Dec 01, 20:00


Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:15 PM
    

Now that Battlefield 2042 is out, the game's artists are free to showcase their work on industry portfolio site ArtStation, and as has been the case with pretty much every game in the series, there is some incredible stuff to enjoy, regardless of your thoughts on the game itself.

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:30 PM
    

State treasurers from California, Massachusetts, Illinois, Oregon, Delaware, and Nevada are calling on Activision Blizzard to take more serious measures in addressing ongoing high-profile investigations and lawsuits about the company's troubling culture. According to Axios, said treasurers have asked to meet with the…

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:15 PM
    

Moncage is an emotionally devastating game, but not because of the story it tries to tell. The game asks you to solve puzzles by connecting the violent and the mundane. At first, I was charmed when I used a bicycle pedal to unlock a door. My stomach dropped when I used a trash can to shoot a real gun. Several puzzles…

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:30 PM
    

With the deployment of a massive patch today, EA revealed everything it's tweaking in Battlefield 2042 immediately following its rough launch. Hundreds of tiny fixes won't magically transform the shooter into what longtime fans want it to be, but they'll definitely make it a less frustrating experience for everyone…

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:30 PM
    

Titanfall, the game which catapulted Respawn Entertainment to the status of EA's star studio, is being pulled from digital storefronts and subscription services on March 1, 2022. This, to me? Sucks. However—given the game's recent brush with some very bad hacking—it isn't particularly surprising either.

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:00 PM
    

This morning, Square Enix released a huge list of the changes coming to Final Fantasy XIV with the MMORPG's impending expansion, Endwalker (no relation). The breakdown is a dizzying doozy of details, but the one thing you should take away from it is that the new Viera bunny boys will thankfully be able to wear maid…

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:35 PM
    

There's only one place you'll find a pristine 1957 BMW Isetta 300 cosplaying as a character from 1988 Miyazaki classic My Neighbor Totoro, and I don't mean my personal garage. The Forza Horizon series has long been a place where anime fans and car enthusiasts come together, and Forza Horizon 5 is no different. Let's…

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:00 PM
    

Resident Evil games have never been known for their kindness, which makes beating four of the series classic games in a row (in all their myriad configurations and routes) without taking a single hit all the more impressive—and that's exactly what streamer MattDaRoc did.

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:45 PM
    

It's been a bad year for anyone who wants to trade in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Since this spring, one hacker has rendered these 3DS games' Global Trade System nearly unusable, as hacked pokémon they uploaded cause players' hardware to freeze upon trying to access the GTS.

Read more...


Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:25 PM
    

It's been a gangbusters year for those at the top of the GameStop pyramid. Revenue is down and stores are closing, but the stock price continues to hover around an unprecedented $200 a share, forging gilded parachutes for its fleeing C-Suite. For many at the bottom, however, it's been one of the worst in recent…

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PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:56 PM
     Epic's asking Fortnite leakers not to leak Chapter 3

Fortnite Chapter 3 is nearly upon us, and Epic is hoping to keep the content of that release a secret - so now the developers are asking leakers not to leak anything. Some of the game's most prominent dataminers have reported receiving messages from Epic asking them not to leak content from the battle royale game during the upcoming downtime.

iFireMonkey, ShiinaBR, and HypeX all report receiving a message from Epic asking them not to post Chapter 3 leaks. The dataminers are currently in discussions with the devs about how this could be realistically achieved. Some are still deciding whether they intend to follow Epic's guidance at all.

"I have been trying to think about how this would work for a bit today," iFireMonkey says, "and how I feel is that if anyone is able to leak the update I see no reason for me to not post leaks, since no matter what people would be able to post it anyways. We will have to wait and see."

RELATED LINKS: Fortnite V-Bucks, Fortnite Skins, Fortnite Creative Codes

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:19 PM
     Jurassic World Evolution 2's first free update adds new sandbox maps and balance changes

Jurassic World Evolution 2 has been letting players construct dinosaur parks since early November, and now that the one-month launch anniversary is upon us, it's time for more. The devs have revealed some details on both the first major update and the first paid DLC pack, both of which should bring some new life to your future park constructions.

Update 1 launches on December 9, and introduces a host of new levels for sandbox mode. Five will come from the campaign, alongside a flattened sandbox level that starts with zero topography or forrestation. You can then alter the landscape however you like. The update also introduces a full set of Department of Fish and Wildlife buildings for sandbox, as well as some new Jurassic Park themed lagoons and aviaries.

We're also getting balance changes, and while the devs haven't provided full patch notes yet, they have provided some preliminary info on the changes in the announcement. "The frequency of storms and disease outbreaks in Chaos Theory should be less frequent after this patch, as should disease outbreaks in Easy and Medium difficulty Challenge levels. We've also made some tweaks to the Dominance stat, which should cut down on dinosaur fights, as well as decreased the likelihood of dinosaur fights causing injuries. Finally, we've rebalanced the combat stats of dinosaurs that can be involved in group hunts."


PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:07 PM
     Stardew Valley 1.5.5 improves mod support, and

Stardew Valley creator Eric 'ConcernedApe' Barone might be at work on Haunted Chocolatier, but that doesn't mean updates for the farming game are over. Stardew Valley 1.5.5 has gone live with backend improvements for mod support, alongside a selection of bug fixes and quality of life tweaks. Barone has also teased update 1.5.6, which will feature further mod improvements, and - possibly - some new content.

In 1.5.5, the thing you're most likely to notice is that you can now hold control and shift to purchase or craft items in stacks of 25. The full patch notes are available on the official site, but some other improvements include options to place buildings over artifact spots, nudge pets out of the way while doing construction, or buy back items you've sold accidentally.

The big change in 1.5.5, however, is that it's been migrated from XNA to MonoGame. As Barone explains, "this future-proofs the game and allows mods to access more than 4 gigs of RAM". There have also been "various internal changes for mod authors".

RELATED LINKS: Stardew Valley multiplayer, Stardew Valley realism, The best Stardew Valley mods

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:25 PM
     Age of Empires 3 Definitive Edition updated with new cards and better AI

The Mexico Civilization DLC for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is out today, and with it comes update 54545 for the base game. The patch updates the RTS game to make room for the new civ, but it also adds some new features that everyone will be able to enjoy, regardless of whether they purchase the new civ pack.

The patch introduces a long list of improvements to the AI, which should make for more challenging skirmishes. AI players, for instance, will now scout shorelines looking for fish if the map includes them, and it will now figure in poison in its damage calculations, making it more efficient and less likely to 'overkill'.

Maps have gotten a lot of love, with several classic American maps getting major improvements. The maps for standard and team now include California, Painted Desert, Rockies, Sonora, and Texas. In standard, Siwa Oasis has been removed, while in team, Great Rift has been dropped. Players will see fixes and improvements across the rest of the map set as well, with fixes that address stubborn problems like trade routes and spawns, for example.

RELATED LINKS: Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition review, Best RTS games on PC, Best turn-based strategy games on PC

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:56 PM
     This Final Fantasy XIV anime intro is the best fake anime OP I've ever seen

There are few games as deserving of a proper anime intro as Final Fantasy XIV - the long-running plot, rotating cast of characters, and multiverse-spanning adventure make it perfect for the format. Now a group of fans and musicians have made just such an intro, and it's the best fake anime OP you're ever likely to see.

I can continue hurling superlatives at it, but you're better off just watching the video below. The project took a few months to complete. It's a collaborative effort between Husky the Geek, Alex Moukala, Studio Nicktendo, and Denmo McStrongHuge, featuring an original arrangement of various FFXIV songs put to new lyrics, layered over top of some impressive machinima animations.

The final product was impressive enough to get a retweet from the official FFXIV account, and attention from the game's sound director, Masayoshi Soken. "What the heeeeeeeeeeeeell!! This is our Eorzea?! What a passionate song! We've been in a really cool world," Soken says in a tweet.

RELATED LINKS: FFXIV Shadowbringers review, FFXIV Gunbreaker job guide, FFXIV Dancer job guide

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:07 PM
     Halo Infinite is getting monthly perks on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including XP boosts

Microsoft has revealed the full December lineup for Xbox Game Pass and, believe it or not, there's more here than just the Halo Infinite campaign. There are also Halo Infinite XP boosts. The new videogame lineup is robust, especially on PC, but it's those XP boosters that are particularly eye-catching, as players look for new ways to ease the pain of grinding out the Halo Infinite battle pass.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - the $14.99 USD version that includes both console and PC versions of the service - will include the Halo Infinite 'Pass Tense' MA40 AR bundle on December 8. That includes the titular weapon coating, as well as four double XP boosts and four challenge swaps.

This is the first of a series of monthly Halo Infinite bonuses with Game Pass Ultimate, though Microsoft hasn't detailed what to expect from future giveaways. Hopefully we can count on more XP boosts, though. The Halo Infinite battle pass continues to be contentious, even as 343 tweaks progression and boosts XP gains from simply playing matches.

RELATED LINKS: Halo Infinite release date, Halo Infinite system requirements, Halo Infinite ranks

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:20 PM
     AMD Ryzen Zen 4 CPUs – release date, price, specs, and benchmarks

2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year in the battle between AMD and Intel for the title of best gaming CPU, with both companies releasing new processors towards the end of the year. While Zen 3 chips continue to perform well in gaming PCs and for AMD, everyone is waiting to see how the company's next generation Ryzen 'Zen 4' CPUs will compete with Intel's Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors.

When Zen 4 releases in Q3 2022, we will finally see support for PCIe Gen5 and DDR5 gaming RAM on AMD's Ryzen CPUs. This will bring the company's processor offerings in line with Intel, which has supported both technologies since Alder Lake's release in 2021.

However, a combination of 3D V-Cache and a 5nm manufacturing process could see team red's chips outclass those from team blue by a significant margin, making Ryzen Zen 4 CPUs the ideal partner to the best graphics cards such as the Nvidia RTX 4000 GPU lineup.

RELATED LINKS: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X review, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT review, Best CPU for gaming

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:58 PM
    

Every year, streamers Yogscast host Jingle Jam, a charity livestream. This year's edition has just kicked off, and if you donate a minimum of £35/$47 you'll receive the Jingle Jam 2021 Games Collection. It's a bundle of over 50 games including several indie greats, such as Wildermyth, Heaven's Vault, Northgard and Unrailed.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:19 PM
    

Townscaper is a delightful toy and only costs £4.79/€5 from Steam. Maybe you really want to play it on work computers, though, so here you go: a Townscaper web demo playable right in your browser.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:55 PM
    

Another month, another batch of games arriving (and leaving) Xbox Game Pass. Are there interesting games coming to the subscription service this month? Yes, but this is true so often that I've grown blasé. I am a hedonistic king and I have grown weary of pleasure. Stardew Valley, Halo Infinite and Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator cannot rouse me out of ennui.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:33 PM
    

"Titanfall is part of our DNA," says the latest announcement from Respawn Entertainment, before going on to reveal that they're having gene therapy. Titanfall 1, the studio's first game, is being removed from sale today and will disappear from subscription services on March 1st, 2022. It's the inevitable end for the wall-running mech battler, a multiplayer experiment that started cutting bits out of itself mere months after release.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:32 PM
    

ConcernedApe is working away on his next game, but Stardew Valley is still receiving patches. Version 1.5.5 was released today, and while it adds no new content it makes "some important technical changes for modders, some quality of life changes, and some bug fixes" for the farming simulator.

Read more


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:11 PM
    

DMM and Koei Tecmo released another trailer introducing a character that will appear in their upcoming Musou game Touken Ranbu Warriors.

The post Touken Ranbu Warriors for Nintendo Switch Gets New Trailer Introducing Namazuo Toushirou appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:58 PM
    

Today third-party developers have revealed quite a lot of new assets about upcoming add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The post Microsoft Flight Simulator Airbus A330 & Glasgow Airport Get New Screenshots; Rovaniemi Gets New Video; Sønderborg Announced appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:22 PM
    

Since its release in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 has stood out as one of the best video games of all time. Even over three years later, players still rave about Arthur Morgan, the Van der Linde gang, and the crazy, emotional adventures that took place throughout the game. Some of that nostalgia probably has […]

The post Red Dead Redemption 2 Fan Creates a Hilarious Definitive Edition Mock-Up appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:50 PM
    

In celebration of the upcoming launch of Halo Infinite's campaign and the series 20th anniversary, Swarovski jewelry is teaming up with 343 Industries to create an insanely cool collection. Participants in the Swarovski x Halo sweepstakes will be able to win one of two beautiful items: Master Chief Helmet – Following themes of fearless exploration, […]

The post Halo Teams With Swarovski Jewelry to Give Away 117 Crystal Helmets & Energy Swords appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:00 PM
    

Ubisoft has released yet another video to provide more info on the upcoming co-op shooter, Rainbow Six Extraction. This one is more of a deep-dive overview that explains the maps, missions, and difficulty settings for the game. There are 12 maps in the game that are divided into three zones each. And on these maps, […]

The post Rainbow Six Extraction Video Outlines Maps, Missions & Difficulty Settings appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:59 PM
    

2021 has been filled with tons of incredible indie games, like Loop Hero, Cyber Shadow, Inscryption, and so many more. And there is one more banger to fill out the calendar from the team at Heart Machine (Hyper Light Drifter). Solar Ash is a colorful action-adventure experience that sends you speed skating around multiple environments […]

The post Solar Ash Review – Super Celestial Speed Skating appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:06 PM
    

EA Dice has issued full patch notes for its upcoming Battlefield 2042 patch, which is due to launch tomorrow, Dec. 2. The update is substantial, aiming to resolve in part the huge number of glitches, bugs, and performance issues that have plagued Battlefield 2042 since its launch, in addition to adding new weekly missions and […]

The post Battlefield 2042 Update Adds New Weekly Missions, &Lots of Bug Fixes appeared first on Twinfinite.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:00 PM
    

If a secret is what makes a woman 'woman,' then what makes a Survivor 'Survivor'?

The post Identity V x Detective Conan Essences Feature Iconic Quotes appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:00 PM
    

The tabletop game will be released in the west in April 2022.

The post Fullmetal Alchemist Board Game Available to Pre-order in US appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:00 PM
    

The VTuber project features character designs by Kaguya-Sama manga author Aka Akasaka.

The post Sony VERSEn VTubers to Hold First Collaborative Stream appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:00 PM
    

Though not a perfect port, it provides the same impressive experience the PS4 version gave.

The post Danganronpa V3 on the Switch is a Satisfying End to a Series appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:00 PM
    

Sony revealed the PlayStation Plus December 2021 lineup, and among the games available will be the Souls-like Mortal Shell.

The post December 2021 PlayStation Plus Lineup Includes Mortal Shell appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:30 PM
    

Following news of a delay into 2022, the ESRB rating for Digimon Survive appeared and confirmed things like platforms.

The post Digimon Survive ESRB Rating Appears appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:00 PM
    

Good Smile Company announced it is working on a Blue Archive figure and figma. Both Karin and Shiroko figures are in development.

The post Blue Archive Figure and Figma Announced appeared first on Siliconera.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:30 PM
    

Servers will stay online for those who already own it, though The mech-shooter that started it all for Respawn will...

The post The original Titanfall is being removed from sale starting today appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:00 PM
    

We're just one week away from the launch of Final Fantasy XIV's latest expansion, Endwalker, which brings forth the culmination...

The post Preparing for Final Fantasy XIV's Endwalker expansion appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:30 PM
    

It made for a fun watch, though I've only ever played League of Legends once in my life. Story time:...

The post Arcane still couldn't convince me to give League of Legends another try appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:00 PM
    

Celebrate 2021 with 4042 Aeos Tickets 'Tis the season to be giving, and TiMi Studio Group is giving away a...

The post PSA: You can get a bunch of free Aeos Tickets in Pokemon Unite right now appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:30 PM
    

The 'Brack letter' (that term didn't age well!) is nearly three years old Three years ago on December 13, Blizzard...

The post Heroes of the Storm just got a new patch, and I hope it continues to stick around appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:00 PM
    

At least the updates have been quick so far Two updates down, many more to go. It's a common belief...

The post Battlefield 2042 Update 3 is out Dec. 2 and these UI changes will go a long way appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:30 PM
    

A wasted opportunity Take a look at this top-selling Switch sales chart again, straight from Nintendo. You good? Notice that Mario...

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe should have been the 'Smash Ultimate' of Mario Kart appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:00 PM
    

Blink and you'll miss it It's the first day of December, and all through the blog, the writers of Destructoid...

The post Before Your Eyes is clever, heart-wrenching, and a must-play appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:30 PM
    

It'll launch officially four days later In a confusing turn of events for some, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker early access...

The post Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker early access launches at 4AM ET on December 3 appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:00 PM
    

Speaking in the Pass Tense A new slew of Xbox Game Pass arrivals got announced today, which included (of course) Halo...

The post Halo Infinite's first monthly Game Pass Ultimate perks include a special skin appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:50 PM
    

The other free PS Plus games are Mortal Shell and LEGO DC Super-Villains for PS4 [Update: Following a leak last...

The post PlayStation Plus is giving out Godfall in December, but there's a weird twist appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:30 PM
    

Project_Hel will put a new perspective on the first-person free-running action game Ghostrunner put an interesting first-person spin on cyberpunk action. And...

The post Ghostrunner gets the Project_Hel expansion in January appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:00 PM
    

Can we get folders too? Nintendo Switch themes…is it too much to ask for? Or at the very least, maybe...

The post Another Switch hardware update, and still no more themes appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:30 PM
    

I guess I have to Despite the fact that Stardew Valley might not be getting developer updates for a while, it...

The post With this new harvest and plant trick, it's time to play Stardew Valley again appeared first on Destructoid.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:30 PM
     Fight Knight Worth It 1Some games garner attention via taking one game type and mixing it with something you wouldn't expect, leading to crazy combinations. Fight Knight does the same, albeit with an even wilder mix than most others. To put it simply, the game is basically what you'd get if you took a grid-based dungeon crawler, removed the turn-based battles and RPG mechanics, and replaced them with Punch Out. The result is a highly unique, extremely interesting game. It launched yesterday on Steam and retails for just $20 USD, but the question stands: Is Fight Knight worth it? Fight Knight puts you in the greaves of the titular character. You're cursed and can't hold a sword. Attempting to do so sees it fall apart in your hands. But there's a tower of baddies nearby that needs climbing, so you head on in and give it a go. Because you can't hold any weapons, that naturally means that you'll be going against foes with your armored fists. The game's presentat...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:00 PM
     Silco Banner Tft ReleaseOh, what a twist of fate this is. Anyone familiar with Riot Games, especially League of Legends, was expecting the Arcane-original antagonist Silco to make an appearance in Runeterra at some point. After all, such a villainous personality shouldn't be sidelined to one show. But in a twist of fate, it's not League of Legends where he is dropping first. Instead, Silco will appear as in Teamfight Tactics as an exclusive unit. This is the first Teamfight Tactics exclusive unit, meaning Silco won't be available in other Riot games (for now, anyway). The dastardly cunning villain will drop during the Teamfight Tactics mid-set update, which always brings a substantial amount of changes to the game's current meta. Riot Games has not confirmed which traits Silco will have, and we don't have any hints on his gameplay either aside from an ominous clue straight from Riot Games: "While we aren't ready to share details about Silco's kit just yet, I will tell yo...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:00 PM
     Halo Infinite game pass bonuses cosmeticsToday, Microsoft unveiled the next slew of games heading to Xbox Game Pass for PC this month. While it's a damn good list, bringing games like Among Us and Stardew Valley, it also revealed what's new in the world of bonuses. Microsoft and 343 Industries are not just bringing Halo Infinite to the service on December 8, but will also start providing monthly Perks ranging from cosmetics to boosters and Challenge Swaps. For most Halo fans, getting new cosmetics has been a bit of a chore. The game's rigid and unforgiving progression has been a focus of attention for 343, which has promised some changes. But one of the major complaints roving around the 'net is that, well, some of the cosmetics aren't great. I've heard almost nothing but scorn for those wearing the white, blue, and red armor coatings. The community has dubbed these players "Pepsi Spartans," and they've been threatened with aggressive T-bagging. Thankfully, the monthly ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:45 PM
     Guild Wars 2 End Of Dragons Isle Of Reflection Guild HallAs Guild Wars 2 continues its leisurely journey to the release of its next expansion, End of Dragons, ArenaNet is revealing more of the new content in store for players. Today, the developer has revealed a new home that will become available to guilds. Once Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons releases, players will be able to unlock the Isle of Reflection Guild Hall. As with Shing Jea Island, which was revealed a couple of months ago, the Isle of Reflection has a distinctly Asian aesthetic. The structures, terrain, and vegetation all have a tranquil feel that will be highly desirable for guilds. You can preview the new Guild Hall in the video below.   How to claim the Isle of Reflection Guild Hall If you're looking to create a new Guild Hall in Cantha, or you want to change your current Guild Hall to the shiny new one, you'll need to speak to the relevant Guild Hall Explorer. You can currently find Guild Hall Explorers for all the different Halls at the Guild Initiative Headquarters i...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:05 PM
     Twin Mirror Steam floating rocksMost players know French developer Dontnod Entertainment for the Life is Strange series, a collection of episodic graphic adventure games that became quite popular since the first release in 2015. Although the games continue to divide players and critics alike, due to elements like their dialogue, they still manage to resonate with many players. After Life is Strange 2, though, Dontnod stopped developing the series so it could focus on more original projects. Players already got to experience two of these new projects in the form of Tell Me Why and Twin Mirror last year. For players who missed out on Twin Mirror specifically, they already have another opportunity to experience this psychological thriller, as it just dropped on Steam. Those still on the fence about the game can feel free to try out the free demo on Steam. Naturally, any progress made in the demo will carry over to the full game once purchased. Having said all that, players can only pick up the demo for a short time b...

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 5:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 4:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 2:00 PM
    

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:58 PM
    

The servers will remain online for the foreseeable future.

The post Titanfall Being Delisted From Digital Storefronts appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:31 PM
    

Unity will be offering more functionality to users soon.

The post Unity Acquires Collaboration Tool SyncSketch appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:40 PM
    

The physical editions will take a little longer to arrive.

The post Physical Editions of GTA Trilogy Have Been Delayed appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.

Dec 01, 14:00


GamersHeroes Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:26 AM
    

It's the holiday season, which means it's time to go holiday shopping. Before you start hitting Wally World and Gamestop for all the latest titles, consider our 5 best games of December 2021. Oh, and we won't make you click through five pages to look at the entire list.

The post 5 Best Games of December 2021 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:26 AM
    

Ahead of its launch next week, get a glimpse into the campaign of 343 Industries and Xbox Game Studios' Halo Infinite with the launch trailer for the game.

The post Halo Infinite Campaign Launch Trailer Released appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:26 AM
    

The ever-popular MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV got a new expansion last month in the form of Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker. In honor of this release, Gamers Heroes takes a look at one of the series' most popular crossover characters.

The post Cosplay Wednesday – Final Fantasy XIV's Y'shtola Rhul appeared first on GamersHeroes.


Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:45 PM
    

It's been a bad year for anyone who wants to trade in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Since this spring, one hacker has rendered these 3DS games' Global Trade System nearly unusable, as hacked pokémon they uploaded cause players' hardware to freeze upon trying to access the GTS.

Read more...


Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:25 PM
    

It's been a gangbusters year for those at the top of the GameStop pyramid. Revenue is down and stores are closing, but the stock price continues to hover around an unprecedented $200 a share, forging gilded parachutes for its fleeing C-Suite. For many at the bottom, however, it's been one of the worst in recent…

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:00 PM
    

I almost pulled the plug on Solar Ash before it really began. For the most part, I'm glad I did not.

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:40 PM
    

Rockstar Games has announced via Twitter that the physical editions of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition have been delayed to December 17 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Nintendo Switch owners will have to wait until sometime in early 2022. The physical editions were previously…

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Kotaku Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:50 AM
    

Next week, Halo Infinite, which has had its free-to-play multiplayer mode playable for some time now, comes to Xbox Game Pass in full. But Microsoft's games-on-demand service is getting a whole lot more than one deliriously anticipated first-person shooter, as evidenced by a stacked December 2021 lineup. Here's…

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PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:07 PM
     Halo Infinite is getting monthly perks on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including XP boosts

Microsoft has revealed the full December lineup for Xbox Game Pass and, believe it or not, there's more here than just the Halo Infinite campaign. There are also Halo Infinite XP boosts. The new videogame lineup is robust, especially on PC, but it's those XP boosters that are particularly eye-catching, as players look for new ways to ease the pain of grinding out the Halo Infinite battle pass.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - the $14.99 USD version that includes both console and PC versions of the service - will include the Halo Infinite 'Pass Tense' MA40 AR bundle on December 8. That includes the titular weapon coating, as well as four double XP boosts and four challenge swaps.

This is the first of a series of monthly Halo Infinite bonuses with Game Pass Ultimate, though Microsoft hasn't detailed what to expect from future giveaways. Hopefully we can count on more XP boosts, though. The Halo Infinite battle pass continues to be contentious, even as 343 tweaks progression and boosts XP gains from simply playing matches.

RELATED LINKS: Halo Infinite release date, Halo Infinite system requirements, Halo Infinite ranks

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:20 PM
     AMD Ryzen Zen 4 CPUs – release date, price, specs, and benchmarks

2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year in the battle between AMD and Intel for the title of best gaming CPU, with both companies releasing new processors towards the end of the year. While Zen 3 chips continue to perform well in gaming PCs and for AMD, everyone is waiting to see how the company's next generation Ryzen 'Zen 4' CPUs will compete with Intel's Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors.

When Zen 4 releases in Q3 2022, we will finally see support for PCIe Gen5 and DDR5 gaming RAM on AMD's Ryzen CPUs. This will bring the company's processor offerings in line with Intel, which has supported both technologies since Alder Lake's release in 2021.

However, a combination of 3D V-Cache and a 5nm manufacturing process could see team red's chips outclass those from team blue by a significant margin, making Ryzen Zen 4 CPUs the ideal partner to the best graphics cards such as the Nvidia RTX 4000 GPU lineup.

RELATED LINKS: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X review, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT review, Best CPU for gaming

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:09 PM
     The best Civilization 6 DLC

So, you want to know about Civilization 6 DLC? This series has never reached Paradox-levels of expansion content before now, but there's enough Civ 6 DLC that you may need a bit of help evaluating your options. At the time of writing we're now at half a dozen scenario packs, two major expansions and the New Frontier Pass introduced six smaller content packs that released between May 2020 and April 2021.

Time will ultimately tell if we get anything beyond that or even another 'big' expansion, but in the meantime here's everything you need to know about Civ 6's current DLC library, including all of the smaller add-ons that add new civs and standalone scenarios.

We've broken everything down for you below, but it's worth noting that at the time of writing, most of the initial civilisation/scenario packs that were released prior to the Rise and Fall expansion aren't actually available to purchase separately any more. You can typically pick them up together by buying either the Civilization & Scenario Pack bundle or the Platinum Edition. The 'New Frontier' pass packs are being sold individually, however, so you don't need to buy the entire season pass if you don't want to.

RELATED LINKS: The best Civ 6 mods, The best Civ 6 civs, Play Civilization VI

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:56 PM
     Titanfall is getting delisted from stores today, but you'll still be able to play

Titanfall, Respawn's brilliant multiplayer game about jumping into giant fighting robots, will no longer be available for sale after today. The studio says it's decided to delist Titanfall, and that it'll be disappearing from subscription services on March 1 2022. Fortunately, everyone who already owns the game will still be able to play.

"Titanfall is part of our DNA at Respawn," the studio says in an ominous text-image posted to Twitter today, December 1. "It's a game that showcased the ambitions of the studio when it was first released more than seven years ago and it continues to be a beacon of innovation that we strive for in all our games."

While Respawn won't be selling any new copies of Titanfall from now on, players who own the game will continue to be able to play, the studio says. "We will, however, be keeping servers live for the dedicated fanbase still playing and those who own the game and are looking to drop into a match."


PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:34 PM
     The best webcams in 2021

Webcams have proven to be priceless portals to the outside world throughout the ongoing pandemic, enabling you to work from home while prompting more people to livestream on Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook than ever before. You can do a lot better than the built-in lens on the best gaming laptop, tablet, or smartphone, however, as a dedicated webcam captures your likeness with crystal clear clarity.

Razer, Logitech, and Avermedia pack the best webcams with up to 4K resolution, a smooth 60fps, and some even work better in the dark with low-light sensors. They're backed by software that makes customisation easy, so you can stop that pesky autofocus from blurring your face during all-important Discord, Zoom, or Google Meet calls and tinker with the colour balance.

Nothing quite beats the quality of Sony's dedicated DLSR cameras if you're a content creator, but these webcams are feature-rich while keeping the price between $30 and $200. They even fit right on top of the best gaming monitor without the need for a stand. There's something for everyone, no matter your use case.

RELATED LINKS: Best SSD for gaming, How to build a gaming PC, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:23 PM
     The best cooking games on PC in 2021

What are the best cooking games on PC? If you want to relax and create mouth-watering masterpieces, or challenge your friends to some kitchen chaos, the wonderful world of cooking games and restaurant games doesn't disappoint.

You don't have to be a dab hand in the kitchen to work your way around these cooking games. If, like us, your dinner guests smile politely through a plate of charred chicken and accomplishing the perfection of a Gordon Ramsey special seems like a distant dream, then these games are a much more satisfying way to scratch that cooking itch.

The cooking game genre specifically focuses on restaurant management and whipping up recipes has taken a bit of a backseat since the release of Overcooked 2. Many management games and simulation games incorporate cooking as part of the experience, such as farming in Stardew Valley or setting the kitchen alight in the Sims. So, if you're after a more authentic cooking game then look no further as we've collated a list of the best cooking games on PC from time management to puzzlers.


PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:16 PM
     Battlefield 2042's

Battlefield 2042 launched as most Battlefield games do, with chaotically entertaining action and a whole lot of bugs to detract from the good times. The game's "biggest update yet" aims to address many of those issues - at least 150 of them - while introducing quality of life improvements and new features like weekly challenges.

When Update #3 launches on December 2, you'll find three weekly missions of varying types on the main menu. Each will reward you with player XP, and you'll receive a "unique cosmetic reward" for completing all three, as the devs explain in the announcement blog. The update also introduces a host of new features for Portal, including Rush mode layouts for all the 2042 All-Out Warfare maps, and official modes and templates for Vehicle Team Deathmatch, Team and Free-for-All Gun Master, and Infection.

There are a load of UI tweaks, including a bunch of changes to make customising your loadout in the Collection screen easier. "In short, less clicking around. It's now also easier to understand which attachments are locked, in use, equippable, or newly unlocked within your Collection." The devs have also tweaked in-game UI to reduce screen clutter, and more clearly surface important information to you, like teammates in need of ammo, health, or a revive.

RELATED LINKS: Battlefield 2042 review, Best multiplayer games on PC, Best FPS games on PC

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:01 PM
     Tycoon games – the best economic simulation games on PC

So you're looking for some decent tycoon games? Whether you're looking for something more on-the-nose, or a complex, nuanced business simulation game, there's plenty of great options to choose from right now, across a range of themes. This is a classic genre that's had plenty of love since its early days, with sequels and new blood galore.

While there are plenty of classic tycoon games we could talk about - many of which actually have 'tycoon' in the name - we've decided to focus on modern highlights, as this is a genre that's constantly getting new releases and new ideas. We've also kept the definition relatively broad, as there are plenty of games that you may not consider strictly 'tycoon' games, but have strong business or economic themes with the mechanics to back them up.

From criminal underworlds and banana republics, to high-seas trading and taking commerce to the final frontier, here are ten tycoon games we think you should check out if you're looking to see what some of the better choices are in this space. We're likely to keep updating this list as we go, so make sure you check back regularly.

RELATED LINKS: Port Royale 4 review, Best strategy games on PC, Best management games on PC

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:42 AM
     AMD Zen 4 Ryzen CPU rumours suggest Q3 2022 launch as a DDR5 RAM exclusive

In the wake of the success that Intel is enjoying with its new Alder Lake processors, all eyes are on AMD to see how it will respond. We might not have to wait too much longer to find out, as a recent post by previously reliable leaker Enthusiastic Citizen (via Wccftech) claims that we could see Zen 4 'Raphael' chips by Q3 2022.

Not a great deal is known about the microarchitecture, but we do know that it will be manufactured with a 5nm process, use a new AM5 socket type, and support PCIe Gen5. In terms of performance, rumours suggest Zen 4 will outperform Zen 3 by as much as 40%, which could make these new Ryzen processors among the best gaming CPUs of 2022.

Unfortunately, it looks like you'll need to grab a new motherboard and some DDR5 gaming RAM if you plan to use these new Ryzen CPUs, as Enthusiastic Citizen states that they won't support DDR4, unlike Alder Lake.

RELATED LINKS: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X review, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT review, Best CPU for gaming

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:48 PM
     Congress could stop Grinch bots snatching RTX 4000 GPUs next Christmas

2021 is coming to a close, and it looks like graphics card shortages could persist into the new year. While TSMC Alliance is seemingly trying to resolve manufacturing issues, resellers and stock snatching algorithms also contribute to the situation. Thankfully, these shifty practices haven't gone unnoticed, and Congress is trying to implement a bill to stop "Grinch bots" in their tracks, which could help sustain future Nvidia RTX 4000 series stock.

According to a recent press release, the "Stopping Grinch Bots Act" aims to tackle "online algorithms that hoard high-demand toys and goods". While the bill doesn't explicitly mention gaming PC components, it will apply to all internet storefronts, including graphics card and CPU retailers.

It's worth noting that despite the support of three non-profit consumer advocacy groups, the Stopping Grinch Bots Act failed in 2018 and 2019 to move forward in Congress. The finer details of the preventative act also still need to be fleshed out, but it will outlaw the use of automated bots and storefront scraping algorithms under the Federal Trade Commission Act if passed.

RELATED LINKS: RTX 2070 Super review, RTX 2060 Super review, Best graphics card

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:49 AM
     Zephon devs want to bring RTS, MOBA, and

Zephon is a new turn-based strategy game that developer Proxy Studios hopes will bring about a new era for 4X games. Set to arrive next year, the upcoming PC game draws from the studios' previous experience creating Pandora: First Contact and Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War.

Looking at screens from the strategy game's Steam page reminds me of Proxy Studios' last effort with the genre. If it weren't for the fact that there isn't a Space Marine or a Necron in sight, you might think it was taken from the same game. The Steam page even uses the term 'grimdark', prompting me to ask Proxy whether it has taken any specific inspiration from Gladius for Zephon.

"While we are big fans of the Warhammer universe," the studio says, "it is definitely refreshing and complementing to work on something in parallel where we have full creative freedom. A new IP allows us to express all the ideas that we've been accumulating over the last six years." And Proxy has a lot of ideas on how to make 4X games better, with the first order of business to fix the "boring [and] shallow" combat of other games.

RELATED LINKS: The best turn-based strategy games on PC, The best 4X games on PC, The best war games on PC

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:32 AM
     How to find Minecraft diamonds in 1.18

Looking for the best Minecraft 1.18 diamond level? You'll have to dig a little deeper to find this rare mineral, but it will be worth it when you strut into battle donning your sparkling war attire.

Minecraft diamonds are used to craft high tier and extremely durable items such as tools and armour, and can also be used to create an enchantment table. You can craft diamonds in Minecraft from a block of diamond or by mining a diamond ore. By using a block of diamond in the crafting grid, you'll obtain nine diamonds.

You can craft a bunch of glam gear from diamonds in Minecraft, as well as trading diamonds with villagers at Minecraft villages. If you're looking for diamonds out in the blocky wilds, instead of relying on loot chests, then you'll either need to mine for them or search caves. Here's where you'll find diamonds in Minecraft, as well as everything you can create using this rare mineral.

RELATED LINKS: Minecraft console commands, Minecraft skins, Minecraft mods

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:21 AM
     Total War Troy's next DLC pack brings new heroes and mechanics

What, you didn't think it was all about Warhammer III did you? Total War Saga: Troy is still alive and kicking after the big Mythos expansion in September, and now a new DLC pack is coming that will throw two new heroes into the fray.

A Total War Saga: Troy – Rhesus and Memnon introduces King Rhesus of Thrace and the warrior-king Memnon of Aethiopia as playable factions. Rhesus unlocks the Thracian culture and regions of the map, uniting the tribes and putting pressure on the Greeks from the north. Memnon is a horde faction who starts on the island of Rhodes, and must lead his military expedition to Troy's defence while also keeping favour with his masters back in Egypt.

The pack comes with two new army rosters, which together add 49 new units. Rhesus' faction mechanics involve rituals to Thrace's old gods, as well as being able to summon new armies provided he can unite the Thracian tribes under a single banner. Memnon meanwhile is banned from inhabiting settlements, and must help further the influence of the Pharaoh in Egypt so that he can continue to recruit new units. Memnon also uses war spoils and prestige to unlock special actions and bolster his forces.

RELATED LINKS: A Total War Saga: Troy review, Best Total War games, Best strategy games

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:54 AM
     Genshin Impact Heizou release date

Want to know more about Heizou, the detective character coming to Genshin Impact? Shikanoin Heizou is one of the few Genshin Impact new characters we don't know much about yet. However, there are several in-game references to Heizou that can tell us more about this character. There are a few Inazuman characters that have something to say about Heizou, and it's not all positive...

We don't know what element or weapon type Heizou wields, but we do know he's part of the Tenryou Commission, the same clan as Kujou Sara. Inazuma features the Bantan Sango Detective Agency which offers daily quests to players - this agency has called Heizou a swindler in the past. There are also a number of bulletin boards around Inazuma which call into question Heizou's detective skills.

There's no telling whether Heizou is going to end up as a playable character in Genshin Impact, though it's looking likely given the number of hints about him so far. As Heizou is mentioned in several voice lines from prominent characters and dataminer Dimbreath has reported finding some in-game avatar data for him, it seems like he's going to be involved at some point in the future. Here's everything we know about Heizou's banner in Genshin Impact, including information about his backstory and when he might arrive.

RELATED LINKS: Play Genshin Impact for free, Genshin Impact character tier list, Genshin Impact leveling guide

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:21 AM
     Grab $400 off Dell's Alienware M15 RTX 3070 gaming laptop at Best Buy

The best graphics cards are hard to get a hold of in 2021, and barren storefronts are pretending players from upgrading their gaming PCs. That said, there are still ways to experience next-gen tech, as many gaming laptops feature Nvidia RTX 3000 GPUs. So, if you're looking to upgrade setup and play the best PC games, you might want to consider Dell's Alienware M15 R5, especially since it's now under $2,000.

Over on Best Buy, you can grab the Alienware M15 R5 for $1,699.99, thanks to a $400 discount. Not only is Dell's premium laptop armed with an RTX 3070 laptop GPU, but it also boasts an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a spacious 1TB SSD. The portable powerhouse also features a 360Hz 1080p display, something that's sure to appeal to fans of FPS games and players who favour refresh rate over resolution.

Of course, while the M15 R5 is a 1080p powerhouse, the RTX 3070 is also 4K capable, meaning you can connect it to the best gaming monitors for a UHD experience. You could use Dell's portable rig as a desktop PC replacement, especially if you use something like Anker's USB C to HDMI adapter.

RELATED LINKS: Best SSD for gaming, How to build a gaming PC, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:01 AM
     Welcome to Core Keeper, your new favourite mining game

The Core Keeper Alpha has launched today, providing an exciting opportunity for new players to take a trip into the sprawling caverns and put their survival skills to the test. Far more than a simple mining game, Core Keeper draws from a wide range of influences and combines them into a captivating adventure for up to eight players.

That's right - you don't have to go solo or just bring along a couple of friends for your adventures. Core Keeper allows you and seven of your buddies to get together, craft some armour and weapons, and start literally digging into the vast world that awaits to uncover new materials, a wealth of food to farm, and enormous creatures that will need every member of your squad to be on their best form to defeat.

So what exactly does Core Keeper entail, and just what makes it so good? We've put together a quick overview of the best features so you don't miss out on the free Open Alpha experience taking place over the next two weeks.


PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:15 AM
     Fortnite Chapter 3 release date and The End event times

Want to know the Fortnite Chapter 3 release date? It'll soon be time to bid a fond farewell to Fortnite Chapter 2; eight seasons of reality-hopping drama that brought with it more exciting collaborations than ever before, and an alien infestation to investigate. The last season has seen the return of monsters via rifts from The Sideways and mysterious Cubes rolling around the island.

With the announcement of the finale to Chapter 2, 'The End' has players fight against the Cube Queen as she emerges from the pyramid she built using her purple Cube brethren. However, like previous end-of-season events, this will likely end with a countdown timer showing when the next season begins.

So what's coming after 'The End'? Will there be any dramatic changes to the island design, and will we see the continuation of the lucrative collaborations with other games, films, and brands? The details that have leaked so far indicate that this is the case, so join us as we give you the lowdown on when Fortnite Chapter 2 ends, information on when Fortnite Chapter 3 begins, and what may be coming soon to an island near you.

RELATED LINKS: Fortnite V-Bucks, Fortnite Skins, Fortnite Creative Codes

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:47 AM
     FFXIV Endwalker patch makes more clothes gender neutral

Final Fantasy XIV's Endwalker expansion is nearly here, and that means we've got a hearty batch of preliminary patch notes to mull over while we wait. While you've likely seen the big stuff before - such as new locations and jobs - there are plenty of smaller things here that are pretty neat.

One of the main changes to catch my eye is that oodles of old clothing will be equippable regardless of your Warrior of Light's gender. There are 31 clothing items on the list, including spring, Thavnairian, and butler clothing items. It didn't take FFXIV fans long, though, to notice that normal and loyal housemaid items are also included on the list, which means that the upcoming male Viera race can be dressed up as a maid. Essentially, expect maid bunny boys in Limsa Lominsa.

FFXIV's patch notes also contain some other titbits of information, such as more information on role quests. This time around, melee and ranged DPS will get separate adventures. Tanks will be off to Gridania, Melee DPS players are headed to Limsa Lominsa, physical ranged DPS folk will go to Doma, magical ranged DPS players will be summoned to Ishgard, and healers are tootling off to Ala Mhigo. It looks like the quests are themed around the alliance, so expect to meet a few leaders along the way like Hien or Merlwyb.

RELATED LINKS: FFXIV Shadowbringers review, FFXIV Gunbreaker job guide, FFXIV Dancer job guide

PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:44 AM
     The history of SimCopter: the forgotten Sims game

SimCity 2000 was one of the most successful games of 1993, but Maxis Software didn't exactly have a convincing follow-up in mind. Skyscraper simulator SimTower and SimHealth, an unwieldy strategy game about the United States' healthcare system, shared little except poor sales. With finances looking increasingly dire, management ordered developers to pump out as many titles as possible before the end of 1996. The list includes SimIsle, SimTown, SimGolf, SimTunes, and SimCopter, which features the very first appearance of the Sims.

Released - initially, but we'll get to that later - just before Christmas 1996, SimCopter was developed by SimCity designer Will Wright, who recalls being asked by management: "can you design a game where you're doing something in 3D in SimCity? Whatever it is, driving around, flying around, whatever." Since the designer was already working on a prototype for The Sims at the time, he decided the project should also feature citizens who walk around and interact with each other.

SimCopter puts the player in the cockpit of a police helicopter, tasking them with resolving traffic jams, fires, riots, overturned boats, and chasing down criminals. The flight model was based on a Hindenburg simulator (no, really) that Wright had been forced to shelve because of poor marketability, but it was given a new lease of life with the novel idea of players being able to fly around their own SimCity 2000 maps. Wright had been toying with the idea of merging different simulators ever since SimEarth, with the ultimate goal being "an open standard through which our simulators could be plugged into each other". In the mid '90s, the concept of designing a city on an isometric, 2D plane in SimCity and then experiencing it in 3D from a controllable helicopter was revolutionary.


PCGamesN Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:15 AM
     AOC AG273QXP review – a good gaming monitor with sloppy HDR

The AOC AG273QXP 27-inch gaming monitor marks a first for me, as it's the first time I've ever used HDR. It's not for a lack of trying, but that it still seems like an emerging technology in PC screens, despite HDR being around for over half a decade on TVs. I could describe the bliss of seeing the glaring oranges of Doom Eternal's Hell on Earth or how the bright colours originally had me staring in awe, but unfortunately, first impressions are fleeting with this £423 display.

Out of the box, you get all sorts of goodies, including some blinkers for the display, should you decide that the sleek borderless look is not what you want. Generally, it's quite easy to set up, though I did have a bit of trouble slotting the display itself into the mount. It might take a couple of goes, but you won't need to bother again once you've got it standing.

If you're looking for a display that you can swivel to a 'tate' mode, this one will do nicely. The only issue is that it only swivels in one direction, so if the prongs on the tripod's feet are positioned at the wrong angle, you don't get a full rotation.

RELATED LINKS: AOC G2590FX review, AOC AGON AG322QCX review, Best gaming monitor

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:08 PM
    

The folks over at Heart Machine have slid back into the fold with a game set in the same universe as their action-adventure debut Hyper Light Drifter. Except this time it's not a top-down hack-and-slasher, but a stylish skate to save a civilisation on the brink of collapse. Solar Ash sees you flipping onto the backs of massive monsters and felling them like you're performing athletic acupuncture. So yes, it does retain something from its predecessor, and that's the element of cool. This is a cool game. One that excels when it lets you off the leash, only, that doesn't happen as often as I'd have liked.

Read more


Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:40 AM
    

Digital Extremes have announced the release date for Warframe's hefty new expansion, The New War. On December 15th, players will be able to jump into a fresh set of campaign missions in the looter shooter, but instead of playing as your usual Warframe, you'll hop into the shoes of a bunch of different characters. The devs call it a "cinematic expansion" that's chock-full of story stuff answering "long-standing questions" about the game's universe.

Read more


Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:00 AM
    

Last year, Overwatch introduced an experimental mode that Blizzard have mostly used to test potential balance changes, and show players what the devs have been messing around with internally. They tend to be fairly minor tweaks, and there hasn't been an experimental update in a little while. But last night we finally got a new one, and from what I've played it's full of daft and fun tweaks. Prepare yourselves for flying Roadhogs and Genjis, nanoboosted Anas, and a handful of wonderfully-timed voicelines.

Read more


Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:00 AM
    

On Monday, we announced the next free game for RPS premium supporters, the all-new, early access open world strategy RPG, Wartales. This is your reminder that you'll be able to claim your free copy of Wartales today, December 1st, from 4pm GMT / 8am PT.

Read more


Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 8:00 AM
    

It's the very first day of the Advent Calender, so to get hyped up we're all going to strap on some medieval armour and charge at our foes waving swords around. Or possibly waving fish around. It's up to you.

Read more


Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:39 AM
    

After dropping the ball with Solitaire merch, Microsoft have now done right by Minesweeper with an "ugly" Christmas jumper turning one of the most iconic PC games of all time into a blocky Christmas tree. For £58 (plus shipping), you can tell all your festive friends how little work you actually did on your PC in the 1990s. It's not bad!

Read more


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:13 PM
    

Today Avex has started airing episode 9 of the Muv-Luv Alternative Anime. This brings the reveal of more voice actors for relevant characters of the series.

The post Muv-Luv Alternative Anime Reveals Voice Actors for Yuuhi & Walken & More appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:45 AM
    

Today Sony Interactive Entertainment announced the games that will be granted to PlayStation Plus subscribers in December 2021 at no additional cost.

The post PlayStation Plus Games for November 2021 Announced: Godfall, Mortal Shell, & Lego DC Super-Villains appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:28 AM
    

Today Izanagi Games announced the Japanese release date of the escape game/bullet hell shoot 'em up hybrid Yurukill: The Calumniation Games.

The post Yurukill: The Calumniation Games by Kakegurui Creator Gets Japanese Release Date for PS5, PS4, & Switch appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:39 AM
    

If you love Gundam and Japanese live-action series, Sunrise has a treat in store for you today, the Gundam Build Real series.

The post Gundam Build Real Live-Action Series Released with English Subtitles & More appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:23 AM
    

Nicholas Cage can add yet another iconic role to his long list of gigs as an actor, as Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that he'll be playing Dracula in Chris McKay's upcoming adaptation of Renfield. This marks the actor's first big studio movie since he starred in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengence back in 2011. Cage […]

The post Nicholas Cage to Star as Dracula in Chris McKay's Renfield appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:00 AM
    

Today, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean's first 12 episodes officially started streaming on Netflix. This marks the debut of Jolyne Cujoh, the first female protagonist in the series. For a complete breakdown of the first part of the series, check out Netflix's official synopsis right down below: After an accident while on a drive with her sweetheart, […]

The post JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean Is Now Streaming on Netflix appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:58 AM
    

Rockstar Games' remastered trilogy has endured a rough launch, and while a series of updates have helped resolve some of its performance woes, there's been another unfortunate mishap to round out the saga of its fumbled release. Today, the publisher has announced that the physical versions of GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition have […]

The post GTA: The Definitive Edition Trilogy Physical Edition Delayed appeared first on Twinfinite.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:30 PM
    

Following news of a delay into 2022, the ESRB rating for Digimon Survive appeared and confirmed things like platforms.

The post Digimon Survive ESRB Rating Appears appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:00 PM
    

Good Smile Company announced it is working on a Blue Archive figure and figma. Both Karin and Shiroko figures are in development.

The post Blue Archive Figure and Figma Announced appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:30 PM
    

A KOF XV Omega Edition collector's edition will appear in Europe and offer people a chance to get the game with its DLC and soundtrack.

The post KOF XV Omega Edition Includes DLC and Soundtrack appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:00 PM
    

The December 2021 Xbox Game Pass additions will include titles like FFXIII-2, Stardew Valley, Among Us, and Halo Infinite.

The post FFXIII-2, Stardew Valley, and Among Us Joining Xbox Game Pass appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:30 AM
    

A great battle in the middle of the sea!

The post Fate/Grand Order Atlantis Lostbelt Adds Super Orion, Mandricardo appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:00 AM
    

Ahead of FFXIV 6.0 and Endwalker, Square Enix shared some of the Group Pose additions on the way. You can use it in Performance Mode.

The post FFXIV Group Pose 6.0 Updates Teased appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:30 AM
    

Netflix revealed the Jolyne voice actresses for different languages for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean.

The post JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean Jolyne Voice Actresses Revealed appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:00 AM
    

Kirby will watch you clean your own hands!

The post Kirby Sanitizer Dispenser Will Appear in Japan's Amusement Centers appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:30 AM
    

International fans will also be able to purchase the items through a dedicated web store.

The post Hololive Tokyo Sky Tree Merchandise Will Mark 2021 Holiday Season appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:00 AM
    

Yoshi-P will be joined by guest Yosuke Hayashi.

The post Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker Pre-Release Broadcast to Include Yoshi-P appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 8:30 AM
    

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 versions of Gojo, Suguru, and Yuta are open for pre-order.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Nendoroids Will Fight Curses in 2022 appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 8:00 AM
    

Playing this event will require Masters to have first finished Lostbelt 6.

The post FGO Tunguska Sanctuary Event Will Focus on Koyanskaya appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:30 AM
    

Additionally, a new face option will be added for the male Midlander Hyur.

The post Final Fantasy XIV 6.0 New Mount and Minions Revealed appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:00 AM
    

The two characters join Jolyne and Jotaro as the third and fourth Stone Ocean Nendoroids.

The post JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Ermes Costello and Foo Fighters Nendoroids Announced appeared first on Siliconera.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:30 PM
    

I guess I have to Despite the fact that Stardew Valley might not be getting developer updates for a while, it...

The post With this new harvest and plant trick, it's time to play Stardew Valley again appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:00 PM
    

Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier impressions The game that nobody asked for isn't actually all that bad. Final Fantasy VII:...

The post Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier is at its best when played with a controller appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:30 PM
    

As always, I want to go try it immediately Every Zelda: Breath of the Wild player remembers the Ancient Furnace bits....

The post I never would have thought of this Zelda: Breath of the Wild trick shot quest solution appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:00 PM
    

DestructVoid Time is Running Out. Somewhere, in another time and another place, armageddon looms. An insatiable black hole — The...

The post Review: Solar Ash appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:30 AM
    

It's out next week The Halo Infinite launch trailer is two and a half minutes long, and showcases what the...

The post The Halo Infinite launch trailer shows off the scope of the campaign appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:00 AM
    

Stock up on blister Band-Aids Monday is going to be one helluva day for button-mashers, as Degica Games has announced...

The post Crimson Clover and Castle of Shikigami 2 hit Steam next week appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:00 AM
    

It's out on December 7 So this situation isn't nearly as sneaky as locking dungeons behind special editions, but it's...

The post PSA: The Destiny 2 Anniversary DLC only works on platforms you buy it on appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:20 AM
    

Stardew Valley Game Pass is a perfect Christmas present There are probably dozens of you out there who haven't played Stardew...

The post Stardew Valley is coming to Xbox Game Pass, so you have no excuse not to try it appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 8:00 AM
    

Iron sharpeneth Iron In an intriguing meeting of the minds, publisher 505 Games has announced it has entered into a...

The post Metroid Dread dev MercurySteam teams with 505 Games for 'Project Iron' appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:00 AM
    

Metroid Dread sequence breaking is an institution [Update: You can find the elongated video version at the bottom of this post,...

The post Metroid Dread has multiple hidden sequence breaking boss animations appeared first on Destructoid.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:30 PM
     Vanguard best Top Break ClassThe Top Break pistol is resonant of the Magnum in previous Call of Duty titles. With the best attachments, you can build a viable Top Break class to take into your next Call of Duty: Vanguard multiplayer match. The Top Break is not the most powerful weapon in that is in the pistol category, but that does not stop it from being fun to use. You can pair the gun with any primary weapon of your choice. Mainly, this class will focus on increasing the fire power of the gun, so you can eradicate an enemy in in just a few bullets. In addition, accuracy will be taken into account, so you can make the most of the firepower.   Call of Duty: Vanguard Top Break class Muzzle: F8 Stabilizer Barrel: Wilkie W-4 Stub Trigger Action: Rapid Action Magazine: .30 Russian Short Ammo Type: Lengthened Rear Grip: Stippled Grip Kit: Quick Proficiency: Akimbo The first attachment you should equip to get your class off to a strong start is the F8 Stabilizer Muzzle. This will boost your effective damage r...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:00 PM
     ArchvaleThe humble bullet hell genre hasn't always received its due time in the limelight of the public. The notoriously difficult, screen-spamming challenges of dodging and weaving through endless waves of bullets are intimidating for anyone. Not to mention, it's not the most popular genre out in the market right now. While I'm not much of a bullet hell player myself, I can appreciate the swarm of anxiety that swells inside me as I traverse through a minefield of glowing projectiles. The breathlessness you feel after conquering a wave of seemingly impossible to dodge missiles is a fantastic feeling, which is why a bullet-hell game is always welcome in my heart. Archvale is a tremendous addition to my library. It's a dexterous bullet avoiding game that acts as a way to introduce newer players into the genre. With cute, retro, 16-bit graphics and a charming setting, Archvale manages to appeal to both veterans and casuals of the genre. It's not just the adorable ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:30 PM
     Vanguard Ratt ClassIf you are searching for a pistol to use on your Call of Duty: Vanguard multiplayer loadout, look no further. The Ratt has been dominating in Vanguard, and you can build a strong class with the best attachments equipped. Whether you are pairing your pistol with an assault rifle, sniper rifle, or marksman rifle, the Ratt is a viable option that suits any primary weapon. The semi automatic pistol has a strong fire rate and it is able to take out opponents who are at close, to medium ranges. This class will focus on improving the fire power and accuracy of the weapon. Soon, you will see why the Ratt is considered to be one of the best secondary weapons in multiplayer.   Call of Duty: Vanguard Ratt class Muzzle: M1929 Silencer Barrel: Empress 129mm B03TT Trigger Action: Rapid Action Magazine: .45 ACP 9 Round Mags Ammo Type: Lengthened Rear Grip: Stippled Grip Proficiency: Panic Kit: Quick To begin your class, the M1929 Silencer will provide you with sound suppression to keep your...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:26 PM
     Solar Ash Review 1It's easy to assume that Solar Ash is a sequel to Hyper Light Drifter. It's got the same developer, it's set in the same universe, and the main character also has an energy sword. But that's mostly where the similarities end. Instead of focusing on action, the game is all about platforming, exploration, and dashing forward at high speeds. Some HLD fans will no doubt be disappointed by this, and the game could certainly have used a bit more depth and variety. But it's still a compelling experience with an intriguing narrative and some worthwhile sights to see. Solar Ash is the story of the unfortunately named Rei, which will no doubt generate some Star Wars jokes. Rei is a Voidrunner; a member of a group that dives into and explores voids. When her home world is threatened with destruction by the Ultravoid, she and her fellow Voidrunners go to place conduits on a nearby planet to activate a device known as the Starseed to keep the Ultravoid from leading ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:30 AM
     Age Of Empires UpdateThe bundle of anxiety known as Age of Empires IV is getting a brand new update, improving many aspects of the game. The real-time strategy game brought some key changes to the game that is sure to improve the experience for all players, with an improved mini-map and buff to the Spearman class. The update actually comes somewhat earlier than fans might have anticipated, as indicated by the Age of Empires IV roadmap. This isn't just some basic balance update, however. It's a massive update that brings over 100 balance changes to different parts of the game, and adjustments to many of the game's UI issues. These updates are for the fans, as many of these changes were taken from feedback. The developers even distinguish this new build as an update versus a patch, as the developers define an update "as anything with a larger number of changes." Speaking of UI, players have also been critical of the mini-map. The update addresses the problems with changes to ...

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:00 AM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:00 AM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:00 AM
    

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Wednesday, December 1, 2021 1:40 PM
    

The physical editions will take a little longer to arrive.

The post Physical Editions of GTA Trilogy Have Been Delayed appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:13 PM
    

Lots of games to look forward to in December.

The post Halo And Among Us Headlining Game Pass In December appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Pivotal Gamers Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:05 PM
     What's up all? We have another remarkable giveaway from Alienware Arena for PUBG. Let's hear them out. PGC 2021 PUBG 'Get Lit' Spray Key Giveaway Get lit for PGC 2021! PUBG is introducing a new spray feature! You can spray on the ground, building walls during the match. Express your emotions through various sprays! As part of the PGC 2021 event, players can light up th...

MonsterVine Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:00 PM
    

At the beginning of the pandemic, everybody played Animal Crossing: New Horizons. My sister who rarely, if ever, plays games, got heavily invested in it. All my friends got it and played it daily, and naturally, so did I. But then things started to get a bit better, and everybody had torn through the more […]

The post Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Worth Revisiting? appeared first on MonsterVine.


Level Up Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:06 PM
     PlayStation has announced the December lineup for PlayStation Plus, and as usual, it includes a…

Level Up Wednesday, December 1, 2021 11:03 AM
     Happy Holidays, Xbox fans. Once again, a bevy of prominent titles are joining the Game…

Level Up Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:21 AM
     A new bill introduced to Congress could automatically ban bots often used by resellers to…

Level Up Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:42 AM
     Halo Infinite's multiplayer has been out for a couple of weeks now, and besides some…

Level Up Wednesday, December 1, 2021 9:10 AM
     I loved The Forest. My small team of survivors committed a little under forty hours…