Tales of Arise Rated in Australia
Bandai Namco's Tales of Arise is one of many games that were supposed to launch this year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was delayed with no future launch window provided. This isn't to say that things aren't happening – the action RPG was recently rated on the Australian Classification Board.
The last time a rating popped up was via the Korean Ratings Board in January. While this doesn't indicate an impending release, judging by the pattern of other games, it's possible that Tales of Arise could arrive in the next few months. Early 2021 is also looking like a possibility.
We'll have to wait for more details to be sure (maybe even an update at Gamescom or Tokyo Games Show). Tales of Arise is in development for Xbox One, PS4 and PC using Unreal Engine 4 and will have a darker direction compared to previous games. While the gameplay has seen some changes, the Linear Motion Battle System will be making a return.
Wasteland 3 – Permadeath Coming in Post-Launch Update
InXile Entertainment's Wasteland 3 is only eight days away from release and shaping up to a worthy successor to the series. However, one thing it will ship without is permadeath, an option featured in several CRPGs and tactical RPGs where death is a permanent consequence. In a new Steam post, the developer has confirmed that it will be adding this in after launch.
As for why it was omitted in the first place, inXile said that, "We actually went back and forth quite a bit on this as an option, mainly because we knew the amount of development work it would need. When you can welcome story critical NPCs into your party, and approach the game content in essentially any order, and those critical story NPCs can permanently die from anywhere in the story… it's a lot to account for."
All of this only means that it will take longer to properly implement permadeath. How long it will take after launch is unknown but the base game should be enough to keep players. The developer has cited over 50 hours of playtime with 10 unique endings.
InXile founder and producer Brian Fargo also recently said that the game is "coming in much larger than many expected" and would be "epic in size." Releasing on August 28th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC, Wasteland 3 will also be available on Xbox Game Pass. Stay tuned for more details en route to launch.
EA Sports UFC 4 Guide – How to Perform Submissions, and All Fighter Stats
Along with all of the new mechanics in EA Sports UFC 4, there's a new submission system for players to master. A variety of submissions are on offer, from flying submissions to joint submissions, so let's take a look at what you need to know to survive. First off, pressing LT/L2 along with RT/R2 will initiate a joint submission.
One of the newer things that can be noticed is a circle and two bars – red and blue – appearing when a joint submission is performed. If you're applying the submission, then you control the red bar and must hover it over the blue bar (the opponent) to submit them. If you're defending against a submission, then avoiding the red bar is key.
You can also strike an opponent during a submission via button prompts that pop up. Once they pop up, hit the corresponding face button to attack. Alternatively, defenders who hit the prompt first can defend against a strike. When performing a submission, some button prompts will pop up for either performing a Submission Chain or a Submission Slam. These are good for outwitting an enemy, though they can also be used against you.
Next up are flying submissions. Here are the different flying submissions that can be performed:
- Pull Guard – RB/R1 and X/Square in the over under position
- Guard Pull into Sweep to Mount – RB/R1 and Y/Triangle
- Flying Triangle – LT/L2 and RB/R1 and Y/Triangle
- Back Rear Naked Chock – LT/L2 and RB/R1 and either X/Square or Y/Triangle from back clinch.
- Standing Guillotine – LT/L2 and RB/R1 and X/Square from Muay Thai or single under clinch positions to enter the Standing Guillotine position. Then press X/Square or Y/Triangle for the submission.
- Flying Omoplata – LT/L2 and RB/R1 and X/Square in the over under clinch position.
- Flying Armbar – LT/L2 and RB/R1 and either X/Square or Y/Triangle in the collar tie clinch position.
All Fighters and Stats
There are dozens of different fighters to choose from, each with their own ratings in different stats like Punch Speed, Punch Power, Accuracy, Kick Power, Kick Speed, Blocking and so on. Each fighter also has their own perks that further defines their play-style. Check out the video below to see detailed information for each fighter. Choosing the one that fits you approach and then practicing extensively with them is the best route to victory, even if it can take some time to get all the nuance down.
Microsoft Has Compiled List Of Current Issues And Fixes For Flight Simulator
Yesterday, we saw the launch of 2020's Microsoft Flight Simulator, the return of one of the most beloved flight simulation series out there. By and large, the game has gotten universal acclaim. We were fond of it, which you can read about through here. But considering the intensive nature of the game, there are still issues out there. Well, Microsoft is paying attention.
Microsoft revealed earlier today they have compiled a tracker list of known issues with the game, which you can see here. One of the biggest issues those on Steam had was the inability to see the Premium Deluxe Edition content, though Microsoft says that is now fixed. Alongside those issues, they are also listing known workarounds until they can officially address them. There's also a link to the support team if you discover more problems and workarounds.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available now on PC. You can check out the game's neat launch trailer that details the many gorgeous places through Ocenia you'll be flying over.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League Writer Asks For Name To Be Taken Off Project
It's been half a decade now since we last saw a full production from Rocksteady, the developer behind the popular Batman: Arkham franchise of titles. We now officially know that their next game will be Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and will be revealed this weekend at the DC FanDome event. But in the lead up to that, there's been some explosive allegations against the studio and its treatment of employees. A very lengthy letter was revealed detailing that via The Guardian, which you can read more about through here. Well, it remains to be seen what will be done, if anything, but it seems that the woman behind the letter, and a writer on the game, wants their name off the whole affair.
Shortly after the article referenced above came out, Ex-Rocksteady writer Kim MacAskill posted a lengthy video about it. She revealed there that the original 2018 letter was penned by her, and she suspects it was one of the reasons the company left her go in 2019 when she was told they could no longer afford her. She goes on to say that she'd hope things would improve, but claims they have not, which has lead her here now. You can see the whole video below.
An interesting aspect is that she asks Rocksteady to take her off the credits for the upcoming Suicide Squad game, saying she doesn't want the association with the game or the company any longer. Just for reference, it's been rumored this game has been in development as early as 2016. So that's 3-4 years of a project MacAskill is asking to be removed from, so it really shows the strong feelings she has about what's happened.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will be officially revealed this Saturday, August 22nd, at DC FanDome. It's unclear at this point if any of this will be addressed or not at the event in question.
Battletoads Gets Almost 25 Minutes Of Brawling Gameplay
Battletoads was one of the many franchises that Rare created in their heyday, and one that had the most '90s 'tude you could imagine alongside some hard as nails gameplay. Now, they are returning with a cartoon aesthetic closer to modern animated shows with the same type of sidescrolling brawling we know and love, and we got a huge look at it today.
Ahead of the official release tomorrow, Microsoft and Rare shared nearly 25 full minutes of a gameplay showcase. Developer Dlala Studios definitely did their studying on the old school games, and it looks like they've added their own bit of tricks to the mix. Check it out below.
Battletoads releases tomorrow, August 20th, for both Xbox One and PC. Like all Microsoft first party titles now, the game will also be day and date with Game Pass across both platforms. For PC players, you can check out the requirements you'll need to run the game through here.
Phantasy Star Online 2 Has Passed 1 Million Players In The West
For many years, Sega's highly successful MMORPG Phantasy Star Online 2 remained contained within Japanese shores (outside occasional releases in other Asian regions). The game survived several console generations and many wondered if we'd ever get it in the west. In the end, we did when it was announced that the game would be coming to the Xbox One and PC in the United States and Europe. How successful has the experiment been? Overall, it seems it's done well.
The game has now surpassed 1 million players with these western releases. It was announced via the game with a special event called "One Million ARKS Celebration." For a limited time, EXP, Rare Drop, and Rare Enemy Spawn Rates will all be increased +100% and all players will have the opportunity to receive 2 million EXP with EXP tickets. It's not too shabby of a start since it just started in April.
Phantasy Star Online 2 is now available on the Xbox One and PC. The celebration event will last until August 26th. An overall of the game is set to come sometime in 2021 called Genesis, which you can read about through here.
Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War Announced, Full Reveal on August 26
Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War has been leaked a few times these past few weeks and months, while Activision themselves have also been teasing the game quite a bit of late. Now, it has been officially unveiled. A trailer has been released to officially announce the game, and establish its premise.
As its name suggests, Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War will be set during the Cold War era, and the trailer, which you can view below, says that the story is based on real events. It talks about a Soviet spy installed into the US to destabilize the nation, and sets up a pretty interesting premise. Take a look at it below.
The game's full reveal will be coming on August 26, and interestingly enough, it will be happening within Call of Duty: Warzone, as the video's description suggests. Activision have hinted at such a reveal in recent weeks, while Warzone itself has also been doing so with some interesting antics.
We don't yet know when Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War will release, or what platforms it will be available on, but that information will likely be coming on August 26. Stay tuned for more updates until then.
Mafia: Definitive Edition Will Feature Classic Difficulty Option
Hangar 13's Mafia: Definitive Edition is out next month and looks to remake the original in stunning fashion. There's plenty of new additions like a new lighting engine and recreated cinematics. Multiple difficulty options will also be in place but those who seek a challenge can opt for Classic Difficulty.
Announced today, Classic Difficulty essentially channels the old Mafia experience. Hangar 13 Senior Systems Designer Prakash Choraria says that, "With Classic Difficulty, we wanted to deliver something that is still an accomplishment to overcome, while smoothing over some of the bumps that could otherwise feel frustrating. Taking the race in the Fair Play mission as an example, the goal across all of Mafia: Definitive Edition's difficulty settings was to make it a little easier than the original, as many players got stuck and were unable to beat it. On Classic, the race is still pretty tough, but is conquerable with patience and practice."
Driving assists are either weaker or disabled compared to other settings, and you won't see signs in-game telling you where to go. As for the police, they'll be fairly punishing of any small crime. "No offense is too small," says Choraria. "Drive even a little over the speed limit and you'll need to pull over and pay a fine to stop the situation from escalating." If you insist on ignoring the law, the police will give pursuit, set up roadblocks and so on. Vehicles are also more fragile so they won't have a hard time pulling you over by force.
Another aspect of the original game that's mirrored in Classic Difficulty is losing any remaining. "If you reload that Tommy gun with 38 bullets left in the clip, you'll lose all of them." You'll also automatically heal only up to 20 percent of total health while first aid kits will restore less. Don't worry – if things get too punishing, you can switch difficulties at any time. There is a Trophy/Achievement for beating the entire game on Classic Difficulty though.
Mafia: Definitive Edition releases on September 25th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Lead Narrative Designer, Creative Director Depart Project
Following the delay of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 into next year, Paradox Interactive and Hardsuit Labs have announced that lead narrative designer Brian Mitsoda and creative director Ka'ai Cluney have left the team. This was a joint decision by the leadership both companies. Alexandre Mandryka has been hired to fill the creative director role and to "help us in the final stages of development."
Such a departure is interesting especially given the game's delay. However, Mitsoda revealed to Rock Paper Shotgun via email that he was "suddenly terminated." "That this came as a shock to me is underselling it," said Mitsoda. It's all the more surprising when you consider that Mitsoda was the lead writer for the first game and has often been part of the sequel's marketing.
He stated that he's "incredibly disappointed and frustrated to say that this is where it ends for me on the project" and had "never been led to believe that I hadn't succeeded." Mitsoda also noted that the marketing was "intensely difficult and took a mental and physical toll." As far as he's concerned, the narrative development didn't contribute to any delays. While he's "confident and proud of the work that I and my team put forward," Mitsoda is also unsure "when that work will be seen and what form it will take."
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is in development for Xbox One, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X and PS5. Stay tuned for more details on it in the coming year.