Contest: Win 30XX, a Mega Man-inspired action platformer, on Steam Early Access
In today's contest you can win roguelike action platformer 30XX on Steam Early Access!
Have you heard of 20XX? It's a fun little ditty in the vein of Mega Man where roguelike elements and old-school platforming unite. Since it was such a success, we're getting a sequel!
30XX just hit Early Access, and we've got some keys to give away! A new game for the prize of zero? We rock, man! And roll.
KeyWe, a kiwi-run mailroom game built for co-op, is coming to consoles
I'm always on the lookout for charming co-op adventures, and for a while, I've had my eye on KeyWe, a puzzle-platformer about two bumbling birds who must somehow work in sync to run a postal office.
KeyWe was announced as a PC game – far from my preferred co-op platform – but the launch plans have grown more ambitious. With an assist from Sold Out, developer Stonewheat & Sons will also release KeyWe on Nintendo Switch (yay!), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in summer 2021.
The latest gameplay trailer shows the chaotic nature of kiwis zipping around to deliver mail, label shipments, and send messages one button-hop at a time. It's a neat premise in and of itself, but the creative and super-detail-packed environmental work seals the deal for me. I can already tell I'm going to need to customize the look of my bird to be as disgustingly bright and noticeable as possible.
As for multiplayer, it's online and local, so you should be covered.
Everything that happened at the Nintendo Direct for February 2021
Nintendo just had a real Direct today and it was fast!
Some of you probably had a kid since the last real Direct or had some other major life change. I mean, collectively, we've been through a lot. But Nintendo is back today, and they ran through some announcements rapidly over the course of roughly 50 minutes.
The kickoff was the announcement of Pyra and Mythra in Smash Ultimate, which is already soliciting...opinions! We also got cold hard release dates and windows for elusive games like No More Heroes 3, which is always nice.
But the big bombshells at the end were a Skyward Sword HD remaster and the existence of Splatoon 3. It might not be what everyone wanted (the "Breath of the Wild 2 showing" that was on like every leak bingo card or "insider info deck" did not happen, and Nintendo even apologized for it), but it was a Direct again, half a million people tuned in 10 minutes before it even aired.
It's nice to see Nintendo back in the Direct groove.
If it's still on your bucket list, Stubbs the Zombie is getting a re-release on March 16
We're in an era of video game re-releases and remasters where publishers are pulling out deeper and deeper cuts that many of us either hazily remember or never actually got around to playing. That's how I feel about Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse resurfacing this year on modern platforms.
It's coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One on March 16, 2021.
Apart from the basics, the game will also have "modernized controls" and achievements. (If any of this sounds familiar, the updated ports were recently leaked via an achievement list of all things.) One on-brand example: there's an achievement for "soil[ing] the water supply with your finely aged urine."
Stubbs the Zombie was a 2005 Xbox and PC game about a salesman-turned-zombie who converts the population of a "retro-futuristic" city into the walking dead. Think along the lines of Destroy All Humans, kinda. I used to always mentally file those two games away in a similar headspace – anyone else?
The new versions of Stubbs were handled by Aspyr, a studio you might recognize for its work on the Nintendo Switch ports of Star Wars Episode I: Racer and Jedi Outcast, or the Civilization VI DLC packs.
Funnily enough, at some point, I totally forgot this wasn't just called "Stubbs the Zombie." What a name! If you need a refresher (and you're in a hurry), here's a 46-minute speedrun of the original.
The rumors were true and the Plants vs. Zombies universe is coming to Nintendo Switch. Well...
Battle for Neighborville, the third game in the Garden Warfare shooter sub-series, will officially be out for Switch on March 19 with an "everything's included" Complete Edition. It's the system's first Frostbite engine title (co-developed by PopCap Vancouver and QLOC), which is wild to reflect on in 2021.
The Switch version of the game will support motion controls if you're into that sorta thing.
The prior versions of Battle for Neighborville leaned into scheduled battle-pass-like Prize Maps to dole out rewards. Here on Switch, you can "unlock all characters and content from the PlayStation, Xbox, and PC Standard Editions, as well as post-launch content, directly through offline or online play."
In other words, you can earn every cosmetic item and class "without any premium store or currency."
This game has had an interesting rollout (including an early access phase), and while it's not my favorite Garden Warfare entry, it will surely find an eager young audience on the Switch. Even if you have no intention of facing off against other players, there's a lot to like as a PvE fan. I mostly played Battle for Neighborville as someone who enjoys tracking down trinkets and secrets in hub worlds. Let me loose!
I would've liked to see a Switch port a while back, but March 2021 is better than never.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD has button and motion controls
I know it's not the most popular game in the series, but there is a special place in my heart for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Sure, Fi is annoying, but it's one outstanding adventure with beautiful visuals and dynamic boss battles. If you skipped it on the Wii, you'll have a chance to experience it on Switch with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.
The game's motion controls are optimized for Nintendo Switch, with the right Joy-Con controlling the sword and the left Joy-Con controlling the shield. It will also have button-only controls if you want to skip all that. The game will release on July 16, 2021. Nintendo will also be releasing special Joy-Con controllers alongside the game.
Today's Nintendo Direct 'one last thing' is Splatoon 3
In a very solemn but slick trailer, Nintendo showed us an Inkling riding a train from the completely barren Splatlands into another city, Splatsville, which will be a new hub.
Wait, Inkling?! Surprise! It's Splatoon 3, and it's hitting Switch in 2022.
You'd assume that Skyward Sword HD would have been the mic drop, but instead, Nintendo is going out in style with yet another return to the Splatoon world with a third game. No DLC, just a brand new game.
Hades deserves a physical edition and it's getting one on Nintendo Switch
Hades is so good, you'd be forgiven for owning it twice – but what about triple-dipping? Sure!
Announced during today's Nintendo Direct, Hades will get a Switch physical edition with the game, a download code for Darren Korb's soundtrack, and a 32-page character compendium on March 19.
If you're wondering how Hades plays on Switch compared to the PC version, don't sweat it. It's on-point. And if you already have a PC save file with all of your relationships ~just so~, you can carry it over.
The future is now, old man. We're getting out of here.
During today's Nintendo Direct presentation, the publisher revealed a string of info related to a new 2021 Expansion Pass, comic to action-packed brawler-RPG Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is slicing up Switch this year
Ninja Gaiden is one of the most celebrated franchises in gaming, and this year, some of its best games are coming back in a massive collection. Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection brings together Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3 Razor's Edge, along with most of the DLC and game modes released for the titles.
World's End Club, out in May on Switch, looks like a fine follow-up to Danganronpa
We heard about World's End Club last year, but now it's kind of becoming an actual thing. Like, a thing with a release date!
World's End Club is out in May on Switch, and will bring back the classic story-based Danganronpa gameplay. Have a quick look below!
Project Triangle Strategy is a new HD-2D SRPG with a Switch demo today
Square Enix is still in the spruced-up spritework game, and the next "HD-2D" project is a tactical RPG for Nintendo Switch with a working title of Project Triangle Strategy. (Please, please keep the name.)
It's a long way off – the current plan is 2022 – but there's a Debut Demo today on the eShop.
Today's Nintendo Direct presentation was so rapid-fire that it was hard to settle in and focus on the extended, detail-heavy Triangle Strategy segment of the show, but I appreciated the visual splendor of it all in the moment. I'm a pretty big fan of this glossed-up retro style popularized by Octopath Traveler.
Final Fantasy Tactics is forever fresh on fans' minds, and while there's no replacing it, recapturing its spirit in a new IP feels like a silver lining. I'm glad folks will be able to cozy up with a demo.
If you're the type of person to go all-in, make sure to take notes – there will be a survey.
Star Wars: Hunters is a free-to-play online shooter coming this year
It was one of the shorter trailers in the Direct, but Star Wars: Hunters is a new free-to-play third-person shooter coming to Switch this year. The game will take place between Episode 6 and Episode 7.
It's nice to have Star Wars back on Nintendo even if it's not a new Rogue Squadron.
Knockout City is a dodgeball-style sports title from Electronic Arts
Among the new titles revealed during today's Nintendo Direct was Electronic Arts' Knockout City - which appears to be a futuristic multiplayer sports title of sorts. Players battle it out in various ball-based matches taking place within a colorful, futuristic city.
Knockout City will feature a large cast of uniquely skilled characters as well as a heavy emphasis on customization. Knockout City launches on Nintendo Switch May 21.
Neon White might be the most out-there game in today's Nintendo Direct
Annapurna Interactive is teaming up with Donut County's Ben Esposito for Neon White, one of the most double-take-worthy games shown in today's Nintendo Direct. You're gonna want to catch the trailer.
Set in a world where demonic assassins roam heaven, you'll zip around 3D zones as fast as possible and grab Soul Cards to fuel your gun, sword, and parkour abilities. Speed and traversal are the focus – the central idea is to use the right cards at the right time to take shortcuts through the obstacle-course levels – but there's a story, too. You're the titular Neon White, "an assassin handpicked from Hell."
I don't entirely comprehend it yet, and I might not get it until I play it, but it's memorable, for sure.
Miitopia is bringing brand new adventures to Nintendo Switch
You and your Mii buddies will soon be able to gather together once again for kooky adventures, as the cheerful custom universe of Miitopia is making its grand return on Nintendo Switch.
As revealed during today's Nintendo Direct presentation, the new Miitopia will feature lots of customization options, including a new range of wigs, clothes, facial features, and make-up options, so you can get all dolled up before you and your pals head out on a series of high-spirited adventures.
Best of all, horses have been added to the world as new allies. HORSES.
Miitopia launches on Nintendo Switch May 21. Pre-orders will go live today.
In-game Mario merch is coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become a cash cow for Nintendo. It's a multi-million seller! It's probably going to be the number one Switch game soon.
So it makes sense that it got its own spot in the Nintendo Direct today. That spot involved the upcoming Mario event, which will grant you Mario-themed items as well as two warp pipes that actually work on your island.
The event is live on February 25. Items will hit the Nook shopping network on March 1. Nintendo calls this part of the "35th Mario anniversary."
Who needs Gotham Knights when you have DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power?
DC Super Hero Girls was one of the most popular toy brands back when I worked in retail and now it's looking to be one of the most popular super hero games on Switch. DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power will see Batgirl, Wonder Woman, Bumblebee, Supergirl, Zatanna, and more saving the day while keeping up with their classes.
No More Heroes 3 got a showing today, and it's looking pretty good!
Nintendo confirmed today during the February Direct that the game will bring back odd jobs (a staple), which are used as an "entry fee" for boss battles. It's also going to have a hella weird storyline involving aliens invading the Earth.
Oh hey, I buried the lede; it's out on August 27!
Mario Golf: Super Rush will have you running to Switch this June
The Nintendo Switch has been missing some good golf games, but that's going to change this summer.
Capcom Arcade Stadium launches today on Nintendo Switch
A compendium of awesome classic Capcom arcades have been gathered together in Capcom Arcade Stadium, which launches today on Nintendo Switch. The surprise release was announced during today's Nintendo Direct presentation, followed by word of PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions "at a later date."
Capcom Arcade Stadium will arrive as a free dashboard bundled with 1987 shmup 1943: The Battle of Midway. Players can then purchase three individual packs of games, each containing 10 classic titles.
In all, 32 Capcom titles are available at launch, including Street Fighter II, Strider, Forgotten Worlds, Commando, Final Fight, and many more. You can get everything bundled for $40, or pay $15 for each individual pack and optionally pick up Ghosts 'n Goblins as a separate $1.99 add-on.
Here's the list of games in Capcom Arcade Stadium:
Legend of Mana is coming to Switch, PS4, and PC, and you can skip enemy encounters
If I'm going to play an older action-RPG, I want to do so on my Nintendo Switch, plain and simple. Thankfully, the Mana series got the message – Square Enix is bringing back Legend of Mana in 2021.
The trailer serves as a vivid reminder of how cool this game's bosses were and still are.
Announced during today's Nintendo Direct, Legend of Mana is coming to Switch, PS4, and Steam on June 24 with enhancements like "remastered" graphics, a toggle for enemy encounters, the Ring Ring Land mini-game, and the ability to hear the original soundtrack or choose an arranged version.
The more PlayStation-era RPGs that tag-team Switch and PC, the better. Keep the train going!
Samurai Warriors V confirmed for Switch this summer
It's been a while since we've heard anything out of Samurai Warriors V, but now we have confirmation of what the team has been up to.
It was just a little sizzle reel of sorts, but now we know that Samurai Warriors V is coming this summer, and it's still confirmed for Switch. Samurai Warriors 4, proper, was released in 2014.
These fans are hungry!
Outer Wilds will destroy the universe on Switch this summer
In 2019, two games set in space set the gaming world on fire. One was The Outer Worlds, which won a heap of awards at the end of the year, including Destructoid's Game of the Year. The other was Outer Wilds, and I've seen many people argue that of the two games, it's the superior experience.
If you missed out on it on PS4, PC, or Xbox One, you'll have to chance to see what it's all about on Switch when Outer Wilds releases for the console this summer.
Nintendo Switch is getting in on the Fall Guys fun this summer
We've been waiting for the Nintendo Switch box to be checked for Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, and later this year, it will be. Nintendo confirmed a summer release during today's Direct showcase.
Fall Guys is currently in its third season on PC and PS4, and while it's hard to beat the initial rush when everyone was figuring out their ideal traversal routes, there's still a lot of joy to be found, particularly with the most recent content push. There's no doubt this game will click with the Switch audience.
I wonder if Mediatonic will save the Switch launch so it's lined up with a new season. More importantly, think of the Nintendo costume potential. I'll be sure to save up my crowns in case of emergency.
'80s Famicom Detective Club titles are headed west on Nintendo Switch for the first time ever
During today's Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo revealed that two classic interactive murder mystery visual novels are being revamped and localized for launch on Switch, offering western audiences their first ever official opportunity to play these '80s hits.
Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir (1988) and Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind (1989) bring anime murder most foul to the Nintendo platform, challenging players to pit their finest deductive skills against a list of suspects in two dark, creepy, and perhaps even supernatural dramas. Put your thinking caps on, and stay one step ahead of a killer.
Both Famicom Detective Club titles are available to pre-order today, ahead of their May 14 release.
Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are coming to Smash Ultimate
Yes, this is what I like to see! More anime-like characters in Smash!
Nintendo kicked off their proper Direct (not a Mini!) with the announcement that Pyra was coming to Smash Ultimate. Oh, and she's coming with her Mythra form, of course.
And there's going to be a "Gramps" style Xenoblade Chronicles 2 stage, with friends from the game in tow cheering you on. "Together, nothing can stand in our way!" True that!
No joke, I'm pretty excited for this. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is underrated as a whole, so despite what people might think, I'll be trying out the duo immediately.
Let's hang out and watch today's Nintendo Direct
Today's big boy Nintendo Direct is moments away from starting, and it's been so long, I almost forgot what this feels like. Almost. After months of tireless speculation, it's time to hang out and watch.
Nintendo promised it would beam around 50 minutes of video game announcements and trailers into our brains. If you want to watch along and react live, the show starts at 2:00 pm Pacific. Let's go!
[Update: That was a marathon of a Nintendo Direct. We've recapped the announcements here.]
The process for the second Mario pin set was somehow worse than the first
As is the case with most physical Nintendo products, the second Mario pin distribution process did not go so swimmingly today.
So what went wrong? Well, people started to slowly unravel it as it was happening in real time.
Ten years later, I still love The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Almost ten years ago now, I hit save and publish on my review of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. I'd beaten the game, but I wasn't done playing it. There was still Hero Mode to dig into, a few secrets to find, and other excuses to let this version of Hyrule leak into my world. When I find myself compelled to jump right back into a game, even after 40+ hours playing it and days perseverating on writing a review of it, I know it's a winner.
A lot of the time, when I love a game that much, I'm just preaching to the choir. Resident Evil 4, Super Meat Boy, and Animal Crossing: City Folk immediately come to mind. They were adored by their respective fanbases right out of the gate. That's not what happened with Skyward Sword. It definitely got some praise, but a week or so after it was out in stores, the prevailing narrative surrounding the game was negative, with Yahtzee's teardown of its various flaws being the leading voice in that crowd.
Everything Yahtzee said about the game is technically true, but to me, it reads like a guy yelling about how the Star Wars prequels are bad movies because "characters lack internal logic" and the "direction and acting are not that good." I mean, yeah, obviously! The same is true for many episodes of Twin Peaks or movies by John Waters, but you don't see their fans complaining.
So how can it be that some people hate Skyward Sword so much while others, like me, adore it? Are we even playing the same game? Well yes, but the difference is, different things about it will hit you more or less hard, depending on your core motivations for playing games. Some want to exit their reality and enter a new one, like moviegoers in a giant surround sound theater, engrossed in the latest Popcorn Classic. Others, like me, are more excited to invite a game into our current lives, like hanging an unrealistic painting on our wall in hopes that it would really bring the room together. I enjoy both kinds of games, but the older I get, the more I prefer the latter, which is why I still love Skyward Sword so much.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition hits one million sales
Bandai Namco has proudly announced that Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition has passed the one million sales milestone. The 2019 remaster of the Xbox 360 and PS3 release is available to purchase on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
As a quick refresher, Tales of Vesperia is the story of an ex-Imperial Soldier named Yuri Lowell, who forms their own rebellious party - The Brave Vesperia - in order to aid a noblewoman in need named Estelle. Like many rollicking anime RPGs of its kind, Tales of Vesperia features city-hopping quests, a wide cast of colorful heroes and villains, some class war, some pathos, and even a little romance. Vesperia was praised at launch for revitalizing the Tales series, with some critics calling it the series' best entry yet.
Xbox Series X's backward compatibility is great and it's getting even better with FPS Boost
Microsoft has outdone itself with backward compatibility on Xbox, to the point where – in the absence of regularly scheduled big-hitting exclusives – it's one of the main selling points for the platform. And it gets better: with a new FPS Boost feature, certain games will run even smoother on Xbox Series X/S.
As outlined today by Microsoft, FPS Boost will work behind the scenes to boost select Xbox One titles to 60 frames per second or, in some cases, 120fps. The internal team says it has "partnered closely with developers to enhance the experience while maintaining the game's original intent."
You can see the results in action with this analysis from Digital Foundry:
To start with, FPS Boost will be available in a handful of games on Xbox Series X/S – New Super Lucky's Tale, Watch Dogs 2, Far Cry 4, Sniper Elite 4, and UFC 4 – before rolling out to a wider selection.
The starting lineup is a sampler of what's possible. I'm sure Xbox fans are already sending in requests.
"Starting this Spring, you can go into the 'Manage Game' section for any title, where you'll be presented with a new 'Compatibility Options' button that will allow you to toggle FPS Boost (as well as Auto HDR) on or off," said senior program manager Paul Eng. "There will also be a new indicator informing you when a game is running with FPS Boost whenever you hit the Xbox Button on your controller. You decide how you want to play your favorite games, whether in its original form or with FPS Boost."
It's cool to see Microsoft make its backward-compatibility initiative such a priority, particularly when there are above-and-beyond perks sprinkled in that need little to no effort from the original game creators. I wish Sony was willing to go to some of these lengths to bolster its legacy platforms.
On a happier note, I'm just pleased to see frame rates matter this much in the console space.
(Update) When can you get the new 3D World Mario pins? 'February 17,' says Nintendo
[Here is the link! Remember, to grab the pins, you want to have that aforementioned link open and the mission link. If all goes well (haha) at 3PM ET, the mission link will allow you to access a code. Enter that code into the store link in the "add to cart" section: make sure you have the "add to cart" button already hit and ready to plug in to potentially get in first and avoid downtimes. Good luck!]
Today is the day! Well, for the release of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury at least.
But where are the pins? Well, you may have expected a launch day rollout for these, as that happened with the last disastrous pin set at roughly the same time (1PM ET). But today is not the day for pins! That's actually happening on February 17.
February 17 at 3PM ET, to be exact, according to the Mario 35th Anniversary missions page. Once the clock strikes three, all hell will break loose as folks rush to the site in the hopes that it won't crash. But there's something really important to remember: as long as you generate a code for the pins, you should be fine.
The way it actually works is that by clicking a button on the page, you'll get a code that allows you to redeem it for the pins on the Nintendo store for free (plus shipping). Just remember that you have to complete 14 other missions, and own the game itself and have it connected to your account to be eligible.
In other words, associate your physical copy through the main menu of the Switch before then. Or pull the trigger on the digital edition. Just remember, you aren't guaranteed a pin set if all of the codes are dispensed before you can get yours.
Google Stadia has been down a very weird road. Like most Google products, it's a bumpy one.
It didn't have to be. Stadia, for all of its meme potential, was pretty good at what it did. Now some of you may fundamentally disagree with buying games on a cloud-based platform, and I get it. If Stadia ever shuts down entirely, your purchases go with it. It's the reason why I fall back on physical games when possible.
But the technology was there. This wasn't a haphazardly done OnLive rollout here. Yet, Google decided recently that they just weren't going to back first-party development any longer. While third-party studios are free to put their games on the platform, the impact sent ripples throughout the industry, alienating (now former) Stadia developers like Jade Raymond, who exited the company.
According to a report from Kotaku, the decision to cut off that internal development process was muddled and sudden. Allegedly, a mere week before the "mass layoffs," Google Stadia VP Phil Harrison told his team that they were making "great progress." Not long after, Harrison would pen a public missive of a public blog post stating that "we will not be investing further in bringing exclusive content from our internal development team SG&E, beyond any near-term planned games."
Raymond, lauded as a breath of fresh air for the project, "left Google to pursue other opportunities." Days later, the developer of Terraria called working with Google a "liability." It wasn't a good week for the Stadia team. But according to the Kotaku report, it was even worse behind the scenes.
They were told the news, but had to "wait three days" to actually talk about it anywhere. A source tells Kotaku: "I think people really just wanted the truth of what happened. They just want an explanation from leadership. If you started this studio and hired a hundred or so of these people, no one starts that just for it to go away in a year or so, right? You can't make a game in that amount of time...We had multi-year reassurance, and now we don't."
According to sources, there were many reasons for the mismanagement follies, including: "a severe lack of resources, difficulty securing necessary hardware and software, and a frozen headcount throughout 2020 following the start of the pandemic, despite the goal of eventually shipping several original exclusives in the coming years." Also, Harrison partially blamed the shutdown on Microsoft's purchasing of Bethesda, and cited "exponential" catch-up costs. Details that probably could have been planned in advance before the project got off the ground (was the extend of Google's foresight a mere two-year plan at best?).
Google is not known for their finesse in terms of handling new products. The way they have seemingly handled Stadia is just more fuel for that fire.
After No More Heroes 3, Suda51 will work on a game for buckaroos
The upcoming 51st issue of Nintendo Force magazine is dedicated to Suda51, featuring over 30 pages about his games and his career, including a 51-question interview with the man himself. It's a whopper alright, filled with exclusives and surprises, one of which I'm able to share with you here.
But first, a little context.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is a 1984 film starring Peter Weller (best known as the original RoboCop) as the titular brain surgeon, rock star, and world hero. A man of Japanese and American decent, Buckaroo considers himself first and foremost to be a citizen of the planet Earth, and alongside his friends (including a lanky Jeff Goldblum in a cowboy outfit!), he must save his home from a cavalcade of alien scum such as John Whorfin (John Lithgow), John Bigbooté (Christopher Lloyd), and John Smallberries.
It's the kind of movie I assumed Suda51, creator of characters like Travis Touchdown, Mondo Zappa, and Garcia Hotspur, was already well acquainted with. I was wrong about that! But I'm still really glad I brought it up. In fact, our conversation may have influenced where he's headed with his next game.
Sometimes, Zelda: Breath of the Wild just humbles us
Eventually, you kind of learn that having a low amount of hearts in Zelda: Breath of the Wild is always a bad thing.
An errant boulder, a random arrow, a big fall: all of it could result in a dead Link. Yet, we forge ahead anyway, even with the annoying "low health" beep. We all do it! Yes, you. Not even just Breath of the Wild, in basically every Zelda game with a beeping noise. I can relate to the thrill of it, like driving until a car is completely out of gas.
But in this case, Reddit user dandoc9 showcases one of the most beautiful and simple Zelda deaths: human error. Titled "Me playing BOTW after seeing all your videos of cool combos and Lynel kills," in which players slice and dice across the world of Breath of the Wild with pinpoint (and carefully captured) accuracy, this clip is just plain on humanizing. Imagine the "no damage run" speedrunner dying to this.
One of the best comments in the thread? "I've done this." Yep, I've done it too! This was too relatable not to share.
Wandersong studio's Chicory: A Colorful Tale headed to PS4 and PS5
Time to crack out the watercolors, as publisher Finji has announced that the charming painting adventure Chicory: A Colorful Tale is making the leap from PC to PS4 and PS5 later in 2021.
Designed by Greg Lobanov, the creative mind behind 2018's musical puzzler Wandersong, Chicory: A Colorful Tale sees players guide a creatively minded Good Boy through a fairly plain, monochromatic world, while using their enchanted paintbrush to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles and, most importantly, add a little color to the environment, pleasing the titular Chicory, current wielder of a powerful relic simply known as "The Brush."
PSA: If you mash the ZR and ZL buttons, your Switch battery percentage will pop up
The Switch is a Godsend in terms of its portability option, as sometimes I just want to relax and play a lengthy JRPG in any position: and sometimes I want it on a big screen. Yes, I'm just reiterating the selling point of the Switch, I know.
But the portability aspect sometimes comes with a price: battery life. Those lengthy JRPGs? Yeah they can suck time and battery away like that. I pretty much never pay attention to it until it's in the danger zone, constantly flashing that lost progress is absolutely imminent. But with this trick, I might be a little more aware.
Shared on Reddit by antglyforreal, this tip allows you to check the battery life of your Switch quickly and easily. The trick? Mash ZR and ZL on the home screen. That's it! If you really want to see the percentage you can, via an option, but the idea is that instead of having it on at all times, you can bring it up at will. It's a small tip, but a mighty one for folks who crave a sleeker more streamlined screen.
In fact, it's a selling point of the Switch! While I don't mind most console UIs for the most part, there's a trend of them getting extremely bloated over time. While the Switch has the sin of recently adding the aesthetically clashing "Switch Online" bubble at the bottom, it's not quite there yet.
TIL [Reddit]
I can't wait to take part in Steelrising's robot revolution
For me personally, one of the most intriguing and exciting announcements made during last year's summer of livestreams was the reveal of Steelrising, an action-RPG currently in production at Greedfall developer Spiders.
My interest immediately piqued at the project's concept: a retelling of The French Revolution, but with an army of lavish, creepy, and sentient androids as the main players in this particularly grim moment of human history. For the reveal, we were given a teaser trailer showing off Steelrising's concept and steampunky aesthetic, but things have been very quiet since then, though I've remained very curious about the project.
Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon is aiming to 'wrap up' soon
If you count all of the expansions that essentially became standalone games, the Shovel Knight franchise is pretty beefy at this point.
You have the base game (Shovel of Hope), then Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, King of Cards, and the Showdown multiplayer-centric mode. Then there's Shovel Knight Dig and Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon: both of which are not actually out yet, and were announced in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Yacht Club Games is not actively developing either of the latter games (Nitrome and Vine are respectively), but they have their hands full, and even published Cyber Shadow recently. Shovel Knight, as a character, doesn't seem to feel oversaturated yet. Sorry Mighty No. 9.
In that vein, we might be getting Pocket Dungeon sometime soon. Despite the official page stating that full platforms and even a release window are "TBD," the developer Vine just put out a call (which was signal boosted by Yacht Club Games) for developers to help "wrap up" Pocket Dungeon.
What about Dig? A fan asked that very question on Twitter, and Yacht Club Games didn't have much to say other than that it's "also still in production" and "currently happens to be looking to hire." We're probably looking at Q2 at the earliest for either of these games, if not later.
Yacht Club Games [Twitter] [Thanks Chris!]
Rainbow Six Siege teases Operation Crimson Heist with sinister poster
It looks like tactical shooter Rainbow Six Siege is gearing up for its new season of bullet-pumpin' mayhem. Ubisoft released a teaser image for Operation Crimson Heist, which is expected to bring a brand new operator, a map rework, and several other new additions to the challenging multiplayer tile.
"Getting the job done can sometimes require a more creative approach", reads the teaser, complete with creepy image of what appears to be a fella in a flat cap, a big-collared coat, and a peering pair of red spectacles. On first glance, I get a sort of "French Resistance Spy" feel from this silhouette, not dissimilar to the hero of Pandemic Studios' 2009 title The Saboteur. Has a time-traveling hipster joined Team Rainbow? We'll find out soon enough.
As Rainbow Six Siege pushes into 2021, the team has begun its battle plan of only releasing one operator per season, while dedicating more time on the technical elements of Siege - from tweaking its mechanics, stomping out bugs, and on-boarding the next-gen platforms, to the addition of new gadgets, weapons, and game modes and features. Still supported by millions of players, and with a spin-off title in the works - Siege's future looks brighter than a flashbang.
No Man's Sky lets you catch 'em all in new Companions update
For all of you dedicated explorers of infinity and beyond, Hello Games has launched the newest update for its intergalactic explorer No Man's Sky. And if you've been feeling a little lonely on the journey into the vast unknown, then you're about to get some company.
The "Companions" update adds the option to adopt, train, and, of course, love a wide variety of strange alien creatures, who will then accompany you as you trek through uncharted worlds and uncover further yet-to-evolve species. If you fancy PLAYING GOD, then you can also play around with the eggs of your pal, in order to breed brand new species, not unlike the abomination that hung out with the heroes in the Pole Position cartoon. Check the action out in the new trailer below.
Reggie says that E3 streams aren't enough, he wants people to be able to play the games
Now that Reggie is free from the shackles of PR, he's allowed to speak his mind.
He's remained extremely professional though! It's not like he wants to burn any bridges during his fairly active "retirement," but he's continued to give us interesting insights into the industry multiple times a year. This newest E3 advice is one that publishers still have time to heed.
While E3 pretty much has to be digital this year, Reggie tells Gamertag Radio that it "doesn't sound all that compelling." He explains that "platform holders need to find a way to digitally enable their fans," allowing them to "experience the content," because of how "key" that is for E3 as a whole.
Reggie gives the example of playing The Last of Us Part 3 potentially for the first time together, or "the next Breath of the Wild game," or "the next great game coming from the new amalgamation of all the Xbox studios." And he's absolutely right. In past years, one of my favorite E3 activities, even covering it from home, was the "surprise release." Getting to experience something with everyone at all once, even if you were physically present at E3, was magical. That spark was sorely missing from E3 2020.
As someone who covered E3 every day last year, the bombardment of streams was exhausting and generally, unrewarding. It was insane having to sit through some incredibly weak streams just because some executive had an idea that they should join in on the streaming wagon.
If someone had actually had the original idea to drop a bombshell demo, it likely would have made waves. I get that everyone had to scramble to make E3 come together in just a few scant months because plans suddenly changed, but I hope this year is different. They've had roughly a year to figure out E3 2021.
A talk with Reggie Fils-Aimé [YouTube via Nintendo Life]
'Phantasy Star Online 2 is now on the Epic Games Store,' is a phrase I never thought I'd ever write
In 2012, when I first started to really become interested in Phantasy Star Online 2, I didn't think it would ever hit western shores. And I definitely did not imagine Epic Games starting their own store to rival Steam. And I absolutely assumed that a storefront wouldn't launch without a shopping cart.
It's been a weird nine years. Alas, it is really happening. Today, folks.
As of right now, you can grab Phantasy Star Online 2 from the Epic Games Store. It's still free-to-play, and with today's update, it'll include content through Episode 6: Chapter 6. That's adding in the Luster class, which utilizes Gunslash weapons. So if you're still having Steam issues, there's another platform you can give a try. The Steam edition even came first! How about that, you don't see that very often these days.
As a reminder, while Phantasy Star Online 2 is the hotness now, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is the hotness later this year. I can't wait to see what it has in store for us, as we all experience this new iteration globally.
Still, PSO 2 made a hell of a fashionably late entrance eight years later.
PSO 2 [Epic Games Store]
DOTA: Dragon's Blood anime series hits Netflix March 25
Netflix has announced the coming of a brand new anime series based on epic strategy franchise Dota. As revealed in a new teaser trailer, which you can check out below, DOTA: Dragon's Blood is produced in association with the publisher Valve and will premiere on the streaming service March 25.
Produced by Studio MIR (Netflix Voltron, The Legend of Korra) The eight-episode animated series will follow the adventures of the Dragon Knight, Davion, (a legitimate Dota 2 character class), who becomes embroiled in world-changing events after an encounter with the Princess of the Moon, Mirana. Showrunner Ashley Edward Miller describes DOTA: Dragon's Blood as an "epic, emotional, adult-oriented story" sure to please franchise fans with its variety of recognizable characters and events.
Valve's Dota joins other gaming legends such as Castlevania, The Witcher, and Dragon's Dogma to receive a Netflix-produced anime adaptation. Whether this new series will meet the expectations of the video game's enormous fanbase remains to be seen, but given the depth and breadth of the Dota universe, there's certainly a lot of source material to pull from.
Mortal Kombat movie trailer coming February 18, Mileena teased in new poster
It feels like we probably should have gotten it way before now, but the wait is finally over, and Warner Bros. will release the first trailer for its long-awaited cinematic adaptation of Mortal Kombat, which premieres in theaters and on HBO Max April 16.
To help stoke the hype fires for the trailer's reveal, Warner Bros. also released a selection of "Motion Posters", which give us a closer look at characters Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Sonya, Raiden, Kung Lao, Jax, Kano, and My OC Do Not Steal Cole Young - along with our first glimpse yet of MK fan-favorite Mileena, as played by new kid on the block Sisi Stringer. She looks ready to start disemboweling folk, that's for damn sure.
Mortal Kombat's narrative will loosely follow that of the first game in NetherRealm Studios' gory series, as a team of heroes from Earth are charged with defending the realm in a once-in-a-generation tournament, held by sorcerer Shang Tsung. The movie has overcome multiple production hurdles caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but is now ready to rock, debuting in theaters and on HBO's paid streaming service simultaneously - a method adopted by Warner Bros. entire 2021 release slate.
The cavalry's comin' February 25 in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Season 2
Activision has released an action-packed trailer to tease the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's second season of content, which will launch in-game on February 25, bringing a slew of new skins, characters, weapons, maps, and more to the blockbuster shooter.
Following on from the raid at the Mall at the Pines in season one, good-guy-who-isn't-good-at-all Russell Adler was ultimately captured by his arch-nemesis, former KGB agent Vikor "Stitch" Kuzmin. Kuzmin no doubt has a fate worse than death planned for Adler, and has whisked the shady CIA operative away to a location hidden deep within the jungles of Laos.
All is not lost however. As this exciting cinematic below shows, a rescue mission is already underway, led by the maniacal Black Ops veteran Cpt. Frank Woods who, aided by a new squad of heroes, is preparing to storm the dense greenery, rescue Russell, and bring him home in one piece... Or at least as many pieces that Kuzmin has left him in.
Hellish Quart is tapping into Bushido Blade with its lethal duels
In the absence of a modern-day sequel to Bushido Blade, fans of Square's intense, lethal, blink-and-you're-done PS1 fighting series have been on the lookout for games that give them that same rush. I can't say Hellish Quart will reach those exact heights, but it's intriguing, and it's out today on PC.
Hellish Quart is a 17th-century fencing game with rapiers, sabers, and other fast-moving instruments of death. It's just you, another fighter, and your ability to out-think and out-strike your opponent.
The game "uses active ragdolls and all damage your blade can do is calculated with real-time physics. Four gamepad buttons represent four attack angles. Different button combinations give special attacks and combos. If you are not attacking, your character will automatically try to hold guard against your opponent's attacks. The blades really block each other and that's what's keeping you alive. To win, you must use proper timing, measure, technique, speed, and wits." Way to make it sound so simple!
Today's Early Access version currently lacks a proper story mode or online multiplayer (the creator, Kubold, suggests using Remote Play Together as a workaround), but there's a demo for Hellish Quart on Steam and GOG if you're up for the challenge. The initial user impressions paint a decent picture.
The finished game will also have a Sparring mode, more AI options, and further fighting styles.
Doom II was recreated with cardboard for this splatter-filled tribute video
The original Doom games are entirely deserving of decade-spanning fandom, and this DIY tribute from YouTube creator Games Made of Cardboard is one of the most creative and high-effort videos I've seen.
It's what you'd expect from a cardboard-ification of Doom II – until it isn't. It really goes places.
The project's creator, Bill Thorpe, didn't just painstakingly recreate the levels, demons, and HUD of Doom II using cardboard (and lots of fake blood), he also wrote a full-on script to capture the essence of this beloved game. It was a nine-month labor of love that he was "happy and relieved" to finally finish.
The fact that he got John Romero in for a quick cameo is the cherry on top for this wild endeavor.
[Via The Verge]
New World will have a meaty closed beta in July right before the full launch
Amazon has a shaky track record for its home-grown games initiative, but maybe there's hope yet for New World. Underline maybe. Not that surprisingly, the MMO's spring 2021 launch won't pan out – it's been delayed to August 31 to bolster endgame activities – and we'll see what's what in the next beta.
Folks who pre-order New World will be able to join the closed beta on July 20, the team announced.
On top of what players have already seen (including our own Chris), this beta will include an endgame zone with an "exiled empress" (Ebonscale Reach), five-player instanced PvE dungeons (Expeditions), and a 20v20 Outpust Rush mode in which teams clash over strongholds in a "primordial river basin."
What's new since the last check-in? The developers say they've "polished the combat system, added quest variety, expanded weapon and armor variety, added fishing, expanded the map to include a new region Reekwater, overhauled our crafting system, and continued to add mid-game and end-game content." The alpha build will keep pushing ahead with EU servers going online on March 30.
I'm not exactly rooting for Amazon's big foray into the game industry, but more than Crucible, this kooky fantasy game has my attention out of morbid curiosity. If New World can stick the landing in August and (crucially!) get the resources it needs to stay around for years to come, more power to it. We shall see.
