This major update introduces two new playable characters, Jamma GXO3 – an android with a balanced set of abilities and Anna Szalinski – a runaway orphan who also happens to be a powerful weightlifter. In addition to this, there are two new game modes, Lesson which is essentially a practice arena that allows you to test out your moves and Practice Mode which is a match against the CPU complete with difficulty parameters to fine tune your experience.

Over on the online side of things, there’s full support for cross-play and you can also host private matches by creating Lobbies. The update is available across all platforms, and rankings across global leaderboards have been set back to zero with this update – so be aware of that too before jumping back in.

Patch Notes (via Gematsu): 

New Characters

Jamma GXO3 – Making her debut into the Flying Power Disc Federation is Jamma GX03, an android whose well-balanced power and speed can rival the best on the court. Major sponsor Todemu created Jamma GX03 to combat a drop in audience numbers, but in doing so their creation promises to herald a new era of competition in the prestigious windjamming sport and she’s already showing promise as a fan-favorite.

Anna Szalinski – Also joining the roster is Polish Anna Szalinski, an orphan who grew up in the circus before running away. Honing her skills as a slower but extremely powerful weightlifter, she is determined to win the cup and use her newfound position in order to defend animals and take revenge on the circuses who mistreat them.

New Modes

Lessons – Lessons allow jammers to learn all the moves in a How To Play mode, taking deep dives into Movement, Shots (lob, curbed, slap and drop), Jumps and Super Shots.

Practice – Practice mode lets players jam against a CPU via a plethora of settings including Force service, a range of difficulty levels and more.

New Online Features

Lobbies – Join or create a Lobby to play with friends via a password and utilize a variety of settings to create the ultimate frenemy group of jammers.
Cross-Play – Cross-play allows players on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation jammers to join Steam and Xbox players in online matches.

Note Regarding Online Rankings

A note for players on all platforms: Online ranking will be erased and go back to zero with the new features now available, so prestige and glory are now back up for grabs across all territories and platforms.

As a sequel to the cult classic, Windjammers 2 offers fast-paced action with the objective of shooting a Frisbee into your opponent’s goal. It’s easier said than done though and there are a number of techniques from smashes and slapshots to dropshots and EX Moves. Characters from the original like Hiromi Mita, Loris Biaggi, Gary Scott and Jordi Costa return along with new competitors like Sophie De Lys, Jao Raposa, Sammy Ho and Max Hurricane.

Along with multiple stages and a dedicated Arcade Mode, Windjammers 2 also sports local and online multiplayer. The new 2D art-style also channels the classic retro style while the music captures the 90s sports tone. For more details, check out our interview with the developer here.

• Cyber Shadow (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Prison Architect (PC)
• Xeno Crisis (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Original Story:

Coming off of the surprise release of Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition for Xbox One and Game Pass, an image has been discovered for other upcoming Game Pass releases this month. It indicates that along with Rainbow Six Extraction and Nobody Saves the World, Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master and Death’s Door will be coming to the service in January.

Though an official announcement is pending from Microsoft, the image has been found hosted on the official Xbox News site. On top of this, other releases like Windjammers 2, Hitman Trilogy, Pupperazzi and Rainbow Six Siege have already been confirmed for Game Pass this month. Death’s Door will be available for both PC and console subscribers while also having cloud support.

Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master is coming to console and PC Game Pass subscribers with no cloud support. Whether both titles are coming to the service or not, expect an official reveal for the remaining Game Pass titles this month to happen very soon. Stay tuned in the meantime.

As a sequel to the Neo Geo classic, it features an arcade mode, an online ranked league and casual PvP. Along with new stages and power moves, it features the same classic mechanics like the dropshot, slapshot and EX Moves for each character. Returning characters include Hiromi, Klaus, Loris, Steve, Jordi and many more while newcomers Sophie, Max Hurricane, Jao and Sammy joining the roster.

Arcade Mode offers championships to partake in along with optional challenges. There’s also local multiplayer support along with online support. For more gameplay, check out footage of Steve Miller here. Stay tuned for more details en route to release.

It’s been announced that Windjammers 2, previously announced as a Switch console exclusive, will also be available for PS5 and PS4 whenever it launches. Meanwhile, an open beta of the game is kicking off tomorrow, on August 11, and will be available to everyone on PS5, PS4, and Steam until August 22. PlayStation players won’t require a PS Plus subscription for it, in case you were wondering.

The beta will include four playable characters (Steve Miller, Gary Scott, Loris Biaggi, and Sophie De Lys) and four stages (Beach, Ring, Stadium, Rooftop). You can get more details in the video below. Cross-play between both PlayStation versions has also been confirmed.

Whenever Windjammers 2 launches, it will be available for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Stadia.

Dotemu’s Windjammers 2 may still be without a release date but its demo is currently available on Steam to try out until February 9th. In the meantime, the developer has confirmed that Steve Miller from the original game will be returning. Arcade Mode is also revealed – check out the trailer below.

Arcade Mode essentially sees players competing against AI foes in one match after another. Performing well grants more credits, which can be used to re-enter the tournament upon losing, and optional challenges are also available. As for Steve, he’s seen as a more balanced character who’s fast and good at reversals.

Dotemu previous confirmed that Windjammers 2 will support rollback netcode for its online play. This is currently available to try out in the demo and should ensure a smooth multiplayer experience at launch. Windjammers 2 is currently in development for Nintendo Switch, Stadia and PC – stay tuned for more details on its release date in the coming months.

The Steam Game Festival returns and once again offers quite the number of free demos for players to try. There are more than 500 demos to sift through until February 9th, many of them new and others returning. Numerous developer talks are also being held so that players can learn more about the development processes behind said games.

If you’re keen on trying out any demos, then there’s Loop Hero, Devolver Digital’s upcoming deck-building rogue-lite with a charming pixel art-style. Windjammers 2 is also worth checking out to see how the classic has transitioned over to its new art-style. Happy Game is also worth noting – it’s a horror adventure title from Amanita Design of Creaks and Botanicula fame.

Following the Steam Game Festival’s conclusion is the Steam Lunar New Year sale. It’s rumored to take place on February 11th and will offer numerous sales. Whether the Night Market, which offers a number of different chat stickers, profile backgrounds and more to acquire with Points, will return remains to be seen so stay tuned.

Nobody really expected that a sequel to the 1994 cult classic Windjammers would ever get announced, but a couple years ago, much to the elation of many, that’s exactly what happened. Dotemu announced Windjammers 2 in 2018 with a planned launch window for 2019, which then got pushed back to some time in 2020. Well, 2020 is almost over and the game is nowhere to be seen- because as many have guessed by now, the game’s been delayed once more.

Dotemu recently took to Twitter to share an update on Windjammers 2’s development, confirming that the game will now launch some time in 2021, though no specific release date was given. Dotemu says that this has primarily been done to work on the game’s netcode- which, honestly, is a pretty crucial element for a game such as this one, so fair play to them.

The developer also apologized for its lack of communication regarding the game’s development in recent weeks and months, and promised that more updates and details will be shared on a regular basis going forward.

Whenever Windjammers 2 does launch, it will be available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Stadia.

Important update about #Windjammers2 development. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/RKQky0kKdu

— Dotemu (@Dotemu) December 10, 2020

Google unveiled a bevy of new trailers for previously announced games coming to Stadia, its game-streaming service. Some titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Watch Dogs: Legion obviously stand out as new announcements. But what about games like Darksiders: Genesis, Mortal Kombat 11, Samurai Shodown and whatnot?

You can check out the trailers for each below. It’s worth noting that Robot Entertainment’s Orcs Must Die! 3, a long-requested sequel in the third person tower defense series, is also coming to Stadia. Windjammers 2, the sequel to the cult classic, also received some new gameplay showcasing some of the killer moves that players can pull off.

Google Stadia will launch in select countries like the United States, UK, Canada and so in November. The first subscription tier will be Stadia Pro which costs $10 per month and includes a free game each month. There’s also the Founder’s Edition which has a limited edition controller, three month Stadia Pro subscription, Chromecast Ultra and Destiny 2: The Collection (which includes Shadowkeep) for $129.99. A free tier for Stadia will be introduced next year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnnvfOBBx9Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpaOvMK5KYU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc7qfzbiUs0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GsxQrx5mk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTLoZ573DDE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeD0FyT1ppM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SGWSKWr3QI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcaPw-W6ZNs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPM8Y8cLsSw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TluO6ZspbUU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY-RRjMZ3Xo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPQHPfa2S2A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkxqc-WV1UI

PUBG 1.0 Dated for Xbox One

Amid its various issues and Bluehole’s desire to fix things, the developer announced that PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds would be launching version 1.0 on Xbox One on September 4th. Not only that but the new Sanhok map, custom games and War Mode would also be included with the update. Though PUBG on the Xbox One had a shoddy start and – depending on who you ask – isn’t the best Battle Royale title available, it still has a very, very healthy player base. And they’ve got a whole lot to look forward to.

Devil May Cry 5 Release Date and Gameplay

Arguably the star of Gamescom 2018, Devil May Cry 5 astounded all who played it on the show floor. Along with faster movement, mid-air dodging and a whole variety of combat options, the sequel re-established the Devil May Cry flavour that we knew and loved. Not only that but Capcom announced a release date of March 8^th 2019. Footage for Dante, more details on the mysterious third character “V” and much more are in store but for all intents and purposes, we’re kind of thinking Devil May Cry is back.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Out in March 2019

Perhaps the second most hyped game at the trade fair, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was also playable. Activision took to announcing a release date of March 22^nd 2019 and a Collector’s Edition, complete with a statue of the protagonist. However, it was the gameplay that honestly excited us. Sekiro doesn’t have a stamina meter, boasts impressive movement thanks to a grappling hook and channels a contemporary Tenchu more than you’d think. Despite this, combat is intense, relying on threshold meters that increase with damage taken, leading up to execution-style attacks. It’s bloody, grim and has that From Software vibe to it. Suffice to say, that’s good news.

The Surge 2’s First Look at Combat

If you happened upon that leaked gameplay clip for The Surge 2 a while ago, then nothing in the current trailer really surprised you. For everyone else, it was the first look at a game that’s still relatively Souls-like. The previous game’s special limb-targeting system is looking good, the movement seems more fluid and overall, the world feels more realized. That may not seem like a big deal but those cloaked Hunters and transforming statue gave us hope for what’s to come.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps – Spirit Trials

Did Microsoft announce a release date for Ori and the Will of the Wisps? No. It did the next best thing though with the reveal of Spirit Trials. This is essentially time trials as players attempt to beat their friends’ best times. Competing against them will be “ghosts” of said friends, amping up the competitiveness even more. Perform well enough and you’ll unlock some rewards. This already sounds like an awesome way to cater to the speed-running and hardcore fan base, having them come back for more after the main story is finished. Now let’s hope a release date shows up sooner than later.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection Coming to Xbox Game Pass

It’s hard to forget just how much of a disaster Halo: The Master Chief Collection was at launch. However, 343 Industries has been working to improve it and all that effort comes to fruition when the game launches for Xbox Game Pass on September 1^st. Along with Xbox One X support (including 4K and HDR), it will bring a large patch that improves matchmaking times, lets players pick and choose which games they want, or whether to forgo multiplayer entirely for the single-player experience.

Desperados 3 Announced by THQ Nordic

This has been a long time coming, especially following the lacklustre Desperados 2: Cooper’s Revenge. THQ Nordic unveiled Desperados 3 and pretty much confirmed that it would be the same isometric, real-time tactics, Wild West title that the very first game did so well. Nothing else was revealed beyond that but it’s out in 2019 so there’s still time to learn more.

Supermassive Announces The Dark Pictures Anthology

In an interesting twist, Bandai Namco – who’s been on fire with the partnerships this year – will be working to bring Supermassive’s next horror anthology to all platforms. The first title in The Dark Pictures Anthology is Man of Medan, a story about tourists who mess with some underwater relics and have to deal with a haunted ship. The textures and animation are pretty great and it’ll be out in 2019.

Overwatch’s Shooting Star and New Control Map

A new animated short is always a special occasion for Blizzard’s Overwatch. While “Shooting Star” didn’t do much to advance the main plot, it did give some backstory into Hana “D.Va” Song. The production quality and presentation were stellar as always but it perhaps pales in comparison to Busan, the new Control map. Available now on PTR, it offers new environmental hazards and interesting geometry while still maintaining the Control essentials. Expect to see it sometime in the coming month or two on live servers.

Life is Strange 2 First Gameplay

Life is Strange 2 finally revealed its premise and gameplay aspects, telling the story of Sean and Daniel Diaz who are on the run after an incident. Magic powers are once again at play but thanks to the age difference of the brothers, the decisions of Sean will have an influence on Daniel. Episode 1 arrives on September 27^th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC but early gameplay shows that the Life is Strange aesthetic is more or less intact. Let’s hope the story-telling is up to par as well (or ideally better).

Cyberpunk 2077 Screenshots Tease FPS Gameplay

CD Projekt RED sadly didn’t showcase its behind-closed-doors E3 2018 demo. However, it did release some screenshots that gave us a better idea of what the first person perspective would look like. Furthermore, it announced that a major development milestone was reached with the game being playable from start to finish. Bug testing and other optimization still remain to be done but we could be seeing the game sooner than expected.

Dark Souls Trilogy Announced for US

Remember that Dark Souls collection that was only released for Japan on PS4 earlier this year? Bandai Namco announced that both Xbox One and PS4 players in the United States and Asia could pick up the Dark Souls Trilogy on October 19^th (sorry Europe). So you get Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin and Dark Souls 3: The Fire Fades Edition, all for $80. On the one hand, it’s kind of lame for those who recently bought Dark Souls Remastered. On the other hand, if you never played Dark Souls, this is the best way to get into it with all the DLC included.

Metro Exodus Continues Looking Gorgeous in New Trailer

What’s more terrifying than a post-apocalyptic, bombed out Moscow crawling with monsters? Heading out into the great unknown. Because for all the beautiful sights out there in Metro Exodus, from lush green valleys to calm wildlife, there are some nasty things lurking in the dark. Other human factions that nail bodies to walls for fun, wolves, giant bears – you name it and it’s probably trying to kill you. Still, Metro Exodus looks great and we’re looking forward to its upcoming February 2019 release all the more.

Battlefield 5 Open Beta Dates Announced

For all the criticism that Battlefield 5 has received over its customization and depiction of World War 2, it does look insanely good. DICE teamed up with Nvidia to showcase the first person shooter on the upcoming GeForce RTX, which was quite the visual feast. However, it also unveiled the open beta for September, bringing the new Rotterdam map to Conquest. It’s available for Origin Access Basic/Premier and EA Access subscribers on September 4^th but everyone else can jump in on September 6^th.

This War of Mine, Windjammers 2 and More Heading to Switch

Nintendo isn’t running out of indies for its Switch platform any time soon. At the start of Gamescom, it unveiled numerous titles like 11 bit Studios’ Children of Morta, This War of Mine and Beat Cop for the platform. Moonlighter also received a more solid release window, which was great, but that wasn’t all. Slay the Spire, Night Call, Monster Boy and The Cursed Kingdom, Everspace, The Gardens Between, Bad North and so much more looked great. Oh, and did we mention Windjammers 2? Because Windjammers 2 is FINALLY happening. Sure, many of these are already available or coming to other platforms but having them on the go is just fantastic.

Soulcalibur 6’s Libra of Soul and Tira Revealed

Not content with a traditional single-player campaign, Project Soul announced another story mode for Soulcalibur 6. Libra of Soul does have its differences though as players will create a custom fighter and engage with other player-created fighters and main roster heroes. Each of these encounters will have different rule sets to mix up the battles further. The customization system harkens back to Tekken 7 in many ways so hopefully, the voice-acting for Libra of Soul is on point. Oh and Tira is back but as a DLC character. So that’s a thing to either get excited or upset about.

Shenmue 3 Releasing on August 2019

Ys Net’s Shenmue 3 will be releasing on August 27^th 2019. Now, all jokes aside about another possible delay, the sequel is actually looking pretty good. The animation is mostly on point, textures look nice and sharp, and even the story is very well presented. I mean, who didn’t mark out when Lan Di was shown after so long? Honestly, the biggest compliment I can give the latest trailer is that it evokes the same feelings that the original Shenmue’s reveal did in the Dreamcast era. Take that for what you will.

THQ Nordic Bringing Microsoft Titles to Steam

Xbox One/Windows 10 titles that have been relegated to the Microsoft Store are finally coming to Steam and physical retail. THQ Nordic announced a deal with Microsoft for the same and will release games like ReCore, Super Lucky’s Tale and Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection. All these titles will arrive on September 14^th. It may not seem like that big of a deal compared to other announcements but could lead to other Windows 10 exclusives arriving on Steam. No, not Gears 5 or Halo Infinite but some other stuff, probably.

Ace Combat 7 Arrives in January 2019

Bandai Namco had announced that Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown will be released on January 18^th 2019 for Xbox One and PS4. Even better, PC players can get their hands on it in February 2019. The newly unveiled trailer was full of intrigue, political dealings, high-flying action and…more political dealings. Regardless, the game looks gorgeous and a worthy follow-up even if some of the English voice-acting is…different, to say the least.

New Settlers Game Announced

Champions of Anteria? Get out of here with that nonsense because The Settlers are back. Not only is Ubisoft re-releasing all of its old Settlers titles on November 15th but it has a new game in development. Releasing in Autumn 2019 and simply named The Settlers, the game runs on Massive’s Snowdrop Engine and heads to a new world. Will it live up to the old games? Maybe not but hey, maybe it will. There’s always hope, right?