The Wonderful 101 Remastered Gets a Free Demo With Guest Appearance from Bayonetta
While originally the game debuted on the Wii U, PlatinumGames' cult classic The Wonderful 101 Remastered debuted earlier this year and gave the title a second life on consoles and PC. If you haven't played the game for yourself just yet, you can now try out an extensive demo for free, which happens to include an appearance from another familiar Platinum face.
PlatinumGames has announced that a free demo for The Wonderful 101 Remastered is available now on all platforms, letting players try out the first two hours of the game. Specifically, the demo also features "Wonder-Bayonetta"–a miniaturized version of Bayonetta–that is available for players to recruit to their superhero team from the start, alongside a pack of special items and gear. Save progress will also carry over from the demo if players purchase the full game.
The Wonder-Size Cadet Demo for #TW101 is out now, featuring hidden team member Wonder-Bayonetta!
Enjoy a Wonder-Size TWO HOURS of content, including Platinum-level epic boss battles and a lot of in-game goodies for free! pic.twitter.com/KNkCu60unG— PlatinumGames Inc. (@platinumgames) November 30, 2020
Alongside the release of the free demo, Platinum has also released a new update that introduces the "Wonder Code" feature, allowing players to redeem codes and unlock special items within the game. The first two codes allow players to bring in Bayonetta, Jeanne, and Rodin; you can find the specific codes below to unlock them:
To celebrate the release of the Wonder-Size Cadet Demo, we're sharing two Wonderful Codes!
Use "UMBRANGIFT" to unlock Wonder-Bayonetta, and "ANGELSLAYERS" to Wonder-Jeanne and Wonder-Rodin!
More codes to come in the future, so stay tuned! #TW101 pic.twitter.com/559pBuy4O0— PlatinumGames Inc. (@platinumgames) November 30, 2020
The Wonderful 101 Remastered is available now on PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The post The Wonderful 101 Remastered Gets a Free Demo With Guest Appearance from Bayonetta by Ryan Meitzler appeared first on DualShockers.
SWERY's The Good Life Gets Publisher and Summer 2021 Release Date
SWERY and his team White Owls Inc. have quietly been working away at The Good Life since the game was announced way back in 2017. The game ran a successful Kickstarter campaign years ago but has yet to see the light of day. Recently, the team confirmed it wouldn't be making a 2020 release; however, today they shared some exciting news. Not only do they have a publisher but the game is now set for a summer 2021 release. Give the latest trailer a watch below.
If you've had the pleasure of reading my Deadly Premonition 2 review, you probably already know that I'm willing to follow SWERY where ever he decides to go. So, while a game about a photographer visiting a town whose residents turn into cats at night is super weird, I'm so excited to finally see it for myself.
What's even more exciting (at least on a personal level) is that they've brought in The Irregular Corporation as publishers. That team helped bring Murder By Numbers to market this year, which is a phenomenal Picross game. If that game is anything to go by, The Good Life might just be something special.
Sure, the frame rate doesn't look amazing in the latest trailer. However, that was true of Deadly Premonition 2 and it never really bothered me. Obviously, I'm a bit of an outlier, but the cast of characters is so incredible that it's worth getting past the technical problems. Hopefully, The Good Life can do the same if it's met with similar issues.
The Good Life is set to launch on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One sometime during summer 2021.
The post SWERY's The Good Life Gets Publisher and Summer 2021 Release Date by Ricky Frech appeared first on DualShockers.
Why Japanese Genshin Impact Fans Love "Shouri Sensei" Zhongli So Much
One of the biggest aspects of a Japan stylized game like Genshin Impact (PC, PS4, PS5, Mobile, Switch soon), is its appealing characters like Zhongli. Some people romantically fall in love with these 2D characters. They are otaku, always pursuing how imaginative and different anime-stylized characters are compared from real people, and would do anything for them. Including spending some huge cash. Free to play games with gacha elements like Genshin Impact thrive through this. And it's definitely shaping up to get at the same level as the current gacha queen, FGO. Assuming Genshin manages to keep its popularity in the long run. It's only been two months since it launched after all.
Anyways, developing studio miHoYo shared the details regarding the upcoming Zhongli and Xinyan banner, coming December 1. Moreover, a new character demo trailer, "Zhongli: The Listener" was published.
Following that, 鍾離先生 / Zhongli has been trending in Twitter all weekend, and is still going strong this Monday.
鍾離先生トレンドおめでとう pic.twitter.com/CjXEneh66G
— ゆか. become (@yoti112) November 29, 2020
In Japanese, Zhongli is called Shouri, with the "sensei" honorific reflecting his status as a respected consultant. Japan Genshin Impact players are all over Zhongli, with tens of thousands of tweets citing him. It's far from only being a single group raising the Zhongli banner as well. Moreover, an otaku's preferences and fetishes for 2D characters aren't parallelisms with their IRL orientations. In other terms, it's not only people who love hot guys IRL who are gushing out about Zhongli.
Of course, many of the Zhongli hype tweets include fanart.
Some fans are even making up gameplay ideas. For example, this fanart explaining Zhongli's idle animation could have him longingly evaluating any item nearby:
鍾離先生の待機モーション(嘘)#原神 pic.twitter.com/YSaYW54J2E
— 狼屋 (@rowyabot) November 29, 2020
Some are going for cute SD styles, with others are going for spoilers:
鍾離先生の祈願絵 その5 pic.twitter.com/f3YKZgY7mb
— お花のお刺身 (@ohana_sashimi) November 30, 2020
Next, of course you have tons of different pairings, with Zhongli x Childe, Zhongli x female traveler, Zhongli x male traveler, etc. With the more explicit pieces being uploaded through specific tags or on Pixiv.
鍾空璃月デート。
鍾離先生来たら璃月のいろんなところ案内してもらうんだ…っ!
(背景はゲーム内のとある場所をトレスさせていただきました。) pic.twitter.com/Shhcnv3pYj— 風秋 (@kazeakisora) November 30, 2020
Japanese fans are also going through the lore of Genshin Impact through Zhongli and noting the small details. Like how he spent 138,000 Mora on chopsticks to train Childe on how to use them:
鍾離先生、タルタリヤに箸の練習させる為に13万くらいの箸送るの草なの pic.twitter.com/Qzgb9cqeI8
— エマ【第五人格/IdentityV】 (@daigozinkakuIV) November 23, 2020
Some also noted Zhongli's resemblance with the nameable protagonist of Honkai Impact 3rd Post-Houkai Odyssey.
あれぇ?後崩壊の主人公ってもしかして鍾離先生の全盛期時代かな?#崩壊3rd pic.twitter.com/O0KXZENxQB
— ネームレス01 (@7mqISHjTyv4Xam3) November 29, 2020
Perhaps there's a connection, perhaps there isn't. I personally think there isn't and it's a simple coincidence. However, there are definitely links between Genshin and Honkai. It doesn't seem miHoYo will explain these links anytime soon though.
Genshin Impact Japanese fans also explained the name used for Zhongli's banner, Gentry of Hermitage.
次のピックアップ祈願「大隠朝市」って中国古典にならった言葉なのね。鍾離先生にぴったりだ。#原神 pic.twitter.com/7QJnf8hMxN
— うねこ/우네코@原神원신 (@rd_hdc) November 29, 2020
In Japanese and Chinese, the banner's name 大隠朝市 is an idiom which basically goes "a true enlightened hermit does not retreat in the mountains, but secretly mingles with the citizens in the morning market". Something which describes Zhongli perfectly. In Japanese, it's pronounced "Taiinchoushi", and it's a Yojijukugo. Basically short idioms formed with 4 kanji (Japanese/Chinese symbols). Popular Yojijukugo you often hear in anime and games are "Mondoumuyou", "Ikkitousen", "Ittouryoudan", "Tenkamusou", etc. They're often used by samurai themed characters. Shion Toudou in the PriPara franchise, part of the larger Pretty Series franchise, is a character who always speaks using Yojijukugo. You should check it out.
Lastly, you have Japan-based fans drawing comics and situational fanarts of Zhongli. My personal favorite would be the female traveler, Childe and Zhongli eating together, drawn by mangaka Haruka Hano. The traveler knows Childe / Tartaglia is the one paying, so she's ordering like crazy. Following Paimon and Zhongli's recommendations.
タルタリヤを財布だと思ってる鍾離先生と蛍ちゃん#原神 #Genshin pic.twitter.com/dnpR3Beol0
— 葉乃はるか (@hanoharu) November 28, 2020
Moreover, I'm picking Haruka Hano specifically as she is one of the numerous otaku in Japan who started Genshin Impact solely for Zhongli.
Hanoharu streams her mangaka work on a daily basis on Twitch, with gaming segments. She's been playing Genshin Impact non stop since Zhongli was revealed as playable with the October 30 stream. Saving up her Primogems. This shows you how much power over otaku a good designed, interesting looking, well written character with a cool seiyuu has.
Because the last thing that makes Zhongli this popular in Japan is his seiyuu (Japanese voice actor/actress)
In Japanese, Zhongli is voiced by Tomoaki Maeno, an incredibly popular and talented seiyuu. He's a great singer as well. He's been in the news more than once this year too. Most notably after announcing his marriage to Mikako Komatsu in May, another high profile seiyuu. The announcement was particularly funny for those accustomed with the above mentioned Pretty Series and Pretty Rhythm. In it, Tomoaki Maeno voices Hiro Hayami, while Mikako Komatsu voices Ito Suzuno, and they're both in love with the same character named Kouji Mihama, voiced by Tetsuya Kakihara. Who is voicing Scaramouche in Genshin Impact.
Many otaku, myself included, often get interested in a game or anime simply for the seiyuu in it. However, this also creates a typecasting problem, and kinda participates in the stagnation of the anime, manga, and light novel industry in terms of creativity, but that's another story.
Genshin Impact: Zhongli Character Demo Gameplay (Japanese, English)
Twitter is definitely the main gathering ground for Japanese Genshin players. Mainly thanks to the daily Twitter campaigns. Needless to say, Genshin Impact players around the world -not only in Japan- are hyped too. Well, those who aren't incredibly disillusioned with the game from one reason or another. But you don't need my linguistic skills to observe the English part of the community. And of course, what I'm bringing up here is still at the end of the day only one face of the Japanese community. Twitter doesn't reflect reality. And game communities members don't all share the same opinions, especially in Japan.
The Zhongli banner starts on December 1. The actual launch time will change depending on which server you're playing on. miHoYo is also on guard following leaks. The next big update for Genshin Impact is scheduled on December 23.
The post Why Japanese Genshin Impact Fans Love "Shouri Sensei" Zhongli So Much by Iyane Agossah appeared first on DualShockers.
Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder to Perform at The Game Awards 2020
While 2020 has had a bit of a dry spell of gaming events this year due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we'll at least have one constant in the form of The Game Awards. This year's installment of the annual gaming awards show (and home to some big announcements) is set to air in just over a week, and so far we can expect to see (and hear) a live performance from one especially notable musician at the show.
Ahead of the broadcast next week, producer Geoff Keighley announced that Eddie Vedder–the famed frontman of Pearl Jam–will be on the schedule to perform at The Game Awards 2020. As many noted on social media, presumably the legendary musician's performance will likely be tied to The Last of Us Part II, which features Pearl Jam's "Future Days" prominently in key scenes.
#TheGameAwards Performer Announcement:
We're so honored to welcome Eddie Vedder from @pearljam who will be performing this year.
Watch the free global livestream on Thursday, December 10.https://t.co/JhGKOCSGza pic.twitter.com/jdAYdvSabU
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) November 30, 2020
This year marks the seventh consecutive ceremony helmed by Geoff Keighley, though in light of the pandemic, the 2020 show will be the first to be hosted virtually. The nominations for this year's ceremony were announced earlier this month, with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Last of Us Part II, Hades, DOOM Eternal, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Ghost of Tsushima all vying for Game of the Year. The Last of Us Part II leads overall with 10 nominations, while Hades and Ghost of Tsushima are behind it with 8 and 7 nominations, respectively.
The Game Awards 2020 will officially be airing on December 10, 2020 starting at 4pm PT/7pm PT, and will be broadcast through YouTube, Twitch, and various other streaming platforms.
The post Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder to Perform at The Game Awards 2020 by Ryan Meitzler appeared first on DualShockers.
7 Custom PS5's You've Got to See
Ever since the Playstation 5 was revealed back in July, there have been many conversations surrounding the actual look of the system. Following the reveal, memes circulated the internet comparing the console to Wi-Fi routers, popped collars, and the Eye of Sauron. Now that it's here, the removable outer plates on the PS5 that were once ridiculed have prompted many people to customize the look of their consoles to great effect. Here are some of our favorite custom PS5's found on Reddit:
Reddit user u/Slickbrick123 posted this hydro-dipped masterpiece and, honestly, I can't take my eyes off it. The combination of orange and blue give it a truly unique look that I'm sure many people will want to emulate.
This black/purple PS5 posted by u/ThePfhor has a reflective quality to it that's enchanting. It stands out amongst the sea of matte colors and almost has me convinced it's a mirror glazed cake.
With great next gen consoles, come great responsibilities! from PS5
These next few superhero-based PS5's are pretty sweet, but this one posted by u/akarshbansal11 looks like an officially licensed Spider-Man PS5. The color perfectly matches the case for Insomniac's Spider-Man from 2018 and the logo is perfectly printed–it looks like the PS5 version of the Spider-Man PS4.
My Custom Batman PS5 from PS5
While this custom-made Batman PS5 looks similar to the Spider-man one, u/bh16877 gets extra-credit for having the insides of the plates be a different color than the outsides. It looks awesome and will make for some great pictures when Gotham Knights finally releases.
I did a custom Spider-man PS5, couldn't decide between Miles and Peter so went with both from PS5
Last but not least in the genre of superhero PS5's is this Miles Morales/Peter Parker themed console. User u/Birdmaan73u shows their love for the two Spider-men that have made their way to the PS5 launch lineup.
After some revision I'd like to present to you guys my Gunmetal PS5. from PS5
Plain and simple is the name of the game for many of these custom consoles. U/MobitzT2 makes the most of this idea with their gunmetal colored PS5. It's just distinct enough to stand out and look great in any entertainment center.
Blaze Orange from PS5
Another plain and simple beauty is this bright orange PS5 posted by u/Deadly_Fire_Trap. This thing looks great when being lit by the internal lights of the console and is absolutely unique.
For more custom PS5 news and culture, make sure to check out this article on a PS5 scalper group that claims to have obtained over 1,000 Xbox Series X consoles. If you have a cool custom PS5, make sure to comment below.
The post 7 Custom PS5's You've Got to See by Peter Hunt Szpytek appeared first on DualShockers.
Insta-Forum: What Games Did You Pick Up on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
The holiday season is here, and as is tradition, along with it comes a boatload of new game releases. Over the past few weeks alone we've seen a number of the biggest releases of the year arrive, and of course they're right on time to pick up on the cheap for Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
Granted, given that it's 2020, Black Friday has been a little bit different this year. Most retailers like GameStop, Target, Walmart, and more have opted to spread their holiday deals and sales over a few weeks rather than over a few days like they would traditionally, giving a bit more flexibility to stocking up on video game deals this holiday season.
Our Black Friday Sale ends today. What did you pick up during the sale? https://t.co/2XHVE41jCz pic.twitter.com/N1nvynQ8cb
— GameStop (@GameStop) November 29, 2020
Whether you picked up games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla or Yakuza: Like a Dragon, we want to hear from the DualShockers community: What games did you pick up on Black Friday/Cyber Monday? Any specific titles that you had in mind to pick up for yourself or as a gift? Any great gaming deals that you want to shout out? Any other deals that you took advantage of like a new TV or monitor? Let us know in the comments below.
This time around I personally didn't wind up getting anything just yet for Black Friday, though I might have my eye on a couple of games in the Steam Autumn Sale. There are also a few other games I might try and pick up while sales are still running for them like Watch Dogs: Legion, though I definitely have plenty of games to play as stocking stuffers this year.
If you're still looking for potential gifts for your loved ones or friends that happen to be into gaming, don't worry: we have you covered. You can check out our official Holiday Gift Guides to learn more about the best games, collectibles, and hardware/accessories to pick up from a ton of different retailers.
The post Insta-Forum: What Games Did You Pick Up on Black Friday or Cyber Monday? by Ryan Meitzler appeared first on DualShockers.
People Can Fly Has Two More AAA Games Coming Down the Pipeline
People Can Fly is hard at work on wrapping up Outriders for its early February release. However, the team doesn't look to be taking much of a rest once it ships. They're currently working on two new AAA projects; one of which we learned about earlier this year. While not much is known about what either game will be, we do know a few intriguing details about them both.
The game we've already heard about is the one being developed by People Can Fly's New York studio. That team is led by David Grijns who has titles like Just Cause 3 and Backyard Football '10 on his credits list. I don't think the long-awaited reboot of the Backyard Sports series is in the cards, but a boy can dream. Regardless, I'll be very interested to see what direction this new game takes. We do know that it's being published by Take-Two Interactive, but otherwise, details are scarce.
And we probably know even less about the other game the team is working on. It's being published by Square Enix, but that's about all they've given us for now. Again, it'll be interesting to see what this game becomes. Thus far, People Can Fly has only worked in the shooter space. It would be pretty rad to see one of these games tackle a new genre for the developer.
Either way, we should expect to hear more about both of these games in the new year. Obviously, the team doesn't want to steal the thunder from Outriders. So, I wouldn't expect much before that drops on February 2 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
The post People Can Fly Has Two More AAA Games Coming Down the Pipeline by Ricky Frech appeared first on DualShockers.
Cyberpunk 2077 Will Allow Cross-Saves Across Console Generations
Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the first major games to release in the wake of the arrival of both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and as such, many prospective players have wondered how the game will fare across console generations. Fortunately, if you're looking to start a playthrough on last-gen devices and then later decide to make the jump to next-gen, CD Projekt Red has you in mind.
Revealed by the studio recently, it was divulged that cross-saves for Cyberpunk 2077 will be implemented across all compatible consoles. This means that if you were to start a playthrough of the game on PS4, for instance, you'll then be able to transfer that save to PS5 and keep on playing. Both PlayStation and Xbox platforms will be implementing this feature.
Attention console players!
If you start playing #Cyberpunk2077 on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, you will be able to continue playing it on a corresponding next-gen console. Here's how the cross-saves will work:
PlayStation: https://t.co/F3fi6akL5L
Xbox: https://t.co/0ghoo3JptD pic.twitter.com/W24u6WzXxB— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) November 27, 2020
Considering this has been one of the key details that many have been concerned about with many cross-generation titles over the past month or so, it's great to see that Cyberpunk 2077 will have this component baked in out of the gate. This is especially true considering lots of folks might end up getting a next-gen console for the holidays in the aftermath of Cyberpunk's release. All in all, there are no downsides with this situation whatsoever.
Cyberpunk 2077 is finally going to release next week on December 10 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Stadia. Keep an eye out for our review on the game in the coming weeks.
The post Cyberpunk 2077 Will Allow Cross-Saves Across Console Generations by Logan Moore appeared first on DualShockers.
Immortals Fenyx Rising Review — Gods and Monsters Aplenty
Immortals Fenyx Rising, formerly known as Gods and Monsters, is the third title that Ubisoft has released within the launch window of the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X. Following both Watch Dogs Legion and Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising tells the tale of Fenyx, a plucky underdog tasked with saving the world.
Set on the Golden Isle, Fenyx becomes stranded after an accident which left his crewmates in a petrified state. Upon his arrival, Fenyx realizes something is amiss and finds that all of the gods have been trapped by Typhon, who is seeking revenge after being banished to Tartaros by Zeus.
Unbeknownst to him, it is Fenyx's job to journey around the island, with the help of Hermes, freeing the gods from Typhon's control and thus gaining their blessings. The blessings he receives from the gods are more than just their well wishes however, they are perks and buffs that Fenyx can use along his journey.
The story is told and narrated from the perspective of Prometheus and Zeus, both of whom have a keen interest in the proceedings that are taking place. While the narration helps to move the story along and offers an interesting take on things, more often than not it wears very thin. Immortals doesn't take itself too seriously and that's probably not a bad thing. A game that is literally about gods, monsters, and mythology should be told like the stories they're replicating. However, as characters, both Prometheus and particularly Zeus are generally unlikeable.
Zeus in particular is portrayed as a bit of a tool. He's a fun-loving party animal, with a strong disregard for, well, everything. This includes his children, the other gods. While towards the latter part of the game, he has an epiphany that maybe he hasn't been the best parent, his dialogue throughout the story is little more than grating. The back and forth between him and Prometheus can occasionally provide a little comic relief, but again, they're largely just annoying. This is a common thread throughout the game as a lot of the characters in Immortals Fenyx Rising tow the line between being quirky and humorous or annoying and obnoxious, with most falling into the latter category.
The Golden Isle is certainly one of Immortals' strong points. Split into four key areas, one for each of the gods you're saving, plus two later game areas, the island is bustling and you're given all the tools you need to explore it.
Like the Ubisoft games that have come before it, Immortals Fenyx Rising requires players to climb to a high point within each area, in this case, a statue, in order to unlock the map. From there, you're free to explore. The game draws many influences from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the exploration is definitely part of that.
You're equipped with a pair of wings early on, allowing you to freely glide from point to point around the island. You also are free to explore and climb wherever you like. The game is completely non-linear and you can tackle the four areas in any order with the limitations only being your weapons, health, and stamina.
The Island of Immortals feels completely alive. Wherever you look across the beautiful landscapes, there is always something going on and the game does a good job of highlighting any points of interest. Cursory glances around the island will almost always show glowing marks or red plumes, indicating there is something on the horizon to do.
Fenyx also has a "Far Sight" ability. This allows you to scan the island in even greater depth, spotting things that aren't necessarily visible to the naked eye. From the Far Sight view, you can then mark the points of interest to visit on your journey.
There are a huge variety of challenges littered around the island which means there's always something to do. You can find three different types of chests, Vaults (which act much like Shrines from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild), a range of puzzles and challenges, which all vary in length, and a litany of enemies, lieutenants, and bosses waiting for you to fight them.
Although there is always plenty to do, not all of the Vaults and puzzles hit the mark. There are some that are genuinely clever and really make you think, the constellation puzzles come to mind here, while others felt a little stale and uninspired and didn't always necessarily respect my time.
While the puzzles and challenges in Immortals vary in quality and enjoyment, they give you a genuine reason to do them. There is a lot to collect within the game and it has no fewer than five different currencies for you to use to level up different aspects of your character.
Immortals certainly has all the musings of a typical action-adventure RPG with all of the different skill trees and upgrades available. Rather than gaining experience though, you will earn one of the multiple currencies depending on the tasks you complete.
Completing Vaults typically earns you Zeus's Lightening, used to upgrade your stamina. Finding Ambrosia scattered around the island will help to upgrade your health. Coins of Charon can be earned by completing challenges and puzzles and can be used to upgrade skills and powers. Amber can help to improve potions and the four different coloured shards can be used to upgrade your weapons and armour.
There's a lot to consider and collect but it never feels overwhelming. The only issue with collecting these currencies is the fact that you generally have to return to one central location to complete your upgrades, breaking up the pacing of the game.
Alongside the hordes of currencies, Immortals Fenyx Rising has an interesting range of loot to track down. While it's not as deep as something like a Borderlands or Destiny, Immortals has a range of well-designed weapons, armour, and wings to collect, each with a handful of cosmetic options and offering different buffs and abilities.
Throughout the island, you'll find an exciting range of mythical and non-mythical beasts who are itching for a fight. Gorgon's, Chimera, and Cyclops' are all in Fenyx's line of fire in a very fast-paced, fluid, and slightly uninspired combat system.
You wield both a light and heavy melee weapon for close quarter combat, as well as a bow to allow for ranged attacks. When engaged, you can chain together combos with your sword and axe, dealing damage and building up your combo meter. The higher the meter, the more damage your attacks do.
You can also sneak up on enemies and perform devastating stealth attacks. Parry and dodge moves are also included as are a range of special moves, including utilizing your Phoenix companion to help in battle. All of these mechanics feel smooth and satisfying, without feeling wholly unique.
Occasionally the AI in combat felt slightly unbalanced, in favour of both parties. More than once a key enemy got trapped in a loop that allowed me to cheaply chip away at their health. Equally, at times I would fire an arrow from a hidden location, only for my foes to know exactly where I was hiding and then come hunt me down.
As previously mentioned, the game borrows a lot from Breath of the Wild. The climbing, the stamina, the gliding, firing arrows through fire, taming mounts, enemies that change colour depending on their difficulty, the slowing of time when dodging enemies and aiming your bow in flight are all pretty similar to name a few. Then there are the vaults, which often look require you to complete eerily similar tasks to The Legend of Zelda.
Generally, I'd be fine with this. Breath of the Wild is one of the best, most innovative games of all-time and the more games that play like it, the better off they'll be in my book. This is true as long as they try to iterate on it in some way, though. I often felt like Immortals borrowed a lot from Breath of the Wild, without ever really trying to stand on its own two feet.
Sure, it did away with the rain and weapon durability, but of the features that it borrows that Breath of the Wild introduced, or at least innovated on, Immortals doesn't really try too hard to evolve them. It does add the ability to speed up your glider, which is nice, and you can guide your arrows which is handy. Other than these small mentionables, there aren't many other major changes.
Immortals Fenyx Rising is a fun game. It has a huge, vibrant world with tons of adventure and exploration to be had. There's plenty of loot to collect, enemies to fight, and challenges to complete. Not once will you be stuck for things to do, or will you find yourself trudging across an empty open world.
Sadly, however, it doesn't feel particularly unique, mythological setting aside. Immortals takes inspiration from many of its Ubisoft predecessors, as well as some other big titles, but it doesn't really do a good enough job of differentiating itself. There's no denying that there's a great time to be had on the Golden Isle, just don't go into it expecting anything genre-defining.
The post Immortals Fenyx Rising Review — Gods and Monsters Aplenty by Sam Woods appeared first on DualShockers.
Cyberpunk 2077 Apparently Runs Well on Last-Gen Consoles
The last delay for Cyberpunk 2077 was because the game's last-gen versions on the PS4 and Xbox One needed more work. That shouldn't be too surprising; when the game was revealed in 2018 many wondered if either console could handle such a detailed world. But as last week's footage of the game from both the PS4 and Xbox One show, it doesn't just run well on these consoles, it manages to look good too. According to CD Projekt Red joint-CEO Adam Kicinski, this performance didn't just meet expectations but was somewhat of a surprise.
Speaking during a conference call, and transcribed by Seeking Alpha, Kicinski answered a question regarding the game's performance on these consoles. "Of course," said Kicinski, "a bit lower than on pros, but surprisingly good, I would say for such a huge world. So, bit lower, but very good." It shouldn't come as a surprise that Cyberpunk 2077 will run better on the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro than on the last-gen console's original versions, but if that difference isn't huge, it could mean a world of difference to those that haven't nabbed next-gen consoles yet.
Kicinski chalked this surprising performance up to the period of time afforded to the game's development team by the last delay. "I mean, we had those extra three weeks and we achieved a lot by — within this final stretch," said Kicinski. "So, we believe that the game is performing great on every platform." Say what you will about the numerous delays for Cyberpunk 2077, but they've apparently paid off for its last-gen versions.
Cyberpunk 2077 is officially releasing on December 10, a firm date that CD Projekt Red doesn't seem intent on moving, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and the Xbox Series X | S.
The post Cyberpunk 2077 Apparently Runs Well on Last-Gen Consoles by Otto Kratky appeared first on DualShockers.