Japanese Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

METABORA GAMES Launches ‘Puzzle & Guardians’ as a LINE MINI App in Japan

On June 8, 2026, METABORA GAMES launched 'Puzzle & Guardians', a collaborative game with Baligames, available as a MINI App on LINE Messenger. The game combines casual three-match puzzle battles and RPG elements, allowing players to collect Guardians and participate in 1v1 PvP duels and dungeon explorations for BORA token rewards. It is accessible to over 100 million LINE users without additional downloads, enhancing user experience. 'Puzzle & Guardians' is integrated with BORA DEEPS, offering customized missions and rewards usable across various BORA DEEPS features. METABORA GAMES plans to expand localized content for the Japanese market and host events to increase the utility of the BORA token.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

All the SGF 2026 Wholesome Direct Cozy Games We Saw Today

The Wholesome Direct showcased new cozy games and updates during the Summer Game Fest 2026, including the surprise release of the puzzle game Momento for PC, with a console release scheduled for June 30, 2026. A dedicated Steam page was created for featured titles and demo drops. Notable upcoming games include: - Anemorie – PC – Q1 2027 - Beastfolk Barber – PC – TBD - Book Nook – PC – TBD - Capy Castaway – PC – Demo coming soon - Colorbound – Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC – TBD - Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit – July 15, 2026 - Croakwood – PC – Winter 2026 - Danchi Days – PC – October 2026 - Deer and Boy – June 23, 2026 - Design & Conjure – PC – Q4 2026, demo available - Discounty – Free expansion "People or Profit" out today - Dragon Shelter – September 24, 2026 - Dressmaker – September 2026 - Fields of Mistria – August 5, 2026 - Hidden Folks 2 – 2027 - Japanese Rural Life Adventure – Available now - Little Cheese Works – September 2026 - Loftia – PC early access starts in Fall 2026 - Milki Delivery – 2026, demo available - Moomin: Midsummer Madness – TBD - Moonlight Peaks – July 7, 2026, demo available - Otterly Lost – September 2026 - Paralives – Free update "Unpacking" out today - Planet Zoo 2 – October 13, 2026 - Tales of Seikyu – 1.0 launch on June 11, 2026 - Walk the Frog – September 2026 The full showcase is available on YouTube for those interested in revisiting the event.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Here’s how to watch the PC Gaming Show 2026

The PC Gaming Show will return this summer, featuring over 50 games. Hosts include Frankie Ward, Mica Burton, Sean 'Day[9]' Plott, and YouTuber Elz. The event will be broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, X, and Steam with localized subtitles in multiple languages and sign language options. It starts on Sunday, June 7, at 12:00 PT / 15:00 ET / 20:00 BST / 03:00 CST. A 30-minute pre-show will precede the main event, and co-streams will be available from popular personalities. Viewers can win a custom PC, and the event will include highlights from the Future Games Show and interviews, including one with Gareth Damian Martin, creator of Citizen Sleeper.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Apple Removes Max from App Store, Russian Messaging App Without Encryption

Apple has removed the messaging app Max from its App Store, making it unavailable for download as of June 3. Max is classified as a super-app that integrates various services, including messaging, social media, government services, and banking, but lacks end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about security and user tracking. The Russian government has encouraged citizens to adopt Max, restricting access to other messaging platforms, and state employees have been directed to use it for communications. While existing users in Russia can continue to use Max, new downloads and updates are no longer available. Launched in 2025 by VK, Max is compared to China's WeChat and is pre-installed on devices sold in Russia, but it is not available in the European Union. The app's terms of use state that user data is stored on Russian servers, raising further concerns about surveillance.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

We could get a Resident Evil game set in Japan someday as producer Masato Kumazawa reveals the development team ‘has given it some thought’

Resident Evil Requiem is the fastest-selling game in the franchise's history, with a review score of 92. The development team is considering a Resident Evil game set in Japan, as shared by producer Masato Kumazawa, who noted that the idea has been on the minds of both fans and the team. He assured fans that the core elements of the series will be preserved, including beloved characters and pivotal events, while exploring new settings and themes.

BetaBeacon

June 4, 2026

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – June 2026 round-up

Nintendo has released a brand new game exclusively on mobile called Pictonico, which uses the contents of the player's phone's photo album as the basis for its microgames.

BetaBeacon

June 1, 2026

Can the Android-powered mini gaming device ‘AYANEO Pocket S Mini’ play demanding games? A review after trying Fortnite and NTE.

The AYANEO Pocket S Mini is a gaming device that hit the Japanese market on March 26, 2026. It is powered by a Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 SoC and allows users to enjoy Android game apps with a physical controller. The device scored 144464 on the AnTuTu Benchmark app, surpassing the performance of 35% of users. It features a quick menu called 'AYAWindow' and comes in two models with different RAM and storage options.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Users Say New Day One Game Is a “10/10 Masterpiece”

Subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass are excited about the newly launched game, Forza Horizon 6, which has been rated a “10/10 masterpiece” by many players. It is the second-highest-rated game of 2026 on Metacritic and the highest-rated day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass this year with a score of 91. The game has received a solid 4 out of 5-star rating on the Xbox Store and positive feedback on Reddit, where players have praised its Japanese aesthetic and seasonal changes. Forza Horizon 6 is a title from Xbox Game Studios, ensuring its permanent place in the Xbox Game Pass library, although it is not currently available via the Premium tier. Certain licenses may lead to its eventual removal from the service.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

007: Nightfire review (2003)

007: Nightfire, reviewed in PC Gamer issue #107 (February 2003), struggles to capture the essence of the Bond franchise, with notable flaws in artificial intelligence and combat mechanics. Guards lack awareness but can detect Bond easily, leading to frustrating stealth gameplay. The damage model is inconsistent, with some weapons causing one-shot kills while others are ineffective. Boss battles lack creativity. However, the game features well-designed environments and some inventive sequences. The multiplayer component includes standard modes with recognizable Bond characters, though their execution varies. Overall, Nightfire is seen as lackluster compared to other spy games like No One Lives Forever 2, and Bond's portrayal is criticized for lacking charisma and depth.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Story-driven Japanese-inspired RPG Full Circle announced for consoles, PC

Publisher Deck13 Spotlight, in collaboration with 2nd Player Games, has announced a new pixel art RPG titled Full Circle, which is inspired by classic PlayStation games. The game will be available on PC via Steam, with more details to be revealed at Gamescom 2026 in August. Full Circle is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where humanity lives in the skies, and players will navigate a world filled with mutated beasts and rival cities. The game features strategic turn-based combat, a diverse cast of characters, and a narrative that explores themes of hope and melancholy. Players can customize their party, engage in various activities, and explore distinct landscapes.