Gaming

Honkai: Star Rail announces version 2.4, Fate/stay night collab

Update features Wardance ceremony, new characters, map; collab set for Q3 2025

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HoYoverse has announced that Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.4 will go live on July 31, 2024. Called “Finest Duel Under the Pristine Blue”, the update will bring Trailblazers to Xianzhou Luofu to meet friends old and new during the Wardance ceremony. Moreover, two new five-star characters and an uncharted map will be revealed.

Players may watch the Version 2.4 trailer below to know more about the upcoming update.

Wardance ceremony

In Version 2.4, just as Penaconian vacation has drawn to a close, the crew of the Astral Express heads to Xianzhou Luofu. The captivating story of the Wardance ceremony will unfold. And even as the Ambrosial Arbor crisis has already been resolved, the Trailblazers are crucial witnesses to the area’s ongoing saga.

The festival commemorates the Reighbow Arbiter and the Cloud Knight’s victory against the Abominations of Abundance. As such, this year’s Wardance aims to uplift the spirits of Luofu residents after the recent crisis.

During the festival, players will reunite with familiar faces such as Yanqing and meet significant figures such as the Merlin’s Claw, General Feixiao of Xianzhou Yaoqing.

New characters

Moreover, Version 2.4 brings two new five-star characters: Yunli and Jiaoqiu. Yunli is a straightforward sword hunter and the beloved granddaughter of “Flaming Heart” General Huaiyan. She has practiced swordsmanship and forging under the general’s guidance since childhood. This upbringing has made her the second-youngest prodigy swordmaster of the Flamewheel Octet.

As a Physical-Type character (Path of Destruction), Yunli sets herself in combat with a unique Counter ability. When attacked, she immediately Counters, dealing damage to the target and adjacent enemies. Also, after using her Ultimate, Yunli acquires the Parry state. Under this state, she reduces taken damage and Taunts enemies. Most importantly, her CRIT DMG will be drastically increased.

As part of the update, a dispute emerges between Yanqing and Yunli over their prowess in swordsmanship.

Meanwhile, Jiaoqiu represents the Xianzhou Yaoqing delegates. Born into a distinguished Alchemy Commission family, Jiaoqiu is a foxian healer and counselor. His mastery of alchemical prescriptions is unparalleled.

As a Fire-Type character (Path of Nihility), Jiaoqiu’ boasts of unique and formidable abilities. Any attack he lands can possibly inflict Ashen Roast debuff. When the enemy is inflicted with Ashen Roast, they effectively suffer from the Burn state. The Ashen Roast also stacks for more damage.

Furthermore, when Jiaoqiu activates his Ultimate, the battlefield transforms into an enormous yuanyang hot pot, compounding the effects of Ashen Roast for enemies. This also creates a field lasting for several turns, where enemies sustain increased Ultimate DMG and may receive additional stacks of Ashen Roast.

New map

Lastly, the update brings a new map, The Shackling Prison, to life. It is overseen by the Ten-Lords Commission, and is where the realm’s most notorious criminals are detained. This facility is where Xueyi and Hanya perform their duties.

The prison’s entrance lies hidden beneath the waters of Scalegorge Waterscape, adding an extra layer of mystery. As Trailblazers pass through the Sea-Stilling Gate, they arrive at the dispatch hub. Finally, below the hub, the prison floors descend into darkness. Be extra cautious when visiting the prison because it is also home to creatures like the Borisin.

Fate/Stay Night collab in 2025

In addition to Version 2.4, an exciting announcement confirmed that Honkai: Star Rail is collaborating with anime series Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works.

Although details aren’t aplenty, the collab is expected to be seen in Q3 2025. It will likely feature the character animations from the series, bringing them to the space-fantasy RPG.

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Gaming

FINAL FANTASY X | X-2 HD Remaster launches on Nintendo Switch 2

Classic RPGs returng

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July 24, 2026

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Final Fantasy X | Nintendo Switch 2

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia and Square Enix have announced that FINAL FANTASY X | X-2 HD Remaster is now available on Nintendo Switch 2. Physical copies are also on sale across Southeast Asia.

The collection brings together FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY X-2, two of the most celebrated entries in the long-running RPG franchise. Both games feature enhanced HD visuals while preserving their original stories and gameplay.

Two classic adventures in one package

In FINAL FANTASY X, players follow Tidus, a star blitzball athlete whose journey becomes intertwined with the summoner Yuna as they travel across the world of Spira to confront a devastating threat.

Its direct sequel, FINAL FANTASY X-2, takes place two years later. Players take control of Yuna alongside Rikku and Paine as they uncover ancient mysteries and face new enemies.

The release also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original launch of the game in Japan, giving longtime fans and newcomers another opportunity to experience the pair of RPG classics at home or on the go.

Bandai Namco notes that physical edition availability may vary by country across Southeast Asia.

Watch the launch trailer below:

About the FINAL FANTASY series

The FINAL FANTASY franchise has entertained players for more than 35 years. Known for its cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, imaginative worlds, and technical innovation, the series has sold more than 212 million copies worldwide.

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Gaming

NBA 2K27 cover athletes unveiled: Wemby, Clark, DRose

Pre-orders now open for the 3 editions

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July 23, 2026

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The NBA 2K27 cover athletes have been revealed as pre-orders have become available.

San Antonio Spurs all-star Victor Wembanyama has been unveiled as the cover athlete for the NBA 2K27 Standard Edition.

Meanwhile, WNBA star Caitlin Clark is gracing the Deluxe Edition cover.

Rounding out the trio is 2011 NBA MVP and Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose for the Ultra Edition.

The game will launch worldwide on September 4 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam. Early access is available by August 28.

First-look images of the game showcases some of NBA’s younger stars, like Cooper Flagg and Cade Cunningham.

Also shown for the first time is Jaylen Brown in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey, ahead of his debut with his new team after being traded from the Boston Celtics for Paul George.

Pre-orders are now open, and availing of any edition early entitles customers to a 10,000 VC bonus.

The Standard Edition is priced at US$ 69.99.

Pre-ordering the Deluxe Edition (US$ 99.99) enables players to unlock these perks:

  • 100,000 VC
  • Up to 7 days early access
  • MyTeam content: Full ’27: Series Team 1 Selection, Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack, 5x ’27: Series 1 Packs, 2-Hour 2XP Coin
  • MyCareer content: 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts, 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts, 2-ahour 2XP Coin, Victor Wembanyama Jersey, Caitlin Clark Jersey

Meanwhile, in addition to the perks under the Deluxe Edition, those who pre-order the Ultra Edition (US$ 149.99) shall also get:

  • 135,000 VC (instead of 100,000)
  • Season 1 Pro Pass + Summer Pass
  • NBA 2K27 Ultra Edition MyTEAM Player Cards (via The Exchange): Guaranteed 98 OVR by Dec 2026, guaranteed Invincible by May 2027
  • Roses Oversize Hoodie
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Gaming

Call of Duty, Aston Martin unveil Dreadnought for Modern Warfare 4

A mobile fortress available to locate in key areas

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July 20, 2026

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Call of Duty and Aston Martin revealed the Aston Martin Dreadnought, a bespoke, in-game SUV concept specially created for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

Developed by Aston Martin’s design team in collaboration with the game’s developers and publishers, the Dreadnought pairs supercar-level performance and a full-blooded V12 engine with a military-grade armored exterior.

This configuration makes it the most aggressive all-wheel drive vehicle in the title.

Built as a mobile fortress rather than a joyride, it is designed to push objectives, save teammates under fire, and drive straight through contested ground while its armor plating absorbs heavy incoming damage.

Ground in the physics of the Modern Warfare universe, the unapologetic, uncompromising tactical SUV delivers a stunning exploration of extreme visual language. At the same time, it brings an engaging and dynamic player experience.

Its striking form has been imaged for elite tactical performance, with optimized aerodynamics and fully integrated digital command interfaces.

The exquisite design details emphasize the Dreadnought’s high luxury heritage. There’s the herringbone weave of the exterior carbon fiber, as well as the Oxford Tan leather dashboard, door panel details, and metallic gold gear lever.

Players will be able to locate the Dreadnought in key points of interest within both DMZ and Call of Duty: Warzone modes.

Fans got to see a full-size physical interpretation of the Dreadnought at Fanatics Fest NYC, ahead of its in-game debut on 23 October.

In other news, Call of Duty movie director and co-writer Peter Berg revealed that the film will be set in the Modern Warfare universe.

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