This week’s Wayward Roundup might be the longest one yet, because the whole of the gaming world decided to pique my interest. We have Pokémon, Warframe, Dot Hack, and Xenoblade Chronicles X all making an appearance. But we also have bad news; I finally caved and started using social media. A cheap plug already? I am a professional.
.hack//Z.E.R.O is bringing the incredible RPG series back
I am so excited about this one, I could explode. .hack is coming back in a new title: Z.E.R.O. And yes, those dots are important, because this is not related to the ZERO novel. In fact, it looks incredibly reminiscent of the original quadrilogy, and I am all for that. I liked the .hack GU remasters, but they should have started with the originals.
If you watch the teaser trailers, it’s all there. You have characters looking like Kite, BlackRose, Balmung, and a slightly twisted Aura. Not to mention that Data Drain sound that just takes me straight back to Infection. However, let’s not forget that the Legend of Twilight novels did have characters using models from the first games, so it might not be linked.
It is also interesting to note that CyberConnect2 is taking this project on all by itself. Bandai Namco is allowing them to use the franchise, and that is the extent of their involvement. And CyberConnect2 has some big ideas, including possibly expanding the real-world gameplay side of things. I am genuinely bouncing around about this, I am going to have to replay the quadrilogy.
Warframe has finally released on Android
Some more excitement from the little corner of the gaming world I adore; Warframe has finally released on Android. I have had a Warframe-themed Razer Kishi controller sitting on my desk since TennoCon 2024, just waiting for this moment. Yes, I could have brought an iPhone with a USB-C connection, but I like not spending a fortune on a phone.
This is despite one last-ditch attempt by a bug to stop the launch from happening, but those tech geniuses over at Digital Extremes squashed that in record time. I love Warframe, and the whole team over in Canada, and having this release on Android, with the cross-play capabilities, is incredible.
Xenoblade Chronicles X receives a Switch 2 Upgrade
Yet another pull towards me finally caving and buying a Switch 2; Xenoblade Chronicles X has received a Switch 2 upgrade. Well received in exchange for money because it will cost £4.19. Which is not a bad price from Nintendo, to be fair. Given their history of wringing every last penny out of its fans. I have quite the history with this game, and this is the biggest argument yet for me buying this console.
So, what does this £4.19 get you? Well, you can have 4K output in docked mode and up to 60 FPS. You also get 1080p in handheld mode and, again, up to 60 FPS. “Up to” is the important qualifier there. Chronicles X can be a demanding game when you are swinging that camera around. This all sounds great, and seeing Mira in glissing 4K would be amazing. If you have the technology, obviously.
Phil Spencer leaves Microsoft
There are some names that become synonymous with a company, and Phil Spencer certainly was one. If not for Microsoft, then definitely for Xbox. It is time for that chapter to close, as Spencer has announced that he is leaving the company. Which, of course, means another person will step into the hot seat.
The new CEO of Microsoft Games is Asha Sharma. There have been announcements stuffed full of fluffy business talk and all that boring stuff, so let’s cut to the chase. She laid out three commitments: making great games, the “return of Xbox”, and no AI Slop. I support all three of these, especially the Xbox bit.
Whilst it hasn’t officially left, there has been constant news swirling that Microsoft was leaving consoles behind, and worries about Xbox itself. Hopefully, this means we will keep seeing a commitment to gaming. Speaking of worries, Sharma has appointed Matt Booty as her COO successor. His statement says there will be “no organizational changes underway for our studios”, so hopefully no sweeping layoffs.
Pokémon is popping off all over the place
There has been a lot of movement going on in the Pokémon world, and much like a Legendary Trio, it has happened across three games. And speaking of, let’s kick off with Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos coming to Pokémon Unite. Zapdos will be landing on February 27th, with the rest arriving later.
The Kanto news keeps on rolling, with Fire Red and Leaf Green coming to Switch 2. These will also be released on February 27th, and will let those who might not have played the original games try out these wonderful remakes. Sometimes it can be difficult going back to earlier games in a long-running series, but the Pokémon system is timeless.
Finally, Pokémon Go is releasing Super Max Mega evolutions. I covered this in an article yesterday, so I will keep this brief. Your Mega Evolutions will be able to reach another level of power if you keep Mega Evolving them. However, it is severely limited to who can right now, so we bide our time for Super Saiyan God Lucario.
Among Us crosses over with Ace Attorney once again
I am including this one simply because it made me laugh. If you log in to Among Us before March 17th, you will get Phoenix Wright’s Hair and Suit for free. I just love that everyone is going to be running around yelling “Objection!” and turning this into court in space. And I want it to come down to crewmate Phoenix Wright vs imposter Miles Edgeworth from the last crossover they did.
Bloodstained Director Shutaro Ida has passed away
Now, to end with another untimely passing. Shutaro Ida has passed away at the age of 52 after a brief battle with cancer. You may not know the name, but his impact on gaming was legendary. He was a key programmer behind many games in the iconic Castlevania series, as well as the Director of Bloodstained. The games he worked on have had a massive impact on the industry, and he will be missed.
