Here every Friday you’ll find big games gone global, fresh soft launches, the latest release dates and everything in between.
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Destiny: Rising (NetEase)
This week, the official Destiny: Rising Discord posted a couple more snippets about the forthcoming closed alpha test, which opens up on November 1 for selected players in the US and Canada. Firstly, it recommends that players use a controller “to maximise shooting and gameplay precision.”
There’s also a some info on what will be playable in the alpha. “A good part of the main campaign will be available, along with at least one map for all game modes,” says the official FAQ. NetEase says the focus for the test is optimising “core PvE experiences”, but also warns: “This is still an early build of the game and much of it is still meant to change over time, including the monetization systems.”
The game was officially revealed last week, but does not have a release date yet.
Pokémon TGC Pocket (The Pokemon Company)
This is a more casual, digital version of the popular Pokémon Trading Card game. Players will be able to open two packs of cards per day free of charge, and it features streamlined game rules based on the existing battle system. It’s coming to iOS and Android on October 30.
Neko Atsume 2 (Hit Point)
This cat-collecting sequel challenges players to attract feline friends to their home and keep them there using a combination of food, treats and toys. It’s out now on iOS and Android, as spotted by PocketGamer.
Royal Kingdom (Dream Games)
This follow-up to the mighty Royal Match is currently in soft launch on iOS and Android in Australia, UK, Canada, Philippines, Turkey and the US. As we discussed in August 2023, it takes the very successful Royal Match formula and adds more PvP competition and a builder element.
A new teaser trailer, above, suggests that the game could be going global in time for thanksgiving. We’ve asked Dream for confirmation and will update this story if we get a response.
Dark and Darker Mobile (Krafton)
The launch window for this dark fantasy extraction RPG has been delayed from this year to the first half of 2025. Krafton said the move will give it more time to enhance the gameplay and ensure it’s technically sound.
Carrion (Devolver Digital)
Players can pre-register to download this ‘reverse horror’ game now on iOS and Android, with the App Store listing an October 31 release date. It will be free to start, with the full game unlockable via IAP.
TED Tumblewords (Netflix)
This is a daily word puzzle game supporting solo play and turn-based online matches. Players can pre-register now on Android and iOS, ahead of its November 19 release on Netflix and Ted.com.
Bloom City Match (Rovio)
The Angry Birds maker has just released this puzzle-and-decorate game in Canada, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK for both iOS and Android.
Magic Chess: Go Go (Moonton)
This auto battler chess game has soft launched on Android in Indonesia and the Philippines, according to Appmagic.
Part Time UFO (HAL Laboratory)
Physics-based puzzler Part Time UFO was delisted from mobile app stores this week. Released in 2017, it was the first mobile game from long-time Nintendo collaborator HAL Laboratory, which has said the Switch version of the title will remain available.
Forgotten Memories: Remastered Edition (Psychose Interactive)
Pre-orders for this third-person survival horror game open today ahead of its iOS and Android release on October 28, Gematsu reports. With 2015’s original Forgotten Memories costing $3.99, you may have to pay for the Remastered Edition upfront too.
Gwen’s Getaway (Ubisoft)
As we reported earlier this week, Ubisoft’s spin on the ‘Scapes genre has been cancelled after around a year in soft launch.
