Vishal Kamal has been covering video games for 7 years, writing about everything from hardware deals and new releases to esports and the business
side of the industry. He runs TheBadGamer, focused on gaming news worth your time.
Atlanta's Season 3 introduces Wiley, a mystifying figure, leaving fans puzzled. Director Hiro Murai offers insight, framing Wiley as a "mirror" for Paper Boi, reflecting on the themes of success and emotional resonance. This explanation deepens the character's ambiguity, aligning with Atlanta's narrative approach.
R-Type Tactics I ∙ II Cosmos revives a PSP-era tactics gem with a polished new coat, featuring enhanced visuals, full voice overs, and uncompressed cutscenes. This collection includes the original, Japan-only sequel Operation Bitter Chocolate, and a new campaign, offering a worthwhile experience despite some minor setbacks. With its challenging gameplay and nostalgic appeal, it's a must-play for strategy fans and those who missed it the first time around.
Dungeons & Dragons' latest update, Ravenloft: The Horrors Within, brings much-needed fixes to the previously underwhelming College of Spirits bard subclass. The changes address the randomness issue of the Spirits from Beyond feature, giving players more control. This update is a significant improvement for bards, making the subclass more viable and enjoyable.
In a recent interview, the director of the critically acclaimed game Ori, expressed mixed views on Xbox's Game Pass, stating it "could've worked" if not for the release of mediocre content. The director criticized the platform's approach, likening it to "slopping out mediocre content like a factory." This criticism highlights the challenges Game Pass faces in balancing quantity with quality.
Heartland, a total conversion mod for Grand Theft Auto 4, transforms the game into a hauntingly quiet, Fargo-esque experience set in rural Wisconsin. Developed by Kultur-Remix, this ambitious project offers 30 missions, an open-source design for roleplay servers, and a unique glimpse into post-9/11, pre-recession America. By swapping the hustle of Liberty City for the subdued life of a pizza delivery girl's misadventures, Heartland promises a refreshingly different GTA experience.
Kemuri, an upcoming Action RPG from Tokyo-based studio Unseen, is set to fill the stylish gap left by KPop Demon Hunters with its thrilling cityscape platforming, three-player cooperative play, and a unique contract system with yokai. Slated for a 2027 release on PS5, Kemuri promises a blend of style and performance, courtesy of developer Ikumi Nakamura's (Bayonetta series, GhostWire: Tokyo) distinct sensibility. Fans of KPop Demon Hunters will find a new obsession in Kemuri's dynamic gameplay and customizable player appearances.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps, a critically acclaimed platformer, is leaving Xbox Game Pass on June 30. This departure affects both Xbox and PC subscribers, marking the end of an era for one of the service's most beloved titles. Players have until the end of June to complete their journey or purchase the game at a discounted rate.
Toy Story 5 is poised to dominate both box offices and streaming platforms. Based on Disney's release patterns, the film is expected to hit digital platforms in August, Blu-ray/DVD in September, and Disney Plus in October. Fans of Woody, Buzz, and the gang can anticipate a home viewing debut this summer, with streaming access following shortly after.
Stranger Than Heaven, the upcoming Action RPG from Universal Studios Hollywood Hub, boasts a significantly overhauled combat system that's as challenging as it is satisfying. After hands-on experience at the BiliBili Game First Look event, the game's new fighting mechanics, set amidst a 1915 to 1965 backdrop across five distinct city settings, show promising depth. With a release slated for Early 2027 on PS5 and PC, fans of the Like a Dragon series have much to look forward to, despite some quirks and unexpected celebrity appearances.
Famke Janssen, the original Jean Grey in the X-Men film series, expresses disappointment over not being invited to reprise her role in Avengers: Doomsday, stating Marvel "made a mistake." Despite her interest in returning and the return of other X-Men cast members, Janssen confirms her absence from the upcoming MCU film. Avengers: Doomsday is set to premiere on December 18, 2026.
