Hardware reviews are usually pretty difficult work. You have to do analysis of in-depth, technical things in a painstaking and tiring process that often can barely be seen in the final published review - but it all needs to happen behind-the-scenes. The new Nintendo Switch OLED model doesn't need such an intense testing, however - it's pretty easy to explain and deliver a verdict on.
I'm sure some will do more in-depth reporting, including the folks over at our sibling publication Digital Foundry - but in the end, the new Switch OLED model can be summed up pretty simply: it's the Switch you know and love, but the display is better. Way better.
It's so much better, in fact, that I was a little surprised. I know how good OLED displays are - the original PS Vita was always a high bar for handheld gaming, and I've got a couple of lovely LG OLED TVs in the house - but just what a difference it made shocked me both in experiencing older content that I'm familiar with and games I've not experienced on the older model of Switch.
How much did you like Metroid: Samus Returns, the Nintendo 3DS Remake of the oft-maligned second entry in the series? Your answer to that question is important - because it'll probably determine just how much you enjoy Metroid Dread, the latest entry in the franchise and the much-ballyhooed conclusion to the 'main' Metroid story arc that's been told in the 2D entries of the series.
The lineage between the two is obvious. Both are developed by Spanish studio MercurySteam in collaboration with Nintendo's prestigious EPD development unit, and when you begin playing Dread, the direct thread from one game to the other is clear. Most prominent is that Samus retains her physical counter move that made its debut in the Metroid 2 remake - but in terms of how it generally moves and handles, Dread matches up closely to its development predecessor.
In other ways Dread is quite different, however. In fact, I'd argue that it draws from three past Metroid games in almost equal measure. The combat and how the game feels is from Samus Returns. From Super Metroid comes a wider sense of non-linearity, setting you loose with little direction to figure out what to do next, with no waypoints (other than those you set yourself) or form of map navigation other than using your damn eyes. Yes, there are also provisions made in the game's design to allow players to break free of the 'intended' sequence of events. Finally, the flow of the game most closely resembles Metroid Fusion, the title that's chronologically immediately before Dread in a story sense.
A surprise sequel after nearly 20 years, Metroid Dread brings back the legendary exploration and progression and merges it with excellent modern combat and some of the best boss fights ever.
Today, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with EA Play and those who have pre-ordered on the Xbox Store can get their first chance to experience the next generation of all-out warfare with Battlefield 2042, the latest entry in the acclaimed series that features massive open world battles, epic vehicular warfare, tons of class customization, and […]
Today, Xbox announced a global partnership with adidas to celebrate our shared heritage of play and unveil our first console-inspired sneaker collaboration in honor of the 20th anniversary of Xbox. The collab features an exclusive new adidas Originals by Xbox sneaker — the Xbox 20th Forum Tech — with translucent green details inspired by the special edition release of the original Xbox console for the launch of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001, marking the first-ever generation of gaming at Microsoft. The adidas Forum Tech design balances nostalgia while embracing modern […]
Pokémon Legends Arceus is the next original chapter in the series, touting new Pokémon, exciting boss battles, and lots of customization for the player character. Based on the game's trailers, fans have posited that the Hisui region is a sprawling open world filled with wintry forests, vast prairies, shimmering coasts, and more. However, screenshots of Legends Arceus' map have surfaced, potentially revealing that there might not be an open world to traverse in the first place.
It is coming increasingly clear that Pokémon Legends Arceus may not be full open world but rather segmented open areas like Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Monster Hunter etc. separated into different areas like the Wild Area/Crown Tundra did
Pokémon expert Joe Merrick took to Twitter and posted two images of Legends Arceus' in-game map. One location, Obsidian Flatlands, is segmented by a green outline that highlights the boundaries of the explorable zone. Once selected, it seems as if we zoom in on the points of interest within that chosen environment. Obsidian Flatlands seems like a relatively large play space – it contains five points of interest – but this could be a sign that each area in the game will serve as a semi-expansive hub (like in Dragon Age or Monster Hunter). Travel from place to place might not be as seamless as we initially thought.
Merrick was okay with this possibility, noting that the separated locations are akin to the Wild Area/Crown Tundra in the recent Sword and Shield entries. And, surprisingly, most commenters shared similar sentiments, hoping that this decision would lead to fewer performance issues and more backdrop detail. One person, however, opined that Braviary's Fly ability might be rendered useless in these confined settings. We'll have to wait and see what Game Freak is planning.
Pokémon Legends Arceus, like the other titles that preceded it, places the player at the forefront of the story. As a new member of Hisui's Survey Corps, an organization of Pokémon researchers and protectors, you'll be tasked with exploring every nook and cranny of the region. When you're not battling your rival or surviving "noble" encounters, you'll be trekking across Hisui, stopping at the sight of wild pocket monsters to fill your Pokédex.
Pokémon Legends Arceus launches for Nintendo Switch on January 28.
Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company are teaming up to create a new theme park experience.
Announced in a press release today, the two companies have entered a "long-term partnership" to explore new ways to immerse theme park goers in "groundbreaking entertainment." While the announcement doesn't exactly spell out an entirely new theme park, or at least a new area within Universal Studios Japan a la Super Nintendo World, it seems Pokémon will soon make their way into the park in some capacity.
"Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company will enter a long-term partnership to jointly explore groundbreaking entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokémon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022," the press release reads.
This news comes just over a week after Universal Studios Japan announced that Super Nintendo World will be receiving an expansion in the form of a new Donkey Kong-themed area set to open in 2024. However, the Donkey Kong news is very clear about it being a new themed area within the park. This new partnership between Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company might be less about opening a new site and more about simply bringing Pokémon into Super Nintendo World.
The press release seems to lean more into the idea of new experiences within the park rather than an all-new themed area.
"The real and virtual worlds will come together creating a new revolutionary theme park experience," the release reads.
A new Pokémon theme park area would be awesome, but meeting Ash Ketchum and petting an almost-real-except-it-is-still-technically-a-robot Pikachu would be awesome too.
Nintendo has often made an effort to iterate on its existing consoles, often to varying degrees of success. The Nintendo Switch is no stranger to iteration either, with the Lite and the upgraded battery model appearing on store shelves over the last four years. The Switch OLED is the latest update to the company's flagship handheld console hybrid, and while those who primarily play on the TV shouldn't feel the need to purchase the system on day one, handheld players will benefit the most from the shiny new update.
The main draw of the upgrade comes from the new system's namesake feature; the OLED screen is a wonder to behold. The color fidelity is crystal clear when you first fire up the system and the Nintendo logo appears. While I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Metroid Dread on my 4K TV, I was mesmerized with the title in handheld mode because of the crisp black and whites and a color palette that truly took advantage of the boost in contrast. That visual fidelity isn't limited to Nintendo's most prominent 2021 release. The pixel art and color popped off the screen during my time testing Eastward and Unsighted. Hyrule took on an even more beautiful light in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Like the launch Switch, the OLED model remains 720p, which may sound disappointing, but was quickly forgotten when I got my hands on the system. The difference in overall quality is remarkable. I was reminded of the upgrade from Xbox One to the Xbox One X. I'm still playing the same games, but the extra boost in color fidelity and polish leaves me excited to return to my current library on the go. That renewed interest is especially refreshing, as my Switch has been powered down for the majority of the last six months.
The contrast boost isn't the only highlight of Nintendo's new screen. The latest model comes with a seven-inch display, which is .8 inches larger than the original Switch and a whopping 1.5 inches bigger than the Switch Lite. That doesn't sound like a sizable change on paper, but it makes a substantial difference in execution. The OLED is roughly the same size as the launch Switch, but a smaller bezel makes room for the larger screen. That extra real estate is noticeable in high-action games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where I felt like I could cut through the chaos and focus on my character better because the screen is that much larger. Combining that with the boost in colors mentioned above, and Switch games have never looked this good. Players looking for a handheld upgrade will not be disappointed.
Kicking Up The Quality
I'm someone who kicks his feet up and plays his Switch undocked and I love the OLED's new speakers and kickstand. Instead of the cheap plastic strip that caused rage-inducing headaches while trying to enjoy a 1v1 bout in Super Smash Bros.'s Final Destination stage, the updated kickstand now stretches the length of the console and gives the system better support. I've experienced several plane rides where I tried to play my launch Switch with detached joy-cons, only to put it away because the console either kept falling over or I couldn't get the angle right. Those days are gone as the new, adjustable kickstand can fit any angle while remaining upright and sturdy.
The sound quality is also improved on the Switch OLED, with new speakers featuring a fuller sound compared to the relatively tin-like audio of the original console. It won't replace my soundbar anytime soon, but I loved playing Metroid in bed or on my balcony and having a more enjoyable sound experience.
A Couch Slouch
However, those who like their Smash beat downs on the big screen don't have much to look forward to in this model. Both OLED and non-OLED Switch models run on an NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor, meaning gameplay performance, loading times, and previous limitations carry over to Nintendo's newest hardware. The sense of excitement that buying a new console brings quickly dissipated when I docked my new machine only to find the same menus and issues that have plagued the system since 2017.
It's not all bad news for couch dwellers, though. The shiny new dock comes with essentially the same features as the previous TV connector (minus one USB 2.0 port). However, the built-in LAN port is a great addition. Instead of tracking down an extension like before, I was happy to be able to dock my Switch OLED and download Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle in half the time it would take over Wi-Fi. My time playing multiplayer titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also benefited from a wired connection with an overall smoother online experience. It's a welcome addition that Switch players will appreciate even though it's not exactly groundbreaking.
The Switch OLED also comes with 64GB of internal storage, double that of previous models. Combining the new storage space with my 128GB micro SD allowed me to download the bulk of my library while leaving room for upcoming games such as Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While extra storage space and a LAN port may not be worth the $350 price point for those already stocked up on dongles and SD cards, these bells and whistles were worth the price for me as my launch Switch was starting to show its age.
The Final Grade: B
Pure and simple, the Nintendo Switch OLED is the best version of the console on the market today for those who play undocked. The screen is an absolute marvel, and its vibrant colors and larger play space rekindled my love for the system just when my interest started to wane. As someone who owns a launch Switch and primarily plays undocked, the additions of more storage, better battery life, a LAN Port, and a stable kickstand justify the investment. While all those additions are great for like-minded Nintendo fans, the lack of meaningful processing upgrades or 4K support makes the $350 cost a hard sell for those who prefer Princess Peach on the big screen.
The Metroid series is largely defined by its haunting atmosphere and ominous tone. Inspired by the Alien film franchise and the works of H.R. Giger, Metroid has always been only a few steps removed from the horror genre. Metroid Dread inches the series even closer. The moment Samus sets foot on Planet ZDR, she becomes prey. Every deadly creature – and machine – in the world is hungry for Samus' blood, and she is trapped miles below the planet's surface, far from her ship. And, the only way out is through the barrel of her arm cannon. While Samus' latest adventure delivers the classic exploration-based platforming/action we've come to expect, I never shook the all-encompassing anxiety that gives this adventure its name … and I loved every minute of it.
Metroid helped pioneer the idea of exploring large, non-linear spaces, so the world of ZDR and its disparate zones are essential to Metroid Dread. The quiet subterranean waterfalls of Artaria stand in stark contrast to the deadly lava flows of Cataria. Meanwhile, Burenia is home to a massive underground ocean teeming with carnivorous sealife. These environments feel alive; rainwater runs down the sides of an alien tram system, cool air drifts off the sides of frozen platforms, and exotic bugs gather around light sources only to scatter to the shadows when Samus approaches.
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Exploring these foreign locales is continually rewarding thanks to essential upgrades scattered across Planet ZDR like a trail of bread crumbs. The handful of new abilities are incredibly empowering. I especially enjoyed Samus' new storm missiles, which allow her to lock onto multiple targets before unleashing a volley of explosives. Unfortunately, most of Dread's upgrades are old standbys that MercurySteam seemed obligated to include. I recognize that Metroid wouldn't feel the same without the morph ball, which allows Samus to squeeze into narrow vents, but finding this upgrade several hours into a new Metroid game isn't exciting. I wish Samus had started with more of her traditional abilities, leaving room for flashier upgrades. As it is, Metroid Dread feels like it's occasionally retreading old ground, but this is a small disappointment in an otherwise great experience.
Thankfully, Dread does a few things to shake up the old formula, and one of the most significant new additions comes in the form of a new enemy type called E.M.M.I. These Extraplanetary Multiform Mobile Identifiers are powerful robots equipped with an arsenal of gadgets that could make a starship blush. E.M.M.I.s are so sturdy that Samus cannot beat them in a fair fight; she must evade them or hide, using a new cloaking device that grants temporary invisibility. These tense cat and mouse encounters left me sweating, and each time I encountered an E.M.M.I., I felt my stomach drop as I franticly ran for safety.
At set moments in the story, Samus temporarily upgrades her arm cannon, allowing you to turn the tables on the E.M.M.I. Even fully armed, these encounters require careful timing and quick footwork as one wrong move can leave you staring at a Game Over screen. Naturally, overcoming these challenges is a rewarding triumph. Likewise, Dread's other boss encounters offer a sizeable challenge. For example, the giant three-eyed green reptile Kraid returns. This battle takes place in a confined space, and dodging the spikes from his belly then bounding up the sides of the wall to shoot him in the face was incredibly harrowing. Thankfully, each boss has a recognizable pattern, so these battles seem fair. Overcoming each combat mountain left me in a heart-pounding euphoric state.
Metroid Dread begins with Samus stranded at the bottom of Planet ZDR's sprawling unground network. This is an inversion of the traditional opening that frequently has Samus descending into the heart of darkness, implying that MercurySteam (the developers of the 3DS Metroid: Samus Returns) is ready to rearrange the Metroid formula. Don't be fooled; Metroid Dread follows Nintendo's familiar blueprint for better or worse – but mostly for the better. This journey isn't scary in the traditional sense. I never jumped out of my seat after rounding a corner and coming face-to-face with an alien monstrosity. Nevertheless, Dread's atmosphere is powerful, and its imposing boss encounters are enough to ensure it earns its title. Despite a few hiccups in this timeworn pattern, Metroid Dread is a white knuckle thrill ride that you shouldn't fear.
Summary: After 19 years, Nintendo finally delivers an official sequel to Metroid Fusion that concludes Samus Aran's lifelong battle with a race of deadly alien organisms.
Concept: After 19 years, Nintendo finally delivers an official sequel to Metroid Fusion that concludes Samus Aran's lifelong battle with a race of deadly alien organisms
Graphics: Laser flashes, smoke plums, and other visual effects are a feast for the senses, but the action remains easy to read, so you never feel lost
Sound: Combat effects and boss music get the blood pumping, but the ambient and atmospheric soundtrack is more subdued than previous entries
Playability: The action is smooth, and a constant drip-feed of new abilities and upgrades helps you navigate the sprawling caverns of Planet ZDR
Entertainment: Intense combat and a series of challenging boss fights require a high level of play, but the thrill of victory is incredibly sweet
Metroid Dread will finally be in our hands in just two days' time, and it looks set to be a pretty incredible return for the franchise.
Reviews for the game have started flooding in today, including our very own, so we've gone ahead and rounded up a selection of quotes and review scores from a number of different outlets. Below, you'll see just how well the title's gone down with the media ahead of its launch, and hopefully get a clearer idea on whether or not it might be for you.
Sure, an updated version with superior battery life arrived in 2019, but on the whole, the Japanese giant has stuck with the existing 2017 design, which is an uncharacteristically loyal approach (the Game Boy Advance was updated after less than two years on sale, while the Nintendo DS Lite came around 15 months after the original 'Phat' DS was released). With the launch of the Switch OLED, that all changes; Nintendo has finally given its hybrid system a true upgrade.
After absolutely nailing its first shot at a Metroid adventure with 2017's Metroid II 3DS remake Samus Returns, Nintendo has given MercurySteam another bite at the cherry in which they've chosen to retain many of the unique gameplay elements of their last outing whilst adding a bunch of stealth. It's a risky manoeuvre, adding a completely new mechanic like this to such a well-loved and heavily scrutinised franchise but, we're pleased to report, the Spanish developer has handed in a phenomenal new entry in the series that we just cannot stop playing. Metroid Dread is fantastic.
Of course, one of the most exciting things in the build up to this brand new outing for Samus Aran has been that it's the first game we're getting a chance to play on Nintendo's fancy new OLED Switch, and we really can't think of a better title with which to introduce that amazing screen. This is a properly gorgeous adventure, with each of the various biomes of the planet ZDR that you puzzle and blast your way through coming with its own with unique and wonderfully detailed enemy types, flora and fauna, some truly stunning lighting effects and other fancy graphical bells and whistles.
Say hello to the fan-made "Street Fighter 2 Deluxe".
Street Fighter II was one of the games that really stoked the fires of the 16-bit console war, with the SNES version selling millions and making Genesis / Mega Drive owners green with envy – until, of course, they got their own version of Capcom's famous one-on-one brawler.
Street Fighter II was duly ported to pretty much every platform of the period – including the Game Boy – but one machine that didn't get the game was the NES. Sure, there was an unlicensed Famicom port by Hummer Team in 1992, but it was so terrible most people have scrubbed it from their memory banks.
Remakes aside, it's been 19 years since the last proper instalment in the 2D Metroid series, but Samus is finally back and she's blasting her way onto the Nintendo Switch. Delve into the depths of planet ZDR to learn Samus' fate with fresh new weapon upgrades, enemies and the dreaded E.M.M.I robots who will stop […]
With a beautiful black and white theme (or standard red and blue), the Nintendo Switch OLED model oozes handheld sophistication. Its premium feel from the slimmer bezel, robust kickstand and a light metallic substrate back panel is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to use. But how does the upgraded model stack up in comparison to […]
I'm conflicted by WarioWare: Get It Together! This is somewhat by design, as the game is all about conflicts. Urgent, ridiculous, three-second conflicts. And whereas its traditional microgame formula is largely intact, a couple of development decisions can lessen their impact if you're unwilling to adapt.
Today, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with EA Play and those who have pre-ordered on the Xbox Store can get their first chance to experience the next generation of all-out warfare with Battlefield 2042, the latest entry in the acclaimed series that features massive open world battles, epic vehicular warfare, tons of class customization, and […]
Today, Xbox announced a global partnership with adidas to celebrate our shared heritage of play and unveil our first console-inspired sneaker collaboration in honor of the 20th anniversary of Xbox. The collab features an exclusive new adidas Originals by Xbox sneaker — the Xbox 20th Forum Tech — with translucent green details inspired by the special edition release of the original Xbox console for the launch of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001, marking the first-ever generation of gaming at Microsoft. The adidas Forum Tech design balances nostalgia while embracing modern […]
According to a report by VGC, an anonymous hacker has posted a 125GB torrent link containing, well, all of Twitch, including its source code and commit history going back to the start. The leak also contains streamers' incomes since 2019, and information that suggests the Amazon-owned streaming platform's Steam rival…
Looking for petrified wood in New World? Petrified wood is an extremely rare resource, but can be used to fashion the best New World weapons. Similar to fae iron in New World, finding petrified wood is largely down to luck, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances.
Petrified wood is described as "wood so old it takes on the properties of stone" and is a tier two wood type. It's worth noting that a lot of New World players are struggling to find this rare material, but you can increase your logging skill and logging luck to give yourself a better chance. You can level up in logging like any gathering skill, by using the skill as much as possible, but putting points into the constitution attribute also helps speed up the process by increasing wood chopping speed and the logging yield.
Here's how to find this elusive resource, as well as how to increase your logging luck by using items and charms in the crafting process, including food recipes to temporarily boost your chances while logging.
Dani is a guerrilla. Or at least, that's what they're told throughout Far Cry 6. Despite a story that's all about revolutionaries, an abundance of DIY superweapons, and a lush new tropical setting, this is still Far Cry as you've been playing it for nearly ten years now. That formula still makes a fun game, but after another 20-plus hours fending off animal attacks, liberating outposts, and making friends with the local oddballs, there's more than a hint of irony that you're meant to be carrying out a 'revolution' on the island of Yara.
Following in the footsteps of Assassin's Creed Odyssey - albeit a few years behind the curve - Ubisoft infuses its FPS series with light RPG mechanics, namely an obsession with collecting and crafting gear. Rather than leveling up and unlocking new skills, Dani's abilities are defined by the guns and gear they equip. Initially, this feels a little limiting. Why can't I have all the different stealth takedowns and resistances to all of the damage types? But after a while you'll start to complete sets and settle on a build that suits the way you prefer to play, and as you get more comfortable you'll spot new ways to enhance Dani's arsenal so that you excel in your chosen field.
You might find that a set of armour that buffs your fire resistance feels too situational for most battles, but if you equip petrol bombs, a flamethrower, and a supremo (an improvised weapon that acts as a de facto ultimate ability) that sets the area around you on fire, you'll find that you're practically unstoppable. The obvious trade-off is that playing as a hulking, Mad Max-looking rebel with a flame-belching backpack isn't great for keeping a low profile. I've loved mixing and matching gear sets to incorporate whatever new boots or gloves I discover. Swapping a pair of trainers that quickens my crouched movement speed into my road warrior get-up means I now take a tiny bit of damage from fire, but in exchange I get to zip around bushes at what feels like a sprinter's pace, brutally slaying soldiers without being spotted.
If you're a League of Legends fan you'll know that, approximately every couple of weeks, the multiplayer game receives a hefty update. Usually packed with shiny new Champion skins, a batch of Champion, item, and rune balance changes, fixes, and occasionally new or returning game modes, plus more, LoL patches are a hugely important part of the MOBA game. As such, it's worth knowing when they're due to launch. Handily, we now know when every patch of League of Legends season 11 is scheduled to debut.
As posted by Riot Games on the game's support site, the League of Legends 2021 patch schedule kicks off with League of Legends patch 11.1 on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
There are no exact release times detailed, but based on most of the 2020 updates, we can guess that - for the most part - the maintenance times will begin at around 3am PT for NA servers, 5am UK time for EUW servers, and 3am CET for EUNE servers, and last for approximately three hours. However, you'll need to check each set of patch notes to find out exact timings.
Spooky season is upon us, so your favourite live-service games are getting into the Halloween spirit. Warframe is no exception, with Digital Extremes rolling out several free-to-play quests and themed events for the space game starting today.
The Nights of Naberus kicks off a month-long event that features rewards like the new Nyctalus Ephemera, glyphs, and returning items from years gone by. For a limited time, you can also redeem several event-exclusive rewards in exchange for Mother Tokens like the Whispering Naberus Mobile, an Orbiter decoration that narrates Grandmother's "ghost story" when interacted with. You're also getting the Stalker Noodle, Basmu Blueprint, Ceti Lacera Blueprint, Ballroom Simulacrum scene, and more.
Warframe's Halloween event is themed after the ancient Orokin festival of death and mischief and is accessible through the Daughter in Necralisk on Deimos. You'll notice that she's running a limited-time shop packed with rewards and Halloween-themed items. Nights of Naberus begins today (October 6) at 11am PT / 2pm ET / 7pm BST, and wraps up on November 3.
AMD reigns supreme within the gaming CPU market today, but its biggest competitor might be about to usurp the processor potentate from the throne. In a recent interview with CRN, Intel's CEO Pat Gelsinger states that the company's upcoming Alder Lake generation of chips will end AMD's era of dominance.
Admittedly, Gelsinger's statement sounds like a line from Game of Thrones, but the CEO made sure to commend AMD for doing a "solid job over the last couple of years" within the processor scene. Niceties aside, Gelsinger also expressed confidence in team blue's ability to snatch the CPU crown, while also declaring "Intel is back".
"So this period of time when people could say, 'Hey, [AMD] is leading,' that's over," Gelsinger remarks. "We are back with a very defined view of what it requires to be leadership in every dimension: leadership product, leadership [chip] packaging, leadership process, leadership software, unquestioned leadership on critical new workloads like AI, graphics, media, power-performance, enabling again the ecosystem. This is what we will be doing with aggressive actions and programs over the next couple of years."
Surprise! Old School Runescape has got a new co-op mode, and it may seem mighty familiar to you if you're a fan of the long-running MMORPG. Developer Jagex has revealed that Group Ironman is now available to try in Old School Runescape.
If you've been out of the loop, Ironman and Ironwoman are account types that require you to be entirely self-sufficient, with most forms of player interaction - like trading - being limited. The group version has teams of two to five players competing together to set records and climb to the tippy top of the leaderboard. Unlike your typical serving of Ironman, though, there are no restrictions between team members, allowing you to trade your resources, use shared equipment storage, and even visit each other's player-owned houses.
Jagex explains in a press release that each slice of content that goes into Old School Runescape is voted on by the players and requires a 75% majority vote before it can become part of the game. The Group Ironman poll reportedly saw more than 140,000 players cast their votes, with the approval rating landing on 80%. Jagex explains that this makes Group Ironman the most player-voted poll in the game's eight-year history.
Valve's new handheld gaming PC is already a smash hit for the company well before the Steam Deck's release date, with order availability not expected to improve until the far future of after Q2 2022. However, the Linux-based Steam Deck OS begs questions surrounding game compatibility at launch. Thankfully, GamingOnLinux has put together a list of the top 100 games on Steam and their current compatibility status. There are also some comments from the developers of currently incompatible titles, as provided by The Verge.
So, good news first. 69 of Steam's top 100 games should work flawlessly with the Steam Deck out of the box. This is thanks to existing Linux versions of the games or Windows equivalents already working with Valve's Proton compatibility layer for the OS. Other games, like Sea of Thieves, are partially compatible albeit with notable bugs, such as missing in-game voice chat.
Game such as Final Fantasy XIV Online and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition only work with the community-built Proton GE. Nonetheless, it should require little work from Valve to get them working with their official version of Proton.
The big day approaches. The Far Cry 6 release time is just around the corner, with Ubisoft's latest entry in the long-running FPS games series unlocking around the world tomorrow, October 7. Now, the reviews are rolling in giving us a good idea of what's to come, and whether it's worth your hard-earned pennies - so, let's see what the critics have made of it.
Broadly, it looks like the new PC game's fared well with critics, with review scores mostly leaning towards the upper end of the scale. Far Cry 6's gameplay and adventure are recurring themes in critics' praise. IGN's write-up notes, for example, that it "smooths over a lot of the bumps that have cropped up in the past few games and even though it misses some steps, especially with its new inventory system, it's the best the series has been in years". However, there are a few among the mix that put it lower down on the score. VGC, for example, scores it a two-stars-out-of-five and describes some of its elements as a bit "bland".
In our own Far Cry 6 review, deputy editor Jordan scores the game a seven-out-of-ten, concluding that, "the series' foundations have been rejigged to offer an exciting and satisfying new gameplay loop. Not all of the revisions work in its favour, but unfortunately it's the complete lack of change with its approach to storytelling and structure that really holds Far Cry 6 back."
People get well into Starship Troopers, don't they? Back in the before times when I was a teen, a friend of mine went to uni and formed a terrible metal band, and one of their songs was about Starship Troopers (I believe it included shouting "Roughnecks! Ho!" a lot). And don't get me wrong: the 90s action-schlock film adaptation is very good. Replaceable cannon-fodder marines pumping bullets into giant skittering aliens, bombastic Join The Army And Die!! propaganda - It's good stuff. And perfect grist for the RTS game mill! Hence you can play the demo for Starship Troopers - Terran Command right now, in the Steam Next Fest.
Twitch has reportedly been attacked by an anonymous hacker who has allegedly leaked a large amount of data, from source code to streamer earnings. A 4chan user has posted a 128GB torrent supposedly containing the leaked info, and more could be leaked down the line. There's also a suggestion that user passwords might be compromised, so now is probably a good time to change yours.
I've been a long-time fan of the games of Hidetaka Suehiro — better known as SWERY — who's currently finishing up The Good Life. While it's fair to say that not every game of his has hit the mark, I think it's also fair to say that there's something interesting in every single project the man has touched. From the stealth-action of Spy Fiction to the Twin Peaks weirdness of Deadly Premonition, and even through the surprisingly heartfelt The Missing, there's always an element that stands out. So, I feel somewhat privileged that I've had a chance to chat with SWERY about The Good Life, his upcoming murder mystery/animal shapeshifting/life simulator/debt repayment game set in rural England. If that description baffles you… well, it's a SWERY game. Protagonist Naomi, a journalist from New York, moves to "the happiest town in the world" to repay a massive debt. Naturally, if you read the above description, you can probably...
In the past, Doritos and Mountain Dew have worked with Call of Duty to run some promotions. After all, the Black Ops Cold War logo was leaked on a Doritos packet. The relationship is continuing into Call of Duty: Vanguard and some rewards are coming in the form of double XP tokens, and an operator skin, with Mountain Dew and Doritos packaging. To participate in the promotion, you have to buy specially marked Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Game Fuel, or Doritos items. Notably, the promotion is only available if you live in the United States. A 20 ounce Mountain Dew gives you Dual 2XP for 15 minutes. If you purchase a specially marked 18 pack of Mountain Dew, the Dual 2XP tokens increase to 60 minutes. The most Dual 2XP you can earn is 120 minutes, if you purchase a 24 pack of the drink. Next, grabbing a 16 ounce can of Game Fuel will net you 15 minutes of Dual 2XP. Also, once you use your first Game Fuel code you will unlock an operator skin. However, if Doritos are more to your t...
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone Season Five is coming to a close and we are transitioning into Black Ops Cold War's final season. Along with some new maps, modes, and operators, Treyarch has announced a weapon tuning patch for Black Ops Cold War Season Six. Hopefully, this will make things more balanced as some of the most powerful weapons will be hit with a nerf. There are many weapon categories involved in the update. Starting with assault rifles, the EM2 maximum damage range will be reduced from 48 to 42. Also, the first bullet you fire will have increased vertical recoil control and the penalty will increase even further with the 25.8" Task Force Barrel. This barrel's horizontal recoil control will be increased from 15% to 25%. However, the fire rate penalty will be removed. Next, the C58 will experience an extra 12% horizontal recoil reduction and 8% vertical recoil when using the STANAG 60 Round Drum attachment. Black Ops Cold War weapon tuning ...
The first reviews for Metroid Dread are now in. Nintendo has lifted an embargo on the game, and verdicts are now starting to come online. Here's a roundup of early reviews: IGN – 9 / 10 GameSpot – 8 / 10 Game Informer – 9 / 10 GamesRadar – 3.5 / 5 Shacknews – 9 / 10 Destructoid – 8.5...
Amazon UK has just opened pre-orders for the Triangle Strategy Tactician's Limited Edition, which was revealed last month. It came as part of a news update for the game during the most recent Nintendo Direct. As a reminder, the Triangle Strategy Tactician's Limited Edition comes with six customized dice, a deck of playing cards, a steelbook, a double-sided poster, and...
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is in development for Switch, publisher Chorus Worldwide and developer Toge Productions announced today. The title, which follows up on the original game, is planned for release in 2022. In the game, you'll "reconnect with your fantasy friends over a warm drink or two." Players take on a role of a barista as...
This month's EDGE review scores are as follows: Deathloop – 9 Jett: The Far Shore – 8 Sable – 7 Kena: Bridge of Spirits – 6 Life is Strange: True Colors – 7 Tales of Arise – 8 The Artful Escape – 7 Eastward – 7 Bonfire Peaks – 9 Lake – 6 WarioWare: Get It Together! – 8 Lost...
Hey kids, did you hear that Lord of the Rings Online is getting a brand-new class this fall? We jest, of course, because Standing Stone Games hasn't been able to talk about almost anything else these days. We think there may be an expansion hiding behind the new class, but we're so dazzled by his […]
Twitch is having a very bad day today as a hacker has managed to hack and release 125GB worth of data, which has since been shared in a torrent link on 4chan. Multiple sources have verified the files in question are legitimate, with the hack being described as effectively sharing the entirety of Twitch's information. […]
Shing Jea: If you played Classic Guild Wars: Factions, it's the island you grew up on, literally. And of course, it's coming with the End of Dragons expansion in February 2022 when Cantha is live again in the sequel Guild Wars 2. This morning, ArenaNet rolled out a brand-new trailer for Shing Jea, showcasing its […]
If you're trying to play New World this morning, you're going to be stymied, as the game is down for maintenance, but it's for a good cause: It's rolling out update 1.0.1. "While members of our team are working tirelessly on ensuring players can find a server to call their long-term home with the character […]
The Nintendo Switch OLED is a sleeker, better looking and sounding console than its predecessor. The upgrade, however, is all about the handheld experience.
-Above this thread, you can see what we offer each in particular- - We have as well, 3 levels of design & prices:
By that means, level 1 will not be a lame design than 2 or 3 but will be unique as well. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been a long-time fan of the games of Hidetaka Suehiro — better known as SWERY — who's currently finishing up The Good Life. While it's fair to say that not every game of his has hit the mark, I think it's also fair to say that there's something interesting in every single project the man has touched. From the stealth-action of Spy Fiction to the Twin Peaks weirdness of Deadly Premonition, and even through the surprisingly heartfelt The Missing, there's always an element that stands out. So, I feel somewhat privileged that I've had a chance to chat with SWERY about The Good Life, his upcoming murder mystery/animal shapeshifting/life simulator/debt repayment game set in rural England. If that description baffles you… well, it's a SWERY game. Protagonist Naomi, a journalist from New York, moves to "the happiest town in the world" to repay a massive debt. Naturally, if you read the above description, you can probably... 
In the past, Doritos and Mountain Dew have worked with Call of Duty to run some promotions. After all, the Black Ops Cold War logo was leaked on a Doritos packet. The relationship is continuing into Call of Duty: Vanguard and some rewards are coming in the form of double XP tokens, and an operator skin, with Mountain Dew and Doritos packaging. To participate in the promotion, you have to buy specially marked Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Game Fuel, or Doritos items. Notably, the promotion is only available if you live in the United States. A 20 ounce Mountain Dew gives you Dual 2XP for 15 minutes. If you purchase a specially marked 18 pack of Mountain Dew, the Dual 2XP tokens increase to 60 minutes. The most Dual 2XP you can earn is 120 minutes, if you purchase a 24 pack of the drink. Next, grabbing a 16 ounce can of Game Fuel will net you 15 minutes of Dual 2XP. Also, once you use your first Game Fuel code you will unlock an operator skin. However, if Doritos are more to your t... 
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone Season Five is coming to a close and we are transitioning into Black Ops Cold War's final season. Along with some new maps, modes, and operators, Treyarch has announced a weapon tuning patch for Black Ops Cold War Season Six. Hopefully, this will make things more balanced as some of the most powerful weapons will be hit with a nerf. There are many weapon categories involved in the update. Starting with assault rifles, the EM2 maximum damage range will be reduced from 48 to 42. Also, the first bullet you fire will have increased vertical recoil control and the penalty will increase even further with the 25.8" Task Force Barrel. This barrel's horizontal recoil control will be increased from 15% to 25%. However, the fire rate penalty will be removed. Next, the C58 will experience an extra 12% horizontal recoil reduction and 8% vertical recoil when using the STANAG 60 Round Drum attachment. Black Ops Cold War weapon tuning ... 
