GamersHeroes Monday, October 28, 2024 8:18 PM Black Tabby Games, together with Serenity Forge, has released their mind-bending title Slay the Princess - The Pristine Cut for consoles and for the PC as a free update. The post Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut Now Available appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Monday, October 28, 2024 7:27 PM Dreamlit Games confirmed that their open-world fantasy builder Towers of Aghasba is set to release on both Steam Early Access and PlayStation Early Access November 19. The post Towers of Aghasba Launching in Early Access November 19 appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Monday, October 28, 2024 3:22 PM Players will be able to take on cultists, infernal minions, and nightmarish creatures with Alevgor and Alawar's retro action platformer Haunted Lands in 2025. The post Retro Action Platformer Haunted Lands Launching in 2025 appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Monday, October 28, 2024 2:51 PM A city-builder card game, the world of Yustas and Alawar's Technotopia is now available for the PC via Steam. The post Futuristic City-Builder Technotopia Now Available on PC appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Monday, October 28, 2024 2:21 PM VR indie developer Warpfrog announced that Blade & Sorcery: Nomad's final update is live on Quest devices. The post Blade & Sorcery: Nomad Final Update Now Live appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Monday, October 28, 2024 2:07 PM Players will be able to embark on a journey as an exiled wizard-turned-innkeeper when Purpledoor Studios' Magic Inn launches on January 20. The post Charming Tavern Life Sim Magic Inn Launching January 20 appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 5:15 PM  Today, October 28, reviews went live for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. I reviewed it here at Kotaku, and despite being jaded toward the series for the better part of a decade, I really loved the long-awaited fourth entry. Right now it sits at a strong 84 on review aggregate site Metacritic, which is about in line with… |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 5:09 PM  Destiny 2 players are convinced the game is secretly ripping them off. While on its face an epic space opera about humanity confronting cosmic evil in a post-apocalyptic future, Bungie's sci-fi shooter is also a Pokémon-style collectathon where instead of cute magical creatures, players capture rare, ornate, and… |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 5:05 PM  The era of the Halloween-themed cartoon and sitcom episode has been replaced by the seasonal Halloween gaming event. Whether you like battle royales or car soccer, sci-fi shooting or life sim-ing, there's plenty of scary game updates to partake in this year. If you've already picked up the best candy for… |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 3:55 PM  Despite its many convoluted systems that weigh down the overall experience, Fortnite remains one of the most popular multiplayer games. When was the last time you checked its battle pass system? For the longest time, the battle royale game required multiple forms of currency to progress through its seasonal pass… |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 3:40 PM  Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a game about shadowy organizations causing geopolitical turmoil and well-timed headshots. It's also an RPG about making the progress meters fill up. When it comes to the latter, Black Ops 6's first patch is already increasing XP rewards for certain modes to keep the level-ups flowing. |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 3:30 PM  Tracking down the best AK-74 build in Black Ops 6, complete with the top attachments, allows savvy players who understand the power behind the iconic weapon to easily dominate mid-range encounters. It's a personal favorite—a potent mix of high damage and range, with satisfying sound design and manageable recoil. |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 3:20 PM  To protect Super Earth from the bug and bot menaces lurking along the outer rim, Helldivers have access to some of the most potent weapons scientists could dream up. Then, you have the new R-2124 Constitution—a modern iteration of the iconic M1903 Springfield, complete with a fixed bayonet for recklessly charging bugs… |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 3:05 PM  Sandwiched somewhere among the countless Halloween sales available in October, Warner Bros. Games is offering some of its own stellar discounts. That means some big-name franchises like the Arkham games, Mortal Kombat, and everything Lego are currently on sale. The WB Games Publisher Sale is running on Steam until… |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 2:45 PM  Marathon was originally supposed to arrive this year. Instead, Bungie's new sci-fi extraction shooter was delayed until 2025 and still hasn't reemerged with new gameplay since its initial PlayStation Showcase reveal. At least now, however, we do have a new development update from the project's game director, Joe… |
Kotaku Monday, October 28, 2024 2:30 PM  We're used to perks being a multiplayer-only feature in Call of Duty titles, so it may come as a surprise when you realize that you have access to a smorgasbord of them in the Black Ops 6 campaign. Early in the game, you'll post up in a safehouse and discover that you can purchase three upgrade stations within, each… |
PCGamesN Monday, October 28, 2024 8:08 PM  I am an absolute sucker for space games. Whether it's documenting the cosmos in No Man's Sky, shooting up giant worm gods in Destiny 2, or dogfighting in Star Wars Squadrons, if there are some planets to explore or spaceships to be flown, I'm there. Imagine my intrigue, then, when I stumbled across Moon Mystery - a new space game that takes you on a single-player narrative adventure across multiple planets with a distinctly Starfield vibe about it. Now imagine my intrigue when I realized this indie title is launching with the one big feature that made Starfield so underwhelming for many when it launched. Yes, Moon Mystery has succeeded where Bethesda faltered and has launched with vehicles. |
PCGamesN Monday, October 28, 2024 7:07 PM  For roguelike fanatics, Dead Estate is more than likely a name you'll know very well. For those not so entrenched in the world of ruthless random runs, it might be one that passed you by. Well, now's the perfect time to change that, because after three years of support, Dead Estate just got its last ever update - but it's also its biggest. To sweeten the deal even further, it's just dropped to its lowest ever price on Steam. Continue reading Top-rated roguelike Dead Estate bows out with a mega final update |
PCGamesN Monday, October 28, 2024 6:07 PM  While it has absolutely been a great example of a community pulling together and of excellent communication from Bungie, Destiny 2's weapon perk saga is arguably the biggest, strangest, and most shocking issue in the FPS game's history. As a result, Bungie has begun its quest to make amends. Right now, you can claim a free emblem, but later down the line Bungie will also devise a way for you to get the elusive perk combinations that were being buried. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Destiny 2 classes, Destiny 2 The Final Shape review, Destiny 2 builds |
PCGamesN Monday, October 28, 2024 5:35 PM  I have to admit I'm a little scared of Sulfur. I'm a fan of classic FPS games like Doom, ARPGs like Diablo, and roguelikes like Shattered Pixel Dungeon. So a game that combines aspects of all three types of game into one seems dangerous to me. It feels that if I dare play it I'll become lost, forever sucked into its world. That threat is now very real, as Sulfur is out now in Steam Early Access and ready to be played. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best FPS games, Best RPGs, Best roguelike games |
PCGamesN Monday, October 28, 2024 3:39 PM  No matter your views on live service games, Fortnite's relentless stream of new content is a thing to behold. However, even Epic can't resist the lure of nostalgia, as the imminent Chapter 2 Remix mini-season looks to throw things back once again to a prime era of the battle royale. While there have been plenty of leaks and some teasers from Epic too, it has now finally confirmed that there will indeed be a proper in-game event leading up to Fortnite Chapter 2 Remix and that there's a "tuneful twist" to come. Continue reading Fortnite Chapter 2 Remix event confirmed alongside a "tuneful twist" MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Fortnite map, Fortnite skins, Fortnite weapons |
PCGamesN Monday, October 28, 2024 3:10 PM  While all MMOs tend to focus on everything at once, there's definitely some that stake their fortunes on PvP. Throne and Liberty, Dark Age of Camelot, Lineage 2, or Eve Online are all renowned for player versus player shenanigans, and now there's one underdog that's looking to join their ranks. The Elder Scrolls Online isn't famed for its PvP but between battlegrounds and the Cyrodiil alliance war zone, it's got plenty for fans of competitive combat to get stuck into. Thanks to its most recent update, PvP in ESO just got a whole lot leaner, meaner, and better. Continue reading ESO battlegrounds get massive overhaul, becoming faster and leaner MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MMORPGs, Best fantasy games, Best single-player MMOs |
PCGamesN Monday, October 28, 2024 2:01 PM  As a huge Bungie fan, its upcoming extraction shooter Marathon has sat right near the top of my most-anticipated games list for a while. Aside from a couple of brief namedrop mentions from the Destiny 2 developer, we haven't actually had any blogs, trailers, dev diaries, or even social media posts from official Marathon channels for well over a year. Well, that just changed, as game director Joe Ziegler has provided some new details about the game, and that includes confirmation that there is a class-based system that will see you pick from a lineup of characters called Runners. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best FPS games , Marathon release date speculation, All Destiny 2 news |
PCGamesN Monday, October 28, 2024 2:00 PM  History and strategy games go together like butter on toast. Nothing beats taking a birds-eye view of the battlefield in Total War, marveling at your utopia in Civilization, or managing the minutia of society in Victoria. In that vein, Men of War 2 joins WW2 with real-time strategy like nothing else, and it's just had a huge, free update. Not only has its most-requested feature finally been added, but there are plenty of new ways to play too. Oh, and it's on sale. Continue reading WW2 RTS Men of War 2 finally adds its most requested feature MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Men of War II announcement, The best RTS games on PC, The best war games on PC |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, October 28, 2024 2:09 PM  What Remains Of Edith Finch is a very upsetting collection of interactive short stories about the brief, tragic lives of a cursed family who live in a monstrous treehouse. It's also a wonderful show of experimentation, switching genres from story to story - one minute you're a playable bestiary on shuffle, the next you're beheading fish in a cannery as the worktable disappears beneath your scrolling daydreams. The developer's next project seems to be pursuing a similar balance of whimsy and darkness. It's another anthology experience, which casts you as a field biologist studying "the strangeness of organic life". Also, chicken-legged houses. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 9:30 PM
The miHoYo Taobao store will open up pre-orders of a 1/8 scale figure of Kafka from Honkai: Star Rail on October 31, 2024. It'll ship out in May 2025. [Thanks, Genshin Goods and heiankyo_327!]
This Kafka figure dresses her up in an elegant evening gown that has some elements of her usual outfit from the game. There are spiderweb motifs all over the bottom half, as well as ruffles and belts. The way the sleeves look, as well as the impression it gives her silhouette, is reminiscent of how she wears her jacket like a cape. As for how the figure is posing, Kafka looks like she's playing the violin, which is an instrument she seems proficient in based on idle animations and cutscenes from Honkai: Star Rail.
In terms of the price, the figure will cost 269 CNY in total. That would convert to around $37.75. When you first put in your order, you'll need to pay 40 CNY ($5.60) to lock in your reservation. Then, you pay the rest of the fee when miHoYo ships the figure.
This isn't the only Honkai: Star Rail figure that miHoYo recently unveiled. Aside from the Kafka figure, it also revealed a Blade Nendoroid and a Jing Yuan chibi doll. You can dress up and pose the doll, and it'll come with a little tasseled badge. Because the doll comes with all of the parts that make up Jing Yuan's outfit, you can actually dress up other similarly-sized figures or dolls like Jing Yuan if you so wish.
Honkai: Star Rail is available on the PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices. The Honkai: Star Rail Kafka figure will be available for pre-order via Taobao from October 31, 2024.
The post Honkai: Star Rail Kafka Figure is Playing the Violin appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 9:00 PM
The second anniversary of Goddess of Victory: Nikke will be on October 31, 2024 and as part of the celebration, Old Tales will start in the game. This will add new Nikkes, costumes, and more, along with a story that focuses on the second-generation Grimms Models.
You can watch the trailer for the Goddess of Victory: Nikke second anniversary here:
The full patch list is also available on the website, if you want details about everything. For starters, there will be three new Nikkes: Cinderella, Grave, and Rapunzel. Cinderella uses the Glass Slippers RL and is an Electric Defender Meanwhile, Grave uses the Writer's Eraser AR and is a Fire Supporter. Both of these are in the gacha, with Cinderella appearing first. Rapunzel will be free so long as you clear the story events and missions. She uses the Holy Grace SR and is an Iron Defender.
There will also be new costumes for D: Killer Wife, Isabel, Scarlet: Black Shadow, and Cinderella. The D: Killer Wife and Isabel costumes are available from passes. However, the Scarlet: Black Shadow and Cinderella costumes are via gacha. This is because they add new lines, animations, and poses, as well as use a special model.
Outside of characters and cosmetics, the second anniversary will feature the Old Tales story, as well as the "In the Mirror" mini-game. This is a limited time mini-game, and you have until the end of the patch to play it. It's a Metroidvania-style game in which you traverse the mirror world, and you can see a sample of it in the trailer.
Goddess of Victory: Nikke came out on November 4, 2022, about two years ago. It's a free-to-play mobile third-person shooter that features a fully female cast wielding guns ranging from assault rifles to rocket launchers. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic future in which Nikkes, artificial soldiers, need to fight against aliens to reclaim Earth for humanity. Aside from the story, its commitment to fanservice may also be a draw for some players.
Goddess of Victory: Nikke is available on mobile devices and Windows PC. The second anniversary patch for Nikke will go live on October 31, 2024.
The post Goddess of Victory: Nikke Second Anniversary Gives Free Nikke appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 8:00 PM
Japanese plush retailer San-ei will release a series of Animal Crossing plush toys that will includes Sasha, Goldie, and Stitches. The plushes will be available for sale sometime in mid-December, with San-ei not providing a specific date and just a window. Additionally, these items will be limited to Japan, and there is no mention of a global release. At least not yet.
You can take a look at the Animal Crossing Sasha, Goldie, and Stitches plushes below.
These plushes join the Animal Crossing All Stars Collection, with each of a varying different size. Goldie will be 23cm tall, or 9 inches, with Sasha clocking in at around 24cm so roughly 10 inches. Starry is the smallest of the trio at 19cm or 7 inches. A price for the plushes has yet to be revealed.
In recent news, Nintendo shared a video outlining the features that will appear in the offline version of Animal Crossing Pocket Camp. While things like Leaf Tickets will be sunset for the offline release, players will still be able to obtain furniture through other means. It will release on December 3, 2024.
The Animal Crossing Sasha, Goldie, and Stitches plush dolls will release sometime in mid-December in Japan.
The post Animal Crossing Sasha, Goldie, and Stitches Plush Debut in December appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 7:30 PM
The official miHoYo Taobao store will open up pre-orders for a Nendoroid of Blade from Honkai: Star Rail on October 31, 2024. While this item is not yet available on the Good Smile Company website (thus making it easier for those in Japan and North America to obtain it), it will likely appear there some time in the near future along with the other existing Star Rail Nendoroids.
The Blade Nendoroid will ship out some time in May 2025, though this is for Taobao. When you pre-order, you will need to pay 50 CNY ($7) first. Then, when it ships out, you'll pay the rest of the fee. So in total, the Honkai: Star Rail Blade Nendoroid costs 325 CNY ($45.60). That's exactly how much the Dan Heng Nendoroid (and March 7th Nendoroid) cost too, so it's unknown why Aventurine specifically cost more than everyone else.
You can take a look at the Blade Nendoroid below:
Like all other Nendoroids, the Blade Nendoroid comes with three face parts and several optional parts. You can make him have a neutral expression, a thinking expression, or an evil smile. As for his optional parts, he'll come with his cellphone, the Shard Sword, and a special background that you can use when posing. The background uses the same red spider lily design from his Ultimate. When you order from Taobao, you'll also get a special badge that depicts Blade from the Dragon Boat Festival 2024 visual. However, when it reflects the light, his eyes and the design on his shoulder glow, letting you enjoy two types of Blade.
Honkai: Star Rail is readily available on the PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices. The Blade Nendoroid will be available for pre-order from October 31, 2024 on the official miHoYo Taobao store, and it'll appear in the Good Smile Company stores some time later.
The post Honkai: Star Rail Blade Nendoroid Can Look Threatening appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 5:30 PM
MSI will give consumers Diablo 4, and the Vessel of Hatred expansion, entirely for free to those who participate in this limited time promotion. From November 1 to December 31, 2025 those that purchase specific MSI gaming laptops will receive the expansion and base game as part of the bundle. Consumers will have until January 14, 2025 to redeem the code that will come with their purchase.
The elligible MSI gaming laptops that are part of the Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred promotion must include at least one of the following processors:
These laptops will cost you a pretty penny, but you will get an entire game for free. However, that may not be worth the price if you're not already considering an upgrade for your gaming laptop, or want to swap from a PC to something more portable.
Diablo IV is no stranger to collaborations, however those have been mostly exclusive to Blizzard Entertainment's own IPs. World of Warcraft skins were available in the cosmetic shop for a limited time, which included outfits and attire inspired by the Lich King, Sylvanas Windrunner, and Garrosh Hellscream.
Diablo IV and the Vessel of Hatred expansion are available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X.
The post MSI Announces Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred Promotion appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 5:00 PM
Furyu announced via social media the upcoming release of a new Hatsune Miku figure in its FNEX line dubbed the Japanese Bunny. It will be a 1/7 scale figure. This figure features the Vocaloid character in a kimono-inspired bunny outfit, marking the third installment in Furyu's Japanese Bunny series.
The product page for the figure is now live, allowing fans to favorite the figure ahead of its release. It is not available to order yet. Likewise, we don't know its price or release date. However Furyu Hobby Mall does offer worldwide shipping, so it can be ordered no matter where you live.
View the official figure announcement post below:
Those interested in the Hatsune Miku Japanese Bunny figure should note that this item is made to order. As such, the final product may differ slightly from the initial photos. Cancellations or exchanges for convenience are not permitted. Delivery dates may vary based on order quantities, and sales may end early if limits are reached.
This isn't the only Hatsune Miku variant to appear in the last few weeks. The official website for Snow Miku 2025 has launched, unveiling the main visual for the character. This year, that is created by illustrator tokki_517. The main event for Snow Miku 2025 is set to take place in Hokkaido, and a Snow Miku-themed train featuring the new character designs will operate in Sapporo.
The product page for the Hatsune Miku Japanese Bunny figure is in development, with pre-orders opening soon.
The post Furyu Hatsune Miku Figure Dresses Her as a Bunny in a Kimono appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 4:30 PM
Jump Festa 2025 will take place on December 21 and 22 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, featuring new merchandise from notable Shonen Jump series such as One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen. This year's event will feature a "Jump Festa Market" zone located in Exhibition Hall 9, where all merchandise stalls, including the "JF Official Shop," will be located.
Jump Festa 2025 merchandise includes the following:
In related news, Shueisha recently wrapped up its free manga event on Shonen Jump+ to celebrate the platform's 10th anniversary. This event, which ran from October 9 to October 18, provided readers access to all chapters of selected popular titles for one day only.
Shonen Jump+ is available on both Android and iOS devices.
The post Shonen Jump Festa 2025 Anime and Manga Merchandise Shown appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 4:00 PM
RGG Studio shared a clip from Like a Dragon: Yakuza, the Amazon live-action adaptation based on the original game, of Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu singing "Baka Mitai." The song is a staple in the series' karaoke lineup, appearing in seven mainline games and spin-offs.
The Like a Dragon: Yakuza "Baka Mitai" video is displayed as it would be in the games, with karaoke present in the event someone would want to sing along. As in the games, there is a point in the song when Kiryu looks at a photograph. In this case, the image shows a younger version of him with Akira Nishikiyama, Miho Nishikiyama, and Yumi Sawamura.
Here is the full performance:
While "Baka Mitai" appears in Yakuza Kiwami, thus retroactively showing up in the original Like a Dragon game, it first debuted in Yakuza 5. Since then, it appeared in multiple mainline games like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The spin-offs Like a Dragon: Ishin and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, also featured versions of it. In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, an English version appeared.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is now airing on Amazon Prime, with three episodes available now and more arriving on November 1, 2024.
The post Like a Dragon: Yakuza Includes 'Baka Mitai' Performance appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 3:30 PM
Bushiroad published more details about Love Live Official Card Game. After sharing an initial teaser in August 2024, the company confirmed that it will release the new TCG in early February 2025.
This trading card game will feature a total of 57 characters—including those from rival units—at launch. Bushiroad is working with the series' illustrators to draw new idol costume illustrations for characters like Honoka Kosaka and Ayumu Uehara, which it will feature in the cards.
Here's the first look at new costumes appearing in the game:
Bushiroad will start selling starter decks and booster packs for Love Live Official Card Game in February 2025. There will be two kinds of starter decks available, and they will separately feature characters from Love Live! Superstar!! and Nijigasaki High School Idol Club.
The Nijigasaki characters will also appear in the first booster pack volume, which will come with characters from Liella! and Hasunosora Girls' High School Idol Club.
Bushiroad also explained the basic gameplay rules of the upcoming TCG in a live stream. A deck will generally consist of 24 Member Cards featuring the characters, 6 Live Cards showcasing the series' songs, and 12 Energy Cards. Players can use Energy Cards to summon the characters, and they must successfully hold Live Performances by combining a Live Card with many character cards. A player will win the game after successfully holding three Live Performances during the gameplay session.
Love Live Official Card Game will be formally available on February 8, 2025. Bushiroad will also hold early-bird sales for the TCG at select locations a week earlier on February 1, 2025.
The post Love Live Official Card Game Will Launch in February 2025 appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 3:00 PM
It might seem hard to believe, but the original Life is Strange released nearly 10 years ago. Max Caulfield is finally back as the lead for Life is Strange: Double Exposure. I'll admit the first installment is one of my favorite games of all time, as it pulled on my heartstrings with its captivating plot, moral dilemmas, and enduring, realistic character dynamics. It was, quite honestly, a breathtaking adventure that left a big impression on me. There have been a few Life is Strange games since then and, although they all have their own admirable traits, I wouldn't go as far as to say any of them surpassed the original. Life is Strange: Double Exposure doesn't provide the same emotional rollercoaster, but it's still a decent installment in the series.
It feels like Deck Nine is aware Life is Strange: Double Exposure's audience has grown up, and the tone of the overall plot has a far more serious vibe to reflect this. The story picks up a decade after the events at Arcadia Bay. When we last saw Max, she decided to hit the road and travel the world, pursuing her passion for photography. Eventually, she gets scouted for work at Caledon University and settles into her new life in the sleepy town. But that all changes on one fateful winter night when Max discovers that her new best friend Safi has been killed, sparking a murder mystery. Not too long after, Max realizes she has gained a new power called pulse, allowing her to see an alternate world where Safi is alive. She can hop between these paradoxical timelines. Determined to discover what truly happened that night, she uses her newfound abilities to try and uncover who is responsible.
The narratives in the Life is Strange games are usually the titles' strong suit. However, Life is Strange: Double Exposure had a glaring problem from its inception. Max and Chloe's interpersonal dynamic was one of the key aspects that got us invested in the story and is a big reason why the original ending is so memorable. As a reminder, at the end of the first game, you are presented with an ethical dilemma clearly pulling inspiration from the trolley problem thought experiment. When arguably no decision is (supposedly) right or wrong, how do you create a story where the events in the new game hold true no matter which ending you picked in the original? This is a tricky balancing act and it would be challenging to make everyone happy, but I think the solution Nine Deck came up with works well.
In the opening chapter, Max is asked a series of questions, and you can pick what happened in her past. (Like if Max and Chloe were friends or childhood sweethearts.) This is an excellent way to inject your interpretation of previous events into the story. Depending on your answers, this will be reflected in the world. If you pick the reality where Chloe is dead, Max will often have melancholic internal monologues where she reflects on their connection and the time they spent together. On the other hand, if you opt for the decision of Chloe being alive, you will soon discover that the pair have broken up and been separated for some time. Both of these scenarios feel uncomfortably realistic and immediately showcase the more mature tone.
One of the first things I noticed while playing was how well this sequel nails Max's character. Her mannerisms and how she talks are absolutely spot on. She may be a full-fledged adult now, but she is still the adorable nerd we once knew and has no problem delivering her sarcastic (sometimes cringy) anecdotes to situations. I felt like I was getting reacquainted with an old friend again and, if anything, think I got to know Max better as a person this time around.
In true Life is Strange fashion, at different parts of the story, you will be presented with scenarios where you can pick different actions to take, leading to the famous line, "This action will have consequences." Seeing all the potential outcomes is interesting, but just like Life is Strange: True Colors, I wish some decisions had more implications for the overarching plot. Only a handful felt significant. The first chapter is a little bit on the slower side, as Deck Nine reintroduces us to Max and the gameplay mechanics. At the end of Chapter 2, there is a huge revelation that changes the whole discourse of the story, and that's when the ball starts rolling.
My biggest critique of Life is Strange: Double Exposure is that Max and Safi only have a handful of scenes together. Max finds out her new best friend is alive in a different reality and then barely interacts with her, which feels really off. I wish we could have seen more layers of their friendship together, as there is good chemistry between these two characters. Having more scenes together would have also made some of the later moments in the game more impactful, as there are some jaw-dropping twists within the story, but I felt they don't have the emotional climax they should.
For the most part, Life is Strange: Double Exposure stars a decent range of characters. Nearly everyone has their own secret agendas and motivations for acting in specific ways, which should keep you intrigued as you discover what is happening. Safi and Moses are the standout new additions by far, and you can feel their genuine connection with Max. My least favorite characters were Vinh and Amanda, who are ironically characters Max can romance. I found them uninteresting and didn't feel like they were as fleshed-out as other characters.
When Max is not confronted with dialogue options, she must explore the campus and the surrounding areas while solving environmental puzzles to advance the story. This puzzle-solving process involves using the pulse power and jumping between the two contrasting worlds. Sometimes, you may have to talk to a particular version of a character to gain vital information or pick up items like keys to then use in the other reality. The puzzles are straightforward, and each one seamlessly weaves into the story.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure is also the most gorgeous game from the franchise so far, and it sounds lovely too. The characters also look great, and Max's new design is superb. It feels true to her character. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling through all the locations, with my favorite being the snowy campus at Caledon University. It was stunning to look at. The music in all the Life is Strange titles is always exceptional, and Life is Strange: Double Exposure doesn't disappoint. The tracks match the mood Deck Nine trying to portray at all times, intensifying those tender and important interactions. The best moments in the game would simply not be the same if the beautiful soundtrack did not accompany it.
It's worth mentioning that I encountered a few performance issues on PC, though these were mainly frame rate drops. I noticed problems initially in a few scenes in Chapter 2, but it was nothing too detrimental to my experience. But in the first ten minutes of Chapter 5, the frame rate dramatically dropped. That did take away the kick from an impactful moment, which was a bit of a shame. Hopefully, this is something Deck Nine can address with a future patch.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure would always have high expectations projected onto it, as the original is perhaps one of the best emotional and narrative-driven games out there. The sequel might not be on the same level as its predecessor, but there are a lot of admirable qualities here. It's great to see Max Caulfield return to the series, as she is genuinely an exceptional character. I really enjoyed the overall story, and there are some phenomenal twists along the way which you may not see coming. However, I wish Max and Safi had more scenes together, because it would have meant those impactful moments would have carried more weight. As long as you accept that Life is Strange: Double Exposure will not provide the same emotional whirlwind adventure as other entries in the franchise, you will have a good time.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure will be available for PS5, Xbox Series X and PC on October 29, 2024. There's no release window for the Switch version yet.
The post Review: Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Is a Worthy Sequel appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, October 28, 2024 2:30 PM
Cover launched a new addition to its Hololive Friends plush collection that feature Vtubers dressed as Minions from the Despicable Me franchise. This collaboration with Universal Studios includes collectible stuffed animals of Hololive talents Sakura Miko, Shirakami Fubuki, and Sakamata Chloe in Minion costumes. These items are available for purchase as of October 28, 2024, and they can be found at the Hololive Production Official Shop.
Each plush is approximately 220mm tall, made from polyester, and priced at 4,180 yen/$28. You can find them in the English version of the storefront. This new Meets series is a part of the new Hololive friends collection, which also features collections like the with u" and to Go lines. The new series focuses on collaborations with well-known characters, fusing Hololive's virtual talents with popular character designs.
Here is how the three Hololive Friends plush of Sakura Miko, Shirakami Fubuki, and Sakamata Chloe dressed as Despicable Me Minions look:
This is the second recent major merchandise announcement and crossover for Hololive Vtubers. Cover partnered with Bearbrick to release bear figures based on Houshou Marine and Hoshimachi Suisei. Those launched on October 24, 2024, and the figures are priced at 19,800 yen each (approximately $131). The figures come in two sizes and are available through the Hololive Production Official Shop.
The Hololive Friends Meets plushies are available for purchase on the Hololive Production Official Shop as of October 28, 2024.
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