Video game news in review: The biggest news from the week of April 18, 2025

This week, there’s a mix of exciting video game updates! Some games have just been unveiled, others have leaked screenshots, fresh trailers for upcoming games, and yet another title has experienced a delay in its release.

Let’s jump in!

Star Wars Zero Company

We’re always on the lookout for fresh “Star Wars” video games, and the title “Star Wars Zero Company” has caught our attention. As of now, we only have a few details: it’s a tactical turn-based game designed for single players, being developed by Bit Reactor in partnership with Respawn Entertainment, who are known for their work on the “Jedi” series.

At the Star Wars Celebration happening in Japan on Saturday, April 19, there will be additional information revealed. If we fail to discuss it in this current week’s summary, we’ll definitely include it in our upcoming one!

Dune: Awakening Delayed

It wouldn’t feel like a wrap-up without some kind of postponement for a video game. This week, it’s Dune Awakening, which has been pushed back from May 20 to June 10. However, we will have a beta weekend in May to help alleviate the wait.

The delay is due to feedback from players during a closed testing phase, which Funcom is carefully considering before launch. This seems positive to me, as I hope it will result in the game being enhanced for a more enjoyable experience when it’s available to a larger player base.

MOUSE P.I. For Hire weapons trailer

Since we first saw its unveiling trailer, this one has caught our attention because it beautifully recaptures the spirit of 1930s cartoons, blending elements reminiscent of Mickey Mouse and hints of the charm found in Cuphead.

Now we have a sneak peek at the absurd arsenals you’ll wield during gameplay, featuring the COOL-D Frosty Sprayer (an icy tool), the CLEAN-D Quick-Action Solvent Blaster (a chemical device), and the MIND-D Psychological Modifier (one that detonates minds).

Baldur’s Gate 3 final patch release

This upcoming update marks the final instalment, bringing fresh content such as new narratives, revised storylines, and additional subclasses to the game. The latest blog post from Larian Studios is both informative and touching, expressing gratitude to their players.

This significant last update offers crossplay functionality, the option for split screen on Xbox Series S, and a photo mode, making it quite impressive. Larian Studios has certainly poured a great deal of effort into Baldur’s Gate 3, as evident from its polished quality. Since its launch in 2023, the game has undergone continuous refinement and enhancement, which is clearly noticeable.

Yes, there was a GoldenEye 007 remaster

As a die-hard cinema lover might say, sadly, Nintendo never gave it a fair shot. That iconic N64 game remains a timeless masterpiece, yet its outdated visuals, controls, and mechanics make it quite the challenge to enjoy now, over two and a half decades after its release.

In an interview, the leader of Nightdive Studios, Stephen Kick, stated that MGM/Eon were on board with their proposed team for a project. However, Nintendo expressed they wouldn’t grant licenses to third parties for their games, which is unfortunate since Nightdive has done remarkable work revitalizing vintage titles such as Turok and Doom 64.

The Mario Kart World Direct

The broadcast for Mario Kart World took place on Thursday morning, revealing more details about the game. However, most of what was shown could already be deduced from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct trailer that came out a few weeks prior.

The game retains the familiar modes (Grand Prix, Versus, Time Trials, and Battle) while introducing two exciting additions – Knockout Tour and Free Roam. In Knockout Tour, players must reach designated checkpoints and maintain a position higher than the one indicated, or risk elimination. Free Roam allows you to explore the worlds freely at your convenience, with P-switches triggering mini missions along the way. Scattered throughout the game are collectibles to find, and there are likely more surprises yet to be revealed.

You can watch the 15-minute presentation below.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered screenshot leaks

It seems as though the secret is finally out since the Switch 2 has been unveiled, but earlier this week, some screenshots of the heavily anticipated remaster/remake of “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion” were leaked on the developer’s site. It appears that an announcement and release are expected next week, and we can hardly wait to dive back into the world of “Oblivion”!

Gameplay trailer for Cronos: The New Dawn

Bloober Games, the developer behind the remake of Silent Hill 2, has done an outstanding job. They recently showed us a glimpse of their upcoming game, Cronos: The New Dawn. visually, it seems to be a more contemplative version of Returnal, which is a genuine compliment, and the atmosphere is spot on.

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2025-04-18 15:14