✦ FeaturedThe 5 best weapons in anime (that aren't all just swords)
Anime is home to a wide swath of legendary weapons, many of them now immortalized as iconic elements of some of the best stories told in animation.
NYT Connections hint (Sat, 25 Apr)
The Alice: Madness Returns dev team 'made history,' American McGee says: It was 'the first team ever to tell EA *** and (kinda) get away with it'
Preorders For Patapon Creator's New Rhythm Game Are Now Live
☁ Latest News
3163 articlesThe 5 best weapons in anime (that aren't all just swords)
Anime is home to a wide swath of legendary weapons, many of them now immortalized as iconic elements of some of the best stories told in animation.
NYT Connections hint (Sat, 25 Apr)
!(https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/rps-connections-header-image-2.jpg?width=690&quality=85&format=jpg&auto=webp) Looking for some Connections hints to help with today's puzzle on Saturday, 25th April? It might be the first day of the weekend, but Connections doesn't take a break! That means that your streak is still at risk. You probably had a busy week, and you deserve a rest. If you don't want to pull your hair out trying to figure out the most cryptic of puzzles, let us give you a few handy hints to make it easier! Read more(https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/connections-hint-answers-25-04-26)
The Alice: Madness Returns dev team 'made history,' American McGee says: It was 'the first team ever to tell EA *** and (kinda) get away with it'
Is this why we never got Alice 3? Probably not, but it's fun to think about.
Preorders For Patapon Creator's New Rhythm Game Are Now Live
!(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squareavatar/1701/17013431/4687670-ratatanpreordersmod.jpg) Ratatan Standard Edition(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fratatan-playstation-5%2FJ3GWGV53F5&cuid=--) $40 | Releases July 16(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fratatan-playstation-5%2FJ3GWGV53F5&cuid=--) Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fratatan-playstation-5%2FJ3GWGV53F5&cuid=--) Ratatan(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%2F%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.bestbuy.com%252Fproduct%252Fratatan-playstation-5%252FJ3GWGV53F5%26cuid%3D--&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fmashup%2F%3Fplatform%3D1049&eventtype=click)--a rhythmic roguelike action game from the creator of popular rhythm game series Patapon--is launching for PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on July 16. Console players eager to pick up the upcoming game can preorder it on all platforms, including a $40 physical release available on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%2F%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.bestbuy.com%252Fproduct%252Fratatan-playstation-5%252FJ3GWGV53F5%26cuid%3D--&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fmashup%2F%3Fplatform%3D1049&eventtype=click) that comes with a special preorder bonus item. A Digital Deluxe Edition with even more exclsuive content will also be available on all platforms, though preorders aren't live just yet. That said, PC players who don't want to wait for the final release can grab the Early Access version on Steam right now for just $25. Ratatan Preorder Bonuses !No Caption Provided(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/original/1701/17013431/4687672-4686516-ratatan%281%29.jpg)(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/original/1701/17013431/4687672-4686516-ratatan%281%29.jpg) Preordering the physical version of Ratatan will unlock the Legendary Spirit Sword Banbansord in-game weapon. This extra item is included with the PS5 and Switch 2 physical editions. Developer Ratata Arts has also confirmed it will be a bonus for the upcoming Digital Deluxe Edition, though preorders for that version aren't live. It does not appear to be part of the Steam Early access release. We'll update this section if other preorder bonus information is announced. Ratatan Standard Edition(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fratatan-playstation-5%2FJ3GWGV53F5&cuid=--) $40 | Releases July 16(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fratatan-playstation-5%2FJ3GWGV53F5&cuid=--) !(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squaremedium/1701/17013431/4687670-ratatanpreordersmod.jpg) The standard physical edition of Ratatan includes the full base game on Switch or PS5. The Switch 2 version appears to be a normal game cartridge, not a Game Key-Card like other third-party Switch 2 releases, meaning you're getting all the game data on the cart so you can play right out of the box with no downloads or internet connection required. Preordering this version also gets you the Legendary Spirit Sword Banbansword in-game item. You can secure your physical Switch 2 or PS5 copy for $40 at Best Buy(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.bestbuy.com%252Fproduct%252Fratatan-playstation-5%252FJ3GWGV53F5%26cuid%3D--&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fmashup%2F%3Fplatform%3D1049&eventtype=click). A $35 digital standard edition will also be available on all platforms, though digital preorders are not yet available. We'll be sure to update once listings go live at other retailers. Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fratatan-playstation-5%2FJ3GWGV53F5&cuid=--) Ratatan Digital Deluxe Edition $40 | Releases July 16 !No Caption Provided(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/original/1701/17013431/4687673-4686517-dde.jpg)(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/original/1701/17013431/4687673-4686517-dde.jpg) Along with the standard edition, Ratatan is also getting a $40 Digital Deluxe Edition. Preorders aren't live yet, but you can expect listings to show up on PS5, Switch 2, and PC ahead of its July 16 release date. This version is $5 more than the digital standard edition and the same price as the physical standard edition, but packs in a few extra in-game items. Here's what you get in the Ratatan Digital Deluxe Edition: Continue Reading at GameSpot(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ratatan-buying-guide/1100-6539622/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f/)
Preorders Are Live For Splatoon: Raiders And Its Trio Of New Amiibo Figures
!(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squareavatar/1701/17013431/4687661-4686434-image-2026-04-22t081839.645.jpg) Splatoon Raiders (Physical Edition)(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1S2VCQ?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) $60 | Releases July 23(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1S2VCQ?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) Preorder at Amazon(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1S2VCQ?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/splatoon-raiders-nintendo-switch-2/J7GSL5C7QY) Preorder at GameStop(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.gamestop.com/video-games/nintendo-switch-2/products/splatoon-raiders---nintendo-switch-2/445446.html) !(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squareavatar/1701/17013431/4687664-splatdigi.jpg) Splatoon Raiders (Digital Code)(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1JWJVW?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) $50 | Releases July 23(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1JWJVW?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) Preorder at Amazon(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1JWJVW?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fsplatoon-raiders-nintendo-switch-2-digital%2FJCQ6HZFWKG&cuid=--) Preorder at GameStop(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamestop.com%2Fvideo-games%2Fnintendo-switch-2%2Fproducts%2Fsplatoon-raiders---nintendo-switch-2%2F445446.html&cuid=--) It's been nearly four years since Nintendo launched Splatoon 3, but fans of the series finally have a new game to look forward to--Splatoon Raiders(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1S2VCQ?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) is confirmed for a July 23 release. The Switch 2 exclusive is quite different from its predecessors, as it's a single-player focused experience that sees you battling hordes of Salmonids as you search the mysterious Spirhalite Islands for treasure. A few friends can tag along for a cooperative experience, but no doubt it's shaping up to be a truly different kind of Splatoon. It'll launch exclusively for Switch 2, and preorders are now open ahead of its arrival. It's available in a $60 physical edition(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1S2VCQ?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) and $50 digital version(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1JWJVW?tag=gamespot-preorders-20). There's also some cool Amiibo arriving alongside the game--like most Amiibo, we're expecting this to be popular, so check them out while you can. Splatoon Raiders (Physical Edition)(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1S2VCQ?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) $60 | Releases July 23(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1S2VCQ?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) !(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squaremedium/1701/17013431/4687661-4686434-image-2026-04-22t081839.645.jpg) As mentioned above, Splatoon Raiders is launching with a $60 physical Edition on Switch 2. While there are no preorder bonuses or special editions, the physical version appears to include the full game data on the cartridge--which is also true of most other first-party Nintendo Switch 2 physical releases. Preorder at Amazon(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1S2VCQ?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/splatoon-raiders-nintendo-switch-2/J7GSL5C7QY) Preorder at GameStop(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.gamestop.com/video-games/nintendo-switch-2/products/splatoon-raiders---nintendo-switch-2/445446.html) Splatoon Raiders (Digital Code)(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1JWJVW?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) $50 | Releases July 23(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1JWJVW?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) !(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squaremedium/1701/17013431/4687664-splatdigi.jpg) If you want to save a few bucks, the digital version of Splatoon Raiders is just $50. Of course, the tradeoff here is you won't have a physical copy of the game, but otherwise, the digital version is identical to the physical. Digital preorders are available at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and the Nintendo eShop. Preorder at Amazon(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1JWJVW?tag=gamespot-preorders-20) Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fsplatoon-raiders-nintendo-switch-2-digital%2FJCQ6HZFWKG&cuid=--) Preorder at GameStop(https://redirect.viglink.com?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamestop.com%2Fvideo-games%2Fnintendo-switch-2%2Fproducts%2Fsplatoon-raiders---nintendo-switch-2%2F445446.html&cuid=--) Along with the game itself, Nintendo also unveiled a trio of Splatoon Raiders Amiibo figures based on characters from this new entry in the Splatoon series. The three figures include Frye(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%2F%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fnintendo-amiibo-frye-splatoon-raiders-multi%2FJ7GSL5J8PH&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fmashup%2F4%2F&eventtype=click), Shiver(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%2F%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fnintendo-amiibo-shiver-splatoon-raiders-multi%2FJ7GSL5J8SL&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fmashup%2F4%2F&eventtype=click), and Big Man(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%2F%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fnintendo-amiibo-big-man-splatoon-raiders-multi%2FJ7GSL5J8SQ&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fmashup%2F4%2F&eventtype=click), all of whom are part of the in-game musical group Deep Cut, which the player will join up with during Splatoon: Raiders' single-player campaign. Nintendo has yet to reveal what sort of content these Amiibo will unlock when scanned into Splatoon Raiders. We'd expect them to get you some sort of consumable items or useful in-game gear, but nothing official has been announced. Expect to learn more in the coming weeks. Until then, the Splatoon: Raiders Amiibo line launches the same day as the game, July 23. Preorders are available for $25 apiece at Best Buy. Keep in mind that most of the existing Splatoon Amiibo are sold out (or listed with inflated prices), so we're expecting the same to happen for these upcoming releases. !(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squareavatar/1701/17013431/4687665-4686438-image-2026-04-22t082801.636.png) Splatoon Raiders: Frye Amiibo(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-frye-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8PH) $25 | Releases July 23(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-frye-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8PH) Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-frye-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8PH) !(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squareavatar/1701/17013431/4687666-4686439-image-2026-04-22t083219.016.png) Splatoon Raiders: Shiver Amiibo(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-shiver-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8SL) $25 | Releases July 23(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-shiver-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8SL) Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-shiver-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8SL) !(https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/squareavatar/1701/17013431/4687667-4686437-image-2026-04-22t081928.906.png) Splatoon Raiders: Big Man Amiibo(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-big-man-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8SQ) $25 | Releases July 23(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-big-man-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8SQ) Preorder at Best Buy(https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=fbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d&u=https://www.bestbuy.com/product/nintendo-amiibo-big-man-splatoon-raiders-multi/J7GSL5J8SQ) If you haven't yet played Splatoon 3, it's currently on sale for just $47 (was $60) at Amazon(https://www.amazon.com/Splatoon-3-Nintendo-Switch/dp/B09T5SJQGV?tag=gamespot-promos-20&tag=gamespot-buybutton-20) and Walmart(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.walmart.com%252Fip%252Fseort%252F578169735&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fmashup%2F4%2F&eventtype=click). Our review(https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/splatoon-3-review/1900-6417951/) gave it a 7/10, noting its fun single-player campaign and fun online multiplayer modes, though some online connectivity issues and lack of enemy variety held it back from greatness. Still, it's a fun family-friendly romp, and it's certainly worth checking out now that it's priced under $50. Continue Reading at GameSpot(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/splatoon-raiders-buying-guide/1100-6539546/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f/)
I can't stop winning with this Vampire Crawlers build that basically plays itself
If you want to pulverize your enemies with endless bones, this Mortaccio build is for you.
Final Fantasy 14 Is Coming To Switch 2, But With An Annoying Caveat
Although Final Fantasy XIV's time on the PlayStation 4 might soon be coming to an end(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ffxivs-end-on-ps4-is-approaching-so-you-have-two-years-to-save-for-a-ps5/1100-6539618/), the critically acclaimed MMO RPG will soon show up on a new console: the Nintendo Switch 2. But while the prospect of grinding through raids and dungeons from the comfort of your own bed is certainly enticing, it turns out that this port comes with a strange caveat. Shortly after Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu announced Final Fantasy XIV would be coming to Switch 2 during the game's North American Fan Festival, Kiryu launched into an explanation of how subscriptions will work on the console. Whereas PC, Xbox, and PlayStation will all work with a standard Final Fantasy XIV subscription, the Nintendo Switch 2 requires players have a distinct subscription for just that console. Thankfully, players will not need a Switch Online subscription to play--though Kiryu did add that Final Fantasy XIV subscribers can get one for 50% less. Additionally, those with an active PC, Xbox, and PlayStation subscription will get 50% off a Switch 2 subscription. "After discussions with Nintendo, it was decided that the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy XIV would require a separate subscription," Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida added. "This was decided after many months of discussions with Nintendo and we understand this is different to how we've done things before." Continue Reading at GameSpot(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-14-is-coming-to-switch-2-but-with-an-annoying-caveat/1100-6539621/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f/)
I don't understand how Final Fantasy 14 can do a crossover with acclaimed anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and I'm scared to find out
Get in the DPS queue, Shinji.
Marty Supreme and every new movie on Netflix, HBO, and more this weekend
Marty Supreme plays on HBO Max, Apex lands on Netflix, and No Other Choice arrives on Hulu.
FFXIV 2026 Fan Fest keynote recap: Evercold, Evangelion and everything announced
The first FFXIV Fan Fest of 2026 was crammed with announcements, including an expanded free trial, new jobs, better customization, and more
Resident Evil Requiem has sold 7 million copies in 2 months—a milestone that took the RE4 remake a year
Capcom celebrated the milestone with two delightful cakes.
Developers of Steam Next Fest's wildly popular robot wizard cowboy shooter say its cowboy robots are also wizards because 'magic is always cool'
Hard to argue with that.