Author: Game Infliction

Nintendo Resurrects Two Classic Characters For Donkey Kong: Bananza DLC

Donkey Kong 64 fans celebrate! Nintendo will pay tribute to a pair of classic N64 characters via an upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza Emerald Rush DLC challenge.

After years left in the wilderness, both Chunky Kong and Lanky Kong will return in the DLC as “exclusive in-game statues”, Nintendo has today confirmed, as part of the upcoming So Strong It’s Funny in-game challenge.

The event, set to run from November 25 to December 2, will be set on the game’s Hilltop Layer. As of yet, there’s no word on exactly how may points players will need to rack up to earn these latest cosmetic items used to decorate DK Island.

Regardless, long-term Kong fans are simply celebrating the fact that Nintendo has referenced these long-lost characters at all, after only a handful of glimpses over the past few decades.

Brawny but gentle Chunky Kong (cousin of Dixie Kong) has only made three video game appearances since his 1999 debut in Donkey Kong 64. He cameos in a Donkey Kong Country 3 mini-game on Game Boy Advance, then pops up as a sticker and spirit in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Ultimate.

Eagle-eyed fans also spotted a split-second appearance by Chunky Kong in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, standing alongside an equally-brief appearance for Diddy and Dixie — though you’ll need to pause the film to really know it’s him.

Fans had hoped that this appearance, and the fact Nintendo had gone to the trouble of slightly tweaking his design, suggested more appearances for Chunky Kong in future. And indeed, Bananza’s upcoming statue seems to feature this same slightly-tweaked look. Could we see more of him in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie, or perhaps even that long-rumored upcoming Donkey Kong movie spin-off? Time will tell.

The long-armed Lanky Kong, meanwhile, is similarly little-seen. He didn’t get a Super Mario Bros. Movie cameo, but did appear as an unlockable character in 2007 Wii racer Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast. Could we be seeing more of him in the future too?

If you haven’t picked it up already, Bananza’s DLC is stuffed full of references to Donkey Kong 64 and other past classics, with appearances from Diddy, Dixie, Cranky, Squawks the parrot from Donkey Kong Country and DK’s house from Donkey Kong Country Returns. Other Kongs referenced (but not seen) include a poster for Candy Kong (don’t ask) and a pair of Donkey Konga bongo drums to bounce around on top of.

So now, who’s next for a return?

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

This week in PC games: Demonschool and Moonlighter 2 head a procession of sheep dogs, shmups and sliding heroes

November digs in. The conveyor belt of crowns, clowns and clones that is Videogaming rattles onward through the midnight forest. The rains swept past over the weekend and now the mud is waist-deep, worryingly responsive, and rank with the stench of neglected deckbuilders. Several sedan chairs carrying former BioWare creative leads are caught in a wave of slop, becoming a disorderly barricade of people crying out for Femshep to come save them from the GAAS. Tencent executives rush over with handfuls of rope, but whether they mean to drag the afflicted free or bind their limbs is unclear.

Read more

Magic: The Gathering’s New Final Fantasy 7 Game Edition Commander Decks Are Finally Back in Stock

Amazon has finally restocked preorders for Magic: The Gathering’s Final Fantasy 7 Game Edition Commander Deck. It’s just in time, with the deck and several other new Final Fantasy MTG products set to release in just a couple of weeks on December 5.

Costing $99.99, the new version of the “Limit Break” Commander Deck offers the same 100-card deck you can find already, but with a download code for the original Final Fantasy 7 on PC, and a new promo card featuring the iconic shot of Cloud in FF7.

The new lineup has been incredibly hard to come by since it was revealed, and preorders sold out within a day. Amazon stocking up with a whole new allocation is great news for fans, and you no longer need to pay inflated prices to third-party sellers.

It’s not just a collectible item either; the commander deck itself is absolutely fantastic, and actually dovetails nicely with Fallout’s Scrappy Survivors precon from last year (as long as you’re happy with yet another bold RPG crossover).

Limit Break is all about getting your creatures to 7 power to trigger additional effects from Cloud or Tifa, while minimizing equip costs to allow you to switch gear and keep opponents guessing.

Reprint value is decent, too. Not only do you get Darksteel Plate, Sword of the Animist, and Fire-Lit Thicket, but Clever Concealment has some amazing new art of Cloud’s disguise.

Thanks to its Final Fantasy synergies, Stoneforge Mystic has been shooting up in both popularity and price.

This two-mana staple slots perfectly into the equipment-heavy Limit Break deck, tutoring out gear with ease, and the market has noticed, it’s jumped from under $20 to around $50 in recent listings.

That’s some serious stonks, and it could end up being a smart long-term pickup.

Check out the full MTG release schedule for this year to see what expansions are coming next, including Avatar: The Last Airbender. And for more Final Fantasy, consider picking up the 1-6 Pixel Remaster Collection at its lowest price yet in the early Black Friday sales.

Final Fantasy MTG: Best Chase Cards

The set is the most popular in Magic’s long history, and has led to prices skyrocketing for collector’s items like the Travelling Chocobo range and characters like Sephiroth.

Whether you’re opening boosters, sorting through prerelease pulls, or keeping tabs on the market for trade value, it’s clear this set is drawing serious attention.

If you’re curious which cards are in highest demand right now, either to cash in or just to see what the hype is all about, here’s a few handy pointers on what to look out for.

Robert Anderson is Senior Commerce Editor and IGN’s resident deals expert on games, collectibles, trading card games, and more. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.

People are playing fewer games and new releases are “struggling”, say Ubisoft UK, warning of falling revenues

Ubisoft’s UK publishing arm have filed a strategic report for the year ending March 2025 in which they warn that they expect yearly revenue to fall in the current fiscal year, ending March 2026. They attribute this partly to slumping sales of physical copies of games, and more broadly to the fact that people are fixating on a fistful of mega-popular games at the expense of all others, with subscription and streaming services like Microsoft’s Game Pass making us all feel less inclined to buy individual new games. Plus ça change.

Read more

Resident Evil Requiem Almost Had Mouse Controls, But It “Confused” The Gameplay

So the devs used gyro, instead.

Capcom is going all-out to promote Resident Evil Requiem on the Switch 2 ahead of its launch on 27th February 2026, including offering up a limited edition Pro Controller and a Grace Ashcroft amiibo figure.

In speaking with Press Start Australia, producer Masato Kumazawa shared more details on the game’s development, and it turns out that the team “tried really hard” to implement the Switch 2’s mouse controls into Requiem, but ultimately decided against it when it became apparent that mouse controls “confused and convoluted the gameplay”:

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

While Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Acknowledges Deliberate AI Use, Ubisoft Pledges to Remove AI Image That ‘Slipped Through’ To Anno 117’s Final Version

Assassin’s Creed publisher Ubisoft has said it will act swiftly to remove an image found within Anno 117: Pax Romana that contains AI-generated elements, which it says was not designed to be included in the game’s final version.

Fans of the city-building Anno franchise quickly spotted a loading screen featured in the series’ latest entry that was not of the same quality seen in others, with some telltale signs of AI generation: missing limbs, low-quality features and oddly composited elements.

As posted on reddit, and first reported by Kotaku, the game’s Steam listing also features a warning that “AI tools were used tp help create some in-game assets.” In a statement to IGN, Ubisoft noted that the image had been a “placeholder” and provided a final, human-made version of the artwork it had meant to include instead.

“This image was a placeholder asset that unintentionally slipped through our review process,” a Ubisoft spokesperson said. “The final image is attached here and will replace the current version of this artwork with the upcoming 1.3 patch.

“With Anno 117: Pax Romana being our most ambitious Anno yet, we’ve assembled the largest team of artists ever for the franchise and to help meet the project’s unique scope, they use AI tools for iterations, prototyping, and exploration. Every element players will experience in the final game reflects the team’s craft, artistry, and creative vision.”

Still, the final version of the image simply looks to have been retouched to clean up the original image’s more wonky elements — suggesting that anything else AI-generated which did look passable will remain.

Regardless, Ubisoft’s response differs from that of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 publisher Activision, which hit the headlines last week by simply acknowledging the widespread use of AI-generated imagery in its latest blockbuster shooter — particularly in its Studio Ghilbi-inspired calling cards. In a statement, Activision said its AI use was designed to “empower and support our teams to create the best gaming experiences possible for our players.”

Activision previously acknowledged the use of AI imagery in last year’s Black Ops 6, too — though only after fans pointed out a particularly egregious example of a six-fingered zombie Santa.

Outside of its AI use, Ubisoft’s Anno 117: Pax Romana has otherwise been warmly received. The game “is a gorgeous antique city-builder that sucked me in for dozens of hours,” IGN wrote in our Anno 117: Pax Romana review, awarding the game a 9/10 score.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

Final Fantasy I-VI Collection Drops to All-Time Low Price in Early Black Friday Sales

Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remaster Collection just hit its best price ever ahead of the Black Friday sales. It’s sitting at $40 right now, down from the usual $75, which is a clean 47% cut and even beats the recent Prime Day offer by another five bucks.

Break it down, and the value is absurd. Based on HowLongToBeat times, you’re looking at roughly 30 cents per hour of classic Final Fantasy if you work through the whole bundle.

In a market where new releases can run you double this package for a fraction of the content, that’s downright generous. These Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 editions also run perfectly on Switch 2 and PS5, so you’re covered on the hardware front.

Maybe you’ve recently discovered Final Fantasy because of the Magic: The Gathering crossover, and you’re curious where those characters and creatures actually come from.

This is the easiest way to get the full tour. You’re getting the first six games with modern touches like adjustable EXP gain, toggleable encounters, and auto-battle, all of which make these versions the most approachable they’ve ever been.

Not long ago, the physical edition was one of those almost impossible-to-find collector items. Reprints finally fixed that, and now all six games cost about half the price of a single new release.

As I mentioned, it’s the best price ever on this collection, so you’re getting the best deal possible (backed up by trusted price trackers like CamelCamelCamel).

Should You Wait for Black Friday?

Probably not. When a deal hits an all-time low during the run up to Black Friday, that’s usually the signal that retailers have already fired their biggest shot for deals like this.

This collection doesn’t swing up and down like mainstream blockbusters, and Square Enix hasn’t been in the habit of pushing deeper cuts on it outside the major tentpole events. The last meaningful drop was during Prime Day, and this price already beats that.

Plus, physical stock also isn’t guaranteed to sit around forever. This is still a niche collector-leaning release, and once the early Black Friday rush cleans out retailers, you’re at risk of FOMO.

Could Black Friday proper knock off another dollar or two? In theory. In practice, retailers use early Black Friday offers to test demand, and if something sells well at an all-time low, they don’t bother dropping it further. So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to grab this set, in my expert opinion, this is the moment.

More Early Black Friday Deals

Black Friday discounts are already starting to roll in, and we’ll see a whole host of sales go officially live in the next few days across retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and more.

Big new deals include $50 off the Meta Quest 3S at Amazon, now $249, or just $329 for the 256GB version with Batman Arkham Shadow included.

Robert Anderson is Senior Commerce Editor and IGN’s resident deals expert on games, collectibles, trading card games, and more. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.

Freshly spilled Blood Of Dawnwalker footage reveals an action-RPG where Witcher dialogue meets wall-walking

How do you Monday, babe? By getting a good night’s sleep, rising with the sparrows, eating a wholesome meal, and settling down at your desk with an airy mind and a glad heart? Or do you fester aimlessly till 5 in the morning then immediately watch 30 minutes of neck-sucking, dismemberment and plague because it speaks to your sorely disquieted soul?

There is no time to answer, for I have already embedded the latest talkthrough video for Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco’s medieval fantasy action RPG The Blood Of Dawnwalker, which still looks like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt plus vampires.

Read more

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Ashes of the Damned Interactive Map

IGN’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Ashes of the Damned map is now available! Our interactive map tracks all crucial locations across Ashes of the Damned, including Perk Machines, Secret Zombies Easter Eggs, Main Quest Objectives, Wall Buys, and even Audio Log collectibles, so you’ll know exactly where to go as you attempt to fend off those waves of incoming Zombies.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Ashes of the Damned Interactive Map

The available map filters for our Ashes of the Damned interactive map include:

  • Locations, such as Weapon and Armor Wall Buys, Ammo Caches, Perk Machines, Arsenals, Crafting Benches, Jump Pads, Door Buys, and much more.
  • Collectibles, including Artifacts, Audio Logs, and Documents.
  • Easter Eggs, including Main Easter Egg Quest objectives, and secret Side Easter Eggs.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Guides

Whether you’re jumping into the BO7 Campaign, Multiplayer or Zombies, IGN’s comprhensive game help coverage has got you covered, with detailed walkthrough guides, weapon builds and recommendations, Easter Egg locations, and so much more. Our coverage includes:

For even more, be sure to check out our full coverage on our Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Wiki guide.

The Best Deals Today: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Borderlands 4, and More

We’ve rounded up the best deals for Sunday, November 16, below, so don’t miss out on these limited-time offers.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $30

GameStop has Final Fantasy VII Rebirth available for $30. The second chapter of the Final Fantasy VII remake project brings Cloud Strife and the iconic cast into the world of Gaia for the first time, as they step out of Midgar following an eventful escape. Many new characters join the party, including Yuffie Kisaragi, Cait Sith, and more. With the third entry in the project currently in development, now is the perfect time to catch up and prepare.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for $34.99

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was one of the most enjoyable RPGs of 2024, featuring a gorgeous remade HD-2D world and voice acting. If you haven’t had the chance to check this one out yet, Amazon has copies available for only $34.99. With Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake available now, it’s the perfect time to dive into one of the most important games in the genre.

Borderlands 4 (Switch 2) for $54.99

While the release of Borderlands 4 for Nintendo Switch 2 was delayed indefinitely, Target has discounted the Key Card this weekend. Instead of paying the full $70, you can secure a copy of the Nintendo Switch 2 version for $54.99. In our 8/10 review, we wrote, “Borderlands 4 gives the series the massive kick in the pants it has needed, with a fantastic open world and greatly improved combat, even if bugs and invisible walls can sometimes throw off that groove.”

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound for $32.48

Ninja Gaiden has had an incredible 2025, and today, you can score one of the franchise’s most unique entries for $32.48. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound released in August and was created by The Game Kitchen. In our 9/10 review, we wrote, “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound looks and sounds incredible, and the fast but thoughtful combat is so satisfying it’s hard to put down.”

NBA 2K26 for $29.99

NBA 2K26 is on sale this weekend for $29.99, which is the lowest price we’ve seen to date. You can score a copy for Switch, Switch 2, PS5, or Xbox Series X at this price. In our 8/10 review, we wrote, “Ball Over Everything” is a fitting description for NBA 2K26. The smooth on-court action is better than ever and MyCareer’s excellent started-from-the-bottom journey to the pros story make it so the imperfections are easier to ignore.”

Glorious GMMK PRO 75% Keyboard for $99.99

Best Buy has a huge sale on this Glorious mechanical keyboard today, allowing you to save $250. This keyboard is fully customizable, so you can switch out switches, keycaps, and more with ease. If you’ve been looking to upgrade your setup with a luxury mechanical keyboard, this is a deal worth your attention.

Apple AirPods 4 for $84.99

Amazon has the Apple AirPods 4 on sale for $84.99 today, a price even lower than last weekend! These earbuds feature Spatial Audio, up to five hours of listening time per charge, and so much more. Apple AirPods 5 likely won’t be out for a good bit, so now is the perfect time to pick up a pair of new AirPods if your old ones are giving out.

Beats Solo Buds for $39

The Beats brand has continued to provide quality wireless earbuds throughout the last few years, and the Solo Buds are no exception. These small earbuds may come with a tiny case, but you can expect up to 18 hours of earbud battery life. For $39, it’s hard to find another pair of earbuds better than this ahead of Black Friday.

Gurren Lagann Complete Box Set Blu-ray for $109.99

Crunchyroll Store is holding its annual Aniplex sale, meaning now is the only time you can save on some of the most expensive anime Blu-rays out there. Today, you can score the Gurren Lagann Complete Box Set, which includes both the original TV series and two movies, for $109.99. This is a must-watch for any fan of the genre, and this box set is the perfect way to make this all-time classic a permanent part of your collection.

LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV Set for $51.19

Amazon has the iconic Tantive IV available in LEGO form for $51.19 this weekend. Normally priced at $79.99, this set features a total of 654 pieces, recreating the ship that kicked off the Star Wars franchise. For collectors, this is a must-have, especially as it features a LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary brick.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure for $24.99

Hello Kitty Island Adventure officially came to Nintendo Switch, PC, and PlayStation 5 this year, and it’s a great time if you’re a fan of cozy games. A massive island is yours to explore, with a story that slowly unfolds as you build relationships with Hello Kitty and friends.