz CL30 desktop memory for $369.59 through its AliExpress storefront, while the same module costs $420 on Newegg's website. The product uses SK Hynix integrated circuits and includes an AMD EXPO overclocking profile, indicating optimization for AMD platforms, though it may function with Intel systems. The promotion is available for a limited time and requires a signed‑in AliExpress account to view the price; stock status can change. Higher‑speed RAM with lower latency is generally unnecessary for typical gaming builds. Waiting for price reductions is unlikely to result in significant savings in the near term.
Activision and Infinity Ward said they will address a hair rendering issue affecting Captain Price in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 after images of the character's altered appearance circulated on social media. The developers noted that the problem appears only when the character model is viewed at the lowest level of detail, according to a known issues entry on the game's Trello board. They added that the issue will be fixed in a future update and will not affect players using recommended system specifications.
The beta test, which began the previous weekend, highlighted additional performance concerns such as reduced frame rates during lethal weapon cooking, hitching on PC during initial multiplayer matches, and spawning inconsistencies. The development team is also reviewing time-to-kill metrics and spawn placement bugs.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, across PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A separate feature allowing players to remove masks from certain operators has been announced.
RetroCrush announced on August 1 that it will add the live‑action Dororo film with Japanese audio and the English‑dubbed version of The Guyver: Bio‑Booster Armor OVA on August 21, and that both titles are now available to stream.
The Dororo film is based on Osamu Tezuka’s manga about a ronin who has lost his skin, and it is part of a franchise that includes a 1969 black‑and‑white anime series, a 2019 television anime, and several manga volumes.
The Guyver OVA series, produced from 1989 to 1992, adapts Yoshiki Takaya’s Bio‑Booster Armor Guyver manga and was later followed by a television anime and two live‑action films.
RetroCrush also began offering Lone Wolf and Cub (TV series), Gonjam: Haunted Asylum, Shogun’s Mission, Bounty Hunter season 1, and Lethal Three: Sanbiki ga Kiru!, with Lethal Three set to debut on August 28.
The additions expand RetroCrush’s catalog of Japanese anime and live‑action titles for North American subscribers.
Insider NateTheHate2 said it is unlikely that new Xbox game announcements will be made at Gamescom, reversing his earlier comment that a new title in an existing series could be revealed. He noted that the game would belong to a franchise Microsoft owns but would not be developed by a studio that Microsoft owns, leaving the specifics uncertain. Microsoft has scheduled an announcement for Gamescom, though it will not hold a dedicated Xbox showcase; the reveal could occur during Geoff Keighley’s Opening Night Live on August 25. The Xbox booth will feature 25 upcoming games, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Fable, Minecraft Dungeons II, Gears of War: E‑Day, Metro 2039, Stranger Than Heaven, and Alien: Isolation 2. Live broadcasts from the booth are planned for August 26 and August 27, with interviews and gameplay reveals. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Xbox, and the company has several projects slated for the year.
Rockstar and Take-Two have been dealing with a series of leaked Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay videos and images posted by an anonymous group calling itself CyberLeek since mid-August 2026. The first video, posted August 18, showed protagonist Jason Duval playing basketball near a coastal house and demonstrated a focus mechanic tied to making baskets; Rockstar later issued DMCA takedown notices that appeared to confirm authenticity. Subsequent clips on August 18 and 19 depicted combat scenarios, a taser weapon, vehicle health indicators, and a six-star wanted level, which has not appeared in previous GTA titles. Additional footage on August 20 showed an in-game plane flight, radio stations, and a moment where the character spelled "Leek" with gunfire. On August 22, a hypercar video displayed the Truffade Thrax performing burnouts, followed by a strip club teaser that referenced a market-cap target for the $CYBERLEEK token; a later video on August 22 featured a strip club with neon lighting and a bathroom cutscene. Further leaks on August 23 included a wanted-level sequence ending with an in-game "Wasted" screen after a vehicle explosion and a mention of a character named Lucia. A separate file circulating as a 113 GB GTA VI download was described by testers as largely empty with a small virus, posing a security risk. On August 24, a clip showed a nudist colony in the game world, with a watermark referencing a possible Lucia-led prologue and a call to dress as leeks in front of Rockstar offices. Throughout the period, CyberLeek issued threats to release story spoilers unless publishers change digital distribution practices, and Take-Two filed subpoenas in New York on August 20 requesting Discord and Microsoft provide user data to identify the leaker; Discord had not been served as of August 24. The leaks remain unverified, and Rockstar has not confirmed the authenticity of the material; further updates are expected as the situation develops.
Marvelous presented footage of its upcoming Story of Seasons title and the first look at Rune Factory 6 during the Story of Seasons 30th Anniversary and Rune Factory 20th Anniversary livestream on Monday. The Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar remake launched in August 2025 for Nintendo Switch, the upcoming Switch 2, and PC via Steam, with releases for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 28. The original game debuted on the Nintendo DS in Japan in 2008 and was released in English as Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar in 2010 by Natsume. Marvelous said it is developing two new Story of Seasons games, one single‑player and one multiplayer. In 2023 the company announced development of Rune Factory 6 as a new entry in its farming RPG series. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma launched worldwide in May 2025 for Switch and PC, received a Switch 2 version in June, and was released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on February 13. The title was previously known as Rune Factory: Project Dragon.
Tim Burton's 2003 film 'Big Fish' became available for free streaming on Tubi on August 1, 2026. The story follows Will Bloom, played by Billy Crudup, as he attempts to reconnect with his father Edward Bloom, portrayed by Albert Finney, who is on his deathbed. The narrative includes flashbacks featuring Ewan McGregor as a younger Edward who describes extraordinary encounters, such as meeting a giant and a seven‑foot catfish. The film was released between Burton's 2001 remake of 'Planet of the Apes' and his 2005 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. It employs a bright visual palette and presents a whimsical storyline without the director's usual German Expressionist aesthetic. The soundtrack includes songs by Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Canned Heat. The movie has been mentioned infrequently in discussions of Burton's body of work. The streaming addition may broaden access to the film.
CD Projekt Red announced that the forthcoming Songs of the Past expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will add more Gwent cards.
The 2015 game earned widespread acclaim, and its first expansion Blood and Wine arrived in 2016. Gwent began as a card mini‑game within the third installment, became a standalone title in 2017, and was adapted to a tabletop format in 2025.
Marcin Łukaszewski, CD Projekt Red’s community manager, confirmed the addition on X after a fan request. The expansion is slated for 2027 and will serve as a story prologue, though details remain limited. The studio also noted that The Witcher 4 is planned for 2028.
Further information will be presented at Gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live, and the exact scope of the new Gwent content has not been specified.
Beard Papa's, a Japanese dessert chain, announced a collaboration with the Persona video game franchise to mark the series' 30th anniversary, offering limited‑edition cream puffs and themed merchandise from September 4 to October 4 in U.S. locations.
The partnership includes storefront redesigns featuring Persona‑themed digital menu boards, bakery case graphics, posters and television displays, with larger anniversary murals at locations in Little Tokyo and Cerritos for photo opportunities.
Limited‑time flavors include Original Cream Puff, Matcha Cream Puff, Ube S'mores Cream Puff, Cookies & Cream Cream Puff and Double Berry Cream Puff, each inspired by titles in the Persona series.
Gift sets are also sold: a four‑pack contains four cream puffs, a chibi sticker sheet and an in‑game code card for Persona 5: The Phantom X; a six‑pack adds a blind‑packed acrylic standee and a similar code card.
Merchandise such as ceramic mugs, T‑shirts, zip hoodies and eco tote bags is available on the official Beard Papa's website.
The collaboration runs through October 4, coinciding with upcoming Persona 4 Revival, development of Persona 6 and a Netflix live‑action adaptation with writer Christopher Monfette and executive producers Shawn Levy, Robert Atwood and Sega’s Toru Nakahara.
Atlus producer Kazuhisa Wada said the studio intends to remake the first two Persona games, adding further anticipation as the anniversary period draws to a close.
Anime News Network published a review of episode 8 of the anime series Kaiju Girl Caramelise on its website. The review gave the episode a community score of 4.1. It was written by Sylvia and is part of a series of episode reviews. Kaiju Girl Caramelise is a romantic comedy that follows the interactions between a human girl named Manatsu and a kaiju named Harugon, a character whose name is interpreted by the author as a metaphor for transgender identity. The series streams on Crunchyroll. The author describes the term "chaser" as a phenomenon where cisgender individuals pursue relationships with transgender people primarily attracted to their transness. The review notes that Manatsu repeatedly expresses sexual interest in Harugon, including statements about wanting him to "step on" her, which the author links to masochistic and dominant themes within the series. The piece also analyzes Manatsu's costume choices, noting that she dresses in outfits resembling Harugon's appearance during the episode and that this behavior may reflect attempts to align with the object of her affection. The review mentions that Kuroe, another kaiju character, saves the day through transformation, and that her actions suggest a connection between her kaiju nature and transgender experience, though the author says further clarification will appear in later episodes. Additionally, the piece describes a media frenzy surrounding the character Minami, who appears on a variety show; the author reports that Minami expresses discomfort with the sensational coverage and asserts that his relationship with Harugon is normal, while also using correct gender pronouns on air. The review concludes by stating that the series continues to stream on Crunchyroll and hints at upcoming developments regarding Kuroe's origin story.
Calvin’s mother is a nameless homemaker in Bill Watterson’s comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. She is remembered for a sharp retort that has become a recurring reference among fans. On March 15, 1993, the strip showed Calvin waking his mother in the night and asking whether love is merely a biochemical reaction. She replied, “Whatever it is, it’s all that’s keeping me from strangling you right now.” While that line is humorous, it relies on the preceding setup to be understood. On November 25, 1988, a four‑panel strip featured Calvin warning his mother that he was in a bad mood. His mother responded, “Be in a bad mood somewhere else, ok? I’m busy.” Calvin then claimed his biological mother would have been more supportive. Calvin’s mother delivered the line, “Kid, anyone but your biological mother would’ve left you to the wolves long ago.” The remark stands on its own without additional context. Watterson acknowledged that he underrepresented the character, noting that the strip often showed her impatient side. Fans continue to cite the 1988 line as a memorable moment.
Review of episode eight of the anime series Goodbye, Lara was published on Anime News Network, which assigned a community rating of 4.4.
Episode eight depicts Lara, a mermaid princess, as she confronts a ticking clock that marks the limit of her remaining time.
Scenes include close-ups of clocks in Lisa’s house, a grandfather clock framing a view, a list of tournament dates, and a bubble of seafoam sliding down Lara’s cheek.
The narrative suggests that Lara’s time restarts after she begins a relationship with Luca, a human character.
Earlier scenes show Mari’s room containing a boxing clock, which the reviewer notes may symbolize the finite nature of Lara’s time.
The episode also references Andersen’s fairy tales, comparing Lara’s situation to characters such as the Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty.
Lara’s curiosity and determination are highlighted as possible means to break the passive role typical of fairy‑tale princesses.
Lisa creates a potion to extend Lara’s time, likening the matches in The Little Match Girl story to a temporary solution.
The review notes that Lisa views Mari as a threat rather than Luca or Mari’s brother, raising questions about motives based on gender expectations.
No definitive outcome is presented; the episode ends with Lara considering whether to return to the sea or pursue love.
The episode leaves the outcome uncertain, emphasizing the tension between destiny and personal choice.
Mortal Shell 2, a souls-like action RPG released on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, has drawn criticism from players for the prevalence of bear traps in its world. The game, developed by Cold Symmetry, combines challenging combat with exploration in a dark fantasy setting. Reddit users have posted multiple comments highlighting the frequent appearance of bear traps. In a video posted on August 24, user Parcori showed a death after defeating the Great Arbiter of Flesh, a boss located near the starting beacon in Fainweald. Additional comments from August 20 and 19 mention repeated encounters with traps while sprinting, and videos demonstrating the issue. The traps are reported to appear in front of enemy camps, chests, non‑player characters and open areas, and can interrupt combat and reduce health at inopportune moments. While the game received a substantial update that adjusted several boss difficulties and increased gold rewards, the bear trap placement remains unchanged. Mortal Shell 2 continues to be sold on the major console and PC platforms, and the developer has indicated that future patches will consider player feedback.
The article published Aug 24 2026 presents a list of ten high fantasy novels recommended for readers of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. High fantasy is defined as stories set in fully imagined worlds with their own rules, distinct from low fantasy. Ursula K. Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea (1968) follows Ged, a young wizard who learns to control his powers after confronting hubris. Guy Gavriel Kay's Tigana (1990) depicts a sorcerer who erases the memory of a province and its inhabitants' struggle to restore it. Robert Jordan's The Great Hunt (1990), the second volume of The Wheel of Time series, shows Rand al'Thor and his companions facing new threats. Andrzej Sapkowski's The Last Wish (1993) presents Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, in a collection that blends fairy‑tale motifs with darker themes. Steven Erikson's Gardens of the Moon (1999) launches the Malazan Book of the Fallen, a series involving empire, gods, and assassins with intricate character development. Robin Hobb's Fool's Errand (2001) begins the Farseer Trilogy, focusing on FitzChivalry Farseer, an assassin bonded to animals. Lois McMaster Bujold's The Curse of Chalion (2001) follows Cazaril, a former soldier turned tutor, as he navigates court intrigue and a magical curse. Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006) follows a crew of thieves in a Venice‑like city attempting a major heist against a crime lord. Brandon Sanderson's Words of Radiance (2014) continues The Stormlight Archive, expanding the saga with Shallan and other characters. James Islington's The Will of the Many (2023) introduces a Roman‑inspired world where magic serves an oppressive hierarchy, following a prince turned spy.
AliExpress lists the UrLife E20 48V electric bike for $275.67 after applying a $50 coupon, a price lower than Amazon's $399 plus $100 shipping.
The bike is described as having a 750W motor with a peak output of 1,000W, a top speed of 28 mph, and a 48V battery with a 13 Ah capacity that can deliver up to 80 miles of range under ideal conditions. The battery is removable. The frame is made of carbon steel, weighing about 60 lb and supporting a load of 265 lb. It features 20‑inch fat tires with front suspension.
AliExpress seller "urlifeglobal" identifies itself as the official manufacturer and reports numerous reviews and sales history. Amazon lists the same model at $399 with an additional $100 shipping fee. The deal is subject to shipping timelines and coupon availability, and performance may vary with rider weight, terrain, and speed.
The review of episode 7 of the anime Though I Am an Inept Villainess was published on Anime News Network and received a community rating of 4.4. The episode reveals that Reirin and Keigetsu have been body‑swapped, and Tousetsu discovers the switch, noting that the deception remains evident despite attempts to conceal it. The reviewer describes Tougetsu's hostile reaction upon learning that her companion has been replaced, linking it to Keigetsu's standing in the Maiden Court and to her history of mistreatment, including being locked in a shed by her mother and criticized by Shu Gabi. The reviewer suggests that Keigetsu's behavior reflects a response to repeated rejection, comparing her choices to Becky Sharp's decision in Vanity Fair. A flashback shows that Gabi was originally favored to become empress; when she withdrew from the crown prince's illness, the current empress assumed duty, which may have contributed to Gabi's resentment. The reviewer speculates that Gabi, who appears calm, may have been responsible for the spell that caused the body swap and possibly encouraged Keigetsu to harm Reirin. The episode is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, and the review concludes without a definitive judgment on Gabi's motives, leaving the matter unresolved.
Konami will sell Metal Gear Solid-themed cat merchandise at CatCon 2026, a two-day event in October. The items, including scratch boxes and plush toys, will be available at the convention and online for two days.
The merchandise is tied to the release of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, which launches on August 27 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch. The products feature designs based on Big Boss and Old Snake, as well as items inspired by Peace Walker and Metal Gear Solid 4. They will be offered through an OKS Gear Shop booth at the convention and will also be sold online. A meet-and-greet with Kat Curtis and the cat influencer One Eared Uno will be part of the event, along with a special playthrough video of the game. The convention runs October 10-11. Attendees can purchase the items for two days, and digital versions of the boxes remain available in the games.