Today, Gaijin like to give you a heads up regarding the removal of the R2Y2 V1, V2 and V3 for research so that you can get them before they’re gone. In War Thunder, Gaijin want to include vehicles that were complete and built, either in full, in the prototype phase or in the experimental phase. Much like the removed German ground vehicles in 2019, the three R2Y2 aircraft are unhistorical “paper” vehicles that were never built in any capacity, added in 2014 to fill a gap due to the severe lack of possible aircraft available for Japan at the time.
The Yokosuka R2Y was an unarmed Japanese reconnaissance aircraft prototype that flew in the very late months of the Second World War in May 1945. This version (R2Y1 Keiun) was a piston-engined version of the aircraft that featured twin coupled engines. Naturally, the war stopped before its development could be taken any further, and of the three prototypes, just one was completed. However, plans were made for a jet-engined version of this aircraft, featuring twin Ne-330 engines in an attacker configuration. It is this version (R2Y2) that we decided to introduce in 2014 to the game, as it most closely matched the existing or planned jet bombers/attackers for other nations at the time. For example, the Canberra, B-57, Ar 234 and IL-28.
As the R2Y1 was destroyed and its development was not taken further, the R2Y2 was very much a mystery. There were only estimations of its performance, based on a combination of known R2Y1 details and the performance of the Ne-330 engines. Its overall design was very much speculative in terms of the “V2” and “V3” configurations and it’s questionable if they were even part of the original design plans to begin with. Back in 2014, we worked with what resources there were on the aircraft and brought it to some form of reality, being virtual reality, in War Thunder.
Explanation
Our stance on the R2Y2 series is that they would be removed when functional replacements became available. Fast-forward to 2025, the Japanese aircraft tree now features many new aircraft, including Thai aircraft that fill enough spots and cover various Battle Ratings so that this can happen. Gaijin know that many players will want to obtain these vehicles before they are removed from being able to be researched, so there are just under 3 months to research them before they’re gone.
On April 30th 2025, the following three will be removed from research from the Japanese aircraft tree.
These vehicles will no longer be available for research after the above removal date and will become collectable vehicles to everyone that currently owns them. They will not be hidden from anyone who already owns them.
If you’ve put at least 1 RP into one of these vehicles (through RP earned or converting RP), you’ll be able to fully finish the research even after the removal date. Remember, there are three in the game — if you want to keep all three, you’ll need to put research into each individually. Since they are in a group, this would require researching V1 and V2 fully to be able to put research into V3.
Gaijin currently have no plans to ever return the R2Y2’s to the game to be researched or obtained after the removal.
Every February, we see a steady stream of game releases that have left their mark on the industry. It has often been a time after holiday relax when developers finish and launch titles that continue to influence gaming today across arcades, consoles, and PC. In this article, I’ll review some of the most notable games released in February—from early arcade classics to modern indie gems—and share my personal reflections on what makes these games stand out.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Early Innovators: Defining Genres
When I think of the early days of gaming, titles like The Legend of Zelda (February 21, 1986, Japan) come immediately to mind. This NES classic brought together exploration, puzzles, and combat, offering a non-linear experience that set a new standard for adventure games. Its design encouraged players to discover the world at their own pace—a concept that was fresh at the time and still influences game design today.
Another early title, Bubble Bobble (February 2, 1986, Japan), is a reminder of how simple ideas can be both charming and enduring. With its cooperative arcade gameplay and bubble-blowing dinosaurs, it provided a lighthearted yet engaging experience on arcade machines. And then there’s Donkey Kong Jr. Math (February 14, 1986, US), which demonstrated that games could combine learning with entertainment—a lesson that resonates even in today’s educational titles on home computers and consoles.
Moving into the early 1990s, February continued to be a launch pad for titles that defined entire genres. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (February 19, 1991, Japan) revolutionized competitive fighting games. I still remember the challenge of mastering its combo system and the variety offered by its international cast. Originally dominating arcade cabinets, its straightforward mechanics and precise controls laid the groundwork for competitive play that many of us still appreciate.
The simple yet groundbreaking design of Pac-Man (February 1980) and its successor Ms. Pac-Man (February 1982) are other examples of games whose accessible maze-based gameplay proved incredibly influential. These titles, popular in both arcades and later on home consoles, showed that a game doesn’t need to be complex to be engaging—and they remain benchmarks for replayable design.
Home Console Milestones: Pushing Boundaries
On home consoles, February releases have often brought innovations that expanded what games could do. Super Mario Bros. 3 (February 12, 1990) is a prime example. Released on the NES, it introduced inventive level designs, memorable power-ups, and secret paths that rewarded exploration. I recall the excitement of uncovering hidden warp zones and the satisfying challenge of each well-crafted level.
Similarly, Mega Man 2 (February 4, 1989) offered tight, responsive controls and a lineup of memorable bosses on the NES. Its well-designed stages and challenging gameplay pushed me to improve with each attempt, making every victory feel earned. These titles were not just fun to play—they also helped define the standards for platformers and action games that many modern titles still follow.
Strategy and Storytelling: Building Empires and Adventures
February has also been a strong month for games that challenge your strategic thinking. Civilization II (February 29, 1996) refined the empire-building formula on PC with improved diplomacy and technology trees. I appreciated the thought that went into every decision, as each move could shape the course of your virtual civilization over many turns.
In the realm of role-playing games, Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (February 11, 1990) stands out for its episodic storytelling and character-driven approach on the Super Famicom. Its structure was straightforward and engaging, allowing players to feel part of an unfolding adventure without relying on flashy graphics or exaggerated dialogue.
Racing, Fighting, and Unique Experiences
A few titles from February have also pushed the boundaries in genres like racing and fighting. F-Zero (February 21, 1990) remains memorable for its high-speed action and innovative graphics techniques on the SNES. Every race was a test of reflexes and planning—elements that modern racing games continue to build upon.
Another key release, Street Fighter Alpha 3 (February 11, 1998), expanded on the fighting genre with a larger roster and refined mechanics. This title, available in arcades and on home consoles, reinforced the idea that subtle improvements in game design can have a lasting impact on competitive play.
Modern Indie Gems and Their Influence
In more recent years, February has seen releases that showcase the creativity of indie developers. Stardew Valley (February 26, 2016) is a game that captured my attention with its blend of farming simulation and life management, primarily on PC and consoles. It offered a quiet, well-paced experience that allowed for both relaxation and gradual progress—a stark contrast to the fast-paced titles of the past.
Tetris Effect (February 22, 2018) reimagined the classic puzzle formula with updated visuals and music across platforms like PS4 and PC. It’s a reminder that revisiting a timeless concept with a modern touch can still feel fresh and engaging.
Reflecting on a Diverse Legacy
The games released in February cover a wide range of genres and platforms—from arcade shooters and platformers to strategy games and indie titles. Each game has contributed in its own way to the broader landscape of gaming. Whether it was the challenging combat of Street Fighter II, the exploration of The Legend of Zelda, or the thoughtful strategy of Civilization II, these titles have set benchmarks that many developers still aim to reach.
For me, revisiting these games is a reminder of how far the industry has come, and yet how many of the core ideas remain the same. The emphasis on clear mechanics, engaging gameplay, and thoughtful design is something I continue to look for in new releases. Every title, regardless of its scale, has played a role in shaping our experiences as gamers.
A Steady Stream of Quality
While February might just be another month on the calendar, its history of game releases offers a consistent reminder of quality and innovation across multiple platforms. There’s no need to search for mystical significance—these games speak for themselves. They are celebrated for their design, playability, and the genuine experiences they deliver. As I continue to explore both new and classic titles, I find that the legacy of these February releases is a steady benchmark for what great gaming should feel like.
Undying Survival Epic Free Game until 5th February 2025
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Undying (Currently free on the Epic Games Store until February 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM) brings a fresh perspective to the zombie survival genre by focusing on the emotional journey of a mother and son. This story-driven survival game puts players in the role of Anling, an infected mother racing against time to prepare her son Cody for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
The core mechanic that distinguishes Undying from other survival games is its dual-character progression system. As Anling’s infection progresses, she must teach Cody essential survival skills. Every action becomes a learning opportunity, creating a unique gameplay loop where player choices affect not only immediate survival but Cody’s future capabilities.
The game features procedurally generated maps with 14 major locations, ensuring each playthrough offers a different experience. While the main story locations remain constant, the “Unsafe Areas” between them are randomly populated with events and encounters that can dramatically alter your journey.
The survival aspects are built around a comprehensive crafting system that goes beyond simple resource management. Players must strategically decide how to use limited resources while teaching Cody crafting skills he’ll need to survive on his own.
The game incorporates rogue-lite elements through varied zombie mutations and randomized encounters, requiring players to adapt their strategies. Combat and resource management are complemented by mini-games that provide brief respites from the tension.
Technical and Artistic Design
Undying employs a distinctive low-poly art style that balances atmospheric storytelling with clear visibility during tense moments. The game’s soundtrack, designed to enhance the emotional weight of key story beats, helps establish the somber tone of this apocalyptic tale.
Notable Features:
Story-driven survival gameplay focusing on parent-child dynamics
Procedurally generated maps with consistent major story locations
Comprehensive crafting and skill-teaching mechanics
Multiple narrative paths based on player choices
Randomized events and encounters
Optional pet companion system
David Brevik’s Influence
The dungeon design and loot system benefit from consultation with David Brevik, known for his work on Diablo. This influence is evident in the satisfying progression of finding and utilizing resources throughout the game.
Worth Noting
While the game offers multiple playthroughs through its procedural generation and choice-based narrative, the core story remains emotionally focused on the relationship between mother and son. Players should expect a more personal, character-driven experience rather than just another zombie survival game.
Given its current free availability on Epic Games Store, Undying presents a unique opportunity to experience a different take on both survival games and zombie narratives, especially for players interested in story-rich gaming experiences with survival elements.
I sat down for the Xbox Developer Direct 2025, ready to absorb the information on the upcoming games. The presentations offered direct access to the developers. Four games were showcased: the newly confirmed Ninja Gaiden 4, South of Midnight, Claire Obscure: Expedition 33, and Doom The Dark Ages.
Xbox Youtube Channel : Live Developer Direct 2025
The Return of Ryu Hayabusa: Ninja Gaiden 4
The event began with the official confirmation of Ninja Gaiden 4. We were shown an abandoned Tokyo, marked by a past conflict with a “Dark Dragon.” Cursed rain falls from the dragon’s remains.
“Infiltrate the facility,” a voice commands, followed by “Commencing mission.” These lines, along with robotic beeping and radio static, suggest a world where traditional ninja arts blend with advanced technology. The name “Ryu Hayabusa” is spoken, followed by a cough. With the official announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4, this confirms the return of the iconic protagonist of the Ninja Gaiden series. Also, there is a line “Hello, avocado.” spoken by one of the characters. Another character says, “Do your splits look like this? But you want them to look like this?”. The setting, the dialogue, and the confirmed presence of Ryu Hayabusa create anticipation. This, combined with the news that an Xbox remake of Ninja Gaiden II is already available, signals a strong resurgence for the franchise and that’s good.
Compulsion Games’ Deep South: South of Midnight
South of Midnight, from Compulsion Games, takes players to a reimagined American Deep South. This world blends Southern Gothic themes with dark fantasy, using a style inspired by stop-motion animation.
Players assume the role of Hazel, a 19-year-old who becomes a “Weaver.” This title, given to her by the land itself, allows her to perceive the “grand tapestry,” a concept of interconnectedness. Weavers see “mystical strands” and “stigmas.” Hazel’s journey involves mastering “weaving,” an ancient magic appearing as intricate lace patterns.
Hazel’s tools are based on textile crafting: a spindle, two weaving hooks, and a distaff. Her magic is linked to these tools, with spells like “push,” “pull,” and “weave.” South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure where Hazel’s movement is key for both traversal and combat.
Combat features “haints,” corrupted beings with unique movesets. The “Slug” burrows and attacks from afar, while the “Ravager” uses speed to close in. Hazel uses melee combos, jump attacks, and charge attacks, alongside her magic. “Unraveling” enemies is a core mechanic, freeing them from corruption and providing “L-boosts” and reduced cooldowns.
The game unfolds across multiple regions, each ruled by a mythical creature transformed by tragedy. These creatures were once human or animal, and Hazel can heal them by collecting “Echoes,” fragments of their past. Each region reflects its ruler, with unique music themes. Players will traverse abysmal swamps, flooded farmlands, and the Appalachian Peaks. “Bottle trees” and “haint-blue porches” are mentioned as in-world details, along with themes of decay and the “Weight of the Past.”
“Catfish,” a storyteller, serves as Hazel’s guide. Other creatures mentioned include “Duke told Tom” and “Hugging Molly.” One of the locals says, “You mind if I take a look around? You can see every place old Molly terrorized and more, now for the low, low price of a dollar.” Another says, “So I’m the last person left here. All those damn haints. And this part of the river’s filthy with ’em.” Hazel says, “What kind of person would do that to someone?”
Hazel’s story begins with a massive hurricane that seemingly claims her mother’s life but also awakens her magical abilities. She will visit different regions ruled by magical creatures, each with a distinct Southern Gothic history. The trailer showed several of these creatures, including a large bird and a massive, spike-covered crocodile with trees growing from its back.
South of Midnight is set to release on April 8th for most players, with premium edition owners getting access on April 3, 2025. The game is estimated to take around 10-12 hours to complete.
Sunfall Interactive’s French RPG: Claire Obscure: Expedition 33
Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 is the debut game from Sunfall Interactive. It’s a turn-based RPG set in a fantasy version of late 19th-century Belle Époque France.
The story revolves around a “paintress” and a monolith. 67 years ago, they appeared, and each year the paintress paints a number on the monolith, causing everyone of that age and older to vanish. “Expeditions” are launched to kill the paintress, but none return. The game follows “Expedition 33.” The story focuses on complex characters.
The developers emphasized character depth, focusing on relationships and internal conflicts. Key characters include:
Gustave and Luné: Deeply committed to the expedition, with their personal identities intertwined with its success. They argue but care for each other. They say, “The protocol doesn’t cover every contingency. There’s a… You know that. No.”
Ciel: A character marked by past loss. She says, “I’m always missing something that everyone else just gets,” and “What are the stars whispering to you? Actually, I’m the one whispering to them. It’s something my dad and I used to do.”
Maëlle: Prioritizes living in the present. She asks, “Gustave, are you… real?”
Monoko: A philosopher described as “friendly but kinda bloodthirsty.” A playable character who can transform into defeated enemies. He is a member of the Jethro race, who view battle as a form of meditation. He says, “What are you doing? Just lead by foot. Aha!”. Another Jethro exclaims, “[YELLS] Bonjour!”.
Eskier: An ancient, powerful creature that acts as a mount. Players can unlock new abilities for Eskier by finding special stones.
The game features a “reactive turn-based system” that incorporates real-time elements, allowing players to dodge or time their attacks during enemy turns.
Character customization is a major focus. Each character has unique mechanics, a custom skill tree, and access to “Lumina,” which are passive effects. Maëlle, for instance, can switch between stances that boost defense or power. Each character has over 20 unique skills.
The game world features distinct levels, each with its own visual style. The “Gestural Village” is described as a chaotic, toy-like area hidden within an ancient sanctuary. The developers also incorporated a fully 3D navigable world map. This world map will include secrets and hidden bosses. The world draws inspiration from French Art Deco style. The art director, Nicohlas Maxson-Francombe, mentioned wanting to move away from typical sci-fi or zombie settings.
One line spoken in the trailer is in French: “[FOREIGN] This, too, is your legacy.” The phrase “Tomorrow comes” is repeated in English and French as “Demain viendra.”
Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 launches on April 24, 2025, on Xbox Series X and S and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
id Software’s Medieval Doom: Doom The Dark Ages
Doom The Dark Ages, developed by id Software, closed the show. This prequel to Doom 2016 throws players into a medieval war against hell. The developers characterized the Slayer as an “iron tank,” emphasizing grounded combat that prioritizes power over the agility of Doom Eternal. Strafing to aim is a viable tactic, similar to classic Doom games.
New mechanics include the “shield saw,” enabling blocking, throwing, parrying, and deflecting with a single input. The game also features a melee system with three options: an iron flail, an electrified gauntlet, and a Doom spiked mace, each with unique combos and upgrades. The “glory kill” system is now unsynced and entirely player-controlled.
Doom The Dark Ages introduces a new difficulty system with sliders, allowing players to adjust the game’s speed and challenge. Besides on-foot combat, players can pilot a 30-story mech called the “Atlint” and a fire-breathing, gatling gun-wielding cybernetic dragon. Both have unique abilities and associated mini-bosses.
The developers highlighted the game’s scale, claiming it features the largest play space ever in a Doom game. A sample mission involves defending a city, exploring a battlefield, and uncovering secret areas. The soundtrack is composed by Finishing Move.
The story is conveyed through cutscenes rather than codex entries and features new characters, allies, and villains. The story directly connects to the Slayer’s Testaments found in Doom 2016. One of the developers said during gameplay trailer “that was so stupid, i mouthed the words”. There is a scene where character is holding a gun with “Made in Argentina” written on it. Doom The Dark Ages releases on May 15, 2025, across Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC. It will be available on Game Pass from day one. The Collector’s Bundle offers up to two days of early access. The game will be single-player campaign only. The developers explained that this decision allowed them to fully focus on creating a large and expansive campaign. This focus also enabled them to include features like the dragon and Atlan mech sections.
Looking at the Event
The Developer Direct provided even little information beyond the games themselves. The developers’ work and passion were evident throughout the presentations and it was nice to see. Discussions touched upon the challenges of balancing innovation with established genre conventions. Accessibility in game design was also highlighted. The worldbuilding was a recurring theme. So, let’s see how they manage. And we are definitely looking forward for playing these games, another event and informing you about them 🙂
Meet the American dive bomber in the Royal Thai Air Force’s arsenal, which comes into play as a reward for flying in the Last Legionnaire season. In this brand new season of Battle Pass, you will have the opportunity to acquire the excellent SB2C-5 dive bomber that you know well if you have played the American or French aviation tree. This aircraft is an invaluable tool in ground battles and a classic in War Thunder air battles, so let’s take a look.
The SB2C-5 dive bomber will offer an excellent selection of bombs for Japan at Level III. There are also two types of torpedoes, rockets, machine gun pods, and most importantly 250 to 1000 lb bombs (high explosive) and penetrating 1000 to 1600 lb bombs. In terms of weapons, the SB2C-5 is equipped with two 20 mm automatic guns in the wings with a total of 400 rounds. These guns play an important role in defeating enemy aircraft, especially at lower positions, and make this aircraft a suitable choice in any game mode. Despite this, this aircraft is ultimately at its best in ground battles, where it will still be able to take out lightly armored vehicles with its cannons.
Aircraft characteristics
Despite its low climb rate and lower top speed, the SB2C-5 still has the advantage of appearing in the air in aerial battles due to its class as a bomber. This allows it to gain enough speed to dive on enemy ground targets, as well as use the airbrake to prevent wing tear-off. With minimal maneuvering, the SB2C-5’s speed can be maintained for quite a long time, or you can take advantage of its decent maneuvering abilities and choose to hunt other bombers and attack aircraft instead of going for ground targets.
The SB2C-5 was the last production variant of the Curtiss Helldiver two-seat dive bomber. The aircraft was produced in the US and Canada under license during the final stages of World War II, but did not have time to participate in combat over the Pacific. In the post-war period, SB2C-5 modifications were actively exported, including to Thailand, where they were used in the suppression of the insurgency in the north of the country during the 1950s.
