Jul 18, 18:00


GamersHeroes Thursday, July 18, 2024 5:46 PM
    

Announced as part of Tacticon 2024, Gentlymad Studios and Assemble Entertainment's post-apocalyptic survival colony builder Endzone 2 is launching in Early Access for PC August 26.

The post Endzone 2 Launching Into Early Access August 26 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:54 PM
    

The Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe is speeding back to San Diego in time for San Diego Comic-Con starting July 25. 

The post Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe Returning to San Diego July 25 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:28 PM
    

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Hasbro and Renegade Game Studios are celebrating the return of Heroscape with a celebrity playthrough video featuring Deborah Ann Woll and Matt Mercer.

The post Heroscape Celebrity Playthrough With Deborah Ann Woll and Matt Mercer Released appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:59 PM
    

All those that dive into Rockstar Games' GTA Online this week can get themselves the Canis Castigator SUV from Southern San Andreas Super Autos and the Luxury Autos showroom.

The post Canis Castigator SUV Now Available in GTA Online appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:55 PM
    

Narrated by Creative Director Christophe Rossignol, take a closer look at Reflector Entertainment and Bandai Namco's Unknown 9: Awakening with the gameplay walkthrough for the title.

The post Unknown 9: Awakening Gameplay Walkthrough Released appeared first on GamersHeroes.


Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:55 PM
    

Earlier this week, No Man's Sky announced its latest update, which apparently refreshes the entire universe to make it more diverse and lively. As part of the update, No Man's Sky is also getting some graphical advancements from the studio's upcoming survival game Light No Fire, and the most exciting bit of it for me…

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:15 PM
    

As a crafting-survival game with a surprising depth, Once Human doesn't shy away from the basics of the genre, either. You have countless resources necessary for crafting and construction. Various tools are required to harvest specific resources, with upgrades needed for late-game materials.

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:05 PM
    

A newly published report claims that the majority of adults in the United States play video games of some kind. It also found that most of them have spent real money on in-app purchases in a free-to-play game.

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:20 PM
    

Palworld's Sakurajima update massively expanded the game when it launched on June 27, update, 2024. Although most of the new content can be found within the new Sakurajima region, one of the biggest additions is tucked away on the other side of the map—an Oil Rig Stronghold with a staggering amount of enemies and…

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:15 PM
    

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old man identified as the gunman behind the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump at a campaign rally last week, doesn't appear to have posted about the attack ahead of time on Valve's PC gaming storefront, Steam, after all.

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 2:30 PM
    

Rolling Sparks is an Ash of War added in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. It's a powerful ability on its own, but when combined with the Lightning Perfume Bottle and the right loadout, it can provide devastating damage to bosses. Learn more about it in our Lightning Perfumer build guide.

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 2:20 PM
    

The best Simpsons game ever made has been ported to Sony's old but still beloved portable console, the PS Vita. And it looks like a pretty awesome way to replay the classic game.

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:10 PM
    

Do you believe in magic? What do you think it looks and feels like? In Dungeons of Hinterberg, magic is uncomfortably real. In the places that it has sprung up, monsters inspired by local folklore have come to life, and otherworldly dungeons have appeared. Quiet mountain towns have become booming centers of industry,…

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:00 PM
    

There are a lot of weird mounts you can explore Eorzea with in Final Fantasy XIV. The weirdest often come from limited time collaborations between Square Enix's MMO and other brands, such as the Mountain Dew-themed bird mount aptly named, Mountain Zu, that was offered until July 14 this year. Now there's a new collab…

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:50 PM
    

On July 17, Xbox kicked off its massive Summer Sale which includes nearly 1,000 discounted games. And as part of this large sale, nearly every mainline Call of Duty game is currently marked down on Xbox's digital store.

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:40 PM
    

Twisters, the sequel to the 1996 storm-chasing action film Twister, is out now in select theaters, with a full-blown release coming July 19. Some of those select theaters include Regal's 4DX showings, which are highly immersive experiences where the seats move, shake, and tilt, water sprays in your face, smoke pours…

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:00 PM
    

Splitgate was a refreshing flash in the pan when it briefly blew up in 2021. It combined the feel of an old-school arena shooter with the novel and brain-tickling mechanic of on-demand portals. Now the team behind it is promising a sequel that's bigger, better, and coming sometime in 2025 to join an increasingly…

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 11:00 AM
    

Everybody was right about Jeanne d'Arc. The 2006 PSP game from developer Level-5 has been on my radar for a while, thanks to its reputation as a solid tactical RPG with a semi-historical setting—yes, it's about the 15th century saint Joan of Arc. Unfortunately, the game never found life outside of the PSP, making it…

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Kotaku Thursday, July 18, 2024 10:15 AM
    

The Aged One's Exultation Talisman is an item you can only round up in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This useful accessory increases your attack power when Madness is applied in your vicinity, which makes it excellent for anyone willing to go through the minor inconvenience of applying it to themselves…

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PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:56 PM
     Path of Exile Settlers of Kalguur turns the ARPG into a city builder

One of the most exciting things about a new Path of Exile update is that you never quite know what to expect. While both Diablo 4 and the full launch of Last Epoch are still in their early stages and working out exactly what new seasons look like, PoE is now more than ten years old and Grinding Gear Games continues cooking up all manner of fascinating ideas for each league. Path of Exile 3.25, titled Settlers of Kalguur, packs in all manner of upgrades and improvements, along with a whole new city-building side.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: PoE 3.23 details, Best free PC games, Best ARPG games

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:01 PM
     Diablo 4's Spiritborn looks like the most flexible class to date

Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred promises to inject new life into the game when it launches this autumn. Most interesting among the additions coming with this expansion is its new class, a warrior that fights alongside ghostly beasts called a Spiritborn. Now, after waiting for details on exactly how this class will look, play, and fit into Diablo 4's fiction, Blizzard has provided plenty of new information through today's Spiritborn reveal stream.

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

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:00 PM
     The Sims 4 Lovestruck brings back some of that old-school personality

The Sims 4 Lovestruck expansion pack is about to hit the digital shelves, and we here at PCGamesN have spent some time digging into what's on offer. The new DLC for the now decade-old free PC game injects a little 'je ne sais quoi' into the romantic side of The Sims 4, an aspect undoubtedly near and dear to many players' hearts. What really stood out to me, however, is just how much it feels like a throwback to classic games such as The Sims 2 in being bolder with its over-the-top, silly animation style and personality.

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

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:52 PM
     31 years later, famously awful FMV game returns to PC

Back in the early 1990s, the world wide web and the CD ROM opened up home computing to people around the globe. These technologies brought greater connection between cultures, encouraged the free spread of information, and represented a new possibility space for artistic expression. They also gave us Plumbers Don't Wear Ties, one of the worst games ever made and a dismal example of the live video focused FMV genre made famous by Ripper, the Tex Murphy series, The Beast Within: A Gabriel Knight Mystery, Phantasmagoria, and more. Now, 31 years after it stumbled onto the 3DO and Windows for the first time, Plumbers Don't Wear Ties is back, launching today on GOG in its Definitive Edition.


PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:06 PM
     You can play Amazon MMO Throne and Liberty's open beta right now

This summer is, for many MMORPG players, already going to be taken up with Final Fantasy 14's latest expansion, Dawntrail, which, in our review, we praised for delivering "some of the game's best dungeons and trials yet alongside a compelling story." Still, there's plenty of excitement around other, less established MMOs, like the quickly approaching Amazon and Ncsoft collaboation, Throne and Liberty. While its September 17 launch is still a little ways off, players eager to get a first look at the project ahead of this autumn can now do so thanks to the beginning of an open beta period set to run from today until next Tuesday July 23.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MMORPGs, Best single-player MMO games, Best free games

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:01 PM
     Try out Command and Conquer successor Tempest Rising with new demo

While strategy fans have plenty of great options this year, from the upcoming Frostpunk 2 and Total War: Pharaoh Dynasty update to the already launched Homeworld 3 and Manor Lords, one game we've been watching with interest is Tempest Rising. Created in the spirit of the classic Command and Conquer series, Tempest Rising seems like the natural successor to a style of RTS that's laid dormant for far too long. And now, as part of the TactiCon 2024 celebrations, you can get a firsthand look at how it's shaping up with today's launch of a new Steam demo.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Tempest Rising announcement, The best RTS games, The best PC strategy games

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:21 PM
     Battlefield 2042 seasons are ending but old events are coming back

Change can be a good thing, even if it's terrifying. Stepping out into the unknown, even if you're sure things can get better, is something that can put fear in the heart of even the doughtiest warrior. That's why with a small amount of trepidation I look at the changes incoming to Battlefield 2042, as it ends its seasonal model and strikes out to pastures new - or rather, old.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Battlefield 2042 review, Best multiplayer games on PC, Best FPS games on PC

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 11:50 AM
     Norland is a Rimworld inspired medieval simulation game, out now

The launch of highly anticipated medieval building game Manor Lords is still pretty recent, giving audiences a great outlet for constructing and managing communities from a bygone time. Still, as games like Crusader Kings 3, Age of Empires 2, Northgard, For Honor, and Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord show, there's always an appetite for further projects set in a digital recreation of the past. This makes Norland, a kingdom building and management simulator inspired by Rimworld, a compelling prospect, and its launch today in Early Access worthy of attention.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best medieval games, Best simulation games, Best farming games

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 11:49 AM
     Build your own fantasy pub in Tavern Keeper with new demo coming soon

Taverns make up some of the most evocative locations in fantasy. From the Green Dragon in The Lord of the Rings, to the Prancing Pony in, well, The Lord of the Rings - taverns are the backbone of many a fine fantasy tradition. Even in games, you can't beat going to the pub. Reaching the Friendly Arm Inn in Baldur's Gate feels like a milestone, and Skyrim's Bannered Mare marks the start of plenty of quests. Tavern Keeper brings fantasy pubs and inns to life by putting you in charge of one - and it's getting a demo you can play for free soon.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best indie games, Upcoming PC games, Best life games

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 10:40 AM
     One of the best survival games of 2024, Pacific Drive, just got better

Pacific Drive has accelerated up to be one of our highest-rated games of the year thanks to its eery sci-fi setting and excellent survival-roguelike loop where your car is the only thing keeping you from an untimely demise. Thankfully, the ever-shifting Olympic Exclusion Zone is now a little more hospitable following the arrival of a free summer update.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Pacific Drive preview, Best survival games, Pacific Drive release date

PCGamesN Thursday, July 18, 2024 10:23 AM
     Phantom Blade Zero is the most fun I've ever had with a soulslike

Sometimes a game just clicks with you. During my teenage years, it was Dragon Age: Origins, LA Noire, and Mirror's Edge. For my adulthood, it was League of Legends, then smaller titles like the Plague Tale series or Ghostrunner. It was, however, never FromSoftware's Souls games. While Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro are formative experiences for many, the difficulty curve just isn't for me. Yet I'm obsessed with their aesthetics - Bloodborne whispers to my vampiric soul, and Elden Ring's weird monstrosities unsettle and intrigue me. When I first saw Phantom Blade Zero, my heart sank; it looked so cool, but I figured I'd never be able to fully enjoy it.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best action games, Upcoming PC games, Best ninja games

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, July 18, 2024 5:32 PM
    

Everybody knows that Counter-Strike's asymmetric levels are its best. If only someone had told its millions of players. Counter-Strike creator Minh Le seems to agree with me at least, naming cs_siege as one of his favourites in a recent interview.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:59 PM
    

It was just last month that we reported on Streets Of Rogue 2's early access release date, then planned for the middle of August. Alas, the streets of video game development are meaner than first thought, and its release date has now slipped until October 22nd.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:48 PM
     I confess that 2018's Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks is a corner of the grim dark far future with which I'm unfamiliar, but it turns out it's an Orky death rally. Its video game adaptation, meanwhile, is a free-to-play, multiplayer, with several team-based modes. It now has an Early Access release date: August 6th.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, July 18, 2024 2:00 PM
    

Crow Country, Conscript, and now Vultures - Scavengers Of Death. We really do seem to be living through a craze for PS1-style horror games. Vultures is different to the others, though, in that it's turn-based zombie crunching combined with roguelike scavenging to survive and get more powerful. It's arriving on Steam sometime soon and it's probably worth a looksy if you're after biohazard disposal with a tactical twist.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:12 PM
    

We've had a glut of articles about gloomier video games on here today, Rachel's bright and breezy Dungeons Of Hinterberg review notwithstanding. Tomorrow, I promise, it'll be wall-to-wall wholesome life sims, pastel petals and hug emojis as far as the eye can see. But before then, a quick piece on well-received DreadXP-published horror sim The Mortuary Assistant, which will shortly be updated with an "endless embalming-only mode" that strips out the game's supernatural scares and turns it into a very downbeat job sim.

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Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 5:00 PM
    

Overwatch 2 Juno

Activision Blizzard has revealed that the latest Support hero for Overwatch 2 is Juno. In addition, she will be available as a limited time trial from July 19-21, 2024, ahead of her full release in August.

Juno was previously teased as a new Overwatch 2 hero at BlizzCon 2023 under the codename Space Ranger, but now she has received a full gameplay trailer. Hailing from a Mars colony, her moveset is based around sci-fi technology. Juno will be released as part of Season 20 on August 20, 2024, but players will be able to try her out on July 19-21, 2024, where she will be available as part of a limited trial.

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

Her primary fire is the Mediblaster, a burst fire weapon, while her secondary fire is the Pulsar Torpedoes, which are homing missiles. She can also double jump and perform a horizontal glide thanks to her Martian Overboots and deploy a Hyper Ring that can increase ally movement. Her Ultimate is the Orbital Ray, a laser that fires from space and travels forward. All her abilities will damage enemies while healing allies.

Activision Blizzard also revealed the voice actor for Juno. She will be voiced by Xanthe Huynh, whose previous credits include Haru in Persona 5, Pela in Honkai: Star Rail and Marianne in Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Juno is the latest hero to be revealed for Overwatch 2. The previous character to be added to the cast was Venture, a Damage focused hero released in Apil 2024.

Overwatch 2 is available now for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Juno will be available on August 20, 2024, with a free trial on July 19-21, 2024.

The post The Latest Overwatch 2 Support Hero Is Juno appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:30 PM
    

One Piece x Lacoste Collaboration Stars Nico Robin

A collaboration between the One Piece manga series and the Lacoste fashion brand has been revealed, and the announcement features Robin hanging out with the Lacoste crocodile. More details about the collaboration will appear on issue 34 of the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, which will go on sale on July 22, 2024. [Thanks, Oricon!]

The announcement post by the One Piece X (formerly Twitter) official account showed the cover art for chapter 1106 of the manga, as it featured art depicting Robin alongside a humanoid crocodile wearing sunglasses and an outfit sporting a familiar logo and the caption Lacosta. In the post, the name Lacosta transforms to reveal the fashion brand Lacoste.

You can check out the announcement post for the new Lacoste collaboration with the popular manga series here:

https://twitter.com/Eiichiro_Staff/status/1813861403381596406

In addition to the upcoming collaboration with the popular fashion brand, One Piece will also start a new collaboration with Japanese dairy and confectionery company Meiji on July 23, 2024, with Luffy and other characters from the Straw Hat Pirates crew appearing on the boxes of various Meiji chocolate snacks.

More information about the new One Piece x Lacoste collaboration will appear on the Weekly Shonen Jump issue 34 coming out on July 22, 2024.

The post One Piece x Lacoste Collaboration Stars Nico Robin appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:00 PM
    

More Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Screenshots Shared

Throughout July 2024, Square Enix gradually shared Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake screenshots. The latest batch offered us a look at things like exploring locations, finding treasure, and talking to an NPC in town. 

First, here are the latest four screenshots from the game. In one, we get to see a full party of four characters walking in the overworld near what appears to be Alltrades Abbey and the Tower of Transcendence. The second features an NPC in a town sharing some lore about the world. The third shows the group about to obtain some treasure. Finally, the fourth new image features the group going from a desert into the pyramid not far from the town of Isis.

Another batch of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake screenshots appeared online on July 12, 2024. Those two focused on combat. The first showed an AOE attack hitting a group of four enemies. The second showed an ally named Nelson's abilities menu in a fight. It showed he had access to the skills Cop Out, Double-Edged Slash, Mercurial Thrust, Pressure Pointer, and Whipping Boy.

https://twitter.com/DragonQuest/status/1811777644943540640

Dragon Quest 3: HD-2D Remake will come to the Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on November 14, 2024.

The post More Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Screenshots Shared appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:30 PM
    

Good Smile Company's New NieR: Automata 2B Figure Arrives in 2025

Good Smile Company and Max Factory's next NieR: Automata 2B figure is leaving the prototype phase and heading out in 2025 worldwide. Japan will get it first in May 2025, and the global debut has a tentative Q4 2025 release window.

Editor's Note: Due to the positioning of the skirt in the new NieR: Automata 2B, some photos on the original product page are NSFW.

We last saw this Max Factory 2B figure back in June 2024. It was one of Good Smile Company's Smile Fest 2024 updates. It was one of two painted prototypes of the NieR: Automata character to appear.

The new release date for the 1/7 sale static figure will cost $177.99 via the US storefront and ¥31,000 in Japan. She'll stand at about 11 inches tall. The base of the figure involves her standing on top of a broken machine lifeform. She's wielding her Virtuous Contract sword. Also, there is a replica of Pod 042 positioned floating alongside of her. Optional parts allow people to display her with or without her visor covering her eyes.

Here is a gallery of some of the photos Good Smile Company provided:

This is the second figure of 2B in a dynamic pose on the way. Kotobukiya announced ones of her and 9S for its ARTFX J line. It features her wielding the same sword and also shows her with her Pod by her side.

The latest NieR: Automata 2B and A2 figures and figmas are in development. The anime series is streaming on Crunchyroll. The game is available on the PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and Windows PC. 

The post Good Smile Company's New NieR: Automata 2B Figure Arrives in 2025 appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:00 PM
    

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is the fifth expansion in the long-running MMO's history, and it represents such a fascinating point in its life. This expansion has the unenviable task of following up after two excellent additions. In the end, I found FFXIV Dawntrail shows us the best and worst moments of the MMO so far.

Screenshot by Siliconera

With the lead-up to Dawntrail, I often kept asking myself what the whole point of it was. Endwalker put a nice little cap on the MMORPG, feeling like the right place to end FFXIV. In fact, it was supposed to be the original ending. But here Square Enix is, continuing the story past Hydaelyn and Zodiark because there is a massive, active player base.

My main concern about Dawntrail reared its head in the first half of the FFXIV expansion. The initial part of the story acts as a wacky summer vacation filler arc, for better and mostly worse. The Warrior of Light and some of the Scions take a trip to the new continent of Tural to help Wuk Lamat fight for her claim to the throne against other contestants. In theory, the premise sounds pretty neat! This is especially true when some of the other Scions are on opposing sides, offering some fun internal conflict within the group. However, the execution feels about as underwhelming as Stormblood, the weakest FFXIV expansion by far. This largely stems from the rather uninteresting cast of characters accompanying you.

Wuk Lamat is one of the most forgettable heroes in FFXIV, despite essentially being this expansion's main character. Her voice acting is solid, but everything else about her isn't up to par. She is by far one of the most one-note characters in the game. She's always so happy-go-lucky, to an almost nauseating degree. Even her latter character development feels forced. She's not as natural or complex as some other characters, like Lyse or Ryne.

Screenshot by Siliconera

To make matters worse, the first half of the expansion also features the most unlikeable members of the Scions journeying alongside the Warrior of Light and Wuk Lamat. It would be one thing if I could catch up with my guy G'raha Tia swooning over me once again or Y'shtola's witty remarks, but that doesn't happen here. This is Wuk Lamat's story through and through. It is almost to the point where the Warrior of Light and the other Scions seem pretty much done story-wise, with the exception of characters like Krile. I almost questioned why some characters were even there, as the expansion would've been almost exactly the same with or without Alphinaud and Alisaie. During the first half, I often looked at some of the other contestants and wished I was partnered with them instead.

The one silver lining in this portion of the expansion is the actual content itself. The new locations, such as Kozama'uka, are absolutely stunning. The mix of jungles, deserts, and other wild biomes look so incredible. The detail and vast nature of each locale pops so well in the accompanying graphical update. These new locations are some of the best in the MMO's history, with fantastic diversity throughout. There are even surprises and visual changes within some individual zones. While I didn't enjoy the story, I at least appreciated the views along the way.

FFXIV Dawntrail Review
Screenshot by Siliconera

Plus, it helps that the dungeons, trials, and even instances excelled in these places. There are so many new mechanics and challenging moments that surprised me and tested my skill. For one, the Trust System is back and better than ever before. I wanted NPC trials since Trust's introduction in Shadowbringers and it finally comes to fruition for more than one instance here.

The two new jobs, Pictomancer and Viper, both fill welcome niches in the meta. Pictomancer feels like a true support DPS, capable of buffing the party and dealing outrageous damage. The ability to queue up drawings before a big fight never got old. Then there is Viper, with its plethora of combos and flashy mechanics. It isn't too overwhelming, but has just enough variety that will likely appeal to Ninja fans like myself.

If only for the content alone you experience, it is well worth getting through the succession storyline. That at least kept me going until the second half, which is when everything changes for the better. The second half of Dawntrail proved to me there is still some juice left in FFXIV's tank. If you've been disappointed with everything since the final fight of Endwalker, this is the part for you.

Screenshot by Siliconera

While I certainly won't go into details here, all you have to do is take a look at the second city of Solution Nine to see the surprising tonal shift. The story gets exponentially better in this second half. The introduction of the best new characters this expansion happens then, plus several shocking story sequences. There are even optional side quests in one particular late-game area I recommend everyone does for ensuing tearjerker moments. In fact, there are even some spectacular fan service moments that came out of nowhere and felt surprisingly earned. These epic sequences, some playable and others cutscenes, felt created just to convince me FFXIV is headed in the right direction.

This second half of Dawntrail stands up there with some of the best parts of the MMO, whereas the first half like it barely surpassed the heavily disappointing FFXIV Stormblood. I would rank it significantly higher than Heavensward at this point. It doesn't quite reach the peak of the MMORPG's history but there are several shining moments reminiscent of elements I loved about Shadowbringers and Endwalker. It is just unfortunate that these highest of highs also come along with the lowest of lows.

Fortunately, in the end, Dawntrail balances out for a solid, but not necessarily ground-breaking FFXIV expansion. Though it starts rough, Square Enix brings it all together quite well by the second half for a satisfying conclusion. The consistency of the actual gameplay content throughout at least ensures it is enjoyable to play from start to finish. In the end, FFXIV Dawntrail is a shaky, but ultimately positive step in a new direction for the best MMO of all time.

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is available right now for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

The post Review: FFXIV Dawntrail Shows the MMO's Best and Worst appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 2:30 PM
    

Final Fantasy Trading Card Game Hidden Trials Pre-Release Kit

Square Enix will release the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game Hidden Trials Pre-Release Kit with booster packs of the new cards on July 26, 2024. The $45.99 set gives people a chance to start building decks with and using the cards ahead of the August 2, 2024 release. 

The bundle basically gives people access to a number of opportunities to start putting together a deck with the new cards. There are nine booster packs, each with 12 cards inside. You also get the FFXV Lunafreya promo card. So that's 109 cards total. You also get one sleeve pack for the expansion. Square Enix already confirmed Hidden Trials will have 130 normal cards and 162 Premium Foil ones in this set.

Ahead of the expansion's release, Square Enix shared some of the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game Hidden Trials cards via various means. For example, the product listing for the Pre-Release Kit shows how the Lunafreya card looks, and the initial announcement showed ones for Lightning from FFXIII and Kuja from FFIX. However, while the Lunafreya card notes its stats and abilities, the Lightning and Kuja ones don't offer additional information on them. An official "sneak peak" in June 2024 showed matching Palom and Porom FFIV cards, as well as an Asura one. There will also be a FFVII Vincent card drawn by Gen Kobayashi. 

Here's how those seven Final Fantasy Trading Card Game cards will look:

TCGTacos showed off the new FFXIII-2 Serah card.

https://twitter.com/TacosTcg/status/1812635552933404856

There's also going to be a FFXII: Revenant Wings card in this expansion, which Forwards of Light shared online:

https://twitter.com/forwardsoflight/status/1812272557837685137

Emotempest shared a FFXV Gladiolus card that taps into the Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia art style.

https://twitter.com/emotempest/status/1809373931842760793

Final Fantasy Trading Card Game Hidden Trials Pre-Release Kit launches on July 26, 2024, and the full set is expected to debut on August 2, 2024.

The post Final Fantasy Trading Card Game Hidden Trials Pre-Release Kit Dated appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 2:00 PM
    

Inazuma Eleven Victory Road Demo

Level-5 released the Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road beta test demo for the PS4, PS5, and PC. The demo had previously appeared on the Nintendo Switch.

The Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road beta test demo can now be downloaded on PCs from the game's Steam page or on the PlayStation Network for both the PS4 and PS5. The demo will feature all the same content as the Switch version, with a few updates based on player feedback. The Steam version will take 17GB of hard drive space, with the PS4 and PS5 versions being 13GB and 7GB, respectively. The Switch version can no longer be downloaded.

The updates to the beta test demo include a longer version of the Story Mode, allowing players to experience the entire first chapter of the game. Due to the increase in length, saving will now be possible during Story Mode. However, these saves can't be transferred to the final game, and while cross-save will be supported for the final release, it will not be possible for the demo. Other adjustments have been made to gameplay and UI elements such as improved tutorials, a more detailed map and bug fixing. The ability to pet cats has also been added.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road will release for PC, PS4 and PS5 sometime in 2024, and the beta test demo is available now. A Switch version is also in development.

The post Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Beta Test Demo Now on PS4, PS5, and PC appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:30 PM
    

See Sonic x Shadow Generations Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Heroes Stages

Sega shared a new Sonic x Shadow Generations trailer that highlights how Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Heroes, and Sonic the Hedgehog stages will look in the game. To help better illustrate the updates and adaptations, there is side-by-side footage comparing each one.

First, things start out by showing how the Sonic Adventure 2 stage Final Rush will look in Sonic x Shadow Generations. After that, we get to see the return of the Sonic Heroes stage Rail Canyon. Finally, the last stage shown in the trailer is Kingdom Valley from the 2006 Sonic the Hedgehog game that appeared on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Here's the full footage. In each case, we get to see Shadow running through the Sonic x Shadow Generations versions of Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Heroes, and Sonic the Hedgehog stages in the trailer. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE6m5qhcn-I&ab_channel=SonictheHedgehog

As a reminder, people can sign up for free DLC for the game. Sega announced that anyone who opts into the official newsletter can get a skin for Sonic. It is inspired by his polygonal Sonic Jam appearance. The deadline to register for it and get the add-on is November 1, 2024. We'll get it emailed out to us after that.

Sonic X Shadow Generations will come out on October 25, 2024 for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

The post See Sonic x Shadow Generations Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Heroes Stages appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 1:00 PM
    

Kawaki (Karma Progression) Joins Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

The next Naruto x Boruto Ninja Storm Connections DLC is about to appear, and this time Kawaki (Karma Progression) joins the cast. He's a part of the July 25, 2024 DLC Pack 4, which also adds new Naruto and Hinata costumes to the latest Naruto game. 

There are no details on Kawaki's moveset yet. The announcement only confirmed he'll be the latest character in the roster, that Naruto and Hinata get new costumes, there will be 12 Matching Voices, and five more Ninja Info Card images will appear. However, we do know that this latest add-on will cost $5.99 when purchased separately, just like the previous three packs. If someone owns the $24.99 season pass, they automatically get everything when it launches.

Here's the official social media announcement, which also included peeks at the Naruto Ichiraku Ramen chef costume and Hinata Road to Sakura outfit.

https://twitter.com/Narutovideogame/status/1813936815075672176

This isn't the only Naruto game to get Kawaki (Karma Progression) DLC in 2024. He also joined the roster in Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker. He's a part of the eighth season of that game.

There's still one more character left to appear in the first Season Pass for Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections. Previously, Kurenai Yuhi, Isshiki Otsutsuki, and Hagoromo Otsutsuki joined the game.

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is available now on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, and Kawaki (Karma Progression) joins as DLC on July 25, 2024.

The post Kawaki (Karma Progression) Joins Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:30 PM
    

The Quintessential Quintuplets itasha in Initial D The Arcade

Sega released new crossover content based on The Quintessential Quintuplets in Initial D The Arcade. Players of the arcade game can obtain car and avatar customization content modeled after the Nakano sisters for a limited time.

Players can access virtual play stamp sheets featuring one of the quintuplets for the duration of the event, which runs until October 23, 2024. After completing a specified number of runs, they will be able to gradually unlock content based on the specific character. The rewards will range from hairstyles and outfits for the avatar to interior and exterior decorations for the cars.

Here are the sample images for the new in-game crossover content:

Sega has also uploaded a new trailer showcasing The Quintessential Quintuplets crossover content on the official YouTube channel for Initial D The Arcade:

https://youtu.be/vo_Y_qMZKsU

Sega has been regularly adding crossover content from other franchises into Initial D The Arcade. Other than Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA in 2022, the company also made a crossover with Wangan Midnight in 2021. In addition, it also added Touhou Project crossover content that includes Toho Eurobeat songs.

Initial D The Arcade has been available in arcade centers across Japan and Asia since 2021. The Quintessential Quintuplets crossover content is available to obtain until October 23, 2024.

The post The Quintessential Quintuplets Appear in Initial D The Arcade appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:00 PM
    

Earthbound Ness soft vinyl toy

Hobonichi revealed a new soft vinyl toy modeled after the Earthbound protagonist Ness. The company will sell this new toy via a lottery that it will hold in August 2024.

The toy will be available in a standard size of around 22 cm (~8.66 inches) tall. The head, arms, and legs will be fully posable. The set will also come with a baseball bat and PK/PSI Flash effect that the owner can place on Ness' right and left hands, respectively.

Here are the sample images showing multiple poses that the soft vinyl toy will be able to take:

Earthbound Ness soft vinyl toy - poses
Image courtesy of Hobonichi

This soft vinyl toy will appear as one of the numerous merchandise that Hobonichi will produce to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Earthbound, which is also originally known in Japan as Mother 2. Shigesato Itoi's company had also previously revealed a real-world version of the Cup of Lifenoodles that it will release in August 2024.

Hobonichi will hold the lottery for the right to purchase the Earthbound Ness soft vinyl toy on August 1-19, 2024. People who win the lottery will be able to buy the toy for 29,700 yen (~$190) between late August 2024 and mid-September 2024.

The post Earthbound Ness Soft Vinyl Toy Will Appear via Lottery appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 11:30 AM
    

Tuxedosam Becomes Latest Build-a-Bear Sanrio Plush

The Sanrio Build-a-Bear is a bit bigger, as there is now a Tuxedosam plush in the collection. While he is a traditional stuffed animal people can build for $34 in the US and £26 in the UK, it is also possible to pick up a pre-stuffed, smaller plush of his friend Chip for $15 in the US and £13.50 in the UK. 

There are multiple ways to get the Build-a-Bear Tuxedosam plush. The obvious one is to pick up the stuffed animal alone. That just gets you the toy without any sounds or scents. You can also get him with a plush ice cream wristie that looks like him and a vest for $54 in the US and £42 in the UK. The cone accessory alone is $6.50/£5, while the vest costs $13.50/£11 separately. The final bundle includes the full outfit and for Tuxedosam and adds Chip for $62.50 in the US and £50.50 in the UK. 

Here is how all the new items look:

Build-a-Bear has gradually been building up its Sanrio plush collection. Keroppi joined the collection in January 2024, for example. Before that, we saw Pochacco appear. There was also a Pompompurin plush, which could be accompanied by his friend Muffin, in November 2024.

The Tuxedosam and Chip plush are now available at Build-a-Bear stores worldwide both in-store and online. 

The post Tuxedosam Becomes Latest Build-a-Bear Sanrio Plush appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 11:00 AM
    

FFVII Ever Crisis Gets Guilds and Stray Dog Final Fantasy Vincent

Square Enix added not only Vincent to the Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis story, but added Stray Dog gear for the character and a new Guilds feature to the game. Vincent can be unlocked via playing, as he's part of the seventh chapter of the FFVII storyline, and the Guild is available after beatingthe FFVII The First Soldier first chapter. 

When it comes to a Guild in FFVII Ever Crisis, you can create or join existing guilds. If you do, you can earn Bonus Points, EXP, and Medals by taking part in specific missions or go through special events just for people who joined one. It is also possible to chat with or get Co-op Battle members from people who are part of the one you belong to in-game. Guilds themselves also level up, increasing options.

Here's the official FFVII Ever Crisis trailer for the new Guilds feature:

https://twitter.com/FFVII_EC_EN/status/1813817225343812071

As for "Stray Dog" Vincent, it is gear and equipment tied to the new Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis limited banner. People can get a White Dog gun for him and Stray Dog gear. The weapon has the Sludge Shot C. Ability, which deals Earth damage to one enemy, increases Vincent's Limit Gauge, and deals more damage if the target is debuffed. It also has the Boost Earth Potency and Boost MATK (All Allies) R. Abilities. As for the Stray Dog gear, it has the R. Abilities Earthblade Arcanum and Reprieve tied to it. There is no wallpaper for him that showcases his new look.

Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is available for the PC and mobile devices, and the Vincent White Dog and Stray Dog banner runs until August 14, 2024.

The post FFVII Ever Crisis Gets Guilds and Stray Dog Vincent appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, July 18, 2024 10:30 AM
    

D3 Publisher has released Those Games 2 worldwide

D3 Publisher has released a new Those Games minigame compilation worldwide. The new entry's full title is Yeah! You Want "Those Games," Right? So Here You Go! Now, Let's See You Clear Them! 2. The game can also be known by the official shortened titles AnoGe 2 in Japanese and Those Games 2 in English.

This entry appears as a continuation of the similarly-named prequel that appeared in July 2023. Monkeycraft is still the development studio behind the new title. It supports the following ten languages: Japanese, English, French, Italian, German, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.

Just like the prequel, Those Games 2 features a compilation of minigames based on the frequently seen mobile game ads. One of them will have the player adjust key locks to make sure every gold drops on the right destination. Another minigame will have them navigate an advancing character through gates that add or deduct strength points.

D3 Publisher has also uploaded a new launch trailer for Those Games 2 on its YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QQTlwzc8fc

Yeah! You Want "Those Games," Right? So Here You Go! Now, Let's See You Clear Them! 2 is now available worldwide on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

The post D3 Publisher Releases Those Games 2 Worldwide appeared first on Siliconera.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, July 18, 2024 5:06 PM

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:22 PM
    

A trailer was also released.

The post Splitgate 2 Announced For PC and Consoles appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:57 PM

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:38 PM
    

A trailer was also released.

The post New Overwatch 2 Hero Juno Announced appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


MonsterVine Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:00 PM
     Bounty Star, the upcoming mech combat game from Dinogod and publisher Annapurna Interactive, captures a setting that feels fresh and intimately familiar with its post-post-apocalyptic vision of the American Southwest. I spoke with Ben Ruiz, the founder of Dinogod, about the inspirations behind this unique world and the story of its protagonist, Clem. "I was […]