East Amasia debuts as a new map, though it’s only accessible to those who have completed the requisite Requests. Since it combines the Northern and Southern Zones, there’s some degree of familiarity, but the development team touts greater danger and “riches.”

Among the new items are new Epic weapons, higher-rarity Cradlecoffins, craftable items, and more. There will also be new Requests and gold-coated skins for your Magus. You can also discover Artifacts, which provide more lore surrounding the “mystery” of the past.

Stay tuned for more details en route to Season 1’s launch. Synduality: Echo of Ada is available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. You can check out our review here, where we rated it a six out of ten.

What sets Synduality: Echo of Ada apart from its contemporaries is, first of all, the fact that it is a mech-based game. While this might seem like a superficial observation from the get go, the fact that you’re not in direct control of a human character, and are instead piloting a mech – referred to rather grimly in the game as a Cradlecoffin – means that the title plays differently from just about any other extraction shooter out there. Interestingly, Synduality also has a smoother learning curve than many of its contemporaries, including the excellent looking The Forever Winter.

There is a certain vibe that Synduality goes for which feels like it was heavily inspired by the entire medium of anime. Aside from the previously-mentioned grim name for mechs in the universe, players also have AI buddies that they can customize the look for, complete with new outfits to make them look more unique. The mechs themselves lend themselves to more Japanese design sensibilities, looking more like sleek battle machines and less like the clunky bi-pedal tanks that you might see in a western title like MechWarrior 5: Clans. Visually, however, aside from a few fun quirks here and there, Synduality: Echo of Ada tends to look incredibly bland.

"Synduality also has a smoother learning curve than many of its contemporaries"

Unfortunately, just about every bit of unique design and flavour in Synduality is kept to the game’s various menus. Even the AI buddy you’re partnered with is relatively bland, being yet another anime character in a medium that is filled to the brim with, you know, anime characters. Even the design of the Craddlecoffins tend to feel quite bland and derivative of other IPs in the mecha genre, bringing in a mix of designs that range from being inspired by older mecha anime like Gunbuster, to some of the sleeker designs we see in modern-day Gundam.

The environments themselves also feel quite uninspired. While the color palette is okay most of the time, with several zones being easily identifiable thanks to the color theming that went into designing them, it’s difficult to have things in the game’s two maps stand out because of how generic they can feel. Things seldom get more interesting than ruins of cities and military buildings, and the small bits of forests or mountains that fill out the gaps between these locations tend to often feature some of the more unique opportunities for varied combat. Of course, it also doesn’t help that even important things in the game tend to look either slightly blurry, or washed out, and this includes your own mech.

While combat is where Synduality hopes to truly shine, unfortunately, it often feels a bit too simplistic to offer anything really new. Sure, the fact that every player is controlling a mech should, theoretically, add a new dimension to battles, especially since these mechs are much more agile and easy to control than a player character would be, unfortunately, things never really evolve much beyond players circle-strafing each other or the PvE enemies while blasting them with weapons. The weapons themselves are relatively quite simple; you get the usual array of guns you’d expect from a shooter, ranging from SMGs to shotguns to rifles. While these weapons are split between two categories depending on the type of ammo they use – energy or live rounds – this seldom comes up in fights.

"While combat is where Synduality hopes to truly shine, unfortunately, it often feels a bit too simplistic to offer anything really new."

Another aspect of the combat is that you get to pick the type of companion you bring with you, which in turn also affects what special abilities you’ll have access to. While some of these abilities can end up having some effect in fights, like the multi-targeting missile barrage, the build-up and cooldown on these abilities is too long for them to have too much effect on battles. It’s often just faster to go in guns blazing and trust your own reflexes in effectively dodging attacks.

Credit where it’s due, Synduality: Echo of Ada at least has some of the best onboarding I’ve seen from the genre. Rather than being thrust out into a cold and unforgiving world where failure means losing everything you were carrying (including your own weapons and equipment), the game at least gives you a much better time in the early game than other titles in the genre. Unlike Escape From Tarkov, which is known for its brutal difficulty, Synduality will ease you into its general gameplay loop. In fact, PvP is outright impossible to engage in without progressing through some of the game’s early objectives, which revolve around you setting out into a PvE-only zone to kill monsters and find materials that will allow you to build up your base to a reasonable level.

The game also does a decent job introducing its mechanics gradually, with a key example being a set of early objectives that revolve around setting up a crafting room in your home base. Through these objectives, the game teaches players to set out and fight things, and how various materials can be used to not only build up their base, but also that players can unlock better item stocks in the game’s stores, and eventually even craft their own specialized equipment.

"In fact, PvP is outright impossible to engage in without progressing through some of the game’s early objectives"

The tutorialisation does tend to go too far sometimes, however, with the game finding it difficult to occasionally shut up and allow the player to figure some things out themselves. In fact, the early game has constant interruptions where either your companion or a mascot character will try to be helpful by over-explaining various aspects of the game. Some of the “help” offered by these characters feels like the game thinks that you’ve never played a video game before.

When it comes to the story itself, there’s not really much to write home about. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a dangerous type of rain started wiping out the entire human population. Players are Drifters, who set out in the dangerous rain-filled world to get their hands on AO Crystals, which are the new energy source that is allowing humanity to bounce back after their near-extinction. There isn’t really much more to the story beyond this basic setup, which provides an adequate reason for players to set out to take on creatures known as Enders and occasionally even rival Drifters. The story is never really expanded upon aside from giving you vague hints about some of the factions being up to no good, and there’s never really a big payoff regarding the ultimate fate of humanity.

Unfortunately, Synduality: Echo of Ada feels like an early idea that never really got expanded on. Superficially, it has some interesting ideas, and its easier early game objectives are definitely a great step in the right direction for the genre. Sadly, the game is quite lacking when it comes to actual depth; the combat seldom evolves beyond circle-strafing and shooting, and even the progression system is quite basic. Add on top the rather bland and generic anime aesthetics, as well as the fact that the story never really goes anywhere, and you get a title that might just not be around long in the future.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Players control Drifters who venture to the surface and collect resources, battling mutants called Enders and other players. Naturally, they won’t be doing so on foot, possessing a Cradlecoffin mech with an AI known as a Magus. You can customize the former with unique parts and weapons, unlock new variants or select different kinds of Magus.

Though you can cooperate with others on the surface, you can also betray them and take their resources. There’s an interesting system where too much backstabbing against fellow Association members sends you to a different map with other PvPers. Check out our review for more details.

Synduality: Echo of Ada is out now for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. There will be more content via seasons, so stay tuned for updates.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Just when it seemed like Nintendo wrapped up all its big releases ahead of its next console reveal, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD launches on January 16th for the Switch. Featuring the return of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, the classic campaign supports revamped visuals, JoyCon support, and new levels from the 3DS port. There’s even New Mode, which provides an easier on-boarding difficulty for newcomers.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins

“No more open world” is already a massive selling point for Dynasty Warriors: Origins. However, Omega Force is cooking up even more with the prequel ahead of its launch on January 17th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. A new protagonist, tactics, and combat improvements alongside multiple weapons and famous warriors as teammates (who you can control for limited periods) are just a few notable features. If the demo is any indication, Dynasty Warriors: Origins should restore the series ‘ glory.

Tales of Graces f Remastered

It’s still remaster season for Tales fans, with Tales of Graces f the latest title to get said treatment. Unlike Symphonia, the next remaster is handled by Tose instead of Bandai Namco, ensuring 60 FPS on all platforms (except Nintendo Switch, sadly). Tales of Graces f Remastered also features quality-of-life additions like auto-save, English and Japanese audio, a destination marker for quests on the world map, and more. It launches on January 17th for PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Switch.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (PC)

The critically acclaimed sequel finally arrives on PC after remaining on PS5 for the better part of 2024. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth offers numerous improvements to Remake’s combat while heavily expanding on the mini-games, characters, exploration, and story. PC players can look forward to more extensive graphical settings, support for upscalers like DLSS, and improved lighting rendering. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth arrives for PC players on January 23rd.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PC)

If another 100-hour RPG isn’t what you’re after on PC, then Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 may be the solution. Featuring not one but two Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Mile Morales, it offers new locations, combat abilities, and activities to go with the darker narrative and addition of the infamous Symbiote, Venom. It’s out on January 30th for PC.

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles

Aspyr has been working overtime to bring various Star Wars classics to modern platforms, with Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles being the latest. It arrives on January 23rd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. While the prospect of higher resolutions and better performance is tempting, fans can also look forward to playing unlocked characters from the beginning and using a new modern control scheme.

Hyper Light Breaker Early Access

Hyper Light Breaker is an open-world rogue-lite for PC that features intense boss battles, weapons and hoverboards. After facing several delays, Heart Machine is releasing Hyper Light Breaker in early access on January 14.  It will feature three player co-op along with a variety of skins and weapons.

Eternal Strands

Action adventure title Eternal Strands, which sees players relying on the elements and environments to battle massively imposing threats, launches on January 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Besides intriguing us with its visuals and overall combat, the premise and journey of Brynn, a Weaver on a mission of redemption, is intriguing. If that’s not enough, post-launch content developed alongside the Final Fantasy 16 development team is also in the works.

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap

Franchises come and go, and yet somehow, Orcs Must Die! still showcases the appeal of constructing elaborate defenses and slaying hordes of Orcs. Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is the latest iteration of the series, out on January 28th for Xbox Series X/S and PC. It offers co-op for up to four players, but you can still go it alone, choosing from six new War Mages and partaking in new rogue-lite runs. Offering more extensive customization, random modifiers in each run, and more, Deathtrap retains the series’ signature chaos and charm.

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter

Odd Bug’s long-awaited sequel to its brutal 2D side-scrolling action RPG finally arrives on January 28th for PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. On top of a new violent story, players will once again engage in settlement building, slaying enemies (this time with new elemental effects), and even embarking on hunts against massive beasts for greater rewards. And yes, Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt from The Witcher 3, returns to provide the same impeccable narration.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Long-range snipes into body parts with explosive results, carefully showcased with an X-Ray Killcam? You’ve come to the right place with Rebellion’s Sniper Elite: Resistance, a spin-off that runs parallel to Sniper Elite 5 and stars Harry Hawker of the SOE. Between sniping, sneaking, and assassinating Nazis across large maps, you’ll also take out Kill List targets and embody Resistance fighters in new Propaganda Missions. All this and more await on January 30th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

A new Sleeper, a new Belt in the Helios System, and many of the same problems (with a few new ones thrown in for good measure). Jump Over the Age’s mix of sci-fi narrative, tabletop dice mechanics, and role-playing gives you a ship and various jobs to complete amid an ongoing conflict between corporations. Making new friends, temporary and permanent, and bringing them along to complete jobs is key, as is managing stress and your slowly deteriorating body. If you even mildly enjoyed the original’s characters and stories, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector launches on January 31st for PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana

Trying to unravel the origins of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana can be a headache (especially since it’s a remaster of a remake). All you need to know is that it’s one of the better titles in the series, now presented with sharper visuals, a new voiceover for protagonist Adol, new character illustrations, and every iteration of the excellent soundtrack. It’s available on January 7th for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.

Freedom Wars Remastered

The underrated dystopian action RPG first released in 2014 by Sony for the PlayStation Vita makes its long-awaited return on January 10th for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. As a prisoner in the Panopticons, players must effectively work off their sentence, battling Abductors and competing against other cities for valuable resources. Offering 4K/60 FPS on PlayStation and PC, improved controls, visual improvements, and more to go with eight-player co-op, Freedom Wars Remastered is a long time coming.

Blade Chimera

From the team behind Touhou Luna Nights comes another immensely sleek platformer. As the amnesiac Shin, players work alongside Lux and fight against various monsters to unravel the mysteries of his life. Alongside shapeshifting and time manipulation, players will unlock new abilities and weapons in their quest. Launching on January 16th for PC and Nintendo Switch, Blade Chimera is shaping up into an excellent side-scroller.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist

The follow-up to Ender Lilies, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist travels to the Land of Fumes and stars a new hero – Lilac, an Attuner who can control the Homunculi, each with different abilities. While there are no signs of the Rain of Death from decades prior, the world has fallen into ruin after mysterious Fumes infect the Homunculi. Survival is paramount, but Lilac must also recover her memories. While offering more excellent 2D art and animation and a new soundtrack by Mili, Ender Magnolia also provides new skills, difficulty levels, and combat changes. It exits early access on January 22nd for PC while also launching for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.

As the pilot of a Cradlecoffin, players have access to a decent range of weapons, from assault rifles and submachine guns to shotguns. There’s variety within each archetype, including fully automatic energy and heavy ARs and burst-fire variants. Light machine guns, flamethrowers, and sniper rifles are also fair game.

Though each has advantages and disadvantages, one needs to consider their goals. Are you going in with the desire to hunt other players or defend against them while hauling materials? Will you focus more on AI enemies? Additional weapons are coming in subsequent seasons, so we’re keen to see how Bandai Namco builds on the current arsenal.

Synduality: Echo of Ada launches on January 23rd, 2025, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Deluxe Edition owners can start playing on January 16th.

A new old-school-style animation video is available, outlining the core gameplay loop. As the pilot of a Cradlecoffin, players venture to the irradiated surface in a post-apocalyptic world to mine AO Crystals with the guidance of their Magus. Extracting with said crystals allows for exchanging them for cash.

In classic extraction shooter fashion, however, dying means losing everything in your inventory and being left with nothing. Following betas from earlier this year, it should be interesting to see what improvements and new content Bandai Namco have implemented for the upcoming network test.

Synduality: Echo of Ada launches on January 23rd, 2025, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, but Deluxe Edition owners get advanced access starting January 16th.

Synduality: Echo of Ada is a post-apocalyptic survival title with PvEvP elements, with players venturing to the surface to gather AO Crystals. They utilize mechs called Cradlecoffins and a Magus that serves as an AI guide and can either team up together or turn on each other.

Synduality: Echo of Ada retails for $39.99, with Deluxe and Ultimate Editions also available. The former includes the base game, Deluxe Drifter Pass, an outfit for your Magus, and a ticket to change their appearance and “system,” all for $69.99. The Ultimate Edition packs in the Ultimate Drifter Pass, a ticket for unlocking the Magus, Mystere (based on the upcoming anime), two outfits, and a remake ticket for $99.99.

Those who pre-order the title also get seven days of early access, jumping into the experience on January 16th, 2025. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay in the coming months.

Set in a dystopian future of 2222 with the world in ruins after a phenomenon known as “The Tears of the New Moon,” the remnants of humanity reside in Amasia. To help secure resources like AO Crystals to ensure their survival, Drifters are sent out in Cradle Coffin mechs to collect them. Each has an AI companion called a Magus to provide guidance.

As a PvEvP title, players can encounter each other in the wild and either team up or turn on each other. The closed beta will include Sorties, crafting, an Item Shop and limited amounts of Requests/Bounties, base customization and Magus customization. Stay tuned for more details en route to its arrival.

Synduality will be playable for attendees of the Tokyo Game Show from September 21st to 24th. There will also be new details during Bandai Namco’s stage event on September 24th, 12:30 PM JST. Check out the latest gameplay teaser below, which showcases different aspects of the title, from combat to the various monsters that await on the battlefield.

Synduality: Echo of Ada is in development for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. It’s set in 2222, with players piloting a Coffin Cradle with an AI known as Ada. As part of the underground city of Amasia, you must gather AO Crystals in the wild, fighting off enemies and either working together or battling other players.

A message from the #SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada team! pic.twitter.com/FX1tT2sehS

— SYNDUALITY (@synduality) September 19, 2023

As for the online schedule, there’s a mysterious announcement on September 23rd at 11 AM JST, followed by Blue Protocol’s latest Transmission stream at 12:15 PM JST. The Tekken 8 Special Stage airs at 3:45 PM JST with new details and live gameplay, while the Tales of Arise 2nd Anniversary Special Live Stream airs at 9:15 PM JST.

The latter will feature the “latest information” on the Tales series, which could mean new content for Tales of Arise (especially with Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn trademarked back in December 2022) or a brand new game. Tokyo Game Show 2023 takes place from September 21st to 24th, so stay tuned for more updates next month.