The challenging part about enjoying a game from Japan is that we often don't receive timely updates. We know that there are probably distribution reasons, but the wait can provide such a high window of uncertainty. Mystic Mansion hasn't yet added the levels from Japan to its American version. I get why, but still, not having an update is killing me, and the creators haven't provided a release date.

I've been playing Mystic Mansion long after completing a challenge involving the game for Swagbucks. Since mythology is one of my hyperfixations, the game's storyline of an apartment mansion home for deities is my jam. The game takes advantage of the cute style for visual humor; I found it hilarious to learn why the king of the Greek Gods is a sentient teacup, or how Gal was having trouble using all the makeup she had to look amazing. 

Mystic Mansion is a standard sorting game where you clear boards using matching pieces, power-ups, and tools like arrows. It also has an ongoing plot where you, the human, are working undercover in an apartment house with gods. Meowlin, the owner, knows who you are, but he keeps that information on the down-low. In fact, any tenant suspecting the truth gets a surprise visit from him, with threats and ominous shadows. Every time he thinks about his plan, he chuckles. That's surely not ominous. 

Your partner-in-crime and building superintendent, Purrcy, doesn't know. While you complete the challenges by matching gemstones within a series of limited moves and different obstacles, Purrcy does the grunt work of replacing windows, making carpets, or installing sparkly lights. 

What Makes the Game Work?

The characters are a lot of fun. They provide challenges with their requests for different types of furniture, protesting when you clear their papers, and offering hints of backstories. Some blend in with the garbage in their apartments, while others stand out like the idols they admire. 

There is also plenty of lore to go with each character's designs and quirky interactions. As mentioned, Zeus has been turned into a teacup while his son has no idea (Hera is not in this game, not yet, as far as I know). Cleopatra remains miserly while getting as many renovations out of us as she can. We have an owl deity who can't get a good night's sleep while taking residence indoors, and a penguin Poseidon that cannot shed a cute nature to look fierce. The dialogue between completing challenges and fulfilling tasks is entertaining, especially if Purrcy tries to back out and Meowlin has to remind Purrcy that the superintendent has a job to do. 

Also, having Ganesha running an Indian restaurant but not making it look Indian hit close to home for me, with everyone wanting hamburgers. I can make decent almond burgers, but you're on your own with the meat stuff since I'd probably be making lamb, and I'd need to try out the recipe before. At the same time, as a diaspora, I wouldn't know exactly what details to put into restaurant decor to make it look authentically "Indian" since a lot of what I make at home is fusion. 

What I'm Waiting for In Mystic Mansion

Reaching the top floor. Seriously, the original game does have an ending according to its Wikipedia entry, but we Americans just haven't received it yet. It could be needing the translations or having to deal with the red tape of distributing international video games to Americans (thanks for that, by the way, tech bros). 

I still can't figure out why Meowlin needs a human to work discreetly as the handyman. The way Purrcy reacts, a demigod or spirit could work just as well. Humans seem to be special to Meowlin's mysterious plans, but it's unclear. The gods have powers, just a lot of emotional dysfunction given their various backstories and failures. What makes us special?

If the developers have a newsletter or social media account, it would be great to get an update. I want to know what happens next, sooner rather than later. 

Monument Valley 3, along with its latest expansion The Garden of Life, has officially returned as it’s now out on mobile, just several months after the game was released from the clutches of Netflix.

The Monument Valley title was originally a Netflix exclusive, but was removed from the platform in July. 

At the time, the game’s dedicated Facebook page provided an update to its fans, where they described the change as being “sadly out of our control.” They also said the news was unexpected, but urged that they will be focusing on bringing Monument Valley 3 to more players than ever before.

Going back to 2024, when a social media post shared the Monument Valley 3 trailer with the Netflix logo emblazoned on it, many left comments asking if an iOS or Android version was coming. For those that have been waiting for an update since its removal from the streaming service, the Garden of Life expansion has been launched on both iOS and Android this week (December 3).

What to expect from Monument Valley 3, The Garden of Life

The new expansion is now available for free to all Monument Valley 3 players on mobile and will see players have to guide the heroine Noor through different landscapes while manipulating structured and shifting perspectives to uncover hidden paths and solve puzzles.

It’s set after the events of the main game and aims to tell a story of people coming together to build a new future. And for the first time in the series, players can find a collection of hidden bonus puzzles through joining Boatem and journeying across the floating village to find them.

In total, The Garden of Life adds four new additional story chapters to Noor’s voyage, with these aiming to be a story of hope.

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More than a year after the initial release, the Duck Detective sequel, ‘The Ghost of Glamping,’ has officially been adapted for mobile release.

The indie studio Happy Broccoli Games announced its foray into the world of iOS and Android last week, with the game now able to be downloaded for free. It was initially released on PC last May, with the reviews on Steam being largely positive.

Within this new addition, the mystery game continues as players must work with a new partner to unravel the truth and catch the ghost haunting the campsite. There are a few throwbacks that can be appreciated if you have played the first game of the series, but you can jump right in with this one if not.

What are the features of Duck Detective: Ghost Glamping?

For those playing on mobile for the first time, the game involves interviewing suspects, inspecting evidence, and deducing the truth to get to the bottom of the mystery.

“This campsite might have ghosts, but the real thing haunting Eugene McQuacklin is his failed marriage and bread addiction. Can he escape the shadows of his past?,” the studio has teased.

Ghost Glamping is a stand-alone sequel to the popular Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, with the latest introduction including a fully voice-acted cast of characters and the need to crack the case to help out the detective Eugene McQuaklin. 

This is definitely not a game you can sink your teeth into for hours on end, but the creators have made this well-known as they highlight its a two to three hour-long cozy mystery game.
The reviews often highlight how short and sweet the game is, with one user stating it’s “perfect to play through on a chill Saturday night.” Another summed it up with “fun little game with great art style, voice acting, and character. Hoping there are more mysteries to solve in the future.”

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An offline playable showcase of the all-new RPG Solo Leveling: KARMA has taken place, with fans able to experience the game’s hands-on demo for the very first time.

Netmarble, the developer and publisher behind the game, says the demo generated “strong interest and positive reactions” throughout the event, which was held at G-STAR 2025 in Busan, South Korea.

For those looking to play the latest edition, based on the Solo Leveling franchise, it hasn’t yet been publicly released, as it’s still in development. However, upon launch, it will be available on both mobile and PC. 

Two videos, a trailer, and a first reveal have also been added to the game’s official YouTube channel, with this being the first announcement on the platform since an exclusive reveal trailer was published four months ago.

This upcoming release will see the universe of the global hit anime series expanded with a new storyline set in the Dimensional Gap, where Sung Jinwoo returns and must endure a conflict among Monarchs. Players must recover fragments of their lost memories to restore the Broken Cup of Reincarnation, which will drive forward both narrative progression and gameplay challenge.

Event allowed company to gather ‘valuable’ feedback on new Solo Leveling game

At the event, players were able to experience two dedicated demo modes designed to highlight the game’s core combat loop. “We are thrilled to present Solo Leveling: KARMA in a public, hands-on environment for the first time,” said Executive Producer Do Hyung Kwon from Netmarble Neo. 

“G-STAR 2025 allowed us to gather valuable feedback directly from players, and we will continue refining the experience as development progresses.”

While not all fans were able to attend in person, people did make their feelings known online when the trailer and first reveal were released, with it receiving a mostly positive response.

“When is release day. Waiting impatiently for this game,” one commenter said, while another said, “So hyped for this, hoping for the best!!! Can’t wait for more news!”

While many in the comments are asking for more information, an actual release date hasn’t yet been announced.

Featured Image: Via Solo Leveling: KARMA video

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The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is getting a major shake-up, as the developer Netmarble celebrates the six and a half year anniversary of the game’s launch.

With the celebrations in mind, a range of anniversary events have been introduced to the new ‘6.5th Apocalypse Fes: Succession of Light and Darkness’ alongside fresh story content and a brand-new hero.

One of the most substantial changes is the addition of Prophecy Knight Tristan, who you’ll recognise as the son of Meliodas and Elizabeth if you played the original The Seven Deadly Sins series. Tristan is one of the Four Knights of the Apocalypse and wields both Goddess and Demon powers, meaning he becomes the first hero in the game to have both Light and Darkness attributes at the same time.

Chapter 4 of ‘The Four Knights of the Apocalypse’ has been released, as well as a PvE Co-op Battle mode where up to four players can team up with two decks each.

What’s new in The Seven Deadly Sins?

To celebrate the anniversary of its launch, a ‘Poll Draw’ means players can vote for their favorite heroes and create a custom lineup featuring Tristan as a fixed UR plus five additional UR heroes, as well as 15 SSR heroes selected from the finalists of the poll.

“Players are guaranteed an SSR or UR hero at 300 and 600 mileage, and upon reaching 900 mileage, they can choose either the newest Tristan or one of the top four UR heroes from the poll rankings,” Netmarble says in the update.

Anniversary-specific events have been added, too, including Festival Check-In, Special Missions, Jumping Box, and Event Boss Battles. It’s through participating in the Jumping Box event that players can gain access to abundant growth materials and fully trained heroes.

Other anniversary activities include the Percival’s Lucky Card Event, Solgres Reward Dungeon, Diamond Perks Event, and boosted Fight Festival rewards.

Since its launch, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross has recorded over 70 million downloads worldwide, and it’s only available via App Store and Google Play.

The post The Seven Deadly Sins gets major update for 6.5th year anniversary appeared first on The Escapist.

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