Welcome back, folks! Another exciting week of gaming has passed, featuring a trip to Portland Retro Gaming Expo, a deep dive into remastered classics like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, and major updates from the competitive and AAA scenes. Lets get right into it.
Portland Retro Gaming Expo Check-In
After missing it last year, I made sure to attend Portland Retro Gaming Expo this time around. The event always delivers, especially with panels featuring industry legends like Gail Tinden, who shared insights into launching Pokemon in the US. Beyond the panels, the expo is a vibrant hub of artists, classic pinball machines, and, of course, the unparalleled Street Pass experience. It is genuinely one of the few places where the original vision for Street Pass on the 3DS truly comes alive. Filling up on passes quickly, even just walking through Artist Alley, is a joy for any handheld enthusiast. While the 3DS network closure means access to some games is lost, the community spirit thrives, making it a highlight for many, including me, who put in effort to regain lost panels.
However, the expo also brought to light a troubling trend: the rising issue of speculation infecting retro gaming. Rare games have always had a premium, but seeing common titles like Pokemon Black 2 for 200 US dollars or multiple copies of Xenogears for triple digits, with one even at 500 US dollars, signals a deeper problem. Games meant to be played should not be priced out of reach. It is a stark contrast to a time when NES games were pocket change. The current market makes finding genuine deals a rarity, though I did snag a shrink-wrapped Rodea the Sky Soldier for 3DS at a surprising 30 US dollars.
The grift of speculation, unfortunately, is not unique to retro games, also affecting card game communities. While some, like the Pokemon Trading Card Game, have combated scalpers with excess prints, retro games lack easy solutions. Ideas like publishers reissuing older hardware and software at cheaper prices sound promising, reminiscent of Hasbro reissuing classic toys. However, challenges like existing infrastructure (only Nintendo seems capable for its first party titles) and consumer pricing expectations make this difficult. Despite these issues, being surrounded by like-minded fans and hobbyists is invaluable. Meeting the creators of Petal Crash and playtesting their new game, attending fascinating panels, and simply sharing enthusiasm for games reminds us that community truly is the solution to many woes.
Updates from EVO France
EVO France delivered some noteworthy reveals for fighting game fans.
Tekken 8 introduced Roger Jr., the boxing kangaroo, complete with a joey in its pouch, raising fun speculation about the character's gender. Known for its animal fighters, Tekken continues this tradition with Roger Jr.'s unique commando wrestling style, capable of punching foes to impressive heights. Expect some lively matches with this new character this November.
The final character for Tekken 8's current DLC wave is Yujiro Hanma from Baki The Grappler. Fans eagerly anticipated how this formidable lump of living muscle would translate into Tekken's realistic style, and the result is impressive. The animations capture Yujiro's distinct physical mastery and power, making him a perfect fit for the tournament roster. It will be interesting to see how the narrative explains his potential losses.
Arc System Works also unveiled new characters for Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Following the reveal of Phoenix Cyclops, Thor, the Jane Foster iteration, was confirmed. This choice aligns with Tōkon's strategy of curating a unique roster distinct from previous Capcom fighters, opting for Carnage over Venom initially. Peach Momoko's artwork for the characters continues to impress, and Keiichi Okabe's musical contributions provide a distinct atmospheric feel. Phoenix Cyclops arrives this November 2, with Thor in winter, and Venom and Jubilee following next year. An intriguing observation notes that all characters in this DLC wave have experienced mind control at some point in their stories.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Racks Up 1 Million Sales
While the gaming world awaits Grand Theft Auto VI, Bandai Namco celebrates the runaway success of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, selling over a million units in just two weeks—a series record. Ace Combat, a franchise spanning 30 years, has historically been niche, despite its fidelity to real-life jet models and deep customization. Ace Combat 7 garnered significant attention for its story, featuring elements like the beloved Jpeg Dog.
The games unfold on a fictional Earth called Strangereal, where real jets engage in wild scenarios, from doomsday conflicts to aerial dogfights through underground tunnels. Ace Combat's narrow scope—focused entirely on jets and political intrigue—stands out in an industry increasingly favoring open-world, multi-genre experiences. Its success in 2026 demonstrates that highly focused, quality simulations still have a significant place and can thrive, proving that not every game needs to do everything.
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Gets DLC
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, a recent success for Nintendo, is expanding with new DLC. Praised for its character writing, compelling stories, and clever reimagining of series mechanics, the game continues to captivate players.
The first two DLC waves include new weapons based on relics from Fire Emblem: Three Houses, new costumes for heroes and their followers, and three new allies. The most exciting announcement is a story expansion set for 2027, which will explore the narratives of the four rivals: Talimun, Anatolia, Bertrand, and Orchel. This expansion hints at fulfilling early plans for Fortune's Weave that originally featured eight protagonists, promising even more content for an already extensive game. The first wave is available now, with the second wave arriving this holiday season, and the final wave in 2027.
Quick Tidbits
- Girls und Panzer continues its legacy with a new game, Girls und Panzer: All-Star Tank Carnival, from the developers of Dream Tank Match. Slated for the Switch 2 in 2027, players can explore Oarai and engage in online tank battles.
- A special-edition Midnight Black PlayStation 5 is set for release in Japan this November 19. Priced at 55,000 yen, this disk-drive-less console will be region-locked to Japan-only accounts, reiterating Sony's commitment to phasing out physical media by 2028.
- From indie developer MikiMaki, known for Can I Not Fall for Idols?, comes Ikemen Big Bang: A Dating Game About Potentially Hot Guys. This otome game, exploring whether one should “fix” its three diverse love interests, offers 11 endings and releases on Steam this November 12.
That wraps up this week's gaming news. I am immensely grateful for all the unexpected Street Passes from the expo, helping me complete many panels. Events like PRGE truly foster community and camaraderie, reminding us of the joy of sharing our passions. Until next time, be good to each other!
