Save State's Vincent Mahoney returns to his column this week to wrap up his two-part feature on his top five favorite RPG developers. This week he highlights two more of his favorite RPG developers and some honorable mentions.

Retro Game Friday is a column by Michael Blaker covering various games from the past. This week he covers Custom Robo.

Final Fantasy Tactics has long been considered one of the greatest strategy RPGs ever made, thanks to its brutal political storytelling, endlessly flexible job system and unforgiving combat. With The Ivalice Chronicles, Square Enix brings the landmark 1997 classic to a new generation.

YouTube video by GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE

Call to Arms: Panzer Elite blends realistic World War II tank combat with accessible gameplay, delivering destructible environments, authentic armored warfare and a strong foundation that could make it one of the most compelling and fun WWII sim experiences once it reaches full release.

Movie Monday is a column by Michael Blaker covering various movies. This week he covers the holiday classic Jingle All the Way.

Porkrine, Katz and Mr. Turtle discuss their podcast's Secret Santa gift exchange party.

THQ Nordic and Tarsier Studios are excited to announce that pre-orders for REANIMAL are now live on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously announced for a worldwide launch on Friday, February 13, 2026, REANIMAL will release simultaneously across Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X bringing its haunting co-op horror experience to players everywhere. Pre-orders for REANIMAL first opened on November 20, 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.

Gaijin Entertainment and the Matter Team are pleased to announce that the first major update “Fire Walk” is already available for the hardcore online shooter Active Matter. Players now have access to the new industrial-style location “The Dam,” new monsters and anomalies, and an expanded arsenal of weapons and gear. The interface has also been improved, along with animations and visual effects.

Current Games, a new name in indie publishing based in the Netherlands, announced today that Taxi Chaos 2, the sequel with no equal, is speeding into action on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch and Xbox via digital download. Cabbin’ aint easy, especially for our hero Vinny and his plucky sidekick Cleo, as they take to the sun-drenched streets of San Valeda in a fight to survive against a new fleet of A.I.

With 2025 winding down, Fresh Look columnist Neal Sayatovich looks ahead to the upcoming games he’s most excited to play in 2026. From long-awaited sequels and tactical RPGs to surprise racers and delightfully odd simulations, this Fresh Look proves there’s new releases in 2026 for all kinds of gamers.

Translation Necessary Thursday is a column by Michael Blaker covering various novels. This week he covers "Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon Volume Two" by Meikyou Shisui.

Obsidian expands and refines its sci-fi RPG series with The Outer Worlds 2, delivering stronger storytelling, smoother combat and deeper role-playing systems. With reactive companions and a new Earth Directorate perspective, this sequel finally lets the series grow into the space opera players always wanted.

YouTube video by ARK: Survival Ascended

Pokemon Legends Z-A returns to the Kalos region with a bold new direction, trading turn-based battles for real-time combat and setting the entire adventure inside a massively expanded Lumiose City. Legends Z-A stands out as one of developer Game Freak’s most confident and polished releases in years.

Porkrine, Katz, Mr. Squirrel and Mr. Turtle discuss gift ideas for Gary.

Anime Sunday is a column by Michael Blaker covering various anime titles. This week he covers his Most Anticipated Winter 2026 Anime.

Neal Sayatovich temporarily takes over Save State this week to explore the oddly comforting world of simulations. From building cheap gaming PCs to renovating and running a medieval fantasy tavern, this week’s column looks at why cozy sims are the perfect escape from demanding lives.

Developer and publisher Funcom revealed today the first details of Chapter 3, the next free update coming soon to Dune: Awakening, the open world survival game inspired by Frank Herbert’s Dune as well as Denis Villeneuve and Legendary Entertainment’s blockbuster movies. Most of the improvements and additions in Chapter 3 come directly from player requests and feedback. One of the most popular requests has been providing players with more avenues for progression once they reach tier 6.

YouTube video by Gaming Factory

GiN hit the ground running at PAX Unplugged in Philadelphia, where the convention's crowds enjoyed tabletop gaming and standout panels. From Gloomhaven creator Isaac Childres’ inspiring keynote to packed exhibitor halls and welcoming community spaces, the show was already firing on all cylinders right from the start.

Bookish Wednesday is a column by Michael Blaker covering various novels. This week he looks at "Adventures in the Argo" by Selkie Myth.

Paradox Interactive and developer The Chinese Room have launched a winter update for Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2, bringing custom difficulty options, Iron Vamp mode, holiday cosmetics and more. Editor's Note: Check out the full GiN Review of Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2. The Bloodlines 2 Winter Update includes: Custom Difficulty Mode: Players who have completed the main storyline of Bloodlines 2 can now create custom difficulties for a more tailored experience.

YouTube video by ININ Games

Simon the Sorcerer Origins resurrects the classic 1990s adventure series with its gorgeous hand-drawn art and excellent voice performances, including the return of Chris Barrie. While its charm and nostalgia are undeniable, its devotion to old-school, logic-defying puzzles may test the patience of modern players.