A new adventure awaits everyone’s favorite female explorer. First announced at The Game Awards 2025, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis reimagines Lara Croft’s genre-defining 1996 debut for a new generation. The upcoming title follows the legendary adventurer as she battles dinosaurs, panthers and human enemies; navigates treacherous environments and races to uncover the secrets of […]
A new adventure awaits everyone’s favorite female explorer. First announced at The Game Awards 2025, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis reimagines Lara Croft’s genre-defining 1996 debut for a new generation. The upcoming title follows the legendary adventurer as she battles dinosaurs, panthers and human enemies; navigates treacherous environments and races to uncover the secrets of […]
Transforming iconic characters into delicious works of art.
Pokémon is a beloved franchise, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in Japan who has not heard of it, even if they have never personally interacted with any of its media. Through collaborations with famous brands from all areas of the market, the cute and charming character designs can be seen in many places throughout the country.
Despite both being of Japanese origin, the combination of a 161-year-old traditional Japanese confe
Transforming iconic characters into delicious works of art.
Pokémon is a beloved franchise, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in Japan who has not heard of it, even if they have never personally interacted with any of its media. Through collaborations with famous brands from all areas of the market, the cute and charming character designs can be seen in many places throughout the country.
Despite both being of Japanese origin, the combination of a 161-year-old traditional Japanese confectionery maker and an electric mouse and its friends may not be the natural pairing for most people. However, over the last few years, the shop Shichijo Kanshundo has been releasing delightful treats that blend history with pop culture, and from May 11, they have expanded that lineup with another set of four Pokémon kyo-gashi (traditional Kyoto-style sweets).
The shop is renowned for its jonamagashi, which are handmade by craftsmen one by one. While these sweets, traditionally served during tea ceremonies, typically reflect the changing seasons or classical poetry, Shichijo Kanshundo is using their delicate artistry to bring Eevee and Poltchageist into the physical world.
The Eevee sweet is crafted using nerikiri, a traditional mixture of sweet white bean paste, starch syrup, and gyuhi (glutinous rice flour) that artisans sculpt by hand into intricate, soft shapes. Poltchageist is made as a jonyo manju, a light, fluffy steamed bun made with yam, sugar, and joyo-ko (fine rice flour).
These two Pokémon join two others that were previously released to form this new set of four: Shaymin (Land Forme) and Oricorio (Sensu Style). Shaymin is a kinton, made by crumbling white bean paste or nerikiri into a soboro (ground/crumb-like) state and applying it around a core of bean paste. Oricorio, on the other hand, is expressed using uiro, a Japanese sweet made by adding sugar and water to rice flour, among other ingredients, and steaming it until firm, which results in a chewy texture. The set costs 2,916 yen (US$18) and, since they’re made without unnecessary preservatives, are best enjoyed immediately.
Catching these sweets requires a little bit of extra planning, because the physical store in Kyoto only sells these sets on their special sales event on the seventh of every month, so starting June 7, visitors will be able to pick some up on the afternoon stroll through one of Kyoto’s most historic neighborhoods near Sanjusangendo Temple.
There is another method to get your hands on them earlier: you can order them online and receive them directly at your home, although they will be delivered frozen. However, that also means you don’t need to enjoy them all at once, and can take your time to savor the flavors over a period of 14 days from the date of shipment.
If you do happen to find yourself in the Higashiyama area in Kyoto on the seventh of a month, though, be sure to stop by the shop early. These limited-edition treats are a wonderful way to experience Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship, even if you’re not a dedicated Pokémon fan.
Store information
Shichijo Kanshundo / 七條甘春堂
Address: Kyoto-fu, Higashiyama-ku, Shichijo-doori, Nishinomon-cho 551-banchi
京都市東山区七条通西の門町551番地
Open 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Closed January 1 Website
IO Interactive would like to reintroduce you to the man who needs no introduction. Next to Godzilla, James Bond is one of pop culture’s longest running film franchises. From Sean Connery to Timothy Dalton to Daniel Craig, there’s been many iterations of the swaggering international super spy but none that showcase his humble beginnings until […]
IO Interactive would like to reintroduce you to the man who needs no introduction. Next to Godzilla, James Bond is one of pop culture’s longest running film franchises. From Sean Connery to Timothy Dalton to Daniel Craig, there’s been many iterations of the swaggering international super spy but none that showcase his humble beginnings until […]
Get it Together, 2021!
Here is our list of best-animated video games of the year so far. With blockbuster releases that blew our minds and returning franchises, here are games every video gamer should check out!
If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment!
2021 Best Animated Video Games
Resident Evil Village
Photo Credit: Resident Evil Village
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, PC, Google StadiaDid somebody say, Lady Dimitrescu?
Resident Evil Village may not be up t
Here is our list of best-animated video games of the year so far. With blockbuster releases that blew our minds and returning franchises, here are games every video gamer should check out!
If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment!
2021 Best Animated Video Games
Resident Evil Village
Photo Credit: Resident Evil Village
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, PC, Google Stadia
Did somebody say, Lady Dimitrescu?
Resident Evil Village may not be up to par to Resident Evil 4 (Yes, they both happen to take place in a village/ countryside). Resident Evil Village has some memorable foes, and graphics. I expect this game to get many nominations for best video game of the year. Glad to see the franchise still going strong, but the real question is when will we finally be able to have a Resident Evil that stars the return of, Jill Valentine?
It Takes Two
Photo Credit: It Takes Two
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, PC
Just the two of us?
A co-op video game that stars a married couple planning on getting a divorce. This game may sound depressing but the gameplay is certainly not. The game has received generally favorable reviews and many mini games are included. A prenup may or may not be included.
Genesis Noir
Photo Credit: Genesis Noir
Platforms: Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac
Is this game bigger than the Big Bang?
A point-and-click adventure video game set before, during, and after the Big Bang.
To save your love, you must stop the expansion of the universe. The graphics of this video game are very nostalgic. A combination of a crime mystery enriched in a video game.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Photo Credit: Mass Effect
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Legendary!?
Mass Effect has accumulated many followers is an understatement. This remastered and optimized three game pack allows you to customize and personalize your character across a galaxy in turmoil.
Little Nightmares 2
Photo Credit: Little Nightmares 2
Platforms: Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, Playstation, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series
A puzzle-platform horror adventure game and a prequel to the 2017’s Little Nightmares. The story revolve around Mono, who must work together too survive the City of Pale. This game has some twists and turns and just in case, you may want to grab a paper bag.
WarioWare: Get It Together!
Photo Credit: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
I repeat, please reread that video game title. This legendary arcade mini game is officially back! This comedic video game has over 200 mini games packed with a serious punch. This game will have you laughing all the way through. This is a hardcore version of Mario Party.
Special sweets designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and cool you off in the summer heat.
This year is Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, and the franchise is celebrating in style at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, with the hotel offering amazing Pokémon-themed rooms including one with 30 Pikachu plushies to keep guests company during their stay. But what if you’ve already got a place to sleep in Tokyo? Does that mean you have to miss out on the collaboration’s fun?
Not at all, because the Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s
Special sweets designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and cool you off in the summer heat.
This year is Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, and the franchise is celebrating in style at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, with the hotel offering amazing Pokémon-themed rooms including one with 30 Pikachu plushies to keep guests company during their stay. But what if you’ve already got a place to sleep in Tokyo? Does that mean you have to miss out on the collaboration’s fun?
Not at all, because the Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s restaurants are also part of the party, and they’re offering both sweet and savory Pokémon-themed eats all summer long!
Starting things off is the Sora Tobu Pikachu (“Pikachu in the Sky”) Gourmet Burger Set, with a Pikachu-yellow bun, the Hyatt’s original barbecue sauce, and jalapeno pickles. It’s accompanied by curry powder French fries and chilled corn soup, and to drink you get a “Pikachu soda,” which looks to be an ice cream float with boba-style tapioca balls too.
The Pikachu burger is available in the hotel’s Oak Door steakhouse restaurant, but just like wild Pokémon appear in different parts of their regions, there are other Pikachus at the Hyatt’s Fiorentina cafe, which is adding a Sora Tobu Pikachu Summer Parfait to its menu.
Since this is a parfait to be enjoyed during one of Japan’s notoriously hot and humid summers, this dessert bypasses heavy chocolate or caramel sauces. Instead, the key ingredients are mascarpone mousse, peach gelatin infused with butterfly pea, and coconut gelatin, for visuals evocative of a bright blue sky and puffy clouds. The “balloons” that are carrying Pikachu on this flight are actually orbs of frozen mousse in mango, orange, pistachio, blueberry, and raspberry flavors.
And there’s still one more place to score some Pokémon treats. Head to the Hyatt’s Fiorentina Pastry Boutique and you can pick up a Pokémon 30th Anniversary Mango Cake.
This fancy cake has layers of mango and coconut jelly inside almond sponge cake, topped with mango mouse and a bouquet’s worth of mango slices arranged in the shape of roses. But even with all those floral flourishes, fans’ eyes will be drawn to the pair of Pikachu chocolates.
For those looking for permanent reminders of their Pokémon sweets sessions, Fiorentina can also supply Grand Adventure Sweets Trunk Cases, with Pikachu mango cookies, Eevee coffee chocolate cookies, and Gen-1 starter trio chocolates in a bundle with a special tote bag and lunchbox-style case.
…or Grand Adventure Baton Chocolate sets, with an assortment of gourmet chocolates and the tote.
▼ The cookies and starter trio chocolates can also be purchased by themselves, if you’ve already got your carrying equipment needs sorted.
As for pricing, the intricate decadence of the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Mango Cake puts it at 12,600 yen (US$81). The Pikachu burger set, meanwhile, is 6,600 yen, and the parfait 3,520. The Sweets Trunk Case and Baton Chocolate sets are 7,500 and 6,800 yen, respectively. The by-themselves chocolates are 2,200 yen, and Pikachu and Eevee cookie boxes are 1,200 each.
The Pokémon/Grand Hyatt Tokyo collaboration runs from June 20 to August 31, but reservations can already be made for the burger, parfait, and cake through the hotel’s website. Reservations are highly recommended for the burger and parfait, as they’re limited to quantities of 20 each daily, and reservations of at least three days in advance are required to purchase the Pikachu cake.
Pikachu and Gyarados invite you to come by for a relaxing soak as Noto town recovers from disaster.
A lot of storylines in the Pokémon anime and video games follow the journeys of Pokémon Trainers as they roam far and wide in search of rare Pocket Monsters as part of their training to become Pokémon Masters. No matter how strong your resolve is to be the very best, though, eventually you’re going to need to take some time to stop and rest along the way. Likewise, if your real-life travels take
Pikachu and Gyarados invite you to come by for a relaxing soak as Noto town recovers from disaster.
A lot of storylines in the Pokémon anime and video games follow the journeys of Pokémon Trainers as they roam far and wide in search of rare Pocket Monsters as part of their training to become Pokémon Masters. No matter how strong your resolve is to be the very best, though, eventually you’re going to need to take some time to stop and rest along the way. Likewise, if your real-life travels take you to Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, there’s now a Pokémon-themed hot spring where you can rejuvenate yourself.
You’ll find this place in the town of Nanao, on the Noto Peninsula. This part of the prefecture is part of the collection of communities called Wakura Onsen, which has a number of onsen (hot spring) inns. Many of these facilities were damaged during a powerful earthquake that struck the peninsula in 2024, but the latest sign of the region’s recovery comes with the completion of renovations to the ashiyu foot bath in Yuttari Park. Earlier this month, the foot bath reopened following renovations, and visitors can now enjoy a soak in the company of several different Pokémon, including Pikachu, Gyarados, Vaporeon, and Psyduck!
The photos of the now-open facility show that the designers have done a fantastic job delivering on the promises of the concept renders. The footbath uses legitimate hot spring water, but unlike with a full-fledged onsen, visitors don’t have to be nude to make use of it. Just slip off your shoes and socks, the slide your feet in. Since you’re not completely submerged, you won’t need anything more than a hand towel or handkerchief to dry yourself off afterwards either, making this equally appealing to those looking for a long soak or sightseers who just want a quick Poké-relaxation session before moving on to the rest of their itinerary (such as tracking down the area’s Pokémon manhole covers). Aside from the obvious appeal of the Pokémon statues and murals, the foot bath also faces out onto the waters of the bay adjacent to the park, so you get some beautiful natural scenery to admire as well.
And as cool as the place is, it won’t cost you a single yen to use. Wakura Pokémon Footbath is completely free, and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location information
Wakura Pokémon Footbath / わくらポケモン足湯
Address: Ishikawa-ken, Nanao-shi, Wakuramachi Hibari 1-1
石川県七尾市和倉町ひばり1丁目1番地
Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Kingdom Hearts fans have become experts at surviving on scraps. Since Kingdom Hearts 4 was announced in 2022, every screenshot, anniversary message, and cryptic social media post has been dissected for clues about where Sora's story is headed next. That long drought finally ended during today's Nintendo Direct, which featured a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4 and confirmed that the highly anticipated sequel is also headed to Nintendo Switch 2 alongside PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Kingdom Hearts fans have become experts at surviving on scraps. Since Kingdom Hearts 4 was announced in 2022, every screenshot, anniversary message, and cryptic social media post has been dissected for clues about where Sora's story is headed next. That long drought finally ended during today's Nintendo Direct, which featured a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4 and confirmed that the highly anticipated sequel is also headed to Nintendo Switch 2 alongside PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
There is something captivating about the high fantasy genre that has made it a staple of storytelling and worldbuilding in all varieties of media. From masterfully crafted novels like The Lord of the Rings trilogy to exceptional films like The Dark Crystal and The NeverEnding Story, high fantasy will continue to be explored no matter the medium. It has also seamlessly translated to the world of video games, with there being standout high fantasy experiences ever since the early days of the mediu
There is something captivating about the high fantasy genre that has made it a staple of storytelling and worldbuilding in all varieties of media. From masterfully crafted novels like The Lord of the Rings trilogy to exceptional films like The Dark Crystal and The NeverEnding Story, high fantasy will continue to be explored no matter the medium. It has also seamlessly translated to the world of video games, with there being standout high fantasy experiences ever since the early days of the medium.
Ikebukuro Pokémon superstore and Pikachu dessert cafe won’t be reopening until nearly half a year after murder.
In late March, the Pokémon Center superstore in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro neighborhood, also known as the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, became the scene of a tragedy as a 21-year-old worker was stabbed and murdered. The store, as well as the Pikachu Sweets cafe located a short distance away within the same shopping center, were immediately closed down for an indefinite period of time, and a num
Ikebukuro Pokémon superstore and Pikachu dessert cafe won’t be reopening until nearly half a year after murder.
In late March, the Pokémon Center superstore in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro neighborhood, also known as the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, became the scene of a tragedy as a 21-year-old worker was stabbed and murdered. The store, as well as the Pikachu Sweets cafe located a short distance away within the same shopping center, were immediately closed down for an indefinite period of time, and a number of events scheduled for April were cancelled at all other branches of the Pokémon Center chain, which has locations across Japan.
Initially, it seemed as if the Ikebukuro Pokémon Center might be reopening in early May, to coincide with the resumption of in-store events as well as Japan’s Golden Week spring vacation period. Golden Week came and went with the store’s shutters still closed, however, and they’re going to remain shut for several months more, as the Pokémon Company has announced that the Ikebukuro Pokémon Center will not be reopening until “around September.” The same timetable has been announced for the reopening of the Pikachu Sweets cafe, which has also remained closed since the incident.
▼ Pikachu Sweets is located on the same floor of the Sunshine City shopping mall as the Ikebukuro Pokémon Center, with the two stores less than a minute’s walk away from each other, but there is no indication that either the victim or murderer was at the cafe on the day of the stabbing.
No statement has been made about whether there will be any changes to the stores’ physical layouts, admission procedures, or any other aspects of its operations. With the murderer of the victim being an ex-boyfriend who was stalking her, the stabbing hasn’t been perceived as a sign of violence related towards Pokémon Center employees or Pokémon fans themselves, but the stabbing was still a shocking demonstration of vulnerabilities in the store’s security protocols, and with Pokémon Centers regularly being packed with customers, many of them children, on weekends and holidays, the Pokémon Company is no doubt feeling a need to rethink and retool how it handles guest safety issues.
Paramount is reconstituting its video game operation, launching a new game studio and setting a leadership team for the division. Like its media peers, the company has deployed various strategies over the years in the sector, which has historically not been a straightforward process for Hollywood despite all of its established IP. Ramping up in […]
Paramount is reconstituting its video game operation, launching a new game studio and setting a leadership team for the division. Like its media peers, the company has deployed various strategies over the years in the sector, which has historically not been a straightforward process for Hollywood despite all of its established IP. Ramping up in […]
The Batman returns. This new chapter in TT Games’ history sees implementation of one of the most comprehensive Lego Batman game titles to date in Legacy of the Dark Knight. The fourth game in the Lego Batman franchise, which started back in 2008 with Lego Batman: The Videogame, is Batcave packed to the brim with […]
The Batman returns. This new chapter in TT Games’ history sees implementation of one of the most comprehensive Lego Batman game titles to date in Legacy of the Dark Knight. The fourth game in the Lego Batman franchise, which started back in 2008 with Lego Batman: The Videogame, is Batcave packed to the brim with […]
Tokyo’s new video game/anime eatery has a lot to love (and eat).
June 12 is the grand opening of the brand-new Square Enix Cafe in downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood, and the eatery has released a sneak peek at what’s going to be on the menu. As you might expect, food and beverages inspired by the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest franchises will be on offer, but there’s one other dark-horse candidate for your dining and drinking attention, and an anime/manga mega-hit too.
Beginning with Fina
Tokyo’s new video game/anime eatery has a lot to love (and eat).
June 12 is the grand opening of the brand-new Square Enix Cafe in downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood, and the eatery has released a sneak peek at what’s going to be on the menu. As you might expect, food and beverages inspired by the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest franchises will be on offer, but there’s one other dark-horse candidate for your dining and drinking attention, and an anime/manga mega-hit too.
Beginning with Final Fantasy, the entrée options are the Chocobo and Moogle Spice Curry, milder Moogle Kids Curry…
…Chocobo and Friends Burger Plate (with a special appearance by Cactuar on one of its mini buns), and Chocobo Balanced Salad, designed as a for-humans equivalent of the Gysahl Greens so loved by the avian steeds.
And for dessert, Final Fantasy fans can look forward to the FF Version Purin Parfait, a Japanese-style custard pudding served in a classy cocktail glass with toppings including a marshmallow Chocobo and ice cream.
The “FF Version” part of the name suggests the existence of other pudding parfaits as well, and the DQ Version, of course, stars Dragon Quest’s adorable Slime.
The DQ mascot monster also appears in the Slimes Draw Near Jiggly Sweets Plate…
…and there are savory Slime plates too, such as the Healslime Burger Basket, in which the restorative creature’s tentacles are represented by a sliced sausage, and the Taco Rice-Style Hamburger Plate with Bubble Slime On Top.
Getting back to that third video game inspiration we mentioned, it’s none other than Nier: Automata, whose version of the purin parfait gives you a triple dose of Emil marshmallows…
…and his smiling (?) face is also present in the Lunar Tear Milk Tea Float plate.
Things get a little abstract with the 2B YoRHa Skirt-style Crepe Salad (with edible bamboo charcoal the most likely ingredient giving it its color), and things get really abstract with the On-Site Procurement Bullet Hell Pasta, meant to evoke memories of the enemy bullet barrages in the game’s shooting segments.
Now we come to the anime/manga part of the menu, which is saluting Fullmetal Alchemist.
Though Square Enix is most famous for video games, the company is also a major manga publisher, and within Japan handles the tale of brothers Al and Ed Elric, who are featured in a purin parfait, plus steamed buns with sweet custard and savory stew fillings. Fellow alchemist Roy Mustang also contributes to the menu with a Flame Alchemist shrimp pasta topped with shredded chili for extra heat.
Drinks come in two tiers, with the fancier ones consisting of a Final Fantasy Potion, Dragon Quest Traveler’s Healing Herb Set, and Fullmetal Alchemist Dwarf in the Flask.
The lower drink tier is made up of standard soft drinks such as coffee, tea, cola, orange juice, and melon soda. The cold drinks come with your choice of illustrated cup sleeve…
…while hot drinks let you pick one of two latte art designs per series.
The Square Enix Cafe has a service charge of 1,200 yen (US$7.60) per person, but that price does include one lower-tier drink of your choice, plus an illustrated placemat (you can pick which title you want, but the exact design is random).
▼ In keeping with Nier’s unabashed weirdness, its placemats are vertically oriented.
And as anyone who’s been to one knows, you can’t have a proper themed cafe in Japan without art coasters, and you’ll receive one at random when ordering any of a series’ associated food items or premium drinks.
Prices for the premium drinks and desserts are generally in the 1,000-1,500 yen range, with most of the main dishes priced between 1,500 and 2,200 yen (though the Fullmetal Alchemist steamed buns are just 770 yen each).
Again, the Square Enix Cafe’s grand opening takes place on June 12, and while walk-ins are allowed if space is available, reservations can be made through the restaurant’s website.
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