Significant shifts in rankings were detected this week. 'Zeus: God of Insolence', which was 10th last week, jumped eight spots to reach 2nd place, while 'Genshin Impact 7', bolstered by a major update, entered the rankings at 3rd. 'Onimusha: Path of the Blade' also debuted at 4th, meaning half of the top tier is now occupied by new releases and content.
Among existing hits, 'Dragon Sword: Awakening' fell two spots to 5th, while 'Blind Three Kingdoms' held its position at 6th. 'eBaseball Powerful Pro Baseball 2026' dropped two spots to 7th, and 'Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok' slipped one to 8th. 'Halo: Campaign Evolved', which fell out of the rankings last week, returned to the Top 10 at 9th, and Smilegate's new MMORPG 'Eclipse: The Awakening' entered at 10th.
This week's hot new release is the first DLC for 'Nioh 3', titled 'Keian Hell Change'. Launching on the 19th for PS5 and PC, this DLC sets the stage in Edo during the 1651 Keian era. The story follows protagonist Takechiyo as he travels through time to a future Edo, meeting new characters like Yagyu Jubei and the Spanish envoy Rodrigo to confront a conspiracy surrounding the Spirit Stones. With new fields, enemies, bosses, and weapon types, it promises to give players who finished the main game a reason to return.
Notable New Releases, Events, and Updates
The biggest update last week was undoubtedly 'Genshin Impact' version 7, 'The Land Not Loved by Gods'. Applied on the 12nd, this update officially launched the new storyline set in Snezhnaya, adding a massive amount of new Archon Quests, characters, and regional content. Notably, the opening of Snezhnaya—a region long mentioned only in lore—marks a major turning point in the overall story of 'Genshin Impact'. With new characters like Alyosha joining the roster, it has drawn attention as a major update capable of bringing back long-absent players.
On the same day, 'Overwatch' Season 4, 'Heroes of Busan', was applied. The protagonist of this season is the new tank hero 'D.Mon', and the story centers on her defending Busan alongside D.Va and the rest of the MEKA squad. The Busan, Paraíso, and Eichenwalde maps have been revamped, and the Battle Pass structure has been significantly overhauled to allow players to prioritize their desired rewards.
Notably, in Korea, the Season 4 update coincided with the official launch of Nexon's PC service for 'Overwatch'. The service system has been changed to allow players to link their existing Battle.net accounts with Nexon accounts, and Nexon has established a separate official website and management system. With the new Korean hero and the Busan-themed season update arriving on the same day as the domestic service transition, it represents a massive, coordinated shift aimed at Korean users.
JOYCITY's new online basketball game 'Freestyle Reboot' also officially launched its domestic service on the 13rd. While inheriting the 3v3 street basketball and street vibe of the original 2004 'Freestyle', this version uses a new engine to completely overhaul graphics and character movement. The core change is the competitive structure, which reduces the influence of equipment and item stats, ensuring that player skill and teamwork are more directly reflected in match results. JOYCITY plans to expand its service regions to global markets, including China, following the domestic launch.
This Week's ISSUE: "Welcome Back!" Which expansion packs and DLC are launching?
This week is notable for a high volume of DLC and expansion packs that extend the stories of existing hits rather than entirely new titles. First, Red Hook Studios' 'Darkest Dungeon' is introducing its first new DLC in about six years, 'The Fiery Edge'. New heroes from 'Darkest Dungeon 2', the Duelist and the Runaway, join the roster, alongside new combat systems like burn damage, accessory mechanics, and three new estate facilities. It is a welcome update for long-time fans, as it adds new variables to the original 'Darkest Dungeon', which had remained in a near-complete state for a long time.
On the 19th, the first DLC for 'Nioh 3', 'Keian Hell Change', launches. The setting shifts to Edo in the 1651 Keian era, and players will uncover events surrounding the Spirit Stones alongside new characters like Yagyu Jubei and the Spanish envoy Rodrigo. In addition to a new open field, it adds yokai, bosses, guardian spirits, and soul cores, as well as a new weapon type, the 'Spear-Shield', which can be used in both samurai and ninja styles. As the first major expansion of the story and combat system since the main game's release, it is one of the most anticipated DLCs this week for those who have been enjoying 'Nioh 3'.
'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl' is also releasing its first major story expansion, 'Coast of Hope', on the 20th. It expands the existing Zone narrative through new stories and regions, and a free 2 update will be applied on the same day. Since the 2 update will include improvements across existing systems and gameplay, it provides a great reason to return to the Zone regardless of whether you purchase the expansion.
Among entirely new titles, Cold Symmetry's action RPG 'Mortal Shell II' officially launches on the 20th. Inheriting the core system of possessing the bodies of other warriors, or 'shells', this entry emphasizes more aggressive combat without stamina constraints, broader weapon growth, and free exploration. The interconnected open world features over 80 dungeons, where players can acquire new shells, weapons, and abilities. With a significantly expanded scale and freedom compared to its predecessor, it is a must-watch for Soulslike fans.
There are also opportunities to experience new games early. 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4' will hold an Open Beta Early Access for pre-order customers from the 21st to the 25th. Available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, players can preview several multiplayer maps, modes, and up to 19 weapons. The official open beta for all users will begin one week later, on the 28th.
A large-scale offline event for 'Overwatch' fans will also be held in Busan this weekend. To commemorate the official launch of the domestic 'Overwatch' service, Nexon is hosting 'Overwatch Day' at BEXCO Exhibition Center 1 in Busan from the 22nd to the 23rd. The event will feature developer talks, creator special matches, a cosplay contest, and various participatory programs, with up to 5k participants per day. Following the Season 4 'Heroes of Busan' update, this event is expected to be highly meaningful for domestic fans as it brings the game to life in the city of Busan itself.
Last Week's Metacritic Scores?
Last week, Metacritic scores were released for games including 'Marvel Fighting: Fighting Souls', 'Re-Story', 'Hell Let Loose: Vietnam', and 'Madden NFL 27'.
First, the 4v4 tag fighting game 'Marvel Fighting: Fighting Souls', developed by Arc System Works, scored 86 based on 61 critic reviews. With 98% of reviews being positive, the reception is excellent. The game is particularly praised for its vibrant visuals that reinterpret Marvel characters in a Japanese anime style, action that highlights each character's personality, and the 4v4 system that allows for constant character swapping. The ability to pull off flashy combos with simple controls while offering depth for skilled players was also well-received. However, some noted that the complexity of learning multiple systems simultaneously can be daunting for beginners, and technical issues in the PC version were pointed out as a drawback.
'Re-Story', a simulator game about running an electronics repair shop in 2000s Tokyo, scored 81 based on 11 critic reviews. Critics noted that the process of disassembling, cleaning, and repairing nostalgic electronics like handheld consoles and mobile phones is unexpectedly immersive. The Y2K-inspired atmosphere, music, and the repetitive loop of processing orders to grow the shop were also highlighted as positive elements. Conversely, some felt the repair process could become repetitive once mastered, and there were minor criticisms regarding the depth of the story and the interface.
'Hell Let Loose: Vietnam', a large-scale tactical FPS set in the Vietnam War, scored 78 based on 9 critic reviews. It was praised for effectively recreating the chaotic battlefield of the Vietnam War through asymmetric warfare between the U.S. and North Vietnamese forces, 50v50 jungle combat, and systems like helicopters and tunnels. Above all, the tension of team play when voice chatting and role distribution work correctly received high marks. However, the high barrier to entry, engine performance issues, and some technical shortcomings in audio were cited as downsides. Unlike the critic score, the user rating is currently low at 4.6, making it crucial for the developers to quickly address early technical issues.
The annual sports game 'Madden NFL 27' scored 76 based on 8 critic reviews. The gameplay, which features more detailed movement and a new catching system, along with an improved franchise mode, received positive feedback. In particular, the franchise mode, which had long been criticized for a lack of change, was praised for adding more detailed player tendencies and management elements, marking a meaningful improvement for existing fans. On the other hand, some modes showed little difference from the previous entry, and criticisms regarding bugs and microtransactions persist.
New Game Popularity Poll
This week's poll covers games released or scheduled for release between July 17 and September 17. Consequently, games like 'Palworld' and 'Densha Attack!' have been removed from the poll, while games like 'Marvel Wolverine' and 'Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave' have been added.
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