Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition's Physical Release Will Be On December 1
Devil May Cry made its big, and perhaps unlikely, comeback last year with the fantastic Devil May Cry 5. As has become tradition with the series, the game is also getting a Special Edition release which will see the addition of a playable Vergil alongside some other graphical and bonus additions. For those getting the game digitally, it'll be there day one for your new system, but those who need the box will have to wait.
As announced on the official Twitter, the physical release of the game will be delayed just a tad to the beginning of December. Unfortunately, as of now, there's no plans to bring the game to the PC or for there to be an upgrade path for those who bought the vanilla release.
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition will release digitally November 10th on Xbox Series X and Series S and November 12th on PlayStation 5, and December 1st for both systems physically. If you're curious about some of the technical aspects of these new versions, just take a look through here at how much loading time the PS5 manages to cut down.
The physical version of #DevilMayCry 5 Special Edition launches Dec 1st!
If going digital is more your SSStyle, it'll be available for download from Nov 10th for Xbox Series X|S and Nov 12th for PS5. pic.twitter.com/jHah4y2S4c
— Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition (@DevilMayCry) October 13, 2020
Assassin's Creed Valhalla Features Jotunheim and Asgard
Remember when Ubisoft said Assassin's Creed Valhalla wouldn't go too heavy into Norse mythology? It was telling the truth…sort of. In a new tweet from Ubisoft Nordic, it's now confirmed that mythological realms like Asgard and Jotunheim will be included after all.
Of course, protagonist Eivor will need the help of Valka the Seer, to reach these places. Eivor will consume special potions to venture to these realms and as per level designer David Bolle, this is a "whole new section" of the game that's "pretty big." Given that mythological creatures manifest in the real world as enemies, it's probably not that surprising to see Asgard and Jotunheim featured.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is out on November 10th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, PS4 and Google Stadia. It will launch on November 12th for PS5. For more details on the story, particularly how the Hidden Ones figure into everything, head here. Stay tuned for more details and updates en route to launch.
In #AssassinsCreedValhalla, with the help of Valka, the Seer, leap beyond reality in to the mythological worlds of Asgard and Jotunheim
pic.twitter.com/lcAGfJhsBw
— Ubisoft Nordic (@ubisoftnordic) October 13, 2020
Axiom Verge 2 Delayed to First Half of 2021
Last year, Axiom Verge creator Thomas Happ unveiled the sequel to the acclaimed Metroidvania title. It was meant to release this Fall for Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, several factors led to the project's schedule going "astray" and Happ is now projecting Axiom Verge 2 to release in the first half of 2021.
Some of the factors include "much more sophisticated" enemies, including certain foes that will scan their surroundings for the player and proceed to give chase after detecting them. There will also be something similar to the Address Disruptor from the first game. However, while its functionality is similar, it's "in a way that gives the player more control over the outcome." Happ also noted that the art style is more complex owing to the more Earth-like setting and environments over the original.
"In order to capture that difference, it was critical to formulate seamless tiles that can blend into one another. This may seem like a subtle change, but it has far reaching implications for the design, art, and ultimately feel of the game." Finally, he alluded to the COVID-19 pandemic taking its toll in a number of ways.
Nevertheless, Happ is working hard. "I am extremely grateful for all of the inquiries into the release date for Axiom Verge 2. I had my concerns about whether people would even care at all about a sequel coming 5 years after the release of the original. Although it's taking longer than I originally hoped, I am going to do my best to make sure it's worth the wait."
Axiom Verge 2 is currently exclusive to Switch but could "hopefully" release for all systems at some point. It has a "distinctly heavier" Zelda influence and will be about 10 hours long. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.
Xbox Series X/S Enables 16x Anisotropic Filtering to "Nearly All" Backwards Compatible Titles
There are several benefits for backwards compatible titles on Xbox Series X/S. Microsoft has already detailed Auto HDR, bringing high dynamic range lighting to titles that previously didn't support it. In a recent post on Xbox Wire, it also confirmed that "nearly all" backwards compatible titles will benefit from 16x anisotropic filtering.
"On Xbox One X, a portion of the catalog benefited from increased anisotropic filtering, improving image quality of games. On Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, 16x anisotropic filtering has been enabled for nearly all backward compatible titles so you can experience the very best visuals the games have to offer." In the same post, Microsoft also highlighted the effect of doubled frame rates with Fallout 4 going from 30 FPS to 60 FPS on Xbox Series S. Backwards compatible titles will also benefit from a resolution increase, namely 1440p on Xbox Series S and 4K on Xbox Series X.
The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S launch on November 10th worldwide, retailing for $499 and $299 respectively. Thousands of titles across four generations of Xbox will be available, especially thanks to Xbox Game Pass. Will it be enough to propel the consoles to success? We'll find out this holiday season so stay tuned for more details.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calmaity Trailer Showcases Master Kohga and Yiga Clan
In the lead up to Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Nintendo has been releasing "Untold Chronicles From 100 Years Past" videos that delve into past iterations of characters. The latest trailer is all about Master Kohga, who led the Yiga Clan that was loyal to Calamity Ganon. Check out how they look below.
What's most interesting, however, is the figure near the end. Yiga Clan members can be seen bowing to this dark-robed figure who's identity remains unknown. Perhaps this is the Breath of the Wild-verse's take on Agahnim from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past? It would certainly make for an interesting twist.
We'll find out next month when Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity launches on November 20th for Nintendo Switch. Other characters who we've seen younger versions for include Robbie and Purah along with a playable version of Impa. Stay tuned for more details and Untold Chronicles closer to launch.
Fallout 4 Runs at a Boosted Frame Rate of 60 FPS on Xbox Series S
There's no doubting the impressive nature of the Xbox Series X and Series S' impressive backward compatibility features. On top of thousands of games from across four generations being playable on both consoles, the next-gen duo also does things at a system level that allows it to boost older games in new ways, from higher frame rates to even sometimes adding HDR to games that didn't originally have it.
Recently, Microsoft showed a brief clip that focuses on the fire. In a short "tech demo" uploaded by Microsoft, they showed a side-by-side comparison for Fallout 4. Bethesda's open world RPG generally hits 30 FPS on current-gen consoles, but on the Xbox Series S, its performance is doubled, and boosted to 60 FPS. Take a look below.
Recently, we learned that Xbox Series S won't support Xbox One X enhancements in backward compatible games, but will have enhancements of its own (such as the ones mentioned above). Read more on that through here.
Halo 5 Definitely Won't be Added to The Master Chief Collection
Over the course of the last few months, 343 Industries have brought over nearly the entire Halo: The Master Chief Collection over to PC, one game at a time. Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST were the most recent ones, both joining the collection within two months of each other, which means that Halo 4 is now the only game left.
But, of course, a question that has been asked quite often is being asked once more- will Halo 5 eventually make it into The Master Chief Collection as well? 343 Industries have, in the past, said that that won't happen, and recently, they did so again.
In an update posted on Halo Waypoint, the developers quickly dashed any hopes of Halo 5: Guardians being added into the collection. "This is the last Halo title we currently have planned for the collection (sorry to crush your Halo 5 in MCC dreams), so let's finish strong," the wrote.
This, of course, also means that once Halo 4 is out on PC as well, Halo 5: Guardians will be the only game left in the series that won't be playable on PC.
Halo 4's beta testing (or flighting) will begin soon, but a specific release window for the full game hasn't yet been nailed down.
Microsoft are very clearly putting most of their eggs in the Xbox Game Pass basket, as they look to make the subscription service the centrepiece of their business strategy going forward. Of course, with the success and the praise they they've garnered thanks to Xbox Game Pass, questions have been asked more than a few times whether their competitors – or Sony, more specifically – will ever try something similar.
According to industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities, however, that might not be a move that makes too much business sense for Sony.
Speaking recently in an interview with GamingBolt, when asked about whether he thinks Sony will have something ready to counter Game Pass, or whether they even need to do that, Pachter noted that they already have PlayStation Now, but it doesn't compete with Xbox's service because it doesn't have as many new releases in its catalog.
"Well they have it, they just don't market it very well," Pachter said when asked if Sony will ever have something like Game Pass in their arsenal. "They have PS Now, they just don't have as many games and they haven't been putting their new releases on there. And that's the problem, that their subscription doesn't have new releases, and Microsoft's does."
Pachter, however, went on to say that either way, a subscription service like Game Pass – which he doesn't think makes Microsoft a lot of money – wouldn't make as much economic sense for Sony.
"So question is, will Sony walk down the Microsoft path?" Pachter said. "I'm not sure Microsoft makes money off that model, so I think that may be a bad business decision. I mean Microsoft has a lot of money in the bank, so they can do whatever they want, but Sony doesn't have as much. So to give Sony credit, I think they are very good businesspeople, and they make intelligent business decisions. So there has to be a reason for why they haven't done this yet, and that reason is probably that it doesn't make as much economic sense."
In the same interview, Pachter also spoke to us about the growth of Xbox next-gen, Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda, how he thinks Sony could hypothetically respond to it, what he thinks of the PS5 Digital Edition, and more. Read about all of it through the links.
Our full interview with Michael Pachter will go live soon, so stay tuned for that.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, Katana Zero Coming to Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft has announced the next slate of titles coming to Xbox Game Pass, starting with Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition on October 15th. It will be available for PC subscribers and offer 4K Ultra HD visuals, two new game modes and two new civilizations. Co-op title Heave Ho (PC), action platformer Katana Zero (console, PC and Android) and The Swords of Ditto: Mormo's Curse (PC) will also be available on the same day.
But that's not all. Bandai Namco's Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition will also be available, bringing the remastered RPG classic to console and PC subscribers. On October 21st, ScourgeBringer will exit early access and be available for console subscribers while October 22nd sees Cricket 19 and Supraland added.
Overall, there's quite a bit to look forward to. Next month could potentially be even bigger with the Xbox Series X/S launching on November 10th. The consoles will be available for $499 and $299 respectively with major titles like Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5 and more receiving enhancements.
Genshin Impact – Dragonspine Region Coming in December
With over $100 million in revenue earned since launch, miHoYo's Genshin Impact is going full speed ahead with its post-launch support. The developer recently offered an update on future events and new content, confirming that Dragonspine, the third region, would release on December 23rd. It will also "do its best" to ensure a roadmap update every six weeks.
In the meantime, players can look forward to the Unreconciled Stars event which goes live on November 11th. After Dragonspine drops, the next event will release in February 2021 with Lantern Rite. It also noted that the Ludi Harpastum and Windbloom Festival will happen in Mondstadt while the Lantern Rite and Moonchase Festival are set for Liyue.
Genshin Impact is currently available for iOS, Android, PS4 and PC with the Switch version currently in the works. It's been a massive hit thus far with nearly 23 million downloads on mobiles in its first week. Stay tuned for more details on future updates in the meantime.