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Feb 08, 14:00


Kotaku Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:35 PM
    

Hogwarts Legacy is officially out on Friday for current-gen consoles and later this year for last-gen consoles and the Nintendo Switch, but those who splurged on the Deluxe Edition got early access starting on February 7. And the game is already garnering a massive audience on Twitch. In fact, the open-world Harry

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Kotaku Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:00 PM
    

Today a college campus will have extra police officers and K9 units walking around after a joke email from a student to a professor. The student asked the professor to cancel class due to an upcoming "once-in-a-lifetime event." The event? This afternoon's much-hyped Nintendo Direct.

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Kotaku Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:28 PM
    

If you've spent any time toying with or reading about ChatGPT, one of the internet's latest obsessions and topic of contentious conversation concerning artificially intelligent software, then you know the service has specific restrictions on what it can and cannot say…until now. Some clever users have found a way to…

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Kotaku Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:10 PM
    

If the past 44 years of Super Bowl commercials are anything to go by, brevity is the soul of wit, especially when it comes to convincing football watchers to buy products and talk about them at the water cooler. Yet somehow, no bizarre celebrity-addled sportsball ad yet created can hold a candle to a certain epic,…

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Kotaku Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:05 AM
    

Another four weeks has ticked by already, and Marvel Snap has entered its fifth season pass: Into The Quantum Realm. Timed to match this month's release of the third Ant-Man movie, Quantumania, things are getting super-teeny, with the ironically enormous-headed M.O.D.O.K. taking center stage. Are you ready to fork…

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Kotaku Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:25 AM
    

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick recently went on TV to say the UK would become "Death Valley" if it didn't approve his company's $69 billion sale to Microsoft. We now know why. The country's Competition and Markets Authority announced provisional findings on Wednesday that the deal would threaten competition in…

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Kotaku Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:45 AM
    

With the years-long PlayStation 5 shortage finally easing up a bit lately, odds are decent you might be a new PlayStation 5 owner. There's a lot to love about Sony's most recent console; but if you've spent any amount of time gaming on it, then you know the DualSense gamepad's battery isn't one of them.

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PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:14 PM
     Total War Warhammer 3 has three

Things have been a bit quiet on the Total War Warhammer 3 front for the past little while, since shortly after the last update for Immortal Empires. However, the fantasy strategy game's director has posted an update to quell players' fears that development had stalled out - as it happens, Total Warhammer players have three content updates to look forward to planned for this year, with the first currently set to launch in April.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Total War: Warhammer 3 DLC, Total War: Warhammer 3 races, Total War: Warhammer 3 review

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:31 PM
     Hogwarts Legacy Ghost of our Love treasure map location

The Hogwarts Legacy Ghost of Our Love quest can be incredibly confusing, especially if you aren't keeping track of your side quests. The treasure map can be acquired after 'The Hunt for the Missing Pages' quest without the player realising what they've just picked up.

Once you have the Hogwarts Legacy treasure map in your inventory, you will unlock the Ghost of Our Love quest. The map shows a drawing of the forbidden forest with an additional drawing of a bridge and some floating candles. You do need access to certain Hogwarts Legacy spells to continue the quest, but there's a good chance you have them by the time you've reached this point in the RPG game.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:30 PM
     How to upgrade gear in Hogwarts Legacy

If you're curious about how to upgrade gear in Hogwarts Legacy, you're probably feeling the pinch when it comes to your offensive and defensive capabilities. As you continue to explore, you'll need to stand your ground against a variety of enemies, and you can only do that with a good suite of stats and traits to draw upon.

The effectiveness of your most powerful Hogwarts Legacy spells can be bolstered simply by knowing how to upgrade gear in Hogwarts Legacy. Even if you reach the max level cap and select the best Hogwarts Legacy talents in the open-world game, you'll still probably find you're having trouble. So, to avoid a swift end at the teeth and claws of Hogwarts Legacy beasts, here's how to upgrade your gear in Hogwarts Legacy.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:21 PM
     Hogwarts Legacy clock tower puzzle solution

By solving the Hogwarts Legacy clock tower puzzle, you can gain access to four small rooms, each connected to the main clock tower room. These rooms contain chests full of goodies - and solving the puzzle's solution itself is its own reward.

Four doors stand between you and this hidden Hogwarts Legacy loot, each covered by a grate - so no spell or potion is going to get you access. Well, actually, you do need some Hogwarts Legacy spells to solve this puzzle, but you won't be targeting the doors in this Hogwarts Legacy mystery. Here's what you need to know about solving the clock tower puzzle.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:21 PM
     Hogwarts Legacy bridge puzzle guide

The Hogwarts Legacy bridge puzzle is just one of the many secrets you can uncover in the school of witchcraft and wizardry. It's also very easy to overlook, given that it's an environmental puzzle that demands you keep an eye out for esoteric clues as you explore.

The Hogwarts Legacy bridge puzzle is located in the Viaduct Courtyard that connects the Great Hall and Library Annex, which you can locate on the Hogwarts Legacy map. It's a fairly innocuous area at first glance, but look closer and you'll see the hallmarks of a puzzle in the open-world game. What's more, solving it will net you a legendary item – you don't even need to know how to open Hogwarts Legacy locks in order to access it. Here's how to solve the Hogwarts Legacy bridge puzzle.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:19 PM
     The Valorant VCT Lock In knife perfectly embodies regional rivalry

With the stage set for Valorant VCT Lock In, the biggest competition in the FPS game's storied esports history, players have been buying up the Misericórdia knife bundle, which includes a stunning new melee weapon with colour variants inspired by the three new international regions. As the excitement builds, we caught up with Riot to talk about how the VCT Lock In capsule came to be.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Valorant Night Market dates, Valorant ranks order, distribution, and ranking system explained, Valorant crosshair codes

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:18 PM
     Genshin Impact English art book is available for pre-order, at last

The Genshin Impact: Official Art Book Volume 1 is finally getting an English release, and it's currently up for pre-order on Amazon. The anime game's art book has already been available in China since 2021 and in Japan since 2022. It was still available to purchase elsewhere but, obviously, most western audiences wouldn't be able to read anything inside either of those versions.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:17 PM
     Hogwarts Legacy PC crashing fix looks to be in the works

The early access period for Hogwarts Legacy is well under way, but some players with pre-orders are struggling to play the open-world game due to technical issues. Worse still, despite numerous bug reports, many would-be witches and wizards are no closer to understanding what the cause of the problems are or how to fix them, but dev help is on the way.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:26 PM
     Sell Call of Duty before Activision Microsoft deal, regulator suggests

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is facing a variety of legal challenges, as regulatory bodies including the Federal Trade Commission examine whether the proposed $68.7 billion USD deal could breach antitrust laws. Now, one regulator says that selling the entire Call of Duty series and taking the FPS game out of Activision Blizzard's control could present a possible solution to issues regarding reduced competition and market fairness.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Modern Warfare 2 guns, Best loadouts in Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 2 maps

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:24 PM
     Wild Hearts system requirements – monster hunter RPG PC specs

What are the Wild Hearts system requirements? PC specs for EA's answer to Monster Hunter are a bit beastly, but running what could be one of the best RPG games in 2023 won't be a chore. That said, matching Koei Tecmo's Wild Hearts recommendations could be a struggle for older gaming PC builds, as you'll need to make the jump to a newer Nvidia GeForce graphics card.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best SSD for gaming, How to build a gaming PC, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:42 AM
     Hogwarts Legacy Demiguise Statues and locations explained

Are you scratching your head trying to find all of the Hogwarts Legacy Demiguise Statues? By far one of the more annoying collectibles in the game, it's not until you have a word with Gladwin Moon back in Hogwarts that you learn about these owl-like figurines. The trick is that, during the day, you can't interact with them, but you can pinch their jewel-like moon during the night.

We go over how Hogwarts Legacy locks work, as the two mechanics are intricately linked, however, unlike other collectibles in the open-world game such as the Daedalian keys, you will find Demiguise Statues scattered across every region, not just in Hogwarts. There are 30 Demiguise Statues to find, and the game doesn't count the two from Gladwin's quest as part of your search. We'll break down where to find them and how to keep things nocturnal.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:40 AM
     Hogwarts Legacy eyeball chests and how to open them

Trying to unlock the Hogwarts Legacy eyeball chests? There are plenty of objects and items you can't interact with when you first start playing Hogwarts Legacy, but it won't take long before you can start collecting every item you find.

One of the objects you'll certainly run into during your time with the RPG game are eyeball chests, or chests with eyes. Each one of these chests holds 500 galleons which is enough to buy several Hogwarts Legacy potions, plants and seeds from Dogweed and Deathcap, and much more around Hogsmeade. While it may feel like these chests are always watching you, all you need to do is cast a spell to remain out of sight.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:36 AM
     How to get Hogwarts Legacy Fluxweed stem

Hogwarts Legacy Fluxweed stem is part of a magical plant in the RPG game, and is an ingredient in various potions. Once you know where to get hold of the plant, you can pick it up easily, or even grow your own infinitely renewable Fluxweed stems, so here's how to get started farming the resource.

There are, of course, masses of intriguing magical potions at your disposal in Hogwarts Legacy, but you need the ingredients and the recipe in order to make them. Potion recipes can be bought from J Pippin's Potions, but ingredients can be found in a number of places or grown inside the Hogwarts Legacy Room of Requirement, so here's where to get Hogwarts Legacy Fluxweed, its seeds, and how to grow and use it.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:30 AM
     Best Hogwarts Legacy talents

Hogwarts Legacy talents are a way of improving your character in the open-world RPG, giving you a better chance of succeeding at school, and thwarting whatever menace that may be in your way. The wizarding game has many avenues of improvement, from upgrading your abilities to acquiring new equipment and improving your Talents.

Character growth is one of the primary aspects of an RPG game - going on a journey with your creation, not only from a story perspective but your abilities too. But how do you unlock talents, how do they improve Hogwarts Legacy spells and potions to make your character more powerful, and which ones are the best?

Continue reading Best Hogwarts Legacy talents
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:16 AM
     How to change appearance in Hogwarts Legacy

If you're wondering how to change appearance in Hogwarts Legacy, wonder no more. There's plenty of opportunity to refresh your wardrobe to ensure you're flaunting the best stats and style, but when it comes to changing your character itself, there's only one place to go.

After so many hours spent in the RPG game, it may be time to change appearance in Hogwarts Legacy to better reflect your character as they develop during their time at Hogwarts with their companions. Having the freedom to change your appearance in a sprawling open-world game is a foregone conclusion, and you don't have to stray far from Hogwarts to make it happen.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:02 AM
     Dwarf Fortress adds deathmatch with Arena Mode update

There are countless ways for dwarves to die in Dwarf Fortress, a colony management game that I've sometimes described as "a game about entirely preventable tragedies." The latest Dwarf Fortress update adds a new one: gladiatorial battles between dwarves and any number of the game's many strange and violent creatures.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best games like RimWorld and Dwarf Fortress, The best city-building games, The best survival games on PC

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:00 AM
     Apex Legends Season 16 overhauls classes, skips adding new character

The Apex Legends classes have been completely revamped for Season 16: Revelry, with characters getting shuffled around to fit into five separate categories. Each class now has distinct perks and more clearly defined roles. These changes, plus numerous buffs and nerfs across the roster, have influenced Respawn's decision not to add a new Legend to the FPS game this season. Instead, players will get time to adjust to the inevitable meta shifts when the Apex Legends Season 16 release date hits on February 14.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Apex Legends characters guide, Apex Legends skins, Apex Legends map guide

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:09 AM
     Hogwarts Legacy companions explained

Hogwarts Legacy companions keep you company as you study your classes in the famous school, sit by your side as you grab a drink in Hogsmeade, and fight with you when taking on the dark wizards and terrifying evil of the wizarding world. Your companions aren't defined by your house either, as you make friends with each of these characters for their own individual story development.

Hogwarts Legacy has an astounding amount of content . The huge, open-world Hogwarts Legacy map looks absolutely gorgeous, and the attention to detail that has gone into designing the world can be seen from the landscapes themselves to the common rooms and classrooms. There are loads of Hogwarts Legacy characters to get to know as well, and that's where the Hogwarts Legacy companions come in, as four fellow students are particularly crucial to your time in the adventure game.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:46 AM
     Hogwarts Legacy Floo Flame locations and how to fast travel

Finding the Hogwarts Legacy Floo Flame locations will be essential to making your life easier as you travel around the huge magical world. Sticking true to wizarding world lore, Floo Flames allow magic-users to travel between locations, though it looks like they won't be restricted to classic fireplaces.

The open-world game boasts a massive map, so fast travel in Hogwarts Legacy will help you get around quicker. Of course, you need to manually travel to each Floo Flame location before you unlock it, but once you've seen them all, you can dart between the Hogwarts Legacy common rooms and Hogsmeade, from the Crossed Wands duelling club to the Forbidden Forest, or between individual Daedalian Keys in no time.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:31 AM
     How to open Hogwarts Legacy locks with Alohomora

You won't be able to unlock Hogwarts Legacy locks on doors and chests for quite some time, as it isn't until you come across the main story quest called 'The Caretaker's Lunar Lament' and learn Alohomora. Here, you'll properly meet Hogwarts' caretaker, Gladwin Moon. He's usually a bit of a tough geezer, but he recently has become paranoid that someone's out to torment him. Recently he came face-to-face with a Boggart, which apparated into his greatest fear: a Demiguise. Now all of a sudden, there are statues everywhere, and he wants to reveal the identity of his assailant.

During this quest, Gladwin teaches you Alohomora, one of the Hogwarts Legacy spells that unlocks locks on doors and chests, which in this open-world game can contain valuable gear and collectables. To get this precious spell, you first need to progress through the Hogwarts Legacy story for a fair number of hours until you get this main story quest in your log. Gladwin will teach the first level to you as part of the quest, but returning Hogwarts Legacy Demiguise Statues to him will eventually increase the spell's level to a maximum of three.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:18 AM
     Overwatch 2 season 3 battle pass sparks credits vs coins confusion

Among the changes made for Overwatch 2 season 3 is an increase to free rewards available in the battle pass for the FPS game, but its implementation is causing confusion among players. Blizzard has ramped up the ability to earn rewards without spending real money in the latest Overwatch 2 season, but its choice of colour makes the credit rewards look too similar to the paid premium currency.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: All Overwatch 2 characters, Best Overwatch 2 settings, Overwatch 2 tier list

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:05 AM
     Maximise your gaming PC performance with new FPS Monitor app

Making sure your gaming PC is up to scratch with the latest and greatest gaming hardware is something every PC gamer should keep an eye on - whether you're an expert builder and tweaker or relatively new to the platform. Fortunately, a new app from the folks behind PCGameBenchmark helps you easily ensure your system matches up to requirements for all the upcoming games you've got your eye on, and easily see which components might be holding you back.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best SSD for gaming, How to build a gaming PC, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:38 AM
     New Forspoken patch will

With Forspoken out in the wild for some time, many are finding plenty of issues with the RPG game on PC. Patches aren't delivering quite the fixes we want to see, and there are glaring issues for some players. Well, Square Enix has taken notice, and a brand new statement from the director of Forspoken promises to rectify the issues at hand.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Forspoken cast and voice actors, Forspoken map, Forspoken system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:37 AM
     Free Hogwarts Legacy

The new Harry Potter game, Hogwarts Legacy, already has a highly unofficial and very… different looking "remake" in the works, as one intrepid developer rebuilds the entire RPG in a single day, with plans to launch their budget version of Hogwarts Legacy as a fully playable free game – a neat distraction as we hit the Hogwarts Legacy early access period.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:37 AM
     Hogwarts Legacy max level cap explained

Want to know what the Hogwarts Legacy max level cap is? As a fledgling wizard or witch, there's only so much you can learn in a single year, even if you are catching up on the curriculum by cramming in extra assignments. Most RPGs, such as this one, have a maximum level you can reach to prevent you from becoming overpowered, and Hogwarts Legacy is no exception.

The main thing with the Hogwarts Legacy max level cap is that unwise decisions with every level up will have consequences. If you want to improve your Hogwarts Legacy spells or the potency of your Hogwarts Legacy potions, then you need to invest in them with talent points. The other area of the open-world game to keep an eye on is the enemy level caps in the regions of the Hogwarts Legacy map outside of school grounds.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy release date, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:20 PM
    

Last time, you decided that mixed dual-wielding is better than VR support. Good. Very good. It's always nice when objective science produces the correct result. Well done you. This year, I ask you to decide between a cool (and sometimes practical) form of violence and a fun risk/reward element. What's better: throwing knives or active reload?

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:04 PM
    

I don't mean to alarm anyone, but I think Urbo might be my Dorfromantik of 2023. It's a chill, citybuilding puzzle game from the devs behind the altogether more violent Diplomacy Is Not An Option, and it's all about building tiny little villages on top of rocky outcrops. Except when you stick three of the same building type together, they all zhuup together to create an even bigger one. And a bigger one, and a bigger one. It's very satisfying. The smooshing lights up all the same parts of my brain that Threes did when I became obsessed with it about five years ago, while the tile planning hits scratches that big Dorfromantik itch, making for an excellent Steam Next Fest demo experience.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:32 AM
    

Another month, another fresh batch of Game Pass goodies. February's PC Game Pass additions have plenty of variety and should appeal to fans of the following subjects: American 'football', the Dark Ages, stabbing Japanese demons, and shooting Soviet robots. February's Game Pass picks kick off tomorrow with the online action-RPG SD Gundam Battle Alliance, and EA's Madden NFL 23 - which corrupted a number of players' saves last month.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:00 AM
    

Bullet hell shooters have never been one of my fortes in games. There is certainly something magical about watching masters of the genre weave effortlessly in and out of flying orbs in the likes of Gradius, R-Type and Ikaruga, but whenever I attempt to step up to the gamepad myself, my movements have always proven too flighty, too seized by panic, to make much headway with them. Enter The Knight Witch, which takes the thrill of the bullet hell shooter and wraps it up in a lovely Metroid-like-shaped package my brain can actually understand. It's a fantastic little game, and I'm only sorry we didn't cover it in more detail when it came out at the end of November last year.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:00 AM
    

Apex Legends is going to look a little different in a week's time. Respawn have broken the mould a little bit with Apex Legends Revelry and the game's four year anniversary - instead of adding a new Legend as usual, they've spent their time elsewhere to bring a host of Legend meta and weapon meta changes, alongside the new Team Deathmatch game mode and improving player onboarding that we reported on earlier in the week.

Apex Legends Season 16 is going to break a surprising number of targeted adjustments to various different guns, Legends, and abilities. And all that on top of the entirely revamped Legend class system, which gives every Legend a brand new perk (or in some cases two!) to play with. Read on for a full list of all the major changes that are coming to Legends and weapons with Apex Legends Revelry.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:30 AM
    

As part of Steam Next Fest, I gave pixel-art, sidescrolling fantasy RPG Greedventory a go. It takes your mouse and turns it into a sword, or a shield, or an arm that's capable of swatting away an explosive potion. It may be like something you, dear reader, have played in the past, but me? Nah, never played anything quite like it! Well, that's a lie. If anything, it's the first fantasy RPG that's made use of my latent - and highly dubious - CS:GO skills and brought to mind a rhythm game called Osu! I am very impressed indeed.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:23 AM
    

Bramble: The Mountain King is an upcoming adventure that mixes a charming fairytale world with twisted monsters inspired by Nordic folklore. Expect cute garden gnomes and sleeping giants, alongside all manner of horned beasties and nasties when it releases on PC and consoles April 27th.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:18 AM
    

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have released their provisional findings on Microsoft's proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition, laying out their concerns with the $69 billion deal. The CMA say the buyout "could result in higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation for UK gamers." Since these concerns are provisional, both parties will have a chance to respond before the CMA makes its final decision on April 26th. Both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard believe the deal will encourage competition in the gaming space, rather than hinder it.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, February 8, 2023 7:30 AM
    

Wow, is it episode three of RPS' indie podcast Indiescovery already? How time flies! In this episode, the Indiescovery squad reccomend a handful of awesome demos from this spring's Steam Next Fest for our lovely listeners to check out - six demos to be exact! We recorded this episode on a Friday instead of our usual Wednesdays so, yeah, major end-of-week vibes in this one. Have a listen below!

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Twinfinite Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:27 PM
     Girl power!

Twinfinite Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:00 PM
     Adding a dystopian flair to the classic hero narrative.

Twinfinite Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:20 PM
     We all have a Voldermort inside.

Twinfinite Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:30 AM
     Yes, I'm interested in further opportunities for death.

Twinfinite Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:00 AM
     Obviousy, YOUR favorite will always be the best one, though.

Twinfinite Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:00 AM
     The only fun way to experience murder.

Twinfinite Wednesday, February 8, 2023 8:33 AM
     Are you a Leaguer or more of a solo act?

Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:30 PM
    

FFXIV Endwalker EP3 Soundtrack, 'Forged in Crimson' Lyrics Released

There's an opportunity to hear FFXIV Endwalker music anytime, as its EP3 soundtrack arrived. This is a new release with five songs taken from recent updates to the game. Both Amazon and Apple Music are selling it for $4.95. In addition, Square Enix shared the official lyrics for the Ilsabard's Mount Ordeals song "Forged in Crimson." As a reminder, that is the track Kenichi "Hyadain" Maeyamada, who in the past created a remix of "Battle with the Four Fiends" worked on with Masayoshi Soken.

First, here's the cover of the FFXIV Endwalker EP3 soundtrack and its full track listing.
[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="950179" link="file"]

  1. "Fever"
  2. "Rhythm of the Realm"
  3. "Dedicated to Moonlight"
  4. "Deep Blue"
  5. "Forged in Crimson"

As for the "Forged in Crimson" lyrics, they remain a reference to Final Fantasy IV. The official developer's blog also reminded people Takashi Tokita wrote its lyrics. Tokita has been involved with the series since the original Final Fantasy, but in particular worked on FFIV as a game designer and was involved with the GBA and DS versions. The song is tied to the fight against Autarch of Flame: Rubicante.

Here are the exact lyrics from Square Enix:

Fears rise, blades fall
His void calls

Fires blaze, waters rage
Gods above are deaf now to your cries (deaf now to your cries)
Earthen scourge, gale winds surge
Look within and seek your own salvation
Do you claim to have the strength to brave the flames of battle, conquest, death, annihilation

Here souls weep, sorrow steeped
Wherefore would you mourn the coming dawn (mourn the coming dawn)
Save your tears, face your fears
In despair you will find no safe harbour
Dare to stoke the fire in your soul, make keen your blade, stand fast or die bereft of honor

In the darkness be by fear consumed
Hearts turn cold where naught ever blooms

Elemental fury given to flesh
Raw strength on a level mere mortals cannot contest
The embodiment of earth─earth, wind, water, and fire

Fears rise, blades fall
His void calls

Flames consume, tides subsume
Cut down all who would dare hold you back, prove there's naught you lack
Earth befouled, fierce winds howl
Face hell now to prove your will unyielding
You must walk this path alone, but know that you are not the first nor last to seek purgation

Flames consume, tides subsume
Cut down all who would dare hold you back, prove there's naught you lack
Earth befouled, fierce winds howl
Face hell now to prove your will unyielding
You must walk this path alone, but know that you are not the first nor last to seek purgation

In the darkness be by fear consumed
Hearts turn cold where naught ever blooms

Elemental fury given to flesh
Raw strength on a level mere mortals cannot contest
Steel your soul or ever burn─burn with boundless ire, forged in crimson fire

Final Fantasy XIV and its Endwalker expansion are available for the PS4, PS5, and PC.

The post FFXIV Endwalker EP3 Soundtrack, 'Forged in Crimson' Lyrics Released appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:00 PM
    

Spy x Family Anya Tamagotchi Appears on Amazon

It seems the Spy x Family Tamagotchi that lets people raise Anya Forger won't be a Japan-exclusive item. Amazon's US branch now has a product listing for it. It notes the toy will arrive in March 23, 2023 and cost $24.99. The virtual pet was announced for Japan back in June 2022. [Thanks, Wario64!]

The Amazon product page shows two of these Tamagotchi Nano variants. One is the green and beige model with icons referencing Anya's parents, Loid and Yor Forger. The black and pink model, complete with decorations referencing Anya's hair clips and dress, also appears.

This is virtual pet that involves taking care of Anya. You can feed her, play games like dodgeball or running from bad guys with bond, or help her behave in front of Henry Henderson. Rather than evolving, her clothes will change depending on her care. This could result in different actions or events. Also, unlike many virtual pets, Anya doesn't "die" if you don't take good care of her. Instead, she'll run away.

Bandai Namco's released a number of anime-inspired virtual pets. For example, there are ones based on Evangelion, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen.

The Spy x Family Anya Tamagotchi is available in Japan, and the Amazon US listing says it will appear on March 23, 2023.

The post Spy x Family Anya Tamagotchi Appears on Amazon appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:30 PM
    

Gawr Gura, Mori Calliope, and Sakura Miko Named Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors

Hololive announced three of its Vtubers are going to be 2023 Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors. Sakura Miko, who is a Japanese Vtuber, and the Hololive EN members Gawr Gura and Mori Calliope were picked. This means that the three will all talk about the city of Tokyo and their experiences there. The tweet announcing the hallmark specifically noted they will discuss "attractions" in the city. Calliope noted in December 2022 that she was in Japan. In January 2023, Gura also announced she was in the country.

This means three of the 16 new Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors have been named. The Tokyo Government announced on Twitter that it picked the new goodwill associates on February 8, 2023. However, it didn't name any of the other 13 people.

However, it is possible that some of the additional ambassadors aren't actually people. In 2015, Godzilla was named a Tokyo Tourism Ambassador.

Hololive didn't announce what sorts of measures Sakura Miko, Gawr Gura, or Calliope Mori will take to promote Tokyo. However, Gura did note she expects to end her health-related hiatus before Valentine's Day 2023. Ahead of this announcement, she also shared the following tweet teasing her return.

Sakura Miko is one of the first Hololive Vtubers. Gawr Gura and Calliope Mori are both part of Hololive EN Myth.

The post Gawr Gura, Mori Calliope, and Sakura Miko Named Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:00 PM
    

Steam Next Fest

Valve's Steam Next Fest is on, and hundreds of new and upcoming games are getting free playable demos to download for all and sundry this week. Until February 13, 2023, the front pages of the Steam storefront will engage in a "celebration of upcoming games," with developer-led livestreams of titles, as well as the opportunity to personally experience a slice of what's next up on the world's biggest PC game store. Of course, with all those new games available for the sampling, it can be tough to choose which to try out in the limited time available. Some demos might remain online after the festival, but the general assumption is that they'll be unavailable for a while once the fest is over.

To that end, we've gone ahead and selected a handful of titles we think are worth trying out, via their Steam Next Fest playable demos. Check them out below, and recommend your own favorites in the comments.

Note: The following games were picked by Siliconera staff members out of the Steam Next Fest selection. The full lineup is viewable at this link and via the Steam client. System requirements and availability may vary by title or region.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tNA6FvTDDk

Affogato

Affogato blends coffee, conversation, and tower defense into a new style of RPG. The gameplay uses a "reverse tower defense" style, and players help a sorceress make her new café business successful by helping clients fight their "inner demons." Between battles, they'll converse with customers, build relationships, and use a realistic coffeemaking model to brew the perfect cup.

Check out its Steam page and grab its Steam Next Fest demo at this link. The full release is due in 2023.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7uWrjl95k4

Grim Guardians: Demon Purge

A new title from Inti Creates, Grim Guardians is inspired by gothic horror in the "Metroidvania" vein. Two sisters must challenge a demonic castle that has consumed their school, hunting demons throughout the 2D, multi-floor labyrinth. They'll earn weapons and equipment from defeating bosses that unlock more areas to visit. Players will control the siblings in tag-team fashion, swapping sisters as the situation demand. Jump-in co-op also allows two players to control both Kamizono sisters on-screen, should the mood arise.

Grim Guardians launches on February 23, 2023. Its store page and demo are here.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nra31mia8Y0

Mr. Saitou

Mr. Saitou comes courtesy of Laura Shigihara, the singer-songwriter best known as the lead composer and sound designer for mega-hit title Plants vs. Zombies. It's a follow-up to her previous game, the story-based adventure Rakuen, and focuses on the titular Mr. Saitou. He's an average white-collar worker struggling to find meaning in a workaday existence. An accident lands him in a strange fantasy world, leading him to unexpected friends and adventure. Shigihara says that Mr. Saitou is "short and sweet", with a non-combat story and an original soundtrack.

Check out Mr. Saitou's store page at this link. The game will launch on March 24, 2023. Its Steam Next Fest demo is only in English, but the full release will support multiple languages, including Japanese, French, Dutch, Korean, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Turkish.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITlbiOSd3Vc

WitchSpring R

A new title from WitchSpring3 Re:Fine developer Kiwiwalks, WitchSpring R returns to the well of witch-raising. It's a story-driven RPG that brings together daily life simulation, collection, crafting, and battle. Players control Pieberry, a bunny-eared witch living in a secluded, monster-infested forest. You'll help her reach the outside world to walk amongst the humans, and will need to help her gain power, find resources, and train her attributes.

The game doesn't have a release window, but Kiwiwalks says that the Steam Next Fest demo will last 2-3 hours, and include a tutorial. Check it out at this link.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_f5fGNtg6k

Pocket Mirror ~ GoldenerTraum

From developers AstralShift and VisuStella, Pocket Mirror ~ GoldenerTraum is a "remastered" edition of Pocket Mirror, a legendary horror RPG. Despite being created in RPG Maker, a popular game development tool suite for independent and hobbyist developers, Pocket Mirror impressed with its visuals and story. GoldenerTraum updates the visuals further, as well as adding more features, like a new ending, 2D animated sequences, a New Game+ mode, and additional content. Players will be able to switch between the new art style and the classic one.

According to its store page, the game doesn't yet have a release window, but you can grab the Steam Next Fest demo at this link.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXGc7QMHTXU

Radio the Universe

Radio the Universe might feel familiar, and it should. Its creator, known only as "6e6e6e" (or "sixe") has been working on it for nearly ten years. It was first funded via Kickstarter in 2013, and has been in development ever since. Now it's playable at the Steam Next Fest, though it doesn't have an announced release window (it was last planned to be ready by Winter 2020). Players take on the role of an immortal wanderer, traveling through the ruins of a mysterious city, taking on dangerous enemies and fighting to survive.

Here's its Steam store page, from which you can download the playable demo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBhHesn3ka8

Banchou Tactics

A tactics title themed after Japanese high school toughs, Banchou Tactics has been in the works at Secret Character. It is inspired both by games like Final Fantasy Tactics and titles like River City Ransom. Players take control of various school-age street fighters caught up in a gang war to determine the toughest and strongest delinquent in the city.

The demo is available at this link. A release date hasn't been specified, but it was last set for a Q1 2023 debut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRlI7dsID3s

Wandering Sword

A Chinese-developed RPG boasting visuals in the vein of Square Enix's recent "HD-2D" productions (like Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy), Wandering Sword promises wuxia-inspired adventure in its STeam Next Fest demo. Players step into the role of Yuwen Yi, a warrior who is recuperating in a mountain village after a brush with death. Players will guide Yuwen on his journey through the land, learning various martial arts and weapons, and mastering their meridian points in pursuit of pure martial prowess.

The game is planned for a 2023 release. You can grab its Steam Next Fest demo on this page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3XXgRpIKp4

1000xRESIST

A narrative adventure set at the end of the world, players are placed in the role of Watcher, a clone member of a secret sisterhood living in a closed facility called the Garden. The sisterhood worships "The Allmother," the last surviving human. When Watcher's closest sister, Fixer, uncovers a dangerous rumor, Watcher must explore history through a time-shifting tool to uncover a lie thousands of years old.

1000xRESIST is playable as part of the Steam Next Fest, and launches fully in 2023. Check it out on its store page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2CDeQx63kQ

Shadows of Doubt

An entry into the venerable "immersive sim" genre, Shadows of Doubt uses low-poly visuals to "fully simulate" a functioning cityscape in an alternative 1980s timeline. Players take on the role of a private detective and use gadgets and sleuthing skills to solve cases. Players can get to know any one of the hundreds of NPCs in the game, each with their own daily routine, and take a variety of routes to meet their goals.

Check out the store page to access the playable demo. Shadows of Doubt doesn't have a release window yet.

The current Steam Next Fest runs until February 13, 2023.

The post Check Out These 10 Free Steam Next Fest Demos appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:30 AM
    

Meet the Honkai Star Rail Foxian Character Tingyun

As the Honkai Star Rail final closed beta draws nearer, HoYoVerse started introducing more of the playable characters who will show up in the game. The latest Honkai Star Rail person is another member of the Xianzhou Luofu starship, Tingyun. She's a Whistling Flames ambassador known for trade, as well as for both dealing damage and making other characters stronger.

The announcement went over what people can expect if they end up getting Tingyun as one of their playable Honkai Star Rail characters. She's a four-star Lightning unit from the Harmony path. Harmony characters are known for buffs, and all three of her revealed Trace abilities do so in the beta.

Here's the full Tingyun moveset HoYoverse announced, as well as the official descriptions for the traces and skills.

  • Dislodged (Basic Attack): Tingyun swings her fan and deals Lightning DMG to an enemy.
  • Jubilant Passage (Trace): After activating this Trace, at the start of Tingyun's turn, she immediately regenerates Energy.
  • Knell Subdual (Trace): After activating this Trace, Tingyun's Basic ATK increases.
  • Nourished Joviality (Trace): After activating this Trace, when using Skill, Tingyun's SPD increases for 1 turn.
  • Ritual of the Auspicious Cloud (Ultimate): After using Ultimate, Tingyun regenerates the target ally's Energy and increases their DMG dealt.
  • Soothing Melody (Skill): After using Skill, Blesses a target ally, increasing their ATK. When a Blessed ally deals DMG to enemy targets within a certain number of turns, they will deal additional Lightning DMG. This effect only triggers for the most recently Blessed ally.
  • Violet Sparknado (Talent): When Tingyun deals DMG to a target enemy, she deals additional Lightning DMG. This DMG is also related to which ally is Blessed.

She's voiced by Yuuki Takada in Japanese and Laci Morgan in English.

This is the second recent Xianzhou Luofu character revealed. Fu Xuan, the Divination Commission leader, showed up in January 2023.

Honkai Star Rail is in development for PCs and mobile devices, and the final closed beta will begin on February 10, 2023.

The post Meet the Honkai Star Rail Foxian Character Tingyun appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:00 AM
    

Forspoken PC

Square Enix issued a new patch for Forspoken on PC, addressing technical issues and performance problems that have PC users complaining. The patch, which brings the game up to version 1.03 on PC, addresses a number of bugs that were affecting PC performance, as well as expanding controller and mouse support from the current defaults. Additionally, Luminous Productions Studio Head Takeshi Aramaki issued a statement promising future improvements and updates for the game.

The patch notes for Forspoken on PC are visible here, via the game's Steam page. The most notable fixes are to incidences of crashes and screen flickering when using specific GPUs. The notes only refer to "certain Intel GPUs", but reports from PC users suggest the issues were most prevalent among users of Intel Arc GPUs. Intel launched the Arc line in early 2022 to compete with Nvidia's GeForce and ATI's Radeon graphics cards in the PC gaming space. The game also received fixes to its support for players using mouse-and-keyboard controls, specifically those with five-button mice. A bug caused the disappearance of the "side button" configuration when using those types of mice in-game.

Forspoken on PC also received improvements to help make it easier to play on the Steam Deck portable hardware. When set to the deck-friendly resolution of 1280 x 800, Forspoken's UI should display at a more readable size. To improve the game's performance on PC in general, graphical settings were also updated to lower the number of characters displayed at low Model Detail Level settings. On PC Forspoken has fairly extravagant system requirements, with recommended specs asking for 24 GB of RAM and a GPU equivalent to the Nvidia RTX 3070.

Luminous Productions Studio Head and Forspoken Director Takeshi Aramaki also posted a message to fans via the official Forspoken Twitter account. The message dealt with the studio's future plans for the game.

In the message, Aramaki thanked fans for their feedback and comments about their experiences playing Forspoken. He said that based on the feedback, the team will prioritize addressing several issues through future updates:

  • Overall improvements to performance
  • Improvements to graphical quality
  • Improvements to "operability and ease of use" (in Japanese this term is typically used to refer to "controls", but can encompass more nebulous considerations, like "game feel" or "feedback")
  • Improvements and additions to in-game content (things like activities)

Aramaki said that the team plans to announce more details about their plans soon, and asked for fans to wait a little longer.

Forspoken is available on the PC and PS5.

The post Forspoken PC Patch Tackles Performance, More Updates Planned appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:30 AM
    

hu tao weapons genshiin impact

At the time of her release in Genshin Impact, there was a wide variety of weapons that players could use to make their Hu Tao a viable DPS. Updates and versions later, there still are. Because of the versatility of her build, most Polearms meshed with her play style and kit. Players can then decide based on supply or the comp they choose to use her in. In that sense, Hu Tao is fairly easy to build. In fact, most of the suggestions are ones that have been around since her debut in 2021. Here are some of the best weapons that you can give to Hu Tao:

Staff of Homa is Obviously Her Best

Generally speaking, a 5-star character's signature weapon is their best-in-slot. Hu Tao is no different, as the Staff of Homa complements both her HP-oriented kit and the general rule of thumb in Genshin Impact: Always stack your Crit stats. Not only does the Staff of Homa passively increase your HP, but it also increases the user's damage depending on the Max HP. So for someone like Hu Tao, who needs to have a high Max HP, it's the best thing you can give her.

Staff of the Scarlet Sands is Amazing For Reactions

Though the Staff of Scarlet Sands is Cyno's signature weapon, Hu Tao can make use of it as well. This one is specifically if you are running Hu Tao as part of a reaction team. For example, if your team has Hu Tao as the main DPS and someone like Ganyu or Yelan is your sub-DPS. Not only is the main sub-stat Crit Rate (always fantastic), but it increase Hu Tao's ATK based on her Elemental Mastery as well. And if your Hu Tao is going to be part of a reaction team, she naturally is going to have fairly high Elemental Mastery.

Blackcliff Pole is a Godsend For F2P Players

Not everyone is able to get the Staff of Homa, so one of the next best weapons is the Blackcliff Pole. The Blackcliff Pole is available in Paimon's Bargains. Like the Staff of Homa, the Blackcliff Pole has Crit DMG as its main sub-stat. Its ability also increases Hu Tao's ATK after she defeats an enemy. That does mean it has the same weakness as all other Blackcliff weapons, though – its ability is not very useful against bosses. However, it's perfectly serviceable if your Hu Tao has sufficient Talents and Artifacts.

Deathmatch is a Stat Stick

Like Blackcliff Pole, the Deathmatch is a weapon that most people should be able to easily obtain. The catch is that you do need to spend real money, since it is from the Battle Pass. Its main sub-stat is Crit Rate, so you will have to increase her Crit DMG through Artifacts. Its skill is honestly not that useful because of how situational it is, and also because all it does it increase her ATK. If you have better options, then it's best to give Hu Tao those Polearms.

Dragon's Bane is Good For Full Pyro or Vaporize Comps

The Dragon's Bane's skill increases DMG against enemies affected by Pyro, and since that's how Hu Tao does the large majority of her DMG, she can always enjoy this buff. Its main sub-stat is Elemental Mastery, which does mean that the Dragon's Bane technically works best if your Hu Tao is in a reaction team. To make the most of the Dragon's Bane, Hu Tao should be in a Vaporize team so that you will always apply either Hydro or Pyro. Some characters you can look into for this are Barbara, Yelan, or Xingqiu.

Hu Tao is one of the more powerful and popular DPS characters in Genshin Impact, and weapons are just a small part of building a character. It can take some time, patience, and trial-and-error before she reaches her full potential. Fortunately, the large majority of weapons that match her kit are ones that have been in the game for a while, or are relatively easy to obtain. So even those who do not wish to spend money or have bad luck in the gacha can maximize Hu Tao's potential.

Genshin Impact is readily available for the PS4, PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices.

The post Here Are the Best Genshin Impact Weapons for Hu Tao appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:00 AM
    

Flow Performs Naruto Shippuden Opening 6 Song 'Sign' on The First Take

Yet another familiar group appeared on The First Take. Flow, a group known for its anime and video game themes, performed the Naruto Shippuden anime opening song 6 "Sign" in the YouTube channel's latest episode. As a reminder, the goal of The First Take is to give singers and bands a chance to sing one of their notable songs in a single take, then share that performance online.

Here is Flow performing the Naruto Shippuden theme song 6 "Sign."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xhkI8pZlC8&ab_channel=THEFIRSTTAKE

To compare, here's the original Naruto Shippuden opening song 6 movie showing the official recording of Flow's "Sign."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97dkzVU4p-M&ab_channel=CrunchyrollCollection

This is actually the second time Flow appeared to sing one of its Naruto anime series opening songs on The First Take. It also performed "Go!!!" on a past episode in January 2023. That was the fourth opening song for the original Naruto anime adaptation. It is currently at 3.2 million views.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RXxabY7hfQ&ab_channel=THEFIRSTTAKE

Recently, The First Take also featured performances by Hololive Vtuber Hoshimachi Suisei. That marked the first time a Vtuber ever performed on the channel. The first time, she sang "Stellar Stellar." The second song she performed there was "Michizure."

The Naruto and Boruto anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll. People can get the English manga from Viz Media.

The post Flow Performs Naruto Shippuden Song 'Sign' on The First Take appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:30 AM
    

Nijisanji Suspends English Vtuber Zaion LanZa

Nijisanji announced it suspended the English Vtuber Zaion LanZa. The XSoleil member's suspension is "temporary," but didn't note when she will begin performing again. The company noted it was due to umprofessional behavior and misconduct, citing things like lying and "insensitive jokes."

Here's Anycolor's full statement regarding the Nijisanji English Vtuber Zaion LanZa. It specifically cited all the reasons she is suspended and noted she will not show up online in any way.

We are sorry to announce the temporary suspension of Zaion LanZa's activities as a result of repeated misconduct.

After management warned her several times about compliance issues since debut, the situation did not improve and the following issues occurred:

  • Remarks showing no intention to improve from previous issues and false statements during streams.
  • Discrepencies between information given to management by Zaion LanZa and her acts.
  • Insensitive jokes that cannot be tolerated as a Nijisanji Liver.

Due to these issues and their repeated nature, Zaion will be temporarily suspending all streaming and social media activities.

For any questions regarding this matter, please contact Antcolor and do not enquire to Livers.

She debuted alongside XSoliel at the beginning of December 2022 and has only been active since December 10, 2022. This means she was suspended after not even two months of performing. Other members of that generation include Doppio Dropscythe, Hex Haywire, Kotoka Torahime, Meloco Kyoran, and Ver Vermillion.

The post Nijisanji Suspends English Vtuber Zaion LanZa appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:00 AM
    

Harada Says Effect-Only Brightness Option Being Discussed as Tekken 8 for Accessibility

Bandai Namco General Manager and Tekken 8 Executive Director Katsuhiro Harada took to Twitter to discuss the possibility of a Tekken 8 effect brightness accessibility option being implemented in-game. He noted he is talking about it being a feature with Director Kohei "Nakatsu" Ikeda. This came after a user on Twitter mentioned that flashy effects hurt to see and might keep them from playing the game. The person specifically cited the gameplay shown in the Nina Williams reveal trailer.

In response to that user's comment, Harada noted he had been considering an option to adjust brightness. He also then noted he was talking with Nakatsu about it being in the game's option menu.

This doesn't guarantee that there will be a visual effect brightness option in Tekken 8 as an accessibility option. Harada noted it is still under consideration.

Harada also went over something of a pet peeve when discussing this Tekken 8 possible accessibility feature. He noted, "I don't trust the comments of those who use ["We" in the guise of the majority] when talking about individual opinions and individual preferences." He then said he preferred when people specifically noted it was them asking.

Tekken 8 is in development for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC via Steam. There's still no release date yet.

The post Harada Says Effect Brightness Tekken 8 Accessibility Option Being Discussed appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 8:30 AM
    

Sword Art Online Anomaly Quest

A new Sword Art Online experience is in the works, and it's set to break up the franchise's main power couple. It's called Sword Art Online Anomaly Quest, and it's being teased as an experience that is "more than a video". The assertion implies that the project may be a real-life attraction, one that isn't enjoyed primarily on screens the way an anime series, film, or game would be. [Thanks Dengeki!]

Details about what Sword Art Online Anomaly Quest will actually be are scarce, though. The main bit of information available is a teaser trailer that accompanied the initial announcement.

https://twitter.com/sao_anime/status/1623154650890514433

The teaser and tweet trumpet the unthinkable, which is Kirito and Asuna becoming enemies. The teaser also incorporates footage from the show, recut to make it look like the pair are fighting each other. The video closes on a piece of art that show the pair dressed in new black outfits, sporting glowing red eyes. The same art is visible on the attraction's official web site.

Promotional text on the site says that "this quest" will not be one undertaken on the screen. Come April 2023, Shinjuku in Tokyo will become a place where people can "put their bodies to the test" in a "Real Dungeon."

Sword Art Online Anomaly Quest is in development, and will open in Japan in April 2023. More details about the attraction are set to be announced. A screen-based attraction, Sword Art Online: Last Recollection, is in development for the PS4, Ps5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC for release in 2023.

The post Sword Art Online Anomaly Quest Makes Kirito and Asuna Foes appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 8:00 AM
    

sailor moon jimmy choo header

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Sailor Moon franchise, fashion designer brand Jimmy Choo will release several shoes, bags, and wallets from February 15, 2023. These items draw inspiration from the Inner Senshi. They are Sailors Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus. The shoes in particular look like the girls' footwear when they are in their Sailor Senshi forms.

The Sailor Moon and Venus shoes have rhinestones and crystals on them. Perhaps this is a reference to how Sailor Moon mistook Sailor Venus to be the Moon Princess when the two first met. The rhinestones near the top of Sailor Moon's boots form a crescent moon shape as well. In the actual Sailor Moon, the cut at the top resembles a V, but these ones do not have that.

Here are some more pictures of the Sailor Moon Jimmy Choo items:

[gallery columns="5" ids="950073,950072,950070,950071,950069" link="file"]

So far, there is not a lot of information on the Sailor Moon portal from the brand's website. You can input your e-mail so that you can keep up with updates. As mentioned earlier, some other items that will appear include wallets and bags. The bags look as if they will use the manga panels as the pattern.

The Jimmy Choo Sailor Moon collection will launch on February 15, 2023. Sailor Moon Cosmos will air on June 9, 2023 (Part 1) and June 30, 2023 (Part 2) on Netflix.

The post Jimmy Choo Will Release Sailor Moon Shoes and Bags appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 7:30 AM
    

fullmetal alchemist cafe

The Fullmetal Alchemist cafe is back at it again in Japan, and will run from March 21, 2023 to May 7, 2023. You will be able to catch it in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Aichi. Like most other pop-up cafes, you will be able to purchase food and drink items based off of the characters from the anime and manga. [Thanks, Comic Natalie!]

In order to go to the cafe, you must make a reservation in advance. However, for those who visit in person, you can take home the table mat and the coaster. These all look different from the ones that appeared last year. Aside from character-inspired foods and drinks, there are limited and exclusive pieces of merchandise to purchase.

There are no pictures on this year's menu or goods yet. All of the Fullmetal Alchemist cafe websites lead to previous years'. However, there are two menu items that fans will be able to eat for sure. You can get Pinako's Bread Gratin, which will come with a family picture of the Elric brothers, Pinako, and Winry. There will also be Winry's Memory-Filled Apple Pie. This one comes with pictures of a screw and a wrench, as well as the Elric brothers holding the pie.

[gallery columns="2" ids="950080,950081" link="file"]

The Fullmetal Alchemist cafe will be in Japan from March 21, 2023 to May 7, 2023. More information on it will appear at a later date.

The post Fullmetal Alchemist Cafe to Return in March 2023 appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, February 8, 2023 7:00 AM
    

ereshkigal alter fate/grand order

Morii Shidzuki uploaded onto Twitter the full-body illustration for Ereshkigal Alter as she appears in Fate/Grand Order. She appears in the story of Lostbelt 7, as well as in the animated commercial which aired shortly after the second half went live on the Japanese server. Aside from a different outfit and a more Mesoamerican weapon, Ereshkigal Alter strongly resembles her normal counterpart.

You can check out the full illustration here:

https://twitter.com/forestman/status/1622896124519665665

Ereshkigal Alter does not appear in the game proper as a separate Servant. After you complete Lostbelt 7, you will be able to unlock this outfit as a Costume Dress for Ereshkigal. Technically speaking, Ereshkigal Alter does not refer to herself as such in-game. She calls herself Ninkigal, which is not a reference to any existing deity. It is likely a pun that uses 'ninki,' which is the Japanese word for 'popular.'

Lostbelt 7, which is the South American Lostbelt, is the final Lostbelt in Fate/Grand Order Part 2. The second half of it (which introduced Tezcatlipoca, Tlaloc, and Kukulkan as playable Servants) launched in late January 2023. Again, this is only for the Japanese server. The global server, on the other hand, is counting down for the British Lostbelt, which is Lostbelt 6.

Fate/Grand Order is readily available for mobile devices.

The post Full Art of Fate/Grand Order Ereshkigal Alter Shared appeared first on Siliconera.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:45 PM
     Hogwarts Legacy How To Get Slytherin In Wizarding WorldAt last, you made it to the magical school of your dreams: Hogwarts. But where will the Sorting Hat place you? Like the famous school of Harry Potter lore, Hogwarts Legacy will allow you to join one of its four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. If you're not the goody two-shoes type, the house of Salazar Slytherin may your true calling. You can make your own selection in-game during the selection ceremony, but you can get a head start by completing a quiz. Read on, because we have all the answers (so far) on how to get sorted into Slytherin in Hogwarts Legacy using the Wizarding World quiz. Note: For more information, check out our Hogwarts Legacy guides and features hub. Hogwarts Legacy: How to get Slytherin in Wizarding World – All answers There are only a couple steps to getting Slytherin in Hogwarts Legacy using the Wizarding World quiz. Create an account at the official website. You can choose not to get email updates, if you prefer. After signi...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:15 PM
     Hogwarts Legacy Great Hall Door Puzzle GuideHogwarts Legacy has several Animal Symbol Door Puzzles. One of these happens to be in the Great Hall, the very area where students gather at the start of the Sorting Ceremony and whenever momentous events transpire. Here's our Hogwarts Legacy Great Hall Door Puzzle guide to help you solve this particular brain teaser. Note: For more information, check out our Hogwarts Legacy guides and features hub. Hogwarts Legacy Grand Staircase Tower Door Puzzle guide To solve the Great Hall Door Puzzle in Hogwarts Legacy, you'll want to make your way to the area via the Floo Flames fast travel point (Great Hall tab). When you're facing the rows of banquet tables, look to your left. There's a short hallway here, with a puzzle carved on the far wall. To solve it, you'll want to remember these clues: Similar to other puzzles of this type, each animal symbol corresponds to a number from zero to nine, going from the bottom-left of the arch to the bottom-right. Interact wit...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:00 PM
     Hogwarts Legacy Herbology Guide Pot Sizes NewHerbology is one of the classes that you'll attend in Hogwarts Legacy. It unlocks a core game mechanic, one that allows you to plant seeds, harvest ingredients for portions, and use various types of plants in combat. Here's our Hogwarts Legacy Herbology guide to help you with various plants, seedlings, and different pot sizes. Note: For more information, check out our Hogwarts Legacy guides and features hub. Hogwarts Legacy Herbology guide – Seeds, combat plants, and increasing pot sizes You'll attend Herbology classes in Hogwarts Legacy a couple of hours into the campaign. Once you're done with Secrets of the Restricted Section, your next day as a student will require you to meet Professor Garlick in the Greenhouses. There, you'll pull out a Mandrake via a quick-time event (QTE), though this is mostly for fluff and immersion. The actual mechanic is more of buying and passively waiting. That's because any seedling you have can be placed inside ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:00 PM
     Steam Deck Screenshot Screen PortalModern PCs and consoles make it easier than ever to take screenshots of your gameplay. This ensures that whenever you come across an unexpected moment in a game, such as a memorable gameplay interaction or an odd glitch, you can look back at that moment without having to store it purely in your brain. Naturally, the Steam Deck also includes such an option, allowing you to make the most out of your PC games on the go. If you want to learn how to take a screenshot on your Steam Deck, you have come to the right place. The Steam Deck lets you instantly snap a picture of your gameplay simply by pressing the 'Steam button' and the 'R1 button' on your system at the same time. If done correctly, a notification will show up on the Steam Deck screen confirming you have taken the screenshot. To see where the Steam Deck saves your pictures, hit the Steam button and then choose 'Media' from the menu. From there, you should find your screenshots under the 'A...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:35 PM
     Hogwarts Legacy Mandrake Where To Find How To Get MandrakeMandrakes are a type of sentient plant creature in Hogwarts Legacy. While buried in the ground, they'd look pretty harmless. But, once pulled out, their strange look is the last thing you'd worry about. They'll screech and scream, causing immense pain to those nearby. Here's our Hogwarts Legacy guide to help you find Mandrakes, a plant item that can be used during combat. Note: For more information, check out our Hogwarts Legacy guides and features hub. Hogwarts Legacy guide – Where to find Mandrake You can find Mandrake in Hogwarts Legacy by heading to Dogweed and Deathcap. This shop is located at the northeastern outskirts of Hogsmeade Village. The building looks both ominous and peculiar, situated on a hilltop a bit further away from the other vendors. Talk to the NPC there to make your purchase. You can either get the actual plant that's ready-to-use in combat (cheaper but single-use only) or seedling packets (slightly more expensive but you can ...

Gamer Empire Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:43 PM
     In a game such as Crusader Kings 3, where intrigue, politics, and war are the main focus, marriage is one of the best tools to […]

Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:00 PM
    

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Tabletop Gaming News Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:00 AM
    

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:10 PM
     With the new-gen consoles having been around for a while, PlayStation is now ready to give fans a look at the PS VR2. Just in, we have a new trailer showcasing all the features of the new-gen VR headset, and it promises one hell of a gaming experience. Watch this: Immerse yourself in epic worlds […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Wednesday, February 8, 2023 1:00 PM
     The VALORANT Protocol commander's special molly packs a punch. Players have been able to play in Lotus for a few weeks now. In that period, players have experimented with various team compositions that they believe will work well on VALORANT's newest triple bombsite map. Right now, Sentinels and Controllers fill up the top 10 Agents […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:56 PM
     Despite the prevalent online campaign to boycott the launch, Hogwarts Legacy is still getting hyped before release. The game is set to launch on Feb. 10 for all users, but early access has begun for fans who had pre-ordered the deluxe edition of the game. Here's the announcement: So far, critic reviews for the game […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:04 PM
     Overwatch 2 had teased a new Battle Pass that will be bringing back Overwatch credits, and it goes live with the launch of the third season. Just in, we have a new trailer showcasing all of the new cosmetics and upcoming events including a Valentine's Day event as well as the return of the World […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:00 PM
     Pokemon Legends: Arceus is set in the early days of the Pokemon universe when humans and Pokemon did not get along. The player will join the Galaxy Expedition Team and the Survey Corps in Jubilife Village (also known as the Galaxy Team). This game is set in the region of Hisui, which would later take […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:50 AM
     When Hideo Kojima first announced a collaboration with Elle Fanning, a lot of fans were wondering what game they could be working on. Fast forward to The Game Awards 2022, and it was confirmed that Fanning would be in Death Stranding 2. Though a lot of fans think that Norman Reedus would be returning as […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:00 AM
     Trevor picks up gold for Nigel and Mrs. Thornhill. Nigel and Mrs. Thornhill are a pair of British tourists looking to find and collect personal items from actors and musicians in Los Santos. During one of their souvenir hunts, they bump into Trevor, who they mistake for Jock Cranley. Nigel and Mrs. Thornhill will ask […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:00 AM
     Too many angles and too few smokes. VALORANT players know how difficult it is to play a triple bombsite map. Experience from playing on Haven will tell players and teams to make it a point to pick up Agents with smoke abilities to aid with Attacking and Defending on Lotus. With that in mind, we […]

Level Up Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:00 PM
     Ever since the first bundle arrived in 2014, The Jackbox Party Pack has been a staple…

Level Up Wednesday, February 8, 2023 11:58 AM
     Forspoken players still exploring Athia or those hoping to jump in the future should be…