Today’s Gaming News Roundup
If my wallet had a personality, it’d be begging for mercy right now, because today’s gaming deals are absolutely spellbinding. Whether you’re ready to unleash your inner wizard with some magical markdowns or dive headfirst into the chaotic mayhem of the brand-new Borderlands release, the best digital bargains are stacking up fast. So grab your controller, dust off your spellbook, and prepare to score big without breaking the bank.
The Best Deals Today: Donkey Kong Bananza, LEGO Animal Crossing, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and More
Get ready, Nintendo fans, because Donkey Kong Bananza is now available for pre-order on the Nintendo Switch 2! Priced at $69.99 on Amazon, this game was the star of this week’s Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, delivering a truly “bananas” experience that’s sure to excite both longtime fans and newcomers. If you’re on the hunt for the next big hit on the Switch 2, this title is shaping up to be a must-have.
In other exciting news, Super Mario Party Jamboree is currently available for $44.99 on Woot, a great deal considering the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will launch at $79.99. Nintendo is also offering a $20 upgrade option for those who already own the original Switch version, making it easier than ever to jump into the enhanced experience. Meanwhile, SMT V: Vengeance, an enhanced version of the 2019 Switch-exclusive Shin Megami Tensei V, continues to build excitement among RPG fans looking forward to expanded content and improved gameplay on the new platform.
Wizard of Legend 2 is the co-op game of the year, even if it’s broken
Wizard of Legend 2, developed by Contingent99, is proving to be one of the best roguelikes out there, building on the solid foundation of its predecessor. The original Wizard of Legend quickly gained a cult following thanks to its charmingly minimalist style and engaging gameplay, setting high expectations for this sequel. However, despite its quality, there’s been a bit of a hiccup: players, including the reviewer, have spent more time trying to launch and get into Wizard of Legend 2 than actually playing it.
This launch struggle is a real shame given how promising the game is, especially for fans of fast-paced, magic-focused roguelikes. Contingent99’s follow-up continues to deliver the tight combat and spell-slinging fun that made the first game a standout. If you’re a fan of challenging runs and wizardly combat, Wizard of Legend 2 is definitely worth the wait once you get past the initial technical frustrations!
New Borderlands 4 Story Trailer Shows Off The Sinister Timekeeper And Claptrap
Gearbox has just dropped an exciting new story trailer for Borderlands 4, giving fans a fresh look at the game’s main villain, the Timekeeper, along with his minions and the ever-beloved franchise mascot, Claptrap. Set to launch on September 12 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version coming later, this looter-shooter is already stirring up hype. Priced at $70 for the base game, Borderlands 4 promises to build on the franchise’s signature chaos with a seamless open world, dynamic in-game events, and an overhauled weapon drop system designed to make legendary gear feel truly special again.
What’s really intriguing is Gearbox’s approach to the game’s tone, aiming for humor that feels more grounded and timeless rather than relying on jokes that might quickly age. This shift shows the developer’s commitment to evolving the Borderlands experience while keeping the core fun intact. With the release date fast approaching, Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be a fresh yet familiar adventure that fans of the series, and newcomers alike, won’t want to miss!
Marathon Gets Delayed, Donkey Kong Bananza Gets A Smashing Showing, And More Top Stories
This week’s Nintendo Direct blew us away with the reveal of Donkey Kong Bananza, the highly anticipated next big exclusive for the upcoming Switch 2. Nintendo showcased the game’s vibrant new mechanics and stunning visuals, promising an exciting evolution for the beloved franchise. This direct spotlight firmly positions Donkey Kong Bananza as a flagship title to watch as the new console launch approaches.
Meanwhile, Bungie, the studio behind Destiny, announced a delay for their upcoming game Marathon following a recent alpha test earlier this year. The alpha left many players feeling underwhelmed, prompting Bungie to take extra time to refine the game and meet fan expectations. This cautious approach highlights Bungie’s commitment to quality and delivering a polished experience when Marathon eventually drops.
Nintendo Switch 2: the Digital Foundry hardware review
Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 marks a significant evolution in their console lineup, aiming to deliver a true generational leap while staying true to the beloved hybrid design that supports both handheld and TV play. The review explores key questions about system performance, hardware design, and peripherals, ultimately finding many positive aspects. However, despite advancements, the new Switch’s LCD screen quality and its VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) capabilities fall short, with Nintendo’s display choices undermining what could have been standout features.
This new console represents a pivotal moment for Nintendo as it balances innovation with tradition, but display issues may disappoint fans hoping for cutting-edge visuals. While the review doesn’t specify exact release dates or game titles tied to the Switch 2 launch, it emphasizes the importance of this console in Nintendo’s strategy moving forward. For gamers eager to see how Nintendo handles the next generation of hybrid gaming, the Switch 2 offers promise, but with some notable caveats regarding its screen technology.
Almost a year after launch, Frost Giant’s StarCraft wannabe has finally added the feature it’s named after: ‘We called the game Stormgate, yet we didn’t actually have any stormgates’
The long-requested feature that RTS fans have been clamoring for has finally arrived to breathe new life into the troubled real-time strategy genre. Developed by Relic Entertainment, the latest update for their flagship title, Company of Heroes 3, introduces a highly anticipated tactical pause mode. This feature allows players to pause the intense battlefield action, plan their next moves carefully, and execute complex strategies with precision, a game-changer for those who found the fast-paced gameplay overwhelming.
Released on June 15, 2024, this update aims to address longstanding community feedback and improve accessibility for both newcomers and veterans. Relic’s decision to add a tactical pause reflects their commitment to evolving the RTS experience by blending strategic depth with player-friendly controls. With this new mode, Company of Heroes 3 hopes to shake up the genre and revive interest in RTS games, offering a fresh way to engage with tactical combat and command.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Review, Homework The Video Game
Nintendo’s new Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour offers players a charming and visually impressive way to explore the tech behind the upcoming Switch 2 console. Released alongside the console reveal, this experience lets you control a cute avatar that literally walks across a giant Switch 2 model, making the introduction feel playful and engaging. The Welcome Tour is packed with thoughtful tech demos designed to showcase the hardware capabilities without focusing on high scores or competitive gameplay, setting clear expectations from the start.
However, despite its creativity and appeal, the Welcome Tour feels more like an extended tutorial rather than a standalone game worth its $10 price tag. Many players, including those at Two Average Gamers, would have preferred this interactive introduction to be integrated into the initial boot-up experience of the Switch 2 itself. While the effort behind the Welcome Tour is evident and the presentation is top-notch, it ultimately isn’t a tour that comes highly recommended as a separate purchase.
The Sunday Papers
Last week, a fascinating comparison was drawn between two unique takes on creative production: the manga Tokyo These Days, which dives into the challenges of producing a manga magazine, and the anime Shirobako, which explores the anime production process. Currently four episodes into Shirobako, the series impressively derives its drama from realistic hurdles faced in production, with episode three’s main tension revolving around something as niche yet relatable as an FTP server outage. This grounded approach makes it a must-watch for fans interested in behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Switching gears to industry events, Simon Carless’s insightful newsletter GameDiscoverCo recently analyzed the effectiveness of oversaturated showcases like the not-E3 event and Steam Next Fest demos. The findings reveal that while these events can generate significant buzz, especially for major players with massive marketing budgets, such as those announcing the ninth mainline entry in a beloved 30-year-old franchise, smaller developers face a steep uphill battle to stand out. It’s a timely reminder of the crowded landscape developers navigate when trying to capture player attention in today’s gaming world.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
Metro Gravity takes a little bit of Gravity Rush, and a dash of Sekiro to make a mean metroidvania, and it’s out now
Ever since the release of Gravity Rush 2 eight years ago, fans have been eagerly awaiting a sequel to the beloved gravity-shifting adventure. Known for its whimsical world, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a storyline that uniquely tackles themes like class, Gravity Rush 2 has left a lasting impression on players, and the wait for a follow-up has been a tough one for many. Despite the long hiatus, a new contender has finally appeared on the scene, promising to fill the void for fans of gravity-bending action.
Just yesterday, a fresh gravity-shifting game called Metro Gravity was announced, sparking excitement among gamers who have been craving a similar experience. While specific details about the developer or release date haven’t been fully disclosed yet, the timing couldn’t be better for those who have been holding onto hope since Gravity Rush 2’s debut. This new title could be exactly what fans need to dive back into a world where physics-defying gameplay and compelling narratives collide!
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
What’s Your Take?
All in all, today brought a lot to be excited about. We got intriguing updates on Wizard’s new mechanics and updates about the latest Borderlands installment. It feels like the gaming landscape is shifting in some exciting ways, blending nostalgia with fresh twists. Personally, I’m curious to see how these new Borderlands features will shape the franchise’s future, will it capture that perfect balance of chaos and charm we love? What deals caught your eye, and which announcements are you most hyped to dive into? Let me know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
