Jun 23, 16:00


Kotaku Thursday, June 23, 2022 3:45 PM
    

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Kotaku Thursday, June 23, 2022 3:25 PM
    

The crypto market is continuing to fall, which has led a ton of miners to exit the market or to downscale their operations, thus finding themselves in possession of valuable computer components that they now no longer need. Some such miners, many from China and South Asia (where electricity is cheaper), are now taking…

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Kotaku Thursday, June 23, 2022 1:20 PM
    

If you happen to be suffering from a general air of malaise following the spring time season and are looking to fill your summer with something fresh from the anime scene, well tough. Kidding! Summer is right around the corner and with it are a bunch of new anime to watch.

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Kotaku Thursday, June 23, 2022 1:00 PM
    

A spree of rogue DMCA takedown notices for Destiny 2 content on YouTube earlier this year has now ballooned into a $7.6 million lawsuit, as Bungie goes after the alleged perpetrator in court. In addition, some Destiny 2 content creators now say they feel "betrayed" after the person who was seemingly responsible denied…

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Kotaku Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:05 PM
    

What a way to break some news, huh? On Twitter, Sonic the Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka said the quiet part out loud: Michael Jackson definitely, totally composed some music for the 1994 Sega Genesis game, Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Unfortunately, Naka followed up the confirmation that this long-running myth is a bonafide…

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Kotaku Thursday, June 23, 2022 9:30 AM
    

I've not played a lot of Vampire Survivors, but I know that moving around, dodging enemies, and running about are key parts of the game. So it's a bit odd that the surprise hit's newest secret character, just added in its latest beta update, is a fruit tree that doesn't move. But don't be fooled: This tree is…

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Kotaku Thursday, June 23, 2022 9:00 AM
    

Hello Games is bringing massive spacefaring sim No Man's Sky and most of its updates from the past six years to Switch on October 7, the company announced this morning. A physical edition of the complete, remastered PlayStation 5 version is also planned for the same day.

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PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 3:52 PM
     Minecraft's Mangrove Restoration Project map is all about activism

Minecraft is a place where anything is possible. It's one of the shining examples of what sandbox games are capable of because people use it to play in countless different ways. Some use it as a chance to recreate their favourite games, some like to mess around with the in-game systems to basically program new things in it, and some just like to build amazing things.

There are also a lot of cool downloadable maps, and one of the most fascinating of these has to be The Mangrove Restoration Project by Everbloom Games. Everbloom Games make a fair few maps, but this one has an environmentally friendly feel. The map tasks players with trying to fix the mangrove forests of the world by planting new trees.

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

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 2:55 PM
     One of 2018's best games is getting a free upgrade in July

The unstoppable force of giant alien bugs meets the immovable object of heavily armed mechs in the turn-based strategy game Into the Breach, which was one of our picks for the best games of 2018. Each bite-sized level is a fresh puzzle, making it almost like Pacific Rim in Wordle form. Now, developer Subset Games has announced that it's releasing a mobile version of Into the Breach, and that it'll be coming with a free Advanced Edition upgrade for the existing PC version.


PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 2:45 PM
     Fortnite Creative's Item Placer device is revolutionary

Fortnite, despite being primarily a battle royale game, actually has one of the most fascinating creative scenes going. While creative isn't the game's main focus, it's undoubtedly one of the coolest ways to interact with Fortnite because some people are absurdly creative. Just take a look at this amazing Spider-Man map if you don't believe us, which makes full use of the Grapple Glove.

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

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:31 PM
     Online games: The best online games for PC with no download

Looking for some of the best online games with no downloads to play right now? Publishers like Steam and Epic Games are busy locking horns over their digital storefronts and platforms, but there's a rich world of fun browser games that can be accessed directly through the web. No launchers or two-factor authentication, no agonising downloads or hard drive space juggling, just instant, free online games.

The best free online games and browser games have even gone onto to inspire larger budget remakes and spin-offs, like My Friend Pedro and Kingdom of Loathing. Impressively, despite the obvious tech constraints developers have also managed to craft free online games to cover any genre you can imagine, so yes, you can play a 100-player battle royale in your browser.

So whether you're looking for something to sink a few minutes into or your next gaming habit, there's a free online game for you. We've tried to ensure this list caters to all sorts - from RPGs, to massive multiplayer strategy games -  all at the enviably low price of free.


PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:35 PM
     Best browser games 2022

Hunting for the best browser games? Modern computers are so powerful that you don't need a beefy rig to play great games. As long as you have access to a stable internet connection, there's a massive library of games that can be played from the comfort of your web browser, and what's more, every game on this list is free.

It can be difficult to coordinate with several friends to find a game that everyone owns. Gone are the days of worrying about your friend's empty Steam library and their low specced PCs - instead you can simply send them a link to these top browser games and start playing right away.

Whether you're looking for something to play for a few minutes before your lunch break ends, or you want a game to sink your teeth into after work, we've got you covered. Our list of the best browser games contains a mix of genres to ensure there's something for everyone. With all of that said, here are the best browser games.


PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:29 PM
     The next Total War: Warhammer 3 update release date set for June

We're eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Immortal Empires sandbox campaign for Total War: Warhammer III, but it looks like we'll have plenty to tide us over in the meantime. The release date for Total War: Warhammer III update 1.3 is set for June 30, and the patch will add some new regiments of renown and bring fixes for the strategy game's controversial Realm of Chaos campaign.

Creative Assembly hasn't yet specified the units they'll belong to, but update 1.3 will be adding seven knew regiments of renown, with new elite units going to each of Warhammer 3's playable factions. It'll be Warhammer 3's second elite unit pack, and each core race will get a new team of elite variants to enlist in their campaigns.

RELATED LINKS: Total War: Warhammer 3 DLC, Total War: Warhammer 3 races, Total War: Warhammer 3 review

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:29 PM
     Fall Guys team rounds minigames list

Want to know what Fall Guys team rounds are? The party battle royale game is now free-to-play, and the Stadium Stars event is well underway. It comes with a set of challenges for you to complete and while most are straightforward and an excellent method to ease new players into this frantic game show, some are also quite tricky to complete.

One task especially is proving to be a bit of a pain for most players to complete - playing two Fall Guys team rounds. With just a handful of compatible games that count towards this challenge, some players report that it's taking them several hours to get just one team round in Squads Show. Mercifully, you only need to play two team rounds, not win them, to be done with this painful challenge.

RELATED LINKS: Fall Guys review, The best battle royale games, Play Fall Guys

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:22 PM
     Studio Asobo announces Plague Tale Requiem release date and rat powers

As promised, Studio Asobo finally announced A Plague Tale: Requiem's release date during a special showcase that debuted an extended look at the stealth game's action segments. A Plague Tale: Requiem releases October 18 and will feature ray tracing and NVIDIA DLSS support on PC. Along with getting a look at Requiem's story and combat during the showcase, we also see Hugo wielding his rat powers to send swarms of the rodents after his foes and help avoid fights whenever possible.

RELATED LINKS: Best stealth games, Best fantasy games

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:15 PM
     The best H4 Blixen loadout in Warzone

Searching for the best H4 Blixen loadout in Warzone? The Season 3 Reloaded update introduces the H4 Blixen to the battle royale game, a powerful SMG with an impressive time to kill speed. Warzone is no stranger to deadly SMGs, with Season 2's best Armaguerra 53 loadout firmly establishing itself as one of the best SMGs in Warzone right now.

The best H4 Blixen loadout stands out from the rest of the SMGs due to its incredible damage output. This SMG arrived at the perfect time, just as the player core health has increased from 100 to 150 across all game modes in Warzone. When customised using the right set of attachments, the H4 Blixen maintains its damage output while toning down the recoil to make the SMG easier to control. While this SMG may have been nerfed slightly in Warzone Season 4, it's still highly dangerous in the right hands.

RELATED LINKS: Warzone loadouts, Best AR in Warzone , The best guns in Warzone

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:48 AM
     The best M4A1 loadout in Warzone

While the obvious answer to this question is that the best M4A1 loadout in Warzone is largely subjective, we're pretty certain that the M4 class and setup we've got is the best build for the popular AR. This weapon is great for newcomers as it features a modest amount of recoil alongside an impressive time-to-kill speed.

The best M4A1 loadout has become a viable option in Warzone, offering everything you need in the battle royale game: accuracy, range, a fast rate of fire, and the potential to strap on a 60-round magazine. Given the number of players on Caldera, you'll want to equip yourself with as many bullets as you can.

Of course if you're new to Warzone then we're afraid that you'll need to do a lot of grinding to earn all of the attachments that really make this rifle so powerful. The M4A1 setup for Warzone we've got below offers decent damage per second over mid to long-range fights, without making the gun unwieldy in close-up gun battles.

RELATED LINKS: Warzone loadouts, Best AR in Warzone , The best guns in Warzone

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:36 AM
     A Plague Tale Requiem gets Nvidia DLSS and ray tracing

A Plague Tale Requiem will launch later this year, and we now know that the game will support Nvidia DLSS and ray tracing. This is the first time either technology has made an appearance in the stealth game series, and makes a GeForce RTX GPU an ideal choice to run the sequel.

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

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:18 AM
     Next week's free game from Epic is an undead Darkest Dungeon-like

Thursday means it's time for another round of fresh free PC games on the Epic Games Store. This week, you can pick up the digital edition of A Game of Thrones: The Board Game and Car Mechanic Simulator 2018. Next week, we'll be digging up a turn-based tactical RPG game from 2020 called Iratus: Lord of the Dead.

If you're familiar with Darkest Dungeon, Iratus is basically that game in reverse. Instead of exploring further down into the depths beneath a manor, in Iratus: Lord of the Dead, you start out deep underground. You're a necromancer, and your goal is to escape your creepy subterranean vault to rain death and destruction on the hapless living up on the surface.


PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:09 AM
     The best ZRG Warzone loadout

Want to know what the best ZRG loadout is in Warzone? The ZRG 20mm is a sniper rifle designed to take out enemies from great distances, much further than the likes of the best Kar98k loadout and best Pelington 703 loadout. This weapon comes stocked with just three bullets per magazine, but each bullet is capable of downing an enemy from a single upper torso hit.

Warzone Pacific Season 3 has altered the way sniper rifles work by introducing a number of key buffs to this underutilised weapon class. The best Warzone ZRG loadout received plenty of improvements, including a huge boost to its max damage range, the ability to one-shot to the head at any range, and a head damage multiplier buff.

You first need to unlock the ZRG to use it in Warzone and Cold War. We highly recommend pairing the ZRG with one of the best SMGs in Warzone to protect yourself against flanking attacks. Here's everything you need to build the best ZRG loadout in Warzone.

RELATED LINKS: Warzone loadouts, Best AR in Warzone , The best guns in Warzone

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:44 AM
     The best UGM loadout in Warzone

Trying to find the best UGM loadout in Warzone? Season 4 is here, introducing a new map to the battle royale game, loads of balance changes, and three new weapons to add to your arsenal. The UGM-8 is particularly interesting as it's very lightweight for an LMG, which aren't typically known for their mobility as they're made to keep enemies pinned back with suppression fire, so this weapon opens up new opportunities to explore.

When customised using the perfect attachments, the best UGM loadout combines the stock weapon's lightweight advantages alongside huge magazines to blast rival squads to pieces. There's a good chance the UGM finds its way onto the best LMGs in Warzone list once players get this lethal weapon in their hands.

RELATED LINKS: Warzone loadouts, Best AR in Warzone , The best guns in Warzone

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:40 AM
     Hyenas system requirements – closed alpha specs

Creative Assembly has revealed Hyenas system requirements ahead of the closed alpha, including minimum and recommended requirements. While the game appears to be gutsy when it comes to GPU VRAM, the developer says they're working hard to optimise the experience, so don't write off your ageing gaming PC just yet.

According to Hyenas system requirements, you'll need a GPU with at least 5GB VRAM to run the dystopian FPS game. While Creative Assembly doesn't list specific models, the developer recommends using something on par with the Nvidia GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon 5600 XT. Thankfully, the futuristic heist experience doesn't demand the best gaming CPU, the alpha should play nice with anything newer than a 6th gen Intel processor.

Unfortunately, the Hyenas alpha looks to be ravenous when it comes to gaming RAM, as you'll need more than 10GB to get in on the action. 16GB is recommended, but if you're looking to meet the game's requirements on the cheap, adding an extra DIMM stick to your 8GB setup should do the trick.

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

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:23 AM
     The best PPSh loadout in Warzone

Searching for the best PPSh loadout in Warzone? The PPSh SMG has been a staple of the Black Ops games, so it was only a matter of time before it showed up in Cold War. This weapon also features in Call of Duty Vanguard, introducing a second PPSh in Warzone.

The PPSh wasn't very good when it first launched compared to the rest of Warzone's best SMGs, but the devs made sure it became a meta weapon. So, what makes this SMG so special? The PPSh is an excellent close to medium range option thanks to its high bullet velocity and low recoil stats. When you combine all of these important stats together, this makes the PPSh the perfect secondary gun for most loadouts.

Though there are two versions of this weapon, if you're playing on Rebirth Island or Fortune's Keep you may want to stick to the original weapon as it appears to be stronger. Whether you're playing on Caldera or Rebirth Island, this SMG is sure to rip through enemies if they get too close.

RELATED LINKS: Warzone loadouts, Best AR in Warzone , The best guns in Warzone

PCGamesN Thursday, June 23, 2022 9:32 AM
     All Fortnite Tover tokens in each location

Are you wondering where to find Fortnite Tover tokens? With the start of Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 3, it's time for the popular battle royale game to celebrate with a summer party. Now that the good guys have banished the Imagined Order from the island, everyone wants to let loose, including Darth Vader. So where better to do it than on the ruins of IO's base?

As part of the new season, there are new Fortnite skins to unlock on the battle pass, one of them being Snap. In a similar vein to previous character skins, you need to find the locations of all of the Fortnite Tover tokens to unlock some of the parts for Snap.

Each of the named areas in the list below has three Tover tokens for you to find, but they're not always in easy-to-reach places. While a fair amount of Snap's parts are available right now, there are more arriving in the coming weeks, so it's best to get a headstart so you don't have to find all of them later.

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

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, June 23, 2022 1:11 PM
    

There are three reasons to consider playing the new 'Enhanced Edition' of Blade Runner over the version which hit GOG in 2019: 1) it has subtitles; 2) it has controller support; 3) it's on consoles. Beyond that, Nightdive's remastering has made Westwood's 1997 adventure game look notably uglier and you'd be better off with GOG's ScummVM version. The Enhanced Edition is out today and I've been flicking back and forth between the two versions, tutting. The Enhanced Edition still looks like a 25-year-old game, only now it looks 25 years old, blurry, and unlike itself.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:43 PM
    

I still don't know whether to describe The Heroic Legend Of Eagarlnia as "complicated" or "simple". Before starting a game, it gives an impression of being a complex grand strategy that's something like a fantasy Total War with a D&D alignment system and a distinctly East Asian focus on characters and dialogue.

It's far simpler than that. There was a period of disappointment, even, when it seemed like there wasn't much to it at all. That's partly because it's easy to play it too passively, or get stuck in attritional stand offs, and partly because of the need for a bit too much repetition. But over time its subtler details become more apparent, and your choices start to feel more multifaceted.

And yet, it remains at heart the same throughout. On your first ten turns you're doing the same actions as in your 200th, and its battles in particular are largely hands off. So maybe it's complicated, but simple to actually play? Hmm.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:50 AM
    

An ongoing crash in cryptocurrency prices is causing some miners to abandon ship, selling off their racks of graphics cards at discount prices in a bid to recoup some cash. Wccftech spotted that some erstwhile miners across China and South Asia, previously encouraged by low energy costs, are even hosting livestreamed auctions to get rid of their GPU 'stock' en masse.

First off: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Second, while it's entertaining to imagine desperate crypto barons hosting a kind of QVC channel for dusty PC components, I wouldn't necessarily take this as a long-overdue opportunity to upgrade your graphics card on the cheap.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:16 AM
    

It's time once again for an episode of The Electronic Wireless Show podcast. This week Nate returns, but Matthew is away - and since he is the real agent of chaos, Nate and I have a remarkably sensible conversation about different weather and seasons in a lot of games. Who'd have thought? Not me. And in fact there is weather in all sorts of places you wouldn't expect to look.

Don't worry, though, because we find time to talk about how our weeks have been, as well as a bit where I tell Nate there's going to be a survival crafting game set in Moria and he gets excited. Also, stay tuned for a Cavern Of Lies where Nate does a lot of cowboy voices. And shout out to John for sending in cheery EWS fan game Aquarium Assault: Dark Day For A Dogfish!

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:28 AM
    

After a high-end PSU to accompany your new graphics card - or to get ready for the high-power next-gen GPUs rumoured to debut later this year? This is the deals post for you. British retailer and PC builder AWD-IT is offering a Thermaltake Toughpower GF 850W 80+ Gold modular power supply for £60, down from £90. To get this discounted price, use code TT850W at the checkout.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:21 AM
    

Valve are kicking off 2022's Steam Summer Sale today with discounts on AAA and indie games, starting at 6pm BST/7pm CEST/10am PST. It's being styled as the 'Steam 3000' sale even though that year is a long way off according to my calendar. For some reason, Valve have decided they're doing videos to hype this stuff now too. You can watch the trailer below to get some idea of what might be discounted very soon.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:09 AM
    

The RTX 3060 is the best value 1080p graphics card, and recently it's gotten significantly cheaper as next-gen Nvidia GPUs have been rumoured. Right now, you can pick up a Gigabyte RTX 3060 Eagle 12GB for just £330 at Scan UK, a £61 reduction over the same card at Amazon UK and some £40 cheaper than the cheapest RTX 3060 we spotted last month. If you're in the market for a new GPU and you've got a 1080p monitor, this is an awesome shout.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, June 23, 2022 9:20 AM
    

The HP Reverb G2 is surprisingly similar take on the Valve Index VR headset, and now it's going cheap from HP's American web store. The headset, which has a US MSRP of $599, is now going for $399, which according to my abacus is $200 off.

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Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 3:28 PM
     One Piece Film: Red has a release window.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 3:05 PM
     Here is how to fix the FFXIV "A Technical Issue Has Occurred Error."

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 2:32 PM
     Is Steam down right now?

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 2:13 PM
     One Piece Film: Red has a release window.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 1:15 PM
     The annual Summer Games Done Quick speedrunning marathon returns this year, but will be held as in-person event when it begins this weekend.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:46 PM
     A new update is now available for Dead Cells that gives players more options to tweak their runs alongside an Assist Mode on all platforms.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:28 PM
     The direct of Sonic 3, Yuji Naka, recently reported that one of the biggest Sonic the Hedgehog fan conspiracy theories may be true.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:23 PM
     COD Warzone Season 4 has seen some significant weapon changes and we are here to tell you everything about every weapon buff and nerf.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:22 PM
     Wondering about how to get the UGM-8 LMG in Call of Duty: Warzone Season 4? Then, we have just the thing for you.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:15 PM
     Today Focus Entertainment and Asobo Studio announced the release date of their upcoming action-adventure game A Plague Tale: Requiem.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 12:08 PM
     A Plague Tale: Requiem has its release date.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:50 AM
     Today Square Enix finally released a new trailer of its upcoming FullMetal Alchemist Mobile game, focusing on cutscenes.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:41 AM
     Time to hit those stunts!

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:34 AM
     Many may have guessed this, but when Overwatch 2 releases, the original Overwatch will go the way of the dodo.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:12 AM
     If you're wanting to kit out Snap, this is the guide for you!

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 11:02 AM
     Edelgard von Hresvelg and Bernadetta von Varley have arrived!

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:54 AM
     It's crazy that the game managed to escape the awful publicity and turn things around.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:51 AM
     Today Mages released a new trailer of its upcoming game Alice Gear Aegis CS: Concerto of Simulatrix, showing gameplay and customization.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:31 AM
     The Game Changers scene features some incredible talent. Here are the best professional female Valorant players.

Twinfinite Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:19 AM
     Hack away at those Runaway Boulders for easy XP!

Siliconera Thursday, June 23, 2022 3:00 PM
    

Review: AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is Quite a Ride

Kotaro Uchikoshi's reputation precedes him. You generally know if he's involved with a game, it is going to be a thoughtful experience with twists and turns. From the Zero Escape series to Punch Line, his work will surprise you. AI: The Somnium Files proved it was no different, with its Cyclops Serial Killings storyline, AIs that replace a person's actual eye, and dreamscape explorations. Now AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is here with another baffling case. And this time, players are seeing the investigation from two sides.

When Mizuki Date was 12 years old, she and Ryuki Kurato both were participating in a quiz show. At one point, the lights when out. When they came back on, the body of Jin Furue, a well known tech CEO, was there with a sign that included a QR code linking to a strange video and a "Fray to Free!" message on it. However, only half of his body appeared. Six years later, 18-year-old Mizuki is recruited to ABIS due to her potential as a Psyncer. Someone lures her to a stadium via text messages. There, the other half of Furue's body appears. Yet even though it appeared six years later, that body's time of death is apparently nine hours ago. The key to working out what's going on is to work with Ryuki. However, the past investigation left him a broken drunk. Mizuki must investigate the Half Body killings in the present to find the Tearer, while also learning what the mentally broken Ryuki learned from his investigations in the past.

Spike Chunsoft

First off, I will say is that context is important in AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative. In the introduction, it makes it clear that you can play the game without going through AI the Somnium Files. This is very true. However, as someone who played both, I feel it relies so heavily on knowing who these characters are that it is to the player's detriment if they didn't experience the original. (Also, the first game is incredible and should be experienced.) I feel like it really helped to have that background with Mizuki, Kaname, and Aiba.

But yes, without that context you will still have a good time. AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is the sort of game that can be serious and silly. It is well-written and localized, with characterizations that make Mizuki, Ryuki, Aiba, and Tama charming and personable. The various technological concepts are fascinating. As are the more otherworldly experiences exploring somniums. There are times when it can feel delightfully supernatural, even though you know there's a technological foundation for elements like the AI-Balls replacing folks' eyeballs. Not to mention some twists might genuinely surprise you, and the visual novel elements mean picking answers or even supplying "information" you learned in another route to move forward.

Review: AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is Quite a Ride

While AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is an adventure game, gameplay differs depending on where characters are. You might be questioning people around you to learn more about the case. Some segments involve reenacting a crime to better understand what happened. A Psync sends you into a somnium. While there, Aiba or Tama will explore a space and need to overcome Mental Locks. However, you get only six minutes, and each action takes up some of your time. The difficulty settings let you determine how challenging the investigation QTEs and somnium portions will be, allowing for things like more forgiving time limits.

As before, I think the somnium portions are some of AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative's most entertaining. As these are essentially dream worlds, normal logic doesn't apply. For example, overcoming one early Mental Lock means dealing with some fire. Rather than exhaling to blow it out, inhaling is the answer. I loved seeing the cause and effect portions here. Not that the investigations, which can involve things like zooming in on areas or using X-ray vision, aren't also involved. There's just a degree of thought and complexity here I appreciate more.

Review: AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is Quite a Ride

While I value what's being done, in some ways I feel like AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is slightly less ambitious than the original. This is a great game. It is 100% worth your time. Uchikoshi fans will be pleased. Seeing Mizuki and Ryuki's sides is enlightening. But it isn't as open as the original and there won't be as many possible paths to wander. The execution and twists are fascinating. It could just be that I'm spoiled and the original handled things so well.

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative, like AI: The Somnium Files, is simply a fantastic adventure. Its plot is fascinating, and I love how it handles its investigations. It is absolutely a worthy successor, though I very much recommend people play both games.

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative will come to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on June 24, 2022 in North America and July 8, 2022 in Europe.

The post Review: AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is Quite a Ride appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, June 23, 2022 2:40 PM
    

Inugami Korone Sonic

VTuber Inugami Korone appeared as a guest during the Sonic Origins commemorative broadcast, revealing a new outfit inspired by the iconic Sega mascot. The outfit features a Sonic the Hedgehog-inspired hoodie, a choker that resembles the rings players can obtain in the game, and red shoes. Other details included a Sega t-shirt, a Chaos Emerald earring, and a Knuckles plush. The outfit was specifically created to commemorate a collaboration between the Sonic brand and Korone.

During the broadcast, the presenters asked Korone what her favorite part of the outfit was. She responded that due to always bumping into her desk while she streams, so she's happy that she will have a ring attached to her.

You can watch an archived version of the broadcast below, which includes a look at Inugami Korone's Sonic the Hedgehog-inspired outfit. The outfit is revealed around the 38 minute mark.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS0X1M8dv_8&ab_channel=%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%BB%E3%82%B6%E3%83%BB%E3%83%98%E3%83%83%E3%82%B8%E3%83%9B%E3%83%83%E3%82%B0%E3%80%90%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8F%E3%80%91[/embed]

You can take a look at the reference sheet for the outfit below.

[embed]https://twitter.com/SonicOfficialJP/status/1539921667849195520[/embed]

As mentioned previously, the broadcast was held to commemorate the release of Sonic Origins, and celebrate the Sonic series. Sonic Origins is a title that bundles classic entries in the series together. It features a new "story mode" which features animated cutscenes, and rearranged tracks.

Sonic Origins is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. You can read our review here.

The post Inugami Korone Reveals Sonic-Inspired Outfit appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, June 23, 2022 2:00 PM
    

SMT V and Persona 5 Stubbins Plush Toys Announced

It turns out new Persona 5 and SMT V plush are on the way, as they will become part of the Stubbins line. Aogami and the Nahobino will both be 10" Stubbins Deluxe versions. So will one of the two Morgana options. The other Morgana will be a 4" Stubbins Hugz clip-on plush. Pre-orders for all three will open on July 1, 2022.

First, here's a better look at all three of the Stubbins Deluxe toys.
SMT V and Persona 5 Stubbins Plush Toys Announced

And here's how the standard Morgana compares to the smaller Stubbins Hugz one.
Persona 5 Morgana plush

There will be two ways to pre-order, come July 1, 2022. People can go online to Shop Atlus. There, folks can call dibs on all items. If someone is at the Los Angeles Convention Center attending Anime Expo 2022, they can also place a pre-order there. Doing so at the event will get people who buy one of the Morganas a Morgana pin. Those who commit to Aogami or the Nahobino will get a Jack Frost pin.
Morgana Pin Jack Frost Pin

Stubbins plush toys are all based on video game properties. For example, one of the more recent collections involved Monster Hunter Rise.

Persona 5 is available on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Persona 5 Royal is on the PS4 and will head to the PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC on October 21, 2022. The SMT V and Persona 5 Stubbins plush pre-orders will open on Shop Atlus on July 1, 2022. Folks at Anime Expo 2022 in Los Angeles, California can also pre-order the items July 1-4, 2022.

The post SMT V and Persona 5 Stubbins Plush Toys Announced appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, June 23, 2022 1:30 PM
    

Final Fantasy XIV Make it Rain

Square Enix uploaded the key artwork for the Final Fantasy XIV Make it Rain 2022 campaign to its Final Fantasy Portal app. Users can download the artwork to use as wallpaper for their mobile devices. It features the Senor Sabotender flanked by two Gold Saucer employees.

People will also be able to get their hands on a physical piece of merchandise that features this artwork. Square Enix announced it would be hosting a Gold Saucer-themed event at two of its Eorzea Cafe locations in Japan. Alongside a themed menu, those who eat at the Eorzea Cafe in Akihabara and Osaka during this period will receive a special placemat. The placemat in question features the key artwork from the Make it Rain 2022 campaign. A total of four items are available to order from the menu.

The Make it Rain Campaign in Final Fantasy XIV has appeared more than once in the MMORPG. During this period, players can obtain MGP at incased rates. Certain exclusive items and emotes are available to obtain during the campaign. The 2022 event featured two emotes players could get through event participation.

Final Fantasy XIV is available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. The Final Fantasy XIV Make it Rain 2022 campaign wallpaper is available on Android and iOS through the Final Fantasy Portal app.

The post Final Fantasy XIV Make it Rain 2022 Artwork Available as Wallpaper appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, June 23, 2022 1:00 PM
    

One Piece Red Will Be in Theaters Outside Japan This Fall

Crunchyroll confirmed that One Piece Film: Red will be heading to theaters outside Japan. There's no exact release date yet for the showings. However, it did confirm One Piece Red will appear in Australia, Canada, the US, and Australia in Fall 2022. It also promised additional details at Anime Expo on July 2, 2022.

In the past, another Anime Expo 2022 One Piece Film: Red affair came up. Toei Animation confirmed Steve Aoki will perform at The Novo during it. That performance will be held on July 2, 2022 as well. People will also be able to get Aoki's DIM MAK x One Piece clothing and skate decks at the event.

The announcement of the film's release window and further Anime Expo 2022 news also led to additional confirmations. At the event, there will be a Toei Animation presents One Piece Film Red Panel. That will appear at 3 p.m. PT on July 2, 2022 and last for 50 minutes. Producer Shinji Shimizu, ADR Director Anthony Bowling, and Brook and Shanks English voice actors Ian Sinclair and Brandon Potter will attend.

One Piece Film: Red will appear in theaters in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in Fall 2022.

The post One Piece Film: Red Will Be in Theaters Outside Japan This Fall appeared first on Siliconera.