Konami has officially announced Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, confirming an August 27, 2026 launch date and, at long last, bringing Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to modern platforms. The collection was revealed during PlayStation’s latest State of Play and is headed to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.

For many fans, the headline is simple. Metal Gear Solid 4 is no longer trapped on PlayStation 3.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Finally Leaves PS3 Behind

When Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots launched in 2008, it quickly became one of the PS3’s defining titles. However, it also became one of the most inaccessible entries in the series due to its platform lock. With Master Collection Vol. 2, Konami has ported MGS4 to modern systems for the first time.

The updated version includes improved internal resolution, an increased maximum frame rate, and fully customisable button controls. According to PlayStation Blog details, these enhancements are designed to smooth out the experience while preserving the original design.

The package also includes a scenario book and master book covering the story and characters, along with the original MGS4 database. A digital soundtrack, Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrack Vol. 2, is bundled in the digital edition.

However, there is one notable omission. Konami has confirmed that Metal Gear Online, the multiplayer component originally bundled with MGS4 in 2008, will not return in this release. That version of Metal Gear Online ran until its servers were shut down in 2012, and it will remain unavailable in Master Collection Vol. 2.

Peace Walker Multiplayer Returns

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is also included, specifically the PS3 HD Collection version of the original PSP title.

Unlike MGS4, Peace Walker will support online multiplayer in this collection. Co-Ops mode allows two to four players to tackle missions together, while Versus Ops supports competitive matches for up to six players. Customisable controls are included here as well.

For Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 players, local wireless multiplayer is also supported, giving handheld fans additional flexibility.

As with MGS4, Peace Walker comes with its own scenario and master books, expanding on the Big Boss era storyline set in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Ghost Babel Included As Bonus Content

Metal Gear: Ghost Babel, originally released for Game Boy Color in 2000, is included as bonus content within the collection.

This alternate story set in the early 21st century features Solid Snake infiltrating the fortress of Galuade to stop another Metal Gear threat. While its two-player Vs. Battle mode will not return, this version includes modern quality-of-life features such as screen filters, pixel-perfect display options, a rewind function, and customisable controls.

Although listed separately in promotional materials, Ghost Babel is playable within the bonus section of the collection.

Pre-Order Bonuses And Save Data Rewards

Players who pre-order Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 will receive in-game items for both MGS4 and Peace Walker.

For MGS4, pre-orders include the Cardboard Camouflage item. Peace Walker players receive the LOVE BOX uniform. Those with save data from Master Collection Vol. 1 will also unlock additional bonuses, including Gold Camouflage for MGS4 and a Gold uniform for Peace Walker.

Konami also confirmed that a final post-launch update for Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is rolling out, adding new visual updates to titles in that collection. To mark the announcement, both Master Collection Vol. 1 and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater are currently discounted on the PlayStation Store for a limited time.

Release Date And Platforms Confirmed

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 launches August 27, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders are live now on the PlayStation Store, with other platform storefronts expected to follow.

For long-time fans who have waited nearly two decades to replay Guns of the Patriots without dusting off a PS3, this collection represents a major milestone. While the absence of Metal Gear Online will disappoint some, the return of Peace Walker’s multiplayer and the inclusion of Ghost Babel round out a package aimed at preserving a key era of the series on modern hardware.

With Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater also on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for the franchise’s legacy.

The post Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 Launches August 27, 2026, Bringing MGS4 To Modern Platforms appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls officially launches on August 6, 2026 for PS5 and PC, with a new trailer revealed during PlayStation’s latest State of Play. The showcase introduced the game’s Unbreakable X-Men team, confirmed pre-order details, and outlined multiple editions ahead of release.

Developed by Arc System Works in collaboration with Marvel Games and published under PlayStation Studios, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a tag team fighter that reimagines heroes and villains from across the Marvel Universe. It blends fast-paced combat with a story mode built specifically for the game.

Unbreakable X-Men Revealed In New Trailer

The latest trailer focuses on a reassembled X-Men squad known as the Unbreakable X-Men. The story opens with Chandilar, the Shi’ar homeworld, left in ruins as a mysterious threat turns its attention towards Earth.

With several core X-Men sidelined after a recent battle, Storm steps up under the guidance of Charles Xavier to lead a new frontline team.

The revealed roster includes:

Storm

A mutant who commands wind and lightning, Storm serves as team leader. Her abilities revolve around controlling the forces of nature, positioning her as both a zoning and pressure-heavy fighter.

Magik

Magik combines sorcery with close-range combat, wielding her self-forged Soulsword. Expect a hybrid moveset that blends magical projectiles and sword-based aggression.

Wolverine

Battle-hardened and relentless, Wolverine fights with his Adamantium claws, bringing fast slashes and brutal close-quarters pressure to the tag system.

Danger

Once the AI of the X-Men’s Danger Room training facility, Danger has gained autonomy and a physical form. Her inclusion adds a unique sci-fi angle to the roster and opens the door for unconventional mechanics.

According to the developers, the story explores the tension mutants face while protecting a humanity that often fears and persecutes them. The team’s choices, and how this looming threat is resolved, will unfold through the game’s narrative campaign.

Episode Mode Blends Comics And Manga

Beyond versus battles, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls includes a dedicated Episode Mode.

Working closely with Marvel Games, the team adapted the narrative, characters, and world specifically for this project rather than retelling an existing comic arc. A writer from the original Marvel comics helped shape the scenario and overall worldbuilding.

Episode Mode is presented as motion comics, combining American comic styling with Japanese manga influences. The story features full voice acting in 10 languages, including English and Japanese, and supports spatial audio through the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech.

On PS5, DualSense features are also used to add tactile feedback during story moments, aiming to make the narrative feel interactive rather than purely cinematic.

Pre-Order Bonuses And Edition Breakdown

Pre-orders for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls open on February 19, 2026 across participating retailers and digital storefronts.

All pre-orders include exclusive lobby items:

• Infinity Gauntlet lobby equipment
• Baby Groot lobby pet
• Cosmic Surfboard lobby ride

The Standard Edition is priced at $59.99 USD and includes the base game.

The Digital Deluxe Edition, priced at $84.99 USD, adds a Year 1 Characters and Stage Pass. This grants access to four additional playable characters and one new stage post-launch, with further usage details to be confirmed. It also includes Howard the Duck as a lobby avatar and Cosmo as a lobby pet.

The Ultimate Edition, priced at $99.99 USD, includes everything from the Digital Deluxe Edition plus additional cosmetic content. Players receive costumes for Storm, Captain America, Doctor Doom, Iron Man, and Spider-Man. Notably, Spider-Man’s outfit is inspired by the Advanced Suit 2.0 from Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, developed by Insomniac Games. These costumes are available until August 5, 2027.

The Ultimate Edition also includes an Animated Chromatic colour unlock for all 20 launch characters.

What To Expect Ahead Of Launch

With Arc System Works behind the combat design, expectations are high for tight mechanics and competitive depth, especially given the studio’s track record in the fighting game scene. The tag team format suggests synergy-focused gameplay rather than strictly one-on-one matchups.

Between the manga-inspired Episode Mode, a growing roster, and confirmed post-launch content through the Year 1 Pass, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is shaping up as more than just a one-off Marvel crossover fighter.

With pre-orders about to open and the release date locked in for August 6 globally, the countdown is officially on.

The post MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls Launches August 6 On PS5 And PC appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Konami has officially announced Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a brand-new 2D entry in the long-running gothic action series, revealed during Sony’s State of Play. The game is set to launch in 2026 on PlayStation 5, with additional releases confirmed for Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

It marks the first new 2D Castlevania in years, arriving as the franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary. And yes, the whip is back.

A New 2D Castlevania Set In 1499 Paris

According to Konami’s PlayStation Blog post, Belmont’s Curse is set in medieval Paris in the year 1499. The city is under siege by monstrous creatures emerging from the shadows, with burning streets and a looming castle setting the tone.

You step into the boots of Trevor Belmont’s successor, wielding the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer. The story is positioned 23 years after 1989’s Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, anchoring this new entry firmly within the classic timeline.

This period setting gives the game a grounded historical backdrop while leaning into the supernatural chaos that defines the series.

Developed By Konami And The Dead Cells Teams

Belmont’s Curse is being co-developed by Konami, alongside indie studios Evil Empire and Motion Twin.

If those names sound familiar, it is because Motion Twin created Dead Cells, with Evil Empire supporting its extensive post-launch content. Dead Cells has long worn its Castlevania inspiration proudly, even receiving a full Castlevania expansion in the form of Return to Castlevania.

Evil Empire has also worked on The Rogue Prince of Persia, further reinforcing its credentials in fast-paced, side-scrolling action design.

The partnership feels deliberate. Castlevania helped shape the modern “Metroidvania” genre, and now one of that genre’s most successful modern torchbearers is collaborating directly with the original IP holder.

Whip Mechanics And Combat Options

The Vampire Killer whip is central to the experience. Konami describes it as more versatile than ever, allowing players to swing like a trapeze artist to traverse environments and chain movement into combat.

In the reveal trailer, the protagonist also uses a sword, described as an accessible, solid damage option. Konami has confirmed additional weapons and abilities will be revealed later, suggesting layered combat systems rather than a single-tool focus.

Strategic planning appears to be emphasised. Players will need to make full use of their available tools to survive increasingly aggressive enemy encounters.

Classic Castlevania Elements Return

Belmont’s Curse stays true to the series’ roots. Secret chambers are hidden throughout the world, breakable walls conceal health-restoring meat, and familiar enemies such as Zombies make an appearance early on.

The Zombies move slowly and are easy to handle individually, but can overwhelm players in large numbers. That small detail alone hints at thoughtful enemy design, where pressure builds through crowd control rather than pure speed.

The game maintains a side-scrolling exploration structure, reinforcing its 2D identity rather than shifting into 3D reinterpretation.

A Stylised Gothic Art Direction

The trailer also highlights a bold, colourful art style that retains Castlevania’s gothic tone while presenting it with a more vibrant edge.

Rather than strictly imitating the pixel aesthetic of earlier entries, the game adopts a stylised look that feels modern while respecting the franchise’s dark roots. Konami describes it as a colourful approach that allows players to discover the world “like never before”, suggesting a visual refresh without abandoning identity.

With this being the first of several announcements tied to Castlevania’s 40th anniversary, Belmont’s Curse may only be the beginning of a broader revival.

For longtime fans who have waited years for a new 2D entry, and for players who discovered the series through Dead Cells or Netflix adaptations, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for Castlevania.

The post Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Announced For 2026 Release, From Dead Cells Devs Releasing on PS5 And More appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Konami has finally given us a proper look at Silent Hill: Townfall, confirming the spin-off will feature full first-person gameplay and is set to launch in 2026 on PlayStation 5 and PC. The new trailer, shown during Sony’s State of Play and followed by a dedicated Silent Hill Transmission, reveals combat, stealth mechanics, and a brand-new device called the CRTV that reimagines the series’ iconic radio.

First announced back in 2022, Townfall is being developed by Screen Burn Interactive and published by Konami alongside Annapurna Interactive. After a long stretch of silence, this latest reveal answers one of the biggest lingering questions, how the game actually plays.

A New Town, A New Perspective

Unlike classic entries that leaned heavily on third-person survival horror, Silent Hill: Townfall is experienced entirely through the eyes of protagonist Simon Ordell. The trailer shows Simon exploring the fog-drenched coastal town of St. Amelia, a Scottish setting developed by Screen Burn, the team behind Stories Untold and Observation.

Producer Motoi Okamoto described Townfall as a distinctly Silent Hill experience despite its new setting, promising a rich narrative, challenging puzzles, and a refined atmosphere. Writer and director Jon McKellan explained that the first-person viewpoint was chosen specifically to support the game’s puzzle design, narrative immersion, and tension-heavy encounters.

Simon repeatedly wakes up in St. Amelia, adding a layer of psychological mystery. One scene even shows him wearing a hospital tag on his wrist, raising questions about whether the events are real, dreamlike, or part of something far darker.

The CRTV Reimagines The Iconic Radio

One of the most intriguing additions is the CRTV, a handheld device that evolves Silent Hill’s traditional static-filled radio. In previous games, the radio passively warned players of nearby enemies. Townfall’s CRTV goes much further.

The analog-style device displays cryptic broadcasts and must be tuned during gameplay. It reveals enemy outlines through static while Simon hides behind cover, acting as both a narrative tool and a survival mechanic. According to McKellan, it uses real retro technology and innovative techniques to produce gritty, authentic audio and video effects.

The CRTV also picks up environmental signals across the town, unveiling pieces of the story and guiding players through certain challenges. It is not just a warning system, it is deeply integrated into exploration and puzzle-solving.

Horror-Oriented Combat And Stealth

Combat in Silent Hill: Townfall looks tense and deliberately uncomfortable. The trailer shows Simon using melee weapons like planks of wood and pipes, alongside firearms for ranged defence.

However, fighting is not always the best option.

Enemies react dynamically and will hunt the player if too much noise or attention is drawn. Screen Burn emphasised that running, hiding, distracting enemies, and adapting tactics mid-encounter are all core to survival. The first-person perspective removes the distance that third-person cameras often provide, making each confrontation feel more immediate.

An intuitive peek system allows players to observe threats from cover, and the CRTV can be used strategically to track enemy movement before making a decision. The focus is clearly on tension over power fantasy.

PlayStation 5 Features And Immersion

For players on PlayStation 5, the DualSense controller will play a key role in enhancing immersion. Konami confirmed that haptic feedback and controller features are being used to add weight to combat and heighten environmental tension.

One example shared was the sensation of feeling an enemy’s footsteps rumble through the controller as it stalks closer to your hiding spot. It is a subtle touch, but one that fits perfectly with Silent Hill’s emphasis on atmosphere.

An Anthology Entry In The Silent Hill Revival

When Townfall was announced in 2022, it was described as the beginning of a Silent Hill anthology series. While the latest trailer does not explicitly confirm that direction again, the project still stands apart from mainline entries like Silent Hill 2’s remake and Silent Hill f.

Okamoto noted that although the story and setting differ from previous games, Townfall retains the core Silent Hill identity. The focus on psychological storytelling, environmental puzzles, and the unsettling portrayal of the Otherworld aims to preserve what long-time fans expect.

There is still no exact release date beyond a 2026 window, despite speculation sparked by numbers seen in the trailer. For now, the game is available to wishlist on the PlayStation Store, as well as on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

With first-person gameplay, a new Scottish setting, and a fresh approach to survival horror tools, Silent Hill: Townfall is shaping up to be one of the more experimental entries in Konami’s ongoing revival of the series. If the final experience delivers on the tension shown in this trailer, it could mark a bold new chapter for Silent Hill.

The post Silent Hill: Townfall Reveals First Person Gameplay, Launching In 2026 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Pearl Abyss Releases Extended Gameplay Overview

With just weeks to go before launch, Crimson Desert has received a substantial new showcase. Developer Pearl Abyss has published a 15-minute gameplay and features video highlighting the game’s story setup, open world structure, and several previously teased mechanics in action.

The footage centres on protagonist Kliff and the continent of Pywel, presenting the clearest look yet at how exploration, combat, and traversal come together in Pearl Abyss’ first single-player project.

Kliff’s Story And The World Of Pywel

The video introduces Kliff as a warrior of the Greymanes, a northern faction from the region of Pailune. The narrative begins after a fragile peace collapses, scattering the Greymanes and forcing Kliff to reunite his people while reclaiming their homeland. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear the conflict stretches far beyond one faction, drawing the entire continent of Pywel into escalating political and supernatural turmoil.

At the centre of that threat is the Abyss, a mysterious realm whose corrupted fragments are crashing into Pywel. Some groups seek to exploit this power, while Kliff’s journey pushes him toward restoring balance and stopping those abusing the Abyss for their own gain.

Five Regions And A Fully Open Structure

Pearl Abyss confirmed Pywel is divided into five distinct regions: Hernand, Pailune, Demeniss, Delesyia, and the Crimson Desert itself. While the main quest follows Kliff’s personal journey, players are free to explore these regions in almost any order.

Alongside the central storyline, the world offers faction-driven quests, large-scale battles, fortress sieges, and smaller character-focused missions. The studio has emphasised that exploration is not optional filler, but a core part of how the story and world unfold.

Traversal, Dragons, And A Missile-Firing Mech

Movement across Pywel appears deliberately varied. Kliff travels on horseback, climbs terrain, and uses a grappling hook to chain mid-air jumps and reach elevated areas. Later in the game, traversal expands dramatically with the ability to glide, ride a dragon across vast distances, and pilot a missile-firing mech capable of levelling enemy positions.

Pearl Abyss also highlighted hidden treasures, ancient mechanisms, environmental puzzles, and optional points of interest designed to reward players who stray from marked objectives.

Multiple Playable Characters And Combat Variety

As the story progresses, two additional playable characters join Kliff. While their names and backstories remain undisclosed, the video shows each brings a distinct combat style and weapon set.

One appears as a swift female warrior wielding a massive claymore alongside a flintlock-style firearm. The other is a heavily armoured bruiser, using a large axe and a cannon-like arm weapon. Pearl Abyss confirmed all playable characters feature unique skills, weapons, and fighting styles, adding variety to both combat encounters and side quests.

Enemy encounters range from rival soldiers and sorcerers to beasts and mechanical foes, reinforcing the game’s blend of medieval fantasy and unexpected technology.

Open World Size Compared To Industry Giants

Earlier this month, Pearl Abyss addressed ongoing discussion around the scale of Crimson Desert’s open world. Speaking on the Gaming Interviews YouTube channel, the studio compared Pywel directly to two genre benchmarks.

According to Pearl Abyss, the playable area is at least twice the size of Skyrim and larger than Red Dead Redemption 2. However, the studio was quick to downplay raw numbers, stressing that meaningful activities and interaction matter more than map size alone.

Unlike those games, Crimson Desert allows full aerial traversal via dragon flight, helping players move quickly across the enormous landscape. Pearl Abyss also clarified that traditional RPG choice-and-consequence systems are limited, with role-playing emerging instead through player-driven exploration and progression choices.

From MMORPG Roots To Single-Player Release

Originally planned as a prequel to Black Desert Online, Crimson Desert evolved into a standalone single-player experience. The new footage reinforces its ambition, blending sword combat, magic, grappling hooks, large-scale battles, crafting, fishing, hunting, and even physics-driven interactions rarely seen at this scale.

Pearl Abyss has confirmed the game has gone gold, locking in its global release date.

Release Date And Platforms

Crimson Desert launches on March 19, 2026, for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Mac. With this extended gameplay showcase, Pearl Abyss has set clear expectations for a massive, mechanically dense open-world adventure that leans heavily on exploration and player-driven experiences.

The post Crimson Desert 15 Minute Gameplay Video Shows Open World Scale And New Features appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A New Way To Explore Jianghu On The Go

Where Winds Meet has already made waves on PC and PS5, but NetEase is now gearing up to bring its open world Wuxia RPG to mobile. The global mobile version launches on 12 December 2025, giving players the chance to continue their adventure anywhere, whether they’re mastering the Sword, Fan, or rope-based combat styles.

As winter’s breath settles, a new path opens.

Where Winds Meet Mobile launches December 12, 2025 (UTC).
Cross-play & shared progress with PC and PS—a portable Jianghu in the palm of your hand.

Mobile pre-registration is now open on the official website, Apple Store, and Google… pic.twitter.com/CoCt4Wwiuq

— Where Winds Meet (@WhereWindsMeet_) November 30, 2025

The game has been live in China across all platforms since its original release, but this global launch brings mobile players into the fold at last. With the world already filled with striking player-made characters and a huge amount of freedom in how you approach combat and exploration, the mobile release is shaping up to be a major moment for the community.

Global Mobile Release Date Confirmed

NetEase has officially confirmed that Where Winds Meet Mobile will go live worldwide on 12 December 2025 for both iOS and Android devices. The announcement was shared across social channels, noting that winter marks a new beginning for wanderers keen to explore Jianghu from the palm of their hand.

The PC and PS5 versions went live globally in mid November, so this mobile launch neatly rounds out the game’s cross platform availability.

How To Pre-Register On iOS And Android

Pre registration is now open across all major platforms, and it’s the easiest way to make sure you’re notified the moment the game goes live in your region.

iOS

• Open the App Store
• Search for Where Winds Meet
• Tap Get or Pre-Order
• The game will automatically download once available

Android

• Open the Google Play Store
• Search for Where Winds Meet
• Tap Pre register
• Enable Auto install if you want it downloaded instantly at launch

You can also sign up through the official website if you prefer. Early registration doesn’t unlock bonuses, but it does guarantee you won’t miss launch day.

Full Cross-Play And Shared Progress

One of the biggest strengths of Where Winds Meet is its seamless platform ecosystem. The Chinese edition already supports full cross play and cross progression across mobile and PC, and NetEase has confirmed that the global version will follow the same model.

That means you can play on PS5 or PC at home, then pick up exactly where you left off on your phone while you’re out. You’ll be able to interact and team up with players across all platforms, making the world feel alive no matter where you choose to play.

Device Requirements For Mobile

To give players a clear idea of what to expect, NetEase has shared baseline device requirements for iOS. Official Android requirements are still to come, but the Chinese version offers a reliable early reference.

iOS Requirements

• Requires iOS 15.0 or later
• Supports iPhone and iPad

Android Requirements

The Chinese build recommends:
• Android 7.1 or later
• At least 8 GB RAM

These numbers may shift slightly depending on optimisation for the global release, so treat them as approximate guidelines rather than finalised specs.

What Makes The Mobile Version Special?

The mobile release isn’t a stripped down version. It features the complete Where Winds Meet experience, including the same open world, combat system, and detailed AI driven character customisation found on PC and PS5.

A big highlight is the game’s use of AI to tailor NPC conversations and world interactions, allowing each player to experience unique story moments. With cross progression, your character, cosmetics, and progress carry over seamlessly, ensuring no time is wasted switching between platforms.

For new players, the mobile version makes it easier than ever to step into the world as a travelling Wuxia swordsman, explore its sprawling landscapes, and experiment with different combat arts.

While You Wait

If you want to prepare before launch day, you can browse the available outfits, check out the cosmetic banners, or redeem in game codes for bonus currency. It’s a good way to get ahead before bringing your character to mobile.

Where Winds Meet Mobile arrives on 12 December, and with the full experience now playable across PC, PS5, and mobile, this winter is shaping up to be the perfect time to begin your journey across Jianghu.

The post Where Winds Meet Mobile Launches This December With Full Cross-Play And Shared Progress appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A New Direction for Matchmaking

Treyarch has officially clarified how skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) will work in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, just days before its November 14 release. After weeks of heated discussion within the community, the developer has confirmed that most multiplayer playlists will not heavily factor in player skill, marking a major shift from how matchmaking has worked in recent entries.

Hey everyone, to clarify: just like in the Black Ops 7 Beta, skill will be minimally considered in every Open playlist. We’ve also added persistent lobbies and new playlists since the Beta, including Quick Play.

Here’s what you’ll see on day one: pic.twitter.com/cEddWYzpAn

— Treyarch (@Treyarch) November 12, 2025

In a statement shared on social media, Treyarch explained that Black Ops 7’s multiplayer will be divided into two categories: Open and Standard playlists.

• Open playlists will have minimal skill consideration, allowing players of all levels to match together more freely.
• Standard playlists, on the other hand, will still use skill-based matchmaking as an important consideration.

At launch, almost all playlists will fall into the Open category, with only one rotating Moshpit playlist placed under the Standard category where skill matching remains active.

Persistent Lobbies and Community Feedback

Another major addition coming to Black Ops 7 multiplayer is the return of persistent lobbies, a fan-favourite feature that lets players stay together across multiple matches unless they choose to leave.

Treyarch confirmed:

“Just like in the Black Ops 7 Beta, skill will be minimally considered in every Open playlist. We’ve also added persistent lobbies and new playlists since the Beta, including Quick Play.”

This decision was largely driven by fan requests. Persistent lobbies have been absent from recent Call of Duty titles, but their return is expected to make matches feel more social and old-school, similar to the franchise’s earlier days.

Not a Complete Removal of SBMM

Despite what some fans might have assumed, SBMM hasn’t been entirely removed from Black Ops 7. Instead, it’s now an option rather than the rule. Players looking for a more competitive experience can still queue for Standard playlists or wait for Ranked Play, which will use full SBMM when it arrives in Season 2.

This mixed matchmaking model gives players freedom of choice. Casual fans can enjoy more relaxed matches, while competitive players still have structured modes where skill matching matters.

Why the Change?

While Treyarch hasn’t explicitly stated why it decided to loosen SBMM, it’s hard to ignore the timing. The Battlefield 6 hype has been building ahead of its own release, and giving players more freedom in matchmaking may help Call of Duty stay appealing to its massive player base.

It also addresses a long-running fan demand. For years, players have criticised SBMM for making public matches feel overly competitive and sweaty. By introducing Open playlists, Black Ops 7 is aiming to bring back that “just-for-fun” feeling many long-time fans have missed.

Looking Ahead

It remains to be seen how these matchmaking systems will evolve over time, but Treyarch has hinted that it will monitor data after launch to see which playlists players gravitate toward.

For now, though, the studio’s approach feels like a strong middle ground. Whether you’re jumping in for laid-back chaos or climbing the ranked ladder, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 looks ready to cater to both sides of the community.

The post Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Clarifies Skill Based Matchmaking – Here’s What’s Changing at Launch appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

NetEase Games and developer Naked Rain have turned up the volume on open-world chaos with Ananta, formerly Project Mugen, and its latest gameplay trailer is a dizzying spectacle of action, humour, and anime flair. If you thought GTA, Spider-Man, or Yakuza could stand alone, prepare for a world that throws them all into a blender.

Set in Nova City, Ananta lets you control four distinct characters, each with unique roles: a hacker, a courier, a police officer, and a streamer. From swinging between skyscrapers like Spider-Man to spying on NPC phones in Watch_Dogs fashion, the game offers a surreal variety of activities. You can deliver packages, investigate crimes, join street brawls, or even engage in absurd minigames like beach antics, basketball, skydiving, and a Power Slap-like showdown.

Combat draws clear inspiration from Sleeping Dogs, featuring freeflow-style dodges, counters, leg sweeps, and environmental takedowns. And if guns aren’t your style, a golf club, sledgehammer, or tennis racket will do just fine. Vehicles abound too, letting you tear through the city streets on motorbikes or sports cars, and character swapping—à la GTA 5—adds an extra layer of chaotic strategy, even in the middle of a gunfight.

The trailer, nearly eight minutes of relentless pop music, city mayhem, and over-the-top anime moments, reveals a parody-laden world reminiscent of Saints Row, yet uniquely anime. Expect skyscrapers, giant mechas, robotic toilets, and fictitious shops so detailed you might believe you could actually step inside.

While Ananta doesn’t have a release date yet, pre-registration is open. It’s in development for PS5, PC, iOS, and Android, and will be playable at Tokyo Game Show 2025. Whether it becomes the anime GTA fans have been dreaming of, or just the most absurd mashup in recent memory, it’s certainly impossible to ignore.

The post Ananta: Absurd Anime GTA Meets Spider-Man, Yakuza, and More in Wild New Gameplay appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Obsidian Entertainment is on a bit of a hot streak, eh? After a couple of big hitters this year, you’d think they’d take a smoko. But nah, they’ve gone and done it again, teaming up with Eidos Montreal to shrink us all back down to the size of a flip-flop. Grounded 2 has landed in Early Access, and I’ve chucked a fair few hours into it to see what’s what.

So, let’s get into it.

Shrunk Again, But the World Is much larger.

If you’ve been living under a rock (or a peblet, more like), the first Grounded was a massive hit. Four kids get zapped by a shrink ray, chucked in a backyard, and have to survive against spiders the size of sheepdogs. It was brilliant.

Well, in Grounded 2, it’s happened all over again. The same crew, now two years older, find themselves ant-sized once more, but this time they’re lost in the massive expanse of Brookhollow Park. The dodgy Ominent corporation is back at it, and the story kicks off with a bang. Dr. Tully, the scientist from the first game, has seemingly gone berserk, and your trusty robot mate BURGL is in bits. You’re left with a whole lot of questions and a very big, very dangerous world to survive in.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

The story gets you hooked pretty quick. You’re chatting on video calls with a sketchy corporate type, Sloan Bowmont, who gives off that classic “I’m helping, but am I really?” vibe. It’s a great setup, and while it’s still early days, the mystery of what’s really going on is a solid reason to push through the wilderness.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

If It Ain’t Broke, Make It Bigger

Let’s be clear: if you loved the first Grounded, you’ll feel right at home here. The core loop is the same – gather, craft, build, and try not to get eaten. But everything feels bigger and a bit more polished. Brookhollow Park is a huge step up from the backyard. You’ve got everything from a tipped-over ice-cream cart creating a frozen biome to the smouldering pits of a campfire. It’s a proper adventure playground.

One of the best new changes is the Omni-tool. Instead of crafting an axe, a shovel, and a hammer and juggling them in your inventory, you now have one tool that does it all. It’s a simple change but makes getting out and about so much smoother, leaving more room for all the loot you’ll be hoarding. You upgrade it with Raw Science, a glowing purple goo you’ll find hidden around the park, which lets you chop tougher weeds and smash bigger rocks to get the good stuff.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

Base-building is back and just as fun. You can set up your fortress almost anywhere, snapping walls and floors together to build a sweet-as pad. I did get a bit miffed that some spots seemed off-limits for building for no clear reason, like a perfect spot at the base of a lamppost. Hopefully, that gets loosened up a bit as development goes on.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

Giddy Up, Little Ant!

The absolute game-changer in Grounded 2 is the mounts. Or as the game calls them, “Buggy.” Early on, you’re sent on a hectic mission deep into an ant nest to pinch a soldier ant egg. Bring it back, hatch it, and boom – you’ve got your very own ant to ride.

Mate, this is awesome. The park is massive, and getting around on foot can be a real drag. These ants are quick, making resource runs a breeze. They can carry heaps of grass planks and weed stems, and even have their own inventory. You can even get them into a scrap. While you can attack while mounted, you can also hop off and your ant will keep fighting alongside you, turning a tricky 1-v-1 into a much fairer fight. It makes the whole experience so much more dynamic.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

The Bug Hunt: Combat and… Other Bugs

Fighting the local wildlife feels better than ever. You can now dodge, which is a lifesaver when you’re cornered by something with way too many legs. The combat just feels more responsive, whether you’re playing in first or third-person. You can craft all sorts of gear to suit your style, from bows and arrows to heavy hammers or even a “Candy Stave” that’s basically a wizard staff.

Of course, the park is crawling with new beasties. Scorpions will burst out of the ground and give you a real fright, and there are heaps of other critters, both hostile and harmless. Learning their attack patterns and weaknesses is key.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

However, it wouldn’t be Early Access without the other kind of bugs, would it? The performance is a bit crook at the moment. As noted by players on Steam, even on a decent rig, the game can stutter and drop frames, especially when you’re zooming around on your ant. A developer has said they’re working on “major optimizations” which is good to hear. I also ran into a few crashes and saw some enemies get stuck in the ground. It’s nothing game-breaking, but something to be aware of.

Image via Steam Community

The Verdict (For Now)

Look, Grounded 2 is basically more Grounded, and that is absolutely not a bad thing. It takes the solid foundation of the first game and expands on it with a massive new world, some great quality-of-life tweaks, and the brilliant addition of ant mounts.

Yeah, it’s a bit rough around the edges with performance issues and bugs, but the devs are on to it. For an Early Access title, there’s a heap of content here already – some are saying the main story is about 20 hours long, which could easily turn into 100 hours of gameplay if you’re a keen builder.

If you were a fan of the original, jumping in now is a no-brainer. It’s familiar fun on a grander scale. If you’re new to the series, you’re in for a treat, but maybe wait for a patch or two if performance issues get on your nerves. Either way, this is a solid start, and I can’t wait to see how this tiny world grows. She’ll be right.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

The post Grounded 2 (Early Access) Review – Let’s Get Small Again appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

For storage on the go, Kingston have you sorted.

This year’s (2025) XS1000 portable SSD series sees 1TB to 4TB in storage options via SSD packed into a casing that is smaller than  a credit card.

Kingston sent STG Play a 2TB Kingston XS1000R to test out.

Now, let’s mention portable PC gaming, which is on the rise.

With differing manufacturers offering anywhere 2TB down to a laughable 512GB for your onboard storage, it does not take long for that to get chomped up by data heavy games from Steam.

If you have a substantial games library, and like me, want game options on the go, and try to cram as many games on to the portable PC as you can, the Kingston XS1000R series is a must have.

The SSD has a singular USB-C port with USB-A 3.0 to plug in to your device. Thankfully Kingston provide a USB-A to USB-C in the box.

This is especially necessary if you are going to use on a later model Apple laptop.

Having that extra 2TB on the go is excellent, but can you play games directly from it?

Yep, the Kingston XS1000R doesn’t miss a beat, with 1050 Mbps read and 1000 Mbps write.

Secure and reliable, the palm sized SSD does not miss a beat.

An Apple MacBook Pro was able to write at around 147 Mbps, read at 78 Mbps. An OneXPlayer Pro 2 was around the same for read, but write speed was a higher at 112 Mbps.

Trying this on a gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG X13 beat all of the above.

Write speed climaxed at 286 Mbps, read 174 Mbps.

A 2025 Android smartphone saw the slowest though. Write at 52Mbps and read a very low 18 Mbps.

If you have a microSD card in your portable device, to save regular data corruptions, my advice is to swap out for one of these. Small, pocketable and of course ready to go.

Totally reliable and a trusted triple AAA brand that is focused on both quality and speed the Kingston XS1000R SSD is going to see you right for multimedia rendering, gaming on any platform or simply expands on local storage.

Game on the go without interruption with Kingston XS1000R Series.

The post Kingston XS1000R 2TB SSD Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.