Giveaway: Transformers: Battlegrounds (NA- XB1, Steam, NSW)
Welcome folks! It's been awhile since I've popped my face up on the ole front page. Wes really needed a night off (he works hard for y'all), so I'm here to bring you some Transformers action (strategy)! We have a copy for Xbox One, Steam, and Nintendo Switch to giveaway (sorry PS4 folk), so let's rollout and see what Transformers: Battlegrounds is all about:
Review: Pokemon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra
The last time we checked in with Pokemon Sword and Shield, it was hosting its first major DLC: The Isle of Armor.
It was small, but it wasn't bad! The new locale was a breath of fresh air, especially given that Game Freak was doubling down on the Wild Area mechanic, allowing the entire DLC to make use of the feature.
But given Sword and Shield's latent shortcomings, it wasn't enough for everyone. The Crown Tundra aims to turn that all around as the second half of the season pass.
Review: G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout
When "movable fighting man" G.I. Joe first made his way to British shores in the 1960s, he was renamed as the less nation-specific "Action Man." Despite this amusingly bland new moniker, Action Man was still a smash success with British kids, going on to sell thousands of dolls, ("It's an action figure, mum!"), in the ensuing decades.
The plastic military man and his kung-fu grip became so huge here in Britain, that when the super-popular G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero animated series made the leap overseas, it also needed to be renamed, to keep marketing in line with the toy range. So do you know what we got? Action Force. ACTION FORCE. The Brits are nothing if not great at poorly localizing American properties. That and making abysmal political decisions.
Nice history lesson, Moyse, but what does this have to do with G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout, GameMill Entertainment's new video game adaptation of the aforementioned Saturday morning show? Honestly, not all that much. But what's important is that now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
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.
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!
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.
Contest: Win The Jackbox Party Pack 7 for PC or consoles
In today's contest you can win The Jackbox Party Pack 7 for Switch, PS4, Xbox One, or Steam!
Do you know Jack? I haven't known a Jack since middle school, and I'd like to keep it that way. But Jackbox? Yeah, that's fun! Who doesn't like fun party games?
The Jackbox Party Pack 7 just rolled out last week, so why not win yourself a free copy?
Cblogs of 10/17 to 10/23/2020: Hades, Stadia, and Disco Resident Evil
Cblogs Recap: Week 43
-Kerrik52 reviews MediEvil: Resurrection as part of his Traveler in Playtime review blogs.
-Somniferous thinks that the next gen games and Google Stadia are made for each other.
-Black Red Gaming shares his thoughts on the rogue-like game, Before Liftoff: Roboquest.
-NarcosGalactico reviews Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
-Sam van der Meer remembers a wonderful strategy guide to Shadow of the Colossus.
-BRAVO F1VE reviews Hades which he thinks makes repetition fun.
-Humantofu looks back at Far Cry.
-Virtua Kazama is excited about the upcoming Sonic Hacking Contest.
-Agent9 continues his daily journals in October for another week.
-ChronoLynxx opens yet another TGIF thread for the community to chat in.
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.
Review: The Jackbox Party Pack 7
Ah, here we are with another installment of The Jackbox Party Pack, the insanely popular virtual party game enterprise that takes every nerd's house by storm each year - although perhaps it's now more mainstream, as my parents are starting to take part and there are now explicitly family-friendly settings and options!
So, without further ado, I present this year's games.
Vs. Soccer is this week's Arcade Archives release
Sometimes, it can be tough to recommend the weekly Arcade Archive release. For every re-run on Sunset Riders, or Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Hamster gives us a truly antiquated title such as Front Line or, in this week's case, Vs. Soccer, now available to download on Nintendo Switch.
Originally released for the NES in 1985, Soccer is one of the earliest, and thus most rudimentary digital examples of "The Beautiful Game." One or two players face off on the field in very basic soccer action, choosing from a selection of seven world squads and playing in 15-45 minute halfs (in-game time, of course). Not only was Soccer the first football title to be played from a horizontal view, but it even features cheerleaders!
You can check out the action in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber Retro MGV.
Now don't get me wrong, I love all of these old-school games, they're titles I grew up with and shaped my formative years. It remains a hard ask to encourage customers to spend $8 on a download of Vs. Soccer for their Nintendo Switch. There are obviously far better titles, for the same price tag, within Hamster's own Arcade Archive range, let alone on the eShop. Thus titles such as Vs. Soccer are recommended for old-school completionists only.
Can Marvel's Avengers pull a No Man's Sky and totally redeem itself?
It's no secret that Marvel's Avengers isn't in the best of places right now. Yes, it sold big in September, enough to top Super Mario 3D All-Stars as the month's top title on the NPD charts, but it's struggling, and with new consoles and several massive titles on the horizon, things are not going to get easier for Crystal Dynamics. But just because it's down now doesn't mean it's out. As we've seen with No Man's Sky, developers can pull their games back from the brink.
That's just one of the topics on this episode of Podtoid. CJ, Charlotte, Occams, and Dan chat about Marvel's Avengers, Ring Fit Adventure, Dragon Quest Tact, and Spooky Encounters. All that, plus you shouldn't rap about real crimes you're committing, on Podtoid Episode 463.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice GOTY update launches October 28
Activision has announced and official release date for the Game of the Year edition for its intense medieval adventure Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The free update will arrive on October 28, adding a selection of fresh new features to FromSoft's highly acclaimed title.
Alongside a run of bug fixes and balance tweaks, the update will add the all-new "boss rush" modes Reflection of Strength and Gauntlet of Strength, which will put the skills hardened players have learned thus far to the ultimate test. Also featured is the new "Remnants" mechanic, which allows players to record some of their coolest and most memorable in-game moments to showcase for the rest of the Sekiro community.
Whatcha been playing this week, Destructoid?
Hello again, folks, and welcome to the weekend. As if this was exceedingly possible, we are already at the end of October. This means many things. Winter is approaching, annual gaming releases are on the horizon, a new console generation is upon us, and many are starting to gear up for the holiday season. But this year is no ordinary year, and who knows how the holiday season will play out in 2020. One thing's for certain though, it's almost my birthday, and at the end of the day, isn't that what really matters?
I've bounced between a few titles this week. I rounded up my time with Gamemill's G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout, and I leapt in the claret-swishing, boob-bouncing world of the Onee Chanbara Origin remake for PS4. Double-A Moyse. That's what they call me in the staff room... If anyone talked to me. Look out for my thoughts on the insane anime hack 'n' slash title soon. Oh, and also some major release set in London.
But let's hear your thoughts. That's what we're here for. Whether you're playing games old or new, bad or good, a new experience or a familiar favorite, take a few minutes to jump into the comments below and share your time-killers with us - especially if you are actually playing Time Killers. Thanks for always being a part of this weekly discourse, I love you for it. Oh, and if you haven't, maybe take a gander at our forums.
Have a safe and pleasant weekend, from all of us at Destructoid.
Contest: Win Pumpkin Jack for Switch, Steam, or Xbox One
In today's contest you can win Halloweeny action game Pumpkin Jack for Switch, Steam, or Xbox One!
You know what really sucks? Nobody makes seasonal 3D mascot action-platformers anymore! They used to be a dime a dozen, but then every game needed to sell eight million copies or it was deemed a disappointment, so now nobody makes them anymore. Thank God Pumpkin Jack exists!
Win a copy for Switch, Steam, or Xbox One and celebrate Halloween with a nice retro mascot platformer.
This Halloween trailer for Little Nightmares II got me to pick up the first game
Where would you rank Little Nightmares among horror-tinged platformers?
I've been contemplating cracking it open while the fall mood is in full effect, and this Halloween trailer for Little Nightmares II is nudging me in that direction. I don't want to jump straight into the sequel for lore reasons, and... what's that? It's on sale for five bucks on the PlayStation Store? Okay fine, I'm in.
In an ideal world, Little Nightmares II would be out this month for maximum spookiness, but Tarsier is holding off until February 11, at which point the sequel will launch on all of the current consoles, including the Nintendo Switch. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X editions won't show up until later in 2021, and when they do, Bandai Namco will have a free upgrade path for PS4 and Xbox One players.
Also, it's interesting to see Little Nightmares II get such an extravagant collector's edition – I didn't necessarily realize people were that into this series. The Mokujin mask collectible is cute and creepy.
I'm rooting for this one (and also Little Hope). The trailer is hitting the right notes for me.
Gears 5 is getting a story add-on in December
Gears 5 isn't dead. Well, technically, no one thought it was. Developer The Coalition has been steadily supporting the multiplayer side, as Gears continues to make a push to be an esport game. But, in a surprising move, Gears 5 is getting some post-launch content that no game in the series has gotten since Gears of War 3: Story DLC.
In an interview with IGN, The Coalition confirms that Gears 5 is getting an add-on in December that's called Hivebusters. It features Keegan, Lahni, and Mac, which is the trio of protagonists in the Escape mode. It's not a giant piece of content, as it's estimated to take three or four hours to play through. It's also coming to PC, Xbox Series S/X, and Xbox One, along with optimizations for new consoles. No other details were given, including a story overview or whether this is a free or paid-for add-on.
Zombies Onslaught is a PlayStation exclusive in Black Ops Cold War until November 2021
PlayStation has another timed-exclusive mode squared away for Call of Duty (like last year's Special Ops Survival), and this time it's the Zombies Onslaught mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
Before you do a spit-take, heads-up: this is not the traditional Zombies mode (which everyone can play regardless of their platform). Instead, Zombies Onslaught is its own rank-based activity where two co-op buddies fend off zombie hordes from within a protective Dark Aether Orb that moves around.
"By achieving a specific rank, you will unlock useful rewards for use across Zombies and Multiplayer," said Activision. "Each season, new maps and rewards will be introduced for PS4 and PS5 players."
This looks like precisely the sort of thing Activision would be willing to lock some of its audience out of for a full year. Literally! Onslaught won't be playable on "other platforms" until November 1, 2021.
A closer look at Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Zombies Onslaught mode [PlayStation Blog]
Here's the Brotherhood of Steel in action in Fallout 76
Big lugs lumbering around in their Power Armor, toting their laser beam-shooting gatling guns. That can mean only one thing. The Brotherhood of Steel is here to impose its will with a gruff attitude and self-righteous ideologies. And with big guns.
Fallout 76's Bombs Drop Day is here (along with a whole in-game event), and it comes with the first official trailer for the upcoming Steel Dawn expansion. That's the update that finally brings the Brotherhood of Steel to Appalachia. Fallout's most familiar faces (err, helmets) have nearly arrived.
It's not just the big guys who are new in Steel Dawn. Bethesda says the expansion will also add: "new NPCs, new locations, and new gear to the game. It will also add features, like C.A.M.P. Shelters, a host of rewards, including weapons, armor, and C.A.M.P. Plans, the return of the Holiday Scorched Seasonal Event, and a variety of additional gameplay improvements."
Anyone who's playing on the test server doesn't have to rely on a trailer to see the Brotherhood. Some Steel Dawn quests are available on the PTS, which is open for all Bethesda.net users. If you're unwilling or unable to hit the PTS, the Steel Dawn update is currently scheduled for December.
Fallout 76: Inside the Vault -- Steel Dawn Trailer, Bombs Drop Events & More! [Bethesda]
If I haven't seen it, it's new to me!
Given that I'm in the middle of a Zelda: Breath of the Wild replay now, it's amazing to see fresh videos and revelations pop up to this day. We're coming up on the fourth anniversary of Breath of the Wild in early 2021 and things are still surprising me. This time, for instance, I actually watched live as the Tarrey Town map was filled in: knowing what I know now. Going forward, I'm also going to listen to the SOS signals from Divine Beasts.
Although it was discovered back in 2017 by several players, I never really caught on to the fact that the theme song for each Divine Beast contains an "SOS" morse code signal. This caught my eye thanks to a ResetEra post, which pretty much blew my mind. I always felt like something was going on with the themes there, but never put two and two together.
Like many Breath of the Wild fan theories, there's a lot to unpack here. ResetEra user Jadow suggests that each SOS is conveyed in turn with the urgency of each Champion (a theory blogger Liquid-Geodes surmised in 2019): like Revali's signal coming in late as a result of his boisterous and prideful personality. The thought of all of these characters dying horrible deaths from Ganon's Scourges and trying to call for help makes the context that much more horrifying.
So you are telling me there is a SOS distress signal hidden in music for each Divine Beast? [ResetEra]
Apex Legends slips to 2021 on Nintendo Switch as the Steam edition locks in a November launch
In an effort to not "rush anything out," Respawn Entertainment is delaying the Nintendo Switch version of Apex Legends into 2021. At the same time, they're feeling confident about the Steam release – it's set for November 4, 2020. If you're migrating from Origin, everything you've unlocked will "carry over."
In a blog post, game director Chad Grenier said the team working on Apex's Switch port needs more time to "do justice to the game and make it into the great experience Switch players deserve."
He also reiterated that Apex Legends on Switch will have cross-platform multiplayer and, crucially, it will be up to date on the seasonal schedule and have "full feature parity with the other versions."
In terms of a wider cross-platform progression system, the developers are "passionate" about finding a solution and they're "looking at our options available," Grenier commented on Reddit. "Much harder post-launch since users may have multiple accounts to merge or use," he explained. "Easier with Steam because it's at launch. We'll give an update when we have something to talk about."
As for the Steam edition, it's out the same day as Season 7. Don't forget about that Headcrab charm.
Launch Updates: Apex Legends on Steam and Nintendo Switch [EA]
Xbox seems likely to bundle TV streaming sticks with Game Pass
Xbox wasn't kidding about bringing Game Pass and game streaming to every possible device. They're available -- either as a single service or a duo thing -- on consoles, PC, and Android phones and tablets. Game streaming is coming to PC and web browsers sometime in the near future. There's very likely an unforeseen platform jumping in the mix.
In an interview with Stratechery (behind a paywall but reported on by The Verge), Xbox head Phil Spencer discussed a possible strategy for getting Game Pass on televisions. Spencer said "I think you're going to see lower priced hardware as part of our ecosystem when you think about streaming sticks and other things that somebody might want to just go plug into their TV and go play via xCloud."
It's Xbox by way of the Amazon Fire stick or Google Chromecast. However, Spencer envisions a way to completely tie it into Xbox Game Pass. "You could imagine us even having something that we just included in the Game Pass subscription that gave you an ability to stream xCloud games to your television and buying the controller," he elaborated.
This would fill an important void in the Xbox family. It'd allow users to essentially play Xbox games without owning any Xbox hardware beyond the TV stick. It'd feel like the traditional game-playing experience -- much moreso than playing on your phone with a mount -- and in the easiest way to buy into the Xbox ecosystem. The cloud has opened up a world of possibilities for Microsoft's gaming division.
An Interview with Microsoft Executive Vice-President of Gaming Phil Spencer [Stratechery via The Verge]
R-Type Final 2 headed west in spring 2021, courtesy of NIS America
Publisher NIS America has officially announced that it will be bringing a localization of Granzella's R-Type Final 2 to the west next year. The pseudo-sequel/remake will launch in North America and Europe on PS4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch in spring 2021.
Designed as a love letter to Irem's genre-defining shmup series, R-Type Final 2 features all of the high-intensity intergalactic action of the classic titles but spruced up with modern-day visuals and powerful sound. Players can choose from one of a selection of vessels taken from the series' storied history, before taking to the stars in a new mission against the evil Bydo empire.
R-Type Final 2 went into development in the summer of 2019, after a massively successful Kickstarter campaign that saw fans raise double the targeted $400,000 in less than a week. Various stretch goal targets have been met, which adds new ships and customization options, as well as side-modes such as Ghost and Time Attack. It's all shaping up to be a great release, and a must-have for fans of classic arcade action.
The Outer Worlds and its expansions arrive on Steam and GOG
From the moment the initial trailer of The Outer Worlds dropped, where it brazenly declared that it was from the developers of "The original" Fallout and Fallout: New Vegas, it was a game that I knew I needed in my life. Then the inevitable happened when Epic Games Store snapped it up as a timed exclusive, which I can't blame Obsidian for since the game uses Unreal Engine 4 and there are a lot of incentives in place to cozy up to Epics storefront for games that use their engine.
While I've not been overly vocal about it, I've not been happy with how Epic has been handing their attempt to carve out a niche in the PC storefront market. Being the stubborn Jersey boy that I am though, I decided my enjoyment was able to be put on hold for a year all in the name of the greater good. Despite it being my most anticipated game of 2019, I settled in for the long slumber as I prepared to wait a year for The Outer Worlds to come to another storefront.
I awake today from my slumber to see that The Outer Worlds has escaped its bounds on the Epic Games Store (and Xbox Games Pass for PC) and is now available on both Steam and GOG. The Peril on Gorgon expansion is also being released day one which means if one so chooses you can get it all with no need to wait.
While the game is launching at full price despite the year since the initial release, there is a hefty sale going on for the Steam release through November 6 to the tune of 50% off the base game. Those wanting the expansion pass will still have to pay full price though. The sale on the base game is also present on GOG but there is no indication of when that sale will end.
I know at least a handful of people like me who waited this incredibly long year (remember when Covid-19 wasn't a thing?) to play what was eventually named Destructoid's Game of the Year. To those people I will quote the great Alton Brown: "Your patience has been rewarded."
The Outer Worlds [Steam]
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]
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.
(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!
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]
