Marvel Snap could be banned in the U.S. if TikTok doesn't act quick

Get 300 Mbps Internet for $35/Month—Stream and Game Like Never Before with Xfinity!

This week’s edition dives into why Marvel Snap was temporarily banned in the U.S., takes a closer look at games like Sims 4 and PGA Tour 2K25, explores Accolade Sports' latest offering, and wraps up with updates on Tekken and Assassin’s Creed. But first, let’s get into the news that’s been making waves around the world.

The Snap Ban

It’s been announced that Marvel Snap may be shut down in the U.S., leaving fans disappointed. The reason? The country’s TikTok ban actually affects all ByteDance apps. Originally, the ban was made to prevent China from accessing US citizens' personal data. However, because ByteDance is involved with Marvel Snap in some capacity, the app has been caught in the crossfire. While the game is online, there’s still some chance the game will be hit again in the future if ByteDance doesn’t sort things out. You can find more details on this here.

25 Years of The Sims

If you’d told someone 25 years ago that a game where you control people’s daily lives would still be thriving today, they probably wouldn’t have believed you! Yet, the Sims franchise is going strong, with plenty of updates planned for this year. Fans can expect celebrity events, tons of new clothing and hairstyles, and some exciting graphical overhauls

Accolade’s Retro Revival

Accolade Sports is gearing up to release a collection of five revamped Atari classics next week. The collection features two versions of Hardball, a winter sports game, a summer sports game, and a basketball game that’s sure to appeal to NBA Jam fans. These games will be available on PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.

Is Tekken Pulling a Fast One?

Katsuhiro Harada, the face of Tekken, recently hinted at a departure from the franchise when he posted on LinkedIn saying he was “open to work.” Naturally, this caused a stir among fans. However, Harada has since clarified that he isn’t leaving Bandai Namco and was simply looking to expand his network. Whether this was a PR stunt or just a misunderstanding, only time will tell.

Shadows of Assassin’s Creed

The buzz around Assassin’s Creed Shadows is real, with Ubisoft promising a stronger focus on player exploration and more creative choices in the open world. While many die-hard fans are excited, some remain skeptical, as similar promises have been made in the past. Here’s hoping this time they deliver.

A Sneak Peek Into PGA Tour 2K25

The official trailer for PGA Tour 2K25 has dropped, and it looks like fans are in for a treat. The game promises more licensed courses, new modes, and additional shot types. The MyPLAYER feature has also been revamped with a new points system for attributes and an updated equipment progression system. Check out more details here.

Infinity Nikki (8/10)

The fun in the Nikki series used to be dressing up characters in amazing costumes, while the gameplay from the early titles was too linear and a bit uninspiring. However, Infinity Nikki brings an open world into the series to make gameplay better while also making character visuals better and more interactive with an amazing photo mode. You can argue you deserve a degree in photography if you spend enough time playing the game, collecting clothes, and taking perfect photos of your characters.

Other reviews worth checking:

• Dragon Takers - “Rise and resist the dragons in a fantasy RPG acquiring enemy skills!”

• RoboDunk - “RoboDunk lifts the brutality of NBA Jam's 2v2 gameplay but puts its own twist on it”

• Cuisineer (Switch) – January 28

• Warside (PS4 & 5, Xbox, Switch, PC) – January 28

• Agent Fall (PS4 & 5, Xbox, Switch) – January 29