The article explores the author's discovery of "Party of Your Lifetime," a captivating '90s-style pop song by the in-game boy band On-lyne from the video game Warframe. Despite being unfamiliar with much of Warframe's complex plot, the author appreciates this track as their "song of the summer." The song is tied to Warframe's 1999 expansion, which adds intriguing story elements set in that year. While enjoying the song's energetic vibe, the author questions its cryptic lyrics and looks forward to understanding its significance within the game's narrative. For now, they recommend enjoying the track for its serotonin-boosting qualities.

Nintendo's Switch Online service offers a vast library of classic games, providing gamers with access to NES, SNES, and other console titles through a subscription model. This repository includes iconic games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Metroid, and Donkey Kong Country, as well as hidden gems such as Crystalis and Blaster Master. Subscribers can also enjoy expanded catalogs featuring Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and Nintendo 64 games for an additional fee. These classics not only showcase gaming history but also highlight innovative gameplay mechanics and storytelling that influenced modern titles. Notable inclusions range from platformers and RPGs to fighting and puzzle games, offering something for every retro gaming enthusiast. Through this service, Nintendo preserves its legacy while introducing new generations to timeless experiences.

Donkey Kong Bananza is set to debut as Nintendo Switch 2's flagship platformer, showcasing the titular gorilla in a redesigned form inspired by the Super Mario Bros. Movie. Developed likely by Nintendo’s Tokyo team, known for games like Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza blends vibrant 3D exploration with 2D barrel and mine cart sequences reminiscent of Donkey Kong Country. The game emphasizes Kong’s physicality through punching, crawling, and destructible environments, offering a unique take distinct from Mario’s style. Players can look forward to puzzle-solving mechanics involving makeshift bombs and new abilities such as rolling into a ball or climbing surfaces. With its July 17 release date and $70 price tag, Bananza promises to deliver the engaging 3D adventure fans have long awaited.

The author reflects on the joy of playing football daily during school days and how Sloclap's "Rematch" rekindles those memories. This arcade-style football game, available on PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC, offers 3v3 to 5v5 matches with a focus on skill and precision, reminiscent of classic playground games. Unlike traditional football games, "Rematch" removes deeper rules like offside and fouls, emphasizing goal-scoring and dynamic gameplay. The absence of a fixed goalkeeper adds to the chaos and excitement. While the game is intuitive and enjoyable, concerns remain about goalkeeping mechanics and long-term engagement. As part of Game Pass, "Rematch" aims to build a strong player base, offering a nostalgic yet modern take on football gaming.

The upcoming release of Borderlands 4 on PC, set for September 12th, marks a shift in tone for the series. Lead writer Taylor Clark reveals that the game will feature less humor compared to previous installments, aiming for a more serious approach fitting its totalitarian-themed world. This change comes after criticism regarding excessive humor in Borderlands 3. The new setting contrasts with the Wild West-inspired Pandora, offering a "fresh start" while continuing from Borderlands 3's storyline. Despite being part of an extensive franchise, Borderlands 4 promises accessibility for newcomers while rewarding long-time fans. Gearbox addresses concerns about repetitive gameplay and character tropes by introducing a distinct villain and striving for originality in mission design.

"Marvel Cosmic Invasion" is a 2D brawler inspired by classic Marvel games, developed by Tribute Games, known for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge." Featuring pixel-art graphics and a roster of seven playable characters, the game draws from the Annihilator storyline but offers a unique take. Its standout feature is the Cosmic Swap mechanic, allowing players to alternate between two chosen characters during combat, each with distinct movesets. The game emphasizes accessibility, blending deep gameplay with button-mash appeal. Set for release in Q4 2025 across multiple platforms, it includes campaign and arcade modes, supporting up to four-player local and online multiplayer. Dotemu confirms an experience system for character leveling, enriching the gameplay experience.

The 2023 Summer Game Fest (SGF) was marked by a lack of major game announcements and overshadowed by political unrest in Los Angeles. The event, usually a vibrant gathering for video game enthusiasts, faced tension due to nearby protests against immigration raids conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This atmosphere was further strained by Ian Proulx's controversial "Make FPS Great Again" hat, drawing parallels to divisive political rhetoric. Amidst the gaming showcases, attendees were preoccupied with unfolding events outside the venue, fearing potential martial law and National Guard deployment. Despite these challenges, SGF continued, though its usual buzz was dampened by industry layoffs and fewer blockbuster game releases. Reflecting on the experience, the author highlights the importance of community resilience, echoing lessons learned from video games themselves.

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is an upcoming stealth-adventure video game inspired by R.L. Stine's iconic book series. Set to release on August 29, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, players will explore the haunted town of Little Creek as protagonist Sloane Spencer. The game features a new Goosebumps story filled with puzzles, eerie enigmas, and monsters, offering multiple endings based on player choices. Developed by PHL Collective and published by GameMill Entertainment, it promises playful scares and challenges. The Frightmare Edition includes additional content like wearable masks, slingshot skins, and concept art viewers. Players must use stealth or combat to survive and uncover the town's dark secrets.

In 1984, the BBC documented the rise and fall of Imagine Software, a UK video game developer known for its ambitious 'megagames' Bandersnatch and Psyclapse. The documentary, *Commercial Breaks: The Race For Santa’s Software*, captures the moment Imagine went bankrupt, leaving unpaid bills and unfinished projects. Their bold plan to enhance ZX Spectrum games with special hardware proved financially unsustainable. After Imagine's collapse, former leaders founded Psygnosis, which released Bandersnatch as *Brataccas* and repurposed Psyclapse as a sub-label. This story has become legendary in retro gaming circles and recently resurfaced on YouTube, reigniting interest in this pivotal moment in gaming history.

In "Donkey Kong Bananza," Pauline appears in two forms: as Odd Rock, a gemlike gremlin cursed by VoidCo, and in a younger human form, suggesting the game is set before the original 1982 "Donkey Kong." Serving as Donkey Kong's sidekick, Pauline uses her sonic abilities to reveal hidden treasures and aid in combat. Players can control her vocal attacks, turning words into damaging projectiles, in a two-player co-op mode. This unique gameplay makes "Donkey Kong Bananza" a third-person shouter. The game, exclusive to Switch 2, releases on July 17, offering intriguing new dynamics to the classic franchise.

Dune: Awakening is a multifaceted game combining survival, RPG, and PvP elements, set in the harsh desert world of Arrakis. Developed by Funcom, it offers a rich survival experience with deep loyalty to Frank Herbert's Dune universe, featuring resource scarcity, dangerous sandworms, and faction-specific cities. The gameplay evolves from basic survival mechanics into an engaging RPG narrative around the 40-hour mark, introducing ornithopters and expanding the storyline with unique twists. Combat, while faithful to the source material, can feel sluggish. In the endgame, players engage in fierce PvP battles in the Deep Desert and participate in weekly political events like the Landsraad. The game fosters a social community, encouraging guild participation and organic interactions. With its dedication to the Dune lore and innovative gameplay fusion, Dune: Awakening stands out as a compelling adaptation.

Video games often challenge players with puzzles that test their problem-solving skills, from maze-like dungeons in *The Legend of Zelda* to complex riddles in *Silent Hill 3*. Among these, *Blue Prince*, a roguelike puzzle game, stands out. Players follow protagonist Simon as he explores an inherited manor, drafting rooms to uncover the mysterious 46th room. Each discovery reveals deeper layers of complexity and secrets about the house and its past inhabitants. Beyond its intricate puzzles, *Blue Prince* offers a touching narrative exploring themes of censorship, family, and expression. Its engaging mysteries and emotional depth have earned it praise as one of the year's best games. Solving its challenges without assistance provides immense satisfaction.