LE SSERAFIM member Sakura has a game recommendation for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, and it is an unexpected pick for fans looking for something to play.

During a fan send-off at the group’s PUREFLOW tour stop in Newark, New Jersey, a FEARNOT reportedly asked Sakura which Switch 2 game she would recommend. She pointed the fan toward Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon, a classic RPG from Square Enix.

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The Newark concert took place at the Prudential Center on October 8, 2026. The game Sakura mentioned is now available internationally as Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon -Classic HD-.

What is Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon about?

The game follows Torneko Taloon, a merchant from Dragon Quest IV who dreams of becoming the world’s greatest weapons dealer.

Torneko hears rumors of a mysterious dungeon filled with incredible treasures. He ventures inside to collect valuable items, bring them home, and expand his shop.

The premise is straightforward, but surviving the dungeon is another story. Each expedition brings a new layout, different items, and new monsters. Torneko must make it out alive if he wants to keep the treasures he finds.

Source: Official Dragon Quest website

What kind of game is it?

Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon is a turn-based roguelike dungeon crawler with RPG and resource-management elements.

Every step counts as a turn. When Torneko moves, enemies move too. Players must decide when to fight, when to use items, and when to retreat. Poor decisions can quickly turn a promising run into a disaster.

Death also carries a hefty penalty. Torneko loses the items collected during a failed expedition and returns to the first floor at Level 1. However, successfully bringing items home helps expand his shop and provides a sense of long-term progression.

The game originally debuted in Japan in 1993. Its Classic HD release brings the pioneering dungeon crawler to international audiences with updated visuals, an official English localization, and adjustable difficulty options.

The game is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Source: Nintendo

How long does it take to beat?

According to HowLongToBeat estimates reported by M4 Games, the main story takes around 7.5 hours to complete. A playthrough that includes additional content takes approximately 16 hours.

Those estimates offer a useful starting point, but the game’s procedural dungeons and punishing mechanics can affect how long individual players need to finish it.

Source: M4 Games

What do critics and players think?

Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon -Classic HD- has received a mixed-to-positive response from critics.

Review aggregator listings put its critical reception around the high 60s to low 70s out of 100, depending on the platform and the aggregator. RPGFan awarded it an 80/100, praising its strategic dungeon runs, charming Dragon Quest monsters, and satisfying progression.

However, the game also shows its age. Critics have pointed to dated presentation, limited quality-of-life improvements, and pacing issues. Its demanding mechanics may also frustrate players who prefer more modern, forgiving roguelikes.

The general sentiment is that the core gameplay remains engaging, particularly for fans of classic RPGs and dungeon crawlers. However, this is a 1993 game at heart, and its remaster does not completely modernize the experience.

Sources: RPGFan, CriticDB, Steam player reviews

Would you play it because of the game or because of Sakura?

Let’s be honest. A recommendation from Sakura might be enough to make some FEARNOTs curious about a game they would otherwise overlook.

From a gameplay perspective, Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon -Classic HD- offers a glimpse into the roots of a genre that continues to thrive today. Its turn-based combat, randomly generated dungeons, and risk-reward loop could appeal to players who enjoy methodical RPGs.

Still, the game isn’t necessarily for everyone. Its old-school design and punishing mechanics may require some patience, especially for players accustomed to more modern dungeon crawlers.

Personally, I’d be tempted to give it a shot because of Sakura. 👀

Whether the game itself can keep me playing is another question. But if a FEARNOT is looking for a new Switch 2 game and Sakura recommends this one, that might be reason enough to take a closer look.

Would you play Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon because of the gameplay, or because Sakura recommended it?

Grab your fight sticks, charge your Super Meters, and warm up those quarter-circle inputs! The long-awaited live-action Street Fighter movie, starring Callina Liang (Chun-Li), Andrew Koji (Ryu), and Noah Centineo (Ken Masters), has officially arrived in theaters. This cinematic brawl is built from the ground up for fans who grew up spending their spare change at arcades packed with explosive martial arts, hyper-stylized action, and a deep reverence for Capcom’s golden legacy.

The film makes its intentions crystal clear right from the opening sequence: This is an undeniable love letter to the legendary 1994 Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie. The transition between fluid, high-octane anime inserts and live-action choreography proves just how deeply Kitao Sakurai understood what made the original anime a holy grail for the fandom.

That homage reaches peak hype in the opening montage, which masterfully recreates the iconic clash between Ryu and Sagat—including the chest-scarring Shoryuken—before dramatically teasing Akuma’s ominous, dark energy. It’s an opening sequence guaranteed to give longtime fans immediate goosebumps.

Arcade nostalgia brought to life

Andrew Koji, left, and Noah Centineo star in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

As a viewer, you’re here for one primary reason: pure, unadulterated nostalgia, maximum nerdgasms, and that jaw-dropping wow factor every time a classic special move lights up the screen. The sheer satisfaction of watching these legendary techniques translated into visceral, surprisingly realistic combat choreography is the film’s absolute highlight.

Watching Andrew Koji step into his stance to throw a devastating Shinku Hadoken or Noah Centineo leap into a fiery, rising Shoryuken feels like watching an arcade cabinet come to life.

Callina Liang stars in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

The rest of the iconic roster gets its moments to shine in the ring, too. Callina Liang delivers a jaw-dropping physical performance as Chun-Li, executing her signature gravity-defying Hyakuretsukyaku (Lightning Kick) and devastating Spinning Bird Kick with incredible impact and precision.

From Guile’s gravity-defying Flash Kick and Sonic Boom to Zangief’s ground-shattering Spinning Piledriver, seeing these famous moves translated into believable, physics-grounded martial arts makes every fight sequence feel like a high-stakes tournament match. However, at the end of the night, I’d still say Liang’s Chun-Li carried the entire movie.

Fan service that speaks to the FGC

Noah Centineo stars in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

Fighting game community (FGC) veterans will also be grinning from ear to ear thanks to some incredible meta Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the film.

Keep your eyes peeled during the prison brawl in Metro City between Ryu and Blanka. Inside one of M. Bison’s prisoner cages sits none other than legendary Street Fighter pro Justin Wong! Watching Justin trapped in a cage with other inmates while a high-stakes match unfolds below them is an unforgettable tip of the hat to “Evo Moment 37.”

Sakurai even squeezes in a hilarious running joke referencing Daigo Umehara’s full-health-bar parry.

Brotherhood amid the chaos

At its core, the narrative functions primarily as an emotional test of brotherhood between Ryu and Ken. The film explores their shared training under Master Gouken, framing their dynamic not just as rivals competing for mastery but as sworn brothers forced to rely on one another as the corruption of Satsui no Hado threatens to pull them apart.

Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo share an infectious, charismatic chemistry that grounds the chaotic martial arts spectacle in a genuine sense of a fighter’s heart and honor.

Noah Centineo, left, and Andrew Koji star in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

However, once you strip away the spectacular martial arts and glossy fan service, the actual storyline falls noticeably flat. The narrative devolves into a run-of-the-mill, shoehorned “good versus evil” plot that exists purely to shuffle fighters from one brawl to the next. Some events also unfold simultaneously, potentially leaving viewers confused about what’s happening.

The stakes feel routine, serving as a paper-thin framework for M. Bison’s global tyrannical ambitions and Akuma’s overwhelming power. Rather than forming a clichéd villainous alliance, Akuma acts as an independent wild card. He eventually faces off against Ryu, who embraces Dark Ryu to cheers from the audience during the special screening, in an all-out, earth-shattering duel.

Even after unleashing his ultimate Shun Goku Satsu (Raging Demon) technique, Akuma falls to Dark Ryu’s unbridled Hado power. M. Bison then captures Akuma after the battle, setting up a thrilling cliffhanger for a potential sequel.

M. Bison and the supporting cast

David Dastmalchian stars in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

Speaking of M. Bison, David Dastmalchian gives a delightfully theatrical performance as the dictator of Metrolao City, but his portrayal struggles under the immense shadow of the late Raul Julia’s legendary 1994 performance.

Julia’s Bison remains an untouchable benchmark for physical intimidation, commanding presence, and iconic villainy. Dastmalchian brings sinister, unhinged intellect to the role, but he lacks the physically imposing menace that made Julia’s portrayal so memorable. Julia famously delivered timeless lines like, “For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday.”

When it comes to the supporting cast, the results are a bit of a mixed bag. Fan-favorite operative Cammy (played by Mel Jarnson) unfortunately sees little action throughout the runtime, spending most of her time on secondary security duty while the main heroes take center stage.

Orville Peck stars in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

On the flip side, the movie treats us to a stunning, beautifully choreographed showdown between Chun-Li and Vega. The fight serves as a magnificent live-action homage to their iconic clash in the 1994 anime.

Eric Andre also steals every scene he steps into as Don Sauvage, the unhinged underground fight commentator. His hilarious, high-energy ringside commentary keeps the cinematic tournament buzzing with energy.

A knockout for the fans

Andrew Shulz, Callina Liang, Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo star in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

Ultimately, Street Fighter knows exactly what its core audience wants and delivers it in spades. While its script won’t be picking up screenwriting awards anytime soon, the electrifying choreography, anime-inspired stylistic choices, and jaw-dropping homages to arcade lore make it a total blast to watch on the big screen with a theater full of fans.

Pick your main, get ready for a cinematic KO, and may your combos stay true!

No, this isn’t a review we forgot to publish in 2016. Shin Godzilla is back in the news for a reason that will tickle every Godzilla fan in the Philippines. Starting October 14 through 20, Go Asia Entertainment is holding its inaugural Godzilla Film Festival featuring five films from all four eras of the world’s most famous kaiju.

As a taster, here’s our review of Shin Godzilla, one of the five films available for the blockbuster week.

The government versus Godzilla

Directed by Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s Hideaki Anno, Shin Godzilla is a completely different beast compared to the other movies in the kaiju’s oeuvre. Rather than building towards a titanic confrontation against Godzilla, 2016’s caper focuses on the ineptitude of the government responding to the crisis. Ultimately, it’s supposed to be a critique against Japan’s response to 3/11, a series of disasters on March 2011 that includes an earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear meltdown. But ten years since its premiere, Shin Godzilla remains an important film for today’s political climate.

Now, despite how critically well-received the film was, Shin Godzilla is polarizing because of how slow the plot moves. Godzilla isn’t always terrorizing Japan in this film. Instead, the beast stops, giving the government much-needed time to respond to the crisis. But, oh boy, the Japanese government keeps getting bogged down with seeking approvals from higher ups, scrambling for the proper department to solve an issue, and just general inaction.

Given how some governments today act, this tenuous back-and-forth, as slow as it is, makes for an interesting comedy for their ineptitude but also a source of hope for those who just want to get things down. Played by Hiroki Hasegawa, Rando Yaguchi is a deputy chief cabinet secretary, tasked with finding an alternative solution for the Godzilla problem outside of the government’s normal responses.

A new hope

The best character arc in Shin Godzilla is Rando’s team learning to properly address Godzilla. Instead of rushing towards military action, his team studies the beast and learns its biology, allowing for a solution that won’t involve dropping a nuclear bomb on Japan. Though it’s still wishful thinking at this point, it’s optimistic to imagine that governments can support non-traditional solutions, especially when faced with a crisis.

It feels natural to root for them. It feels natural to see them win against all odds.

A different take on the legendary beast

But let’s not forget about Godzilla itself. In Shin Godzilla, the titular beast feels more frightening than most iterations. And this includes Hollywood’s version, bolstered as it is with CGI.

It’s not just the advancement of technology. Godzilla here is visceral and uncanny. Though you have the traditional dorsal fins and the ginormous tail, Anno’s Godzilla is striking because of its lack of eyelids. Godzilla’s piercing stare feels like it belongs in an anime, but, when rendered in a realistic space, it’s frightening.

Additionally, Godzilla seems like it has less free will than other depictions. The kaiju’s rampage is unabated with nary a hint of its motivations, except for the few moments it defends itself. The monster is just a unstoppable force of nature. And that’s what makes Godzilla more terrifying in this depiction.

Should you catch Shin Godzilla and the other Godzilla films?

There are only a few things that hasn’t been said about 2016’s Shin Godzilla. If you’re already a fan of the kaiju, regardless of era, the film is a must-watch. It’s different but therein lies its value. It’s not just a disaster movie or a kaiju vs. kaiju adventure. It has something to say about society.

Shin Godzilla is showing now as part of the first Godzilla Film Festival in the Philippines. For as low as PhP 275, fans can catch the 2016 film, Mothra vs Godzilla (1964), Godzilla vs Biollante (1989), Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). The festival runs from October 14 through 20.

And if that’s not enough, Godzilla Minus Zero premieres next month as a follow-up to 2023’s award-winning Godzilla Minus One.