The eagerly awaited episodic interactive adventure “Dispatch” is arriving soon, and players won’t have to endure a long wait to continue their journey. As highlighted in our Dispatch Hands-Off Preview Event, the initial two episodes of the superhero workplace comedy are scheduled to launch on October 22nd, 2025. After that, the game will unveil two episodes each week for three weeks, resulting in a total of eight episodes.

The release timeline is as follows:

– Episode 3&4 – Oct 29th, 2025
– Episode 5&6 – Nov 5th, 2025
– Episode 7&8 – Nov 12th, 2025

Upon the full release, CGM will provide an extensive review of the entire series as one complete experience, differing from our previous fragmented coverage of episodic games. Having experienced Dispatch Episode 1 & 2, I can confidently say that the game shows enormous potential, reminiscent of Invincible, but designed for an adult audience.

“Dispatch” is a collaboration between AdHoc Studios and Critical Role. AdHoc was established in 2018 by two writers along with two directors, all of whom previously worked at Telltale Games. Players assume the role of Robert Robertson (voiced by Aaron Paul), who was once a hero known as Mechaman but transitions to a dispatch agent after his robotic suit is irreparably damaged.

The game offers the dialogue-centric, choice-driven gameplay that fans of the genre cherish, along with action sequences akin to those found in the Telltale Batman series, and an RPG system where players must manage their dispatchable heroes—allocating them to the crises that align best with their distinct abilities and traits.

“Dispatch” is already receiving accolades from critics, with In-Progress reviews on OpenCritic and Metacritic trending positively.

Xbox, Koei Tecmo, and Team Ninja commemorated the imminent release of *Ninja Gaiden 4* with a record-setting stunt executed over Miami. To mark tomorrow’s game launch, two helicopters achieved a historical feat above the Miami skyline and waters. One helicopter transported a 26-foot wide screen (over 200 sq ft), while the other featured Team Ninja Community Manager, Emmanuel “Master” Rodriguez, alongside diamond-certified artist Swae Lee. This event established a new Guinness World Record for the largest video game display flown by helicopter.

If the enormous flying screen wasn’t captivating enough, Rodriguez and Lee showcased *Ninja Gaiden 4* for an entire evening on that very screen. In the Xbox Wire announcement, Xbox disclosed that “technology played a pivotal role in transforming this dream into reality. Leveraging advanced sports broadcasting technology, we streamed live gameplay from Emmanuel’s helicopter to the colossal screen – constructed by the innovative aerial media firm, Heli-D – in the other.”

So, what motivated the three teams and Lee to execute this stunt? The inspiration for this endeavor reportedly stemmed directly from *Ninja Gaiden 4’s* in-game narrative. The inhabitants of Tokyo have evaded the poisonous floodwaters by ascending skyward. The skyscraper district rises above the devastated city beneath, a stunning vertical landscape that reflects the high-flying action that the teams brought to life. As the two helicopters flew over Miami, showcasing the game’s intense combat, the video also featured snippets of a new exclusive track from Swae Lee titled ‘Flammable’.

It’s uncertain whether this was a distracting hazard to those below, but it was impressive to witness their execution in the video. Much like Yakumo of the Raven ninja clan flawlessly leaping into the night skirmishes, this was an exemplary demonstration of executing a perilous, well-conceived stunt. The release also emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “This is more than just a launch; it’s a celebration of everything *Ninja Gaiden 4* embodies — precision, skill, and pushing boundaries. From the game’s lore-rich skyscrapers to the Miami skyline we navigated, we’ve redefined what it means to experience a video game live.”

Lee is renowned for his Grammy-nominated hit, *Sunflower*, which became the first-ever song to achieve 2x Diamond certification from the RIAA and holds one of the largest streaming records in history. Alongside *Sunflower*, Lee’s contributions to tracks like Travis Scott’s *Sicko Mode* have also secured diamond certifications, further solidifying his position as a major force in contemporary music. Prior to all this acclaim, Lee was recognized as the melodic half of the southern hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd.

CGMagazine’s Philip Watson commented on the *Ninja Gaiden 4* preview, saying, “*Ninja Gaiden 4* marks a return to form after its 12-year break, delivering another fast-paced action title to the forefront of gaming.” Watson elaborated on how “scenic camera views, high-octane action, and a thoroughly enjoyable experience are all prevalent underneath, thanks to the new collaboration between these two action game titans.” The two titans referring to *Ninja Gaiden 3*, and *Bayonetta 3* director Yuji Nakao and Team Ninja veteran Masakazu Hirayama, who help realize the vision of the original *Ninja Gaiden (2004)* director, Tomonobu Itagaki.

*Ninja Gaiden 4* launches tomorrow, October 21 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere – also accessible on Steam and PlayStation 5. Enjoy it on day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

The Hitman series is approaching its significant 25th anniversary, and the developer IO Interactive is set to allow Agent 47 to commemorate this milestone in a grand manner.

The ongoing game Hitman World of Assassination will be receiving a limited special edition, which is exclusive to PlayStation 5 and available only in physical form. This Anniversary Box is priced at $49.99 and includes a copy of the game, four celebrity DLC targets, a 3D shadowbox, and a lenticular card. The shadowbox stands out as the focal point of the package, showcasing the iconic assassin prominently. This edition can be obtained at select retailers or through IO’s official website.

Furthermore, IO will conduct an anniversary livestream on October 21 at 3pm CET, reflecting on the history of the franchise. There are expected to be “surprise guests,” and viewers can join in directly on the Hitman Twitch channel.

If the anniversary edition doesn’t pique your interest, nearly the entire franchise is currently on sale. For instance, the Hitman Collection is now only $13.54, encompassing the first five titles in the series. It’s an excellent opportunity for avid gamers.

On another note, World of Assassination continues to thrive. The game recently launched on both iPhone and iPad, surpassing 80 million players. The newest Elusive Target mission has even introduced the legendary Bruce Lee to the game, allowing 47 to team up with the famous martial artist.

You can experience the Bruce Lee mission for free from Sep 25 – Nov 20, or buy the “Bruce Lee Pack” for $4.99 to gain permanent access to the mission along with several additional perks. IO is also working on an update to resolve some mission issues based on player feedback, including a reduction in the Arcade Mode cooldown timer.

Hitman World of Assassination is accessible on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, PC, and iOS.

The cult favorite title Plants vs. Zombies is making a grand comeback with an enhanced and polished edition named Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted. PopCap Studios has revealed the game’s launch trailer, highlighting some of the remastered improvements. Keen-eyed fans might even notice a cameo from one of Half-Life’s famous Headcrabs.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted mainly acts as a visual renovation for the original PvZ title, delivering an HD facelift to its already colorful and quirky environments. Every aspect of the original game is preserved, including cherished minigames like Walnut Bowling.

The remaster unveils new features, such as local co-op gameplay with a friend and a PvP mode where one player commands the zombies. Nintendo Switch 2 players can enjoy both modes with a single game copy, courtesy of the system’s GameShare capability.

Furthermore, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted introduces two entirely new modes that greatly modify the game’s mechanics. Cloud Day Mode brings weather effects that influence the battlefield, necessitating strategic planting as sunlight becomes scarce. Clouds may also induce sleep in sunflowers, introducing an element of surprise to the gameplay.

The Rest in Peace mode offers a roguelike challenge with Permadeath, where a single error could necessitate a restart from the beginning.

In addition, the game features a new Art and Concept Library, showcasing previously unseen pre-production sketches and insights into the game’s evolution.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is scheduled for release on October 23 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, and PC, available for $19.99 on all platforms.

OPPO, the cutting-edge smart device brand, has revealed the worldwide launch of its newest flagship Find X9 Series of smartphones after the product’s triumphant unveiling in the Chinese market. The Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, which debuted in China, are set to be accessible globally on October 28.

Both models in the Find X9 series incorporate the advanced Hasselblad Master Camera System powered by the LUMO Image Engine, OPPO’s proprietary computational photography technology. They feature a 200MP Hasselblad Telephoto, co-created with Hasselblad, improving sensor calibration and optical design for superior camera performance. Furthermore, the series comes equipped with 7,000+ mAh batteries, ensuring exceptional battery longevity.

Pete Lau, SVP and Chief Product Officer at OPPO, remarked, “With the Find X Series, OPPO persistently expands the limits of what can be achieved in mobile imaging, combining top-tier hardware with cutting-edge computational photography.” He further noted, “In collaboration with Hasselblad, we are making a significant advancement in imaging quality with the Find X9 Series.”

**Key Features of OPPO Find X9 and Find X9 Pro Series**

– The Find X9 showcases a 6.59-inch display, while the Find X9 Pro features a 6.78-inch display.
– Danxia Color Restoration lens with f/2.4 aperture, 21 mm equivalent focal length, and three-element lens.
– Both variants are capable of 4K 120 FPS Dolby Vision video recording.
– Operates on the ColorOS 16 platform.
– Employs the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, rivaling the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform.
– Offered in Titanium Grey, Space Black, and Velvet Red.

**Advanced Camera Features of Find X9 Pro**

– 50 MP primary camera with f/1.5 aperture, 23 mm equivalent focal length, seven-element lens, and four-axis OIS.
– 50 MP ultrawide camera with f/2.0 aperture, 15 mm equivalent focal length, six-element lens, and 120° viewing angle.
– 200 MP telephoto camera with f/2.1 aperture, 70 mm equivalent focal length (3x optical zoom), six-element lens, and four-axis OIS.
– 50 MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture, 21 mm equivalent focal length, five-element lens, and autofocus.

OPPO is set to conduct a global event for the Find X9 series launch on October 28, where it will disclose pricing and market availability. For further details, consumers can visit the official OPPO website.

Apple TV and Formula 1 have revealed a revolutionary five-year alliance, designating Apple TV as the sole streaming platform for all F1 races in the United States beginning next year. This initiative underlines Apple TV’s ongoing growth in the realm of sports broadcasting, following its successful arrangement with Major League Baseball (MLB).

This partnership follows the triumph of the F1 film featuring Brad Pitt, which amassed $629 million globally, achieving the status of the highest-grossing sports film of all time. This collaboration underscores a mutual dedication to innovation and improving the fan experience, paving the way for Formula 1’s expansion in North America.

Apple TV will provide extensive coverage of Formula 1, including practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix, all accessible to subscribers at no additional charge. The Apple TV app will offer live updates, real-time leaderboards, and season standings. Furthermore, Apple will incorporate F1 content across its various platforms, such as Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the pivotal phase for Formula 1 in 2026, featuring new teams, regulations, and vehicles. He underscored Apple’s pledge to present top-notch, fan-centric coverage.

The F1 film is also set to premiere exclusively on Apple TV on December 12, 2025. F1 TV Premium will continue to be accessible in the U.S. via an Apple TV subscription, at no cost for Apple TV subscribers.

This exclusive partnership will span five years, with further details available on Apple’s website.

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy revealed significant updates during his keynote address at TwitchCon 2025. While it’s typical to expect future-oriented announcements from the company at this annual event, his statements this year truly demonstrate their dedication to a promising future.

Clancy unveiled the launch of dual-format streaming on the platform, enabling streamers to simultaneously broadcast in both vertical and horizontal formats on Twitch. This enhancement improves visibility and caters to the growing number of vertical streamers emerging across various platforms. Testing for dual-format streaming began in August, with beta testing set to commence next week.

The Twitch CEO also disclosed a collaboration with Meta, which will permit users of Meta’s range of AI Glasses to stream on Twitch for the first time. Previously, users of Meta’s glasses could only stream on Facebook, and this collaboration aims to introduce a new category of streamers to the platform while boosting sales of the glasses through expanded exposure.

Streamers will benefit from increased discoverability with less effort thanks to the announcement of Auto Clips, a system that employs AI and in-stream indicators to generate clips without the reliance on viewers or the necessity of creating them post-stream. The keynote also touched on updates designed to assist users in securing sponsors by linking monetized streamers with advertisers and third parties through the creator dashboard.

Creators will receive fresh tools to better manage the responsibilities of streaming with the introduction of new roles for their support. A Lead Moderator can be assigned to oversee moderators for your channel and manage the settings on your behalf. Another role, intended for agents or managers, will grant access to analytics and financial data directly. These roles will be rolled out starting next month.

With these announcements as part of Dan Clancy’s keynote, TwitchCon 2025 is kicking off with energy, and creators of all scales should be thrilled about the upcoming opportunities. This marks just the beginning of a weekend filled with major announcements anticipated during TwitchCon’s tenth anniversary. Additional details on these announcements and much more can be found on Twitch’s blog.

Konami has formally announced the cancellation of the original soundtrack and vinyl collection for “Silent Hill f,” and will be issuing refunds to individuals who pre-ordered. Although the game debuted successfully, exceeding one million sales by September 29, fans are disheartened by the cancellation. The soundtrack was scheduled for release on December 17, 2025, but Konami attributed the decision to “various circumstances.” Fans have voiced their dissatisfaction on platforms such as Reddit, particularly since the “Silent Hill 2” soundtrack was launched without complications. Konami has not shared additional information regarding the cancellation.

I have just finished my second preview phase for *Anno 117: Pax Romana*, and surprisingly, I’m still not a master. I’m discovering that the *Anno* franchise has a way of humbling those who consider themselves connoisseurs of strategy or city-building games. With the game’s November launch approaching, I’ve invested another 10-15 hours into *Anno 117: Pax Romana*, and while I still wouldn’t call myself proficient, I’m eager to devote a hundred more hours.

To start, I played this game on both my [ROG Xbox Ally X](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/hardware/rog-xbox-ally-x-handheld/) in docked mode and my PC equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce 4080 GPU. I’m continually amazed by the breathtaking visuals of *Anno 117: Pax Romana*. Even though the [Xbox Ally X](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/hardware/rog-xbox-ally-handheld/) lacks some power, the game remains visually striking, but switching to PC for sandbox mode had me frequently zooming in to observe my little citizens at work. It doesn’t operate as smoothly on the handheld, yet it was more than adequate. If you have the chance to run *Anno 117: Pax Romana* at 4K, I highly suggest you do so.

I covered some fundamentals in my initial [preview of *Anno 117: Pax Romana*](https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/previews/anno-117-pax-romana-hands-on/), so I recommend checking that out for more insights. You’ll find information about resource management, fulfilling your populace’s needs, and many of my early errors. In this preview session, I managed to engage more with the campaign and also enjoyed some time in sandbox mode, which has been incredibly enjoyable.

### “I am still in awe of how truly stunning Anno 117: Pax Romana is.”

Within the campaign, you are tasked with world-building while following a narrative, of course. You can choose to assume the role of Marcia Tertia, Decimus’s daughter, a reserved girl meant for marriage, or Marcus Naukratius, Decimus’s son, who finds himself working due to his rebellious nature. I chose to follow Marcia’s path, championing girl power!

Honestly, I was somewhat taken aback as I navigated the storyline in *Anno 117: Pax Romana.* I had anticipated some political elements, but there are sections that delve into pure soap opera theatrics! I won’t give away specific plot points, but it felt a bit exaggerated, and I’m not even far into the narrative yet. There’s a lot of intrigue surrounding Marcia’s storyline, and I am keen to uncover more.

However, it feels like the story is only partially integrated into the gameplay in *Anno 117: Pax Romana*. In Marcia’s case, there’s a quest that resembles someone repeatedly asking, “how about now?” Once you experience it, you’ll get what I mean. This occurs very early in the narrative, so hopefully, the quests will have greater significance as I progress. Only time will reveal that, and *Anno 117: Pax Romana* is sure to consume plenty of mine.

Sandbox mode is where I found myself wanting to invest the majority of my time in *Anno 117: Pax Romana*—and that’s not typical of me. Even without a defined story, the game still adheres to a clear progression path. You must collect wood to construct houses, which allows you to attract the initial group of villagers: the Liberti. After this, you need to satisfy their requirements to cultivate a thriving town, transitioning systematically from the lowest tier of villagers upward.

Houses upgrade to draw in new types of residents, the Plebeians. These individuals bring new needs, and the cycle continues. I had thought that playing through the campaign would offer the best learning experience, but in my case, sandbox mode accelerated my skills much quicker than the campaign in *Anno 117: Pax Romana.* In the same time frame spent on the campaign, I acquired about half the knowledge I gained in sandbox mode.

So, what did I gain from this? I suspect I’ve merely skimmed the surface. While I had a taste during my initial session with *Anno 117: Pax Romana,* this time I truly immersed myself in the game. During this period, I successfully established a town with hundreds of inhabitants and operations, built ships, explored new islands, initiated new settlements on those islands, and then mysteriously lost everyone on my first island because I forgot to pause. Lesson learned. We still have not

**Ambrosia Sky: An In-Depth Look at the Anticipated Sci-Fi Game**

Ambrosia Sky, an exceptional title presented at the Summer Game Fest 2025, has intrigued gamers with its captivating mixture of disaster recovery and survivor’s remorse. Created by Soft Rains, a Toronto-based Canadian studio, in partnership with BC’s Blackbird Interactive, the game pledges a gripping storyline along with a visually remarkable art aesthetic. With the recent unveiling of its narrative trailer, players are keen to connect the dots of this fascinating game.

**Release and Format**

Ambrosia Sky is scheduled for a launch in a three-part episodic format, with Act 1 debuting on November 10, 2025. This arrangement enables players to immerse themselves in the narrative gradually, engaging with the developing story and changing gameplay mechanics.

**Concept and Influences**

The idea behind Ambrosia Sky sprouted from the team’s fascination with job simulations and narrative richness. The preliminary concept centered around a cleaning mechanism, highlighting the eradication of hostile fungi. Influenced by sci-fi elements and contemporary issues such as food shortages and extraterrestrial agriculture, the team fashioned a distinctive backdrop incorporating outer space and fungal proliferation.

**Narrative and Mechanics**

The storyline centers on Dalia, the main character, who returns home to restore order following a catastrophic fungal disaster. The plot delves into the experiences of those impacted by the calamity and Dalia’s individual path of healing and survivor’s remorse. Players will navigate the story through voice-acted dialogues and discovered narratives, revealing the background and characters of the environment.

**Artistic Design and Spiritual Themes**

Ambrosia Sky showcases a comic book-inspired artistic approach, drawing influences from artists such as Matias Bergara and Killian Eng. This artistic decision harmonizes with the game’s universe, populated by lifeless space entities and sentient fungi. The game also weaves in aspects of spirituality and folklore, delving into themes of significance and humanity’s role in the universe.

**Gameplay Features**

Dalia’s primary instrument is a customized cleaning apparatus, employed to disperse cleaning solutions and confront assorted challenges. Players can enhance this device, boosting its functionality and creating unique upgrades from gathered fungal varieties. The game’s genre has playfully been termed a “Metroid Grime,” combining exploration, problem-solving, and storytelling.

**Player Engagement**

The creators aspire for players to encounter moments of reflection and affinity with the game’s universe. Through the surroundings, soundscapes, or storyline, Ambrosia Sky strives to deliver an extraordinary and engaging experience.

**Final Thoughts**

As the release approaches, Ambrosia Sky is set to provide a substantial and immersive gaming adventure. Players can anticipate discovering its complex world and solving the enigmas within its narrative. Act 1 of Ambrosia Sky will be accessible on November 10, 2025, and the game is presently showcased in Steam Next Fest until October 20, 2025.