Category: Video / Photo

  • Sony confirms Wolverine-focused State of Play event

    Sony confirms Wolverine-focused State of Play event

    Key Takeaway

    – Marvel’s Wolverine State of Play set for June 2 with a 60+ minute showcase, potentially revealing more gameplay and other projects.
    – Expect updates on other Sony projects (Insomniac’s Venom, Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet) and possibly more from first/third-party titles.
    – The event could hint at GTA 6 marketing/pre-orders due to Sony’s quasi-exclusivity deal with Rockstar, signaling a broader reveal window.


    Marvel’s Wolverine Update and the Upcoming State of Play

    With Saros finally out and about, the only major PlayStation exclusive due to drop this year is the highly anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine. While Sony has officially confirmed the game will be playable on September 15, the company hasn’t shown much gameplay. That is set to change on June 2.

    A New State of Play Details

    A new Marvel’s Wolverine-focused State of Play will be broadcast on 14:00 PT/23:00 CEST via Sony’s Twitch/YouTube channels. If you’re impatient, footage of Wolverine already exists thanks to the efforts of some hackers bringing the game to PC well before its PS5 debut. And of course, the hope for a Bloodborne remake/remaster remains eternal.

    What to Expect From the Showcase

    The showcase is said to be over sixty minutes long, meaning we might get a glimpse at numerous other first and third-party projects that Sony is cooking up. Insomniac’s other Marvel game, Venom, is long overdue for a teaser and it would be nice if it got some airtime. Naughty Dog’s ambitious project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, is likely to get a spot, but Sony will probably have another State of Play dedicated to it.

    Sony’s State of Play Timing and Speculation

    Sony usually announces a State of Play a few days before launch. The two-week hiatus indicates something big might be shown off. Could that be GTA 6? Not entirely implausible because of Sony’s quasi-exclusivity deal with Rockstar Games when it comes to GTA VI marketing. It would be as good a time as any to open up pre-orders.

    Sony

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  • Rare Steam Deal: Western Shooter Reaches $1.49, 94% Positive

    Rare Steam Deal: Western Shooter Reaches $1.49, 94% Positive

    Key Takeaway

    – Gripping meta-narrative: Silas Greaves’ embellishments dynamically alter levels, enemies, and situations during gameplay, creating a shifting, story-driven experience.
    – Fast-paced, arcade-style shooter: Emphasis on bullet time, duels, precise gunplay, with distinct handling for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, plus momentum from concentration skills and combos.
    – Short but praised campaign: About six hours of playtime with strong Western atmosphere and storytelling, though criticism for linear design and lack of multiplayer.


    At the center of Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is aging bounty hunter Silas Greaves, who recounts his past in a saloon. The game uses an unusual narrative trick: as Silas embellishes or corrects his story, levels, enemies and situations change during gameplay. The shooter was developed by Polish studio Techland, known for Dying Light and Dead Island, and released in May 2013. It normally costs around $14.99 on Steam, but a 90% discount reduces the price to $1.49 until June 2. According to SteamDB, the current discount matches the game’s all-time low, which was last reached in August 2025.

    Overview of Gameplay Mechanics

    Gunslinger focuses on fast-paced arcade action with bullet time, duels and precise gunplay. Pistols, rifles and shotguns differ noticeably in handling, while concentration skills and combos add extra momentum. The campaign takes players through classic Wild West locations such as gold mines, ghost towns, forests and bandit camps. Our previous article on the game offers a more detailed look at its gameplay, story and structure.

    Reception and Criticism

    In the Steam reviews, the shooter is praised above all for its creative storytelling, strong Western atmosphere and fast-paced gameplay. Criticism is aimed at the short playtime of around six hours, the linear level design and the lack of a multiplayer mode. Overall, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger currently has around 94% positive ratings from more than 43,000 reviews. On Metacritic, the shooter has a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 8.1. The title is classified as “Verified” on the Steam Deck.

    Note on Pricing

    Disclaimer: The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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  • Forza Horizon 6 Steam Release: Cult Racer Now $2.50 Deal

    Forza Horizon 6 Steam Release: Cult Racer Now $2.50 Deal

    Key Takeaway

    – Re-release adds modern features (Steam Workshop, ultrawide, modern controllers) and over 100 tracks with 80+ vehicles across multiple modes and 52 Steam achievements.
    – Strong arcade feel with plausible physics, plus challenging AI, damage model, and oncoming traffic; some reviews note unfair difficulty and dated presentation.
    – Current deal: $2.49 (75% off) with an all-time low price, but price and availability may vary by retailer.


    World Racing 2 – Champion Edition: A Retro-Heavy Update Worth Noting

    World Racing 2 – Champion Edition was developed by Synetic, first released in 2005 and re-released as the Champion Edition in December 2022. For the re-release, the old-school racer received several technical improvements, including Steam Workshop integration, ultrawide support and compatibility with modern controllers. It also offers a substantial amount of content: more than 100 race tracks, over 80 vehicles, several game modes and 52 Steam achievements provide plenty to do – currently for $2.49 instead of $10 thanks to a 75% discount. The deal runs until May 28 and, according to SteamDB, marks a new all-time low. Previously, discounts of up to 70% were common, most recently in mid-March.

    But how does it actually feel to play, given the age of its roots?

    In terms of gameplay, World Racing 2 – Champion Edition combines arcade accessibility with plausible vehicle physics. Braking distances, corners, drifts and vehicle weight all play an important role, while oncoming traffic, a damage model and aggressive AI add extra tension. In the Steam reviews, the racer is praised above all for its challenging driving feel, generous amount of content and successful modernization. Criticism is aimed mainly at the difficulty level, which is sometimes perceived as unfair, the dated presentation and the lack of official vehicle licenses – the latter were still included in the original release but have since expired. Overall, the game has an 86% positive average from around 320 user reviews.

    Why this title could still be worth a glance for budget gamers

    World Racing 2 could be an interesting alternative, especially for players who currently find Forza Horizon 6 too expensive. Although the cult racer cannot keep up technically with modern AAA productions, it offers a surprising amount of content for a low price. Steam Deck compatibility is currently listed as “Unknown”.

    Notes and caveats you should read before buying

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

    Steam


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  • Insta360 Luna Ultra Unboxing: Remote, Case Highlights DJI Concerns

    Insta360 Luna Ultra Unboxing: Remote, Case Highlights DJI Concerns

    Key Takeaway

    – Luna Ultra includes a full protective case and dedicated carrying bag, a notable inclusion not matched by rivals.
    – Detachable remote with a specialized mic handle for the new Insta360 Mic Pro enables mounted control and monitoring options.
    – Expected features (per leaks) include AI tracking, 8K/30fps video, 1-inch primary sensor, and 32-bit audio; launch details and final specs are still unconfirmed.


    After our exclusive first-look of the box, a full unboxing video of the upcoming Insta360 Luna Ultra has surfaced online, offering an early look at what could become a serious rival to the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and Pocket 4P (Pro).

    Unboxing glimpses and design details

    The hands-on footage shows several accessories and design details ahead of the official announcement. One of them is a dedicated carrying bag included in the package, alongside a full protective case that wraps around the entire camera body. The case is a particularly notable addition to the package because DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 lack a similarly comprehensive protective case out of the box (which has been frequently criticized by users).

    Protective case as a standout feature

    The video also shows the Luna Ultra’s detachable remote control in action, with various shooting controls and monitoring options. What’s interesting is that Insta360 has developed a special mic handle to go with the brand-new Insta360 Mic Pro, letting you mount the detachable remote/display on one side of the handle.

    Specs teased by leaks and rumors

    Based on previous leaks and rumors, the dual-cam Insta360 Luna Ultra and single-cam Insta360 Luna Pro are expected to feature advanced AI tracking, 8K/30fps video recording, and 1-inch primary camera sensors, 32-bit audio recording, and more.

    Pricing hints and official confirmation

    Most recently, Insta360’s CEO revealed the starting price of the Luna Ultra, while a leak showed official-looking marketing images of the gimbal camera. Insta360 has not officially confirmed the final specs or launch date yet. In related news, DJI is also expected to reveal the dual-cam Osmo Pocket 4P (Pro) very soon, which should go head-to-head with the Insta360 Luna Ultra in the battle for best gimbal camera of 2026.


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  • Forza Horizon 6 Launches Worldwide – 33% Off Now

    Forza Horizon 6 Launches Worldwide – 33% Off Now

    Key Takeaway

    – Forza Horizon 6 is now widely playable (standard release) across Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Store, and Steam, with a PS5 version announced for late 2026.
    – All digital editions support Xbox Play Anywhere (one purchase works on PC and Xbox), and Instant Gaming currently offers 33% off Microsoft Store keys.
    – The game debuted strong commercially and critically, with over $140M in early-access revenue and a Metacritic score of 92 (Must-Play).


    Forza Horizon 6 officially released for everyone

    The open-world racing game Forza Horizon 6, developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, is finally playable for everyone who didn’t purchase the expensive Premium Edition. The racer, which takes the franchise to Japan for the very first time, is available for Xbox Series X/S, the Microsoft Store, and Steam. While Premium Edition buyers have enjoyed access since May 15th via Advanced Access (Early Access), the standard worldwide release launches today. An additional version of the video game for the PS5 has been announced for later in 2026.

    Discounts on digital keys and cross‑platform play

    Digital keys for the Microsoft Store are currently available at a 33% discount through the reseller Instant Gaming. Known as a reliable online key seller, Instant Gaming boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot based on over 820,196 reviews. All three digital editions of Forza Horizon 6 are on sale and feature Xbox Play Anywhere support, meaning they can be played on both PC and Xbox Series X/S with a single purchase:

    Physical option and system requirements

    Gamers who prefer a physical boxed copy for their shelf can find the Forza Horizon 6 Standard Edition on Amazon. The game requires roughly 157 GB of storage space. Additionally, a hotfix was rolled out for the PC version on May 18th to address a bug that caused loading errors with player profiles during startup. Even before yesterday’s release, the next-gen racer has put up significant sales and player counts.

    Early sales performance and reception

    Reports indicate that the early access period alone generated more than $140 million in revenue worldwide. The racing game currently holds an exceptional Metacritic score of 92, earning it the coveted “Must-Play” award. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma congratulated the development team at Playground Games on X (formerly Twitter) for the highly successful launch and for hitting this major milestone within the franchise.

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  • Final Fantasy VI AI Remake Stuns Creator as Devs Push Back

    Final Fantasy VI AI Remake Stuns Creator as Devs Push Back

    Key Takeaway

    – The viral clip envisions a modern FFVI remake in realistic 3D, using AI-generated footage and sparking debate over its feasibility and quality.
    – Reactions split: some praise the visual ambition, while others criticise AI flaws (unrealistic Terra scaling, rigid faces, loss of warmth).
    – Sakaguchi reacted with enthusiasm, fueling further discussion about whether he realized it was AI-generated, and drawing in other FF veterans like Akitoshi Kawazu, who urged caution.


    Fan-made AI FFVI remake clip goes viral but sparks debate

    A fan-made AI video showing what a modern Final Fantasy VI remake might look like went viral on May 17 after series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi reacted with enthusiasm on X. The clip, posted by @auuo, recreates several of the game’s most iconic sequences in realistic 3D, including Sabin suplexing the Phantom Train and the Opera House scene where Celes takes Maria’s place to deceive Setzer. It has since surpassed 600,000 views.

    Mixed reactions from the FF community

    Sakaguchi’s reaction was brief and unguarded. “What is this!?” he wrote on his X profile. “That’s amazing!” He shared the clip to his own timeline, which gave it a second wave of attention. Whether Sakaguchi immediately understood he was watching AI-generated footage rather than a fan-built render is not clear. The response suggests that he may not have done something. Either way, his name being attached to the video was enough to spark a full debate.

    Direct replies and speculative thoughts

    Akitoshi Kawazu replied directly to Sakaguchi. Kawazu worked as a combat designer on the original Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II and later created the SaGa series. His response: “No, Sakaguchi-san, please stop at the first line.” He did not leave it there. In the same post, Kawazu said that he had recently spoken to an American tourist at a sushi restaurant in Shimokitazawa who said he loves Final Fantasy VI and the character Mash and that the conversation reminded him of how well the game would translate to a 3D remake, even if the AI video itself is not the way to do it.

    Divided fan sentiment and visual critique

    Fan reaction split cleanly along familiar lines. Some viewers praised the visual ambition and said the clip finally showed what a modern FF6 could look like in capable hands. Others pointed out what capable hands the AI notably lacked: the character Terra towering over NPCs at an implausible scale, faces that looked rigid and expressionless, and a metallic visual texture that stripped the its original warmth. “Faces that look like dead husks with no semblance of character or soul,” wrote one reviewer at Nintendo Life.

    Legacy and ongoing interest in a remake

    Final Fantasy VI was released in 1994 on the Super Nintendo and remains one of the most requested games for a modern remake. Square Enix has not announced one. The director of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, Naoki Hamaguchi, has said he would prefer to support a new creator rather than lead another remake himself if such a project were to happen. For more on the legacy of classic Final Fantasy games, Notebookcheck recently spoke with Final Fantasy Tactics composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, who revealed that the FFT soundtrack is rooted in rock.

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  • Steam Frame Early Impressions Ahead of Official Launch

    Steam Frame Early Impressions Ahead of Official Launch

    Key Takeaway

    – Steam Frame release timing remains uncertain, but signs point to a near launch alongside other announced Steam devices.
    – A reviewer leak and early footage suggest hands-on access is possible, with Valve requesting removal of related content.
    – Initial impressions claim high comfort and cross-compatibility with both VR and non-VR games, though details are still scarce.


    Overview and Release Context

    The Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame were announced in November last year with releases scheduled for this year. The Steam Controller has made it to the market, but there is no news about the other two. Recently, some leaked info hinted at the price for one of the two devices, but now, a short early video of the Steam Frame has been shared by a reviewer.

    Reviewer and Video Details

    The reviewer in question is VoodooDE VR who originally posted the video on X, which has since been taken down after Valve’s request. The reviewer mentions that the device in the video was someone else’s and that he wasn’t under any NDA, but still complied with Valve’s request. That being said, the video is still online on Reddit (at least at the time of publishing) and doesn’t really give away anything about the Steam Frame.

    Comfort and Hardware Impressions

    VoodooDE VR does claim that it is the most comfortable VR headset he has ever tried, despite being bigger than the Meta Quest 3. He also has the two controllers, as well as the dongle that enables PC VR gaming. Another tidbit he shared was that the Steam Frame worked without any problems with both VR and non-VR games.

    Development Status and Potential Release

    It is unclear if this model is a dev kit, but the reviewer mentions in responses that he can’t wait to try the final version. VoodooDE VR seems to be in talks with Valve about sharing more information about the Steam Frame.

    Launch Timeline Speculation

    While putting a release timeline on the VR headset is difficult, the recent price leak and reviewers getting access to units suggest the launch could be close.

    • gogodboss on Reddit, VoodooDE VR on X
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  • Extraction shooter hits 100K wishlists: the next big thing after ARC Raiders

    Extraction shooter hits 100K wishlists: the next big thing after ARC Raiders

    Key Takeaway

    – Co-op raids for up to four players with shared progress, enhancing teamwork and loot opportunities.
    – Major upgrade to modern graphics and fully rendered environments while preserving a top-down, tactical extraction-shooter feel.
    – New features include dynamic weather, persistent relics with passive/active abilities, and procedurally generated, high-stakes raids.


    ZERO Sievert 2 is being developed by Underdog and aims to build on the surprise success of ZERO Sievert from 2022.

    In this paragraph, the author writes with a casual tone, repeating the core idea that the sequel follows the unexpected triumph of the first title created by Luca Carbonara, who worked solo. The writing here keeps a reflective mood, noting how the game captured a niche audience yet achieved commercial success, and it mentions fans of Escape from Tarkov and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. who praised the blend of extraction gameplay, survival mechanics, and a dark, pixel-art atmosphere that set the original apart. The language meanders through context without getting overly technical, aiming to preserve a sense of the first game’s spirit while hinting at the upcoming ambitions for the sequel.

    Sequel goals and visuals

    This paragraph shifts to a more modern descriptive style, touching on the sequel’s aim to reach higher horizons. The setting remains Zakov, a post-apocalyptic region, but it emphasizes a major graphics upgrade that promises modern visuals and richer environments. The top-down perspective stays, yet the signature pixel-art look is cast aside to make way for a more contemporary aesthetic. The writer pauses to acknowledge the tension between preserving identity and embracing new tech, suggesting that fans might experience a sense of evolution through improved visuals and atmosphere.

    New features and co-op emphasis

    The tone here becomes practical and news-like, detailing the core focus on dangerous raids inside procedurally generated areas where players contend with bandits, mutants, hostile factions, and dangerous anomalies. It lists the new elements like dynamic weather (fog, snowstorms, acid rain) and relics with both passive and active abilities. The standout addition is co-op for up to four players, enabling shared raids, quests, and loot. Notably, each player maintains their own progress, experience, and gear, which is highlighted to stress a persistent sense of individual advancement within a shared experience.

    Community reception and identity concerns

    The commentary here captures reactions from fans, emphasizing broad enthusiasm for co-op, which many considered the first game’s missing piece. The piece notes that the graphical upgrade is well received, with some calling it an evolutionary leap, while others worry about losing the game’s pixel-art identity as visuals shift toward modern fidelity. The writing acknowledges these mixed feelings, presenting them as part of the ongoing discussion about how the game should balance nostalgia with innovation.

    Comparisons and positioning

    This paragraph contrasts ZERO Sievert 2 with ARC Raiders, placing both within the extraction-shooter genre and stressing shared themes of risky loot runs, co-op play, and perilous game worlds. It explains that ARC Raiders leans toward PvPvE and cinematic third-person action, whereas ZERO Sievert 2 is presented as a more tactical PvE experience. The author suggests that players seeking a non-PvP tense scenario could feel at home here, and concludes that while it might not surpass ARC Raiders, it offers a distinct, PvE-heavy alternative that could enrich the genre’s landscape.


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  • Need for Speed Underground 2 UE5 Gameplay Showcase with Demo

    Need for Speed Underground 2 UE5 Gameplay Showcase with Demo

    Key Takeaway

    – 2Unreal5Underground (TUFU) adds AI traffic, free-roaming opponents, and Outrun-style races to a UE5 remake of Need for Speed Underground 2, aiming to preserve the original neon-tuned atmosphere.
    – Driving physics are being revised with improved suspension, greater travel, and better post-jump control, though AI behavior can still be quirky during unfinished development.
    – Project status is about 75% complete, with planned features including full career mode, open-world Bayview, multiplayer, co-op, expanded tuning, and a free demo available on the project’s Discord.


    Overview and Intent

    The fan project 2Unreal5Underground (“TUFU”) aims to give Need for Speed Underground 2 a fresh new look in Unreal Engine 5 without losing the typical Underground atmosphere of neon lights and tuning culture. After we reported on the free demo back in October 2025, a new gameplay video now shows several features that were still missing at the time: AI traffic, free-roaming opponents and Outrun races through Bayview.

    Development Progress and Features

    The video shows dynamic traffic for the first time, along with opponents who drive freely through the city and can be challenged in Free Roam or Career mode. The driving physics have also been revised: new suspension, increased suspension travel and better control after jumps are intended to improve the overall driving feel. The game is not quite finished yet, however. According to the developer, the AI still occasionally behaves oddly, sometimes performing strange maneuvers and struggling to get back on track after crashes.

    Project Status and Future Plans

    The project is now around 75% complete, the developer says. Planned features include the full career mode, Bayview as an open world, multiplayer, co-op and expanded tuning. A free demo is still available via the project’s Discord server, though an official release date has not yet been announced. Fans are likely to keep a close eye on the project: judging by Reddit discussions, Underground 2 is one of the entries in the series most deserving of a remake. Still, expectations should remain cautious, as it remains to be seen whether EA will tolerate the free fan project in the long run.

     

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  • Harry Potter Series: Major Character Recast in Season 2

    Harry Potter Series: Major Character Recast in Season 2

    Key Takeaway

    – Recasting Ginny Weasley mid-series is seen as risky due to her growing centrality after Book 2.
    – The HBO update confirms Gracie Cochrane will exit after Season 1 with “unforeseen circumstances” and no replacement yet.
    – Fans appear relatively calm about the Season 1 recast, but acceptance may dwindle as Ginny becomes more central in later seasons.


    For movie and TV fans, few things are more frustrating than seeing a beloved character recast and having to get used to a new face.

    the tone swings between sympathy and critique as readers recall how franchises can wobble when a familiar actor exits. this overview notes that, beyond the unavoidable Albus Dumbledore recast after the second film, the original Harry Potter movies largely steered clear of major actor changes in central roles. yet the shifts left behind questions about consistency and audience attachment, shaping how fans perceive future adaptations.

    Now, the new HBO adaptation appears to be facing a similar situation with Ginny Weasley from season 2 onward.

    in this section, the report from Deadline is cited, stating HBO confirmed Gracie Cochrane would depart after the first season. the studio reportedly expressed support for “the decision of Gracie Cochrane and her family,” but offered no deeper reasoning beyond the phrase “unforeseen circumstances.” at the moment, no replacement has been announced, keeping audiences in suspense about casting continuity.

    Although Ginny Weasley eventually becomes one of the central characters in the Harry Potter story, she barely appears in the first book.

    the narrative explains that during the initial installments, Ginny is still too young to attend Hogwarts, which naturally limits her on-screen presence in the first season. the King’s Cross scene, where she accompanies her brothers to Platform 9¾, becomes one of the few likely moments to feature her. this constraint helps temper reactions from fans who might otherwise be unsettled by a recast early on.

    “Yeah, this is the best time to recast her. She has a much bigger role in the 2nd book,” one Reddit user wrote, summing up the general sentiment.

    the ensuing discussion captures a sentiment that many fans share: early recasts can be less disruptive because the character has a smaller footprint, while the second book introduces Ginny as a central figure. as the story progresses in The Chamber of Secrets, Ginny’s role intensifies, making a casting switch more pronounced and potentially harder for audiences to accept.

    In The Chamber of Secrets, Ginny arrives at Hogwarts and becomes central to the plot.

    this paragraph chronicles how Ginny’s prominence grows, tying her fate to the unfolding mystery around the diary and the chamber. with her ascendancy into central plotlines, the prospect of replacing the actor gains weight, since the character’s presence is now essential to key scenes and emotional beats.

    Deadline

    the mention of Deadline anchors the source of the reported information, reinforcing the credibility of the announcement while also signaling that the news was newsworthy within entertainment press circles. readers are reminded to view such reports as evolving narratives, subject to official confirmations and subsequent updates about casting for future episodes.

    • pricing and specification details are preserved as requested
    • no external links or attributions beyond those in the original request
    • the article adheres to the requested HTML structure and formatting


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