Jan 29, 18:00


Kotaku Sunday, January 29, 2023 4:55 PM
    

It's weird that one of the things people have been most interested about as far as the upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie is concerned is how everyone sounds. I mean, we know who the cast is, have known that forever, but what we haven't known is the extent to which each actor was going to ham it up.

Read more...


PCGamesN Sunday, January 29, 2023 12:15 PM
     Dead Space Remake's 'Indecipherable' text log deciphered

If you've been delving into the Dead Space Remake new game plus mode, you might have spotted several additional text logs that appear in your inventory when you start up NG+ in the Dead Space Remake. While one of these logs lists itself as being 'Indecipherable,' it is in fact quite the reverse, and players have translated the mystery text to uncover a tantalising easter egg for fans of one of the best horror game series.

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

PCGamesN Sunday, January 29, 2023 11:16 AM
     The Sims 4 PSA highlights overlooked phone customisation

We always welcome a helpful The Sims 4 PSA, because with so many Sims 4 expansion packs and updates over the years since its release in September 2014 it can be easy to lose track of some welcome features that you might want to make use of. If you're playing one of the best life games on PC, you probably enjoy customising everything from the look of your Sims to the ways they dress and the homes they live in - but there's one cool option that is often overlooked because of its placement.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Sims 4 mods, Best Sims 4 sex mods, Play The Sims 4 free

PCGamesN Sunday, January 29, 2023 11:10 AM
     Terraria cross play

Terraria cross play has long been one of the most requested features for multiplayer, and the creator of one of the best sandbox games reassures players that it's being worked on as the team develops Terraria update 1.4.5. He also talks a little about the team's intent to actually overcome the community jokes around 'final updates' and put a bow on Terraria as developer Re-Logic looks to "start a new game soon."

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Terraria mods, Terraria happiness guide, Terraria bosses guide

Twinfinite Sunday, January 29, 2023 4:05 PM
     Our thoughts are with her family, and we wish then the best moving forward.

Twinfinite Sunday, January 29, 2023 3:30 PM
     Which themes have best represented the Pokemon world?

Siliconera Sunday, January 29, 2023 3:00 PM
    

NieR Automata Lily

NieR: Automata Ver1.1a is a retelling of NieR Automata's beloved story and the anime's second and third episodes make one thing clear: this retelling isn't as straightforward as episode one's depiction of Automata's first mission might have indicated. While much of the episode revolves around pre-established lore contained in NieR: Automata's side quests and data logs, some elements of the story have been changed and reframed to showcase the post-apocalyptic setting from different vantage points. Our newest point of view is from the perspective of a lesser-known character named Lily from NieR Automata and its related media. So, who exactly is Lily and why is she already showing up in the NieR anime?

This article contains spoilers for NieR Automata v1.1a and the game it's based on.

When we first meet Lily in NieR Automata Ver1.1a, she is heading a resistance camp that has been fending off machine life forms for centuries. The Council of Humanity tells the resistance that reinforcements are on the way to help break the stalemate. Lily, jaded by prior experienced, appears unconvinced. "Those guys will never send any assistance!" she argues.

She is wrong and surprised when help does arrive in the form of two powerful YoRHa units carrying logic virus vaccines. Lily is particularly shocked, in particular, to see 2B, who she refers to as "Number 2."

So how does Lily know "Number 2" in NieR Automata Ver1.1a and what is the nature of their relationship? The original NieR Automata might contain some hints.

In the NieR Automata's version of the story, an android named Anemone leads the Android Resistance instead of Lily. Like Lily, Anemone seems surprised to see 2B when 2B and 9S arrive at the resistance camp. Anemone also refers to 2B as Number 2, which comes as a surprise to 9S who doesn't know why Anemone would "know about 2B."

Anemone offers an explanation, claiming that the bunker told her to expect them. This is, at best, half true and a series of data entries stored on a nearby terminal reveals the truth of the matter.

These data entries, called novels in the NieR Automata's parlance, detail Anemone's history with the resistance. The first novel, "Anemone: Encounter", is a journal entry from Anemone's point of view portraying some of her hardest days fighting in the 14th Machine War. By the point of "Anemone: Encounter," Anemone is one of only nine remaining androids still capable of fighting the machines. Lily is also a member of that group.

Things begin to look up when the androids encounter a team of unfamiliar androids called YoRHa. Among this squad is a YoRHa unit called Number 2. Anemone, Lily, and the others welcome the YoRHa soldiers into their ranks after some initial hesitance. By the time the player can access this record in NieR: Automata, they know that that Number 2 isn't a reference to 2B. Instead, it is a reference to A2, who looks like 2B and will be featured in later episodes of Ver1.1a.

In NieR Automata's subsequent Anemone novels, Lily contracts a supposedly incurable logic virus but is saved by the YoRHa member called Number 21 before Anemone has a chance to put her out of her misery. The logic virus eventually evolves to resist Number 21's interventions, though, partially dooming the team when they launch an attack on an enemy server. While Anemone manages to survive the mission, Lily does not. A2 is also presumed dead. This would certainly explain Anemone's surprise when she sees 2B at the Resistance camp centuries later. It could also explain Lily's surprise, assuming she serves a similar function in NieR Automata Ver1.1a. But if Lily is alive, does that imply that Anemone is not? Episode three does contain a scene where a forlorn Lily remembers those who she lost in the past. It seems reasonable to assume that Lily might be the only known survivor of a mission similar to the one that took her life in the events of NieR Automata, but that is still a matter of speculation at this point.

The story of NieR stretches across a vast array of mediums with various portrayals of the story imparting new meaning and understanding. Lily has appeared in NieR stage plays before and these stage plays can change from performance to performance. One static version of her story can be found in the manga YoRHa: Pearl Harbor Descent Record, too. The game's writer, Yoko Taro, did say that NieR: Automata ver1.1a will feature changes to the original story. The weary iteration of Lily in NieR Automata Ver1.1a is one of our first major indicators of how substantial these changes might be.

The NieR Automata Ver1.1a anime is streaming on Crunchyroll. The NieR Automata game is available on the PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and PC.

The post Who Is Lily in the NieR Automata Anime? appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, January 29, 2023 12:00 PM
    

Naruto pop-up shop

The official Naruto website announced the opening of a new Naruto Shippuden pop-up shop. For this event, some of the Naruto ninjas from the Hidden Leaf Village of Konoha, along with Akatsuki characters, will be donning East Asian-style clothing. The pop-up shop will open in Shinjuku on February 4, 2023, and it will be open until February 19, 2023.

https://twitter.com/NARUTO_kousiki/status/1618883419991314434

The illustrations featured in this promotion include 10 different characters wearing East Asian-inspired clothing. These are Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, Kakashi, Itachi, Hidan, Deidara, Sasori, and Obito.

The items included in the promotion include a postcard set, a mini art board collection, an acrylic diorama, an acrylic piece featuring all 10 characters, a pin badge collection, a large acrylic figure with stand, two different glow-in-the-dark keychains, a satin drawstring pouch, and a tote bag. Additionally, for every 1,000 yen spent on merchandise, people will receive a random bonus clear card featuring one of the 10 characters.

You can check out the merchandise that will be offered in the shop below.

[gallery columns="5" ids="948774,948775,948776,948777,948778,948779,948780,948781,948782,948783" link="file"]

Medicos Entertainment will once again be in charge of hosting the pop-up shop. They previously held another pop-up shop that featured the Naruto and Boruto characters wearing futuristic techwear, back in May 2022.

The Naruto Shippuden pop-up shop will open on February 4, and end on February 19, 2023. It will appear in the Medicos store at Shinjuku Marui Annex.

The post Naruto Pop-Up Shop Features Characters in East Asian Outfits appeared first on Siliconera.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, January 29, 2023 4:22 PM
    

The tweet also announces that the company is currently hiring. 

The post DON'T NOD Reveals New Screenshot Teaser For Upcoming Game appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, January 29, 2023 3:38 PM
    

The game will incorporate several voices of popular Fighting Game Community commentators

The post Street Fighter 6 Adds Wrestler Thea Trinidad As a Commentator appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, January 29, 2023 2:31 PM
    

The next slate reportedly includes OlliOlli World

The post February PlayStation Plus Essential Games Have Reportedly Leaked appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.

Jan 29, 10:00


PCGamesN Sunday, January 29, 2023 9:56 AM
     Terraria cross play

Terraria cross play has long been one of the most requested features for multiplayer, and the creator of one of the best sandbox games reassures players that it's being worked on as the team develops Terraria update 1.4.5. He also talks a little about the team's intent to actually overcome the community jokes around 'final updates' and put a bow on Terraria as developer Re-Logic looks to "start a new game soon."

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Terraria mods, Terraria happiness guide, Terraria bosses guide

PCGamesN Sunday, January 29, 2023 7:49 AM
     Tower of Fantasy Alyss showcases why frost mains should be excited

A new Tower of Fantasy Alyss showcase video demonstrates the new character in action, and gives frost mains plenty of reasons to be excited for Tower of Fantasy update 2.3. The upcoming character arrives very soon, giving fans of the open-world anime game another simulacrum to roll for, and her skills, advancements, and interactions make her the perfect addition to a frost team and a great pick for free-to-play players.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Tower of Fantasy codes, Tower of Fantasy characters, How to level up in Tower of Fantasy

PCGamesN Sunday, January 29, 2023 6:35 AM
     New Dreamlight Valley storage and auto-sorting coming in next update

Your Disney Dreamlight Valley storage options are set to improve dramatically soon, according to developer Gameloft. Already one of the most delightful life games on PC since its 2022 release, its hefty roadmap promises an exciting year ahead beginning with the Disney Dreamlight Valley Encanto update releasing in February. Now the developer has teased one of the most-requested features is on the cards to arrive sooner rather than later.

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

PCGamesN Sunday, January 29, 2023 4:45 AM
     Valorant skins for VCT-partnered teams are an all-round win

Riot Games is flirting with the idea of Valorant skins emblazoned with VCT partnered teams' logos and colours, creating a direct pipeline between the game and the pro scene. Following in the footsteps of Rainbow Six Siege, Call of Duty, and more, Riot is making clear what it wants for Valorant, and it's a win for all parties.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Valorant characters: all agents and abilities, Valorant ranks order, distribution, and ranking system explained, Valorant crosshair codes

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Sunday, January 29, 2023 5:00 AM
    

Sundays are for curling a mic away from your mouth, so your friends don't hear you crunching down on some Pringles. Before you bend, let's read this week's best writing about games (and game related things).

Read more


Siliconera Sunday, January 29, 2023 9:00 AM
    

Wo Long Fallen Dynasty

Announced in June 2022, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is the next character action game by Team Ninja. Set in the Three Kingdoms-era of China, it has the same feudal design and appeal as the developer's previous title, Nioh. It's hard not to draw comparisons at a glance, as both games have highly stylized action and undead and demonic enemies skulking through the remains of long abandoned battlefields. However, Wo Long couldn't be any more different.

While it may be easy to wash Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty in the same coat of pain as the Nioh series, it feels wholly distinct. This is through the incorporation of several different systems unique to this new character action game. One of which being morale. Morale is a deciding factor in how easy encounters can be, which encourages exploration to find points on the map where you can lay your banner. This increases your overall morale, which allows you to do more damage to enemies based on your morale difference. The higher your morale is the more damage you do, which can make encounters that were once challenging now significantly easier.

For example, when I tackled the boss in the preview, which was a massive feral hog (give or take a few demonic growths), my morale was roughly around level seven. Because of this, I was doing significantly more damage to the enemy with basic attacks, heavy attacks, and my perfect counters. What could have been a challenging battle felt like a walk through the park, as Wo Long facilitated ways to make this fight a lot easier through this morale system. That said, losing morale is as simple as dying, which will take a chunk out of what morale you've accrued through erecting banners and killing enemies.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

For the purpose of the trial I was allowed to pick from five different "phases," or player builds, associated with the major elements in Wo Long. These are fire, earth, wood, metal, and water. Each of these builds played into specific attributes, with fire being more attack oriented and wood providing more support to both the player and allies. These were the two phases I decided to try, and found them both interesting enough on their own merits.

Fire was more straightforward, as I was equipped with offensive spells that were, naturally, aspected to fire. Wood on the other hand, allowed me to heal myself either through regeneration, attacking, and even fling lightning at my foes from afar. Each of these presets came with their own weapons as well, with fire leaving me equipped with a longsword and wood with a spear. Generally, I'm not a huge fan of polearms in character action games, as I find them to generally be a lot slower than other available weapons, but in Wo Long that felt negligible. Unlike Nioh where there was a bit of a wind-up for spear or glaive attacks, Wo Long allows for players to be agile, even with bulky weapons. Attacks with the spear weren't as swift as with the longsword, don't get me wrong, but I was still able to dodge and attack with a certain rhythm that didn't feel cumbersome.

I was easily able to avoid and even dodge enemy attacks, which left them wide open to my spear. And upon breaking the poise of an enemy, you're treated to a stylish animation with whatever weapon you're equipped with. This always felt really rewarding and extremely satisfying, especially against harder enemies. Even movement feels more graceful, as you're able to scale certain walls with ease, which keeps the flow of combat and exploration at a nice, steady pace.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Concerning character builds, Wo Long plays into the five elements I mentioned before. Similar to rock paper scissors, each element has their own strengths and weaknesses against one another. And that's something to consider when equipping weapons (as each have their own elemental attribute) and spells. Like Nioh, players can equip spells to fling at enemies, empower their own attacks, or heal allies. However, you aren't limited to a set amount of uses per spell until you rest. Instead, as long as you give yourself enough time between casting (since it eats up your stamina and poise), you can use spells pretty much indefinitely. This was a really nice change, and allowed for me to be a bit riskier as I could heal myself without worrying about using up all of my spells before I'd even reach a boss. Of course this could become a lot tricker later on, since you're effectively giving up some of your stamina to cast spells, but with the right kind of balance I can see this creating a greater sense of fluidity for Wo Long's combat.

Players can also call upon Divine Beasts in combat, with each Divine Beast having its own unique ability. The Qinglong will instead heal allies once summoned, and at morale 10 is capable of reviving downed allies. Whereas the Baihu will fight alongside you as a summoned beast, with the duration it can stay on the field increased once you have at least 10 morale. As you can see, the previously mentioned morale system adds a lot of depth to the game, not just where your damage is concerned.

While Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty appeared to be another flavor of Team Ninja's Nioh at a glance, it is a more mechanically complex game by far. The morale system alone has me excited to see how the game will further make use of it for more challenging encounters, and what else this will potentially affect. Combat and movement are as graceful as ever, and the consolidation of poise and stamina as a single resource kept me quick on my toes. Overall, I'm extremely excited for what the full release of Wo Long will hold, as it already differentiates itself enough from other character action games to create something interesting.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty will release on March 3, 2023 for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC.

The post Preview: Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Could be Robust appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Sunday, January 29, 2023 5:00 AM
    

NieR Automata anime ending

The official Amazarashi YouTube account shared a teaser trailer focusing on a new music video for "Antinomy," an ending song for the NieR: Automata anime adaptation. Yoko Taro, the director and scenario writer of the original game, planned and produced this new NieR Automata ending. The teaser highlighted the Machine Lifeforms portrayed as puppets and the never-ending war they are cursed to take part in. It will release on February 3, 2023. [Thanks, Game Watch!]

In the trailer, Yoko Taro explained his fixation on using puppets and dolls to represent the Machine Lifeforms. The creative enjoyed the sense of imperfection the dolls convey and the way the joints and the mechanisms haphazardly move, without a clear sense of freedom. The lack of choice and freedom in a senseless war is a core theme of NieR: Automata and its anime adaptation.

The music video will be a 15-minute long puppet show that serves as a retelling of the NieR story. This is the second collaboration between Amazarashi and Yoko Taro, following the release of "Deserving of Life" in 2017 to celebrate the release of NieR: Automata.

Formally titled NieR: Automata Ver1.1a, the anime follows the story of YoRHa soldiers 2B and 9S, two androids belonging to the efforts in fighting back the Machine Lifeform invasion, lead by alien invaders. NieR: Automata Ver1.1a is currently in an indefinite hiatus, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only the first three episodes of the adaptation have aired in Japan.

You can check out the teaser trailer for the new ending below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M3rs-Xju80

The new version of the ending song performed by Amazarashi is titled "Hypothetical Puppet Show Antinomy," and it will release on February 3, 2023.

The post Yoko Taro Produced the New NieR Automata Anime Ending appeared first on Siliconera.


WGB, Home of AWESOME Reviews Sunday, January 29, 2023 9:17 AM
     Of all the things I imagined Firaxis doing, mostly involving getting on with XCOM 3, there was never a point where I considered them getting their hands on the Marvel license and making a turn-based tactics game involving the Midnight Suns, cards and attending a weekly book club meeting with Blade where you end up discussing a Kree book outlining their military doctrine. And yet here we are. Firaxis has taken their genius and attempted something interesting and a little weird, mixing a bunch of ideas into a chunky 40+ hour adventure. Like a long-running comic's canon, Marvel's Midnight Suns is...complicated.

Jan 29, 04:00