This week saw the early access launch of turn-based tactics game Menace, created by the piss-swigging misanthropes behind Battle Brothers. Julian has been having a wonderful time playing it and learning about the importance of spare ammo and adequate reconnaissance. It could have been worse, Julian. Your antivirus software could have deleted some of the game’s files. This being one of the currently known issues listed in the patch notes for the game’s first proper update.
Starting the Switch 2 Edition in style.
Yesterday, Team Cherry surprised us all with the shadow drop release of Hollow Knight – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (at least, it would have been a surprise if its PEGI rating hadn’t cropped up online before), and the studio snuck out a new update to mark the occasion.
The ver. 1.5.12459 update isn’t packed with game-changing additions, but it’s always nice to see Team Cherry fine-tuning the experience. Alongside new screen resolution support for PC players, the patch also introduces “many under-the-hood improvements brought over from Hollow Knight: Silksong to the original game,” Team Cherry said in a blog post. And yes, this update is available on both Switch 1 and 2.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Last week, we asked you to slow things down and enjoy the rustic life using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here’s are this week’s highlights:
jobolts_ shares Atsu playing her shamisen at a camp with the Ainu tribe in Ghost of Yōtei.
WildmindVP shares Layla’s cabin in the present day of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
RhodWulfLeon shares a one-eyed owl in a tavern in Star Wars Outlaws.
RazinZamee shares Ellie and baby JJ sitting on a tractor in The Last of Us Part II.
call_me_xavii shares Aloy standing outside an encampment in Horizon Forbidden West.
FlamingHobo666 shares a wizard picnicking near a pumpkin patch in Hogwarts Legacy.
Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?
THEME: Romantic
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on February 11, 2026
Next week, show some love. Share romantic settings and characters from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
The development team behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have been given the status of Knight under the French Order of Arts and Letters, in recognition of their significant contribution to the country’s art and culture.
French studio Sandfall Interactive revealed the news this week via a post on LinkedIn, which included photos of the proud team wearing medals bestowed upon them by the French Ministry of Culture.
While somewhat similar to a British knighthood, the French Order of Arts and Letters does not allow holders to add a “Sir” to their names. Still, it is prestigious form of recognition awarded to just 200 people worldwide each year, for their work creating something of outstanding cultural significance.
Since the launch of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in April 2025, the game has received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike. It won a record nine of the (also record) 13 nominations it received at last year’s Game Awards. Here on IGN, meanwhile, we crowned it as our Game of 2025.
“From Expeditioners to Knights!” the team wrote in celebration of their latest prize. “We were received yesterday at the Ministry of Culture to celebrate our game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. As such, the members of Sandfall Interactive were awarded the Order of Arts and Letters.
“This distinction honors us, and our deepest thanks go especially to our team who shaped this world and to the millions of players who have brought it to life. We hope that our journey will inspire all those who wish to take the plunge and create their own work.”
Recognition by the French Ministry of Culture for work in the field of video games is rare, and for an entire studio of people to be recognized is completely unique.
The honor of Knight status was first bestowed upon a game creator back in 2006, when Rayman, Rabbids and Beyond Good & Evil designer Michel Ancel received the honor alongside Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto and Alone in the Dark creator Frederick Raynal. Nintendo’s veteran Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma was similarly honored in 2023, meanwhile.
“Wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 paints itself into the pantheon of great RPGs with a brilliant combat system and a gripping, harrowing story,” IGN wrote in our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, dubbing it a “modern RPG classic.”
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Square Enix have announced Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse, a summery sequel to horror mystery visual novel Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. The original game earned itself a double thumbs-up from former RPS reviews editor Rachel Watts, shortly before she vanished while gathering blood-stained stones one moonlit night. (I am just joshing with you – Rachel is alive and well over at Thinky Games. Remember, there’s no such thing as ghosts and there definitely isn’t one hovering behind you right now.)
The Mermaid’s Curse should be good, then. It trades the first game’s gloomy streets for the coast of Japan, where young pearl diver Yuza Minakuchi discovers another version of himself at the bottom of the ocean. I routinely discover other versions of myself at the bottom of a bottle of Tuppersmith’s Old Peculiar, but nobody’s making any dang visual novels about me. Anyway, here’s a trailer.
Insomniac Games, the developer behind PlayStation’s beloved Spider-Man games and the upcoming Wolverine, just dropped a teasing hint at another Marvel hero who fans now think is likely to appear.
In a post on Twitter/X, Insomniac Games shared an image of Wolverine extending his claws and turning to face… someone, alongside the caption: “‘Claws?’ What’s that, some kind of fancy lawyer lingo?”
The line is a fun pun on Wolverine’s blades, and the kind of clause a lawyer might include in a legal contract — but which lawyer? Well, Marvel fans will know there’s only one legal representative who’d likely seek out Wolverine when he’s in another one of his moods.
“Claws”? What’s that, some kind of fancy lawyer lingo? #WolverinePS5 pic.twitter.com/vgw9Od8jHO
— Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) February 5, 2026
Of course, fans have immediately taken the tease to be a nod at the appearance of Daredevil, otherwise known as Matt Murdock, as played by Charlie Cox in the Daredevil TV series and a swathe of other projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Fans have long been expecting Daredevil to make an appearance in one of Insomniac’s Marvel games, too, after numerous references to the character in the developer’s Spider-Man titles.
A sign outside Nelson & Murdock’s office appeared in Spider-Man 1, and was noted by fans as having been removed in Spider-Man 2 and replaced by an eviction notice. A post-launch Spider-Man 2 patch then re-added the Nelson & Murdock sign, hinting at some kind of story for the character being in the offing — something the game’s director Bryan Intihar even commented on in late 2023, teasing: “Stay tuned.”
Further references to the character have teased Murdock and Jennifer Walters apparently starting a legal firm together, and included other Daredevil-themed locations such as Josie’s Bar and Fogwell’s Gym. Clearly, the character has been on Insomniac’s mind for some time — perhaps Wolverine is where we’ll finally see him?
As you would expect, replies to Insomniac’s latest post have immediately picked up on the studio’s apparent Daredevil hint, and responded with numerous gifs of Charlie Cox in his iconic red suit. Well, why not.
Due for release this during the latter half of 2026, Marvel’s Wolverine remains somewhat under-wraps — though we finally got a decent look at the game during last September’s State of Play broadcast. In late 2023, leaked footage and other development details hit the internet following a high-profile hack of Insomniac data, which also included details of an array of future and canceled projects.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Like the Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL keyboard – except as astute readers will notice, this is a headset – the BlackShark V3 Pro is something I’ve welcomed into my everyday PC kit for months, yet apparently needed the invention of a new review format in order for me to talk about it. Whoops. Still, the length of that happy headwearing should tell you something: I like it, a lot.
The Disney Afternoon Collection is getting its own physical version for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 later this year. For eager fans who can’t wait to jump into it for a good nostalgia hit, preorders are now live for the collection on original Switch for $29.99 and on Switch 2 for $39.99. While there’s still a few months to go until its physical version is released – May 29 is when you’ll have to mark you calendars for – it looks like it’s well worth the wait.
Nintendo Switch 1
This is quite the packed collection, and a welcome addition to the list of existing Disney games on Switch consoles. It comes with all six games from the original set that was released back in 2017 – DuckTales, DuckTales 2, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2, Darkwing Duck, and TaleSpin – alongside two bonus games: Bonkers and Goof Troop. That’s not all, though. It also comes with a nice variety of collectibles when you buy a physical copy of the game, which you can check out below.
Buying the physical version of Disney Afternoon Collection on Nintendo Switch also nets you two sticker sheets, three collectible cards, and eight retro milk caps. For fans, it looks like quite a delightful assortment to have alongside the game.
Here’s a list of all the games included in this Switch and Switch 2 version of the collection:
The Disney Afternoon Collection originally released back in 2017 and included DuckTales, DuckTales 2, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2, Darkwing Duck, and TaleSpin. At the time, our review from IGN’s Samuel Claiborn said it “resurrects a few NES classics (and some not-so-classics) with a great rewind button.” This new release of the collection for both Nintendo Switch consoles adds in two bonus games alongside the original lineup: Bonkers and Goof Troop.
For the original games, it also includes some quality-of-life updates, and there are additional features included, such as a rewind feature. It also includes access to soundtracks, a behind-the-scenes gallery, along with boss rush and time attack modes.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
Future events will reuse old job scenarios.
Splatoon 3‘s “regular updates” came to a close back in September 2024, but the recurring Eggstra Work events have continued to land new job scenarios (the predetermined shift conditions) in the years since. That is until this month, when they, too, are wrapping up.
Shared in a post by the official @SplatoonJP X account (via @Oatmealdome on Bluesky), Nintendo confirmed that the next Eggstra Work will be the last to feature new job scenarios. While more Eggstra Work shifts will crop up in the future, they will use previous scenarios instead — which should make planning a little easier, at least.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
Nyamakop
Relooted – February 10
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
A crew. A job. A plan. Toss those ingredients together, and you’ve got yourself a classic heist — but with a few twists. Your crew members are everyday citizens (from different countries in Africa) with pretty normal careers. The job is to liberate African artifacts from Western museums. And the plan? Well, that’s up to you to create.
SEGA
SEGA
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – February 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Continue the story of Kazuma Kiryu as he fights to protect those he cares about most in an extreme remake of Yakuza 3 that evolves every aspect of the beloved game. The bustling streets of Okinawa and Tokyo come to life in stunning detail with reimagined combat taking brutal brawling action to the next level. Added scenes deliver more depth and emotion to the beloved story with new and enhanced side experiences that immerse you in the world like never before, and more. In Dark Ties, experience the brand-new tale of Yoshitaka Mine from Yakuza 3 in an included separate game. Having once led a successful startup company, he plunged himself into the dark world of the yakuza by choice after losing everything. Left with an empty heart, the pursuit to find true bonds drives him forward once again in a dramatic journey colored by exhilarating boxing-based combat, and a variety of engaging side experiences.
91Act
BlazBlue Entropy Effect X – February 12
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
A roguelite action game set in the BlazBlue universe, featuring striking 2D visuals, stylish, fast-paced combat, and precise, responsive controls. Command a lineup of unique characters from the renowned BlazBlue franchise and dive into an unparalleled action experience.
Milestone S.r.l.
Milestone S.r.l.
Milestone S.r.l.
Ride 6 – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Ride 6 isn’t just about riding – it’s about who you become on your bike. It’s where passion turns into identity, and every race becomes a statement. It’s time to prove what it really means to be a rider – to yourself and to the world. Collect and ride 250+ bikes from various categories, including Baggers and Enduro. Leave the asphalt behind and feel the thrill of the dirt on new off-road tracks for an even more complete riding experience. Race online in full cross-play, claim your spot at the top of the leaderboard, and show off your custom bikes, suits, and helmets.
Oro Interactive
Roadside Research (Game Preview) – February 12
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
Aliens have landed on Earth… to run a gas station. Play solo or up to 4 players and do human tasks to blend in. People depend on you, it’s your job to make sure that the shelves have the correct items, refuel customers passing by, and provide food for travelers. But most importantly, you must conduct your research.
Squanch Games, Inc.
High on Life 2 – February 13
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
You’ve done it. You’ve taken down an intergalactic cartel, brought humanity back from the brink of extinction, and hunted dangerous bounties to the far corners of the galaxy. Bounty hunting has brought you fortune, fame and love; but when a mysterious figure from your past reappears and puts a price on your sister’s head, your cushy life gets thrown into chaos. Do you have what it takes to risk it all and bring down an intergalactic conspiracy that once again threatens your favorite species (humans)? High On Life returns as you and your beloved rag-tag team of alien misfits shoot, stab, and skate your way through gorgeous, dangerous worlds all across the galaxy to blow up the evil pharmaceutical conglomerate hell-bent on putting price tags on human life!
THQ Nordic
Reanimal – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
The original creators of Little Nightmares & Little Nightmares II have returned to take you on a more terrifying journey than ever before. In this co-op horror adventure game, you play as a brother & sister who go through hell to rescue their missing friends. Exploring by boat and on land, you must use your wits to survive, work together to escape the hellish island, and the dark secret that haunts you.
XSEED Games / Marvelous USA, Inc.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Choose from one of two protagonists whose destinies are intertwined by mysterious forces. Use sacred treasures to fight against the Blight’s many forms to restore the people, and even gods, to their natural glory. Take farming further, as you’ll manage more than a plot, rebuilding entire villages and cultivating new allies and resources along the way. Explore seasonal-themed villages heavily inspired by traditional Japanese culture, each with brand-new festivals and revamped fan favorites, as well as charming romance candidates.
DangerousBob Studio LLC
Monterey Jack – February 9
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
You’re trapped in a cheese factory with a seven-foot-tall monster made of cheese. Good luck. Meet Monterey Jack: a wisecracking, seven-foot-tall cheese monster with a big grin and bigger appetite. He’ll joke while he hunts you. And if he catches you? You’re on the menu. You are Gordi, a high school kid hunting for your friend Mikey, last spotted sneaking into the abandoned Cheese Factory. Run. Hide. Outsmart the Cheese Man.
Blumhouse Games
Crisol: Theater of Idols – February 10
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Crisol: Theater of Idols is a gripping first-person horror/action adventure set in the haunting world of Hispania, a nightmarish reimagining of Spain. Playing as Gabriel, a soldier who can use his own blood as a deadly weapon, you endeavor on a journey to fulfill a divine mission from the Sun God.
Crisp App Studio
Sleeping Beauty: Hidden Object Game – February 10
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
We all know that Princess Aurora slept for years until true love’s kiss woke her — but have you ever wondered what she was dreaming about all that time? Now you can step into her dreams and explore a magical world full of colour, mystery, and surprises. Travel through beautiful, hand-painted locations, find hidden objects, and piece together the memories tucked away in her mind. As you explore, you’ll uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and slowly reveal the story behind her long sleep.
Forklift Interactive Inc.
Cash Cleaner Simulator – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
Cash Cleaner Simulator welcomes you into the life of a low-level criminal with a particular specialty. When your underworld contacts need dirty money to come back squeaky clean, they call you. Each delivery is different. Arriving in bags, boxes, or stuffed into mattresses, it’s your job to retrieve it all, identify any problems like dirt, blood, or counterfeit bills, and get to work. Your clients expect results! Do your job well, or do whatever it takes, and reap the rewards.
QUByte Interactive
Centipede Gun – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Centipede Gun is a creature-building roguelite inspired by games like SNKRX and FLERP, where you create unusual beings by combining different shapes, modules, and… weapons!? Try out insane combinations and try to break the game with the craziest creations! Each combination offers new possibilities to defeat enemies in increasingly challenging battles. After each round, use the money you earn to buy different units in the store and further strengthen your centipede of destruction. But be careful — as you evolve, enemies also become stronger, testing the limits of your creativity and strategy.
Kalypso Media
Disciples: Domination – February 12
Rule through the chaos! Fifteen years after Avyanna freed Nevendaar from the tyrannical grip of the gods, Disciples: Domination returns you to a realm hanging in the balance. In this dark fantasy strategy RPG with turn-based combat, take your place on Queen Avyanna’s throne – and attempt to hold together a crumbling kingdom.
Infinite Zone
Down Among the Dead Men – February 12
Set sail on your very own epic pirate adventure. Choose your class, forge your legend, and navigate a sea of perilous choices in this immersive gamebook adventure. Every decision writes your unique tale. Become the hero of your own high-seas saga. In a world where the rival kingdoms of Sidonia and Glorianna teeter on the brink of war, you are caught in a deadly race for survival. Hunted by the sadistic Captain Skarvench and drifting across the sea, you hold a secret that could rewrite the fate of the world. The power to become a legend of the seas is in your hands, but the deck is stacked against you.
Wales Interactive
Heart of the Forest – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
On an ill-fated hiking trip through the Black Forest, a mismatched group of students fall under the spell of a vengeful spirit trapped deep inside the woods. Now they must fight for their survival while trying to escape its corrupting influence. Haunted by fear, trauma, and secrets of the past, each character is pushed to their breaking point, and their survival depends on your choices in this interactive psychological horror story by Trapped Predator.
Ocean Media
PopSlinger Vol. 2 – Loveless – February 12
Brew up some action in this coffee-powered musical shooter! PopSlinger Vol. 2 – Loveless takes you on a thrilling new adventure where Agent Cooper McLaren of the Juncture Against Various Anomalies (JAVA) teams up with Akane 2.0, a reformed digital idol, to rescue Ria, the heroine of the first game, who has mysteriously vanished. As they navigate the bizarre Purple District, Cooper’s coffee-fueled weapons and Akane’s digital powers will be put to the test against the formidable Loveless Sisters and a variety of new enemies.
Bad Minions, Little Giant
Sokobear Cave – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
The Bear’s job takes him deep into a huge cave, featuring 40 different environments. Inside the mine, he will find precious gems alongside cheap crystals and fragile rocks that break easily. To complete the Bear’s task, solve the puzzles and deliver the rare gems to their proper place!
Ratalaika Games S.L.
Backrooms: Poolrooms – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Strange deaths are plaguing the Poolrooms, and now it’s your turn to investigate the horrifying mystery. Bodies have been found floating in the endless, dimly lit pools, their faces twisted in terror. The Poolrooms are no ordinary place – something dark and deadly has taken root, and it’s not alone.
Gray Boss Game Studio
Cinemoji Collection – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Welcome to Cinemoji Collection, the ultimate trivia game for movie buffs, pop culture fans, and puzzle lovers! This isn’t just a game; it’s a massive anthology. We’ve packed 4 complete editions into a single bundle, offering hundreds of levels that range from timeless classics to the latest blockbusters.
Dolores Entertainment
Clue: Murder By Death – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Clue: Murder by Death is a narrative-driven detective adventure inspired by classic British crime fiction and modern investigative games. Explore an imposing manor, examine evidence, interrogate suspects, and connect clues across multiple branching narrative paths. Every conversation, every alliance, and every accusation shapes the investigation and determines how the story ends.
Source Byte
Guess the Flag! – World Flags Quiz – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Test your knowledge of 255 countries, islands and international organizations in 6 addictive modes. Test your memory by matching the flag to the name of a country or play the reverse mode. If you are already an expert in flag knowledge, you can try the mode in which you have to write the name of the country yourself. Feel the thrill of matching locations to a country and, for a change, immerse yourself in the unpredictable random mode that combines all the challenges.
NiuGamer
Revenge on Gold Diggers – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Brought to life by director Hu Yaohui and a team of film industry veterans. In this entirely fictional story, step into the role of a hunter of hearts and infiltrate a shadowy organization deep in emotional deceit. The game features 472 minutes of cinematic footage. Comes with both Standard and Master modes. One purchase gives you the full experience. You play as Wu Yulun, a man once shattered by betrayal, who deliberately turns himself into bait to strike back at a ruthless gold-digger ring. Step into the murky depths of love and deceit, navigating a perilous game against dazzling women, each one a force to be reckoned with.
QubicGames S.A.
Puzzle Book – February 13
Xbox Play Anywhere
Puzzle book offers 35 different puzzles to solve, divided into themes – from fantasy to dinosaurs. Art for this game was made by artists specialized in various styles. They are beautiful paintings of creatures and landscapes or simpler drawings for kids. There is something for everyone! Speaking of everyone, you can adjust the difficulty by selecting the number of fragments per puzzle – from 6 to as many as 150! It’s a great title for both children and adults. Add peaceful music that plays in the background and you’ve got a great, relaxing afternoon.
QubicGames S.A.
Real Cake Maker – February 13
Xbox Play Anywhere
Become the best cake baker in town and create the yummiest cakes in this delicious cooking adventure! What kind of cake do you love? Whatever it is, you can bake it! From dreamy frosting to delightful decorations, design cakes that look as good as they taste. Show off your creations to friends, throw a fabulous cake party, or compete in exciting baking contests for the chance to be crowned the cake champ!
EpiXR Games
Zumba World – The Crazy Marble Dimension – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Zumba World – The Crazy Marble Dimension marries classic marble-shooter thrills with an explorable hub world! Dash your marble-loaded avatar across a vibrant central plaza dotted with portals to four zany realms. Discover hidden shortcuts, unlock bonus challenges, and collect special tokens that reveal the Crazy Marble Dimension’s secrets. With each realm offering unique marble colors, path shapes, moving obstacles, and escalating speeds, no two expeditions are the same!
The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 9 to 13 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
