Dec 18, 18:00


Kotaku Sunday, December 18, 2022 5:15 PM
    

Like a lot of other people around the world, streamer xQc put a bet on the World Cup final earlier tonight. Unlike a lot of other people, however, he claims he threw down half a million dollars, then publicly bragged about it before kick-off.

Read more...


PCGamesN Sunday, December 18, 2022 12:09 PM
     Skyrim mod makes Bethesda RPG a self-sustaining nation

The questions we don't ask about games are often the ones that require the most explanation. Questions like, 'How does Tamriel function across the Bethesda RPG games with very little in the way of food sources?' Well, a new Skyrim mod aims to address exactly that. I've already looked at how Skyrim in real life would be hell, putting Tamriel's coldest region in financial doom, so now let's see how to fix it.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Skyrim mods, Play Skyrim, Games like Skyrim

PCGamesN Sunday, December 18, 2022 12:09 PM
     High on Life Steam sales skyrocket alongside PC Game Pass success

It looks like High on Life Steam sales are off to a very strong start. The irreverent comedy FPS game from Squanch Games, founded by Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland, has pushed past Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and FIFA 23 to take second place behind the Steam Deck on the weekly top sellers list, as reported by SteamDB. Perhaps even more impressive is that the High on Life release also saw the game come to Microsoft's PC Game Pass subscription service, yet this hasn't stopped it from selling big on Steam as well.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Should you kill 5-Torg in High on Life?, Should you stab Gene in High on Life?, High on Life mission list

PCGamesN Sunday, December 18, 2022 11:18 AM
     Valheim Mistlands update makes the biome safer – but not the ballista

Valheim Mistlands update 0.212.9 has arrived on the public test branch for the viking survival game, and it aims to make the dangerous biome a little safer to explore - though it won't make ballistas any less dangerous to be around, despite some player outcry. The Valheim Mistlands update arrived on public servers on December 6 after several weeks in public testing, and players have been terrorised by the region's Seekers and flying Gjalls ever since.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Valheim system requirements, Valheim building tips, Valheim progression guide

Twinfinite Sunday, December 18, 2022 4:38 PM
     Jump Festa 2023 was full of surprises.

Twinfinite Sunday, December 18, 2022 1:19 PM
     Square Enix could learn a lesson or two from them.

Siliconera Sunday, December 18, 2022 3:00 PM
    

Review: Aka is a Game That Sets Players Adrift

A good way to describe Aka is a game about seeing where the wind takes you. There are quests you can do. There is land you can farm. However, you can also lay on a beach and gaze into the sky. You might also go to nap on top of a large capybara. You have options, and there's nothing telling you what to do or when, even though time does gradually pass. It's a chance to kick back, but it also means that it can be aimless and more than a little frustrating.

Aka only knew battle. The red panda, like many, fought in the War. Once it ended, there's the question of what's next. After time spent fighting and bloodshed, it is time to be useful for another reason. So, Aka heads to an island "paradise" another fellow soldier, Thom, mentioned. There comes an opportunity to relax and live a kinder existence.

Review: Aka is a Game That Sets Players Adrift

As a freeform sort of game, you can do what you want in Aka. You carry a sword, but only use it to do things like cut grass or craft. There is a farming element, but you don't sell goods for money. You use them for occasional recipes to fulfill requests. You can place furniture and decorations in certain spaces, if you like. People are there to talk to, though you might not get incredibly close to all of them. There are also four small islands to explore, with points of interest on each.

But while no boundaries or obligations makes for a peaceful life simulator, it sometimes doesn't make for a good game. A good example is the farming mechanic. Thom says to check in for tips when you start planting. However, there's a whole ecosystem approach in which certain plants placed next to each other is necessary for optimal growth and survival. But all Thom talks about is how carrots and onions should be next to each other to keep pests from killing them. Beeatrix gives you flower seeds to plant, but I couldn't just till a spot of land and place a tulip seed. There's a card game you can play with the Inventor, but there's no tutorial explaining what you are trying to do or how it works. Too much is left unsaid.

Cosmo gatto

There are also literally no boundaries sometimes. Aka is a game with an isometric perspective. However, it isn't always clear where the barriers are or platforms begin or end. There will be invisible walls occasionally keeping you from falling off of some spaces, but not others. This is especially a problem at the edges of islands, as more than a few times I'd fall off of the side of a spot, then "land" in another screen as it turned out that was the end of the map and entrance to another location. But then, maybe Aka's sense of direction is just bad? Sometimes, I'd find when I was trying to water or plow one spot of land, I would hit another instead?

More inventory room, both in your Aka's room and on-hand storage, would also be appreciated. You can hold items. You will find a lot more than that. Some items are even ones that, after you grab them, can't be placed in a space in the world. For example, I found a totem early on. I took it. Once I got out of its cave and outside Aka's home, I couldn't just… set it down as a decoration outside. Into a valuable inventory space it went. Did you collect a lot of tin can trash? Or maybe items that you just don't want anymore? You need to spend time heading to town to visit the one dedicated recycling center and garbage can.

Aka game

The nature of Aka also means it is a game in which you don't get to really know everyone. While Aka is friends with Thom and we'll see insights into the past, we don't really get to know the island neighbors. There's the illusion of community, but you don't connect in the same way you do in titles like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley. Yes, the koala I play music with on the beach is cool, but I just know we jam together. There are wasted opportunities here.

Aka is also an incredibly buggy game. When I first started playing on the Switch, it crashed a few times while exploring. When I was fulfilling a quest to repair a boat, the necessary requirements remained on-screen even after the NPC disappeared. Aka would sometimes get locked in a position performing an action. While I'd be able to move still, it would be impossible to take any additional actions unless I quit and reloaded the game.

The idea of Aka is fine, but the execution isn't there. It is a pretty and relaxing enough game when it works. However, it often isn't behaving as it should, which really gets in the way of taking it easy.

Aka is available for the Nintendo Switch and PC.

The post Review: Aka is a Game That Sets Players Adrift appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 18, 2022 12:00 PM
    

See and Hear the FFXVI Moogle for the First Time

Square Enix decided to show off how an iconic mascot character will look in its new Final Fantasy game. On December 17, 2022, the company shared a video clip of a Moogle in FFXVI. This is a brief video of the familiar face. We don't get to see how Clive reacts to it. However, we do get to see it, hear it, and watch its animation for the first time.

The FFXVI Moogle is fairly traditional. It features a brown nose, purple wings, and an orange pom-pom on its head. Unlike past depictions, the pom-pom here isn't furry. Rather, it seems more like a smooth, spherical orb atop its antenna.

We already knew that people would get to see a Moogle or two in FFXVI. Creative Director Kazutoyo Maehiro confirmed it in an interview. However, at the same time he emphasized the goal of ensuring the creatures and monsters appearing in the game wouldn't be "overly comical."

Final Fantasy XVI will release on the PlayStation 5 on June 23, 2022. It will be exclusive to the console for about six months. After that, it could come to other platforms.

The post See and Hear the FFXVI Moogle for the First Time appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 18, 2022 11:30 AM
    

One Piece Odyssey Demo Will Appear Ahead of Its Release Date

People will get to try the new One Piece game before buying it. As Jump Festa 2023 ended, Bandai Namco shared a new trailer and announcement. Three days ahead of the One Piece Odyssey release date, a free demo will appear. People on the PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X will be able to get the trial to test out the RPG.

It seems like the One Piece Odyssey demo will offer a slice of the game from the beginning. People can save as they go through the early part of the adventure. Then, if they do buy the full title, they can pick up where they left off.

As for the new One Piece Odyssey trailer, it is called "Memories." It hints that the Straw Hats will be revisiting their past adventures. They'll revisit memories alongside new character Lim after getting to Waford. Snippets from Alabasta, Water Seven, Marineford, and Dressrosa all show up in the new video. However, the Marineford and Dressrosa segments are the focus this time around.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KYiJzKUw5U&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

The One Piece Odyssey release date is January 13, 2023, and the demo will appear on January 10, 2023. The full game will come to the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post One Piece Odyssey Demo Will Appear Ahead of Its Release Date appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 18, 2022 11:00 AM
    

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Anime Gets Characters Trailer, April Release

As part of the Jump Festa 2023 announcements, there were multiple updates regarding the Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku anime adaptations focusing on its characters and upcoming release. First, it will appear on both Crunchyroll and Netflix worldwide when it debuts in April 2023. There's also a new Hell's Paradise trailer showing off some of the voice actors cast. The official website and Twitter account are also live.

Here's the first Hell's Paradise anime trailer.

Here's a full voice actor cast listing of all the confirmed Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku characters so far.

  • Aza Chobe: Ryohei Kimura
  • Gabimaru: Chiaki Kobayashi
  • Tamiya Gantetsusai: Tetsu Inada
  • Yamada Asaemon Fuchi: Aoi Ichikawa
  • Yamada Asaemon Sagiri: Yumiri Hanmori
  • Yamada Asaemon Toma: Kensho Ono
  • Yuzuriha: Rie Takahashi

Each voice actor also offered some commentary on their role, which appeared alongside official art of their character.

[gallery columns="7" size="full" ids="944078,944079,944080,944081,944082,944083,944084" link="file"]

Hell's Paradise is set in the Edo period. On the island of Shinsenkyo, there is apparently an elixir of life. The shogunate are desperate to claim it, but have had no luck so far. So, it is sending criminals alongside executioners to get it. If they get it, they will be pardoned. Gabimaru the Hollow and his executioner Sagiri are among the two sent to retrieve it.

The Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku anime will begin airing on Crunchyroll and Netflix in April 2023. Viz Media localized the manga.

The post Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Anime Gets Characters Trailer, April Release appeared first on Siliconera.


Gamer Empire Sunday, December 18, 2022 2:28 PM
     Taptap Heroes is one of those RPG mobile games where you'll encounter and get your hands on a bunch of unique heroes throughout your adventures. […]

Dec 18, 12:00


PCGamesN Sunday, December 18, 2022 11:18 AM
     Valheim Mistlands update makes the biome safer – but not the ballista

Valheim Mistlands update 0.212.9 has arrived on the public test branch for the viking survival game, and it aims to make the dangerous biome a little safer to explore - though it won't make ballistas any less dangerous to be around, despite some player outcry. The Valheim Mistlands update arrived on public servers on December 6 after several weeks in public testing, and players have been terrorised by the region's Seekers and flying Gjalls ever since.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Valheim system requirements, Valheim building tips, Valheim progression guide

PCGamesN Sunday, December 18, 2022 9:49 AM
     Stardew Valley mod reworks vanilla mechanics and adds taxes

A new Stardew Valley mod aims to completely overhaul the farming life game, by reworking almost all of the game's mechanics and offering a "much more engaging and immersive 'Vanilla+' experience". Somewhat similar to the Stardew Valley mod that channels The Sims, this uses modular changes to help you tailor your own experience.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Stardew Valley multiplayer, Stardew Valley realism, The best Stardew Valley mods

PCGamesN Sunday, December 18, 2022 9:18 AM
     All Hades 2 gods explained – Kronos, Melinoe, Apollo, and more

Like the first game, the Hades 2 gods will be extensive (and let's be honest, hot) in number and, while the Hades 2 release date for Early Access is a ways off, we already know about a handful of the deities and themes the Supergiant Games sequel will tackle. From Melinoë to Kronos, Apollo, Hecate, and the titular Hades, you'll be meeting many Greek mythological figures as you carve your way through the underworld in the roguelike game. So on that note, here's every god we know about in Hades 2, and how they fit into Greek myth.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best roguelike games, Best fantasy games on PC

PCGamesN Sunday, December 18, 2022 5:00 AM
     Steam horror game takes Resident Evil back to its fixed camera roots

How does a new Steam horror game that channels the fixed camera of the original Resident Evil games from Capcom sound? If it's right up your alley, then I have news for you, as an indie developer is working to make that exact game a reality, and you can wishlist it on Steam now while waiting for the soon-to-be-released demo.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Resident Evil 2, best horror games, Resident Evil Village

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Sunday, December 18, 2022 8:00 AM
    

On the eighteenth day of our Advent Calendar you find yourself curiously, suddenly alone. A fog rolled through town and suddenly everyone has disappeared. Oh, wait, that looks like a bunch of school kids over there, maybe they'll hel- OH GOD OH NO.

Read more


Twinfinite Sunday, December 18, 2022 10:06 AM
     This fan-game nails the Danganronpa art style.

Twinfinite Sunday, December 18, 2022 10:00 AM
     Veterans Only

Twinfinite Sunday, December 18, 2022 9:55 AM
     The hero will be one who is acknowledged by all.

Siliconera Sunday, December 18, 2022 11:30 AM
    

One Piece Odyssey Demo Will Appear Ahead of Its Release Date

People will get to try the new One Piece game before buying it. As Jump Festa 2023 ended, Bandai Namco shared a new trailer and announcement. Three days ahead of the One Piece Odyssey release date, a free demo will appear. People on the PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X will be able to get the trial to test out the RPG.

It seems like the One Piece Odyssey demo will offer a slice of the game from the beginning. People can save as they go through the early part of the adventure. Then, if they do buy the full title, they can pick up where they left off.

As for the new One Piece Odyssey trailer, it is called "Memories." It hints that the Straw Hats will be revisiting their past adventures. They'll revisit memories alongside new character Lim after getting to Waford. Snippets from Alabasta, Water Seven, Marineford, and Dressrosa all show up in the new video. However, the Marineford and Dressrosa segments are the focus this time around.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KYiJzKUw5U&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

The One Piece Odyssey release date is January 13, 2023, and the demo will appear on January 10, 2023. The full game will come to the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post One Piece Odyssey Demo Will Appear Ahead of Its Release Date appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 18, 2022 11:00 AM
    

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Anime Gets Characters Trailer, April Release

As part of the Jump Festa 2023 announcements, there were multiple updates regarding the Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku anime adaptations focusing on its characters and upcoming release. First, it will appear on both Crunchyroll and Netflix worldwide when it debuts in April 2023. There's also a new Hell's Paradise trailer showing off some of the voice actors cast. The official website and Twitter account are also live.

Here's the first Hell's Paradise anime trailer.

Here's a full voice actor cast listing of all the confirmed Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku characters so far.

  • Aza Chobe: Ryohei Kimura
  • Gabimaru: Chiaki Kobayashi
  • Tamiya Gantetsusai: Tetsu Inada
  • Yamada Asaemon Fuchi: Aoi Ichikawa
  • Yamada Asaemon Sagiri: Yumiri Hanmori
  • Yamada Asaemon Toma: Kensho Ono
  • Yuzuriha: Rie Takahashi

Each voice actor also offered some commentary on their role, which appeared alongside official art of their character.

[gallery columns="7" size="full" ids="944078,944079,944080,944081,944082,944083,944084" link="file"]

Hell's Paradise is set in the Edo period. On the island of Shinsenkyo, there is apparently an elixir of life. The shogunate are desperate to claim it, but have had no luck so far. So, it is sending criminals alongside executioners to get it. If they get it, they will be pardoned. Gabimaru the Hollow and his executioner Sagiri are among the two sent to retrieve it.

The Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku anime will begin airing on Crunchyroll and Netflix in April 2023. Viz Media localized the manga.

The post Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Anime Gets Characters Trailer, April Release appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 18, 2022 10:30 AM
    

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Switch Ps4

The ESRB ratings were correct: Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Switch and PS4 versions are real. They're coming relatively soon. An announcement from Square Enix confirmed that the once PC and mobile-exclusive series is headed to consoles. Their release window is in Spring 2023, putting their release date between March 2023 and June 2023. Square Enix will sell the games both individually and as a single bundle.

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Switch and PS4 versions will have the same games as released on PC. These include:

  • Final Fantasy
  • Final Fantasy II
  • Final Fantasy III
  • Final Fantasy IV
  • Final Fantasy V
  • Final Fantasy VI

As on PC, all six games feature new graphical treatments. Unlike previous ports and rereleases of classic NES and SNES-era Final Fantasy games, the Pixel Remaster line's art style emphasizes the pixel art. It is closer to the original look of the older titles. Updated user interface elements and convenience features like auto-battle and quick-saves are also present.

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster PS4 and Switch versions will also get a limited physical release, called the Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remaster - FF35th Anniversary Edition. The release celebrates the 35-year history of the franchise. It collects all six Pixel Remaster console editions, with additional bonuses in an "Anniversary Edition Goods Box". The box contains:

  • A bonus lenticular sleeve for the game case
  • A 2-disc vinyl record set with newly arranged game music. The set also has exclusive cover artwork by Kazuko Shibuya.
  • An art book that focuses on the pixel character art.
  • Eight pixel art character figurines.

The 35th Anniversary package is limited, and will be sold only through the Square Enix Store.

The Switch and PS4 versions of Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster go on sale in Spring 2023. The PC versions are available via Steam.

The post Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Switch, PS4 Land in Spring 2023 appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, December 18, 2022 9:00 AM
    

Japan's Super Mario Bros Movie Happy Meal Toys Spin a Lot

The McDonald's in Japan showed off the The Super Mario Bros Movie Happy Meal toys that will be available in each meal. The toys will be available for a limited time from December 23, 2022. Not every McDonald's in Japan will have them. [Thanks, Game Watch!]

In total, there will be eight The Super Mario Bros Movie Happy Meal toys. However, McDonald's split up the release schedule. The first four will be available from December 23-29, 2022. In that batch, you can get a jumping Mario, Toad in a race car, a spinning Princess Peach, and a wind-up Donkey Kong. The latter four will be available from December 30, 2022 to January 5, 2023. In this set, you can get Mario in a spinning cart, Bowser that can breathe spinning fire, Luigi, and a spinning Lumalee.

[gallery columns="4" link="file" ids="943996,943997,943998,943999,944000,944001,944002,944003"]

For the final round of toys, which will start from January 6, 2023, you can randomly get any of the eight. Depending on the McDonald's, you might be able to request a specific one. For those who cannot go to Japan during the campaign, they will likely be available online.

The Super Mario Bros Movie is the upcoming computer-animated movie starring Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Day. The Japanese version has an equally star-studded cast. The movie will air on April 7, 2023 for the US and April 28, 2023 for Japan.

The The Super Mario Bros Movie Happy Meal toys at McDonald's will be available in  Japan from December 23, 2022.

The post Japan's Super Mario Bros Movie Happy Meal Toys Spin a Lot appeared first on Siliconera.


Gamer Empire Sunday, December 18, 2022 5:38 AM
     Even though you could eat raw food in Minecraft, it's always better to eat cooked food since it restores more health and hunger. In the […]

Gamer Empire Sunday, December 18, 2022 5:06 AM
     There is nothing cooler than having a character with amazing stats in Crusader Kings 3. With great, high stats, you can achieve almost anything you […]

Latest Games on Play iDev Games Sunday, December 18, 2022 7:41 AM
     A casual game. Avoid the bombs and bucket the candy....

Dec 18, 04:00


Twinfinite Saturday, December 17, 2022 11:47 PM
     With a season 2 and movie, it's hard to know what to be more excited about.

Siliconera Saturday, December 17, 2022 10:25 PM
    

Spy x Family Season 2 of the Anime and Movie in Development

More Spy x Family animated adaptations are on the way, as there will be a season 2 of the anime and a movie. Both were announced at Jump Festa 2023. The second season of the anime will air in 2023, as will the original movie. [Thanks, Crunchyroll!]

Details about the second season and original movie are slim at the moment. Tatsuya Endo will remain involved. There is also a teaser image drawn by Endo showing the Forger family, Bond included, flying in a plane.


No localization announcement appeared. However, Crunchyroll simulcasts the Spy x Family anime's first season and Viz Media handles the English release of the manga.

The first season of the anime adaptation is currently running. Part 2 of it kicked off in October 2022. The next episode and last one of the season will air on December 24, 2022.

This isn't the only Spy x Family-related news to come out of Jump Festa 2023. A number of figures appeared too. Megahouse confirmed Loid, Yor, and Anya Look Up figures and showed off the ones in its Petit Rama line.

Jump Festa 2023 ends December 18, 2022. Spy x Family season 2 and its movie will debut sometime in 2023.

The post Spy x Family Season 2 of the Anime and Movie in Development appeared first on Siliconera.