The Rare Edition of the Super Pocket is a retro gaming handheld that costs $70 and ships in June 2026. Pre-loaded with 14 Rare classics, including Banjo-Kazooie, it’s an absurd boondoggle that will have every retro enthusiast collector, or at least me, itching to feel it in their (my) hands.
Announced at the end of February, it’s the latest portable gaming device from HyperMegaTech that features games from the Evercade ecosystem. You might remember that Evercade put out the Rare Collection 1 last summer. This is basically that with two extra games compiled on their own dedicated handheld. It’s a cool-looking but pricey tribute that will probably be one of the best official ways to play a classic N64 platformer on the go.
Here’s the full game list:
Banjo-Kazooie (64-bit console) Conker’s Pocket Tales (8-bit handheld console) Battletoads in Battlemaniacs (16-bit console) Battletoads (8-bit console) Cobra Triangle (8-bit console) R.C. Pro-Am II (8-bit console) Slalom (8-bit console) Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll (8-bit console) Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship (8-bit console) Atic Atac (home computer) Jetpac (home computer) Lunar Jetman (home computer) Knight Lore (home computer) Gunfright (home computer)
The whole Evercade ecosystem usually has casual fans scratching their heads. Why spend $70 or more on a dedicated retro anthology device with a super-limited library when the same money can buy you a quality emulation portable out of China that offers much broader horizons? The short answer is because collecting gaming stuff is fun and cool, and sometimes simplicity is better than endless choice paralysis. The HyperMegaTech handhelds look great, feel decent, and play classic games well. The Rare Super Pocket won’t be for everyone, or even most people, but it’s a decent alternative to anyone who doesn’t want to fuss the alternative.
The last Amiga news story from me, unless something as good as Terra Cresta comes out. As I’ve just found out through Saberman that Reborn80 has made available the first version of a new Amiga game called ‘Strike Force Omega’. A game that the developer describes as, “a fast, top‑down arcade shooter for AGA Amigas, inspired by iconic 80s and 90s titles like Commando, Mercs, Ikari Warriors, Chaos Engine and Smash TV”. If this sounds like your sort of game, then come and check it out below the latest gameplay footage from Saber!
Here’s the latest. “As an elite Omega operative, you fight through a city overrun by terroristic organization, clearing streets, breaking enemy lines, and surviving relentless waves of gunfire. Powered by the Scorpion engine, the game delivers handcrafted pixel art, original music, and intense firefights designed to push AGA machines while staying true to the spirit of the era.”
Features:
Dynamic shooter in urban environment,New approach to top-down shooter with active strafing,128 color graphics.3 great tracks by community legend – Simone “JMD” Bernacchia,3 levels full of actions (more to come with full release).
Minimal requirements:
AGA Amiga,2 MB of free Chip RAM,1 MB of free Fast RAM,Optional accelerator.
Credits:
Idea and Design: Marcin “Reborn” Rygulski and Giovanni FiscarelliCode: Marcin “Reborn” RygulskiMusic: Simone “JMD” BernacchiaEngine: “Scorpion” by Erik HoganTiles: “Malibudary”
Are you curious about various character deaths in Resident Evil Requiem? Leon and Grace will be fighting a lot of infected, and it’s not guaranteed that they’ll make it out in one piece. Several enemies even have brutal kill animations that lead to instant game overs. We’ll outline all of the possible ways to die in the game, as well as some pretty ridiculous ones.
Note: This article discusses Leon’s and Grace’s potential deaths in the campaign–i.e. from different types of infected and bosses, as well as environmental hazards. Make no mistake: You’re going to see a lot of major spoilers here, and images that contain violence and gore. For everything else about the game, you can refer to our Resident Evil Requiem guides hub.
Deaths from regular infected: Neck bites
Most character deaths in Resident Evil Requiem tend to occur once Leon’s or Grace’s HP is low enough–i.e. “Danger” condition. If the source of the damage is far away or the infected that hit you did a regular attack, then your character will just collapse on the ground dead. However, if your opponent does a grab attack, you’re likely to see a unique kill animation. These include the following:
Biting a character’s neck from behind.Pouncing on a character and biting their neck.Ripping out a character’s throat, before continuing to nibble on their arm/hand.
The infected cop: Death by shotgun blast
Early in the campaign, you have to escape Wrenwood Hotel just as a police officer begins to turn. There’s a quick-time event (QTE) sequence where you have to free yourself while the cop is planning to blast you with a shotgun. Grace can actually perish here if you don’t evade the shot, though it’s just a regular death scene where she falls on the floor.
Chainsaw Charlies: Torso rip
You’ll encounter several chainsaw-wielding infected as Leon. These Chainsaw Charlies have unique kill animations, too, depending on certain factors:
If the zombie is slicing downward with a chainsaw, Leon will get sliced from shoulder to torso.If the zombie is cutting in a sideways motion or if it’s the chainsaw-wielding infected with a metal helmet, it will cut Leon in half and toss his upper body away.It’s also possible for the chainsaw to get stuck in a zombie’s stomach, causing them to rush toward Leon. If you get caught in a grab attack, well, let’s just say that chainsaw’s gonna give Leon more than just a tummy ache.
Singers: Ear-piercing screech
The Singer zombies in the Care Center are quite a menace. If they grab a hold of Grace, it could lead to a unique Resident Evil Requiem character death. They’ll scream endlessly with their face pressed close to Grace’s. This causes her eardrums to rupture, as blood pours out of her nose and eyes.
Infected gauntlet: Death by lazy sniping
A few hours into the campaign, there’s a section where Grace has to carry a child, Emily, all the way to the church. However, you don’t control Grace at all. Instead, you’re playing as Leon, who’s got a new sniper rifle. That said, if you have a poor aim or you let Grace get overwhelmed, she’ll get devoured by half a dozen infected.
Garmr: Highway snacks
The Garmr is an upgraded variant of the Cerberus dogs from previous games. In Requiem, several rabid packs appear along the highway that leads to Raccoon City Center. The unique kill animation happens when a gantry collapses and you fail to shoot the two Garmr. They’ll leap toward Leon and turn his head into a chew toy.
Licker: Leaping laceration
Funnily enough, we haven’t seen a unique kill animation related to the Licker’s tongue lash attack. Instead, the animation happens when your HP is low and the Licker jumps toward you. Your character will look up at the creature as it slices their torso.
The Children: Neck snap
There’s a short segment of the campaign where you get to play as an entirely different character. Think of this as more akin to a stealth section, where you have to hide from half a dozen evil children. If you do get spotted, then you’re out of luck. These creepy doll-like clones will push your character down to the floor, before snapping their neck.
The bulldozer: Pinned
One of the first environment-related character deaths in Resident Evil Requiem occurs when Grace reaches the Garage in the Care Center. A bulldozer suddenly emerges from the opposite end and you have to shoot the infected that’s driving the vehicle. If you’re too slow or you’re unable to shoot the rotating fan underneath the vehicle, then Grace will get skewered and pinned to a wall.
The meat grinder: Worthy of Mortal Kombat
One of the goriest moments in the game takes place in the Processing area of the Care Center Basement. After draining the pool of blood, you have to fend off the undead while riding a conveyor belt. Watch where you move, as one false step can turn Grace into bacon bits.
Willis Tower: Elevator going down
While Leon is exploring the collapsed Willis Tower, he’ll come across a slanted elevator shaft. Of course, everyone knows that what goes up must come down. If you’re unable to move out of the way, then Leon will get plastered.
Willis Tower: Watch your step
Shortly thereafter, Leon has to traverse a room that has been upturned–i.e. the floor consists of fragile window panes. You can shoot the glass to make your enemies fall to their doom. But, if you shoot the wrong pane, Leon could meet an untimely end.
Note: The next few sections discuss the Resident Evil Requiem character deaths that occur during boss fights. Be ready for even more spoilers.
Blister Borne: Chompy chomp
The Blister Borne is one of the game’s bosses. The goal is to stay away from it, while shooting the bulbous growths on its body. If it manages to catch Leon, it will bite of his head.
Chunk: More chompy chomp
Both Leon and Grace encounter Chunks during their respective segments in the campaign. These are two brothers whose mutations led them to have insatiable appetites. Don’t let the size of these tubby creatures fool you, because the Chunk bros can actually squeeze through narrow corridors. They even have a couple of unique kill animations:
Chunks have a grab attack where they eat your character’s head.They also have a lunge attack where they flatten your character, before eating their head.
The Girl: Yes, even more chompy chomp
The Girl is a creature that relentlessly pursues Grace throughout various areas in the game. She lives in the darkness, which means you have to stay in well-lit areas. Assuming the Girl catches Grace, she’ll lift her up and bite off her head, at times playing with her arm as though she’s a lifeless doll. This kill animation also occurs if you fail the QTE sequence in the Care Center Basement.
The Girl: Bye, Emily
Speaking of the Girl and the Care Center Basement, there’s another QTE sequence that involves Emily. Failure to complete that sequence causes the Girl to snatch Emily and take her away. While we know that Emily won’t be killed, it still leads to a game over.
Titan Spinner: That’s it?
The Giant Spider boss, known in-game as the Titan Spinner, is a foe that Leon ends up facing once he reaches Raccoon City. Unfortunately, we didn’t notice special kill animations during this bout.
Mr. X/Super Tyrant: Doing the splits
Hey, it’s a new Mr. X, and he’s got some “killer” moves:
His basic kill animation involves grabbing Leon and ripping his body in half.He has another unique kill animation in RPD, when he flings the tail of the helicopter at Leon. You need to go back the way you came. Otherwise, the rotor will slash Leon, and Mr. X will happily separate the two halves of Leon’s body.
Plant 43: Venus flytrap
Plant 43, the upgraded version of Plant 42, has a special attack where its main head snaps toward Leon. Assuming Leon’s HP is low, this leads to instant death, as the carnivorous flora swallows him whole. The camera then pans away, showing blood trickling out of Plant 43’s maw.
The Commander: A “hunky” neckbreaker
We know what you want to call this fella but, for now, let’s just call him the “Commander.” This boss utilizes his mastery of close-quarters combat (CQC). There are multiple QTE sequences during this bout when he grabs Leon by his jaw and the back of his head. If you fail this sequence, the Commander will perform an iconic finishing maneuver.
Note: The next Resident Evil Requiem character deaths are related to the game’s endings. Be forewarned of massive spoilers if you keep scrolling down.
Zeno: Headshot
If you choose the “Destruction” ending, Leon will attempt to fend off “Wesker wannabe” Zeno. Sadly, Leon’s attempts are futile, as he’s already weakened by the virus, whereas Zeno is fully empowered. Zeno overpowers Leon, before shooting him in the head. Grace can only watch in horror.
Victor (Phase 2): Squashed
Conversely, if you choose the “Hope” ending, you get to fight Victor Gideon. The first phase of the battle is nothing to write home about, as we didn’t notice a unique kill animation. During the second phase, though, Victor transforms into a gargantuan monstrosity.
Once Victor has taken enough damage, you’ll trigger a QTE sequence where he swipes at Leon with his claw. Failure to press the button prompt rapidly causes Victor to crush Leon in his hands. He’ll then smash Leon’s lifeless body into the steel flooring.
That does it for our guide on various character deaths in Resident Evil Requiem. Mistakes do have consequences, as you’ll soon find out while playing through the campaign. If you want to delve deeper into spoilery bits, you can read our endings guide and Easter eggs guide.
Veteran operative Leon Kennedy joins forces with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft for more nightmarish encounters against hordes of infected. If you want to survive the night, then we encourage you to check our Resident Evil Requiem guides hub.
Escaping the Care Center as Grace in Resident Evil Requiem will require players to open the door to the courtyard. The locked door requires three different quartzes, which are obtained from opening puzzle boxes around the center. The third quartz that Grace can acquire is the Star Quartz from the East Wing area. In this guide, we will tell you how to get the Star Quartz in Resident Evil Requiem.
How to Get the Star Quartz in Resident Evil Requiem
After finding the Sun Quartz from the Lead Researcher’s Office in the East Wing area, your next objective is to get the Star Quartz. Similar to the other quartzes, the Star Quartz will be inside a puzzle box. The puzzle box that you are looking for will be inside the Security Manager’s Office in the Isolation Ward. However, you will have to follow the story events to get the Star Quartz.
Obtain the ID Wristband Level 2
The Isolation Ward is on the first floor of the East Wing Area. You will have to open the Security Level 2 gate to get inside and reach the Security Manager’s Office. To do so, you will have to get the ID Wristband Level 2. The ID Wristband Level 2 is obtained from the body in the Examination Room in the East Wing area. However, you cannot get it until you kickstart the body back to life and kill it again. To do so, you need two things: Artificial Lungs and an Artificial Heart.
Where to Find Artificial Lungs in Resident Evil Requiem
The Artificial Lungs are in the Organ Transportation Box at the back of the van in the Garage. You can reach it by passing through the Security Level 1 gate in the West Wing area. Once there, pick up the box and open it with the following steps.
Set the dial to “Hand”.
Move the right switch to the middle.
Lower the two Yellow Switches, number 2 and number 5.
Set the dial back to “Auto”.
As you open the box, it will reveal the Artificial Lungs. After that, leave the garage and head inside the Custodian’s Office. Pick up the Wrench from the table, as you will need it for getting the Artificial Heart.
Where to Find an Artificial Heart in Resident Evil Requiem
Now, head to the Cold Storage in the West Wing area, past the staircase to the second floor. Once there, interact with the wheel. The wheel will snap, but you can use the wrench to open the door. After opening the Cold Storage door, pick up the Artificial Heart inside.
Get the ID Wristband Level 2 from the Body in the Examination Room
Now, head to the East Wing area and make your way to the Examination Room. Once there, interact with the body to place the Artificial Lungs and the Heart. The dead body will come alive, and you have to kill it again. Once the body is dead, you can pick up the ID Wristband Level 2.
Access the Isolation Ward and Head to the Security Manager’s Office
With the ID Wristband Level 2 in hand, you can now access the Isolation Ward. Head to the Isolation Ward in the East Wing area and use the ID Wristband to open the door. Continue through the path to reach the Security Manager’s Office. Once there, you will spot the puzzle box. Moreover, there will be a clue on the table, revealing the code as follows.
However, there will be no symbols on the puzzle box, only Braille. After the cutscene, you will get the ID Wristband Level 3, which you can use to free Emily, the girl in the Guard’s Office. She will help you solve the puzzle box to get the Star Quartz.
Bring Emily to Puzzle Box
Now, head to the Guard’s Office in the Central Hall and free Emily using the ID Wristband Level 3. After that, you will have to come back to the Security Manager’s Office. Once done, a cutscene will start in which Emily will get the Star Quartz.
Rescue Emily
However, it does not end here. Emily will get taken into the Care Center’s Basement. You must descend into the Basement and rescue Emily. The Basement segment will require you to find 3 Joint Plugs and open the cell doors. As you escape from the basement, you will finally get the Star Quartz.
After that, you can place the final quartz in the door to make an escape through the courtyard.
Way back in 1985 Nichibutsu published the awesome vertically scrolling shooter game called ‘Terra Cresta’. A game that was released in the Arcades, with later ports to other systems such as the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 via Ocean Software. What makes this a rather hot news story for today, isn’t the fact that it is a very good game worthy of high praise, but the Terra Cresta Amiga port has been discovered and released by Spreadpoint and Swiss Cracking Association.
While I’m unsure if it’s the full version, and how it differs from the one that Amiga Bill tried last year. Here’s what Amiga Bill said about Terra Cresta the Amiga version sourced from EAB. ” In 1992, Japanese developer Dempa ported both Terra Cresta and its predecessor Moon Cresta to the X68000 as the debut title in their Video Game Anthology line of arcade game re-releases, titled Video Game Anthology Vol. 1 – Moon Cresta / Terra Cresta. That must have been around the year in which an unknown game studio was working on an Amiga 1200 (PAL) port. However, this was never completed and published.”
“But much later something very interesting happened. STI of SCA recently talked about it in diskmag Versus #10: “About two years ago I was contacted by a guy who said a friend of his had purchased an Amiga 1200 and some disks from an office clearance sale in Japan. Most of the disks didn’t boot and the guy found out that they were infected with the SCA virus. He’s not a coder, so he asked me if l could maybe fix the disks and find out what they contain. He sent me the disks, one of them was particularly interesting because it used a custom track format, and of course the first 1024 bytes of the loader were overwritten by the SCA virus. This activated my cracker instincts (and I felt a little guilty ;-), so I tried to figure out what was on that disk and how to boot it. Together with my friend Depeche of Spread point we managed to write a loader (the format was quite straightforward) and to run the code.”
“Then some people of SCA and Spread point restored it, fixed some major glitches and got it running. Because it had no music, they added a matching mod just for fun. This version at the time was available exclusively to AmigaBill for presentation. .”
NOTES : This version doesn’t have any music, just sound effects however according to one EAB member there is hope music will be added later “I must admit, that I am a huge fan of Terra Cresta soundtrack. So, playing without it is a crime for me. I agree to JOTD to patch the game and add some MOD files to make the soundtrack work on the Amiga version (from FM model, because there is an AY version of Terra Cresta in arcades). Music is very important in this one.”
And there you have it, so if you want to play this long awaited Amiga port even without music, come and check it out (HERE) or mirrored with WHDLOAD/ROMS (HERE)
We’re now three months into 2026 and the gaming scene just continues to ‘march’ on. And it’s with the new month of March in which we see a host of new Xbox and Game Pass games release to the masses. Don’t think this is going to be a month you can ease into gently. It’s full of blockbusters and bangers that kick the door wide open.
From prestige sequels and extraction shooters to sprawling RPGs, tactical stealth and neon-soaked racers, March is one of those months where your backlog quietly weeps in the corner. Pretty much like February did previously, then.
Whatever, Xbox Series X|S players, and especially Game Pass subscribers, have a serious decision to make about where to sink their time.
We’re here to help and have rounded up the finest new releases set to launch in March, across both Xbox and Game Pass. We’ve got 11 for you to cast your eye over…
GameRelease DatePlatformsGame PassPlay AnywherePlanet of Lana II5th MarchXbox Series, Xbox One, PCYesYesMarathon5th MarchXbox Series NoNoDocked5th MarchXbox Series NoNoSumerian Six6th MarchXbox SeriesNoNoGreedFall: The Dying World10th MarchXbox Series NoNoJohn Carpenter’s Toxic Commando12th MarchXbox SeriesNoNoMonster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection13th MarchXbox SeriesNoNoStarship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!16th MarchXbox Series, Xbox OneNoNoCrimson Desert19th MarchXbox Series, PCNoYesScreamer23rd MarchXbox Series, PCNoNoLife is Strange Reunion26th MarchXbox Series, PCNoYesBest Xbox and Game Pass releases for March 2026
Planet Of Lana II – 5th March
Planet of Lana II
Game Pass Day One
Few games feel as delicate and deliberate as Planet of Lana II.
This sequel builds on the quiet magic of the original Planet of Lana, a game that wowed us first time around, as we stumbled upon it in 2023.
This time we are found returning to a world where nature and technology exist in fragile tension.
Lana is older, more agile, more confident, yet her bond with Mui still sits firmly at the heart of this cinematic puzzle-platformer.
The emotion is unmistakable, carried through detailed animation, environmental storytelling and an orchestral score that swells. BAFTA winning? It probably has as good a shot as any.
And again, expect a game in which puzzles reward observation and timing rather than brute logic. At around 6-8 hours in length, Planet of Lana II will deliver you a game that is tightly paced and carefully constructed.
Our review is on the way, but this could be March’s most emotionally resonant experience. With that Game Pass Day One action, it’s a no-brainer.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Play Anywhere
Publisher: Thunderful
Developer: Wishfully
Marathon – 5th March
Marathon
If tension and action is more your thing, Marathon is ready to test your nerves.
Set on the hostile colony of Tau Ceti IV, this PvPvE extraction shooter drops you into dangerous zones where every decision matters. From Bungie, you should pretty much know what to expect – Scavenge for loot, clash with rival Runners, survive environmental hazards, and get the hell out of there before someone else takes everything from you.
Six Runner shells form the backbone of your build, from the stealth-focused Recon to some brute force of Destroyer. From there, moddable weapons, implants and faction contracts drive long-term progression.
Marathon will be high risk, but in return you’ll get high reward, and a game that has seemingly been built for players who love the thrill of almost losing it all.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S
Publisher: Bungie
Developer: Bungie
Docked – 5th March
Docked
March’s new games aren’t all about explosions and existential dread. Docked offers something more grounded – and as it’s from the Saber Interactive team, it’s something that will quite possibly surprise.
This realistic simulator puts you in charge of a working port. Yeah, stick with us.
You’ll operate heavy machinery, manage cargo logistics and steadily expand infrastructure to transform a modest harbour into a thriving commercial hub.
Not yet sold? What if we told you that the appeal lies in precision and progression. Every improvement you implement, every upgraded dock, every streamlined workflow, feeds into a larger sense of efficiency and growth. It’s methodical, detailed and quietly satisfying.
For sim fans who enjoy structure, planning and watching systems come together, or those who have previously enjoyed Saber’s workings in MudRunner, SnowRunner and the like, Docked could be an unexpected March time sink.
Sumerian Six – 6th March
Sumerian Six
We think this one could well be a bit of a sleeper hit as occult science meets WWII stealth in Sumerian Six, a tactical adventure that leans into alternate-history weirdness.
You command the Enigma Squad, a team of scientist-commandos with unique abilities that can be chained together for devastating results.
But mostly this is a game in which success depends on timing, positioning and creative problem solving. Look to slip past patrols, manipulate distractions and eliminate threats before alarms spiral out of control.
The thing is, the deeper you dig into Sumerian Six and the Reich’s plans, the stranger things get. Mutated soldiers, arcane weapons and ancient artifacts raise the stakes considerably.
Should you be a fan of real-time tactical stealth, then you’ll find plenty to chew on here.
GreedFall: The Dying World – 10th March
Greedfall The Dying World
For RPG devotees, GreedFall: The Dying World could dominate the month.
This prequel (hence the dropping of the ‘2’ in the original name), running ahead of the adventure of the original GreedFall, expands the series’ 17th century-inspired fantasy setting, sending you across the continent of Gacane as war and disease threaten entire nations.
As you should expect with a game of such a name, character creation is deep, companion relationships are meaningful, and every alliance carries weight. Further, combat supports multiple approaches, so no matter whether you utilise a tactical pause, or lean into a hybrid style for flexibility, or go full action, GreedFall: The Dying World will cover the bases. Remember, diplomacy and deception are often as powerful as steel.
With eight recruitable companions and branching consequences, this is a world designed to react to your decisions.
We’ll get you some review thoughts soon.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S
Publisher: Nacon
Developer: Spiders
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando – 12th March
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
Sometimes you just want chaos. John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando promises exactly that.
A Sludge God has unleashed undead horrors across the planet and so there is only one solution – a team of mercenaries who are enthusiastic, underqualified and heavily armed.
Built around co-op play, Toxic Commando mixes class-based abilities, upgrade paths and over-the-top weaponry with vehicular destruction and waves of monstrous enemies. The 80s horror inspiration runs thick, blending humour and carnage in equal measure.
This is a game that promises to be loud, messy and designed for squad nights. You should probably team up as soon as it drops.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S
Publisher: Focus
Developer: Saber Interactive
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – 13th March
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Twisted Reflection
The third entry in the Stories spin-off series, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, leans fully into character-driven RPG storytelling. And we know that because we’ve been playing it for a while already…
Twin Rathalos hatch during a time of extinction and rekindled war. As a Rider, you’ll bond with monsters, build a party and uncover a mystery tied to a devastating civil conflict from centuries past.
Turn-based combat replaces the twitch-heavy action of the mainline entries, offering a more strategic, narrative-focused experience.
Stories 3 is colourful and anime-inspired, but don’t mistake that for lightweight – the themes here feel darker and more urgent, and frankly, we feel that this instalment puts it up on a par with the mainline Monster Hunter games.
Our full review is on the way, but for those wanting a story-rich RPG with monster-raising depth, this could be a standout.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! – 16th March
Starship Troopers- Ultimate Bug War
Would you like to know more?
Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! embraces retro FPS energy with a thick layer of Federation satire.
Framed as an official training simulation, you’ll blast through Arachnid hordes, making the most of a hefty arsenal that includes Morita rifles, heavy machinery and even tactical nukes.
It goes without saying, but expect fast-paced firefights, secrets and FMV appearances from familiar faces.
It’s knowingly cheesy, proudly explosive and refreshingly straightforward. Sometimes you just need to shoot bugs. Lots of bugs. And as they say, the only good bug is a dead bug.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Publisher: Dotemu
Developer: Auroch
Crimson Desert – 19th March
Crimson Desert
If March has a blockbuster centrepiece, a game that has been about as hotly anticipated as any, it’s likely Crimson Desert.
Set in the seamless open world of Pywel, you follow Kliff as he attempts to rebuild the shattered Greymanes after a devastating betrayal. The continent feels alive, filled with rival factions and diverging destinies.
Crimson Desert is extremely ambitious in both scope and presentation, aiming super high. We’ll find out if it comes together in full review, but if it delivers, this could be one of the year’s defining releases.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Play Anywhere
Publisher: Pearl Abyss
Developer: Pearl Abyss
Screamer – 23rd March
Screamer
Looking for a return to some arcade racing? You’ll get to do it in style with Screamer.
Five teams, five motivations and a neon-drenched tournament where speed alone isn’t enough, Screamer is back!
Flashy, fast and proudly over-the-top, there’s much to love with this one, as the ECHO system allows you to Boost, Strike and Shield your way through races, turning every track into a battleground.
Further, trigger Overdrive and the chaos ramps up dramatically – no brakes, no mercy, just pure arcade aggression. With online and split-screen modes, this one feels built for competitive nights, embracing style as much as speed.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Publisher: Milestone
Developer: Milestone
Life Is Strange Reunion – 26th March
Life is Strange Reunion
Closing out the month is Life Is Strange Reunion, a game that looks to reunite Max and Chloe for what promises to be an emotional finale.
We didn’t expect to be treated to further narrative adventures with Reunion, but a deadly inferno threatens Caledon University in three days and so Max’s rewind powers return.
This time you’ll also control Chloe, navigating nightmares and fractured memories as the clock ticks down.
As the Life Is Strange series does so well, expect branching choices, devastating consequences and a soundtrack engineered to hit you right in the chest.
If narrative adventures are your thing, Life is Strange Reunion will close the month out in style.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Play Anywhere
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Deck Nine Games
March Is Absolutely Loaded
From quiet beauty to chaotic carnage, tactical stealth to sprawling open worlds, March delivers variety at scale. Whether you’re extracting under pressure in Marathon, exploring with Lana, rebuilding in Crimson Desert or bracing for heartbreak in Life Is Strange Reunion, there’s no shortage of heavy hitters.
Clear some space on that hard drive, you’re going to need it.
As always, let us know what you decide to play in the comments below.
And just like that, February is done and we’re marching into March. It’s been a busy start to the year with all three platforms having their bespoke showcases, and a number of major exclusives and awaited sequels, and this last few days is no exception. Who’s playing Resident Evil Requiem this weekend?
In the News This Week
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Games in Review & Featured Articles
We’ve been waiting a good while for Resi 9, and it absolutely delivers!
With a relatively slim week for reviews, we had plenty of other features. For the previews, Steve sunk into the cosmic horror of Cthulu: The Cosmic Abyss, while Dom climbed the Scoville Scale with some Dosa Divas. He then turned his attentions to Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2, finding it to be another handheld gaming marvel.
With the series’ 25th anniversary, Jim spoke to Creative Assembly about the origins of Total War and some of its beloved historical warfare quirks and references.
I also dug into Rennsport, a few months after its initial release. Looking to the game’s future in a roundup of the team’s plans, I also then spoke to the team about what went wrong, and how they’re planning to implement modding through 2026 and beyond.
Rounding out the week, What We Played featured Resident Evil Requiem, Marathon and Echoes of the End.
Trailer Park
Check out the BTS videos for making stop motion platformer Out of Words’ chattiest character
See some gameplay from Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes
Get cooking and dancing in the last Pokémon Pokopia trailer before launch
Your Achievements
Checking in with your gaming, Andrewww has finally started getting somewhere in Blue Prince – he’s entered the tomb, if that means anything to you. He’s also grabbed Alien: Rogue Incursion and Propagation: Paradise Hotel in the sale, to give him something to play after Resident Evil 4 on PSVR 2.
That’s all for the round up this week. Enjoy the weekend and we’ll carry on carrying on on Monday.
Midnight, the newest World of Warcraft expansion, is finally here and available in Early Access. This means that those who pre-ordered the game’s Epic Edition can enjoy Early Access before the wide release on March 2nd.
It serves as an opportunity to revisit familiar locales from the Burning Crusade expansion, such as Silvermoon City and Eversong Woods. Since I mentioned it, it’s the Eversong Woods that actually brings us here today.
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When you’re not busy taking in the familiar scenery and seeing how much things have changed since you leveled up your first Blood Elf, you’ll notice that there are plenty of new additions that have been made over the years.
One such thing is the achievement for Treasures of Eversong Woods, which earns you the Sootpaw pet. Who doesn’t love themselves a new pet, right? Well, in order to obtain Sootpaw, as well as complete the achievement, there are a total of nine treasures you need to discover, including solving the Stone Vat puzzle. Let’s go over how it’s done.
Completing the Stone Vat Puzzle in World of Warcraft: Midnight
First up, you’re going to need to find where the Stone Vat is located.
In the Eversong Woods zone, head over to map coordinates 40, 60. You’ll essentially be in Goldenmist Village. It is here that the Stone Vat is located.
You may not see it, though, but there’s a reason for this: the Stone Vat is located on platforms that are hovering above you in the sky. Fly on up to them.
Once you’re up there, you’ll see the Stone Vat. Now it’s time to solve the puzzle. You’ll need to first obtain the following items:
10x Bunch of Ripe Grapes
1x Packet of Instant Yeast
Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to pick these up. First, the grapes can be looted from the various leaves that are all around you.
Click on a bunch of grapes and loot them until you have ten. Next, you’ll want to talk to Sheri, who is down just a ways from the Stone Vault. She is selling the Packet of Instant Yeast.
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Once you have everything, head on up to the Stone Vat and right-click on it. You’ll be prompted to throw the grapes in there.
From there, it’s time to do some wine making! Walk on into the vat and mash those grapes up good with your feet. When you’re done, head back out, right-click on the Stone Vat, and throw the Packet of Instant Yeast inside.
That’s it, you’re done! You are, indeed, a natural. For your troubles, you’ll obtain the Goldenmist Grapes housing decor item.
Systems
Released
2026
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Publisher(s)
Blizzard
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Last year, we learned that Sony had cancelled several of its live-service projects, one of which was some sort of God of War spinoff by developed by remake specialists Bluepoint. With Bluepoint now shuttered by Sony, we’re starting to get some details, including what the God of War title was going to be.
Journalist Jason Schreier has the report over at Bloomberg. According to his sources, Sony was hoping God of War could support numerous spin-offs, “…like its own smaller version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.” One of those – God of War: Sons of Sparta – just got released and seems to have done okay, even if it didn’t set the world ablaze.
Bluepoint’s live-service title was apparently going to star Atreus, the son of Kratos. According to Schreier’s sources, Atrues was going to find himself in Hades.
“A loose idea was for players to control different versions or aspects of Atreus as they battled through Greek hell, and to have some sort of cooperative gameplay and ongoing support,” writes Schreier.
Unsurprisingly, the project was struggling as the small team, which hadn’t released an original title in nearly two decades, found itself trying to create a live-service game.
“Some Bluepoint staffers grumbled that they should be working on another traditional action game like Demon’s Souls or God of War Ragnarok rather than a live-service project that few of them seemed to want to make.”
Schreier notes that despite help from Santa Monica, Bluepoint did not make much progress and “floundered” for years.
The project was then cancelled outright, and Bluepoint was left pitching ideas. We even learned that they once again pitched the idea of a Bloodborne remake, but it was shot down, not by Sony, but by another company.
I’ll be honest, none of the cancelled game’s concepts sounds appealing to me, but I would have taken it if it meant Bluepoint could stay alive. Of course, when it failed (which it probably would have), they would have been left in the same boat. Or if it had somehow been successful, they would have ended up working on it full-time, and the Bluepoint we knew would have disappeared, so I guess it was a lose-lose scenario.
This week on streaming brings action and adventure across time and space. For the first time, you can rent the Best Animated Feature Oscar nominee Arco, a time-travel story from French illustrator Ugo Bienvenu, which moves between a dark vision of 2075 and an idyllic 29th century. On Hulu, In the Blink of an Eye explores human nature Cloud Atlas style, jumping between story threads about a Neanderthal family, a present-day romance, and a future space mission where Kate McKinnon tries to launch a new home for humanity on a distant planet.
The Bluff, a hybrid between John Wick and a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, has sailed onto Prime Video. Pyramid Head haunts a twisted, deserted town in Return to Silent Hill, Christophe Gans’ adaptation of Silent Hill 2, which arrives on VOD.
Here’s a rundown of the most notable new releases on streaming and VOD, including the biggest, best, and most popular new movies you can watch at home right now.
New on Hulu
In the Blink of an Eye
Genre: Science fiction
Run time: 1h 34m
Director: Andrew Stanton
Cast: Rashida Jones, Kate McKinnon, Daveed Diggs
An ambitious drama from WALL-E and Finding Nemo director Andrew Stanton, In the Blink of an Eye covers all of human history in less than two hours. The story connects the experiences of Claire (Rashida Jones), an anthropology professor studying Neanderthals, with the lives of a prehistoric family, and a space mission to a new home for humanity.
New on Prime Video
The Bluff
Genre: Action thriller
Run time: 1h 41m
Director: Frank E. Flowers
Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Córdova
The ruthless pirate Ercell Bodden (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) has settled down and started a family in the late 19th-century Caribbean. But when pirate captain (Karl Urban) brings his search for stolen gold to her doorstep, Ercell has to unleash a John Wick level of violence to fight for her loved ones, in this film that feels like a lost Pirates of the Caribbean spin-off.
From our review:
What’s missing is a greater sense of purpose, whether that would be high-flying adventure or a stronger sense of elegiac loneliness in the lives of post-peak pirates. Instead, the filmmakers can’t resist turning Ercell into a highly contemporary (and very actor-flattering) noble badass, one who can dispatch plenty of bad guys with quick-thinking agility, and gets righteously feral whenever her family is threatened.
New on Shudder
Crazy Old Lady
Genre: Psychological horror
Run time: 1h 34m
Director: Martín Mauregui
Cast: Carmen Maura, Daniel Hendler, Agustina Liendo
Pedro (Daniel Hendler) tries to help his ex-girlfriend take care of her mother, Alicia (Carmen Maura), who is living with dementia. But Alicia refuses to take her medication, knocks Pedro out, chains him to a chair, and starts torturing him in a claustrophobic “hagsploitation” film about abuse and generational violence.
New to rent
Arco
Genre: Science fantasy
Run time: 1h 29m
Director: Ugo Bienvenu
Cast: Juliano Krue Valdi, Mark Ruffalo, Romy Fay
Arco (Juliano Krue Valdi), a 10-year-old from a peaceful distant future, steals a time-travel device and accidentally winds up in 2075. Stuck in a world where most people rely on robots to raise their children and fires are constantly raging, Arco befriends a lonely girl (Romy Fay) and gives her hope that things can get better.
From our review:
Bienvenu’s sense of whimsy uses 2D animation to its fullest potential, especially in the time-travel sequences. Not only is the use of a crystal-powered leotard far different than any other means of time travel we’ve seen before, when a time traveler really gets going, they’re usually represented by what looks like a shooting star followed by a rainbow streak. It’s a simple effect that conveys a real sense of wonder.
Bring the Law
Genre: Crime thriller
Run time: 1h 35m
Director: Scout Taylor-Compton
Cast: Brendan Fehr, Nicky Whelan, Danielle Harris
A grieving LA homicide detective (Brendan Fehr) is put in charge of a task force to take down a criminal syndicate responsible for drug and sex trafficking throughout the city. But his investigation is undermined by corruption within his own team, and he’ll have to figure out who he can trust in order to change things.
Dead Man’s Wire
Genre: Crime thriller
Run time: 1h 45m
Director: Gus Van Sant
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo
Oscar-winning director Gus Van Sant worked with the makers of the documentary Dead Man’s Line on Dead Man’s Wire, a dramatization of the same real-life story about Tony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgård), an Indianapolis man who became a folk hero in 1977 by holding the son of a wealthy mortgage broker (Dacre Montgomery) hostage in an attempt to get money and an apology from the company he claimed had manipulated the market against him.
In Cold Light
Genre: Crime thriller
Run time: 1h 37m
Director: Maxime Giroux
Cast: Maika Monroe, Troy Kotsur, Helen Hunt
Ava (Maika Monroe) is looking to reclaim her drug business after getting out of prison, but corrupt cops frame her for murder and she’s hunted by a ruthless crime boss (Helen Hunt) who wants her dead. Otherwise out of options, Ava is forced to reunite with her estranged father (CODA and Primate star Troy Kotsur) and go on the offensive.
Playdate
Genre: Action comedy
Run time: 1h 34m
Director: Luke Greenfield
Cast: Kevin James, Alan Ritchson, Benjamin Pajak, Banks Pierce
Brian Jennings (Kevin James) is looking to connect with his stepson (Benjamin Pajak), and is excited when a trip to the park leads to an invitation for a playdate with Jeff (Reacher star Alan Ritchson) and his kid CJ (Banks Pierce). But when armed men attack the group, Brian learns his new friend isn’t who he seems to be.
Return to Silent Hill
Genre: Supernatural horror
Run time: 1h 46m
Director: Christophe Gans
Cast: Jeremy Irvine, Hannah Emily Anderson
Silent Hill director Christophe Gans returns to the franchise to adapt Silent Hill 2, though with big changes to the game’s characters. When his ex-girlfriend, Mary (Hannah Emily Anderson), encourages him to return to Silent Hill, James (Jeremy Irvine) has to confront his demons in an abandoned town filled with monsters.
Shelter
Genre: Action thriller
Run time: 1h 47m
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
Cast: Jason Statham, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Naomi Ackie
Michael Mason (Jason Statham), a former elite assassin, lives in seclusion on an island off the coast of Scotland, only talking to Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach), a teenager who brings him supplies each week. When Michael rescues Jessie from a bad storm, she winds up caught in the crosshairs as his past catches up to him, and he has to fight for both their lives.
