Dec 08, 18:00


Kotaku Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:10 PM
    

Elden Ring got a free PvP expansion with update 1.08's December 7 rollout, which opened up three colosseums in the Lands Between, all ready for your spilled blood. I returned to developer FromSoftware's open world after a long vacation (I hadn't touched it since the spring, I needed to experience other games with…

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Kotaku Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:02 PM
    

Loot action-RPG Diablo IV received glowing previews this week and is expected to appear at the 2022 edition of The Game Awards Thursday night. But some of the game's developers tell the The Washington Post that production might not wrap in time for a planned June 2023 release date unless they crunch in the months to…

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Kotaku Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:15 PM
    

IGN, the biggest gaming news outlet in the world, laid off multiple staff members today, according to tweets from current and former staffers.

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Kotaku Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:05 PM
    

According to a report from the Washington Post, the Federal Trade Commission has sued to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard on the grounds that the deal would threaten to suppress competition within the gaming industry.

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Kotaku Thursday, December 8, 2022 1:24 PM
    

Yesterday I cranked up the old sadness machine to play Overwatch 2 and see what season 2's new hotness, Ramattra, was talkin' about against my mains. What I quickly discovered was that the game's latest tank hero not only kicks their asses in one-on-one bouts more often than not, but that he's also the game's most…

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Kotaku Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:29 PM
    

Destiny 2's latest season just went live earlier this week, and players are already feeling super bummed out about it. In many ways it feels like just another reskin of the same hamster wheel we've been running on for years, and the burnout is more real than ever. The good news is that Bungie says it hears the…

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PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:05 PM
     Destiny 2 Dawning event returns next week, Iron Banner early next year

Destiny 2's Dawning event, a fan-favourite activity in the popular FPS game, will return on December 13, according to the most recent post in the developer's This Week at Bungie series. The TWAB also notes Destiny 2 Iron Banner will return to the game early next year on January 3, and Trials of Osiris returns on December 16.

To date, Bungie hasn't shared much information about what players can expect from its annual Dawning event. However, the Dawning, a holiday-themed celebration, is generally similar every year. Helmed by Eva Levante, whom players lovingly refer to as the game's "space grandma," Guardians collect ingredients by participating in various game activities and can then combine these ingredients in an oven to "bake" them. Specific recipe combinations grant rewards such as special weapons, armour, and upgrade materials.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Destiny 2 classes, Destiny 2 exotics, Destiny 2 builds

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 4:30 PM
     Free League of Legends, Valorant rewards for early Game Pass subs

Riot Games has announced that Xbox Game Pass subscribers can redeem a series of rewards by linking accounts for titles like MOBA game League of Legends, as well as Valorant, Wild Rift, Legends of Runeterra, and Teamfight Tactics, ahead of all these games coming to PC Game Pass soon.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best LoL Champions , League of Legends preseason 23, LoL tier list

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:42 PM
     FTC moves to block Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard buyout

The US Federal Trade Commission has filed a suit to stop Microsoft's pending $69 billion deal to acquire games giant Activision-Blizzard, creating the most significant obstacle to the acquisition to date. The FTC contends that the consolidation could allow Microsoft to keep popular FPS games like Call of Duty: Warzone off competitors' consoles, and give the company an unfair advantage in new areas such as cloud gaming and subscription services.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Microsoft DirectX Raytracing, Microsoft Hololens hands-on, Windows Game Mode preview

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:59 PM
     V Rising expansion coming in 2023 with a new biome, and much more

A vast array of changes and new features are coming with a V Rising expansion coming in 2023, developer Stunlock Studios has revealed. The vampire survival game will be adding improvements to existing systems, a new biome to explore, and possibly major new features like multi-storey castles.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: V Rising server settings, V Rising tips, The best V Rising base locations

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:26 PM
     The best sword games on PC in 2022

Want to try the best sword games on PC? Hacking and slashing your way through hordes of enemies with an oversized sword in hand is one of videogaming's greatest delights. Sword games can strive for realism, both in their combat and setting, or set out to be ludicrous power fantasies – there are no hard and fast rules here, which makes it all rather exciting.

So given that it's an extremely broad genre, you might well be having a tough time finding the best of the bunch. That's precisely why we've collated a handy list that spans all types of sword games, from 2D co-op titles and hack 'n' slash actioners to VR rhythm games and expansive sandbox RPGs.

Regardless of whatever type of sword games you enjoy, you're sure to find something here that takes your fancy. We've also tried to get a nice mix of single-player and multiplayer games, just in case you have a strong preference for either. And so let's get to it! Here are the best sword games on PC in no particular order.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Vermintide 2 release date, Vermintide 2 Chaos, Vermintide 2 careers

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:14 PM
     The best games like RimWorld and Dwarf Fortress

So, you want some games like RimWorld? As Charles Caleb Colton said back in the days of the Commodore 64: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". But what must also be remembered is that without imitation we wouldn't have innovation, and without innovation we wouldn't have variety.

Dwarf Fortress, iconic for its deep, emergent gameplay and ASCII graphics, actually innovated on games like King of Dragon Pass. That older but just as classic text-based clan manager is near unrecognisable to our modern town-builders, but its influence is still felt. Dwarf Fortress has since gone on to inspire its own new generation of city-builders and narrative management games.

While the free version of Dwarf Fortress is great, it's arcane UI and losing-is-fun design does turn off a lot of would be players. So the design was innovated and along came Rimworld. But now Rimworld has been around for years and it's time to see what new innovations have come along since. Let us present to you our top picks of games that are like Rimworld and Dwarf Fortress for those who are wanting more, but are struggling to know where to look.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Rimworld mods, The best games like Rimworld and Dwarf Fortress, RimWorld multiplayer guide

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:35 PM
     A Plague Tale Requiem composer on making music worthy of the Macula

A Plague Tale Requiem Game Awards nominee and composer Olivier Deriviere is no stranger to crafting soaring RPG game soundtracks that transport players to mysterious new worlds. Capturing the brutality, hopelessness, and strife that Amicia and Hugo face throughout their woeful journey is hardly an easy task, so we asked Deriviere about how he composed a soundtrack that encapsulates the macabre grandeur of the 14th-century Black Plague.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best stealth games, Best fantasy games, Plague Tale Requiem review

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:31 AM
     Genshin Impact Wanderer and Itto banners earn impressive day one sales

Genshin Impact's Wanderer and Arataki Itto banners are now live, and they're producing some impressive sales numbers to kick off the anime game's version 3.3 update.  Wanderer, formerly Scaramouche, has been a fan-favourite character ever since his first appearance in version 1.1, so these early results aren't entirely unexpected. Itto has less of a following, so we can reliably say that Wanderer is doing the heavy lifting here alongside the new four-star character, Faruzan.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Genshin Impact codes, Genshin Impact character tier list, Genshin Impact leveling guide

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:27 AM
     Amnesia The Bunker release date window and teaser trailer

The Amnesia The Bunker release date announcement has come as a welcome surprise to indie horror fans. While 2013's Amnesia A Machine For Pigs failed to capture the zeitgeist of its own progenitor, Amnesia Rebirth was a welcome return to the series' roots in 2022. It also included lore developments that raise more questions than answers, leaving the series ripe for a sequel.

Beyond the Amnesia The Bunker release date, we don't know too much about the upcoming sequel. Amnesia: The Dark Descent is undoubtedly one of the best horror games of all time, and is widely credited with kickstarting the revival of survival horror, so it's fair to say that Amnesia The Bunker has a lot of expectations riding on it. Here's everything we know ahead of the release date.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best horror games, Best stealth games, Best war games

PCGamesN Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:29 PM
     WoW meets Dungeons and Dragons in new isometric RPG game on Steam

WoW and Dungeons and Dragons come together, alongside RTS combat and tabletop game-style customisation, as a new RPG game arrives on Steam for its first beta, bringing a fresh, multiverse-driven take on the World of Warcraft formula to fantasy fans everywhere.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPG games, Best fantasy games, Best MMOs

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:35 PM
    

Yesterday morning, John Garvin, the creative director of underwhelming zombie biker drama Days Gone tweeted that its poor reception was due to "woke reviewers". In a statement released this evening, Garvin's former employers and Days Gone developers Bend Studio say they do "not share his sentiment, nor does it reflect the views of our team."

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, December 8, 2022 4:30 PM
    

Many games make you think you're going to have a grand old time building a cute village, then they trick you into managing supply chains, or fighting raiders, or eating your pals to survive. Not the case with Tiny Glade, a lovely looking upcoming game where you really do just build dioramas of cute villages, castles, meadows, and ruins using friendly tools that help you make it look good. Check out the rural Townscaper vibes in the trailer below.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, December 8, 2022 4:00 PM
    

Riot Games are joining Game Pass next week, bringing free-to-play games including Valorant and League Of Legends with the benefit of having all characters unlocked. Other games will have other perks on Game Pass, including Riot's mobile games—a novelty for Game Pass. Sadly this offering does not include Riot's paid games, like the League spin-off RPG Ruined King. Read on for more details on what Riot are bringing to Game Pass.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:59 PM
    

The US Federal Trade Commission have moved to block Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. After months of review, during which Microsoft argued that the merger was fine because Activision Blizzard's games aren't that great really, the FTC have filed a complaint which argues that the acquisition "would enable Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming consoles and its rapidly growing subscription content and cloud-gaming business."

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:38 AM
    

Rockstar have teased a new story update coming to GTA Online next week, which pits players against a ramshackle bunch of rival drug dealers. The Los Santos Drug Wars kick off on December 13th with the first part of the update. The short post on Rockstar's Newswire blog isn't exactly awash with details at the moment, but it does give an idea about the kind of dodgy characters and shenanigans you'll get to encounter, including an angry looking luchador and the return of GTA 5's Nervous Ron.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:27 AM
    

The Game Awards 2022 will shortly open on Geoff Keighley's beaming, powdered face, and we'll be liveblogging all the game announcements and reveals that follow. If you don't already have somewhere to watch, feel free to join myself and Liam as we narrate, debate and maybe even hot-take our way through the show's surprises.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:12 AM
    

There's still so much we don't know about the next stealth strategy game from the makers of Desperados 3 and Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun. Until yesterday, all we had was a codename ("Süßkartoffel", or Sweet Potato), and a few other scant business facts developer Mimimi Games posted about on their blog last year. In fact, the only concrete thing we really know about it right now is that it's not going to be Shadow Tactics 2.

However, in chatting to Mimimi this week about leaving real-time tactics behind in favour of their new "Stealth Strategy" label, I've managed to glean a few more details. Alas, Mimimi still aren't ready to reveal Süßkartoffel's official name just yet, but head of design Moritz Wagner told me it's not only going to be much more beginner-friendly than their previous games, but that it will also be much more like one big sandbox this time, resisting the urge to limit players by strict level constraints. To me, it all sounded a bit like they were aiming for something akin to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, so I asked him about whether that was an accurate assessment of it. "Yes and no," he said.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:03 AM
    

The makers of Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun and Desperados 3 have been thinking a lot about real-time tactics recently. Not just because they're knee-deep in making their next tactics game at the moment, currently known as Codename Süßkartoffel (the word for "Sweet Potato" in their native German), but because they feel the genre as a whole doesn't quite convey what's so special about their catalogue of excellent stealth 'em ups anymore. It's a fair cop – despite appearing in our best strategy games list for many years, even I've struggled to come up with a succinct way of describing them. Thus, it's time for a change, say the studio.

In a blog post published today on Mimimi Games' website, the studio announced they're going to be referring to their work as "Stealth Strategy" games going forward, and they're hoping this new genre label will help prospective players better understand their special blend of silent assassination tactics. This kind of shift isn't without its challenges, though, so I caught up with the team at Mimimi to talk more about this newfound shift, and how it's going to lay the foundations for what's to come in Codename Süßkartoffel.

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Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:00 PM
     It turns out this George R.R. Martin interview is just a roast in disguise.

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:57 PM
     PlayStation's Bend Studio doesn't share John Garvin's opinion about Days Gone's critical reception.

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:10 PM
     This is a shame, because Call of Duty would be perfect for Game Pass.

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:51 PM
     James Gunn Responds to Wonder Woman 3 Cancelation and More

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:07 PM
     More Jackie Chan movies are always welcome.

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:54 PM
     Cutting through all the filler material, let's see which plot points are the most important from MCU's Phase Four

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:35 PM
     A debut date for the NieR: Automata Ver1.1a Anime will likely be announced Sunday.

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:03 PM
     Save your family or the world?

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:02 PM
     Just Jamppi things.

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:56 AM
     Season 2 is coming!

Twinfinite Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:17 AM
     "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed."

Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 4:00 PM
    

Blue Protocol new information

Bandai Namco announced the broadcast of a new program with information on Blue Protocol. It is the company's upcoming online action-RPG. The sixth episode of a series of detailed reports on Blue Protocol is set to broadcast on December 15, 2022 introducing the latest information. As announced in the previous entry, this sixth episode will focus on introducing additional features to the game.

Here is a trailer of Blue Protocol, unveiled in the previous episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDMuPuFxWzs

The fifth episode revealed Hiroyuki Sawano is the composer for the main theme of the game. Other information came up, such as details about several new classes, the character creator, gameplay details. It also showcased the menus and UI of the game. People can expect Blue Protocol to make an appearance during The Game Awards 2022 on December 8, 2022 as well.

https://twitter.com/BLUEPROTOCOL_JP/status/1600747037774913536

Blue Protocol is an Online Action-RPG developed by Bandai Namco for PC, with a release window of Spring 2023. Designed as action game in which players can fight with a variety of different weapons and skills. The game will feature group battles with various classes such as the Aegis Fighter and Twin Striker, as well as a distinctive anime, cell-shaded graphic style. Bandai Namco is currently accepting players for the network test of the game. The deadline for applications is December 13, 2022.

Blue Protocol is being developed by Bandai Namco for PCs and will release on spring 2023. It is still unknown if Blue Protocol will launch globally.

The post Blue Protocol December Special Program Will Offer More News appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:30 PM
    

The one and oni Itto is back in Genshin Impact, and here are some suggestions for possible allies for his team.

Itto is getting a rerun in Genshin Impact! Since his December 2021 debut, the one and oni's shown up quite a few times. Which means it might be time to start wondering who should be on a team with Itto. Well, the good news is, he's really a versatile character! Also, since he's Geo, you don't need to worry about elemental reactions. Rather, your ideal composition will depend on how many constellations Itto has and if Gorou is around.

First, if you don't have any constellations (doubles) of Itto no Gorou, the answer is easy. He's a primary DPS character. Go for secondary DPS characters you like that could provide buffs, shields, or resonance. If you have Noelle or Zhongli, add them to the party. Go ahead and include people who you can bring in, use their Elemental Skill or Burst quickly, then send back again. You're good.

Now, if you have a C2 Itto, Gorou, or both, then you want to run a team with at least three Geo characters on it. This is because Gorou at any constellation provides additional buffs based on having up to three Geo allies around. Meanwhile, Itto's second constellation is Gather 'Round, It's a Brawl! That decreases his Elemental Burst's cooldown by 1.5 seconds and gives six energy to him for each Geo person around. So if you have a full party of four Geo folks, he will get 18 energy and will be able to use his Elemental Burst 4.5 seconds sooner.

What is the Best Team for Itto in Genshin Impact?

As for Gorou, he's a support character! His Inuzaka All-Round Defense Elemental Skill can give three buffs. If you only have one character around, you get a boost to defense. If two are around, which you should absolutely have with both him and Itto there, it will be more difficult for enemies to interrupt your attacks and combos. When three show up, you get a bonus to all Geo damage dealt.

At that point, you already know who two of the ideal party members for this team should be: Itto and Gorou. From there, almost any other Geo character would do. I'd advise against Yun Jun, since her abilities don't complement a Geo-only crew. But if you have Albedo, Ningguang, Noelle, and/or Zhongli, toss them into the party. (Okay, Yun Jun can join too, if you really need a fourth.)

If you don't have or want all Geo characters, then three isn't bad! Just make sure Itto and Gorou are two of them. What I like to do is make my team Itto, Gorou, Zhongli, and Kokomi sometimes. That way, Kokomi can heal if needed and Zhongli's always giving Itto a shield, while Gorou's

Genshin Impact is available for the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices, and the Itto banner will run December 7-27, 2022.

The post What is the Best Team for Itto in Genshin Impact? appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:00 PM
    

Azur Lane Enterprize, Akagi, and Roon Merchandise Orders Open

SuperGroupies announced new merchandise tied to Azur Lane characters USS Enterprise, IJN Akagi, and KMS Roon. People can place pre-orders for backpacks, wallets, and watches inspired by all three characters. The backpacks and wallets will appear first in late May 2023. Then in the middle of August 2023, the watches will appear. As with all SuperGroupies items, there are no pictures of the characters on the items. Rather, each piece of merchandise is more subtle and takes cues from their designs and outfits.

First, here are the Akagi items. The watch is $260. It features her waste belt's accent, sleeve patterns, a Sakura Emblem with fox ears, and nine tails on the face. The $220 backpack also features the Sakura Empire emblem, her waste belt designs, and hair accessory accents. Finally, the $160 wallet has an embossed Sakura Empire emblem inside it and her nine tails on the front.
[gallery columns="4" ids="942613,942614,942615,942616" link="file"]

Likewise, the Roon Azur Lane merchandise is similarly priced. There's the $260 watch, $220 backpack, and $160 wallet. All three feature the Iron Blood emblem in some way. Each one also has a cross on it. The backpack also has pleats sort of like her skirt.
[gallery columns="4" ids="942617,942618,942619,942620" link="file"]

Finally, here is a look at the SuperGroupies Azur Lane Enterprise merchandise. The $260 watch has her ship insignia, the Eagle Union emblem, her flight deck, and the stars and stripes. The emblem and flight deck also show up on the $220 backpack. Finally, the $160 wallet has her ship and flight deck on the outside and the emblem on the inside.
[gallery columns="4" ids="942623,942624,942625,942626" link="file"]

SuperGroupies' Azur Lane Enterprize, Akagi, and Roon merchandise will appear between May and August 2023. The game is available for Android and Apple iOS devices, and it recently hosted an Atelier Ryza 3 crossover.

The post Azur Lane Enterprise, Akagi, and Roon Merchandise Orders Open appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:30 PM
    

Building up Itto in Genshin Impact is four parts downright easy and one part complete and utter hell, and it is all due to his ascension and Talent materials. For the most part, it is really easy to build and use the character! He's a great guy, Itto! Sure, you need to fight some enemies. None of them are too taxing.

The problem is the Onikabutos. The humble Onikabuto is the bane of any Itto or Heizou player. It's one of the most frustrating ascension materials, rivaled only by its cousin the Scarab. (Cyno mains know what I'm talking about.) While all of the other materials you need for Itto's ascension and Talents are run of the mill, the Kabuto only appears in a few spots around Inazuma and is more of a pain to collect.

If you want to ascend Itto in Genshin Impact, you need 420,000 Mora, Prithiva pieces, the items dropped by slimes, the Golden Wolflord's Riftbord Regalia, and… the Onikabuto. Slimes are easy. They're everywhere. Get 18 Slime Condensate, 30 Slime Secretions, and 36 Slime Concentrates, and you're all set. You probably already have them. The Golden Wolflord is a normal noss in Inazuma on one of the southern-most islands of Tsurumi Island. You don't even need to clear the fog from the island to access it. Sail south. Fight it enough times to get 46 Riftborn Regalia, and you're set. That boss also drops Prithiva Topaz Slivers, Fragments, Chunks, and Gemstones, so you might get enough of those too. You need 1 sliver, 9 fragments, 9 chunks, and 6 gemstones.

As for the Onikabuto, you need 168 of those little jerks. They are in the forested area and on Mount Yougou on Inazuma's Narukami Island, though they can be difficult to find there. You'll usually only find one at a time. To find a cluster, check the cavern beneath Inazuma City and the Raiden Shogun's palace.
What are the Itto Ascension and Talent Materials in Genshin Impact?

Turn toward the cliff right next to the statue where visions were stuck during the Vision Hunt Decree, glide down to the caves beneath the palace.
Genshin

Look for this cave. You can get like six Onikabuto in one fell swoop over there. It helps a lot.
What are the Itto Ascension and Talent Materials in Genshin Impact?

You can also find Onikabuto on rocks and trees on Kannazuka island and on Yashiori Island. On Yashiori, they'll be on rocks near Jakotsu Mine. However, if you've been lazy (like me) and didn't complete Orobashi's Legacy (I get busy!), then there will be constant storms on Yashiori. On Kannazuka, there's a barrier around Tatarasuna that remains in place until you finish the Tatara Tales quest. The Onikabuto here tend to be near the Waypoints near the area trapped under the Electro dome (which I also haven't completed because I'm terrible). A few are on trees outside it, so wandering around the dome's line can get you some if you are like me.

As for the Itto Talent materials, those are pretty easy to to get. They can just take a bit of time. Each talent will the following things. You need 1,652,000 Mora. You also need an additional 6 Slime Condensate, 22 Slime Secretions, and 31 Slime Concentrates. The books he needs are the Inazuma Elegance ones. You need three Teachings of Elegance, 21 Guides to Elegance, and 38 Philophies of Elegance. They can be acquired on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the Violet Court domain on Kannazuka Island. If you haven't unlocked the weekly boss fight Narukami Island: Tenshukaku, which is in Inazuma City, do that. It opens up after Archon Quest Chapter 2: Act 3 is done. Get six Ashen Hearts from that fight and you'll be good. (It's a random, not guaranteed, drop. Finally, you need one Crown of Insight for each Talent you max out.

Genshin Impact is available for the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices, and the Itto banner will run December 7-27, 2022.

The post What are the Itto Ascension and Talent Materials in Genshin Impact? appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:00 PM
    

Evercade EXP Limited Edition

Customers that ordered a Limited Edition Evercade EXP handheld retro-console will have to wait longer to get their hardware. According to developer Blaze Entertainment, they were stolen. The company said that much of the stock of the Evercade EXP Limited Edition was stolen in "a suspected targeted robbery."

On the Evercade official website, Blaze Entertainment CEO Andrew Byatt informed customers of the theft, which reportedly took place on early on December 7, 2022. He said that no one was hurt in the robbery, but much of the Evercade EXP Limited Edition stock destined for the UK, USA, and other global customers was taken. EU stock arrived successfully at the European warehouse for distributor Funstock.

The Evercade EXP is a handheld retro gaming console designed to play classic games. It comes with 18 Capcom games built-in, and takes special cartridge-based game collections. It costs $149.99 USD and went on sale on November 24, 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXOZhBngnE0

Byatt said that Blaze Entertainment is working with UK police and creating a plan of action to compensate for the loss. He expressed sympathy for fans and customers "who are the victims of his theft." Though they hope to recover the stolen stock, Blaze has "immediately started production on replacements" and get them into customers' hands. Sales for the Evercade EXP Limited Edition, which were exclusive to the Funstock website, have been discontinued. Byatt said that any other sources "are likely stolen goods".

It will take some time for replacement units to be manufactured, though. To recognize the patience of customers affected by the theft, Blaze is creating a list of "Heroes" to be added to the EXP console credits. The replacement units will also have a free screen protector set included, alongside a 20% off voucher on a future order.

Funstock will contact customers whose orders were affected and instruct them on the next step. Orders of the Evercade EXP Limited Edition from EU countries are not affected, as the stock was not stolen. The standard white edition of the Evercade EXP is also not affected, so orders placed will ship as planned.

Byatt closed the message by encouraging fans to contact Blaze if they see "suspicious stock" and reiterated that any third-party listings of the Limited Edition may qualify, as orders are exclusive to Funstock.

The post Evercade EXP Limited Units Stolen in Robbery appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 1:30 PM
    

Switch eShop Critically Acclaimed Partner Game Sale Begins

Nintendo announced a Critically Acclaimed Partner Sale on select Switch games on the eShop. Among those "partners" include independent developers like Concerned Ape and Supergiant Games. There are also titles from larger companies, such as Atlus and Bandai Namco. Discounts tend to start around 30% off. However, some do go about 75% off. For example, Dicey Dungeons is 86% off.

Here is the list of Switch games on sale during the promotion.

  • 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - $35.99
  • Axiom Verge - $5.99
  • Bastion - $2.99
  • Carrion - $9.99
  • Celeste - $4.99
  • Chicory: A Colorful Tale - $13.99
  • Death's Door - $9.99
  • Diablo III: Eternal Collection - $29.99
  • Dicey Dungeons - $1.99
  • Disco Elysium: The Final Cut - $19.99
  • Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition - $29.99
  • DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition - $22.49
  • Downwell - $2
  • Dragon Ball FighterZ - FighterZ Edition - $14.24
  • Hades - $12.49
  • Hollow Knight - $7.50
  • Hyper Light Drifter Special Edition - $10.99
  • Katana Zero - $8.99
  • Okami HD - $9.99
  • Ori and the Will of the Wisps - $10.19
  • Overcooked: All You Can Eat Edition - $19.99
  • Portal Companion Collection - $13.39
  • Rayman Legends Definitive Edition - $9.99
  • Shin Megami Tensei V - $29.99
  • Skyrim Anniversary Edition - $34.99
  • Sonic Mania - $9.99
  • Spelunky 2 - $9.99
  • Stardew Valley - $9.99
  • Tetris Effect: Connected - $19.99
  • Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 - $15.99
  • Undertale - $10.04
  • Untitled Goose Game - $9.99
  • What Remains of Edith Finch - $4.99

Some DLC is also reduced. People can get the Dragon Ball FighterZ Pass 3 for $7.99. The Sonic Mania Encore DLC is $2.49. It is also possible to upgrade an older version of Skyrim to the Anniversary Edition for $15.99.

The Switch eShop Critically Acclaimed Partner Sale game discounts will be in effect until December 18, 2022.

The post Switch eShop Critically Acclaimed Partner Game Sale Begins appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 1:00 PM
    

Kizuna Ai rhythm game

Gemdrops Inc. announced a new rhythm game featuring virtual idol Kizuna Ai. Kizuna AI - Touch the Beat! releases on February 22, 2023 on the PS5, and will be compatible with the PSVR 2 headset. PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC versions will release on April 27, 2023.

You can watch the trailer for Kizuna AI - Touch the Beat! here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTnGfipzUoI

Originally released for Oculus Quest, this new version of the game features new content. These features include controller support, a Non-VR Mode that allows play without VR equipment, and the new View Mode, allowing the player to move freely within the stage during VR Mode. The PS5 version will be compatible with the PSVR 2, which will be releasing on the same day as the game. The PS4 version will support VR Mode via PSVR and the PlayStation Move motion controller.

The game includes 15 popular songs sung by Kizuna AI, including "Hello, Morning." The developers plan to support the game post release, by adding additional elements such as additional songs, additional costumes along with songs performed by #kzn, a Vocaloid-like AI-based voice synthesis character.

Kizuna Ai is the first character to popularize the concept of Virtual Youtubers, following her debut in November 2016. Gawr Gura of Hololive EN surpassed her subscriber count in July, 2021.

Kizuna AI - Touch the Beat! releases on PS5 and PSVR 2 on February 22, 2023. The PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC versions are scheduled for release on April 27, 2023.

The post Kizuna Ai Rhythm Game Coming to PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:30 PM
    

FFXI Adventurer Gratitude Campaign 2022 Kicks Off Next Week

The FFXI Adventurer Gratitude Campaign is coming back as 2022 comes to an end. Square Enix announced it will begin again on December 12, 2022. It will then run for seven weeks until January 30, 2023. All someone has to do to claim all four items is to log in once each week for four weeks during the event period.

Here is the full list of items if you choose to log in once each week over the course of four weeks. The event lasts seven weeks total, to allow an opportunity to still take part even if a week is missed.

  • Week 1: An Echad Ring
  • Week 2:A ?Red Crab Mount
  • Week 3: Cipher: Kupofried
  • Week 4: A Vana'clock Furnishing
  • As a reminder, one of the last Adventurer Gratitude Campaigns ran back between May 16-July 4, 2021. The rewards were exactly the same back then as they are now. So if someone already participated in the event, they will get the following alternate items each week.

  • Week 1: One Red Mog Pell
  • Week 2: 12 Copper A.M.A.N. Vouchers
  • Week 3: One Silver Mog Pell
  • Week 4: One Red Mog Pell
  • Final Fantasy XI is available for PCs. The FFXI Adventurer Gratitude Campaign will run December 12, 2022 through January 30, 2023.

The post FFXI Adventurer Gratitude Campaign 2022 Kicks Off Next Week appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:00 PM
    

Attack on Titan VR

Developer UNIVRS is working on a new game based on Attack on Titan. It's called Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable. This will be a virtual reality experience aiming to capture the feel of facing down the Titans from a first-person perspective. UNIVRS launched a teaser trailer for the game, which releases in Summer 2023 on the Meta Quest 2.

Check out the teaser trailer below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnggg7oRyqA

The Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable teaser doesn't show anything beyond text and logos, but UNIVRS is calling it a "Hunting Action Game." It will have an emphasis on sending players flying around the city to fight the Titans, just like in the Attack on Titan manga and anime.

In Attack on Titan, characters fight the giant Titan creatures by donning special "Omni-Directional Maneuver" (ODM) gear. The gear consists of a set of special harnesses attached to a gas booster and a pair of launchers that launch grappling hooks linked to high-tensile strength wires. Soldiers are then able to grapple and move in any direction to approach the nape of a Titan's neck, its only weak point. The soldiers then use swords to cut open the nape and kill the Titan. Other versions of the ODM gear had grapple launchers mounted in the hands (rather than at the waist), and could mount guns and primitive rocket launchers, for use against human enemies.

UNIVRS' effort won't be the first game to attempt to replicate that style of swinging and mid-air grappling, though. VR games like Windlands and various unofficial Spider-Man games (and Spider-Man-themed mods for titles like BoneLab) bring approximations of swinging-based traversal to VR headsets.

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable launches for the Meta Quest 2 in Summer 2023. Omega Force and Koei Tecmo produced the non-VR Attack on Titan 2 in 2018 on PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One.

The post Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable Announced for Meta Quest 2 appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:30 AM
    

Star Ocean: The Divine Force Patch Improves DUMA Scanning, Equipping Items

There are new quality of life adjustments detailed in the patch notes for Star Ocean: The Divine Force update 1.03. Namely, they address two issues. One involves less time spent equipping accessories from people when the party splits up. The other improves how DUMA scanning works in Star Ocean: The Divine Force.

The equipment issue comes up during story segments that cause Raymond and Laeticia's group to split. When this would happen before the patch, all of the Es'owa piece accessories equipped would be removed. This would mean you'd need to hunt through the ones you own to equip characters again when they return. After the update, they keep those items. However, you can still use those pieces if you play Es'owa while they are gone.

As for DUMA scanning, before someone had to be standing still in Star Ocean: The Divine Force to perform it. After downloading the patch, you can do so while moving. There are some limitations, however. For example, if you use DUMA to glide through the air, you can't also scan at the same time.

Here are the full patch notes for Star Ocean: The Divine Force update 1.03.

The updates implemented in version 1.03 are outlined below.

■Retention of equipment and accessories equipped by characters who leave the party
・It has been changed so that accessories which characters currently have equipped are not removed when they leave the party during story progression.
*Es'owa decks can still be changed while accessories are equipped.

■Ability to carry out DUMA scanning while moving (walking or dashing) *Excludes VA and gliding
・It is now possible to use the DUMA action "Scan" while moving.

■Adjustments to the frequency that allied characters use healing actions during battle
・The chances of Nina's AI using a heal action has been greatly increased.

■Adjustments to specific battles
・The trigger conditions for factors such as "XX+YY% while waiting" have been tweaked to include "shift movement"*
(*Shifting refers to the slow walking movement while maintaining distance from a target unique to AI characters)
・The weaknesses of several enemies such as Sampati, the Holy Bird have been adjusted.
・Changes have been made so that the Vatting gauge starts from the 90% mark at the beginning of the battle where Vatting is learned.
・The target lock display has been altered to make it easier to follow.

■Changes to UI and controls
・The following lists have been amended so that pages can be cycled using the left and right directions on the D pad.
Party screen: Used item list for when setting link combos, battle and active skills list, equipped weapons armor and accessories list.
Item screen: Items list
Item creation screen: Items list
Collection screen: Main story, side stories, enemies, dictionary, spaceships
Shop screen: Inventory list, Items to sell list
・Region names have been enlarged when the map is expanded on the map screen.
・The time that notices (e.g. messages about items obtained or consumed etc.) are displayed on the left-hand side of the screen has been extended
・Loop processing for selecting item quantities

■Bug fixes
・Partial fixes to the bugs currently occurring.
・Amendments to mouse sensitivity on the STEAM edition.

■Optimization
・Optimization of game behavior on the various platforms.

Star Ocean: The Divine Force is available for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post Star Ocean: The Divine Force Patch Improves DUMA Scanning, Equipping Items appeared first on Siliconera.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:47 PM
     Diablo Iv Release Date LeakedWith The Game Awards 2022 right around the bend, naturally we'll likely hear of leaks coming out ahead of the show. And, right on schedule, we have a possible big one. As shared by VGC, a Twitter user known for reliable leaks has reported that the Diablo IV release date is set for June 2023. It's speculated that Blizzard will officially confirm the date during The Game Awards later tonight. Following the news of the leak, Blizzard began teasing more information on Diablo IV. Using the hashtag #LilithIsComing, the developer has been teasing the game's presence for the show. In all likelihood, the company will confirm whether or not Diablo IV will get its June release date. The leaker claims the release date will fall on June 5, 2023. Alongside this is news that the game will take 80 GB of storage on the Xbox, and will launch with a Digital Deluxe and Ultimate Edition. Much of this information may have been taken off the Microsoft Store, which VGC states is the MO of th...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:00 PM
     Featured The Best Co Op Games To Play On PcCo-op games on PC are some of the best ways people can enjoy and have a good time together. There are a ton of co-op games out there, each with its quirks and good points. They're all fun to play with a friend or a family member. With that in mind, we put together a list of some of the best co-op games you can play on PC.  Monster Hunter Rise Image via Capcom The second Monster Hunter title on PC, Monster Hunter Rise, is an excellent multiplayer game for those with up to three friends eager to hunt. There's a variety of weapons to choose from, encouraging players to develop teamwork to defeat monsters for resources. Players can take advantage of field items like Stinkminks to lure monsters or other helpers like Marionette Spiders to send them to obstacles. Players can also climb, ride wyverns, or use the wirebug to reach heights and explore more areas. This is a treat for Monster Hunter fans who like to play with friends. Portal 2 Image via Valve The successor to one of the best ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, December 8, 2022 4:00 PM
     Chef Life A Restaurant Simulator Preview 1Developer Cyanide has quite a variety of game genres on its resume — stealth, cycling, tactics. Now we can add 'cooking sim' to that list. Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator is a surprisingly complex restaurant sim that's set to debut in a couple of months — and we got a chance for a preview. After playing a preview build, I'm frankly impressed by how much the game offers. Regardless, if you're looking to cook, manage a restaurant, or customize your kitchen and interior, there's a lot to look forward to in this one. I initially wasn't sure what to expect, but Cyanide appears to be doing a fine job with this title from what I've seen. At the start, you create your own avatar and get straight to work. I only had a few recipes at my disposal, including beef with fries and fish with green beans. While the actual cooking isn't nearly as hands-on as, say, Cooking Simulator, Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator tries to do much mo...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:49 PM
     Xbox Activitision FTC Deal Logo Block ArtThe latest development in the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard acquisition saga is an interesting one, as the Federal Trade Commission in the United States has made a pivotal move to "seek to block" the deal from going through. As the FTC puts it, such a buyout would enable Microsoft to "harm competition in high-performance gaming consoles and subscription services by denying or degrading rivals' access to its popular content." Do not pass "go" In a press release posted to its official website, the FTC outlines that it believes the groundbreaking $69 billion USD deal would give Microsoft an inequitable advantage in the gaming space. So much so, that it would then have the ability to "suppress competitors." Although Sony is not mentioned by name once in the FTC's statement, it no doubt is referring primarily to that entity. Sony itself has been very public about its sharp disapproval for the deal to go through. Much of what the FT...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:15 PM
     Microsoft Flight Simulator Sc4 (4)Just over two years since its initial release, Microsoft Flight Simulator has hit a coveted milestone — over 10 million people have played it. Microsoft and Asobo made this announcement in a recent official blog post, where the achievement is being celebrated mere weeks after the release of the sim's massive 40th Anniversary Update.  The road of support for Microsoft Flight Simulator remains long with its next major update coming in January 2023. Fly guys (and gals) Asobo took this opportunity to share even more stats about how far Microsoft Flight Simulator has come since it first released back in Summer 2020. In addition to the aforementioned 40th Anniversary Update, there have been 26 other "robust updates" released for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Initially, Asobo had the goal of releasing a new update for the sim each month. However, that was changed earlier this year when Sim Update 10 got delayed for several months for quality assurance purposes. Though the ...

Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, December 8, 2022 4:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, December 8, 2022 1:00 PM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:00 PM
    

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 4:00 PM
     A new limited-time game mode for some quick thrills. VALORANT isn't particularly lacking in game modes – there's a casual mode in Unrated, a fast-paced game mode in Spike Rush, and the very configurable Custom Game mode for some fun 5v5 lobby matches with your friends. Of course, the game's sweatiest game mode, Competitive, needs […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:00 PM
     We have a compilation of all the Roblox Farm Factory Tycoon codes that are currently accessible. By entering these codes, you can obtain cash, diamonds, and other items. Tai Niu Club developed the recently released game Roblox Farm Factory Tycoon. In this tycoon game, your goal will be to create and grow your own farm. […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:22 PM
     We have a compilation of all the Roblox War Tycoon codes that are currently accessible. By entering these codes, you can obtain cash, guns, and other items. Green Titans Entertainment created the game for the platform called Roblox War Tycoon. Building up your tycoon to start a war is the goal of this game. Prepare […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 1:00 PM
     Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is an open-world game where the player is a transferee in a huge school in the Paldea Region. In the game, the player and the player only gets to decide whatever they want to do: whether to track down Titan Pokemon, defeat all the Pokemon Gyms, become the champion, and become […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:03 PM
     Horizon Forbidden West may have been overshadowed by Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarok, but it could be coming back to the spotlight soon. Just in, The Snitch (via Insider-Gaming) may have possibly teased the upcoming DLC for Forbidden West titled Burning Shores, and they do so with this tweet allegedly revealing the location […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 12:00 PM
     Pokemon Legends: Arceus is set in olden times in the Pokemon world when it was rare to find harmony between people and Pokemon. Set in Hisui, modern-day Sinnoh, you will join the Galaxy Expedition Team (Galaxy Team for short) as a member of the Survey Corps stationed in Jubilife Village. You will be tasked to […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:51 AM
     The Uncharted franchise had ended back in 2016, but after the release of the movie starring Tom Holland, Sony could be looking at a way to bring back Nathan Drake to the gaming arena. Just in, a rumor is going around from The Leak that Sony plans to reboot the Uncharted franchise, but this time […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:40 AM
     A lot of praise is being sung for Cyberpunk 2077 right now, but years ago, the game was in the very center of one of the most disastrous launches of all time. The open-world is still rife with possibilities though, but you know what won't be coming? Multiplayer. Talking to Eurogamer, Cyberpunk senior quest designer […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Thursday, December 8, 2022 11:05 AM
     Lester asks Michael, Franklin, or Trevor to go and steal a Police Transporter in preparation for their biggest score. Stingers is a heist setup mission for GTA 5's finale mission, The Big Score, and is triggered by selecting the Subtle Approach while Planning the Big Score mission in-game. The mission is given by Lester to […]

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:20 PM

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:49 PM
    

A new release date trailer was also released.

The post SEASON: A Letter to the Future Launches January 31 appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:14 PM
    

A second closed beta test for the game will also go live from December 16 to 19.

The post Street Fighter 6 Release Date Reportedly Leaked appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, December 8, 2022 1:50 PM
    

An upcoming gameplay showcase for Forspoken will release on December 9

The post Upcoming Forspoken Demo Seemingly Leaked appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Latest Games on Play iDev Games Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:19 PM
     Guide Sophie around the puzzles and try to reach the exit while using special tiles to your advantage....