GamersHeroes Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:27 PM Mega Cat Studios, BackyardSports.Online, and Crowd Control are coming together for the BackyardSports.Online Charity Stream on October 13, dedicated to supporting the incredible work of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The post BackyardSports.Online Charity Stream Beginning October 13 appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Thursday, October 10, 2024 6:13 PM Both Square Enix and ARTDINK released new details around their upcoming Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake release, detailing its Monster Arena Tournaments and the Monster Wrangler Vocation. The post Monster Arena Tournaments Coming to Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:34 PM Set on the supernatural island of Aeternum, players can get ready for their journey in Amazon Games' New World: Aeternum with the gameplay launch trailer for the title. The post New World: Aeternum Gameplay Launch Trailer Released appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:43 PM Starting October 15, EA and Respawn will get spooky with the Techno Terror Collection event in Apex Legends. The post Apex Legends Techno Terror Event Beginning October 15 appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:31 PM The Lundendorff Cemetery Survivor takes the spotlight this week in Rockstar Games' GTA Online, bringing with it a number of challenges and bonuses. The post Ludendorff Cemetery Survival Takes the Spotlight this Week in GTA Online appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Thursday, October 10, 2024 3:53 PM The final episode of the series, the recently released third episode of Sonic X Shadow: Dark Beginnings continues Shadow the Hedgehog's story as he dives into his tragic past to confront the origins of his haunting nightmares. The post Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings Episode 3 Released appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
Kotaku Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:50 PM  Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook and CEO of parent company Meta, has played a lot of Civilization on PC. In fact, he's played so much that he claims to be the best player in the world, and would be shocked if anybody else could "beat" him in a match. |
Kotaku Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:40 PM  Leave it to Nintendo to psych out fans who are already hyped up about an impending Switch 2 reveal by announcing a fancy alarm clock instead. Alarmo will wake you up to sounds of Mario coins and chirping Pikmin. It costs $100, works best if you sleep alone, and it's breaking the internet's collective brain. |
Kotaku Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:25 PM  Fans of role-playing games have been eating well in 2024. There've been big hitters like Persona 3 Reload, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Dragon's Dogma 2, and the fantastic Metaphor: ReFantazio. Combined, they offer hundreds of hours of incredible gaming. So how about I just throw another massive RPG on the pile for you… |
Kotaku Thursday, October 10, 2024 3:50 PM  It's a new month, which means it's time for another drop of free games via Amazon's Prime Gaming subscription. In case you don't know—and who could blame you—being an Amazon Prime subscriber neets you a whole bunch of benefits beyond two-day shipping and Prime TV. For example, you also get benefits on Twitch like… |
Kotaku Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:40 PM  In February 2025, the Steam Deck will turn three years old. And while plenty of games still run like a dream on the portable PC, it's clear that over time, more and more big new games are pushing this tiny computer to its breaking point. And it might be time for an upgrade. |
Kotaku Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:05 PM  Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is a lovingly crafted tribute to the iconic franchise, its myriad of characters, and exciting attacks whose names need to be shouted. It's a tribute so accurate that seemingly every player has been quickly stumped by Great Ape Vegeta, the most threatening villain during the series' Saiyan… |
PCGamesN Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:01 PM  Beer is hot right now. Well, not literally, but it is a popular theme in gaming, with a fair few tavern simulators making the rounds at the moment. Stepping away from games that ask you to build your own inn or bar and serving customers yourself is Ale Abbey, which is taking a much more monastic approach to beer. If that sounds like your tipple of choice, it's got a new Steam demo, meaning you can try it out for yourself. Continue reading Ale Abbey is a beer-brewing Stardew Valley with a new Steam demo MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best building games, Best games like Stardew Valley, Best management games |
PCGamesN Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:01 PM  Apex Legends has some of the best FPS gameplay around, and I won't hear otherwise. The gunplay, the dynamic movement, and the abilities all sing together in a perfect, enjoyable, balanced harmony. Well, sometimes. In Season 22, akimbo weapons were introduced to the battle royale, and while they're jolly good fun, the incredibly overpowered akimbo Mozambiques have been terrorizing lobbies. Finally, Respawn has swooped in with a long-overdue nerf which should hopefully put the pesky pistol-shotgun back in its place. Continue reading Apex Legends finally nerfs Season 22's most overpowered new addition MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Apex Legends characters guide, Apex Legends skins, Apex Legends tier list |
PCGamesN Thursday, October 10, 2024 6:10 PM  After seeing what happened to Concord, I can imagine any studio making a new PvP shooter is probably feeling a bit nervous. At least, in the case of NetEase's FragPunk, it's got a very novel (and extremely cool) FPS gimmick to help it stand out from the crowd in the form of deckbuilding. As a big FPS fan, this is one of my most anticipated upcoming releases, and right now you've got a chance to try it out thanks to its new closed beta. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best FPS games, Best roguelike games, Best multiplayer games |
PCGamesN Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:53 PM  If you imagine a game all about building a settlement with a ton of beavers, you're no doubt thinking about something far more rustic than Timberborn. This city builder lets you put together huge metropolises that span massive areas of a post-apocalypse Earth, all with a beavery twist. Still in early access, it's just launched one of its biggest updates yet, with water its standout feature. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best city building games, Best strategy games, Best management games |
PCGamesN Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:41 PM  Everywhere you look at the moment there seems to be new mech games popping up, but many of them are fresh faces and relative unknowns. Few can boast the same level of experience and prestige as a series like MechWarrior, and the latest edition of the series, MechWarrior 5 Clans, is arriving in just a few days time. While that's exciting news in of itself, what if I told you that millions of you will be able to play it at no extra cost when it drops? Well, I'm about to, so strap yourself in. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best robot games, Best co-op games, Best space games |
PCGamesN Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:36 PM  Something is rotten in the state of Los Santos. No, not the normal amount of violence, robbery, and bad driving, but the fact that people won't leave some poor filmmakers alone to perform Shakespeare's Hamlet. Grand Theft Hamlet is a documentary all about the attempt to bring a little culture to GTA 5, and if you're in the US you might be able to go to a theater to watch it for yourself. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: GTA 5 RP servers, GTA 6 release date estimate, GTA 5 cheats |
PCGamesN Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:35 PM  Some of you may roll your eyes, while others will breathe a sigh of excitable relief, but it's just been confirmed that one of the greatest and most iconic Call of Duty maps is going to be coming to Black Ops 6 extremely soon after it launches. That's right, Treyarch has confirmed that a new version of Nuketown will be joining the party. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Black Ops 6 release date, Best FPS games, Best Black Ops 6 loadouts |
PCGamesN Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:34 PM  What are the Survive the Killer codes? Putting players into the roles of killer and survivors, this horror movie-inspired Roblox game promises to immerse you into a classic hunter vs hunter experience, but it's all the better when there are codes to grant extra bonuses too. If you want to best chance of winning the night, following this guide is a must. When playing Roblox games that pit you against monsters or creatures in the dark, getting extra help from guides like those for the latest Dandy's World codes or Five Nights TD codes is a must. Survive the Killer is no different, so here are the latest bonuses you can get right now. Continue reading Survive the Killer codes October 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 8:00 PM
Marine's Rum, a rum that draws inspiration from Houshou Marine of hololive, will be available for purchase from October 18, 2024. It uses a base that had been imported from the Caribbean Sea, which is where most pirates made their marks on history. [Thanks, Famitsu!]
It costs 7800 JPY, which would convert to around $52.50. Meiri Shurui is the company behind the alcohol. In the past, Meiri released alcoholic dreams based on hololive VTubers like Noel and Lamy.
The story behind Marine's Rum depicts a romantic version of pirate life, focusing on the freedom they enjoyed during their time period, as well as the deep trust and friendship they shared. It also paints a picture of new discoveries, adventures, and dreams. As for the rum itself, the blender imported it from the Caribbean and further aged it in Meiri's barrels. The Japanese summer heat imparted the fragrance of vanilla and caramel from the barrel into the rum.
It's a rum that's very easy to drink, and Meiri recommends pairing it with coke. You can also add fruits like lemon and lime into it to make a more refreshing drink. For those who can't really handle their liquor, Meiri states that even a few drops of it in coca-cola can enhance and change the flavor.
The Houshou Marine rum will open up for orders on October 18, 2024 and it'll ship out in late November 2024.
The post Hololive Vtuber Houshou Marine Inspired Pirate Rum appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:45 PM
Final Fantasy Tactics was the entry point into the tactical RPG genre for many gamers. It's been a while since the last new entry on consoles, and there's nothing visible on the horizon. What better time to revisit the classics and take a look at the best Final Fantasy Tactics games? Just for an extra bit of spice, we're also including games from the predecessor series Tactics Ogre. Here are the games you need to check out.
The Best Final Fantasy Tactics Game
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
You can't very well make a list of the best Final Fantasy Tactics games without the first one. There are three different ways to play the game that kicked off the series. The original PlayStation version has a rough localization but plays well. The PlayStation Portable release has some new content and a fresh translation, but suffers from technical problems. The best option is the mobile version, which fixes many of the issues from the PSP port. Whichever version you choose, this is a great game. The story is excellent and the gameplay is compelling.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
The first follow-up to Final Fantasy Tactics proved to be a little controversial. The story takes a different tone, following a group of kids who are transported to Ivalice. Some new systems are introduced here, including the idea of Judges and Laws. These new battle restrictions force you to constantly adapt your strategies. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is an excellent game, so long as you take it on its own terms. While you don't get the same level of freedom as in the first game, there are plenty of opportunities for customization. As you would expect from a Game Boy Advance game, it's terrific for on-the-go play.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance might be controversial, but Final Fantasy Tactics A2 seems nearly forgotten. Many of the key members of the Advance development team returned for this Nintendo DS game. It builds on the systems of that game, adding in a number of new features related to Clans. Once again, it is set in the world of Ivalice. The story is driven by a completely new cast, but some familiar faces pop up. The mechanics have a lot of depth, giving you a wide array of ways to build your team. If you like tinkering with systems, you may find this the best Final Fantasy Tactics game of them all.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
This article is about the best Final Fantasy Tactics games, but we wouldn't have any of them if it weren't for Tactics Ogre. Originally released on the Super Famicom, Tactics Ogre established a template that many games in the genre still follow. It has seen several ports and rereleases over the years, with the most recent being Tactics Ogre: Reborn on modern platforms. Its story is probably the closest you can find to the political intrigue of the first Final Fantasy Tactics. You'll have to use your wits to get through this one, as grinding your way through isn't an option.
Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
If you enjoyed Tactics Ogre: Reborn and want a little dessert, this Game Boy Advance game might do the job. It was a very early release on the console, and many of the developers would later work on Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. The Knight of Lodis follows in the footsteps of the first game closely. The story is full of intrigue and betrayals, and the gameplay offers all the strategic challenge you would expect. It's probably the most straightforward game of this bunch, and is a great place to start.
What's your favorite Final Fantasy Tactics or Tactics adjacent title? Let us know below!
The post The Best Final Fantasy Tactics Games appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:00 PM
A recent Hatsune Miku drone show in China broke the Guinness World Record for largest display size by recreating a music video from the popular virtual idol. The show used 7,998 drones and recreated the "Intergalactic Bound" song. [Thanks, PR Times!]
The display for the Hatsune Miku drone show was 155 meters wide and 85 meters tall in the sky. The show was held by Crypton Future Media privately in China, and the "Intergalactic Bound" song was made to celebrate the Hatsune Miku Expo 10th Anniversary taking place throughout 2024 as part of a world tour. The song is a collaboration between North American Vocaloid producer CircusP and Japanese artist Yunosuke.
A 71-second long short video offering a glimpse at the show is now available to watch on Crypton's official YouTube Channel PiaproTV, and you can check it out here:
As part of the 10th anniversary expo world tour, a figure of Hatsune Miku was announced back in May 29, 2024. Furthermore, a Hatsune Miku anniversary album containing a series of theme songs from past expos was also announced and it came out on July 31, 2024.
The new Hatsune Miku "Intergalactic Bound" drone show used 7,998 drones and broke the Guinness World Record for largest display size.
The post Watch the Hatsune Miku Record-Breaking Drone Show appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:00 PM
MAPPA has revealed some more details on Ichirou, who will be a new anime original character in Ranma1/2. Tomokazu Seki is his voice actor. [Thanks, PR Times!]
The title of Ranma1/2 episode 2 will be "I Hate Men!". The episode will feature Ranma starting his school days with Akane, but when they get to the school, tons of guys are waiting at the front gate to ask Akane to be their girlfriend. Kuno, the president of the kendo club, is one of them. Though he was in love with Akane, he falls for Ranma after Ranma transforms into a girl, leading to shenanigans.
Here are some screenshots from Ranma1/2 episode 2:
As for Ichirou, he is part of the broadcasting club and has a unique way of speaking when he's commentating on matches or battles. Apparently, he has the nickname of "The Wizard of Words" due to his creative usage of vocabulary. Seki, his voice actor, stated that he had fun performing and the director told him to adlib some of the lines as he goes. Tomokazu Seki is a veteran voice actor whose prominent roles include Gilgamesh and Mozart in the Fate series, Kanji in Persona 4, Domon in G Gundam, Enrico Pucci in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and Kogami in Psycho-Pass.
Ranma1/2 (the 2024 version of the show) is readily available on Netflix.
The post Ranma1/2 2024 Episode 2 Teaser Reveals New Character appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 6:30 PM
Infolens has started online sales of Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024 merchandise. As of October 10, 2024, fans can purchase exclusive Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill items through the Infolens Geek Shop online store and the Ikebukuro Parco store. [Thanks, Game Watch!]
The Metal Gear Solid collection includes the following items:
For Silent Hill, the items include:
In addition to Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill, merchandise from TGS 2024 including Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Five Nights at Freddy's is also available, featuring lithographs, badges, and coasters.
In related news, Annapurna Interactive confirmed that Silent Hill: Townfall is still in development despite recent company resignations. While there are no release details, the game remains in progress as a spin-off entry in the Silent Hill series.
Silent Hill 2 is available for PC and PlayStation 4.
The post MGS and Silent Hill TGS 2024 Merchandise Being Sold in Japan appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:45 PM
Atlus' Persona series of JRPGs has been around for a long time, with the first game releasing on PlayStation in 1996. Its makeover with 2006's Persona 3 for the PlayStation 2 set it on the path to its current stardom. Since then, many of the elements of Persona have found their way into plenty of other games. We've searched high and low, and are happy to present to you what we think are the best games inspired by Persona.
The Best Games Inspired by Persona
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
It took a very long time for the mainline Persona series to arrive on Nintendo platforms. Persona 5 Royal was the first to make the hop, and it didn't release until 2022. There was a bit of earlier relief in 2015 in the form of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, however. This game was developed by Atlus and was initially announced as a crossover of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem. The resulting game certainly has plenty of Fire Emblem references in it, but the gameplay mechanics and style draw heavily on Persona.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio comes from Persona series director Katsura Hashino, and his experience shows. It has a lot in common with the Persona games, including the Press Turn battle system and many similar social elements. While those aspects give Persona fans something to latch onto, Metaphor is very much its own beast. Its fantasy setting is striking, and the narrative touches on a lot of fascinating ideas. Metaphor offers a lengthy and challenging quest, and it's one of the best games inspired by Persona.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+
Nihon Falcom's modern revival of the venerable Xanadu brand takes a lot of notes from Persona. From the modern Tokyo setting to the cast of high school students out to save the world, it's not hard to see the influence. The real-time combat helps establish Tokyo Xanadu as its own thing. There's also a very different tone to the story, one that will have Falcom fans right at home. It's a great choice for Persona enthusiasts looking for something with a little more action.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The Fire Emblem series was on the verge of being canceled until 2012's Fire Emblem Awakening for the Nintendo 3DS. One of the secrets to its breakout success was in its emphasis on the relationships between the many characters. Since then, Fire Emblem games have always included some kind of social element. Fire Emblem: Three Houses really kicked that into gear. Its academy setting and expanded social system is like a comfy pair of slippers if you've played Persona. The tactical combat and exciting branching story make for one of the best games inspired by Persona, and a superb Fire Emblem entry.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
This is a very dangerous rabbit hole to send you down. Trails of Cold Steel's story is spread across four very lengthy games, so you'll need to set some serious time aside. On top of that, Cold Steel is but one part of the larger Trails narrative that spans several other games. The Cold Steel games in particular are good for those seeking the best games inspired by Persona thanks to their focus on a young cast. The strong storytelling and memorable cast of characters hold up the narrative end. It's no slouch on the gameplay side, either. Trails offers a journey that is truly like no other.
Let us know what you favorite game that rings familiar or is inspired by the Persona series below!
The post The Best Games Inspired by Persona appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:00 PM
Bandai Namco Pictures announced the upcoming Gintama anime spin-off series, titled 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei, is set to air on TV Tokyo in October 2025. This new series is based on the spin-off novel written by Tomohito Osaki and originally created by Hideaki Sorachi. It features Sakata Gintaro as the eccentric homeroom teacher of the chaotic class of third year students known as "Z Class."
The trailer for 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei anime spin-off is includes the self-referential humor typical for Gintama. Gintoki opened it by poking fun at the long wait, saying, "Today, the PV is finally being released! I wonder how we'll look moving around." Between jokes about Gintoki and Kagura struggling to pronounce the "Z" and "3" in the show's name, the trailer also showcased production shots of the anime. The video ends with a teaser for Jump Festa 2025 in December 2024, with Gintoki jokingly shifting responsibility to the production committee "that's just dumping the whole thing on us."
You can view the trailer on YouTube below
In related news, Seiko launched a limited-edition Gintama wristwatch, which was released on May 5, 2024 and costs 44,000 JPY (approximately $284 USD). The watch featured designs inspired by Gintoki's kimono pattern and various character references on the watch face
3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-sensei is set to premiere October 2025. The original anime is streaming on Crunchyroll, and the manga is handled by Viz Media outside of Japan.
The post Gintama Spin-off Anime 3-Nen Z-Gumi Ginpachi-Sensei Arrives in October appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:30 PM
Nintendo shared a new Mario & Luigi: Brothership gameplay trailer and, while it mostly focuses on RPG elements we remember, it also touches on new features like Luigi Logic. The five minute video shows exploration, story scenes, and some of the fights.
The video first begins with a look at Concordia. Mario and Luigi are there to help restore the peace to the continent after it was destroyed and turned into multiple islands. This means part of the gameplay in Mario & Luigi: Brothership involves sailing to find additional locations, exploring them, dealing with problems there, and fighting enemies as you work your way toward reunification. Some of the first locations teased are Allsand Island, Heatfreeze Island, Raynforest Island, and Rumbla Island. Each one has its own biome.
From there, it looks at exploration. There will be puzzles to solve, and both their hammers and jumps will be needed to get to places. They can also use Bros Moves to do things like cross gaps, get through small spaces, and use fire and ice to pass through blocked spaces. As for new Luigi Logic, it can be used to discover solutions to some of the puzzles.
The battle system is covered at the end of the Mario & Luigi: Brothership gameplay trailer. It shows how it is a turn-based system that also involves using timing and additional attacks to deal more damage, dodge, or counter. However, missing the timing means you could miss attacking or get hit. Battle Plug items can also be picked up and used in fights to deal different types of damage.
Here's the latest trailer:
Mario & Luigi: Brothership will come to the Nintendo Switch on November 7, 2024.
The post Mario & Luigi: Brothership Gameplay and Luigi Logic Highlighted appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:00 PM
All the games in Tetris Forever have been revealed by the collection's developer, Digital Eclipse. The fifteen games in the collection feature multiple variations of Tetris, including a recreation of the original version created by Alexey Pajitnov on a Soviet Electronika 60 computer.
Here are all the games revealed for Tetris Forever:
In addition, a new game called Tetris Time Warp is also included. This game was developed by Digital Eclipse themselves, and will feature the ability to switch between different eras of Tetris on the fly.
Almost all of the Tetris games in Tetris Forever were originally published by Bullet-Proof Software. Other versions from other publishers are absent, including the iconic 1989 Game Boy game published by Nintendo. This version of the game is available through the Nintendo Switch Online service.
Tetris Forever was revealed earlier this year during the August 2024 Nintendo Partner Direct. It's part of Digital Eclipse's Gold Master Series, which are game collections that set out to preserve the history of the games they're representing. As such, the collection also includes documentary footage and archival materials representing the history of Tetris. Previous Digital Eclipse collections in this style have included The Making of Karateka, Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story and Atari 50.
Tetris Forever will release sometime in 2024 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
The post All Tetris Forever Games Revealed appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 3:30 PM
Square Enix revealed the next FFVII Ever Crisis Halloween banner, and this one dresses up Yuffie like Red XIII with a Nanaki Mantle. It is available immediately on a banner that also includes Cait Sith's Ultimate Weapon, and we can try to get it until October 31, 2024.
Here's the official announcement. It confirms that people can get the Little Red Wreath shuriken-style weapon and Nanaki Mantle for Yuffie. The Cait Sith Ultimate Weapon is HP Shout.
The Little Red Wreath weapon for Yuffie is tied to her dealing magical damage and ice attacks. It gives her the Icebound C. Ability that deals ice damage to one enemy, with that being increased if the foe is also under the influence of a debuff. It also has the Boost MATK and Boost Ice Potency R. Abilities. The S. Abilities on it are two MATK Boost Is and a Sigil Boost I.
As for the Nanaki Mantle, it's similar to Vincent and Cait Sith Halloween ones in that it also has the Eerie Mask R. Ability. That grants her increased HP and Magical Defense. It also includes Frostblade Arcanum, to boost ice-type attacks.
FFVII Ever Crisis is available on PCs and mobile devices, and the Yuffie Halloween banner with Red XIII costume is available until October 31, 2024.
The post Yuffie Dresses Like Red XIII for Halloween in FFVII Ever Crisis appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 3:00 PM
Okay, stay with me. I promise I'm not trying to get a rise out of anyone. Like many people, I loved The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I pretty much lived in that game for weeks, and kept coming back to it whenever I just want to mess around. When Tears of the Kingdom released, the same thing happened. Yet when I think of the future for the series, I feel like those games probably shouldn't be the guiding light. No, I think the future of The Legend of Zelda is the latest Switch release Echoes of Wisdom.
In a lot of ways, Echoes of Wisdom comes off like a top-down Legend of Zelda game that has been fully informed by the success of Breath of the Wild. Hyrule has always been an open world, but only occasionally a properly non-linear one. Echoes of Wisdom doesn't give you full freedom, but with the power of the Tri Rod and your imagination you have a lot of choice in how to tackle the game's challenges. That is a big part of what has made modern Zelda games feel so fresh and exciting, and it's one element that needs to stay.
Echoes of Wisdom shows how well that system can be applied to a top-down format, even more than the excellent Link Between Worlds did. One thing struck me as I was playing through Echoes of Wisdom, however. First, I've missed the traditional dungeons that have been largely absent from the 3D games of late. While Breath of the Wild reclaimed the feeling of exploration and discovery of the original Legend of Zelda, it lost the other important part of the equation by cutting the usual dungeon designs. Echoes of Wisdom shows that the dungeons can be incorporated in a freeform design.
One of the big features of Breath of the Wild was the size of the world. That feeling of leaving the Great Plateau and realizing it was just a fraction of the full world was unforgettable. Tears of the Kingdom provided an even larger map, but the impact was smaller. Upping the ante further in the next game likely wouldn't even make players blink. I know I certainly don't want a bigger world than what we saw in Tears of the Kingdom.
I think that Nintendo and the Zelda team did a great job of making sure the worlds in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom didn't feel too empty or devoid of purpose. With that said, Echoes of Wisdom has me wondering if a more compact world might be best. We don't have to go all the way back to the way things were. Echoes of Wisdom manages to make a world that feels big and enjoyable to explore, but also more guided. Without a need to seed a gigantic sprawling map with secrets, each one also feels more meaningful.
The Switch era of The Legend of Zelda has been incredible, but the new formula is as prone to stagnation as the old one. The series should always be moving forward, and there are lessons to be learned from Echoes of Wisdom. Rein in the size of the open world without sacrificing its organic, non-linear feel. Bring back those wonderful puzzle-packed dungeons, and let us continue to break them. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom threads that needle, and its ideas can do the same for future games.
The post The Future of Zelda Is Echoes of Wisdom, Not Breath of the Wild appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:30 PM
Square Enix has opened pre-orders for a Dragon Quest Walk fan book to mark the mobile game's 5th anniversary, which fell in September 2024. People can place orders for the book on the Japanese Square Enix e-Store at 1,980 yen (~$13.30). The company will release the book in mid-November 2024.
This book will contain numerous articles that will interest players of the Dragon Quest-themed location-based game. Besides a dialogue between Yuji Horii and the mobile game's producer Takamasa Shiba, the book will also contain a new analysis of the players' gameplay behaviors. In addition, it will also have coverage of in-game souvenir items from playing the game in Taiwan, which Square Enix has made available since March 2023.
Each copy of the book will also contain a spell code that rewards a Metal King Coin in the actual game. Square Enix will set up a webpage where people can input the code in mid-November 2024.
Square Enix first launched Dragon Quest Walk for iOS and Android mobile devices in Japan on September 12, 2019. The company recorded over 5 million downloads for the game a week after launch, which it also owed to the Dragon Quest series' sheer popularity in Japan despite releasing the game only in the country. More than four-and-a-half years later in April 2024, Sensor Tower revealed that revenue from the game had exceeded $2 billion.
The Dragon Quest Walk 5th Anniversary Official Fan Book will be available on November 15, 2024.
The post Dragon Quest Walk 5th Anniversary Fan Book Will Be Sold appeared first on Siliconera. |
TGN – Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:27 PM Yesterday marked the sixth anniversary of the passing of Greg Stafford, the legendary founder of Chaosium, and in tribute to his legacy, Chaosium has launched "The Companions of Arthur," a new community content program for the Pendragon tabletop roleplaying game on DriveThruRPG. Michael O'Brien, vice president of Chaosium, reflected on Stafford's impact, stating, "Among the... |
TGN – Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:18 PM Sentience, a role-playing game about terraforming robots awakening to their sentience in space, will be launching an expanded edition through Kickstarter. Originally part of Modiphius Entertainment's 2d20 World Builders program, Sentience integrates a mix of emotional and mechanical challenges within a sci-fi setting. In the game, players take on the roles of robots sent to... |
TGN – Tabletop Gaming News Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:01 PM Wizards of the Coast and Magic: The Gathering continues their support of Extra Life in 2024 with a new Secret Lair drop, Pixel Perfect | Extra Life 2024. The collaboration with Extra Life, which benefits children's hospitals through the Children's Miracle Network, has raised over $6 million since 2013. This year's funds will support the... |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:23 PM Mario & Luigi: Brothership will launch on November 7 for Nintendo Switch. The post Mario & Luigi: Brothership Gets New Overview Trailer appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:07 PM A trailer was also released. The post Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Remaster Announced appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, October 10, 2024 3:48 PM t has been delayed from its previous November 26 release date. The post Football Manager 25 Has Been Delayed to March 2025 appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Thursday, October 10, 2024 3:29 PM Until Dawn remake launched on October 4 for PlayStation 5 and PC. The post Until Dawn Reportedly Launched With Fewer PS5 Players Than Concord appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |
Level Up Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:44 PM Amanda the Adventurer, after gaining popularity on PC, is now available on PlayStation and Xbox. This analog horror game mixes nostalgia with unsettling narratives. Players explore eerie VHS tapes, solve puzzles, and influence multiple endings. The game has also been updated on Nintendo Switch. A sequel is set for release on October 22, 2024. |