It kinda seems like this was the only wave of Xbox Series X pre-orders before launch
Did you get an Xbox Series S or Series X pre-order today? Chances are that, no, you didn't. As Chris pointed out this morning, even though everyone knew exactly when these things would go up for sale, it really didn't go any smoother than the PS5 pre-order debacle. There's just too much demand and not enough supply. That only leads to retailers getting hammered and a lot of frustrated would-be consumers.
There might be some more bad news for anyone who was unsuccessful this morning. It sort of seems like those were the last of the Xbox Series X pre-orders until launch. Maybe I'm reading too much into this tweet:
Chip's Challenge is free on Steam and nostalgia just hit me hard
Three decades after its original release, Chip's Challenge is free to keep and play on Steam.
Depending on your age and upbringing, the mere mention of that name will bring back a flood of memories, or it won't – though I'd be super curious to see what someone who never solved these tile-based puzzles before thinks of this iconic game in 2020. It doesn't take long for it to push back.
One glimpse of the erratic ants, and it all came back to me. The ever-present timer slips me up.
It's an incredible year for video games and I've lost count of all the stuff I could be playing right now, but catching up with Chip's Challenge over a lunch break brought out some warm and fuzzy vibes.
@ChucksChallenge [Twitter via Polygon]
Mike Bithell of Thomas Was Alone and John Wick Hex fame debuts his new game
Mike Bithell has endeared himself to fans of indie games ever since he exploded onto the scene with his story-focused platformer Thomas Was Alone. Since then he has continued to make narrative the central part of every game he puts out, even taking his talents to the world of movie tie-ins with John Wick Hex. As of late, he has been doing shorter games that are based around a single concept and theme.
Announced today, The Solitaire Conspiracy is Bithell's latest entry in his "shorts" catalog. The indie game elevator pitch goes a bit like this: what if you were to take the game of solitaire and mix it with a cyberpunk conspiracy FMV game? Sounds neat, especially since it uses a variant of solitaire that isn't widely known. (Also, card games are so in right now.)
While being designed and written by Bithell, The Solitaire Conspiracy also boasts a flashy cast and crew for such a small game. British comedian Inel Tomlinson will star in the FMV cutscenes alongside Kinda Funny Games' Greg Miller. Jon Everist, of BattleTech and Shadowrun fame, will score the soundtrack.
Outside of my distaste for his stealth puzzle game Volume, Mike Bithell has never truly steered me wrong. His "shorts" are always nice little escapes from the longer games on the market so definitely look forward to The Solitaire Conspiracy when it launches on Steam on October 6.
The Solitaire Conspiracy [Steam]
Count Switch out for the Mass Effect trilogy remaster
There's already a platform casualty for a highly coveted remaster that isn't even announced yet. The Mass Effect trilogy remaster --which, and I can't stress this enough, isn't even officially a thing yet -- won't be coming to Switch. Can't romance everyone, I guess.
This comes via GamesBeat's Jeff Grubb who has been at the forefront of all the Mass Effect trilogy rumors. He revealed on the Xbox Expansion Pass podcast (and as reported by VGC) that EA doesn't plan to bring the remaster to Switch. Grubb said "EA has multiple games coming to Nintendo Switch and Mass Effect is definitely not one of them. Not yet, anyhow. If that happens, it won't happen in that one-year window that they talked about in their last shareholder meeting."
This, paired with the news that the trilogy was scheduled to launch in October (but will very possibly slip back), makes it most likely that this is a content-complete bundled remaster for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. That's kind of what was expected all along, but the prospect of all these games on Switch was tantalizing. That idea seems to be more or less dead now.
There's one more less-noteworthy chunk of news associated with this. The remastered trilogy will allegedly be called Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. It has a better ring to it than Mass Effect: Please Forget Andromeda Edition.
Mass Effect's remaster is reportedly called 'Legendary Edition' and won't release for Switch [Video Games Chronicle]
The Shock Blue Xbox controller is a stunner and it's up for pre-order
Microsoft is prepping three Xbox controller colorways for a busy November launch.
Apart from the standard Carbon Black and Robot White gamepads that come bundled with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, respectively, there's also a vibrant Shock Blue controller that really pops.
All three gamepads are available for pre-order (they're $60 each except for the blue boy, which is $65) and there's also an optional new $25 Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable play-and-charge kit.
I'm not looking to part ways with my Elite controller (even though the A button has started to make a mildly annoying noise when I press and release it), but if I were? Shock Blue all the way. It's a beaut.
In case you missed it, the controller-customizing Xbox Design Lab is "going offline temporarily" with a hiatus lasting until 2021. When the program returns, you can expect to see its "next evolution."
I've spent entirely too much money on controllers over the past decade. It's my secret shame.
Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds brings the anime RPG franchise to mobile
Japanese video game publisher Level-5 has dropped a teaser trailer for its upcoming mobile RPG Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, which is headed to iOS and Android platforms in Japan later this year.
Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds will see players in the role of a young beta tester, who has been hired to check out a new virtual reality-style title known as "Soul Divers." It soon becomes clear, however, that Soul Divers is far more powerful than your average VR title, featuring a huge - and seemingly very real - kingdom which is under siege by armies of monsters.
I'm almost a little ashamed to admit this but among my many predictions for Rocket League after the Epic acquisition, it never crossed my mind that Fortnite's Battle Bus would become a playable vehicle. There's exactly one iconic vehicle in all of Fortnite and it soars high above the clouds. Rocket League is all about cars doing cool shit in the air. This should've been obvious.
Next weekend, the Battle Bus joins the Rocket League roster. It's the final reward as part of the Rocket League free-to-play inaugural Llama-Rama event. Psyonix has never given a new car body away as part of an in-game event, so this is about the most significant one of these has ever been. Usually it's stacks of event currency that can be traded for some limited cosmetics.
Llama-Rama is also the most involved a Rocket League event has ever been. Progressing through it requires completing (reasonably easy) tasks to earn rewards and unlock new tasks. It's not just confined to Rocket League either. Completing challenges in Rocket League will unlock rewards in both Rocket League and Fortnite.
Here's the full breakdown of challenges and rewards:
Super Mario 3D All-Stars tops this week's UK Charts
Nintendo's retro-compendium Super Mario 3D All-Stars has predictably debuted at number one in the UK Charts, dethroning Square Enix's comic-book adventure Marvel's Avengers after the latter spent two weeks in the premier position.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars, which launched for Nintendo Switch on September 18, features upscaled remasters of classic adventures Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. The trilogy has received praise from critics and fans for its timeless gameplay, but was chastised for its bare-bones contents and time-limited release window.
Elsewhere in the charts, 2K Games' mediocre brawler WWE 2K Battlegrounds debuted at number six. Tellingly, it appears that media outlets were not given review codes for the microtransaction-heavy wrestlefest. Also debuting in the Top Ten this week is Konami soccer title eFootball PES 2021, just squeezing into the premier league at number nine.
The Last of Us Part II has 'exciting things' lined up for September 26
In a tweet this morning, Naughty Dog promised to share "a lot of exciting things" for The Last of Us Part II on Saturday, September 26. This community-centric date was formerly known as Outbreak Day, but going forward, the developer is swapping over to The Last of Us Day branding in light of COVID-19.
#TheLastofUsDay pic.twitter.com/dEycyibZw4
— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) September 22, 2020
Are we going to see the multiplayer reveal on Saturday? I'm feeling hopeful.
As relayed in September 2019, the studio prioritized wrapping up the story. It came to the realization that the planned "evolution" of Factions had grown "beyond an additional mode that could be included with our enormous single-player campaign." At the time, Naughty Dog said that players would "eventually experience the fruits of our team's online ambition, but not as part of The Last of Us Part II."
In August 2020, a rough but unmistakable clip showed leaked multiplayer footage.
There are a ton of unknowns about Factions – when, where, and how much? – but I like the movement and gunplay enough in Part II to want to face off against other players, and The Last of Us Day seems like the right place to lift the lid. Weaving through the grass, getting the jump on someone – I'm in.
Factions was terrifying and thrilling in The Last of Us and that's what I'm hoping for again.
The Bright Memory prologue will arrive on Xbox Series X for launch
As work continues on shiny sci-fi shooter Bright Memory: Infinite, Studio FYQD has announced that the previously released demo/prologue Bright Memory will be made available to purchase on Xbox Series X come the console's launch day.
As a quick refresher, Bright Memory is a slick, fast-paced action title that blends intense melee combat with Devil May Cry-style gunplay, all from a first-person perspective. Bright Memory follows cyber-skilled secret agent "Shelia" (real name Hannah Grace) as she investigates a terrifying, time-warping, inter-dimensional anomaly that is threatening to engulf the entire planet.
Minecraft VR is playable with PlayStation VR thanks to a free update
VR is an amazing way to explore Minecraft, and today, PlayStation VR is also supported. Rather than charging for a revamped port, this is simply a free update to the existing PS4 version of Minecraft.
How is it? Some players have struggled to even launch the game due to persistent crashes, but others have had no such trouble getting in. "There are a good amount of settings for VR, smooth turning, and movement with options for snap," said Reddit user MCalchemist. "I feel this is a kind of game you want to play seated for longer sessions, so I imagine that is why they went with an untracked [DualShock 4]. Your HMD is the only thing being tracked (and you can turn off look based movement if you want)."
To be clear, you'll have to use a gamepad for Minecraft VR – there's no PlayStation Move option.
"Everything that you can do in Bedrock Minecraft on PS4 you can now experience in 3D on PSVR," according to Minecraft console producer Damian Finn. Beyond the full-fledged Immersive Mode shown in the trailer, there's also a "training wheels" Living Room mode where you see a flat screen in a 3D space (sort of like you've "teleported your living room into Minecraft to sit on a couch there to play.")
Some players have had issues flipping between the two modes, and if that happens to you, check your control bindings in the settings – that seems to be the culprit. (It should be up on the D-pad or L3.)
As much as the platform is showing its age, it's been a good year for PlayStation VR.
Minecraft gets PlayStation VR support [Minecraft]
Humanity is under siege, and only Serious Sam can save us now
In just a couple of days' time, macho-maniac "Serious" Sam Stone will be making his video game comeback, when Serious Sam 4 launches exclusively on PC and Stadia September 24.
Publisher Devolver Digital, in association with developer Croteam, has released one last trailer to get fans in gear for another bombastic adventure packed full of vicious aliens, explosive weaponry, and more than a handful of cheesy one-liners. Serious Sam 4 sees Planet Earth on the brink of complete annihilation, as the invading forces of Mental begin to dominate each and every nation. With only a small army of rag-tag mercenaries at his side, it's up to our unlikely hero to pull humanity back from the brink of extinction, one homing missile at a time.
I have to admit, when Serious Sam first launched way back in 2001, I honestly thought it was a fly-by-night release - and completely destined for obscurity. But today, with four mainline entries and a whole host of spin-off releases, the shades-wearing super-dude has since proved me very, very wrong.
Serious Sam 4 launches on PC and Stadia September 24. It will arrive on consoles sometime in 2021.
My Nintendo celebrates Super Mario 3D All-Stars with new wallpaper
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is out, and now everyone can argue about the merit of each individual game all over again.
I've seen all sorts of "I'm coming around on Sunshine" testimonials (along with plenty of "I still hate Sunshine" takes), as well as the same polarized reception around Mario 64. Yes, I vividly remember some people not liking Super Mario 64 at launch: wild, right?
Now it's time to celebrate the launch, as well as the 35th anniversary of Mario himself. To that end, Nintendo just provided a new My Nintendo reward: a digital wallpaper for 3D All-Stars, featuring art from each game. It's available now for 50 Platinum Points.
For reference, you can find 50 Platinum Points in the digital couch cushions of My Nintendo. You get 30 points for logging into the service. As a reminder, you can also get the pin set now if you were lucky enough to redeem your code in time.
Wallpaper [My Nintendo]
We had notice, but trying to pre-order an Xbox Series X also sucked
Remember the magical phrase "plenty of time to pre-order" in the context of PS5 presales? Ha, good times. It feels like a distant memory.
As you probably know by now, the PS5 pre-order situation was a mess. Sony explained that folks would have lots of time to grab a pre-order the day after their big PS5 stream, but mere hours later retailers opened the floodgates and sold out in minutes. Many prospective buyers were completely asleep when they went up in the dead of night. What is this, a Target exclusive amiibo?!
Thankfully, Microsoft had the chance to take the high road and give us plenty of advance warning on their pre-order system. "September 22 at 11AM ET" was the target, and in theory, should go smoother than Sony's non-plan.
In theory.
World of Warcraft's pre-Shadowlands patch preview explains the new 'level squish'
Huge changes are coming to World of Warcraft; and like any game that's existed for over a decade, change can be scary. Or downright buggy.
A lot of players are hoping that's not the case when the Shadowlands pre-expansion patch hits, in which case we'll get to test out the changes before they actually hit the expansion proper. The biggest alteration that's on the horizon? Level squishing.
From now on, level 120 (the current max) boosts will turn into level 50 boosts. Level 110 character boosts (the max for the prior Legion expansion) will change into level 48 boosts. It's...a little confusing, especially if you've been playing WoW since the start.
Item levels are also going to change all over the map. Currently a 120 level piece of gear will morph into 25 for Shadowlands. There's a handy chart that breaks down every gear level just so you can properly plan for it. Blizzard also reminds us that Exile's Reach is coming: which is an all-new area that allows you to learn the ropes of the game before you get dumped into the open world.
You'll mess around in Exile's Reach until level 10, at which point you'll join the world proper. Or, you can skip Exile's Reach altogether and enjoy the classic level one experience. The game is also getting a "newcomer chat," which will feature learned players as guides to help you on your quest (to apply to be one, you need to be level 50, have completed 3,000 quests and have an account "in good standing").
Also, and this is important, you won't need to pay for cosmetic changes going forward when the pre-expansion patch hits. Here's the full details: "With the release of the pre-expansion patch, players will be able to seek out a Barber Shop for a variety of character-customization options, including the ability to change your character's gender, hair, facial features, and more. Due to this upcoming new in-game option, the Appearance Change service for Shadowlands will be retired from the Blizzard Shop prior to the release of the pre-patch."
Allied race recruiting (read: new races to play) also do not require the sometimes grueling requirement of exalted reputation (which can result in weeks of gated grinding). Now, all you need to do is complete the required story quests or achievements. Most of these changes are great! Hopefully Shadowlands is more Legion than Battle for Azeroth (despite liking both).
Explore the Updates Arriving with the Shadowlands Pre-Expansion Patch [World of Warcraft]
Crash Bandicoot 4 trailer prepares the mad marsupial for his big return
We are still a couple of weeks away from the release of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, which arrives on PS4 and Xbox One on October 2, but that hasn't stopped publisher Activision from dropping a launch trailer for the upcoming adventure.
A little less bizarre than the previous video, the new trailer sees the legendary platforming star awaken from a lazy slumber for a brand new odyssey that will take Crash and his friends quite literally through time and space. With major assists from Coco, Tawna, and Aku Aku, Crash will once against face up to the nefarious Dr. Cortex, journey through colourful worlds of chaotic platforming action. It's all looking pretty snazzy, that's for sure.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time launches October 2 on PS4 and Xbox One.
Insomniac confirms that Spider-Man PS4 save data will not transfer to PS5
The mixed messaging on Spider-Man: Miles Morales has been a bit of a mess.
First it seemed like a full-on sequel when it was presented, only to be walked back to a micro-adventure akin to an Uncharted spinoff. Then, Game Informer broke the news that the PS5 edition would feature a remastered version of the original Peter Parker tale on PS4: only to have radio silence from Sony on the matter for months.
Well, now, thanks to an unceremonious SKU listing on Sony's site, we now know that the "Ultimate Edition" of Miles Morales comes with the PS4 remaster, but there are a few provisos. Seemingly able to finally tell the public what's up, the Insomniac Twitter account clarified some things.
Firstly, PS4 save data will not transfer to the PS5 remaster, so you'll have to start all over. Next, the physical version of Miles Morales will not include the remaster on the disc. Instead, the remaster will be provided via a voucher download code. There are "no plans" to release the remaster in physical form at this time.
That's a whole lotta bad news! This last one is either good or bad depending on your perspective: the trophy list is separate. Oh, and the remaster is a completely separate icon/game on the PS5's UI. They could have clarified all this a while ago!
Insomniac Games [Twitter]
Former Lab Zero employees form independent studio Future Club
A team of former Lab Zero Games employees have come together to form a brand new, independently owned studio. Future Club has been born out of the ashes of the Lab Zero controversy, which saw a huge exodus of staff after multiple accusations of sexual harassment and toxic behavior against Lab Zero head Mike Zaimont.
Future Club is headed up by CEO/Producer Francesca Esquenazi, who will lead a team comprised of creative director Mariel "Kinuko" Cartwright, senior animator Jonathan Kim and game designer Earl Gertwagen. In all, Future Club's staff consists of 15 former Lab Zero employees, some of whom worked on 2012's excellent fighting title Skullgirls and 2019's aesthetically fantastic RPG, Indivisible.
Xbox gave Todd Howard 1,000 Achievement points for being Todd Howard
Most of us have to play our games to get our Gamerscore. It's tough work but it's an honest living. Todd Howard, however, just has to exist to earn Gamerscore.
Alongside this morning's bombshell news that Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media, renowned game developer Todd Howard shared a letter that details his partnerships with Xbox have meant to him over the last 20 years of his career. It's a lot of talk about shared visions and perspective changing.
However, it ends on a cute story about GDC 2016 where Howard was given a lifetime achievement award. It's worth hearing straight from the horse's mouth, so here's the anecdote in full:
Sega's 60th anniversary eShop sale includes Atlus 3DS favorites
As part of Sega's ongoing 60th anniversary celebration, the company is hosting a sale right now on the Nintendo Switch eShop and the 3DS eShop. It's sticking around until October 5 at 8:59 a.m. Pacific.
You'll immediately see a trend when you glance down at the two game lists. These deals are mostly centered around classic re-releases under the Sega Ages banner, a handful of Sonic titles, the Atlus 3DS catalog – including Shin Megami Tensei, Etrian Odyssey, and Persona Q – and a few assorted oddities.
Nintendo Switch
- Catherine: Full Body ($34.99)
- Citizens of Space ($4.49)
- Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Mega Mix ($27.57)
- Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games 2020 ($39.99)
- Puyo Puyo Champions ($3.99)
- Puyo Puyo Tetris ($14.99)
- Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Alex the Kidd in Miracle World ($3.99)
- Sega Ages Fantasy Zone ($3.99)
- Sega Ages G-Loc Air Battle ($3.99)
- Sega Ages Gain Ground ($3.99)
- Sega Ages Ichidant-R ($3.99)
- Sega Ages Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar ($3.99)
- Sega Ages Out Run ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Phantasy Star ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Puyo Puyo ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Puyo Puyo 2 ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Shinobi ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Sonic the Hedgehog ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Space Harrier ($3.99)
- Sega Ages Thunder Force AC ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Virtua Racing ($5.99)
- Sega Ages Wonder Boy: Monster Land ($3.99)
- Sega Genesis Classics ($14.99)
- Shining Resonance Refrain ($11.99)
- SolSeraph ($4.99)
- Sonic Forces ($9.99)
- Sonic Mania ($9.99)
- Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD ($23.99)
- Team Sonic Racing ($19.99)
- Two Point Hospital ($23.99)
- Valkyria Chronicles ($17.99)
Nintendo 3DS
- 3D After Burner II ($2.99)
- 3D Altered Beast ($2.99)
- 3D Ecco the Dolphin ($2.99)
- 3D Fantasy Zone ($2.99)
- 3D Fantasy Zone II ($2.99)
- 3D Galaxy Force ($2.99)
- 3D Gunstar Heroes ($2.99)
- 3D Out Run ($2.99)
- 3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master ($2.99)
- 3D Sonic the Hedgehog ($2.99)
- 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ($2.99)
- 3D Space Harrier ($2.99)
- 3D Streets of Rage ($2.99)
- 3D Streets of Rage 2 ($2.99)
- 3D Super Hang-On ($2.99)
- 3D Thunder Blade ($2.99)
- 7th Dragon III Code: VFD ($14.99)
- Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars ($9.99)
- Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight ($9.99)
- Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan ($9.99)
- Etrian Odyssey Nexus ($19.99)
- Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl ($9.99)
- Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth ($14.99)
- Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX ($9.99)
- Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth ($19.99)
- Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth ($9.99)
- Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology ($19.99)
- Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure ($9.99)
- Sega 3D Classics Collection ($9.99)
- Shin Megami Tensei IV ($9.99)
- Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse ($14.99)
- Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers ($9.99)
- Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker ($9.99)
- Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked ($9.99)
- Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux ($19.99)
- Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal ($9.99)
- Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice ($9.99)
- Sonic Generations ($9.99)
- Sonic Lost World ($9.99)
- Stella Glow ($9.99)
- The Alliance Alive ($15.99)
- The Legend of Legacy ($9.99)
Basically, if you were super into 3DS RPGs and you still have some gaps in your Atlus library, you probably have some considering to do. Otherwise, we've seen a lot of these games and prices before.
[Thanks, Inquisitive Ravenclaw]
Have you ever forgotten how to play a video game?
A few years ago, I was visiting my brother's family when my oldest nephew invited me to play a game of Madden. "Oh," I thought, "your father and I used to play this all the time." So I joined him for a game of football only to have him shut his PS4 off less than two quarters in as he had trounced me well enough to invoke the mercy rule. It turns out, when I don't play sports games, I completely forget how they work.
That's just one of the topics on this episode of Podtoid. CJ, Occams, Dan, and Charlotte talk forgetting games, WWE Battlegrounds, Final Fantasy X, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Pathfinder: Kingmaker, and the PlayStation 5 date and price reveal. All that, plus even the trees are out to get you in Australia, on Podtoid Episode 459.
Microsoft isn't jacking up the price for Xbox Series X controllers
As we barrel toward the next generation of Sony and Microsoft's consoles, we're faced with the looming threat of raised prices around all corners. There has been persistent talk that games will increase from $60 to $70 soon enough. Last week, we learned that PS5 controllers will cost $10 more than PS4 controllers.
At least we know that Xbox controller prices will stay level for now. As part of an extremely busy news day for Microsoft, it was revealed that Xbox Series S/X controllers will be $60. That's what they cost on Xbox One too.
Of course, as part of Microsoft's grand cross-platform strategy, these new controllers will be compatible with Xbox One. Also, it's not really surprising that the new gen doesn't come with a bump in accessory prices because there isn't any significant new tech. Series S/X controllers have a dedicated Share button, a revamped D-pad, and a USB-C port but that's about it.
Microsoft took this opportunity to show off its third color of Xbox Series S/X controller. We've already seen black and white, the two most basic options there are. Now there's a Shock Blue gamepad which Microsoft calls "a vibrant new hue, not yet seen on any of our previous controllers."
BlizzCon returns in February 2021 with BlizzConline
After scrapping its plans for an in-person event this year due to COVID-19-related "health and safety considerations," Blizzard hopes to "channel the spirit of BlizzCon into the form of an online show." As we now know, the replacement event is called BlizzConline, and it's running from February 19–20, 2021.
Currently, details are light outside of the event's Community Showcase, which is pitched as "an opportunity for cosplay crafters, artists, and other community creators to participate in the show and put their talent on display through a mix of world-class competition and exciting exhibitions." If that aspect of BlizzCon is in your wheelhouse, you'll be able to read the rules today and get cracking.
As for upcoming game announcements and development updates, Blizzard hasn't had much to say. "We still have a lot of planning to do, and it'll be some time before we're ready to share more details."
Today's post is just a date confirmation and "a heads-up on how you can be a part of the online fun."
Save the Date for BlizzConline February 19–20 [BlizzCon]
You can now order those Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary pins from Nintendo
I can't convince my brain that I don't need those limited-edition Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary pins, and so here I am, fighting to get my order accepted now that I've gone through the My Nintendo steps needed to claim these things. Are there enough to go around? We'll find out soon enough.
To get yours – or see what the rest of us are up to out of sheer morbid curiosity – you can head to this My Nintendo page, click "claim reward" (if you're eligible), copy your user-specific promo code, bounce over to this store page, add the pins to your cart, and enter your code to continue the checkout.
There's a limit of one pin set per account, they're available while supplies last (a phrase that has taken on new meaning in 2020), and shipping is $5. If you're still in, the pins will ship in "late October."
I like how the pin for SMB2 is so full of rage. Are you enjoying 3D All-Stars? Was it worth it?
Xbox revamped its sharing feature so that it's much easier to, you know, share content
Xbox has a bottleneck when it comes to sharing gameplay clips. It's easy enough to capture content, but it's a pain posting those captures to social media. Case in point, here's my order of operations for sharing a clip to Twitter: Hit the guide button and press Y to capture video, wait for the clip to upload to Xbox live, use the Xbox app on my PC to download the clip from Xbox Live, open the local captures folder to finally post it.
A next-gen focus for Microsoft is streamlining that process. The new Xbox Series S/X controllers have an additional button right in the middle that's dedicated to capturing gameplay. Pressing it once will take a screenshot; holding it will capture a video clip.
Here's where it gets much better. Those clips upload to Xbox Live and then you can either share them from your Xbox or your phone. They'll push to the Xbox app, where you're able to edit the clips and then send them out to social media. Phones are where everyone posts to social anyway. Sharing through mobile is going to be the best version because the platform is already optimized for it.
This is going to be a big quality of life feature for next-gen but it actually arrives today. This update pushes to Xbox One today. In the video below, Major Nelson talks to an Xbox program manager about all the finer details and logic that went into revamping content sharing on Xbox.
If you're in the mood for Freedom Fighters, it's now on Steam and GOG
IO Interactive's resistance-building 2003 shooter Freedom Fighters has gotten a modern PC port.
The new digital release of the game costs $9.89 during its launch-week discount period, it includes Jesper Kyd's original soundtrack (along with two bonus tracks), and there's a delightfully of-its-time PDF of the PC manual (featuring "tips for closing background applications on Windows 98") for you to skim.
If you're in the mood for a squad-commanding, base-capturing, Soviet Union-toppling shooter from 2003, it's time to put yourself in the shoes of "hard-working plumber" Chris Stone once again. The game is available now on Steam and GOG. An Epic Games Store version is aiming for "this week."
I can't say I have any particular love for Freedom Fighters – there's some cult-classic legacy appeal – but having it around on PC without jumping through a bunch of hoops? That's cause for celebration.
IO has Hitman, Kane & Lynch, Mini Ninjas, and this. It's an important title in that context.
Freedom Fighters [IO Interactive]
The Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity TGS stream will be nearly an hour long
It's a weird time. We can go from "no new Mario games on the horizon" to "multiple Mario games on the horizon" within minutes. Or, Age of Calamity can be announced on a whim and give us a prequel to Zelda: Breath of the Wild one random morning.
Speaking of Age of Calamity, it's out in a few months we know basically nothing about it other than the fact that it's set 100 years before Breath of the Wild. The box art seems to give us a hint at a few playable characters, but actual cold hard details are scarce. That changes this weekend.
Shared on Twitter, Age of Calamity will be given a full 50 minutes of stream treatment at TGS. The exact time is 9AM ET on Saturday, September 26, at which point we'll see the "first public release" of gameplay. You can either head here to watch it directly, or catch the stream below in just a few days.
Zelda Musou [Twitter]
Observer: System Redux will arrive at launch for next-gen platforms
Cyberpunk fans will be able to start the next generation gaming with a dose of mind-melting horror, as Bloober Games has revealed that Observer: System Redux is set to launch day-and-date with the PS5 and Xbox Series X respectively, priced at around $30.
"Making Observer: System Redux available for next-gen console players has been a huge focus for the team," said Bloober CEO Piotr Babieno. "Now that both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 release dates are out there, we can finally share our release date news. We know next-gen pricing is a major concern for our fans and we feel that releasing all the new content and upgrades in Observer: System Redux at the same cost as the original Observer is a great way to stay close with our community".
Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition is on Steam. Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition is on Steam. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition...is skipping PC entirely, at least for now.
Unveiled during Sony's PS5 event last week, we found out that DMC5 was making the Special Edition leap like several iterations before it, complete with the classic playable Vergil add-on. Shortly after Capcom announced that the re-release would also hit the Xbox Series X, but what about PC? It's not looking good for the near future.
Speaking to Eurogamer, Capcom explained: "Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is specifically being developed and optimised to benefit the system architecture and leap in processing power offered by PS5 and Xbox Series X, so we're focusing on these platforms. At present, there are no plans to release DMC5SE on PC."
It's a strange situation as there doesn't seem to be any exclusivity deal involved, and Devil May Cry 5 looks to have sold well enough to warrant the Special Edition treatment on all three platforms. But given that Capcom's teams are probably spread thin at the moment, a future PC version could be directly linked to the sales of the console releases.
Capcom says Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition won't come to PC [Eurogamer]
Urouge knocks enemies from pillar to post in One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4
Bandai Namco has released a new gameplay trailer for its anime brawler One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, giving fans their first look at upcoming DLC character Urouge in action.
In the video, the mad monk decimates armies of hapless enemies thanks to his bizarre weapon of choice, a gigantic solid stone pillar. As if he wasn't already huge enough, the perpetually grinning loon then succeeds in almost doubling his muscle-mass, before crushing the few remaining fools with his mighty fists. They don't call 'em the "Worst Generation" for nothing.
This massive new Marvel's Avengers patch fixes tons of quality of life issues
Marvel's Avengers was released back on September 1 for early access folks: so it's been nearly three weeks since 1.0 launched, and people have had plenty of time to dig into its myriad issues.
Things from small bugs to game-breaking glitches, or poor quality of life features, stuff like that. But the long-teased 1.3.0 update seeks to bring an end to a lot of those problems, and you can download it now. If you experienced bugs like infinite loads or even a few things that stopped your progress entirely, there's a good chance this huge update will fix it.
House Call, A Global Offensive, Along Came a Spider, Dogs of War, Interrogation Anxiety and Task at Hand are the main fixes, as well as potentially fixed bad save data from a retroactive standpoint. You can now also engage in matchmaking quicker when someone leaves (it'll queue up in four seconds instead of 30!) and players will also get additional time to matchmake when the mission countdown is happening.
Another large facet of 1.3.0 is the visual department, as all sorts of weird visual bugs for specific costumes or even all across the board clipping issues are rectified. That visual overhaul also extends to the UI. You can find a truncated list of the major facets of the patch below and check out the full notes here.
Marvel's Avengers: V1.3.0 Patch Notes [Square Enix]
Danganronpa figures let you invite Monokuma and Monomi into your home
If your living room, kitchen, or even your bathroom is looking a little forlorn without the addition of a pair of murderous animals, then the fine folk at Good Smile Co. have got your back. The merchandising giant has revealed two new toys based on Danganronpa's Monokuma and Monomi, now available to pre-order over at the official Good Smile store.
The soft vinyl figurines detail the deadly Danganronpa hosts in all of their homicidal glory. Each figure stands (sits?) around five inches in height and sport articulated arms, so you can perch them on your mantlepiece where they will no doubt inspire you to kill your loved ones. Do Not Kill Your Loved Ones.
The next Smash Ultimate DLC fighter could be revealed as early as the start of October
Oh yeah! Smash Ultimate still has five DLC characters to welcome at some point!
In the fervor of the next generation it was easy to forget about this particular development, but Min Min has been marinating for a bit in Ultimate, and now it's time for the next big thing. When will that day actually arrive? Well, according to a new Japanese advertisement, possibly a few weeks from now.
Posted on Twitter by user Onua, it looks like a new advertisement is possibly teasing an October 4 announcement. The ad is scheduled to be removed on that date, potentially to make way for a new ad with the actual character on the invitation. If that's the case, we might get a Smash Ultimate Direct on that date, with the character launching shortly after. Generally, it only takes a week (and change) for them to enter the fray after said Direct.
It could be anyone, folks! But given Sakurai's recent comments about needing to meet developers overseas, we might be getting some western-based characters in the future.
Onua [Twitter]
The racing game scene was once a far more colorful place. At any time you could be driving a Volkswagen Beetle through Jurassic Park or going up impossible climbs in your futuristic turbo bike. The early 3D era was, after all, a time of experimentation, but as the market progressed, and all the acids and bases were boiled down, we were left with a pretty monotone genre. No, I don't know anything about chemistry.
Today's racing market is dominated by racing simulators; your Gran Turismos, Project Cars, Need for Speeds. Arcade-style racing games still exist, but even high-profile franchises have waned out of existence, such as Burnout and Motorstorm. It's a bleak time to be an arcade racer, stuck somewhere between the success of Mario Kart and Forza. It's times like these we turn to the indie market to deliver us back to an era where we struggled to pass those checkpoints. It's time for games like Hotshot Racing.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition takes up 105GB of your PS5's 825GB by itself
As someone who has used SSDs (solid state drives) in just about every piece of hardware I own that's capable of it: in theory, the PS5's SSD should make for a more convenient gaming experience.
But I take umbrage with the 825GB size. It's going to be a problem, very fast. This past week, Sony has been slowly unveiling new little details about the next generation, like the price of games (some are $70). Now we know a few file sizes for select titles.
In what is probably the flagship first-party game, Spider-Man: Miles Morales' Ultimate Edition will take up "a minimum of 105GB" of space. Note that this is the version with the re-released PS4 port on top of Miles' story (Miles' own game will command 50GB). As an aside, Demon's Souls has also been confirmed to take up 66GB of space. We are awaiting file sizes for Destructoid AllStars and Sackboy: A Big Adventure, which are the other two games listed on Sony's storefront.
If the average Call of Duty is any metric to go by, the PS5's storage space is essentially "eight Call of Dutys." Constantly deleting and re-installing 100GB+ games is going to get real old, real fast.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales [PlayStation]
Microsoft has purchased ZeniMax/Bethesda for $7.5bn
[Update: According to Bloomberg's Dina Bass, future Bethesda titles will be released for PC and Xbox, with other consoles included on a "case-by-case basis." The acquisition will not affect PlayStation's previously secured timed-exclusivity deal on Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo.]
Microsoft will purchase ZeniMax Media/Bethesda in what is described as an "industry-shaking" acquisition. The news was initially posted on Twitter by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, before being made official by Microsoft mere minutes later.
Microsoft purchased ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion USD, which gives Microsoft immediate ownership of Bethesda, partner studios such as id Software and MachineGames, and lucrative video game brands including Doom, Fallout, Prey, The Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, and Dishonored, among others.
"Over the years I've had many deep conversations with the creative leaders at Bethesda on the future of gaming and we've long shared similar visions for the opportunities for creators and their games to reach more players in more ways," said Xbox Head Phil Spencer. "Like us, Bethesda are passionate believers in building a diverse array of creative experiences, in exploring new game franchises, and in telling stories in bold ways. All of their great work will of course continue and grow and we look forward to empowering them with the resources and support of Microsoft to scale their creative visions to more players in new ways for you."
This is, of course, an incredible coup right before the dawn of a new generation of gaming, announced just one day before pre-orders go live on Xbox's new gaming hardware, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
However, speaking on the acquisition, Bethesda Game Studios Director Todd Howard noted: "We share a deep belief in the fundamental power of games, in their ability to connect, empower, and bring joy. And a belief we should bring that to everyone - regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you play on. Regardless of the screen size, the controller, or your ability to even use one."
Is this a suggestion that Bethesda's titles will not be Xbox exclusives going forward, despite the Microsoft ownership? It reads like one, though Howard could simply be referencing the PC and mobile markets. Either way, the truth will out as the two companies move together into the impending new generation. This is game-changing industry news, and may have serious ramifications for the playing field into next year and beyond.
You can read Microsoft's official statement regarding the acquisition right here.
CDPR shortened Cyberpunk 2077 campaign following Witcher 3 length complaints
CD Projekt RED's fervently-awaited RPG Cyberpunk 2077 will feature a "slightly shorter" story campaign than CDPR's previous release The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, following a "tremendous" amount of complaints that the latter title took too long to complete.
Speaking on a Twitch AMA stream, CDPR quest designer Patrick K. Mills cited that the metrics for the award-winning Witcher sequel show many players playing far into the adventure, but failing to actually finish the story. Combined with feedback from a selection of Witcher 3 players, CDPR decided to shorten Cyberpunk 2077's main campaign, as the studio wants to encourage all players who step into Night City to see their journey through to its conclusion.
Mills noted that Cyberpunk 2077 will still be rich in content - packed full of locations to explore, people to meet, and missions to complete - but those wishing to deep-dive into its neon-and-blood stained universe would be taking a more "completionist" view of the RPG, while anyone wishing to just gun ahead to the end credits will be able to do so.
This is ultimately a subjective situation to every individual player. I myself prefer shorter games in general, especially as I get older, (a thought shared by many of my similarly-aged pals). But, by the same turn, games like Cyberpunk 2077 or The Witcher are games I want to envelop me, letting me chip away at it in chunks, or hold mammoth weekend sessions that combine quest completion with rat-a-tat-tat procrastination.
For some, however, games are to be purchased, blitzed through, and then traded in or uninstalled for whatever has hit the streets the following Friday. It's fine. There are no "rules" for this. But for me personally, when it specifically comes to immersive or atmospheric adventures, gimme all you got.
Cyberpunk 2077 launches November 19 on PS4, PC, and Xbox One. PS5 and Xbox Series X editions will follow in 2021.
Cyberpunk 2077's main story is shorter than The Witcher 3 [ResetEra / Eurogamer]
(Update) Blizzard wants World of Warcraft players to choose the next mount design
[Update: The mount has been chosen! It's going to be the Wandering Ancient, which is described as a "large and leafy mount." Every active Shadowlands player will get the mount in the first quarter of 2021.]
World of Warcraft mounts used to be a badge of honor. In Vanilla, having a mount meant something: that you had earned the hordes of gold required to ride it. Slowly, over time, Blizzard started giving out mount rewards in-game like candy, while allowing players to buy them directly for real money.
Since then, mounts have moved from a scarcity to a "gotta collect them all" commodity. Blizzard is swift to capitalize on this, providing "mount sales" and special limited-edition mounts tied to physical products. Now, they're allowing players to choose from one of five new mount concepts to appear in Shadowlands: but this one will be free for expansion owners.
Basically, head to the Blizzard forums from now until September 18 at 3:00PM PT, and you can have your say. Once a winner is chosen "every player with Shadowlands activated on their account" will get the mount: right now, the estimated completion time is the first quarter of 2021.
You can find all of the options below, and there's a good spread! At least one is magical, one is cute, another is sickening, the Nerubian Swarmer is probably scary and the Wandering Ancient sounds regal. My vote is for the Swarmer: the Nerubian race was one of my favorite aspects of Warcraft III.
Choose the next Shadowlands mount [Battle.net]
Hades has surpassed an awesome one million sales
Supergiant Games has proudly announced that its stylish roguelike Hades has picked up a very impressive one million total sales, a combination of Early Access purchases and sales from Hades' launch just last week.
Hades had already accumulated some 700,000 sales during its Early Access period, which is quite a number in and of itself. The title then picked up a further 300,000 buys within its first few days of launch, as positive word-of-mouth spread of the critically acclaimed, devilishly good adventure.
On Twitter, Supergiant Games thanked all of Hades' early adopters for believing in the project: "Thank you so much," said the indie developer. "We designed Hades for Early Access, believing you could help us make a better game. That's just what you did."
Hades is available now on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Review: 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
Back in August, I wrote up a preview of Vanillaware's 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim that focused on the prologue to the full adventure. In my post, I said I'd written down several notes to keep track of everyone in the game and the respective years they traveled from to reach Japan circa 1985.
Turns out, most of those notes were useless. They were a waste of paper really, because no matter how close I paid attention in that prologue, how much I studied the review guide I was sent by Atlus, nothing could prepare me for what this game had in store.
Set in a city controlled by the Evil Crime Syndicate -- a criminal organization that employs everyone from swimmers to clowns to fancy ladies dressed in beautiful gowns -- Super Punch Patrol puts players in control of three cops that have had enough of the city's corruption and decide to take matters into their own hands.
It's a set-up worthy of the inspiration for the title, with Bertil Hörberg reaching back to the earliest days of the side-scrolling beat 'em up genre in creating his latest title. Whereas this year's Streets of Rage 4 sought to update the often dusty conventions for a modern audience, Super Punch Patrol gives players the near-exact feel of those classics, warts and all.
It seems the most important shared experience of our lives is the one we know nothing about. None of us know, definitively, what happens after death. Certainly, many of us have our beliefs -- an afterlife, reincarnation, total oblivion, our souls harvested by an eldritch god to fuel their resurrection -- but no one has crossed the threshold of mortality to tell us what goes on after our hearts beat their last.
To some, this is chilling, to others, it's comforting. Some fear it, some revere it, some dwell on it, and others ignore it. Views on death are as individual as we are, and its mysteries may never be solved.
So put that out of your mind and get back to work!
Earth Defense Force (not that one) is this week's Arcade Archives release
It's shmup news a-plenty this week, as the latest Arcade Archives release from the retro fans over at Hamster is none other than Jaleco's early '90s endeavour Earth Defense Force, which is now available to download on Nintendo Switch.
Released in arcades in 1991, before later being re-imagined for the SNES, Earth Defense Force is a horizontally scrolling intergalactic shmup, set in that narrative staple of 20XX. Players pilot a state-of-the-art ship through a number of stages, taking on the invading Azyma Empire and its devastating master vessel, the Orbital Satellite Buster.
Check out the action in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber Martinoz.
The buzz surrounding Hades is spot-on, and it only took one failed escape from hell for me to fall in love with its isometric hack-and-slash combat. It's blisteringly fast but readable even when your screen is full of fiends. It's easy to pick up but full of tough decisions. There are six weapons, all of which feel worthwhile, and countless god-given boons with which to improve and drastically alter them.
If you've been holding out for the 1.0 release of Hades because you try to avoid messing with Early Access on principle or you wanted to wait for a proper conclusion to the story, the time has come.
For all of 2020's misery, I can't believe how many incredible roguelikes this year has brought us.
Here's a new look at The World Ends with You anime
Square Enix has released a short 90-second preview clip from the upcoming anime adaptation of 2007 Nintendo DS title The World Ends with You, currently in production at Domerica and Shin-Ei Animation.
The clip sees TWEWY protagonist Neku Sakuraba awaken within The Underground (UG), an alternate plane of existence that exists alongside the real world. Over the course of the anime, Neku will find others seemingly trapped in this unnerving universe as he forms bonds with these strangers in an effort to uncover the events that led them to this bizarre dimensional shift.
The World Ends with You The Animation will begin airing in 2021. The World Ends with You: Final Remix is available now on Nintendo Switch.
Cblogs of 9/12 to 9/18/2020: NieR, Prince of Persia, and gaming retailers
Cblogs Recap: Week 38
-ModSquadLeader shares his thoughts on the indie darling, Spiritfarer.
-Shoggoth2588 reviews the 2018 years as part of his decade in review blogging series.
-Kerrik52 reviews Patapon 3 on the PSP as part of his Traveller in Playtime reviews series.
-Lord Spencer reviews Alundra 2 as part of his PS1 REVIEWS blogging series.
-Gaming Sheepy discusses the good and the bad in the Destiny 2 content vault.
-TheBlondeBass continues focusing on games with heart in this blog discussing NieR: Automata.
-Rabid Walrus shares his thoughts on the stylish action of the Kirby franchise.
-Boxman214 shares his (really good) ideas on how to save the local video game retail stores.
-Uncle Arena Fighter shares his thoughts on the extensive Mobile Suit Gundam anime series.
-ChronoLynxx opens yet another TGIF open forum for the community to discuss and unwind.
Review: Super Mario 3D All-Stars
We all have our favorite Mario game.
Maybe it's a classic entry you played during your childhood. Maybe it's a newer one that blew you away. Me? It's kind of a mix of both, as Super Mario World still rules the 2D roost as far as I'm concerned, but Mario Galaxy 2 and 3D World definitely fit into that latter category.
I'm sure everyone is going to have opinions on which Mario is "best" to include in a Super Mario 3D All-Stars compilation, but the ones Nintendo actually gave us are a decent selection.
Sony apologizes for PS5 pre-order snafu, promises more pre-orders opening up in a few days
That went about as poorly as it possibly could've. PlayStation 5 pre-orders went live late Wednesday in the least coordinated effort imaginable. Every retailer opened their pre-orders up at a random and weird time, and then sold through their inventory in mere minutes.
Even people who ended up securing a PS5 pre-order can't sleep comfortably in the knowledge that they'll have Sony's newest on November 12. Yesterday, Amazon sent out emails warning that any PS5 pre-orders were subject to being canceled due to accidental overselling. If Amazon screwed this up, everyone's left assuming that Walmart, Target, and Best Buy very possibly screwed this up too.
Spelunky 2 guide: Tips I wish I would've known sooner
30 hours into Spelunky 2, I've beaten the game exactly once – and come close countless other times.
While much of that time was admittedly spent exploring potential branching routes and figuring out what's up with certain elusive NPCs, straight up, I didn't see the credits until my 400th or so run.
Coming in, I knew I'd be rusty at spelunking, and I expected a long period of acclimation before I could quickly, reliably, efficiently carve through the sequel's procedurally-generated deathtraps, but goddang! This game is brutal. Not just for novices, who are in for a world of hurt, but also those of us who put dozens of hours into Spelunky, toppled Olmec, and survived the trip to hell. The struggle is real – again!
We'll be uncovering secrets in Spelunky 2 for years to come, but for now, here are my tips. I've ordered them based on the stages I've seen – in the order they appear – but I'm missing several in my journal.
The further you scroll down, the more spoilery it'll be – including a pic of the boss at the bottom.
It's been eight years since the non-freeware release of Spelunky, but those layouts are still fresh in my mind.
This was the early days of the modern roguelike. The kinks were still being worked out by myriad developers, but Derek Yu had a cohesive vision that married the cacophony of chaos and challenge in a way that just...sung.
Spelunky 2 thankfully continues that legacy.
