TECHMASH

Tag: #BandaiNamco

  • Clear the Skies: ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Officially Locks in October 2026 Release Date

    Clear the Skies: ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Officially Locks in October 2026 Release Date

    Virtual pilots, prepare for takeoff. Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe has officially dropped the launch details for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™, and the franchise’s highly anticipated return to the skies is closer than you think.

    Whether you are a seasoned Strangereal veteran or a newcomer looking to pull off high-G turns, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming release date, pre-order perks, and the franchise’s first-ever Premium Ace Pass.

    The Launch Window: When Can You Fly?

    Mark your calendars and ready your flight suits. Bandai Namco has confirmed that the global release schedule will roll out in waves depending on how eager you are to get into the cockpit:

    • Early Access: 29 September 2026 (Available for Digital Deluxe Edition holders)
    • Official Global Launch: 2 October 2026

    The game will be taking flight on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

    Welcome to Joker Flight: What We Know So Far

    Developed by Project Aces and Bandai Namco Aces, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE plunges players back into the beloved fictional universe of Strangereal. The campaign sets a cinematic, high-stakes stage: your homeland’s navy is shattered, the Federation of Central Usea is occupied following an invasion by the Republic of Sotoa, and you must step into the shoes of an elite pilot carrying the legendary, morale-boosting callsign “Wings of Theve.”

    You won’t be flying solo. Throughout the campaign, you’ll be leading Joker Flight, a tight-knit squadron featuring:

    • Ellington “Professor” Baxter (No. 2, Major)
    • Tasha Seversky (No. 3)
    • William “Noise” Coster (No. 4, Captain)

    Built on Unreal Engine 5 and utilising advanced cloud technology, the game promises photorealistic, multi-layered cloudscapes, intense giant weapon boss battles, and a massive online multiplayer mode featuring custom avatars and interactive air base lobbies.

    Pre-Order Bonuses: Nostalgia Takes Flight

    Bandai Namco is rewarding players who secure their copy early with a massive nod to franchise history. All digital pre-orders will include:

    • Playable Aircraft: The iconic F-14A.
    • A Blast From the Past: A digital port of the 2006 fan-favourite classic, ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE Belkan War (internet connection required to download).

    Introducing the Premium Ace Pass

    In a franchise first, Bandai Namco is introducing the Premium Ace Pass system to support the game’s expansive live-service elements and online multiplayer infrastructure.

    While full seasonal details are still under wraps, the pass is designed to give pilots a steady stream of content, custom cosmetics, and aircraft variations to take into the brand-new cross-platform multiplayer modes.

    Deluxe Edition Perk: Players who pick up the Digital Deluxe Edition won’t just get the 3-day early access on 29 September; it also comes bundled with a PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher and an exclusive customizable cosmetic set to make your aircraft stand out in the online lobbies from day one.

    Are you opting for early access or waiting for the general launch? Let us know which fighter jet you’ll be unlocking first!

    Find out more here

    #AceCombat8 #WingsOfTheve #BandaiNamco #GamingNews #FlightSim

  • 30 Years in the Clouds: Ace Combat 7 Gets the Memorial Movie Treatment

    30 Years in the Clouds: Ace Combat 7 Gets the Memorial Movie Treatment

    The “Skies Unknown” are looking a little more nostalgic today. As Project Aces continues its year-long victory lap for the Ace Combat 30th Anniversary, the latest stop on the journey brings us back to the game that revitalised the franchise: Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.

    Bandai Namco has officially released the Ace Combat 7 Memorial Movie, a high-octane retrospective celebrating the title that proved flight action games still have a massive, dedicated audience in the modern era.

    A Bridge Between Eras

    Released in 2019, Ace Combat 7 was more than just another sequel. It was a lifeline for fans who had waited over a decade for a return to the “Strangereal” universe. The Memorial Movie highlights exactly why AC7 became the best-selling entry in the franchise, surpassing 6 million units sold earlier this year.

    The trailer leans heavily into the game’s signature atmosphere:

    • The Return to Strangereal: Re-visiting the Lighthouse War and the iconic International Space Elevator.
    • Technological Marvels: Clips of the terrifying Arsenal Bird and the sleek UAV Swarms that defined the game’s combat.
    • The Hero’s Journey: Reminding us of Trigger’s rise from a disgraced convict in Spare Squadron to the Three Strikes of the Long Range Strategic Strike Group.

    The Road to Ace Combat 8

    While these memorial videos (which have covered everything from the PS1 original to the cult-classic Infinity) are a trip down memory lane, they serve a dual purpose. They are building the hype train for the recently announced Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, slated for release later in 2026.

    By showcasing the evolution of the series—from 32-bit polygons to the photorealistic clouds of AC7—Project Aces is reminding us of the DNA that will be present in the next-gen sequel.

    Where to Watch

    The Ace Combat 7 Memorial Movie is available now on the official Bandai Namco YouTube channel and the ACES WEB anniversary portal. Whether you’re a veteran who flew through the Space Elevator or a newcomer who joined via the recent Nintendo Switch Deluxe Edition, it’s a must-watch three minutes of pure, unadulterated “Fox Two” energy.

    Note: If you haven’t checked out the previous memorial movies, the Ace Combat 3 and Ace Combat Zero videos are particularly worth a watch for that “Spanish Guitar” and “Electro-Cyberpunk” nostalgia hit.

    What was your favourite moment from the Lighthouse War? Was it the duel with Mihaly, or that claustrophobic flight through the tunnel? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://www.acecombat.jp/

    #ACECOMBAT30th #ACECOMBAT7 #MemorialMovie #acecombat #bandainamco #pilots #fighterpilot #aircraft #dogfights #videogames #gaming #gamers

  • Nana Shimura Takes Flight: New DLC Trailer for MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice

    Nana Shimura Takes Flight: New DLC Trailer for MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice

    Fans of the My Hero Academia universe, it’s time to start smiling. Bandai Namco has officially dropped the character trailer for the second DLC fighter in MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice, and it’s none other than the legendary seventh wielder of One For All: Nana Shimura.

    Following the successful launch of Star and Stripe earlier this year, Nana Shimura arrives to remind us all why she was the mentor to the Symbol of Peace.

    The Master of Flight and Might

    The new trailer showcases Nana’s dual-quirk mastery, blending raw power with high-speed aerial mobility. While we’ve seen her in flashbacks and during the emotional peaks of the anime, seeing her fully playable in the “Final War” setting of All’s Justice is a treat for lore enthusiasts.

    Key Gameplay Highlights:

    • The “Float” Quirk: Unlike most characters who rely on dashes or leaps, Nana’s “Float” allows for sustained aerial combat and unique vertical positioning that can easily bypass ground-based zoning.
    • One For All Synergy: Her melee strikes carry the signature weight and “impact” effects fans expect from the lineage, allowing her to chain devastating 3v3 tag-team combos.
    • The Iconic Smile: Staying true to her philosophy that “those who smile are the strongest,” Nana features unique victory animations and mid-fight taunts that emphasise her role as a beacon of hope.

    Release Schedule & Availability

    Nana Shimura officially joins the roster this week. Here is when you can get your hands on the DLC:

    PlatformRelease Date
    PC (Steam)Out Now (Released May 6)
    PlayStation 5May 7, 2026 (Local Midnight)
    Xbox Series X|SMay 7, 2026 (Local Midnight)

    Note: Nana Shimura is the second of five planned DLC characters. If you own the Season Pass ($24.99 / £19.99), she will unlock automatically. Otherwise, she is available as a standalone purchase.

    What’s Next for All’s Justice?

    With Nana Shimura now in the fray, the Season Pass roadmap is heating up. Bandai Namco has confirmed three more fighters are on the way to round out the 2026/2027 content cycle:

    1. Character 3: Expected July – September 2026
    2. Character 4: Expected October – December 2026
    3. Character 5: Expected Q1 2027

    Whether you’re diving into the Team Up Mission mode or taking the fight online in ranked 3v3 battles, Nana Shimura adds a much-needed layer of verticality to the meta.

    Are you ready to carry on the legacy of One For All? Check out the full trailer below and let us know who you hope to see in the third DLC slot!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2362050

    #MYHEROACADEMIA #AllsJustice #NanaShimura #DLC #manga #bandainamco #scifi #3v3battles #MHA #MHAAJ #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • The Skies Are Calling: Everything We Know About Ace Combat 8

    The Skies Are Calling: Everything We Know About Ace Combat 8

    Strap in, nuggets. It’s been a long wait since the roaring success of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, but the radar is finally picking up a massive signal. Project Aces has officially confirmed that the next instalment in the legendary flight-action franchise is in development.

    While the official subtitle—rumoured by some to be Wings of Theve—remains a point of intense community speculation, the hype is reaching Mach 2. Here’s a breakdown of what we know about the future of Strangereal.

    A New Engine for a New Era

    For the first time in the series’ history, Project Aces is moving away from its proprietary tools to embrace Unreal Engine 5. What does this mean for you?

    • Volumetric Clouds 2.0: Expect even more realistic weather effects that impact flight physics.
    • Unrivalled Scale: Larger maps with higher-fidelity ground assets (no more “paper houses” when flying low).
    • Global Illumination: Seeing the sun glint off your F-22’s cockpit while reflecting the ocean below will look more cinematic than ever.

    The Story: Returning to Strangereal

    While Bandai Namco is keeping the plot under wraps, the “Theve” rumour suggests we might be exploring a brand-new region of the Strangereal world map.

    Theory Crafting: If “Theve” refers to a specific nation or a legendary pilot from Osean or Yuktobanian lore, we could be looking at a prequel covering the early days of the Great War, or a direct sequel dealing with the power vacuum left after the collapse of the Lighthouse state.

    Expected Gameplay Features

    FeatureWhat We Expect
    Aircraft RosterA mix of 5th-gen fighters (F-35, Su-57) and classic “legacy” birds like the F-14 Tomcat.
    VR IntegrationDeep support for PSVR2 and PC-based headsets for total cockpit immersion.
    Co-op MissionsHigh on the fan wishlist; the ability to fly as a coordinated wingman in a dedicated campaign mode.
    The “Superplane”A new fictional experimental aircraft to rival the Falken or the Raven.

    Why the Wait?

    Director Kazutoyo Kono has been vocal about wanting to “exceed expectations.” With Ace Combat 7 surpassing 5 million copies sold, the budget for Ace Combat 8 is reportedly the highest in the series’ history. They aren’t just building a game; they’re building the next decade of flight combat.

    Final Thoughts

    Whether it’s called Wings of Theve or something else entirely, one thing is certain: the “Aces” are back. The combination of UE5 visuals and the series’s signature operatic storytelling is a recipe for a masterpiece.

    Stay tuned to TechMash for the latest briefings as they break. Dismissed!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2288340

    #ACECOMBAT8 #WINGSOFTHEVE #BandaiNamco #Steam #pilot #flying #warplanes #aircraft #games #gaming #gamers

  • Get ready to deploy—the soul of the machine is about to wake up

    Get ready to deploy—the soul of the machine is about to wake up

    Super Robot Wars Y is expanding its roster with DLC 2: “Awakening of a Soul,” bringing a heavy-hitting lineup of classic and modern mecha to the frontline. Here is everything you need to know about the new drop:

    Release Schedule

    • Early Access (Season Pass): February 3, 2026
    • General Release: February 5, 2026
    • Free Update (v1.2.0): Drops today, February 2, for all players.

    New Playable Units

    The DLC adds 5 new units and characters, pulling from fan-favourite series:

    • Steel Jeeg (Kotetsu Jeeg)
    • Getter Robot (Getter Robot: The Jet-Black Drifters)
    • Da-Garn X / Great Da-Garn GX (The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn)
    • Assist Crew: 1 new member joining the Support Link system.

    Mission Content

    • 16 Area Missions: New side stories and recruitment scenarios.
    • 10 Onboard Missions: Extra challenges and dialogue events to flesh out the roster interactions.

    The Free v1.2.0 Update

    Even if you don’t grab the DLC, today’s patch is a game-changer:

    • Battle Rush 2: An evolved survival mode now spanning 20 waves.
    • Level Cap Increase: Pilots can now reach Level 150 (up from 99).
    • Stat Cap Unlock: Pilot stat enhancement cap raised to +50.
    • STG Memory Expansion: New nodes added to the skill tree for deeper customisation.

    Whether you’re looking to field the legendary Brave series or just want to break the level cap with your favourite Gundam pilots, this update is a massive boost to the endgame.

    Find out more here – https://spr.ly/60577VrEN

    #SuperRobotWarsY #DLC #AwakeningofaSoul #Gundam #Missions

    #BandaiNamco #earlyaccess #seasonpass #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • One Piece Pirate Warriors! Set sail for the ultimate showdown!

    One Piece Pirate Warriors! Set sail for the ultimate showdown!

    The wait is over, Pirates! DLC Character Pack 8: Special Selection Pack for ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 has officially launched, bringing three fan-favourite powerhouses to the battlefield!

    Chosen by the community, these legendary fighters are ready to tear through thousands of enemies with all-new movesets and devastating transformations:

    Eneru

    The “God” of Skypiea returns! Use the lightning-fast powers of the Goro Goro no Mi to strike down your foes from above and unleash massive area-of-effect electrical discharges.

    King

    The “Conflagration” and the right-hand of Kaido join the roster. Switch between his humanoid and beast-human forms to burn through the opposition with Lunarian fire and powerful aerial strikes.

    Z (Zephyr)

    The former Marine Admiral and leader of the Neo Marines is here to enforce his own brand of justice. Smash through defences with his massive Smasher arm and overwhelming Armament Haki.

    Available Now on:

    • PlayStation 5 & PlayStation 4
    • Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One
    • Nintendo Switch & Switch 2
    • PC (Steam)

    Whether you’re grabbing the pack individually or as part of Character Pass 3, it’s time to head back to the Grand Line and show them who the real Pirate King is!

    Find out more here – https://www.bandainamcoent.com

    #OPPW4 #OnePiece #PirateWarriors4 #Eneru #BandaiNamco #King #Zephyr #OnePieceDLC #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • One Year in Amasia: Celebrating SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada’s First Anniversary!

    One Year in Amasia: Celebrating SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada’s First Anniversary!

    One year ago today, the bond between Drifter and Magus was forged in the ruins of the old world. Through the Bluecyst rain and the dangers of the surface, you’ve proven that humanity’s spirit can’t be washed away.

    Happy 1st Anniversary, Drifters!

    • 365 days of:
    • Hunting AO Crystals
    • Customising Cradlecoffins
    • Braving the Rain
    • Bonding with our Magus

    We’re just getting started. Thank you for being part of the SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada family! Here’s to many more years of exploration and adventure.

    Find out more here – https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/synduality/synduality

    #Synduality #EchoOfAda #BandaiNamco #MechaAnime #videogames #gaming #gamers #games #exploration #adventure

  • EMBRACE THE DARKNESS! Season 15 of MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE is LIVE!

    EMBRACE THE DARKNESS! Season 15 of MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE is LIVE!

    The shadows are taking over the arena! We are officially kicking off Season 15, and the meta is about to get a major Class 1-A shakeup. Whether you’re a pro hero or a rising villain, there’s a massive amount of new content waiting for you!

    Here’s what’s dropping in Season 15:

    NEW CHARACTER: Fumikage Tokoyami, Class 1-A’s master of the shadows, has arrived! Harness the power of Dark Shadow to overwhelm your enemies with high-pressure Assault tactics.

    • Black Ankh: Boost your melee and mobility!
    • Twin Wings of the Black Arm: Take to the skies with mid-air gliding and vertical leaps.

    NEW STAGE: Neo Academia Step into the anime’s final chapter! Battle across iconic locations, including the Coffin in the Sky, Todoroki House, and Jaku City Hospital. This map is all about verticality—watch your back!

    COMING SOON: New Battle Styles Get ready for Nejire Hado’s “Fairy” Support style (dropping Feb 4) and new ways to play your favourites like Hawks, Kaminari, and Mirio throughout the season!

    FRESH DRIP Unlock exclusive “Cyber Hero” and “Armour of the Abyss” costumes. Plus, don’t miss the new Mission Events to snag Midoriya’s U.A. Track Suit and Monoma’s Hero Costume!

    Free to play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

    Who are you maining this season? Tag your Trio and let’s dominate Neo Academia!

    Find out more here – https://www.bandainamcoent.com

    #MyHeroUltraRumble #MHUR #Season15 #bandainamco #Tokoyami #MyHeroAcademia #AnimeGaming #PlusUltra #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Who is your ride-or-die partner for CODE VEIN II?

    Who is your ride-or-die partner for CODE VEIN II?

    THE BLOOD VEIN AWAKENS once again.

    The mist is clearing, but the nightmare is far from over. Get ready to dive back into a world of ruined beauty and brutal challenges in CODE VEIN II – Revenant Springs.

    New Blood Codes, massive bosses, and a deeper look into the mystery of the Revenants await. Who’s ready to team up with their favourite AI partner and face the Thirst?

    • New Mechanics: Refined combat and expanded customisation.
    • New Story: Venture beyond the Gaol of the Mist.
    • Platform: Steam, Xbox Series X|S, or PlayStation

    Prepare your masks. The hunt begins soon.

    Find out more here – https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/code-vein/code-vein-2

    #CodeVein2 #RevenantSprings #BandaiNamco #AnimeSouls #GamingNews #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #codevein #bloodcodes

  • BANCHOS ASSEMBLE! Fists Collide Across Space and Time!

    BANCHOS ASSEMBLE! Fists Collide Across Space and Time!

    The Digital World is about to get a whole lot tougher! Bandai Namco has just dropped the official release date trailer for Digimon Story: Time Stranger | Additional Digimon & Episode Pack 2: GAKU-RAN, and the Banchos are ready to brawl!

    Release Date: January 22, 2026

    Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam)

    What’s Coming in Pack 2?

    Get ready to expand your roster and dive into a brand-new story arc:

    • The Bancho Squad: New Digivolution routes for the legendary “Bancho” group, including BanchoLillymon, BanchoStingmon, BanchoGolemon, and BanchoMamemon!
    • A Heroic New Form: Unlock the power of Omnimon: Merciful Mode to tip the scales of justice!
    • Special Episode: Dive into a new questline to rescue Hiroko Sagisaka from the clutches of Parallelmon in a dangerous alternate dimension.
    • The Ultimate Team-Up: Rally the Banchos to stand together in an epic showdown that fans have been waiting for!

    Pro Tip: This DLC is included for all Season Pass holders and owners of the Deluxe/Ultimate Editions. If you’re buying separately, look for it on your platform’s store this Thursday!

    Check out the trailer below to see the Banchos in action and witness their devastating Special Moves!

    Find out more here – https://shorturl.at/zL7CL

    #DigimonStory #TimeStranger #Digimon #GAKURAN #BandaiNamco #GamingNews #PS5 #Xbox #Steam #BanchoLeomon #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE gets a new trailer for Season 15

    MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE gets a new trailer for Season 15

    What better way for the team behind the MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE game to show off what is happening in the upcoming Season 15 than to offer a cool new trailer showing players what to expect?

    Well, here it is, and as expected, this is what players can expect: new playable character, costumes and battle style. Naturally, there is more, but we wouldn’t want to spoil all of your fun!

    The good news is that season 15 of the game is launching today on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC and Xbox.

    Find out more here https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/my-hero-ultra-rumble/

    #MYHEROULTRARUMBLE #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation #Windows #XboxOne #bandainamco #freetoplay #newseason #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Get ready, Z-Fighters! The journey through the Demon Realm is about to get even more intense

    Get ready, Z-Fighters! The journey through the Demon Realm is about to get even more intense

    The DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT – DAIMA-Adventure Through the Demon Realm Pack Part 2 is officially dropping, and it’s time to see what Goku (Mini) and his allies can really do!

    Here is what you can look forward to:

    • Epic New Story Arcs: Continue the mystery of the Demon Realm as seen in the Dragon Ball DAIMA anime.
    • New Playable Characters: Master new combat styles and flashy techniques unique to the DAIMA series.
    • New Exploration: Discover hidden secrets and breathtaking landscapes in parts of the Demon Realm we’ve never seen before.
    • Intense Boss Battles: Face off against powerful new foes that will test your RPG skills to the limit!

    Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or the brand-new lore, this DLC is a must-play for every Dragon Ball fan.

    Check out the trailer now and let us know: Which new character are you most excited to play as?

    Find out more here – https://shorturl.at/zGZCT

    #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #DBZKakarot #DragonBallDAIMA #GokuMini #DragonBallZ #VideoGames #DLC #BandaiNamco #ZWarriors