Dec 04, 18:00


PCGamesN Sunday, December 4, 2022 1:43 PM
     Dragon Age Day 2022 – RPG fans support Trans Empowerment Project

Dragon Age: Inquisition was a big step forward for BioWare - one that fans are celebrating on Dragon Age Day 2022 with its support of the Trans Empowerment Project. Not only did Inquisition give the studio's acclaimed fantasy RPG game series several firsts with its art direction, level design, combat, and use of the Frostbite engine, it was also the first entry to feature a proud trans character: Cremisius 'Krem' Aclassi, who is known as one of the first earnest portrayals of a trans man in gaming. He had a thought-out history, friends who respected him, and a positive, memorable role in Inquisition — things that weren't typically afforded to trans characters in the early 2010s, when Inquisition was released.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Dragon games, Dragon Age 4 characters, Dragon Age 4 release date rumours and speculation

PCGamesN Sunday, December 4, 2022 12:36 PM
     Halo Infinite Forge map builds Nakatomi Plaza for a Die Hard Christmas

A new Halo Infinite Forge map gives you yet another reason to bring up the "Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?" debate with a stunning recreation of the Nakatomi Plaza high-rise in the Microsoft and 343 Industries sci-fi FPS game. That's right, you can now take on your pals in some high-octane Halo action across the famous halls where John McClane overcame Hans Gruber in the 1988 classic.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Halo Infinite system requirements, Halo Infinite Bosses, Halo Infinite ranks

PCGamesN Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:28 AM
     Terraria update 1.4.5 on pause as devs take month-long break

Terraria update 1.4.5 is set to follow on from a massive update to one of the best sandbox games on PC. It'll have to wait for a while, however, as developer Re-Logic announces that the team will be shutting down for the month of December for a well-earned break. Now that Terraria 1.4.4 update Labor of Love is out, along with all the additional tweaks and bug fixes that followed its release, the team is taking an extended holiday before it begins development on Terraria update 1.4.5 and a future Terraria crossplay patch.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Terraria mods, Terraria happiness guide, Terraria bosses guide

Twinfinite Sunday, December 4, 2022 5:11 PM
     A2A Simulations also provided an update about the AccuSim Piper PA-24-250 Comanche for MSFS.

Twinfinite Sunday, December 4, 2022 3:43 PM
     The new trailer for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is all about Solas.

Twinfinite Sunday, December 4, 2022 2:17 PM
     It's Dragon Age Day, and BioWare shared four posters of its upcoming animated series.

Twinfinite Sunday, December 4, 2022 12:38 PM
     Arc System Works and Nexon are releasing DNF Duel on the Nintendo Switch next spring.

Twinfinite Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:28 AM
     Players can now redeem free Primogems in Genshin Impact while they wait to roll for Wanderer.

Siliconera Sunday, December 4, 2022 3:00 PM
    

Squishmallows are basically 2020s' Beanie Babies. They're a collectible plush toy line, complete with special crossovers and artificial scarcity in play. At the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con, Jazwares and Kelly Toys announced Pokemon Squishmallows were in the works, with Pikachu and Gengar confirmed as the first two products in the line. Due to that aforementioned artificial scarcity, the first batch sold out in the Pokemon Center the day they launched. However, somebody (me) managed to win the battle with the website to secure an order for a Pikachu variant. Now that he's settled in at home, I can confirm… it is basically a pleasantly plump pillow.

The Pikachu Squishmallow features a minimalistic design, much like other characters in the plush toy lineup. For example, I also own a (ridiculously large) Shark Squishmallow with the major accents being fins, gills, two black eyes, a toothy grin, and a pair of goggles. The Pikachu is slightly more elaborate in comparison, with his front paws embroidered on the front, a tail that almost matches the size of his body on the back, his trademark brown stripes and pink cheeks, and large, sturdy ears. The fabric is soft, but not overly fuzzy or long. It's a more subtle texture and grain, which makes it feel more like hugging or rubbing a very soft pillow, rather than a stuffed animal.

For context, here's the Pikachu Squishmallow alongside the Build-a-Bear Pikachu. You can see the shorter fur, though the size between the two is comparable.
Pikachu Squishmallow is Basically a Pleasantly Plump Pillow

What I found especially is impressive is the degree of heft to the Pikachu Squishmallow. This is a chonky boy. I'd say it feels fuller than the Squishmallow shark I'd purchased to use as a pillow from Costco about a year ago. Perhaps it's due to a higher quality item being produced to meet The Pokemon Company International's standards compared to one produced and sold at essentially a warehouse chain. Still, I was delighted to see there's no ear sagging. Not to mention if you hug or lay on it, it doesn't immediately collapse or, well… get squished.

[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="941559,941558" link="file"]

However, a build quality issue came up with my stuffed animal. Upon opening the box from the Pokemon Center and removing it from the bag, I noticed the tail sagging. Marketing photos suggested it would be sewn to the Pikachu's body at the top. When I investigated, I did see the remnants of a single, small stitch at the top that must have come loose during the manufacturing and packaging process. Given the weight of the tail and nature of things, it seemed a bit shortsighted to not offer a bit more support or extra stitching to ensure it stays in place. But it does mean that, at least for the moment, my Pikachu's being held together with a safety pin while I hunt for matching thread.

But the nature of it also means that the Pikachu Squishmallow might not be exactly what someone unfamiliar with the line of plush toys would expect. It is a stuffed toy, but it strikes me more as something I'd leave on a couch as a decoration or place behind my head while watching TV. It is absolutely a good "hugging" size too. Plus the nature of it means it is good for folks of all ages, due to there being no small parts. But it is absolutely more of a pillow product.

When it comes down to it, people are probably wondering if the Pikachu Pokemon Squishmallow is worth that $29.99 price tag. I'd say sure, as long as you know this is a specific sort of plush toy. It's absolutely soft and cuddly. But I found it is more likely something to be used when lounging or as a decorative accent than, say, a huggable stuffed animal. I definitely find I use it more than, say, my Pikachu Build-a-Bear that currently acts as a decoration that also helps me keep track of certain necklaces, hairclips, and hats. In the week I've had the Pikachu Squishmallow, I've used it a few times when relaxing on the couch. Considering the size, it also falls in line with other Pokemon Center plush toys. If you're a Pikachu or Pokemon fan and can manage to find one for retail price, this Squishmallow plush toy feels worthwhile.

The Pikachu and Gengar Squishmallow restock is scheduled for Spring 2023.

The post Pikachu Squishmallow is Basically a Pleasantly Plump Pillow appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 4, 2022 1:00 PM
    

Genshin Impact Free Primogems Shared as PlayStation Partner Awards 2022 Gift

When Genshin Impact wins awards, HoYoVerse tends to celebrate them. This usually involves a free gift for players. The game ended up getting a PlayStation Partner Awards 2022 Japan Asia win when December 2022 began. As such, players will get 800 free Primogems in Genshin Impact until December 7, 2022.

HoYoVerse detailed how the free Genshin Impact Primogem rollout will work. Every day someone over Adventure Rank 7 logs in to play starting on December 4, 2022, 200 Primogems will appear in their mailbox. They can then claim them and use that currency on things like wishes to get new characters and weapons. It didn't note if there is an expiration date to the free gems or how long someone has to claim them.

As a reminder, Genshin Impact took one of the top "prizes" at the PlayStation Partner Awards 2022 for Japan and Asia. Both it and Elden Ring received the Grand Award. That means those two were both the top games by Asian developers.

Genshin Impact is available for the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices. The 3.3 update will appear on December 7, 2022. That will bring the Genius Invokation TCG and a playable version of Scaramouche called The Wanderer.

The post Genshin Impact Free Primogems Shared as PlayStation Partner Awards 2022 Gift appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 4, 2022 12:00 PM
    

Genshin x Gigo Ayaka Thoma Xinqiu Chongyun

A new promo for Genshin Impact held at GiGO Amusement Centers (formerly Sega) features art of the characters Xingqiu, Chongyun, Ayaka, and Thoma wearing modern school uniforms. The latest Genshin x GiGO campaign, titled "Tamayura no Kokoroyukashi" ("Heartfelt Fleeting Moments") brings with it a new line of prizes to GiGO stores and crane games. The prizes range from small ticket holders to plushies, wall scrolls, and standees. The campaign kicks off from December 10, 2022, and it runs through January 15, 2023.

The Genshin x GiGO campaign features several different merchandise items to win by playing on a participating GiGO store's crane games. The basic prize, a ticket holder, can be had with any 500 Yen spend on the crane games. There are 12 variants, with the four featured characters in their schoolwear, as well as eight other Genshin Impact characters (Razor, Fischl, Eula, Albedo, Yanfei, Shenhe, Yun Jin, and Yelan) wearing their default outfits. Several of the items feature the Japanese pronunciations of the characters' Chinese-style names (for example, "Xingqiu" is rendered as "Yukuaki").

[gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="941985,941986" link="file"]

Other more limited items include acrylic standees and art boards of the featured characters, sitting plushies (using the default outfits), hug pillow cases, wall scrolls, and rubber mats.

[gallery columns="4" size="medium" ids="941987,941988,941989,941990,941991,941992,941993" link="file"]

The Genshin x GiGO prizes are available at physical GiGO stores, but also through GiGO's Online Crane game site and app. The Online Crane is a way to remotely control a GiGO crane game or UFO catcher via an app or browser window. The Online Crane is accessible from outside Japan, but charges extra to ship won prizes out of the country.

The Genshin x GiGO promotion runs from December 10, 2022 through January 15, 2023. Genshin Impact is available on the PC, PS4, PS5, and iOS and Android devices.

The post Genshin Impact x GiGO Prizes Put Ayaka, Thoma in Casual Schoolwear appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:00 AM
    

ps5 supply shortage

Jim Ryan, the CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, stated that more PS5 consoles will ship out in Asia and Japan from 2023. This is due to the resolution of a long-running issue in the supply chain shortage that has limited the production of the PS5. He thanks people for their understanding and cooperation, as well as apologizes for the trouble. [Thanks, ryokutya2089!]

When the PS5 came out in November 2020, the world was in the middle of a global pandemic. That on its own would be more than enough to disrupt supply chains. However, at the same time, there was a worldwide semiconductor shortage occurring at the same time. The pandemic exacerbated the issue. Semiconductors are vital in the creation of electronics, from cars to consoles, and without them, Sony simply could not make enough PS5s to keep up with consumer demand.

Ryan did not state what the solution is to the semiconductor shortage. He simply stated that Sony resolved the issue. It is unknown when exactly there will be more PS5s available on the market in 2023. Since Sony increased the price of the PS5 in certain countries due to the economic condition, it is unclear if the prices will return to normal as more supply is available. As well, Ryan did not note when the rest of the world can expect more consoles.

The PS5 is available for purchase, and will start shipping out more in Asia and Japan in 2023.

The post PS5 Supply Shortage Issue to End in 2023 in Asia appeared first on Siliconera.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:25 AM
     Marvel's Midnight Suns Hunter Best Cards Best Build GuideThe Hunter is an original character in Marvel's Midnight Suns. As the person controlled by the player, it's up to you on how they'll fare as part of a group. Here's our Marvel's Midnight Suns Hunter build guide to help you with the best cards and abilities for the character. Note: We'll have a Marvel's Midnight Suns guides and features hub soon, so stay tuned.   Marvel's Midnight Suns best Hunter cards and build guide The Flex Master The Hunter is unique in that they have a large selection of abilities in their pool. Due to the Light and Dark Alignment mechanic, you'll have everything from healing spells and buffs to brutal moves that deal massive damage. In a way, your team comp will be determined by whoever is the required squadmate. The Hunter merely has the flex role, and you'll adapt your kit based on what the group needs. Note: You still have a chance of obtaining cards regardless of your alignment. However, youR...