Games Games Games : 11/10/24

Kotaku Sunday, November 10, 2024 9:00 AM

Here's What We Really Think Of Pokémon TCG Pocket Now That The Honeymoon Phase Is Over

The new mobile card game Pokémon TCG Pocket has been with us for just over a week, which has given 20 million people time to discover its highs, lows, and utterly bewildering mess of in-game currencies. It's also, unfortunately, long enough for most people to have left the honeymoon phasein which the game throws…

PCGamesN Sunday, November 10, 2024 11:11 AM

Free co-op management sim Bronzebeard's Tavern celebrates half-million milestone

There are so many great free Steam games nowadays that it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle. Taking cues from the dwarves of Warcraft, the raucous co-op chaos of Deep Rock Galactic, and the high-octane restaurant management of Overcooked, Bronzebeard's Tavern is one that's managed to stand out. As we close in on one year since its launch, developer The Mermaid MenZ announces that more than half a million people have already given it a try.

Continue reading Free co-op management sim Bronzebeard's Tavern celebrates half-million milestone

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best co-op games, Free Steam games, Best cooking games

PCGamesN Sunday, November 10, 2024 10:51 AM

Free Monopoly Go dice links November 2024

November 10, 2024: We've added two new links to the latest Monopoly Go dice links for free dice rolls.

How can I get Monopoly Go free dice links? The household favorite board game has been reimagined as a free-to-play app on smartphones, allowing everyone to experience the thrills of Monopoly on practically any device. Everything that makes the board game special is here in Monopoly Go, so you'll be collecting properties and building hotels as you go around the board, and there are a variety of multiplayer minigames to get through along the way.

You're going to need to get your hands on Monopoly dice rolls, but they are difficult to come by no matter how far you are into the board game. There are ways to earn additional dice rolls, including logging into the game every day to collect daily bonuses, progressing further in the game, and inviting friends to try Monopoly Go. While you can also spend real money to unlock more dice rolls, you may want to give our list of Monopoly Go dice links a try instead, especially if you're waiting for the next Monopoly Go Golden Blitz event. Take a look at all the currently active Monopoly Go free dice links for today.

Continue reading Free Monopoly Go dice links November 2024

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best board games, Monopoly Go events, Monopoly Go dice

PCGamesN Sunday, November 10, 2024 10:30 AM

The Veilguard might be good, but Dragon Age 2 is the best in the series

Depending on who you talk to, you'll get a different answer on which Dragon Age is their favorite. The elders will grow misty eyed and reminisce about Dragon Age: Origins, which took the Baldur's Gate formula and updated it for the next millennium. Some will look fondly at Dragon Age Inquisition and its MMO style of questing across vast, sprawling plains, complete with some of the best characters in the series. Over the coming months, I'm sure even others will point towards Dragon Age: The Veilguard, as a new generation gets to step into the legendary RPG series. And then there's Dragon Age 2, spoken of only in hushed tones by those contrarian few who hold it dear to their hearts. But the time for timidity is over. I'm here to shout that Dragon Age 2 is easily the best of the series, and it needs to step out and take its rightful place in the sun.

Continue reading The Veilguard might be good, but Dragon Age 2 is the best in the series

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPGs, Best fantasy games, Best story games

PCGamesN Sunday, November 10, 2024 9:53 AM

Magnificent tactical RPG Marvel's Midnight Suns is cheap, so give it a chance

The XCOM games remain some of the best tactical RPGs on PC, and while we still haven't had official word on an XCOM 3 yet, we did get a fantastic Firaxis strategy game two years ago that you might have missed out on. Marvel's Midnight Suns is a favorite among many at PCGamesN towers, and is well worth trying whether or not you're a big superhero enjoyer. It never reached the audience peaks that XCOM 2 did, but if you're craving some rewarding tactics in the wake of Baldur's Gate 3 then you can grab Midnight Suns right now in a sale at its lowest price yet on Steam.

Continue reading Magnificent tactical RPG Marvel's Midnight Suns is cheap, so give it a chance

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Marvel's Midnight Suns review, Marvel's Midnight Suns gifts, Marvel's Midnight Suns tier list

PCGamesN Sunday, November 10, 2024 7:37 AM

Homeworld inspired space RTS game introduces "happy hours" to help busy players

Inspired by classic RTS games like Homeworld, Supreme Commander, and Command and Conquer Red Alert, Stellar Warfare is an indie game with a stunning look to it. Created primarily by a single developer and featuring hundreds of ships, weapons, and modules to customize your fleet, it's certainly one to watch. In its latest update, Tense Games delivers balance changes and a new feature designed to help players with less time on their hands.

Continue reading Homeworld inspired space RTS game introduces "happy hours" to help busy players

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RTS games, Best indie games, Best space games

PCGamesN Sunday, November 10, 2024 6:25 AM

Giant Enshrouded update sees the survival game's player count skyrocket fivefold

The time is right to come back to Enshrouded, and plenty of players are doing just that. Developer Keen Games has just launched the biggest update yet for its survival RPG, and the effect has been dramatic. With a new mountain biome to explore, additional wildlife and monsters, a pet system, an increase to the level cap, and fresh crafting options, if you've been waiting for a reason to return to Embervale, this is it. Combine that with a Steam sale and, as we near a week since the update's launch, the response from the community continues to grow.

Continue reading Giant Enshrouded update sees the survival game's player count skyrocket fivefold

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Enshrouded system requirements, Best survival games, Enshrouded repair guide

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Sunday, November 10, 2024 11:00 AM

What's on your bookshelf?: Liminal biscuit filling edition

My brain is still thawing for the comment freeze, and thus there is sadly no cool industry person to talk to us about books this week. I'm currently reading Tony Tulathimutte's Rejection. Jia Tolentino wrote about it for the New Yorker. Jia Tolentino also writes very good books. But enough about books, tell me about books! One's you've read, preferably, but I will also accept books you've formed opinions on based on their covers, as is good and proper. Book for now!

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Sunday, November 10, 2024 6:00 AM

The Sunday Papers

November 8th, 2005 was my first day as a full-time games journalist, which means I have now entered my 20th year of doing this. "This" has changed a lot over time: from producing CD and DVD coverdiscs, to writing for a magazine, to editing magazines and a website, to solely editing a website, to managing several websites. Sprinkle podcasts, videos, events and a lot of other things in there and "games journalist" doesn't really cover it.

One of the only constants is that I read a lot of writing about video games.

Dapper gent Oli Welsh wrote for Polygon about the fan reboot of City Of Heroes. We briefly covered fans getting an official license earlier this year, but Oli went and spoke to the folks making it all work.

Siliconera Sunday, November 10, 2024 11:00 AM

Honkai: Star Rail Origami Birds Merchandise Appears

HoYoVerse will sell merchandise based on the origami birds from Honkai: Star Rail. You'll be able to get metallic bookmarks, as well as plushies. [Thanks, heiankyo_327!]

Both items will be available via the miHoYo flagship store on Taobao, and orders will open from November 10, 2024. For starters, there are six versions of the bookmarks: Trailblazer, Silver Wolf, March 7th, Firefly, Robin, and Jade. These are the same birds that were in the Origami Bird Clash mini-game back in Summer 2024. Each bookmark costs 25 CNY ($3.50). You can set it so that the bird's face is peeking out, or only have their feathers poke out from the book.

As for the plushes, they're available from 39 CNY ($5.40) and there are several versions and sizes available. You'll be able to get origami birds that resemble Black Swan, Aventurine, and Robin. Owlbert isn't an origami bird, but you can get one of him as well. You can get keychain versions or small plush versions of Aventurine, Black Swan, and Robin. However, Aventurine is the only bird available in a jumbo format. The jumbo Aventurine origami bird plush stands at 60 centimeters and is 50 centimeters wide.

Honkai: Star Rail is readily available on the PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices. The Honkai: Star Rail origami birds merchandise will come out on November 10, 2024.

The post Honkai: Star Rail Origami Birds Merchandise Appears appeared first on Siliconera.

Siliconera Sunday, November 10, 2024 10:00 AM

U-Treasure Sanrio Rings Are Highly Customizable

U-Treasure will renew its customizable Sanrio wedding and engagement rings. You can purchase these rings from the concept store in Ikebukuro, or via the online shop (which does offer international shipping).

There are over hundreds of possibilities for design, meaning you can really make this ring your own. In total, there are 30 possible ring designs, 12 different gemstones, and over a 100 marks that you can engrave in the ring. Prices start from 137,500 JPY ($900.50) for an engagement ring, and 159,500 JPY ($1044.60). Some gemstones are more precious than others, which will increase the price of the ring.

The characters that you can select include classic mascots like Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, and Hangyodon. But there are also some rarer characters like Cogimyun, Monkichi, and Bonbonribbon. Depending on the ring you choose, some of the designs might be too large to fit on the ring. As for the gemstones, you can choose between the twelve birthstones. You don't have to choose the birthstone for you or your partner, of course. For example, you could pink the pink tourmaline to match with a My Melody pattern, or you can choose May's emerald because it means health and happiness.

The Sanrio wedding rings from U-Treasure are readily available via the physical and online store. It also offers wedding rings of other intellectual properties like Kingdom Hearts.

The post U-Treasure Sanrio Rings Are Highly Customizable appeared first on Siliconera.

Siliconera Sunday, November 10, 2024 9:00 AM

Review: Sonic x Shadow Generations Delivers the Definitive Sonic Experience

When Sega first announced Sonic x Shadow Generations, my excitement was somewhat cautious. Sonic Generations is a solid title! While the idea of new levels centered around my favorite Hot Topic hero sounded fun, I expected it to be nothing more than a modest addition. As a lifelong Sonic fan, I'm thrilled and genuinely surprised to say that Sonic x Shadow Generations has not only surpassed all of my expectations but firmly cemented its place as my favorite Sonic title to date.

Sonic x Shadow Generations combines a remastered version of 2011's Sonic Generations with Shadow Generations, a standalone game inspired by but wholly distinct from the former. Players can choose between either game from the opening menu, meaning anyone who has already played Sonic Generations can jump straight into Shadow's solo adventure.

Metal Sonic racing Sonic in Sonic Generations — Image via SEGA

Thanks to its bold visuals and timeless gameplay, Sonic Generations remains largely unchanged from its original release. The most significant difference is the addition of hidden chao throughout each stage, who make themselves at home in White Space (the game's hub world) when collected. Dedicated Sonic fans will also notice that Sonic Generations features re-recorded dialogue to match the franchise's current cast of voice actors, as well as rewritten lines influenced by fan feedback. Sonic and Tails are far less amnesic about their past adventures, and the blue blur's awkwardly silent interactions after saving characters are no longer so silent (although still a little awkward). This version of the game also includes the Casino Nights Zone DLC and a Drop Dash ability for Classic Sonic from Sonic Mania.

Stages in Sonic Generations are reimagined versions of those from various Sonic games, such as Green Hill Zone, Seaside Hill, and my all-time favorite, City Escape. Act One of each stage features sidescrolling old-school gameplay with the ever-adorable Classic Sonic, while Act Two is centered around modern third-person "boost" gameplay. All levels have multiple challenges, such as introducing new abilities performed by Sonic's rescued friends to reach the goal in new ways. Completing one stage's challenge unlocks a Boss Key, which the player must collect to face new takes on iconic bosses and progress the story.

A screenshot of a Sonic stage in Sonic X Shadow Generations — Image via SEGA

Although the story is admittedly weak compared to other mainline Sonic titles, Sonic Generations is a celebration of the franchise through and through. While few in number, levels are phenomenally designed, the music remixes are beyond incredible, and every second speeding around levels of my childhood evokes sweet nostalgia like no other — even more so now that Sonic Generations itself is over a decade old.

Any Sonic fan will sing the praises of Sonic Generations (often unprompted), but it's Shadow Generations' unexpected brilliance truly steals the show, frankly blowing its predecessor out of the water in every feasible way. This single experience is the best Sonic title I have ever experienced, and I say this without a Shadow of a doubt. All it took was Sega to realize who the better hedgehog is around here. And maybe thirteen extra years of trial and error.

Shadow the Hedgehog speeding through a stage in Shadow Generations — Image via SEGA

Shadow Generations unfolds concurrently with Sonic Generations, serving as a companion story that gives us more insight into the eponymous antihero. Black Doom (AKA the devil from the Bible) seizes the opportunity presented by Sonic Generation's timey-wimey chaos to both torment and empower Shadow, manipulating events from his past and future. The game borrows the base concepts of Sonic Generations, such as reimagined levels, White Space, and Boss Keys, but flips it on its quilled head with a fresh gameplay style influenced by Sonic Frontiers and Shadow's moveset.

Rather than Sonic's homing dash, Shadow directly teleports to and destroys enemies, which feels especially satisfying in sections filled with enemies. Additionally, Shadow can utilize Chaos Control to freeze time, turning deadly obstacles into stepping stones to push him along his path. If that wasn't enough for you, Black Doom's plan to perfect Shadow regularly adds new Doom Powers to the mix, introducing new attacks and methods of traversal, including wings that entirely transform the feel of stages.

Like Sonic Generations, stage Acts switch between sidescrolling and behind-the-character gameplay, though, unlike its inspiration, Shadow keeps the same controls and powers throughout the game. Boosts are constantly available and make stages feel swift and engaging from start to finish. As another anthesis to his blue counterpart, Shadow's stages feature epic cinematic sections, often warping stages through different points in time while Doom's Eye taunts Shadow and the player both. Shadow Generations' stages, including its boss fights, capture the perfect blend of unintrusive cinematic moments with phenomenal level design and fluid gameplay, resulting in some of the most incredible and immersive experiences in any 3D platformer.

Shadow fighting a Black Arms soldier in Shadow Generations — Image via SEGA

The handful of redesigned boss fights are among the best in the series, improving battles from previous titles in unexpected ways. Biolizard was particularly impressive after entering Shadow Generations hot off the heels of a recent Sonic Adventure 2 playthrough. No bosses or stages are tough, focusing more on the experience than the difficult. However, speedsters looking for a challenge can still find it in the form of S Rank completions, speedrunning, and collectibles.

Between stages, Shadow finds himself in an entirely open-world version of White Space in a similar fashion to Sonic Frontiers, which Takashi Iizuka told us is the direction 3D Sonic titles will be heading in the future. As Shadow gains new Doom Powers throughout the story, new areas that lead to hidden collectibles and challenge modes required to progress become accessible. White Space is a brilliant playground for playing with Shadow's new powers and is much more engaging than Sonic Generations' equivalent. While attempting to reach the next objective occasionally could be mildly inconvenient when I only wanted to progress, this take on a hub world was appreciated overall.

The game's narrative is a colossal step up from Sonic Generations, diving into Shadow's past with cinematics and dialogue that doesn't sell itself short. There are genuinely touching moments in here, paired perfectly with grandiose goosebump-inducing scenes, bringing me back to my youthful awe of Sonic Adventure 2. My childhood notion that Shadow the Hedgehog is possibly the coolest thing humankind has ever conceived may be valid after all.

Make no mistake that Shadow Generations' narrative, while fantastic, is relatively short and straightforward. The game's 4-5 hour length does not leave enough room for a Shakespearean tale of the ages, but it does achieve what it sets out to accomplish.

Shadow Generations' environments and visuals predominantly look fantastic, consistently bursting with warm colors and vivid detail. Certain small aspects could better use modern hardware and are likely held back by being available for the previous generation. However, its presentation is still gorgeous throughout the majority of the experience. The game runs smoothly on PlayStation 5 in 4k. While there are occasional minor frame drops with default settings, adjusting to prioritize performance in the settings results in a buttery-smooth experience while still looking great.

Shadow riding a zipline in Shadow Generations — Image via SEGA

As expected from any Sonic title, Shadow Generations delivers an incredible soundtrack featuring remixes of iconic tracks and original compositions that perfectly fit the game's high-speed, high-thrill action. With more songs available as rewards from collectibles, the game uses the clever lure of certified bangers to increase playtime. An impressive move if you ask me. Music aside, the overall sound design is one of many aspects that make Shadow Generations as brilliant as it is, with the unmistakable chirp of rings and bounce of springs emitting from the DualSense's speaker enhancing this even further.

The only thing letting Shadow Generations down is truly its length. Like Oliver Twist begging for edgy hedgehogs rather than oatmeal, I want more. More time to let the story develop, more character interactions and more of the magic Sonic Team got right. That said, including Sonic Generations in Sonic x Shadow Generations for less than the price of a AAA title is a phenomenal deal and a must-buy for any Sonic (or Shadow) fan. Shadow Generations isn't trying to be a full mainline Sonic title with a 15-hour campaign. It's just so exemplary that I wish it were.

Oh, and there's no motorbike. Now, guns, I can understand, but no bike? In a standalone Shadow game? Shadow may have wings, rideable aliens, and the ability to teleport, but the bike is too cool to omit, Sega. Bring it back. The Chao Garden, too.

Sonic x Shadow Generations is a love letter to the fans and the definitive Sonic title. It combines an already beloved title and builds upon its foundations to create a fluid, fast, and fun experience that can only be described as the best Sonic game to date. All we need now is a new Chao Garden.

Sonic x Shadow Generations is available on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

The post Review: Sonic x Shadow Generations Delivers the Definitive Sonic Experience appeared first on Siliconera.

Siliconera Sunday, November 10, 2024 8:00 AM

Honkai: Star Rail Keycaps Look Like Popular Characters

The official miHoYo flagship store on Taobao will release large artisan keycaps of Honkai: Star Rail characters. You can buy an individual blind box, a set for each character, and a collection of all the keycaps. [Thanks, heiankyo_327!]

The keycaps will be available to order from November 10, 2024 and prices start from 35 CNY ($4.90) for an individual blind box. Character sets will cost 70 CNY ($9.75) and the box of all the keycaps will cost 280 CNY ($39). There's a total of eight keycaps that are part of this collection. Considering these are available as blind boxes, the quality of the keycaps might not be that great. Nonetheless, they're a good way to make your build cuter, or to express your love for a particular character.

You can get keycaps of Silver Wolf, Dan Heng Imbibitor Lunae, Kafka, and Silver Wolf. Each character has two keycap options, with minor differences. The expression changes between keycaps, as does the base. For example, you can get one of Kafka winking while on a pink box with a white butterfly on it, or you can get one of her with a normal expression while on a black box with a magenta butterfly on it.

These Honkai: Star Rail keycaps are part of a major merchandise drop on the miHoYo store. Other goods from Star Rail will include a Pom-Pom itabag and plush versions of the origami birds. Orders will open on November 10, 2024 and in the case of the keycaps, they'll ship out in late November 2024.

Honkai: Star Rail is readily available on the PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices.

The post Honkai: Star Rail Keycaps Look Like Popular Characters appeared first on Siliconera.

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