Game directors Adam Stjärnljus and Klas Martin Eriksson reveal what to expect from the story of this anticipated sequel.
Learn more about how the planet of Novo has evolved, and what to expect from the narrative.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf will be released in 2026 for Xbox consoles and Xbox on PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, and will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Just like its predecessor, Planet of Lana II’s story is told in a made-up language, and without subtitles. We want players to think of the narrative as another puzzle to be solved and allow them their own interpretation of the characters, their relationships and motivations. But in this article, we thought it would be fun to invite Xbox Wire readers to learn a bit more about how Novo itself has changed since the first game, and what to expect ahead of landing on this beautiful, beleaguered planet this time around.
A Changing Planet
The first Planet of Lana followed 11-year-old Lana on a heartfelt rescue mission after her sister and village were taken by cold, mysterious machines. With her adorable companion Mui at her side, she crossed a world filled with danger and discovery to protect their beautiful planet, Novo. But what she uncovered was only the beginning of a far bigger story…
Chaos grips Novo after the arrival of advanced alien technology, forcing its many tribes to adapt or perish. A new society—The ruthless Dijinghala—uses the technology to strip the planet’s resources and, when Lana’s niece gets caught in the middle of this exploitation, Lana and Mui set out on another adventure to reclaim Novo’s future. But things get increasingly more complicated along the way as they are forced to confront their own past, as well as that of their home world.
Different Factions, Different Challenges
Since the events of Planet of Lana, three major factions have emerged on Novo and they all have very different attitudes towards the arrival of the machines.
Tailo Village– Nestled among a calm cove in Novo’s southern lakelands, Lana’s home village has adopted a nuanced attitude to the presence of the machines, and largely made them a part of everyday life. They are used for agriculture, fishing and other infrastructure – the relationship is one of symbiosis and harmony.
Wemari Village – Hidden deep within the ancient Wemari forest, this protective community is very sceptical – if not downright hostile – to the strange machines that now roam the Novo wilderness. This skepticism means players will have to tread carefully while exploring this beautiful, but deadly part of Novo.
The Dijinghala– A new society emerging in the desolate North is quickly turning into a threat to all free peoples of Novo. Hungry to power their insatiable march toward modernity, The Dijinghala are repurposing the machines to scour the planet’s precious natural resources. Of course, players can expect some sticky situations to arise when they inevitably cross paths with these ruthless excavators.
More of Novo to Explore
To set the stage for this planet-wide conflict, players will gain access to an array of new environments to explore; From snowy mountains, deep oceans, ancient forests, forgotten ruins and even urban areas to mention a few. All of them are packed with fresh creatures and gameplay variation to discover during the 6-8 hour campaign.
And of course, with new parts of Novo to explore comes new secrets to discover of its shadowy past – attentive fans are sure to come away with many new pieces of the long forgotten puzzle that is Novo’s human and non-human history alike.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf will be released early 2026 and will be available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from day one! Wishlist now and go play Lana and Mui’s first adventure in the wait up to their epic continued journey, and follow @PlanetOfLana on social media to stay up to date.
Planet of Lana II
Thunderful Publishing AB
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The saga continues. Their home saved, a deeper journey begins.
Embark on an unforgettable cinematic puzzle journey with Lana and her loyal companion Mui. Whether you’re a returning hero or a new adventurer, step into a world where a new, ancient mystery emerges from Novo’s hidden depths. But as they scour these depths, a new threat will put their unbreakable bond to the ultimate test, guiding Lana to confront her destiny amidst encroaching shadows.
Planet of Lana II is a cinematic puzzle adventure framed by an epic sci-fi saga that stretches across centuries and galaxies.
Key Features:
Unique, Evolved Companion Gameplay: Experience Lana and Mui’s profound, evolving bond. Guide Mui with enhanced precision for deep exploration and collaborative puzzle-solving.
Solve Diverse & Clever Puzzles: Tackle a wider array of physics-based puzzles, including hypnotizing spectacular creatures and controlling new hybrid robots for unique solutions.
Master Stealth & Wit: Carefully navigate dangerous situations using refined stealth mechanics and tactical wit to outsmart foes.
Survive Challenging Action Sequences: Use your reflexes and master Lana’s new agility with wall jumps, run-slides, and faster movement to survive thrilling, dynamic action sequences.
Discover an Epic & Deeper Story: Immerse in a longer, more profound sci-fi saga. Confront Lana’s own demons and unveil the planet’s darkest secrets across stunning, diverse worlds, including new underwater chapters.
Return of an Acclaimed Composer: Experience Takeshi Furukawa’s critically acclaimed score, from the original Planet of Lana. His mesmerizing compositions seamlessly elevate every emotional beat and cinematic moment.
Arrrrre you ready?! Dive into a bubble-blowin’ adventure with SpongeBob as he makes his biggest splash ever with ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Xbox controllers – and see the new movie, only in cinemas!
Introducing the all-new Xbox Wireless Controller – The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition.
Whether you’re exploring Bikini Bottom or Davy Jones’ locker, ready your gear for any adventure that comes your way. This collection celebrates the latest chapter in SpongeBob’s story, featuring his iconic smile adorning the official The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition top case and side cap design. X marks the spot, so kick off the journey by pressing the Xbox button and go where no Sponge has gone before.
The Xbox Wireless Controller – The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition is available now, for a limited time, at the Microsoft Store. Looking to create your own unique design with endless customization and upgrade options? Both The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 are available now with Xbox Design Lab.
Hold onto your SquarePants and play with ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Limited Edition controllers. Keep an eye out for marine mysteries with the ABXY buttons. Find your way with bright yellow thumbsticks and an orange D-pad. Take on the depths of the deep sea with metallic blue triggers.
Create your own unique design for this Xbox Wireless Controller with Xbox Design Lab – with near-endless customization options to help you play your way. Whether you want to showcase your inner goofy goober, or a vibrant ocean aesthetic, choose from a variety of button styles curated for your movie-themed color scheme. Add more of your style with upgrades like metallic triggers and D-pads, rubberized side and back grips, and even include an engraving for a personalized touch.
The Elite Series 2 version of this design comes with all the features you’ve come to love from our best-in-class controllers, including adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger lock for even more precise gameplay. For even greater customization, you can add back paddles for enhanced input control and near-limitless customization with exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox accessories app.
Bring your SpongeBob Movie aesthetic even deeperwith the 3.5mm jack, connect any compatible headset to experience sound that no Sponge has heard before. And just like SpongeBob bounces from one adventure to the next, the controller’s dynamic features ensure you’re always ready for whatever master plan an evil villain throws your way! Jam like a jellyfish and head over to Xbox Design Lab today to design yours.
These controllers are available today, exclusively here.
SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail in their biggest, all-new, can’t-miss cinematic event – ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’. Desperate to be a big guy, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman – a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate – on a seafaring comedy-adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea, where no Sponge has gone before. Only in cinemas!
We’re thrilled to announce that our Indie Selects Demo Fest has begun, featuring more than 40 exciting game demos available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Like our last Demo Fest, you can download and play these games anytime between September 9 and September 30.
You can start playing demos today, and we encourage you to keep exploring them all month long. All demos are available in the dedicated Indie Selects Demo Fest collection on the Xbox Store. We’d love for you to share your feedback with the developers!
Please remember that most demos offer an early glimpse of gameplay and may differ from the final version at launch, including which countries will have access as developers continue to polish their games.
We’re also excited to share that 6newly announced games below are coming to Xbox!
Breaking Gates is a fast-paced 2D action-RPG with hand-drawn visuals and a focus on responsive combat and constant progression. Inspired by classic platformers and modern hack ’n’ slash titles, the game offers a dynamic mix of exploration, character upgrades, and frantic real-time battles.
The cult indie horror sensation finally arrives on Xbox. What you are about to do has not been approved by the Vatican. As a young priest, struggle against demons, insane cultists, and your own weakening faith in this pixel horror game inspired by the era of classic 8-bit gaming and the “Satanic Scare” of the 1980s. M O R T I S.
Slay hordes of terrifying monsters in this horde survival roguelite. Descend into the Halls of Torment where the Lords of the underworld await you. Treasures, magical trinkets, and a growing cast of heroes will grant you the power to vanquish these horrors from beyond. How long can you survive?
Possessions is a reality-twisting adventure that challenges the way you see the world. Immerse yourself in a minimalist, atmospheric world free from text and distractions, where every rotation and alignment uncovers hidden paths and silent stories.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or a thoughtful challenge, Possessions offers an immersive journey that stimulates your mind and soothes your senses. It’s a game about discovery, perception, and the quiet thrill of seeing the world from a new angle.
Weave your own story in this dark fairy tale. In the mysterious ancient ruins, you will adventure with Tania to reveal her origins and fate. Is there any chance of survival in the darkest and desperate place?
A new life awaits in Honeywood! Build a thriving community that will last generations in this cozy farm simulator. Farm, socialize, make friends, cook, craft, forage and uncover the secrets of the island! If someone doesn’t want to be friends? There are always other means.
ID@Xbox Indie Selects Demo Fest – Full List of Demos
In addition to those newly announced titles, you’ll find an impressive collection of creative and unique games available for you to experience firsthand! Check out the line-up below for a list of participating games and their developers in this year’s ID@Xbox Demo Fest:
Exciting news – Indie Selects is bringing you a monster new Demo Fest next week. From September 9-30, players on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One can dive into more than 40 demos, including upcoming titles and games with new content.
Whether you’re eager to try something new or get a sneak peek at games coming in future, this demo event is one you won’t want to miss!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
While some may return to the Demo channel later, most of these demos will only be available to play this month, so don’t delay – if you see something you like the sound of, try it now!
These game demos differ from the usual ones in our Demo channel, as they’re shared before the games are finished and may not reflect the final product. Think of them more like “showfloor demos,” giving you early access and a chance to provide feedback. Expect these games to develop and improve before release.
Speaking of feedback – please share your thoughts with the developers via social media, or their websites! You could help shape the future of these games.
We’ll announce the full list of demos on September 9, but here are some games you can expect to see:
Echo Weaver – Moonlight Kids/Akupara Games
Can you master time itself? Echo Weaver is a “metroidBRAINia” where time is your best resource and secrets are your only upgrades. You’re the last of the Weavers, a remnant of a ruined society trapped in a glitching time loop. The Congregation set out to explore the stars and find paradise. What they found instead has led their utopian project to ash and cinders – can you break the loop?
Mina The Hollower– Yacht Club Games
Descend into a frightful world of action-adventure in Mina the Hollower. Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Burrow beneath hazards and monsters, whip foes into oblivion, and gear up with an arsenal of sidearms and trinkets.
Explore a vast world filled with pixel-perfect graphics, masterful gameplay, beastly bosses, and infectious music. Encounter a cast of bizarre characters, search out secrets in an array of exotic locales, and illuminate the omnipresent darkness in Mina the Hollower, a brand-new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight!
The Jackbox Party Pack 11– Jackbox Games
The Party Pack is back! The Jackbox Party Pack 11 catapults you and your crew into the best timeline of party game pandemonium. Whether you’re a trivia titan, a joke mastermind, or the resident undercover detective of your friend group, there’s something for everyone in this pack. No extra controllers needed – players simply join the game and play using phones, tablets or computers!
Five brand-new games will change the way you party this holiday season and beyond. Play two of these games in our demo:
Doominate (Writing): Take a perfectly lovely situation and destroy it in this head-to-head joke game where it feels so good to be so bad. Doominate supports 3-8 players.
Hear Say (Sound Effects): Record sound effects and dialogue directly from your phone in a foley-inspired game where laughter is the soundtrack. Then, watch your voices come to life in a series of short movie clips! Hear Say supports 2-8 players.
Yooka-Replaylee – Playtonic Games/PM Studios
Yooka-Replaylee is the definitive remade and enhanced version of the 3D indie platforming collectathon darling, Yooka-Laylee, developed by key creative talent behind the Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country games.
New, remixed challenges and old favorites await as you embark to explore the huge, beautiful open worlds as the lovable buddy-duo Yooka (the green one) and Laylee (the purple one) once more, all while backed by a beautiful orchestral soundtrack. Did we mention there is a map now? A shiny new currency? And tons of customization options? It’s never moved, looked, or sounded better!
And there’s so much more in store. The ID@Xbox Indie Selects Demo Fest will offer a wide variety of games to discover and enjoy. When you get the chance to check them out, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Discord, Twitch, Bluesky and YouTube. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire to learn more about what Team Xbox has planned!
We’re seeing an injection of fresh life into this year’s Madden thanks to the return of college football with EA Sports College Football 25’s release. The college football franchise comes off an 11-year hiatus, tying nicely into Madden 25’s pro football package. But the return of college football can only do so much for Madden 25, as this year’s experience feels more like a mechanical iteration from past entries rather than a comprehensive overhaul.
Surprisingly, the biggest innovations in this year’s Madden are found in nitty-gritty gameplay details rather than in modes or presentation. EA has been proudly campaigning its new BOOM Tech physics suite; a physics package that incorporates realistic tackles and individualized player movements. By extension, the iconic Madden Hit Stick has been re-engineered so that you can control your tackles through risk/reward hit timings. I’m a terrible tackler in these games and even I found the Hit Stick timings to be intuitive and fun to pull off, even if it sometimes resulted in the carrier breaking through a poorly timed hit.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
Thanks to the new physics suite, carrying the ball finally feels like it has some depth this year. You can set up combo jukes and spins through the right stick, and the overall movement feels more nuanced thanks to the physics overhaul. AI is improved, with a carrier’s center of mass and footing determining their balance and stability. Calculations like torque and rotation angles are all formulated into the enhanced physics suite to create more varied and realistic movement. As a personal anecdote, I can’t help but chuckle at the mountain of linemen squirming around to fumble the ball out of the carrier’s hands.
Players move individual pieces of their body per these new physics calculations, and it shows by the ragdoll-like movements after every hit. These newly enhanced physics do a great job of overcoming the rigidness and predictable player movements from previous games.
Unlike tackling and running, the passing game has remained largely untouched from previous iterations. I still enjoy leading receivers with passes and influencing whether it’s a bullet or lob, though the level of control still lags behind older sim-oriented titles like ESPN NFL 2K5.
That said, this is the most skill-based Madden we’ve seen in years, thanks in part to the new Hit Stick and physics. Player stats and abilities add that role-playing element to compliment the skill-based package nicely here, with skill trees for every team member and a perk system for each role. What’s even better is you can customize just how skill-based or RPG you want the experience to be through the extensive settings. Under the Player Skill tab, you can adjust a meter from 0 to 100 governing how accurate QBs are, reaction timing of catches, and a host of other parameters to make the experience as stat-dependant or skill-based as you wish.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
Of course, if you really want a role-playing experience, Franchise mode supplies that in good measure. I like the option to only play certain highlights of games, but I wish you could decide when to step in and play. Sadly, there’s still no way to watch a game play out in real-time and take control of players when you wish. You either play a full game or select highlights of said game with little manual input.
Thankfully, the strategic gameplay here has improved thanks to retooled playbooks and new pre-snap tools. You have more defensive options with disguised coverage shells, while offensively, you can lengthen route stems to crack through coverage holes. Franchise Mode still has a long way to go before it can match the depth of, say, NFL Head Coach, but it is iterating little by little to get more sim-like.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
On the presentation front, Madden 25 feels just as sterile and boring as it has in the past. The underwhelming Storylines interspersed throughout Franchise and Superstar do little to add to the intended liveliness and immersiveness of being a coach or star player. Storylines in Franchise mode consist of binary yes/no questions from a stiffly animated defensive coordinator or off-screen media interviewer. There’s no voice acting, of course, with large text font with mismatched colors functioning as the ‘dialogue’ between characters.
These Storylines feel like they have the budget of a browser or mobile game and don’t add much to the experience, other than the stat boosts from your answers. If NFL 2K5 could inject personality with a fully customizable crib and voiced media segments, why can’t EA do it with Madden with today’s tech? Likewise, the menus serve a purely utilitarian purpose with a clinical and clean UI completely lacking in style and personality.
One big upgrade with this year’s presentation is the addition of two new commentary teams. Yes, that’s right, eight long years of the Gaudin/Davis duo are finally at an end, kind of. Gaudin and Davis can still be your main cast of broadcasters if you wish. The three broadcast duos can be set to shuffle or you can manually select which ones you want on or off. The two new teams consist of Mike Turico/Greg Olsen, and Kate Scott/Brock Huard, and let me tell you, it’s a huge improvement over the old ones. I still heard plenty of repeated lines throughout my time, despite the supposed 42,000 new recordings, but EA has promised to add more recordings throughout the year with updates.
Superstar Mode gets the benefit of importing your player from College Football 25. Even though Madden doesn’t do anything to specifically recognize your college career, it’s still cool to finally live through a player’s journey from college to the Super Bowl. The character creator is pretty barebones, with only a handful of head templates and hairstyles to choose from, though it is nice to see some sliders for things like jawline etc. There’s a host of Abilities and Skills that you can allocate for your Superstar player, and for the first time, you can customize starting skills and physical ratings for a more tailormade experience.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
Similar to my disappointment with player Storylines, the NFL Draft and Super Bowl additions feel underwhelming and insignificant. Yes, they added a Rogel Goodell model that greets your superstar character into the NFL, and even went so far as to give your character custom-tailored suits for his media appearances. But these moments still feel too sterile and binary due to the lack of voices and boring dialogue font.
I do like the occasional live-action Maddencast videos that comment on pivotal moments throughout your superstar’s career. Sure, they don’t say your name outright, but the charisma of the crew and that feeling of being discussed on a live broadcast is a nice immersive touch. 15 new minigames join this year’s Madden, most of them carried over from EA Sports College Football 25. Even though this year’s Superstar Mode is largely untouched from previous years, I still had a blast role-playing as my rookie quarterback from college through an NFL career.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
We’re at the end of the review and Ultimate Team hasn’t been mentioned yet, and that’s because there’s not much new here to comment on. You build a dream team from the ground up through a lengthy and substantial grind. There’s still a lot of depth to be had here with plenty of stats, skill trees, and training that you can do to improve each player. I still lament that Ultimate Team and Superstar remain online-only modes requiring integration with an EA account. Just as well, the monetization is as egregious as previous years. The MUT Coin virtual currency is used to purchase player cards, XP Boosters, and just about anything else they can find to nickel and dime the player.
Madden 25 offers a really solid football package for those who missed previous entries. There are a lot of smart improvements to the running and defensive game, and the physics overhaul is noticeable. These gameplay upgrades help Madden 25 stand out as one of the most mechanically impressive football games in recent memory. While I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing matches, the slight additions to each mode didn’t feel as substantial as was advertised. And the awkward voiceless ‘Storyline’ scenes ring hollow, despite their good intentions to add immersion. Madden 25 is a solid game with some much-needed mechanical improvements, but the modes feel largely the same as last year.
Madden NFL 25
Madden 25 offers a really solid football package for those who missed previous entries. There are a lot of smart improvements to the running and defensive game, and the physics overhaul is noticeable. Madden 25 is a solid game with some much-needed mechanical improvements, but the modes feel largely the same as last year.
Pros
Improved defensive and running game thanks to added Hit Stick depth and combo moves.
The enhanced physics make for smarter and more unpredictable AI.
Addition of two new sets of broadcast announcers lessens the repetition previous entries had.
Lots of fun RPG elements like skill trees and perks that add a layer of strategy to the skill-based gameplay.
Cons
Ultimate Team and Superstar mode are locked behind an EA account and always-online, and Monitization is just as predatory as previous entries.
Storylines were overpromised, consisting of little more than generic question/answer responses with large text on a screen.
Not enough changes to Franchise or Superstar modes.
A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4, Xbox One.
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Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is coming out this year, Capcom and Xbox dropped a new trailer today, which shows off more gameplay and more of the title’s The game looks cool as heck.
Though there’s no concrete release date, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be a day one Game Pass title for Xbox Series X|S and Windows. It’s also coming to PS5 and the Steam store.
This is a single-player action RPG with some time and resource management flourishes. During the day, you rescue and recruit villagers to your cause. Once the sun sets, you must juggle real-time action with strategic elements, as you decide how each villager will help you fight against a villainous horde called The Seethe.
Lead director Shuichi Kawata Shinsekai: Into the Depths. Kawata says his team has been working on Kunitsu-Gami for four years and that they are excited “and maybe a little nervous” to have everyone finally get their hands on the game.
Capcom has compared Kunitsu-Gami’s aesthetic to previous titles with traditional Japanese themes, like the universally beloved Okami. The game was developed using its RE Engine, which was originally designed for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess wasn’t the only news to come out of today’s Xbox Partner Showcase event. Final Fantasy XIV finally hits Xbox consoles on March 21 and an expansion pass for Persona 3: Reload will bring new missions to the JRPG later this year.
Xbox & Playstation Source: Future Publishing / Getty
After decades of console wars, Xbox will allegedly concede and bring its exclusives to Sony’s Playstation 5 platform.
For decades we’ve been entertained by the console wars mainly between Sony and Microsoft. In the early days of Xbox 360, it seemed Microsoft couldn’t be touched. However, after the successful launches of the PlayStation 3, 4, and 5 Sony reigned supreme while Xbox tried to keep up. When the PlayStation 5 launched it was clear to everyone paying attention it was the superior console. According to Forbes, Microsoft will allegedly begin letting their once coveted exclusive release on Sony’s PlayStation platform.
While this has yet to be officially announced an announcement could come as early as next week reports The Verge.
This would mark the waving of the white flag by Microsoft unless Playstation gives over their exclusives which isn’t likely. When Microsoft purchased gaming company Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion they promised they would play nice with Sony as it pertained to Call of Duty. This update would certainly make good on that promise. Furthermore, speculation has pointed to Hi-Fi Rush, Starfield, and others coming to Playstation and Switch soon. As gaming and streaming continue to grow this will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to all the titles released on other platforms for the first time.
All eyes will be on Microsoft’s announcements next week as gamers pray Halo is included in the titles coming to PS5.
It seems like the new year has only just begun, but 2024 has already seen its fair share of video game delays. From highly-anticipated titles to indie gems, the gaming community is currently navigating an uncertain landscape as far as release dates go.
Explore the gaming industry’s many unexpected twists and turns as we dive into all the video game delays of 2024, including many 2023 titles that were pushed back into the new year!
Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Image Source: Bungie via IGDB
Destiny 2 aficionados are gearing up for the impending release of The Final Shape, the eighth major expansion for the extremely popular first-person shooter. This expansion marks the seventh year of ongoing content for Destiny 2, promising a wealth of new experiences for players.
Destiny 2: The Final Shape was supposed to be released in February 2024, but its release date was unfortunately pushed back by its developers until June of the same year. Four months really isn’t a massive delay, but it still comes as a major disappointment to many eagerly-awaiting fans.
Homeworld 3
Image Source: Blackbird Interactive via IGDB
Homeworld 3 emerges as a standalone masterpiece within the Homeworld series, picking up generations after the events of Homeworld 2. The campaign of Homeworld 3 takes place in a peaceful galaxy that has enjoyed many years of uninterrupted abundance, all thanks to the Hyperspace Gate Network. But when this galaxy’s new “age of peace” becomes threatened by forces beyond its residents’ control, it’s up to you to find the key to its future!
Similar to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, Homeworld 3 was supposed to be released in February 2024 (in fact, it had already been delayed from 2023), but its release date was pushed back until March 2024 instead. This delay is honestly pretty minuscule in the grand scheme of things, but since it’s already been delayed twice now, who’s to say that it won’t be delayed yet again?
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Image Source: Rocksteady Studios via IGDB
From the masterminds behind the iconic Batman: Arkham series comes the highly anticipated action-adventure shooter, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The most notorious and deadly villains in the DC Universe have been forced to unite for a mission that defies all odds: eliminating the Justice League. Immerse yourself in the chaos of Metropolis, where you become the driving force as an official member of the Suicide Squad!
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is easily one of Rocksteady Studios’ most highly anticipated games, so it’s a shame that it’s been delayed for so long. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was originally going to come out in 2023, but it was delayed until January 2024, and then it was delayed again until February 2024. At this point, no one really knows for sure when this game is going to come out, but hopefully, it’ll be worth the wait.
Avowed
Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via IGDB
Avowed is an upcoming action RPG that will take place in the same universe as Obsidian Entertainment’s previous title, Pillars of Eternity. Avowed thrusts players into the mysterious world of Eora, a mysterious land “filled with adventure and danger”; to not watch your back in these lands means instant death, so make sure you’re always keeping on your toes in the lands of Avowed!
Avowed wasn’t technically delayed in 2024 (yet), but its developers did somewhat mislead fans into believing that it would be released sooner rather than later. The trailer for Avowed was released by Obsidian Entertainment back in the Summer of 2023, followed by an announcement that it would be released soon in 2024. Many fans took this to mean that it would be released very early on in the new year, but unfortunately, it now looks as though that’s not the case; we likely won’t be seeing Avowed in our e-shops anytime soon, as it’s now expected to release in either late Fall or Winter of 2024.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Image Source: DON’T NOD via IGDB
Embark on a supernatural journey in Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, an immersive RPG where players are thrust into a captivating narrative as two unforgettable characters. Players must navigate a world where their decisions wield dramatic consequences on the storyline, all while hunting ghosts and solving haunting cases.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden promises to be one of the best RPGs of 2024, which is why it’s such a bummer that it’s been delayed from November 2023 to February 2024. Thankfully, however, it seems like this will be the only delay that the game suffers from prior to its release.
Last Time I Saw You
Image Source: Maboroshi Artworks via IGDB
Last Time I Saw You is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and otherworldly supernatural forces. This unique indie title promises to be one for the emotional ages; as players traverse this game’s intricately designed world, they’ll uncover the emotional depth and nuances of a narrative that captures the essence of personal growth and human connection.
According to the game’s developer, Maboroshi Artworks, Last Time I Saw You was originally supposed to be released in the Summer of 2024, though it has since been delayed to the Fall of the same year. Fans of the game are hoping that it won’t be delayed any further, but even so, there hasn’t been an official release date announced for Last Time I Saw You yet.
Alone in the Dark
Image Source: Pieces Interactive via IGDB
Embark on a chilling journey back to Derceto Manor in the 2024 remake of Alone in the Dark, a haunting reimagination of the cult classic horror game of 1992. Prepare for an immersive experience that breathes new life into the eerie corridors and mysterious atmosphere of the original, capturing the essence of fear and suspense for a whole new generation of horror enthusiasts!
As far as horror games go, it doesn’t get much scarier than Alone in the Dark. Thankfully, its delay wasn’t really all that terrible; instead of being released in January 2024, Alone in the Dark is being released a couple of months later in March.
Skull and Bones
Image Source: Ubisoft Singapore via IGDB
Dive into the golden age of piracy with Skull and Bones! Players can take command as an unyielding pirate captain, navigating rich merchant trade routes and engaging in fierce battles for supremacy in the Indian Ocean. Whether sailing solo or with a crew of up to 5 players, forge your legacy as the most feared pirate in this thrilling maritime saga!
With the release of Netflix’s One Piece still fresh on everyone’s minds and the high seas becoming more popular than ever, there’s never been a better time to release a pirate game! Despite Skull and Bones being delayed multiple times in 2023 and being pushed back all the way to February 2024, it’s clear that this game will be more than worth the wait.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Image Source: A44 via IGDB
Prepare for a collision of gods, guns, and glory in Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, a brand-new open-world RPG! This game allows you to take command and lead humanity’s last stand against the relentless tide of the undead. With a blend of intense combat, mystical forces, and a lot of gunpowder, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn thrusts players into an immersive experience that defines the pinnacle of mankind’s struggle in this apocalyptic siege.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is so much more than just another zombie game, anyone who gets their hands on this potential masterpiece definitely won’t be satisfied with just one playthrough. Unfortunately, fans will just have to wait a little bit longer for its release, since it was delayed from early 2023 to late 2024.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Image Source: Team Cherry via IGDB
Jump headfirst into a mesmerizing, miniature journey in Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning action-adventure game Hollow Knight. As the formidable hunter Hornet, players must navigate a vast and haunting kingdom, discovering ancient secrets and engaging in lethal acrobatic combat against hordes of beastly bugs.
Hollow Knight: Silksong has been a priority in the gaming community for a while, and many fans are starting to lose hope regarding its release. Its impending release was first teased several years ago, and although it was initially set to release in 2023, it has been delayed numerous times and is now expected to hit the market at some point in 2024. Hopefully, this will be the year that we finally get our Silksong!
Pragmata
Image Source: Capcom via IGDB
Dive into an extraordinary sci-fi journey with Pragmata, an action-adventure title unveiling a dystopian lunar world through a profoundly captivating story. Capcom, the developer behind the game, intends to establish Pragmata as one of its core franchises by utilizing next-generation features and platforms; this means that Pragmata has the potential to easily become one of the greatest releases of 2024!
Likely because of the game’s massive size and incredibly modern gameplay design, Pragmata’s release date was pushed back from 2022 to 2023, and now to 2024.Thousands of dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting this game’s arrival, so hopefully, it won’t be delayed too much longer!
Ark 2
Image Source: Studio Wildcard via IGDB
Awaken on a mysterious primal world teeming with dinosaurs and humans vying for supremacy in ARK 2. In order to survive, you must unravel the mystery of your arrival, forge alliances with legendary heroes, and face formidable dark forces bent on controlling the destiny of all life. Saddle up for the ultimate next-generation survival adventure as you navigate the thrilling landscapes that define the merciless world of ARK 2!
Similar to Pragmata, Ark 2 was originally supposed to be released in 2022 but got delayed to 2023, when it was delayed again to 2024. There’s still no word from Studio Wildcard on exactly when we can expect to see this sequel hit the shelves, but with any luck, it’ll be at some point soon this year!
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Image Source: GSC Game World via IGDB
Step into the chilling abyss of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a unique fusion of FPS, immersive simulation, and heart-stopping horror, all enveloped in an intensely terrifying experience that’ll have you wishing you never played it to begin with. Brace for a spine-tingling adventure that not only challenges your survival instincts, but also delves deep into the unsettling realms of horror within the heart of the Chornobyl disaster.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is widely considered to be one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2024, which, of course, also makes it one of the most disappointing video game delays of 2024. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl was originally going to be released in December 2023, but it was pushed back to early 2024 instead; thankfully, we shouldn’t have to wait too much longer to see this FPS game hit the shelves!
And that’s it for our list of all of the current video game delays of 2024, including many 2023 titles that were pushed back into the new year. If you need more game recommendations to get your mind off of these impending releases, then feel free to check out Twinfinite’s lists of the “Best Nintendo Switch Games of All Time” and “Anime Games To Have on Your Radar in 2024“!
About the author
Allysen Pierce
Allysen Pierce is a freelance writer with a passion for anime and gaming who has been a part of the Twinfinite team since December 2023. Most of her favorite games fall under the horror genre, but she’s also been known to play literally any RPG or dating sim that she can get her hands on. When she’s not playing games or watching anime, she can be found reading (usually manga or anything written by Stephen King), baking, or playing with her cat.
The Finals developers, Embark Studios, have been listening to the community, and have released a new patch that tackles the Aim Assist issue recently plaguing the game. In this article, we will be discussing how patch 1.4.1 finally nerfed aim assist in The Finals.
Since the game’s launch, players have been voicing their concerns around controller users abusing some of the stronger aspects of aim assist. The issue include things like Zoom Snapping being strong enough to allow a user to rapidly make a 90 degree turn while the aim assist keeps their reticule largely on target. Thankfully, patch 1.4.1 tackles that exact issue while also nerfing other unbalanced parts of AA that has seen the community rallying with approval since the patch went live.
Right away, the first change in this patch added a cap to the Zoom Snapping’s angular velocity that stops those crazy 90 degree turns. The amount of time Zoom Snapping is in effect has been reduced by .05 seconds. The biggest change that many are thrilled about involves the complete removal of Zoom Snapping on the SR-84 Sniper Rifle, Revolver, LH1 Rifle, and ALL shotguns. If you’re a controller user, you can safely relax because playing with these guns on a controller still feels appropriately doable.
For everything else controller related, the Camera Magnetism that helps keep the cursor on target has its effect reduced by 15%. Don’t fret, my personal experience still makes playing with a controller just as comfortable. If anything, engaging multiple targets that are close together might be easier with the slightly more lax aim assist magnetism. Now, if you’re a Light player, you’ll be thrilled to know that going invisible means aim assist no longer works on you. It’s a huge and welcome change that makes invisibility a little stronger, which is fair with the shotgun Zoom Snapping removal.
Finally, PC players that use re-mapping programs will no longer have access to aim assist like they did before. This is a hugely definitive blow against cheaters who want to bend the game’s systems to get an edge on the competition by using said re-mapping software on custom peripherals. All in all, Embark Studios has released a patch that proves they have been listening to the community while making some very fair changes. If you’re a controller user and you don’t like aim assist for whatever reason, you can still pretty easily turn it off!
About the author
Ali Taha
Whether its new releases, or a new Destiny 2 season, Ali will flex his gaming and freelancer skills to cover them extensively. He started off writing features for Game Rant but found a better home here on Twinfinite. While Ali waits for the next Monster Hunter title, he enjoys publishing his progression fantasy novels as an indie author.
The trend of cranking out tons of remakes and remasters of old games continues in 2024; this year might take the crown as one of the most prolific. In fact, some of the most anticipated games in general for 2024 are remakes, such as the TGA award-winner Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Whether you’re annoyed at incessant re-releases like The Last of Us, or hyped for long-dormant games to finally get a fresh coat of paint, 2024 has you covered. Here are the 10 most anticipated remasters & remakes of 2024.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Image Source: Square Enix
As the award winner for TGA “Most Anticipated Game” it’s impossible not to put Final Fantasy VII Rebirth high on this list. But awards aren’t the sole reason it’s here. The recent gameplay demonstrations at the 2023 Tokyo Game Show have shown tremendous potential for the game-of-the year-candidate.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is the sequel to the Remake from 2020. The game takes place outside of the steampunk city of Midgar, finally exploring the wider world of Gaia. Rebirth features an open-world map and has a ton of exploration and mini-games to try out. The fields outside the city of Kalm are home to Chocobo Farms and more nooks and crannies than you can shake a chunk of Materia at. And let’s not forget that Rebirth is the chapter featuring the fan-favorite theme park chock full of minigames, the Golden Saucer.
We can’t wait to play the action RPG remake of Final Fantasy VII’s second chapter when it finally launches on February 29th.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Image Source: Nintendo
Word is still out whether or not the best Paper Mario game will end up being a remaster or a remake built from the ground up, but we’re beyond thrilled no matter the result. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is easily my favorite game on the Nintendo GameCube, and it’s been console-locked ever since its release. Add to that the frustration of rarity and high resell prices for physical copies of the game and you have a cult classic that few modern gamers have the opportunity to experience.
The console-locked status of The Thousand-Year Door ends in 2024. Word is still out when the concrete release date will be, but the recent ESRB rating for the game points to it coming very soon. Seriously, you’re gonna want to play this, if for any reason just to see Rock Hawk in the arena sequence or where the Vivian sensation originated from.
Persona 3 Reload
Image Source: Atlus
Persona 3 Reload is a full remake of the PS2 turn-based RPG that kicked off the Persona craze. This remake includes several new features such as gardening and new Junpei social links. There’s also a lot of new voice acting that will cover the large amounts of unspoken text the original had.
But what really has us excited is the graphical overhaul. Persona 3 Reload uses a modified engine that Atlus used for Persona 5, and we all know how mind-bendingly stylish Persona 5 is. The menus for Persona 3 now have transition animations and full HD swank, and the characters themselves even move their mouths when speaking. Battles are going to be fully redesigned with the modern engine to be fast-paced and masterfully animated as well. What we’ve seen of Persona 3 Reload from trailers and presentations has us confident the remake of Persona 3 will burn our bread more than it ever has before (come on, you get that reference, right?)
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered
Image Source: Aspyr
The original Tomb Raider games are classics, yes, but they’re also rough to go back to. Tank controls and janky PS1 graphics render these games difficult to recommend to new players. But that all changes with Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. With improved controls and HD clarity, these remasters of the three first Tomb Raider games may just become classics all over again in 2024.
One of the big reasons this is so high on this list is because it’s been a LONG time since we’ve had a classic Tomb Raider experience. Lara Croft’s adventures in the rebooted series from 2013 don’t feature the same platforming emphasis and general action gameplay the originals did. Fans of classic action games and platformer-puzzlers shouldn’t sleep on Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. I know I’ll want to revisit the glory days of Lara Croft in HD splendor come February 14th.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake
Image Source: Hazelight Studios
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons was one of the breakaway indie hits of the early 2010s. It helped propel the trend of indie co-op story games such as A Way Out and TGA winner It Takes Two. There are several new features this remake is bringing to the table that make it one of 2024’s most anticipated. First, there’s the addition of full co-op, which the original didn’t have. Even though Brothers is focused on two siblings overcoming puzzles on an emotional journey, the game was originally strictly single-player.
We’re really excited to grab a partner this time around, especially since we’ll be journeying in full 4K glory. The Brothers remake is made in Unreal Engine 4 and has a much higher budget than the original. This is a ground-up remake that we’re looking forward to playing when it releases on February 28th.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Image via Capcom
The original trilogy of Ace Attorney games got a lovingly made remaster a while back, so the next trilogy in the series was a sure bet. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy contains the fourth, fifth, and sixth main games of the series in one remastered bundle. Several noteworthy additions earn this package a worthy spot on this list.
First, the translation from 3DS to console and PC. The original games featured a dual-screen interface and was locked on handheld systems, so this remaster is very welcome in that respect. There’s a new animation studio feature that puts custom scenes at the players’ fingertips with movable props and backgrounds. The orchestra hall and art library features provide full soundtracks and images to peruse in detailed menus. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is the definitive way to play these games and it releases on January 25th.
Gothic Remake
Image Source: THQ Nordic
Okay, I’ll be real with you, the Gothic Remake isn’t set in stone for a 2024 release, but it’s still projected for 2024, so we’ll let it fly. Gothic was a fascinating alternative to games like Morrowind and The Witcher when it was released in 2001. The complex mechanics and interconnected storytelling were ahead of their time and paved the way for all-time greats like The Witcher 3.
Gothic Remake is going to be built from the ground up with triple-A graphics and polished gameplay. The screenshots we’ve seen look mouth-watering, especially if you’re a fan of Western RPGs. While the exact release date is unknown at this time, the developers’ transparency through the development process has been refreshing and positive. Check out the latest Gothic Remake developer podcast from THQ Nordic to see how passionate they are about bringing the classic German RPG to a modern audience.
Braid: Anniversary Edition
Image Source: Thekla
I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t initially over the moon when I first heard about a Braid remaster, but then I read what it’ll include and now I’m sold. Braid Anniversary Edition is an updated remaster of the 2008 indie puzzle platformer Braid. Braid kinda started the indie game boom back in the day, and now it’s getting a fancy remaster on modern systems.
But it’s not just a straight port. Updated visuals, redone music, developer commentary, and all-new puzzles are featured in this remaster. Braid was known for its brilliant time reversal level design, so having new ones to play has me stoked. Braid Anniversary Edition releases on April 30th on all modern systems.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Image Credit: Naughty Dog
Hear me out, I don’t actually hate The Last of Us Part II; the only reason it’s this low on the list is because a remaster of a three-year-old game is just plain silly. I know Sony wants that The Last of Us cash, but come on.
This remastered version includes various enhancements catered specifically for the PS5 such as full DualSense functionality and visual upgrades. The biggest addition to this remaster is a new roguelike survival mode called No Return. Little is known about the new mode, but we don’t have to wait long since The Last of Us Part II Remastered comes out on January 19th.
Clock Tower
Image Source: WayForward
Horror game fans rejoice, the classic Clock Tower is finally releasing outside of Japan! What’s that? The first Clock Tower already came out on Playstation back in 1997? Well, no, that was actually Clock Tower 2. 1995’s Clock Tower 1 is getting a spruced-up remaster for the first time in the West. Clock Tower has you running away from the deadly Scissorman while navigating a dark mansion. It’s a point-and-click horror game that has you hiding, solving puzzles, and screaming in equal measure. Look forward to this updated Super Famicom horror game when it releases sometime in 2024.
That’s our list of 10 most anticipated remakes & remasters of 2024. There are obviously some games we didn’t add to this list, so let us know which ones you felt got snubbed. For all your reviews and guides for games in 2024 and beyond, check back here on Twinfinite!
About the author
Matthew Carmosino
Matthew Carmosino is a freelance writer for Twinfinite. He started gaming in the mid-90s where his love for SquareSoft RPGs like Chrono Trigger changed him forever. Matthew has been working in the game industry for two years covering everything from story-rich RPGs to puzzle-platformers.
Listening to piano music on a rainy day is his idea of a really good time, which probably explains his unnatural tolerance for level-grinding.
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