Game Informer

Platform PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC Publisher Fictions Developer Game Freak Release Rating Teen “Growth” is what makes a good RPG, according to Kota Furushima, the Game Freak veteran directing the studio’s newest project: Beast of Reincarnation. That word is fitting considering the lush environments, plant-riddled animals, and a main character named Emma who can grow vines at will. Of course, Furushima isn’t necessarily talking about plants here, but it's all meant to be intertwined.

The Legend of Zelda franchise has been soaring high for the vast majority of its lifespan, while the Star Fox franchise has struggled to gain traction over the course of multiple entries. These franchises exist in completely different spaces in terms of prestige and consistency. However, they do share a few similarities. Both are beloved franchises, and for many, both produced their greatest (or at the very least, defining) entry on the Nintendo 64.

Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II are coming to Switch 2 on October 1. The move coincides with the series 8th anniversary. Both games will be available separately, digitally and physically, as well as in a digital-only bundle. Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II, first released in 2018 and 2023, respectively, feature improved frame rates and resolutions on Switch 2.

In addition to announcing plans to end the production of physical discs for new PlayStation-released games in January 2028, Sony is also planning to shut down two digital storefronts. The PlayStation Store on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita will be closed in select markets starting later this year and continuing into 2027. Once the PS3 and Vita stores are closed, owners of those platforms will no longer be able to make new digital purchases.

Developer Aerial Knight makes some interesting (and fun) games, so I'm always looking forward to what's next from the team. Today, I learned about Aerial Knight's MrFreezy, and it might take the record for the wildest puzzle-game pitch of all time, and I can't wait to check it out.

The video game industry is experiencing what can politely be referred to as a rough patch. Last week, we learned of Sony's intention to abandon physical media, which is dispiriting, and this week, we learned leadership at Microsoft is in the process of laying off more than 3,000 developers at various studios. Stories surrounding this topic are, sadly, some of biggest stories of the week, which you can find links for below.

Ahoy! It's the dawn of a new day on The Game Informer Show, and we've got a salty crew of sea-dogs ready to tackle the biggest news and games out right now. First up, the video boys Alex and Eric discuss their experiences seeing Summer Games Done Quick in person. And Wesley LeBlanc has a few opinions about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time too, after finishing a fresh replay.

Gunzilla Games is taking a sledgehammer to its technical barriers with the latest update for its cyberpunk battle royale, Off The Grid. For a game that thrives on fast-paced verticality and cybernetic chaos, performance isn't just a luxury, it's life or death. With the community demanding a smoother experience, Gunzilla has delivered a substantial optimization pass. According to the studio, lower-end PCs are seeing staggering leaps of up to 100 extra frames per second in tested scenarios.

In 2012, Arkane Studios launched what would become its breakout hit, Dishonored. Billed as a modernized take on the immersive sims of old, the first-person action game had players control assassin Corvo Attano, who must prove his innocence after being framed for the murder of the empress he was sworn to protect. Sporting a mix of assassin weaponry and supernatural powers, players could infiltrate areas using a variety of methods and pathways.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is finally out, and though it's a remake of the fourth numbered Assassin's Creed game (which is actually the sixth mainline entry), it's the perfect place to dive into this massive series. The same could have been said about the original Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, as it was a reset for the series after wrapping up the Desmond Miles storyline that ran through the first five games.