A new Fortnitemares 2026 quest line has been added to the game that has you creating Halloween decorations. Here is how to carve pumpkins in Fortnite and where to find the quest items on the map.

How to Carve Pumpkins in Fortnite

A new Fortnitemares 2026 quest tasks you with carving five pumpkins while in a match. Thankfully, the quest is a lot easier than it sounds if you know the right places to look on the battle royale map!

To carve pumpkins in Fortnite, you need to land at Nightmare Neighborhood or Wonkeeland and find the interactive pumpkins marked with floating exclamation marks. Here are the steps to complete the quest:

1. Land at either Nightmare Neighborhood or Wonkeeland.
2. Explore the POI until you see exclamation mark icons on your map.
3. Walk up to a marked pumpkin and hold the interact button shown on your screen to carve it.
4. Repeat until you have carved five pumpkins. You may need to visit the second POI or start another match to finish the quest.

Pumpkin Carving Locations in Fortnite

As we mentioned above, the pumpkin carving locations in Fortnite are the Nightmare Neighborhood and Wonkeeland POIs. The interactive pumpkins cannot be found anywhere else on the map, so drop into one of these locations at the start of the match.

Do not bother with the regular orange pumpkins scattered all over the map, as they aren’t what you are looking for. Instead, look for giant pumpkins with black lines running down them and a floating exclamation mark above them.

You will likely need to complete this quest across multiple matches. There are usually only two pumpkins that can be carved in the center of Nightmare Neighborhood. And by the time you reach Wonkeeland, the pumpkins might have already been carved by another player.

Since both locations are popular Fortnitemares POIs, expect to get jumped by other players. Our best advice is to look for a gold chest first and grab a weapon. Then make for the interactive pumpkins as quickly as possible. According to Epic Games, the pumpkin carving quest ends on October 31, giving players about three weeks left to complete it.

The post How to Carve Pumpkins in Fortnite: Quest Locations and Steps appeared first on VICE.

We are going to take a look at the top-ranking PSP games based on their Metacritic review scores. From God of War: Chains of Olympus to Persona 3 Portable, here are the best PSP games of all time according to critics and user reviews.

Best PSP Games of All Time Based on Review Scores

For our list of the best PSP games of all time, we are using Metacritic’s top-rated titles based on aggregated critic review scores. Unsurprisingly, taking the top spot is Sony’s excellent God of War: Chains of Olympus.

As a massive JRPG nerd, I was also pleasantly surprised to see Persona 3 Portable not only make the list, but find a spot in the top three. With all that said, here are the top 10 PSP games ranked by their Metacritic scores.

Rank	Game	Release Year	Metacritic Score
1	God of War: Chains of Olympus	2008	91
2	Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars	2009	90
3	Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable	2010	89
4	Lumines	2005	89
5	Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker	2010	89
6	Wipeout Pure	2005	88
7	Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions	2007	88
8	Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories	2005	88
9	Tekken: Dark Resurrection	2006	88
10	Ridge Racer	2005	88

What Makes These Top 10 PSP Games Worth Playing?

1. God of War: Chains of Olympus

God of War: Chains of Olympus brought Kratos’ brutal combat and Greek mythology to Sony’s handheld without losing the series’ sense of scale. With huge bosses, puzzles, and plenty of enemies to tear through, it’s easy to see why this adventure takes the top spot.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars takes a different approach from the other PSP entries, using a top-down perspective instead of the familiar third-person camera. However, it still delivers the crime-filled open world you would expect, with its drug-trading system giving players another reason to keep exploring Liberty City.

3. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable

Persona 3 Portable combines turn-based battles with school life, Social Links, and a story that gets increasingly dark. The PSP version also adds a playable female protagonist and direct control over your party members, making it a massive RPG to take on the go.

4. Lumines

Lumines is one of those puzzle games that looks simple until you realize how much time you’ve spent playing it. Matching colored blocks is only part of the appeal, as the music and changing visuals make it easy to get pulled into another round.

5. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker packs stealth missions, base management, and co-op gameplay into a handheld adventure. Recruiting soldiers and building up your forces gives you plenty to work toward between missions, making this much more than a bite-sized Metal Gear game.

6. Wipeout Pure

If you want something fast, Wipeout Pure certainly delivers. Its anti-gravity racing combines futuristic tracks with weapons and a pulsing soundtrack, giving PSP players a racer that demands quick reactions.

7. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions brings the classic tactical RPG to PSP with additional content and animated cutscenes. Between its job system, challenging battles, and political storyline, there is a lot here for players who enjoy spending time building the perfect party.

8. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories returns players to Liberty City with a new story centered on Toni Cipriani. For anyone wanting the familiar third-person GTA experience on a handheld, its missions and open-world chaos make it an obvious choice.

9. Tekken: Dark Resurrection

Tekken: Dark Resurrection brings the franchise’s fighting action to PSP with a large roster and plenty of character customization. Whether you want to learn a fighter’s moves or challenge a friend through local wireless play, it offers plenty of reasons to keep coming back.

10. Ridge Racer

Ridge Racer rounds out the top 10 with arcade racing built around the series’ signature drifting. Its selection of tracks and World Tour progression make it a great fit for quick races, although unlocking more content can easily turn a short session into a much longer one.

Best PSP Games of All Time Ranked by User Scores

While critic reviews give us one ranking of the best PSP games, players have their own favorites. Metacritic’s user scores put games such as Patapon 2 and God of War: Ghost of Sparta near the top, while several JRPGs also make the list.

If you are looking for something beyond the critic-ranked top 10, this second list gives you a few more games to check out:

Rank	Game	Metacritic User Score
1	Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions	8.7
2	Patapon 2	8.7
3	God of War: Ghost of Sparta	8.7
4	Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable	8.7
5	Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time	8.6
6	Breath of Fire III	8.6
7	Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together	8.6
8	Mega Man Maverick Hunter X	8.5
9	Monster Hunter Freedom Unite	8.5
10	Burnout Legends	8.5

Of course, with the PSP originally launching in 2004, it has thousands of additional games you can still discover beyond this list. I personally wanted to shout out Jeanne d’Arc, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.

The post Best PSP Games of All Time: Top 10 Ranked appeared first on VICE.

With Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 only weeks away from ending, many players are wondering which Sprite is the hard to find in the game. Here is what the rarest Sprite in Fortnite is right now and how to get it.

What Is the Rarest Sprite in Fortnite? (October 2026)

The Trick or Treat Klombo Sprite is the rarest Sprite in Fortnite as of October 2026. Technically, all the Klombo Sprite variants have the same drop rate and are equally rare. But since Trick or Treat Sprites just came out, fewer players are likely to have the Halloween version of Klombo.

That said, answering this question is a bit tricky because there are two ways to define the “rarest” Sprite in Fortnite: its spawn rate and how difficult it is to unlock. If we are talking purely about drop rates, then that would go to the Klombo Sprite and all of its variants. They have the lowest spawn rate in the game and are among the most difficult to collect.

However, the Trick or Treat Crown Sprite takes second place on our list. Why? Because it doesn’t actually spawn in matches. You not only have to win a match to unlock the base Crown Sprite, but you then need to secure five Victory Royales in a specific order before you can collect the Trick or Treat Crown Sprite.

Top 10 Rarest Sprites in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4

As we mentioned above, Klombo and the Trick or Treat Crown Sprite take the top spots on our list. However, we thought it would be interesting to look at the other rare variants as Chapter 7 Season 4 comes to a close.

Our ranking considers both rarity and the difficulty of collecting each Sprite:

1. Trick or Treat Klombo Sprite
2. Trick or Treat Crown Sprite
3. Bounty Hunter Klombo Sprite
4. Loot Hacker Klombo Sprite
5. Cheat Master Klombo Sprite
6. Gold Klombo Sprite
7. Klombo Sprite
8. Bounty Hunter Crown Sprite
9. Trick or Treat Spooky Dash Sprite
10. Loot Hacker Crown Sprite

Yeah, that’s a lot of Klombo and Crown Sprites, I know! But compared to last season, Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 didn’t have a lot of super rare Sprites. Instead, most of the focus was on these two. Epic also made mastering both the Klombo and Crown Sprites extremely difficult.

Lastly, it should be pointed out that the Honey and Obsession Sprites are both releasing on October 15. Depending on whether the Obsession Sprite is a Mythic and has variants, it could make our top 10 list.

As of today, there is a total of 145 Sprites in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4. The Override season will reportedly and on October 31, so you only have a few weeks left to complete your collection!

The post What Is the Rarest Sprite in Fortnite Right Now? (Chapter 7 Season 4) appeared first on VICE.

Rockstar Games has released three new GTA 6 screenshots that show off how much its graphics have improved. The new images reveal the insane level of polish Grand Theft Auto VI has undergone since its delay.

GTA 6 Screenshots Show Major Graphical Improvements

When GTA 6 was delayed back in 2025, Rockstar Games revealed it was due to the studio wanting to polish the game further. While some fans were disappointed at the time, it now appears that the wait was more than worth it. Rockstar Games has released new GTA 6 screenshots that show off how much the game has been polished. And it looks incredible.

While revealing the Grand Theft Auto VI radio stations, Rockstar also uploaded three new scenic shots. However, eagle-eyed fans immediately noticed the level of detail in the latest images. For example, in the nighttime screenshot, we can see puddles on the street reflecting the neon lights of the surrounding buildings.

To give you an idea of how much the game’s graphics appear to have improved, here is a comparison of the same scene from the 2023 trailer and the new 2026 screenshot:

New GTA 6 Screenshots Highlight Vice City’s Detail

There are also two additional screenshots showing off how impressive GTA 6’s graphics are. In the second image, we see a traffic jam on the highway. To the right, we can see the vast Vice City skyline, and the draw distance and level of detail here are pretty mind-blowing.

Finally, we also got a third image showing a parking lot at night. Again, the screenshot shows an impressive crowd of NPCs gathering around the hangout spot, giving us another look at how populated Vice City can be.

The new GTA 6 screenshots were so impressive that they had many fans asking whether they were captured on PS5 Pro. However, at the time of writing, Rockstar Games has not confirmed which console these images were captured on or revealed details about a potential graphics mode for PlayStation 5 Pro.

Regardless, the new images highlight just how much Rockstar Games appears to have polished GTA 6 since it was first revealed in 2023. And based on how good these screenshots look just 41 days away from launch, the GTA 6 delay looks like it was totally worth the wait!

The post New GTA 6 Screenshots Show How Much Rockstar Has Polished the Game appeared first on VICE.

A rare Charizard Pokémon card has sold for more than $1.3 million, setting a new record for the classic TCG collectible. The first-edition PSA 10 Charizard has crossed the million-dollar mark, and its latest price is enough to make anyone wish they had taken better care of their childhood collection.

Charizard Pokémon Card Hits New Record Price

The 1999 first-edition holographic Charizard Pokémon card has reportedly sold for $1,385,274, according to Jazware President Jeremy Padawer. The collector revealed the eye-watering sale on X as a new record for a first-edition PSA 10 Charizard.

Reacting to the milestone on X, Padawer celebrated the card’s status among the biggest collectibles in the trading card market. He compared Charizard to iconic cards such as the 1952 Mickey Mantle, Magic: The Gathering’s Black Lotus, and the T206 Honus Wagner.

“The PSA 10 1st edition Charizard has done it,” he wrote. “The icon. The Mount Rushmore. The legend.” Padawer also revealed that the 1st Edition Charizard currently only has a population of 123 PSA 10 copies in the world.

Classic Pokémon Card Prices Continue to Skyrocket

To put the price into perspective, Padawer explained that he purchased an entire first-edition Pokémon card set for $129,500 in 2019. According to the collector, that purchase was itself a world record at the time.

Now, this single Charizard Pokémon card has sold for more than ten times what he paid for that whole set seven years ago. Padawer estimated that his set could now be worth more than $2.7 million, assuming Charizard continues to account for roughly half of the complete set’s value.

The PSA 10 1st edition Charizard has done it. The icon. The Mount Rushmore. The legend. The singular, signature card of Pokémon that stands next to the 52 Mantle, the Black Lotus of MTG, the T206 Wagner, the 1984 Star Jordan. One of the 5 most iconic trading cards of all… pic.twitter.com/V5cj7Tw5PN

— Jeremy Padawer (@JeremyCom) October 9, 2026

“20X return in 7 years. Wow. Blown away. Not surprised same time,” he added. For collectors who have followed first-edition Charizard prices over the years, the latest result marks a huge milestone for one of Pokémon’s most recognizable cards.

As far as what is the highest selling Pokémon card of all time? That honor still goes to the rare Pikachu Illustrator. In 2026, the TCG collectible sold for a staggering $16,492,000 at Goldin Auctions and still holds the Guinness world record.

The post Charizard Pokémon Card Sells for Record-Breaking $1.385 Million appeared first on VICE.

Phantom Blade Zero launches this October, with players in North America able to start playing on the evening of October 28. Pre-orders also include an accessory and outfit you can unlock early, while the Deluxe Edition comes with additional outfits and digital extras. Here is when Phantom Blade Zero comes out, its regional release times, and everything included with each edition.

When Is Phantom Blade Zero Coming Out?

The Phantom Blade Zero release date is Thursday, October 29, 2026, on PS5 and PC. However, the North American release time falls on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET. That means players in the United States can jump into the new S-Game title the evening before its advertised release date.

If you have seen both October 28 and October 29 listed, the difference comes down to time zones. The supplied 7:00 PM PDT unlock falls on October 29 across Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Phantom Blade Zero Release Times

As we mentioned earlier, the current listed release time for PBZ is October 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM PDT. For your convenience, we have converted that time into a table showing when it falls in each major region:

Region	Local Date	Release Time
United States (PT)	October 28	7:00 PM PDT
United States / Canada (ET)	October 28	10:00 PM EDT
Brazil (São Paulo)	October 28	11:00 PM BRT
United Kingdom	October 29	2:00 AM GMT
Germany	October 29	3:00 AM CET
Finland	October 29	4:00 AM EET
United Arab Emirates	October 29	6:00 AM GST
China / Singapore	October 29	10:00 AM CST / SGT
Japan / South Korea	October 29	11:00 AM JST / KST
Australia (Sydney)	October 29	1:00 PM AEDT
New Zealand (Auckland)	October 29	3:00 PM NZDT

Phantom Blade Zero Pre-Order Items

Players who pre-order Phantom Blade Zero can unlock two items early: the Treasure Basin accessory and Legacy outfit. Treasure Basin increases your Remnant Dust drop rate by 10%, giving you a useful bonus as you begin playing.

Here are the PBZ pre-order items:

• Treasure Basin accessory: Increases Remnant Dust drop rate by 10%.
• Legacy outfit: An outfit available as an early unlock.

Both items can also be obtained through in-game progression. So if you decide to pick up the game after launch, you can still earn them by playing. Pre-ordering simply gives you access to them sooner.

Phantom Blade Zero Deluxe Edition Items

The Phantom Blade Zero Deluxe Edition includes the main game, two exclusive outfits, a digital artbook, and the digital soundtrack. However, it does not include early access.

Here is everything included in the Deluxe Edition:

• Wulin Legend: Deluxe Edition exclusive outfit.
• Blood-Steel Form: Deluxe Edition exclusive outfit.
• Digital Artbook.
• Digital Soundtrack (OST).

If you pre-order the Deluxe Edition, you also receive the early unlocks for Treasure Basin and Legacy. The distinction is that those two pre-order items can be earned through normal progression, while Wulin Legend and Blood-Steel Form are listed as Deluxe Edition exclusive outfits.

Is Phantom Blade Zero Coming to PC?

Yes, Phantom Blade Zero is coming to PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store, alongside its PS5 release. PC players can choose between the Standard Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition, with pre-orders including early unlocks for the Treasure Basin accessory and Legacy outfit.

The post Phantom Blade Zero Release Date, Launch Times & Pre-Order Bonuses appeared first on VICE.

Steam’s free games weekend promotion is now live, giving PC players a chance to try ARC Raiders, Core Keeper, and Squad 44 without buying them. There’s also an extra offer worth grabbing: Pony Island is currently free to keep. However, the three free weekend games don’t all have the same deadline. Here’s what you can play, when each promotion ends, and how to download the games on Steam.

Steam Free Games Weekend Promotion List for October 8–13

Valve has revealed October’s Steam Free Games Weekend Promotion, and it includes major titles such as ARC Raiders, Core Keeper and Squad 44. Here is a full break down of the Steam weekend promotion, and when each title stops being free:

Game	Free access ends	Purchase discount	Sale ends
ARC Raiders	October 12 at 1 AM PT / 4 AM ET	50% off	October 15
Core Keeper	October 12 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET	40% off	October 22
Squad 44	October 13 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET	70% off	October 15

The purchase discounts last beyond the free play periods. That means you have some extra time to decide whether to buy a game after trying it.

ARC Raiders Is Free to Play Until October 12

If you’ve been curious about ARC Raiders, this weekend gives you access to the full game. Embark Studios’ extraction adventure title lets you head out alone or with up to two teammates, gather supplies, and attempt to get back safely.

The promotion also arrives alongside the Frozen Trail update. According to Embark, newcomers can enter the new Pendola Pass map immediately by joining players who have already unlocked it.

The ARC Raiders free weekend ends October 12 at 1 AM PT / 4 AM ET, so it’s the first of the three free game weekend trials to finish.

Core Keeper Is Free to Play Until October 12

For players who would rather spend their weekend mining, building, and exploring, Core Keeper offers an underground sandbox that supports solo play or groups of up to eight players. You can build a base, plant crops, go fishing, or venture farther into the caves to find new areas and take on bosses.

The developer confirms that the promotion includes the full game and online multiplayer. Your save data will also remain available afterward, letting you continue the same adventure if you decide to purchase it.

The Core Keeper free weekend ends October 12 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. Its 40% discount continues until October 22.

Squad 44 Is Free to Play Until October 13

Squad 44 is the option for players looking for a more tactical multiplayer shooter. Previously called Post Scriptum, the World War II game puts communication and coordinated attacks at the center of its battles.

It’s also the trial with the latest listed deadline. Steam currently shows Squad 44 as free to play until October 13 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. The game is discounted by 70% until October 15.

Bonus Steam Giveaway: Pony Island Is Free to Keep

Alongside the three free weekend trials, Steam is offering Pony Island as a free-to-keep game. However, you need to claim it before October 12 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. You can continue playing after the offer ends.

Despite the name, Pony Island is a sinister puzzle adventure involving a corrupted arcade machine. Created by Daniel Mullins Games, it has you investigate the software behind the game as you attempt to escape.

To claim Pony Island for free on Steam, visit its Steam page and select Add to Account before the deadline ends.

Can You Keep Steam Free Weekend Games?

Free weekend access is temporary. You’ll eventually need to purchase ARC Raiders, Core Keeper, or Squad 44 to continue playing once their individual promotions end. Downloading them during the event doesn’t give you permanent ownership.

Pony Island is the exception here because its store page explicitly lists a free-to-keep offer. Once claimed before the deadline, it stays in your Steam library.

The post Steam Free Games Weekend Promotion: All Games and End Times appeared first on VICE.

Rockstar Games has released new GTA 6 screenshots and revealed some of the radio stations featured in Grand Theft Auto VI. From Flash FM to Dirty South Classics, players can now preview select stations ahead of launch. The developer has also revealed radio hosts, including Bad Bunny and Lana Del Rey.

GTA 6 Radio Stations and DJs Revealed

Rockstar Games has revealed many of the Grand Theft Auto VI radio stations as well as their hosts. In an update to their site, the developer confirmed GTA 6 will feature its biggest and most varied selection of in-game radio and podcasts yet.

So if you tend to spend half your time in GTA driving around listening to music, it sounds like you’ll have plenty to choose from. The reveal includes six stations covering everything from modern Latin music to metal.

Here are the GTA 6 radio stations featured in the latest update:

• Cocoteo FM: Modern Latin music hosted by El Martillo and La Gata.
• Back Country Radio: Country music hosted by MW and Delta Dawne.
• AfroBank FM: African classics, amapiano, 3-step, and more, hosted by Burna and Palmsy.
• The Chamber: Metal from the 1980s and beyond, hosted by DJ Kerry and DJ Tom.
• Flash FM: Pop music hosted by Robyn and Alex.
• Dirty South Classics: Southern rap and hip-hop classics hosted by Trick and Trina.

These are only some of the stations players will hear across Leonida. Rockstar’s website also mentions classic rock and talk radio, meaning the six featured stations aren’t the complete GTA 6 radio station list.

Confirmed GTA 6 Radio Hosts Include Bad Bunny and Lana Del Rey

Rockstar Games has also confirmed several artists and personalities as GTA 6 radio hosts and DJs, including:

• Bad Bunny
• Burna Boy
• Lana Del Rey (and her Husband)
• Trick Daddy
• Trina
• RaiNao
• Robyn
• Morgan Wallen

Confirmed genres include classic rock, modern hip-hop, pop, metal, dance, Latin, ’80s music, electronic, blues, and ballads. Players will also have talk radio and podcasts to listen to while exploring Leonida.

How to Preview GTA 6 Radio Stations Early

You can preview select GTA 6 radio stations now through Rockstar’s official music page. Simply choose the station you want to hear and select “Preview Station” to get an early taste of its music.

If you’re already trying to decide which station will become your go-to while exploring Vice City and Leonida, this gives you a chance to start figuring that out before launch.

New GTA 6 Screenshots Released by Rockstar

Alongside the radio station reveal, Rockstar has shared several new GTA 6 screenshots. Fans can browse and download the official images through the Grand Theft Auto VI website. However for your convenience, here are the three new screenshots released by Rockstar Games:

---

---

Between the new screenshots and radio previews, there’s plenty to check out in Rockstar’s latest update while waiting for Grand Theft Auto VI to release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The post Rockstar Releases New GTA 6 Screenshots & Radio Stations Early appeared first on VICE.

A leaked Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse review has revealed new details about the game’s exploration, combat, and difficulty. Alongside a reported 32 out of 40 score, the review describes challenging boss battles, customizable assist options, and a progression system tied to tarot cards.

Castlevania Belmont’s Curse Review Leaks early online

A leaked Famitsu review of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse has surfaced early online. The game reportedly received a 32/40 review score from legendary Japanese magazine. The leaked review praises the game’s detailed environments, music, and exploration, while also highlighting its higher difficulty compared to previous entries.

One of the biggest details is that the game reportedly doesn’t feature equipment collecting or money earned through enemy drops. Instead, the review describes a traditional exploration-focused adventure where new abilities expand the areas you can access.

Interestingly, defeated bosses also appear inside tarot cards and speak to you. Here is a breakdown of the biggest details included in the leaked Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse review:

Biggest Details From the Castlevania Belmont’s Curse Review Leak

• No equipment collecting or money from enemy drops: The review says there are no equipment-collection elements or systems where enemies drop money. Instead, it describes the game as a traditional exploration-focused adventure.
• The story continues from Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse: The review praises the continuation of that game’s story, along with the Belmont family protagonists and returning classic bosses.
• The whip is a major traversal tool: Players can hook their whip onto anchor points, platforms, and enemies to swing through areas or pull themselves closer before attacking.
• Platforming requires precise control: Aerial movement using the whip and other weapons is important. The review describes demanding traversal that requires players to make skillful use of their abilities.
• Bosses unlock new exploration abilities: Defeating bosses grants “Arcana,” which expand the areas you can explore. The review describes this progression as familiar but rewarding.
• Cards have their own missions and puzzles: Each acquired card reportedly includes missions and puzzles to complete, giving players additional challenges beyond combat.
• Defeated bosses speak to you through tarot cards: Bosses appear inside tarot cards after being defeated and can talk to the player.
• Regular enemies are tougher: Compared to previous entries, standard enemies reportedly take longer to defeat, and players are likely to take damage more often.
• Boss fights reward learning weapons and tactics: Boss encounters are described as especially punishing at first. However, finding effective weapons and strategies makes them much easier, capturing the feel of older games.
• Leveling up helps with difficult bosses: Despite the lack of equipment collecting, the review confirms that leveling up can help players overcome tougher encounters.
• Difficulty can be customized: Players can adjust damage and the number of potions available. The review also praises various assist functions that help players tailor the challenge to their skill level.
• Weapon and Arcana switching adds variety: The review highlights the enjoyment of switching between weapons and Arcana during gameplay.
• Areas are packed with traps and mechanisms: Exploration includes environmental hazards and mechanisms, with whip-assisted leaps between locations singled out as particularly thrilling.
• Paris and the castle feature detailed backgrounds: The environments and music receive praise for making the adventure more immersive.
• Whip swinging may feel sluggish to some players: Although another comment praises the protagonist’s controls, one reviewer says swinging from anchor points could feel a little slow.
• The visual and action styles may divide fans: One comment compares the presentation and action to recent Western indie productions, suggesting that fans’ enjoyment may depend on their personal taste.

Based on the leaked review scores, Belmont’s Curse appears to put a heavy emphasis on exploration, whip traversal, and learning how to overcome challenging enemies. The customizable difficulty options are also a promising detail for anyone who wants to explore its world with a little extra help.

The post Castlevania Belmont’s Curse Review Leak Reveals New Details appeared first on VICE.

Pearl Abyss has revealed new Crimson Desert DLC features, including ocean exploration, expanded housing, and new storylines. Here is everything we know about the Charting the Unknown expansion, including the Crimson Desert DLC release date and exclusive pre-order bonuses.

Crimson Desert DLC Release Date

The Crimson Desert DLC release date is October 29, 2026. The Charting the Unknown expansion was originally scheduled to launch on October 15, but Pearl Abyss delayed it by two weeks to give the team more development time. According to the studio, the additional time will be used to deliver a more polished and stable gameplay experience.

That means players will have to wait a little longer before setting sail beyond Pywel’s shores. However, based on the features revealed so far, the expansion will give players plenty of new things to do when they return.

Crimson Desert DLC Features Explained

The Crimson Desert DLC expands the adventure across both land and sea. Alongside new enemies and stories, Charting the Unknown introduces more ways to explore the world and build a life in Pywel. Here is a breakdown of the biggest features revealed by Pearl Abyss:

Ocean Exploration and New Islands

One of the biggest additions in the Crimson Desert DLC is ocean exploration. Players will be able to take command of their own ship and sail beyond Pywel’s shores to discover new islands off the coast.

Interestingly, exploration won’t stop at the surface. You can also dive beneath the waves to search for underwater treasures, explore sunken ruins, and uncover hidden mysteries. So if you’ve been wanting more places to explore, the expansion is opening up an entirely new side of Pywel.

New Enemies Across Land and Sea

Pearl Abyss has also confirmed that new enemies will appear across both land and sea. According to the developer, these foes will bring new dangers that require players to adapt their tactics.

The announcement doesn’t go into detail about the individual enemies you’ll encounter. However, the studio is teasing some of your fiercest battles yet, so it sounds like exploring the ocean won’t exactly be a relaxing vacation.

Upgraded Housing and Facility Management

The Crimson Desert DLC will also give players more ways to make their mark on Pywel outside of combat. Specifically, you will be able to rent and manage a variety of facilities to earn money.

An upgraded Housing mode will let you build a home that feels more like your own. Pearl Abyss is also teasing deeper bonds with the people of Pywel through conversations, giving players another reason to spend time getting to know the world’s inhabitants.

New Stories for Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane

The expansion continues the journeys of Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane, with each character following their own path forward.

Pearl Abyss has teased several new storylines, including an ominous presence in the desert, a dangerous political conflict, a journey beyond time, and an ancient secret beneath the waves. While the announcement keeps the details fairly vague, it sounds like there will be plenty of new mysteries to unravel alongside the expanded exploration.

Crimson Desert DLC Pre-Order Bonus Revealed

Players who pre-order Crimson Desert: Charting the Unknown will receive exclusive diving sets for the game’s three playable characters. Here are the announced pre-order bonuses:

• Charter’s Diving Set for Kliff and Oongka.
• Charter’s Light Diving Set for Damiane.

The diving sets fit right in with the expansion’s ocean exploration theme. Between sailing to new islands, searching sunken ruins, and continuing the stories of all three characters, Charting the Unknown is giving players plenty of reasons to return to Pywel on October 29.

The post Crimson Desert DLC Features and Pre-Order Bonus Revealed appeared first on VICE.

When Dragon’s Dogma 2 came out in 2024, I was a pretty big defender of the sequel’s many changes to the franchise. While it had its flaws, I still think the Capcom title was pretty groundbreaking for an open-world RPG, with its emergent world quests and vast NPC systems. However, Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen not only fixes most of the game’s biggest problems, but it’s also one of the best DLC expansions I’ve played in years. It could easily be its own standalone game.

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen’s Massive Norgan Map

The Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen expansion adds a new region to the overworld called Norgan. The snowy northern region is a treacherous tundra overtaken by blizzards and dangerous creatures. However, the new region is also beautiful and is a major change of pace from the base game’s locales.

At times, I got flashbacks of Tamriel from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. And I mean this as the highest compliment. One of my favorite moments while reviewing the expansion was just taking in a beautiful aurora borealis in the night sky while exploring the mountains. It’s some of Capcom’s best level design in years. And yes, the Norgan map in Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen is absolutely massive.

Just to put it into perspective, it took me around 30 hours to beat the new expansion. And I still had side content I hadn’t finished. I wasn’t kidding when I said Dark Arisen could have been its own standalone game. What impressed me most, though, is just how layered the map is. In the expansion, there is a lot more verticality to the overworld, with entire map sections located underground or on higher plateaus.

Dark Arisen’s Story Introduces a Second Arisen

The plot of the new Dragon’s Dogma 2 DLC is also awesome and will have you hooked from the very start. Without getting into spoilers, Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen introduces the mystery of a second Arisen arriving in the north.

However, everything we know about the game’s lore and the Cycle gets called into question when a new Dragon threat upends everything. Capcom largely treats the Dark Arisen plot as a fresh start for the player.

Even though you are the Arisen in Vermund and heralded as a champion, in Norgan, you are pretty much a fish out of water from the very jump. I actually loved this decision, as it allows you to get thrown into the mystery without any baggage.

If you are like me and put hundreds of hours into the main game, it’s also a lot easier to return to the expansion with this kind of story format. Essentially, you can dive into Dark Arisen and enjoy it front to back as its own story. Although knowing the main narrative of the base game still adds a lot of context.

Improved Fast Travel Makes Exploration Smoother

One of my biggest complaints about Dragon’s Dogma 2 was its fast travel system. You essentially had to travel on foot to every location. The game technically had fast travel points, but you had to use a limited Ferrystone item to utilize the feature. So, for most of the base game, you had to rely on Oxcarts and travel services.

I understand why the decision was made, as it forces the player to really take in the game’s overworld. However, it became a slog. In Dragon’s Dogma 2 Update 3.1, released in June, Capcom gave players an Eternal Ferrystone that can be used infinitely.

This new system carries over to the Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen expansion, and it’s a massive game changer. As you make your way across the massive Norgan map, you can regularly teleport to key locations with the click of a button. And it makes the game’s progression and flow so much better.

Dark Arisen’s New Relic System Overhauls Loot

Another annoying aspect of Dragon’s Dogma 2 was the loot you would find in chests or get as rewards. Because of the game’s weight system, you would constantly find your party becoming overburdened while stuck traversing the map on foot.

In Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, a new loot system is introduced called spoils, or “relics.” The way it works is that whenever you kill an enemy or open a chest, you have a chance to get a relic. This item can be a weapon, an armor piece, or even general loot. However, you have to visit an NPC in the main Norgan village hub to get it “appraised.”

Because of this, you can go for hours collecting loot in the overworld without it weighing you down. Then, you can fast travel back to the NPC to reveal what you got. As soon as you get the new loot, you can send it directly to your storage chest.

Not only is this a major improvement to the game’s base loot system, but it also creates a really addicting gameplay loop. There are also hidden boss fights on the map and tougher enemies that give you a chance at better relic drops.

New Skills and Class Upgrades Expand Combat

Finally, Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen also adds a lot of new spells and class upgrades to the game. Throughout the Norgan region, you will find Obelisks of Benediction. Each of these monuments is tied to a specific class and offers powerful upgrades for your character.

For example, my Arisen is a Magick Archer, and I found an Obelisk of Benediction that unlocked the new Shadebind Bolt skill for my character. The ability is pretty broken, as it allows me to slow an enemy to a crawl by poisoning them with a shadow arrow. However, if you charge it up fully, you can slow down even massive enemies such as giants and dragons.

One of my favorite combat encounters was when I slowed down a Dragon with Shadebind so that my Sorcerer could summon Meteoron directly on top of it to decimate its health bar. There are Obelisks scattered around the whole map to discover, and they add powerful new abilities to the game’s classes.

Verdict: Dark Arisen Makes Dragon’s Dogma 2 a Must-Play RPG

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen is even better than the base game and is packed with so much content that it could have been its own standalone title. The new Norgan region has much tighter level design, and the expansion’s incredible story progression and gameplay loop will hook you from beginning to end.

Dark Arisen has not only made Dragon’s Dogma 2 a must-play RPG, but it’s also one of Capcom’s best games in years.

Verdict: Best In Its Class (10/10)

---

Pros

• Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen has an excellent story and standalone region worth exploring.
• The Dark Arisen expansion is easily over 25 hours of new content and gives players another reason to jump back into the 2024 title.
• The new expansion largely improves most of Dragon’s Dogmas 2’s biggest flaws, such as loot, fast travel, and exploration limits.
• The Lost Rites DLC is also included, and adds over 12 new dungeons to the base game’s overworld map.

Cons

• The Dark Arisen expansion is fairly challenging and requires you to at least be around level 40 to take on enemies. So while the DLC is available as soon as you reach Vernworth, it might be better suited for players who have already beaten the main game.
• Pawns can still accidentally get killed or disappear from your party if you aren’t paying attention. Early on in the game it’s not a big deal as most party members are free to summon. However, its painful when you lose a party member that’s been with you for hours and don’t know why.

---

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen releases on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on October 9, 2026. A code was provided by Capcom for the sake of review. Reviewed on PlayStation 5 Pro.

The post Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Review – A Must-Play Expansion appeared first on VICE.

Playground Games has finally responded to player backlash over Forza Horizon 6. After months of silence, the British studio has revealed how it plans to address player feedback. Forza Horizon 6 PS5 is also reportedly delayed to 2027.

Playground Games Addresses Forza Horizon 6 Player Feedback

When Forza Horizon 6 launched in May, it received overwhelmingly positive reviews, even scoring a 90 on Metacritic. However, months after its release, the Xbox racing game has faced growing backlash from players over the studio’s lack of communication and meaningful updates. Playground Games has now responded to those complaints online.

In a statement posted to X, Playground Games acknowledged its lack of communication with Forza Horizon 6 players: “We’re reading all your comments about Forza Horizon 6, and we realise that we haven’t been talking with you as much as we could be.”

A message from the team: pic.twitter.com/uwwbzbY4i4

— Playground Games (@WeArePlayground) October 6, 2026

The studio then promised it would start addressing player feedback. “While we continue to deliver regular content and fixes into the game, we want you to know we hear your feedback about our post-launch updates and we’re looking into future changes to both in-game content and the ways we communicate with you. Stay tuned!”

Why Is Forza horizon 6 Getting Backlash?

Although many agree Forza Horizon 6 is an incredible game, players have been unhappy with its post-launch updates and support. The Xbox title recently went from having a “Very Positive” user rating on Steam to now sitting at “Mixed.”

Here are some of the biggest complaints players have had about Forza Horizon 6:

• Repetitive content and Playlist FOMO
• Lack of customization
• Crashes and save issues
• Multiplayer problems
• Age verification
• Moderation issues

However, one of the biggest issues players have been complaining about is the lack of communication from Playground Games. Since Forza Horizon 6 dropped back in May, the team has mostly been radio silent, which the studio acknowledged in its recent response to player feedback.

Forza Horizon 6 PS5 Release Delayed to 2027

Following Playground Games response, insider billbil-kun reported that the Forza Horizon 6 PS5 release date has been delayed to January 26, 2027. Despite the title originally being promised for 2026, it’s now being reported that it’s being delayed into next year.

At time of writing this article, Playground Games has not directly responded or acknowledged the reported delay. So for now, we should take this latest report with a grain of salt. However, based on their latest statement, it appears Playground Games will be communicating more frequently with players. So if it’s true, we should hear about the delay soon!

The post Playground Games Responds to Forza Horizon 6 Backlash as PS5 Release Is Delayed appeared first on VICE.

A new report claims that classic PlayStation franchise Ape Escape is getting a revival. According to journalist Jeff Gerstmann, the new game is reportedly being developed by Evening Star, a studio founded by developers who worked on Sonic Mania.

Ape Escape Revival Reportedly in Development at Evening Star

During a recent episode of The Jeff Gerstmann Show, Gerstmann discussed reports that a new Ape Escape game is in development. While some fans have suggested that Astro Bot developer Team Asobi could be behind the project, the journalist said he had heard that an outside studio was handling it instead.

“Who is making it? That’s a good question. My understanding is that it’s an external studio,” Gerstmann explained. “You know, because people were immediately like, ‘Oh, Team Asobi is making it.’ My understanding is that an external team has been working on that.”

Gerstmann then named Evening Star, the former team behind Sonic Mania and developer of Penny’s Big Breakaway. “What do they make… Penny’s Big Breakaway. Evening Star. I heard that they were working on it.”

Interestingly, VGC has since corroborated the report, saying its own sources have also linked Evening Star to the Ape Escape revival. However, Sony has not officially announced the project, so the studio’s involvement remains unconfirmed.

The New Ape Escape Game Could Still Be Years Away

Unfortunately, it sounds like fans could be waiting a while for the rumored Ape Escape revival. Gerstmann said the project was only just getting underway when he first heard about it, and he doesn’t believe a release is close.

“At the time that I initially heard it, it sounded like it was a game that had been like just barely greenlit and like wasn’t really, you know, like that it was kind of just getting underway.” The journalist also clarified that his information wasn’t extensively corroborated at the time. However, he said he had been asking people about the project at DICE in February.

That gives us some idea of when Gerstmann was hearing about the revival, but it doesn’t establish how far development has progressed since then. For now, there is no confirmed release date, platform list, or announcement window.

Sony Reportedly Wants to Bring Back More Classic PlayStation Franchises

According to a second report from VGC, Sony is also exploring opportunities for smaller external developers to revive other dormant PlayStation series through licensing agreements. The company has already used that approach with Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots, which was released through Bandai Namco in 2025.

The outlet also points to separate reports about a Killzone remake or remaster and a new Uncharted game. However, the rumored Uncharted project would reportedly remain with Naughty Dog rather than being handed to an outside studio.

For Ape Escape fans, the possibility of a new game is exciting enough on its own. Evening Star’s experience with Sonic Mania and Penny’s Big Breakaway makes it an interesting choice to bring the series back. We’ll just have to wait for Sony to confirm whether those mischievous monkeys are actually making a return.

The post Classic PlayStation Franchise Being Revived by Sonic Developers appeared first on VICE.

💾

A writer for Capcom has revealed new details about the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem DLC. According to Haris Orkin, the RE9 story expansion will explore Oswell E. Spencer’s story arc in more detail.

Resident Evil Requiem Writer Teases Spencer Story Arc in DLC

In a recent YouTube interview, Resident Evil Requiem writer Haris Orkin teased what players can expect from the game’s upcoming DLC. According to the writer, Capcom has a “story arc” for Oswell E. Spencer that the expansion will explore further.

“We have an arc for Spencer in Resident Evil Requiem. They kind of you know understand that more and in the DLC for Requiem, you will understand it even further. So yeah! I probably shouldn’t say that, but yeah.”

Unfortunately, we didn’t get any more details about the Resident Evil Requiem DLC, such as when it might release, as the interviewer quickly moved on to another question. Interestingly, there was recently a rumor about the RE9 story expansion that might line up with what Orkin just revealed.

Resident Evil Requiem DLC Rumored to Revisit Spencer Mansion

Leaker Dusk Golem previously claimed that a return to Resident Evil 1’s Spencer Mansion was originally planned for RE9 but was scrapped. However, the insider went on to claim that the location would be repurposed for the upcoming DLC expansion instead.

With Haris Orkin now saying that the Resident Evil Requiem DLC will expand on Spencer’s story arc, the rumor about us returning to Spencer Mansion feels all the more believable. That said, Orkin never specifically mentioned the manor from the original Resident Evil. So this could just be a coincidence.

Orkin’s comments also don’t confirm who we’ll play as, where the expansion will take place, or when it will arrive. All this to say, his involvement as a writer on RE9 makes the tease interesting, but a return to Spencer Mansion remains a rumor.

However, with RE9 featuring an entire chapter with Leon Kennedy returning to Raccoon City, the DLC having us revisit Spencer Mansion would also make perfect sense. Only time will tell whether this latest tease points toward another trip to one of the series’ most iconic locations!

The post Resident Evil Requiem DLC Gets Release Update From Capcom Writer appeared first on VICE.

💾

Microsoft has responded to a report claiming GTA 6 will be playable on PC through Xbox Cloud Gaming. The company has denied securing exclusive streaming rights to Grand Theft Auto VI and clarified that the game won’t be compatible with PCs at launch after all.

Xbox Responds to GTA 6 Streaming and PC Claims

On October 6, The Verge’s Tom Warren reported that Xbox had secured exclusive streaming rights to GTA 6, allowing users to play the game on PC when it launches this November. However, Microsoft has now responded to the report, and has denied that they have secured exclusivity with Rockstar Games.

Following the Verge’s article, Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball took to X to clarify the situation. “While the excitement for GTAVI and XBOX is great to see, it has also led to some misreporting. We are looking forward to launching GTAVI on XBOX November 19, though the game will not be streaming exclusively or to PC.”

While the excitement for GTAVI and XBOX is great to see, it has also led to some misreporting. We are looking forward to launching GTAVI on XBOX November 19, though the game will not be streaming exclusively or to PC.

— Matthew Ball (@ballmatthew) October 7, 2026

Ball’s response makes two things clear: Xbox does not have exclusive GTA 6 streaming rights, and players won’t be able to stream the game to PC through the arrangement. However, he did not rule out Grand Theft Auto VI coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming altogether.

The Verge Updates Its GTA 6 Streaming Report

Interestingly, Warren then responded to Ball and stood by his reporting that GTA 6 would be available on Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, he explained that he had assumed it would be an exclusivity deal that would allow players to stream it to any device, including PCs.

“Well I reported it would be available on Xbox Cloud Gaming, and you’d normally assume that means PC and web clients can access it.” The Verge subsequently updated its report and added a correction acknowledging that the deal is not exclusive and does not include PC streaming.

So what’s the takeaway from all this? GTA 6 is still reportedly coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming in November, but players shouldn’t expect to stream it to PC and for it to have major platform limitations. I assume it might even just be streaming to Xbox consoles.

Ball’s statement also did not address the separate claim about Xbox Cloud Gaming introducing streaming time limits. That silence doesn’t confirm the details, though, and players will need further clarification from Microsoft about how any limits would apply to Grand Theft Auto VI.

The post Xbox Responds to GTA 6 Streaming Exclusivity Report appeared first on VICE.

GTA 6 will be playable on PC this November through Xbox Cloud Gaming, according to a new report from The Verge’s Tom Warren. While this isn’t the native PC release fans have been waiting for, the Xbox deal will give players a way to experience Grand Theft Auto VI at launch without buying a console.

GTA 6 might Be Playable on PC Through Xbox Cloud Gaming

UPDATE: Xbox CSO Matthew Ball has released a statement on X, saying that The Verge’s report isn’t correct and that Xbox does not have exclusive streaming rights to GTA 6.

“While the excitement for GTAVI and XBOX is great to see, it has also led to some misreporting. We are looking forward to launching GTAVI on XBOX November 19, though the game will not be streaming exclusively or to PC.”

More importantly, based on Matthew Ball’s statement, it appears GTA 6 won’t be available to stream to PC via Xbox Cloud Gaming after all.

While the excitement for GTAVI and XBOX is great to see, it has also led to some misreporting. We are looking forward to launching GTAVI on XBOX November 19, though the game will not be streaming exclusively or to PC.

— Matthew Ball (@ballmatthew) October 7, 2026

Orginal article below:

According to a new report from Tom Warren, Rockstar Games has made a deal with Microsoft to give Xbox exclusive streaming rights for Grand Theft Auto VI. Citing sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans, The Verge reports that Xbox Cloud Gaming will be the only service able to stream the game at launch on November 19, 2026.

This is a pretty big deal for PC players. Anyone who was considering buying a console just to play GTA 6 will now have another option. Through Xbox Cloud Gaming, they will be able to stream the game directly to their PC.

Rockstar Games has not yet made an official announcement confirming the reported agreement. It’s also unclear how long Xbox’s exclusive streaming rights will last and whether there will be any limitations.

This Isn’t a Native GTA 6 PC Release

Before you get too excited, there is an important distinction here. As Warren notes, Rockstar Games still hasn’t announced a native PC version of Grand Theft Auto VI. The Xbox deal will instead let players access the game on PC through cloud streaming.

That means you won’t be downloading a PC port or running the game on your own hardware. You’ll be playing over the internet, so your connection will affect the experience, including image quality and input delay.

Still, if you primarily play on PC, this gives you a way to jump into Leonida at launch. For players who don’t want to buy a console for a single game, that could make the wait for a dedicated PC release a little easier to stomach.

Xbox Cloud Gaming Will Add a Pay-As-You-Go Option in November

According to Warren, Microsoft is also introducing a pay-as-you-go option for Xbox Cloud Gaming in November. Players will be able to buy bundles of streaming hours without needing a Game Pass subscription.

However, streaming time will be something to consider. The Verge reports that November’s changes will limit monthly cloud gaming access to 15 hours for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, 10 hours for Premium subscribers, and five hours for Essential subscribers.

Considering how easy it will be to lose hours exploring GTA 6, the cost of additional streaming time could be a deciding factor. Pricing and the full requirements for accessing the game through Xbox Cloud Gaming remain unclear.

For now, though, the Xbox deal gives PC players another reason to be excited about November. A native PC release is still something fans will have to wait for, but cloud streaming will offer a way to experience Grand Theft Auto VI when it launches.

The post GTA 6 Will Reportedly Be Playable on PC This November Through Xbox Deal appeared first on VICE.

NetEase has revealed nine new Marvel Rivals Halloween skins as part of its Season 10.5 preview. From a Vampire King costume for Blade to witch-themed outfits for Black Cat and Invisible Woman, several heroes are getting spooky makeovers. Here are all the characters getting Halloween skins and what we know about their release dates.

All Marvel Rivals Halloween 2026 Skins

The Marvel Rivals Season 10.5 Dev Vision video gave players their first look at this year’s Halloween costumes. The lineup includes nine characters, with outfits ranging from supernatural designs to Rocket Raccoon becoming the Trash King.

Here is every character getting a Marvel Rivals Halloween skin in 2026:

• Black Cat – Three Witches of Fate costume.
• Blade – Vampire King costume.
• Deadpool – Nurse-themed costume.
• Devil Dinosaur – Skele-Saurus costume.
• Elsa Bloodstone – Midnight Monsters costume.
• Invisible Woman – Three Witches of Fate costume.
• Mister Fantastic – Mister Malignant costume.
• Rocket Raccoon – Trash King costume.
• Scarlet Witch – Halloween costume, with further details still to come.

Black Cat and Invisible Woman are both getting costumes from the Three Witches of Fate collection. Scarlet Witch is also included in the Halloween lineup, although the supplied preview details don’t specify the name of her outfit.

Meanwhile, Mister Fantastic’s new Mister Malignant skin takes inspiration from Invisible Woman’s Malice persona. It’s an original costume that gives Reed Richards a darker look for the spooky season.

Blade’s Vampire King outfit draws from his appearance in The Darkhold: Blade #1, published in 2021. Elsa Bloodstone is getting a costume from the Midnight Monsters collection, while Devil Dinosaur’s Skele-Saurus and Rocket Raccoon’s Trash King outfits round out some of the other reveals.

Deadpool is also getting a nurse-themed skin. However, the full costume name and release details have yet to be announced.

Marvel Rivals Halloween Skins Release Date Explained

The Marvel Rivals Halloween festivities begin on Thursday, October 15, 2026, with the All Hallows’ Glow seasonal event. However, individual release dates for all nine Halloween skins have not yet been announced.

While October 15 is the first confirmed Halloween event date, players shouldn’t assume every costume will become available that day. Further release details for outfits such as Black Cat and Invisible Woman’s Three Witches of Fate skins are expected in the coming days.

Here are the announced Marvel Rivals Halloween event dates:

Halloween Event	Release Date	What to Expect
All Hallows’ Glow	Thursday, October 15, 2026	A seasonal event featuring exclusive costume and cosmetic rewards.
Night of Illusions	Thursday, October 29, 2026	An interactive puzzle featuring Mister Malignant.

Night of Illusions arrives just ahead of Halloween and puts Mister Fantastic’s sinister new persona at the center of a suspenseful interactive puzzle. Both events are part of the Halloween content previewed for Marvel Rivals Season 10.5.

NetEase has not yet detailed which costumes will be event rewards, which will be sold in the shop, or how much the individual skins will cost. For a first look at the upcoming costumes, you can watch the official Season 10.5 Dev Vision video.

The post Marvel Rivals Halloween Skins Revealed – Release Date & All 9 Characters appeared first on VICE.

💾

As a child of the ’90s, I still remember the first time I booted up Kingdom Hearts on my PS2. Even decades later, the Disney and Final Fantasy crossover still feels like a dream fan-made project that is hard to believe is actually real. Thankfully, after spending hours with Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III, I can confidently say that the series has not only held up years later, but it’s now one of the best collections available on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III Shines in Switch 2 Handheld Mode

One of the things I was worried about going into Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III was how the games’ graphics and gameplay would hold up. After all, the series originally debuted back in 2002. However, Square Enix’s adaptation of Disney’s art style not only still holds up in 2026, but it also looks incredible when played in Nintendo Switch 2 handheld mode.

There is an obvious jump in technical quality going from Kingdom Hearts 1 to 2, and an even larger improvement when playing Kingdom Hearts 3. However, even the original PS2-era games and various spinoffs still look really great. With the new ports reaching 60 FPS, Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III also runs incredibly smoothly.

Look, I love the PS5 as much as the next person. And on paper, you are getting higher visual fidelity when playing on a 4K TV. But I think Kingdom Hearts’ graphics and gameplay are just perfect for the Nintendo Switch 2, especially if you plan on playing it on the go. The collection really shines in handheld mode and is a must-buy for anyone who owns the Switch 2.

Seven Playable Games Make Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III a Great Value

While the $74 price tag might seem like a lot at first, Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III is actually one of the best values on the Nintendo Switch 2 right now. You are essentially getting seven playable games, plus three cinematic stories and the Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind DLC.

The Kingdom Hearts games are also massive. It took me roughly 160 hours to beat Kingdom Hearts 1 through 3. And when you factor in all the spinoff titles, such as Dream Drop Distance and Birth by Sleep, we are easily talking over 250 hours’ worth of gameplay, if not more.

Square Enix has also done a great job presenting the collection in a cohesive format. The Kingdom Hearts lore can get pretty extensive, but having the games easily accessible in a single package makes the series a lot more approachable for those looking to tackle it.

Kingdom Hearts Combat and Disney Worlds Still Hold Up

If you’ve never played a Kingdom Hearts game before, then the best way to describe it is as a mix of hack-and-slash combat, level exploration, and puzzle-solving. It’s very “arcadey” compared with a technical action game like, for example, Devil May Cry.

However, what surprised me most about revisiting the series is how ambitious the games are. In Kingdom Hearts 2, for example, combat is pretty extensive. You have “Drive Forms,” some of which allow Sora to transform into a dual-wielding attacker with boosted powers.

The game also allows you to swap out magical abilities that you can weave in between your melee combos while in combat. And finally, it has a pretty extensive party system that allows you to really customize with various meta builds and setups.

However, the star of the show is the vast selection of Disney worlds offered in each title. Even if you aren’t a huge Disney fan, each level is brimming with so much joy and unique story challenges. If you are looking for the best gameplay, though, Kingdom Hearts 2 and 3 still hold up the most, in my opinion.

Verdict: Kingdom Hearts Finds Its Magic on Switch 2

Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III really shines on the Nintendo Switch 2 with its improved resolution and smooth gameplay. With ten playable games and experiences to choose from, it’s also one of the best values on the handheld console.

Even more than two decades after the series began, the Kingdom Hearts games are still magical and an absolute joy to play. The new Switch 2 collection is the best way to experience that magic, especially in handheld mode.

Verdict: Best In Its Class (9.5/10)

---

Pros

• Kingdom Hearts Disney art style and graphics holds up really well in 2026.
• The series’ arcadey hack and slash combat feels buttery smooth at 60 FPS.
• The Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III is an absolute steal value wise, as it offers 7 main playable games and 3 narrative experiences.
• Square Enix has done a brilliant job offering the massive Kingdom Hearts lore all in a single approachable package.

Cons

• Some players might not be a fan of Kingdom Heart’s more “floaty” combat.
• There are a few puzzles and challenges that have shown their age. The Deep Jungle Tarzan level in the original Kingdom Hearts is in particular is still frustrating.
• The Kingdom Hearts story and lore can be a bit confusing and overwhelming to new players. However, I do think Square Enix has done a great job creating a cohesive path to experience the full story here.

---

Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III releases on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on October 8, 2026. A code was provided by Square Enix for the sake of review. Reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2.

The post Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III Review: A Magical Nintendo Switch 2 Port appeared first on VICE.

A new rumor claims to reveal the Pokémon Winds and Waves starter evolution lines, including their names, types, and Pokédex descriptions. Here is what the anonymous post says about the Pokémon Gen 10 starters, along with why fans should be cautious about the alleged leak.

Pokémon Winds and Waves Rumor Reveals Alleged Starter Evolutions

The Pokémon Winds and Waves starter evolutions have reportedly leaked online. Before you get too excited, though, this latest rumor comes from an anonymous post on 4chan. Yeah, so it’s not exactly backed up by a trustworthy source.

The post lists two evolutions each for Pombon, Browt, and Gecqua, alongside what it claims are their Pokédex entries. According to the rumor, their final evolutions would be Fire/Fairy, Grass/Ground, and Water/Psychic, respectively.

All this said, take this latest Pokémon Winds and Waves “leak” with a major grain of salt. Still, the descriptions offer an interesting look at what the Gen 10 starters could become if the claims turn out to be accurate. Below are the alleged evolution names, types, and descriptions:

Pombon Evolution Line

The alleged Pombon evolution line keeps its Fire typing through its second stage before becoming Fire/Fairy. Its rumored final evolution, Bombulu, is described as a friendly Pokémon with a large, heated mane that shelters smaller Pokémon in winter.

• 1029 – Pombon – Fire
  • The area below its throat glows faintly from the heat-generating organ within its lungs. This Pokémon is guileless and friendly.
• 1030 – Barklava – Fire
  • Barklava is always happy and loves to play rough. Sometimes it does not notice that its playmate has already fainted.
  • It fends off anyone who threatens its friends. It is said to have guarded temples in ancient times.
• 1031 – Bombulu – Fire/Fairy
  • In winter, small Pokémon nest in Bombulu’s large mane to stay warm. It regulates its temperature using its heat organ, which can get hotter than 7,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • An extremely friendly Pokémon. However, if it smells malice, this Pokémon will attack those who harbor it with its mighty claws.

Browt Evolution Line

According to the rumor, Browt evolves into Ruffstrum before reaching its final form, Kasquake. The alleged Grass/Ground evolution uses powerful kicks and headbutts in battle, while also creating ground vibrations to communicate with its herd.

• 1026 – Browt – Grass
  • This Pokémon runs about energetically while photosynthesizing using the leaves on its brow. It’s lively, but it can also be a bit clumsy.
• 1027 – Ruffstrum – Grass
  • Ruffstrum practices its kicks on trees in the forest. New branches are said to grow from the marks left by its claws.
  • It uses the crest on its head to absorb sunlight. Its body blends in with the foliage, making it hard to spot.
• 1028 – Kasquake – Grass/Ground
  • In battle, it knocks down opponents with powerful headbutts and uses its strong legs to stomp them. It can fell a tree with a single kick.
  • Kasquake can create tremors in the ground with its sturdy legs. These vibrations allow it to communicate with its herd over great distances.

Gecqua Evolution Line

Gecqua’s rumored evolution line focuses on precise water attacks and heightened awareness. Its alleged final evolution, Cereguana, gains Psychic typing and has a forehead marking described as a third eye.

• 1032 – Gecqua – Water
  • This Pokémon launches springy balls of water from its tail. Gecqua is very intelligent and maneuvers shrewdly while putting on airs.
• 1033 – Flotokay – Water
  • Flotokay communicate with each other using a distinctive sound. This sound is calming and soothes anyone who hears it.
  • It controls the orbs of water produced by its tail to attack with precision. It uses graceful motions to maintain focus.
• 1034 – Cereguana – Water/Psychic
  • It can sense even the slightest change in its surroundings. Legends say the mark on Cereguana’s forehead is a third eye that grants it psychic powers.
  • This Pokémon is very mindful and does not get distracted. It never loses its temper and neutralizes opponents with swift attacks.

Is the Pokémon Winds and Waves Starter Evolution Leak Legitimate?

There is a lot of reason to doubt the latest Pokémon Winds and Waves starters leak. First off, it doesn’t come from the infamous TeraLeak files, or from the usual trusted Pokemon leakers. And secondly, there is the obvious fact this was posted on anonymous board without any major sourcing to back it up.

There have also been claims that another circulating Gen 10 Pokémon list borrows from existing fan-made Pokémon. However, it’s unclear whether these starter descriptions belong to that same list or are a separate rumor altogether.

For now, we’d be pretty wary of this rumor. Pombon becoming Fire/Fairy and Browt gaining Ground typing are certainly realistic possibilities, but we’ll need stronger evidence before treating Barklava, Bombulu, Ruffstrum, Kasquake, Flotokay, or Cereguana as genuine Gen 10 Pokémon.

The post Pokémon Winds and Waves Starter Evolutions Reportedly Leak appeared first on VICE.

Square Enix has posted a new Kingdom Hearts 25th anniversary video celebrating decades of games in the Disney crossover franchise. The special trailer features key moments from throughout the series, and it’s incredibly nostalgic!

Kingdom Hearts 25th Anniversary Video Revisits Iconic Moments

Square Enix is celebrating Kingdom Hearts’ 25th anniversary with a new retrospective video shared on social media. While the trailer doesn’t feature any new KH 4 footage, it does showcase some of the series’ most emotional moments while revisiting its story and themes.

The anniversary video even opens with the game being played on a retro television for maximum nostalgia. In a statement on X, Square Enix wrote: “It is a tale of adventure where protagonist Sora travels through Disney and Pixar’s diverse worlds alongside Donald and Goofy. This is a special video commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series.”

Square Enix also revealed a special KH anniversary campaign where fans can win a “25th Anniversary Memorial Photo Card.” Unfortunately, the contest appears to be limited to residents of Japan. If a North American contest is announced, we’ll update this article with the details.

Kingdom Hearts Collection Release Date and Platforms

The Kingdom Hearts 25th anniversary video arrives just days before KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I～III] launches on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 8, 2026. The collection gives players another chance to revisit Sora’s journey on modern consoles.

It’s also the perfect time for newcomers to experience the series ahead of Kingdom Hearts 4’s 2027 release date. While many of the older games were already playable on PS5 through backward compatibility, KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I～III] brings them together with improved resolution and frame rates.

Whether you’ve been following Sora’s journey since the original game or are jumping in for the first time, there’s a lot to look forward to. For now, the anniversary video is a nostalgic reminder of why KH means so much to its fans.

The post Square Enix Reveals New Kingdom Hearts 25th Anniversary Video appeared first on VICE.

💾