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  • Everything Announced at the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct

    Everything Announced at the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct

    Nintendo fans were treated to a wild ride this morning with the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, and it did not disappoint. Packed with surprises, nostalgia, and some seriously banana-powered upgrades, the 15-minute showcase gave us our best look yet at Donkey Kong’s next big jungle-shaking adventure.

    Here’s a complete rundown of everything that was revealed:

    Pauline Swings Into Action

    Pauline is officially joining Donkey Kong on his new journey—not just as a companion, but as a key gameplay feature. She can sing to guide the player and break magical seals, and she even has a mysterious form called the “Odd Rock.” Her dual-role setup seems integral to solving puzzles and progressing deeper into the world.

    Donkey Kong’s Moveset Gets Supercharged

    DK is back and beefier than ever. Here’s a look at his core abilities:

    • Punch & Dive Punch – Classic Kong combat with a little extra flair.
    • Roll Forward – Charge through obstacles and enemies.
    • Hand Slap – Shake the ground to reveal secrets.
    • Tear Off – Rip away barriers.
    • Swing & Chunk Jump – Navigate the world with power and agility.
    • Turf Surf – Ride terrain like a natural.
    • Throw – Lob objects and foes.
    • Make Music – Often done with Pauline, this ability reveals paths and secrets.

    Kong Transformations: The Bananza Powers

    Discovering ancient Bananza powers from Giant Elders unlocks temporary but powerful transformations:

    • Kong Bananza – Your classic mega ape form.
    • Zebra Bananza – A speedy, stripey power-up.
    • Ostrich Bananza – Graceful and nimble traversal ability.

    Each form is time-limited, but offers unique movement and combat advantages.

    Familiar Faces & Foes

    • Cranky Kong and Rambi (YES!) are back to help out.
    • Meet the villains of Void Company, a corrupt underground operation featuring:
      • Grumpy Kong
      • Poppy Kong
      • Void Kong

    These bosses guard the lower layers of the underground realm, and defeating them is key to progression.

    Explore, Upgrade, and Collect

    • Ancient Ruins hide platforming challenges like obstacle courses, time trials, and side-scrolling segments.
    • Skill Points (earned by collecting gems) let you upgrade DK’s health, strength, or unlock new abilities.
    • Collectibles can be traded for items, costumes, and more.
    • A Collectible Tracker helps you keep tabs on what you’ve found.
    • A Music Player lets you relive your favorite tunes.

    🛠️ Features Galore

    • Photo Mode – Capture those jungle vibes.
    • Elevators – Traverse realms quickly.
    • 2-Player Local Co-op – Grab a friend!
    • Game Share Support – Only one copy needed for two-player action.
    • Assist Mode – For those who want some help (or just chill vibes).
    • DK Artist Mode – A new stone carving mini-game using motion controls and stylus-style precision.

    Amiibo &… Diddy!?

    • New Donkey Kong Amiibo unlocks a special outfit.
    • All existing Donkey Kong series amiibo are compatible—they grant gold tiles and more.
    • And yes… at the very end, we got a shadowy tease. Was that Diddy Kong!? 👀

    Conclusion

    Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be a bold new chapter in DK’s legacy. With deep exploration, customizable upgrades, local co-op, and more collectibles than you can shake a banana at, this could be a must-play title for Switch 2’s early lineup.

    Stay tuned for more updates as we approach launch, and let us know:
    Which Bananza form are YOU most hyped for?

  • Why You Should Be Excited About Mario Kart World: Everything We Know So Far

    Why You Should Be Excited About Mario Kart World: Everything We Know So Far

    Mario Kart World is speeding our way, and if you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, this is one Nintendo announcement you can’t afford to miss. Whether you’re here for the high-speed racing, the chaotic item battles, or the nostalgia-filled tracks, Mario Kart World promises to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series yet. Here’s why you should be hyped for this game and what makes it a potential game-changer for the Mario Kart franchise.

    1. A New Era for Mario Kart on Switch 2

    With the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to launch soon, Mario Kart World is shaping up to be the flagship racing title for the next-gen console. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has aged like fine wine (and still sells millions), it’s time for something fresh. World looks to embrace modern hardware with improved graphics, faster load times, and a deeper online experience. Expect buttery-smooth 60 FPS racing with vibrant, detailed tracks that make Mushroom Kingdom come alive like never before.

    2. Global Tracks from Around the World

    One of the rumored features (and most exciting) is that Mario Kart World will feature real-world inspired tracks from across the globe. Think Mario Kart Tour but fully realized in console-quality HD. Tokyo, New York, Paris—these aren’t just gimmicks; they’re immersive playgrounds built for kart chaos. The idea of racing through Shibuya, drifting past the Eiffel Tower, or dodging banana peels in Times Square is next-level fun.

    3. Cross-Platform and Cross-Play? It’s Possible.

    Nintendo has been slowly embracing online play, and with “World” in the title, many believe cross-play between Switch 2, mobile, and possibly PC could become reality. If that’s true, Mario Kart World might be Nintendo’s most connected title ever. Imagine racing against friends regardless of their device, with leaderboards and tournaments that span the globe. This could be Mario Kart meets eSports, and we’re here for it.

    4. A Fresh Roster of Racers and Karts

    New characters are a given—but this time, expect a more global cast and creative kart customizations. With past games adding Link, Isabelle, and even Inklings, World could open the floodgates to characters from across the Nintendo multiverse and beyond. Add in kart customization with cosmetic rewards, global rankings, and unlockable gear, and you’ve got hundreds of hours of replayability.

    5. Live-Service Without the Fatigue

    If Mario Kart World adopts a seasonal model like Fortnite or Splatoon 3, we might get regular track updates, new racers, and fresh gear every few months. The key is balancing content without feeling like a grind. Nintendo has shown it can do this well, and if executed correctly, Mario Kart World could stay relevant for years.

    6. Return of Fan-Favorite Modes (Plus New Surprises)

    Yes, Battle Mode is expected to return—and possibly even a full-blown adventure or story mode. Rumors suggest a more expansive single-player experience, possibly even co-op missions or kart challenges that break the traditional mold. Nintendo loves to surprise us, and World might finally give solo players more to chew on between online matches.

    7. Built for Content Creators and Streamers

    Nintendo has been loosening its grip on content creation, and Mario Kart World could be the first streamer- and community-friendly title in the series. Think built-in spectator modes, race replays, custom tournament lobbies, and sharable highlights. This is huge for growing the game’s community and making Mario Kart more than just a party game—it could be a content goldmine.

    Final Lap: Why Mario Kart World Is the One to Watch

    Whether you’re a nostalgic player who grew up on Rainbow Road or a newcomer itching to drift into the action, Mario Kart World has something for everyone. It’s more than a new game—it’s a global event. With next-gen performance, cross-play potential, evolving content, and a rich celebration of everything Mario Kart, this is shaping up to be the ultimate kart racing experience.

    So buckle up, power up your red shells, and get ready—because Mario Kart World might just be the best thing Nintendo has ever put on four wheels.

  • Top 10 Game of the Year Picks So Far (June 2025)

    Top 10 Game of the Year Picks So Far (June 2025)

    The first half of 2025 has been nothing short of legendary for gamers. From bold new IPs to genre-defining sequels and long-awaited remakes, the gaming industry has delivered a steady stream of hits. Here are our Top 10 Game of the Year contenders so far, ranked by impact, innovation, and just pure fun.

    🥇 1. Split Fiction

    A genre-bending narrative adventure, Split Fiction lets players navigate two parallel realities — one grounded in gritty crime noir, the other in surrealist fantasy. Every choice echoes across both timelines, shaping an intricate story that constantly reinvents itself. It’s a triumph of interactive storytelling with masterclass writing and jaw-dropping presentation.

    🥈 2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

    In a world where humanity is wiped out one number at a time, you lead the 33rd expedition to end the Painter’s deadly countdown. With turn-based combat inspired by classic JRPGs and surreal, painterly visuals, Expedition 33 blends dark fantasy with emotional storytelling in a way that feels both tragic and hopeful. One of the most artistically ambitious games in recent memory.

    See Our Review Here!

    🥉 3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

    Bohemia comes alive once again in this gritty, historically grounded RPG sequel. Deliverance 2 expands on its predecessor with improved combat, richer world-building, and a story that puts you at the heart of medieval intrigue. No dragons, no magic — just hard-hitting realism and immersive roleplaying.

    4. Blue Prince

    A roguelike puzzlebox wrapped in a mystery, Blue Prince tasks players with designing the layout of a cursed castle in real-time. Each room you add might unlock secrets… or unleash horrors. With an ever-shifting narrative and elegantly bizarre mechanics, it’s a mesmerizing mix of logic, lore, and latent terror.

    5. Elden Ring: Nightreign

    FromSoftware returns to the Lands Between with a dark new chapter. Nightreign expands the open world with a gothic, rain-drenched region haunted by shadows — both literal and figurative. Brutal new bosses, deeper lore, and refined combat make this DLC feel like a full sequel. Prepare to die all over again… beautifully.

    6. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

    The classic 2006 RPG is reborn with modern graphics, UI enhancements, and smart quality-of-life tweaks — all while preserving its charming weirdness. Oblivion Remastered is a glorious return to Cyrodiil for veterans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. Who knew potato faces could look this good?

    See Our Review Here!

    7. Monster Hunter Wilds

    Capcom’s latest evolution of the Monster Hunter formula brings dynamic ecosystems, intelligent prey-predator interactions, and a seamless open world. Wilds reinvents the hunt with new mounts, weather-based tactics, and jaw-dropping creatures that fight as smart as they look. It’s the wildest hunt yet.

    8. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    Feudal Japan finally gets its due in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, delivering dual protagonists — a shinobi and a samurai — with distinct playstyles. Ubisoft blends stealth, swordplay, and storytelling in a beautifully realized historical world. It’s the best AC has felt in years.

    9. DOOM: The Dark Ages

    Hell goes medieval in this prequel to 2016’s DOOM. Trading plasma rifles for a demon-slaying mace and a jet-powered shield, The Dark Ages reimagines id Software’s signature brutality with a grim fantasy aesthetic. It’s still fast, frantic, and ferocious — just with more blood and chainmail.

    10. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

    Strategy fans rejoice — Civ VII shakes up the formula with asymmetrical civs, dynamic eras, and a fresh diplomacy system. Whether you’re rewriting history as the Zulu or racing to space as futuristic Scandinavians, the possibilities feel endless. One more turn? Always.

    More to Come This Year

    While these are our top picks, 2025 is far from over. With more big releases coming later this year — including Metroid Prime 4, Death Stranding 2, Mario Kart World, and Metal Gear Solid Delta Remake. — the second half of the year promises even fiercer competition.

    What’s Your Game of the Year (So Far)?

    Did your favorite make the list? Or do you have a hidden gem we missed? Let us know in the comments — and stay tuned for our year-end roundup this December!

  • Game Review: Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – A Cozy RPG With Big Ambitions

    Game Review: Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – A Cozy RPG With Big Ambitions

    Gameplay: Slice-of-Life Meets Time-Traveling RPG

    Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time blends cozy life sim mechanics with action RPG elements and a surprising time-travel twist. You start by choosing a “Life,” the game’s job class system that includes roles like Paladin, Woodcutter, Cook, or Mage—each offering its own quests, mechanics, and personality.

    The game thrives on variety. Want to hunt monsters and save the world? You can. Prefer fishing, farming, or crafting epic gear? You’ll be just as rewarded. It’s easy to switch between lives, encouraging experimentation and avoiding burnout. The game’s challenge curve is just right—accessible for casual players, but satisfying for completionists.

    The new time-travel element adds a layer of mystery and progression that keeps things engaging. You’re rebuilding a ruined island in the present while exploring its vibrant past, creating a loop that’s both narratively and mechanically rewarding.

    Graphics: Whimsical Charm in Every Frame

    While not aiming for realism, Fantasy Life i has an undeniable charm. The colorful environments, expressive characters, and playful animations give off warm, Ghibli-like energy. Each “Life” has its own visual flair—from the spell effects of a wizard to the satisfying sparkle of a polished gem.

    The game performs well on the Switch, with no major frame rate dips, even when juggling busy scenes or loading new areas. The world feels alive, even if the art leans more into whimsy than cutting-edge realism.

    Music and Sound: Cozy and Comforting

    The soundtrack is filled with upbeat, relaxing melodies that match the game’s tranquil tone. Each area and life role has its own musical vibe, making exploration feel fresh even after hours of play. Sound effects, from hammering metal to rustling trees, are detailed and immersive.

    Voice acting is minimal but effective, with characters expressing emotions through clever dialogue and charming expressions. The ambiance alone makes this a great “wind down after a long day” game.

    Story: Lighthearted With Surprising Depth

    At first glance, Fantasy Life i might seem like just another cute life sim—but it packs a surprisingly deep narrative. The central mystery—rebuilding a town and unraveling the secrets of time—is both intriguing and emotional. Characters are memorable, and your actions in the past influence the present in meaningful ways.

    While the pacing can feel slow in the beginning, the story gradually becomes more complex. It rewards players who take their time and engage with every part of the world.

    Final Verdict:

    Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is a joyful, feel-good game that’s easy to sink hours into. With its seamless blend of RPG and life sim mechanics, charming visuals, and heartwarming narrative, it’s a must-play for fans of Animal Crossing, Rune Factory, or Stardew Valley—but with that distinct Level-5 twist.

    BigCrits Rating: 8.5/10

    A cozy RPG that lets you live many lives at once—while unraveling time itself. Perfect for players who want to relax and explore.

  • Game Review: Death Stranding: Director’s Cut – A Bold, Beautiful Masterpiece from Kojima

    Game Review: Death Stranding: Director’s Cut – A Bold, Beautiful Masterpiece from Kojima

    Gameplay: A Journey Like No Other

    If you’re looking for a gameplay experience that defies conventions, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is in a league of its own. Hideo Kojima introduces a new genre—the “Strand” game—that focuses on delivering cargo, connecting communities, and surviving a post-apocalyptic world that feels eerily plausible.

    What makes the gameplay so compelling is how it evolves with you. It starts with a deliberate pace, challenging but never discouraging. As you improve, the mechanics feel more natural and rewarding. The sense of progression is perfectly tuned—you’re always learning, always improving, and the game respects your time and effort. Whether you’re navigating treacherous mountains or building highways to ease future travel, every moment feels earned.

    Graphics: Next-Level Photorealism

    Simply put, Death Stranding is one of the best-looking games ever made. The landscapes are so stunningly realistic you’ll find yourself pausing just to soak it all in. From windswept plains to rain-drenched cliffs, the world is rich with environmental detail that feels alive and immersive.

    Character models are based on real actors—including Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Léa Seydoux—and their performances shine through not just in dialogue, but in every facial expression and movement. It’s like watching a high-budget film where you control the lead role. Frame rates are buttery smooth, ensuring the cinematic experience never breaks.

    Music & Sound: Atmospheric and Original

    The sound design in Death Stranding is nothing short of phenomenal. The original soundtrack, featuring artists like Low Roar, is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly tailored to the game’s mood. It never feels generic or forced—it becomes part of the journey itself.

    Voice acting is top-tier, rivaling Hollywood in quality and emotion. Environmental sounds, from the crunch of gravel beneath your boots to the hum of your bike, are deeply immersive and meticulously crafted. Whether you’re traversing a river or sneaking through a BT-infested zone, the audio brings every moment to life.

    Story: Wild, Deep, and Satisfying

    Kojima is known for telling stories that challenge the norm, and Death Stranding is no exception. It’s bizarre, emotional, and deeply philosophical. While it can feel confusing at times—especially early on—the payoff is more than worth it.

    By the time the credits roll, all the puzzle pieces fall into place. Every question finds an answer. Every narrative thread is tied up with purpose. It’s a rare kind of storytelling that leaves you thinking about its message long after you’ve put down the controller.

    Final Verdict

    Score: 9.6/10

    Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is not just a game—it’s an experience. With groundbreaking gameplay, jaw-dropping visuals, unforgettable music, and a story that dares to go places few others will, this is Kojima at his most unrestrained and brilliant. It won’t be for everyone—but for those willing to take the journey, it’s unlike anything else in gaming.

  • Game Review: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – Return of the King (of Cyrodiil)

    Game Review: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – Return of the King (of Cyrodiil)

    They say you can’t go home again—but Bethesda just handed us the keys to the Imperial City, polished the brass on every gate, and said, “Yeah, you can.” Oblivion Remastered is finally here, and it’s the high-fantasy blast from the past we didn’t know we needed (until we got lost picking Nirnroot for 3 hours).

    Whether you’re here to relive that first gate to hell or you’re a first-timer wondering why everyone’s talking about that cheese-loving mad god, buckle up. Because Oblivion Remastered is as weird, wonderful, and wobbly as you remember—now with 2025 glow-up graphics and quality-of-life tweaks that finally respect your time and your nostalgia.

    The Premise: Close the Gates, Save the World, Pet a Troll (Maybe)

    Set in the richly varied province of Cyrodiil, Oblivion still kicks off with the same legendary setup: the emperor is dead, the gates of Oblivion are opening, and you—a literal prisoner—just so happen to be the last hope for Tamriel. Classic Bethesda.

    The main quest holds up surprisingly well, especially with the remastered cutscenes and a few re-recorded lines adding some modern punch to Martin Septim’s brooding messiah vibes.

    Graphics & World: From Potato Faces to Portrait-Ready

    Remember the old Oblivion NPCs with stretched smirks and uncanny valley eyes? Gone. This remaster blesses us with retextured characters, overhauled lighting, and completely redone flora and architecture. The Imperial City at sunset? Absolutely majestic.

    Yes, Skyrim still feels more grounded in terms of realism, but Oblivion Remastered leans into a painterly, slightly surreal aesthetic that works beautifully. The glow of Daedric portals is more ominous than ever, and the Shivering Isles? Still a trip, now in glorious detail.

    Combat & Gameplay: Better, But Still Oblivion

    Here’s where it gets tricky. Combat in Oblivion Remastered is smoother and less janky—animations have been cleaned up, spell effects are more responsive, and stealth actually feels stealthy—but it still carries the DNA of 2006.

    You can still run backwards in heavy armor and snipe with arrows like Legolas on caffeine. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. Bethesda clearly chose to preserve the spirit of the original, clunky jumps and all, while sanding off just enough of the rough edges to make it feel playable today.

    Also: no more psychic guards! Steal a tomato in Bravil, and the guards in Anvil no longer know immediately. Progress.

    Voice Acting & Dialogues: Hello Again, Sean Bean

    The original voice cast is back—with a few modern flourishes. There’s more variety in NPCs, less “same guy, different robe,” and dialogue boxes are snappier and more natural. You’ll still hear a lot of recycled lines, but that’s tradition at this point.

    Radiant AI has also been tuned to stop NPCs from casually walking off cliffs or obsessing over corn. Mostly.

    Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to Weird Fantasy

    The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a celebration of what made Bethesda games weird and wonderful in the first place. It’s high fantasy without the grimdark, epic but goofy, profound and deeply memeable. And in an era of open-world fatigue, there’s something charming about a game that still believes in hand-placed dungeons, faction drama, and stealing a horse for no reason.

    Final Score: 8.5/10

    Pros: Stunning visual overhaul, smoother gameplay, still gloriously weird
    Cons: Some legacy jank, occasional pacing bloat, not as modernized as it could be

    Should you play it? If you love fantasy RPGs, yes. If you’re already humming the Fighters Guild theme? You never left.

  • Game Review: Expedition 33 – A Beautiful, Brutal March Through Memory and Magic

    Game Review: Expedition 33 – A Beautiful, Brutal March Through Memory and Magic

    Hey fellow gamers! Buckle your seatbelts (or should I say, lace up your enchanted boots), because we’re diving headfirst into the stunning, somber, and straight-up savage world of Expedition 33 — the latest action RPG that dares to ask: what if you could defy fate… but at what cost?

    Developed by the ever-ambitious folks at Sandfall Interactive and published under the banner of Kepler Interactive, Expedition 33 is like if Dark Souls, Ni No Kuni, and Dragon Age got lost together in a dreamscape painted by Studio Ghibli and punched each other in the feels.

    The Premise: Death is a Calendar Event

    Every year, the Paintress awakens to “mark” the world’s population—literally painting them into nonexistence. Grim, right? You play as part of the titular Expedition 33, the final squad of unpainted warriors aiming to break this vicious cycle.

    If that sounds like a poetic existential crisis wrapped in gorgeous art direction—well, it is.

    Art & Aesthetic: Watercolors Meet Wounds

    This game is gorgeous. From the dew-speckled ruins of ancient cities to lavender-lit mountain peaks that glow like bedtime stories gone wrong, Expedition 33 oozes style. Every character design looks hand-brushed, and the enemies are like nightmares imagined by a romantic painter on a bad trip.

    If you played Ori and the Will of the Wisps and said, “this could be darker,” congratulations—you manifested this game.

    Combat: Turn-Based with Bite

    Here’s where it gets crunchy: Expedition 33 uses turn-based combat, but don’t you dare call it slow. Each battle is cinematic and brutal. Positioning matters, timing is everything, and enemy encounters feel like puzzles you hurt your way through.

    Every party member has their own tragic backstory and unique set of skills, and combo abilities are not only useful—they’re drop-dead cool. Think flaming whirlwinds, spectral arrows, and devastating duo attacks that make you want to fist-pump even after getting KO’d.

    Pro tip: healing is limited. If you walk into a fight thinking this is a grind-a-thon JRPG, the Paintress is gonna paint you right out of existence.

    Characters: Sad, Sweet, and Sometimes Snarky

    The emotional core of Expedition 33 is its characters. Your crew is a band of broken badasses, each one haunted by what the Paintress took from them. Between battles, you’ll share fireside chats, upgrade gear, and make gut-wrenching choices that do affect the ending.

    Also: one of them has a talking bird who critiques your life choices. Instant 10/10.

    Final Thoughts: Artful Anguish Worth Playing

    Expedition 33 isn’t just a great game—it’s a statement. It’s about resistance against inevitable decay, about memory and meaning, and about choosing to fight when it’s easier to fade.

    Is it hard? Oh yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

    So if you’re in the mood for a heartbreaker in a watercolor shell—one that’ll test your tactics and tug your emotions—Expedition 33 should be your next quest.

    Final Score: 9/10

    Pros: Breathtaking visuals, deep tactical combat, rich story
    Cons: Steep difficulty curve, occasional camera wonkiness during battles

    Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a ghost panther to re-fight for the sixth time. Worth it.