Kotaku Monday, November 11, 2024 9:30 AM  Look, we all know Barbie looks at porn. She's an adult woman, it's no big deal. But it's maybe more of an issue when she starts leaving tabs open all over the merch sold to kids. This is what's happened on the boxes for two Wicked movie tie-in Barbie dolls. |
Kotaku Monday, November 11, 2024 8:15 AM  Last week marked N7 Day, which means Mass Effect fans broke out the fan art and BioWare vaguely gestured at the upcoming fifth game. The studio said this year would be a quiet one, as the team just released Dragon Age: The Veilguard earlier in the week. But that doesn't mean we can't still discuss the series and… |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 9:52 AM  November 11, 2024 We have checked for new AOTC Revolution codes. What are the new Attack on Titan Revolution codes? There are many anime games on Roblox based on One Piece and Dragon Ball, but we rarely get anything for the mega-popular Attack on Titan universe. This game aims to be a faithful action-packed adventure that takes inspiration from the aerial combat shown on the show, and with AoT Revolution codes to redeem for even more fun. We've checked our guide and it's all ready to go with [update 2] Attack on Titan Revolution codes and the Halloween giveawys. Continue reading Attack on Titan Revolution codes November 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 9:42 AM  Some FPS games - Half-Life, Doom, Counter-Strike - are intrinsically part of gaming and PC culture. There will always be a new Call of Duty. The legacy of erstwhile classics like Quake and Far Cry is settled forever. But for every totem to the genre's history, dozens of lesser-known, lesser-loved, or just lesser-played shooters slip into time's yawning chasm. The Battlefield series lives on, but one of its finest chapters, the Bad Company spinoffs from 2008 and 2010 respectively, are comparatively forgotten. For the true destruction physics devotees, the idea of Battlefield Bad Company 3 is as tantalizing as a new Titanfall - but feels similarly unlikely. On the contrary, the series' senior and lead designer, whose credits include Payday 2 and Metal Hellslinger, now tells PCGamesN that if EA comes knocking, he's very much on board. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best FPS games, Best multiplayer games, Best war games |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 9:33 AM  Picking up the best Steam Deck accessories is a great way to help Valve's handheld gaming PC shine. From microSD cards that will expand your on-the-go Steam library to docks that'll provide the mini rig with Switch-inspired docking station capabilities, there are plenty of ways to protect your Deck and add additional functionality. To assist you in creating the perfect handheld PC setup, we've put together a list of the best Steam Deck accessories available right now. Some of our picks, like the best Steam Deck dock and best Steam Deck case serve a practical purpose, but we've made sure to include a few unique add-ons that will make your portable device stand out from the crowd. They'll all help to enhance your experience with the best Steam Deck games. Continue reading Best Steam Deck accessories in 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 9:35 AM  There might not be a shortage of great games to play on the Steam Deck right now, but you never turn up your nose at a free game, and Amazon currently has more than 50 free Steam Deck games you can download right now. If you're lucky enough to own the best handheld gaming PC of the moment, this is a great deal. You may well already pay for your Amazon Prime subscription to use the free delivery service, or watch movies and shows via Prime Video. However, there is a whole extra level to Amazon Prime, which includes free video games, and there just so happens to be some fantastic Steam Deck experiences included. If you don't already have Prime Gaming, you can get your first month for free by following this link. Continue reading Claim over 45 free Steam Deck games, thanks to Amazon MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 9:10 AM  November 11, 2024: We added three new Anime Reborn codes to our list, which now totals 14 active codes. What are the new Anime Reborn codes? Anime Reborn is a hit new Roblox game featuring some of your favorite anime characters. Your goal is to pack out your party with the best units, give them the top traits, and work to keep yourself and your friends alive against waves of increasingly challenging enemies. To get as many draws as possible for the latest Units, upgrade your current party, and even increase your chances of pulling shiny Units, you're going to need as many gems and keys as possible, and that's where Anime Reborn codes come in. We've got the latest codes below, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to redeem them in the anime game. If you're in the market for extra Roblox freebies, we also keep regularly updated lists of the latest Blox Fruits codes and King Legacy codes. Continue reading Anime Reborn codes November 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 8:35 AM  November 11, 2024: We've checked for new Slap Battles codes. What are the new Slap Battles codes? In this Roblox experience, the only thing that matters is getting the most slaps. For each one you get, you can work your way closer to having the most destructive palm in the galaxy. So, if you want to have the most powerful slapping hand, you'll need to work for it. There are plenty of other Roblox experiences out there if this one loses its appeal, and we have the latest freebies for the likes of Blade Ball codes, Anime Last Stand codes, and Toilet Tower Defense codes. Without further ado, these Slap Battles codes will give you a bit of a boost to get started. Continue reading Slap Battles codes November 2024 |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 8:34 AM  November 11, 2024: We have checked and added one new Race Clicker code. What are the new Race Clicker codes? We've compiled a list of all the new Race Clicker codes for free wins and boosts in this click-to-win Roblox game. The codes can be redeemed in-game, providing many competitive advantages to help you win the clicking frenzy. The game is simple, the faster you click, the faster you go. Some of the codes offer free auto clicks and pets, while you can get boosts and luck for a limited time. If you're looking for further Roblox freebies, we regularly update our lists of the latest Anime Adventures codes, Blox Fruits codes, and All Star Tower Defense codes. Continue reading Race Clicker codes November 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 8:27 AM  November 11, 2024: We've checked for new Pet Simulator 99 codes. What are the new Pet Simulator 99 codes? If you're extremely lucky (and timely), getting a bunch of free gems in Big Games' latest pet collecting game can be as easy as typing a few letters into a box. As time goes on, though, we expect PS99 codes to become increasingly rare, perhaps even being tied solely to physical merch like plushies, lucky bags, and playsets. We've seen it happen before. Pet Simulator 99 is the third Pet Simulator Roblox game Preston and his team have put out. Though it isn't out to replace Pet Simulator X codes directly, it will be the one getting the big updates from now on. If leaving your old collection behind doesn't sound fun to you, consider checking out Blade Ball codes or Blox Fruits codes instead. Continue reading Pet Simulator 99 codes November 2024 |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 8:25 AM  November 11, 2024: We have searched and added one new Fruit Battlegrounds code to this list. What are the new Fruit Battlegrounds codes? Codes for this Roblox game are a must-have if you want to dominate the leaderboards in the fruity arena. Players are drawn to Popo's game for the anime style and inspiration. You've probably already guessed, but it's another adventure game based on a certain fruit-obsessed Japanese franchise. You might be wondering how to get your hands on Fruit Battlegrounds codes to get free gems that you can spend on free spins, or if you're playing other Roblox games, we have Project Slayers codes and Blox Fruits codes, too. And if you're looking for something a little more new and shiny, Blade Ball codes and Pet Simulator 99 codes are coming in hot. Continue reading Fruit Battlegrounds codes November 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 8:22 AM  November 11, 2024: We have added ten new Five Nights TD codes to this list. What are the newest Five Nights TD codes? The latest list of working Nights TD codes we've put together in this guide has been fully tested and is ready to grant you helpful rewards like in-game currency and other essentials. Inspired by the original Five Nights at Freddy's games, this Roblox take on the iconic horror franchise has been immensely popular with thousands of active players. If it's other horror games you're after, be sure to try out the current Descent codes or Murder Mystery 2 codes. To make it through the night in Five Nights TD though, you'll need the rewards from the codes listed below for the best chance of survival. Continue reading Five Nights TD codes November 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 8:06 AM  Sandbox is one of my most anticipated games right now, not because of what I'll be able to do with the creation tool, but because of all the unique and bizarre game modes everyone else will come up with. The Garry's Mod spiritual sequel is in developer preview stage at the moment, but we're getting closer and closer to launch. Facepunch has finally made a public Steam page, and revealed that Sandbox will come to Valve's platform with a much-requested feature. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Free Steam games, Best sandbox games, Best old games |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 8:00 AM  With the release of the Ode of the Devourer quest, there's no better time to play RuneScape. Fortunately, the RuneScape Devourer Bundle has also just launched and it's a must-have. It's packed with overrides, boosts, pets, and the pièce de résistance - a full month of membership (worth $13.99). It's the perfect chance to level up your RuneScape account - sorry, Old School fans, this one's for the RS3 crew. For just $10.00 / £7.71, you'll have plenty to, well, devour… but if your hunger rivals Amascut's, the $20.00 / £15.43 bundle offers even more. Continue reading RuneScape is offering a huge new bundle at 79% off MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MMORPGs, The making of RuneScape, Runescape system requirements |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 7:53 AM  Who are the latest Fortnite NPCs? NPC locations change with every new Fortnite season, much like everything else, and more are added during the season as well. This makes it difficult to keep track of the latest NPC locations. That's where we come in. There are a few reasons you might want to find a Fortnite NPC location in the battle royale game, from hiring some help or buying one of the new Fortnite weapons, to generating a rift from out of nowhere. There are often new hostile NPCs to defeat too, but if you're looking for someone a little more friendly, we have every NPC location marked on the Fortnite map, as well as a list of all of the special items or services you can buy in Chapter 5 Season 5. Continue reading All Fortnite NPCs, locations, and items MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Fortnite map, Fortnite skins, Fortnite weapons |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 7:43 AM  What does the latest Fortnite map look like? Chapter 2 Remix sees fan-favorite POIs return to the island alongside an assembly of musical icons. Snoop Dogg and Eminem are not the only new additions to the island, as the location itself has some new POIs to freshen the OG up a bit. Since the battle royale game is constantly in flux, everything in this guide probably will change throughout the season. This goes also for the many Fortnite weapons and Fortnite NPCs, including those beloved superstars. So, here are the latest changes to the Fortnite map in Chapter 2 Remix. Continue reading Fortnite Chapter 2 Remix map MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Fortnite map, Fortnite skins, Fortnite weapons |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 7:28 AM  What are the best games on Game Pass right now? Trawling through more than 450 games in your Game Pass subscription can feel overwhelming. Game Pass is a great deal, with hundreds of games at your fingertips for a fairly low monthly cost, but, if you're anything like us, you might get lost in the choice and wind up not playing anything. Thankfully, we're here to help you discover some of the shiniest Game Pass gems. If you're unsure and want to try something new, we've picked some of the best Game Pass games the subscription service has to offer. Whether you're looking for horror games, farming games, or short, easy-to-complete story games, we've got them all here. Continue reading The best games on Game Pass November 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Minecraft seeds, Minecraft skins, Minecraft mods |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 7:25 AM  What are the latest Valorant skins? It can be hard to keep track of all the available weapon skins, but we've gone through them all to provide the ultimate guide to every single one in the game. When Valorant was Project: A and little was known about the game, Riot made one thing clear - it would be a game for skin collectors. Since 2020, the game developer has actively been churning out virtual cosmetics for one of the best PC games, and in 2024, Valorant will have at least ten skins for every single weapon. But who's keeping count? Well, we are. If you're looking to plan your next Valorant purchase or prepare for the next Valorant Night Market, then keep reading. Continue reading All Valorant skins, bundles, tiers, and prices MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Valorant Night Market dates, Valorant ranks, Valorant crosshair codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 7:23 AM  Here's a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into your aging AMD Ryzen system, by not only upgrading your CPU to a brand new X3D model with 3D V-cache, but also expanding your RAM to 32GB. This gaming CPU deal at Newegg knocks down the price of the Ryzen 7 5700X3D to $229, and also includes a 32GB (2x 16GB) kit of 3,200MT/s DDR4 Corsair Vengeance LPX memory. You'll need to be quick, though, as this deal will only be up for a day. It's decent memory too, with the Corsair Vengeance LPX getting a well-deserved place on our guide to the best gaming RAM, thanks to its low profile and decent range of available frequencies. Meanwhile, that AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D CPU uses the same 3D V-cache tech found in the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, with a big 64MB stack of extra L3 cache on top of its eight cores that boosts gaming performance, giving you a whopping 96MB total of L3 cache. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Ryzen 7 7800X3D review, Best gaming CPU, Radeon RX 7800 XT review |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 7:20 AM  What are the upcoming Game Pass games on PC? New titles constantly appear on the platform, and as more developers jump on board with Microsoft's subscription service, it can be easy to lose track of the best of the bunch. Our complete list of games coming to Game Pass charts new releases in 2024, so you can play your most anticipated PC games on day one without spending a cent more than your subscription fee. Game Pass on PC presents an excellent opportunity to take the best PC games for a spin without worrying about triple-A price tags. Equally, you can take a chance on the most experimental and unorthodox indie games that might otherwise go overlooked on other platforms. Whether you're a fan of fast-paced FPS games, spine-chilling horror games, or immersive RPGs, the best way to keep up to date with all the games coming to Game Pass in 2024 and beyond is right here on PCGamesN. Continue reading All Game Pass games 2024 and beyond MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Hellblade 2 review, Hellblade 2 lore stone locations, Hellblade 2 face locations |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 6:40 AM  November 11, 2024: The FF14 server status has been checked and updated. Maintenance is scheduled for later today. Is FF14 down? It might be due to ongoing maintenance or server issues if you can't log on to FF14 or access your character. Before worrying about any problems with your game, you'll want to check the FF14 server status and currently scheduled maintenance times below to see if the MMO is offline. If you can't log into FF14, it's typically because of planned maintenance. The critically acclaimed MMORPG occasionally schedules downtime to implement patches, updates, and other hotfixes or to perform maintenance on the game's servers. Developer Square Enix usually announces these well beforehand, so read on and see when future maintenance times are planned. Continue reading FF14 server status and maintenance times - is FFXIV down? MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best MMOs, FF14 Dawntrail release date, FF14 Island Sanctuary guide |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 6:46 AM  November 11, 2024: We've checked for new Doors codes. What are the new Doors codes? Doors is a horror game on the Roblox platform that's not for the faint of heart – especially if you're sensitive to jump scares. Your goal is to advance through a series of doors while avoiding the terrifying entities that give chase. Thankfully, our list of the latest Doors codes is here to help you reach Door 100 in one piece. The latest Doors codes unlock a trove of additional supplies in the Roblox game - including Knobs, Revives, and Boosts - so be sure to redeem them before they expire. We've also included a step-by-step guide on how to redeem Doors codes. Bring some levity to the spooky escape room by tuning your radio to the best Roblox song IDs. If you're a Roblox enthusiast, our Shinobi Life 2 codes and Project Mugetsu codes are sure to be of value. Continue reading Doors codes November 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 6:43 AM  November 11, 2024: We've checked for new Brookhaven codes. What are the new Brookhaven codes? Brookhaven is one of the most popular sandbox games on the Roblox platform, allowing you to meet up with friends and explore the town's bustling streets and sleepy suburbs. Our Brookhaven codes can put a little pep in your step as you act out different scenarios with some free music for your portable speakers. Brookhaven offers a ton of freedom, so there are no pesky limitations to sidestep – you can snap up new houses and tear up the tarmac with various cars and bikes. Our Brookhaven codes grant you access to a whole playlist of popular tunes to serve as your soundtrack while you're at it. We've also got Doors codes, King Legacy codes, and Anime Adventures codes if you're searching for all the best goodies available across the Roblox platform. Continue reading Brookhaven codes MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 6:24 AM  November 11, 2024: We've checked for new Blade Ball codes. What are the new Blade Ball codes? Those who want to stand out while playing this dodgeball game can splash out on new weapons, skills, and even explosive effects. To get them, though, you need coins, and there are ways to instantly get a small amount of coins to roll the dice while getting a chance to open crates and maybe pull a rare sword skin. There are other similar games on the Roblox platform, so be sure to get all the latest Arm Wrestle Simulator codes to get yourself ripped or learn the secret of Berry Avenue codes if you'd rather live a calmer virtual life. Here are all the latest Blade Ball codes, how to enter them, and where to find more. Continue reading Blade Ball codes November 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 6:11 AM  Deadlock may not be here for a while, but Valve is already making sweeping changes and experimenting with the balance of its upcoming MOBA. This time, Valve has nerfed Yamato's ult after a recent update turned her into a dominant opponent over the weekend. So if you've been finding it impossible to get past her Shadow Transformation no matter what you do, that matchup should be a fair bit easier now. Valve has left many of Yamato's buffs intact, though, so I'd still be careful if you come across her in your next Deadlock match. Continue reading Valve finally nerfs Deadlock's Yamato, but her ult is still deadly MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Deadlock release date , Deadlock crosshair, Deadlock characters |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 6:19 AM  When is the next Steam sale? It feels like one Steam sale has just ended when the next one begins, but with some events offering better discounts than others and genre-specific sales to look out for, it's a good idea to keep these dates to hand. Fortunately, we've got a complete list of all the official Steam sale dates for 2024 and beyond, so you can make a dent in your Steam wishlist without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for new PC games to sink your teeth into or simply the best PC games of all time, there's something for everyone on Steam. Genre sales can introduce you to hidden gems if you can snap up the bargains in time, while seasonal Steam sales can last for weeks, with more games, DLC, and bundles available at chunkier discounts. Continue reading When is the next Steam sale? MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Steam FAQ, Steam family sharing, Steam in-home streaming |
PCGamesN Monday, November 11, 2024 5:58 AM  November 11, 2024: We checked for new NBA 2K25 codes. What are the active NBA 2K25 codes? It's another year in the NBA 2K calendar, and as is tradition there are plenty of freebies to collect. Over the lifetime of each game in the storied basketball series, 2K dishes out a slew of locker codes that can be punched in, rewarding you with everything from free packs to top-rated stars as the season progresses. In NBA 2K25, you can expect a similar slurry of goodies to come your way, helping you make the most of your time in the sports game. Of course, NBA 2K25 locker codes don't last forever, so you'll have to act fast when a new code does pop up. Fortunately, we're keeping our eagle eyes eagerly on the latest codes, which you can find below. Continue reading NBA 2K25 codes November 2024 - all locker codes MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best sports games, Best multiplayer games, New PC games |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, November 11, 2024 10:00 AM  "A lot of puzzle games can leave you staring at the same static screen for ages, but here, I'm always pushing you forward," says Mark Brown of Game Maker's Toolkit. For a decade now, Brown has been releasing accessible deep dives on game design for his popular YouTube channel, like "How Game Designers Protect Players From Themselves" and "The Two Types of Random in Game Design." This week, he's releasing his own for the first time. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, November 11, 2024 10:00 AM .jpg?width=1920&height=1920&fit=bounds&quality=80&format=jpg&auto=webp) Great God Grove is, in a word, bonkers. I've stopped a small community from completing a blood ritual, played the role of matchmaker to a group of lonely hearts that involved organising a date with god, and plastered a statue with paint as part of a revolutionary movement to uplift the power of art. My time with GGG has been a pick n' mix of colourful escapades, and together with its story of godly woes, striking art style, vacuum-based puzzle-solving, and nightmare-inducing puppet work, I'm now a die-hard LimboLane devotee. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, November 11, 2024 8:18 AM  It was the 20-year anniversary of Halo 2 at the weekend, which saw the shooter's modern counterparts celebrating with classic multiplayer maps and long-lost levels. But also emerging from the dust of time are insights to the sequel's development back in 2004. Rolling Stone interviewed two key designers of the game and made a fun discovery. The Flood (the sickly pale alien infestation that briefly turns Halo into sci-fi horror) was partly inspired by a colourful and innocent children's book about a nice elephant. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, November 11, 2024 7:39 AM  The RPS 100 is our list of the best games to play on PC. It encompasses the full breadth and width of PC gaming stretching back to 1873, but focuses solely on those games that remain great to play today. It's updated yearly by our crack team of writers, and the first half of the 2024 edition is live now. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Monday, November 11, 2024 5:36 AM  Let's try and get you up to speed on the fascinating oddity that is simulation game Ecosystem, on the off chance that Nate's coverage of it hasn't stuck with you like an unwelcome brain parasite you're nonetheless unwilling to get removed for fear of the lingering emptiness it might cause (he once described an eel as "a quaver with erectile dysfunction"). Broadly speaking, this game is Spore's evolutionary-biology-degree-having cousin. It's been in early access for about three years now, but with the latest "Crustacean" update, it's just hit 1.0. Once again, carcinization has come for all things. |
Siliconera Monday, November 11, 2024 9:30 AM
Unilever Japan revealed a new crossover set of Clear Men shampoo and conditioner based on Capcom's Monster Hunter game series. The company has also started selling the products in stores across Japan.
Unilever has specifically stated that the Mega Potion from the Monster Hunter games serves as an inspiration for the new shampoo and conditioner. The company used extracts from water mint (Mentha aquatica) and royal jelly to produce this product line. This process emulates the combination in the actual games, where players must procure Herbs to create Potions and combine them with Honey to produce Mega Potions.
In addition, the company is holding a couple of Japan-exclusive sweepstakes to celebrate the new product releases. The first one involves the social media platform X, where users can repost the specific tweet and follow its account for a chance to win a complete set for free. The other sweepstakes will have people who purchased either product upload and submit the receipt for a possible reward set of a Mega Potion-branded sauna hat and bag.
Monster Hunter will join the list of Capcom game franchises that Unilever has featured in its crossover products. The company had previously released shampoos and conditioner themed after Street Fighter 6 in late April 2024.
The Monster Hunter Clear Men hair shampoo and conditioner are now available for sale in stores across Japan.
The post Monster Hunter Clear Shampoo Is Inspired By Mega Potion appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, November 11, 2024 9:00 AM
Digital Eclipse's Tetris Forever continues the developer's museum-like approach to game compilations, and the Tetris story is certainly worth that approach! Although there's already a Tetris movie, the sheer quantity of footage in this release makes for a feature film of its own, and oh yeah, there are also games in it. Perhaps one in particular?
The short documentary videos for this collection, produced by Area 5, largely consists of interviews with core figures in Tetris' history. That includes creator Alexey Pajitnov, company founder Henk Rogers and current CEO Maya Rogers, and it focuses on the insights of these three. There are also appearances by a few collaborators, like Tetris Effect creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi and former Spectrum Holobyte head Gilman Louie. It's augmented in spots by Henk Rogers' tendency to record video of his travels, adding original footage of meetings and events.
When we talk about smart recycling of work, the Gold Master series is exactly what we want. There's no reason to reinvent the systems for showcasing photos and video like this! Just keep making more of these and letting the subject matter do the work. And like The Making of Karateka and Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story, Tetris Forever takes the setup designed for Atari 50 and keeps using it largely as-is. There's a generous amount of ads and manuals and other materials for the games, which is nice to see! The Atari 50 approach seemed more about curation, given the vast scope of that release's subject matter, but since Tetris Forever is a bit more focused, Digital Eclipse seemed less hesitant to just give you a pile of scans at once.
Though Digital Eclipse's Gold Master approach makes for more than just a pile of games, it does include a pile of games and that's helpful! It largely consists of the earliest iterations of the design — including a recreation of the Electronika 60 original — in addition to the subsequent games developed by Bullet-Proof Software. The Electronika remake simulates different monitor types and shows the differences between the earliest playable build and a later version, as well as translates the prompts into English if you want that.
Tetris Forever is very much an "early days" collection. No NES or Game Boy versions are here, which we partially understand; Nintendo is stingy about that stuff. It would have been nice given Digital Eclipse is owned by Atari to see its Tengen and arcade versions, but from what we can tell, those are the part of the company that ended up with Warner, while weirdly the rights modern Atari holds are those of the included Spectrum Holobyte releases. (The whole Hasbro Interactive lineage is a mess!) The documentary materials mention later stuff, but none of it's actually included. We're sure the licensing would be expensive, but we'd really love to see some of that era's experiments collected and preserved. (The late 1990s in particular were home to some weird stuff!)
Bullet-Proof would eventually become the Tetris Company we know today, so it was probably simple to work out the rights to those releases. As a result, a lot of the collection is devoted to Bombliss, a variant in a lot of BPS games centered around building and exploding larger bombs in the Tetris well. It's a bit weird to give it that much attention? The mode wasn't designed by Pajitnov, and it didn't exactly catch on outside of Japan. It did see some release here, and you may know it as Tetris Blast. But yeah.
Tetris Battle Gaiden is an absolute treasure, and it's wonderful to see it finally get a wide release. It's not talked up much in the collection — the Henk Rogers video about it calls it "cute" and leaves it at that — but people who have played it know its value. In this versus-focused Tetris game, some blocks are "magic," and clearing them fills a meter. Each character has different spells for one, two, three and four magic, and you use the one that matches your maximum meter when hitting up on the directional pad. The resulting game isn't the most carefully balanced, but it's certainly the highlight of this release.
In addition to the retro compilations, Tetris Forever includes its own new mash-up game. Tetris Time Warp follows in the footsteps of some of Digital Eclipse's Atari 50 creations, putting together different elements of older Tetris games into one (low-budget) experience. It's definitely more of a celebration piece than an attempt at making the best new way to play Tetris! Occasionally, pieces fall that, when cleared, send you into short challenges based on older games. It's educational, if a bit disorienting, that the controls change accordingly. You'll need to hammer left and right to move in the Electronika challenge, and you can forget about a hold function.
Tetris Forever is, ultimately, a well-crafted educational documentary about the franchise that's a joy to work your way through, at which point it becomes a vessel for Tetris Battle Gaiden. The rest of the game library doesn't offer much to modern players who could instead play Tetris Effect, Tetris 99 or Puyo Puyo Tetris! But the preservation aspect of the release is nice for its own sake.
Tetris Forever launches November 12, 2024 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, Xbox One and PC.
The post Review: Tetris Forever Is Documentary First, Battle Gaiden Second appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Monday, November 11, 2024 8:00 AM
Hololive Vtuber Momosuzu Nene is going to end her hiatus and return to streaming. She will hold a return stream on November 12, 2024 at 4am PT/7am ET/9pm JST.
In late July 2024, Momosuzu Nene announced that she would be taking a hiatus from streaming. At the time, there weren't a lot of details as to why she would be taking a break other than that the troubles she was experiencing at the time were bigger than she'd anticipated. Cover also stated that Nene would continue to appear in projects and events she'd already scheduled.
While Nene has been active on X (formerly known as Twitter) even during her hiatus, she didn't make any comments about why she was on hiatus. While she might mention it on stream, it seems from the thumbnail and her announcement Tweet that she plans on returning to her normal activities. She Tweeted that she's excited to meet everyone and invites people to guess what kind of girl Nene is. Then, she says that she would do her best as a member of the fifth generation.
Momosuzu Nene is, as she mentioned, part of the fifth generation of hololive VTubers. Other talents who debuted with her include Yukihana Lamy and Omaru Polka. As of the time of writing, she has over 1.22 million subscribers on her YouTube channel.
Momosuzu Nene will have her return stream at 4:00 AM PT/7:00 AM ET on November 12, 2024.
The post Hololive Vtuber Momosuzu Nene Streaming Hiatus Ends This Week appeared first on Siliconera. |
