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FFVII Rebirth Cissnei Character Model Design Detailed
FFVII Rebirth Cissnei Character Model Design Detailed Square Enix has shared new CG models for Cissnei in FFVII Rebirth and talked about her updated appearance in the game. Originally appearing as one of the unnamed playable Turks in Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII , Cissnei became an important minor character in Crisis Core: FFVII . For her full-body CG render, the developers adjusted her clothing silhouette and facial expressions to differentiate her from Tifa and Aerith. Meanwhile, for the close-up CG render, her caring and kind side was emphasized. This can be seen in the game as she takes care of the villagers of Gongaga, as the leader of the town’s Youth Coalition. You can check out the CG model for Cissnei in FFVII Rebirth here: https://twitter.com/FFVIIR_CLOUD/status/1975758058296123696 The developer’s goal when creating Cissnei’s new design in FFVII Rebirth was to retain her original character from Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII while conveying that she has matured ever since. Likewise, maintaining her connection to Zack was important for the developers, as well as making sure she had a presence of her own. Prior to Cissnei’s CG model showcase, Square Enix has also talked about other characters in both FFVII Rebirth and FFVII Remake , with the most recent one being Zack Fair , the protagonist of Crisis Core: FFVII . Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is readily available for the PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam . Meanwhile, FFVII Remake is available on the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC. The post FFVII Rebirth Cissnei Character Model Design Detailed appeared first on Siliconera .
SiliconeraOct 8
Steam is down again, which is common for Tuesdays, but this lengthy outage is different
Steam is down again, which is common for Tuesdays, but this lengthy outage is different Having trouble logging in to Steam to play any of Tuesday's new games? It's not just you, and it's not weekly maintenance, either. Steam is suffering from massive outages right now, as evidenced by users reporting problems on DownDetector and reports all across various social media. And according to CyberNews , it appears to be due to a massive DDoS attack that's targeting several services, including Steam, AWS, Riot Games, and even OpenAI. Screenshot by Destructoid Steam usually goes offline or has issues around 5pm CT on Tuesdays, which is when Valve runs weekly maintenance. But this sort of widespread outage definitely seems to be DDoS-related as it looks to be a targeted attack on web service providers and it's affecting many worldwide. The outages first began at around 7pm CT on Oct. 6, there was another wave in the early morning hours. But this latest one that hit around 11:30am CT feels larger and more serious than the others, with many users unable to sign into Steam at all. When I try to log in, I'm met with the "Who's Playing?" screen on Steam, and after inputting my credentials, I'm unable to connect to the game at all. If the DDoS attack continues to hit providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Cloudflare, issues may persist for some time. Either way, gamers looking to play some new titles or favorite classics all the same are unable to at this point in time while Steam struggles with the attack. For now, gamers will have to touch grass for a bit and hope the problem subsides soon. This is a developing story that we're following in real time, so stay tuned for updates. Destructoid has reached out to Valve for comment about the outage. https://twitter.com/vxdb/status/1975381385184473405 Update on Oct. 7 at 12:40pm CT: Steam issues appear to be subsiding for many as they are able to log back in to the service, but your results may vary for the time being. Like our content? Set Destructoid as  a Preferred Source on Google  in just one step to ensure you see us more frequently in your Google searches! The post Steam is down again, which is common for Tuesdays, but this lengthy outage is different appeared first on Destructoid .
Steam Archives – DestructoidOct 7
Review: Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Is as Enjoyable as All-Stars Racing Transformed
Review: Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Is as Enjoyable as All-Stars Racing Transformed For a series known for speed, it’s amazing that we aren’t always guaranteed that the Sonic the Hedgehog racing games are great. (I mean, consider what happened with entries like Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity !) Sega’s been doing better in recent years, with Sonic & All-Stars Racing kart racing line being very solid and even Team Sonic Racing having its moments. With Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds , we get another solid kart racer that feels like it prioritizes offering a wide range of characters and carts. As a kart racer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds features the sorts of single and multiplayer modes folks might expect from this type of game. The Grand Prix is best compared to the same one found in Mario Kart entries, with each of the seven Cups consisting of four races, and people able to play alone or in local co-op. Also like Mario Kart, selecting the speed is setting the difficulty. A Rival will appear during these, tasking you with “besting” them. Time Trials are also available, to set records on specific runs. You can also head to the Race Park to complete specific Double Team and Triple Team challenges that help with unlocking stuff. As for multiplayer traditional races, there is the ranked World Match and a more casual online Friend Match. Cross-platform racing is present here, which is appreciated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V4aYlM1U4M Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds starts with a strong impression. While the first run walls you off from selections, Sega made the decision to ensure everything is just there for you right away. Considering a major focus is being able to choose the character, customize the cart, and choose a loadout of boosts, it’s very welcome. Seeing 23 folks right away is handy. Also, while the Season Pass does mean there are about 20 more characters and additional carts, emotes, and tracks, and extras, I appreciate that many of those are crossover ones. So if you don’t care about Mega Man, Minecraft, Spongebob, or Pac-Man and are here for the Sonic and Sega/Atlus series characters, it’s no big loss.  Once you select who you want to be, selecting what you want to drive comes up. While characters fall into categories like Acceleration, Boost, Handling, Power, and Speed, the vehicle you select also influences your performance. While these also fall into categories, you can also adjust front parts, rear parts, and tires to further influence things. Paint, decals, different horns, and aura can also be added. (Some of these do need to be acquired via tickets, which you can earn.) So this is both about altering what it is like when you race and visual preferences. There’s also the Gadget Plate. You can use this to apply certain buffs or bonuses as you race, with additional slots unlocking as you play. You can equip panels that do things like help with charging, keeps you from dropping items, lets you hold more items, get boost support, and other perks. It can help you compensate for things you feel you do better or worse as you race, or let you lean into your strengths, in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re making things too easy for yourself. However, the downside is that the playing field doesn’t feel as level if someone has six Gadget Plate slots open and someone locally comes up and needs to make do with two. It’s a fun concept, but I worry it can make things a little more uneven when you aren’t against AI. Images via Sega Once you’re in a race, there are certain elements that set Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds apart from other kart racers. At its core, it involves traditional car-like vehicles going around courses and using drift mechanics and collected items to hamper enemies and help yourself. This is changed up a bit by Travel Ring portals appearing on courses that briefly take you to other locations from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. (Or, if you get DLC, other games.) It changes things up in a way that’s typically fun and visually impressive! However, the current leader decides whether you go to a predetermined place or random one, and I wish there was more of an opportunity for others to weigh in or more variety there. Another downside is that I sort of feel like the opportunities that take us into the sky or through the water don’t feel as consistently fun as ones on solid land. These excursions aren’t like the airborne segments in Mario Kart that happen for a few seconds. You can be going for a few minutes and it involves a whole different type of skillset and sense of nuance to do well on water or in the air. If they were shorter, I’d think they add to the idea of exploring other levels. But it would really throw me off, even after hours of playing, to suddenly need to adapt to flying through the air or on top of waves.  The Rivals system is the other unique feature in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and I find someone’s mileage may vary when experiencing it. This is a situation in which rubber-banding can hit you hard and you can be exceptionally skilled, but still lose due to that virtual opponent getting “lucky.” At least if you can manage to beat the rival, you’re also pretty much guaranteed to get first place. The nature of it meant that even if I didn’t, I was still far ahead of the other NPC racers in Grand Prix.  Images via Sega Finally, I will say that, while I enjoyed Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds , those playing on handheld gaming PCs might need to fiddle with the settings to get it looking and running well. I played on a Lenovo Legion Go and, while it definitely runs fine, the nature of the system and game meant it didn’t look as good as it would on a more powerful desktop or laptop. But like Sega said, it is Steam Deck verified and does work well! It just might need a bit of finessing to look as good as possible on your system.  Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a solid kart racer that I feel I enjoyed as much as recent Sonic & All-Stars Racing games. There’s a great selection of characters and tons of vehicle customization options, which are great. The nature of the Rivals and Travel Rings systems also makes it feel different than similar titles such as Mario Kart World. I do worry the Gadget Plate unlocking element might make it a little unfair when playing co-op locally, and some of the water and air racing might not feel as fantastic as the standard racing. It’s still quite impressive and leaves a great impression. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is available on the Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, and it will also eventually appear on the Switch 2.  The post Review: Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Is as Enjoyable as All-Stars Racing Transformed appeared first on Siliconera .
SiliconeraOct 6
Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus II serves up a turn-based PC demo
Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus II serves up a turn-based PC demoJust dropped onto Steam is the demo for Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II. Fans can get a sneak peek at the strategy title now. The Mechanicus returns Maybe (we’d say ‘definitely’) one of the less-famed names out of Games Workshop’s massive pantheon, the Adeptus Mechanicus is back for round two. The technologically-obsessed Imperial faction will return … The post Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus II serves up a turn-based PC demo appeared first on BrutalGamer .
BrutalGamerOct 3
The demo for MARVEL Cosmic Invasion arrives on PC
The demo for MARVEL Cosmic Invasion arrives on PCMaking the superhero landing on Steam just in time for Next Fest is the demo for MARVEL Cosmic Invasion. It’s available now. The MARVEL Cosmic Invasion begins Is MARVEL Cosmic Invasion the most hotly anticipated side-scrolling action game since TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge? That’s a little hard to say. After all, the genre has had a few … The post The demo for MARVEL Cosmic Invasion arrives on PC appeared first on BrutalGamer .
BrutalGamerOct 1
Digimon Story: Time Stranger Anime Short and Launch Patch Revealed
Digimon Story: Time Stranger Anime Short and Launch Patch Revealed Bandai Namco announced two pieces of news tied to Digimon Story: Time Stranger tied to its launch, with one being a day-one patch with quality-of-life features and the other an anime short. The update will be available when the game launches on October 3, 2025 . Meanwhile, Digimon Story: Time Stranger Prelude is “ coming soon .” The launch patch will be a necessary day one acquisition for Digimon Story: Time Stranger players who went through the demo. You can’t transfer the save from the trial to the full game unless you grab this update. It also allows someone to dash in the field. While stat-boosting items can be found in chests and dungeons, those will also be in human world field areas too. A number of in-battle adjustments like rebalancing, updated guest Digimon behaviors, and Digivolution condition changes are present too.  Here’s the full list of launch patch notes for the day one Digimon: Time Stranger update from Bandai Namco: System Added functionality to transfer save data from the demo version. Adjusted tutorial text and added images for certain sections. Changed default frame rate to 60 fps for the Steam version. Changed default voice language from Japanese to English when starting the game in German.  Field Added dash functionality. Added encounter animation when facing hostile Digimon. Added various stat-boosting items to maps in the human world. Adjusted hostile Digimon placement balance.  Battle Adjusted Digimon attacks to use more effective skills. Added new icons based on buff/debuff strength. Tweaked overall battle balance. Adjusted parameters and digivolution conditions for certain Digimon. Tuned parameters and behavior patterns for guest Digimon. Adjusted effects of certain skills and Cross Arts.  Digivice Changed level number color for Digimon that have reached the level cap on setup screens. Added key help to jump directly to the Digiline screen when receiving a message from a partner Digimon. Changed the menu accessed via the left function key from “Items” to “Missions.”  Bug Fixes Various usability improvements and minor fixes to backgrounds, models, and other small issues. As for the Digimon Story: Time Stranger Prelude anime short, there’s just a teaser for what it will entail. This will be a prequel. It will help establish Inori, our ally who works alongside our ADAMAS avatar throughout the story and acts as Aegiomon’s partner. In the single image shared so far, she appears to be younger than she is when the story takes place. Digimon Story: Time Stranger will be available on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on October 3, 2025, alongside a day one launch patch, and a Prelude anime short will eventually appear. The post Digimon Story: Time Stranger Anime Short and Launch Patch Revealed appeared first on Siliconera .
SiliconeraOct 1
Tales of Berseria Velvet Figure Returns
Tales of Berseria Velvet Figure Returns Kotobukiya announced a re-release of the 1/8 scale figure of Velvet Crowe, the main character from Tales of Berseria . The figure costs 15,400 yen (or about $104.15) and will release in Japan sometime on June 2026. Pre-orders are now available from the Kotobukiya online store , and will close on December 9, 2025. The figure depicts Tales of Berseria protagonist Velvet striking a pose, with her signature Gauntlet Blade unsheated on her right arm, and her left arm covered in bandages while she readies herself for combat. It stands at approximately 202mm (or roughly 7.95 inches.) You can take a look at the figure here: Images via Kotobukiya The original release date for the Velvet figure was March 2017, and it was initially revealed 9 years ago on September 2016. As a reminder, Bandai Namco is continuing with the Tales of Remastered Project with the upcoming release of Tales of Xillia Remastered , which will launch for the Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC via Steam on October 30, 2025 . Tales of Berseria is available for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC via Steam. The game first released in Japan on August 18, 2016, and later on January 24, 2017 in North America. The post Tales of Berseria Velvet Figure Returns appeared first on Siliconera .
SiliconeraSep 30
Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Battle Royal Game Being Delisted
Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Battle Royal Game Being Delisted Bandai Namco announced on social media it will end support for the battle royale game Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs . This means the former Stadia exclusive will no longer be available or playable anywhere. The company will stop selling it on the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam on November 1, 2025, then it will completely shut down servers and make it unplayable on December 31, 2025.  Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle is an always online multiplayer game, due to its nature as a battle royale experience, and remained so in both its Stadia and console/PC releases. Up to 64 people all control a Pac-Man avatar in connected mazes, and the goal is to survive long enough to be the last person standing. You can invade other mazes by heading to one of the exits in the one you’re located when gates are open.  Here’s a trailer that highlights how it all works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTVduE2KEjM This means that the console and PC version of this game lasted for just over a year. It debuted back in May 2024. The Stadia version did debut in November 2020, and it ran until the service ended on January 2023. Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs is available for the Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC now, but will be delisted on November 1, 2025 and shut down on December 31, 2025.  The post Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Battle Royal Game Being Delisted appeared first on Siliconera .
SiliconeraSep 30
Utawarerumono Zan 2 Will Appear in English on PC
Utawarerumono Zan 2 Will Appear in English on PC Utawarerumono Zan 2, a Musou style action game based on Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth will finally appear in English outside of Japan. Shiravune and DMM Games announced they will release the PC version of the Aquaplus title on Steam. There’s no release window for it yet, but other entries in the series are now on sale. Utawarerumono Zan 2 first debuted in Japan back in July 2021 . It showed up on only the PS4 and PS5 at the time. Like its predecessor, it retells the story of the original visual novel with tactical battles, only this time it’s a far more active hack-and-slash game. Haku, working alongside allies from the original game, fights  to restore Princess Anju as rightful ruler of the Yamato Empire.  This isn’t a surprising development. Shiravune and DMM already worked on the English PC release of the original Utawarerumono Zan. NIS America released the PS4 version of that game outside Japan in 2019. The PC version will show up on Steam on October 22, 2025. As for the sale, the original Utawarerumono games are reduced at the moment. A bundle that includes Prelude to the Fallen, Mask of Deception, and Mask of Truth is $88.17 at the moment. They are also available on sale separately until October 6, 2025. Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is $41.99. Mask of Deception and Mask of Truth are $27.99 each. Utawarerumono Zan 2 will appear on the PC in English outside Japan, though there is no release date yet. The post Utawarerumono Zan 2 Will Appear in English on PC appeared first on Siliconera .
SiliconeraSep 30
Stellar Blade Update Adds Costume and Epilogues
Stellar Blade Update Adds Costume and Epilogues Ahead of TGS 2025 , Shift Up teased news about Stellar Blade additions, and now there’s a new costume for Eve and epilogues looking at what happened after the end. Patches for these are available on the PS5 and PC, and a quality of life adjustment appeared on Windows on September 30, 2025. It is also on sale on Steam for $47.99, 20% off, until October 6, 2025.  The universal updates involve the Stellar Blade costume and epilogues. There are three additional scenes that come up after the end. These focus on the characters we’ve helped throughout the story, and Shift Up confirmed we see what happens to Eve as a result. The new outfit is called Ocean String and has some swimsuit elements to it. The announcement noted the team went with one color for it so it would be easier to customize. Here's how that outfit looks: Image via Shift Up As for the PC updates, here are the full patch notes from both Steam and social media: When using Photo Mode via Odyssey 3D Hub, screenshots will now be saved in the “Screenshots” folder located in the Stellar Blade executable directory. Fixed an issue during the "Strange Signal" request where players could not interact with the network device in the Scrap Yard after completing the Orbital Elevator story, preventing quest progression. Three additional epilogue clips have been updated after a certain ending. PC users can now start the new quests from today through the Bulletin Board. Various other bug fixes. Prior to this update, Shift Up added six new BGM tracks to the game for free. Stellar Blade is available for the PS5 and PC, and the new epilogues and costume patch is live on both platforms now.  The post Stellar Blade Update Adds Costume and Epilogues appeared first on Siliconera .
SiliconeraSep 30