Resident Evil movie poster leaves fans asking 'Barry? Where's Barry?'
Constantin Films has released a basic teaser poster for its upcoming big-screen adaptation of Capcom's horror franchise, Resident Evil. The new poster first appeared on Twitter courtesy of actor Chad Rook, who will star in the movie reboot as S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team member Richard Aiken.
While the poster leaves much to the imagination, once can't help but immediately see the influence of Resident Evil 4's creepy artwork, putting the red in "redwoods". Somewhat clunkily dotted around the image are a selection of names, offering a who's who of Resident Evil characters who will all presumably be making their presence known in the new movie.
Noted are the "Big Four" of Chris & Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Leon S. Kennedy, alongside femme fatale Ada Wong, doomed scientist William Birkin, scuzzy Raccoon City police chief Brian Irons and, of course, antagonist Albert Wesker. But hugely conspicuous by his absence is lovable dolt Barry Burton - he of many of Resi's finest quotes and memes. If the new movie plans to mash together the casts of the franchise's earliest releases, it would be very odd not to see Mr. Burton put in an appearance.
Barry-less or otherwise, Resident Evil is scheduled to premiere in theaters September 3.
Castlevania II is a strange and pleasing thing
[Destructoid user Moths is here to suggest that the world could use more games like Simon's Quest, and for as bewildering as it can be even with a well-laid-out walkthrough, I can't say I disagree. It's a strange gem, one that sticks with you. -Jordan]
I recently replayed Castlevania II: Simon's Quest for the first time in years. Coming into it a little older and a lot more pretentious, I was struck by what a special kind of game it is. It is a failure, yes. There have been plenty of those since 1987. But it is a failure that had stood the test of time. One that has earned love and a place in history largely on the merits of its failings. This honestly hits me at a personal level. I can only dream of one day becoming an interesting failure.
Simon's Quest falls between the original Castlevania and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. It represents a wild detour in the progression between those two games. It moved the focus away from a traditional action-platforming style and onto adventure elements, with progress being gated more by exploration and puzzles than by challenge. There's a day/night cycle, and rudimentary experience and inventory systems. Grinding for currency is a relevant part of the game, but getting knocked into pits by medusa heads is not. Any player with the knowledge of how to do so can stomp Dracula to pieces in a few seconds. The knowledge of how to get that far in the first place is the hard part. And so on.
In short, it's a complete reversal of the things that make its immediate neighbours tick. That's pretty interesting! Not many sequels are so bold, nor have their boldness so immediately undone. The trouble is that none of it actually works very well. The developers were attempting to coax the NES, the Castlevania framework, and themselves into doing things that they just couldn't quite do. To put it more bluntly, it is frequently laborious, runs poorly, and makes no sense.
The result is a sort of surreal anti-game, half-dressed in the trappings of a traditional classic.
None of the normal rules seem to apply. Boss fights present no challenge, and death means nothing. Dungeons contain huge dead ends – actual dead ends, the kind that there is no reason to visit and that you almost never see in games. Sometimes you just have to go a different way. Sometimes you have to jump through a wall that isn't actually there, but looks just like all the ones that are. It's a distant precursor to Souls' illusory walls, I suppose. But these ones are mandatory.
Puzzles... aren't. Not in the prevailing sense of the word. They feel all but completely arbitrary in both narrative and mechanical terms. A greyscale man will trade you a red crystal for a blue one. You can then hold the red crystal and kneel in front of a cliff, and a whirlwind will appear to carry you up to the top. Garlic can be purchased from a man in a hidden basement, then taken to a cemetery and thrown on the ground so that another man will appear and give you a silk bag. It's a whole lot of 'what' with a giddy dearth of 'why'. There are hints available through dialogue and hidden throughout the game, but these serve more as another layer of oddness than as a guide. Indeed, many are outright lies.
The whole thing creates an alien, frustrating, deeply charming sense of something that barely knows how to be a video game, but isn't going to let that stop it.
Having this oddity squelching about in the middle of a retro dynasty like Castlevania really resonates with me, and I get the impression that I'm not alone in that. When Simon's Quest comes up, people rush to its quirks: the stilted poetry of its translations, the meekness of its final battle, the act of kneeling in front of that cliff for just long enough that you begin to wonder if you're doing it right before it works. These things stick with people. They're memorable, and they're memorably unlike the feeling that most games create. It is a game of non sequiturs and anti-climaxes. Those are taboo in this medium. And it isn't just that Simon's Quest breaks that taboo – it's that it doesn't even seem to notice it.
And that's my best attempt at talking about Simon's Quest. A sort of backhanded love letter, I guess. All comments always welcome. A parting note: Castlevania III is almost universally considered a better game than Castlevania II, and I can't disagree with that in good conscience. But I will say that the world needs Simon's Quests more than it needs Castlevania IIIs.
[Image Credit: LaunchBox]
To The Rescue is a simulation game about running a dog shelter
A dog shelter management game is a solid idea that should immediately click with a lot of people, myself included. I've run all sorts of failed virtual ventures, from theme parks to farms to hospitals to entire cities, but none of those scenarios feel as high-stakes as getting a new shelter off the ground.
Do I have what it takes to succeed in Little Rock Games' To The Rescue? I hope so!
Building out the best space, taking good care of the dogs, managing finances, dealing with health crises, promoting the shelter, and picking out the right pup for the right person – I'm into this game concept.
I want to specialize in basset hounds. If you've seen that basset hound clown car video, you'll get it.
After a successful Kickstarter in 2019, the shelter sim is back with a publisher – Freedom Games – and a new release window: Autumn 2021. On top of the original PC and Mac plans on Steam, there's also going to be a Nintendo Switch version of To The Rescue. It's aiming to be a simultaneous release.
"The game has come so far from its original scope and vision," the team wrote in a Kickstarter post. "If you've been following development, you can see what a complete overhaul our art and aesthetic has undergone, and if you've been one of our earliest supporters at events both digital and physical, you'll know that the mechanics have evolved just as much. You all made it possible for us to find a publishing partner, which in turn has made it possible for us to deliver the best experience that we possibly can!"
The development team at Little Rock Games has pledged to donate "20 percent of profits to pet shelters," which is honestly above and beyond what I would've expected. That's an extra nice gesture.
It may only be March, but I'd wager the cast of Gnosia is the most infatuating group of eclectic weirdos we'll see in gaming this year.
The 14 characters that make up the passengers of this wayward spaceship are a diverse bunch, with captivating stories to tell and styles that will undoubtedly inspire professional and amateur cosplayers alike. Throughout the game, you'll get to know each one of them, learn their often devastating histories, and figure out their tells for when it comes time to eliminate them.
Because one or more of these passengers is not who they say they are. They may look human, but in reality, they've been replaced by a Gnosia, an alien entity hellbent on the destruction of the human race. If any survive this galactic voyage, humanity is most assuredly doomed. But with no way to easily identify a Gnosia, the only thing you can do is hold a vote for who you think is most likely to be the enemy and hope to God you are right.
Hazelight's It Takes Two looks like a fun and resonant yarn
Electronic Arts has released a jovial new trailer for its upcoming co-op only adventure title It Takes Two, which will unravel on PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X March 28.
Developed by Swedish studio Hazelight - founded by charismatic shouter Josef Fares - It Takes Two is the story of feuding couple Cody and May, who find themselves turned into dolls following a magical wish made by their daughter. Now at the mercy of "Love Guru" Dr. Hakim, the pint-sized couple must conquer a series of challenges set in and around their shared home, and maybe even learn a thing or two about themselves, their relationship, and their family along the way.
Roadhog mains can't skip Overwatch's PachiMarchi Challenge
Overwatch is running the PachiMarchi Challenge this week, and folks, I need the new Roadhog skin. I know I've said I'm done playing this game, but I want to kill everyone with kindness. This is my look.
The PachiMarchi Challenge runs until March 22, and there are a few distinct rewards up for grabs, the easiest of which is just a matter of logging in. If you pop into Overwatch before the deadline, you'll get an assortment of sprays: Junkimari, Tranquilmari, Pachirilla, Pachimada, Doomari, and Hackimari.
Of course, as a "challenge," you'll also need to actually play some Overwatch.
There are three tiers of rewards, the first of which is a Pachimari Hat player icon.
Then there's this squishy new emote for Junkrat.
And best of all, Roadhog's Pachimari outfit. Nine wins and it's yours.
I appreciate that Roadhogs's love of the onion-tentacle plush is a part of his lore, and I'm sure I'm not alone in deeply missing arcades right now – not just the games, but ticket and prize machines, too.
I can't wait to jump into the cutesy world of Pocky & Rocky Reshrined
Publisher Natsume has released a new trailer for its 16-bit inspired sequel Pocky & Rocky Reshrined. The new teaser gives fans their first reasonably lengthy look at the cute-em-up's frantic top-down shooter gameplay in action.
Developed by The Tengo Project - the same outfit behind recent retro revisits Wild Guns: Reloaded and Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors - Reshrined is no mere remaster, but a fully fledged sequel to the 1992 SNES release KiKi KaiKai: Nazo no Kuro Mantle - which is better known in the west as Pocky & Rocky. The new game will see the determined shrine maiden and her faithful tanuki buddy battle waves of enemies in a spanking new adventure - one that has been a long time coming, for sure!
Utilizing a brand new engine but retaining the charming 16-bit aesthetic of the original title, the cutesy sequel looks like a lightweight bit of fun for players looking to while away the weekend with a bit of old-school fun. I'm definitely going to be checking out the action when Pocky & Rocky Reshrined launches, this fall, on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
The Division 2 to get a brand new mode and season re-runs in 2021
As previously reported, strategic shooter Tom Clancy's The Division 2 is not quite ready to hang up its holsters just yet. While many thought the team at Massive Entertainment was getting ready to sunset the team-based merc shooter, the developer announced that 2021 would see a fresh run of content for the title's dedicated playerbase.
Speaking in a new blog post titled "The Road Ahead", Massive revealed that this year will see a brand new game mode arrive in The Division 2's playlist. While no details were forthcoming, the mode is listed as "entirely new to the franchise." In addition, the team is working on new ways for players to progress their in-game operatives, with hopes of offering more in the way of both variety and viability for The Division 2's builds and classes.
Players are expected to have spent $20 billion on loot boxes by 2025
Video game players are expected to have spent an approximate $20 billion on in-game loot boxes by 2025. That's the finding of a new report from the number-crunchers at Juniper Research.
As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, Juniper Research ascertains that around 230 million players - or roughly 5% of the entire gaming community - will have laid down dollar for some form of "mystery" microtransaction, with the institute predicting an average loot box revenue growth of around 5% each year - though the report does suggest that sales will inevitably fall with players growing weary of the mechanic, as well as the ever-increasing likelihood of global government legislation.
"Loot boxes in their traditional form are often considered exploitative; leading to increased legislative scrutiny," said Juniper Research's Nick Hunt in the sobering report. "We expect to see game publishers react to this in future by changing loot box formats, in order to keep them compelling and outside the legal realms of gambling."
Unsurprisingly, mobile platforms are expected to make up the lion's share of all loot box sales, with China and other Far Eastern territories responsible for around half of all loot box sales. North America sits in second place when it comes to microtransaction expenditure.
Loot boxes remain a constant source of controversy in the industry. Electronic Arts is currently embroiled in multiple class-action lawsuits resulting from the implementation of loot boxes in popular sports titles such as FIFA and Madden. Earlier today, German officials briefly considered raising the legal age requirement to purchase a video game that features loot box mechanics, but have since relented on the decision.
Loot boxes to generate $20 billion by 2025 [GamesIndustry.biz]
Forza Horizon 4 is on Steam and there's cross-play
[Update: Forza Horizon 4 launched today on Steam and there's a free car for all platforms. You can get the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS if you sign into your Xbox profile before March 14 at 10:00 am Pacific.]
Playground Games' crowd-favorite racing series Forza Horizon is coming to Steam. The studio is collaborating with Sumo Digital to bring the latest entry, Forza Horizon 4, to Steam on March 9, 2021.
If you've held off with the Windows 10 version, there you go. The Steam edition of Forza Horizon 4 will have cross-play, so Xbox One, Windows 10, and even Android players (using the cloud) can compete.
For those of you who don't closely follow the series but might be inclined to change your ways with this news, Forza Horizon 4 is the one in Britain that leans into shifting seasons. As our dear friend Brett said in his review at the time, "winter can be a pain in the ass and not nearly as enjoyable as the other three seasons," but it's the "only season that feels truly unique and actually affects the way driving works."
DLC like the Hot Wheels Legends Car Pack and expansions like Fortune Island and LEGO Speed Champions will be sold separately on Steam, but that's business as usual. I wasn't expecting otherwise.
Coming soon - the #HotWheels Legends Car Pack.
— Forza Horizon (@ForzaHorizon) February 8, 2021
1:64 just wasn't enough for these Legends. @Hot_Wheels pic.twitter.com/tFthgvaNzx
Here are the PC system requirements if you need them.
Minimum
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 version 15063.0 or higher
- Processor: Intel i3-4170 @ 3.7Ghz OR Intel i5 750 @ 2.67Ghz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVidia 650TI OR AMD R7 250x
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 80 GB available space
Recommended
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 version 15063.0 or higher
- Processor: Intel i7-3820 @ 3.6Ghz
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVidia GTX 970 OR NVidia GTX 1060 3GB OR AMD R9 290x OR AMD RX 470
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 100 GB available space
It's easy to underestimate Xbox Game Studios' involvement with Steam without thinking about it, but when take stock on the XGS landing page, there are some fantastic games. The list keeps growing.
Famed port producer Panic Button wants to bring Valheim to Switch
Valheim came out at the start of February and has been taking the survival community, and beyond, by storm. But right now it's squarely housed on PC: something developer Iron Gate may want to rectify at some point. Enter Panic Button to save the day?
Speaking to Nintendo Life in the context of bringing Apex Legends to Switch, they mused on wanting to take up the task. The famed studio that has handled many successful Switch ports like Doom, Doom Eternal, Wolfenstein, and Subnautica, expressed interest in a Valheim on Switch. After being asked if they could bring "any game" to Switch without limitations, one of the developers raised their hands.
Head of Production Dan Hernberg explains: "I'm not sure if this is my 'any game pick' but, right now I'm playing way too much Valheim and I would love to port that to Switch." But Technical Director Andy Boggs and Respawn's Chad Grenier also chimed in, saying they'd love to see Bloodborne and Dyson Sphere Program on Switch respectively.
At this point, in Panic Button I trust. If there's a game that exists and it's remotely feasible to bring it to Switch, I'd give them a call.
Panic Button And Respawn On The Challenge Of Bringing Apex Legends On Switch [Nintendo Life]
Seven years after the movie, Turbo Kid is getting a gore-filled game
Well, here's one story I didn't expect I'd ever be covering. Canadian developer Outerminds has announced it is currently hard at work on a video game adaptation of over-the-top action movie Turbo Kid, set for release some seven years after the movie's premiere.
For those less inclined, Turbo Kid was a low-budget Canadian flick produced during a movie-making zeitgeist which saw an abundance of "'80s grindhouse movies" that - while capturing the spirit of the era - weren't really like '80s grindhouse movies. Set in the post-apocalyptic future of 1997, Turbo Kid is the story of an orphaned BMX bandit - The Kid - who battles the armies of warlord Zeus (Michael Ironside) in order to liberate the wasteland and save the (extremely excitable) gal of his dreams, Apple.
Well, It's a bit like TimeRider: The Adventures of Lyle Swann, I guess.
For a moment there, Theseus, not Zagreus, was the hero of Hades
We all love Zagreus, right? Right?!
He's the broody protagonist you either enjoy or don't mind playing, but for a second there, we almost had a more boisterous hero. Speaking to The Verge, developer Supergiant Games explains that Theseus, one of the game's most contentious enemies, almost made the cut.
It would have dealt with Theseus delving into the Crete labyrinth, building the hero myth as you played. The team notes: "So kind of cerebrally, he was interesting. But when we were trying to bring him to life as a protagonist, he has this risk of being kind of very generic. But as soon as we start adding specific detail to him, he just doesn't really feel like Theseus anymore."
Here's the crux of why the change was made. Studio co-founder Amir Rao elaborates, stating: "[Creative Director Greg Kasavin] sort of had this idea that we could probably keep everything in the game, but recast it as Zagreus. These different ideas, all these different characters, they all kind of came together. Within I think a day or two he had convinced everyone that it was a better idea."
I mean, to be real, Hades probably would have been fine with a different main character. The interpersonal relationships could have been just as deep and the gameplay could have been 100% the same, as Zagreus was like mechanical modeling clay for whatever the developers wanted him to do.
It's nice that it turned out the way it did, but Supergiant likely had a hit on their hands either way. And that Theseus idea is still fire. A sequel, perhaps?
Hades almost starred its worst character [The Verge]
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel anime coming in 2022
Legendary developer Nihon Falcom has announced that it is teaming with a quartet of production companies to produce an anime adaptation of adventure series The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel. The new series is expected to launch on TV in 2022.
Details are incredibly thin on the ground at this pre-production stage, but the title would suggest that the series will follow a similar narrative to the Trails of Cold Steel series - also known as the "Erebonia arc" - which began in 2013 on the PS3 and PS Vita and concluded in the fall of 2018 with the release of Trails of Cold Steel IV on PS4.
The project will see Falcom team with its Asian distributor UserJoy Technology, renown anime distributor Funimation Global Group, anime production company NADA Holdings, and finally content funding affiliate SYOU.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel TV anime project announced [Gematsu]
Even Netflix is ditching Mario at the end of March
The Mario apocalypse continues.
As most of you know by now, several games, one device, and even one instance of Wii U online play functionality are going away on March 31 for several Mario games. Even an old Fire Emblem game is being removed from the eShop for good measure! But now, it's come to light that The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 on Netflix will be removed from some regions on that same date.
As a note, the US doesn't even have the show, but for the regions that do, there's an obvious reason for this. CBS All Access has been revamped into Paramount+, which is where the shows will be headed.
It's just another casualty of the streaming wars, as Netflix continues to be stripped for parts and attempt to rely on its original programming to weather the storm. They planned for this! But it's still hilarious timing given everything else that's happening to Mario on March 31, 2021.
Mevans [Twitter via Nintendo Life]
A new trademark could hint at a Chocobo Racing return
Chocobo Racing was an absolutely staple '90s game. I mean, it came at the tail-end of the '90s, but it epitomized Square Enix's attempt to spin off anything and everything Final Fantasy related after VII hit it so big. And mascot kart racers? They were '90s comfort food. It was the perfect combination that formed a very fun little racer, and it might be coming back.
Square Enix tried to resurrect it once before! In the mid-2010s there was talk of reviving the series on 3DS, but it was quietly canceled because of the "quality of the game" behind the scenes. But hopefully this new trademark will give us some hope, as "Chocobo GP" and "Chocobo Grand Prix" have been registered in several countries (Europe, Australia, Canada) recently.
It could be a remaster or remake, or a new game: we don't really know at this point. But either way, I'd definitely welcome the chicken overlord back into the fray given how long he's been gone. I mean if Crash Team Racing can get a revival, and Mario Kart is still around and selling, why not?!
Chocobo GP [Chizai-Watch via Gematsu]
Microsoft has completed ZeniMax/Bethesda acquisition, notes 'some' games will be Xbox exclusive
This morning, Microsoft officially confirmed that it has completed its $7.5 billion USD acquisition of ZeniMax Media and its subsidiary companies. As of today, Bethesda Softworks, its studios, and range of IPs and licenses are now officially Xbox-owned properties.
"It's an honor to welcome the eight incredibly talented development studios – Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios - and their passionate global communities to the Xbox family," said Xbox head Phil Spencer in a statement. "Our goal is to give these teams the best foundation for doing their greatest work and to learn from them as we continue to build Xbox into an inclusive platform for all players."
"This is the next step in building an industry-leading first party studios team, a commitment we have to our Xbox community. With the addition of the Bethesda creative teams, gamers should know that Xbox consoles, PC, and Game Pass will be the best place to experience new Bethesda games, including some new titles in the future that will be exclusive to Xbox and PC players."
Sonic the Hedgehog and pals to join Tomy's Club Mocchi plush collection
As Sonic the Hedgehog's 30th anniversary year continues, more and more companies are producing merchandise celebrating the Blue Blur and his army of fuzzy friends. The latest in this line of product announcements comes from Japanese toy manufacturer Tomy, who is adding Sonic and his friends to its collectible "Club Mocchi" line of plush dolls.
The Club Mocchi range of plushies are cute and cuddly toys stylized after a variety of video game icons. Characters and items already featured in the range include Kirby, a Zelda Octorock, a Splatoon Squid, Super Mario Bros.' Boo, and Mario Kart's Blue Shell. The first item from the Sonic license will be the smart-alec hedgehog himself, alongside his fox pal Tails. Further characters to be announced down the line - a must for Sonic memorabilia collectors.
Rumor: Microsoft to discuss Bethesda acquisition and what it means for Xbox fans later this week
Earlier this week, Microsoft received approval from both the U.S. Securities & Exchanges Commission and the European Commission regarding its $7.5 billion USD acquisition of ZeniMax Media, essentially making the latter's studios and publishers Xbox-owned studios.
According to sources speaking with VentureBeat, Microsoft is planning to discuss what this industry-shaking transaction means for Xbox going forward, with specific regard to the Xbox Game Pass service. According to VentureBeat's sources, Microsoft is currently preparing a video presentation for broadcast Thursday, March 11, in order to better explain its plans for its newly owned studios such as Bethesda Softworks.
Of course, one of the biggest concerns from a customer standpoint revolves around exclusivity deals, and whether Xbox will now hold firm to titles such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, Wolfenstein, and others. At present it remains unclear as to whether Microsoft intends to broach this subject in the presentation, focusing more on its plans to bring the aforementioned franchises to the Game Pass service.
It is also noted that the presentation is not an E3-style "reveal" deal. This isn't going to be a showcase for new and upcoming games. The report states that this is more a matter of business, as Microsoft begins to set out its goals for its soon-to-be-acquired portfolio of new studios and blockbuster brands, boosting its inventory to some 23 development teams. We will, of course, let you know as/when further details of this presentation are officially confirmed.
Xbox and Bethesda will talk this week about what the acquisition means [GamesBeat]
Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy leaks onto Xbox Store
An as-yet-unannounced compilation of recent Tomb Raider releases appeared on Microsoft's Xbox Store this past weekend, only to vanish just as quickly.
According to the long-gone listing, spotted by ResetEra users, The Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy is comprised of three titles taken from Lara Croft's grisly modern reboot: Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. The trilogy supports HDR/4K visuals and comes packaged with all previously released DLC, along with each title's respective online/multiplayer modes.
According to the listing, the Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy is scheduled to launch on Xbox One March 18, although it would seem very likely that the same package will also be available on PlayStation platforms. Once official confirmation from Tomb Raider publisher Square Enix is forthcoming, we will be sure to update you. So stay tuned.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy popped up on Microsoft Store [Eurogamer]
Apex Legends for Switch will likely receive cross-progression, but not for some time
Today sees the release of EA's futuristic battle royale title Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch, bringing all of the explosive action of the Respawn Entertainment developed shooter to the hybrid console. Players can dive straight into the action with a huge roster of "Legends", a double XP event, and the option to play with the community-at-large, thanks to its optional cross-play capabilities.
But for those perhaps hoping on making a permanent transition from Apex Legends' current PC and console ports to the Switch, I'm afraid that you'll have to start from scratch, as the new release does not support cross-progression - at least not in the immediate future. Speaking to Nintendo Life, Game director Chad Grenier spoke of his regret that the team cannot offer cross-progression at present, but noted that they are working hard to make it a possibility at some point down the line.
You don't need a slingshot to pop balloons in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
My favorite video game clips are the ones where players show off a mechanic, feature, or trick that's either obscure, entertainingly unnecessary, or just plain easily overlooked by most people. If the idea is hiding in plain sight, even better! I want to feel silly for not even considering doing it before.
One recent-to-me example: you can use a bug net to pop balloons in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
When you don’t have a slingshot... from r/AnimalCrossing
You could be a normal player and just use a slingshot, of course. Or, if you want to live a little after spending countless hours with this game, you can load up the Island Designer app on your phone, plop down a cliff, climb up it with your ladder, and knock down the floating present with your humble net.
As impractical as this is, more than anything, I appreciate Reddit user ItzStarr86 demonstrating an alternate use for the terraforming tools. They're great in theory but they're too finicky for me.
Realistically, I'm never going to use this trick, but I love that I can – a cute a-ha moment.
That's mighty fine art for Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part Two
Bethesda shared the key art for Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part Two, and yep, it's awesome.
Let's not forget that the art for The Ancient Gods - Part One was also on-point.
What about the DLC itself? When can we play it?
Based on the difficulty of the first part, I hope your aim, your traversal skills, and your ocular-patdown instincts are ready to go. Bethesda plans to release a teaser trailer for The Ancient Gods - Part Two on March 15, so the wait shouldn't be too much longer now. Doom Eternal turns one on March 20.
It's worth reminding everyone – myself included! – that Doom Eternal will have a free PS5 and Xbox Series X/S upgrade. I'm expecting to feel like Milhouse when he entered his name in Bonestorm.
In the meantime, if you're okay with spoiling yourself, the Part Two achievements leaked.
I hope you like monotony, because The Tick on SNES and Genesis is crammed full of it
Licensed games are sort of a low-hanging fruit in terms of kusoge, and I have no shame in picking them. They have always, always been hit or miss. You either get a developer that loves the property and tries to do it justice, or you get someone that's just cranking games out of contractual obligation. That's why, on one hand, we have Batman on the NES, which is awesome, while on the other hand, we have Predator on the NES, which is the video game equivalent of drinking a warm glass of garbage water.
Then there are these games that are in between. They're not horrible, someone on the team obviously had some affection for the license, but somewhere along the line, something was lacking. Maybe it was talent, maybe it was vision, or maybe it was corporate meddling. The Tick on SNES and Genesis is one such game. It's not completely bad at first glean, but dig too far beneath the frosting on top, and you wind up eating sand.
Nintendo Switch has deals on Mario games (and Luigi's Mansion 3) for MAR10 Day
With Nintendo still pledging to stop selling "Mario 35th anniversary celebration" games like Super Mario 3D All-Stars at the end of March, our attention is elsewhere in the Mushroom Kingdom this month, but it wouldn't be MAR10 Day – March 10 – without several discounts on "Mario games" for Switch.
If you're in the mood for a Mario romp – or want to show your support for Luigi instead – the following Nintendo Switch titles are discounted until March 13 at 11:59 pm Pacific on the Nintendo eShop:
- Super Mario Party ($38.99)
- Super Mario Maker 2 ($38.99)
- Mario Tennis Aces ($38.99)
- Luigi's Mansion 3 ($38.99)
35 percent off during a 35th anniversary? You lucked out on this one, Nintendo.
Strangely, Super Mario Odyssey – arguably the best Mario adventure in a good long time – isn't a part of Nintendo's MAR10 Day eShop sale. That said, Amazon and Walmart have it for $38.88 right now.
You can make a case for any of these games, especially Luigi's Mansion 3 and Mario Maker 2, but I'll add that Super Mario Party is a real I-guess-I'll-get-it-at-that-price sort of jam. Go in expecting that the game is what it is – there won't be content updates – and cook some meat cubes. The mini-games are fun, just don't forget that you need a Joy-Con for every player since Pro Controllers are prohibited.
Me? I'm too busy ignoring Super Mario 3D World in favor of Bowser's Fury.
Mario leads Nintendo's continued success in the UK sales charts
Nintendo Switch titles remain the most popular physical purchases in the UK's gaming market, a trend that has seen the Japanese industry giant dominate the UK Charts for the first quarter of 2021. Leading the charge is the indelible Super Mario Bros. series, which has seen steady and persistent sales across its range of re-released Switch titles.
This past week saw Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury retain the number one spot for a fourth week running, making it a month on top for the Wii-U remaster. Social sim Animal Crossing: New Horizons sits at number three, having held a Top Ten position for almost an entire year. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario 3D All-Stars sit at number four and six respectively, while the Switch edition of Minecraft and exercise 'em up Ring Fit Adventure fill out the back end of the Top Ten.
Elsewhere in the Top Ten, Square Enix' RPG Bravely Default II plummeted from number 11 to number 33, which is de rigueur for most non-Final Fantasy JRPGs, at least in regards to the UK's physical sales. Sega's Yakuza: Like a Dragon poked its head back into the chart scene at number 35, thanks to the release of the new PS5 port, while Atlus' Persona 5 Strikers has already left the Top 40 entirely.
Disintegration didn't catch on and now V1 Interactive is closing
V1 Interactive, the studio behind last year's squad-commanding strategy shooter Disintegration, is shutting down this month. The FPS-meets-RTS game about robots with transplanted human brains didn't review all that well, and five months after it was released, the multiplayer modes went offline.
"We want to thank all the talented people at V1, both past and present, who helped make the last five years wonderful," V1 tweeted. "And a heartfelt thanks to the amazing community that supported us."
In another tweet, V1 Interactive president Marcus Lehto said that "our priority has been to the wellbeing of our employees. We've been transparent with them about the state of things for months and are making this decision now so they still have ample time to search for new jobs while being supported by our studio." Other than V1, Lehto is best-known for his hand in creating the Halo series.
As grim as the post-launch outlook seemed for Disintegration, I had hoped the studio's publishing deal with Private Division (a label under Take-Two Interactive) would've insulated V1 to a greater extent.
It's always a shame to see a smaller- or mid-sized studio working on a new IP go out so soon.
Microsoft's $7.5 billion ZeniMax/Bethesda deal approved by SEC and EU Commission
Microsoft is now one step closer to completing its acquisition of ZeniMax Media, having sought and received approval from both the European Commission and the U.S. Securities & Exchanges Commission (SEC) both of whom offered no opposition to the multi-billion dollar deal from taking place.
By law, Microsoft was obliged to seek approval from the statutory bodies on the basis of Antitrust - essentially global laws that are in place in order to supervise and prevent the formation of monopolies within a given industry. This is a common legal procedure in transactions of this nature, and was also sought by Tencent during the conglomerate's acquisition of mobile giant King in 2016.
Having received approval from both the EU Commission and the SEC, Microsoft is now expected to press forward with the $7.5 billion transaction, which is expected to see completion in late-2021. The deal gives Microsoft ownership of ZeniMax Media and its subsidiary studios and licenses, including those of video game publisher Bethesda Softworks.
Bethesda and Microsoft have previously assured video game fans that the new deal does not automatically designate all future Bethesda releases as Xbox/PC exclusives, suggesting that title exclusivity will be designated on a "case-by-case" basis. Bethesda's next release, Deathloop, will retain its initial PlayStation exclusivity despite the Microsoft purchase.
Nintendo and Universal are planning on opening Super Nintendo World on March 18
It's crazy to think that Super Nintendo World "isn't open yet," because there are hundreds upon hundreds of videos of people crowding into the park and doing vlogs of every single facet of it; but alas, it's not "officially open." That allegedly changes on March 18.
If you recall, the latest delay snatched away the prior launch date of February 4, due to a state of emergency that was declared in the Osaka prefecture. That delay was in mid-January, but here we are, mere days away from the new March 18 target, and Nintendo is giving the all-clear.
Things could change, but as of now, even the official Nintendo account is banking on March 18, beyond the purview of the Universal of Japan PR machine. Universal mind, elaborates on the opening, stating that there will be "strengthened" health measures to account for the decision.
If you can't go just check out this full park map and look up anything you're interested on YouTube. Again, there are hundreds of videos combing over every single part of the park in full HD, even full ride walkthroughs. We also have a hands-on look at the new Power-Up Bands!
Nintendo [Twitter]
Zynga pledges $100,000 to support Girls Who Code initiative
Mobile game giant Zynga has pledged $100,000 from its Social Impact Fund in a new partnership with Girls Who Code (GWC), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and tutoring girls and young women in computer sciences, with an aim to close the gender gap in technological industries.
"Zynga is honored to team up with Girls Who Code to help forge a more inclusive industry in tech and games by expanding opportunities for girls and women across the globe," said Zynga's Chief Legal Officer Phuong Phillips. "Through their virtual workshops, school clubs, mentorship programs, networking and more, we are hoping to build the next generation of women in STEAM to help them to prepare and thrive in the tech workforce."
The support from Zynga will go towards the operation of computing clubs across the United States, Canada, the UK, and India. These free-to-attend events offer training and education for girls and young women interested in coding, design, and other computing-based roles. The clubs offer tutelage and information from a professional body of mentors, helping to train and inspire students while providing access to technology and resources unavailable to those from low-income communities.
"We know that passionate, diverse, ambitious young women are the key to transforming our workplace and our world," said Dr. Tarika Barrett, Girls Who Code's incoming CEO. "We're excited to partner with Zynga this International Women's Day to send a loud signal to young women everywhere that they belong in technology and that they have support in their journey from school into the workforce. Zynga and Girls Who Code share a vision of a more fair and equitable workforce, where women of all backgrounds rise to the top."
To date, GWC has reached over 300,000 women worldwide, with 80,000 college-aged alumni now majoring in Computer Science or other related fields. GWC hopes to have closed the gender gap for entry-level jobs in the computing industry by the year 2030, utilizing and expanding its club program - as well as its global network of mentors and industry professionals - in order to offer more young women the opportunity to achieve their goals.
For more information about Girls Who Code, please visit the organization's official website.
Rust: Console Edition looks pretty good all things considered
2020 was a quiet year for the still-happening PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Rust, but big plans are in motion this year. Double Eleven put out a new trailer for Rust: Console Edition today, thanked fans for their ongoing support, and sent out the first batch of closed beta keys. No release date, though.
[Update: Double Eleven is now aiming for a Spring 2021 release for Rust: Console Edition, and the studio shared a handful of new screenshots. The closed beta will stick around for "the next few weeks."]
If you put your name in the hat for the Rust console beta and haven't heard back, it's not a lost cause. The initial invitees will help "test out server stability," but the developer "can't invite everyone just yet."
I appreciate that Facepunch Studios and Double Eleven didn't try to rush out the console ports (or drop them for PS5 and Xbox Series X). I mean, Rust is doing tremendously well for itself on PC with a bright future still ahead of it, and there's no real hurry so long as the wait is worth it. As short as this footage is, it looks in line with what I was expecting for "Rust running on a PS4 and Xbox One" – decent enough.
Let's just say console versions of PC-first survival games aren't always up to the task.
The Dynasty Warriors movie looks just as over-the-top as the games
Wait, there's a Dynasty Warriors movie? And it has crazy fantasy action just like the Koei Tecmo game series? Yes! But you may have even vaguely heard about it already.
For a while now the Dynasty Warriors film, crafted in China, has seen multiple delays, but it looks like it's going to finally come out very soon. As analyst Daniel Ahmad reports, it's due out on April 30 of this year in China, with an additional release in Hong Kong. There is no confirmation of a western release at this time.
The new trailer, which debuted this morning, showcases a few fan favorite characters, as well as plenty of action and a little drama. The costumes are completely on point, as is the "1 versus 100" action sequence later in the clip.
Whether all of that will come together for a good, or even enjoyable viewing experience is yet to be seen. But the trailer did pique my interest!
Dynasty Warriors [YouTube via Daniel Ahmad]
Content Warning: This game, and thus the review, contains depictions and descriptions of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Having been Kickstarted in 2014, Omori seems to have gone under many people's radar, myself included. While at a glance, it may be easy to write this off as something chasing the popularity of Undertale. But that does this game an incredible disservice. Sure, plenty of similarities exist, and I do think that fans of Undertale will enjoy Omori, but man is Omori in its own category here, for better or worse.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will deliver its final Trunks DLC later this year
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot launched at the beginning of 2020, and it's been steadily getting a few major updates here and there. It even got a new card game mode! But now things are winding down a bit with what is seemingly the last DLC, which will once again feature Trunks; just like the Xenoverse 2 add-on due out this month.
It's called "Trunks: The Warrior of Hope," and will feature a time-bending storyline that involves the Androids winning the confrontation from the anime arc. To wit, Gohan and Trunks will defend the honor of the Earth against the Androids.
You can get a quick rundown of the setup, which involves the Androids killing several key members of the Dragon Ball cast, with Trunks and Gohan chilling on a mountainside, ready to strike and have their vengeance.
"What if..." Marvel-esque stories are perfect for this show, as there are so many directions Bandai Namco could take it. And it seems like they have carte blanche to draw upon whatever timelines they want, so why not experiment more?
Warrior of Hope is due out in the "summer of 2021" still, and will put a cap on the DLC for Kakarot, unless we hear otherwise.
Literal lone wolf Eustace is coming to Granblue Fantasy: Versus
CyGames' visually stunning fighter Granblue Fantasy: Versus is still kickin' ass, and in fact has just announced that next DLC character joining its roster as part of the anime punch-up's second season pass. Locked 'n' loaded, the sharpshooting marksman Eustace will be arriving in-game late next month.
This quite literal "lone wolf" wanders the world as a vigilante, bringing justice to Skydom and visiting harm upon those who seek to inflict pain and punishment on the innocent. A master marksman, Eustace packs heat in the form of his beautifully ornate rifle, "Flamek Thunder," which will no doubt come into play as a part of his Granblue Fantasy: Versus fighting style.
As a weapons master, Eustace is expected to play as a ranged fighter, but we'll know more come April 15, when our wild boy will receive an official gameplay trailer. Additionally, CyGames has also announced a third Battle Pass will be added to Granblue Fantasy: Versus in April, which will offer up numerous exclusive cosmetic items including color variants, weapon skins, avatars, and lobby cards.
Nintendo of Europe backs up removing Mario games at the end of March
So you're saying there's a chance Nintendo won't pull a handful of Mario games at the end of the month? Well, there's always a chance! But it doesn't look good.
As a reminder, Nintendo of Japan cleared that notion up very quickly at the start of the month, explaining that yes, they were intending to go through with dropping Mario 3D All-Stars, Mario 35, and the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. handheld. Now, Nintendo of Europe is joining in.
They even have a whole landing page, not just a tweet! The page explains: "The Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary will come to an end on March 31st, 2021. After this date, the following limited-time products and services released in special recognition of the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. will end or be removed from sale."
It notes that you can of course redownload All-Stars if you have it linked to your account, even if it'll be removed from sale; but, as expected, Super Mario Bros. 35 is being completely nuked, even if you have it downloaded, as it's an online-only game. As for the handheld, "The Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. system will continue to be shipped to retailers through approximately March 31st, 2021, and will be available for purchase while supplies last."
So there's a chance there! "Apparel and other products" are also part of the nuclear option. And the page doesn't mention Super Mario Maker for Wii U being taken offline, because Nintendo doesn't like acknowledging the Wii U in any shape or form anymore unless you include employees that are no longer with the company.
Funnily enough, Nintendo of Europe does note that Bowser's Fury, Mario All-Stars for Switch Online, and Mario Kart Live will "continue to be available." Thanks!
Important information regarding the end of Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary [Nintendo]
Gogeta (SS4) joins the Dragon Ball FighterZ roster this week
The excellent Dragon Ball FighterZ is still going strong, having recently seen its third anniversary with no signs of slowing down just yet. In fact, DBFZ's third season of content continues this week, with the arrival of DLC character Gogeta (SS4). The fearsome fighter will launch on PS4, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch March 12. (Though season pass owners can get in on the action two days early on March 10).
Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta is the fusion of Super Saiyan Goku and Super Saiyan Vegeta. This immensely powerful warrior made an appearance in the Dragon Ball GT anime, when the two friendly rivals fused in order to take down the ridiculously spiky Omega Shenron. The combined might of the Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta fusion was so great that it only lasted mere minutes before the heroes were forced to defuse.
As you can see in the brief trailer below, Gogeta (SS4) is an immensely confident - even arrogant - fighter, which is pretty brazen given that goofy-ass tail. Gogeta (SS4) joins DBFZ's near 40-strong roster, which features a wide variety of Goku and Vegeta variants, alongside a selection of more individual characters such as Frieza, Videl, Cooler, and Android 21.
Check out The World Ends with You anime new trailer and ending theme
Square Enix, in collaboration with Domerica and Shin-Ei Animation, has released a third trailer for the upcoming anime adaptation of JRPG The World Ends with You. The new video features the debut of the anime's ending theme "Carpe Diem," as performed by Japanese musician ASCA.
The new anime is a straight re-telling of the narrative from the kinetic 2007 Nintendo DS release. The World Ends with You the animation will follow the story of unruly teen Neku Sakuraba, who wakes within a ghostly side-reality known as The Underground (UG). Palling up with several equally confused teens also lost within this split-dimension, Neku and his new companions must learn of their respective fates and face the challenges that await them within the strange, otherworldly contest known as "Reapers' Game".
The World Ends with You the animation will premiere in Japan on April 9. For those who can't wait, March 14 will see Square Enix host a special pay-per-view "UG Shibuya FES" live stream, which will include an advance screen of the first episode, (complete with English subtitles), interviews with cast and crew members, and the opportunity to win exclusive prizes. For full details on this event, check out the Subarashki Anime website.
So Capcom just unleashed a ton of Monster Hunter news this morning. You ready?
First up is Rise. It's still due out on March 26, but now we know that a second demo is coming on March 12. This one is very similar to the first one, with the four quests from that one to boot; but it'll contain a new "seasoned hunter" challenge against Magnamalo. A new clip also showcased Zinogre and Nargacuga, as well as "Silkbind Attack" mechanics (allowing you to craft/customize new weapon combos). A camera mode was also confirmed.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 also got some love, as co-op multiplayer was teased, as well as the existence of three amiibo: a development we already knew about thanks to a PlayAsia listing leak. The three figures are Ena, Razewing Ratha, and Tsukino, and they are confirmed to be coming west. Sadly, they are GameStop exclusives.
Stories 2 is out on July 9, and you can check out the deluxe edition below; as well as both new trailers.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 refuses to stop getting DLC
Pop quiz, hotshot! When did Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 come out?
If you answered...2016, you are correct! Bandai Namco is showing once again that Dragon Ball games can be a decent investment, time-wise, as they're peddling even more DLC very soon. In addition to a free update, "Legendary Pack 1" will launch as paid DLC on March 18. It'll feature Toppo and Pikkon, as well as a Janemba mascot.
The trailer below will give you a quick overview of what's up, with a decent chunk of footage and story bits. The publisher notes that this pack will include a "new story," and will feature Trunks battling against Fu. There's even a little teaser at the end!
Every so often this one beckons me back like a Siren's song. The free update, which hits on March 16, will help.
Genshin Impact welcomes the Windblume Festival starting March 17
As they continue to rake in money hand over fist, the developers behind international sensation Genshin Impact are showing no signs of slowing down. Over the weekend, Mihoyo broadcast an informational video detailing some of the changes players will see with the upcoming ver. 1.4 update. Not only are there quality of life improvements to look forward to, such as the ability to lower the World Level if needed, but there is also a festival to experience provided you've advanced far enough in the game.
Players who've reached an Adventure Level of 20 or more and have completed the Song of the Dragon and Freedom Archon Quest will be able to partake in the Windblume Festival. An ancient tradition in Mondstadt, the festival will feature three mini-games for adventurers that test their gliding, archery, and ballad skills. Succeed in these games and you'll net yourself rewards and Festival Tour Tickets that can be exchanged for exclusive items and level-up materials. Players can also test their might in the Peculiar Wonderland during the festival. This is a series of trials designed to challenge the full gamut of players' abilities.
Of course, it wouldn't be a real update if there wasn't a new character to obsessively try to add to your roster. Rosario "Thorny Benevolence" will be available with the update as a 4-star playable character.
Final Fantasy XIV has banned over 5000 players for real money trading
Square Enix has announced that it has taken steps to ban the accounts of over 5000 Final Fantasy XIV players, after the publisher discovered evidence that the owners of said accounts were engaged in real-money trading (RMT) and other "illicit activities" within its online RPG.
The account purge - which took place during the final week of February 2021 - was noted on the official Square Enix website in a very officious statement, also asking the FF XIV community for its help in the identifying and reporting of traders and in-game cheaters.
"Real money trading (RMT) and other illicit activities upset the balance of the game and, as such, are prohibited under the Terms of Service," said the publisher. "Players who discover any confirmed cheats should, under no circumstances, exploit or disseminate such information. Instead, we ask that players file a report by using the in-game command [System Menu] > [Support Desk] > [Contact Us] > [Report Cheating]."
"In addition, any witnessed RMT advertisement can be reported by right clicking the character name in the chat log and selecting the menu [Report] > [Report RMT Activity].
The report will be processed automatically, and if determined to fall under RMT advertising, the reported character's comments will be restricted. We will continue to take stringent disciplinary action against any accounts with confirmed involvement in RMT/illicit activity; players should take care to steer clear of any activity that violates the Terms of Service."
Final Fantasy XIV launched on PC back in the fall of 2010 and is still going strong over a decade later, with an approximate 20 million players having logged in to the continent of Eorzea since the title's launch. A brand new expansion, Endwalker, is currently in development at Square Enix, and is scheduled to launch in-game this fall.
Final Fantasy XIV bans over 5,000 players for using real money in-game [PCGamesN]
Neptunia x Senran Kagura crossover RPG announced
In a collaboration set to rock the foundations of the very galaxy itself, Compile Heart has announced that goofy adventure series Hyperdimension Neptunia is getting set to crossover with cheeky cheesecake franchise Senran Kagura for a brand new, sword-and-sorcery, action RPG.
As revealed by Famitsu, the succinctly titled Senran Nin Nin Ninja Taisen Neptune: Shoujo-tachi no Kyouen is currently in development for PS4, and is tentatively scheduled to launch in Japan later in 2021. An expectedly silly premise sees two ninja schools - one trained in the art of "Command" attack and the other in the art of "Action" attack, combine forces when the land is invaded by a mysterious third school of unknown origin, kicking off the world-shaking "Super Ninja Wars."
Save the princess from a catfish pirate in Jaleco's Ninja Jajamaru-Kun
While the Famicom saw release in the middle of 1983, most of North America wouldn't see the NES until sometime in 1986. There's actually a good few games that came out before the NES landed that never really got localized, such as Challenger, Chack'n Pop, and Antarctic Adventure. Being on the wrong side of The Legend of Zelda's and Metroid's releases, most are cyclical arcade jaunts, but some are still worthwhile places to visit.
On this Famicom Friday, we'll be taking a look at one of these primordial games that would go on to spawn its own franchise. Perhaps not a series as landmark as Ganbare Goemon, but one that has a place in gaming's history. Japanese gaming history, anyway, we didn't get too many of them over on this side of the pond.
If Outriders is anything like the beefy demo, it'll be in good shape
It took me a bit, but after the urging of many Destructoid readers, I finally checked out the If Outriders demo.
It's better than I thought it would be!
Combat is a central feature to many games. We're not very good at depicting conflict resolution in an interactive way unless it involves swinging a sword or firing a gun. A debate is difficult to simulate, but ballistics are not.
Recently, there's been some effort spent at coming up with other ways to have the player solve their problems without resorting to violence. Many games are eschewing combat entirely or giving you more options about just what kind of monster you want to be. It's refreshing, since we've kind of been stuck on this one note for action games since the '80s.
I'm going to say right off the bat that Everhood is perhaps my favourite depiction of not-quite-fighting that I've encountered in a long time. It contains all the excitement of a good dust-up but without any real blows being exchanged. It's just too bad it also finds new and innovative ways to frustrate me.
It's crazy to think that it's been nearly five years since The Climb!
That's about how long mainstream VR tech has been out, and thankfully, a handful of plucky studios are still plugging away at VR games. I mean, it's a niche at this point, but I'm thankful.
The Climb was a really fun effort from Crytek to help cement why VR gaming has a place in the industry. It offered a unique perspective on a harrowing activity, and used the VR medium to juice up the atmosphere on an already-firm climbing game foundation.
The Climb 2 builds further on that, and adds my most-requested feature into the mix: city maps.
Taxi Chaos is, for all intents and purposes, the spiritual successor to Sega's Crazy Taxi. It features convertible cabs driving around a city, picking up fares, and dropping them off as quickly and stylishly as possible. There's even the arrow at the top of the screen that guides players to their destinations. But like a lot of "spiritual successors," it comes nowhere near measuring up to its predecessor.
(Update) Outriders demo gets rebalanced after gear-farmers go HAM
[Update: People Can Fly has applied a second update to the Outriders demo in response to complaints about the first. As noted by Eurogamer, the Gauss boss chest will have a chance of dropping Legendary items once again. Ledge gear will remain absent from other chests.]
A lot of people have been enjoying the demo for People Can Fly's team-shooter Outriders, with an amazing two million players logging in to battle over the wastelands of the planet Enoch over, and over, and over again.
In fact, people have replayed the demo so many times, that they're starting to build up a worryingly powerful arsenal of weaponry - so much so that the developer is stepping in to alter the ease with which mercs can bag this devastating firepower. The concern is that this intense method of "farming" top level gear and weaponry will leave players absolutely loaded-for-bear once the main game finally hits, and will see them endlessly cream the opposition throughout the main campaign.
Speaking in an official Reddit post, People Can Fly noted that it is well in the player's right to play the demo as often as they want, bagging whatever goodies they can along the way, but that this might serve to hamper their enjoyment of the main game, which will allow players to carry over their inventory and levels from the demo edition.
The new update - which goes live in the Outriders demo today - will remove all chance of finding Legendary gear in chests, shops, and vendors, though they will remain as rewards for completing side-quests, or as exceptionally lucky drops from defeated enemies. People Can Fly hopes that this will reduce the chance of the entire community rocking up to Outriders akin to Schwarzenegger tooling up on the beach in Commando.
Outriders launches April 1 on PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Stadia. Stay tuned, as our own Chris Carter's thoughts on the demo should be hitting Destructoid today.
People are farming Outriders demo so hard developers are stepping in [Eurogamer]
I can no longer ignore my inner child's need for Fortnite
Let me paint a picture for you of a quiet Sunday afternoon. I was in my living room playing with my Ripley figure as she explored a deserted town alongside Wolverine, a Stormtrooper, and Batman. Suddenly, we were attacked by a football player, Joker, a green army soldier, and Cable. It was a dramatic battle as everyone darted in and out of buildings, performed reckless jumps, and found perfect hiding spots to ambush their opponents. When the dust had settled and the fight was over, the Stormtrooper was dead, but so was everyone who'd attacked my group. The only thing those of us who remained could do was mourn the loss of our comrade and press on.
Now, what did I just describe: a game of Fortnite or me as a 10-year-old playing with my big collection of action figures?
