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Sep 05, 16:00


Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 3:26 PM
    

Since Starfield is a massive open-world spacefaring RPG, there's plenty to do and see, but equally much you can miss if you aren't paying attention. One easily overlooked item is a goated spacesuit that's locked behind a glass case. However, if you're sly and tricky enough, you can obtain it very early on.

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 3:06 PM
    

On September 8, Ash Ketchum's final Pokémon episodes will premiere on Netflix. After 25 years and over 1,200 episodes, the anime has retired its long-time protagonist and is moving on to new main characters Liko and Roy as they embark on a journey throughout the Pokémon world. Depending on who you ask, this is either…

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:15 PM
    

I have awoken from my sliced ham and prosecco-induced holiday slumber and am ready to acknowledge (with only a little bit of a tremor) that we are in a new year. New year, new me? No. Spiral ham and prosecco remind me that it's okay for some things to always remain the same. New year, new set of video game release…

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:00 PM
    

Nintendo announced in a September 5 blog post that it will release both a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch and two Nintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons bundles on October 6. The Mario Kart bundle "offers players everything they need to start their Super Mario adventures," Nintendo writes, while the Ani…

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:46 PM
    

Last year, the internet and gamers went wild over Stray, a platformer about a lone cat wandering around a futuristic city. Now, Annapurna's animation studio is actively developing an animated film based on 2022's most famous cat game.

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:20 PM
    

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, a game that's had a troubled development rife with multiple delays, now has new developers and is eyeing a 2024 release date.

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:15 PM
    

There are a lot of planets and star systems to explore in Starfield, Bethesda's latest sci-fi open-world RPG. To get around the black cosmos, though, you're going to need a pretty good ship, and while you're gifted one at the start of the campaign, there's one that's better in almost every way.

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:11 PM
    

Early September looks pretty nice for Xbox's subscription service Game Pass. In a September 5 blog post, the company announced subscribers could expect to play action role-playing game Starfield, moody Soulslike Lies of P, and more in the first few weeks before fall.

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:08 PM
    

Starfield launches on September 6, but if you shelled out a few extra credits for the premium edition, you might already be well on your way to charting out your path among the stars. Either way, if you haven't finished the main quest and have been hearing about the game's New Game Plus mode (a first for Bethesda),…

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:41 AM
    

Starfield's upscaling controversy on PC continues. The person responsible for the open-world sci-fi RPG's most popular mod offering DLSS2 support has now created one for DLSS3 as well. It's locked behind a Patreon paywall though, angering some in the mod community and leading a few to circumvent the project's DRM and…

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:28 AM
    

I did not expect Starfield to have so many useless items lying about that I could pick up and do absolutely nothing with. A few hours into the sprawling sci-fi blockbuster and my first ship is already full of junk I'm just dumping on the floor, unsure where to place it, and apparently I'm not alone. Starfield players…

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:43 AM
    

Though Starfield isn't even out of its Early Access period yet (its full release will happen at 12:00 a.m. UTC on September 6, or 8 p.m. Eastern on September 5), one speedrunner has already managed to beat Bethesda's hundreds-of-hours long game in less time than it takes to watch Barbenheimer. The speedrunner,…

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:11 AM
    

Final Fantasy XVI's long-rumored and all but confirmed PC version has now been made official by the game's producer, Naoki Yoshida. He told fans on September 2 that they can expect more information on the timing of the port before the end of the year, and revealed that two DLC expansions are also definitely happening.…

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:00 AM
    

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Kotaku Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:30 AM
    

Whenever I'm not sitting in front of my laptop writing or reviewing video games and anime, I'm sitting in front of my laptop watching YouTube video essays. My eye doctor is worried, but we're not here to talk about how terminally online I am. Instead, I'm gonna put you on five YouTube video essayists you might not…

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PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:24 PM
    

Who are the Starborn in Starfield? You're likely searching this because you've heard about the Starborn through the grapevine, or you've just encountered them in-game and you want to know exactly who they are before you proceed. It's safe to say they're harboring secrets, but exactly who are they and what do they know?

There are plenty of Starfield factions, but the one nobody knew about before launch is the Starborn, who have very fancy looking Starfield ships indeed and can go invisible when in combat. But which of the many Starfield planets are they from, and what's their deal? Here's the lowdown on the Starfield Starborn faction.

Of course, it goes without saying that there are enormous spoilers for the main story of Starfield here, so tread carefully.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Starfield review, Starfield companions, Starfield traits

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:22 PM
     Striker Odyssey codes September 2023

September 5, 2023: We added new Striker Odyssey codes to our list.

What are the new Striker Odyssey codes? This anime-themed, skill-based Roblox game has blown up in popularity since its launch earlier in the year. If you're looking for free spins to get ahead of the competition, we've got a list of the latest Striker Odyssey codes down below.

If you're a Striker Odyssey fan, you might also want to check out our Project Slayers codes and Blox Fruits codes. If you're looking for something with a tactical edge on Roblox, maybe our All Star Tower Defense codes are more your speed. Now, let's get you some freebies in Striker Odyssey.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:20 PM
     Baldur's Gate 3 update brings good news for Minthara lovers

Baldur's Gate 3 is the best RPG game I've ever played, and its constant updates only make it better. Larian Studios steadily releases hotfix patches for Baldur's Gate 3, from those that address minor bugs to others that bring major gameplay changes. If you're waiting for the next update, you'll be happy to hear that it just arrived. The latest patch holds great news for players romancing Minthara alongside a plethora of fixes to make the virtual Dungeons & Dragons experience smoother.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Baldur's Gate 3 quests, Baldur's Gate 3 review, Baldur's Gate 3 class

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:19 PM
     Project Mugetsu codes September 2023

September 5, 2023: We added four new Project Mugetsu codes to our list.

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 via PM codes as you begin your journey will make the Bleach-inspired Roblox anime brawler a much more enjoyable experience. If you're in need of extra freebies, be sure to check out our Anime Adventures codes, Blox Fruits codes, and All Star Tower Defense codes lists.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:11 PM
     Starfield already has its first essential Steam Deck performance mod

The full Starfield release date hasn't even arrived yet, but, as you'd expect when it comes to one of the most anticipated PC games of the year, that hasn't stopped fans from creating their own ways to improve the game, like with this new Starfield Steam Deck performance mod.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Starfield review, Starfield companions, Starfield traits

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:05 PM
     Prologue release date rumors, trailers, and more

When is the Prologue release date? If you're a fan of PUBG: Battlegrounds and you've been keeping an eye on PlayerUnknown himself, then chances are you're desperate to find out what Brendan Greene is up to. Well, you're not alone.

From what we've seen and heard so far, it appears that Greene will be leaving his battle royale roots behind him to create the foundations for new and innovative open-world games. At its core, Prologue will be a pay-what-you-want tech demo featuring a huge open world you can explore at your own pace. But what it means is much, much more - especially if his team can pull it off.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Upcoming PC Games

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:58 PM
     Starfield Mantis puzzle solution – how to complete Lair of the Mantis

What is the Starfield Mantis puzzle solution in the Lair of the Mantis? The Mantis side quest is one of Starfield's best, but getting to the rewards at the end is no mean feat, as you must work out the solution to a floor puzzle in a tight corridor, where a single wrong step will cause high-level turrets to decimate you before you can blink.

So we're here to help, because the solution is by no means obvious. Completing the quest nets you some of the best Starfield armor in the game, and one of the best Starfield ships, so you definitely want to complete it as early as possible. Below, we have the quick answer to the Starfield Mantis puzzle for those of you who are stuck there as you read this, followed by a step-by-step guide to the full quest, if you need more detailed instructions.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Starfield review, Starfield companions, Starfield traits

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:34 PM
     The Sims 4 reveals two new kits, ending the summer with a splash

The Sims 4 holds a special place in my heart as one of the greatest simulation games of all time. EA continues to release content for The Sims 4, in the form of expansion packs or smaller kits. From entirely new species such as horses to more decorative-focused content, there's no shortage of new features coming to the game. It looks like summer isn't over yet for EA, as the developer just announced two brand-new kits that are sure to cause waves. The Poolside Splash Kit and Modern Luxe Kit are on their way to liven up your gameplay.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Sims 4 mods, Best Sims 4 sex mods, The Sims 4 cheats

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:30 PM
     CS2 ranks and rating system explained

How does the ranks and rating system work in Counter-Strike 2? Competitive Counter-Strike is drastically changing in CS2 to create a more streamlined experience depending on how you prefer to play the game. There are now two forms of ranked play in CS2: Competitive and Premier.

Unlike CSGO, your rank is split depending on the mode you're playing in Counter-Strike 2. Don't worry, if you're a Global Elite-level player, as long as you continue to play well on the CS2 maps you should end up exactly where you deserve to be in the FPS game. Valve has removed the option to pick short or long games, instead, they've settled on MM24 to get directly to the action. Here's what you need to know about the rank and ratings system in CS2.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Counter-Strike 2 release date, Counter-Strike 2 beta access, Counter-Strike 2 maps

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:17 PM
     Everyone can try Payday 3 for free on Steam ahead of launch

Payday 3 is almost here, and now you and your buddies can jump into the game ahead of the Payday 3 release date for free, and help Starbreeze get ready for launch. An icon of the co-op FPS game genre, Payday 3 promises to do more of what you loved over the last decade, and who can argue with a free weekend of gaming?

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best co-op games on PC, The best crime games on PC, The best FPS games

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:14 PM
     Is Baldur's Gate 3 Steam Deck compatible?

Is Baldur's Gate 3 Steam Deck compatible? Those of us wanting to take our Baldur's Gate 3 adventures on the go for a portable D&D experience will be pleased to hear the RPG plays well on the Steam Deck. However, Larian Studios has rolled just shy of a natural 20 in managing the handheld experience, and there are a few things that hold it back from being a critical hit.

Players with a high passive perception will note that the Baldur's Gate 3 system requirements demand 150GB of your storage before you can start exploring the Forgotten Realms. With how expansive the Dungeons and Dragons universe is, that hefty storage demand should come to no surprise. Nevertheless, you can always check out our guide to the best microSD card for Steam Deck if you find yourself struggling to make space.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:07 PM
     Surfshark: A fast, feature-rich VPN

Surfshark VPN launched in 2018—much later than many of the top VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Even though Surfshark hasn't been around for long, it has become one of the best VPN services on the market today thanks to its superior performance, security, and extensive feature set.

In addition to securing your connection with the best-in-class security protocols and encryption cyphers, Surfshark can easily circumvent geo-blocks on streaming websites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Since Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, you can share your account with friends and family who want to stay safe online or stream geo-blocked content.

You can use Surfshark to secure your connection when using public WiFi or performing tasks that involve using confidential information, like online banking.

Surfshark moved its headquarters from the British Virgin Islands to the Netherlands in February 2021. Old users continue to be treated within the BVI jurisdiction, while GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) applies to new users. Users can request to delete their data and explicitly permit Surfshark to process it under the GDPR.

If you want to learn more about Surfshark, read our comprehensive Surfshark review below.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:53 AM
     Lords of the Fallen devs are worried about the amount of soulslikes

Lords of the Fallen faces a considerable challenge. In a post Dark Souls world, where the soulslike has become a well-charted and ever extensive genre unto itself, how do you make a dark RPG game stand out? FromSoftware has delivered over and over again, starting with Demon's Souls, then the Dark Souls trilogy, Bloodborne, Sekiro, and most recently Elden Ring. Throw Nioh, The Surge, Blasphemous, Wo Long, and dozens of others into the mix, and you've got a potentially saturated buyer's market, where any new soulslike might struggle for attention. But CI Games, creators of Lords of the Fallen, also see value in the long-reaching legacy of FromSoftware's original opus. Speaking exclusively to PCGamesN, ahead of the Lords of the Fallen release date, creative director Cezar Virtuso and art director Alexandre Chaudret discuss the thrilling challenge of making a modern soulslike.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best soulslike games, Best RPG games, Best fantasy games

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:48 AM
     All The Forest cheats and console commands

What are The Forest cheats and console commands? They are the best and simplest way to make your life of survival from the creepy cannibals a little easier, so here's a list of each one.

Compared to the best The Forest mods, which have some wild and wacky possibilities like altering the tides and respawning trees, these console commands are more straightforward. While you need to take some steps to enable The Forest cheats and console commands, which we've outlined at the bottom of this guide, once you know how to do it everything is quite simple. You can skip the initial The Forest plane crash sequence, teleport to any coordinates of your choosing, kill animals at the push of a button, and even enable god mode.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The Forest System Requirements, The Forest mods, The Forest cheats

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:35 AM
     Best turn based RPGs on PC 2023

What are the best turn based RPGs? These games are more about how your characters evolve over time. The nature of progression and the choices you can make means that your abilities and journey may never entirely be the same across multiple playthroughs. Unlike traditional RPGs, more tools focus on tracking these changes and evolution over time. They're also about offering robust combat mechanics and making the best use of your squad as a team working towards a common goal.

While this list may have a lot in common with our guide to the best RPG games, turn based RPGs tend to focus more on squad-based combat and have roots in the classic tabletop RPGs of old. Games in this niche are often similar to turn-based strategy games, though to make the distinction relevant, we're focusing on games with more pronounced RPG features. Let's look at some of the best turn-based RPGs on PC.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Wasteland 3 review, How long is Wasteland 3?, The best RPG games on PC

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:30 AM
     The most fun FPS campaign on Steam is the price of a coffee, again

I'm always in the market for a fast-paced and frenetic FPS game. The type of shooter that has fluid movement, quick gunplay, and excellent level design that challenges your skill while consistently throwing curve balls at you. If you have too, you'll be happy to hear that what I consider one of the best shooters in the genre is currently cheaper on Steam than most half-decent coffees. If you haven't played it already, you need to try Titanfall 2.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Titanfall 2 class guide, Titanfall 2 PC port review, Titanfall 2 campaign review

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:27 AM
     Payday 3 release date, open beta, trailers, gameplay, story, and more

When is the Payday 3 release date? It's time to call up the gang, devise a dangerous plan to sneak into a New York skyscraper, and rob everyone blind. As the name gives away, Payday 3 is a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Payday 2.

Just like its predecessor, Payday 3 is a first-person shooter co-op game from Starbreeze Studios. Thanks to several trailers and developer diaries, we've got a pretty good idea of what to expect from the FPS game. Here's an overview of the Payday 3 release date, gameplay features, storyline, and more.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best co-op games on PC, The best crime games on PC, The best FPS games

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:18 AM
     Honkai Star Rail is offering a massive amount of Jade in new game mode

Honkai Star Rail is giving players yet another reason to play through its Simulated Universe -- as if the weekly rewards and character-build items weren't enough already. HoYoverse is adding a new game mode to the anime game called Swarm Disaster, and it's offering a surprising 4,500 Stellar Jade -- enough for nearly three 10-pulls in Honkai Star Rail -- to those who complete the challenge.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:17 AM
     The 69 best Minecraft skins 2023 – cute and cool skins to use

What are the best Minecraft skins? We've scoured the internet and tried on some of the coolest Minecraft skins out there to save you the trouble, whether you want to look like your favorite animal, superhero, or anime character.

Of course, you can always choose a default Minecraft skin. There are seven more characters to choose from now on top of the original Steve and Alex: Noor, Sunny, Ari, Zuri, Makena, Kai, and Efe. That said, if you'd rather rock a more unique and ultra-cute Minecraft skin instead, we'd recommend a custom fit. With an abundance of cool skins to choose from, however, it can be hard to find the best ones on your own, so here are some of the best Minecraft skins available to download right now on NameMC.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:18 AM
     How to build the best Starfield outpost

How do you build the best Starfield outpost? The outposts system in Starfield allows you to create your base camp wherever you desire on almost every planet. Depending on the purpose of constructing these outposts, your buildings can range from miniature homes to full-blown resource generators.

There are over 1,000 Starfield planets to explore, many of which are resource-heavy and have been left uninhabited by any other species. Utilize these planets by building extractors and assigning your Starfield companions to help mine precious resources, giving you the materials you need for Starfield research projects to improve your equipment. Here's what you need to know about Starfield outposts, including what it costs to build them and why they're so important.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Starfield review, Starfield companions, Starfield traits

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:46 AM
     The 13 best Minecraft texture packs to download in 2023

Looking for the best Minecraft texture packs for 1.20? These colorful and game-altering texture packs can turn your world into an entirely new experience. Of course, Minecraft's low-fi charm is part of the draw, but texture packs range from subtle changes to an all-over reskin, so you can choose just how much you want to leave vanilla Minecraft behind.

Just like the best Minecraft mods and shaders, texture packs can help give an entirely new feel to one of the best PC games of the last decade, and it's just one of many ways of keeping the sandbox game feeling fresh after all these years. While some mods can alter gameplay, and shaders change the quality and style of the graphics, texture packs allow you to add a new skin to existing blocks. Included in our list of the best texture packs, you'll find realistic blocks, cartoonish overhauls, and cute changes to the way Minecraft mobs look.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:31 AM
     Hades 2 release date speculation, early access, trailers, and story

When is the Hades 2 release date? After the runaway success of Hades, fans are excited to see what Supergiant Games has in store for the follow-up to this huge indie hit. When will you be able to get your hands on it, though?

The mythological roguelike game was revealed during The Game Awards 2022. Despite receiving critical praise for their previous titles, Hades 2 is the first sequel Supergiant Games has ever made. We're expecting big things from the devs - the original Hades was so good that it made our best PC games list. So with all of the fluff out of the way, it's time to take a look at everything we know so far about Hades 2, including trailers, story, and gameplay.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:15 AM
     Starfield story and timeline explained

What is the Starfield story? From our time in game and information released by Bethesda, we've pieced together a Starfield timeline spanning 278 years, allowing us to track all the major events in the story up until you get involved in the year 2330.

We know how big Starfield is - spoiler alert, space is big - so it stands to reason that a universe of this size would have an expansive history to match. The official Starfield timeline charts humanity's course across the stars and their eventual settlement on distant Starfield planets, as well as the founding of major Starfield cities. Given how long Starfield is, let us walk you through the history of the Settled Systems.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Starfield review, Starfield companions, Starfield traits

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:26 AM
     Where to sell items in Starfield – vendor locations

Where can you sell Starfield items? It's a great question because there is so much loot to pilfer and acquire throughout the enormous galaxy. You'll very quickly run out of storage space both in your inventory, in your ship's cargo hold, and on any poor companion you offload your junk to.

To make things more difficult, it seems at first like you can't even sell all your unwanted stuff to the same vendor. New Atlantis has a number of different shops, but you'll quickly discover you can't sell your spare Starfield weapons to the convenience store, for example. This is what you need to know about selling Starfield items and where to go to get the most value.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Starfield review, Starfield companions, Starfield traits

PCGamesN Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:24 AM
     Diablo 4 DLC release date speculation, content, and more

When does the Diablo 4 DLC release? As if the latest in the long-running series wasn't big enough, it seems that there are not one but two upcoming expansions coming in the future, and that's not counting the myriad of seasonal ladders we will experience soon.

We can draw on our knowledge of Diablo 4 as well as Blizzard's marketing tactics to estimate when the Diablo 4 DLC might be released, thanks to previous series data. Previous expansions have introduced new Diablo 4 classes to completely change the meta, new items to give us excitingly powerful Diablo 4 builds, and encounters with Prime Evils not seen in the base game.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Diablo 4 builds, Diablo 4 review, Diablo 4 classes

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:15 PM
    

Ring the bell, everybody, it's time for another round of game developers telling players that they don't really understand what a "game engine" is. The spark this time is little-known science fiction adventure Starfield, which I believe we've reported on before. The game has a few obvious foibles - in my experience as a space pirate, NPCs sometimes struggle to navigate their surroundings, and then there are those stark disconnects between planetary surfaces and orbital space. Hiccups such as these have led a few players to wonder whether the game might work better using different technology, and in particular, the newer versions of Epic's ubiquitous Unreal Engine. Isn't Bethesda's proprietary Creation Engine, which the company have been updating since 2011, getting a little long in the tooth?

You'll find a lot of the discussion below this post from Digital Foundry boffin John Linneman on Twxter, which has attracted both gloating PlayStation fans (remember, Starfield is Xbox-only in console land) and a number of thoughtful replies from some fairly senior game developers. This conversation goes back a fair way, of course - people have been ragging on Bethesda for using "the same engine" for years. And there's a definite air of world-weariness to some of the developer responses.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:56 PM
    

The name Nextorage might not mean much to you, but this storage company was founded by Sony Japan employees in 2019 and acquired by NVMe SSD controller manufacturer Phison in 2022 - making them well-placed to deliver some high-quality SSDs. Today, their flagship NEM-PA2TB 2TB SSD is down to $109.99 at Newegg, where you can even pick up a $10 gift card with the purchase - neat.

For context, that ties the best price we've seen for a 2TB NVMe SSD, although this option comes with a heatsink and is therefore a better choice for many PC and all PS5 owners.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:42 PM
    

Want to build a small form factor PC based around Intel's 12th-gen, 13th-gen or even their mooted 14th-gen processors? You should know that one of the best Mini ITX motherboards available for Intel CPUs has dropped to $309.99 at Amazon, a high but fair(er) price for an extremely powerful SFF motherboard packed with features. That represents a $90 discount and the best price ever recorded for this model, so it's well worth reading more...

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:57 AM
    

Former chairman of PlayStation Studios Shawn Layden has Thoughts and somewhat dire warnings about the videogame industry's future, though what exactly he means by "the videogame industry" is a little open to guesswork.

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Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:00 PM
    

KOF XV Duo Lon

SNK revealed the release date for Duo Lon, the latest DLC character for KOF XV. The Hizoku clan assassin will become available to play as (or against) on September 12, 2023, to those who purchase the $5.99 add-on or $29.99 Fighter Pass. There's also a new trailer showing him off.

Duo Lon is an assassin who fights using dark magic, teleporting, and extendable limbs. He uses his speed and mobility to neutralize opponents. In the trailer, you can see him trading words with Najd, Ash and Elisabeth before unleashing a special attack on Gato. Duo Lon also mentions Shen Woo, another character who is not yet playable in KOF XV.

You can watch his character trailer below:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e0A6PN3pVE[/embed]

You can see some official screenshots in the post below:

[embed]https://twitter.com/SNKPofficial/status/1698878867178455293?s=20[/embed]

Duo Lon was originally revealed as a DLC fighter for KOF XV at Evo 2023. The previous DLC fighter, Najd, had her release date revealed at that event. That's also when her own trailer and character breakdown appeared too. There is one final character remaining in this round of DLC. While their identity is unknown they are scheduled for release in Winter 2023.

The King of Fighters XV (KOF XV) is available on the PC, Xbox Series X, PS4 and PS5, with Duo Lon set to release on September 12, 2023, for those who purchase his DLC or the Fighter Pass.

The post KOF XV Duo Lon Trailer and Release Date Revealed appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 3:30 PM
    

2023 Hatsune Miku Super Groupies Merchandise Includes Coat, Bag, and Watch

Super Groupies announced a 2023 Hatsune Miku merchandise collection. This means a whole new set of items based on the Vocaloid. Each features a new series of designs compared to past items. This time, there's a Hatsune Miku bag, jacket, wallet, and watch. There's also an early purchase bonus that gives people an illustration card with art by Fuka Hire. Pre-orders are open until September 25, 2023, with WorldShopping allowing worldwide shipping. Items are expected to arrive in February 2024.

The new Hatsune Miku bag, coat, wallet, and watch are all based on the Fuka Hire design in which the Vocaloid is wearing all of them as an outfit. The watch has a pink square hour hand, like her hair accessory, and its teal and black. It also notes 01, which is her number, and has HTN-39 on it. The jacket also features the same pink square hair accessory references on the buttons. It's mainly black, with some teal and magenta accents. It features 01 on the back. The bag also features similar 01 and HTN-39 stitching and the teal accents, as does the wallet.

Here's the full list of Super Groupies Hatsune Miku merchandise and the prices:

  • Hatsune Miku Bag - ¥17,600 (~$119)
  • Hatsune Miku Jacket in M, L, XL, and XXL - ¥27,500 (~$186)
  • Hatsune Miku Wallet - ¥15,400 (~$104)
  • Hatsune Miku Watch - ¥22,000 (~$149)

Here's a closer look at all the items:
[gallery columns="4" size="full" ids="982367,982368,982369,982370" link="file"]

Finally, here's the Fuka Hire art card that people can get with orders:
[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="982365" link="file"]

Super Groupies recently brought some past items back. In June 2023, older Hatsune Miku items returned.

The new Super Groupies Hatsune Miku merchandise is expected to arrive in February 2024.

The post 2023 Hatsune Miku Super Groupies Merchandise Includes Coat, Bag, and Watch appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 3:00 PM
    

Hololive DEV_IS ReGLOSS

Hololive revealed ReGLOSS is a new music band composed of five VTubers under the DEV_IS branch. Cover recently announced the new generation and revealed the schedule for the debut of each member. The streams will happen between September 9-10, 2023. Additionally, ReGLOSS released its first song, titled "Shunkan Heartbeat."

Hololive DEV_IS' ReGLOSS consists of five new members: Hiodoshi Ao, Otonose Kanade, Ichijou Ririka, Juufuutei Raden, and Todoroki Hajime. Hiodoshi Ao is a manga artist that plays cool and aloof, but under the surface is an otaku. Otonose Kanade is an aspiring musician who wears her heart on her sleeve. Ichijou Ririka is an enterpreneur who started her own company on a whim and seems to be quite successful. Juufuutei Raden is a lover of arts and culture that enjoys both tradition and revolution. Raden is an ardent fan of rakugo, and is practicing public speaking. Todoroki Hajime is a restless jane-of-all-trades with the goal of being the number 1 most badass person in the universe.

Here is the schedule for the debut of all five members of Hololive DEV_IS:

  • Hiodoshi Ao – 7am ET/4am PT on September 9, 2023 (8pm JST/1pm CEST)
  • Otonose Kanade – 7:30am ET/4:30am PT on September 9, 2023 (8:30pm JST/1:30pm CEST)
  • Ichijou Ririka – 8am ET/5am PT on September 9, 2023 (9pm JST/2pm CEST)
  • Juufuutei Raden – 7am ET/4am PT on September 10, 2023 (8pm JST/1pm CEST)
  • Todoroki Hajime – 7:30am ET/4:30am PT on September 10, 2023 (8:30pm JST/1:30pm CEST)

After the debut of Hiodoshi Ao, Otonose Kanade, and Ichijou Ririka, a collaboration stream between the three will be held at 5:30am PT on September 9, 2023 (8:30am ET/2:30pm CEST/9:30pm JST). A second collaboration stream with all five members of ReGLOSS will be held at 5am PT on September 10, 2023 (8am ET/2pm CEST/9pm JST).

You can check out the debut song of ReGLOSS, "Shunkan Heartbeat," below. The video includes closed captions in both English and Japanese.

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

As a reminder, Hololive English Advent is the previous most recent Hololive group to have debuted, and it appeared on late July 2023.

The new Hololive DEV_IS VTubers will debut between September 9-10, 2023.

The post Hololive ReGLOSS Debuts this Weekend, First Song out Now appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:30 PM
    

Suzume Nendoroids

Suzume Nendoroids will be released next year, according to Good Smile Company. Figures of both Suzume Iwato and Souta Munakata are set to be released in February 2024. They are both available for pre-order now for ¥7,000 each. They are also both available from the US store, where they cost $45.99 each and will be released in Q3 2024.

The Suzume Iwato Nendoroid comes equipped with a smartphone, a set of boots and her childhood chair with the missing leg. She will also have two face plates, with one smiling and another looking serious. The Souta Munakata Nendoroid comes with his Closer Key and a small figure of Daijin the cat. Like Suzume, he will also have smiling and serious face plates.

The Suzume Nendoroids were first announced at WonHobby 36. At the time, they were teased alongside a prototype of the Suzume Pop-Up Parade figure, which is set for release in December 2023.

Suzume is the latest movie from Your Name director Makoko Shinkai. Originally released to great acclaim in late 2022, it has become Shinkai's most successful film to date. It has since received a worldwide release in April 2023. Release dates for the movie coming to Blu-Ray and streaming services have yet to be confirmed.

The Suzume Nendoroids are available for pre-order now, with an initial release date of February 2024.

The post Suzume and Souta Nendoroids Are Coming in 2024 appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:00 PM
    

Fire Emblem Heroes Claude

The latest banner coming to Fire Emblem Heroes is called Winds Offered, and it will contain new versions of Claude, Dagr, Catria and a duo unit of Kagero and Orochi. The banner is set to begin on September 7, 2023. It will run roughly a month before ending on October 7, 2023.

The characters featured in this banner are:

  • Claude: Golden Breeze, a Green Dagger Flier.
  • Dagr: Bluster Princess, a Red Sword Cavalry unit.
  • Catria: Windswept Knight, a Blue Archer Flier.
  • Kagero: Bond Unwavering, a Colorless Dagger Cavalry unit paired up with Orochi.

This version of Claude is an Attack and Speed-focused character with the Lethality skill and a weapon that gets bonuses based on his own buffs and his enemy's debuffs. Dagr also has several Attack and Speed-related skills, including a bonus for starting her turn near multiple allies. Like Claude, Catria also benefits from using buffs and debuffs, with the added ability to turn an alliy's penalties into bonuses. Finally, Kagero and Orochi are a hit-and-run style unit with Canto and Lethality, with bonuses versus Colorless foes and the Disarm Traps 4 ability.

You can watch the full trailer below:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRWlgPxknbA[/embed]

In August 2023, we saw Fire Emblem Heroes feature banners with tea-party themed characters and the winners of the Choose your Legends 2023 poll.

Fire Emblem Heroes is available on mobile devices, with the Winds Offered banner being available from September 7, 2023 to October 7, 2023.

The post Fire Emblem Heroes Winds Offered Banner Combines Speed and Strength appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:30 PM
    

2022 Netflix anime Spriggan will feature in PSO2 New Genesis collab

Sega revealed at the early September 2023 NGS Headline stream that it will hold a Spriggan crossover in PSO2: New Genesis in October 2023. The franchise that originated from a 1989 manga will fill the crossover slot for the latest Phantasy Star Online game that Sega had previously marked as a sci-fi anime title.

Even though Spriggan had an earlier anime movie adaptation released in 1998, Sega's direct translation of the Japanese announcement revealed that the newer anime version that aired on Japan's television channels in July 2023 will serve as the basis for this collaboration. The anime's Japanese official site confirmed that this is the same version that Netflix launched in June 2022.

Sega teased that it will add costume parts that let players turn their avatars into the protagonist Yu Ominae and fellow Spriggan agent Jean Jacquemonde. In addition, it will also bring in artifacts from the title as Build Parts that players can place in their Creative Space.

[caption id="attachment_982325" align="alignnone" width="1200"]PSO2 New Genesis - Spriggan collab Image via Sega[/caption]

Spriggan will follow Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045Uncle from Another World, and Oshi no Ko in the monthly external franchise collaboration waves for PSO2: New Genesis. Sega has also scheduled more crossover content with a sci-fi toy line in November 2023 and an action anime title in December 2023.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is available worldwide on PC and PlayStation 4, with an additional Nintendo Switch cloud version in Japan and Xbox One release elsewhere. The Spriggan collaboration content will appear in October 2023. Sega will reveal more details on September 26, 2023.

The post Spriggan Will Be PSO2: New Genesis' October 2023 Sci-Fi Anime Collab appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:00 PM
    

Honkai Impact 3rd Promare Crossover Begins

HoYoVerse detailed the Honkai Impact 3rd Promare crossover. While Lio Fotia and Galo Thymos aren't playable, there are references to them. The Herrscher of Flamescion and Chrono Navi battlesuits both get costumes inspired by the characters and movie. There's also a Stigma with Galo and Lio. All of them are shown in the new trailer. Ahead of its debut in 6.9, there's also a discussion event to earn Crystals between September 5-17, 2023.

The Herrscher of Flamescion Born in Flames costume is based on Lio's look in the movie. It changes Kiana's outfit, as well as the way her attacks look. Meanwhile, the Ai Hyperion Λ Chrono Navi skin is based on Galo and Burning Rescue. It's called Burning Rescue Soul. Likewise, it changes the appearance of her outfit and attacks.

Here's the Honkai Impact 3rd Promare trailer. It mainly focuses on the Herrscher of Flamescion Born in Flames costume and Chrono Navi Burning Rescue Soul costume. However, after the 1:20 mark the Galo and Lio-themed Stigma Promare Flame (B) appears.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlqQb2pNLSw&ab_channel=HonkaiImpact3rd

Here's a closer look at the still during the trailer that shows the crossover items:
[caption id="attachment_982331" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Honkai Impact 3rd Promare Crossover Trailer Appears Image via HoYoVerse[/caption]

In 6.9, Honkai Impact 3rd is also getting an all-new battlesuit. The S-rank Sirin Miracle Magical Girl will show up in the gacha.

Honkai Impact 3rd is available for PCs and mobile devices. Its Promare crossover will run when the 6.9 update arrives in September 2023. Promare is streaming on MAX, formerly known as HBO MAX.

The post Honkai Impact 3rd Promare Crossover Trailer Appears appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:30 PM
    

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Sales

Square Enix announced that the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series sales reached 3 million copies. This includes all six games across all platforms, and likely includes both physical and digital versions of the games. The company did not provided sales figures for the individual games.

This is the second sales milestone announced for the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series since the PS4 and Switch releases of the collection on April 19, 2023. The series previously reached 2 million in May 2023. The Pixel Remaster series were also cited as positive in Square Enix's first quarter financial results in August 2023 despite reduced profits overall.

Before this, Square Enix did not announce any sales figures for the series, likely due to its staggered releases. The original Pixel Remaster release consisted of the first three Final Fantasy games, released to PC and mobile on July 28, 2021. After this, Final Fantasy IV-VI were then released individually on these platforms over the next few months, ending with Final Fantasy VI on February 23, 2022.

All six Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster games are available now for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and mobile devices. Physical editions of the PS4 and Switch versions were being sold in limited quantities through the Square Enix online store, and these have since sold out. It is unknown if they will be re-released.

The post Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Sales Reach 3 Million Copies appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:00 PM
    

Square Enix will be releasing two new Kingdom Hearts Keyblades that light-up on February 24, 2024. The light-up Kingdom Key Dark features a gold blade, gold keychain with the iconic Mickey Mouse emblem, and silver guard. The iconic Kingdom Key version features a silver blade, silver keychain, and gold guard. Within the pommel of the Keyblade is the battery port, and the switch to turn on the light is hidden on the underside of the guard. The light that comes out of the tip of the blade is shaped like a keyhole and is meant to replicate the iconography of unlocking and locking keyholes in the series. The light-up Kingdom Hearts Keyblades will cost ¥6,380 (~$43) each and do not include batteries.

Photos of the Keyblades can be viewed below:

[gallery columns="5" link="file" ids="982261,982262,982263,982264,982266,982267,982268,982269,982270,982272"]

Earlier in 2023, Square Enix released tons of other merchandise for the series including a vinyl boxset with 36 curated songs from the games, two music boxes, a $2,000 chair, and jewelry amongst other items. Kingdom Hearts 4 is currently in development. Missing-Link is also in development for mobile devices.

The Kingdom Hearts Light-Up Keyblades are available for pre-order from the Square Enix website and they will come out on February 24, 2024.

The post Illuminate Darkness with New Kingdom Hearts Light-Up Keyblades appeared first on Siliconera.