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The Outerhaven •

Anime Expo 2025: Ghost in the Shell Is Finally Coming Back in 2026

It’s been way too damn long since we had a solid Ghost in the Shell anime series. And as someone who’s been following Shirow Masamune’s work since the OG days, the wait has been brutal. Yeah, we got Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 on Netflix, and while it was fine, let’s be real—it didn’t scratch that high-concept cyberpunk itch the way it was supposed to. Ever since whispers started floating around a few years back about a new series in the works, I’ve been sitting here, waiting for anything real...
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Destiny: Rising Brings the Fight to Mobile Devices This August

We’ve known Destiny: Rising was coming for a while — it was officially announced back on October 14, 2024 — and now the wait is almost over. NetEase Games has confirmed that the mobile sci-fi FPS will officially launch on August 28, 2025, for iOS and Android. Pre-registration is live right now on the App Store and Google Play, and a fresh gameplay trailer just dropped to give fans a closer look at what’s coming. While the Destiny name is mostly known for its PC and console releases, Destiny: Ri...
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Helldivers 2 Invades Xbox Series X|S This August 2025

A new dawn is upon us. Super Earth is expanding its operations and opening new enlistment centers. Finally, after months of requests and wishful thinking, Helldivers 2 is making its way to Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025. *Update – You know, I just realized that while Helldivers 2 is hitting the Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, Gears of Wars: Reloaded is making its way to the PlayStation 5 on the same date. That’s one hell of a coincidence, and quite frankly, a win for gamers on both platf...
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Soulslikes Beyond FromSoftware: How Other Games Are Innovating the Genre

I’ve played more Soulslikes than I care to admit – enough to know when something is just wearing the skin of the genre versus genuinely doing something new with it. While FromSoftware gave birth to this whole mess with Demon’s Souls and set the gold standard with Dark Souls and Elden Ring, the genre has grown beyond just punishing difficulty and moody environments, and of course, that combat that we can’t get enough of. Other studios have stepped up, and by not just copying the formula that was...
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Silent Hill f Developers Head to Anime Expo 2025 for Exclusive Panel

Konami is bringing the fog to Los Angeles this week, and it’s not just the smog. The creators behind the upcoming psychological horror Silent Hill f are making their way to Anime Expo 2025 with a special guest panel and a chilling booth experience set to immerse fans in the franchise’s next terrifying chapter. This panel will take place on July 4 at 3:15 PM PDT / 6:15 PM EDT in the JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom, and will feature some of the biggest names behind the upcoming Silent Hill f title,...
The Outerhaven •

Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 192 – Xbox has a meltdown & the Stop Killing Games movement

In Episode 192 of the Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew dives into a mix of gaming chatter, tech talk, and a dash of nostalgia. We kick things off with what we’ve been playing and watching lately before moving into a bizarre discussion on putting electronics into confined spaces while they’re still powered on. We then explore the uncertain future of Xbox following a wave of layoffs and what that could mean for the brand moving forward. In the second half, we tackle the controversial Stop Killing...
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My Hero Academia: All’s Justice Officially Announced, Brings the Final War Arc to Consoles and PC

Earlier today, Bandai Namco officially revealed My Hero Academia: All’s Justice, the next big entry in Bandai Namco’s line of anime-based brawlers, that brings the explosive Final War arc of My Hero Academia to life. It’s heading to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, and it’s aiming to deliver “One Last Smash” in every sense of the phrase. Check out the trailer. Now, I’ll be honest — I was really hoping we’d get something other than another arena fighter. Something with a differe...
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7 Video Games Dropping This July 2025 That You Probably Shouldn’t Ignore

It’s July 2025, the heat is unbearable, and my backlog’s already judging me harder than ever. But here we are again, with another lineup of games determined to make sure you don’t leave the house. Nintendo’s finally giving Donkey Kong the respect he deserves, EA’s bringing college football back from the dead, and there’s even a free-to-play mech brawler that’s way better than it has any right to be. Here are seven video games that you won’t want to miss this July 2025!   Donkey Kong is back, an...
The Outerhaven •

Everdark Sovereign Sentient Pest Drops July 3rd in Elden Ring Nightreign

A brand-new nightmare is joining the party in Elden Ring Nightreign, and its name is Everdark Sovereign Sentient Pest. Dropping into the rotation on July 3rd, 2025, at 6:00 PM PDT / 9:00 PM EDT, this freshly evolved Nightlord is about to make its debut—and if the name alone doesn’t sound like a bad time, wait until you meet it in battle. It’s been a month since Bandai Namco and FromSoftware unleashed Elden Ring Nightreign, and as the FromSoft addict that I am, I’ve been absolutely lost in Limvel...
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Survive the Shadows with the Official Elden Ring Nightreign Companion Guide

FromSoftware’s latest dive into darkness, Elden Ring Nightreign, isn’t just another Soulslike—it’s a full-blown multiplayer roguelike nightmare where the night itself wants you dead. It’s also a game that I’ve found myself spending what little free time I have available. As players charge into the ever-shifting lands of Limveld, braving cursed bosses and collapsing timelines, they’ll need more than just grit and luck to survive. That’s where Future Press steps in with this newly announced Elden...
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Split/Second Is The Explosive Racing Game That Deserved a Sequel

I recently found myself reminiscing about games of the past—more specifically, some of my favorite arcade racing titles. And there’s no other game that continues to live rent-free in my head than Disney’s Split/Second. Not because it was some massive franchise, but because it took what games like Ridge Racer and Burnout did so well and just straight-up revolutionized the formula. It was loud, chaotic, stylish, and had just enough strategy to keep me hooked race after race. Back in the golden era...
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Little Nightmares III Spiral Premium Edition Creeps In With Exclusive Goodies

If you’ve been itching to return to the eerie and twisted world of Little Nightmares, then prepare yourself, because Little Nightmares III has a release date and will be released on October 10, 2025, and Bandai Namco is giving fans a premium way to experience the nightmare with the newly announced Spiral Edition. This collector’s edition is packing more than just fear and shadows. It’s stuffed with both physical and digital extras that’ll have fans salivating, especially if you’re into creepy fi...
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What to Expect from Bandai Namco’s Summer Showcase Event

Not one to be left out of the Summer Gaming Madness, Bandai Namco is hosting its own event, the Bandai Namco Summer Showcase 2025, which takes place on Wednesday, July 2 at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET on Bandai Namco’s YouTube and Twitch channels. This mid-summer event promises fresh reveals, deep dives into upcoming titles, and possibly a few surprises that haven’t been leaked or revealed. So, is this going to be worth watching? Well, I definitely think so. This isn’t just another checklist of trailers...
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Soulslikes and Action RPGs Worth Grabbing During the Steam Summer Sale 2025

The Steam Summer Sale 2025 is in full swing until July 10, 2025, and if you’re like me—hooked on Soulslikes and Action RPGs—then this is your hunting season. I’ll be honest: I jump on these games the moment they drop, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy paying full price. That’s why sales like this are my bread and butter. There’s just something cathartic about getting bodied by a boss while knowing I got the game for half off. So, I went ahead and rounded up the best Soulslikes and Action RPGs that a...
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The Best Fighting Game Deals in the Steam Summer Sale 2025

The Steam Summer Sale is here, and if you’re into fighters, whether you’re throwing fireballs, unleashing Heat Attacks, or flailing crabs, yes, that’s actually a thing, some serious steals are waiting for you right now. Here’s our updated mix of AAA, AA, and indie brawlers worth snagging before the sale ends on July 10. Discounts are listed after each title for a quick scan, followed by current prices. If you’re tempted by all these fighting games on sale during the Steam Summer Sale, but your...
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Survival Horror Games That Stand Out in the Steam Summer Sale 2025

Summer’s here, and the Steam Summer Sale 2025 (June 26–July 10, 2025) has slashed prices across every genre, especially for those who like being stalked… or being the stalker. For those seeking thrills, dread, and adrenaline-fueled panic, here’s a roundup of the best survival horror titles on sale right now. Seriously, there’s something for everyone in this list, and every game will shake you to the core and make you run for your mommy. Every game here will get under your skin. From gory necr...
The Outerhaven •

Took On Everdark Sovereign Darkdrift Knight and Somehow Won

Yesterday, FromSoftware rotated out its first Everdark Sovereign Nightlord with Gaping Jaws in Elden Ring Nightreign, and swapped in the Everdark Sovereign Darkdrift Knight. Not only is that a mouthful to say, but it’s also a pain in the butt to fight, as I found out during my first attempt. But you know me and my infinity for all things Soulslike, so of course I had to jump in and see what this new Nightlord was all about. And would you believe it? I took him down with a little help from two be...
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ROG Xbox Handheld Price Talk, AMD & Xbox PR Hype – Spectator Mode Podcast Ep. 191

On Episode 191 of the Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew returns to talk about the rumored pricing of the Asus ROG Xbox handhelds, the newly announced AMD and Xbox partnership (and why we think it’s more PR than progress), and whether a game’s price should factor into review scores. Plus, Keith gets hit with a wave of nostalgia and shares the story of how The Outerhaven gaming outlet came to be. All that and plenty of chaotic banter in this week’s gaming and geek culture podcast! Thanks for liste...
The Outerhaven •

Xbox and Meta Announce Special Edition Meta Quest 3S Bundle

While you’ve already been able to play Xbox Series X|S games on the Meta Quest 3 and the newly released Meta Quest 3S, Xbox and Meta have taken things a step further with a new special edition headset designed just for Xbox fans. The Meta Quest 3S: Xbox Edition comes in a slick black and green Xbox-themed design. It includes a matching special edition Xbox controller, reminiscent of the 20th Anniversary controller (though not translucent), 128GB of onboard storage, and a 3-month subscription to...
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LEGO Party! Hands-On Preview – It’s the Most Fun You’ll Have Losing Friends This Year

During my adventures at Summer Game Fest 2025, one of the unannounced games that ended up getting revealed while I was there was a new LEGO-themed title called LEGO Party! that is currently in development by SMS Studio. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Now, before I dive into the details, I’ll be upfront—I’m a little bitter. Not because the game is bad (it’s not), but because it cheats. Okay, not really… but it does have the ability to completely ruin your day, especially if you’re doi...
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