Mobile Games News Review #121: the release of Final Fantasy 7, Dawnlands, Valorant mobile, Zenonia...

In this issue 121, we talk about the release of Dawnlands on Android and iOS, as well as release dates for highly-anticipated games such as Code Geass: Lost Stories and Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis, and plenty of other mobile gaming news. Discover a maximum of Android and iOS gaming news in a single summary every week.

Dawnlands released on August 9th

After a well-deserved vacation last week, the entire Mobi.gg team is back at work to bring you new content on Youtube and on the networks. We're starting this catch-up with the release of Dawnlands on August 9, just over a week ago.

Single-player or multiplayer for up to 4 players, Dawnlands invites you to discover a colorful fantasy world full of freedom, crafting, building and action. This summer, take a trip to a friend's world, customize your own, or join random worlds for random adventures. With its vast open-world, biomes, recipes, crafting system and group adventures, Dawnlands is clearly trying to compete with Genshin Impactso it's up to you to decide whether you're up for the experience!

Code Geass: Lost Stories to be released on September 13

The international release of Code Geass Lost Stories will finally take place on September 13, shortly after or before the start of the new school year for some of you. This title, co-developed by f4samurai and DMM Games for Android and iOS, builds on Bandai Namco's license for a global launch with big pre-registration targets. In terms of gameplay, Code Geass Lost Stories offers real-time combat against a backdrop of gacha, and a highly visual story from the point of view of Lelouch's friend.

The whole thing is staged with 2D animation and voice-overs during cut scenes, so if you love the Code Geass license, get ready for the launch on September 13 and don't forget to pre-register on the official website.

Final Fantasy 7 to be released on September 7

Announced in February 2021, Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis will hit stores on September 7. In-game, the adventure retraces the steps of the complete history of Final Fantasy VII in a completely free single-player adventure. In addition to the chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the original story, you'll find additional narration revolving around the young Sephiroth.

Certain elements, such as weapons and gear, can be unlocked via microtransactions to facilitate your progress in battle, but we hope this won't break the dynamic of the story. Mark September 7 in your calendar for the release of Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis. As Square Enix is accustomed to charging people tens of euros on the phone, a free-to-play game is not to be refused.

Valorant Mobile 'Project C' enters closed beta in China

Following the gameplay leaks and production delays announced by the development team a few months ago, Valorant Mobile is back in the news this week with the launch of its closed beta on Android in China, under the name Project C. Riot Games indicated at the beginning of the summer that development of the game was progressing well and that there was nothing to worry about, but it's always good to see that the test phases are progressing. This brings us closer to a worldwide release!

An official Fall Guys mobile port may be on the way

Fall Guys Mobile is no longer being held up by the community, since Stumble Guys has taken its place faster than lightning on the stores. However, since August 4, 2020, it would seem that 2023 is bringing back the question of an official port of the colorful bean game to mobile.

In August, the rumor grew stronger, with a tweet on X de leaks showing a splash screen of the game adorned with the logo of Room 8 Studio, a developer specializing in mobile ports. (tweet ref), and a small response from Google Play under a Fall Guys tweet. It could be enough of a slip-up to hope for a mobile release soon and give Stumble Guys some competition.

Forza Customs begins soft launch

A new Forza game heats up its tires on the track before entering the race for mobile success. Called Forza Customs, this title begins a progressive launch in the Philippines, Australia and the Netherlands with everything that makes a Forza opus... except that it's a match-3... with only car customization.

If car fans have 8-year-olds who'd rather paint cars than make mandalas, Forza Customs mobile has found its perfect target, but it sure won't be me. At least, for all those who rage when mobile games don't have a French translation, here you don't need to know how to read, just color and line up tires.

Com2uS prepares its next MMO Zenonia Chronobreak for worldwide release in 2024

If you like MMORPGs, you've been well served by the market over the last few years. On mobile, the trend continues and is confirmed with the worldwide release of the MMORPG Zenonia Chronobreak in 2024 on our smartphones. The release will begin with a launch in Japan and Taiwan before infiltrating the rest of the world.

I remind you that the game has already been available in Korea since June 27, but late releases on mobile when games come from Asia is a gaming tradition at this level. A big update will be waiting for you in-game for the release, which will take place in the second half of 2023. I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but it's clearly inspired by the foundations laid by Summoners War Chronicles and Com2Us' recent C2X blockchain experiments.

Release of Genshin Impact 4.0, the Fontaine update

Come and cool off in the Fontaine region with Genshin Impact update 4.0. The Fontaine region has been added to the current game, with scuba diving and three new characters: Freminet, Lynette and Lyney. The full patch notes are available on the game's official website, which also benefits from a partnership with Discord at the moment to get the Nitro Discord and free in-game rewards . But be warned: Genshin is addictive.

LEGO Legacy Heroes Unboxed joins the Netflix mobile catalog

This week, Netflix adds LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed to its catalog of mobile games. Available via your standard subscription on Android and iOS, Gameloft's RPG takes on the whole formula of classic LEGO games, with creative ways of solving situations, sets to assemble, strategy and a good dose of humor for your little figurines. If you try it out now, you'll also get a welcome gift for the game's launch on Netflix, so make the most of it.

CABAL Return of Action enters closed beta

If you're a fan of MMORPGs, you may unfortunately have missed the return to the classics with the closed beta of Cabal Return of Action, which ended last week. Fortunately, this mobile title in the Cabal series will be back soon, again with plenty of crafting, grind, automation and stuff optimization.

If you're the kind of person who plays on your phone with one hand while doing your homework or work with the other, Cabal takes care of the rest when you're not looking, but you'll have to wait for the game's official release to make up your mind.

Konami to release Metal Gear and Silent Hill crossplatform on cell phones

Right now, in our feed of press releases and news of all kinds, it's raining business announcements. Such and such a publisher wants to position itself on mobile. Or a developer is launching an Android investment fund. So it goes without saying that our news has more and more big licenses, and it's only going to get bigger. This time, it's Konami that could bring Metal Gear and Silent Hill to mobile. In future, the publisher would offer these cross-platform, take-anywhere action and horror games on Android and iOS, in addition to its e-football expansion on the stores.

Trailer for Path of Rune, a mobile and PC sandbox RPG

Whether you've got the Switch or not, you couldn't miss the success of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom and its totally insane construction thanks to the fun physics of its systemic gameplay. Another game is surely trying to ride the hype with its new trailer, and that's Path of Rune.

Scheduled for release in China and then the rest of the world on Android, iOS and PC, this open-world sandbox intends to show you what it's got. In this machine-dominated world, humans like you and me must compete to build powerful, aesthetically pleasing locations and inventions. You'll be able to build unique places in free construction, or create your own vehicles as in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, if Path of Rune succeeds in its gamble with a worldwide launch in 2024 after its closed beta in China at the end of the year.

Grand Cross Age of Titans released

To continue our general catch-up, I'm obliged to take a detour to the release of Grand Cross Age of Titans, Netmarble's large-scale RTS. This title doesn't reinvent the genre, and instead takes the classic cocktail of features from formats such as Rise of Kingdoms, Infinity Kingdom or even State of Survival, with PvE resource gathering, heroes to loot in a gacha, continuous PvP and a competitive server atmosphere as you develop your city. The added bonus, however, is the anime graphics, which set a slightly different mood in Grand Cross Age of Titans, now available free on Android and iOS.

Eggy Party in closed beta in the US and Brazil, get your VPNs!

Get your eggshell hats ready for a nice Calimero costume, because Eggy Party 's hard-boiled eggs aren't coming to our shores yet, but they're making headway in the rest of the world. Recently, the closed beta of NetEase's mobile Fall Guys-like game launched in the US and Brazil, so if you've got a VPN handy and you like this kind of gameplay with messed-up physics, improbable stunts and collectible cosmetics, you know where to stand.

Waven enters PC early access, mobile waits for autumn

Good chauvinists and Dofus hustlers will finally be able to warm up their mouse by spamming Waven, the new strategic RPG fromAnkama Games. In terms of gameplay, the Dofus tactical touch is back, with strategic placement on the field and well-calculated action sequences.

The game has set itself a busy launch, with numerous quests, biomes and gameplay elements available at release. The DA is obviously there, but Waven is only available on PC until the end of the summer, before arriving on mobile shortly. It's up to you to see if you can wait patiently to discover it.

Seven Knights Idle Adventure opens pre-registration on iOS

We're moving on very quickly with the opening of pre-registrations onk iOS for Seven Knights Idle Adventure. I remind you that this game replaces the most recently abandoned game, and continues the Netmarble 2023 release calendar, alongside Grand Cross W, Tower of God: New World, Solo Leveling Arise, Arthdal Chronicles and Project Knights.

If you like old-fashioned 2D idles with troops to control and the Seven Knights license, it's all in the game's title. You can easily find additional info on the stores to see if the game interests you.

Moonlight Blade RPG enters regional early access

The Moonlight Blade RPG is entering a regional early access phase limited to Canada, the USA, the UK, Italy, New Zealand and Germany. A good way to choose a nearby country with little VPN ping, if you ask me.

The title, with its typical Asian MMORPG aesthetic, draws inspiration from traditional Chinese culture and martial arts techniques to offer its players rich PvE and PvP content. Swing your best moves with style, solo or in a group, and discover the world of Moonlight Blade in early access in a neighboring country or in France soon.

After tests, Sword of Convallaria enters pre-registration before release

After several phases of test, the RPG Sword of Convallaria published by XD Entertainment enters pre-registration. The title is gearing up for an upcoming release on mobile stores, so now's the time to scratch rewards for pre-registration. Here's a quick overview of the tactical game. You've just arrived in the lands of Iria, more precisely in Convallaria, but you'll have a decisive role to play in the local intrigues and power struggles.

In a very retro aesthetic blending 2D and 3D in isometric view, Sword of Convallaria takes you and your team of characters on an adventure between group optimization and exploration of its enchanting fantasy universe. If you're tempted, head for the blinds after the recap!

Nourishpunk action game to be released in 2024

Not all games are based on the most classic mobile genres. For example, Nourishpunk, an RPG combining cartoon and cyberpunk design, will have you gliding through the streets of a futuristic city in search of rebels to crop.

We don't know much about this game, which is scheduled for release in 2024 on PC, mobile and consoles, but on paper it should be an open-world RPG with action, platformer phases and a third-person view. As soon as we've seen more than the teaser, we'll let you know.

Sci-fi Planet: Reboot to be released in China before the end of the year

Don't worry if you see visuals of Planet: Reboot drooling. No need to wait for it in Europe, it won't be coming our way. And that's normal, since this open-world cience-fiction RPG is just a clone ofEarth Revival for the Chinese market. No big deal. The mobile and PC survival game Earth Revival remains in progressive release in Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong.

Mega Man X DiVE Offline to be released on September 1

After a fine showcase this year, Capcom will publish Mega Man x Dive Offline on September 1 on Steam, Google Play, Appstore and alternative stores following Capcom's deals. On PC, the game is listed at 30 euros, and on mobile I thought it would be free-to-play, but I don't have the info to hand. This offline version of Megan Man x Dive will offer a definite dose of nostalgia and side-scrolling action for back-to-school on September 1.

Regional alpha phase for Jungo Jam, a sandbox game with AI for your animations

We continue with Jungo Jam, a title produced by Mobius Studio which will launch its first alpha on August 22. This will be an opportunity to discover a sandbox game with friends, featuring construction, combat and role-play opportunities in a kawaii 3D universe.

Jungo Jam 's unique feature will be the integration of AI-generated character animations, allowing players to upload a reference video to create new movements for their avatar. For those interested, the Jungo Jam alpha will be exclusive to certain regions, including the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.

Play Netflix games on your TV with your phone

Netflix is making its mark with its premium mobile gaming format. But why settle for mobile gamers if you can tackle other platforms thanks to broad compatibility? Netflix is trying to export its browser-based experiences to PC and Mac gamers, and even to TV. On PC, it's easy to just play with a keyboard and mouse, and on TV you'll need to install a mobile app to turn your phone into a controller.

The entire ecosystem runs on cloud gaming and is entering the test phase in Canada and the United States for a limited number of users. For the time being, the best-known Android TV brands such as Amazon Fire, Nvidia Shield, Chromecast, Samsung, LG, Walmart and Roku will benefit from this advance, which will later be extended to other models.

For the moment, test is targeting Oxenfree and Molehew's Mining Adventure, and we can't wait to hear back about them.

Release of Omniheroes: Rescue of the Valkyries

In pre-registration since July, the RPG Omniheroes launches on Android and iOS worldwide this month. This utterly classic gacha RPG, which will remind you of genre champions such as AFK Arena, mixes PvE, PvP, cut scenes, bosses and composition optimization. Omniheroes was eagerly awaited after a huge pre-registration phase.

Summoners War: Chronicles rolls out new update with new character and bonus features

Com2Us enriches the content of its MMORPG Summoners War Chronicles with the arrival of a new summoner: the SWC archer Soleta. In addition to this complementary character, the adventure benefits from a soul link for your monsters and infinite guild raids. I'll tell you all about it in our detailed article.

Pokémon Sleep's future projects on its roadmap

The outsider Pokémon Sleep, which targets your sleep rather than your wakefulness, is already resting at the bottom of your app library. Between calibration problems and fart noise recordings, its launch has not been a smooth ride. For the future, Pokémon Sleep will feature a night mode loading screen, more relaxing sounds and new Pokémon. Those interested can find out more about the Pokémon Sleep roadmap in our dedicated article.

The end of Fortnite on the App Store: it's official

We finally have the final word on the dispute between Epic Games and Apple over whether or not Fortnite can be found in the App Store. Fortnite has been banned from the App Store and Play Store for some time now, but the exclusion has now taken an official turn, as Fortnite is legally and permanently excluded from the App Store after attempting to circumvent the app store's 30% commission.

It's the end of a debate that has been going on since 2020, and vindicates the stores against the developers, who can continue to impose their huge margins. On iOS, players who own the game can continue to play it, but no new downloads of the game are available on the store. And on Android, simply download it from the Google Play Store to enjoy battle royale on your smartphone. Purchases of v-bucks are still available on the game's official website.

Persona 5: The Phantom of the Night 2nd closed beta on August 18

It's already the second closed beta for Persona 5 Phantom of the Night. This private test launched on August 18 and called Awakening Test enables selected players from the Black Wing Game studio to enjoy the game on PC and Android and iOS mobile devices.

Announced last March, this licensed title supervised by SEGA and Atlus features gameplay alternating between Japanese student life and action-packed adventure in another world as Captain Wonder. To unlock the full potential of Persona 5: Phantom of the Night in this Chinese closed beta, you'll need to play on the relationships between the characters, as well as their synergy at the heart of the action.

Aura Kingdom 2 Evolution enters pre-registration

If I say Eidolon, I hope you're thinking of a well-known MMORPG with a kawai style... Because Aura Kingdom is back in Aura Kingdom 2 Evolution, the next licensed title from X-Legend Game Company. The Aura Kingdom franchise has already attracted over 10 million players worldwide.

This time, Aura Kingdom 2 Evolution launches its pre-registrations and rewards players with gacha tickets for your eidolons. In-game, you'll soon be able to discover the 4 character classes: Nymph, Elementalist, Dragoon and Shinobi, in PvP and PvE battles as adorable as ever. Full details of the game are available on the official website, but beware: it's all about NFT, so we're not immune to a little play-to-earn massacre.

News zapping: all the news in brief

Several major news items didn't get a full segment in the recap, but I'm going to take a look at a few of them in a quick zap.

• NCSoft's MMORPG Throne and Liberty's release date pushed back to 2024
• Warhammer 40K Tacticus celebrates its first anniversary with exclusive content
• EA intends to bring all its licensed ecosystems to mobile, given the opportunities it represents.
• Clash Royale continues to roll out Season 50 Clash-A-Rama for the rest of August
• NetEase's dating sim For All Time will soon be released in English as Lovebrush Chronicles with a closed beta launching on August 11.
• Pocket Orcs, a cartoon shooter from Disconnected Studio, has just been released on Android
• Forge of Empires surpasses $1 billion in revenues since its launch in 2012
• Usagi Shima, scheduled for September 1, invites you to collect rabbits for back-to-school.
• Games Summit 2023 to be held on September 14 in Bangalore, India
• A live event around Bleach Brave Soul is scheduled for August 27, with merchandise to be won.
• AFK Football to be released on September 13
• To mark the release of its Fountain Zone 4.0 update, Genshin Impact is collaborating with Discord to offer one month's premium membership.
• Rainbow Six to begin progressive launch this month
• Warcraft Arclight Rumble has been renamed Warcraft Rumble, but we'd rather have a release date.
• Seven Knights Idle Adventure opens pre-registration on iOS
• In China, a game based on Maple Story M, called The Legends of Maple, hits mobile stores
• 2D adventure game ASTRA: Knights of Veda to be released on Android and iOS before the end of 2023
• Newbie Life: Idle RPG by Com2Us now on stores
• FireFront mobile FPS backs up alpha tests
• RPGs Black Stella Ptolomea and Atelier Resleriana launch pre-registration in Japan
• Bokura co-op puzzle game now available on stores
• And finally Roblox will soon be doing in-game job interviews directly, and we wonder why they haven't started before.
• We'll also be talking about Project Mugen and other new games next week.

That's the end of review number 121, so we'll see you next week for new adventures on mobile!