CDPR: No Special Arrangement With Sony/Microsoft For Cyberpunk 2077 Refunds
After a very long road, Cyberpunk 2077 has released and given two very different experiences: one for the PC and next generation consoles and then another for previous gen systems. To say the least, the technical aspect of the game has been a huge talking point about the game for the last week, even resulting in CD Projekt RED issuing an apology for the state of the PS4/Xbox One version of the game. It also seems that maybe that resulted in some confusion, as in the apology refunds were mentioned. Some people seem to take that this meant the company has brokered some type of deal with the two platform holders, but that is not the deal.
In a conference call with investors, of which you can read the full transcript of through here, Board Member MichaĆ Nowakowski clarified the stance when asked. He said that, despite what some people seemed to think, there was no kind of special arrangement between the three in regards to refunds. Basically, he said that if people want a refund for the game, it's going to be up to Sony and Microsoft and their current policies.
"One has to understand: Microsoft and Sony have refund policies for every product that is released digitally on their storefronts. Despite several articles I've seen that things are being set up just for us, it's actually not true – these policies are in place and have always been in place; they're not offered specifically for us. Anyone who has purchased any title on the PlayStation network or the Microsoft storefront can ask for a refund, and if it's made within certain boundaries, usually related to time, usage and so on, can ask for that refund. Our procedure here with Microsoft and Sony is not different than with any other title released on any of those storefronts."
It seems as if this was something of a misunderstanding considering the rather extreme nature of what has been happening. So, if you're one of those frustrated customers wanting a refund, you'll have to go the usual route. On the PlayStation, people have been reporting that refunds are being turned away, being told to wait for the next update. Of course, your mileage may vary.
CD Projekt RED has said they plan to update the console version to be as stable as possible in the future, and the company is known for keeping updates frequent for their often buggy launches. However, Cyberpunk 2077 has been something of a big case, which is probably fitting considering the size of this release. We'll just have to see, at this point, what the future holds.
Final Fantasy 11 Mobile Reportedly Has Finally Been Cancelled
While Final Fantasy 14 has become something of a crown jewel in Square Enix's ongoing output, it wasn't the first MMORPG to carry the storied FF name. That honor goes to Final Fantasy 11. Once originally released for PS2 and PC (and then eventually 360), it was something of an oddity. While it never reached the level of popularity of 14, it still managed to gain something of a following. It also seems as if one avenue of its continued life has, after a long journey, been cut off.
Way back in 2015, when the servers for the PS2 and 360 version of the game were being cut off, it was announced that a mobile version of the MMO was coming from Nexon. As I'm sure you know, it's 2020 and we've yet to see this version, nor any footage from it. Unfortunately, a recent report from South Korean news outlet, MTN, has reported that the game has been quietly canceled, citing information from an insider. The team that was developing 11 has been moved on to other projects and the company in general has moved to other titles (thanks to Reddit user shdwlink87 for translating).
For now this goes under rumor considering neither Square nor Nexon have officially commented. However, outside a reassurance that the game was still coming earlier this year, there's still been no word on the game, and considering it's literally been half a decade since its original announcement, it's not exactly hard to believe. Final Fantasy 11 does live on via PC, however, if you are curious about it or have played it in the past and want to jump back in. At this point, I wouldn't be waiting for that mobile port.
Outriders – Xbox Insiders Can Now Join Limited Preview/Beta
Outriders was a looter shooter co-op game that was supposed to be with us around the launch of the new systems, but alas, it was not to be. The game was delayed until early next year. However, we have been getting pretty regular updates on the title since then, and if you are on Xbox, you've got a limited time period to check it out.
If you are an Xbox Insider, for a limited time you'll be able to try out the game's Beta. As detailed on the official Xbox news site, you'll apparently have to do this via your Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One. Sign in and launch your Insider App, go to previews, pick Outriders and then install Outriders BETA. Keep in mind, this apparently is limited and the preview will disappear after all slots are filled, so if you can't find it, odds are slots are already gone.
Outriders will launch February 2nd, 2021 for most major platforms. You can also get a quick mantra of how to survive in the game's harsh word with the latest trailer through here.
Gears 5 Hivebusters DLC And Latest Title Update Are Live Now
It's been awhile now since the latest entry in the action series, Gears 5, has been on the market, but one must give credit where credit is due, The Coalition has kept it updated since its launch. Most of those updates have been toward the multiplayer, but today we get some single player goodness with the Hivebusters DLC.
The DLC, of which you can see the launch trailer of through here, features the three characters seen in the Escape Mode introduced in Gears 5: Keegan, Lahni and Mac. It will include a brand new story campaign lasting roughly a few hours and sees the trio going to Galangi Islands to battle The Horde, as well as a very big new enemy called Wakaatu. It can, of course, be played either solo or with 3-player co-op. Alongside the DLC is also the latest Title Update, which sees several tweaks to go along with the new story, of which you can read about through here.
Gears 5 is available now on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC. Hivebusters is live across all platforms and so is Title Update 12. The DLC is $19.99 regularly and is free of charge for those with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Resident Evil Village Gets Developer Update And New Hairy Screenshots
It's been something of a rough year for Capcom in attempts at keeping their plans secret as a massive data hack and leaks afterward have flooded the internet. One of the causalities of that has been Resident Evil Village, the eighth mainline entry in the storied horror franchise. The entire plot is out there now, but Capcom is still continuing on with marketing to the best of their ability.
Via IGN, Producer Peter Fabiano gave something of an update on the game, saying its development is going well and that he hopes that people will look forward to the many aspects of the title. He reaffirmed that they are planning to release the game next year still, as well. Probably the most exciting part is that they also provided three new screenshots to IGN, which you can see through here. One is of a very hairy man with a hammer, a second is a very gothic looking castle and then a third of shadowy creature that looks to be one of the werewolf-esque creatures you'll be facing off against.
"We're really excited for fans to experience Resident Evil Village when it comes out in 2021. We feel it's an accumulation of all the best elements of Resident Evil games from the past 25 years, with everything fans love about action-infused survival horror plus new surprises. Of course, there are plenty of puzzles to solve and mysteries to unfold.
"We hope fans will enjoy exploring the desolate, snowy village in which Resident Evil Village takes place, where enemies new to the franchise are waiting for them. Players will once again take control of Ethan Winters, experiencing more of the story set in motion in Resident Evil 7 biohazard. New technologies are allowing us to immerse players in the game in ways we couldn't achieve before, in what we hope will be the most pulse-pounding Resident Evil game to date."
Resident Evil Village will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC with leaks suggesting the aim is to release in April of 2021. There are rumors and leaks to suggest the game will also come to PS4 and Xbox One, but as of now, nothing official has been announced.
Ghostrunner – Hardcore Mode Update Live for PC
One More Level's sci-fi parkour title Ghostrunner has received a major new update on PC with Hardcore Mode. It will become available for PS4 and Xbox One tomorrow while the Switch receives it on January 14th 2021. A new paid DLC called the Winter Pack is also available for all platforms – check it out below.
The Winter Pack essentially changes your weapon's skin to that of the Cold Snap Katana. Meanwhile, you get a "Cold Blood Glove" as well for additional style. The DLC pack costs $1.99 and will be coming to Nintendo Switch on January 14th as well.
As for Hardcore Mode, it becomes available upon completing the base game and offers modified levels with tougher foes that appear earlier on. It's meant for those seeking a true challenge and could provide a different enough experience to warrant another playthrough. For more details on the base game, check out our review here. In addition to previous-gen consoles and PC, it's also coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S next year.
Super Meat Boy Forever Coming to Switch on December 23rd
Last week at The Game Awards 2020, Team Meat confirmed that Super Meat Boy Forever would be releasing on December 23rd. Whether it would come to other platforms along with the PC version or not was unconfirmed. However, in the recent Indie World Showcase, Super Meat Boy Forever was announced to be launching for Nintendo Switch on the same date.
It will be available on the Nintendo eShop for $19.99, though pre-orders can net a 10 percent discount. PS4 and Xbox One players thankfully don't have to wait for much longer though. Both versions will be out in January 2021 as per the development team.
Super Meat Boy Forever follows Meat Boy and Bandage Girl as their child is kidnapped. Thus do they embark on a new journey to save them. Along with embracing a runner-style approach, our two heroes an also punch their way through foes. Unlike its predecessor, levels are randomly generated with unique locations (though the amount of handcrafted levels numbers in the thousands).
Among Us is Now Available for Nintendo Switch
Not feeling Gnosia, the anime visual novel take on Among Us that was announced for Switch on today's Indie World Showcase? Well, don't worry because the original is now available for the platform. You can now officially distrust your friends (or slaughter them mercilessly) with Innersloth's smash hit on Switch for just $5.
Despite launching 2018 for iOS, Android and Steam, Among Us sky-rocketed to popularity this year. The premise sees four to ten crewmates working together to complete tasks. However, there are Imposters embedded within who sabotage and kill the crewmates to attain victory. Finding out who they are is key to victory.
Among Us on Switch can be played either locally over Wi-Fi or online and supports cross-platform play. It's a good time for Switch players to hop on the hype train especially with a new map, Airship, coming in early 2021. Along with new tasks, it also features elevators, ladders and other interesting mechanics for both crewmates and Impostors.
Spelunky and Spelunky 2 Coming to Switch in Summer 2021
Mossmouth has announced that Spelunky and Spelunky 2 will be releasing for Nintendo Switch. Both titles are coming to the platform in Summer 2021. Check out the trailer below which showcases them in action.
While Spelunky is about 12 years old at this point with its original release, Spelunky 2 launched a few months ago for PS4 and then PC. The first game set the bar for roguelite platforming and difficulty with its numerous permutations and challenges. Local co-op, Deathmatch and Daily Challenge make their way to the Switch version along with 20 different explorers. Check out our review of the Xbox 360 version here.
Spelunky 2 makes big strides in terms of its level generation, mechanics and challenges. It introduces fluid dynamics (which works wonders with lava), mounts and other crazy new features. Again, the Switch version will support all of this along with four player local play and Arena mode. For more details on the PS4 version, check out our review here.
Cyber Shadow is Out on January 26
Developer Mechanical Head Studios and publisher Yacht Club Games announced the old-school Ninja Gaiden-inspired action platformer Cyber Shadow in early 2019. Thanks to its promise of a fast-paced, action-packed platforming adventure, the game has been on many people's radar since then, though a release date has been elusive.
Originally scheduled to launch in Fall 2020, the game has suffered a slight delay- though not a very significant one. At the recent Nintendo Indie World presentation, it was announced that Cyber Shadow will be releasing on January 26, just a little over a month from now.
Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch version of the game will also have some exclusive content, with exclusive amiibo support that will bring Yacht Club's own Shovel Knight into the game. You can check him out in action in the trailer below.
When Cyber Shadow launches, it will be available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. You can get more details on the game in our interview with its developer through here.
Dash, slice, and leap through masterfully designed levels with hand-crafted sprites, a pulse-pounding soundtrack, and all the ninja platforming action you can handle when #CyberShadow from @MekaSkull and @YachtClubGames releases Jan. 26, 2021 on #NintendoSwitch. #IndieWorld pic.twitter.com/PJH9XVhBRp
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) December 15, 2020