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Mar 31, 10:00


Kotaku Friday, March 31, 2023 9:35 AM
    

For a long time, the word "Nintendo" was synonymous with gaming, and Nintendo has always been shorthand for Mario. The Japanese console mainstay has published dozens of platformers starring the overall-loving plumber since his original debut in 1981's Donkey Kong, and we're here to tell you which ones are the worst…

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PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 9:48 AM
     The best Genshin Impact Baizhu build and team comp

Want the best Genshin Impact Baizhu build and team comp? If you're hoping to land Baizhu in the upcoming 3.6 update, here are the best characters to pair with the Dendro Catalyst user, as well as which weapon and artifacts to choose.

Baizhu is a five-star character arriving on the next Genshin Impact banner. The following build and team comp are based on the datamined beta build and the information revealed in the Genshin Impact 3.6 livestream. Be sure to refer back to our Baizhu's abilities guide to remind yourself what this Dendro healer is capable of.

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

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 9:44 AM
     All Dead by Daylight codes list April 2023

DBD codes can actually be quite hard to keep up with, since they are given out pretty regularly - but of course that's no bad thing. We're never going to complain about in-game giveaways, and Dead By Daylight codes can give you anything from outfits to charms, and even Bloodpoints and Iridescent Shards.

Whether you want your favourite DBD killers to get a stylish new look, or you want to add to your survivors' wardrobes, be sure to redeem the codes below before it's too late, which are accompanied by some other ongoing codes to snap up if you haven't already.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: DBD killer tier list, Best horror games, DBD codes

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 9:18 AM
     Valve is working on a new, secret game, and it sounds like Portal 3

Now Counter-Strike 2 is on its way, naturally, our imaginations turn to what else Valve might have in the works - and it might, just might, be Portal 3. It's been 12 years since the last full instalment of the puzzle-driven FPS game, but based on hints from a couple of Valve employees, the studio is working on a new, secret project, that sounds very, very Portal. Or it could be Left 4 Dead 3, or maybe, at last, the practically mythical Half-Life 3. It's a mystery, but the house that Steam built is certainly up to something.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Portal system requirements, Portal RTX system requirements, Portal movie announced by J.J. Abrams

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 9:20 AM
     FFXIV 6.4 patch details and everything shown in Live Letter 76

Yoshi-P and friends have laid out all the FFXIV 6.4 patch details and exactly what we can expect to be doing in the next expansion for the critically acclaimed MMORPG in Final Fantasy 14 Producer Live Letter 76. Game director Naoki Yoshida and community producer Toshio Murouchi take the helm as always, guiding viewers through the next FFXIV update in their typically fun, laid-back fashion.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best MMOs on PC, FFXIV Island Sanctuary guide, FFXIV Island Sanctuary animals list

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 9:24 AM
     Five strategy games like Total War

So, you want to play more games like Total War? Creative Assembly's seminal strategy series is a law unto itself, offering a rich, far-reaching turn-based campaign layer while also letting you load into a separate real-time tactical map where you can take your armies and fight it out for the glory of Rome, Sigmar, Troy, and so on.

In the pantheon of strategy games, few have approached Creative Assembly's unique vision. Without any obvious competitors, this leaves us with a lot of ground to cover when pinpointing the best games like Total War. There are more strategy games out there than we'll ever remember, so we've decided to focus on some new titles, as the classics have been well-trodden by now. Here are five options that just might scratch that Total War itch - enjoy!

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Age of Wonders: Planetfall review, Best strategy games on PC, Upcoming PC games

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 8:30 AM
     Genshin Impact 3.6 release date, new characters, and more

Want to know the Genshin Impact 3.6 release date? It feels like the 3.5 release date has barely settled before we're looking ahead to new character banners and events.

The Genshin Impact 3.5 update was a little lacklustre due to the disappointing release of Dehya's banner, the five-star Pyro DPS character who failed to break the top ranks of our Genshin Impact tier list. With the rumour of a new map and the potential of the Fontaine region and Hydro Archon on the horizon, we might not have long to wait for the Genshin Impact 4.0 release date to one of the best free PC games.

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

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 8:27 AM
     Genshin Impact codes March 2023 – redeem free primogems

Looking for Genshin Impact codes? Gathering currency in Genshin Impact can be quite the grind - while you can earn Mora and Primogems by completing quests such as daily commissions, an injection of extra funds will always be gratefully received. Fortunately, the developers occasionally send out free gifts in the form of Genshin Impact codes that can be redeemed online. Most codes also only work for a limited time - so it's a good idea to redeem them as soon as possible in case you miss out. Codes can only be redeemed once per account.

Genshin Impact codes are released periodically, frequently appearing in Hoyoverse's special programs that reveal information about future updates coming to the free PC game soon, but also to celebrate milestones or to coincide with new Genshin Impact events.  Here are all the current Genshin Impact codes for March 2023, and how to redeem them.

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

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 8:18 AM
     What is the current and next Genshin Impact banner?

Genshin Impact banners rotate every few weeks on a precise schedule, and we always know what to expect thanks to regular updates from Hoyoverse. The developer of the anime game always keeps its fans in the loop with regular Twitter posts and livestreams, so you can plan where you want to spend your hard-earned Primogems.

With a two to three-week turnaround for banners, the roster of Genshin Impact characters is always changing, and the free PC game regularly introduces two new characters to wish for. Every limited-time character banner - or Event Wish - contains a five-star character, and three four-star characters with increased drop rates. There's also a Genshin Impact Weapon banner - Epitome Invocation - which runs alongside each character banner and changes weapons every update.

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

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 8:01 AM
     Tekken 8 release date speculation, trailers, gameplay, and story

Want to know more about the Tekken 8 release date? One of the biggest fighting games in the world, Tekken 7 was the most impressive game in the series to date, so it's no surprise that fans are excited to see what the developers have in store for the next entry.

One of the most highly anticipated fighting games got its big reveal during September's Sony State of Play, pleasantly surprising Tekken fans with the shock reveal that Tekken 8 was in development, with a trailer premiering showcasing gameplay in the new game engine. Given the critical and commercial success of Tekken 7, there's a strong possibility Tekken 8 ends up on our best PC games list in the future. Now we know the game exists, here's everything we know about the Tekken 8 release date, trailers, gameplay, story, and more so far.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best fighting games on PC, The best multiplayer games, The best PC games

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 8:32 AM
     Elden Ring bosses in order

Want to know how to beat the Elden Ring bosses in order? The most defining moments in any of the Soulslike games are the tough boss fights. They can be tricky for several reasons: some are hard to hit consistently, and others can squash you with just one attack. Despite having hundreds of monsters, you only need to beat 12 Elden Ring bosses in this order to finish the game.

In addition to a list of mandatory boss encounters, our list of the Elden Ring bosses in order includes where you can find them, and what items they drop when you beat them. We've also collated the top five bosses in order of difficulty. It's worth noting that, generally speaking, dungeon bosses are not as hard to kill as the major bosses. However, there are exceptions, so upgrading the Flash of Wondrous Physick with Elden Ring crystal tears can make all the difference in one of the best PC games of all time.

Continue reading Elden Ring bosses in order
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Elden Ring builds, Elden Ring bosses, The best Elden Ring classes

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 8:00 AM
     The perfect Starfield PC exists, and it's this custom galaxy rig

The perfect Starfield gaming PC has potentially arrived, as a modder has created an out-of-this-world rig that features a galaxy diorama within. Not only does the custom PC features an adorable animatronic astronaut and twinkling stars, but it boasts a water-cooled Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti cleverly concealed within a model spaceship.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Starfield release date, Starfield ship design, Starfield Game Pass

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 7:05 AM
     Final Darkest Dungeon 2 update before launch adds pets, out now

The last major Darkest Dungeon 2 update for early access is here, and it brings an overhaul to the game's travel systems, refinements to several key systems in the Lovecraftian roguelike game, and introduces adorable pets that can help you both in and out of combat. The Redemption Road update is the final one before the Darkest Dungeon 2 release date arrives in May, but there's plenty to keep fans playing in the meantime.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best tactical rpgs on PC, The best strategy games on PC, The best roguelike games on PC

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 6:52 AM
     Resident Evil 4 hides a secret method for killing Salazar instantly

When it comes to Resident Evil 4 Remake bosses, Salazar, surely, is the most annoying of them all. He moves quickly, he flies around the room, he's got a one-hit-kill attack, and he shoots that black ooze everywhere. In the original RE4, I always just bought a rocket launcher from the Merchant and decked Salazar in one shot. Resident Evil 4 Remake means that's a little harder, since the horror game's bazooka costs a lot more now, but it turns out there's an equally swift - but much more absurd - method for dropping Salazar in an instant.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Resident Evil 4 Remake release date, Resident Evil 4 Remake system requirements, Best horror games on PC

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 6:15 AM
     Ready up for The Last of Us PC with this Corsair RAM deal

The Last of Us system requirements are anything but lightweight, but you can currently revamp your rig for less with this Corsair RAM deal. While games typically only require 8GB memory to meet minimum PC specs, Naughty Dog's apocalyptic adventure needs 16GB to run smoothly across the board.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Corsair HS70 headset review, Corsair K70 RGB Mk2 review, Best gaming keyboard

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 6:20 AM
     Roblox promo codes list April 2023

Looking for Roblox promo codes? There are all sorts of promo codes from Roblox events and giveaways out there, that grant you free virtual goods like clothes and items. No need to fork out cash for accessories; new codes are added all the time, so you can keep your Roblox character looking fresh.

Roblox promo codes won't hang around forever, though - they're only valid for a limited time, so be sure to redeem them as soon as you discover one you haven't used yet. Be sure to check back here regularly, as we'll update this page whenever new Roblox promo codes in the free PC game are released.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 6:08 AM
     Diablo 4 beta's world boss dominates with ten million player kills

With the Diablo 4 beta coming to a close, Blizzard has shared some of the biggest numbers from the free test period, and world boss Ashava tops the rankings in style. With nearly 62 million hours of game time racked up and 2.6 million players getting at least one character to level 20 to earn the beta wolf pack reward, the Diablo 4 beta stats mark it clearly as the largest beta test in the history of the iconic PC RPG game series.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Diablo 4 release date, Diablo 4 system requirements, Diablo 4 classes

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 6:39 AM
     The best Tycoon games to play 2023

Looking for some of the best tycoon games to add to your collection? Whether you're looking for classic park management, or taking charge of a complex, nuanced business, there are plenty of great options to choose from right now, across a range of themes. This is a classic genre that's had plenty of love since its early days, with sequels and new blood galore.

While there are plenty of classic tycoon games we could talk about - many of which are some of the best PC games available - we've decided to focus on modern highlights, as this is a genre that's constantly getting new releases and new ideas. We've also kept the definition relatively broad, as there are plenty of management games that you may not consider strictly 'tycoon' games, but have strong business or economic themes with the mechanics to back them up.


PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 6:02 AM
     The best Elden Ring quests

Want to know more about the best Elden Ring quests? Like any good RPG game, Elden Ring is filled with quests, but there's no in-game journal to keep track of all your conversations with NPCs. Unless you keep track of every NPC you interact with, there's a chance you're going to miss out on lengthy quest lines featuring interesting stories and high-quality rewards.

There are a lot of key items on the map like Golden Seeds and cookbooks which can be collected at any point, however, some of the best quests are only active for a short period of time. You have to be careful not to skip through important parts in each quest chain accidentally. For example, if you start a quest and end up fighting against one of the Elden Ring bosses without completing a step in the chain, you may automatically fail the quest in one of the best PC games.

Continue reading The best Elden Ring quests
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Elden Ring builds, Elden Ring bosses, The best Elden Ring classes

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 6:41 AM
     Dead Space weapon upgrade locations

Tracking down the best Dead Space weapon upgrades is vital if you're looking to stand a chance against the endless tide of necromorphs on the USG Ishimura, and the Dead Space remake gives players more upgrade options than ever before.

The best Dead Space weapon upgrades can be accessed at a bench. Each upgrade also gifts you with an additional Dead Space power node, which you can ordinarily find scattered throughout the Ishimura. They're quite rare to come by outside of purchasing them from the shop, so it's important to use them wisely if you're looking to upgrade your weapons to their full potential. Without further ado, here are the best Dead Space weapon upgrades in what's shaping up to be one of the best PC games of the year.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best horror games on PC, Dead Space Remake review, Dead Space system requirements

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 5:59 AM
     E3 is cancelled this year, and it might not ever come back

The last time I covered E3, it was 2015, the year that Sony confirmed Final Fantasy 7 Remake was actually in development. This was an RPG game that people had been speculating about for more than a decade, a game which, by that point, seemed largely the invention of forums and the imaginations of over-optimistic fans. And then there it was. And it was real. And for a second, despite all the pomp, bluster, and occasionally embarrassing on-stage antics for which E3 had become partly known, it was, genuinely, a little bit magic. And now E3 2023 is cancelled, and it seems possible that it may never return.


PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 6:04 AM
     Minecraft potions and brewing stand recipes

Minecraft potions exist to aid you in difficult moments or give you interesting and useful status effects - or negatively impact foes. For example, the potion of weakness is one of the most popular, not only weakening enemies, but most prominently used to cure a zombie villager. Then there's the potion of invisibility, which, well, does what it says on the tin and prevents those pesky mobs from being able to see you creep up behind them. To make them though, you need to know the Minecraft brewing stand recipe, and just how to use the complicated item.

Sure, Minecraft enchantments come in handy for boosting your tools, weapons, and armour, but the best way to kit yourself out in the sandbox game is a combination of enchantments and potions to cover all bases. So, before you head out on your adventure through a Nether Portal, here's all of the Minecraft potion recipes, the best ones to add to your hotbar, and the brewing stand recipe you'll need to make them.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Minecraft seeds, Minecraft skins, Minecraft mods

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 5:40 AM
     The best Elden Ring builds

Searching for the best Elden Ring builds? The first 20 levels shape your entire class, so selecting your stats carefully is important. While it may be tempting to place some stat points into faith as an Astrologer, you're probably better off committing to the full sorcery build in order to maximise your damage in the late game.

But what are the best Elden Ring builds? Well, some loadouts - such as the Hoarfrost Stomp build - aren't as powerful as they used to be, but new ones are rising to take their place, such as Swarm of Flies. If you've found that your build has been nerfed, never fear - grab a certain Elden Ring Great Rune, and you'll be able to unlock character respec, and you can simply create a new one!

Continue reading The best Elden Ring builds
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Elden Ring builds, Elden Ring bosses, The best Elden Ring classes

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 5:20 AM
     Best Warzone 2 battle rifle for Season 2 Reloaded

Looking for the best Warzone 2 battle rifle? While assault rifles are the most popular weapons in Call of Duty games, battle rifles offer an alternative option that sacrifices fire rate and mobility for firepower and bullet velocity; an elegant weapon for a more civilised age.

Picking the best Warzone 2 battle rifle out of the four is no mean feat. The most competitively viable weapons in the free PC game tend to be very easy to run and gun with, and battle rifles really force you to take a more passive approach, but if you can do that then they can be surprisingly effective. If you're looking for a gun that mixes the damage potential of the best Warzone 2 AR with the stability of a great Warzone 2 marksman rifle, then this may be the gun type for you.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Warzone 2 guns, Best Warzone 2 loadout, Warzone 2 map

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 5:11 AM
     What is the next Dreamlight Valley update release date?

Want to know the next Disney Dreamlight Valley update release date and who's coming with it? Dreamlight Valley updates add new characters and quests to the life sim, and we already know there's a lot of room for new faces to be added. Fans on social media have been requesting the likes of Cinderella, Belle, and Stitch - and with a certain blue alien having crash-landed in the valley last year, we know Gameloft are listening.

Despite being in early access, the Disney game cemented itself as one of the best PC games of last year, with regular content updates, a vibrant community, and speedy and regular patches when bugs are found. We've now had three large content updates since the game launched just a few months ago. With "an almost unlimited source" of classic characters to choose from, there's no sign of these updates slowing down yet, with Dreamlight Valley update 4 adding more Lion King characters to the pride in April.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Disney games, What's the next Dreamlight Valley update?, Disney Dreamlight Valley guide

PCGamesN Friday, March 31, 2023 5:28 AM
     The best Last of Us settings on PC

Looking for the best Last of Us settings? You've come to the right place, as we've put Naughty Dog's PC port to the test. Balancing frame rate and fidelity isn't as gruelling as Joel and Ellie's apocalyptic cross-country caper, but spending extra time in the options menu with save you from hardware heartache.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, March 31, 2023 10:00 AM
    

As is fast becoming a thing on RPS this week, Alice Bee and James are both away this week, so I'm filling in writing this post and doing my best Alice impression in the process. In this week's episode, The Electronic Wireless Show podcast talks all things mods - specifically, the ones that got real big and broke out from their respective source games. It's a chat that's been prompted by the developers behind Slay The Spire mod Downfall announcing their own brand-new game, Tales & Tactics.

There's also a lot of undead fish chat, and Alice's plans for entertaining herself on an upcoming long-haul flight. And in James' hardware corner, the gang chat about Nvidia's comments on AI and crypto, as well as Ubisoft's AI writing software tool thinger.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, March 31, 2023 9:58 AM
    

Vampire Survivor's first DLC gave fans exactly what they wanted: more Vampire Survivors. The bullet-hell auto-shooter's next DLC is aiming to do the same in just two weeks as the Tides Of The Foscari expansion launches on April 13th, developer Poncle have announced.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, March 31, 2023 9:07 AM
    

Roadwarden was one of many fantastic mystery games from last year, and fans of the text-based RPG can now look forward to solving more secrets from the world with Windy Meadow - A Roadwarden Tale, coming to PC later this year.

Windy Meadow is set in the same fantasy world as Roadwarden and similarly presents a slice-of-life story that can branch out depending on your choices. This time, though, you'll be following three protagonists in their interweaving day-to-day lives.

Windy Meadow's press release teases the stories of Vena, Fabel, and Iudicia: "Will talented huntress Vena depart the harmonious but harmless village and leave her family behind in pursuit of riches with a merchant guild? Can Fabel finally embrace his talents, ditching the figurative shackles of his difficult past as he chases his dream of becoming a famous bard? And will outsider and herbalist Iudicia take hold of her love life, choosing not to marry a man she doesn't really love at the risk of leading a lonely future?"

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, March 31, 2023 9:00 AM
    

Hot (weeks) off the back of Sons Of The Forest and the Resident Evil 4 remake coming out, we're celebrating your bestest best, most favourite survival games this month. Your votes have been counted and tallied, and your accompanying words of praise and affection matched accordingly. But which game has survived to make it to the top of the pile? Come and find out as we count down your 25 favourite survival games of all time.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, March 31, 2023 8:33 AM
    

PAX East is a great place to play the latest games, sure, but as anyone who's attended the event will tell you the games are just a small part of a wider medley of things to see and do. Last year we highlighted the show's thriving pin collecting scene, for instance, interviewing a bunch of Pinny Arcade enthusiasts about the hobby and discovering that physical badges are just a minor part of the appeal.

Encouraged by the lovely warm feeling making that video left in my belly, we set out to shine a light on other lesser-known parts of PAX East during our time at this year's show. This led us to discover the PAX East Facebook group, a community of over 8,000 members brought together through their shared love of video games, pop culture and PAX itself. The page is dominated by a striking banner image, a photograph that shows a large group of people crowded around the PAX logo that's a permanent fixture in the main hall of the Boston convention centre.

Rachel and I found this photograph fascinating. Who were these people? Do they take this picture every single year? How did something like this start, and who was responsible for organising it in the first place?

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, March 31, 2023 7:07 AM
    

There'll be all kinds of horrors present in Fallen London's spin-off, Mask Of The Rose: green-tentacled creatures, underground Londoners, and most frighteningly, love. Sometimes two or more of these horrors intersect, and by that I mean you can romance that tentacled man in this gothic, alternative-history dating sim. Spooky suitors will need to wait a while more, though, as Mask Of The Rose has been delayed to June 8th - previously slated for April.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, March 31, 2023 5:52 AM
    

The BAFTA Games Awards were held last night - an annual show where a jury of developers throw weighty man-head statues at the crowd, celebrating the best games of any given year. The 2023 BAFTAs celebrated the best of 2022 with a mixed bag of games, awarding big blockbusters alongside popular indies, but the jury agrees with RPS on one front: Vampire Survivors is the best game of 2022. Good BAFTAs.

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Twinfinite Friday, March 31, 2023 8:55 AM
     These are only good for 24 hours, so redeem them quick!

Twinfinite Friday, March 31, 2023 7:21 AM
     A rare but game breaking bug has been addressed by Capcom.

Twinfinite Friday, March 31, 2023 6:53 AM
     Completed the game? Look no further.

Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 9:40 AM
    

Final Fantasy XIV Patch 6.4

New information about Final Fantasy XIV 6.4 patch was revealed in the 76th Producer Live Letter with Producer Naoki Yoshida and Global Community Producer Toshio "Foxclon" Murouchi. The patch will release in late May 2023 and include new main scenario quests titled The Dark Throne, a new trial featuring Golbez from FFIV, a new Unreal trial, a new dungeon , a new Variant and Criterion dungeon, and a new Pandaemonium Raid. Also coming are continuations of the Hildebrand quests and Tataru's Grand Endeavor, Stormblood dungeon Duty support and an increased Blue Mage level cap. Various quality of life improvements are also planned.

The new scenario quests will follow on from patch 6.3's main scenario quest series, Gods Revel, Lands Tremble. The new trial will be called The Voidcast Dais and feature Golbez, with normal and Extreme modes available. Also to be added are a new dungeon called The Aetherfont. The trial Containment Bay Z1t9 will also be available in Unreal difficutly. Anabaseios will be a new addition to the Pandaemonium raids, with a Savage difficulty added one week after launch.

Other Final Fantasy XIV 6.4 updates include a Kugane route being added to the Ocean fishing activity, a new Allagan Tomestones of Comedy currency, an increase in the number of gear sets that can be saved (up to 100) and new seasons and balance changes for PvP and Crystalline Conflict. New UI elements for Frontlines will show time and score, with rules for The Fields of Glory (Shatter) adjusted and The Borderland Ruins (Secure) becoming temporarily unavailable.

Island Sanctuaries will see additional ranks, materials, structures and construction plots. Furnishings will now be able to be placed near structures, and up to 90 furnishing slots can be unlocked through Sanctuary progress. Gardens and Striking Dummies will not be supported, however.

More Final Fantasy XIV updates are scheduled to come in the later patch 6.45. No date was announced for that update but it will include more quests in the Hildebrand and Tataru's Grand Endeavor lines, including Splendorous Tools and further Mandeville weapons. Blue Mages will also be able to level up to 80 with new gear, spells, and more enemies for the Masked Carnival.

A second Variant and Criterion dungeon named Mount Rokkon will also become available in 6.45. Mount Rokkon will be available in Variant, Criterion and Criterion (Savage) difficulties. Completion of the previous Variant and Criterion dungeon, the Sild'dihn Subterrane, will not be a requirement for the new one.

You can check the gallery below for some of the major slides from the Final Fantasy XIV 6.4 Live Letter:

[gallery ids="957841,957829,957830,957831,957832,957833,957834,957835,957836,957837,957838,957839,957840" link="file"]

And here are some of the many screenshots:

[gallery ids="957842,957843,957844,957845,957846,957847,957848,957849,957850,957851,957852,957853,957854,957855,957856,957857,957858,957859,957860,957861" link="file"]

Final Fantasy XIV is immediately available for PS4, PS5 and PC. Patch 6.4 is scheduled for late May 2023 with Patch 6.45 coming some time after.

The post Final Fantasy XIV Patch 6.4 The Dark Throne Detailed appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 9:19 AM
    

genshin impact 3.6 artifacts

During the Version 3.6 special program, HoYoVerse introduced two new Artifact Sets that will appear in the new Genshin Impact update. The Domain to obtain them from will likely be in the new region. The Artifacts appear to work in conjunction with Nilou and Baizhu, who will be two of the five-star characters on the banners.

The new Genshin Impact Artifact sets and their effects are:

Nymph's Dream

  • 2-Piece Set: Hydro DMG Bonus +15%
  • 4-Piece Set: After Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks, Elemental Skills, and Elemental Bursts hit opponents, 1 stack of Mirrored Nymph will be triggered, lasting 8s. When under the effect of 1, 2, or 3, or more Mirrored Nymph stacks, ATK will be increased by 7%/16%/25%, and Hydro DMG will be increased by 4%/9%/15%. Mirrored Nymph stacks created by Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks, Elemental Skills, and Elemental Bursts exist independently.

Vourukasha's Glow

  • 2-Piece Set: HP +20%
  • 4-Piece Set: Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst DMG will be increased by 10%. After the equipping character takes DMG, the aforementioned DMG bonus is increased by 80% for 5s. This effect increase can have 5 stacks. The duration of each stack is counted independently. These effects can be triggered even when the equipping character is not on the field.

Though these Genshin Impact Artifact sets look on paper like they work best for Nilou and Baizhu, the deciding factor will come down to how the players actually use them in their parties. For example, Nymph's Dream looks like it works better for a pure Hydro DPS character such as Childe. This is because the majority of Nilou's damage potential comes from the Bloom effect.

Genshin Impact is readily available on the PS4, PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices. The 3.6 update will arrive on April 12, 2023.

The post 2 New Artifact Sets Appear in Genshin Impact 3.6 appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 9:07 AM
    

genshin impact 3.6

HoYoVerse announced the release date for Genshin Impact 3.6. It is April 12, 2023. It also uploaded a trailer video showing what to expect in Genshin Impact 3.6. Aside from the flagship "A Palace of Providence" event, there will be around five other ones. The story will also dive a bit more into the history of both Khaenri'ah and Sumeru, with Nahida.

This Genshin Impact trailer also showcases Baizhu and Kaveh, who will be the new playable characters in the next update. Baizhu will be a 5-star Dendro Catalyst character. Meanwhile, Kaveh will be a 4-star Dendro Claymore. There is a scene in the trailer of what looks like a fight between Cyno, Faruzan, Kaveh, and the Wanderer. Since the Archon Quest will focus on Sumeru's history, this might be a scene from the "A Palace of Providence" event.

Here's the Genshin Impact Version 3.6 trailer, though it doesn't mention the release date in it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__RT5pXQbaM

A Palace of Providence is a celebration in the Akademiya, with lots of competitions and games. This seems to be the Sumeru version of Mondstadt's Windblume Festival and Liyue's Lantern Rite. The Fulminating Sandstorm event seems to be a combat-related one, as will be "Brewing Developments." The final two events are the new The Recollector's Path and, of course, Overflowing Mastery.

Genshin Impact is readily available on the PS4, PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices. The release date for Genshin Impact 3.6 will be April 12, 2023.

The post Genshin Impact 3.6 Release Date Set, Trailer Shared appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 9:01 AM
    

Review: GrimGrimoire OnceMore Remains a Magical Game

VanillaWare is having its moment. The developer's games always exude luxury and passion. However, some of them ended up not always getting the widespread attention they deserved due to influencing factors. The original GrimGrimoire fits. A console real-time strategy game with visual novel elements is a pairing that faced quite a challenge in 2007, and it didn't help that it launched around the same time as the company's golden child Odin Sphere. Now it's 2023! Visual novels are embraced worldwide! VanillaWare feels like its gained more mainstream notoriety due to 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim's success! With some minor touch-ups to improve its pacing and appearance, it feels like it is GrimGrimoire OnceMore's time to shine.

Lillet Blan's been summoned to the Tower of Silver Star magical academy to become a mage under the tutelage of Gammel Dore. She's a young woman from the countryside who's rather unexperienced. However, she seems quickly accepted by other students like Amoretta Virgine, Bartido Ballentyne, Hiram Menthe, and Margarita Surprise, and she begins to meet and interact with other professors like Advocat, Chartreuse Grande, and Opalneria Rain. However, this isn't some casual slice-of-life affair with RTS battles helping a young witch enjoy her school life. On her fifth day of school, everybody but her dies and things suddenly rewind back to her first day at the university. Fortunately, Lillet has the memory of everything that happened before and can begin furthering her magical studies and using her knowledge to attempt to break the loop.

Review: GrimGrimoire OnceMore Remains a Magical Game

As a hybrid between genres, GrimGrimoire OnceMore rather evenly breaks its two sorts of gameplay up. The visual novel elements tell the story as Lillet meets people at the academy, learns from them, discovers more about who they are and what they are capable of, and pieces together what leads to the onslaught on the fifth day. It's all very straightforward as you read along, with each round offering opportunities to better get to know and understand the people around you. I especially appreciate how it subverts expectations of certain characters. Someone's actions may be influenced, so they aren't exactly the sort of person they would normally be. It's aware of certain types of tropes, but also will occasionally play into that. The result is a story with more than a few twists and surprises. Enough time had passed that I'd forgotten some story beats, which mean they still felt fresh and handled well when they came around again.

As Lillet takes classes and proceeds through the story, there will be mandatory story battles. (More challenging bonus ones also exist, if you enjoy the systems.) These rely upon Grimoires, which you use to place Runes. Different Runes allow you to implement certain constructs or deploy certain units, provided you've gathered enough mana and haven't hit your deployment limit. Each has their own advantageous properties, which can make them desirable against certain opponents or in particular situations. However, some fights will do things like restrict Grimoire usage, forcing a level of familiarity with every school of magic. The foundation always tends to begin with successfully setting up a Mana pipeline from your crystal, using that to level up your Runes for greater unit availability, and then mounting offensives and preparing defenses so you can take out your opponents' Runes. This version of the game also introduces the ability to further improve units from a skill tree, so the ones you find most useful are better in battle, and Grand Magic that can act as something of a pinch-hit move.

Review: GrimGrimoire OnceMore Remains a Magical Game

Now, visual novels function well enough regardless of platform. It's never too taxing to play one. I found GrimGrimoire OnceMore especially suitable on the Switch, which is already a proven way to enjoy these sorts of tales on the go. But RTS games are often a bit trickier on platforms other than PCs. However, GrimGrimoire OnceMore's control scheme and shortcuts make it manageable. There are hotkeys to make it easier to select both groups or individuals swiftly. The menus are easy to parse, and onscreen notations make it easy to see what units are in the pipeline. It's also not difficult to see where opponents are in the field, to make it more simple to settle things.

Much of what's new in GrimGrimoire OnceMore makes the PlayStation 2 classic look and sound much better on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. As a remaster, everything is now in HD and remastered. VanillaWare games always greatly benefit from these sorts of updates, as we've seen with Dragon's Crown Pro and Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir. Of course, the hand-drawn visuals and incredibly intricate characters and environments look even more amazing after all these years. The fresh voice acting and remastered audio also do it plenty of favors. I'd also say the new aspect ratio, besides making it more comfortable on modern screens, also allows someone to better appreciate the artistry and plot their strategies.

VanillaWare

Speaking of which, I'd almost say that the main draw here is all of the quality of life improvements present in GrimGrimoire OnceMore. When it debuted on the PS2, it absolutely stood out as a lavish and lovely take on the RTS genre. This remaster, however, seems directly geared at making a gem of a game one that will be more widely appreciated. The UI is more well-defined, so when you're summoning units it's clear in the forefront and easy to understand. The original version had some pacing issues, with some fights potentially plodding along.

This is especially true as the balancing adjustments include both built-in and optional additions. The Skill Tree that lets you improve your units and Grand Magic that allows you limited instances of AOE heals or AOE damage both can allow for quicker immediate responses to situations. These are built into the existing framework in a seamless way. Meanwhile, some of the functions are ones people might not even use if they're happy with those new features. You can speed up during a fight by fast forwarding. I found it very useful during my first two weeks. You can also save if a fight seems to be taking awhile, which I definitely took advantage of in the end-game. It's like there's a better understanding of pacing here, and it didn't take that many adjustments to make battles even more enjoyable. Though that honestly also speaks to the foundation upon which all these alterations are built.

Lillet Blan

From the very start, GrimGrimoire was a strong game, and with GrimGrimoire OnceMore VanillaWare made a once niche title even more appealing to a wider audience. With visual novels more appreciated, I feel the story of Lillet and the loops she jumps through at Tower of Silver Star will be better appreciated. Not to mention the solid strategic elements feel like they flow better with the latest adjustments. Combine that with VanillaWare's always stunning presentation, and GrimGrimoire OnceMore feels like a mandatory inclusion in the libraries of both strong story lovers and strategy enthusiasts.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore will come to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 in North America on April 4, 2023, in Europe on April 7, 2023, and in Australia on April 14, 2023. It is already available in Japan.

The post Review: GrimGrimoire OnceMore Remains a Magical Game appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 8:44 AM
    

When the 6.45 Final Fantasy XIV update arrives, it will bring a number of additions for the Blue Mage job.

People who use the Blue Mage job in Final Fantasy XIV will see major updates in the near future. During the Letter from the Producer Live LXXVI, Director and Producer Naoki Yoshida announced some updates. When the 6.45 patch arrives, it will take its level cap up to 80 and gain access to new spells and equipment. Its The Masked Carnivale will update as well.

The Blue Mage appeared as a job in Final Fantasy XIV after patch 4.5: A Requiem for Heroes. A limited job, it previously only allowed someone to hit level 70. It uses the Blue Magic Spellbook, which shows the spells players learned from enemies and offers hints at how to get more. Yoshida noted there will be more spells, but didn't offer exact details when bringing up the new level 80 cap. Also, only some of the new pieces of equipment appeared in a screenshot teasing its new weapons and gear.

Likewise, exactly how The Masked Carnivale will change didn't come up. As a reminder, a Blue Mage who hit level 50 in Final Fantasy XIV and beat "The Real Folk Blues" can face monsters in the Masked Carnivale to earn gil, seals, poetics tomestones, and achievements that may also be tied to rewards. This update could increase the number of stages and range fo enemies.

Final Fantasy XIV is available for the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices, and the Blue Mage job update will arrive in 6.45. There's no release date for that yet, but 6.4 will appear at the end of May 2023. Golbez will be a part of that.

The post Final Fantasy XIV Blue Mage Job Updates Announced appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 8:29 AM
    

Genshin Impact Primogem Codes 3.6

As usual, a new Genshin Impact Special Program means three new codes for Primogems, and the 3.6 ones are here. HoYoVerse maintained its tradition with ones offering 5 Hero's Wits, 10 Mystic Enhancement Ores, 300 Primogems, and 50,000 Mora yet again. However, also as is typical of these bonus codes, you can only redeem them on March 31, 2023.

Here is the full list of the new Genshin Impact codes from the 3.6 special program.

  • 7S9X6V4JB2M9: 100 Primogems, 50,000 Mora
  • 9ARE6VLJT34H: 100 Primogems, 10 Mystic Enhancement Ores
  • KBRE7D4KA2MM: 100 Primogems, 5 Hero's Wits

Also, for reference, here are the images for each of the codes shared during HoYoVerse's stream. They feature some of the notable characters who will appear during the 3.6 update. For example, "newcomers" Baizhu and Kaveh are both featured prominently.
[gallery size="full" ids="957806,957807,957808" link="file"]

There are different ways to redeem these codes, depending on your preferred platform. If you are on a PS4, PS5, or mobile device, then you'll need to Redeem Code in the Account section of the Settings/Account menu. If you play on PCs, then go to the official website. You can enter these there.

Genshin Impact is available for the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices, and the 3.6 update will arrive on April 12, 2023. The Genshin Impact Primogem codes from the 3.6 Special Program can be redeemed until they run out or until 8pm PT/11pm ET on March 31, 2023, whichever comes first.

The post Here Are the Genshin Impact 3.6 Special Program Primogem Codes appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 8:23 AM
    

genshin impact 3.6

HoYoVerse officially announced the banners to expect in Genshin Impact Version 3.6. The first half of the new update will feature Nahida and Nilou on re-run. Afterwards, the second half of the update will be Ganyu's re-run and Baizhu's debut. Kaveh will also be a new four-star, and he'll be available on Ganyu and Baizhu's banners.

Nahida is a Dendro Catalyst 5-star character, whereas Nilou is a Hydro Sword user. As a Dendro, Nahida can be your support to activate Dendro Elemental Reactions. However, she also has the potential to be your DPS character if you give her the right Artifacts and weapons. Nilou is a Hydro DPS character who can alternate between two different play styles using her Elemental Skill.

Though Baizhu has always been in the Genshin Impact story, Version 3.6 will be the first time that he'll be playable. He'll also have his own Story Quest so players can get to know him better. Like Nahida, Baizhu will be a Dendro Catalyst user; more information on his kit will appear later. In English, Sean Durrie (Nick Marsters in Quantum Break) voices him and in Japanese, Koji Yusa (Gin in Bleach) voices him. Kaveh will be a 4-star Claymore character.

[gallery columns="2" ids="957801,957802" link="file"]

Genshin Impact is readily available on the PS4, PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices. Version 3.6 of Genshin Impact will go live some time around April 12, 2023.

The post Genshin Impact 3.6 Banners Add Nahida, Baizhu, and Kaveh appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 7:51 AM
    

During the Final Fantasy XIV Letter from the Producer Live LXXVI, Director and Producer Naoki Yoshida confirmed FFIV's Golbez will appear in a new 6.4 trial. His trial will be called The Voidcast Dais. A screenshot was also shared showing Golbez in the game.

First, here's a screenshot from the presentation announcing the Final Fantasy XIV Golbez 6.4 trial. As it notes, people will be able to go through both the original and an Extreme version of it.
[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="957792" link="file"]

Next, here's the official Twitter account's reveal of the trial, which actually shows how Golbez from FFIV will look when someone faces him in Final Fantasy XIV 6.4.

Golbez is one of the primary antagonists in Final Fantasy IV, who also returned in its sequel The After Years. He's also appeared in other games, like the Dissidia spin-offs. He's one of many references to FFVI in Final Fantasy XIV. The game also features things like minions based on the main characters, the Tower of Zot as a dungeon with the Magus Sisters as a boss, and other references to the game in places like Mare Lamentorum.

Final Fantasy XIV is available for the PS4, PS5, and PC, and 6.4 will appear at the end of May 2023.

The post 6.4 Final Fantasy XIV Trial Adds Golbez from FFIV appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 31, 2023 7:30 AM
    

Square Enix Reveals Final Fantasy XVI's Gone Gold

It seems Final Fantasy XVI will meet its expected launch windows, as Square Enix turned to the English and Japanese Twitter accounts to report the game has gone gold. This means that, for all purposes, the team is done, it is playable, and it is ready to ship.

Here is the official announcement, which features developers holding the Torgal plush of Clive's dog as both a puppy and adult. The same stuffed animals appeared at the PAX East 2023 panel. However, Square Enix hasn't said it if will eventually sell them.

Now that the game's launch is imminent, Square Enix started talking a lot more about the title. There was a panel at PAX East that introduced it and showed more gameplay footage. The team mentioned there will be a demo. That will apparently appear two weeks ahead of launch. There were also videos showing how Torgal acts when being used to find points of interest or assists Clive in battle.

Final Fantasy XVI will come to the PS5 on June 22, 2023. There will be a six-month exclusivity period.

The post Square Enix Reveals Final Fantasy XVI's Gone Gold appeared first on Siliconera.


Tabletop Gaming News – TGN Friday, March 31, 2023 10:00 AM
     Fans of the Terminator franchise now have a new way to immerse themselves in the post-apocalyptic world of Skynet with the release of the Terminator RPG: T2 Judgment Day by Nightfall Games. The game is currently on Kickstarter, having raised £32,000 from a £10,000 goal with 20 days left to go. In this role-playing game, …

Tabletop Gaming News – TGN Friday, March 31, 2023 9:14 AM
     The Dungeons and Dragons virtual tabletop has been making waves in the tabletop gaming community, with many fans excited about the prospect of playing their favorite game in a new digital format. However, while the project sounds promising, it is important to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism. The game is still in …