Sep 04, 18:00


Kotaku Monday, September 4, 2023 4:15 PM
    

As is all-too-often the case, Bethesda releases its games with half-baked UIs, dodgy animations, and painfully slow menus, knowing that its community will clean it all up for them via mods. So as expected, over the weekend all manner of essential mods for Starfield have appeared that will clear up the game's most…

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Kotaku Monday, September 4, 2023 12:00 PM
    

Pluto isn't a planet. That really shouldn't be a controversial statement any more, but it regains new contentiousness with the release of epic space RPG, Starfield. Developer and streamer Alanah Pearce wanted to find out if Bethesda's epic space RPG really does require fast travel for all interplanetary travel, by…

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Kotaku Monday, September 4, 2023 11:00 AM
    

Sorry, it turns out it wasn't that there was just something irresistible about you. Instead it seems that Baldur's Gate 3 shipped with a bug that meant all the companions were way hornier than intended.

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Kotaku Monday, September 4, 2023 10:00 AM
    

Imagine a world in which someone took Ken Sugimori's original Pokémon art and brought it to life with animation. And then, in this wonderful idyll, someone took inspiration from this fanart, and developed a 3D Pokémon game based on it. And just to be sure, this developer would have already built an engine for creating …

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PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 5:29 PM
     Bloodborne finally arrives on PC in stunning fan recreation

Bloodborne is one of those RPG games we'll forever want to see released on PC. No other FromSoftware game has quite captured the gothic-inspired aesthetic Bloodborne provided us, or the unique story. While we've impatiently waited for news of the beloved game coming to PC, other fans worked tirelessly to express their love of all things Bloodborne. One Minecraft creator did just that by bringing Bloodborne and its buildings, enemies, and all to the blocky sandbox game.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 3:05 PM
     Grab Starfield for $10 off and get a surprise free Steam game

Starfield is already making waves as one of Bethesda's biggest RPG games yet, and it still has yet to properly launch. Ahead of its full release, you can now explore the massive space experience on sale for yourself and better understand our Starfield review. From its countless hours of gameplay to its immersive character building, a brand-new game with a deal like this is hard to come by. It doesn't just stop at Starfield's price, as you'll also get a shiny new free Steam game with your purchase.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 2:54 PM
     How to get polymer in Starfield

How do you get polymer in Starfield? This exotic organic resource is - as exotic would imply - hard to come by unless you know where to look. It's one of many required materials for a plethora of crucial upgrades, but it's unlikely you'll be able to stock up on polymer without going out of your way to look for it.

Alongside the 1000+ Starfield planets, there are also a lot of Starfield materials and resources, and polymer is a tricky one to source. While adhesive is a rare material, polymer's exotic status makes it even more valuable in the space game. Here's the lowdown on how to get polymer in Starfield.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 1:57 PM
     This stunning RTX 4090 Evangelion GPU costs more than my entire rig

Since the debut of the second collection of ASUS ROG hardware inspired by the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, we've been dreaming about the day when we can incorporate the stylish components into our own PC gaming setups. Now, it seems like it won't be long until we can play the best anime games in style, as the ASUS RTX 4090 Evangelion graphics card is available to preorder.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ review, Asus ROG Strix X470-I Gaming review, Best gaming motherboard

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 1:34 PM
     Best Starfield ships and how to design your own

What are the best Starfield ships? These interstellar space vessels are how you'll travel between the stars. You'll come across countless ships warping between solar systems; most friendly, some incredibly hostile. You're fine to settle on your starting ship and make it your own mobile home, but you're just as free to make your own if pilfering one from angry space pirates isn't your style.

Not sure what you'll be getting up to in a customer Starfield ship of your own design? By adding cargo modules, you'll be able to make a good go of amassing Starfield contraband to rapidly gain Starfield money. You might also get a little too invested in the Starfield photo mode as well.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 1:31 PM
     Starfield fast travel explained

How do you fast travel in Starfield? Like a spaceship traveling at warp speed, you're able to get around the infinite cosmos of Starfield quickly by relying on the relatively simple fast travel system. For the most part, you won't need to manually visit a solar system or its planets to unlock them as fast travel points. Space suddenly doesn't seem so daunting.

Before we jump into the details, get a good look at the Starfield companions you can bring along for the ride. With their very own Starfield skills, they can patch a weak point in your own build. Beyond being good for your Starfield research projects, they're also potential Starfield romance and relationship partners, too.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 1:18 PM
     Baldur's Gate 3 knocks Elden Ring off its Steam Deck pedestal

When Baldur's Gate 3 launched, many questioned just how a PC game of that magnitude was going to perform on a handheld like the Steam Deck. Now, the DnD-based RPG has not only been dubbed as Verified for the handheld but Baldur's Gate 3 has also knocked Elden Ring down a spot to become the most-played game on the Steam Deck in August 2023.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 1:13 PM
     How to get adhesive in Starfield

How do you get adhesive in Starfield? This sticky resource isn't the rarest of materials in the Settled Systems, but it is one you'll need a lot of if you want to craft weapon upgrades and continue improving your arsenal.

While Starfield materials such as argon and lithium can be found naturally while scanning and exploring any of the 1000+ Starfield planets, adhesive isn't something you'll find lying on the ground or at the end of your Cutter laser. Here's what you need to know about how to get adhesive in Starfield.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 12:56 PM
     How to make Starfield money fast

How do you earn Starfield money fast? In a universe where corporations hold much of the wealth among the populace, many have turned to mercenary work or piracy to get by. That said, there are a lucky few who somehow can make a living, and you can be one of them with some smart thinking and very big pockets - soon to be full of Starfield credits.

So naturally, given that Starfield has an entire galaxy full of humans that rely on money to get by, you'll want lots of it to spare. Heck, some of the Starfield traits require you to spend credits periodically or can get you a discount on items with specific traders. You may even find that some of your Starfield companions will help or hinder your efforts to earn a fortune. So, before the Starfield release date, let's discuss all the ways that you can get rich quickly.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 12:57 PM
     Destiny 2 The Final Shape release date, trailer, and story

When is the Destiny 2 The Final Shape release date? It might still be a fair wait, but Bungie has now held a showcase about the final instalment in the Light and Dark saga - and boy, is it a banger. Note that you absolutely, definitely, 100% should not read much further down the page if you're trying to avoid massive spoilers around the story of Destiny 2 so far.

With the release still many months away, Destiny 2 players have plenty of time to seek out any missing Lightfall Exotics and explore everything the most recent expansion and seasonal content have to offer while you seek to assemble the best Destiny 2 build around. Without further ado, here's everything you need to know about Bungie's most exciting expansion yet.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 12:51 PM
     Starfield is missing Fallout 4's best companion

Starfield is nearing its massive launch, but players with early access to Bethesda's massive RPG game are already exploring space. As further detailed in our Starfield review, there are many things the new game does right. One thing it falls short of doing very well, though, is its pet system. It simply fails to include any furry companions like the ever-iconic Dogmeat from Fallout 4, making everyone's galactic journey all the more lonely. In this day and age, what is an RPG without a dog you can pet?

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 12:27 PM
     AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT leak reveals an Nvidia RTX 4070 killer

We're just a whisker away from the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT release date and can't wait to see what this potential midrange monster has in store for us. Well, according to new benchmark leaks, the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT could be an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 killer. If these leaks are true, AMD looks to be making an aggressive play for the midrange market, potentially offering better performance than Nvidia at a lower price.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Ryzen 7000 CPUs - everything we know, RDNA 3 GPUs - everything we know, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 12:13 PM
     Starfield's Sam Coe actor says he played him as bisexual

Starfield is an RPG game with an incredibly large and colorful cast of characters, all portrayed by brilliant actors at the top of their game. One such character is Starfield's Sam Coe, portrayed by Deus Ex's Adam Jensen, Elias Toufexis, and he's outlined how he actually played the character as bisexual.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 12:26 PM
     The best co-op games on PC 2023

Co-op games can reward you like no other genre. Games offer up magic in lots of different guises, but working with a friend to achieve a goal is, arguably, where they really shine. So what are the titles that will really pull friends together and offer the best cooperative group-based thrills?

The great thing about the best PC games involving co-op play is that you're not restricted to a genre - as long as there's room for two controllers on a split screen or some perfectly coordinated play over a headset, co-op games can be found among the best sandbox games, relaxing games, or even horror games. These are some of the very best co-op games for you to share with your favorite people.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Borderlands 3 Shift codes, Borderlands 3 legendary weapons, Play Borderlands 3

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 12:22 PM
     Starfield cities – all known locations

What are the major Starfield cities? We're sure venturing across space can get pretty tiring from time to time. Walking across those large expanses in search of resources and getting dragged into endless battles. It's only natural that you might want to get a drink at a warm bar, eat a proper meal at a decent restaurant, or spent the night in a comfy hotel, then. You can do all of that and more in one of Starfield's cities.

There are loads of things to see in Starfield - naturally, space is pretty huge, after all. Alongside all of the Starfield creatures you can discover and Starfield companions you can meet, and among the thousands of Starfield planets around you, there are a few bustling cities to rest up at. Here's everything we know about those Starfield cities so far.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 12:08 PM
     All Mortal Kombat 1 characters

September 4, 2023: Added new information about Shang Tsung and the role he plays in the Mortal Kombat 1 story.

Who are the Mortal Kombat 1 characters? NetherRealm Studios is once again rebooting the MK timeline, only this time, we have Liu Kang as the Fire God guiding the mortals of EarthRealm instead of the Thunder God Raiden, as history repeats itself once more. However, instead of being a traditional fighter, Mortal Kombat 1 introduces assist characters called Kameos, who you can call to help get out of sticky situations.

So far, we've seen a mix of Mortal Kombat 1 characters, from long-established combatants who appear frequently throughout the series to several long-forgotten fighters reintroduced in the new timeline. That said, even some of the fighting game's classic characters have had tweaks to their origin story, with Scorpion seemingly alive and siding with the Lin Kuei, while Kitana now genuinely cares for her sister Mileena as her mother is the ruler of Outworld rather than Shao Kahn. With the Mortal Kombat 1 release date just days away, we're listing all of the fighters that have been confirmed so far.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Mortal Kombat 1 characters, Mortal Kombat 1 release date, Mortal Kombat 1 system requirements

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:50 AM
     Is Starfield Steam Deck compatible?

Is Starfield Steam Deck compatible? Having a Bethesda RPG installed on your Steam Deck feels like you don't need any other game on the handheld, and Starfield is no exception. Unfortunately, it appears we'll need to wait a while longer to take our space flights on the go.

As stated in the Starfield system requirements, you'll need 125GB of storage space if you want to head out exploring new planets. There's over a hundred different solar systems on offer, so it's not exactly a surprise the game takes up so much space. If you're hoping to play Bethesda's latest title on the go, you might want to check out our guide to the best microSD card for Steam Deck, especially if you've got the 64GB model.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:42 AM
     Counter-Strike 2 death issue may be fixed with old Team Fortress trick

Counter-Strike 2 is now open to more players than ever, as Valve extends the CS2 beta test ahead of the full Counter-Strike 2 release date. One issue is making death in Counter-Strike 2 more frustrating than usual, however, as players find themselves suddenly dropping dead after retreating behind corners. With the FPS game and CSGO sequel on its way, there may be a method to remedy this frustrating problem, and it goes back to the early days of Team Fortress 2.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:58 AM
     Valorant skins, bundles, tiers, and prices

What are the latest Valorant skins? It can be hard to keep track of all the weapon skins available, but we've gone through them all to provide the ultimate guide to every single one in the game right now. When Valorant was Project: A and little was known about the game, Riot made one thing clear - it would be a game for skin collectors.

Since 2020, the game developer has actively been churning out virtual cosmetics for one of the best PC games, and in 2023, Valorant has at least ten skins for every single weapon. But who's keeping count? Well, we are. If you are looking to plan your next Valorant purchase or prepare for the next Valorant Night Market, then keep reading. Here's everything you need to know about the skins in Riot's FPS game.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Valorant Night Market dates, Valorant ranks, Valorant crosshair codes

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:45 AM
     Mortal Kombat 1 release date, gameplay, and trailers

What is the Mortal Kombat 1 release date? Mortal Kombat 1 is the next installment in NetherRealm's series and has been teased almost infinitely on various channels. Finally, though, the announcement has landed and we've scoured the corners of the internet to bring you all of the latest trailers, news, and gameplay.

The fighting game is a reboot of sorts that sees new mechanics such as the Kameo system, and a story that features familiar characters. And that's before we get into the fact that Jean-Claude Van Damme is involved in Mortal Kombat 1. Intrigued? We were too, so we put all of the information in one handy hub for you to peruse.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Mortal Kombat 1 characters, Mortal Kombat 1 release date, Mortal Kombat 1 system requirements

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:30 AM
     Best Steam Deck games 2023

What are the best Steam Deck games? Narrowing down the list of the best Steam Deck games is no easy task, as the device is capable of playing a myriad of genres and titles from across the decades. Yet whether you play your Steam Deck in small bursts, have it hooked up to an external display, or use it as your official travel buddy, there are perfect games for every occasion.

Continue reading Best Steam Deck games 2023
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:49 AM
     Best gaming keyboard 2023: Full size, TKL or mini?

Arming your gaming PC setup with the best gaming keyboard will make a difference, whether you're into first-person shooters or epic RPG adventures. Sure, you can technically get by using WASD keys on any old keyboard, but your fingers will thank you if you arm them with high-quality mechanical switches and gorgeous keycaps.

These gaming keyboards will make a great match for the best gaming mouse, and will ultimately help bolster your desktop experience. If you don't find what you need here, check out our guide to the best wireless mechanical keyboards.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:22 AM
     Starfield's Adoring Fan explained

Who is the Starfield Adoring Fan? By Azura, he's back! Long-time Bethesda fans will be delighted and dismayed to discover the Adoring Fan – perhaps one of the most infamous NPCs in the studio's history – has made a return in Starfield.

With almost two decades between the Adoring Fan first stalking us around Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and the Starfield release date, the blonde superfan might be familiar. If you're completely new to his nagging sycophancy though, you might be wondering exactly who he is, what Starfield skills he can offer, and how to get him to follow you around in Starfield. Unlike the Adoring Fan, we're here to help.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:22 AM
     Best Starfield weapons and guns

What are the best Starfield weapons? Sure, space is pretty cool, but it's also pretty dangerous. While you can use your ship's turrets in interstellar combat to (hopefully) avoid being turned into nothing but space debris, you need the best gun and throwables on your person when coming face-to-face with a towering alien beast.

So you're going to need a vast arsenal of sci-fi weapons and Starfield guns to survive your journey through the stars, coming up against enemies like the Starfield Crimson Fleet pirates and various Starfield creatures. From modified shotguns and modern swords to futuristic laser weapons and electromagnetic blasters, we used many of these weapons during our playtime for our Starfield review - here are just some of the best Starfield weapons with which to equip you and your Starfield ship.

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

PCGamesN Monday, September 4, 2023 11:31 AM
     The best tycoon games to play 2023

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

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


Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 2:47 PM
    

Diablo 4's second season is due to kick off in just over a month, but Blizzard will find time to drop at least one more patch before the Season of Blood begins.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 2:23 PM
    

Bethesda has rallied behind their decision to deliberately include vast planets full of nothing in Starfield, insisting that it's all by design. The effect is to make the player appreciate the vastness of the galaxy they're in and experience the loneliness of space, apparently - and it's not boring, honest.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 1:38 PM
    

A new Baldur's Gate 3 mod throws open character creation to allow players to use dozens of new species, including some familiar names from the worlds of Final Fantasy 14 and Dungeons & Dragons.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 12:44 PM
    

CD Projekt Red has detailed exactly which of Cyberpunk 2077's upcoming changes will be offered to all players as part of the game's major 2.0 update, and which additions will be included in the game's massive Phantom Liberty expansion.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 12:30 PM
    

I don't have any firsthand insight to share on Void Stranger, which surprise-released on Friday, but when I read words like "forgotten labyrinth" and "traps that defy reason", I find myself reaching for my pen and inkwell, and when I encounter visuals that remind me of the nastier Zelda dungeons on Game Boy, I start vibrating gently in my chair, and when I see monochrome anime story scenes set to howling guitar and fuzzy chip tunes - well, here we are.

Void Stranger is the work of Finnish indie System Erasure, whose vertically scrolling shmup/mystery game ZeroRanger was one of Dominic Tarason's (RPS in peace) best games of 2018. The new title is a sokoban-style puzzle game, which is to say, it's broadly about shoving crates around, but as the name suggests, Void Stranger has bigger ambitions than helping you while away five minutes over lunch. It's a game of faith, amnesia and devilry, which reportedly portions out its secrets across multiple playthroughs. Here's a trailer.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 12:20 PM
    

People have talked about Baldur's Gate 3 going a bit wonk in the final chapter when you reach the titular big city. It was actually my favourite act of the whole game - not that I doubt other people saw things going on the wonk a lot, but I did, thankfully, escape more or less unscathed (apart from one instance where, for some reason, Gale the smug sex wizard had a conversation with me, and then immediately repeated the exact same conversation). For me, the final act of BG3 is the act when all my nonsensing in the rest of the game paid off. The part where it turned out it did matter that I spent a painstaking hour separating and killing a bunch of guards in a mine, so I could save the gnomes trapped in a cave-in. It was also where a genie turned me into cheese.

Spoilers, obvs, if you're that way inclined.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 12:00 PM
    

I am currently juggling two playthroughs of Starfield with very different aims. While Sayer the Space Scoundrel is having trouble getting around as they engage with the main story, I have started another character to engage in some nonsense (to the extent that there is any in Starfield) - the first of such I've detailed here.

I've said it before, but you're my very best friend, so we're going to play Starfield together. Join me as we step, wobbly and uncertain like Bambi on ice, into Bethesda's huge and partially procedurally generated space RPG universe for the adventures of Turbo Eclipse (I used an astronaut name generator intended for a child's party), a spacefaring nerd who longs only for the thrill of science. Yes, we're going to visit every planet in Starfield. Or at least as many as possible before I lose every single one of my marbles. And hey, planets look kinda like marbles! Strap in, spacefarers. Let's put this proc gen through its paces.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 11:30 AM
    

Now that we've all emerged from the subterrean labs of Aperture Science and popped our Steam Decks back into their cases, it's time to crawl into bed and dream of the internet superhighway. That's right, this month's RPS Game Club pick is the alternate-reality detective adventure Hypnospace Outlaw!

Released in 2018 and developed by Tendershoot, Hypnospace Outlaw takes place in a warped version of 1999 where accessing the internet is done via a headband you wear while you sleep. You play as an enforcer - a moderator of sorts - tasked with keeping the users of Hypnospace in check by reporting any violations you discover on their personal web pages.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 11:06 AM
    

As someone with a general aversion to online competitive modes in games, I'm always grateful when someone, for once, especially in this age of endlessly bland multiplayer experiments, thinks of the solitary solo player. I'm especially grateful when us single player preferers get a knowing nod of acknowledgement in fighting games, too, which are so naturally geared toward pitting your skills against other human beings that anything involving playing against the AI is often either an afterthought or so threadbare that you can't help but feel like you're missing the point.

But that's still, for my sins, how I like to consume fighting games when I occasionally play them - which isn't often, I'll admit, for exactly the reasons described above - and so when I sat down for my Mortal Kombat 1 demo session at Gamescom this year, I was pleased to see not just a very slick story mode in attendance, but also a new single player challenge mode called Invasions that publishers Warner Bros described as "a giant interactive board game" that "lent into action RPG" territory. Its numerous node-based missions looked substantial based on what I played, and the idea of applying a seasonal service model to it, endlessly rotating in new locations and missions every so often - a whole different Invasion, so to speak - is actually something I'd be very much behind. It, that is, I was a) good at Mortal Kombat, and b) the missions I played during my demo weren't quite so… err… boring.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 10:55 AM
    

Towards the end of The Bookwalker: Thief Of Tales, I just wanted it to end. The adventure game's strong premise of a writer magically entering books to steal treasures wore thin across uninteresting puzzles, repetitive crafting, bland combat, and—worst of all for a game about the wonder of words—iffy writing. But once the credits rolled, I realised I had been fooled by its polished looks, and its core development was team was tiny (with a squad of external contributors), leaving me feeling a lot more forgiving. So, it's a good game to check out on Game Pass, or at least flick through the opening chapters.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, September 4, 2023 10:44 AM
    

"Modders will fix it" is a cliché, but the thing about clichés is they're rooted in fact. So it is with Starfield, which already has a DLSS mod ready to patch in the class-leading Nvidia upscaler that Bethesda left out in favour of AMD FSR 2.

It's the work of seasoned modder PureDark, previously seen hammering both DLSS and FSR into Skyrim. I've tried the Starfield mod and it works rather nicely, granting a visible quality boost on RTX graphics cards while equalling FSR's ability to smooth out Starfield's sometimes-tricky performance. Unfortunately (and largely by association), it's also been dragged into a spot of nasty business, one involving a separate mod for DLSS 3 frame generation and PureDark's application of DRM.

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Twinfinite Monday, September 4, 2023 3:54 PM
    
And I think it's gonna be a long long time...

Twinfinite Monday, September 4, 2023 3:10 PM
    
This Starfield protagonist is Kenough.

Twinfinite Monday, September 4, 2023 11:34 AM
    
Space exploration just got much easier.

Siliconera Monday, September 4, 2023 2:00 PM
    

Level-5 at TGS 2023

Level-5 will return to Tokyo Game Show 2023 with a larger roster of titles. The company has published a new webpage detailing its appearance at the event. The Level-5 TGS 2023 webpage is also available in English in addition to the original Japanese.

The company will set up a physical booth between Halls 7-8 at Makuhari Messe. It will feature playable demos of Inazuma Eleven: Victory RoadDecapolice, and Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time.

Level-5 will also stream a live broadcast on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 9 PM JST / 1 PM BST / 8 AM ET / 5 AM ET. The stream will contain new information on Megaton Musashi: Wired and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam in addition to the above three games.

Everyone who visits the physical Level-5 booth at TGS 2023 will receive a pamphlet containing a catalog of titles that the company has released over the past 25 years, ever since Akihiro Hino established it in 1998. Each of the demos in the booth will also have a set of free badges for those who have played them.

The Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road demos will come with additional Snack World and Little Battlers eXperience badges. Likewise, staff members on the Decapolice demos will hand out Professor Layton and Megaton Musashi badges. Finally, the Fantasy Life i demo will also reward Yo-kai Watch and Ni no Kuni badges.

[caption id="attachment_982149" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Level-5 TGS 2023 physical demo reward badges Image via Level-5[/caption]

Tokyo Game Show 2023 will take place in Japan on September 21-24, 2023.

The post Level-5 TGS 2023 Booth Will Feature Inazuma Eleven and Decapolice appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, September 4, 2023 1:30 PM
    

Like a Dragon Gaiden and Persona 3 Reload at Sega Atlus TGS 2023

Sega and Atlus updated their TGS 2023 website with a list of titles that will appear on their booth. Like a Dragon Gaiden, Persona 3 Reload, and Persona 5 Tactica will be some of the games that have playable demos at the Makuhari Messe venue. The booth will also include demos of titles from other partner companies, such as EA Sports FC 24 and Pathea Games' My Time at Sandrock.

When Sega and Atlus first opened their website for Tokyo Game Show 2023 in August, the page barely contained any information other than the booth map. The companies gradually added more details in the following days. Sega later confirmed that it will hold a Sega NEW Special showcase stream on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 8 PM JST / 12 PM BST / 7 AM ET / 4 AM PT.

Here is the full list of titles that will appear at Sega and Atlus' booth in TGS 2023 as of September 4, 2023. Unless specified otherwise, almost all of them will have playable demos.

Sega titles in TGS 2023

  • Sonic Superstars
  • Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
  • Endless Dungeon

Atlus titles in TGS 2023

  • Persona 5 Tactica
  • Persona 3 Reload

Other partner titles

  • EA Sports FC 24
  • Hogwarts Legacy (trailer only)
  • Payday 3
  • Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 - Turbocharged
  • My Time at Sandrock

Tokyo Game Show 2023 will take place at Makuhari Messe in Japan on September 21-24, 2023.

The post Sega Atlus TGS 2023 Booth Will Show Like a Dragon Gaiden and Persona appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, September 4, 2023 1:05 PM
    

anonymous;code review

After multiple delays, Anonymous;Code came out in July 2022 in Japan and finally, a little over a year later, Spike Chunsoft is bringing the game to the West. With a strong localization, fun cast, and engaging story, I was almost constantly on the edge of my seat. This is probably my contender for Game of the Year. That's how good I think Anonymous;Code is.

Pollon Takaoka and Cross Yumikawa are members of Nakano Symphonies, which is a group that takes on hacking-related jobs in order to make money and help others. After Pollon brashly exclaims that he has a girlfriend named Momo Aizaki, his friends insist on seeing her. To their surprise, a girl calling herself Momo Aizaki actually shows up. However, it turns out that she's on the run from the military. While helping her escape, Pollon awakens to a strange ability to Save & Load, which essentially lets him time travel to a point in time when he "Saved." Soon after, Cicada 3301 (a separate Cicada 3301 from the one in real life) starts issuing terrorist Quests to search for a "highly intelligent individual." Pollon, with the help of Nakano Symphonies, attempts to solve these Quests using his new power.

[caption id="attachment_982131" align="alignnone" width="1200"]anonymous;code review cicada 3301 Screenshot by Siliconera[/caption]

The characters in Anonymous;Code are all really fun and charming. Even if they start out weird or irritating, it's easy to develop a soft spot towards them. I didn't like Bambi, for example, because her group was so bizarre. But seeing her interact with Momo and learning more about her history made me root for her. Wind was also super cringe, but his enthusiasm and optimism made him great in a lot of scenes. Their dynamic with each other was fun, and watching them all work together to solve Cicada 3301's Quests or help Momo against her pursuers was exciting. The problem is that there are a lot of characters and one main route. So not everyone gets an equal amount of development, nor do we learn too much about them as people. In that sense, someone who wants a really character-focused game might feel dissatisfied with Anonymous;Code.

The Save & Load power that Pollon has is something you (the player) have as well. I don't mean in the literal sense where you save and load the game. I mean that while Pollon will make Saves himself, you actually have to Load for him when things get bad. This is a really fun mechanic, except when you're trying to get Pollon to Load, only for him to brush you off. Like, I'm trying to save your life, dude! Relying on the auto-save, rather than manual saves, for this is far easier. The interface of Save & Load uses the same menu as your normal saving and loading. So if you're the type to save in multiple slots, you and Pollon will always be fighting for space. I actually recommend not manually saving that often because of this.

[caption id="attachment_982133" align="alignnone" width="1200"]anonymous;code review load screen Screenshot by Siliconera[/caption]

Visual novels are still a fairly niche genre (though definitely not as bad as a few years ago), but this game is a pretty good starting point for the average players. Steins;Gate is a show and game that I feel like you can recommend to a mainstream audience. It's a pretty standard science fiction, albeit there is enough anime elements in it that could make it a hard sell. Anonymous;Code is similar in that vein where it's very easy for someone with no visual novel experience to jump in. It feels a bit more grounded than Steins;Gate did, mostly because of the focus on technology like AI, as well as less of the aforementioned anime elements. A lot of the technology feels like items that we use or a logical progression of them if trends continue as they are. It's a game that anyone could play.

[caption id="attachment_982134" align="alignnone" width="1200"]anonymous;code nerds and normies Screenshot by Siliconera[/caption]

While I certainly would go so far as to say that Anonymous;Code might be my favorite game in 2023, it's not completely free of some issues. These are more personal hang-ups than actual problems in the game, though. I'm not exactly a fan of how the team used Live2D for the sprites. The overly smooth animation for the mouth flaps and movements when everything else about the sprite is so static can look disconcerting. I'm also not really interested Pollon and Momo's romantic relationship. Though I genuinely wanted Okarin and Kurisu to work out, Pollon and Momo are so much cuter when platonic that the more romantic moments between them weren't my cup of tea.

Though I mentioned the sprites, that's not to say that the aesthetic of Anonymous;Code is weak. I really like the UI for the game and how it looks like Pollon's BMI (AR device), complete with breaking news updates in the corner or messages from his friends. At times, the game switches to a vomic (video comic) style of story-telling. It does take a bit of time, but it helps to explain really complicated topics like the Earth Simulator or quantum physics in a more visually interesting way. Once you can ignore the Live2D, it's a treat to look at.

[gallery columns="2" link="file" ids="982129,982130"]

With a solid localization and a gripping story, Anonymous;Code is definitely a game I would recommend to basically anyone who enjoys visual novels or sci-fi. Very few games had me Googling terms and events with the fervor I had when playing this. It simultaneously made me feel like the biggest idiot and the smartest person in the room. You just can't put a price on that feeling.

Anonymous;Code will come out on the PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC on September 8, 2023.

The post Review: Anonymous;Code Is a Thrilling Masterpiece appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Monday, September 4, 2023 12:30 PM
    

Tokyo Game Show 2023 official stream schedule

The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) published the official Tokyo Game Show 2023 live stream schedule. It will show the streams on the Tokyo Game Show channel on YouTube and Steam on September 21-24, 2023.

The official TGS 2023 stream schedule is available right below. Note that all times listed here are in Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) with a 24-hour format.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

  • 10:00 - Opening Program
  • 11:00 - Keynote
  • 12:00 - Gamera Games
  • 13:00 - Amazing Seasun
  • 16:00 - Japan Game Awards: Games of the Year Division
  • 18:00 - Microsoft Corporation Japan (Xbox TGS Showcase)
  • 19:00 - 505 Games
  • 20:00 - Sega and Atlus
  • 21:00 - Level-5
  • 22:00 - Koei Tecmo (Fate/Samurai Remnant)
  • 23:00 - Capcom

Friday, September 22, 2023

  • 16:00 - Sense of Wonder Night 2023 (Indie game showcase and awards)
  • 18:00 - Koei Tecmo (Atelier Resleriana)
  • 19:00 - HoYoverse
  • 21:00 - Square Enix
  • 23:00 - ProjectMoon

Saturday, September 23, 2023

  • 10:00 - Japan Game Awards: Amateur Division
  • 13:00 - D3 Publisher
  • 17:00 - GungHo Online Entertainment
  • 19:00 - Reverse: 1999
  • 21:00 - Oasys and double jump.Tokyo

Sunday, September 24, 2023

  • 10:00 - Japan Game Awards: U18 Division
  • 13:00 - Japan Game Awards: Future Division
  • 15:00 - Japan Esports Union
  • 18:00 - Ending

CESA started the Tokyo Game Show online streams in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic canceled all physical events worldwide. Although 2023 marks an almost complete return to physical venues, the organizer will still retain many streams from major publishers that air at the global prime time after the venue closes at 5 PM JST (4 AM ET).

The official TGS 2023 channel will also have some glaring omissions with the lack of Bandai Namco and Konami, which will host streams on their own channels. However, Bandai Namco's subsidiary D3 Publisher will have a presence on the official channel on September 23, 2023.

Tokyo Game Show 2023 will take place physically at Makuhari Messe in Japan on September 21-24, 2023.

The post Tokyo Game Show 2023 Official Stream Schedule Published appeared first on Siliconera.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, September 4, 2023 5:44 PM
     How to get and use Lighting Charges in Baldur's Gate 3Baldur's Gate 3 has an insane amount of items to collect dotted around the vast map. There is little to no chance you will come across them all. However, some of them are worth grabbing for your team if you are looking to make specific builds. You may have come across gear with Lightning Charge on your adventures in Baldur's Gate 3 and wondered how to use them or get more. They aren't really explained well in the game, but this will clear everything up. How to get and use Lighting Charges in Baldur's Gate 3 Lightning Charge abilities can be found on certain items around the map. One of the earliest can be found in the windmill in the Blighted Village. You can find this place just to the north and you can grab the Speedy Lightfeet there. These are equipped with a Lightning Charge ability in Baldur's Gate 3. Screenshot by PC Invasion Items that grant, and items that use There are a total of ten items that both grant and use Lightning Charges. In order to st...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, September 4, 2023 4:00 PM
     Kill Terrormorph StarfieldDuring the Grunt work quest, Hadrian will mention that a deadly Terrormorph has run rampant at the production center and ask for your help to kill it. She'll also ask that you retrieve a sample of its issue so she can figure out why it's here. While Terrormorphs are formidable foes in Starfield, there are several strategies you can employ to make the fight easier. Here's how to kill the Terrormorph during the Starfield Grunt Work quest. How to kill the Terrormorph in Starfield Image: PC Invasion When completing the Vanguard Grunt Work quest on Tau Ceti II, you'll come across your first Terrormorph. Luckily, this first fight against them will be aided by Turrets. However, you must first activate these turrets before they will assist you. Image: PC Invasion To do so, head to the Security building in the courtyard by exiting the south-facing door and then head up the stairs. Then, head across the platforms and down to the security building. Once ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, September 4, 2023 3:41 PM
     Baldurs Gate 3 Astral Touched Tadpole GuideBeyond the astronomic amount of paths the narrative can take in Baldur's Gate 3 lies the equally staggering list of skills and powers. Some are fun and take some inventiveness to make the most of, while others are overpowered super-skills. Unlocking the Displacer Beast in Baldur's Gate 3 feels overpowered because it is. Here's how you can unlock it for your character. How to unlock Displacer Beast The Displacer Beast in Baldur's Gate 3 is a relic from Dungeons & Dragons introduced way back in 1975. It looks like a puma with the same tentacles you see on the Illithid coming from its shoulders. The feline transformation is able to deliver some serious damage and very high avoidance moves. Once your Displacer Beast form is dropped to 0 HP, you revert back to your original form. Evolve into a Half-Illithid Screenshot by PC Invasion To unlock the Displacer Beast in Baldur's Gate 3, you must first accept the Atral Touched Tadpole from the Illithid. You will get thi...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, September 4, 2023 3:33 PM
     Starfield Ship Builder FeaturedStarfield is a game that features a whole host of features for you to get lost in as you journey your way through the galaxy. One of these features is the many mechanics revolving around ships in Starfield. You get one early on in Starfield, but you can also find new ones across the universe by docking onto someone else's or even just finding them on planets when others land them. You don't have to find a new ship to be able to get something that feels brand new though, as you can actually build your own ship in Starfield. Here's our guide on how to use the ship builder in Starfield. How to use the ship builder in Starfield Using the ship builder is something you can do in Starfield immediately after getting your ship, the only thing you need to do is find someone who deals in Ship Services. Luckily, this should be pretty easy, as you can find Ship Services signs near where you land your ship in most of the big locations. For example, I have found a Ship Services kiosk in both Ne...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Monday, September 4, 2023 3:27 PM
     Starfield Anchored Immobilizer CloseupAs you roam the galaxy in Starfield, you're bound to come down with one affliction or another eventually. Space is a dangerous place. But there are usually cures available, and possibly even in your med kit. You just have to find the right one for the current ailment. Accordingly, here is our guide telling you how to treat the Joint Pain symptom in Starfield. Starfield – how to treat Joint Pain When you are suffering from Joint Pain, any efforts to sneak about (by walking in a crouch, for example) consume O2. This is bad, because draining your O2 also can lead to damage in certain dangerous environments. You want to fix that problem as quickly as possible. To treat Joint Pain, use any medial supplies that treat the overall Sprain condition, or visit a medical professional. Screenshot by PC Invasion Joint pain is a symptom of the Sprain condition. That condition most often results if you jump or fall from sufficiently high distance. It doesn't happen every...

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Monday, September 4, 2023 5:44 PM
    

The trailer showcases a location in the game called Lorenzini Arcade

The post Lies of P Gameplay Gets New Lorenzini Arcade Revealing New Location appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Monday, September 4, 2023 4:59 PM
    

They confirmed that the previous Mario wonder Direct would not affect the upcoming Direct.

The post A Nintendo Direct May Still Be Happening This Month appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.