The Evolution Championship Series ownership has officially changed again, with Saudi-owned RTS now taking full control of EVO. The update confirms that former co-owner NODWIN Gaming has exited, leaving RTS as the sole owner of the world’s largest fighting game tournament brand.

For the fighting game community, this is not just a business reshuffle. EVO’s ownership has been a sensitive topic for several years, especially as Saudi investment in global esports continues to grow.

How RTS Became The Sole Owner Of EVO

RTS, a talent management and brand consulting company originally co-founded by streamer Pokimane, has been involved with EVO since 2021. That year, Sony Interactive Entertainment partnered with RTS to acquire the tournament series, sparking early concerns about how first-party platform ownership might affect game line-ups.

In August 2025, NODWIN Gaming acquired Sony’s stake, becoming a majority shareholder alongside RTS. At the time, NODWIN publicly stated it would honour EVO’s legacy while expanding opportunities for a new generation of players.

Shortly after, Saudi-backed Qiddiya Investment Company entered the picture. Qiddiya had already invested in RTS and announced plans to remain an EVO partner through 2027. Within a month, however, Qiddiya fully acquired RTS. That move effectively placed EVO under Saudi ownership.

Now, with NODWIN fully exiting its ownership position, RTS holds complete control of EVO. NODWIN will reportedly continue assisting with marketing support, and some leadership figures are expected to remain involved operationally, but decision-making authority sits with RTS.

Official Statements From RTS Leadership

RTS CEO Stuart Saw addressed the change in a public statement, saying the company is proud of its five-year legacy with EVO and intends to continue investing in the fighting game community. He emphasised working closely with developers and empowering community members, signalling that the brand’s direction will remain focused on competitive integrity and global partnerships.

Earlier, Qiddiya’s Chief Strategy Officer Muhannad Aldawood described the acquisition as a milestone that would set new heights for EVO and align with the aspirations of the FGC.

From a structural standpoint, this means RTS now oversees the Evolution Championship Series brand, event production, partnerships, and long-term expansion plans without external ownership constraints.

Community Reaction And Ongoing Controversy

The reaction from parts of the fighting game community has been openly critical. Discussions across forums like r/Fighters have seen some fans calling for renewed focus on grassroots local tournaments instead of major tentpole events.

Criticism largely centres on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the involvement of the Public Investment Fund, which backs Qiddiya’s broader entertainment and gaming initiatives. Some prominent community figures, including content creators and commentators, have previously stated they would not attend EVO once Saudi involvement became clear.

Concerns have also been raised about LGBTQ+ player safety and inclusivity, given the country’s legal and social climate. These discussions have been ongoing since Qiddiya’s initial investment in RTS became public knowledge.

What This Could Mean For EVO’s Future

With RTS now fully in control, speculation has naturally turned to how EVO might evolve. One question resurfacing is whether Super Smash Bros. could return to the main stage.

Back in 2021, Sony’s involvement raised concerns about cross-platform representation, and Nintendo later pulled Smash from EVO 2022. While no official statement links that decision solely to Sony’s ownership, many in the community have long speculated that platform politics played a role.

Now that Sony is completely out of the picture, some fans believe the door could reopen for Super Smash Bros. Melee and Ultimate to return. At this stage, there is no confirmation either way.

Beyond Smash, full Saudi-backed ownership could mean greater international expansion. Saudi Arabia has already increased its footprint in esports through acquisitions and partnerships, including ESL and large-scale events such as the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. EVO could potentially become part of a broader, interconnected global circuit.

EVO’s Identity Under New Ownership

RTS has publicly promised to preserve EVO’s values and identity. Whether that reassurance satisfies the wider community remains to be seen.

EVO Japan and EVO Las Vegas are both approaching in the coming months, which will likely serve as the first real test of how this new ownership structure plays out in practice. For now, the Evolution Championship Series continues under RTS leadership, but the conversation around its future is far from settled.

The post RTS Takes Full Ownership Of EVO As Saudi Investment Deepens appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

T1 has officially confirmed two T1 Home Ground 2026 events as part of the LCK Road Show, locking in April and August dates across Incheon and Seoul. The announcement positions the organisation for its most ambitious domestic calendar yet, with regular season matches set to be staged outside LoL Park in large-scale venues.

𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐝!

우리의 붉은 열정을 다시 깨울 시간, LCK 로드쇼 T1 Home Ground와 함께할 준비되셨나요?
2026년 4월과 8월, 그 뜨거운 함성의 현장으로 여러분을 초대합니다.
📍 2026 T1 Home Ground 개최 일정
4월 24일 – 26일: 인스파이어 아레나 (Inspire Arena)
8월 14일 -… pic.twitter.com/MXveWRooOq

— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) January 28, 2026

Two T1 Home Ground Events Confirmed For 2026

The 2026 schedule is split into two separate three-day events, both hosted in major South Korean arenas.

The first Home Ground will run from April 24 to 26, 2026, at Inspire Arena in Incheon, a venue capable of seating around 15,000 fans. The second event is scheduled for August 14 to 16, 2026, at KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park, one of the country’s most recognisable indoor arenas.

Both events will feature regular season League of Legends matches under the LCK Road Show format, allowing T1 to act as the designated home team in front of large local crowds.

Building On Previous Home Ground Success

T1’s decision to host two Home Ground events in a single year follows the strong performance of previous editions. The 2025 event at Inspire Arena reportedly attracted more than 30,000 spectators, marking a clear commercial and cultural win for the organisation.

Earlier Home Ground iterations began in 2024 at Goyang Sono Arena, before the concept expanded further during the LCK’s decentralised experiments in 2025. With two confirmed stops in 2026, T1 is now accelerating that model rather than treating it as a one-off showcase.

More Than Matches, A Full Esports Festival

Over time, T1 Home Ground has evolved beyond standard league fixtures. Previous events have blended competitive play with fan experiences, on-stage segments, and major announcements. One of the most memorable moments came in 2025, when Faker’s long-term contract extension was revealed live to the crowd.

That approach has helped frame Home Ground as a full esports festival rather than a simple home-and-away match, strengthening T1’s brand connection with its fanbase.

Ticket Revenue And Long-Term Ambitions

T1 COO Josh Woongki Ahn has previously highlighted the financial upside of the Home Ground model, revealing that past editions generated between USD $1.4 million and $2 million in ticket revenue. According to Ahn, sales performance exceeded expectations and validated the format as a sustainable revenue stream.

Looking ahead, T1 has also expressed interest in taking the Home Ground concept overseas, including ambitions to host a future event at Las Vegas’ Sphere. Longer term goals reportedly include developing a dedicated T1-owned venue to secure greater commercial independence.

Part Of A Wider Riot Games Strategy

T1’s expanded Home Ground schedule aligns with a broader push by Riot Games to regionalise live events. For 2026, the LEC will also roll out multiple Road Show stops across Europe, with local organisations hosting matches in their home markets.

Notably, T1’s April Incheon event will run on the same dates as the LEC’s first French Road Show stop, underscoring Riot’s intent to normalise large-scale, team-hosted league events throughout the competitive calendar.

More Details Still To Come

While dates and venues are now confirmed, T1 has yet to reveal the full programme for both Home Ground events. Matchups, additional content, and ticket sale details are expected to be announced closer to each event window.

With two Home Grounds locked in for 2026, T1 is signalling that large-scale home events are no longer an experiment, but a core part of its competitive and commercial strategy.

The post T1 Home Ground 2026 Announced As Part Of LCK Road Show appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Team Liquid Enters a New World

Esports giant Team Liquid is gearing up for a fresh adventure, announcing a new partnership with the open-world MMORPG Sword of Justice. The organisation shared the news online with a bold promise, saying it is ready to dive into a challenging and immersive world where fast-paced action meets strategic gameplay.

A NEW CHALLENGE AWAITS 🌊
We’re proud to announce our partnership with Sword of Justice @SoJ_Global! Get ready to dive into a challenging and immersive MMORPG that brings fast-paced action and strategic gameplay to the next level ⚔️

Stay tuned for more info as we prepare to… pic.twitter.com/VtFRBBPnMV

— Team Liquid (@TeamLiquid) November 13, 2025

While details are still under wraps, Team Liquid confirmed that more information will be revealed soon. The announcement was paired with a promotional image featuring members of the organisation’s World of Warcraft guild, including Brandyn ‘Hopeful’ Hahn, ‘Imfiredup’, ‘Tobo’, ‘Scott’, Arthur ‘Maximum’ Maxwell Smith, and ‘Nick’. These players were part of the leadership that helped Team Liquid secure the Race to World First for Mythic Manaforge Omega back in August.

This latest collaboration adds to Team Liquid’s packed 2025 partnership lineup. Earlier this month, the organisation teamed up with UNICEF to support initiatives tied to the Sustainable Development Goals, showing its ongoing commitment to global impact both inside and outside the gaming scene.

Echo Esports Joins the Challenge

Team Liquid isn’t the only powerhouse stepping into Sword of Justice. WoW team Echo Esports has also revealed a collaboration with the MMORPG. In its announcement, Echo confirmed that its guild members are testing out the game’s first raid, a clear nod to the competitive speed-running format fans know from events like the Mythic Dungeon International.

We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with @SoJ_Global! Echo is trying out the first raid in Sword of Justice, an immersive MMORPG that combines fast-paced combat and deep strategy for a game-changing experience.⚔️ #SwordOfJustice #Echo pic.twitter.com/rBgPUrKJjg

— Echo (@EchoGuild) November 12, 2025

The move hints that Sword of Justice could be shaping up for a bigger push into esports, using its raid content as a competitive arena where teams race to claim the fastest clear times. For fans of high-intensity MMO content, this could be an exciting new battleground to watch.

About Sword of Justice

Sword of Justice is a free-to-play online MMORPG developed by ZhuRong Studio and published by NetEase Games. The title launched globally on November 7th, 2025 on both PC and mobile, and it has already made waves with more than 40 million downloads across Asia.

Designed around fast-paced combat, co-op raids, and deep strategic loops, the game blends classic MMO elements with modern action gameplay. With major esports organisations like Team Liquid and Echo now involved, Sword of Justice looks poised to build a competitive scene that MMO fans will want to keep an eye on.

What Comes Next

Both organisations have promised more updates soon, suggesting that players can expect new content previews, raid showcases, or early steps toward esports events. With two of the world’s most respected MMO-focused teams exploring Sword of Justice, the game’s future in the competitive space is looking more promising by the day.

The post Team Liquid and Echo Step Into Sword of Justice, Signalling a New Era for MMORPG Esports appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Dominant Finish for the EMEA Champions

Virtus.pro have officially claimed the Marvel Rivals Ignite Grand Finals crown, taking down Natus Vincere (NAVI) 4-1 in an explosive finale at DreamHack Atlanta. The EMEA powerhouse walks away with a massive $320,000 NZD (around £243,000) prize, cementing their spot as the best Marvel Rivals team in the world right now.

After months of competitive play across global regions, the final showdown brought together two of the scene’s biggest names. Virtus.pro entered as the Ignite Stage 2 EMEA champion and clear favourite, and they didn’t disappoint.

@SparkR_OW @Nevix_OW @SypehOW @dridroT_T @phi_ow @FinnsiOW @eqo @Blainey15_ @virtuspro GOATS

— Marvel Rivals Esports (@MRivalsEsports) November 2, 2025

From Group Stage to Glory

The road to victory was a story of pure consistency and control. Virtus.pro dominated their group stage with a flawless 5-0 record, setting the tone for the playoffs. They had already bested NAVI earlier in the tournament with a 2-0 sweep, proving that the rematch in the Grand Finals would be an uphill battle for the Ukrainian side.

The playoffs featured eight top teams in a double-elimination format. Early exits came from REJECT and DarkZero, while Citadel Gaming and ChopperMag bowed out in the quarterfinals. NAVI, however, battled through the Lower Bracket, eliminating both 100 Thieves (3-1) and FlyQuest (3-1) to earn their place in the Grand Finals against Virtus.pro.

Despite their momentum, NAVI couldn’t hold back the EMEA titans once more. Virtus.pro’s discipline, coordination, and tactical mastery across multiple maps sealed the deal.

Grand Finals Recap

Image Credit: NetEase Games

Here’s how the Grand Finals between Virtus.pro (VP) and NAVI played out:

• Game One: VP 2-0 NAVI – Hell’s Heaven (Domination)
• Game Two: VP 2-1 NAVI – Spider-Islands (Convoy)
• Game Three: VP 1-0 NAVI – Hall of Djalia (Domination)
• Game Four: VP 0-2 NAVI – Birnin T’Challa (Domination)
• Game Five: VP 3-1 NAVI – Midtown (Convoy)

Final Score: 4-1 in favour of Virtus.pro.

After missing out on the Mid-Season Finals earlier this year due to a disappointing Ignite Stage 1, this championship marks the ultimate redemption arc for Virtus.pro. Their journey from near-miss to total domination shows how far they’ve come in establishing themselves as a leading force in Marvel Rivals esports.

What’s Next for Marvel Rivals Esports?

The conclusion of the Ignite Grand Finals wraps up the first-ever Marvel Rivals competitive season. NetEase Games hasn’t yet confirmed whether the Ignite circuit will return next year, but fans can rest easy knowing more is on the horizon.

The next major event, the Seasonal Championships, will take place during Season 4: Heart of the Dragon, offering players another shot at glory.

With Virtus.pro setting the new benchmark, Marvel Rivals esports looks set for a bright and action-packed future.

The post Virtus.pro Crowned Champions at Marvel Rivals Ignite Grand Finals appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Furry New Teammate with a Cause

Virtus.pro’s Overwatch 2 squad has welcomed a new teammate, and this one’s the fluffiest yet. The legendary esports organisation has teamed up with WWF-UK to launch a new fundraising campaign called Team Virtus.pro Overwatch2 for Polar Bears, aiming to raise awareness and support for polar bear conservation.

Our new teammate might be the fluffiest one yet… and definitely the cutest 🐻‍❄️

We’re backing @wwf_uk through our fundraising campaign to help protect the polar bears we all love 💙

Join the mission 👉 https://t.co/9ydSwPzBed #Overwatch2 #VPxWWF #VPFORPOLARBEARS #GOGOVP pic.twitter.com/m5sIeUFt1x

— Virtus.pro Overwatch 2 (@virtuspro_OW2) October 29, 2025

The partnership highlights Virtus.pro’s commitment to protecting the animal that has symbolised the team for more than two decades. The polar bear has been part of the Virtus.pro logo for 22 years, representing strength, resilience, and the spirit of endurance that defines both the team and its fans.

“Today, polar bears face dangerous conditions in the wild, and we feel it’s our responsibility to help protect them,” Virtus.pro wrote on its official campaign page. “Our campaign is about connecting our global esports audience with this cause and supporting WWF’s vital conservation work.”

Raising Funds for Polar Bear Conservation

The campaign is hosted on Tiltify, a platform known for bringing together gaming communities and charitable causes. Fans can donate directly, start their own fundraising pages, or amplify the campaign through social media to help spread the word.

Virtus.pro’s goal is to raise £5,000 (around $6,660 NZD) for WWF’s conservation initiatives. As of now, the campaign has already gathered more than £630 in donations, showing strong early support from the esports community.

Those interested can join the mission through the Tiltify page, where progress updates and donation options are available.

Why WWF and Virtus.pro Are a Perfect Match

WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) is one of the world’s leading conservation organisations, dedicated to protecting wildlife, rivers, forests, and oceans while tackling climate change. Its mission is to create a world where people and nature can thrive together, a message that resonates with Virtus.pro’s global audience.

For Virtus.pro, this collaboration goes beyond branding. The organisation’s iconic polar bear has long been a rallying symbol of pride and strength for its community, and now it’s being used to make a tangible difference.

By leveraging the global reach of esports, Virtus.pro hopes to inspire gamers and fans alike to contribute to real-world causes, proving that the power of gaming can extend far beyond the screen.

Esports for Good: A Growing Trend

Charitable efforts have become an increasingly common sight in the esports world. Earlier, FlyQuest teamed up with T1 for a Worlds charity campaign in League of Legends, while Riot Games ran in-game fundraisers across both VALORANT and League of Legends to aid victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Virtus.pro’s initiative adds another powerful example of how gaming communities can come together for meaningful change. With millions of fans worldwide, even small contributions can add up to major impact.

As Virtus.pro put it best, this campaign is about uniting passion and purpose. Whether you’re an Overwatch 2 fan, a Virtus.pro supporter, or simply someone who wants to help protect wildlife, now’s the perfect time to get involved.

Join the mission, donate, and help protect the polar bears we all love.

The post Virtus.pro Launches Charity Campaign to Protect Polar Bears with WWF appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The HyperX Arena in Las Vegas is gearing up for World Esports Day on October 18th, offering gamers the chance to celebrate with a full day of tournaments, giveaways, and free play across multiple titles.

🌍 Oct. 18th is World Esports Day!! Join us for free all day play, giveaways, tournaments, and more!! 💫

Get your ticket to the event now!
🔗 https://t.co/lXJdE0lOvP pic.twitter.com/SvbUyyGDUI

— HyperX Arena Las Vegas (@HyperXArena) October 4, 2025

In celebration of the global gaming holiday, the 30,000-square-foot esports venue will open its doors to the public for a day filled with competitive fun. Players can jump into tournaments for popular titles like 2XKO, Rematch, and Marvel Rivals, with featured teams including local and university squads such as Las Vegas Inferno, the University of Nevada, Rebel Gaming, Global Gaming League, and Allied Esports.

Attendees can expect an exciting schedule throughout the day. Doors open at noon, followed by an opening ceremony at 1:30 PM and tournaments starting from 2:00 PM. The arena’s PC stations will be completely free to use during the celebration, making it the perfect opportunity for casual players and hardcore competitors alike to get involved.

In addition to tournaments, HyperX Arena will host pop-up 2XKO brackets where visitors can win exclusive prizes. There will also be on-site giveaways throughout the day to keep the energy high and the crowd engaged.

Gamers eager to join the festivities can secure their free ticket now via HyperX Arena’s official link. Entry is open to everyone, though spots may fill quickly given the popularity of the annual event.

A hub for esports and gaming culture
Located right on the Las Vegas Strip, the HyperX Arena has become one of the city’s standout venues for esports competitions, content creation, and gaming events. With over 160 PC and console stations, it regularly hosts everything from grassroots tournaments to international championships.

Earlier this year, the arena announced it would host the first in-person finals of the World Mahjong Tour, featuring a $100,000 prize pool. It also made headlines in 2024 for hosting the Microsoft Excel World Championship, where competitors showcased their spreadsheet skills for a $60,000 prize.

World Esports Day will be another milestone for HyperX Arena, reinforcing its position as a global hub for competitive gaming and community engagement.

So whether you’re a competitive player, a casual gamer, or just someone who loves the thrill of esports, October 18th is your chance to join the celebration, play for free, and be part of the action at HyperX Arena Las Vegas.

The post HyperX Arena Las Vegas Celebrates World Esports Day with Free Play, Tournaments, and Giveaways – Here’s How to Join appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Signify has released details on a new range of Philips Hue smart lighting products and app features, from unique design options to complement home décor and create the perfect ambiance, to more immersive entertainment experiences for gaming and music.

New launches include a striking range of contemporary style, a new gradient lightstrip specifically designed for PC monitors to bring the ultimate light experience to PC gaming and a new Mimic presence automation to the Hue app for more peace of mind when you’re away. To further enhance immersive lighting in terms of gaming and enjoying music, Philips Hue has teamed up with exciting new partners, ensuring an even more seamless experience.

The new Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip for PC brings the ultimate light experience to PC gaming.

Gradient-enabled lightstrips produce multiple colours of light at the same time, creating a seamless gradient of rich, high-quality light. The colours flow naturally into one another to create a truly captivating effect.

The Play gradient lightstrip for PC flashes, dances, dims, and brightens right along with the on- screen action, creating an immersive gaming experience. The Play gradient lightstrip attaches to the back of your monitor with the included mounts and creates a halo effect when the monitor is placed close to a wall, thanks to the 45 degree sleeve design. The lightstrip’s flexibility means it can be added to straight or curved monitors and comes in three different sizes to equip your battle stations, a 24 / 27-inch lightstrip and a 32 / 34-inch lightstrip for single-monitor setups, and a longer strip designed for a three-monitor setup using 24 / 27-inch screens.

To support your immersive gaming experience, Philips Hue and CORSAIR have teamed up to give you the ultimate gaming setup and bring your gaming to life with light. You can use CORSAIR iCUE to set scenes on Philips Hue lights in your room or gaming space, synchronising with your CORSAIR RGB gaming peripherals to create the perfect gaming atmosphere.

To keep your immersive entertainment setup simple and user-friendly whether gaming or simply watching the TV, the current sync box mobile app will be merged with the Hue app in Q4 2022. The merge of the Philips Hue sync app into the main Hue app means users can start and complete their full entertainment flow, all in one place. The Hue app is the new home for creating entertainment areas, setting up the sync box, controlling the sync box, or enabling features such as voice and IR control for the sync box. The sync mobile app – the separate app that controls the sync box – will be phased out from app stores.

Philips Hue is making syncing lights with music available on even more devices. Now you can immerse yourself in music by syncing your Philips Hue smart lights with your favourite songs on any Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Philips Hue + SmartThings music sync. If you use a Galaxy phone or tablet, use the Music Sync feature in Samsung’s SmartThings app to connect your smart lights. When you update the SmartThings app, SmartThings will enable Hue sync, an easy way to sync your lights and music from most streaming services on your mobile device. Planned for Q4 2022.

The new Philips Hue Mimic presence automation in the Hue app makes it appear like someone’s always home. It’s designed to safeguard your home with light and help give you peace of mind when you’re away. This specialised automation turns your lights on and off automatically at times when you usually use them, and in the Rooms you select. You can select which lights you want to automate, and choose whether to have the lights turn on or off continuously during the daytime or only when it’s dark outside. Available early September 2022.

“At Philips Hue, we believe the continued integration of smart lighting and home entertainment is increasingly relevant to our users, whether they’re gaming, watching TV, or listening to music. With our new products and app features, we continue to offer a more immersive and user-friendly entertainment experience. We also recognise that our users are design-conscious and so we strive to bring them new, exciting, and elegant lighting products that complement their home and give the opportunity to personalise the ambiance,” said Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify.

Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip for PC will be available from November 2022.

The post Philips Hue Lights Up PC Gaming appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Flying Wild Hog’s Trek to Yomi is a sword-fighting game that seeks to capture the look and feel of a black and white Japanese samurai movie.

The Assassin’s Creed influenced PlayStation 4 game, Ghost of Tsushima, owed a lot of its visual style to the movies of visionary Japanese movie director Akira Kurosawa. Kurosawa’s movies also served as the inspiration for The Magnificent Seven and even Star Wars.

Trek to Yomi is not only inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s movies, like Seven Samurai and Yojimbo but also seeks to place players right in a vintage Japanese samurai movie. From the stressed, warts-and-all, high-contrast black and white film look to the cinematic camera angles, the game is a love letter to this classic movie genre. The result is a modern and rather unique take on the classic side-scrolling fighting game.

The game’s plot is a simple one of duty and revenge. After the destruction of his village by raiders and the death of his master, the young warrior Hiroki embarks on a journey to defeat the invaders. As Hiroki, players must make their way through a cinematic landscape that looks so real, that you’d think it was footage from an old movie.

Whilst most of the movement is a 2D left-to-right affair, the environments are fully realised in 3D with Hiroki occasionally walking into and out of the background. There’s also an element of exploration with secret areas concealing collectibles and perks. The path forward is not always clear, with multiple paths. Some areas have hidden rewards, but others may have enemies lying in wait.

The combat is in 2D and looks deceptively simple. The basic moves consist of quick weak attacks and slow strong attacks, as well as blocks and parries. Combo moves are unlocked as the game progresses. Throwing stars can be picked along the way to stun enemies giving Hiroki an extra edge. Later on, a more effective bow becomes available, again with ammo collected from the environment.  Enemies often attack in numbers, approaching from the rear as well as the front. It is a bit of a button-masher, but the use of blocks and rolls are essential to winning fights. A carefully timed block will throw the enemy off guard enough to deliver a few direct hits.

The game caters to all sorts of players with three difficulty levels- kabuki, bushido, and ronin, with kensei unlocked on completion of the game. Even on the lower difficulties enemies still put up a fight, although they deal less damage.

There are shrines at certain points that once activated replenish Hiroki’s health. They also act as checkpoints should Hiroki be defeated and is at these points that he will respawn for another attempt.

The game is fairly short, capping off at about six hours. The higher difficulties give it some replay value, but once I’d enjoyed the spectacle of it all, the combat alone was not enough for me to want to try it again.

As with all Devolver Digital published games, Trek to Yomi is a well-presented and polished affair. The graphics are nothing short of stunning, perfectly capturing the visual style of an old samurai movie. The lighting is fantastic which along with the high contrast black and white palette adds to the movie-film look. The visuals look so good that, at a glance, the game looks almost indistinguishable from the celluloid inspiration.

If you are at all into Japanese samurai movies, Trek to Yomi was made for you and if you long for a modern take on a 2D side-scroll, the game also delivers. In any case, if you are after a polished game that is a bit different you should also give Trek to Yomi a try.

The PC version of Trek to Yomi was provided by the publisher for review. The game is available now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Windows.

Trek to Yomi is currently available free to PC and Xbox One/Series X|S as part of the Xbox Game Pass subscription.

The post Trek to Yomi (PC) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A year after its original release Sucker Punch’s samurai game gets a new lease of life with Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut.

It’s good to return and continue the adventures of wayward samurai, Jin Sakai in a quest to rid his home of the invading Mongols. But, the truth is I never put the game down.

Four months after the game’s release, I swapped out the PlayStation 4 for a PlayStation 5, running Ghost of Tsushima in backward-compatibility mode on Sony’s new console. Earlier this year the PS4 version of the game got a patch that unlocked 60 frames-per-second on PS5.

Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut includes the original game, a director’s commentary video, digital art book, some in-game goodies, and the Iki Island DLC. PS5 owners also get some extra enhancements that take advantage of the controller’s haptic feedback. These are on top of the quality-of-life improvements included in the recent patch.

For the uninitiated, Ghost of Tsushima is set towards the end of the thirteenth century during the first Mongol invasion. Jin Sakai is a conflicted samurai that realises that he must forsake honour and fight from the shadows, like a ghost, to defeat powerful enemies and free the island of Tsushima.

The game is played in a third-person perspective with an emphasis on exploration and combat. Jin has several stances each of which is most effective against different classes of enemy. The combat is all about striking, blocking, and evading. There’s also the opportunity to trigger standoffs, which require perfect timing to deliver a killing blow.

The combat and associated abilities offer more than the usual button-mashing fayre but without the brutal and unforgiving gameplay found in the likes of Dark Souls. Stealth also plays a big part in the game, which shares more than a few similarities with Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed games.

Returning players seeking to further their adventures on Iki Island will likely find themselves rusty and faced with a bit of a learning curve. I last played Ghost of Tsushima about a month ago and I had forgotten everything. It took a good few hours wandering around Tsushima before I dared start the mission “Journey into the Past” which sends Jin on a fateful boat crossing to Iki Island.

As always, Ghost of Tsushima is a breathtaking game. The visuals are crisp (perhaps too crisp) painting a snapshot of history that is both beautiful and dangerous. The look and feel of the game is clearly inspired by Japanese cinema, notably the works of Akira Kurosawa. There’s even a black and white “Kurosawa mode” filter.

The Iki Island DLC adds a whole new and very beautiful area to explore. A Mongol tribe lead by the Shaman Ankhsar Khatun has taken Iki Island. Jin must return to the island that he visited with his father long ago. In seeking to liberate the island, Jin must confront his past and conquer deep-rooted fears.

Players familiar with the main game will find a familiar selection of missions, side quests and challenges, as well as new settlements. On top of that, Jin gets some new abilities, my favorite being horse charge which can take out a whole group of enemies in one go. The opposition also gets a new unit in the shaman who can buff the other enemies in their group.

The new content can be accessed as soon as players reach chapter two of the main game. After that, it doesn’t matter at what part of Jin’s journey players embark across to Iki Island. The DLC story is self-contained and the tale “Jin from Yarikawa” needs to be completed to unlock fast travel back to Tsushima. The DLC difficulty scales, so even if players are at the endgame, they will still get a challenge, similarly, newer players will not be overwhelmed, either.

The digital extras are a bonus and downloaded separately from the digital edition of the Director’s Cut. The director’s commentary video adds some background to the development of the game and its inspiration from real events. The 50-page mini-artbook offers a glimpse into the development of the game with excerpts from the Dark Horse Art of Ghost of Tsushima book.

Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut is available as a standalone title or as a premium DLC update from the original PlayStation 4 version for both PS4 and PS5 players.

For fans of the original game, this upgrade is a no-brainer. For new players, Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut offers an exciting and original experience in a beautiful setting that contrasts this very violent period in the history of Feudal Japan.

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