Five years of Nook News!? Can you believe it’s already been half a decade since this news segment began, because I sure can’t! Thank you so much to everyone who’s been keeping up with our weekly news segment! With that said, there was quite a lot of news this week, so let’s get right into it:
Visual Novel News:
Over six years on from it’s initial announcement by NekoNyan (and even longer since a prior announcement by Sekai Project before they seemingly quietly dropped the project), NekoNyan has announced that the Dracu-Riot! HD remaster by Yuzusoft is coming to Steam on February 27th, 2026. It has additionally been noted by staff on the company Discord server that the build has already been approved by Steam and this is a native 1440P remaster, not an upscale. Yuzusoft provided the high resolution assets.
Welcome to the Special Administrative Region “Aqua Eden”, an artificial island off the coast of Japan, where casinos and more are legal. A young man heads to the island with one goal in mind: “I’m gonna get laid and lose my v-card!” His unwitting friend and our protagonist, Mutsura Yuuto, came along under the assumption that it would be a simple, fun vacation. However, on the very first day of their trip, Yuuto witnesses a kidnapping. Unable to overlook this transgression, Yuuto takes matters into his own hands, setting off a chain of events leading to his becoming a vampire! Now, our newly fanged hero finds himself confined to the city. Unbeknownst to him, his new life there is only just beginning. In the midnight city of the future Vampires wandering it moonlit streets Yuuto’s unforgettable new nightlife is about to begin. This is the story of a city with a utopian vision- one where humans and vampires are allowed to coexist.
While it appears a Steam release is unlikely, due to the Steam store page being removed in late-January 2026, MangaGamer has announced that Eve of the 12 Months by minori will be released through their own store on March 11th, 2026. Pre-orders are open now.
From minori, the developers of ef, eden*, Supipara, and Trinoline to name a few, comes another beautifully illustrated, wintery tale: Eve of the 12 Months. On one fateful Christmas Eve, Furuhata Naoto runs into a mysterious girl while out on an errand. Much to his surprise despite having no recollection of her, she seems to know him——and so our tale of intertwined stories begins. One wishes to hold onto the joy they share together, another has something to gain, and the last will stop at nothing to accomplish their goal.
Frontwing USA have announced the international version of Lilac will be coming to Steam. It is releasing in two versions, Lilac -side Witch and Lilac -side Wizard, which have the same main plot, but some differences in the details. The main difference between the two is that -side Witch features a female main cast, while -side Wizard features a male main cast.
Lilac Academy. A joint magic school established by Lilac, the Legendary Magus, who wished for a world where humans and mages could come together, hand in hand, in peace and harmony. One day, in a rural village in the east, an admission letter arrives at the home of a sick mother and her child, Emil. Having been treated badly by a mage in the past, Emil hates mages. However, upon learning that graduating from the academy would net a generous monetary reward, Emil resolves to enroll. The reason? Family comes before any grudge. After getting lost on the way to the academy, Emil meets Henri, who happens to be around the same age. The two hit it off, but that all falls apart once Emil realizes that Henri is actually a mage. Disgusted at this revelation, Emil tries to leave, but Henri insists on showing the way to the academy and forcibly casts a spell. However, the spell fails, and Emil is sent flying to an unfamiliar place. Thus begins Emil’s turbulent academy life.
Studio Élan has announced they are developing a short yuri game, this time centered around fictional Vtubers. They are planning a crowdfunding campaign to fund the full game, but the Steam page is already available.
Be a rising indie VTuber and finally visit the biggest convention in the industry. But a few drinks too deep into a party, you realize you’ve actually been hitting it off with your biggest online rival! Will this crash into a scandal, or will true love bloom instead? My VTuber Rival is Actually Cute?! is a short slice-of-life yuri visual novel love letter to the VTuber & streaming industry.
Gaming News:
Sony hosted one of their longest State of Play events to date last week, and it was focused purely on games. So let’s not waste any time and go straight into the many highlights:
A sequel to Kena: Bridge of Spirits has been revealed and is titled Kena: Scars of Kosmora. We return to the perspective of Kena as she travels to the land of Kosmora to learn more about an affliction she had as a child, with this new journey having her come across new spirit companions and a mysterious power that can control the elements. The spirit companion system from the first game returns as you use them to solve puzzles, as well as including some intense action sequences and boss battles.
Kena: Scars of Kosmora launches for PlayStation 5 and PC in 2026.
Watch the trailer for Kena: Scars of Kosmora
An expansion for Ghost of Yotei was given more details and when we’ll be able to get our hands on it. This new Legends mode has you and up to three other players to take on demon versions of the Yotei Six across four different maps. Choose between four different combat classes, each of which are built around the combat system from the base game.
Ghost of Yotei‘s Legend mode arrives on March 10th.
Watch the trailer for Ghost of Yotei‘s Legend mode
After its successful launch on PlayStation 5 last year, fans of Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding franchise have wondered if and when the sequel will be coming to PC. We now have our answer and it’s sooner than you think. This new PC version will also come with upscalers and ultrawide monitor support.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is coming to PC on March 19th.
Watch the trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach‘s PC release
The all-new IP from Capcom, PRAGMATA got a new trailer at the State of Play. This trailer focused on a section of the lunar station that recreates New York City through a substance called Lunafilament, all while Hugh and Diana continue to find a way out and from the threat of malicious robots that continue to pursue them.
PRAGMATA will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on April 24th.
Watch the trailer for Pragmata
Capcom also released a new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem. There’s less than two weeks until the ninth mainline instalment’s launch as this trailer gives us even more insight towards the dangers both Grace and Leon will be contending with.
Resident Evil Requiem launches for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on February 27th.
Watch the trailer for Resident Evil Requiem
Another entry in the Legacy of Kain franchise is getting the remaster treatment. Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered takes the fifth and final game in the franchise that originally released in 2003 and enhances its visuals, provides modernized controls and camera, and even new character skins. If you want a more authentic experience, you’ll also be able to play the game with the original graphics too.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered releases for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC on March 2nd.
Watch the announcement trailer for Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered
The third entry in a classic strategy RPG series is coming soon. Brigandine: Abyss is a sequel to Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia, which was a sequel to the original game released all the way back in 1998 on the PlayStation. Choose between one of six different campaigns as you go up against the forces of the Abyssloa Empire. If playing the story mode doesn’t sound appealing to you, you’ll also have the option to play in Mission Mode which lets you play as one of the 24 different factions in-game.
Brigandine: Abyss launches for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC in 2026.
Watch the trailer for Brigandine: Abyss
Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja revealed their plans to bring back their classic fighting game series: Dead of Alive. To start, they’re re-releasing Dead or Alive 6 with the ability to bring over your data and costumes from the original release. This new version will also include all the game’s DLC characters and even includes a photo mode. A free-to-play version of the new release will also be available.
Dead or Alive 6 Last Round releases for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC on June 25th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Dead or Alive 6 Last Round
But wait, there’s more! A brand new game in the Dead or Alive series was also confirmed to be in development. To celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, we got a brief teaser for the new title, but not much else was announced at this time.
The new Dead or Alive project is coming to PlayStation 5, with other systems to be confirmed. No release window was announced at this time.
Watch the new Dead or Alive project announcement
Game Freaks’ new franchise got a new trailer for the State of Play. Beast of Reincarnation is set in Japan after the events of an apocalypse as we see Emma and her companion Koo traveling this ruined world together. The game is described as an action RPG which has you not only engage in combat with a human, but your dog ally as well. The trailer also revealed the game’s full release date.
Beast of Reincarnation is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC on August 4th.
Watch the release date trailer for Beast of Reincarnation
Ubisoft’s limbless mascot, Rayman recently celebrated his 30th anniversary last year, so what better way to celebrate than to play the game that started it all? Ubisoft has got us covered with a new release of the classic game that includes five different versions of the title, a new soundtrack, and 120 extra levels to play. Even the previously unreleased SNES prototype of the game will be included in the package too. If you’d like to learn more about the creation of this classic game, the collection will also include over 50 minutes of interviews and a gallery of concept art and design documents.
Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition is now available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
A physical release for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch is scheduled for August 25th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition
Shueisha Games and Acquire announced a new title themed all around stealth. Yakoh Shinobi Ops is a multiplayer game where you and up to three other players work together as you move across the shadows with a limited field of view. Each character has access to a unique ability, so it’s up to you to cooperate with your friends to make each mission a success.
Yakoh Shinobi Ops launches for PlayStation 5 and PC in 2027.
Watch the announcement trailer for Yakoh Shinobi Ops
Krafton Games have announced their latest project and it’s quite an odd one. Based on a Korean story titled The Bird That Drinks Tears, Project Windless has you playing as a giant anthropomorphic chicken known as the Hero King who’s thrust into a massive conflict across the entire continent. The game is described as an open world player-driven title where your decisions help form alliances, all while engaging in massive battle sequences where you face hundreds of enemies at once.
Project Windless is set to release for PlayStation 5 and PC. No release window was announced at this time.
Watch the announcement trailer for Project Windless
Konami had quite a lot to show during the State of Play and they started with a collection of some of their classic titles. Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 was finally revealed and it’s bringing with it two heavy hitters. After almost 20 years, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is finally getting a re-release outside of the PlayStation 3, while Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is also getting added to this collection as well. It will also feature the Gameboy Color title Metal Gear: Ghost Babel.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC on August 27th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2
Keeping up the momentum, Konami also announced a brand new entry in their iconic Castlevania series just in time for its 40th anniversary. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is set in Paris, 1499 as you play as Trevor Belmont’s successor. As you might expect, a whip is your main means to combat the dark forces, but other options for combat will be available to you, with the game also boasting a new colorful art style.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse launches for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC in 2026.
Watch the announcement trailer for Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse
Another classic Konami franchise got some love here too with us getting more information on Silent Hill: Townfall. You play as Simon Ordell as he travels to the island of St. Amelia as he’s guided through strange voices in a CRTV he finds early on his journey. This new title is notable for being in a first-person perspective as you take on monstrous creatures and solve puzzles, just like the mainline Silent Hill titles.
Silent Hill: Townfall releases for PlayStation 5 and PC in 2026.
Watch the trailer for Silent Hill: Townfall
The final announcement Konami had for the State of Play was for an all-new IP. In Rev. Noir, a phenomenon called Lightfall has affected the planet and it’s up to your player character suffering from amnesia and a female companion as you try to find a way to stop the crisis affecting the planet. Not much is known about this new title, but it’s being described as a new RPG with more details to be revealed in the future.
Rev. Noir has currently only been announced for the PlayStation 5. No release window has been announced at this time.
Watch the announcement trailer for Rev. Noir
Saber Interactive announced a video game based on the John Wick film franchise. The game looks to be a third-person action title with the director of the franchise, Chad Stahelski being involved in the game’s production. Keanu Reeves will also be returning to reprise his role for the game.
The currently untitled John Wick game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. No release window has been announced at this time.
Watch the announcement trailer for the untitled John Wick game
It’s been a while, but we finally have an update for Arc System Works’ latest fighting game: Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. Alongside Storm, three new characters were revealed to be playable, all of which are a part of the X-Men: Magik, Wolverine, and Danger. Additionally, the game’s full release date was also revealed.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is launching for PlayStation 5 and PC on August 6th.
Watch the X-Men trailer for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise, Santa Monica announced a remake for all three of the original God of War games. The original voice of Kratos, TC Carson will be returning to play the character, but other than that, no other information was revealed as of now.
The God of War Trilogy Remake is releasing exclusively for PlayStation 5. No release window was announced at this time.
Watch the announcement trailer for the God of War Trilogy Remake
To close out the State of Play, Santa Monica and Mega Cat Studios announced one more game in the God of War franchise. God of War: Sons of Sparta is a 2D platform that sees you in the perspective of a young Kratos as he trains to become a spartan alongside his brother, Deimos. When a fellow cadet goes missing, the two brothers set off to find him and begin a grand journey that’ll test your 2D action skills in this world crafted in detailed pixel art. If you’re interested in playing it, I’ve got some good news: the game was shadow dropped and is available to play right now!
God of War: Sons of Sparta is now available exclusively for PlayStation 5.
Watch the announcement trailer for God of War: Sons of Sparta
The fourth DLC character coming to Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 was fully revealed. This is a new version of Tanjiro, the series protagonist, who unlocks a new power up that was originally seen in the Infinity Castle movie and is now fully playable to go against other players.
The Infinity Castle version of Tanjiro is now available in Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2.
Watch the trailer for Infinity Castle Tanjiro DLC for Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2
Wazen’s latest game, MIGHTREYA got some new updates. From the development team behind the action title Assault Spy, you play as an up-and-coming superhero content creator named Reya in high-paced action combat akin to exciting anime battles. The game boasts three different weapon types to use across 38 stages with a stylised anime art direction and famous Japanese voice actors that’ll surely please any modern anime fan. If you’re curious, a demo for the game is now available to play on Steam.
MIGHTREYA releases exclusively for PC in Q2 2026.
Watch the demo trailer for MIGHTREYA
DLC content is coming to CE-Asia and SenseGame’s AI Limit. Titled Eirene’s Furnace of War, after the events of the main game, you travel to the Temple of War led by Eirene the Warfare Bishop as you take on new challenges that take place there. This new content update brings with it new weapons, spells, and armor to allow you to create more unique builds.
The Eirene’s Furnace of War DLC for AI Limit releases on March 27th.
Watch the announcement trailer for AI Limit‘s Eirene’s Furnace of War DLC
After a sudden delay, Netmarble have announced a new release date for The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin. The game will now release for PlayStation 5 and PC on March 16th, with the iOS and Android versions releasing on March 23rd.
Anime News:
We’re now less than one month away until the second season of the One Piece live-action adaptation will be released. To celebrate, Netflix released another trailer going over what fans will be in for when the Straw Hat Pirates take their first steps into the Grand Line.
Season two of the One Piece live-action adaptation will release exclusively for Netflix on March 10th.
Watch the trailer for One Piece live-action season two
Upcoming Releases:
An updated version of the latest entry in the Ys franchise releases today. Ys X: Proud Nordics includes the original game but adds in quality of life features, a new time-trial dungeon, and additional story content featuring new characters named Canute and Astrid.
Ys X: Proud Nordics is coming to PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on February 20th, 2026.
An anime/gaming aficionado, experienced content creator and lovable goofball. Name a game genre and Seamus has likely played it… yes, even that one. Follow him @TrueStorySeamus
