Author: sick skills

Following rumours and a recent rating, we’ve now got an official announcement! Ubisoft’s Rayman is back and he’ll be returning in Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition.

This title has been confirmed for the original Switch and multiple other platforms, and the most exciting part is it’s out this week on 13th February 2026!

Thanks to the help of Digital Eclipse, it comes packed five versions of the 1995 classic. This covers the PlayStation, Atari Jaguar, MS-DOS, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance versions. Along with this, there’s a “never-before-playable SNES prototype.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’ll also be 120 additional levels from bonus level packs, a reimagined soundtrack composed by Christophe Héral and enhanced gameplay features (including a 60-second rewind, infinite lives and invincibility).

Last but not least is an exclusive interactive documentary featuring “over 50 minutes of new interviews with the original developers”. It also includes never-before-seen concept art, early sketches and design documents showcasing the “origins and evolution” of Rayman.

Will you be celebrating Rayman’s anniversary with this latest release? Let us know in the comments.

Crystal Dynamic’s Legacy of Kain series will be returning this March with Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered and Legacy of Kain: Ascendance.

Both of these titles are coming to the Switch 2 and Switch. Defiance Remastered will be released on 3rd March 2026, and Ascendance is arriving on 31st March 2026.

Here’s a description for each title and you see the trailers above and below:

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is a timeless dark fantasy reborn for a new generation. Return to the dark world of Nosgoth as you take control of both the vampire Kain and his betrayed lieutenant, Raziel, two powerful entities bound by the conflict between fate and free will.

A prequel to Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a fast-paced, 2D action platformer built around vertical movement, fluid combat, and skill-driven play, with select PS1 era–inspired 3D sequences. Story and narrative are key to the experience, woven directly into gameplay, cutscenes, and world design. Beautifully crafted retro pixel-art gameplay and anime-influenced cinematics bring Nosgoth’s dark fantasy world to life, telling a new story set in a vast world of collapsing kingdoms, haunted ruins, and shattered timelines.

There will also be a Heart of Darkness Collection, including both games. Will yoube checking out these titles when they arrive on the Switch and Switch 2? Let us know in the comments.

As part of the Castlevania 40th anniversary celebrations, Konami announced Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse during the latest PlayStation ‘State of Play’ broadcast.

Evil Empire and Motion Twin (known for Dead Cells and The Rogue Prince of Persia) are helping out with the development of the title, and it will be launching for multiple platforms including the Switch in 2026.

This “2D action-exploration” title will be set “23 years after” Castlevania Dracula’s Curse and follows the journey of Trever Belmont’s successor, which takes place in Paris in 1499. Of course, you’ll also be armed with the “legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer” to deal with all sorts of beasts.

Here are some more details via the official PlayStation Blog about the games weapons and abilities as well as the “new art style”.

Weapons and abilities That’s right: the series’ iconic whip returns and is more important than ever. Crack your whip to move around freely like a trapeze artist and master its mechanics to get creative and pounce on your prey like a wolf in fast-paced combat.

However the whip is not the only tool at your disposal. There will be more weapons and abilities for you to master. In today’s reveal, you can see our hero use the Sword, which is easy to use and offers solid attack power. There’ll be more weapons and abilities revealed in the future. You will need to strategically plan your next move in combat and make full use of the tools to hand to stand a chance to save the city from the brink of destruction.

Beloved elements of Castlevania with a new art style

True to the roots of the series, you will encounter colorful characters and powerful foes, stumble upon many secret chambers, dig up numerous hidden items (yes, certain walls can be broken to reveal health-restoring meat items), and whip your way through challenging areas! As example, did you spot the familiar Zombie enemy in the trailer? They appear early in the game and while they move slowly, making them easy to defeat, they can become troublesome in large numbers.

In some other Konami news today, the company announced its anniversary celebrations for Castlevania were just beginning, and also revealed a second Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection for the Switch and Switch 2.

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When we find out more about this new Castlevania game, we’ll let you know. What are your first impressions of this title? Tell us in the comments.

In some very exciting news today, Konami has announced it’s bringing Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 to the Switch 2 (and Switch) on 27th August 2026.

As highlighted in the official announcement, this collection will feature the “first-ever port” of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Adding to this, Konami’s new collection will also include “the series’ first handheld game” along with a digital soundtrack as a purchase bonus.

Here’s exactly what you can expect in terms of games and digital contents included:

Games Included:

*Versions for other regions of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots can be downloaded separately from the store.

*Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version) supports online play for up to 6 players.

Digital Content:

• METAL GEAR SOLID 4 Database
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Screenplay Book
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Master Book
• Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Screenplay
• Book Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Master Book
• Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrack Vol.2

*Accessible via the in-game Start Menu.

*The soundtrack can be enjoyed using the dedicated sound player included within the game.

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According to the official Switch eShop listings, the digital version of this collection will be priced at $49.99 on the Switch 2 and Switch (or your regional equivalent).

Konami has confirmed the physical version of the Switch 2 release is a Game-Key Card. On Switch, some of the data will be on the game card, but it seems you’ll have to download the rest of the collection.

In some related news, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 has also been updated today, and it includes Switch 2 improvements. You can find out more about this update in our news post.

Are you excited about the second volume of the Metal Gear Solid Collection for Switch 2? What are your thoughts about the games included? Let us know in the comments.

Blizzard kicked off 30th anniversary celebrations for the Diablo series yesterday with a 40-minute spotlight, focusing on updates and new content for the franchise’s current games. However, one question remains unanswered: is Diablo IV coming to Switch 2? And, additionally, what about a Switch 2 Edition for Diablo II: Resurrected?

Eurogamer’s Robert Purchase attempted to get some clarity, but instead was told that “the company had nothing to say on the matter”. A little disappointing, given how successful Diablo 3 and Diablo II have proven on Switch 1, but we’d be surprised if nothing is happening.

Especially as Robert spoke to Hearthstone’s executive producer Nathan Lyons-Smith who, when talking about a possible Switch 2 port of the card game, told a room of journalists “In the future as we explore console and handheld, we’d probably go as wide as we could”. So a wider console base is at least being thought about.

In addition, there have been rumours about Diablo 4 coming to Switch 2 as far back as April 2025, with even series manager Rod Fergusson stating that it’s “something to look at”, though it’s not guaranteed due to potential live service issues.

Blizzard are, of course, working on getting Overwatch (that’s the game formerly known as Overwatch 2) on Switch 2, and that’s due later in the year. But with Diablo II already on the older console, we should at least expect that one, right?

Nothing is guaranteed of course, and Diablo’s 30th anniversary isn’t actually until 2027, so don’t be surprised if we hear something about this much later in the year. At least you can enjoy the new Warlock class in Diablo II on Switch 1 right now.

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Do you want to see Diablo IV, or Diablo II, on Switch 2? Head down to the comments and let us know.

Right on schedule, Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks have dropped a big free update for the excellent roguelite beat ’em up Absolum. And alongside some brand new gameplay modes and run-changing updates, we’ve got a swathe up bug fixes, character balance tweaks, and more.

We’ve covered the Threads of Fate update previously, but it’s worth reminding yourself what’s included. Mystic Ordeals are a brand new way to embark on runs, which add modifiers and challenges. Corrupted Biomes replace the Rifts system, optional areas within zones that yield great rewards. The Soul Tree has gained new rewards like Elite mounts and additional character skins. And a new “devilish ambush” in the Forest biome.

On top of the new content, the devs have also rebalanced each of the four characters, made a few regional tweaks, and tweaked some enemy AI.

Here’s a full rundown of the patch from Steam:

Absolum version 1.1 update – Threads of Fate

In addition to the new features we have for Rebels to play around with, we’ve got a huge number of bug fixes, tweaks, improvements, balancing, and optimisations. In our 1.1 Threads of Fate update, you’ll be able to find:

New Features

• The all-new Mystic Ordeals
  • Maugis’ pre-set Mystic Ordeals added (run modifiers to add bespoke challenges)
  • Rebels can also create their own challenges
• Corrupted Biomes added
  • Available after defeating Azra – visible at the start of each run
  • Replacing the previous Rifts system
  • Mystic Ordeals can increase or decrease the number of Corrupted Biomes
• Rebels’ complete stats are now accessible from the Soul Tree
• A new devilish ambush has been set up by the Goblins in the Forest
• A new arena has been added to the Versus mode in the Hub
• We’ve also added new Soul Tree rewards, which will be available after completing a Mystic Ordeal:
  • New emotes
  • A selection of Inspirations for run starts
  • Elite mounts
  • New Skins

Bug Fixes

• The Chicken is no longer targetable by enemies
• All attacks improved with a Ritual of Time should now correctly spawn a Past Echo
• Some trinkets are now flagged as “unique” (only one allowed per character).
• Fixed the display of “OverLife” value if the Ladle trinket is sold while having extra health
• The “Jungle Ambush” event should now happen consistently if a player has the related Quest and reaches the dedicated region
• Fixed an issue with Past Remnant scaling incorrectly with Time Mox
• The movement speed buff given by Necromancers charmed with the Mirror trinket will now last for the correct duration
• All of Uchawi’s greeting sentences should now be played correctly
• The Twin Horror bosses now have a portrait
• Fixed a bug affecting Azra’s fight music
• Duplicated Throwables can no longer be picked up from the floor
• Fixed a softlock happening during the first encounter with Vikhana in the Hub
• Fixed a softlock happening during the Azra phase 2 transition in multiplayer
• Mounts will now get fatigue correctly when hitting The Beast
• Fixed an exploit allowing infinite overpressure
• Fixed the portraits of enemies coming through corrupted rifts
• Yeldrim’s destroyables should now correctly award loot
• All companions should now follow the player who hired them
• Thorn Finisher no longer procs on Multi-target Hits
• The Goblin Champion in Mist Forest is now notably smarter in his pathing
• Fixed a bug for which Dash could not be canceled with Jump
• The Interloper now has a shadow
• Tutorial Clutshrooms now correctly stop their attacks when they hit
• Fixed a freeze that could happen when having the Bandit Queen as an ally
• Crustacean enemies will now react correctly when their attacks are deflected

Balancing and Optimisation

• Lowered Mana gains from all sources
• Lowered Cursed Luck’s Luck gain per HP lost ratio
• Lucky Charm is now a Rare trinket
• Zafari’s mission can now be completed on the first boat run
• Tweaked Bone Armor’s scaling to make it stronger at the start
• The Young Fan in the Arena now always awards an Epic Trinket
• The Museum Lore system has been revamped with more informations
• Horror companions can now be walked through like other summons
• Proximity Sparks now despawn at the end of a fight
• Lowered the chance of chests spawning on Ritual of Chaos procs
• Getting a Spark of Power before Maugis introduces Ultimate moves will now award a throwable star. Shiny!
• Thorn Dagger’s base damage decreased
• Splash Bubble size decreased
• Cyclone jump now gives the possibility to jump cancel moves according to the ritual level – strikes at level 1, skills at level 2, and Arcana at level 3

UI / UX Alterations

• Damage numbers can now be toggled on from the Options menu
• Throwables can now be set to be thrown on Forward + Interact input to avoid wasting them on interactions by mistake
• The player’s accrued Soul Tree bonuses can now be viewed from the Soul Tree menu
• Added FX on some of Galandra’s Arcanas
• Post-run map now hides the paths not visited
• Updated UI for Versus mode
• Added missing NPC portraits
• Quest items will no longer appear in the inventory
• Improved transparency of Tornadoes from the Ritual of Wind
• Improved transparency of Brome’s Arcanas
• Player indicators will now be hidden when emoting
• Added a new introduction for Assist mode
• The “hit” and “crit” symbols are now more distinguishable on ritual crystals
• The Online shrine will give a visual cue when there are players looking for matchmaking
• The Underking’s track had its mixing updated and now slaps even more (Thanks, Mick!)

Hero Tweaks

• Brome
  • Ultimate clones can’t trigger Past Echoes anymore
  • Controlled Grab now works with rituals affecting throws
  • Decreased Drill Rush’s damage; raised its startup and recovery times
  • Projectile Dispel now spawns projectiles even when clashing into a non-projectile attack
  • Increased Sigil of Hate’s damage
  • Telekinesis now has a limit of 30 throwables at a time
  • Telekinesis throwables can now be destroyed, deal damage on rotation, and get picked up faster
• Galandra
  • Sword Flurry’s third strike now does more damage and has less recovery
  • Impale now has an improved hitbox and travels further
  • Burial Smash is now more controllable and has less recovery time
  • Burial Smash now works with rituals affecting throws
  • Reaper Cyclone’s damage has been decreased
  • Missed Revenge Claw damage has been increased
  • Charged Sword’s damage has been increased
  • Charged Sword’s hitbox has been widened
• Karl
  • Ultimate ability now deals more damage
  • Shrapnel Bullet now stuns more consistently
  • Hot Casings’ damage has been decreased
  • Javelin Bullet now sticks to walls longer
  • Dragonbreath Bullet now spawns fewer shells
  • Karl can now change direction while performing Dragonbreath Bullet
• Cider
  • Ultimate ability now deals more damage
  • Rising Drill’s hitbox has been improved
  • Recycle will now award less mana per gadget
  • Duplicator now works with grenades

Region Changes

• Grandery
  • Beach – The Spectral Dragon’s region is no longer guaranteed at each run
  • Beach – Defeating the Spectral Dragon now rewards a huge gold pack in addition to the classic end-level Ritual
  • Cave – The Mushtroll encounter is no longer guaranteed at each run
  • Cave – Replaced the Mushtroll’s Ritual reward with an Inspiration
• Asterios
  • Marketplace – Ritual Shop in Asterios Marketplace now properly remembers what was selling when a player gets back to the main market square
  • Marketplace – Resurrection Token price lowered to 600 gold
• Yeldrim
  • Darktown now looks way more lively.

Enemy Alterations

• Decreased the Underking’s life pool
• Decreased all enemies’ life pool in multiplayer
• Decreased the health of the Lizard King’s bubble
• Ruzgar has now received an invitation to the ball at the Cultist Mansion
• The Interloper’s hands can’t be Elite anymore
• Enemies that counter throws will do so more slowly
• The Spectral Dragon now deals more damage
• Alberich’s meteors now also cause pushback
• Drones can now be grabbed
• Decreased The Dead Guardians’ damage and health
• Gnolls will now taunt you during fights. Make sure to punish them accordingly.
• Decaying Plants’ health has been decreased
• Reduced the active frames on the Kretch’s smash attack
• Dragons will now stand up faster after having been grounded

So, there’s no better time to jump into Absolum than right now. Whether you’re a new player or you’re coming back for more with the update, there’s lots to love. We thought the base game was fantastic, so this new content should only make it better.

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Are you checking out the Threads of Fate update today? Get punching in the comments.