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Apr 19, 14:00


Kotaku Wednesday, April 19, 2023 1:30 PM
    

The latest Nintendo Indie World Showcase presentation arrived today, April 19. For a solid 20 minutes we were treated to new looks at charming, exciting, hopefully must-play upcoming games for Nintendo's hybrid console. As you'll see, Nintendo packed a lot of games into today's event. Read on for the lowdown, or if…

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Kotaku Wednesday, April 19, 2023 1:05 PM
    

James Carter Cathcart—the voice actor behind iconic Pokémon characters such as Professor Oak, his son Gary, and Team Rocket's James and Meowth—is retiring from the anime after 25 years due to an advanced form of cancer.

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Kotaku Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:50 PM
    

Erryn Rhoden is an ordinary person who works at her family's roofing company in Columbus, Ohio. She's also the top-ranked player in her semifinal bracket for the Candy Crush Saga All Stars Tournament, the biggest Candy Crush tournament in history, which she entered by accident. That makes her one of the most…

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Kotaku Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:25 PM
    

For over 20 years, Pokémon fans have circulated poor-quality scans of the original watercolor artwork for the 251 monsters from the first two generations by renowned series artist Ken Sugimori. These scans were often washed out, and while they had a retro feel to them, weren't accurate to the original art. Now, thanks…

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Kotaku Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:40 AM
    

Despite being a largely failed gaming handheld, there are still millions of PlayStation Vitas out there in the world. Many are collecting dust. Some are waiting to be sold to new buyers who have yet to discover the niche beauty of one of Sony's wilder hardware experiments from the previous decade. And at least one has…

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Kotaku Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:35 AM
    

Artificially intelligent text generation tools like ChatGPT and the Bing search engine's chatbot have many rightly scared about the tech's long-term impact, folks are finding new ways to crank out hilarious yet concerning results. Some of the latest stunts involve asking AI services to assume the role of your dearly…

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Kotaku Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:30 AM
    

On Tuesday, Marvel announced what's arguably its most bizarre gaming project to date: a mobile app where comic book characters holler at you while you work out.

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PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:37 PM
     Best Elden Ring spells, incantations, and sorceries

Want to know what the best Elden Ring spells are? Magic in Elden Ring comes in two main categories: sorceries and incantations. Sorceries require investment into the intelligence attribute, while incantations use faith. Sometimes you may find a spell that requires points in arcane. This is usually a secondary requirement that doesn't affect the spell's damage.

Several useful spells are available early on in one of the best PC games. However, you can only learn more specialised Elden Ring sorceries and incantations by gathering scrolls and prayerbooks. By handing these items over to compatible vendors, you can discover the best Elden Ring spells, including devastating projectiles and powerful short-term buffs for the best Elden Ring weapons. With all the magic you're flinging around, you need all of the upgrades you can get your hands on. Therefore, we highly recommend that you check out our guides on where to find Elden Ring talismans, Elden Ring crystal tears, and Elden Ring Ashes of War to give yourself as much mana as possible and upgrade your spellcaster into a magical marvel.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:35 PM
     Dark and Darker devs say sorry about the playtest

Despite the full Dark and Darker release date being a mystery with the game taken off Steam, the RPG game is still amassing a player base during Dark and Darker playtest five, even if developer Ironmace doesn't think it has met the standards the team would like.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Dark and Darker release date, Dark and Darker system requirements, Dark and Darker classes guide

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:34 PM
     After 20 years, PC's foulest FPS gets a big update and hits Steam Deck

Though I tend to keep an open mind with regards to gaming news, I have to admit, when I came into work this morning I didn't expect that Postal 2, the sweary, gory, altogether crude FPS game from all the way back in 2003, would end up on my to-do pile. Then again, this is gaming - if you can make a shooter featuring Gary Coleman, exploding cats, and the ability to interactively deploy human waste fluids, there's no reason that after two decades we shouldn't get a new Postal 2 update, bringing the bad taste classic to Valve's Steam Deck.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best PC FPS games, Best old games, Best Steam Deck games

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:32 PM
     Best story games on PC 2023

What are the best story games on PC? If you're looking for a great story that you can't put down, you've come to the right place. Escape into something special with our list of the best story games on PC, from endings that will have you weeping to heart-racing action titles.

Some of the most unforgettable stories in recent pop culture have emerged from some of the best PC games. They can go to many different places, such as surviving the Wild West as Red Dead Redemption 2's antihero protagonist, solving crimes in Disco Elysium, or exploring the fraught relationships in God of War. The best story games also let us act out our favourite icons saving the universe as the Guardians of the Galaxy. Story games are living, breathing narratives; the best ones let us have our say in how the plot unravels, and many are also some of the best single player games.

Continue reading Best story games on PC 2023
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Disco Elysium review, Best RPGs on PC, The best PC games

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:19 PM
     The best truck games on PC 2023

Looking for some of the best truck games on PC? Trucks, and truckers, have become mythologised in pop culture like modern-day cowboys, transporting crucial cargo across harsh, lonely landscapes and spending days in their own company. Translating that experience into a videogame has taken many forms over the last couple of decades, from Mad Max-like highway battlers to fully-fledged simulation games where journeys take as long as they would in real life.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that there aren't many truck games out there, but as you'll see shortly, these hulking great movers of stuff span many genres, including the popular truck sims, but also branching out to physics-based puzzlers, platform games, and racing games. So whether you're looking to lose yourself on a long trip along the Pacific Northwest, want to spend hours hauling your cargo through a single muddy ditch, or want to take your truck to a chicane-riddled racecourse, we've got the best PC games for those who love the open road.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Euro Truck Simulator 2 system requirements, Best VR games, How to set up your Oculus Rift

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:59 AM
     Elden Ring Radahn boss fight guide

Want to know how to beat the Elden Ring Radahn boss fight? There are over 80 bosses, but few are as fearsome as Starscourge Radahn. Despite being torn apart by Scarlet Rot, the Demi-God still has enough strength to hold back the stars and defeat any warriors who dare challenge him in mortal combat.

Cursed to wander the Caelid's plains forever, Radahn is one of the hardest Elden Ring bosses, capable of taking down anyone standing in his path. Numerous NPCs will tell you how dangerous he is if you haven't attempted to fight him. You need to be prepared with one of the best Elden Ring builds and the best summons and weapons in the RPG game. We recommend our Blood Loss Samurai build for the Elden Ring Radahn boss fight, as he's weak against bleed effects.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:39 AM
     Multiversus tier list April 2023: best characters ranked

Are you looking for a Multiversus tier list? The Warner Bros fighting game is now in its second season, with players gaining access to some brand new characters. Soon, we'll know how the likes of Black Adam will compare to the most powerful characters on the roster, from DC Superheroes such as Batman and Wonder Woman to Cartoon Network favourites like Finn the Human and Steven Universe. Of course, we can't discount those throwback characters from Warner Bros' back catalogue of shows acquired over the years, including Shaggy and Velma from Scooby Doo.

With such an illustrious gathering of fighters, a Multiversus tier list was inevitable. Judging by other competitive fighting games, ranking which of these fighters are the best characters goes beyond looking at their individual abilities. Multiversus focuses on team-based combat, with each fighter broken down into roles such as Bruiser and Tank.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Multiversus impressions, Multiversus tier list, The best Multiversus mods

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:31 AM
     Multiversus codes and how to redeem them (April 2023)

Want some Multiversus codes? Everyone likes free stuff, and in much the same way as many free games such as Fortnite and Genshin Impact, Multiversus now has a dedicated portal for players to redeem exclusive cosmetic items.

It may take a while for the items you redeem from Multiversus codes to appear in the free PC game, so bear that in mind. So far, none of the ones we've seen give you any character keys to unlock Multiversus characters or additional toast you can use to cheer on players you enjoyed playing with. However, given that we don't have a large enough sample size, never say never. Here are the details on all the currently active Multiversus codes and how to redeem them.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Multiversus impressions, Multiversus tier list, The best Multiversus mods

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:42 AM
     The best open-world games on PC 2023

Looking for the best open-world games on PC? From the early days of gaming, with Ultima and Lords of Midnight, open-world games have always been right at home on PC - indeed, those pesky consoles often couldn't handle it. Compare the ambitious early version of Halo to the final, more confined result, for example - and only the PC could hold sprawling regions in the very first Elder Scrolls games. Nevertheless, the leap into full 3D with Grand Theft Auto 3 and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind really brought the idea of open-world gaming to the masses.

These days, open-world games are their own genre separate from single-player MMOs. You can find accurate depictions of real-life cities or countries, huge fictional expanses with their own landmarks, complete worlds to check out - or even entire galaxies, depending on where you want to go on your next adventure. Not only are these the best open-world games, but a lot of them show up in our best PC games list, too.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best GTA 5 RP servers, GTA 6 release date speculation, GTA 5 system requirements

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:25 AM
     Best Warhammer games 2023

So, you want to know about the best Warhammer games in 2023? Unfortunately, games Workshop has a complicated history with licensing its tabletop worlds. There were some great Warhammer Fantasy strategy games in the '90s, but the pickings have since been slim.

Thankfully, Warhammer games are getting better, and while there are more Warhammer 40K games, Warhammer Fantasy titles from the Old World and Age of Sigmar settings are improving in quality. From action-packed, turn-based RPGs to the grandest of grand strategy games, there's a modest selection worth checking out. So join us as we round up the best Warhammer fantasy games on PC.

Continue reading Best Warhammer games 2023
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Total War: Warhammer 3 DLC, Total War: Warhammer 3 races, Total War: Warhammer 3 review

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:14 AM
     The Day Before release date, beta, trailers, gameplay, and news

Excited for The Day Before release date? When its first trailer dropped back in 2021, The Day Before blew people away with its gritty open-world set in the United States following a deadly pandemic. A survival MMO, the game will see players exploring the world, scavenging for resources in the abandoned metropolis of New York City and the lush countryside outside it, all while taking down (or hiding from) infected, zombie-like enemies, and other players alike.

The devs switched to Unreal Engine 5 which pushed the release date to 2023, but we're finally approaching the day we'll be able to explore the post-apocalyptic Big Apple that Fntastic has crafted. If The Day Before manages to look and play remotely like the trailer footage, it could join our list as one of the best PC games.  With all that out of the way, let's take a look at everything we know about The Day Before, including trailers, news, and gameplay.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best PC survival games, Best PC zombie games, The Day Before release date

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:24 AM
     Best Warzone 2 SMG

Looking for the best Warzone 2 SMG? A submachine gun is invaluable in Warzone 2, as it's able to fill in as a solid secondary when paired with a long-range gun, or as a primary if you're the type of player who enjoys getting up close and personal. Ideal for pushing a wounded enemy, these lightweight guns may not carry a long effective range, but when you're up close, you'll decimate the opposition.

The best Warzone 2 SMG is the Lachmann Sub, also known as the MP5. This gun has the best mobility out of all the best Warzone 2 guns, and it packs a serious punch up close if you kit it out with the right attachments, so much so that it also features in our guide to the overall best Warzone 2 loadout drops. Here's our full list of the best Warzone 2 SMGs and the attachments you'll want to kit them out with before dropping into one of the best free PC games of the year.

Continue reading Best Warzone 2 SMG
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Warzone 2 guns, Best Warzone 2 loadout, Warzone 2 map

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:08 AM
     Crysis 4 development ramps up, but looks like it might take a while

It's been a little while since we heard about Crysis 4. Originally announced in January 2022, developer Crytek - which also created the original Far Cry, and multiplayer extraction shooter Hunt Showdown - is now looking to bolster production on the FPS game sequel, seeking new hires for several senior positions. Likely, this means Crysis 4 is still in its preliminary stages, but clearly the Warface dev has serious ambitions.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best PC FPS games, The best upcoming games , Crysis 4 release date

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:09 AM
     What is the Destiny 2 Lost Sector today?

Are you looking for Destiny 2 Lost Sector locations for today's daily Legend and Master Lost Sector? Before you can take on Legend Lost Sectors, you need to complete all the normal Lost Sectors first. If you don't, the new Legend Lost Sectors will not appear on the map. Each day, the location, modifiers, and rewards rotate out for something new.

While many Exotics can be bought from Xûr or even in the world loot pool, the Destiny 2 Exotics in these special Lost Sector instances cannot, forcing players to explore these dangerous areas if they want the best equipment available. It's important to remember that exotic drops are not guaranteed after completing these quests, so you may have to run through the same Lost Sector multiple times. You can go through the quests in the free PC game with a fireteam, but your rewards will be reduced to Enhancement Cores only.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Destiny 2 classes, Destiny 2 Lightfall review, Destiny 2 builds

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:56 AM
     Warzone 2 Season 3 Reloaded release date, new game modes, new weapons

Looking for the Warzone 2 Season 3 Reloaded release date? The 'Reloaded' series of updates are the mid-season offerings doled out by the Call of Duty developers, and generally continue the initial season theme while adding a host of new content outlined in the initial roadmap.

The free PC game was shaken up by the Season 3 changes, with adjustments to movement, the return of the one-shot sniper rifle, and the re-introduction of a classic CoD weapon: the Intervention. The roadmap for Warzone 2 Season 3 was hefty, and there were plenty of items on there that were marked 'in season', making them prime candidates to be included with Warzone 2 Season 3 Reloaded.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:01 AM
     Honkai Star Rail release date, characters, story, and more

Want to know more about the Honkai Star Rail release date? Hoyoverse's follow-up to Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3rd is almost here, blending together open-world and turn-based mechanics with anime aesthetics to create a different type of anime game.

At first glance, Honkai Star Rail should look familiar to Genshin Impact players as the devs have decided to stick by their tried and tested formula. These anime games share a similar art direction and user interface, but they also offer completely different gameplay experiences. The Honkai Star Rail release date is set to launch later this month - here's everything you need to know about Hoyoverse's newest free PC game title.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Upcoming PC Games, Best RPG games on PC, Best space games

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:37 AM
     Diablo 4 beta takes just six days to break Twitch's monthly top ten

The Diablo 4 beta gave everyone a chance to get hands-on with the next entry in one of the biggest RPG game series on PC, but it seems people were just as eager to watch as they were to play. Despite being available for only six days during March, the Blizzard game racked up enough total hours watched to make the top ten, nudging out Resident Evil 4 Remake to stand alongside the likes of Fortnite, Minecraft, and League of Legends - showing just how great the appetite for Lilith is ahead of the Diablo 4 release date.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:33 AM
     XCOM rival with '30s setting reveals all its BioWare-style characters

Upcoming XCOM-like The Lamplighters League has revealed its colorful cast of characters, as the PC Game Pass strategy game looks to blend real-time stealth, turn-based combat, and a 1930s pulpy narrative into what I think is going to be one of the biggest hits this year.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: best RPG games, best strategy games, best turn-based games

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:19 AM
     Best FJX Imperium – Intervention loadout

Looking for the best FJX Imperium loadout? The newest addition to Warzone 2 is actually an old one, the FJX Imperium - also known as the Intervention - is a bolt-action sniper rifle, capable of dealing incredible damage over vast distances. Famed for its lightning-quick ADS time, you'll have no doubt seen the Intervention in action if you've ever watched a MW2 killstreak montage.

In its default form, the FJX Imperium isn't anything to write home about, but if tweaked correctly, you'll be landing headshots in the free PC game like it's nothing. With sniper one-shot downs being added to Warzone 2, it's the perfect time to build the best Intervention loadout. When set up correctly, the FLX Imperium can challenge even the best Warzone 2 guns, so here's our best FJX Imperium loadout.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:03 AM
     Project Mugetsu codes April 2023

April 19, 2023: We checked for new Project Mugetsu codes.

Want all the new Project Mugetsu codes? The anime combat game has taken Roblox by storm as of late, meaning you're likely on the hunt for active PM codes that will give you the edge against your opponents in the heat of battle. The codes in our list down below serve up a nice variety of wonderful gifts, ranging from mastery and gold boosts to free spins and rerolls. It's important to redeem them as soon as they drop, as they won't remain active forever.

Creating a fresh character in the free PC game can be tough, and having to fight Hollow to level up can be a grindy process, so getting a bunch of gifts as you begin your journey will make the Bleach-inspired Roblox anime brawler a much more enjoyable experience. Below you'll find all the latest PM codes to help you out with the Easter update and beyond, including information on the rewards you'll get for redeeming each one.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:56 AM
     The Day Before beta announced, as dev vows game will return to Steam

Previously one of the most wishlisted games on Steam, The Day Before was removed from Valve's store owing to a mysterious copyright suit from an individual who claimed to own the game's name. Now, developer Fntastic announces The Day Before beta will launch later in 2023, while also vowing to get the survival game back on Steam, meaning it should be possible to test the zombie shooter before the incoming Day Before release date.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best PC survival games, Best PC zombie games, The Day Before release date

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:41 AM
     Best Elden Ring talismans locations

Want to know what the best Elden Ring talismans are? Talismans are Elden Ring's version of rings from previous Souls games. Each talisman bestows a passive buff, with effects ranging from general boons like faster stamina regen to increased damage for the final attack in a twinblade combo.

You can find an array of the best Elden Ring talismans in the RPG game's vast open world; some in treasure chests in Elden Ring dungeons, some drop as loot from enemies and bosses, and others can be bought from merchants. Though their utility will vary based on your Elden Ring build and which of the best Elden Ring weapons you're using, talismans provide a much-needed helping hand when taking on Elden Ring bosses. As you progress to more challenging areas, you will encounter upgraded versions of talismans with increased effects and be able to expand the number of equipped talismans with pouches.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:31 AM
     The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story system requirements

What are The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story system requirements? Running the LoL spin-off should be a breeze, whether you're using a high-end gaming PC or an older laptop. That said, developer Digital Sun includes separate recommendations for playing The Mageseeker at 4K 60fps, so it's worth giving your rig a once over before launching Riot's 2D action RPG romp.

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

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:18 AM
     Best Skyrim mods 2023

It can be a tough job finding the best Skyrim mods. This is because there's a lot of them. They're the work of a thriving and diverse scene; an army of fans and bedroom coders determined to make the game a photorealistic fantasy. Or they're just out to transform farmyard animals into deadly explosives. Whatever floats. But when you're looking for the best Skyrim mods, where do you start?

For one of the best PC games and arguably the most popular RPG game there is, installing mods is quite simple. The Steam Workshop makes it easy to install and activate mods, and the more advanced ones are simply added to a special folder, and for any more we don't have on this list, check out the Skyrim CurseForge game mods hub. You can also check out our guide to Skyrim console commands for more tips on changing up the open-world game.

Continue reading Best Skyrim mods 2023
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Skyrim mods, Elder Scrolls 6 release date, Games like Skyrim

PCGamesN Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:15 AM
     Best Fallout 4 mods 2023

What are the best Fallout 4 mods on PC? The mod community is out in force, so you have lots to choose from when looking to enhance your adventures in the Wasteland.

It's thanks to mods like these that RPG games like Fallout 4 enjoy such longevity after launch. To celebrate the weird and wonderful creations of the Fallout 4 mod community, we've picked out more than 50 of the best Fallout 4 mods out there to get you well on your way to a more interesting Boston Wasteland. If that's not enough tinkering for you, check out our list of Fallout 4 console commands, which give you even more customisation in one of the best PC games.

Continue reading Best Fallout 4 mods 2023
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Fallout 4 console commands, Fallout 4 mods, Fallout 4 System Requirements

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:04 PM
    

Post-apocalyptic survival is an enduring theme in city builder games. In Oxygen Earth has, once again, experienced an environmental disaster with the help of human beings. The Earth's crust has cracked, releasing toxic gas that has spread globally with the wind, and nly a little oxygen is left. Unfortunately it's also me who again decided to take on the responsibility of leading the survivors, to guide them to build a city in this dire situation. This is the destiny of a city builder lover.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:00 PM
    

There's an alternate world where Arkane made The Crossing, and it's not necessarily a better one. Before Dishonored, the developer was looking down the wrong end of a bad publishing deal which, in the estimation of founder Raphaël Colantonio, would have ended in either The Crossing's cancellation or a deeply underwhelming end product. In that timeline, there's no telling whether the studio would even exist today.

Nevertheless, for fans of Arkane's sophisticated and immersive first-person adventures, this lost project remains tantalisingly forbidden fruit: a foolhardy mashup of single and multiplayer in which teams of invading players would attack the protagonist of a solo campaign, against the backdrop of a multiversal Paris co-designed by Half-Life 2's Viktor Antonov.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:33 AM
    

Zombie survival sim The Day Before is apparently receiving a playable beta test and "should be" returning to Steam, according to developer Fntastic. The enigmatic game was previously pulled from Steam since Fntastic hadn't actually trademarked The Day Before when they first announced it, leading to a trademark dispute and removal from Valve's storefront.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:30 AM
    

I'm now the proud owner of a Steam Deck and I think it's fantastic. It's a genuine marvel how I'm able to lay on the couch and play Like A Dragon: Ishin, or stream Resident Evil 4 - with admittedly, a ropey success rate - to it from my PC in the other room. I've even been reunited with some old friends, too. Welcome back to the fold, Rogue Legacy 2.

But my time spent with the Deck has me thinking that my gaming priorities have changed. I'm no longer excited by consoles that promise better graphics or blazing fast loading speeds. At least, not for big boxes designed for living rooms. Right now, I'm far more excited by the practicality of handhelds and how they'll evolve. The Deck might be the future, but it's also brought me back to my past.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:34 AM
    

After bingeing the Netflix show Arcane and getting hooked on the world of League Of Legends, I was disappointed to find there weren't too many single-player games for those who aren't the MOBA-type of keyboard mashers. The top-down action RPG The Mageseeker: A League Of Legends Story is looking to fix that, though, letting you play as the ex-convict and buff mage Sylas while he's busy running a revolution. It comes from the developers behind the Zelda-like shop roguelite Moonlighter, and it's out now.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:30 AM
    

I'm too prejudiced against first-person melee games to enjoy Dead Island 2 as much our reviewer Rick Lane did, but even a mind as narrowed as mine can appreciate its slick performance on PC. I wanted to see how well that smoothness and stability would carry over to the Steam Deck, and although the long-delayed zombie mulcher needs some cuts to quality settings, finding the right balance will have Dead Island 2 running almost as comfortably as the very best Steam Deck games.

Alas, it's still not the ideal handheld game, thanks both to the odd crash (lowering settings helps with this) and the fact that it needs some tinkering with the Epic Games Launcher to get it playable in the first place. Still, playable it very much is.

Let's start by addressing Dead Island 2's lack of a Steam version; it launches on February 21st as an Epic Games exclusive, and since DI2 isn't even listed on Steam right now, that's unlikely to change any time soon. Luckily, there are workarounds: you can either install the Heroic Launcher, or follow our handy guide on how to install the Epic Games Launcher on the Steam Deck. Both of these should allow you to get Dead Island 2 downloaded onto the handheld, still using your regular Epic account.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:00 AM
    

Back in the mists of time (January 2020), I was absolutely transfixed by a Japanese novel called Before The Coffee Gets Cold. It's about a small, cosy café where customers can travel back in time by sitting in a very particular chair, for the length of time it takes for a cup of coffee to go cold. It's not long by any means, but it affords its cast of regulars the chance to get some closure on an issue that's often been plaguing them throughout their lives. It's heart-warming, soppy stuff, but very feel-good. That January was also about the same time I slurped up every last episode of Midnight Diner on Netflix, where a chill Japanese man known only as The Master serves up delicious looking dishes in a tiny, 10-person izakaya from midnight onwards. Put these two things together, and it's probably no surprise that I liked the original Coffee Talk more than most.

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a continuation of that story, set three years later in the same, alternate version of Seattle where elves, werewolves, orcs, mermaids and other fantastical creatures all rub shoulders as city-dwelling citizens in need of a good cuppa. Once again, you play as the owner of the titular late-night coffee shop, brewing up a multitude of exotic hot drinks that you'll need to match to each customer's request that night as they tell you their woes.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:10 AM
    

Limited Run Games have announced they're bringing back the 1992 Game Boy game Trip World, a charming Kirby-esque platformer whose flowery monochrome world had, until recently, been more or less lost to time. Thankfully, Limited Run are collaborating with the original developers at Sunsoft, including the game's director Yuichi Ueda, to bring the forgotten game back to PC and consoles (including the original Game Boy Color, of all things) in the form of Trip World DX.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 8:57 AM
    

Samsung's Evo Select 512GB card offers excellent performance for Steam Deck and Switch and it's currently discounted to $39.99 on Amazon US, making it a great time to upgrade your favourite gaming handheld with a ton of extra storage.

To put this price into context, this card normally retails for at least $45 and was closer to $60 for Black Friday last year, so this is a good deal that matches the best price we've ever recorded for this size and model - and one we recommend as one of the best memory cards for Steam Deck.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 7:14 AM
    

The Lamplighters League is the next turn-based strategy game from the team behind Battletech and Shadowrun, but it's also the name of the ragtag group of scoundrels you'll be fighting with across this pulp adventure. Katharine got to see three of those characters in action during her preview - where she walked away very excited about the game's emergent chaos - and now developer Harebrained Schemes have revealed all ten playable agents. Oh boy, do they look stylish.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 7:00 AM
    

My wonderful co-hosts are both away this week, leaving the responsibility of writing the podcast post to the person least capable of doing so. I am but a humble video boy! My only job is to cut out the big "ums" from the audio mix, not writing words about the things we did a chat about! Thankfully this week Indiescovery is all about change, as we're experimenting with a brand new format. A group review! We've all been playing Dredge, the eldritch fishing adventure by Black Salt Games, and hoo boy do we have some thoughts about it. Spoilers: much like Katharine, we all think it's really really good.

Elsewhere, the review bonanza continues. Rachel's been rewriting fiction in Storyteller, I've been reclaiming the wasteland in Terra Nil and Rebecca has been dating hot monsters in Romancelvania. We also chat about burgers, olives and our current hyperfixations because hey, this is an episode of Indiescovery after all.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Wednesday, April 19, 2023 6:04 AM
    

Nvidia's new GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card has launched to warm reviews thanks to its performance, power efficiency and DLSS 3 - including here at RPS - but its £589 price point has been decried as a bit over the top.

Enter Novatech, who are offering a Palit RTX 4070 for just £550, a £40 reduction from RRP and the best deal we've seen on the 4070 thus far. Add on £6 for next-day shipping and you've got a high-end card for a cool £34 off!

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Twinfinite Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:00 AM
     A successful mission for WayForward and Nintendo.

Twinfinite Wednesday, April 19, 2023 6:30 AM
     Get these codes before they're gone!

Twinfinite Wednesday, April 19, 2023 6:00 AM
     Gotta fix 'em all!

Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 1:30 PM
    

How to Take Part in the Genshin Impact Fulminating Sandstorm Event

Another Genshin Impact event is about to begin, with Fulminating Sandstorm involving more fighting. This time, players will be tasked with fighting Wenuts. In exchange, they'll get Hero's Wits, Mora, Mystic Enhancement Ores, Primogems, and Weapon Ascension Materials. However, people will need to meet certain requirements to take part, and HoYoVerse went over the details ahead of the event's debut on April 21, 2023.

How to Take Part in Genshin Impact Fulminating Sandstorm

First, people need to meet certain requirements. You have to have reached Adventure Rank 28, made it to Sumeru, and the Chapter 1, Act 3 Archon Quest "A New Star Approaches." That's the last one in Liyue ahead of the Dainsleif prelude. Once you do that, you'll head to Aaru Village to meet the Akademiya researcher Vinayak. Talking to the NPC will give you a chance to use the Wenutslayer Cannon, a new invention, to fight Wenuts.

What will follow are essentially battle challenges. HoYoVerse noted there will be five total. The first two will be available on April 21, 2023. The third shows up on April 22, 2023. The fourth will appear on April 23, 2023. Finally, on April 24, 2023 the fifth one will show up. The early details about it noted that the goal will be to defeat the Wenut. However, to do that you'll also have to protect a Charging Device for the Wenutslayer Cannon from general monsters as you do. Once it finishes charging, the player can go to the turret to fire it at the Wenut. After completing each challenge, people will get some of the Hero's Wit, Mora, Mystic Enhancement Ore, Primogem, and Weapon Ascension Material rewards.

As a reminder, HoYoVerse already showed off this event a bit during the 3.6 Special Program. Starting at the 18:33 mark below, it showed Genshin Impact Fulminating Sandstorm gameplay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3twe5LbGrQ&ab_channel=GenshinImpact

While waiting for that, another event is live in-game. Brewing Developments challenges can be faced until April 24, 2023 for various rewards.

Genshin Impact is available for the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices, and Fulminating Sandstorm will be available April 21, 2023 through May 1, 2023.

The post Genshin Impact Fulminating Sandstorm Begins This Week appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 1:00 PM
    

Hear the Street Fighter 6 Cammy Theme

People get to learn more about Cammy in Street Fighter 6. To be specific, they'll be able to listen to something associated with her. Capcom announced that Cammy's theme song in the new game is "OverTrip." It also offered an opportunity to listen to the over three minute track online.

Here's the Cammy theme song "OverTrip" from Street Fighter 6. There's no music video to accompany it. Rather, there's a piece of static art of the character from the game.

We already saw some other theme songs come up earlier in April 2023. Capcom shared the songs for newcomer Lily and returning fighter Zangief. While Zangief has been around for quite a while, the character is getting a new song in this entry.

People can expect more Street Fighter 6 news this week. Capcom is holding a showcase on April 20, 2023. Things will start off with a half hour pre-show that will go over what we already know. After that, it will be followed by another half hour presentation with Lil Wayne as a host.

Street Fighter 6 will appear on the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on June 2, 2023. It will also appear in arcades.

The post Hear the Street Fighter 6 Cammy Theme Song appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:24 PM
    

Nintendo Indie World Showcase April 2023 Switch Games

Now that the April 2023 Nintendo Indie World showcase aired worldwide, we have a better idea of all the Switch games on the way. As expected, the goal of this presentation was to essentially prepare people for titles for the rest of the year. Also, as expected, a few games did immediately appear on the eShop as shadowdrops. People can now pick up Teslagrad 2, Teslagrad Remastered, Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach, and Shadows Over Loathing.

Here's the full list of Nintendo Indie World April 2023 Switch games.

  • Animal Well - Early 2024
  • Blasphemous 2 - Summer 2023
  • Bomb Rush Cyberfunk - August 18, 2023
  • Brotato - 2023
  • Chants of Sennaar - September 5, 2023
  • Crime O'Clock - June 30, 2023
  • Cult of the Lamb Relics of the Old Faith Update - April 24, 2023
  • Escape Academy: The Complete Edition - Fall 2023
  • Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach - April 19, 2023
  • Little Kitty, Big City - 2024
  • A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers DLC - June 2023
  • Mineko's Night Market - September 26, 2023
  • My Time at Sandrock - Summer 2023
  • Oxenfree II: Lost Signals - July 12, 2023
  • Paper Trail - August 2023
  • PlateUp! - October 2023
  • Quilts & Cats of Calico - Fall 2023
  • Rift of the Necrodancer - 2023
  • Shadows Over Loathing - April 19, 2023
  • Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon Puzzler's Pack DLC- Spring 2023
  • Teslagrad 2 - April 19, 2023
  • Teslagrad Remastered - April 19, 2023

And, in case you missed it, here is the Nintendo Indie World April 2023 full showcase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brNLmMMB-J4&ab_channel=NintendoofAmerica

Teslagrad 2, Teslagrad Remastered, Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach, and Shadows Over Loathing are immediately available on the Nintendo Switch.

The post Here Are All the April 2023 Nintendo Indie World Switch Games appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:00 PM
    

4 New Sonic the Hedgehog Lego Sets Announced

Sega and Lego announced four more Sonic the Hedgehog sets and revealed their release date. On August 1, 2023, people will be able to find all four. They'll be sold online or at actual Lego retailers. The options are Amy's Animal Rescue Island, Sonic's Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge, Sonic's Speed Sphere, and Tails's Workshop and Tornado Plane.

Here's the full list of sets, as well as links to their product pages. People can't order any of them yet. Sonic's Speed Sphere Challenge is cheapest at $34.99. However, the Sonic's Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge will cost someone $99.99.

  • Amy's Animal Rescue Island - $49.99
  • Sonic's Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge - $99.99
  • Sonic's Speed Sphere - $34.99
  • Tails's Workshop and Tornado Plane - $39.99

And here's a closer look at all of the sets in official photos of them. They show the Sonic, Tails, and Amy Rose minifigs, which come with multiple sets.
[gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="959920,959921,959922,959923,959924,959925,959926,959927" link="file"]

There is already one Lego Sonic the Hedgehog set people can pick up. It is the Green Hill Zone. That was a Lego Ideas one from Viv Grannell that debuted in January 2022. Though, if you want to get technical, the Lego Dimensions Sonic set was the first one.

The four new Lego Sonic the Hedgehog sets' release date is August 1, 2023.

The post 4 New Sonic the Hedgehog Lego Sets Announced for August appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:30 AM
    

New Nintendo Switch Online Genesis Games Include Street Fighter II

Four new games have been added to the Genesis library on Nintendo Switch Online. They are Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition, Pulseman, Kid Chameleon and Flicky. They are available now as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.

Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition is the Genesis version of the fighting game classic. It's the version that first made M. Bison, Balrog, Vega and Sagat playable. It's also the first version of Street Fighter II that allowed for mirror matches. This Genesis release is also notable for adding a number of improvements based on Street Fighter II Turbo.

Kid Chameleon is a 2D platformer starring a young boy who uses masks to help traverse hundreds of levels. Flicky is the Genesis port of a 1984 arcade platformer, notable for being the debut of the animals seen in classic Sonic the Hedgehog games. Both games have appeared in previous Sega collections.

The final new Genesis game is Pulseman. It's a 2D platformer starring a robot boy taking on a mad scientist with electric powers. Most notably, this game is an early Game Freak title. Most of its staff would go on to create Pokemon, including director Ken Sugimori, designer Satoshi Tajiri and composer Junichi Masuda.

The Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, Pulseman, Kid Chameleon, and Flicky Genesis games are available now as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

The post New Nintendo Switch Online Genesis Games Include Street Fighter II appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 11:01 AM
    

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Games Are Mostly Amazing on the Switch

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster games are more than welcome returns to form for modern platforms. Each one taps into the art that people know and love, relies on familiar gameplay, and offers arrangements of classic music. Now that all six of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster entries are on the Switch, they often still feel like they can be an amazing way to re-experience the beloved JRPGs. There are some issues still related to the fonts and use of space in each game. However, overall it feels like each one is a very worthwhile way to play the game.

At their heart, in each case someone is getting a way to play Final Fantasy I, II, III, IV, V, and VI on the Switch with the Pixel Remasters. They work well, the design pays tribute to the original releases, and they're all critically acclaimed RPGs. I mean, you don't need me to tell you a game like Final Fantasy VI is a masterpiece or it's momentous to see a remaster of the original Final Fantasy III worldwide after all these years. They avoid the pitfalls of some past, delisted releases with redrawn graphics. So right from the outset, we're "ahead" from an accessibility standpoint. They're largely true to the original versions of the games people love, which established an entire franchise.

[caption id="attachment_959899" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Games Are Mostly Amazing on the Switch FFVI Screenshot via Siliconera[/caption]
With the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Switch and PS4 games, Square Enix went a bit further in terms of extra options. Some are incredibly appreciated. For example, in each game you can opt for the original soundtrack instead of the new arrangements. It's easy enough to switch and they still sound fantastic. The new orchestral options are lovely, of course. But there's something about the classic version that makes a player appreciate the gravitas that Square could accomplish on a system like the SNES. It really helped me connect in a way that brought me back to playing the original Final Fantasy on my NES or Final Fantasy VI on my SNES.

The Boost also is a boon, but perhaps not in a way you might expect. Yes, somebody could use it to "cheat" the system. You can jack up the amount of EXP, gil, or AP earned from a fight or turn encounters off. But there's also the opportunity to challenge yourself. Aside from going up to four times as many benefits, you can completely remove the possibility of any gains or set earned values to 0.5x. It allows for flexibility and the player to rebalance things to their own needs.

[caption id="attachment_959888" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Games Are Mostly Amazing on the Switch FFVI Screenshot via Siliconera[/caption]
However, there is one issue that feels even more noticeable now that I have all of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster games in my hand on the Switch, rather than on a PC. The amount of empty space really stands out more when it's in my hands. This can be most noticeable in certain battles. For example, in earlier entries like Final Fantasy, we might see large groups of enemies that fill up the opposition's side of the screen. But regardless of the installment, the area for enemies can feel like there's something missing. Especially if you're facing a boss that should otherwise feel larger or more imposing, but instead seems a little less impressive due to how much area is there.

This also means that the new font, which is an improvement, still isn't exactly perfect. There are some moments when the Classic option looks great. If there's a story scene where a character is introduced or something notable is happening and no text boxes are used, it's great! The size of the text works well for these segments in the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Switch games, even if it ends up being smaller for the UI when setting character names. But for most text boxes, it means there's this empty field with room for four sentences when most exchanges only use one or two. As for the menus, there are these major gaps and occasional instances where some extra detail might be much smaller than surrounding text.

[caption id="attachment_959887" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Final Fantasy IV Screenshot via Siliconera[/caption]

So yes, some aesthetic issues remain in the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Switch games. The use of space isn't ideal and, while better, the Classic font could use some adjustments. Even so, the games generally look and play well on the system. It feels like it's a welcome way to expand the library and enjoy games in an accessible, comfortable way. Each and every one remains a classic, and it's amazing to get more access to them.

The six Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster games are available on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC, and mobile devices.

The post Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Games Are Mostly Amazing on the Switch appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:30 AM
    

Amatsu and Risen Shageru Magala Joining Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak

As part of the Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Title Update 5 announcement, Capcom confirmed Amatsu and Risen Shagaru Magala. Due to the Master Rank required for one, people will need to play a substantial amount of time to access the fight against the Elder Dragon who conquered the Qurio. However, they will be able to craft new armor and equipment when they do.

Amatsu is one of the older Monster Hunter Elder Dragons. It first showed up in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd for the PSP. However, it also showed up in other entries, like Monster Hunter Generations. Players at Master Rank 10 can face it.

Meanwhile, Shagaru Magala debuted in Monster Hunter 4. Since then, it's been a regular inclusion in entries. It showed up in Monster Hunter Generations, for example. Players will need to play for quite a bit to earn the right to face this Elder Dragon, as it requires MR 180.

Here's a closer look at the new armor sets teased in the Title Update 5 showcase. It seems human, Palico, and Palamute Amatsu armor appeared, while only human Risen Shagaru Magala items showed up.
[gallery size="full" ids="959944,959942,959943" link="file"]

Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak is available for the Nintendo Switch and PC, and the free Title Update 5 release date is April 20, 2023. The expansion will come to the PS4 and Xbox One on April 28, 2023.

The post Amatsu and Risen Shagaru Magala Joining Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:03 AM
    

Here's the Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Free Title Update 5 Release Date

As expected from the latest Capcom Monster Hunter event, we found out more about when we can start playing new content. The Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Title Update 5 release date appeared. As is common, it's appearing shortly after the showcase. People on the Switch and PC can download the free patch and gain access to the new Elder Dragon and powered up monster on April 20, 2023. In addition, a Bonus Update will appear in June 2023 with a new Variant Monster.

We know Risen Shagaru Magala and Amatsu will join the roster. Special Missions for Anomaly Investigations. There will also be new Event Quests with various rewards, like cosmetic items. More paid DLC will appear too.

A new trailer appeared for the upcoming Title Update 5. You can see it at the very beginning of the showcase in the video below. After the initial introduction, there's a more focused look at every new element coming to the game tomorrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvR-M-nH0DM&ab_channel=MonsterHunter

We should start hearing about these Title Updates for other consoles soon too. The PS4 and Xbox One versions of Sunbreak release on April 28, 2023. After they do, they can start catching up with the earlier releases and getting new monsters and improvements.

However, there are no extra details about the Bonus Update yet. Capcom only teased the new roadmap with the "last monster" at the very end, as well as showed a teaser of Fiorayne encountering the new creature.
[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="959938" link="file"]

Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak is available for the Nintendo Switch and PC, and the free Title Update 5 release date is April 20, 2023. The Bonus Update will appear in June 2023.

The post Here's the Free Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Title Update 5 Release Date appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:01 AM
    

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection Trailer Shows Switch and PC Gameplay

Etrian Odyssey Origins marks quite a change for the series, given it is going from two-screen devices to single screens, and a new gameplay trailer from Atlus highlights what to expect. However, this video doesn't just show what dungeon-diving and cartography looks like in the collection. It also shows what it will be like to put together a party and send them into battle. This also means seeing how the visuals changed from the original handheld releases to the Switch and PC versions.

Here's the full Etrian Odyssey Origins new trailer. It offers hints at what people can expect from Etrian Odyssey HD, II HD and III HD. There are also glimpses at the customization options newly available here. As a reminder, there will be some new character portrait options not present in past releases. The video begins by first showing the labyrinth. Then, there are some quick battles. From there, we can watch guild creation and see the character skill tree. From there, it looks at mapping and exploring. It closes with looks at fights, including battles with dreaded F.O.E. monsters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4zB2IkAXS0

We've seen peeks at the games in the collection ahead of this trailer. For example, Atlus recently offered a quick peek at the Etrian Odyssey III mapping functionality.

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection will appear on the Nintendo Switch and PC on June 1, 2023. People who pre-order get access to character portrait DLC based on other Atlus titles like Persona. The original two games appeared on the DS and 3DS, while the third game only appeared on the DS.

The post Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection Trailer Shows Switch and PC Gameplay appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:30 AM
    

Square Enix Store Says Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Physical Copies 'No Longer Available'

Now that its release date is here, the official Square Enix Store still says PS4 and Switch Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster physical copies are "no longer available." The official product page for the game returns that prompt regardless of which version or edition someone chooses. There is no note on the listing mentioning if there could be a restock. As a reminder, it was exclusive to the direct storefront in North America. The Japanese e-Store is also out of stock. [Thanks, Wario64!]

As a reminder, Square Enix was selling two physical editions of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster PS4 and Switch collections. There was a $74.99 standard edition and a $259.99 Anniversary Edition. The standard version gives people all six games on a cartridge or disc. The Anniversary Edition added a lenticular sleeve, soundtrack with two vinyl records and mp3 download, and eight "pixel figures" of the main protagonists of the six entries.

There are a number of outlets that do still have copies or once did carry them. Play-Asia is selling the Switch Asian version for $79.99. Canadian outlet PNP Games is selling the Switch Asian version for $109.99CAD. CD Japan, at one point, had the Anniversary Edition of both the Switch and PS4 versions, but sold out. Yes-Asia has the Asian Switch version still for $95.99.

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, and mobile devices.

The post Square Enix Store Says Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Physical Copies 'No Longer Available' appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:00 AM
    

advance wars 1+2 re-boot camp review

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, as a title, makes some implications that series fans may have trouble ignoring. After all, a "re-boot" generally isn't intended as a one-off, instead seeking to revive and jump-start a given franchise. And Advance Wars fans? That's something we'd love to see. But it's a lot of pressure for such hopes to rest on one game, and Re-Boot Camp's multiple delays certainly couldn't have helped to lessen that pressure. Does it live up to those expectations? Let's dig in.

While most elements of the game were preserved as much as possible, Re-Boot Camp did clearly get a modern once-over from Nintendo's localization team. After all, two decades can do a lot to change context and small elements that concern the company. So Yellow Comet is now Gold Comet. Drake's "Tsunami" power is now "Squall." They're small, but if you've been around a while, you'll notice a few things.

Generally, though, WayForward did a good job expanding on what's there without changing the underlying characterization. Characters talk in less truncated sentences, since they have the screen room. And that "Saturday morning cartoon" feel we discussed in the preview definitely extends to the extended CO lineup. Black Hole Rising's enemy COs in particular really ham it up.

[caption id="attachment_959673" align="alignnone" width="1200"]advance wars re-boot camp review Screenshot via Siliconera[/caption]

One thing Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is missing that we really thought would be here? Modern quality-of-life features. Like the sort of range visualization we see in modern Fire Emblem games? This would be particularly helpful with the sorts of large-area weapons that extend range beyond what will fit on the screen.

The one thing we did see implemented, though the game's rather quiet about it, is the "Reset Turn" function. This allows you to reset your moves to the beginning of the day and try again. While helpful for newcomers or the occasional mis-click, it's also, um, cheating? You can use it on Fog of War maps to basically scout out everything around you and know where the enemies are, then reset with that knowledge. So there's that.

We talked about the game's new aesthetic in our preview, and those observations hold through the second campaign and late-game content. We got used to things, mostly! And the look works. There are still definitely some fighters and bombers that look too similar and such, which is annoying. But the extended time with the game also emphasized some areas of polish. For example, entering and exiting a campaign presents you with a slick map transition. There's clearly a lot of people at WayForward who love the original games, and it shows through in their work.

[caption id="attachment_959674" align="alignnone" width="1200"]we appreciate that this game exists at all, for sure Screenshot via Siliconera[/caption]

That said, some of the game's new setup just serves to slow things down. For example, beating a map? It should feel exciting and cool. But Re-Boot Camp pauses for a moment before it notices you've won, or before it's able to load the enemy voice lines or whatever it is. CO power animations are cool the first time you see them! But they're long, and they're unskippable, and eventually they become a burden. Also, the little chatter each CO has at the beginning of their phase repeats incredibly quickly and just adds more downtime between turns.

Also the sporadic voice acting is a choice? We've seen small clips work well, like in Fire Emblem: Awakening, to provide flavor and save storage space. But Re-Boot Camp voices some partial lines, some grunts and then generic text beeps, and some lines that are beeps only. The inconsistency does it no favors. (And is storage space really an issue? Or was there that much of a concern about studio time costs for what's ultimately a fairly limited script?)

The strategy gameplay is unchanged, though, and that's great because the originals were stellar at that. We've seen a lot of efforts to recreate Advance Wars' carefully balanced strategy fun in games like Wargroove and Tiny Metal, but try as they might, no one's gotten it quite right. A limited set of units, and one identical in function between factions, does a lot to make something understandable that could be very complicated.

The whole "unchanged" thing does weigh on one audience in particular, though: grizzled franchise vets. As representatives of that particular demographic ourselves, there was definitely a nagging feeling in the back of our minds as we played. What if Re-Boot Camp had something new? Anything, something small. We kept playing through and unlocking things, hoping for a surprise secret character from Dual Strike or another little bonus to freshen up the experience. But nope!

And a lot of vets were banking on one particular function to excite them.

[caption id="attachment_959672" align="alignnone" width="1200"]hachi's shop screenshot Screenshot via Siliconera[/caption]

In spite of all the things Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp does right, a few unfortunate choices limit its overall appeal. The most obvious one? Its truly barebones online infrastructure. Franchise fans were understandably excited by the prospect of playing with friends, and there are a lot of ways that could have been done right. Asynchronous play is a great fit for a strategy game like this! And it's not here, though the interface for sharing custom maps suggests someone along the way might have had that in mind.

Instead, it's real-time play only. And two-player only with direct friends. There's no matchmaking of any kind and no public lobbies. You can't even play maps with a third or fourth faction at all, even if you just want an AI-controlled force for variety or co-op challenge with a friend.

We were limited in our opportunities to test out the online functionality pre-release, but we managed a few matches, and… it works? There's not a lot to say about it in motion, as it's an uninspired, barebones approach. Games take a long time, and no ability to look around or plan during your opponent's turn doesn't help that. And even once you sit through a map? You may not have the best time, as late-game CO unlocks can be broken, maps can heavily favor certain choices and there appears to be no attempt to mitigate any of this.

[caption id="attachment_959670" align="alignnone" width="1200"]advance wars 1+2 re-boot camp review Screenshot via Siliconera[/caption]

Sound limiting? Yeah, it should, because it is. And so limiting that it'll probably keep people from bothering to try what's there at all. Truly, even with all the effort that's here, adding Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2 to the Nintendo Switch Online app would have offered a more robust and functional multiplayer experience without compromising any actual gameplay features. (Also, we know some people still prefer the original's aesthetic and there's value in its visual clarity.)

Truly, any idea, any angle, any vision for how this would be played would have made Re-Boot Camp better. And it's bizarre to see such little attention paid to what was clearly the most important mode to get right. So given this minimal functionality, we have to judge Re-Boot Camp as an offline-only offering. Which is a shame, because we know the development time was there for Nintendo to fund further work during the game's long delay.

[caption id="attachment_959667" align="alignnone" width="1200"]advance wars 1+2 re-boot camp review Screenshot via Siliconera[/caption]

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is simultaneously a triumph in preserving the timeless strategy gameplay of the past and a huge missed opportunity to give it a rejuvenated platform that could attract new players. It's one robust multiplayer patch away from being what it should be, but there's no track record in Nintendo-bankrolled projects to suggest that will happen. We can only hope, then, that this isn't the last we see of the Wars franchise.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp launches April 20, 2023 on the Nintendo Switch for $59.99. For more on the game, check out our archive.

The post Review: Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Isn't Here to Make Friends appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 8:00 AM
    

Resident Evil: Death Island watches

Japanese watch manufacturer Seiko has announced a collaboration with Capcom to release two Resident Evil Death Island watches inspired by Chris Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy. Chris' model SBXC129 will cost 330,000 JPY (or roughly $2,460 USD), while Leon's model SBXC131 costs 319,000 JPY (~$2,380 USD). The expected release date of the watches is May 2023.

Each watch is limited to 600 units worldwide, with 300 of them releasing in Japan. The back of the watches has the Japanese Biohazard Death Island logo engraved, alongside the words Limited Edition, and a serial number going from 001 to 600.

You can take a better look at the new new Resident Evil Death Island Chris and Leon watches here:

[gallery columns="5" link="file" ids="959851,959847,959848,959849,959850,959855,959852,959853,959854,959856"]

These watches are based on Seiko's Astron Nexter GPS solar watch models. This model of Seiko watches can connect to the global GPS network, synchronize automatically to the time zone they are in with the press of a button, and automatically adjust the time. Additionally, Astron watches don't need battery changes thanks to its solar recharging features.

The Resident Evil Death Island Chris and Leon watches will cost 330,000 JPY (~$2,460 USD) and 319,000 JPY (~$2,380 USD) respectively, and they are scheduled to release on May 2023. Only 600 units will be available worldwide. The Resident Evil Death Island movie will appear in Japanese theaters on July 2023.

The post Resident Evil Death Island Seiko Watches Cost Over $2,300 appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, April 19, 2023 7:00 AM
    

It's Easy to See Tears of the Kingdom 'Rehydrated' Ganondorf's Appeal

Ever since "rehydrated" Ganondorf appeared in the third The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom trailer, people have been going a bit crazy. It's understandable, to some degree. The character is an icon, after all. But there's so much Ganondorf fan art out there and such incredible reactions. However, when you think about everything happening here, it's easy to understand why this is a big deal. Yes, part of it is because of his appearance this time around. But there's a lot more to it than that.

First of all, the reception and reaction stems from how long it's been since Ganondorf properly appeared in a The Legend of Zelda game ahead of this Tears of the Kingdom debut. Yes, a variant of him appeared as the villain in Breath of the Wild and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. But at the risk of splitting hairs, that was Calamity Ganon. He was more of an entity than anything and not really his normal, Gerudo self. We last saw him like this in Twilight Princess in 2006, not counting cameo appearances. It's a big deal when we get to see "actual" Ganondorf, and people are responding accordingly.

Speaking of seeing actual Ganondorf, it's understandable to see this sort of response because it's so different from the original The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom teaser. During the E3 2019 trailer, Zelda and Link happened upon remnants of what was left of him before Calamity Ganon. It essentially looked like a mummified version of the character. Even back then, people joked about "rehydrated" Ganondorf and imagined how he might look. So with the third Tears of the Kingdom trailer, dreams essentially came true for people. They "called" it. Getting a chance to do that is satisfying, as is getting to compare the actual designs to Ganondorf fan art ahead of time to see how close artists' imagination brought them to "reality."

[caption id="attachment_959346" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Who Voices Ganondorf in The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Matthew Mercer Image via Nintendo[/caption]

There's also the appearances. Yes, let's all admit that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf is pretty traditionally handsome. He's strong, but not in an unhealthy way where the muscles seem untoward or unrealistic. There are some elements that indicate he's a villain, but those honestly are a bit downplayed in the official art. Though he's got long hair and a beard, he's not disheveled. He's designed in such a way that, in the right circumstances, someone could see him as charismatic and charming, rather than just an ominous, evil villain. That he's voiced by a popular voice actor like Matthew Mercer only serves to enhance the overall aesthetic.

But there's more to his appearance that's worthy of such attention than just "rehydrated Ganondorf is hot." It's the other accents and details. We can see his diadem and jewelry match the ones worn by Riju and Urbosa. The way he wields his sword is fascinating and differs from past portrayals, leaving people to wonder how he might execute attacks. There's the way Ganondorf's new garb more greatly resembles the Gerudo tribe in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, compared to his past portrayals that involved far more armor. It leaves people wondering what next and what he can do.

It's the sense of anticipation and opportunity to reunite with someone we either love or love to hate. Ganondorf is a commanding force in The Legend of Zelda canon, and the way Nintendo teased and introduced him is both exciting and leaves an air of mystery. His design is not only attractive, but it suggests details about his past and what we may be able to expect from him in the game. It's an exciting opportunity, and everything surrounding the character shows he deserves the attention he's getting.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will come to the Nintendo Switch on May 12, 2023. Its themed OLED Switch model will launch on April 28, 2023.

The post It's Easy to See the Appeal of Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf appeared first on Siliconera.


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