Author Archives: Kori-Maru

ATLUS Announces Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra World Tour

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Following the success of the sold-out 2025 premiere in Japan, the official concert tour of Metaphor: ReFantazio embarks on a world tour spanning 3 continents, 6 countries and 8 cities across the globe.

The concert presents a carefully curated selection of pieces that bring the game’s epic fantasy world to life, all composed by Shoji Meguro—renowned for his work on the “PERSONA” series.

Each performance will feature a 45-piece orchestra, a choir, and multiple vocal soloists performing brand new, epic orchestral arrangements of the most memorable music from the game including “Ode to Heroes”, “King of Destruction”, and “Prelude to a Heroic Tale”, accompanied by a screen above the stage playing synced cutscenes and gameplay from the game.

The full list of tour dates can be found below:

  • October 9, 2026: Dallas
  • October 11, 2026: Chicago
  • October 13, 2026: Los Angeles
  • October 31, 2026: Kaohsiung
  • November 21, 2026: Singapore
  • November 28, 2026: Bangkok
  • January 22, 2027: London
  • January 24, 2027: Paris

Ticket presales for all US and EU/UK concerts start March 5th at 10am local time. For info, visit www.metaphorconcert.com

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The Chaotix Confront Sage in Episode 6 of The Chaotix Casefiles

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles continues its high-stakes storyline with the release of Episode 6, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and podcast platforms.

In this latest installment, the Chaotix Detective Agency finally tracks down the secret lair of Dr. Eggman himself. But infiltrating the base is only the beginning of their problems. Waiting for them inside is Eggman’s AI daughter, Sage, and she’s far from pleased to see unexpected visitors.

With tensions rising and the investigation reaching a critical turning point, Episode 6 of The Chaotix Casefiles pushes the mystery into dangerous new territory. Fans won’t want to miss this explosive chapter as the team faces one of their biggest threats yet.

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Catch the Virtua Fighter Open Championship Finals on Livestream!

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After a series-first yearlong circuit of tournaments around the globe, the VIRTUA FIGHTER Open Championship series concludes on Sunday, March 1 with the Global Finals! The stakes are high for competitors: first place will receive a $100,000 cash prize.

Ten of the finest Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage players will meet in Japan for the final showdown, including top Japanese competitors Akani Shiwapo, Tonchan and Isabashi Zangief, as well as North American and European contenders GentlemanThief, HIMA and NERO.

The Global Finals begin with the final playoff stage of the top 4 competitors starting at 12:20 am PST on March 1. The full tournament will be livestreamed via the Virtua Fighter YouTube channel.

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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop Officially Available Now!

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Today, SEGA officially released Tangle & Whisper as playable racers for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Players can now race around the track as everyone’s fan-favorite duo from the popular IDW comic series!

The free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop includes the following:

  • Tangle & Whisper as playable characters
  • Two new Tangle & Whisper themed songs added to the Jukebox:
  • “Character Select”
  • “Result”
  • Special emotes and sounds

Players who own either the Standard (physical or digital) or Digital Deluxe versions of the game will automatically receive the free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop. Please ensure that the game is updated to the latest version for the content to be downloaded properly.

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Episode 5 of The Chaotix Casefiles Leaves the Team Stranded and Reunites With a Familiar Face

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Files continues its unfolding mystery with the release of Episode 5, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and major podcast platforms.

In this latest chapter, things quite literally fall out of the sky as the Chaotix Copter crash-lands in a mysterious meadow, leaving Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy Bee stranded and searching for answers. Just when the team begins to regroup, a mysterious light barrels toward them at high speed—raising more questions than ever. But the real shock comes moments later: could that incoming figure really be Gemerl?

With the investigation spiraling into unexpected territory, Episode 5 of The Chaotix Casefiles delivers another cliffhanger fans won’t want to miss.

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Playable Demo of Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake Available Now on Steam Next Fest!

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A brand-new playable demo of Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake is now available as part of Steam Next Fest! In this hands-on preview, you get to experience the second stage of the game and try out two distinct Dragon evolution forms featuring alongside updated visuals, refined gameplay, and enhanced atmosphere of this legendary rail shooter!

Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake is a refreshed edition of the second entry in the legendary rail shooter series, taking you into a unique world where ancient ruins, imperial power, and mysterious creatures shape the fate of an entire continent. Step into the role of Jean Jacque Lundi, a young rider who, together with his extraordinary companion – a dragon named Lagi – embarks on a dangerous journey filled with battles, discoveries, and the secrets of ancient civilizations.

The gameplay remains a classic on-rail shooter – fast-paced combat where you strike down enemies with both Lundi’s gun and Lagi’s devastating lasers. With the Berserk Attack at your disposal, even the toughest encounters may turn in your favor.

Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake will be available for Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S with a release date to be announced for $24.99.

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Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Nintendo Switch™ 2 Version Open Beta Test Begins Tonight!

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Step into the ring as the open beta for Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage will go live later tonight on Nintendo Switch 2! Players can jump in and experience a first look at the legendary 3D fighter’s debut on a Nintendo platform. Check out the latest trailer of the open beta here.

The open beta will run from 7 pm PST / 10pm EST on February 18 through 6:59 pm PST / 9:59 pm EST on February 23 and will be used to test network servers and cross-play performance with other available platforms (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam). Players can download the beta directly from the Nintendo eShop, and they will need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription in order to participate. Players on Nintendo Switch™ 2 will also be able to join the existing online environment as Steam / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S owners.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 26. Physical and digital pre-orders are now live, featuring the 30th Anniversary Edition (available both physically and digitally), featuring the base game, various DLC packs, a soundtrack collection, and pre-production artwork.

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Episode 4 of The Chaotix Casefiles Takes the Investigation to G.U.N. Base X

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Files continues to unravel its central mystery with the release of Episode 4, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and podcast platforms.

In this latest episode, Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy Bee uncover a shocking new development in their investigation—the culprit they’ve been pursuing may be a shapeshifter. With trust now in question and the case more complicated than ever, the Chaotix Detective Agency devises a risky plan to gather intel by staging a break-in of their own. But with so many unknowns, the operation could easily spiral out of control.

Fans can listen to Episode 4 of The Chaotix Casefiles now to see how the detectives handle their most dangerous lead yet.

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AiAi Joins Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Today! Free Super Monkey Ball Content Drop Officially Available!

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It’s time to get the ball rollin’ as today, SEGA has officially released the free Super Monkey Ball content for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Players can now compete for top banana as the mischievous monkey AiAi! The free Super Monkey Ball Content Drop includes the following:

  • AiAi as a playable character

  • AiAi’s vehicle, the Banana Cruiser

  • Four new Super Monkey Ball themed songs added to the Jukebox:

    • “Race”

    • “Menu Theme”

    • “Jingle from Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble”

    • “Banana Farm”

  • Special emotes and sounds

Players who own either the Standard (physical or digital) or Digital Deluxe versions of the game will automatically receive the free Super Monkey Ball Content Drop. Please ensure that the game is updated to the latest version for the content to be downloaded properly.

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The Chaotix Casefiles Episode 3 Brings Tangle and Whisper Into the Case

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles continues with the release of Episode 3, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and on podcast platforms everywhere.

This latest episode raises the stakes as Tangle the Lemur and Whisper the Wolf join Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy Bee in the Chaotix Detective Agency’s ongoing investigation.

With another Astroscopic Lens at risk, the team sets up a perimeter in an attempt to protect the valuable artifact and finally apprehend the culprit behind the recent crimes. But will their plan be enough? Fans can find out by tuning into Episode 3 of The Chaotix Casefiles, available now.

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Isabela Merced Cast as Lead in Paul W.S. Anderson’s The House of the Dead Film

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SEGA’s The House of the Dead is once again stepping into the spotlight of Hollywood, this time with a major casting announcement that signals a very different approach from past adaptations. According to a new report from Deadline, actress Isabela Merced has been cast as the lead in Paul W.S. Anderson’s upcoming film adaptation of The House of the Dead. Isabela Merced has steadily built an impressive résumé in recent years.

She starred in several films such as the Alien: Romulus and Superman, directed by James Gunn. Her casting suggests the film is aiming for a higher profile than previous attempts to bring The House of the Dead to the big screen. The announcement marks a significant step forward for the project, which is being positioned as a “high priority” for SEGA following the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog film series.

Check more details regarding her role and plans for the film further in the article!

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles Episode 2 Out Now! Sends the Detectives Into an Extreme Gear Chase!

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles continues to pick up speed with the release of Episode 2, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and wherever you listen to podcasts.

This time, a new lead sends Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy Bee straight into the high-octane world of Extreme Gear racing. In Episode 2, the Chaotix Detective Agency finds themselves chasing answers and rivals as they cross paths with the infamous Babylon Rogues.

Can the detectives keep up with the fastest thieves around and uncover the truth behind the case? Fans can find out now in the latest episode of The Chaotix Casefiles. Listen to The Chaotix Casefiles on your favorite podcast here!

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Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Nintendo Switch 2 Launch on March 26 + Open Beta & Pre-Orders Announced

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SEGA revealed Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 26, 2026, marking the debut of the beloved 3D fighting series on a Nintendo platform!

Pre-orders are open for the digital and physical version of the game. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch 2 Open Beta Test will kick off on February 18 at 7pm PT / 10pm ET, and can be downloaded directly from the Nintendo eShop.

Full details can be found in the press release below!

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Listen to Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Files Episode 0 & 1 Today!

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Files is finally here, letting fans listen on the go via the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and other podcast platforms, starting with Episodes 0 and 1. Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy Bee return as the Chaotix Detective Agency, ready to crack new cases once again.

In Episode 0 – “Chaotix Are on the Case!”, the team’s latest investigation takes an unexpected turn when they receive a surprise visit from Sonic the Hedgehog himself. The mystery deepens in Episode 1 – “The Case of the Two-Faced Thief”, which centers on a museum heist near Station Square, with early clues pointing to a familiar face Sonic fans may recognize.

If you’re interested in how the sound design was created for the podcast series, check out Sonic content creator, Sam Procrastinates video interview with the band leader and arranger for the 8-bit Big Band, Charlie Rosen.

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SEGA and Realm Announce First Ever Sonic the Hedgehog Audio Drama Series – Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles

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SEGA today has announced Sonic the Hedgehog Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles, a brand-new narrative podcast from SEGA of America, Inc. in partnership with Realm. The series debuts on January 27, 2026, with Realm managing distribution everywhere that podcasts are available and representing the show for ad sales.

The Chaotix Casefiles features the official Sonic video game voice cast reprising their roles, including Roger Craig Smith as Sonic the Hedgehog, Keith Silverstein as Vector the Crocodile, Matthew Mercer as Espio the Chameleon, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Charmy Bee, with many other fan-favorites to appear throughout the season.

The production is helmed by a team of creative talent deeply rooted in the world of animation and gaming. Directed by Ian Jones-Quartey (OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes, Steven Universe), with lead writer Dan Jolley (Transformers, Dying Light, Superman), and a writers’ room with Ian Flynn and Evan Stanley, who have extensive experience with the Sonic franchise. Check out the full press release for the upcoming podcast below!

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