"Heavenly Sword," developed by Ninja Theory and published by Sony Computer Entertainment in 2007, is a nostalgic PlayStation 3 game blending action and storytelling. Players control Nariko, a clanswoman wielding the titular sword to protect her clan from King Bohan. The game features three combat stances (speed, range, and power), quick-time events, and an innovative "Aftertouch" mechanic using motion controls. Nariko's journey involves defeating formidable bosses while battling the sword's life-draining curse. Despite her ultimate sacrifice, she fulfills a prophecy, becoming a goddess to save her clan. Although planned as a trilogy, sequels were canceled. This hack-and-slash classic remains beloved for its engaging gameplay and emotional narrative. Rating: 5/5.

Video games, from their inception with "Tennis for Two" in 1958 to modern hits like "Minecraft" and "Fortnite," offer immersive experiences through graphics, storytelling, and multiplayer interactions. However, the significance of video game soundtracks is often overlooked. A great soundtrack enhances gameplay by making it more engaging and prolonging playtime. The "WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2007" soundtrack exemplifies this, blending nu metal and hip-hop genres to create an intense, mood-enhancing experience fitting for a wrestling game. Featuring artists like Godsmack and Young Buck, the soundtrack not only complements the game but also stands alone as enjoyable music. Its songs reference game modes and WWE events, deepening player engagement. Soundtracks like this elevate video games from good to exceptional, demonstrating their crucial role in gaming immersion.

Azra Games has appointed Kris Davis, former co-head of mobile at PlayStation, as its Chief Business Officer (CBO). With over 20 years of industry experience from roles at Beeline Interactive, Kabam, and PlayStation Studios, Davis will oversee business operations and develop strategic plans for Azra’s upcoming combat RPG, Project Legends. As CBO, he will lead product development, business intelligence, sales, licensing, analytics, and business development. Davis aims to leverage his expertise in mobile gaming to ensure the success of Project Legends and Azra Games' growth, aligning with the company's goal of delivering exceptional gaming experiences across platforms.

Developer MEATBREAD's slasher horror game *Amber Alert*, originally released on Steam, is set to launch as a physical edition for PlayStation 5 through Tesura Games. In this intense survival game, players assume the role of a policeman investigating a missing person case in a deserted neighborhood. Confronted by a sinister cult of female abductors, players must navigate dark streets, evade enemies, and uncover secrets while managing limited resources. Featuring multiple paths, random item placements, and challenging gameplay, *Amber Alert* demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The physical release includes the full game and four "Deadly Cheatcode Postcards" to assist players in their harrowing journey.

The countdown is on for Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 Direct event, scheduled for April 2. This 60-minute digital presentation will likely reveal details about the Switch 2’s hardware, release date, and a lineup of new games. Expect updates on anticipated titles like Mario Kart 9 and possibly a new 3D Mario game. The system will feature enhanced Joy-Con controllers with potential innovations such as precise motion controls and a new "C" button. Backward compatibility with original Switch games will be supported, and some games may have enhanced versions exclusive to the Switch 2. Additionally, third-party support is expected to highlight the console's improved capabilities. With rumors pointing to an early summer launch, pricing remains one of the biggest mysteries heading into the showcase.

Kyle and Kaden Techentin, brothers from Ohio Northern University (ONU), have achieved legendary status in the "League of Legends" esports community, ranking among the top 0.1% to 0.01% of players in North America. As key members of ONU's esports team, they contributed to its consistent top-10 national rankings and dominance in the Great Lakes Esports Conference (GLEC). Their contrasting yet complementary personalities—Kyle’s analytical focus and Kaden’s playful encouragement—drove their success. Both prioritized academics over professional gaming careers, valuing balance. Beyond trophies, they cultivated leadership, teamwork, and friendships. Their legacy will inspire future ONU esports athletes as they transition into careers in cybersecurity and healthcare, respectively. Coach Troy Chiefari praises their impact on the program and looks forward to continuing their high standards.

The Arkansas Tech University (ATU) hosts a senior exhibition showcasing five video games created by students in their game and interactive media design program. The exhibition is on display at the Norman Hall Art Gallery until April 11, with a reception scheduled for April 10. Featured projects include "Job Hopper," "Goat Retribution," "Don’t Peek," "Basilica," and "Hot Lap." Alongside these games, two monitors exhibit additional student projects. Launched in 2016, ATU's game and interactive media design degree prepares students for careers in animation, simulation programming, web design, and more. Admission to the exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, visit ATU's Department of Art website.

The TV series *Severance* explores themes of disorientation and separation, focusing on characters split into two personas: one for work ("Innie") and one for personal life ("Outie"). This concept evokes comparisons to video games, particularly *The Stanley Parable*, which shares similar elements of mystery and absurdity in an office setting. The creator of *Severance*, Dan Erickson, acknowledges being influenced by *The Stanley Parable*. While *Severance* might not translate directly into a game due to its reliance on the audience experiencing the disconnect between the two personas, it highlights how video games can uniquely immerse players in disorienting experiences. Games like *Before I Forget* and films like *The Father* similarly tackle disorientation but lack the immediacy that interactive media provides. This crossover demonstrates gaming's growing influence on mainstream storytelling and its recognition as a significant cultural force.

In "Good Game, No Rematch," Mike Drucker shares his journey of building a career around his passions for comedy and video games. He recounts memorable experiences such as playing Wii Bowling with Jason Sudeikis and bonding with Jimmy Fallon over "Legend of Zelda." Drucker interned at Saturday Night Live, where he became a sketch character, and later contributed to shows like The Tonight Show. His love for stand-up comedy began during college open mic nights. Drucker emphasizes the importance of shared interests in professional relationships, noting how his gaming knowledge helped him connect with colleagues and superiors, creating both humorous and meaningful interactions in the entertainment industry.

In April 2025, Clash of Clans fans are in for a treat as developer Supercell collaborates with WWE to introduce themed characters and events. Inspired by wrestling superstars, new in-game characters include the Grand Warden (The Undertaker), Barbarian King (Cody Rhodes), Archer Queen (Rhea Ripley), Royal Champion (Bianca Belair), Minion Prince (Rey Mysterio), P.E.K.K.A (Kane), Valkyrie (Becky Lynch), and Thrower (Jey Uso). Cody Rhodes, a long-time Clash of Clans enthusiast, expressed his excitement about merging his gaming and wrestling legacies. This crossover also features a Clash of Clans-themed match at WrestleMania 41, marking a historic integration of gaming into professional wrestling events. Players can access this unique content starting April 1.

Rumors suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 may lack 4K output, based on information from developers using the NSW2 Development Kit. According to Insider Gaming, these kits, which are toolsets provided to developers for game preparation, do not include 4K output. However, the absence of 4K in the development kits does not confirm that the final console won't support it, as kits often differ from the final product's specifications. Sometimes, features like 4K output might be omitted to simplify testing or prevent leaks. Despite these findings, uncertainty remains, with potential clarifications expected on April 2.

HackNewHaven, a student-run hackathon at the University of New Haven, was hailed as a resounding success by industry sponsors including Microsoft, IBM, and Major League Hacking. Participants from universities in Connecticut and Massachusetts collaborated over 24 hours to develop tech products addressing social issues, such as mental health apps, encrypted messaging systems, and AI-powered navigation tools for fire rescue. Teams like MindConnect and FindYourWay won awards for their innovative projects. The event provided networking opportunities with industry professionals and showcased students' problem-solving skills. Faculty and mentors praised the participants' dedication and creativity, emphasizing the value of hands-on experiences in enhancing technical and teamwork abilities.