Category: Gaming

  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake Switch 2 Sales Surge, Game Sold Out Everywhere

    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Switch 2 Sales Surge, Game Sold Out Everywhere

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Demand and Stock Issues: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is experiencing strong demand, with many U.S. retailers sold out of physical copies.

    2. Large Download Size: The game requires over 90GB of storage on the Switch 2, but players feel the investment is worthwhile.

    3. Collector Disappointment: Some collectors regret not pre-ordering the physical version, while digital options remain available.

    4. Franchise Evolution: The Switch 2 better accommodates current-gen features, including DLSS support, enhancing graphics without compromising performance.

    5. Potential Success in Japan: The game may perform well in Japan, where there is a strong interest in handheld versions amid declining sales of Final Fantasy titles.

    Before the official sales figures are released, it appears that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade might be outperforming expectations for Switch 2 sales. A YouTuber named Aero has pointed out that many U.S. retailers are out of stock for the physical version of the game. Although there has been some backlash regarding the Game-Key Card format, the game’s pricing and its performance have been well-received.

    Storage and Demand

    With a download requirement exceeding 90GB, this Square Enix title is taking up a significant portion of the internal storage on the Switch 2. Nevertheless, players seem to believe that the investment in time and space is justified. Aero has noted on social media that stores like Best Buy, GameStop, and Target show no physical copies available. Furthermore, the game is topping the charts on the Nintendo eShop and is a best-selling item on Amazon.

    Collector’s Regrets

    Some collectors are expressing disappointment for not securing a pre-order for the physical version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake on Switch 2. Additionally, a Magic: The Gathering Play Booster pack has caught the eye of buyers as a promotional bonus. Fortunately, players still have the option to buy a digital version of the RPG.

    Fans were happy to see that the initial part of the FF7 remake trilogy would come at an affordable price. Nintendo has faced some backlash for the high costs associated with first-party remakes and upgrades like Super Mario Galaxy 1+2. Gamers who currently own the game on PS5 or PC can access the mobile version for $39.99.

    A Shift in the Franchise

    The original Switch didn’t get several important Final Fantasy titles, especially the 16th mainline entry. However, older Nintendo consoles used to have more ports of the franchise. The Switch 2 seems to align better with current-gen systems. Its specifications, such as DLSS support, enable realistic lighting effects without sacrificing frame rates.

    As the release date approaches, a demo that has been thoroughly analyzed has made a good impression regarding performance. Even with a frame rate of 30 fps, the optimization efforts led by Director Naoki Hamaguchi look to have been effective.

    Potential Success in Japan

    The Switch 2 port of Final Fantasy 7 Remake may see greater success in Japan. Sales of Final Fantasy games have declined in a country that once warmly embraced the series. The slow uptake of the PS5 console may play a role in this. When Famitsu publishes its retail charts, it may confirm that there was a strong desire for a handheld version among the market.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Lenovo Launches 15-Inch Gaming Laptop with AMD Strix Halo

    Lenovo Launches 15-Inch Gaming Laptop with AMD Strix Halo

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo unveiled multiple new laptops at CES, focusing on their Legion gaming lineup, including the Legion Pro Rollable concept.
    2. A user discovered references to unreleased Lenovo laptop models, indicating future use of Nvidia’s N1V and N1X chipsets.
    3. An AMD Strix Halo competitor is in development to rival the TUF Gaming A14 FA401EA and ROG Flow Z13.
    4. The Legion 7 15 ASH11 is listed on a support page, expected to feature AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ processors and a 15-inch display.
    5. Details on release dates and specifications for the new Legion models remain unclear, but promising developments are anticipated.

    Lenovo has recently launched a variety of laptops during its CES presentation. Among the devices unveiled in Las Vegas, many belong to the Legion gaming lineup, including the intriguing Legion Pro Rollable concept. Moreover, it looks like there will be more Legion gaming laptops coming soon.

    Discovery of New Models

    Recently, a user named Huang514613 found Lenovo mentioning multiple unreleased laptop models on a support website. Just from their model numbers, it appears that many of these will use Nvidia’s upcoming N1V and N1X chipsets. Additionally, there seems to be an AMD Strix Halo competitor in development to challenge the TUF Gaming A14 FA401EA and the ROG Flow Z13, which is currently priced at $2,169 on Amazon.

    Details on the Legion 7 15 ASH11

    Lenovo has now listed the Legion 7 15 ASH11 on a Legion Space support page. The acronym ASH in the name refers to the AMD Strix Halo platform. However, it’s still unclear which APUs will be included at this point. The likely candidates are the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 and Ryzen AI Max+ 395, but they would offer similar GPU performance due to the use of the same Radeon 8060S integrated GPUs.

    The Legion 7 15 ASH11 is also a Gen 11 version and will have a 15-inch display, unlike the 16-inch models showcased at CES 2026. For comparison, the Legion 7a Gen 11 integrates the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 alongside an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU. In theory, a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 could provide the Legion 7 15 ASH11 with a notable CPU edge over the Legion 7a Gen 11, while maintaining equal GPU performance and operating at a lower power consumption. Sadly, Lenovo has not revealed when it plans to officially release its Legion 7 alternative.

    Conclusion

    In summary, Lenovo’s latest announcements at CES show promising developments in their Legion gaming lineup, with exciting new models on the way, although the exact details on release dates and specifications remain uncertain.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Gamer Scores AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU for $4.99 with Fix

    Gamer Scores AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU for $4.99 with Fix

    Key Takeaways

    1. A gamer found an AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT for only $5 at a thrift shop, highlighting the potential for great deals in unexpected places.
    2. The GPU needed repairs due to modifications that left it unusable, but resolving the issues allowed it to power up perfectly.
    3. The RX 5700 XT, while not powerful by today’s standards, is still capable of running older games and some newer ones at lower settings.
    4. The incredible price of $5 makes the GPU a worthwhile find, emphasizing the subjective nature of what defines a good deal.
    5. In contrast, a new Asus Dual GeForce RTX 5050 is priced around $250, showcasing the significant difference in cost for current gaming hardware.

    What defines a good deal can be quite subjective. Nevertheless, finding an AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT for only $5 is an incredible bargain by any standard. This is exactly what one fortunate gamer achieved after a surprising discovery at a thrift shop.

    Verification of Claims

    We can’t confirm if u/12kdaysinthefire’s story is true, but they shared some pictures of their find. Discovering hidden gems in thrift stores isn’t too unusual, and in this instance, the previous owner had modified the Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU, rendering it unusable until some repairs were made.

    Repairing the GPU

    According to the user, the GPU had copper blocks stuck inside, and there was no sign of thermal pads or any thermal interface material. Once this relatively simple issue was resolved and the cooler was reattached, the card powered up perfectly. Initially, the user thought the card was completely dead, but it seems luck had a different outcome.

    Performance Overview

    A 6-year-old Radeon RX 5700 XT with 8 GB GDDR6 memory isn’t exactly a powerhouse by today’s standards. Even back in 2019 when it launched, it was considered a mid-range option for moderately demanding games. To provide some context, the RX 5700 XT is approximately 20% slower than a current GeForce RTX 5050, indicating that this GPU isn’t likely to be helpful for high-end gaming today. However, older games and newer ones at lower settings should run fairly well.

    Worth Every Penny

    When you consider the amusingly low price, there’s no question that this card is worth every single dollar—specifically, all five of them. For those who weren’t as fortunate, the Asus Dual GeForce RTX 5050 is currently going for about $250 on Amazon.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Fast-Paced PvP FPS Game with Titanfall-Style Movement

    Fast-Paced PvP FPS Game with Titanfall-Style Movement

    Key Takeaways

    1. Out of Action is an engaging player-versus-player shooter focused on quick-paced multiplayer gameplay, developed by the indie team Doku Games.
    2. The game’s minimalist sci-fi visuals enhance gameplay by emphasizing speed and movement.
    3. Key movement mechanics include wall-running, sliding, and wall-bouncing, reminiscent of games like Titanfall, but without mechs or vertical maps.
    4. Unique combat features include throwable items and the ability to reflect bullets with a katana, setting it apart from standard military shooters.
    5. The game’s future success depends on maintaining player interest and ongoing support post-launch, with current player counts averaging around 200 online.

    A new player-versus-player shooter is slowly getting noticed on Steam, and it’s not just because of its appearance in screenshots. Instead, the game seems to be pulling in players primarily due to its engaging gameplay. Titled Out of Action, this project is developed solo by the indie team Doku Games, and it features quick-paced multiplayer matches that center around movement and shooting.

    Visuals and Gameplay

    While this early-access title may look somewhat plain in images, its minimalist sci-fi style—resembling a blend of The Finals and Cyberpunk 2077 (Switch 2 edition currently priced at $58.99 on Amazon)—actually serves a purpose in gameplay. This simplicity highlights one of the main focuses of Out of Action: speed.

    Movement Mechanics

    Movement stands as a key element in the game, allowing players to engage in wall-running, sliding, and wall-bouncing to gain advantages. These mechanics should feel familiar to fans of games like Titanfall, but it’s important to mention that there are no mechs or vertical maps with fluid designs.

    Doku Games is also trying out a unique feature in multiplayer games: bullet-time. According to the Kickstarter description, the slow-motion effect impacts only those players who are in each other’s sight lines. This means that battles in one area can unfold dramatically, while other areas remain at full speed.

    Combat Features

    When it comes to combat, besides the typical gunplay, the game includes throwable items, and players can also reflect bullets with a katana or intercept rockets mid-air. These features distinguish Out of Action from standard military shooters.

    At the moment, Out of Action enjoys a “Very Positive” rating from over 270 reviews. As an indie game, it may not have a huge player base, but according to SteamDB, there is an average of 200 players online, meaning finding matches shouldn’t be too difficult.

    Future Prospects

    Like most competitive PvP games, its future success will rely on sustained player interest and ongoing support after launch. If the developers can’t deliver on these fronts, the game might not exceed its current peak of 315 players.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • PlayStation Plus February 2026 Free Game Leak Revealed

    PlayStation Plus February 2026 Free Game Leak Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony will officially announce the PlayStation Plus Essential games for February 2026 soon, with a complete lineup expected on January 28.
    2. The leaked main title for PS Plus Essential in February 2026 is “Undisputed,” a boxing game focusing on realism and strategy.
    3. “Undisputed” will be available to all PS Plus members (Essential, Extra, and Premium) from February until March 3.
    4. The game features a Career Mode that allows players to progress from amateur competitions to becoming an undisputed champion.
    5. “Undisputed” includes a character creation system and a roster of over 70 real-life boxers, including legends and contemporary stars.

    Sony will soon make an official announcement regarding the PlayStation Plus Essential games for February 2026. However, it seems that one game has already been leaked ahead of time. This information comes from Billbil-kun, a reliable leaker who has a history of accurately disclosing PS Plus game lists.

    Leak Details

    The leak indicates that “Undisputed” will take the spotlight as the main title for the PS Plus Essential lineup in February 2026. It is anticipated that the game will become available on the service in February and will stay accessible until March 3. All PS Plus tiers, including Essential, Extra, and Premium members, will have the opportunity to claim it once it goes live. While the other titles for February remain under wraps, Sony is expected to unveil the complete lineup on Wednesday, January 28.

    Game Features

    Regarding the game itself, “Undisputed” is a boxing game that emphasizes realism and authenticity. Unlike fast-paced arcade-style fighting games, it prioritizes strategy and tactical gameplay. Each match is crafted to feel like a strategic contest, where elements such as footwork, timing, stamina management, and positioning are just as crucial as landing punches. Players have the ability to feint, counter, dodge punches, and utilize over 60 unique punches against their rivals.

    Career Mode and Roster

    Additionally, the game includes a comprehensive Career Mode that allows players to begin their journey in amateur competitions and strive to become an undisputed champion. It also features a robust character creation system, enabling players to modify various aspects like body shape, tattoos, gloves, and shorts.

    The fighter lineup boasts over 70 real-life boxers, featuring legends such as Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson, alongside contemporary stars like Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, and Tyson Fury.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Acer Nitro V 17 Display Issues: Too Dark and Slow

    Acer Nitro V 17 Display Issues: Too Dark and Slow

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Trade-offs: The Acer Nitro V 17 operates quietly and is energy-efficient, but this results in a slight decrease in gaming performance, which is acceptable for a budget device.

    2. Display Limitations: The Full HD IPS screen is dim at 238 nits and lacks vibrancy, making it unsuitable for outdoor use and resulting in washed-out colors during regular activities.

    3. Poor Response Times: The screen’s response times range from 30 to 42 milliseconds, leading to sluggish motion and noticeable ghosting, failing to meet basic gaming standards.

    4. Comparison with Competitors: Other budget laptops, like the Lenovo LOQ 17 and Omen 16, offer better display performance, including higher brightness and faster response times.

    5. Importance of Display Quality: For users relying on a single device for gaming and daily tasks, a subpar display can be a significant drawback, highlighting the need for manufacturers to improve display quality in budget laptops.

    We just tried out the Acer Nitro V 17, a gaming laptop with a 17-inch screen. Along with the Lenovo LOQ 17 and the Omen 16, it’s one of the cheapest laptops now on the market featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070. This makes the Nitro V 17 seem like a good choice on paper.

    Performance Insights

    In real-world use, the laptop shows some positive aspects. It operates quite quietly and is energy-efficient, but this does lead to a small dip in gaming performance. For a budget device, this compromise is acceptable.

    Display Flaws

    However, Acer seems to have overdone it with the display quality. The Full HD IPS screen only reaches a brightness of around 238 nits, which is clearly not enough for outdoor usage. Even when used indoors, the visuals often appear dull and lack vibrancy. This brightness level is noticeably low, even by budget standards.

    Additionally, the display does not adequately cover the sRGB color space. Colors seem washed out, and images lack richness and vibrancy. While this might be okay for casual gaming, the poor color quality becomes very noticeable during regular activities like browsing the web, working, or watching videos.

    Response Times

    Another significant issue is the response times. With readings between 30 and 42 milliseconds, the screen fails to meet basic gaming laptop standards. Motion looks sluggish, and ghosting is apparent—problems that are hard to overlook, even for a budget model.

    When comparing with other laptops in the same price range, it’s evident that there are better options available. The Lenovo LOQ 17, for instance, also sports a Full HD display but achieves around 300 nits of brightness, covers the sRGB color space well, and provides response times of 10 to 16 milliseconds, which are much faster.

    The Omen 16 takes a different route with its 1200p screen in a 16:10 aspect ratio, also providing around 300 nits of brightness. Although its color coverage is similarly limited, its response times are about half as slow as those of the Nitro V 17.

    Budget Considerations

    In direct comparisons, the Nitro V 17’s display clearly ranks at the lower end of the budget category. Particularly in this segment, a laptop often serves as the sole computer a user has. It’s more than just a gaming device; it’s also used for work, studying, and watching media. Those with limited finances usually can’t afford a second machine.

    From my own experience—going back to my student days—it’s clear that when one device has to do it all, the quality of the display becomes very important. A consistently subpar screen can be an ongoing annoyance.

    Manufacturers should be cautious not to skimp too much on display quality, especially for entry-level products. An OLED or Mini-LED panel isn’t necessary, but users deserve a screen that they enjoy viewing each day.

    This is precisely where the Acer Nitro V 17 could fall behind rivals like the Lenovo LOQ 17, the Omen 16, or even the Katana 17. Despite its quiet and efficient performance, the display remains a significant drawback—a factor that may deter many potential buyers.

     

    Tags: , ,
  • DIY Portable PlayStation 4 Handheld Console with OLED Screen

    DIY Portable PlayStation 4 Handheld Console with OLED Screen

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony’s PlayStation Portal is a streaming device for PS5 games, lacking local processing power.
    2. A modder created a DIY PlayStation 4 Slim handheld, but it is not available for sale.
    3. The handheld features a modified PS4 Slim mainboard for improved energy efficiency and cooling.
    4. It has a 7-inch OLED screen with 1080p resolution and multiple USB ports for storage expansion.
    5. Battery life is limited, lasting up to 3 hours for less intense games and about 1.5 hours for demanding games.

    Back in the past, Sony’s PSP and PS Vita were rivaling in the handheld market. Nowadays, the Japanese brand presents the rather unusual PlayStation Portal (starting at $199 on Amazon). This gadget lacks the necessary computing power for local video game processing; instead, it’s made for streaming games from a PlayStation 5 console or through the cloud. Recently, a modder has displayed his unique PlayStation 4 Slim handheld, which is not available for sale but is a personal DIY venture. As of now, there’s no in-depth guide to create this handheld, and no 3D print models have been released yet.

    A Unique Foundation

    This device is built on the mainboard of the Sony PlayStation 4 Slim. The component has been modified, which is quite common for projects like this. The tricky part is to eliminate only the unnecessary pieces, but the user known as “wewillmakeitnow” also aimed to enhance the console’s energy efficiency and cooling. According to his remarks, he has improved heat dissipation and airflow.

    Features and Performance

    He chose a 7-inch OLED screen with a 1080p resolution for this handheld. It can connect to external monitors and has multiple USB ports that can be utilized for attaching an external hard drive to expand storage. The promised battery life isn’t particularly impressive, but it might still be functional. With less intensive games, this PS4 Slim handheld is said to last up to three hours. However, more demanding games will drain the 130Wh battery in about 1.5 hours.

    Reddit

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Microsoft Exec Discusses Xbox Game Launches on PS5, Including Fable

    Microsoft Exec Discusses Xbox Game Launches on PS5, Including Fable

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Fable reboot will launch in the fall across multiple platforms, while Forza Horizon 6 will be an Xbox exclusive before later releasing on PS5.
    2. Microsoft’s strategy aims to reach the largest audience possible, leading to some games being available on multiple platforms from day one.
    3. Release dates can vary due to the need for developers to optimize games for different systems, influencing the timing of launches.
    4. Future platform decisions will be flexible, with some games potentially prioritizing PC or console first, depending on specific circumstances.
    5. The number of first-party Xbox games released on PS5 is expected to grow, but the timeline for ending temporary exclusivity remains unclear.

    The Xbox Developer Direct revealed that the Fable reboot is set to launch in the fall across various platforms. Meanwhile, Forza Horizon 6 will be released as an Xbox exclusive before it makes its way to the PS5. This has left many Series X|S owners wondering if they will still enjoy platform-specific advantages. GamesRadar spoke with Xbox’s lead, Craig Duncan, who tried to shed some light on Microsoft’s direction.

    Microsoft’s Game Launch Strategy

    When asked how Microsoft decides which titles will be available on other systems from day one, Duncan echoed the sentiments of CEO Phil Spencer, stating, “We want our games to reach the most players that we can.” He recognized that bringing Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5 to PlayStation broadened their audience. However, even as 2026 approaches, there are still certain projects that launch first as Xbox exclusives. Duncan admitted that their cross-platform strategy isn’t always consistent.

    Factors Influencing Release Dates

    Various factors, such as the resources available to studios, can influence when games are released. Developers often require additional time to fine-tune games for different platforms. For example, the DualSense controller provides unique and engaging haptic feedback. Nonetheless, this hasn’t stopped competitors from quickly adapting to multiple consoles.

    Forza Horizon 6 and the Fable reboot are under the supervision of Playground Games. There’s a chance that even well-resourced developers might struggle to achieve a simultaneous launch for Xbox consoles, PC, and PS5. Still, Microsoft may want to keep some incentives for racing enthusiasts to subscribe to Game Pass.

    Future Platform Decisions

    Duncan shared that the company will “maintain optionality” in determining which platforms to focus on. According to him, “Some games we might go PC first, others we might go console first.” He mentioned Grounded 2, although an early-access title might not serve as the best illustration.

    Unfortunately, the interview might not provide fans with a clearer understanding of Microsoft’s future plans. The article points out that the publisher has already brought six first-party Xbox games to the competing PS5 in 2025. This number is likely to keep increasing, but the timeline for when temporary exclusivity might completely vanish remains uncertain.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • PS3 Super Slim Mod Unlocks CELL and RSX Overclocking with Raspberry Pi

    PS3 Super Slim Mod Unlocks CELL and RSX Overclocking with Raspberry Pi

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new mod for the PS3, developed by @Modyfikator89, uses Quasi-Custom Firmware (qCFW) to enhance performance on PS3 Super Slim and other models.
    2. The mod allows for an impressive overclock of the RSX graphics chip from 500MHz to 850MHz while maintaining a safe temperature of 55°C.
    3. It enables features like Linux support, unbricking consoles, and native PS2 ISO support, significantly expanding the console’s capabilities.
    4. The modding community is excited about the potential for further advancements, including overclocking the PS3’s CELL processor to 4.1GHz.
    5. Tutorials and tools are emerging to help newcomers, making PS3 modding more accessible as used consoles remain affordable.

    A recent modification for the PlayStation 3 has achieved remarkable performance levels on the PS3 Super Slim, Slim 3000, and the later 2504 versions of Sony’s seventh-generation gaming console.

    The Mod’s Origins

    The mod was unveiled by a Polish modder known as @Modyfikator89. He utilized a fully operational Quasi-Custom Firmware (qCFW) named BadWDSD on a Raspberry Pi Pico. This technique employs hardware RAM injection via the Pico, making it immune to being blocked by any official updates from Sony.

    The modder demonstrated a PS3 Super Slim operating on qCFW 4.92 with an impressive 850MHz RSX overclock. For reference, the RSX originally had a stock clock speed of 500MHz in the launch models. Despite users anticipating possible temperature spikes, the console maintains a steady 55°C. Additionally, this mod allows the use of Linux, assists in unbricking consoles stuck in factory mode, and even supports running PS2 games.

    Community Reaction

    This breakthrough has excited the PS3 modding community, with new insights indicating the console’s performance could be improved even more than what was previously believed. For almost ten years, owners of the PS3 Super Slim were limited to using hybrid exploit tools like HEN, which enabled basic homebrew applications but still restricted much of the system’s capabilities.

    Nonetheless, this new mod takes things to the next level by exploiting the console’s XDR RAM hardware directly. The real advantage of this mod lies in the performance increases that were previously unattainable. With qCFW 4.92, modders can now push the RSX graphics chip to an impressive 850 MHz, a task that was nearly impossible due to design constraints.

    Advanced Developments

    Further advancements in this modding journey include overclocking the PS3’s CELL processor, where the community has succeeded in increasing clock speeds to 4.1GHz at 76°C using Syscon, all without needing extra modchips.

    Moreover, the mod unlocks a variety of features that PS3 enthusiasts have been longing for, without the fear of bricking their consoles. Native PS2 ISO support is now a reality, enabling players to load original PS2 titles directly from their storage without any conversion needed.

    While these modding adventures are not for the faint of heart, since they require opening the console and soldering new parts, tutorials and installers are emerging to assist newcomers in navigating the PS3 modding scene, which has continued to develop over recent years.

    With used PS3s still available at affordable prices, this could herald a nostalgic comeback for Sony’s console, which has sold over 87 million units to date.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Yakuza Kiwami 3 Director: Life at Morning Glory is Game’s Heart

    Yakuza Kiwami 3 Director: Life at Morning Glory is Game’s Heart

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Orphanage Storyline: Yakuza Kiwami 3 features a more developed orphanage storyline, focusing on Kiryu’s role in caring for orphans and his daughter, Haruka.

    2. New Mini-Games: The game introduces various mini-games, allowing Kiryu to engage in activities like cooking, gardening, and helping children with homework, enriching the gameplay experience.

    3. Character Development: The story aims to deepen Kiryu’s character, portraying him as a more paternal figure compared to the original Yakuza 3, where the orphanage was briefly introduced.

    4. Director’s Vision: Game director Ryosuke Horii emphasizes the importance of the orphanage scenes, urging players not to skip them as they are central to understanding Kiryu’s journey and relationships.

    5. Release Date and Platforms: Yakuza Kiwami 3 and its spin-off, Dark Ties, will be released on February 12, 2026, for multiple platforms including PS5, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, and PC.

    Yakuza Kiwami 3 is set to return, featuring a more developed orphanage storyline that has not pleased some fans of RGG’s crime-centered plot, which is key to Kamurocho. Yet, Ryosuke Horii, the game’s director, is encouraging gamers to engage with the redesigned orphanage segments instead of skipping them.

    A New Beginning for Kiryu

    Horii highlights that the initial chapters of the opening segment, titled Life at Morning Glory, are crucial for establishing Kiryu’s comeback in the Yakuza underworld, where he faces political intrigue and a power struggle within the Tojo Clan.

    Morning Glory, which was previously showcased, involves Kiryu taking care of orphans and his adopted daughter, Haruka. The opening actively immerses Kiryu in daily routines and morning activities, where he interacts with the children, assisting them with their studies and taking part in playtime to increase his “Daddy Rank.” This experience is enriched with various mini-games reminiscent of WarioWare.

    Expanding the Story

    In the original Yakuza 3 from 2009, Kiryu’s time at Morning Glory, known as Sunshine Orphanage in the West, served as a brief introduction to the main plot. However, Yakuza Kiwami 3 enhances this opening by incorporating mini-games that allow Kiryu to prepare meals, grow vegetables, aid the children with homework, sew clothes, go fishing, and even catch bugs.

    Now, each orphan has a unique substory, which transforms Kiryu into a more paternal figure compared to his role in the original Yakuza 3. Horii expressed his views on the revamped opening sequence during a group discussion with Automaton, stating:

    “I believe Life at Morning Glory is the most vital part of the game, and players should definitely not bypass it. The Morning Glory Orphanage storyline in Yakuza 3 was incomplete. While it showed Kiryu’s connection with the children, we found that their narrative was lacking in richness.”

    A Father’s Perspective

    Horii’s motivation for reworking the opening and adding more depth and background stems from his own experience as a father. He aims to present a more complex portrayal of Kiryu, contrasting it with his larger-than-life actions.

    He elaborated, “The reason Life at Morning Glory feels more like a life simulation game is that I wanted to showcase Kiryu in a fatherly role. A father isn’t just someone who offers advice when things go wrong.”

    Horii continued, saying, “As a father myself, I believe that much of parenting revolves around the interactions that happen during daily tasks. That’s how trust is built, allowing your child to feel comfortable opening up to you.”

    Yakuza Kiwami 3, along with its spin-off Dark Ties featuring the antagonist Yoshitaka Mine, is set to be released on February 12, 2026, for the PS5, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, and PC.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,