May 14, 14:00


GamersHeroes Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:11 AM
    

After two decades with Firaxis, Jake Solomon and Will Miller are launching Midsummer Studios. 

The post Former XCOM and The Sims Developers Launching Midsummer Studios to Reinvent Life Sims appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:44 AM
    

A new take on the 1997 classic, the team at Cyan Worlds announced that Riven will initially launch on the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 VR platforms, along with Windows (VR and flatscreen) and Mac. 

The post Riven Launching in Virtual Reality on Meta Quest 2 and 3 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


Kotaku Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:45 PM
    

A few months ago, former Bungie composer Marty O'Donnell announced he was running for Congress. And in a new interview, the Halo and Destiny composer says he'll succeed because he's a "gamer" and also because, making Halo 2 was harder than governing a nation.

Read more...


Kotaku Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:48 PM
    

Aerith's death (spoilers) in the original Final Fantasy VII was one hell of an emotional ordeal. And while fans scoured the game years after its release for a chance at finding a way to revive her, there was a way to catch a quick glimpse of her in the late game after she dies. Is it a ghost or a glitch? It's a little…

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Kotaku Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:06 PM
    

The Xbox 360 is a legendary console, and its storefront, the Xbox Marketplace, was similarly legendary, becoming one of the most prominent online stores in console history and helping pave the way for digital distribution. The Xbox store has hosted the likes of Xbox Live Arcade, which shone a light on rising indie…

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Kotaku Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:49 AM
    

I think most people will agree the future doesn't look too promising. Between crappy AI replacing real humans and billionaires controlling more and more of the world, things seem a bit bleak, I'd say. So Mullet Madjack, a new retro-inspired, anime-themed, first-person shooter on PC, comes at a perfect time. It's a…

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Kotaku Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:23 AM
    

Riley Testut was about to hop on a rollercoaster in Copenhagen, Denmark when he got the news that Apple would finally be letting a retro emulator he'd been working on for 10 years onto its App Store. It was aboard The Demon in Tivoli Gardens, at 50 miles per hour across three loops, that he started processing the…

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Kotaku Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:50 AM
    

Sony sold over 20 million PlayStation 5s in its last fiscal year, an impressive number that nevertheless failed to hit its original goal of 25 million, and even missed its revised target of 21 million consoles sold. The latest numbers make it clear that the next-gen hardware will probably never catch up to the sales…

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Kotaku Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:20 AM
    

Street Fighter 6 was one of my favorite games of last year, and I'm so convinced I'll get back to its sublime, best-in-its-class fighting that I still haven't uninstalled it from my PS5 despite months away. Every time I so much as see a clip of Street Fighter 6, I'm reminded that Capcom's hallmark fighting series is…

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Kotaku Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9:40 AM
    

Pokémon cards remain big business, even long after the excesses of 2020's price spikes. Just last week a UK collection sold for £55,270 ($69,404), more than double its auction guide price. So you can see the incentive for a Florida man who attempted to steal $40,000-worth from a Miami store, only to be pinned to the…

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PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:43 PM
     When is Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut coming out? PC release times

When is Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut coming out? It's taken a while to get to us but finally the open-world ninja game is coming to PC. Launched to critical acclaim back in 2020 and since updated for newer consoles, we've been waiting a long time for it to hit our beloved desktop boxes. Now it's nearly here and that waiting is about to pay off.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPG games, Best stealth games, Best open-world games

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:06 PM
     Best Hades 2 builds

What are the best Hades 2 builds? Melinoe, the daughter of Hades, is capable of making light work of the enemies in The Underworld, but you need to learn which power ups synergize with her abilities. There aren't any bad upgrades in Hades 2, but there are definitely some that are stronger than others, capable of transforming Melinoe into an unstoppable monster.

With so many new weapons and techniques in Hades 2, there's a lot to think about when preparing for your next run. This roguelike game has plenty of Hades 2 gods you can meet in every run that each dish out the Hades 2 boons like candy. As we progress deeper into the labyrinthine dungeons, we're finding success with very specific builds which you can find below.

Continue reading Best Hades 2 builds
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best roguelike games, Hades 2 boons, Hades 2 Gods

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:00 PM
     New RuneScape roadmap for 2024 expands a decade-old game mode

RuneScape is going to have a packed 2024. The iconic free MMORPG has been through a lot over the past two decades, but has held strong against competitors like Final Fantasy 14, World of Warcraft, and newer entries like Lost Ark. Now, we finally know what the year holds for Jagex's magnum opus, and it's going to be a busy one with a new game mode, plenty of seasonal events, new dungeons, and more.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MMORPGs, The making of RuneScape, Runescape system requirements

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:44 PM
     This Corsair wireless gaming headset is now under $50, if you're quick

Corsair regularly has a handful of discounts on its website, and one of the latest and greatest deals is a massive 50% discount on the Corsair HS55 Wireless Core gaming headset. It's a basic model, but with a price so low, this Corsair gaming headset deal is not one to miss.

Corsair has several of its headsets on our best gaming headset list, with the HS65 Wireless being our choice of best wireless gaming headset. The Corsair HS55 Wireless Core isn't quite in the same echelon, but it's still a capable setup that will deliver clear audio to both your ears and your gaming pals.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Corsair HS80 Max headset review, Corsair M75 Air mouse review, Best gaming keyboard

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:45 PM
     Dead by Daylight's new collab is with the greatest Metroidvania ever

Dead by Daylight has been killing (ha ha) the collaboration game. This time last year BHVR added Hollywood icon Nick Cage to the fray, followed by Alien's vicious Xenomorph and heroine Ellen Ripley. Then, there was the Iron Maiden and Slipknot collaboration - perfect for someone who collects cosmetics as furiously as I do. Honestly, I didn't think there was anything that could top all of that - except a Diablo collab - but a sneak preview of one of DBD's upcoming chapters has me on the edge of my seat all over again.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: DBD killer tier list, Best horror games, DBD codes

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:36 PM
     DBD DnD chapter release date, new killer, survivors, and perks

When is the DBD DnD chapter release date? As if we didn't already get the two acronyms mixed up, it's even more of a mouthful as the two come together in a Dungeons and Dragons x Dead by Daylight chapter.

With around four new chapters a year, it's a wonder the team at Behaviour are able to come up with new perks and powers for the new DBD killers and survivors. Somehow they do, and the year nine Dead by Daylight roadmap confirms a total of nine new characters once again. The first new killer is Vecna, and while he may not be appearing as part of a Stranger Things chapter, we can't wait for TTRPG Dungeons and Dragons - Vecna's true origin - in Dead by Daylight. Here's everything you need to know about the DBD DnD chapter release date, and don't forget to also check out the latest DBD codes for Bloodpoints and cosmetics for your new main.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: DBD killer tier list, Best horror games, DBD codes

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:35 PM
     Five Steam Deck roguelikes you need to play during Replayability Fest

There's never been a better time to be a roguelike fan and own a Steam Deck, as the Endless Replayability Fest sale is live on Steam until May 20. This new game festival focuses on titles that keep you coming back for more, and no genre embodies this principle better than roguelikes.

The Steam Deck is well established as one of the best handheld gaming PCs, and you're never short of games to play thanks to Valve rating over 14,000 games as Verified or Playable. In this latest Steam sale, we've found five incredible roguelike games you have to play that work great on the Steam Deck.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Steam FAQ, Steam family sharing, Steam in-home streaming

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:30 PM
     Manor Lords dev details three big reworks coming to early access

The Steam Early Access launch of Manor Lords means the medieval city builder still has a long way to go. Developer Slavic Magic is in constant communication with players about mechanical tweaks and new features, getting into a rhythm now that thousands of players are settling into the game. After feedback, Slavic Magic has outlined how three mechanics have been received by players, and how they may change each of them soon.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Manor Lords early access review, Best strategy games, Manor Lords system requirements

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:36 PM
     Best Metroidvania games on PC in 2024

What are the best Metroidvania games on PC? With mechanics that have spread to all genres, few things beat a good, traditional, and sprawling Metroidvania. Mostly 2D with some straightforward combat, tricky platforming, light RPG mechanics, and abilities to find that help you explore castles, alien-infested planets, dungeons, caves, whimsical forests, and so on. It's quite difficult to put down a Metroidvania until you've beaten every boss and revealed every nook on the map. Exploration is key here, so if you're looking for 2D action platformers without much in the way of it, you won't find them here.

Nintendo's Super Metroid and Konami's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night popularized the Metroidvania genre, but they aren't available on PC. For Nintendo, it's understandable – they're notorious for keeping their franchises on their systems – but for some reason, Konami hasn't brought the best Metroidvania game to PC yet. While we wait for them to get around to giving us a hopefully remastered taste of Alucard's journey through Dracula's Castle, there are quite a few other Metroidvania games to play on PC. Some recent, many of them cheap, and a few of them some of the best PC games ever made.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hollow Knight system requirements, Best action-adventure games, Best games like Dark Souls remastered

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:22 PM
     The best war games on PC

Which are the best war games on PC? It's a tricky question to answer since war is sort of the default here in the world of PC gaming. It never changes, whether you're re-fighting WW2 or blowing planes out of the sky in Battlefield. We've chosen some highlights from quality war games on PC for your perusal, from calmer free-to-play options to serious strategy games that cover some of history's most serious conflicts.

This is a living list, and we're always adding new games, so make sure you check back regularly. The free PC games are up top by default, so if you're looking for something to play with zero financial commitment, that's where to look.

Continue reading The best war games on PC
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Play Enlisted for free, The best free PC games , The best WW2 PC games

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:17 PM
     The Casting of Frank Stone release date estimate, trailers, and story

When is the The Casting of Frank Stone release date? A new horror game based in the world of Dead by Daylight is in the works by Supermassive Games. If the developer's previous cinematic game experiences like The Quarry and the Dark Pictures anthology are anything to go by, we can't think of anyone better to bring the DBD universe to a new genre.

We've had a dating sim, Hooked on You, the mobile iteration of DBD, which seems to getting more features than the main game at this point, and another multiplayer game is in the works. If there's one thing the Dead by Daylight universe is sorely missing though, it's a single-player horror game. Luckily, that's where The Casting of Frank Stone comes in, and it looks set to be an incredible, immersive, and intense horror experience for existing fans of DBD and, thanks to its all-new characters and setting, those unfamiliar with the asymmetrical game, too. Here's everything we know so far about Supermassive's "cinematic experience" and the window for a The Casting of Frank Stone release date.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best horror games, The Casting of Frank Stone release date, Best adventure games

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:14 PM
     Dead by Daylight dev finally reveals new spinoff horror shooter

With eight years under its belt, Dead by Daylight is expanding in all sorts of unexpected ways. There's the mysterious spinoff game called The Casting of Frank Stone, and a movie version has already been optioned, but it seems there's even more in store for the horror game. We knew that there was a second spinoff lurking in the shadows, and we've finally caught a glimpse of what it looks like.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: DBD killer tier list, Best horror games, DBD codes

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:54 AM
     AMD's new Ryzen CPUs just landed, and they're cheaper than expected

Two new AMD Ryzen CPUs have just been given a global launch, and with cheaper prices than expected, but we recommend avoiding these new processors for gaming. Previously only available in China, the new AMD Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F are basically the same as the company's latest APUs with integrated Radeon graphics, but they don't have the built-in GPU, and their specs are drastically cut down elsewhere too.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Ryzen 7 7800X3D review, Best gaming CPU, Radeon RX 7800 XT review

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:53 AM
     32TB hard drives are incoming according to Toshiba

Toshiba has just shown off a new 32TB hard drive, using its HAMR technology to pack more data than ever before into its HDD platters. While hard drives might still be stuck in the past when it comes to data speeds, these new capacities continue to make these magnetic marvels the most cost-effective options for big data storage.

Just how many of the best PC games can you expect to store on a 32TB hard drive? Well, once formatted we'd expect this size of drive to provide 29.1TB of space, and with many games now pushing 100GB per install, that means you could fit roughly 290 games on the drive, once you've accounted for your Windows installation and other ancillary bits. That's not bad for one drive, though it would be much slower than an SSD.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:50 AM
     Stunning new JRPG is

There are some games that just make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. For me, those are JRPGs. From the Pokemon days through to Final Fantasy and, more recently, Sea of Stars, these over the top, exciting adventures never cease to make me smile. So, when Alzara Radiant Echoes, which is described as "a vibrant tribute to JRPG classics," crossed my desk on this dreary Tuesday afternoon; I felt myself grinning.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best JRPGs, Best turn based RPGs, Best anime games

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:18 AM
     Striking new pixel RPG puts a spin on the genre, you can try it now

I'm always on the lookout for videogames with stunning pixel art. While a lot about the medium has aged over the last few decades, good pixel art never goes out of style. Ada: Tainted Soil is a game that caught my eye, this top-down RPG about brewing, drinking, and throwing potions is out later this year. But it also just dropped a limited-time demo for Steam's Endless Replayability Fest, and it's well worth checking out.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPG games, Upcoming PC games, Best single-player games

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:20 AM
     The most-wanted Dead by Daylight game mode is finally coming

Over recent months Dead by Daylight has been mixing it up. There's been a few different game modifiers trickling in at regular intervals, changing up how you can play. One put the lights out for a darkness-filled romp, another saw survivors become tiny and have to scurry away from a giant Oni. There's one new game mode that fans have been asking for which has been requested more times than I can count.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: DBD killer tier list, Best horror games, DBD codes

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:14 AM
     Tekken 8 and Battlefield inspire big new fighting game you can try now

Chaos. Spectacle. Anarchy. When you think back to your best ever Battlefield moments, it's the sheer bedlam of EA's shooter that always stands out. Planes soar overhead, vehicles explode and flip over all around you, one guy accidentally detonates his own C4, and wipes your squad. Imagine you could capture the spirit of that multiplayer mayhem, and cross it with the weighty melee combat of Tekken 8 or Street Fighter 5. Available to try right now, a colorful new brawler manages exactly that. This is the pandemonium of online games as expressed through the clenched fist.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best fighting games, Best multiplayer games, Best battle royale games

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:10 AM
     Hades 2 Chaos Trials explained

What are Hades 2 Chaos Trials? Hades 2 gives players plenty of tools to change the way each run plays out, but if you're looking to drastically alter your experience, you're going to want to look for Chaos Trials. These special runs only become available once you're able to see into the Pitch-Black Stone, so keep that in mind before you seek out an additional challenge.

During each of your runs, it's important to remember what the best Hades 2 Boons are, so you can ensure Melinoë is well-equipped to take on the enemies in the Underworld. Hades 2 introduces a number of essential combat mechanics that alter the way you approach combat, like the Arcana Cards that give you permanent power-ups before each run.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best roguelike games, Hades 2 boons, Hades 2 Gods

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:09 AM
     A surprise Dead by Daylight roguelike just dropped, and it's free

There is perhaps no genre as consistent as the roguelike, with games like Hades, The Binding of Isaac, Cult of the Lamb, and more absolutely dominating gaming in recent years. As the Dead by Daylight universe continues to expand into new games, comic books, and even a movie, it seems developer Behaviour Interactive has had the good sense to get in on some roguelike action too with a free gift for the community - and it's superb.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: DBD killer tier list, Best horror games, DBD codes

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:01 AM
     Asus' new gaming monitor has a mobile phone stand, and we want it

Asus has just announced its new Asus ROG Strix XG27UCS gaming monitor, which is a 27-inch, 160Hz, 4K screen with some genuinely useful features and compelling specs. The headline feature is a rather cheesy-sounding mobile device stand, but there's a lot more going on here.

With Asus having long been a maker of some of the best gaming monitors around, it has plenty of pedigree when it comes to the basics, but this new screen offers something a little different.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ review, Asus ROG Raikiri review, Best gaming motherboard

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:00 AM
     Dread Delusion review – a bumpy but fascinating new RPG

Retro game aesthetics have never really gone out of style, but there's always some disconnect between how old games actually were, and how they lodge themselves in our collective memory. As I made my way through Dread Delusion's twisting path across a shattered landscape gravitationally locked to an angry red star, I found myself ruminating on this difference, and about how an idealized notion of the past can often lead to mistaken approaches to present-day problems. This is an RPG with its own thoughts about that, and it's a bumpy but fascinating ride.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best PC RPGs, Best fantasy games on PC, Best open-world games on PC

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:00 PM
     Best RGB keyboards 2024

The best RGB keyboards have lighting customized entirely to the beat of your music or events in-game to enhance your immersion.

Many of the best gaming keyboards already allow you to perform slick lighting tricks on a per-game basis, but the choices on this list are PC peripherals absolutely tailored for RGB light shows. Some of them even offer RGB lighting options that work in tandem with the best gaming mouse options.

To determine the best RGB keyboards, we've taken into consideration build quality, features, region-specific layout availability and software. If you want the absolute best, Corsair's K100 RGB offers unprecedented levels of control but at quite a steep price while G.Skill's KM250 has many of the same features, but carries a much more wallet-friendly price. There's something for everyone at every price point so read on to find your type.

Continue reading Best RGB keyboards 2024
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:54 AM
     This white gaming PC has a graphics card mount made from coat hooks

While a water-cooled rig with multi-colored RGB lighting can look the business, you can still make a bold statement with an understated air-cooled PC. This white gaming PC build by Paul Turton is a case in point, with a clean and tidy interior, and a striking angled graphics card dominating the center.

Thanks to our rapidly growing PC building Facebook page, we've seen many custom gaming PCs, from mods based on existing case designs to scratch PC builds. You can even submit yours for consideration right here. Now let's talk to Paul about how he made this air-cooled white PC build.

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

PCGamesN Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:41 AM
     DBD Twitch drops and how to claim

When are DBD Twitch drops available? The first-ever Dead by Daylight Twitch drops went live in October 2023, and it seems we might be getting them for each new chapter now, as the All Things Wicked chapter granted a set of Twitch drop rewards, while the 8th anniversary broadcast, accompanying the DBD DnD PTB (what a mouthful), brings the next round of freebies.

Going live on the same day as the DBD anniversary live stream, the new set of DBD Twitch drops will be around for two weeks, so you've got plenty of time to tune into your favorite Dead by Daylight streamers and earn rewards. It's no secret that DBD fans love a good cosmetic item, and there'll be plenty to pick up in the multiplayer game following the DBD livestream on May 14, 2024. To celebrate, make sure to get these DBD Twitch Drops while you can.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: DBD killer tier list, Best horror games, DBD codes

Twinfinite Tuesday, May 14, 2024 6:51 AM
    
Codes? Let's go!

Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 2:00 PM
    

Quintessential Quintuplets China Princess - kuji lottery rewarding Chinese dress figures

FuRyu has revealed that it will hold The Quintessential Quintuplets: China Princess lottery in Japan in late May 2024. The Kuji lottery will feature figures and illustrations of the Nakano quintuplets in Chinese dresses.

People will have to pay 850 yen (~$5.43) to get a single ticket for the lottery. There will be a winning tier dedicated to each character in the quintuplets—Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, and Itsuki. Each tier will reward a figure based on that character.

Other than the quintuplets' figures, the lottery will feature one more tier that rewards a set of clear files with a display stand. The person who draws the last entry in the lottery will instead win an A2-sized poster. All participants will also be able to enter a bonus lottery that rewards all five figures by entering their lottery numbers on FuRyu's webpage.

There have been many other figure sets depicting all five characters in the Nakano quintuplets in various outfits. While wedding gowns are a popular theme—as seen in Nendoroids and plush dolls, there are more sets that show them in other attires. One such example is the Gym Date series of Fascinity Figures that depict the quintuplets in training clothes. After previously revealing Ichika, Nino, and Miku, Aeon Fantasy published the remaining figures of Yotsuba and Itsuki, which will be available on May 17 and 24, 2024, respectively.

The Quintessential Quintuplets: China Princess Kuji lottery will be available in Japan from May 25, 2024.

The post Quintessential Quintuplets China Princess Figures Revealed appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:30 PM
    

Castlevania Dead by Daylight

Behaviour Interactive, developer of Dead by Daylight, announced a Castlevania crossover for the asymmetrical horror title. More information will appear on August 6, 2024. However, a short trailer has accompanied this announcement, which teases the addition of Dracula as a possible addition to the roster of Killers.

You can watch the Dead by Daylight Castlevania crossover announcement trailer below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YEfRYKRr8s

The trailer shows the iconic titular castle in the background as a vampire stalks towards the camera before bursting into a swarm of bats. Outside of this footage, nothing has been revealed as to who the potential Survivors could be.

This is not the first time a Konami IP has appeared in Dead by Daylight. Previously, Cheryl (Heather) Mason and Pyramid Head of the Silent Hill series joined the roster as a Survivor and Killer, respectively. Since then, various Silent Hill characters such as Maria, James Sunderland, and Cybil Bennett have appeared as premium skins.

Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical horror title that pits four Survivors against one Killer. Players must cooperate and repair generators to open exit gates to escape hazardous stages before the Killer eliminates them. Crossover stages include the Raccoon City Police Department, from the Resident Evil 2 remake, and Midwich Elementary School from Silent Hill.

Dead by Daylight is available for PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X. An Android and iOS version is also available. More information about the Castlevania crossover will appear on August 6, 2024.

The post Castlevania Dead by Daylight Crossover Announced appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:00 PM
    

Blue Protocol Pop Up Shop

Bandai Namco is working with A3 to open a temporary Blue Protocol Pop Up Shop in Ikebukuro in Tokyo, Japan. This physical shop will primarily sell merchandise that features characters from the online game between May 15-30, 2024. JRE Mall eeo Store will also open online orders for items from it during the same period.

The merchandise lineup will mostly feature seven characters: Feste, Jake, Einrain, Tyris, Aerinse, Carvain, and Tia. Some of the items will appear at random when purchased individually. However, A3 will also sell complete boxes that let one obtain every unique item in the collection. In addition, A3 will hand over a random bonus postcard for every 2,200 yen spent on the new merchandise.

Here is the full list of items in the temporary shop, along with their prices in Japanese yen:

  • Acrylic Card: ¥660 for a random single item or ¥4,620 for the complete 7-in-1 box
  • Acrylic Plate Badge: ¥770 for a random single item or ¥5,390 for the complete 7-in-1 box
  • Acrylic Stand: ¥1,815 individually
  • Smartphone Ring: ¥1,540
  • PIICA (Glowing IC Card): ¥1,980
  • Flake Stickers: ¥660 for a full set of 6

The Blue Protocol Pop Up Shop will be temporarily available at Ikebukuro Sukima Store on May 15-30, 2024. It will feature merchandise based on the online game available in Japan on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.

The post Blue Protocol Pop Up Shop Will Feature More Merchandise appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:30 PM
    

PS5 Sales Reach 59 Million

Sales of the PS5 reached 59 million, according to Sony's latest financial reports. In addition, there are now 118 million active users on PlayStation systems.

PS5 sales reached 20.8 million in the last financial year, with 4.5 million of those units sold during the previous quarter. The 59 million total is close to the PS4 sales at the equivalent time in its life cycle, which had sold 60 million at the time. Sony also anticipate that PS5 sales will begin to decline year-on-year as it approaches the middle of its life cycle. They have predicted sales of 18 million units in the next financial year.

Sony also confirmed that the number of active users on PlayStation systems has risen to 118 million, double the PS5 sales figure. Helldivers 2 is cited as a major part in this increase, which has sold 12 million copies across PS5 and PC. It now holds the record for fastest-selling first-party Sony title since God of War Ragnarok in 2022. In addition, total play time reached its second-highest point in history during Q4 FY2023. It was only exceeded by Q4 FY2020, where demand from the pandemic was high.

Sony have not revealed much about their plans in the coming plans in these reports. They mention Destiny 2: The Final Shape and live service game Concord as major upcoming titles. No other upcoming first-party games have been mentioned.

The post PS5 Sales Reach 59 Million Units appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:00 PM
    

Switch Version of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ Release Date Set

We already knew Aksys would release the Nihon Falcom Persona-like Switch port of Tokyo Xanadu eX+, and now there's a release date. It will launch on July 25, 2024, and the Aksys Store version includes a four CD soundtrack.

The Tokyo Xanadu eX+ Switch release date announcement was paired with a brief trailer for the game. It mainly focuses on the launch. It mainly shows some of the animations to start, but there are also brief gameplay clips for the RPG.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dzaiUnrRJk

To compare, the original Tokyo Xanadu release trailer Aksys prepared was a much longer one. It showed the entire animated introduction to the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt5KHj5ZCDk

The bundle that includes the game and the soundtrack will be a bit more expensive than the game alone. The Aksys Store is already taking pre-orders for it. People get a physical Switch cartridge and the four CDs in a separate case for $69.99.

Here's how the cover art for the soundtrack and game look:

The Tokyo Xanadu eX+ Switch release date outside Japan is July 25, 2024. The game is immediately available on the Switch in Japan and the PS4 and PC worldwide. It originally launched on the Vita in 2015.

The post Switch Version of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ Release Date Set appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:30 AM
    

Pick Up Another Farming Sim With Fields of Mistria Early Access in August

NPC Studio announced that Fields of Mistria, a PC farming sim with character designs inspired by Sailor Moon artist Naoko Takeuchi's work, will enter Steam Early Access on August 5, 2024. The developer took to social media to announce it and share a brief trailer with character art.

First, here's the official reveal. It shows townsfolk, many of them being love interests, before revealing the Fields of Mistria Early Access date. Two of the figures only show up as silhouettes. 

https://twitter.com/FieldsofMistria/status/1790397217691275746

The official Steam page for the game further went over how early access will work for the farming sim. It will last for a year and involve regular updates. When it launches, people will be able to make and customize a character, grow over 50 crops during the four seasons, raise and play with animals, and engage in blacksmithing, cooking, and crafting. The "dungeon" and mine area will only go to level 60 when it launches. The Saturday Market will also only have half of its planned vendors. Nine skills will be present. Some home upgrades will appear. Also, the Spring Festival is the only one mentioned. 

The romances won't be complete in Fields of Mistria when it debuts in August 2024. While there will be 10 standard and 2 special candidates, all of them can only get up to four hearts and have two events. The finished game will have 10 hearts available, additional events, and advanced relationships. 

NPC Studio also confirmed the game will cost $13.99 when it enters early access. However, that price could change in the run-up to launch. The developer only noted that will come up "at a later time."

Fields of Mistria will enter Steam Early Access for the PC on August 5, 2024.

The post Farming Sim Fields of Mistria Early Access Begins in August appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:00 AM
    

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft announced the next lineup of games headed to the Xbox Game Pass library includes the upcoming Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. Also on the way are Lords of the Fallen and Immortals of Aveum.

Hellblade 2 is the follow up to 2017 critical darling Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, and it is set to continue the journey through Viking myth. The game is set to launch on May 21, 2024, and it will be immediately available via Game Pass. Other new arrivals include first-person magic spell-shooter Immortals of Aveum on May 16, 2024, and that will be followed by the Souls-like Lords of the Fallen on May 30, 2024. Meanwhile, on May 31, 2024, games like Chicory: A Colorful Tale and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle will leave the service.

You can view the full list below:

  • May 14, 2024: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • May 15, 2024: Chants of Sennaar (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • May 16, 2024: EA Sports NHL 24 (Cloud) and Immortals of Aveum (Cloud, Xbox Series X, PC)
  • May 21, 2024: Senua's Saga: Hellblade II (Cloud, Xbox Series X, PC)
  • May 23, 2024: Galacticare (Cloud, Console, PC), Hauntii (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • May 28, 2024: Moving Out 2 (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • May 30, 2024: Humanity (Cloud, Console, PC), Lords of the Fallen (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • June 4, 2024: Firework (PC), Rolling Hills (Cloud, Console, PC)

The following games are leaving on May 31, 2024:

  • Chicory: A Colorful Tale (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • Farworld Pioneers (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • Little Witch in the Woods (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • Pac-Man Museum Plus (Cloud, Console, PC)
  • Railway Empire II (Cloud, Console, PC)

Bethesda and Microsoft's Starfield, also available via Game Pass, is set to receive a new update on May 15, 2024. In less pleasant news, Microsoft recently shuttered several of its studios, including Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks, as part of a "reprioritization of resources".

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 will launch for PC and Xbox Series X/S on May 21, 2024, and will be available via Xbox Game Pass on day one.

The post Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Confirmed for Xbox Game Pass appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:30 AM
    

FFXIV 2024 Make It Rain Campaign Involves Imp Head and Suit

One of the recurring Final Fantasy XIV events is the Make It Rain Campaign, and the 2024 installment begins on May 15, 2024. This time it there is an imp theme that lets people look like kappas. 

The requirements to take part aren't too taxing. If we want to take part, we need to complete the FFXIV: A Realm Reborn quest "The Gridanian Envoy," "The Lominsan Envoy," or "The Ul'dahn Envoy." (Which one needs to be done depends on your starting character decisions.) Being at level 15 is also part of the requirements.

When we clear both those hurdles, we can go to Ul'dah - Steps of Nald. The FFXIV Make It Rain Campaign event NPC Quevain waits there. Talking to the character lets you take on the quest "Of Impish Importance." 

By going through that, we can acquire four items. The two costume parts are the FFXIV Imp Head and Suit. These can be dyed and projected. We can also get Cactaur-themed cosmetics. There is a Cactaur Dining Table and Senor Sabotender Chronometer for our homes. 

Here's how those FFXIV Make It Rain Campaign 2024 items look:

As usual, past items from other Make It Rain Campaign events are available. The campaign attendant offers them. There will also be 50% higher Gold Saucer rewards. 

 Final Fantasy XIV is available for the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and the FFXIV Make It Rain Campaign event runs May 15-31, 2024. The Dawntrail expansion debuts on July 2, 2024.

The post FFXIV 2024 Make It Rain Campaign Involves Imp Head and Suit appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:00 AM
    

Watch the Hololive Valkyrie Connect Third Event Trailer

Ateam and Cover announced that the next Valkyrie Connect Hololive event will kick off on May 17, 2024, and now there's a trailer promoting the event. It focuses on the Hololive Japan Vtubers Hakui Koyori, Ookami Mio, Sakura Miko, and Yukihana Lamy, who are all joining the game as playable characters for this event.  

Things begin with chibi art of Koyori, Lamy, Miko, and Mio. After that, it shows off the in-game models and gameplay footage for each Vtuber. It begins with Mio. Then, we get to see Miko. Lamy footage and art showed up after that. After seeing their character models all together.

Here's the full Valkyrie Connect Hololive third event trailer showing the Vtubers as playable characters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkjHOA61zJ8

As a result of past events, the following Hololive Vtubers already appeared in the game:

  • Houshou Marine
  • Kiara Takanashi
  • Laplus Darkness 
  • Nanashi Mumei  
  • Ninomae Ina'nis 
  • Ouro Kronii
  • Sakamata Chloe
  • Usada Pekora

While Ookami Mio is present as a character in this crossover, she is currently on a break. Cover announced she is in the hospital on May 12, 2024. She won't be participating in other scheduled concerts and events as a result.

Valkyrie Connect is available for the PC and mobile devices, and the latest Hololive Vtuber event begins on May 17, 2024.

The post Watch the Hololive Valkyrie Connect Third Event Trailer appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9:30 AM
    

My Hero Academia Combination Battle figures - Izuku Deku Midoriya vs Katsuki Kacchan Bakugo

Banpresto revealed new My Hero Academia Combination Battle figures that feature Izuku "Deku" Midoriya and Katsuki "Dynamight / Kacchan" Bakugo. The figures will be available as crane game prizes in Japanese arcade game centers starting from May 16, 2024.

These figures will appear to re-enact the fight scene in the anime's 61st episode "Deku vs. Kacchan, Part 2." The sizes will range between 11-12 cm (~4.33-4.72 inches). The items will be available separately in the crane games, but people who manage to get both figures will be able to line them up together.

Here are some of the sample images for the new figures:

The 61st anime episode—or the 23rd episode in Season 3—originally aired in Japan on September 15, 2018. It covered the scenes from the original manga chapters 117 to 121 in the Provisional Hero License Exam arc. Season 7 of the anime began airing in Spring 2024, and it covers the Star and Stripe arc.

The My Hero Academia Combination Battle figures of Izuku "Deku" Midoriya and Katsuki "Dynamight / Kacchan" Bakugo will be available as crane game prizes in arcades across Japan from Thursday, May 16, 2024.

The post My Hero Academia Deku Vs Kacchan Figures Will Be Crane Prizes appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9:00 AM
    

Atlus has restocked Persona 3 Reload merchandise

Atlus announced that it has gradually restocked some of its Persona 3 Reload merchandise. The items are available to order via Atlus D Shop.

The list of restocked merchandise as mentioned in Atlus' tweet includes acrylic stands, tin badges, and tarot card replicas. The prices range from 440 yen (~$2.80) for a single tin badge to 4,400 yen (~$28) for the tarot card replica set.

The international availabilities for this merchandise collection are ambiguous at best. Atlus D Shop's parent platform EBten supports global shipping via WorldShopping, and some of the restocked Persona 3 Reload merchandise are also listed in the international shipping-supported pages. However, the pages for each Persona 3 Reload item have WorldShopping's "Add to Cart" button greyed out, and clicking it will generate a message stating that the items "cannot be sold to your country." Icrea's figure of Aigis in her EX Orgia Mode from Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is the one that actually has worldwide shipping support.

Many companies other than Atlus have also revealed their own lineups of Persona 3 Reload merchandise. Animax Cafe's goods have more focus on the title's main characters, while Movic's collection specifically features disaster survival and first-aid themes.

The Persona 3 Reload video game is available worldwide on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

The post Persona 3 Reload Merchandise at Atlus D Shop Restocked appeared first on Siliconera.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Tuesday, May 14, 2024 2:00 PM
     How to get the Profane Mindcage elixir in Diablo 4 Season 4Ever since Season 1, Helltides have been a great place to get high-tier loot with a nice balance of risk and reward. Those rewards have been drastically improved for the new season. With this in mind, let me show you how to get the Profane Mindcage Elixir in Diablo 4 Season 4. Where to get a Profane Mindcage Elixir in Diablo 4 Profane Mindcage Elixir's are a guaranteed drop from Hellborne enemies in the revamped Helltide events. You'll notice a new Threat meter on the side of the screen during Helltides, which fills up as you slay enemies. Your meter will fill faster when you defeat higher-level opponents and open Tortured Gifts.  When you reach level Threat level three, you become Hell Marked, making you a target for a dense swarm of enemies. If you survive the onslaught, a Hellborne enemy will hunt you down, which should provide a decent challenge. It's these enemies that drop the Profane Mindcage Elixir's.  What does a Pr...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:59 PM
     Dead By Daylight Aestri YazarThe latest Dead by Daylight Chapter features a huge crossover with Dungeons and Dragons, and the newest Survivors to join the game's roster are a pair of bards named Aestri Yazar and Baermar Uraz. The first Chapter of Dead by Daylight Year Nine, Dead by Daylight version 8.0.0 is one of the largest updates the game has seen to date. In addition to Aestri Yazar and Baermar Uraz, Vecna joins the game as an all-new Killer with some rather interesting abilities. There's also a new map called the Forgotten Ruins, a winding stone dungeon that the terrifying lich calls home. Dead by Daylight Aestri Yazar and Baermar Uraz Release Date Aestri Yazar and Baermar Uraz will be released when the Dungeons and Dragons Chapter comes out for Dead by Daylight on Monday, June 3, 2024. Both Survivors will have the same abilities regardless of who you choose, so the difference between them is purely visual. If you're on PC, then you can test out the new bard Survivors on t...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:45 PM
     Runeshards Diablo 4 PitIf you're looking to enter The Pit of Artificers in Diablo 4 Season 4, you'll first need to find where Runeshards can be collected. Here's how to earn the necessary materials to enter this endgame dungeon. Diablo 4: Where to find Runeshards Runeshards are a special resource used to unlock The Pit, an exciting endgame dungeon introduced during the Season 4 PTR. You can find Runeshards for The Pit of Artificers in Diablo 4 Season 4 by engaging in endgame activities such as Helltides, Nightmare Dungeons, or even Whispers of the Dead. Image: Blizzard You can collect Runeshards randomly as you complete these endgame activities upon making it to World Tier 4 since The Pit is only accessible on this World Tier. Runeshards are your keys for entering The Pit, so if you're interested, you should start completing Whispers of the Dead, engage in the Helltide or Legion Events, or clear Nightmare Dungeons. How to farm Runeshards in Diablo 4 Helltides and th...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:42 PM
     Diablo 4 Season 4 Loot RebornBlizzard has made some big changes to the way Diablo 4 will feel and play. With what is being called Loot Reborn, they are planning on changing the way loot and gameplay works. So, with the introduction of the Iron Wolves, the reputation rewards are all that more important in Diablo 4. All Iron Wolves rewards in Diablo 4 Season 4 By working away at the various quests and challenges posed by the Iron Wolves, it is possible to earn some pretty sweet rewards. Here are what you can earn in Diablo 4 Season 4. NameTypeAbilityIRON WOLCVTotem1,838 Damage Per Second, [1,337 – 2,005] Damage per Hit, 1.10 Attacks per Second, +[28 – 42] WillpowerIron Wolf BootsAncestral Rare Boots463 Armor, Attacks Reduce Evade's Cooldown by 0.8 SecondsIron Wolves Messenger BootsAncestral Rare Boots463 Armor, +2 Maximum Evade ChargesIron Wolf MedallionAncestral Legendary Amulet+19.0% Resistance to All ElementsReclaimed Medallion of the Iron WolvesAncestral Legendary Amulet+19.0% Resistan...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:39 PM
     Dead By Daylight VecnaThe next Dead by Daylight Chapter features a surprising crossover with Dungeons and Dragons, adding a new killer to the game in the form of Vecna. Revealed in the eighth-anniversary stream for Dead by Daylight, the Dungeons and Dragons Chapter is one of the biggest updates the game has received to date. Vecna joins the Killer roster with a new Survivor to match, and a new map is getting added to the rotation as well. There are also new in-game events and cosmetics to enjoy on top of that. Dead by Daylight Vecna Release Date Vecna will be released alongside the Dungeons and Dragons Chapter of Dead by Daylight, which is slated to launch on Monday, June 3, 2024. Vecna is currently playable on the Dead by Daylight PTB for PC players, so you can jump in and test out all of the D&D content right now if you want. While many horror fans are most familiar with Vecna's appearance in the fourth season of Netflix's Stranger Things series, this version of Vecna is ...

WGB Tuesday, May 14, 2024 8:55 AM
     Sony has released its financial data for the last 12 months, revealing how many PS5s have been sold. software sales and more.

WGB Tuesday, May 14, 2024 7:25 AM
     Helldivers 2 has sold over 12 million copies on PC and PS5, making it the fastest-selling PlayStation game in history.

MonsterVine Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:35 AM
     I was a wretch, a mere thief serving out a sentence in an inquisition prison until the Confessor gave me purpose. Tasked with tracking down a pirate known as Vela Calose, I embarked on a mission that could possibly change the world. Meeting Vela, this imposing figure bid me adieu as she took off in […]