May 15, 12:00


Kotaku Monday, May 15, 2023 11:45 AM
    

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is finally out on Nintendo Switch, and players are having the time of their lives with Link's new rune abilities. From crafting absurdly long bridges to constructing flamethrowing dicks, there's no shortage of stuff you can create in Link's latest open-world adventure. In…

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Kotaku Monday, May 15, 2023 11:30 AM
    

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a beautiful, occasionally breathtaking, and often reaffirming adventure through a fantasy world filled with whimsy and wonder. But it has a deep, dark underbelly. No, I'm not talking about Ganandorf and the gloom flowing out of the pit beneath Hyrule castle. I'm talking…

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Kotaku Monday, May 15, 2023 11:26 AM
    

Last month, regulators blocked Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard in the UK, seemingly spelling doom for the $69 billion deal. On May 15, however, European Union regulators announced it has been approved on the continent, giving the gaming companies some fresh momentum as they seek to salvage the mega merger.

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Kotaku Monday, May 15, 2023 11:19 AM
    

One of the coolest new features in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is Link's fancy Ultrahand ability, which lets you fuse together various objects to come up with creative solutions to the game's puzzles or inventive ways to reach otherwise unreachable areas. Players are already finding it incredibly useful…

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Kotaku Monday, May 15, 2023 10:50 AM
    

Link's paraglider is an essential tool in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but it's actually pretty easy to miss if you decide to start running around Hyrule as soon as you finish the tutorial section. If you've somehow managed to get several hours into the game without picking up the paraglider, here's a…

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Kotaku Monday, May 15, 2023 10:00 AM
    

Over the years I've caught many a Pokémon memory. From my first glimpse of the poster for Pokémon: The First Movie in a movie theater as a young child, to facing the final boss of last year's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, my nearly lifelong experience with Game Freak's multimedia franchise forms a flowing tapestry of…

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PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 11:59 AM
     The best offline games for PC 2023

Looking for the best offline games? If you're disconnected from the internet for any length of time, you'll need the best offline PC games to help tide you over. Not every game lets you play offline, though. Some games require a license check before launching, for anti-piracy reasons - and although this doesn't take long to perform, it means you can't access the game without an internet connection.

There's a lot to consider when preparing a stockpile of the best PC games like Red Dead Redemption 2 for your long commute or holiday. Lucky for you, there's no shortage of fun offline games to choose from, whether you're a fan of classic RPG games or the biggest modern open world games. We've got something to suit nearly every taste and need, so read on if you're on the computer but don't have an internet connection, or are travelling and need a game without demanding controls.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best story games on PC, Best western games, Best sandbox games

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 11:49 AM
     Here's how many Primogems you can earn in Genshin Impact 3.7

The Genshin Impact 3.7 update is on its way, and these estimates will give you a good idea of how many Primogems you'll be able to get your hands on when it goes live next week. As we head towards the Genshin Impact 3.7 release date, we know it won't be adding a whole new map expansion to the anime game like 3.6, so there will be fewer ways to earn Primogems overall. But the upcoming new Genshin Impact events and quests should give a good amount of gems regardless.

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

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 11:48 AM
     EU approves Microsoft Activision Blizzard deal

The EU's European Commission has approved the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard, as any and all concerns around the changing nature of cloud gaming have apparently been met with adequate remedies from Microsoft. That said, the UK's CMA is still opposing the deal, creating a roadblock for $69 billion offer.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Call of Duty 2023, Modern Warfare 2 system requirements, Best FPS games

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 11:41 AM
     Diablo 4 Barbarian skills, talents, and Fury explained

Looking for a list of Diablo 4 Barbarian skills and talents? If you want to theory-craft ahead of launch, the Barbarian is a solid fan -favorite, and Diablo 4 promises plenty of brutal executions and bulging biceps. While we already have some expectations of how this class will perform, it also means that any tweaks, changes, or new skills and talents are slightly more exciting.

The Diablo 4 release date is swiftly approaching, and we've got plenty of details on the five Diablo 4 classes we can expect to choose from when creating our character. It's important to note that the numerical figures attached to each skill are a placeholder for comparison's sake. Depending on other factors in Diablo 4's development, many numbers will change, but these stats provide vital context regarding how powerful each skill may be. Here's the full breakdown of the Diablo 4 Barbarian skills, which you can use to craft the best Diablo 4 Barbarian build.

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

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 11:36 AM
     A new Lord of the Rings MMO is coming, to rival LOTR Online

Lord of the Rings game is on the way from Amazon Games, as it enters an agreement with Embracer Group to develop an MMO game set within the stories of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Free MMOs, Lord of the Rings Online free-to-play, Best fantasy games

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 11:28 AM
     Fallout 3 gets huge HD overhaul, thanks to mod

Fallout 3, Bethesda's groundbreaking RPG game from all the way back in 2008, now looks better than ever thanks to a highly ambitious and very expertly made Fallout 3 mod. The full Fallout 3 HD overhaul transforms the apocalyptic Capital Wasteland from the ground up, adding detailed textures to interiors, exteriors, items, and creatures, with more improvements set to follow. If you're looking for something to play while we wait on Starfield, or perhaps planning a revisit to Washington before Fallout 5, this is the perfect excuse.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best PC RPG games, Fallout 5 release date, The best games like Fallout

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 11:16 AM
     GTA 6 news could be soon, as Jason actor shares Vice City-style tease

GTA 6 news might actually be on the horizon, as the actor supposedly playing Jason shares a new image with a distinctly - and highly suggestive - Vice City theme. The next entry in the Rockstar open-world game series is confirmed to be set in the fictionalised version of Miami, with the GTA 6 gameplay footage that we have seen so far also confirming its two lead protagonists. Are we about to learn more on the GTA 6 release date? Joining together some Grand Theft Auto-related dots, it seems possible.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: GTA 6 release date rumours, Best open-world games, GTA 5 cheats

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:44 AM
     The best online games for PC with no download

Looking for some of the best online games with no downloads to play right now? Publishers like Steam and Epic Games are busy locking horns over their digital storefronts and platforms, but there's a rich world of fun browser games that can be accessed directly through the web. No launchers or two-factor authentication, no agonising downloads or hard drive space juggling, just instant, free online games.

Impressively, despite the obvious tech constraints developers have also managed to craft free online games to cover any genre you can imagine, so yes, you can play Cookie Clicker in your browser. That being said, if you do have some hard drive space, you may want to check out our free PC games list instead. So whether you're looking for something to sink a few minutes into or your next gaming habit, there's a free online game for you. We've tried to ensure this list caters to all sorts - from RPGs, to massive multiplayer strategy games - all at the enviably low price of free.


PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:38 AM
     Best multiplayer games on PC 2023

So you want to know about the best multiplayer games? Intricate gameplay and glistening visuals only go so far; humans often provide the biggest surprises with schemes that transform even the most average game into an unforgettable experience you'll be talking about until the end of time.

Fast and frantic or tense and calculated, the best multiplayer games come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it's vying for control of the payload in an FPS game or fighting for survival in a co-op game with your friends, these experiences wouldn't be the same without a bunch of real people running around killing, maiming or, occasionally, helping each other out in some of the best PC games.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Apex Legends characters guide, Apex Legends skins, Apex Legends season 17 release date

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:35 AM
     XDefiant release date, beta, trailers, maps, and modes

Want to know the XDefiant release date? If you're a huge fan of all things Ubisoft, particularly the Tom Clancy games, you may get a kick out of its new free-to-play first-person arena shooter. Its five vs five matches promise fast-paced objective-based gameplay with Ubisoft characters, complete with unique abilities to turn the tide of battle.

So how does XDefiant work? It's an FPS game similar to Call of Duty and Overwatch, but its roster comprises character factions based on some of Ubisoft's back catalogue, each with its own set of abilities to aid them in battle. Ubisoft has invested time in a few free PC games in recent years, so if you're keen to dive in here is everything you need to know about the XDefiant release date, as well as all the trailers, map and mode info, and details on all the factions.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best multiplayer games , Best upcoming games, Best co-op games

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:36 AM
     The best card games on PC 2023

What are the best card games on PC? It is not a question we would have been asking a few years ago, when some basic ports of paper-based systems and some minigames in larger titles were all we had access to.

Now, there are heaps of games like Hearthstone vying to be among the best card games on PC - it is one of the fastest-growing genres in the industry. Card games offer players a rich and constantly shifting meta, potentially limitless replayability, and are approachable to boot - so it is not hard to see why they have started to emerge on our best PC games list. Our list covers everything from the biggest player in the genre today, the best ports from paper, the up-and-comers you might not have heard of, and some of the best free card games out there.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Hearthstone decks, The best card games on PC, Free card games

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:27 AM
     All Overwatch 2 characters and abilities detailed

Want to know the abilities of all the Overwatch 2 characters? The sequel to Blizzard's hero-based FPS game features a mixture of returning characters and new faces. The current Overwatch 2 roster boasts 36 characters, with the most recent hero being Ramattra in Season 2.

Unlike the first FPS game where all heroes were available to all players, you now have to unlock future Overwatch 2 heroes from the game's seasonal battle pass. The new characters are featured on the free track, but you need to reach rank 55 in the free PC game to unlock them. The next Overwatch 2 character is expected to launch every other season, starting from Season 2.

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

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:09 AM
     Honkai Star Rail codes May 2023

May 15, 2023: We checked for the latest Honkai Star Rail codes and tested our list to see if any have now expired.

Looking for all the active Honkai Star Rail codes? If you're just starting your adventure through developer Hoyoverse's latest anime epic, you might be wondering if there are any codes for freebies to give you the edge in battle, such as Stellar Jade, Credits, or Logs. Thankfully, Hoyoverse has delivered, and we've gathered all the active Honkai Star Rail codes in our list down below.

With Honkai Star Rail now out in the wild, players are digging into the characters, world, and tactical turn-based combat. As such, we've got an expert Honkai Star Rail tier list and information on the latest Honkai Star Rail banner, too. We've also put together an in-depth Honkai Star Rail review detailing why we think it's one of the finest gacha games around. But now, without further ado, here's what to expect from every Honkai Star Rail redeem code, as well as info on how to redeem them, what free rewards they'll provide, and where to find more of them.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Honkai Star Rail review, Honkai Star Rail codes, Honkai Star Rail tier list

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:04 AM
     All Hogwarts Legacy Merlin Trials locations and solutions

Want to solve the Hogwarts Legacy Merlin Trials? If you're fretting about inventory space, you definitely haven't solved enough Merlin Trials. These mini-challenges appear after you save Nora Treadwell in Lower Hogsfield from some nefarious Ashwinders who are giving her a hard time. After all, they are looking for you, so it only makes sense to help.

It turns out that Nora is a historian and archaeologist specialising in Merlin's work. She was exploring the highlands to find what she calls 'The Trials of Merlin'. They're essentially Hogwarts Legacy puzzles designed to test what students have learned in class, giving more inventory space for completing these open-world game tasks. There are a whopping 95 Merlin Trials to find, so grab your Hogwarts Legacy map and crack on finding all of them.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy mods, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:15 AM
     Diablo 4 loot system explained

Want to know how the Diablo 4 loot system works? While all the material shown by Blizzard so far indicates that Diablo 4 has beautiful gothic scenarios, and fast-paced action in a dark fantasy world, we know killing demons to farm loot is a big part of the experience. The system has changed a lot since Blizzard's new RPG game was announced and now that we are close to the Diablo 4 release date, you should learn all you can about how getting new pieces of equipment work in the game.

Because of how weapons and armor have been designed for Diablo 4, players need to farm enemies and look for better loot so they can take the most out of the skill tree. Not only are some skills tied to specific types of weapons, but legendary equipment can modify skills! If you're looking for a way to make the most of the best classes, then you're going to need a good set of equipment.

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

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 10:51 AM
     Honkai Star Rail next banner and 1.0 banner

What is the current and next Honkai Star Rail banner? If you want to acquire the best five-star characters for your team, then wishing on banners is your best bet. Banners rotate on a regular basis, so it can be difficult to decide whether to go all-in on the current banner or wait for the next one. Thankfully, our banner schedule will help keep you on the right track, ensuring that no currency goes to waste.

The Honkai Star Rail banner system almost entirely relies upon the luck of the draw, where you can trade in your hard-earned Star Rail passes for the opportunity to redeem the best Honkai Star Rail characters and Light Cones. If you're new to Hoyoverse's gacha-driven free PC games, our crash course to Honkai Star Rail Warps is invaluable for understanding banners and how they work, including the pity system. Now that we've got you up to speed, here's the lowdown for the current and next banner in Honkai Star Rail.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Honkai Star Rail review, Honkai Star Rail codes, Honkai Star Rail tier list

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 9:59 AM
     The best old games and PC classics to play 2023

Looking for the best old PC games? There are many perks to being a PC gamer, but we will save extolling them all for a day when we are feeling particularly inflammatory. For now, we will focus on just one: the best old games remain forever playable. Sometimes it takes a little more work, but it's a lot easier than digging through your parent's attic for an ancient console you think they still have.

Yes, even on the highest-end multi-cored rigs with the latest X-Titan Turbo Hydra Fulcrum Mk.III GPU, you can still boot up veteran strategy games, majestic ancient RPG games, trusty ol' point-and-clicks, and other legendary games of yore. Below you will find a testament to those PC stalwarts like Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition that prove the best old games are truly timeless and deserve space on your SSD even to this day.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Play Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 9:52 AM
     The best Overwatch 2 settings for PC graphics, FPS, and performance

Want the best Overwatch 2 settings? Making sure you have the optimal Overwatch 2 settings when you run Blizzard's FPS game will help improve visual performance as well as your own. After all, the best way to make sure you see your opponent before they see you is with the right graphics settings and frame rate.

Overwatch 2 has more demanding requirements than its predecessor, so once you've ensured you have the right setup and best graphics card to handle the Overwatch 2 system requirements, set the free PC game up to give the very best performance - and make sure you never miss a shot.

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

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 9:47 AM
     How to import your house and wand in Hogwarts Legacy

Want to know how to import your house and wand to Hogwarts Legacy? It's not surprising - our house is important to us witches and wizards, and we don't want to risk getting placed into the wrong one.

So how do you determine your house before even loading up the open-world game? First, you need to have a Wizarding World account, and you must have completed your house sorting over there (though if you're not happy with it, you can pick the best Hogwarts Legacy house when you're in-game - same goes for the best wand). Once you've done that, you can link your Wizarding World account to Hogwarts Legacy for a predetermined house and wand, and even an exclusive customisation option.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hogwarts Legacy mods, All Hogwarts Legacy spells, Hogwarts Legacy system requirements

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 9:41 AM
     The best sniper games on PC 2023

Searching for the best sniper games? Sniper games are all about perching on top of a building and punching holes through bad guys from a mile away with the help of a high-calibre rifle. Whether it's the challenge of compensating for bullet drop, or the simple pleasure of watching a group of enemies descend into panic as you pick the hapless goons off one by one - the best sniper games thrive off moments like these.

Sadly, there aren't many FPS games that focus solely on making the player feel like the ultimate ghost warrior, but there are a huge number of sniper games like Counter Strike Global Offensive with realistic sniping mechanics to satisfy that itchy trigger finger of yours. Our sniper games list offers everything from military simulations to more laid-back experiences where you can afford to make the odd mistake or even ditch the sniper rifle entirely.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best FPS games, Counter-Strike 2 release date, Best multiplayer games

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 9:52 AM
     Street Fighter 6 launching with all the best features, Capcom says

All the launch Street Fighter 6 features and modes are a culmination of ideas Capcom wanted to have in previous entries in the fighting game series, as the developer opens up ahead of the Street Fighter 6 release date in a new interview.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Street Fighter 6 release date, Street Fighter 6 roster , Street Fighter 6 preview

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 9:23 AM
     Final Fantasy 16 release date, trailers, story, and gameplay

Want to know the Final Fantasy 16 release date? We're fast approaching seven years since we last had a new mainline Final Fantasy title, but fans won't have to wait much longer for the next one.

Following its main character, Clive Rosfield, the JRPG game takes place in Valisthea, a land divided between six powerful nations. Peace is threatened between the nations as Valisthea learns to deal with the mysterious threat known only as the Blight. So with all that out of the way, it's time to look at everything we know about Final Fantasy 16, including trailers, news, story, and gameplay.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best action-adventure games on PC 2022, Final Fantasy 16 release date, Best Final Fantasy games on PC

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 9:19 AM
     The best Oculus Quest 2 games 2023

The best Oculus Quest 2 games are the ones that draw you into the world and let you swim in the joys of VR. There are a staggering amount of games on the Oculus Quest 2, so don't feel bad if we miss out on any of your personal favourites. When you factor in the lack of wires, it's easy to understand why so many people have been delving into digital worlds using this device.

However, as there's so much choice on arguably the best VR headset, navigating the store to find the best Oculus Quest 2 games can be a bit of a chore. It helps to have a rough idea of what you should be looking for whenever you're in the mood to buy a new game, whether that be FPS games like Superhot VR or a story-driven adventure.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best FPS game, Best indie games, Best fantasy games

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 9:18 AM
     Best Meta Quest 2 accessories – what's worth the cash?

The best VR headsets are reaching heights that would have our forefathers losing their minds with befuddlement, and with the right Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 accessories, you can enhance your VR experience even further to give yourself a real futuristic vibe. Done right, your virtual reality will start to feel like a fantastical actuality.

But which Oculus Quest 2 accessories are worth your cash? How can you be sure you're not going to set it up, expecting virtual reality, only to find that they've delivered ineffectual normality? Should we stop making these rhymes? Don't worry, we won't. It's a matter of personal morality.

Anyway, in all seriousness, we've put together a collection of the best Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 accessories, including products from Logitech and Anker. These little extras are designed to help to make the best VR games even more immersive, give you greater levels of comfort, and keep your favourite VR headset safe.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best VR games, Oculus Quest 3 release date, Project Cambria release date

PCGamesN Monday, May 15, 2023 7:58 AM
     Street Fighter 6 roster – every confirmed character

Want to know who made it onto the Street Fighter 6 roster? Looking back to older games in the series, Street Fighter 4 launched with 25 characters, but the lacklustre Street Fighter 5 featured just 16 characters on day one. Capcom appears to be learning from its past mistakes with Street Fighter 6's roster, bringing a mix of fan favourites, revamped returning characters, and new fighters.

While the Street Fighter 6 release date is pencilled in for June 2023, there's still plenty of time for the devs to reveal a few more surprises to the roster. In the Street Fighter 6 showcase, Capcom announced the Year 1 Character Pass contains four characters, one new and three returning fighters. The Street Fighter 6 roster features 18 characters at launch.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Street Fighter 6 release date, Street Fighter 6 roster , Street Fighter 6 preview

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, May 15, 2023 11:56 AM
    

Microsoft's proposed buyout of Activision Blizzard just received some good news. The European Commission have today approved the $70 billion acquisition, saying that Microsoft's commitments "represent a significant improvement for cloud gaming." That's a markedly different tone to the UK's conclusion last month, as the British regulator blocked the acquisition over concerns about the cloud market's future.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, May 15, 2023 10:30 AM
    

The Green New Deal Simulator begins with a talking owl. This owl can't sleep at night, mainly because it's nocturnal, but also because the planet's impending environmental doom has affected their shoddy sleep schedule. That's where the Green New Deal Simulator comes in, a micro deck-builder about transitioning the USA into a post-carbon economy, all while keeping employment rates stable. The results are simultaneously funny, educational, intense, and they help that damn owl get a good night's rest.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, May 15, 2023 10:00 AM
    

Early access strategy RPG Songs Of Conquest has added its newest necromantic campaign today, letting us raise an army of undead and knock a few bones about. The Barony Of Loth campaign features four singleplayer missions, and similar to the previous campaigns - Arleon and Rana - we'll be focused on one main faction: the necromancer.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, May 15, 2023 9:05 AM
    

Every weekend, indie devs show off current work on Twitter's #screenshotsaturday tag. And every Monday, I bring you a selection of these snaps and clips. This week, my eye has been caught by retro-inspired stylings everywhere from JRPGs to platformers, and a demonstration slicing a cat Revengeance-style (do not worry, the cat is fine, it's not a real cat, it isn't even meant to be a fake cat, it really is fine). Come admire these interesting and attractive indies!

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, May 15, 2023 9:00 AM
    

The best open world games can mean a lot of things, but here we're going with the strongest selection of games set in a sandbox, where the onus is less on survival and more on exploration or questing. You know, the sort of games where you're let loose on some open turf, perhaps with an objective, perhaps not, but always with an eye to see what's over yonder. There are some exceptions to the rule, but we reckon they're justified because some worlds are too special to discount. So, join us as we've put together our list of the 10 best open world games to play in 2023.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, May 15, 2023 6:26 AM
    

The up-and-coming farmlife indie Roots Of Pacha has been pulled from Steam, following a dispute "over the rights" of the game between developer Soda Den and publisher Crytivo. The game is a prehistoric take on Stardew Valley's crop-growing, dungeon-exploring, people-romancing formula. Its PAX East demo caught our eye earlier this year, and the full release late last month charmed many fans on Steam for the short time it was available.

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Twinfinite Monday, May 15, 2023 10:56 AM
     Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.

Twinfinite Monday, May 15, 2023 10:02 AM
     Revenge on the Koroks... I guess?

Twinfinite Monday, May 15, 2023 9:00 AM
     How many of these rare skins are in your locker?

Twinfinite Monday, May 15, 2023 6:04 AM
     Get these codes before they're gone!

Twinfinite Monday, May 15, 2023 5:21 AM
     (Apocalypse) Now that's how to explore Tears of the Kingdom in style.

Siliconera Monday, May 15, 2023 11:30 AM
    

Resident Evil STARS, Umbrella, and BSAA Lighters Returning

AmiAmi's Japanese branch revealed that the Resident Evil BSAA, STARS, and Umbrella Corporation Zippo Lighters are coming back. The 11,000円 (~$81) designs have a tentative June 2023 release window in Japan. The retailer is selling them via its website for 9,900円 each and accepting pre-orders. The English branch that ships worldwide doesn't yet have listings for them. These designs first appeared in 2017 and 2018, depending on the model. They aren't showing up on the Zippo USA website. (The Taiwanese version of the site still features a listing for the STARS one.)

First, here's the Resident Evil BSAA design. It features the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance logo on the front, specifically citing the North America branch. On the back, it lists the eight regions that apply.
[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="963352" link="file"]

Next, the STARS Resident Evil Zippo lighter features the logo on the front. On the back, it spells out the acronym by saying "Special Tactics and Rescue Service."
[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="963353" link="file"]

Finally, the Umbrella Corporation one features the logo and company name on the front. On the back, it reads, "Umbrella Corporation: 'Our business is life itself.'"
[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="963354" link="file"]

These sorts of lighters come up quite often. For example, in 2021 there was a Resident Evil Village-themed one. That had a Hound Wolf Squad logo on it.

The AmiAmi product pages that the Zippo Resident Evil BSAA, STARS, and Umbrella lighters are expected to ship in June 2023.

The post Resident Evil STARS, Umbrella, and BSAA Lighters Returning appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, May 15, 2023 11:00 AM
    

Chainsaw Man Nine Tiles Board Game

Oink Games announced a new variant of one of its existing titles. On May 26, 2023, a Chainsaw Man Nine Tiles board game version will appear. It will cost 3,000 yen (~$22). It comes with 18 cards and is designed to be played by two people. Each card is 100mm x 55mm and features a scene from episode three of the anime on the front and back. There are also 30 "scene" cards to match.

In Nine Tiles, players are attempting to match the nine tiles in front of them to the example card before their opponent. Each card in their set has images on the front and back, and it is possible to complete each overall design with the nine they possess. The person to get the most points by matching their tiles to the scenes assigned them by the end of the rounds is the winner.

It isn't uncommon for Oink Games' Nine Tiles to appear with different themes. For example, there's a version of it with Pokemon involved. Nine Tiles Pokemon Dokoda is available in Japan. However, due to licensing, it can't be directly ordered.

Oink Games' Nine Tiles is available worldwide. Imported copies also include instructions in Japanese and English. It is also available on the Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices via Let's Play! Oink Games. People can pick it up as DLC for the title for $4.99.

The Chainsaw Man Nine Tiles board game will be available in Japan on May 26, 2023. Viz Media handles the localization of the manga, while the anime is available via Crunchyroll.

The post Chainsaw Man Nine Tiles Board Game Heading to Japan appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, May 15, 2023 10:30 AM
    

Henya the Genius Joining Ironside VShojo VTuber PC Case Collection

Immediately following the debut of new VShojo VTuber Henya the Genius, Ironside teased a PC case for the performer. The preliminary photo didn't show her full art and design. However, people can see part of her outfit, her quantum physics book, and the cube she wears around her neck that can charge her phone. There's also no date for pre-orders or shipments yet. It only said the style is "coming soon." All cases in the line are available alone for $219 or as pre-built PCs that range in price from $1,217 to $3,521.

Here's Ironside's tweet teasing the upcoming case for VShojo VTuber Henya the Genius.

The last Ironside VShojo VTuber PC case updates had to do with removals. Following Silvervale and Veibae's decisions to depart the company and go independent, it noted that it would no longer sell either case. Sales for them ended on April 30, 2023. A quick peek at the product page for the collection also revealed that the Nyatasha Nyanners option is now gone as well. The only performers with PC cases in the lineup now are Apricot, Haruka, Hime, Ironmouse, Kson, Nazuna, Projekt Melody, and Zentreya.

This wouldn't be the first piece of merchandise for Henya the Genius. Following her official debut, VShojo already announced an array of items for the VTuber. People can order items like a shirt, desktop mat, keychain, and acrylic standee.

The post Henya the Genius Joining Ironside VShojo VTuber PC Case Collection appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, May 15, 2023 10:00 AM
    

When Is the Super Mario Bros Movie Digital Release Date?

People don't need to go to a theater to see The Super Mario Bros Movie soon, as Universal set a release date. An official press release went out confirming it will appear on May 16, 2023. The announcement didn't mention specific sites, instead only referencing "digital platforms." However, a number of retailers already have placeholder pages for pre-orders. Regardless of platform or version, it seems it will cost $29.99.

Here's a list of digital storefronts already selling the film.

  • Apple TV
  • Amazon: $29.99 for UHD, HD, or SD
  • Google Play: $29.99 for 4K
  • Microsoft Movies and TV: $29.99 for UHD, HD, or SD and bonus
  • VUDU: $29.99 for UHD, HDX, or SD
  • While we do know the The Super Mario Bros Movie digital release date, others haven't appeared. For example, people can already pre-order a physical Blu-ray or DVD of it. However, there's no launch date for that. Universal also didn't mention anything about which streaming services it could show up on and when.

    The Super Mario Bros Movie digital release date is May 16, 2023. People can still see it in theaters worldwide. The streaming and physical copy release dates haven't been set yet, but we can find pre-orders for those versions of the film at multiple retailers.

The post The Super Mario Bros Movie Digital Copy Debuts This Week appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, May 15, 2023 9:30 AM
    

New Nue's Exorcist Shonen Jump Manga Begins Its Run

Yet another new Shonen Jump manga called Nue's Exorcist debuted on May 14, 2023. Kota Kawae is now a part of the magazine. It's also available officially in English via Manga Plus and Viz Media. Each week on Sunday, a new chapter will appear.

Things begin with Nue overlooking students wandering around below her. She's apparently trapped in a room that nobody is spiritually aware enough to notice. She's notes that this year is her last chance right as Gakuro Yajima, a young man who can see spirits, is walking to class. When going to investigate an otherworldly disappearance, he happens upon her room and discovers she's sealed there. Following spirits attacking his classmates, he agrees to work with her to train and use her power to become strong enough to fight back and protect people.

This is the fourth new Shonen Jump manga series to debut over the last few weeks. Near the beginning of April 2023, Tenmaku Cinema started its run. That involves a high schooler possessed by a deceased film writer who is using him to complete his final work. Kill Blue, a story about an assassin transformed into a child and sent off to accomplish goals for his employer while attending an ordinary school, appeared after that. At the beginning of May 2023, the period piece boxing manga Do Retry joined the roster. In it, a young man starts boxing in order to support his sister, who is suffering from tuberculosis following WWII.

Nue's Exorcist is now running in Shonen Jump, and the next chapter of the new manga will appear on May 21, 2023.

The post New Nue's Exorcist Shonen Jump Manga Begins Its Run appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, May 15, 2023 9:10 AM
    

How to Play as Chun-Li and Ryu Street Fighter 6 Videos Shared

To help people prepare for Street Fighter 6, Capcom started sharing "how to play" videos for characters like Chun-Li and Ryu. The clips for both appeared over the weekend. Each one shows the characters in the training stage with commentary to help people understand how their traits can help with certain attacks.

First, here's the one showing how to play as Ryu in Street Fighter 6. It cited his "intuitive" moves, as well as the ability to use Hadoken projectile and mid-range moves to allow someone to attack, but perhaps still remain out of reach. It also pointed out how some of his attacks, when used, help move him toward the opponent to set up a combo.

In the video clip going over how to play as Chun-Li in Street Fighter 6, it noted her speed when moving and attacking. It pointed out how she has easy-to-execute moves, like Ryu, and that they can chain into her special attacks. It ended by emphasizing the versatility of her Hazanshu attack.

People can already take advantages of opportunities to try to play as Chun-Li and Ryu in Street Fighter 6. The demo is available now. In the Versus mode section of it, you can use either Ryu or Luke. There will also be an open beta later this week. Both Chun-Li and Ryu will be among the characters playable during it.

Street Fighter 6 will appear on the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on June 2, 2023. A demo is available now. Its open beta will appear May 19-21, 2023. It will also show up in arcades after launch.

The post How to Play as Chun-Li and Ryu Street Fighter 6 Videos Shared appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, May 15, 2023 8:00 AM
    

honkai star rail Asta build relic set light cone

In Honkai: Star Rail, all players will receive a free copy of Asta as part of the Warp Tutorial. Despite how easy it is to get her, she is an invaluable support unit due to her Ultimate. She can also serve as a decent (albeit not fantastic) sub-DPS if needed against single targets. Here is a guide on how to use and build your Asta in Honkai: Star Rail with Relic sets and Light Cones.

Asta is a Fire Harmony unit whose Skill is very good at Breaking an enemy who is weak to Fire. Because it's random, it's the most useful when all enemies have a Fire weakness or when there is only one enemy for her to hit. Against a single target, her Skill can hit a whopping five times, which can easily Break and Burn an enemy. Asta has a Trace, Ignite, that can increase how much Fire DMG her allies can dish out as well. And that's not all! Her Astrometry Talent increases her allies' ATK by 7.0% (capping at 35%) for every Charge she has. She gains a Charge for every different enemy she attacks, so you can use her Skill to hit multiple targets at once for a massive boost.

On the flip side, she really can't take that much damage, so you need to run her with a good Abundance or Preseveration unit. Her main asset is her Ultimate though, which greatly boosts the party's Speed. This will in turn increase how many times your party can move per cycle.

[caption id="attachment_963110" align="aligncenter" width="768"]honkai star rail asta ultimiate Image via Siliconera[/caption]

What are the Best Light Cones for an Asta Build in Honkai: Star Rail?

When choosing Light Cones for Asta, you should prioritize ones that increase her Energy Recharge. Her base Energy Recharge is not fantastic, and since her Ultimate is her main bread and butter, she wants to use it as often as she can. Some Light Cones that you can consider for Asta includ

  • Meshing Cogs: Generates 4-8 extra Energy whenever the wearer attacks or gets hit. However, this effect only activates once per turn. As a 3-star Light Cone though, this is very cheap and FTP-friendly, especially if you're still in the early game.
  • Dance! Dance! Dance!: When the wearer uses their Ultimate, all allies' actions are Advanced Forward by 16-24%. This serves to amplify Asta's Ultimate and is more immediate.
  • Memories of the Past: Increases the wearer's Break Effect by 28-56% and additionally regenerates 4-8 Energy whenever the wearer attacks. This is great if you want your Asta to have a slightly more offensive role on your team while also making sure she can get her Ultimate back as soon as possible.
  • Planetary Rendezvous: DMG dealt increases by 12% if an ally deals the same DMG Type as the wearer. This is only if you plan on running Asta in a Burn team to take advantage of her Ignite Trace.
  • But the Battle Isn't Over: Increases wearer's Energy Regeneration by 10-18% and regenerates 1 Skill Point when the wearer uses their Ultimate on an ally. When wearer uses Skill, next ally taking action (excluding wearer) deals 30% more DMG for 1 turn. This is, thus far, Asta's best Light Cone but it's a 5-star. In general, this is a fantastic one for any Harmony character, since their entire kit focuses on supporting allies.

What are the Best Relics for an Asta Build in Honkai: Star Rail?

As for Relics, the same rules apply. Try to prioritize Energy Regeneration, Fire DMG, and Break. Her Speed boost does not scale off of any particular stat, which gives you some freedom to work around. This is because you do not need to go out of your way to boost it and so can focus on Asta herself. Some Relic Sets you can use on Asta include:

  • Firesmith of Lava-Forging: This will focus on increasing Asta's Fire DMG. However, you should stack her stats with things like Energy Regeneration since her priority should still be her Ultimate.
  • Sprightly Vonwacq: This is a Planar Ornament Set that increases the wearer's Energy Regeneration by 5%. Once the wearer reaches 120+ SPD, their action is Advanced Forward by 40% immediately.
  • Fleet of the Ageless: This is also a Planar Ornament Set. Since Sprightly Vonwacq only gives a 5% bonus to Energy Regeneration, you can use instead to increase her HP for a better chance at survival. She can also increase her allies' ATK if she reaches the SPD threshold of 120+.

Honkai: Star Rail is readily available on mobile devices and Windows PC. It'll appear on the PS4 and PS5 in the future.

The post Asta Is an Amazing Support in Honkai: Star Rail appeared first on Siliconera.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, May 15, 2023 11:56 AM
     Tears Of The Kingdom Poe Souls GuidePoe Souls are a new collectible to find in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. And you may have already collected a bunch from the Depths, a massive sprawling underground map beneath the Surface. The game doesn't exactly make it clear what these Poe Souls do though. And while this isn't the first time Poe's have featured in Zelda, they've never been used like this. So, let's get into how you use Poe Souls in Tears of the Kingdom. Tears of the Kingdom: How to use Poe Souls Poe Souls are found all across the depths in various places. For the most part, you'll see lots of little groups of Poe Souls that are each worth one. But you can also find larger Poe Souls with a green flame that are worth five. Then there are Souls that glow red and these are worth 20. There are a lot of these to find across the depths, and it's in your best interest to collect as many as you see. Screenshot by PC Invasion As for what you actually...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, May 15, 2023 11:54 AM
     Climbing Gear Location In Tears Of The KingdomDo you miss your favorite Climbing Gear shirt from Breath of the Wild? You're in luck, because you can find the same Climbing Gear in Tears of the Kingdom. Its location can be quite easy to miss if you're not enough of a sleuth. To prevent you from missing this vital outfit, we'll show you the Climbing Gear location in Tears of the Kingdom. Location of Climbing Gear in Tears of the Kingdom Once you've made it off of Great Sky Island and have all of Hyrule to explore, make your way northwest. The main quest tells you to start in Hebra anyway, which is the northwestern region where Rito Village resides. On your way, you should come across New Serenne Stable. Screenshots by PC Invasion Northeast of this stable is a small hole in the ground, which will lead you to North Hyrule Plain Cave. This hole is easy to miss, but the exact location of the Climbing Gear is even more hidden. ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, May 15, 2023 11:47 AM
     Tears Of The Kingdom Ekochiu Shrine Puzzle FeaturedThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom brings about a whole new host of puzzles, with a lot of these coming in the returning shrines. Shrines are small dungeons which you can complete quickly if you know how to solve the puzzle, but that's easier said than done. With Tears of the Kingdom's new abilities, there is a whole new world of puzzles for you to enjoy. One of the shrines that takes advantage of the new abilities is the Ekochiu Shrine. Here's our guide on how to solve the Ekochiu Shrine puzzle in Tears of the Kingdom. How to solve Ekochiu Shrine puzzle in Tears of the Kingdom The trick to solve the Ekochiu Shrine puzzle is to use your Recall ability. This ability is key to solving every single puzzle in this dungeon. The first puzzle you see will be a concrete cube that is on a rail. You can step on the switch behind the contraption to fling the concrete cube to the other side of the room. Once you do this a single time, you'll be able to use Recall on it to send the c...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, May 15, 2023 11:09 AM
     How to get Throwing Stars in CoD: MW2 and Warzone 2The Throwing Knife is one of the flashiest weapons in MW2 and Warzone 2. For the longest time, there's not been another weapon quite like it, but that's all changed now Throwing Stars have been added to the game. As with every new weapon, there's a unique unlock requirement. This one's tough, so let me show you how to get Throwing Stars in CoD: MW2 and Warzone 2. Whether you've got access to MW2 or not, I've got a strategy you can use. It's time to live out your ninja fantasies on the Warzone. How to get Throwing Stars in CoD: MW2 and Warzone 2 To unlock the Throwing Stars, you need 50 Throwing Knife kills. This challenge is tough because Throwing Knives are so hard to aim. You won't usually win a head-to-head fight unless you're extremely lucky. A strategy for MW2 owners As with most weapon unlocks, you'll have a much easier time if you have MW2. The Shipment 24/7 playlist is perfect, and as the map is so...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, May 15, 2023 10:59 AM
     Tears Of The Kingdom Zora Armor FeaturedThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has a multitude of different things for you to do within its vast open-world. You can do different types of quests, go hunting monsters, or even just spend 20 hours running around collecting ingredients for your next dish. One of the more satisfying things to do while exploring however is climbing waterfalls, which is a benefit you get by wearing the Zora Armor. Here's our guide on how to get Zora Armor in Tears of the Kingdom. Where to get Zora Armor in Tears of the Kingdom You get the Zora Armor in Tears of the Kingdom by completing a small quest. You're going to want to have this to climb the waterfalls when doing the main story section that's in Zora's Domain, as the location you head to in that section is immensely easier by having this armor. Screenshot by PC Invasion Getting this quest is pretty easy to do, all you have to do is go to Zora's Domain and talk to Yona, Sidon's beloved, and that will activate...

WGB, Home of AWESOME Reviews Monday, May 15, 2023 7:49 AM
     The UK chart for boxed game sales has arrived, bringing with it lots of fun little statistical factoids that I love to geek out over. It's possible that I need to seriously examine my life choices, but for now I'm going to enjoy the numbers and hope that you do to.