Other titles, which will be available starting November 21st, include Superliminal and Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising will be playable on PS4 and PS5. There’s also Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme vs. Maxi Boost On, Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Taishi, River City Melee Mach!!, and Alternate Jake Hunter: Daedalus The Awakening of Golden Jazz on PS4, which are backwards compatible.

As for the classics exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium, Grandia, Jet Moto, Up, and Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series are coming up, all playable on PS4 and PS5. PaRappa the Rapper 2 on PS4 is also included and backwards compatible like other previous-gen titles.

For those that missed out on these delightfully cozy two games, Klonoa started out as a charming 2.5D game that, despite feeling almost exclusively aimed at Japanese audiences, has always held on to a solid following in the west. It never came close to the bigger mascots of the 90’s that everyone knows, but it wasn’t totally obscure either. A sequel to the 1997 original would launch on the PS2 a few years later with bigger levels, fully 3D designs, and more gameplay variety, but it still stuck with the 2-D gameplay style. In both games you, guide Klonoa through 3-dimensional levels on a 2-D plane with the (at the time) unique ability to grab enemies and throw them at each other, objects of importance, or use them to double-jump and reach higher areas or close large gaps. All the while interacting with criminally adorable characters and letting the perky music continuously whisk you forward.

"That’s probably the two games’ strongest qualities; they are really good at letting the characters, levels, and music work their magic."

Levels often have alternate paths and hidden items, so some exploration and replayability is encouraged. Enemies rarely ever pursue you, but rather just go about their little routes, so it’s more about finding the spots where you fit in to grab them or just avoiding them than actually fighting with them. Because of this, difficulty is mostly a breeze in both games, but they do have some challenging moments as the different arrangements of enemies, platforms, locked doors, and objects that need enemies thrown at them provide a good amount of variety for the relatively small handful of elements that make them up. Like any good platformer, fun bosses and creative level design- that occasionally has you doing things like gliding through the air or careening down a waterslide- keep things moving well.

That’s probably the two games’ strongest qualities; they are really good at letting the characters, levels, and music work their magic. It’s also important to note that, despite clearly being inspired by more formidable platformers like Sonic and Yoshi that preceded it, you don’t really come to Klonoa to have your skills tested as much as you do to relax and enjoy the heartening levels and endearing characters. Between the personality of the two games, the variety and pacing of the stages, and the outstanding presentation of visuals and audio, it’s hard to not be enamored with these games- especially if you’re a long-time fan of the genre.

As remasters, the two games are from two very different eras, and thus, have entirely different levels of effort put into them to bring them on par with each other. Klonoa 2 on the PS2 still looks great by any measure, so here you see a more conservative touch up that seems mostly focused on performance and making everything sharper and brighter. Door to Phantomile also does this but in addition to all of the pre-rendered 2D character sprites being replaced with 3D models like Klonoa 2 has. It’s basically the Wii version but with an even newer coat of paint that I think is an improvement to that one.

"As remasters, the two games are from two very different eras, and thus, have entirely different levels of effort put into them to bring them on par with each other."

The levels have been mostly remapped with modern textures that are sure to look great for the foreseeable future with plenty of movement and personality in the backgrounds giving a nice rich look to each stage. Newer players will almost certainly appreciate this take, but I suspect some fans of the originals might prefer the slightly darker colors of those games’ levels as they do seem to help the foreground characters pop a bit more in those versions. I also feel like there is a little something lost in translation for the remaster of the original game with them dropping the sprites and redoing the pre-rendered cutscenes.

Because of this I would have liked to have seen the original version of at least Door to Phantomile playable here for preservation or even just curiosity’s sake if nothing else. The remasters look great by all accounts, but they do have a different vibe in some ways. That said, it’s hard to argue with the performance boost, that brings both games up to 60 frames and even in 4k on current gen hardware. Load times are also quite fast as they should be. There are some reports saying the Switch version has some trouble hanging on to it’s target frame-rate, but at least on the PS5, without a doubt, both games have never felt better to play, that much is for sure.

Additions to the gameplay are few but include new difficulty options to make the games even easier, and a two-player support mode which pretty much just boils down to a 2nd player being able to provide you with a massive jump on command. This can easily lead to comradery or conflict but either way it’s an amusing little touch. You also have some DLC goodies like cosmetics and a music player that you can grab separately if you want.

"Additions to the gameplay are few but include new difficulty options to make the games even easier, and a two-player support mode which pretty much just boils down to a 2nd player being able to provide you with a massive jump on command. This can easily lead to comradery or conflict but either way it’s an amusing little touch."

The audio seems very well handled here in both games all things considered- sounding slightly cleaned up in some tracks to completely reworked in others. All of it sounds good. Dialogue for Door to Phantomile sounds strikingly aged, but outside of re-recording everything there wasn’t much for developer Monkey Craft to work with here, but you can definitely hear it. As a fan of older 32-bit games and somebody that still regularly plays them, old crushed audio from the PS1 era doesn’t bother me one bit, but juxtaposed with the modern visuals here, you will notice it. Klonoa 2 doesn’t really have that problem, as the original version had the luxury of the space the PS2’s DVD-rom discs provided, so the audio has aged much better. Most importantly, the music for both games sound great across the board. All-in-all I think Monkey Craft clearly spent most of their time focusing on the areas that mattered most.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is an excellent remaster of two already-excellent games. It might not be a de facto replacement of the originals for Klonoa purists, though. The liberal overhaul of the visuals – especially of the first game – do create a slightly different tone that might not be every OG fans’ cup of tea, but I imagine if you’re in that camp yourself then you probably already have a way to play those games anyway. For everyone else, even long-time fans like myself who feel the new look is a net positive, the performance boost and reworked music is more than enough of a reason to jump in. Additional content is minimal, and I can’t stress enough how having those original versions on here would really sealed the deal, but for how well the games are handled it’s hard to not enjoy yourself with the Reverie Series. And thankfully, with the collection now available for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch and Steam, Bandai Namco has made it easier to do so than ever before.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is a bundle of two remastered titles – Klonoa: Door to Phantomile on the PlayStation One and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil from the PS2 era. Both titles have received significant improvements in character models, environments and bosses. The lighting has also changed with some scenes having a different vibe from the original games. Check out this trailer for some of the differences.

The titles support two-player co-op, but in terms of new gameplay additions, there are new difficulty settings. New players can select an Easy Mode which provides five hearts from the start, infinite lives and damage reduction.

KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is scheduled to release tomorrow for PC via Steam. Stay tuned for when it goes live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCnxnsagRdk

F1 2022

F1 22 is out in July worldwide for those who didn’t purchase the Champions Edition for early access. Along with the usual 10 teams and 20 drivers, Grand Prixs, and MyTeam and MyDriver Career Modes, there are a bundle of new features in this year’s iteration. Formation Laps and Pit Stops can either be Immersive, with the player in control or automatic; new Sprint Races are now in play on eligible tracks; redesigned cars offer changes to the driving; and VR has been added for the first time ever on PC.

Then there’s F1 Life, a new lifestyle element with clothes to purchase, interior decorating for one’s crib, and Supercars to collect. F1 22 releases on July 1st for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC.

Rune Factory 5 (PC)

Just a few months after finally releasing in the West for Nintendo Switch, Hakama’s Rune Factory 5 is coming to PC on July 13th via Steam. Following Rune Factory 4 Special, the sequel sees the amnesiac protagonist in Rigbarth. After joining SEED, the town defense force, players can set about completing tasks for the townsfolk and help combat growing threats.

There’s farming to be done, monsters to tame, festivals to attend and up to 12 different companions to bond with. The real-time combat is also faster-paced and sleeker-looking while featuring new mechanics like Link Attacks. Though its Switch version was plagued by performance issues, Rune Factory 5 on PC seems to offer consistent 60 FPS performance.

As Dusk Falls

Though first announced in July 2020, As Dusk Falls shone in its recent trailer at the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase. The narrative adventure title starts in Arizona in 1998 with a botched robbery. Two families are involved and throughout two books across decades, one has to make decisions that will affect their fate.

Inspired by the likes of Breaking Bad, Fargo and Dog Day Afternoon, As Dusk Falls also supports multiplayer for up to eight players online and locally (or even a mix of both). It’s out on July 19th for PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S along with Game Pass.

Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels

Playground Games has been doing an exceptional job with its open-world racing title Forza Horizon 5, releasing new features, updates and cars since its launch last year. On July 19th, it will receive its first paid expansion with Hot Wheels, adding 10 new cars based on the toyline like the 2000 Hot Wheels Deora II. Players can also race and create outrageous tracks from more than 80 pieces. The expansion will be available for Premium Edition, Expansions Bundle and Premium Add-Ons Bundle owners of Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Arcadegeddon

Illfonic of Predator: Hunting Grounds and Friday the 13th: The Game have something a little different to offer with Arcadegeddon. In early access since July 2021 on PlayStation and PC, the co-op shooter focuses on Gilly, who becomes mixed up with an evil megacorporation to save his beloved arcade. Offering a mix of PvP and PvE, Arcadegeddon sees up to four players battling through evolving stages in various biomes.

The full launch promises new Surge abilities, a new PvP mode, new Gangs and much more. It’s out on July 5th for PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S with cross-platform play supported.

KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series

The ear-flapping, platforming goodness of Klonoa returns when KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series launches on July 8th for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch worldwide. It features remasters of the very first two Klonoa games – Klonoa: Door to Phantomile, which first launched in 1998 for PS One, and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil, which released in 2001 for PS2. The visuals have been significantly revamped, whether it’s the character models or the environments and lighting (for better or worse in some cases).

It also features two-player co-op, difficulty settings – including an Easy Mode which reduces damage taken, grants infinite lives and five health hearts – and runs in 4K/60 FPS.

Loopmancer

While several roguelites embrace various kinds of animated styles, eBrain Studio’s Loopmancer offers realistic 3D visuals to go with its fast-paced action. The setting is Dragon City in 2046 with detective Xiang Zixu investigating the death of a famous journalist. He eventually meets his demise but finds himself back in his apartment, seemingly trapped in a time loop.

With seven stages to explore, over 100 weapons, and various skills and items, players will make different decisions throughout loops to ultimately find a way out. Loopmancer releases on July 13th for PC.

Stray

Cyberpunk adventure Stray releases on July 19th for PS4, PS5 and PC (while also available in the Extra and Premium tiers for PlayStation Plus). As a stray cat in a run-down cybercity inhabited by deteriorating machines, the player’s goal is to reunite with their family. They’re joined by B12, a small drone, and must solve puzzles, gather clues, and platform through environments to progress.

Along the way, there are swarms of Zurks and various hostile drones to avoid. With its gorgeous visuals and setting, and unorthodox protagonist, Stray promises an atmospheric adventure unlike any other.

Digimon Survive

Over four years, multiple delays and a developer change since its initial announcement, Bandai Namco’s Digimon Survive is finally on the verge of release. Part visual novel, part tactical RPG, it follows Takuma Momozuka and his friends as they visit a mysterious temple during Spring Break, discover Digimon and find themselves dragged into another world. The group must look for a way to survive but can also engage in turn-based tactical battles with their Digimon.

Based on one’s decisions, different routes, digivolutions and endings can be unlocked. While not quite like The Quarry in terms of the body count, it’s also possible for characters to die if you make the wrong choice. With about 80 to 100 hours of gameplay promised for all of the routes, Digimon Survive could be a dark horse in terms of RPGs this year. It’s out on July 29th for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC and Xbox One.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Almost five years after the launch of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the story is finally continuing. MonolithSoft’s Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is out on July 29th for Nintendo Switch as one of the rare games moved up from its original September release. Set in the world of Aionios, with two nations – Keves and Agnus – in constant conflict, it focuses on Noah and Mio. Though opposed to each other, both are off-seers who use flutes to mourn the fallen soldiers. Along with their respective companions, the party embarks on a seemingly common mission to Sword March while a strange threat looms behind the scenes.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 continues the series tradition of open world exploration with stunning locales, dangerous wildlife and numerous quests to partake in. Combat features six party members (along with heroes that can be recruited as a seventh member) with numerous classes, character switching mid-battle, Chains, and much more. The new Interlink system also allows two characters to fuse into a single powerful entity called Ouroboros with a dedicated progress tree.

With compelling characters, a serious story and cool-looking combat, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 may be the series’ best outing yet.

Klonoa: Door to Phantomile is compared with its 2008 Wii remake while Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil is compared to the original 2001 PS2 release. As the footage reveals, this isn’t a simple remaster but a complete revamp of both games’ visuals. There are major differences in character models, enemies, lighting, environmental design and much more.

KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is out on July 8th worldwide for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch. Along with co-op, it also offers new difficulty settings like Easy Mode. To check out the opening cutscenes for both games, head here. You can also watch some new gameplay footage from the Alpine Wonderland stage in Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil below.

KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is a compilation of the first two games, Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil. While the former sees our hero fighting to save Phantomile from nightmares, the latter involves investigating the mysteries of Lunatea and ultimately saving the world. Both titles offer two-player co-op and difficulty settings, including the new Easy Mode.

In this mode, you take less damage, have infinite lives and five hearts for health. Wind Bullets also travel further when shooting, making combat easier. KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series releases on July 8th for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch. For more gameplay footage, check out the announcement trailer here.

There will also be physical and digital versions of the collection for Europe and Japan so collectors take note. Along with revamped visuals and two-player co-op, there are also difficulty settings. This includes Easy Mode with five hearts for health, damage taken being reduced to one-third of a heart, infinite lives and Wind Bullets traveling further when shooting.

KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series includes Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil. To see both titles in action, check out the first trailer here and stay tuned for more gameplay in the coming months.

The KLONOA series consists of side-scrolling 3D platforming with the first title launching in 1997 for the PlayStation One. It was followed by KLONOA 2: Lunatea’s Veil in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. KLONOA: Door to Phantomile would be remade for the Nintendo Wii in 2009, garnering decent critical acclaim in the process.

KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series launches on July 8th for the Nintendo Switch. However, it’s in development for other platforms like the PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. These will arrive at a later date so stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fsvwAXqTFA