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Week in Review: The top stories in AI, wearables, entertainment, and more
Oct 18, 12:00
GamersHeroes Friday, October 18, 2024 11:06 AM We've got you covered with the 10 Steam Next Fest 2024 Demos you must play this weekend - no multipage click-through required. The post 10 Steam Next Fest 2024 Demos You Must Play This Weekend appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
Kotaku Friday, October 18, 2024 11:18 AM  Remedy Entertainment's first multiplayer game is called FBC: Firebreak and it takes player back to the world of Control, the critically-acclaimed 2019 paranormal metroidvania. The co-op PVE shooter looks like a horror-filled funhouse, but the Alan Wake 2 studio is keeping its underlying story and deeper mysteries… |
Kotaku Friday, October 18, 2024 11:05 AM  On the one hand, the PlayStation 4 version of Horizon Zero Dawn already looked great running on a PS5, and selling a remaster feels a bit like a wasteful attempt to double-dip by Sony. On the other hand, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is looking exceptional so far, and might end up being one of the best-looking games on… |
Kotaku Friday, October 18, 2024 10:56 AM  There are only four things that are inevitable in this life: death, taxes, an annual Call of Duty release, and if you love something, someone at Funko is gonna make a hideous Pop figure of it. Nothing is safe from the clutches of mass-produced figures, and that means 2023's Actual Game of the Year Baldur's Gate 3 is… |
Kotaku Friday, October 18, 2024 10:35 AM  A good scary game is often a thrilling experience. And if you are currently a Game Pass subscriber and in the mood to play something terrifying, creepy, or just downright spooky, you already have access to some fantastic horror games for no additional cost. This is nice, because the only thing scarier than deadly… |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 11:24 AM  If you're a game developer in the year 2024, the lure of Baldur's Gate 3 must be irresistible. The biggest hit of the last 12 months, and maybe a lot longer, the DnD-inspired Larian RPG has potentially changed the entire mainstream - everyone must be looking at BG3 and wondering how they can replicate its success. With Elder Scrolls 6 still on the boil, however, one former Starfield, Skyrim, and Fallout developer explains how copying Baldur's Gate 3 is not a straightforward shortcut to success. On the contrary, Larian's approach to RPG design might not suit Bethesda's game-making principles. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Elder Scrolls 6 setting, Elder Scrolls 6 release date, Elder Scrolls 6 development |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 11:20 AM  The launch date for the Nvidia app might have just been leaked. A new post on X (formerly Twitter) suggests that Nvidia might be releasing its brand new driver app to the wider public at the same time as it launches its brand-new GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards. It makes sense for Nvidia to want to launch its new app alongside its next-gen graphics cards, which are almost certainly going to be among the best gaming GPUs that you can buy once they launch. We're expecting to see these new GPUs (and, it seems, the new app to manage them) announced at the CES 2025 trade show in Las Vegas in early January 2025, although that isn't confirmed. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: GeForce RTX 4070 Super review, DLSS explained, Best graphics cards |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 11:20 AM  Publishing platform indie.io is constantly working hard on its relationships with indie developers. From offering development and marketing support to management and distribution, indie.io helps multiple new games get off the ground. We've been looking at five of its upcoming offerings that are perfect for this upcoming spooky season. Continue reading Five new indie games we're playing this spooky season MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best relaxing games, Best management games, Games like Stardew Valley |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 11:19 AM  It still feels a little strange that Fallout 5 is so far in the distance, given the huge success of the Fallout show on Prime. Fortunately, Fallout London has delivered in its place, with the impressively-sized mod project giving us a whole new setting for the post-apocalyptic RPG series. As it nears a substantial milestone, the project's developer confirms a colossal patch is arriving today that will make a "massive difference" to your experience. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Fallout 5 release date, Best games like Fallout, Best Fallout 4 mods |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 11:07 AM  The Razer Viper Mini Signature Edition in white has been revealed, and it's going to be hard to get your hands on one for several reasons. Not only will stock be limited and only available in pre-determined drops, but this super-light gaming mouse also has a hefty price tag attached to it. The Razer Viper sits among the best gaming mouse options that your money can buy. Whether it's the Viper Hyperspeed or Viper Pro, this esports-focused gaming mouse offers incredible performance at a reasonable price. However, the Razer Viper Mini Signature is a completely different kettle of fish and is more of a designer product than one built with market domination in mind. Continue reading This new metal Razer gaming mouse costs $300, has glass feet MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Razer Viper V2 Pro review, Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) review, Best gaming mouse |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 11:07 AM  The range of options available to those seeking a quality set of 2.1 computer speakers is fairly limited these days - outside of putting together a Hi-Fi system - but the Edifier S350DB is doing its bit. These speakers deliver superb sound quality, with huge amounts of volume and bass presence when needed, all while looking classy and for a very fair price. The combination on offer from Edifier here is enough to make these easily the best computer speakers you can buy if you're seeking a quality 2.1 set. The lack of gaming extras means they miss out on our overall pick for the best gaming speakers, but if a more varied set of uses is your main concern, these deserve your attention. Continue reading Edifier S350DB review: 2.1 computer speakers with true class MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 11:05 AM  What are the Steam Next Fest best demos? The weather's turned chill, the nights are drawing in, and Valve has given us the best excuse to cozy up in front of the PC. Steam Next Fest has never been more popular, and there are far too many excellent demos than can reasonably fit into a single list. That's where yours truly comes in. I've combed through Steam Next Fest to bring you the best demos to play right now, so you can pack out your wishlist just in time for the holiday Steam sale. While the PCGamesN hive mind has been digging into Delta Force and Supervive with abandon, my top picks aren't necessarily the games topping the Steam Next Fest charts. These hidden gems constitute some of the best upcoming PC games across multiple genres, so you should find plenty on this list that takes your fancy. Continue reading The best Steam Next Fest demos for October 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Steam FAQ, Steam family sharing, Steam in-home streaming |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 10:56 AM  Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon was one of the PC gaming highlights of 2023. Coming a full decade after the last game in the series, it's clear that developer FromSoftware had plenty of time to hone its abilities, as it improves upon its predecessors in almost every conceivable way. If you were waiting for it to go on sale before jumping in, the time has finally come, as it's now 40% off from Humble. Continue reading Beloved mech game Armored Core 6 just hit its lowest-ever price MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Armored Core 6 bosses, Armored Core 6 parts, Armored Core 6 builds |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 10:24 AM  Paradox is one of the most prolific and recognizable studios in PC gaming. From Crusader Kings to Stellaris, Europa Universalis to Cities Skylines 2, it's either developed or published some of the biggest strategy and 4X games of the modern era. Paradox Arc is the company's more experimental, smaller budget label, responsible for the likes of robot shooter Mechabellum and upcoming industry sim Starminer. It's also launching a new, historical city builder. Combining SimCity, Cities Skylines, and the Aztec empire, if you haven't heard of Tlatoani, it's snuck onto Steam with a fresh demo. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best city-building games, The best survival games on PC, The best indie games |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 10:07 AM  The developer of upcoming surrealist RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has confirmed how long the game will be after questions were raised about its initial launch price. One of my most anticipated upcoming games, ever since I took an extended look at its world and combat at Gamescom, the fantasy adventure is shaping up to be another strong turn-based contender after the success of the Persona-adjacent Metaphor ReFantazio. Now, developer Sandfall Interactive confirms the game's estimated length in response to an Amazon listing. Continue reading Clair Obscur Expedition 33 dev explains why the new RPG is so cheap MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPGs, Best turn-based RPGs, Upcoming PC games |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 9:42 AM  If you're hoping to play Dragon Age: The Veilguard but don't have a rig powerful enough to run it, Nvidia is offering a way to have your cake and eat it too! Right now, if you purchase a six-month subscription to Nvidia GeForce Now, you can get a copy of Dragon Age: The Veilguard for free. Better still, the game will be live on the cloud-based streaming service from day one. The Dragon Age: The Veilguard system requirements don't necessarily demand a cutting-edge gaming PC, but if you've been eyeing up the game and are concerned about how your system stacks up, this Nvidia offer is a great way around the problem. Not only do you get a copy of the game for free, but you'll also have access to GeForce Now for six months. Continue reading Grab Dragon Age The Veilguard for free, thanks to Nvidia MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPGs, Dragon Age The Veilguard companions, Dragon Age The Veilguard release date |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 9:35 AM  If you're sick of boring PC builds, you might be interested in this new RAM from memory maker TeamGroup. It's just launched two new color variants of its high-spec T-Force DDR5 RAM modules, and the pastel pink option in particular could be a must-have if you're after that cherry blossom look for your next PC. Made with gamers in mind, these TeamGroup T-Force RAM modules let you mix fun aesthetics with raw power, offering frequencies up to 7,600MHz, depending on the color choice. That makes this RAM's top speed faster than some of the best gaming RAM you can buy today, including the Kingston Fury Beast DDR5 RGB, and this T-Force duo looks great doing it, too. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 9:20 AM  When is the Subnautica 2 release date? A decade after the original Subnautica launched into the deep blue sea of early access, Unknown Worlds has finally revealed the hit series' next evolution. While it promises more of the same open-water exploration we love, Subnautica 2 is finally bringing a native multiplayer experience to the table. However, just because you've got a few buddies to go diving with, that doesn't mean the survival game will be any less terrifying than its predecessor. To find out all we know about the Subnautica 2 release date and what the game entails, read on. Continue reading Subnautica 2 release date window, early access, trailers, and more MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best survival games, Best co-op games, Upcoming PC games |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 8:05 AM  Which characters are in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero? We now have confirmation that the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero roster features 182 characters, and this number is going to increase as the game receives DLC. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero follows on from the Budokai Tenkaichi games on the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii, introducing a new entry to the fighting game series since 2010. Unlike past entries, this new title uses the Japanese name across the world. Read our Dragon Ball Sparking Zero character unlock guide to find out the fastest way to play as your favorite fighters. Continue reading Dragon Ball Sparking Zero roster - all characters revealed MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Dragon Ball Sparking Zero roster, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release date, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero system requirements |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 7:41 AM  When was the Throne and Liberty release date? Throne and Liberty is another MMORPG brought over to the west by Amazon Games, and is a high-action, fantasy experience full of the usual dungeons, guilds, and valuable loot. There are also a range of unique features that have made Throne and Liberty so popular in Korea already, and we'll come to discuss them here. As with many games lately, the Throne and Liberty release date was another to have been delayed slightly from its original announcement. Below you'll find a reminder of when the MMORPG hit the west. We also take a deep dive into the Throne and Liberty trailers and discuss the gameplay you can expect from the fantasy game if you haven't jumped in yet. So sheath your sword, sit back, and take all this game has to offer. Continue reading Throne and Liberty release date, trailers, and more MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MMORPGs, Throne and Liberty codes, Throne and Liberty weapons |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 7:40 AM  Seeing the return of Delta Force has been quite something. It's been more than 25 years since the original tactical FPS games graced the PC, and now Tencent and developer Team Jade are bringing the iconic name home. The new-look, free-to-play Delta Force of 2024 is set to launch in early access soon, but a public playtest is currently ongoing as part of Steam Next Fest. Already proving a popular rival to Battlefield and Escape From Tarkov alike, the test has just grown in size with the addition of two new modes and another extraction map. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best FPS games, Best old games, Best war games |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 8:15 AM  Sometimes you see a game and know it's special. For me, back in the day, it was Diablo 2, or League of Legends when I graduated from single-player story-heavy RPGs to online videogames. Over the years I've spotted a few 'star power' games, but Supervive is the one that, in recent memory, feels most like it'll be the next big thing. Blending top-down MOBA action with the encroaching ring and drop-in features of battle royales like Apex Legends and Fortnite, Theorycraft Games' upcoming brawler has something for everyone, and is the reason I've found myself straying away from LoL's Summoner's Rift. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MOBAs, Best battle royale games, Best multiplayer games |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 7:17 AM  What are the Black Ops 6 modes? While you can always expect the bread-and-butter game modes to appear in every Call of Duty game, each new entry offers up some much-needed variety to ensure you're not left in a Domination hole for the year. Black Ops 6 is no different, and this year's addition, Kill Order, is a real treat for Halo veterans in particular. The FPS game is already shaping up to be an explosive one on the action front, with plenty of shiny new Black Ops 6 weapons already confirmed. There are a variety of modes that should please any variety of bloodthirsty player. Read on to find out everything we know about the Black Ops 6 modes. Continue reading Black Ops 6 modes and playlists MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Black Ops 6 release date, Best FPS games, Best Black Ops 6 loadouts |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 7:13 AM  A new report has shown that OLED gaming monitors have taken off like a rocket this year - no chopsticks required - with sales data from Trendforce tallying with our own experience, which shows monitor manufacturers have massively ramped up production this year and buyers are making the change too. Leading the charge is Samsung, with its QD-OLED panel technology proving to be a hit. However, there are a host of other great options out there too. This trend towards OLED is also reflected in our best gaming monitor guide, with around a quarter of our top picks being OLED displays, including models from MSI and Samsung. Concerns still exist about the fact that OLED has a finite life (details below) and LCDs remain the better option for many applications, but OLED is clearly a compelling choice for gamers. Continue reading OLED gaming monitor sales are booming, and these are the ones to buy MORE FROM PCGAMESN: MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon AC review, MSI GTX 1080 Ti Gaming X Trio review, Best gaming motherboard |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 7:12 AM  Assassin's Creed Shadows is on the way and Ubisoft still has series like Far Cry, Splinter Cell, and Ghost Recon up its sleeve, but the company's recent fortunes have been particularly poor. Skull and Bones didn't meet expectations. Star Wars Outlaws got some good notices, but didn't hit high enough sales numbers. The future of XDefiant remains unclear. Ubisoft will pull through, but it's been rocky sailing for a while now. On the contrary, the Assassin's Creed Mirage Steam launch is going seriously well. Despite being a year old, the Valhalla spin-off has quickly found a fresh audience, solid player numbers, and some enthusiastic reviews. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Assassin's Creed Mirage review, Assassin's Creed Mirage weapons, Assassin's Creed Mirage skills |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 7:45 AM  Who is at the top of the ZZZ tier list? HoYoverse's latest gacha comes with a full roster of playable agents that sport unique abilities, attributes, and combat specialties. With so many characters to choose from, it can be difficult to decide who to add to your team. We've tested each one to bring you a complete and reliable tier list that ensures you're investing your time and level-up materials into the right units. Our expert Zenless Zone Zero tier list is based on the current stats and performance in the latest Zenless Zone Zero update, so be aware these rankings may be subject to change. However, we plan to regularly update this tier list as new characters are introduced in Zenless Zone Zero banners, so check back regularly for the latest developments in the gacha game. All that being said, let's get into the best (and worst) characters in Zenless Zone Zero 1.2. Continue reading ZZZ tier list - best characters in Zenless Zone Zero 1.2 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Zenless Zone Zero review, Zenless Zone Zero codes, Zenless Zone Zero banners |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 6:21 AM  One of the best additions in Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred is actually part of its adjacent seasonal update. The Season of Hatred Rising introduces Seething Opals, a new buff-granting resource earned by bringing down colossal Realmwalkers in the open world and delving into the Seething Realms they leave behind upon defeat. Now, following the launch of a major Diablo 4 update that made fighting the titanic creatures more worthwhile, Blizzard has also boosted the value of its Seething Opals. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Diablo 4 builds, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred review, Diablo 4 classes |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 6:23 AM  What are the best 7 Days to Die mods? Over the last decade, 7 Days to Die has made a name for itself as one of the best survival games out there, but there's always some room for improvement. That's where mods come in, user-created creations designed to enhance the gameplay for hardcore fans. That said, if you've been playing since day one, you might be looking for ways to change up your 7 Days to Die experience. Thankfully, inventive new 7 Days to Die mods continue to flood in thick and fast from the community, and they're showing no signs of slowing down. Amplify your survival game experience with these top 7 Days to Die mods, all compatible with 1.1. Continue reading The 27 best mods for 7 Days to Die 2024 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: 7 Days to Die System Requirements, 7 Days to Die mods, Best zombie games |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 6:17 AM  Run, don't walk to Amazon right now, because one of the best PC controller deals we've seen has just gone live. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma has plummeted in price to just $59, that's a huge $90.99 saving over its $149.99 MSRP. This deal is so good it even beats Razer's own "spine-chilling" discount. Razer recently released the Wolverine V3 Pro, and while it sets a new standard for tournament-ready controllers, the Wolverine V2 Chroma is a far better option for casual play, especially at this price. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Razer Viper V2 Pro review, Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) review, Best gaming mouse |
PCGamesN Friday, October 18, 2024 6:48 AM  What is the Arma 4 release date? Arma Reforger is a great military shooter, and ever since it first graced our PCs developer Bohemia Interactive has always labeled it as a testbed, a bridge, that will eventually take us to Arma 4. Well, in rather bizarre fashion, Bohemia has revealed when we will reach the promised lands of Arma 4 - sadly, though, you'll be waiting for quite some time. Arma stands out as arguably the best military FPS game series - sure, the likes of Battlefield may look more visually impressive, but Arma is the king of realism and immersing you in infantry life. It's also a haven for modders on PC. While there are still thriving communities and plenty of support for Arma 3 and in Reforger, that isn't stopping fans from looking ahead to Arma 4. To find out everything we know about a potential Arma 4 release date and what it entails, read on. Continue reading Arma 4 release date window and latest news |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, October 18, 2024 8:46 AM  Deadlock gives me the shakes. Valve's not-so-secret third-person MOBA shooter is a fiercely competitive game of push and pull through monster-peppered city streets. You'll get into hectic scrapes with a giant blob man and come out of it sweating and swearing, and possibly alive. It is tactical, deep, instinctive, and an interesting work-in-progress. It elicits adrenaline almost as much as it forces murder economics down your piehole. This is the kind of game that puts you into a blistering, exciting (and confusing) battle for survival, then displays a graph when you lose. I need to get as far away from it as possible. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, October 18, 2024 7:20 AM  Deep beneath my desk lies a secret shame: impenetrable black thickets of power leads, sprouting forth across two overlapping extension units. Such a failure of cable management pierces my conscience like the beat of Poe's tell-tale heart, and yet I'm forever powerless – as in, I can't be bothered – to do anything about it. Yet even I was soothed by the Steam Next Fest demo for Plug It In, a chilled-out puzzle game about clicking chunky plugs into the right outlets. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, October 18, 2024 6:48 AM  You probably still know Fullbright as the studio behind Gone Home, a delicately experimental first-person yarn about a girl exploring her family home after travelling overseas, and learning about the turmoil in her absence. Picture that game in your mind: the quietness of the hallways versus the crash of a thunderstorm outside, the sickly-sweet 90s décor, the fairy lights and screwed-up balls of paper, the gentle amber pressure of cloistered teenage memories. Now, imagine a faint scuttling behind the skirting boards. A rattling in the pipes. Was there a toilet in Gone Home's autumnal mansion? I can't recall, but you should probably steer clear. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, October 18, 2024 5:50 AM  Following their remasters of Star Wars: Dark Forces and PO'ed, the sickos at Nightdive have done it again, this time with 1995 FPS Killing Time. Despite being one of the eight people in the world with a 3DO in the house, I missed this one the first time around. Let's learn about it together. Best start with the trailer. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, October 18, 2024 5:41 AM  Below the thunders of the upper deep, far, far beneath in the abysmal sea, its ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep Subnautica 2 sleepeth - but not for too much longer, as Unknown Worlds' open world survival game is due to surface in early access form next year. In the wake of last night's trailer, store pages have gone live on Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, shedding a bit more light upon the aquatic monster's nature and in particular, how it will evolve before the 1.0 release. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, October 18, 2024 5:33 AM  Bloober Team have announced their next horror game at last night's Xbox Partner Preview showcase. It's called Cronos: The New Dawn and it's about - bear with me here - going to the past, harvesting souls, then going to the future so they can help you. It's all because you are, um, wanting to find a special rift in the future, so you can go back to a special version of the past. I think. Anyway yeah, it looks kinda fine to good. |
Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, October 18, 2024 4:46 AM  Genre tags are slippery, fickle things at the best of times, but I feel like each one I use to label Dunebound Tactics almost diminishes it, as I'm sacrificing something precious for the sake of powering on through the arid sands of easily comestible, digestible, poop-estible online content. Ah well, circle of life and all that. Plus, at least it's thematic: you'll have to make sacrifices yourself if you want to progress across its unforgiving deserts. This one's got shades of roguelite, RPG, strategy, and turn-based tactics. Nothing too uncommon, but it's the shades of Red Faction, Frostpunk, and Sunless Sea that have me interested. |
Siliconera Friday, October 18, 2024 11:30 AM
Banjo-Tooie is the latest N64 game being added to Nintendo Switch Online. The Banjo-Kazooie sequel will be added for players who have the Expansion Pack on October 25, 2024.
Originally released in 2000, Banjo-Tooie features lots of returning characters. The bear and bird return for another adventure as they tried to stop another of Grunty's schemes. While the main gameplay from the original game was retained, which involves players collecting Jiggies and music notes, several new features were added for the Banjo-Kazooie sequel. Things included a larger explorable world, new moves including a first-person egg-shooting mode, and a multiplayer mode featuring various minigames. Some sections of the game also made Kazooie playable on her own.
The Nintendo Switch Online version of Banjo-Tooie will feature a full widescreen mode. However, it's unlikely this release will contain the Stop 'n' Swop feature that was restored for the Xbox Live Arcade version of the game. This was a feature intended to be in the original N64 release but was scrapped due to technical limitations. Since this new release will seek to remain faithful to the original N64 release, it's likely to be left out.
Despite Rare now being owned by Microsoft, Banjo-Tooie is the sixth N64 game developed by the studio that's appeared on Nintendo Switch Online. As well as the original Banjo-Kazooie, Goldeneye, Jet Force Gemini, Blast Corps and Perfect Dark are also currently available. Banjo and Kazooie also made another appearance on the Switch as a playable DLC character for Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
Banjo-Tooie will come to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on October 25, 2024.
The post Banjo-Kazooie Sequel Banjo-Tooie Heads to Nintendo Switch Online appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, October 18, 2024 11:00 AM
Kotobukiya announced ahead of the 2024 New York Comic Con and Halloween that it will add Vampirella to the line of horror comic icon Bishoujo figures. This is both to celebrate her 55th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of the Bishoujo line of statues.
At the moment, the Vampirella Bishoujo figure is very early in development, but artist Shunya Yamashita did already draw the concept art for the horror comic heroine. It is based on her classic red and white one-piece with gold accents. She'll apparently be standing on a base that has a cross-shaped grave on it. Also, as a nod to the fact that she can shapeshift into a bat, there will be one flying alongside her.
Here's the official Yamashita concept art that will be used as the basis for the figure:
While people might immediately think of the Kotobukiya Bishoujo line and think of comic or game figures, ones based on horror villains have been a staple since the collection started. After all, Edward Scissorhands showed up in the series back in 2016, followed by Tiffany from The Bride of Chuckyin 2017. Two of the more recent releases were a Sadako from The Ring announcement and a rerun of Beetlejuice.
The Vampirella Bishoujo figure is in development.
The post Vampirella Is the New Horror Bishoujo Figure appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, October 18, 2024 10:30 AM
During the 2024 New York Comic Con, Warner Bros shared an update on the worldwide digital and Blu-ray release of Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League. It will appear worldwide in 2025, with physical and digital copies available. There's also a new trailer, which includes more classic DC Comics and Batman characters like Green Lantern and Ra's al Ghul.
The four especially notable characters showing up in this Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League trailer are Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Ra's al Ghul, and Wonder Woman. The voice actors for each one also came up too. Akio Otsuka, who may be known best now as All for One in My Hero Academia, is Aquaman. Yu Yu Hakusho Hiei actor Nobuyuki Hiyama is The Flash. Ayane Sakura, who is also Yae Miko in Genshin Impact and Yotsuba Nakano in Quintessential Quintuplets, is Green Lantern. Kazuhiro Yamaji is going from Makoto Date in Yakuza and Cid Highwind in multiple FFVII games to Ra's al Ghul. Finally, the voice actress behind Persona 4's Naoto Shirogane, Romi Park, is Wonder Woman.
Here's the new Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League trailer featuring some of the additional DC Comics characters showing up in the anime.
The last time Warner Bros talked about the anime at an English event was at Anime Expo 2024. During it, we got to see a trailer for the show, but it didn't include much voice acting. Joker and Harley Quinn were also confirmed for the new adaptation earlier in October 2024.
Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League is currently in development ahead of a digital and Blu-ray release in 2025, and the original Batman Ninja anime is available worldwide.
The post Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League Blu-ray Debuts Next Year appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, October 18, 2024 10:30 AM
Cygames confirmed the date that Vikala will join Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising as DLC. Players will be able to add her as a new DLC character on October 25, 2024.
Vikala will primarily fight by launching random projectiles in this Granblue Fantasy fighting game. The shikigami Dormouse will also accompany her throughout her in-game appearance. Her personality will also change based on whether she is wearing the iconic rat ears or not.
Cygames has published a character page for Vikala, which includes her in-game personal theme BGM "Welcome to the Parade." It has also uploaded the individual gameplay trailer for Vikala with two different voiceover versions. The one available on the game's official YouTube channel features the Japanese voiceover by Atsumi Tanezaki:
A complete English version of the trailer, which includes Hayden Daviau's voiceover for Vikala, is also available via the Cygames EN channel:
Vikala will be the sixth and final DLC fighter in Character Pass 1, but she won't be the last overall character. Cygames revealed during the Evolution Championship Series in July 2024 that it will also add Sandalphon to the roster. The "1" in the currently available Character Pass 1 is already an indication for Cygames to release a second pass that will add even more DLC characters.
Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising is readily available worldwide on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. Vikala will appear as a new DLC character for the fighting game on October 25, 2024.
The post Vikala DLC Joins Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising in October appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, October 18, 2024 10:00 AM
Square Enix released a FFVII Rebirth bonus soundtrack disc that contains tracks from the title's minigames and Gold Saucer area. The company is selling the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Gold Saucer & Minigame Disc exclusively in its own official physical and online stores, including the Japanese e-Store, with a price tag of 2,530 yen (~$16.85).
As the album title suggests, this disc contains tracks from the aforementioned segments. These tracks did not appear in the FFVII Rebirth Original Soundtrack, even though the latter contained a whopping seven discs.
The Gold Saucer & Minigame Disc contains a total of 38 tracks. It also includes the Piano Game versions of tracks like "Those Who Fight" and "One-Winged Angel," as well as Tifa, Barret, and Aerith's themes. The latter part of the disc features multiple versions of tracks like "Date Invitation" and "Words Erased by the Fireworks."
The Japanese Square Enix e-Store is not the only place where people can buy this disc. Square Enix will also put the product on sale at its Artnia cafe and store facility in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. In addition, the company may stock the item at its merchandise booth in upcoming related physical events.
The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Gold Saucer & Minigame Disc soundtrack is now available in Japan.
The post FFVII Rebirth Gold Saucer and Minigame Soundtrack Released appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, October 18, 2024 9:30 AM
The final character in the Persona 5 Royal collaboration in Identity V will be Kasumi Yoshizawa, or Violet. You'll be able to claim her for free by participating in the crossover event.
In order to get her, you'll need to collect seals. This will likely be currency you obtain in the game after completing in-game quests.You'll also be able to get emotes, a portrait, and Inspirations. With 1388 Echoes (premium currency), you'll be able to unlock the Path of Investigation.
"Faro Lady" is the character who will get the Persona 5 Royal Kasumi Yoshizawa skin in Identity V. She's a Survivor who specializes as a decoder, and she has the passive skill to disappear when the hunter is close, leaving behind a different kind of trail. Her unique item lets her shoot out paths similar to the trail she leaves behind, with tricking the hunter making up part of her strategy. As for why NetEase chose to give "Faro Lady" the Kasumi skin, it likely has to do with the fact that Kasumi wields a rapier and "Faro Lady" has a stick. Identity disguise is also a core part of Kasumi's backstory, which is the same with "Faro Lady."
Identity V is readily available on mobile devices and Windows PC. The second part of the Persona 5 Royal collaboration will start sometime soon.
The post Persona 5 Royal Kasumi Is a Free Skin in Identity V appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, October 18, 2024 9:00 AM
Hello, everyone. I'm Shaun, and I'm a very big fan of Dragon Quest. This is not an especially unique condition, but it's uncommon enough among Western gaming enthusiasts that we always have to cross our fingers that any given game will get localized and released globally. As one of those fans, I am very excited about Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. It's a great game and a very important one for the history of the medium, and it's awesome to see it get such a high-class treatment.
On top of that, Square Enix has also announced that the first two games in the series will also be getting the HD-2D Remake treatment. It's easy to see why Square Enix would lead this effort with the third game in the series. Dragon Quest 3 is where the series really hit the big-time in Japan, pushing the brand into the wider pop culture in a way few games had done before. Where the first two games have a rather prototypical feel at times due to being genre pioneers, Dragon Quest 3 has most of what modern players would expect from a JRPG. It feels classic, but never terribly dated.
It's that latter point that is most important outside of Japan, where the series has enjoyed a decent level of popularity but never truly broken out the way it did in its home country. This isn't the first time Square Enix has tried to push Dragon Quest in the West, and it surely won't be the last. The attention afforded to HD-2D games right here and now presents a unique opportunity, however. It's a chance for the formative games in the franchise to shine, and one that Dragon Quest 3 can take advantage of in a way its predecessors might not be able to.
Editor's Note: There will be spoilers for the first three Dragon Quest games below.
There's another fortunate aspect at play here. You see, unlike most of the games in the series, the first three Dragon Quest games have strong narrative ties. Where this could present a huge problem for releasing the games out of order, Dragon Quest 3 ducks the issue by being a prequel. Chronologically speaking, this is where the trilogy starts. There's no issue with playing Dragon Quest 3 first and then going on to the first two when they're released. Or… is there?
Prequels aren't a new thing by any means, and they certainly weren't back when the 8-bit Dragon Quest games were made. History is full of interesting stories, and that can apply to fictional worlds as well. A skilled storyteller can use a prequel to flesh out the world further, and even surprise those familiar with the original works by going against their firm expectations. Part of the fun of a prequel is that we generally know where things will end up, but not how they get there. There's a lot of narrative meat in that type of tale. The more the person knows about what comes next, the more fun you can have playing around with that.
There's another kind of prequel, though. Sometimes the person experiencing the story doesn't even know it's a prequel until the storyteller chooses to reveal it. Sometimes they know it's a prequel but specific connections are kept under wraps until the right moment. It can be carefully hinted at along the way, enough to tickle at people's memories. When the boom is finally dropped, the impact can be tremendous.
At first, Dragon Quest 3 seems like it's completely separate from the first two games. Unlike Dragon Quest 2, the world you're thrown into has no resemblance in form to that of the original game. A whole new map, albeit one that might be familiar in other ways to the observant. After going on a long quest that spans the whole world, evil is defeated. Celebrations are underway when it is revealed that there is a greater threat, and the only way to put an end to it is to chase it into its own realm. Courageously, as thou must, you volunteer to make that journey.
Suddenly, you find yourself in a completely new world. If you've played the first two games, you know exactly where you are. The geography, the layout of the nearest settlement, and even the music hammer it home. A clever little move that was played in a smaller way in the previous game. If you know the previous two games very well, some of the details will start adding up. You're not just in Alefgard. You're in Alefgard at a time before the original game's events. The tasks you must perform to reach the final boss should also ring a bell.
By the end, many players will have already figured out what the final twist will be. It still hits. It turns out the legendary warrior Erdrick who the heroes of the first two games descended from is… you. So the trilogy closes, having fully closed its circle in a surprisingly elegant way for games of this vintage. It's a stunning end to an excellent game, and one that might have you anxious to replay those first two games again.
Virtually every Dragon Quest fan already knows this, of course. Among Japanese gamers in general, the original Dragon Quest trilogy occupies such a large part of the history of the medium that even those who aren't into the games have a good chance of being aware of this twist. If that's the case for you, then it doesn't really matter what order you play these games in now. It can even be fun to play them in their narrative chronological order.
This release of Dragon Quest 3 is very likely to reach people who haven't played the original trilogy and aren't aware of the story, however. For them, none of those big story beats are going to land the way they're meant to. Dragon Quest 3 happens first, but it was never meant to be played first. It's still a great game even without all of those connections being revealed, but it loses something. In a series that envelopes itself in nostalgia more than most, the final hours of Dragon Quest III are quite possibly its greatest, most natural callback.
Ultimately, Square Enix is probably making the right call by presenting Dragon Quest 3 ahead of its more rough-edged forbearers. At the same time, there's a real cost to presenting these games out of their original order. While I'm sure that Dragon Quest 3 can get by just fine without its memorable endgame flourish, it's a heavy sacrifice for those experiencing this legendary trilogy for the first time.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D will come to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC on November 14, 2024.
The post Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Will Spoil the Coolest Narrative Trick in the Series appeared first on Siliconera. |
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