Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition delayed for the foreseeable future
Nightdive Studios has announced that its remaster of Westwood's 1997 point-and-click adventure Blade Runner will no longer meet its 2020 release date, with no replacement date offered in its stead.
In an in-depth interview with Eurogamer, Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick explained that the team had found the production of the remaster difficult, with numerous hurdles thrown up due to the nature of the original title's production and struggles in locating elements of the adventure's original source code. It's a fascinating article, candidly explaining the difficulties experienced in the process of remastering the decades-old and relatively cult PC release.
In September, Nightdive Studios released a comparison video showcasing the original Blade Runner cinematics in their new and remastered form. This unfortunately did not go over too well with some fans, who felt the upscale was too "clean," losing some of the grit and atmosphere of the original game. It seems that Nightdive still has some work to go before Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition's completion, but hopefully the project will see the light of day at some point in the future.
Replicating Blade Runner: why the adventure game is so tough to remaster [Eurogamer]
Final Fantasy XIV just got another huge patch with 5.35
For most MMOs, a "middle patch" typically isn't that huge. But Final Fantasy XIV is not most MMOs. Although Patch 5.3 gave us the goods with a gigantic storyline injection and several major encounters (including more NieR raid!), this week, 5.35 is filling in some of the cracks.
5.35's big claim to fame is a series of sidequests, which involve the Blades of Gunnhildr, as well as another questline called Skysteel Tools. The former is a lengthy one, worthy of logging back into the game if you're the type of person who likes to partake in those sorts of non MSQ (main story quest) goings-on.
For everyone else, the New Game+ mode got a few upgrades. Now chapters are unlocked from the Realm Reborn portion (read: the 2.0 edition from 2013), which allows you to replay content individually. Note, however, that when you replay stuff, it will "not include main scenario quests as they appeared prior to revisions made in 5.3." In other words, it's using the revised streamlined framework.
The really cool thing about all this is that you can replay Chapter 1 and skip all of the tutorials: like you just re-rolled a new character, but without some of the fluff. New Game+ can also be unlocked a little earlier with the "Ultimate Weapon" quest. Oh, and new wards have been added to each residential district (read: more houses), new Triple Triad cards are in, as well as the Bozjan southern front (Shadowbringers' version of the "relic" questline), PVP adjustments and more.
Like I said, it's a big one! The Final Fantasy XIV team never stops.
Patch 5.35 [Square Enix]
Holloween. Ichabod Lame. Pumpkin spice blahtte.
These are all subheaders I was itching to use in the event that Pumpkin Jack turned out bad. Unfortunate for my anticipatory pun production, Pumpkin Jack isn't bad. It's not great, but it's definitely more treats than tricks.
Magic: Arena adds a Black Lotus pet
Magic: The Gathering Arena just hosted its new Zendikar Rising set alongside of the paper version of Magic, and things are going...better now, following a huge set of bans.
Yes, much to the chagrin of players everywhere Wizards only banned one powerful card (Uro) weeks ago near the beginning of the set and decided to "monitor" the rest of the landscape. That landscape ended up being absolutely dominated by one card (Omnath, one of the characters on many key art pieces of the set): so Wizards nuked it from existence as well as the next powerful archetype that would rise in its place.
For many reasons it's a wild time to be playing Magic, but for the most part, the meta has settled and there are a number of viable decks out there. I'm currently climbing Diamond now with Mono-Red: and not having all of my creatures double-stomped by a Lucky Clover setup is great, let me tell you.
But in-between sets Arena is still getting updated, like this new one that just dropped this week. It fixes a few bugs like infinite (or near infinite) loops and makes it easier to block Menace creatures (cards that must be blocked by two or more creatures). It also adds the (actually) iconic Black Lotus to the game as a pet, which will run you 3,000 gems or 20,000 gold to buy outright; lest you pick up the limited-time bundle that is packaged with the lotus card back.
A bunch of events are also coming to Magic: Arena, which you can view below: those are starting now with quick draft and will run through November 12. Oh, and a bunch of old school lands are available on the store now as skins for your existing lands. It's a modest little patch!
Game Update Highlights [Wizards of the Coast]
Guilty Gear Strive will support cross-play between PS4 and PS5, but not PC
A new pre-release FAQ for Arc System Works' attractive fighter Guilty Gear Strive includes details regarding the sequel's cross-play capabilities, as well as the relationship between the PS4 and PS5 editions of the title, due to launch on April 9, 2021.
In the FAQ, Arc System Works explains that cross-play support will allow both PS4 and PS5 players to battle it out with each other, but unfortunately the PC community will not be included within the same player pool. This is pretty shitty news, as allowing for cross-play with PC - ala Street Fighter V - would have gone some way to help to support the life of the title on that platform. As it is, PC fans will just have to hope that they can maintain a strong base community from launch onward.
Elsewhere in the FAQ, it was noted that fans purchasing Guilty Gear Strive on PS4 would be entitled to a free upgrade to PS5 should they eventually take the leap onto the new hardware. Players making the upgrade will carry over their accounts and all requisite DLC purchases. ArcSys has said that - aside from loading times and 4K resolution - the PS4 and PS5 editions of Guilty Gear Strive will be practically identical.
Guilty Gear Strive launches on PS4, PS5, and PC on April 9. You can check out the trailer for its most recently revealed new star, Giovanna, right here, and learn more about its revamped Ranked Vs. mode right here.
Guilty Gear Strive supported for PS4 and PS5 [Siliconera]
The free Marvel Avengers 'appreciation' rewards are now live
If you still play Marvel's Avengers, you should probably log in between now and November 5 (10AM PT) so you can grab this "Player Appreciation Package," that some might see as an apology package for delaying next-gen upgrades and new content.
In short, you're getting: 1500 credits, 7000 units, 250 upgrade modules and 20 DNA keys. That amount of credits is just enough for a legendary skin for your favorite character. Currencies! Can't live with them, live service games can't live without them. As someone who still plays Avengers from time to time: I definitely could have lived with a few less currencies in this one, as Crystal Dynamics, like Bungie before it, still has a long ways to go until they nail down a fun live service game loop.
Hell, even if you don't play Marvel's Avengers but own the game, you should probably log in just in case to claim those items anyway for future use. You never know, Crystal Dynamics could completely overhaul the game one day and you'll be glad you had those extras. Or, they could combine multiple currencies and devalue this set of rewards.
Who knows! Live service games are wild in 2020 and beyond.
Avengers War Table [Square Enix] [Image from VGphotomode on the Marvel blog]
What the Golf? is out on Steam and it threw in a bonus level editor
I know some of you are still subscribed to Apple Arcade (hopefully not unintentionally!), but for me, the subscription service feels like a fever dream in 2020. Did I really play What the Golf? over a year ago? I did. I loved it, and I think the iPhone was a great fit for the silly sports spoof game, but I've moved on.
My three favorite Apple Arcade titles – What the Golf?, Shinsekai: Into the Depths, and Grindstone – have either branched out to other platforms or are planning to (in the case of Capybara's puzzle gem).
This week, Triband brought What the Golf? to Steam, and if that doesn't sound enticing enough on its own, maybe the level editor will. The anything-goes nature of this game is ideal for custom stages.
Oh no!🙀 Pretty sure this is gonna go wrongðŸ'¥
— Tim Garbos (@timgarbos) October 22, 2020
We've been working on a Level Editor for WHAT THE GOLF?⛳
Also, it's finally out on STEAM: https://t.co/Z9kNbHS7tf pic.twitter.com/EheGZFQGHd
"We've received so many level ideas from the community and our inbox is now full of them... so now there's a level editor," said Triband co-founder Tim Garbos. The level editor is in "early access alpha beta preview" (hah) and the game's Discord is ready and waiting for feedback from intrepid creators.
It's also worth noting that the Steam version comes with the bonus Sporty Sports levels if you missed them. What the Golf? will typically cost $20, but with a launch-week discount, it's down to $13.99.
You could win a PlayStation 5 from Daily Esports GG
[Just a friendly reminder we're giving away a brand new PlayStation 5 -- just participate in the Daily Esports forums for your chance to qualify to win!]
Well, this is a pretty big one.
The next console generation is nearly upon us, which means it'll soon be time for folks to trade up to some brand new hardware. However, the cost of entry for the next console generation is going to be considerably lower for one lucky individual.
www.DailyEsports.gg is giving away a free PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. We launched some brand new forums and comments software and want people kicking the tires on it. If core esports aren't your thing, they also frequently cover Pokemon trade codes and various game guides, so please consider adding it to your feed.
Our family of websites have committed to purchasing the console for a member of the site's forums. To win it, all you need to do is head on over to the Daily Esports forums and start chatting! It's really that easy. Destructoid founder Papa Niero is also the invisible hand there, along with editor-in-chief and chief of all beards, Taha Zaidi. Go say hi!
On November 24th, we'll pick out one member of the forums and pre-order the console to be shipped directly to them. Or, if they're not in North America, give them the equivalent cost of the console in US Dollars via bank transfer, Paypal, or Amazon gift card.
Head on over to the Daily Esports forums for more details. Good luck!
(Update) Nintendo is discounting its Switch Joy-Con controllers
[Update: The day has come. Nintendo has confirmed that starting on November 9 (right before the new consoles), single Joy-Con can be purchased for $39.99 each. Previously, single Joy-Con were priced at $49.99.]
As anyone who has replaced their drifting Switch Joy-Con knows: those little controllers can get pretty expensive to replace.
The asking price, in US dollars, for a pair of Joy-Con is $80, which is a huge amount of money to spend, even if you're just looking to replace one busted remote at $40. It's been this way for many years as Nintendo hardware rarely drops in price this close to release, but there might be some hope out of Japan.
Spotted by Japanese Nintendo, the price of Joy-Con remotes in the region have dropped from 4,480 yen per remote to 3,740 yen per remote (before tax) on the official store. That's roughly $5 per remote, which would put a new $80 bundle at $70, US. That bundle, mind, is still 7,480 yen (about $80): it's just the single Joy-Con that are being discounted.
Still, I'll take it! Going into the new generation, it's already going to be a pain to buy (and potentially replace) brand new PS5 controllers.
Joy-Con [Nintendo via Japanese Nintendo]
I'm not gonna lie, Monster Hunter Rise is one of my most anticipated Monster Hunter games in years.
No, it's not just because of the amiibo (although that plays a part)! I really dig how Capcom is going all-out on this cohesive theme of Rise, quite literally focusing on vertical environments and enhanced locomotion in a Japan-like region. The Palamute (dog) mechanic kind of rules too, as evidenced by this new Twitter video. Yes, you can pet it.
But while this meme(that's gained significant traction in 2020 while we all look for small victories anywhere we can take them) often goes for the bare minimum with a simple quick pet that may not even involve direct contact; Capcom shows the player character palling around with the Palamute dog, rubbing the good boy on the head and practically hugging it.
Now that's the wholesome sort of fun I can get down with. I appreciate that Capcom came out of the gate swinging with this one with a Monster Hunter Direct, and is just giving us the little details before launch.
Monster Hunter [Twitter]
Check out Tom Holland as Uncharted hero Nathan Drake
It has been the rockiest, rockiest road to fruition for Sony's cinematic adaptation of Naughty Dog adventure Uncharted. But, following a string of pre-production hurdles and COVID-19 delays, we finally have our first image of the silver screen's Nathan Drake.
Actor Tom Holland, best known for his work as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, can be seen looking dashing and daring whilst parked within some suitably tropical terrain. Holland will play a young version of the treasure hunter, with the movie telling the store of Drake's formative years in adventuring. Mark Wahlberg is on-board as Drake's tutor and father figure, Sully, while Antonio Banderas is also on the cast sheet in an unannounced role, suspected to be the villain of the piece.
The internet will internet, and already Holland-as-Drake has received disapproving clucks from a lot of folk. For whatever it's worth, I dig the look, considering that this is, after all, supposed to be a young Drake who has not yet committed to a life of cliff-climbing and mercenary murder. Holland was also visited on-set by Nathan Drake's original voice and motion-capture artist, Nolan North, who hopefully offered the star a few pointers on getting the "lovable rogue" gimmick down.
We'll see Holland and friends in action when Uncharted finally hits theaters in summer 2021.
Torchlight III is now on Nintendo Switch if you're in the mood for a light action-RPG
Some of you expressed interest in the Nintendo Switch version of Torchlight III in particular, and well, here it is, ready to be downloaded today from the eShop for $40. It's the last port out of the gate.
In terms of Switch-specific features, you can use the touch screen to manage your inventory and the menus, and the exclusive pet is a freaky Ashen Glittersprite. Hey, what have you got against llamas?
Not to tell you how to spend your money, but I'd probably wait for a significant sale unless you're in a ravenous mood for a lighter action-RPG that won't push back too hard or throw complicated loot your way. That lack of complexity was one of my biggest criticisms – Torchlight III feels like a step down from the eight-year-old Torchlight II – and there's just no getting around it. Newer isn't automatically better.
There's always the possibility that Torchlight III can get better over time, but considering it already went through its Early Access phase and the updates didn't turn things around, I'm not optimistic right now.
Frankly, if you're on the fence, I'd give Minecraft Dungeons some serious thought even if you're zero percent invested in the wider Minecraft universe. Semi-related: I miss Gauntlet Dark Legacy so much.
This Forza Horizon 4 glitch will get you going about 400mph instantly
The essence of a lot of the Forza Horizon experience is "Go fast, go as fast as possible." That's not always true for racing and its strategic braking and positioning. But, for speed traps, stunt jumps, drag races, etc? Yep, just go really fast.
Reddit user CarBoy0001 has figured out how to go faster than anyone else, making him the de facto best Forza Horizon 4 player of all-time. Making use of the game's constantly-running train, he positioned his car on the tracks while wedged against a brick wall. When the train hits him, the physics sort of pinch him against the corner of the wall, sending the car instantly flying and nearly hitting 700KPH. That's about 430MPH, I did the maths for the Americans.
Check out the clip below. (Sorry, you have to click through. There's no way to properly embed reddit clips.)
Epic is really getting into the Halloween spirit with these free games
Epic is doing its part to make sure you're ready for Halloween. Okay, maybe it'd be nice if Epic showed up and decorated your house and stitched your costume together. Maybe placed some candy by your door. But as afar as video games go, Epic has you covered.
Last week, Jordan told you that Costume Quest 2 and Layers of Fear 2 are the next designated Epic Games Store freebies. Now I'm here to tell you it doesn't taper off for Halloween proper. Next week's treats are Blair Witch and Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered.
That's a good mix. Layers of Fear 2 and Blair Witch are here for the paralyzing grotesque horror. Costume Quest 2 is something more lighthearted yet Halloween-themed. Ghostbusters is the beloved blockbuster hit. Something for everyone.
You know the score. Pick up Costume Quest 2 and Layers of Fear 2 before October 29. That's when Blair Witch and Ghostbusters take over, just around the corner. Speaking of, don't look just around the corner. There's probably something scary as hell over there.
Costume Quest 2, Layers of Fear 2 [Epic Games Store]
Since Xenoblade Chronicles is a beautiful game, Nintendo made a beautiful relaxation video for it
When I first played Xenoblade Chronicles, it grabbed me in a way that many JRPGs of that era failed to do.
It's just a plain old beautiful game from top to bottom, littered with zones you want to explore and an utterly fantastic soundtrack. Over 10 years since its original release, Nintendo is reminding us just how gorgeous this game really is with a "seven-minute relaxation video."
I have to say, it works! It's basically just time-lapsed shots of the game's various environments, set to several songs from the soundtrack (Maracuna Woods - Night and Escape Boat Camping). My personal favorite bit? It's gotta be Satorl Marsh, which you can see at roughly 4:54 in. I'm a sucker for blue and purple marshes!
While I just recently finished the Definitive Edition of Xenoblade (and the epilogue) for our review, I have the itch to play it again. Thankfully at this point the universe is fairly expansive, with Xenoblade Chronicles X and Xenoblade 2 (plus its expansion). I have an iteration to replay every few years, cycling on and off!
There was a brief time in my childhood where I was obsessed with the Iditarod. The allure of that type of competition, just a guy and his dogs traveling the snowy wilds of Alaska, was enticing to a more youthful version of me. My obsession with it resulted in Iron Will finding its way into my family's VCR on an almost weekly basis.
Like most of the things I fancied in my youth, the call of the wild eventually stopped speaking to me. I outgrew the childish notions of becoming a world-famous dog sled racer and settled for more realistic goals, like becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. I'd even forgotten how often I watched that movie in the '90s until a little trailer for The Red Lantern popped up on my YouTube feed and reminded me that, oh yeah, I'm still kind of obsessed with this.
As if you needed more convincing about Ghostrunner, it's getting free next-gen upgrades
There are two highly-anticipated cyberpunk games launching within the next month, one of them much much much much muuuuuccccchhhhh more highly-anticipated than the other. While everyone in the world is waiting for Cyberpunk 2077, a lot of people will pass the time with Ghostrunner.
If you need a refresher, Ghostrunner is the futuristic, first-person, parkour-oriented, one-hit-kill melee action game. There was a demo earlier this year, and it was absolutely electric. Ghostrunner was one of the many entrants in the Digital Dragons Indie Celebration showcase that I was a judge for. It ended up winning the top prize.
If you haven't been swayed yet, here's a little more in Ghostrunner's favor. It's getting free next-gen upgrades in 2021. On Xbox, Ghostrunner will be part of Microsoft's Smart Delivery program, meaning players on Xbox Series S/X will automatically get that version on their new consoles. (Here's the up-to-date full list of Smart Delivery games.) PlayStation doesn't have a similar program, so anyone who buys the game on PS4 will just be able to download the enhanced version on PS5 for free.
Anyway, if you're a little skittish on Ghostrunner simply because we're so close to next-gen, know that it's moving into the future with you. That's, uh, super fitting, I guess.
PlayStation Store's web redesign looks pretty but it feels like a big step back
Sony has been rolling out the redesigned PlayStation Store for web browsers this week on a regional basis, and earlier today, the changeover happened in the United States. So far, it's a vastly different-looking site – and the functionality we've gotten used to over many years hasn't carried over beat for beat. The new storefront is an upgrade in some ways and an undeniable downgrade in others.
This is going to be a big adjustment, that's for sure. Nothing is quite where you want it to be.
Whether you're looking at your PlayStation library and remotely queuing PS4 downloads, checking your trophy progress, or scanning for deals, everything is flashier (and sometimes faster) but not necessarily more functional from a usability standpoint. That's to say nothing of growing pains like a lack of search filters and wishlists, and the complete removal of legacy listings for PS3, PSP, and PS Vita games.
My biggest hangup so far? Not having individual game titles written out with plain text.
Say you want to find a specific DLC pack for a game with tons of add-ons – or hell, say you're simply looking at any video game in any sale, period. In either case, all you're going to see for each listing is game artwork that may or may not clue you in with a clear, easily discernible logo. It's a UX mess.
I have a feeling Sony will tidy things up sooner than later and we'll also see some of these missing features return in time for the PlayStation 5 launch. As it stands, the store feels weirdly unfinished.
Ten Xbox Game Pass games get dedicated touch controls on Android
As long as Project xCloud has existed, we've always assumed a singular vision for Microsoft's game streaming: Run Xbox-quality games powered by the cloud, played with an Xbox controller on Android devices.
Actually, in an effort to make the mobile platform feel more natural, Microsoft has been working with developers to create native touch controls for some of those games. As a first pass, Microsoft has 10 games on Xbox Game Pass that now have dedicated touch controls on Android. They are:
Immortals Fenyx Rising is messy, but has potential
You may not recognize the title Immortals Fenyx Rising. Did you miss the name change? Did you know it as Gods and Monsters, from Ubisoft's E3 2019 conference? Okay, well it got a name change that was allegedly due to a Monster Energy trademark dispute; but maybe wasn't.
Yeah, this game is a little weird. Before it arrives in December as one of the last big titles of the year, we took it for a test drive thanks to the new Stadia demo. It's...alright so far.
Epic's Halloween sale is the perfect pairing with the $10 coupon for claiming Rocket League
Any reason to throw a party. Halloween's quickly coming up, and Epic has used its impending arrival as occasion enough to throw a big ol' sale. It's not even really Halloween-themed except for in name! Nobody's going to complain, though.
The Epic Games Store Halloween Sale has discounts on 144 games, and most of the markdowns are pretty decent. Mortal Shell for $23.99, Hades for $19.99, Control: Ultimate Edition for $27.99, Crysis Remastered for $19.49, Civilization VI for $14.99. It's a lot. You'll have to check out the full list to see if anything tickles your fancy.
Here's where you can Galaxy Brain this sale. Epic is still running the Rocket League free-to-play introductory offer where you get a $10 coupon just for claiming the game. The coupon is good for $10 off any game or add-on priced at $14.99 or higher. If you haven't used this offer up yet, you can suddenly nab Hades for $9.99. Nobody's arguing with that.
It's very much time-sensitive though, because the Rocket League offer ends tomorrow. Go to this page and claim Rocket League with your Epic account before October 23 at 8am Pacific to secure the coupon. Once that's done, you have to use the coupon before November 1. So that's a week to think about what you want to pick up. However, you don't need a week to think because you already know that you're gettin' Hades.
The coupon expires on November 1 and the Epic Halloween Sale ends on November 5. Choose wisely.
Halloween Sale 2020 [Epic Games Store]
Kirby is up for a ruck in Nintendo Switch Kirby Fighters 2 demo
If you're yet to check out the colorful and chaotic action of Kirby Fighters 2, then now you have no excuses, as Nintendo has released - UNLEASHED - a demo for the Switch multiplayer slugfest.
The demo features the first chapter of the Kirby Fighters 2 story mode, "Buddy Match Debut," along with offline and online Vs. battles. All four Fighter Rank 1 warriors are in effect, allowing you to check out Sword Kirby, Staff Kirby, Bomb Kirby, and Bandana Waddle Dee. You can check out a trailer for the demo at the foot of the article.
Kirby Fighters 2 was surprise-launched by Nintendo back in September. The platform adventure features over a dozen stages, co-op, and Vs. multiplayer modes, and a new copy ability that sees the adorable pink blob become a daring luchador. Fun stuff.
Ghost of Tsushima's Legends raid is out Oct. 30 and you'll need a high-level crew
Sucker Punch Productions' co-op Legends mode in Ghost of Tsushima blew me away, and I think that's going to be the consensus going forward as more players – even folks who don't typically go for this sort of multiplayer side offering – dig into the free update. Here's what's coming up on the roadmap.
As promised early on, the first raid, The Tale of Iyo, isn't far off – it will be released on October 30. That said, Legends players won't be able to waltz in with an under-powered crew made up of randoms. The "absolute minimum" Ki gear requirement is level 100, and the raid won't have matchmaking, meaning we'll need to form our own groups ahead of time. I can't say I'm surprised, but I am bummed. LFG it is!
For the rest of us who are nowhere near that Ki power level yet, there will be a Nightmare-tier Story and Survival mission to check out every Friday starting at 8:00 a.m. Pacific with "weekly modifiers" to spice them up. "They'll be very difficult, but if you and your fellow Ghosts are able to complete them along with all bonus objectives, you'll get max-level gear that will help you become Raid ready."
Sucker Punch also announced a patch that's going out today with fixes for network errors, crashes, and a tutorial glitch. There's also now support for PSN's "Player's Met" feature in Legends.
This is the gift that keeps on giving. I'll probably still be playing it by the time the PS5 is out. I feel like I've only scratched the surface with my main (the Hunter) by playing through every mission at least once, and it's a testament to the quality of Legends that I not only want to get back in there to tackle the Silver and Gold challenges, but I want to do so with the three other character classes, too.
Every Ghost of Tsushima player should try to play these Story missions at the very least.
Week One Update [Sucker Punch Productions]
Meruem and Hiei will hit Jump Force on PS4, PC, and Xbox One October 27
Bandai Namco has announced that Hunter x Hunter's Meruem and YuYu Hakusho's Hiei will both be unleashed upon the Jump Force roster next week. Both characters will be made available to purchase on PS4, PC, and Xbox One on October 27, although Nintendo Switch players will unfortunately have to hold on until early 2021.
Son of the Chimera Ant Queen, Meruem was the main ant-agonist of Hunter x Hunter's "Chimera Ant" story arc. An initially violent and sociopathic ruler, capable of horrendous acts even toward his own fellow Chimera Ants, Meruem would eventually face deep-seated reflection upon encountering a steadfast and noble Gungi player named Komugi.
Hiei is an expert fighter, having mastered martial artist and swordsmanship at a young age, with his abilities further bolstered by his command of the "Darkness Flame", a highly dangerous skills that increases the powers of his bone-shattering strikes. A valued member of Team Urameshi, "The Master of the Evil Eye" is a indomitable foe on the battlefield.
You can check out a typical Bandai Namco "blink-and-you'll-miss-it" trailer for the two new DLC characters below.
Nintendo Download: Pokemon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra
As we enter winter 2020 for real soon enough, the marquee game on the Switch this week is the very model of a winter wonderland: The Red Lantern. Of course while it is wondrous it's also treacherous, as you'll need to survive the cold with your trusty dog sled team. You can read all about it in our review here.
The long-awaited Gonner2 is also hitting Switch, as well as the cute looking Carto and Supraland. Nintendo also put up a Kirby Fighters 2 demo if you want to try out the new sequel: which itself is an expanded version of the Kirby Fighters minigame from Triple Deluxe. Oh, how spinoffs have a life of their own sometimes.
Of course, the other main course is DLC-related: The Crown Tundra expansion for Pokemon Sword and Shield. It's coming sometime today and will cap off the season pass for this generation of Pokemon: it remains to be seen if there's more DLC on the way eventually.
With Moze and Zane spoiled, we know all of the new Borderlands 3 skill trees
In case you missed it, all four main characters in Borderlands 3 are getting new skill trees thanks to the upcoming Designer's Cut DLC: which is part of the second season pass.
While Amara and the best Borderlands 3 character (do I even need to say their name?) were already spoiled, today Gearbox has unveiled the upcoming alterations to Moze and Zane's playstyle, and they both sound just as fun as the other two.
Humankind will launch in April 2021, pre-orders are now open
Sega has announced a tentative release window for its evolutionary strategy title, Humankind. Originally scheduled to launch sometime this year, Amplitude Studios' game of city, people, and culture-building will now launch on PC and Stadia in April 2021.
Interested parties are able to pre-order Humankind right now, and will receive a 15% price discount, as well as a selection of in-game bonuses for doing so. The Humankind Digital Deluxe Edition includes a download of the game, a digital soundtrack, a unit and tech tree PDF poster, the Notre Dame DLC expansion, and an exclusive set of decorations and avatars.
The Witcher 3 (Switcher) just got an update on Switch
The Witcher 3 is one of the few games that keeps on giving, beckoning people back to it like a siren's call. Whether it's the clever DLC expansions or plain old graphical mods or updates; it's very easy to get sucked back into Wild Hunt.
The Switch version was perhaps the best effort by CD Projekt Red to keep people talking about it, which thankfully fit on one giant game card. But it seems like the publisher isn't quite done with it just yet, as they just unleashed a new update (3.7) for Switch owners this week.
In short, it fixes "numerous bugs" and adds to the overall stability of the game. That's a familiar patch pass for any Nintendo fan, as Nintendo itself loves to deliver those vague updates on a regular basis. But there's also a few extras tucked away in there, like an updated Simplified Chinese localization and a bug fix for "multiple file transfers to/from Steam."
CD Projekt Red says that Switch users could be hit with a nasty issue where their progress was blocked depending on how they transferred their save from PC to Switch; so those problems should be fixed going forward. Thronebreaker was also updated to 1.0.2: you can find those notes below.
Excuse me while I imagine the countryside of Blood and Wine for the 10th time this month. I'm not quite relenting to the Witcher bug just yet, but I'll succumb soon enough once the new generation madness has quieted down and Cyberpunk 2077 is finished.
Updates [CD Projekt Red]
Hearthstone is completely revamping its rewards system and adding a new mode
Hearthstone has been enjoying a fairly healthy cadence of content and updates, shuffling between major expansions and Battlegrounds mixups, but that whole formula is going to fundamentally change this year.
Amid the announcement of the next expansion (Madness at the Darkmoon Faire), the game's developers have unveiled a completely new progression and rewards system, as well as a new mode: Hearthstone Duels. We'll start with Duels as it's easier to digest.
Billed as a mode that will "change every season," you have the ability to choose a hero, hero power, and a treasure, then create a 15-card starter deck. From there you'll fight human opponents in the same rougelite-dungeon-crawling style as several previous campaign expansions.
Heroes are a little wacky and draw from a larger pool, much like the Battlegrounds mode. Prior sets (including as far back as classic cards and the first Naxxramas expansion) are in. Early access is available today, so long as you own the Madness at the Darkmoon Faire Mega Bundle. You can also try to randomly win early access through a Twitch promotion, which you can find more info on here. As a proviso, you need to have all heroes at level 10 to access Duels.
The mode will officially arrive on November 17, and when it does, you can also use the revamped ticket system to access the competitive side: Heroic Duels. In short, Arena Tickets are now "Tavern Tickets," and allow access to Arena or Heroic Duels. Good! Another way to use tickets if someone doesn't care for Arena.
As for that whole progression rework, here's the gist: the game is getting achievements, it'll track your rewards, quests now have a daily and weekly section, and your profile page will show more details. Everything is accessible via a new journal icon, which will replace the original quest log section. That's hitting the live version of the game on November 12.
Big changes! That also includes a seasonal system, which Blizzard is calling the "reward track." It contains 50 levels as well as 10 new hero skins and more loot like card packs and card backs. You'll get 150 gold per level after you max out at 50: which sounds like something that will definitely be in flux as Blizzard experiments with this system that's new to Hearthstone, but widely used for other similar games.
Naturally there's a free track and a premium track, the latter of which is unlocked with the Tavern Pass: the existing prototype for all this that just provided Battlegrounds rewards. You could see the wheels turning with that one!
18.6 Patch Notes [Battle.net]
Mortal Kombat 11's Rambo is comin' to get YOU!
NetherRealm Studios has released the first gameplay trailer of John Rambo, the latest in a series of special guests joining the Mortal Kombat franchise. Rambo - along with returning kombatants Mileena and Rain - will be available to purchase as part of Kombat Pack 2, which launches for Mortal Kombat 11 on November 17.
In the super-violent preview, we see the tortured war veteran cut down foes such as Kabal and Erron Black, before facing off against another '80s action movie icon, The Terminator. In an inspired bit of design, Rambo is not only armed with his iconic knife - the same blade that endlessly worried British film censors back in the day - but is also equipped with a series of environmental traps, including tripwires, claymores, and tree-swings.
The minute detail that has gone into Rambo is impressive. Even some of his hand-to-hand attacks are ripped straight from the knock-down, drag-out scraps featured in the movies. Of course, having Sylvester Stallone voice the character is a huge bonus, and the character's likeness is very accurate from a visual standpoint. The trailer ends with the klassic "throat tear" from the fourth Rambo movie. The only thing missing is the .50 caliber mounted jeep from the same flick... Don't let us down NRS.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate will contain the base game, the Aftermath expansion, and both Kombat Packs. It will launch for PC, as well as current and next-gen consoles, on November 17. Players who already own Mortal Kombat 11 on PS4 or Xbox One will receive a free upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X should they pick up a next-gen platform.
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light is coming to Switch for a 'limited time'
Here Nintendo is with yet another surprise, and yet another "limited time release!" It's been an insane year.
Just this morning, the publisher has announced that the Marth-starring Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light will be available "for the first time in the US" on December 4. Note that this is the 1990 game that started it all for the 30-year-running franchise; which helped bring tactical grid-based combat to the forefront.
When it hits on December 4 it'll cost you $5.99 to pick up, but again, there's a catch. Nintendo says, specifically, that the game will "only be available to purchase until the end of the franchise's 30th anniversary on March 31, 2021." You can find more info on the game itself here.
Note that they are doing a similar marketing scheme with Mario 3D All-Stars, as well as Super Mario Bros. 35. Jump Rope Challenge initially was marketed with this same "limited-time" angle, but the company relented and made it available for the foreseeable future. Time will tell what happens here, just know that for now, you're on a timer. It's getting a little out of hand at this point.
A 30th anniversary edition is also coming to "select retailers," which will run you $49.99. It comes with a replica NES game and box, as well as a 222-page art book, an NES style manual, a Nintendo Power collectible and game download code.
The PS5 will support Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix and a few more media apps day one
[Update: A rep for Crunchyroll has contacted Destructoid to confirm that it will be supported as a day one app on PS5.]
While a lot of folks are concerned about what games they can play on their shiny new consoles day one: others are also curious as to what apps they can turn to in their downtime from playing games. Sony has unveiled its day-one plan for PS5, and it involves a few staples.
Disney+ will be making the cut, as well as Netflix, Spotify, Twitch and YouTube. Sony also has a non-exhaustive list of additional streaming apps on the way, including Amazon Prime Video, MyCanal, Hulu, Peacock (NBC's new streaming service) "and more." Surprisingly, Apple TV+ (which isn't widely supported on some devices yet) is coming to the PS5 as well as the PS4. There is no direct mention of HBO Max or several other streaming apps.
Sony is overhauling the media section on the PS5, utilizing a new control center that allows you to "quickly switch between channels, skip, or pause music." They're also pushing their new Media Remote, which can power on the console as expected, as well as instantly launch apps with a dedicated button: the four of which are Disney+, Netflix, Spotify and YouTube.
I know "it's all about the games" for a lot of people, but I'll be messing around with The Mandalorian around the time the PS5 arrives, as well as the reboot of Animaniacs that's coming a few weeks after its launch; and countless other shows. I like knowing the PS5 can do it all!
New media experience and top entertainment streaming apps coming to PS5 [PlayStation Blog]
Kojima Productions is staffing up for the studio's next project
Legendary video game director Hideo Kojima has begun work on his next project. As spotted by the eagle-eyes of ResetEra, Hideo's studio - Kojima Productions - has begun a huge staff drive for "best-in-class" talent to work on the mysterious new title. This will be Kojima Productions' second release, following its strange 2019 adventure, Death Stranding.
The job listing is surprisingly vast, with Kojima Productions looking to fill numerous vacancies within its coding, art design, sound, writing, and localization departments, as well as looking for a producer and an assistant producer. Almost an entire development team, in fact. There are no clues whatsoever as to what type of game Kojima has up his sleeves this time, and thus another long, drawn-out period of speculation, forum-fighting, and baffling fan theory video-creation begins.
Hideo Kojima will no doubt be pleased to be back at work on a new project. In an interview with LiveDoor News back in June, the Metal Gear creator lamented that a recent "big project" he had planned had fallen through completely, so hopefully this new title will help get his creative juices flowing again. We'll just have to wait some eons before we get to experience it, no doubt.
Hideo Kojima confirms a new project is in development [Eurogamer]
Spelunky 2's Hired Hands will now stop dropping stuff on your head
Whenever I read the patch notes for Spelunky 2, I picture myself dying in bizarre and obtuse ways. Each bullet point – every balance change and quality-of-life improvement – is a cautionary tale about how a run could end. "Bomb bags and bomb boxes now react to lava," you say? Yeah, I'm gonna die to that!
If you're chipping away at a brick wall (and let's face it, no matter how skilled you are in Spelunky, there are always new challenges to strive for), then every little adjustment can make a difference.
We recently told you about an update that rebalanced the first zone, Dwelling, so that the creatures wouldn't be quite so out of control. Now, here's another one: a just-released update with a lot of great tweaks. I'll recap some of my favorite odds and ends, or you can read the whole spoiler-y list over here.
- Prevented Hired Hands from dropping held items from ledges
- Mounts' hitboxes slightly widened so they should be harder to miss and easier to ride
- Balance: Added gold on top of snap traps as bait so they're easier to spot
These are the big three right here. Hired Hands are a hilariously tragic nuisance. The fire-breathing Rock Dogs, in particular, can be weirdly finicky to jump on even when the coast is completely clear. And snap traps... oh, snap traps. They're arguably the sneakiest obstacles to watch out for in Spelunky 2.
I don't know why I keep giving them a chance... from r/spelunky
Other much-appreciated changes:
- Small physics tweak that should make the player less likely to be unjustly crushed
- Players can now fall through platforms while attacking
- Vlad's Cape now auto-deploys after the second jump if holding the button
- Prevented spear traps from appearing in the entrance room in a specific theme
- Dialogs' and descriptions' text box size now also changes depending on players settings
- Vendors will now drop their weapon when eaten by a mantrap
- Pets can now enter through special worlds' doors
- Minor improvements to collision detection
Derek Yu and BlitWorks are listening to player feedback, and it shows. I'm thankful.
Patch Notes: 1.13.0b [Steam]
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition has several frame rate and resolution options
When it comes to a series like Devil May Cry, you're gonna want to crank that frame rate as high as it'll go – or maybe not! Maybe you'd prefer to have ray-traced reflections and other bells and whistles.
We knew the upcoming PS5 and Xbox Series X release of Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition would offer at least a few choices – a godsend for anyone who has strong opinions about prioritizing performance over visuals, or vice versa – but today Capcom clarified what kind of options we can expect.
Here's a recap, as relayed by Capcom's William Yagi-Bacon on ResetEra:
Ray tracing on
- 4K/30fps or 1080p/60fps
Ray tracing off
- 4K/60fps or "up to 120fps" in High Framerate Mode
As far as these options go for a console release, I'm pretty dang pleased. Ray tracing can be a sight to behold, but it's even better when it's a choice. And when it comes to Devil May Cry 5 specifically, hitting 4K and 60 frames per second is going to be so slick. I'm ready to see some Legendary Dark Knight runs.
A bit of housekeeping: ray tracing won't show up in the Xbox Series X version until sometime after launch, and "object rendering is prioritized and ray-tracing is automatically disabled when High Framerate Mode is enabled, or when playing in Turbo or Legendary Dark Knight gameplay modes."
Asked about the timing of the Vergil-only DLC for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Yagi-Bacon said that Capcom will have more info to share "in the coming weeks." DMC5SE is releasing digitally for Xbox Series X on November 10 and PlayStation 5 on November 12. A physical version is coming on December 1.
I have to say, despite owning a 4K TV, I'll be fine with 1080p gaming for the foreseeable future.
[Via Gematsu]
Minecraft will soon require a Microsoft account
You're going to be blocked from playing Minecraft if you don't add some security to your account. Minecraft's owner has mandated that a Microsoft account is required for all of Mojang's games.
The reason for the change is mostly focused on security and safety. It'll allow for two-factor authentication, it'll introduce improved parental controls, and it'll enable chat and invitation blocking. Another perk is that all Minecraft PC games will be connected to the same acconut.
This affects all editions of Minecraft, from the original Java Edition to the most current version. Microsoft assures everyone that nothing else will change, though. Microsoft says "You'll also keep your Minecraft Java username, and new players will still get to choose their Minecraft username." Once you've completed the free account migration, you'll receive a cape for your trouble; the cape can be seen in the gallery below.
It's all going down relatively soon. Anyone with a Java or Mojang account will have to make the switch sometime early next year. New players will have to create Microsoft accounts rather than Mojang accounts starting this fall.
Java Edition is Moving House [Minecraft]
All of Ubisoft's games will have cross-platform saves from now on
Ubisoft's Uplay is going away. Before you start celebrating too vigorously, it's only going away in name. More than a decade after it first showed up alongside Assassin's Creed II, Uplay is being rebranded to something that better suits every company's ambition to curate an ecosystem.
This morning, Ubisoft unveiled the new Ubisoft Connect. It seems to be a lot of what Uplay already was. There's still a rewards program where accomplishing in-game feats earns currency for buying perks. It's still a client for launching PC games.
However, one big change is that Ubisoft Connect will support cross-platform saves on "as many future titles as possible." Of course, you'll have to buy the games on multiple platforms to make use of this feature. But, picking up an Assassin's Creed on a super sale years down the line might look more attractive when you know that you have a bunch of progression from another platform. Many of Ubisoft's games are padded-out affairs, and the assurance that you're not always starting from scratch is enticing.
There are a few other tweaks to Ubisoft Connect. The UI has changed, probably to look more streamlined and current. Ubisoft has created a cross-platform friends list. There's been an overhaul to the "Sam" AI who doled out game tips; now it's called "Smart Intel" and is supposedly better at its job. (Are any of these video game advice-giving assistants actually good?)
The headliner is definitely the cross-progression, though. Ubisoft has already confirmed that it's coming to Hyper Scape, Watch Dogs: Legion, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising, and Riders Republic. All you need is a free Ubisoft Connect account to unlock the functionality. Ubisoft Connect kicks off alongside the launch of Watch Dogs: Legion on October 29. Maybe some cross-saves will quiet down all that rioting in the UK.
Scorn looks like a nasty slow burn in this Xbox Series X gameplay
15 seconds into this Xbox Series X gameplay preview for Scorn, I let out a loud "what is that?!"
This goes without saying if you've been following Ebb Software's fleshy horror game over the past four-plus years, but that was far from the only time I reacted vocally to something grotesque. This first-person adventure isn't H.R. Giger-inspired so much as it is a fervent tribute to the late, great artist.
Even though you'll have an eXistenZ-approved gun in Scorn, this is a more methodical, slow-going, exploration-driven experience (at least based on this 13-minute preview). It might not seem super riveting right now, but I'm open to it – and I think it'll feel far better when we're in control and we're the ones risking our necks in this nightmare realm. A guided tour on YouTube isn't the same.
Whether this is your particular brand of horror or not, Scorn is going to be accessible to a big pool of players in the Xbox Game Pass library. The latest word on the PC and console release date? 2021.
Some of these corridors low-key remind me of Prey. I really dug Prey, and I still do.
Mario Kart Tour's Halloween Tour brings spooky skins and Golden Boos
Mario Kart Tour is the latest game to get its spook on for the Halloween season. The Halloween Tour, which is live in the mobile racer right now, adds a selection of themed character skins and other spooky-ooky goodies to the game's gacha pipe.
The first week sees the addition of Halloween Mario, which basically just jams a Jack O'Lantern on the plumber's bonce and sits him in a matching kart. In addition, the Butterfly Glider also makes its return to the mix. Week two will herald the arrival of Halloween Peach, dressed to the nines as a witch and sporting a cool black-and-pink roadster.
Of course, it wouldn't be Halloween in Mario world without King Boo, and the ghostly monarch is available in all his golden glory for Gold Pass owners. Tour Gifts this event include extra rubies and Larry Koopa. You can check out all the Halloween content in the trailer below.
Genshin Impact's Klee arrives this week, Venti is out
You probably shouldn't go into Genshin Impact with the mindset of collecting every character.
Although the game is fairly generous in terms of allowing players to experience the entire campaign without spending a dime, it is a gacha game after all, so cycling characters in and out is part of the framework of the game. To that end, Venti, one of the first gacha-related party members, has been cycled out. Klee, the bomb-wielding maniac, is stepping in.
Klee is live now as part of the "Sparking Steps" banner, which is a fancy name for one of the gacha menu options in Genshin Impact. You'll need to make "wishes" inside of this banner to nab Klee, who is a five-star "pull" (reward). Thank goodness this game is free-to-play and you don't need all of these characters to make progress; even if the FOMO angle is real.
As you can see in her debut video below, she kind of kicks ass: showcasing plenty of slow-walks away from enemy crowds that are blowing up in her wake. She'd make a great addition to my party, but since I'm not spending any money on the game; if she doesn't show up, she doesn't show up.
So what's next for the game? Well, we're getting one big update on November 11 and another on December 23. Klee is expected to cycle out on the former date.
Klee [miHoYo]
Darkest Dungeon 2 is using Epic for Early Access in 2021, but 1.0 will hit 'other' PC stores
We knew Red Hook Studios was making a sequel to Darkest Dungeon, didn't we? Don't tell me I'm the only one who let that tidbit slip. They can't hurt me or my heroes if I don't acknowledge them!
The studio is back today with a more substantial (but still very teaser-y) trailer for Darkest Dungeon 2, along with news that the tough roguelike RPG will debut on the Epic Games Store in 2021. There's a sparse landing page on the Epic Store with verbiage that could definitely apply to the original game.
In a follow-up tweet, Red Hook said the 1.0 version will also launch on "other PC storefronts." If you're wondering about possible console ports, no word yet, but I'm sure they'll eventually come to fruition.
As for the trailer, it's weirdly cozy in a world-ending sort of way. Apart from the staple narration, we're also getting a peek at the now-very-much-3D character models, which I've grabbed screencaps of below. I'm curious to see how these classes will look in the full context of Darkest Dungeon 2.
"Has been a really cool experience working with our character modelers Kevin and Jordan to sculpt these 3D canvases for me to draw on," said Red Hook co-founder Chris Bourassa. "Preserves the game's signature art style/hand-drawn quality while allowing us to push animation and VFX."
It's been interesting to see indie sequels go big like this. Should be cool.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC is almost done as the Halo 4 test flight is underway
343 Industries will finish the fight as soon as it finishes the flight. Closed testing on the final Halo game has officially begun. Once that has wrapped up, Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC will be complete.
Halo 4's test flight is live for everyone who's enrolled in the Halo Insider program. Here's the content that's included:
The Neighbor returns in new Stadia title Hello Engineer
Indie outfit tinyBuild has revealed that its next release will be Hello Engineer - a spin-off from its creepy 2017 stealth title Hello Neighbor - currently in development for the Stadia platform.
Details are relatively slim at this time, but a new reveal trailer demonstrates that Hello Engineer will see groups of players come together to scavenge materials and resources in an abandoned scrapyard, ultimately allowing for the construction of bizarre, ramshackle vehicles and robots. Unfortunately, our young crafters are not alone, as "The Neighbor" is also on the scene, and has a few monstrous contraptions up his own diamond pringle.
Hello Engineer will launch on Stadia in 2021. Hello Neighbor 2 is also currently in development.
Pokemon's Crown Tundra DLC will allegedly contain 'the hardest challenge in the game'
The second half of Pokemon Sword and Shield's season pass is nearly here, as Crown Tundra is set to debut tomorrow.
So far, all of the promotional materials for the DLC have shown that it could be more expansive than the first half (Isle of Armor), but of course the jury is still out in terms of just how deep it would be. With the current generation's limitations, anything is possible.
For now, things are sounding good. Speaking to VG247, a Game Freak rep confirmed that much of the DLC will deal with the mystery of Calyrex, which is the main questline of the new zone. Beyond that, players will be able to explore another mystery dealing with a legendary tree, as well as hunt down three new legendary birds that shift around the landscape just like the legendaries in Pokemon Gold and Silver.
Additionally, "Dens" are going to be a major mechanic, which lead players to one of the big gimmicks of the DLC: the ability to capture every old legendary. Here's a rundown from VG247 that explains how they'll work: "he twist in the tale is that you're not fighting with your own Pokemon. At the start of the lair, you choose one from a set of randomly-generated creatures – and then each time you defeat a Pokemon in a dynamax battle, before moving on one player can choose to swap their existing, probably injured Pokemon for the one you just defeated. At the end of the lair behind numerous battles and branching pathways is a legendary or other similarly rare Pokemon."
Then there's the Galarian Star Tournament, which brings back the big stadium battles from the main storyline. Here, you'll get to partner up with another trainer of your choice, then duke it out tournament style. According to a Pokemon Company rep, it's the "hardest challenge in the game" thus far.
On paper, this sounds like a really complex DLC you can sink your teeth into and might eclipse Isle of Armor in terms of replay value. We'll find out tomorrow.
Pokemon The Crown Tundra DLC [VG247]
Devolver Digital acquires Serious Sam developer Croteam
Irreverent indie publisher Devolver Digital has announced that it has acquired Croatian video game studio Croteam, best known for the explosive Serious Sam series as well as philosophical puzzler The Talos Principle.
The acquisition comes at the end of an extended working relationship between the two companies, which Devolver cutely describes as "dating." In an official statement on the publisher's website, Devolver announced the match made in hell and that it was "thrilled" to be partnered with its childhood sweetheart.
"A decade ago Devolver Digital was just getting started and looking for its first project to partner on in the emerging digital distribution world. Similarly, Croteam was on the search for a partner it could trust to help them bring their beloved franchise back to prominence with the upcoming Serious Sam 3. And like that, the next big Serious Sam game brought old partners back together and forged a decade of friendship and dedication."
"Since then Croteam and Devolver Digital have partnered on dozens of games - from the frantic Serious Sam series to the award-winning The Talos Principle across PC, consoles, VR, and mobile platforms. Croteam and Devolver Digital have been dating for so long that we decided to go ahead and just get married."
Croteam's latest release, Serious Sam 4, is available now on Stadia, and is coming to PS4 and Xbox One in 2021. A sequel to The Talos Principle is currently in development.
Orcs Must Die 3 is getting its first DLC next month
Orcs Must Die 3 has its issues, but in all it's a nice return to form for the series that a lot of us thought was dead based on the unfortunate fate of Unchained.
Alas, it is alive and well, but only if you have a Stadia account (for now). For those of you who are Stadians, Google has announced today that Orcs Must Die 3 is getting its first major DLC: Drastic Steps. It's billed as an "expansion," and will contain five new scenarios (including a large scale War level), as well as new weapons, traps, skins and an endless map. It's $10 and it'll arrive on November 10. I'll be there: all of the above is just what the game needed, and I hope there's more to come.
In more Stadia-related news, the Humankind beta demo is live today. Also, ARK: Survival Evolved is coming in "early 2021," and will be a part of the Stadia Pro program; which is kind of like Game Pass for Stadia.
As a reminder, several demos went live yesterday as part of Stadia's week of demos promotion. There's more news coming tomorrow!
NBA 2K21's unskippable ads will be 'fixed' in future update, says 2K Games
Earlier this week, we reported on a controversy that had blown up within the NBA 2K community, after publisher 2K Games added unskippable commercials to the loading screens of the latest entry in the basketball franchise one month after the title's launch.
The commercials for the Oculus Quest 2 appears during pre-game loading screens as a part of NBA 2K21's "2K TV" segments. Fans took to Reddit and social media to express their disdain at being forced to sit through product ads in a title they had paid upwards of $70 for.
2K Games has released a statement on Twitter, where the publisher acknowledged that the offending videos "impacted our players' experience in a way we didn't intend, as these ads are not meant to run as part of the pre-game introduction." 2K Games then stated that "This will be fixed in future episodes."
Note that "fixed" does not necessarily mean "removed." As such, players will have to see how the ads are implemented going forward. Last year's franchise entry, NBA 2K20, would become a notorious example of aggressive monetization, advertising, and gambling within the AAA industry. NBA 2K21 has already gotten off to a poor start in regards to turning around said reputation - and the ball, ultimately, lies in the publisher's court.
Here's a look at Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot's new 1-versus-100 mode DLC
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, like most DBZ-related media, is alive and kicking. And it's about to get its second major DLC pack this year.
In case you missed it, Bandai Namco revealed that the second DLC is called "A New Power Awakens - Part 2," and the main gimmick is 1vs100+ battles; where your Z Fighter is facing off against a giant horde. You'll gain new abilities to boot, with potential additional content to sift through beyond the upcoming mode, which is titled "Mob Battle."
Now, the publisher is ready to give us our first real look at the DLC via screenshots, which we've gathered in the gallery below. According to Bandai Namco, you'll square off against Frieza (Golden) and the Frieza Force, which seems to be the titular "mob" in the Mob Battle gametype.
While the first DLC was fine for what it was in many respects, this one looks a lot more enticing and way more in the spirit of Dragon Ball. I'd probably play a full game based on this concept, as long as the "mobs" remain interesting and dynamic. We'll see if they pull it off for this DLC later this fall when it launches.
Fight hordes of enemies in the next DLC [Bandai Namco]
Review: Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One
For Doom, hope springs eternal.
I know it seems counterintuitive for a game based around the powers of hell, but even if the series starts to slip and falter, eventually, someone will make a new Doom and it will, in all likelihood, hit the mark. It has a better track record than a lot of other shooter franchises; namely due to the respect the pedigree demands.
Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal managed to keep the good times rolling. Now, it's time for DLC.
(Update) Tour the real-life inspiration for Pokemon's Galar region with this new video series
[Update: You can find future episodes as they arrive below.]
Say what you will about Pokemon Sword and Shield (and you will!), but I really love the Galar region.
Some portions of it feel underdeveloped, but the vistas and actual landscapes are beautiful and fun to look at. Having played Pokemon since day one of picking up Red and Blue at Toys "R" Us, it's crazy seeing how far the series has come: even if it hasn't come far enough for a lot of people.
If you also dug Galar, this video from The Pokemon Company's YouTube channel should give you a bit of background on the real-life UK inspiration. One word of warning though: if you want to skip all of the influencer-esque freaking out about how cool all the free stuff is, skip ahead to roughly 5:00 in.
While the actual touring is fairly light in this episode, there's more to come: it's part of a series that will be traveling around the UK "each week." If you're in the UK, you're probably thinking: this is just my backyard! Well, your backyards are breathtaking!
