The catch-up coffee: July 6, 2026

Featuring a small announcement about a big star!

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8 mins read
A newly-cropped version of Dee Dee in the DDNet news studio.

Welcome to Digitally Downloaded’s weekly catch-up news feature, the catch-up coffee. Here, I bring you the best news you may have missed from last week. Grab the biggest mug you’ve got, fill it with your favourite brew, and catch up with us (and our favourite news anchor, Dee Dee)!

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Onimusha: Way of the Sword will launch three weeks early

Last week, Capcom announced that it will launch Onimusha: Way of the Sword—the first instalment in the series in 20 years—three weeks earlier than originally planned, on September 4.

The key art for Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

Here is a description of the game, via Capcom:

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the latest instalment in Capcom’s classic Onimusha series. The first entry in 20 years, the all-new action game returns to a dark fantasy Japan where samurai clash with the supernatural. The story fuses history and myth, following the journey of Miyamoto Musashi, a samurai armed with a mystical Oni Gauntlet, as he battles demons invading Edo-period Kyoto. Onimusha: Way of the Sword features intense action that combines the series’ signature Issen and Soul Absorption mechanics with exhilarating swordplay that takes combat to new heights.

Developed and published by Capcom, Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be released for PC via Steam/Epic/Microsoft, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series on September 4.

K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine gets a November launch date

Microids and Old Skull Games are collaborating for K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine, a simulation/rhythm game about becoming a musical sensation. Immerse yourself in the demanding world of music while accompanied by your best friend, Nova. You’ll need to commit to everything from intensive training sessions in the studio to the ultimate recognition on the most prestigious stages to win the race to stardom. The game features a sense of rhythm, deep customizations, and community management for social media. It will launch for PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch this November.

Here are the key features, via Microids:

  • The international phenomenon in your hands: Draw inspiration from your idols and experience the rise of today’s biggest K-Pop groups. Become the face of this culture that fascinates the entire world.
  • An adventure that reflects who you are (Full customization): Express your uniqueness! Create and customize your character from head to toe to match your style and the vibe of your performances. Trendy outfits, iconic makeup… everything is possible to establish your style in the spotlight.
  • Your group, your rules: You call the shots. Create a group in your own image, recruit its members, and turn your very first fans into an international community of millions of followers.
  • Stay in the rhythm! Talent is nurtured. Perfect your singing, master highly precise choreographies, and sharpen your sense of timing through captivating rhythm gameplay phases to become an accomplished star.
  • From your bedroom to conquering stadiums: Start at the bottom of the ladder in the anonymity of your bedroom, climb the ranks through your passion and perseverance, and transform yourself into the international icon of your dreams.
  • Shine solo, triumph as a trio! Because music is all about sharing, experience this adventure alone or with two friends. Form the group of your dreams in co-op mode and unite your talents to lead your Band straight to the top of the global charts!

Developed by Old Skull Games and published by Microids, K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on November 5.

Case Solved: The London Files launches late this month

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Case Solved: The London Files, as its reach expanded from PC to smartphones and consoles. Last week, a late July launch date was revealed for the cozy caper game. In this noir-inspired game, you’re a gumshoe in the rain-slicked streets of the city, ready to solve a series of murders. The only tools you need are a sharp mind, a pen and paper, and a great big mug of tea. Find holes in alibis and witness statements, and uncover the truth.

Here are the game’s key features, via a press release:

  • Logic not Luck: Solve puzzles by analyzing statements, deducing who said what, and piecing together the truth.
  • London’s mysterious underbelly: Investigate three unique cases set across iconic locations in London, each with its own twists and suspects.
  • Cozy noir atmosphere: Enjoy a softer take on noir, with hand-drawn visuals, gentle jazz music, and a relaxed, thoughtful pace.

Developed by Minimol Games and published by SpecNext, Case Solved will be released for iOS/Android, PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series on July 29.

Aksys is bringing Olympia Soirée Catharsis to the West next year

Aksys Games has announced that it will publish Olympia Soirée sequel Olympia Soirée Catharsis in the West. The game will launch for Nintendo Switch next year. The otome visual novel originally launched in Japan last December.

Here is a description of the game, via Aksys Games:

Two and a half years after the rainbow rainfall, under the rays of the true sun, the island has begun to change thanks to the younger generation, led by Akaza. As only daughters are born to the precious White, Olympia’s wedding ceremony has been long anticipated. She, too, is sure she will be united with her soulmate. One day, an Outsider washes ashore on Tennyo Island—a man bearing the hair colour of the White. Why has the ocean brought this man? And what does his existence mean for the island? And so, the seeds begin to sprout.

Developed by Idea Factory and published in the West by Aksys Games, Olympia Soirée Catharsis will be released for Nintendo Switch in 2027.

Hasune Miku Starry Party announced for PC and Switch 2

This is a brief but happy bit of news! Good Smile Company has announced Hatsune Miku Starry Party, an action party game. It will be released for PC and Switch 2 in 2027, with language support for English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.

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Lindsay picked up an NES controller for the first time at the age of 6 and instantly fell in love. She began reviewing GBA games 20 years ago and quickly branched out from her Nintendo comfort zone. She has has developed a great love of life sims and FMV titles. For her, accessibility is one of the most important parts of any game (but she also really appreciates good UI).

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