Microsoft Unboxes the Xbox Series X and Series S in New Videos

Xbox

This week is an exciting one for fans of gaming with the debut of both Microsoft and Sony's next-gen consoles. The Xbox Series X and Series S are kicking things off with their launch tomorrow, November 10, and if you can't wait to get your hands on either of the consoles, you can tide over the wait with a pair of unboxing videos for both consoles.

Ahead of the systems' launches worldwide, Microsoft has shared two new videos giving an official look at unboxing both the Xbox Series X and Series S. The videos each feature a deep dive into what is inside the packaging for the Series X and Series S, how to set up the systems, and up-close shots of the consoles in detail.

You can check out the unboxing videos for both the Series X and Series S below:

Microsoft has made both the Series X and Series S available to press, influencers, and content creators for review for the past several weeks, so you can likely also find hundreds (if not thousands) of other unboxing videos online across YouTube, Twitter, and elsewhere. However, with these videos being officially produced by Microsoft, these are likely to give some of the best looks at what it will be like to unbox the consoles for yourself later this week.

We have been able to go hands-on with the Xbox Series X ourselves in the past few weeks and shared our official review for the console ahead of its launch. Overall, the Series X is a solid upgrade with a lot of potential, even if its launch lineup might leave something to desire. We'll also have our impressions of the Series S with a review once we have our hands on the system in the near future.

The Xbox Series X and Series S will both launch worldwide on November 10, 2020.

The post Microsoft Unboxes the Xbox Series X and Series S in New Videos by Ryan Meitzler appeared first on DualShockers.

Xbox Series X Pre-Orders at Amazon Could Be Delayed Until the End of the Year

Xbox Series X

After months of waiting, Microsoft is finally about to release its long-awaited next-gen consoles with the Xbox Series X and Series S on November 10, 2020. With a huge demand for the next generation and millions of consoles about to be sent out across the world, it's inevitable that it may take some time for them to get into the hands of consumers. However, on the eve of the launch of the new Xbox consoles, it appears that Amazon customers in particular may have a bit of a wait on their hands.

As noted by The Verge and users on Twitter, Amazon has started to send out emails to some customers that pre-ordered the Xbox Series X warning of potential shipping delays that may occur ahead of the system's launch on November 10, 2020 (tomorrow). Specifically, according to the email, Amazon is expecting to ship consoles "in the coming weeks as we receive more inventory in November and December," and notes that customers should expect their systems "by 12/31 or before."

Given the current situations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the weeks ahead of the holiday shopping season, it's not a huge surprise that shipping delays may occur with the next-gen systems about to launch. However, there's no doubt that customers will likely face disappointment at potentially not getting their system for several weeks, or possibly not until the very end of the year, depending on when inventory is available for retailers to ship.

Personally, I pre-ordered an Xbox Series X through Amazon and my order (so far) is expected to arrive sometime between November 19-24, putting my shipment at either a week or two after launch. While I haven't gotten any formal communication from Amazon yet about a delay, I was at least expecting some kind of delay for my order, while it might be a bit of a sting for those that have been waiting for their system and notified now in the eleventh hour. Though so far it seems like this is only affecting a certain number of Amazon customers that pre-ordered the Series X, it might be worth checking your order status and email to see where your pre-order might be at.

The Xbox Series X and Series S will both launch worldwide on November 10, 2020.

The post Xbox Series X Pre-Orders at Amazon Could Be Delayed Until the End of the Year by Ryan Meitzler appeared first on DualShockers.

Death Stranding Fan Creates Live-Action Short Film for Its One Year Anniversary

If there is any game that feels prime to play in 2020, Death Stranding would definitely be it, with the 2019 title from Hideo Kojima having officially hit its one year anniversary after release. The once mysterious title from Kojima made its mark as one of the most striking and unusual games to release in this generation, and one fan took to creating his own take on the game to celebrate it.

On YouTube, Raxy (Twitter) shared a live-action fan film to celebrate the one year anniversary of Death Stranding. The nearly minute-and-a-half long video features him in costume as Sam Porter Bridges–the game's protagonist played by Norman Reedus–exploring various terrain with cargo and BB in tow, alongside a couple shots of him using the odradek to scout out for BTs. Of course, it's also set to music that would feel right at home in the game itself.

You can check out the full video below:

After years of perplexing teasers, Death Stranding finally released on November 8, 2019 for the PS4, marking Kojima's first title since his departure from Konami. Overall the game received positive (but slightly mixed) impressions with its unorthodox gameplay and a surprisingly emotional story and performances. Its PS4 debut was followed by its arrival on PC this past summer, which introduced support for ultrawide monitors, enhanced resolutions and higher frame rates, and a brand new Photo Mode to capture and share in-game screenshots.

Hideo Kojima and the rest of his team have also been celebrating the anniversary of the game this week on social media and elsewhere. Given that this was such a passion project for Kojima and company it's not a huge surprise to see them share the love they have for this project, and for now, we'll have to wait and see what they might have in store for the future.

Death Stranding is available now on PS4 and PC.

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Telltale's Sam and Max Save the World is Getting Remastered for Switch and PC

While the studio met an unfortunate end in 2018, Telltale Games made its name on producing episodic adventure games with a heavy emphasis on storytelling and player decisions. Even before their breakout successes like The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us, Telltale had already been delivering successes like its Sam and Max series, with the crimefighting pair coming back in a remastered release this holiday season.

Developer Skunkape Games–a team made up of former members of Telltale Games–has announced Sam and Max Save the World Remastered, which will bring the dynamic (and slightly dysfunctional) duo back with modern enhancements. According to the studio, the remastered release will arrive for Nintendo Switch and PC on December 2, 2020, with preorders open now.

You can take a look at the official trailer for the remastered version of Save the World below:

The remastered release includes all six episodes from the first season of the episodic Sam and Max series, while also providing a number of improvements and updates since the series first debuted in 2006. Specifically, this version will feature completely remastered visuals, restored audio, controller support, and other "numerous additions and tweaks." The game will also feature full subtitles in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Hungarian, Czech, and Russian.

Aside from the remastered release of Save the World, earlier this year it was also teased that Sam and Max will return in what seems like an upcoming VR game. However, that project is being developed by HappyGiant, and from the looks of its initial teaser trailer, it seems like we'll get to help the infamous dog and rabbit solve crimes through the power of VR.

Sam and Max Save the World Remastered is coming to Nintendo Switch and PC on December 1, 2020. For a closer look, you can check out screenshots from the game below alongside comparisons with the original version:

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Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered Reverses Course, Will Allow for Save Transfers from PS4 to PS5

Spider-Man

One of the biggest complaints for a few weeks now about Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered for PS5 is that those who have previously played the game on PS4 wouldn't be able to seamlessly transfer their saves over to the next-gen iteration. Fortunately, Insomniac Games has now changed its tune when it comes to this ruling.

Insomniac took to social media this afternoon and announced that Marvel's Spider-Man on PS4 will now be able to have saves transfer to Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered. While not available at launch, Insomniac says it plans to roll this feature out in an update that will arrive around Thanksgiving, which is near the end of November. Additionally, the three new Spider-Man suits that were going to be exclusive to Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered will also now be rolling out on the PS4 version of the game as well.

Honestly, it's fantastic to see that Insomniac has been so receptive to fans when it comes to this matter. The fact that Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales does allow cross-saves, it never made much sense that Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered wouldn't be able to do the same. Regardless, the fact that Insomniac essentially owned up to the "mistake" and is now looking to rectify it just shows why they're one of the best studios in the industry right now.

While we might have to wait a few weeks for this update to roll out, Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered will launch alongside the special edition of Miles Morales later this week on November 12, exclusively for PS5.

The post Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered Reverses Course, Will Allow for Save Transfers from PS4 to PS5 by Logan Moore appeared first on DualShockers.

DualShockers Definitives — The Top 10 Essential Xbox One Games

xbox one best games defintives

Welcome to the first official Xbox One DualShockers Definitives list! This week has been a hard one for DualShockers staff, thanks to much arguing and nit-picking over which games in the amazing Xbox One library make the Top 10.

If you missed the original post, here is a quick TLDR on what this is all about:

The DualShockers Definitives series is a living list, updated seasonally, where we hash out which ten essential games are must-buys for each platform — the ones we would put in a time capsule today if we were making one. The list is intended to grow over time as new releases take the spotlight or older games age like fine wine.

With all of the introduction out of the way, here are the Top 10 Essential games for the Xbox One (as of Fall 2020):

10. Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves

While Rare Studios' return to form endured some rough waters in its first year, the studio has consistently spent 2019 bettering itself, its code, and the pirate experience. Following an Anniversary Update that added standalone PvP and a Story, there is no better time to jump into this massive, open-world pirate game and live out your best swash-buckling life.

Check out the DualShockers review of Sea of Thieves; the game (alongside Limbo) is available for purchase on Amazon.

9. DOOM (2016)

DOOM holds a special place in the hearts of DualShockers staff — fast paced, high energy, and everything an FPS should be. It's hard to argue that it shouldn't be on a Top 10 list for any console, let alone Xbox. Despite DOOM Eternal being a terrific sequel, we think the 2016 reboot is the definitive place to start for anyone new to the console.

Check out the DualShockers review of DOOM; the game is available for purchase on Amazon.

8. Red Dead Redemption 2

There just aren't many games this generation like Red Dead Redemption 2. While developer Rockstar tends to highlight their accomplishments with the Grand Theft Auto series, RDR2 managed to outpace the wildly popular (and critically acclaimed) Red Dead Redemption — all thanks to heavy lifting from great performances up and down the credits. Few games accomplish as much technically as Red Dead Redemption 2, and it is a game that must be played on Xbox One.

Check out the DualShockers review of Forza Horizon 4, or pick up the game via Amazon.

7. Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4

There simply is no Top 10 Xbox One games list if there is no mention of the Forza series, and (while it was a hard divide with the staff) our favorite in the pack is Forza Horizon 4. Cutting edge graphics meet arcade gameplay in a way that has been critically well-received by those entirely new to the racing genre, as well as the core Forza fanbase. If you've never been one to 'get' racing games, this is your entry point — enjoy the unadulterated thrill.

Check out the DualShockers review of Forza Horizon 4, or pick up the game via Amazon.

6. Gears 5

Gears 5 isn't just another fantastic installment in one of the best shooting franchises around, it feels like a proper improvement on everything that came before it. We've always loved the Gears series, but it definitely needed to evolve in some way with Gears 5. Fortunately, the team at The Coalition delivered just as they needed to.

Check out the DualShockers review of Gears 5, or pick up the game via Amazon.

5. Sunset Overdrive

While Marvel's Spider-Man takes a top honor on the Top 10 Essential PS4 Games list, Insomniac wins another place on the Xbox One version – this time with Xbox One-exclusive Sunset Overdrive. It is filled to the brim with crazy weapons (befitting Ratchet & Clank), a colorful and interesting open-world, and an irreverent attitude that is reminiscent of Bulletstorm or Borderlands. Mix that in with the verticality of a skating game, and the result is a concoction as iconic as the in-game FizzCo brand.

Check out the DualShockers review of Sunset Overdrive, or pick up the game via Amazon.

4. Titanfall 2

Titanfall 2

Titanfall 2 may be a third-party, multiplatform game but it just feels at home on the Xbox One. Maybe because there is an enthusiastic online community, given the series initially started as an Xbox console exclusive. However, Respawn Entertainments Titanfall 2 was able to answer most of the concerns of its predecessor: including an engaging, heartfelt offline campaign, a return of the gunplay that made the original so addictive, and level design that wrapped the package up in a neat bow. There are plenty of excellent FPS games on Xbox One, but Titanfall 2 is one of the games that tops the list.

Check out the DualShockers review of Titanfall 2, or pick up the game via Amazon.

3. Cuphead

Cuphead may not be for everyone, but everyone will be impressed by it. The project, which is a labor of love from StudioMDHR, is the now-iconic hand-drawn run and gun with art style pulled out of 1930's animation. Every single boss battle, song, and character in this game is memorable in a way no other games have been able to achieve. While the notable difficulty will likely keep more than a few from actually beating the game, there is just nothing else like Cuphead. Grab it if you haven't yet on Xbox One.

Check out the DualShockers review of Cuphead, or pick up the game via Amazon.

2. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Moon Studios seemed to come out of nowhere at the beginning of the generation, giving one of the best platformers (as a then-Xbox exclusive) with Ori and the Blind Forest. The follow-up, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, didn't hold back on the challenge or the charm. Moon Studios' sequel is filled with moments of beauty both visually and in its storytelling.

Check out the DualShockers review of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, or pick up the game via Amazon.

1. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo: The Master Chief Collection may not be the only remastered compilation on the list, but it surely stands out as one of the best. With Microsoft recently breathing new life into the title thanks to the addition of Halo Reach, an Xbox One X update and inclusion on Game Pass, The Master Chief Collection is still the definitive way to play all the mainline Halo games—along with all the online maps and modes that you thought were doomed to die on previous generation hardware.

Check out the DualShockers review of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, or pick up the game via Amazon.

As it stands, that is our current DualShockers Definitives ranking of the Top 10 games for Xbox One; for an extended rankings chart, make sure to check out our dedicated page.

Changes to the List

November 9, 2020: Ori and the Blind Forest (11th), INSIDE (14th), and The Outer Worlds (15th) fall out of the Top 10 list, and onto the Extended list. Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2nd), Red Dead Redemption 2 (8th), and DOOM (9th) are new additions to the list.

Gears 5 has moved down the list to 5th (from 1st); Forza Horizon 4 has moved down the list to 7th (from 2nd); Sea of Thieves has moved down the list to 10th (from 7th).

Halo: The Master Chief Collection has moved up the list to 1st (from 4th); Titanfall 2 has moved up the list to 4th (from 10th).

December 17, 2019: The Outer Worlds (9th) and Gears 5 (1st) are newcomers to the list. Titanfall 2 got bumped from 8th to 10th. INSIDE advanced from 12th to 8th. Sea of Thieves advanced from 16th to 7th. Sunset Overdrive advanced from 7th to 5th. Halo: The Mast Chief Collection advanced from 10th to 4th. Cuphead got bumped from 2nd to 3rd. Forza Horizon 4 advanced from 12th to 2nd.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (11th), Halo 5: Guardians (13th), Rare Replay (16th), and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (18th) all got bumped off the Top 10 list.

The post DualShockers Definitives — The Top 10 Essential Xbox One Games by Lou Contaldi appeared first on DualShockers.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers to Receive 30 Days of Disney+

Microsoft has been doing its damnedest to make the Xbox ecosystem as attractive as possible for both hardcore consumers and causal players. From offering their exclusive games on PC day-and-date to offering Game Pass Ultimate for $1 for first-time subscribers to offering perks and streaming to mobile devices for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, it's undoubtedly the best place for players looking to save a little money to start.

Recently, the gaming giant has even started offering non-gaming-related perks, like three months of Postmates Unlimited, half a year of Spotify Premium or even a few months of Discord Nitro to subscribers at no additional cost. Now, Microsoft confirms that Disney+ will be coming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks. Subscribers will get a free 30-day trial for the streaming service that's home to popular titles like The Mandalorian and the rest of the Star Wars movies and TV shows, as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The announcement even warranted a short trailer showing off some brief glimpses of Disney+'s flagship show; The Mandalorian alongside some more details on the collaboration. Much like the rest of the perks offered with GamePass Ultimate, there's a LOT of fine print. If you've already subscribed to Disney+, chances are this offer isn't attractive to you anyways, but you won't be able to access the offer if you've already subscribed in the past, even for a trial period. It's also worth noting that just like most other subscription services, users will be charged the monthly rate after the 30 days are up unless they cancel the plan ahead of time.

As we enter into the next generation of gaming with the Xbox Series S and X launching tomorrow, it'll be very interesting to see how Microsoft and Xbox continue to evolve their strategies, especially those surrounding Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and their other subscription services. We're at a point where it's widely recognized as the best deal in gaming and subscription numbers are shooting up, so Microsoft's response will be very telling about the future of their services and platform.

The post Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers to Receive 30 Days of Disney+ by Charlie Wacholz appeared first on DualShockers.

Saturday Night Live's Super Mario 35th Anniversary Skit is All About Testicles

Over the weekend, U.S. sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live had a new skit dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Super Mario, which is transpiring this year. While at face value, the act dealt with Mario, it quickly turned into something else entirely.

The sketch was set up as a way in which iconic faces in the gaming scene could remiinesce  on the history of Mario. Featuring a number of fictional people, the majority of the bit centers around two editors from Gamespot.com who recount their own memories with Super Mario. However, the sketch quickly takes a turn and becomes more about one man's testicles and the manner in which they exploded than it does the Mario video games.

While I'm all down for stupid humor like this, I have to say that the sketch altogether fell pretty flat for me. It was yet another SNL skit where the punchline is then exasperated over the course of another three to five minutes without really ever expanding on the core of the joke in a funnier way. While some iconic sketches in the show's history follow this same pattern, this one didn't find its groove in that same way. I do have to say, though, shoutout to Kenan Thompson for being the funniest person in this act by far.

Anyway, you can find the whole skit attached down below if you'd like to check it out. Let me know down in the comments if you found it funnier than I did.

The post Saturday Night Live's Super Mario 35th Anniversary Skit is All About Testicles by Logan Moore appeared first on DualShockers.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin Review — Farming Hard

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is an ambitious project by a small studio, and there's a lot to respect about the depth of its design. On the surface, Sakuna looks like a relaxing combination of 2D action/RPG/platformer and farming sim. As it turns out, the genre is correct, but the "relaxing" part is not.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin does nothing in half-measures, and the systems on offer are remarkably deep. This game will demand a lot more effort than something like Animal Crossing or Rune Factory. In practice, Sakuna is far more akin to in-depth titles like Farming Simulator combined with Vanillaware's works (particularly Muramasa and Odin Sphere). The result is certainly an interesting experience, though one that I respected more than personally liked. So let's dig into this fertile soil and see what's growing here.

The titular Sakuna is a spoiled princess of a goddess, ejected from her home as punishment. She's forced to cooperate with a handful of mortals and tasked to investigate and subjugate the mysterious Isle of Demons. In order for Sakuna and her charges to survive, they have to turn to farming rice to supplement foraging in this dangerous land. As the offspring of a warrior god and harvest goddess, Sakuna's abilities are directly tied to this rice. The more effort spent to ensure a high quality harvest, the stronger she'll become, and thus the better able to explore the isle and defeat the demons.

In essence, the game is split into twelve-day cycles, with each season taking up three. You balance your exploration, hunting and foraging with the rice farming chores back at your home base. Every season has its own steps required to see a bountiful harvest, as well as determining what items and enemy modifiers might be found when exploring.

The game's levels are small areas set in a 2D plane. Sakuna possesses a Divine Raiment, which lets her launch a cloth arm to grapple onto suitable surfaces. You'll use this to navigate through the levels, looking for hidden items or forage points. Each area will have its own exploration goals to complete, and finishing more will open new stages on the world map. A good majority of these will see you fighting various demons, however.

Combat is a remarkably intricate affair. Sakuna has two weapons (which double as her farming tools) assigned to a light and heavy attack button. Different combinations of input strings result in different combos, with directional modifiers adding to the options. On paper, it doesn't seem too different from basic action games, but a little time with it makes the depth apparent. Sakuna gains new combat skills as her harvest progresses, and you can map up to four. You begin the game with a single ability that will launch enemies forward, damaging both enemies and (sometimes) terrain. These skills can be quite varied, leaving combat hazards or flinging enemies behind Sakuna. Finding good combinations of these to mix in with your combo strings can see you developing impressive setups.

It only gets more impressive when you add your defensive options. Double tapping your movement control will let you dodge, and moving forward into an attack at the right time will trigger a parry. Further, your Divine Raiment can be used in combat to latch onto enemies or terrain, allowing Sakuna to swing behind enemies and resume combos. Attempting to rush in and button mash will likely see you struggling, but careful timing, movement and skill usage can see the tides turn quickly. I was able to get some serious combo juggling together, and launching a handful of enemies at high speeds into a mini-boss for huge damage was immensely satisfying. If that's not enough, your Divine Raiment also has skills attached to it. Latching onto an enemy and holding the button can trigger these, allowing Sakuna to drain an enemy's stats, fling it around, or even tackle them directly.

Honestly, the combat potential in Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is really a lot of fun. There can be situations where it becomes frustrating though, and this is tied in to the game being an RPG instead of a straight action game. You'll very quickly start reaching areas or bosses that prove quite punishing. Styling on them with skill will only get you so far; eventually, you'll just not be doing any real damage to them. This is compounded by the onset of night, during which your foes become markedly tougher and visibility drops dramatically. Aside from having the patience of a saint, the only way to progress is by farming…literally.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin goes far beyond the life sim aspects of other games like it. When you farm rice, you seriously farm rice. It's not simply a case of swapping to tools and hitting a couple of buttons. Instead, each stage of the complicated farming process is experienced in detail. You'll clear and till the field, plant seedlings individually, constantly adjust the water levels and temperature as needed, pull weeds, keep the soil fertilised, and then finally reap the harvest.

That's one half of the process.

From there, you take the bundles of rice and set them up on drying racks. Once dry, you then have to thresh the stalks off and polish the rice, finally giving you a usable harvest. Even then, you'll want to keep nourishing the soil during winter, remove the lower quality seeds for the next harvest, let the seedlings grow enough before planting them in the main bed, and only then are you ready to repeat the process. Each step here is fully detailed from start to finish.

I admire the level of fidelity that Sakuna has for the rice growing process. It's very clearly back breaking labour, and it certainly feels tedious and tiresome the first couple of times through it. You'll get skills to speed up the process once you've done it a couple of times though, and you can always opt to leave the task to NPCs if you really hate it (though quality will drop as a result). The farming process isn't exactly fun, but it can be satisfying to get everything just right. Besides, you'll only be doing one or two steps at a time, so it serves as a means of varying up the action sections.

Harvest is when you'll be rewarded for your investment by gaining levels and stats proportional to the rice's quality. In order to boost Sakuna's stats considerably, you need to enrich the soil appropriately to let the rice absorb the nutrients. This makes fertiliser creation crucial. What this entails is dumping the various materials you gather in explorations into it, then (ideally) spreading a new batch on your field every morning.

This is where the two core gameplay aspects of Sakuna become so well intertwined. Exploring and killing monsters in combat will lead to all sorts of different items. You're encouraged to revisit areas to accomplish side goals, or return to areas at night when you're stronger to gather additional materials. You'll also need a bunch of different items to create new gear, which can provide additional bonuses or change up your weapons dramatically.

But with all this farming talk, there's a big thing to point out: food plays a huge role in your progress, too. Eating dinner every night refills your hunger meter, which serves as your health reservoir. Stay out too long or take enough damage, and your fullness will run out, meaning you no longer regenerate health until you eat again. Further, you can select multiple dishes to eat each dinner, all of which can provide temporary stat buffs or effects. What you don't eat or otherwise preserve will spoil over time, so you constantly need to be managing your stocks. But, thankfully, rotten food or soon-to-spoil food can be mixed in with the fertiliser. Everything is useful and has a purpose.

Once again, I really have to admire just how in-depth all of Sakuna's systems and mechanics are. Even the more intricate life sim style games rarely go to a fraction of this, and it's clearly been a labour of love to get everything linked up just right. I greatly respect what Edelweiss has done with this. But despite this respect, I have to address the elephant in the room: I didn't really like playing Sakuna all that much, or at least not consistently. That's not to imply it is a bad game or anything–not at all–but it might not appeal to everyone.

When the combat is firing on all cylinders, Sakuna is a real badass and the action sequences are a joy. But this isn't Devil May Cry, and so execution and style isn't rewarded quite as much as just having higher raw stats will. Areas in which I struggled or outright couldn't progress ground the action to a halt and sent me back to the farm. The farming aspects aim for long-term satisfaction over immediate fun, but skipping over the tedious tasks would slow my stat gain and see the roadblocks appear faster. Getting a good harvest from all my effort felt satisfying, certainly, but I couldn't quell the sentiment that the process stymied the strong action.

It's almost ironic: if Sakuna's action wasn't so strong or in-depth, this wouldn't be an issue at all. But because it's so intricate, the RPG mechanics almost feel like roadblocks to good action more than it might in a simpler game. It almost feels like the feature creep just ended up hampering the highs of one genre choice to facilitate the others. So while I didn't mind going through the motions, I rarely got to experience consistent highs in the process.

Still, there is no denying that there is seriously an impressive set of systems under the hood here. For those who are willing to put in the time and effort despite the inconsistency, there's something quite special here. I would absolutely understand if Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin produced some die-hard fans for its niche appeal. Ultimately, the balance and tuning of it all was just off enough to frustrate and hamper my personal enjoyment.

All of this hasn't really touched on the presentation and story. Playing on the Switch, the game ran fine, and there's quite a lot of variety in environments (furthered by seasonal changes). The levels can occasionally be drab and grey, but more often than not are vibrant and beautiful. The voice acting was mostly good, though I did find the repeated combat barks of Sakuna herself to grate at times. The music is very traditionally Japanese-sounding, with lots of wind instruments and soothing tones. It didn't exactly stand out, but it never hurt the experience in any way.

As for the story, it's quite good! Sakuna presents a world heavily inspired by Japanese mythology but with its own execution and flair. The various NPCs that accompany Sakuna have their own personalities, quirks, and moments. In addition to various events at home, you'll often have group conversations at dinner. These will often expand on worldbuilding, detailing a surprisingly rich backstory and mythos to Sakuna's world. It's a solid experience, and quite satisfying to watch Sakuna go from being a spoiled princess to a more grounded badass.

Honestly, I wish I could bring myself to give the game a higher score. Alas, I can only review based on my own personal experiences. This is a very niche game with some well-realised systems that are hampered ever so slightly by balance and execution. I'm certain that there are people out there who will love it and really get something from Sakuna, but I'm sadly not in that niche.

Still, this is absolutely a title worth supporting. I respect that Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin was made, and can appreciate how much of a dedicated passion project this is. If any of this sounds like it's up your alley, I strongly urge you to check it out. There's certainly nothing else quite like it in this genre combination, that's for sure, and hopefully you'll get more out of it than I did.

The post Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin Review — Farming Hard by Kris Cornelisse appeared first on DualShockers.

The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Officially Confirmed for Next Year

The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes, Supermassive

The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes will officially be the next game in Supermassive's anthology series. We've known the game is coming because of a teaser trailer at the end of Little Hope. However, today the developer dropped the official trailer. While it's the exact content from the Little Hope trailer, it does confirm that the game will be a cross-gen title. So, even if you aren't picking up a PS5 or Xbox Series X console, you'll still be able to play. Check out the trailer below.

As we've known, The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes looks to be set in some desert, potentially somewhere in the Middle East. The game will continue Supermassive's trend of bringing in a name or two from Hollywood. For this go-around, players will play as Ashley Tisdale. Fans will likely remember her take as the leader of the Blueberry Scouts in A Bug's Life. Though maybe you've also seen something called High School Musical. Who can say what's more popular?

Regardless, House of Ashes looks pretty good in this early trailer. We get some hints of the spookiness to come without giving too much away. Plus, it looks like Supermassive is adding machine guns to the mix. Maybe the scary monster is going to be like Predator and those army dudes are reenacting that classic scene. Either way, after finishing up Little Hope recently, I'm very excited to see where they take the series next.

The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes is set to launch on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X in 2021. If you haven't played Little Hope yet, it's out now.

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