GamersHeroes Sunday, February 9, 2025 10:49 AM Combining the world of roguelites with MetroidVanias (a "RogueVania," if you will), Tiny Goblins and Erabit's spell-slinging adventure An Amazing Wizard will launch in Steam Early Access in Q2 2025. The post Fast-Paced 2D Roguelite An Amazing Wizard Announced appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
PCGamesN Sunday, February 9, 2025 12:42 PM  When I think of card games now, my brain springs to roguelike deckbuilders such as Balatro and Slay the Spire, or perhaps to CCGs like Hearthstone. But in my youth, 'PC card games' meant the digital renditions of Solitaire, Bridge, and FreeCell that came with your Windows install. Combining the two, stylish new strategy game Stray Path appeals to both my young and old self at once, and it's out now on Steam with a special discount for launch. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best card games, Best roguelike games, Best strategy games |
PCGamesN Sunday, February 9, 2025 12:37 PM  February 9, 2025: We've added the latest Monopoly Go dice links for free dice rolls and tokens. 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 February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best board games, Monopoly Go events, Monopoly Go dice |
PCGamesN Sunday, February 9, 2025 11:28 AM  Despite some very strong challengers in Balatro, Metaphor ReFantazio, UFO 50, and Zenless Zone Zero, Helldivers 2 was my ultimate game of the year for 2024. It's a beautiful, bombastic thing; a masterful reconstruction of one of my favorite co-op games in a whole-new perspective that gives it fresh life. While its first year featured somewhat of a reception rollercoaster, constant updates from developer Arrowhead and the arrival of the Illuminate have brought Helldivers 2 back in style, and you can grab it cheaper than it's ever been on Steam - but be quick about it. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Helldivers 2 weapons, Helldivers 2 stratagems, Helldivers 2 system requirements |
PCGamesN Sunday, February 9, 2025 9:48 AM  Square Enix is telling Final Fantasy 14 players it will start suspending their accounts if they have redeemed fraudulent game time cards, as it changes its policy on giving users the "benefit of the doubt." Going forward, FF14 subscribers who have purposefully or accidentally added crooked game time to their account may need to pay Square Enix the retail value of the transaction to get their Warrior of Light back. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MMOs, FF14 Dawntrail review, FF14 Island Sanctuary guide |
Twinfinite Sunday, February 9, 2025 9:01 AM  |
Siliconera Sunday, February 9, 2025 3:00 PM
The strategy genre is one of the most intriguing in gaming. It is so varied, from traditional RTS games to turn-based strategies to even full-on grid-based strategy RPGs. With the release of Civilization VII, the Siliconera staff has come together to give our picks for the best overall strategy games and RPGs of all time. These are the titles you should check out next for your tactical fix.
Siliconera Speaks Up: Best Strategy Game or SRPG
The Total War series has had me hooked since I bought Medieval 2 in a Steam Sale over a decade and a half ago. Perhaps the biggest draw for me is the formation-style battle mechanics that few other games have really attempted, it feels a lot more strategic than the more reflex-based RTS games I was used to. -- Elliot
When it comes to traditional strategy games, my personal favorite is Star Wars: Empire at War. I am not the biggest strategy game fan, though the Civ games have grasped me recently, so I loved the idea of commanding a massive army of troops from one of my favorite entertainment franchises of all time. It works really well, too, with land and space battles alike feeling thoughtful and deep.
In terms of strategy RPGs, though, I adored Triangle Strategy. Like 4X games, grid-based combat is not usually my cup of tea, but Triangle Strategy made it fast and fun. In addition, it had the right RPG hooks to draw me in. You could romance different characters, get to know the party, and make some solid choices that truly felt like they made a difference for the story and general outcome of the plot. Here's hoping for a sequel soon. -- Cody
Civilization VII releases for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on February 11, 2025. It is currently available in Early Access.
The post What Is the Best Strategy Game or Strategy RPG? appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Sunday, February 9, 2025 12:00 PM
There are novelty typing games that can honestly feel like maybe they're actually helping you build some skills. I feel like The Typing of the Dead series is a pretty good example. Needy Streamer Overload: Typing of the Net isn't like that. It feels more like a short celebration of Needy Streamer Overlord itself and internet meme culture than anything else. It is a brief novelty you play for maybe an hour, then probably never return to it.
Needy Streamer Overload: Typing of the Net relies upon the player already being familiar with Ame and her OMGKawaiiAngel (KAngel) identity, since there's no real story to it. You just… hop into one of the three levels and take on the typing challenges. Each level can involve some different words to meet the theme. There's also some replayability, depending on your typing skills, since you can get up to S-rank grades on them. Like I'm pretty adept at typing due to my job. So I felt like I was pretty much done after only half an hour.
Honestly, I felt like it was about novelty or shock value. Some of the word that would come up were really based on internet or gaming culture. For example, along the way I had to type things like "gacha," "rawr xd," "git gud," "cheezburger," "himejoshi," "om nom nom," "yaoi paddle," "problematic," "I can fix her," "nerd," and "yandere." After doing each one, KAngel offers a definition sharing what the word or expression means or perhaps comments on it. It's fine, but there's not much to it and the gimmick gets old pretty fast.
There is another game mode present, but again it is quite short. You can enter a phrase in search to unlock Endless Nightmare. This is a platformer starring Ame as she wields a chainsaw and deals with enemies. It has some real Kirby's Dreamland energy, right down to the music and art direction. Again, it's quite short. There are only five levels here. So it's more about enjoying a "cute" take on a genre with KAngel as the star rather than a substantial spin-off.
Needy Streamer Overload: Typing of the Net is absolutely made for people who enjoyed Needy Streamer Overload and want to see more of Ame and her KAngel streamer identity. However, it's important to know that this is a very good example of style over substance. It is amusing for an hour at best. Maybe two, if you aren't good at typing. But there's no real story to it and you'll be done before you know it.
Needy Streamer Overload: Typing of the Net is available for PCs.
The post Needy Streamer Overload: Typing of the Net Is a Novelty appeared first on Siliconera. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 11:30 AM
While exploring Friendship Island in Hello Kitty Island Adventure, you'll come across a few secrets that, when picked up, spark quests. A few of these require you to return items to their original owners, although details of who those original owners are aren't exactly forthcoming.
One of these "Around the Island" quests involves Echo Conch shells. There are a total of 10 to find hidden throughout the many locations of Friendship Island, and you're given no more than a cryptic clue to help figure out who they belong to.
Some are obvious just from their appearance, but others pose more of a challenge. Here's where to find each Echo Conch, and who to return them back to.
Table of contents
Spooky Swamp Echo Conches
There are two Echo conches to find in the Spooky Swamp, both of which are located pretty close together and, therefore, easy to gather up.
Green Echo Conch
The Green Echo Conch is likely to be one of the first you locate, and it can be found in the leaves of a tree close to Visitor Cabin #3 in the Spooky Swamp. This Echo Conch belongs to Keroppi.
Orange Echo Conch
Once you've picked up the Green Echo Conch, head north and locate the Orange one on the cliffs to the right of the entrance to the "Tricky Triangulation" puzzle room. To complete this quest, return the Orange Echo Conch to Retsuko.
Rainbow Reef Echo Conches
There are a total of three Echo Conches to find within the watery confines of Rainbow Reef. The easiest way to gather them up in one go is by traveling to the Comedy Club and then heading north to the Pink Echo Conch, then turning west to gather up the other two.
It goes without saying that you'll need to complete Keroppi's level 1 quest to get some Flippers and Kuromi's level 6 quest to get a Snorkel before you can find any of these Echo Conches.
Pink Echo Conch
North of the Comedy Club, just inside the Kelp Maze, there are some columns of rock that extend upwards and out of the water. The Pink Echo Conch is on top of the first column you'll get to if you're coming from the Comedy Club, above the surface of the water. The rightful owner of the Pink Echo Conch is My Melody.
Yellow Echo Conch
Head west from where you found the Pink Echo Conch, and on the other side of the Kelp Maze, right on the seafloor, you'll find the Yellow Echo Conch resting against the cliff edge. To complete this quest, return the Yellow Echo Conch to Pekkle.
White Echo Conch
Possibly one of the easiest Echo Conches to find, the White Echo Conch is located on top of the coral close to the Sunken Ship Mailbox. This Echo Conch belongs to Badtz-maru, so return it to him to complete this quest.
Mount Hothead Echo Conches
Like Rainbow Reef, Mount Hothead also offers three Echo Conches to be found. To find all of them, you'll need to reach at least level 7 with Retsuko so that you can unlock higher levels of the volcano, although it may be possible to jump your way up the cliff side if you have the guts to try.
Blue Echo Conch
The Blue Echo Conch is the highest up the volcano of the three Mount Hothead Conches and might be the last one you manage to locate. It can be found on a small shelf to the right side of Mount Hothead itself, close to the Caldera. Once found, return this Echo Conch to Chococat to complete the quest.
Red Echo Conch
You'll need both the Flippers and the Snorkel to find the Red Echo Conch because it's located underwater between Mount Hothead and Gemstone Mountain. If you've already found the entrance to Merry Meadow, the Red Echo Conch is located in the water beneath. The rightful owner of this Conch is Hello Kitty.
Brown Echo Conch
Once you've made it up to the first level of the volcano, where Retsuko usually appears on the map, you'll be able to find the Brown Echo Conch. Use the Mailbox there, and keep heading to the left until you come to the stacked pools of lava at the end; the Brown Echo Conch will be there waiting for you. This Echo Conch belongs to Pompompurin.
Gemstone Mountain Echo Conches
To round up our total to a nice round 10, there are two more Echo Conches available to find on Gemstone Mountain. These are both pretty easy to locate and at most, you'll only need Flippers to pick them both up.
Sky Echo Conch
To find the Sky Echo Conch, you'll need to travel to the far northeast of Gemstone Mountain until you locate the entrance to Icy Peak. To the right of this entrance, there's a small pond, and the Sky Echo Conch is lying on the bottom. Once you've grabbed it, take it to Tuxedosam to complete the quest.
Purple Echo Conch
The Purple Echo Conch is pretty easy to overlook if you're not seeking it out, but it's located in the middle of Gemstone Mountain behind Visitor Cabin #4. When you've grabbed this tenth and final Echo Conch, take it to Kuromi to complete the final Echo Conch quest in Island Adventure
Echo Conch quest rewards
Once you've found an Echo Conch and returned it to its rightful owner, you'll unlock Crafting Plans for a decorative version of that Echo Conch:
Each individual Decorative Conch costs the same 50 Seashells to make, and you'll need 500 gathered Seashells to make all of the Decorative Conches.
The post Hello Kitty Island Adventure: Complete Echo Conch quest guide appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 11:26 AM
Ah Ditto, the "transform Pokémon" with the creepy little dots for eyes and the power to become literally any other Pokémon. Is it any wonder that this living amorphous blob proves elusive to Pokémon GO?
Ditto is the master of disguise. At any time, it can transform into any other Pokémon, and that can pose a problem if you hunt it in Pokémon GO. Thankfully, Niantic has made it slightly easier by limiting the number of Pokémon that Ditto can become, although this list does change every so often.
Finding Ditto in the first place can prove to be something of a nightmare because it never shows up in its own skin, and that's without throwing in the hunt for a nice, blue, shiny one. Here's what Pokémon Ditto can show up as right now in Pokémon GO, how you can get a shiny one, and why it might just be worth the effort.
Pokémon GO Ditto disguise list (February 2025)
As of February 2025, there are eleven possible Pokémon that could turn out to be a Ditto in disguise:
While hunting these Pokémon in particular, if you get an "Oh?" prompt after catching one, then well done, you've successfully captured a Ditto!
If you happen to encounter a shiny version of any of the above-mentioned Pokémon, don't worry, you're not about to lose out on a rare shiny, but you're not going to end up with a shiny Ditto, either. Shiny Pokémon will never turn out to be a Ditto.
How to catch a shiny Ditto in Pokémon GO
Here's the good news: You have around a one in 50 chance to catch a shiny Ditto every time one of the Pokémon mentioned above turns out to be a Ditto. Sadly, that's where the good news ends.
Catching a shiny Ditto is almost impossibly hard, and the odds are stacked against you. Not only do you have to get lucky and encounter one of the listed Pokémon and have it turn out to be a Ditto in the first place, but then you have to overcome another set of odds to have that Ditto turn out to be shiny. That's a lot to overcome.
Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to increase your chances:
None of this is a guarantee that Ditto will make an appearance, but you will significantly increase your chances of finding one as long as you keep encountering wild Pokémon.
Why hunt Ditto in Pokémon GO?
There are a couple of reasons that Ditto is worth capturing in Pokémon GO, outside of the fact that it's weirdly cute, but the most useful thing about this beady-eyed pocket monster is its behavior during Gym Battles.
When placed into a Gym, Ditto will adopt the form of the first Pokémon it goes up against, adopting its appearance and move set, although sadly not its CP or other general stats. An unfortunate (although darkly funny) side effect to this behavior is that when two Dittos end up facing off against each other, neither will transform, and both will only be able to use "Struggle."
The post Pokémon GO Ditto disguises list (February 2025) appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 11:14 AM
The original Nintendo 8-bit console has an incredible library of games, with more than 1000 officially licensed games and even more unofficial titles. Which ones are the most overlooked and worth rediscovering? We have selected ten of them.
What are the most overlooked NES games?
Monster Party
Imagine you are strolling along a quiet village road. All of a sudden, thunder strikes, and everything turns grim, bloody and scary. That is the first level in Monster Party, a game that somehow managed to pass almost unscathed the fiery censorship eyes of early 90s Nintendo. This is one of those rare full-on horror games on the NES, with so many references to classic genre movies such as The Thing and Little Shop of Horrors.
Even the story is quite deranged, with a boy tasked to help a monster get back his world, with even a gorey fake ending! The gameplay is an interesting mix of RPG and classic sidescrolling action as well, with short levels and memorable boss fights. There are even bosses who won't fight you because they are too scared. Unfortunately, the Western version is still missing a few references that will have horror fans giddy with delight, so if possible, we would recommend checking out the Japanese version.
Little Nemo Dream Master
One of my favorite tropes from early 90s platformers is dreamy mechanics and levels that go into full-on fantasy mode. Much like Castle of Illusion for Sega consoles, Little Nemo Dream Master floats in that same direction. It features many unique and interesting gameplay ideas at its levels, plus the chance to ride anything from a frog to a gorilla, as long as you have enough candy to share. Naturally, you will need the animals to complete certain levels but don't expect the game to ever hold your hand.
With the animated movie quickly fading into obscurity, unfortunately, the game seemed to follow suit, and it is rarely remembered except by true NES aficionados. It is definitely worthy of being rediscovered today for its many unique mechanics.
Capcom at the time was on a roll with tie-in platformer games, even though with some pretty forgettable ones such as Avoid the Noid. Both Little Nemo and Ducktales 2 will surely make many platformer fans happy.
Kickle Cubicle
There are a lot of simple and quirky puzzle games on NES, especially ones originally inspired by Sokoban (the game where you move crates in the right spots). Here, Kickle Cubicle takes the idea and ramps it up to eleven with many challenging levels where you will have to figure out how to survive, as you will have to contend with springs, ice floors, and all kinds of traps and tricks.
Luckily, Kickle can freeze most enemies with his icy breath, which works quite well against them. But then, you can also walk up and give them a good kick in the rear. Talk about icy revenge! Naturally, each world will pit you against a boss at the end.
As with many puzzle games on the NES, this brings quite a bit of bang for your buck, with even a special post-game world to unlock. If you are looking for more obscure puzzle games, we also recommend Eggerland, which has recently received an English translation patch.
The Battle of Olympus
Often categorized as little more than a Zelda II clone, this unfairly treated action RPG from 1988 is instead quite different. This feels more like an early example of a Metroidvania, as you explore Greece, kill enemies, build up levels, and collect olives (which function just like rupees).
Naturally, you can solve several side-quests to get upgraded health, shield, and speed. If you have been on the hunt for a sort of demake of Hades, you could definitely get your fill of ancient Greek gods here.
While it can be a bit too cryptic in some places for the modern player, it is also fair to say that no one will yell at you for consulting a walkthrough. The Battle of Olympus allows you to explore freely, along with going back to previously visited areas to open up new places, especially since there are a lot of secrets and hidden power-ups. Naturally, in the end, you will have to fight none other than Hades in a two-phase fight that will leave you quite breathless.
Faxanadu
On a console that is mostly categorized by the two Zelda games, other 2D RPGs are often overlooked and forgotten. But don't give up on them; since Faxanadu is one of the better examples of the genre on the console, it's not an accident that the game has garnered a cult following over the last twenty years.
Thanks to its simple and atmospheric graphics, complete with areas filled with fog and atmospherical effects, plus grotesque enemies and huge bosses, this is one adventure with all the right ingredients to be of interest to lovers of old-school action RPGs. Not to mention, lovers of Norse mythology as it is all about climbing that huge world tree.
While it featured an original password system, which still works well, as it will allow you to pick up where you died, you can still use save states if you are planning on emulating it. This is an adventure that any serious The Legend of Zelda lovers can't afford to miss out on.
Space Shuttle Project
Houston, do you read me, over? We have something quite different here. Indeed, in this game, your objective is not to rescue the princess or save the Mushroom Kingdom but instead to successfully launch and fly one of NASA's historic Space Shuttles as a shuttle commander. But what if I told you this feels like a precursor to WarioWare?
Indeed, the game features a lot of minigames through the six missions the player has to complete in order to launch the shuttle. For example, you will have to activate oxygen and hydrogen pumps or get additional crew members to board the shuttle before the clock runs over. In space, you will have to control your astronaut around debris and various space hazards, along with keeping an eye on the air gauge.
Along with a classic series of Quick Time Events, this is a very different experience than most NES games. But it might definitely be worth it since, if you make it through to the end, you will receive congratulations directly from former US President George Bush himself! Or, well, maybe it's not worth it?
Isolated Warrior
This unique isometric action game is from the developers of other quite solid offerings in the genre, such as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and Mutant Fighter. You'll help Max Maverick, the last survivor of his planet, repel an alien invasion.
With a unique perspective lifted directly from the classic SEGA arcade Zaxxon, the game offers smooth gameplay, fun weapons, many different types of enemies, and some of the finest isometric graphics seen on the NES. There are even some, quite rare for the genre, story bits here and there, with Max reminiscing on his life between levels.
The game originally featured some technical problems, which can also be avoided today via emulation. While it would be too much to say that Isolated Warrior reinvents the wheel, it is one of the best of its kind in a genre that does not usually get a lot of attention on the 8-bit Nintendo console.
Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu
I hear you: a Jackie Chan game that ended up being forgotten? Perhaps because he still wasn't really a well-known action hero in the West back in 1990, but who cares? Action Kung Fu is one of the most fun experiences on the NES, wherein you'll fight against a powerful sorcerer to save Jackie's sister from certain doom.
The game has huge sprites and so many different fun enemies and ideas. Players punch and kick their way past frogs, ninjas, birds, and other enemies. But don't forget that good ol' Jackie can also use special moves like the Tornado attack and the classic 360-degree spin kick.
Somebody might complain that the game is a bit on the easier side, and it can be finished in a matter of a few hours, even if you have never played it before. But do you even mind when the gameplay never gets boring or stale?
Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti
In the '80s, companies were busy making little parodies of their classic games, and Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti fits the bill perfectly. The original gory and tragic horror game becomes a quirky, deformed romp with Dracula doing the Thriller dance and drinking Coke to refill his health.
A killer in a hockey mask has never looked so cute while axing down zombies and ancient Egyptian divinities. Beyond the parody, Wanpaku Graffiti manages to bring the horror to a dimension of entraining 2D platforming, which never gets too hard for its own good.
While the pacing could have been improved here and there, this is still a great adventure. You will definitely want to stay for that out-of-nowhere ending too! This game is ideal for a bit of Halloween fun.
Sid Meier's Pirates!
This is a title that any serious PC gamer should probably be familiar with, even though the series has been dormant for a bit. Back in the 90s, most platforms and consoles got their own version, and on the NES, there's really little that can compare to its mix of open-world exploration, strategy and naval battles.
Ported to the 8-bit console by none other than Rare, the NES version does away with some of the more complicated systems of the original PC game, as can be expected. What is left, though, is still quite the unique strategy game. KOEI released a ton of different strategy games on the NES, but Pirates! keeps things simple, with the focus on exploration, plundering and bringing back the treasure to be divided between your crew.
The post The 10 Most overlooked NES games appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 11:04 AM
Ready to get your friends and family together for an unforgettable game night? Then you'll definitely want to check out the ten dinner party board games that we're highlighting with this list. They're all guaranteed to get everyone at the table talking together and making jokes.
1. The Resistance: Avalon
Avalon is a social deduction game that's always full of surprises, no matter how many times you play. Everyone at the table gets a secret role at the beginning of the game. Merlin, Percival, and the other knights of King Arthur's court make up a team and must succeed in three quests to win. Meanwhile, Morgana and her evil cronies rise up to oppose them and will do everything in their power to sabotage the quests. The trouble is, you won't know which of the other players around you are actually on your side. In each round, everyone votes for the three or four players that are actually going on the quest. If you trust the wrong people, it's game over.
2. Citadels
Have you always dreamed of building your own city? In Citadels, you can do just that. You'll start the game with a handful of construction project cards, such as markets, stables, and fountains. At the beginning of each round, you'll receive one of the eight role cards that will determine what your power is for your upcoming turn. For example, if you're the architect, you can build two cards. If you're the merchant, you gain more gold. And if you're the warlord, you can burn your opponent's cities to the ground. Since the role cards switch around so much, there's plenty of table talk and negotiation. The game supports up to eight players and usually doesn't take longer than an hour.
3. Monikers
In Monikers, the goal is to get your friends and family to guess the famous name of their card without actually saying that name. In the first round, you can say pretty much whatever you want, but by the end, you'll need to act everything out instead. The charades-like gameplay is a ton of fun and guarantees that everyone will get a chance to laugh at each other. Up to sixteen people can play together at once; there are hundreds of cards, and the rules are simple. As a result, it's a great board game when you're hosting a big group.
4. Mysterium
Mysterium is a cooperative deduction board game that begins with a killer premise. There's a ghost in the old manor house up on the hill, and you and your team of psychics must interpret the spectral clues it's sending from the beyond in order to uncover the details of its murder. The clues that the ghost is sending, however, don't have any words. Instead, they're strange, dreamlike images with blurred details and mismatched colors. Each player must guess the correct culprit, location, and weapon relative to the clues they receive before the sun rises at the end of the seventh turn.
5. Sushi Go Party!
In Sushi Go Party, your goal is to assemble the world's most delicious Japanese meal. To do this, you'll need a good mix of appetizer, entree, and dessert cards that utilize as many combos and set bonuses as possible. Dumpling cards, for example, get exponentially more valuable with each one of them that you pick up. Maki are great, but only if you have more of them than everyone else. Tofu gives you a lot of points, but only when you have exactly two of them. Since there's a card drafting mechanic, you'll also need to pay close attention to what your opponents are ordering off the menu in order to win.
6. Wavelength
A game of Wavelength begins with players dividing into two teams and selecting one of the team members to be the psychic. The psychic starts by looking at the position of a hidden needle on a circular spectrum and then draws a binary card. These cards have complete opposites listed on them, such as "hot and cold" or "dictatorship and democracy." The psychic then tries to guide his team members toward the hidden needle's location using only words that fit within the binary. In every round, there are sure to be a few goofy guesses and laugh-out-loud moments. A dozen players can join at once, and you can easily stop and start playing whenever you feel like it.
7. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street Irregulars
If you're hosting a murder mystery or Victorian-themed dinner party, then there's nothing quite as thematically engaging as a round of Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective. To begin the game, simply lay out the included map of 1800s London, pick one of the mystery booklets in the box, and find the period-accurate newspaper that matches it. The players work together to follow leads, question suspects and hopefully decipher who the culprit is before Sherlock does. You can visit any location on the map in any order in pursuit of answers, and there are plenty of materials to carefully examine while you search for clues. The Baker Street Irregulars kit comes with ten different cases against which you can test your mettle.
8. Telestrations
Looking for a party board game that's insanely funny? Telestrations might be just the ticket. Between four and eight people can join, and games typically only last a half hour. Players begin each round by sketching out a randomly drawn word. Then, they pass their drawing to the player beside them. That player then guesses what the drawing is and sends their guess along to the next player, who has to draw that guess. It's essentially a mash-up of telephone and Pictionary that somehow ends up being more entertaining than both. To make the game more adult (and arguably even funnier), try Telestrations After Dark instead.
9. Blood on the Clocktower
Blood on the Clocktower is nothing short of the ultimate social deduction party game. Demons haunt the town of Ravenswood Bluff and murder the villagers by night. If you're a villager, you need to identify which players are secretly servants of evil and get the majority of players to vote for their execution. If you're a demon, you'll need to convince everyone of your innocence and stay alive as long as possible. Eliminated players come back as ghosts, and anyone who comes in late can join the game as a traveler. You'll likely need multiple rooms to play since there will be tons of secret discussions and hidden council meetings.
10. Hitster
Hitster is an easy party game that's all about listening to popular songs and guessing when they came out. When you have a guess, you'll take the card for that particular song and try to place it within your team's music timeline. The timeline contains all the songs that you'd already claimed, organized by year. However, the years listed on the cards don't actually matter when you're guessing since the goal is actually to figure out where the current track belongs relative to the timeline's other songs. If you guess incorrectly, your opponents can try and steal the card. Singing along with the music is technically optional but always guarantees a good time.
The post 10 board games that are perfect for dinner parties appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 10:56 AM
Although complicated board games usually seem intimidating at first, they're often packed with strategic depth. If you enjoy thinking deeply about what you're going to do on your next turn, then you'll definitely want to check out our picks below for the hardest board games that are actually worth your time.
1. War of the Ring: Second Edition
War of the Ring is a fantastic tabletop retelling of the epic conflict between the armies of Mordor and the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth. The main story from the Lord of the Rings books is just a small part of the events that occur across the map. While Gondor defends the city of Minas Tirith, Easterlings invade Dale, and orcs enter Lorien from the Mirkwood stronghold of Dol Guldur. If you're playing as Sauron, you'll need to plan the movement of your armies carefully and strike as quickly as possible. If you align with the Free Peoples instead, then your goal is to outlast the onslaught of evil until the Fellowship reaches the end of its journey. There are a ton of fantastic War of the Ring expansions that make the experience even more thematic.
2. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition
In Twilight Imperium, you're the leader of a new intergalactic empire that's struggling for dominance. However, establishing this dominance isn't just about taking over as many planets on the modular galaxy map as possible. In fact, conflicts can be quite costly, and what ends up being significantly more valuable in the long run is political and economic stability. That's because the objective card system changes how you earn victory points as you continue to play. Resources that were valuable in one turn might be significantly less so in the next, so what you really want to do is stockpile everything and rule your territories rather than constantly expanding them. The game is nothing short of a tabletop masterpiece.
3. Root
The adorably ferocious creatures on the outside of the box might make Root look like a simple board game, but it's anything but that. In the base game, you can play as one of four factions: the Eyrie Dynasty, the Woodland Alliance, the Marquis de Cat, or the Vagabond. Each faction has a set of mechanics that are so unique that you will often feel like you're playing a different game from the other people at the table. Timing your interactions with everyone else is a tricky process, and to take control of the woodland, you'll need to take some carefully calculated risks.
4. Pax Renaissance
In Pax Renaissance, players take on the role of 15th-century bankers with the power to make the greatest European nations of the time rise and fall. The game begins with ten map areas in the center of the table, plus two five-card markets. When it's your turn, spending your florins to get one of these cards in just one of your possible actions. You can also play cards to either the east or west side of your tableau, sell items, or, as the game progresses, initiate trade voyages. New goods will become available as you find new routes across Europe. Eventually, you can determine what kind of era the continent will enter next.
5. A Game of Thrones: The Card Game
The second edition of Fantasy Flight's Game of Thrones card game makes fighting for control of Westeros a dramatic and unpredictable affair. Designing a brand-new deck before each game is essential to victory since that's part of what keeps your opponents surprised. Which of the most iconic characters from the books are you bringing into the battle, and what plot cards do you have up your sleeve? There are tons of expansions for the game, so the possibilities are practically endless. There are eight playable factions, up from the first edition's six, plus neutral cards such as the wildlings or the Faceless Men of Braavos that you can mix into any deck.
6. 1830: Railways & Robber Barons
Railways & Robber Barons is a game that's all about investing in the railroad companies that shaped the landscape of the eastern United States during the antebellum period. While all of the 18XX board games can be quite complex, the stock market in 1830 can be especially difficult for new players to navigate. As a result, the game feels like it has significantly better balance when it's a competition between equally experienced players. How, when, and where you upgrade your rail tracks can alter your fortunes immensely. Though 1830 supports up to six players, it's usually best enjoyed with around four people instead so that the game length doesn't get too unruly.
7. Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory
Looking for a complex board game that requires a ton of table talk and negotiations? If so, then Hegemony might be the perfect addition to your shelf. You'll play as one of four asymmetric societal classes that function in completely different ways. If you're the working class, you'll need to push for better health care and wages so you can increase your prosperity. Are you a capitalist? Then you care much more about your corporations and investments. If you are the middle class, you're somewhere between these prior two, and if you're the state, you need to support everyone, or you won't be able to maintain your legitimacy for long.
8. Arkham Horror: The Card Game
The best way to explore the darkened corridors and strange dimensions of H.P. Lovecraft's world in tabletop format is with Arkham Horror: The Card Game. This cooperative, scenario-based experience places an emphasis on building your deck to match the unique challenges that you'll face in each session. The exploration and combat mesh perfectly with the theme, and there are often multiple endings to each story that will alter the results of your entire campaign. Each scenario has different rules and terminology, and you'll need to read about these changes each time you play. However, the shifting mechanics are a huge part of what makes this game so fun.
9. Spirit Island
In Spirit Island, you'll play as the guardian spirit of a remote island that has just been discovered by European colonists. Your goal is to remove these colonists from the board and to do that, you'll need to make the invaders fear you. Area control is essential to success, and thinking about how your powers synergize with those of your fellow players is also important. There are different opponent entities to play against, plus asymmetric spirit abilities and unpredictable island natives. All of these design elements combine to create a game that feels completely different every time you play.
10. Gaia Project
If you love complex engine-building board games that require you to make tough strategic choices, then you'll love Gaia Project. When the game begins, you take on the role of one of fourteen different alien races and start by setting up your home world. As you expand and terraform nearby planets, you can gain power tokens, build mines, and invest in the game's various technology tracks. When you get larger quadrants of the galaxy under your control, you can start establishing federations. Once you wrap your head around the rules, you can finish a game in as little as 60 minutes.
The post 10 Of The Hardest Board Games We've Ever Played appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 10:28 AM
The world is a scary place. That's a fact that it's hard to escape from when social media is filled with doom-mongering and the news is more depressing than it's ever been. While the world isn't likely to actually end, the possibility of irrevocable change to our lives is a lingering threat.
If that's not the most depressing opener on a video game site you've ever read, whoever wrote the one that tops it deserves an award. Regardless, the end of the world is a terrifying thought, and it's natural that the "prepper" mentality is picking up some warranted steam.
I'm not suggesting you start hoarding canned food or stocking up on weapons to fight off a zombie infestation, but it never hurts to learn the theory behind survival in an apocalyptic scenario. And, if you're a bit of a bookworm, there are books out there to help.
If you want to prepare for a possible end of days situation, want some tips to help live a more sustainable life regardless of the state of the world, or just want to inject hope into the prospect of an uncertain future, here are 10 excellent books that are worth looking at.
Mother Nature is Not Trying to Kill You
Rob Nelson, Haley Chamberlain Nelson
Do you know how to light a fire with just two sticks? Or how to build an animal trap? Bushcraft is a skill that was brought to mainstream attention by the likes of Bear Grylls and Ray Mears, and it's an essential skill to learn if the world is going to crumble beneath our feet or (more realistically) if you're just going for a hike in a National Park.
We all know the drill. We've seen it played out in movies plenty of times. The world ends, and nature starts taking back the cities, including the wildlife. Mother Nature is Not Trying to Kill You not only teaches how to deal with animal encounters, which is useful in and of itself but also how to cope during the natural disasters that are increasing in commonality and severity year on year.
No Grid Survival Projects 2025
Sandra W. Lincoln
Increasingly, the end of life as we know it is less likely to feature some form of zombie apocalypse or cataclysmic meteoric event but more likely to be a total breakdown of infrastructure through shifting magnetic poles or megalomaniac, power-hungry world leaders getting a little bit too big for their britches. In that scenario, relying on yourself to create a sustainable life is the only route forward.
In No Grid Survival Projects 2025, you'll be taught how to create sustainable energy sources (solar, wind, or hydropower, take your pick), how to effectively compost for waste management, and a whole bunch of other stuff that will enable you to entirely live off the grid. Even in a non-apocalyptic scenario, most of the lessons in this book will at least help you save some money, which is always a bonus.
The Urban Prepper's Guide
Jim Cobb
In the same vein, the Urban Prepper's Guide is filled with tips and tricks to help you survive in almost any situation. The lessons learned through this book are equally applicable in worldwide scenarios or more local crises, making them worth learning even if you don't think the end of the world is around the corner.
Not only will the Urban Prepper's Guide teach you how to purify water or build a shelter in a pinch, but it also goes into detail about the first 24 hours, as well as financial preparedness. There's a whole section on injuries and illness, providing first aid instructions that can come in handy at a moment's notice during everyday life and even touches on communication during a life-altering event.
Gardening for the Zombie Apocalypse
Isabel Lloyd, Phil Clarke
If the Zombie Research Association backs a book on gardening, you should probably listen, and that's the case when it comes to Gardening for the Zombie Apocalypse. While it offers a humorous and light-hearted insight into the uprising of the dead to devour the living, that doesn't stop this book from being perhaps one of the more useful books I've listed here.
Whether you've got a single pot on your balcony or an entire farm at your disposal, this book will teach you about 20 key crops and how to grow them, including what tools you'll need. Gardening might not seem all that glamorous, but neither is starving during the end of the world, so learning how to grow your own food is something that everyone should do before that time comes.
A Short History of the Apocalypse
Frankie Boyle, Charlie Skelton
They say the best way to avoid becoming consumed by fear of something is to throw humor at it. Boggarts in Harry Potter are based on this very theory: take something scary and somehow make it funny. It's also the concept of A Short History of the Apocalypse, and while this one might not actually prepare you for the end of the world, it might help ease your stress at the thought.
Rather than practically useful information, this book looks into more hypothetical situations. How to join a Militia, tips on cannibalism, and how dating will work in the aftermath of a cataclysmic event are all featured. Plus, this one is completely illustrated, so even if you just want a funny picture to look at while the world falls apart, A Short History of the Apocalypse has got you covered.
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It
James Wesley Rawles
Even if Earth isn't about to implode upon itself and leave a gaping hole in the fabric of the universe, there are a lot of things to be uncertain about. Rawles is a former US Army Intelligence Officer and survival expert, and these are his tips for surviving during even the most temporary of crises.
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It goes over the basics of water and food sourcing, shelter, and how to stay in touch with distant family, but it also dives into more complex situations like the need for minor surgery or keeping dogs as a form of pest control and even how to ride a horse.
Maready's Emergency Almanac
Forrest Maready
As an almanac, this book is actually a series of 17 books composed into one tome that will fit into your bug-out bag and prepare you for literally any eventuality. With everything from basic bushcraft to auto repair instructions, this might be the only book you'll need to carry if the end of days arrives.
Maready's Emergency Almanac is a hefty compilation of information and tips that can be useful at any time, not just the apocalypse. You'll learn how to predict the weather, how to rear and butcher animals, how to construct and use a Baofeng emergency radio, and even how to lock-pick; just don't use that last one before the final days.
Notes from the Apocalypse
Mark O'Connell
Look, I know that this is a horribly depressing list to read. I know that thinking about the end of the world is an anxiety-inducing pastime that's ardently avoided by most of humanity, and I know this because I live with a constant mid-level of fear for the future. Thankfully, I'm not the only one, and Mark O'Connell has taken this fear and turned it into a journey around the globe.
During his travels, he's met preppers, would-be Mars colonists, billionaires with bunkers the size of the White House, and everyone in between. He's visited places like Chornobyl, where the unimaginable has already occurred, and learned how different people feel about the decimation of the human race. Notes from the Apocalypse takes fear, and injects hope, and is definitely worth reading if you're worried about the future.
When the Dust Settles
Lucy Easthope
When the Dust Settles is unlike any of the other titles on this list because it doesn't provide instructions for survival but instead looks at how others manage to survive during events that have already occurred. Lucy Easthope is a disaster recovery expert, and she has helped governments and people recover from cataclysmic events for decades.
Bombings, natural disasters, wildfires, and more, Lucy has seen some horrific things. But she's also seen the determination that people have to survive and how life moves on from these events that change the lives of people who live through them. When the Dust Settles is enough to instill hope that, even if the worst should happen to us, we can all get through it and make it out the other side.
The Book
HUNGRY MINDS
If I'm being 100% honest, this is the book that sparked the idea for this entire list, and it absolutely deserves a moment in the spotlight because it's utterly stunning. A fully illustrated, 400-page long behemoth of a book, The Book is filled with information about how society has evolved over centuries, how they managed to do that, and how that could be recreated should the need arise.
While how to build a lute might not be the most pressing piece of information you'll need if the sky starts to fall, it's included in The Book alongside other more useful information like structures, farming, and first aid. All of the pages are covered with vintage-style illustrations and this coffee table book just feels like an instructional textbook designed to inspire the rebuilding of civilization from scratch.
The post 10 books to help you prepare for the end of the world appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 10:16 AM
Regardless of whether you are playing on a Steam Deck or a rather old Android tablet, retro gaming is a hobby that you can pick up for free. But what about controlling your favorite classic game? Let's find out if gaming on a budget can work while also getting an inexpensive Bluetooth controller.
Which are the best cheap Bluetooth controllers for retro gaming?
8BitDo Zero 2
If you are looking for the most basic and portable solution on the market, then the Zero 2 by 8BitDo is definitely the best choice. It is going to set you back just 20$, and it is a d-pad and 8-button combination that should do the trick for most of the classic retro games from the 80s and 90s. It supports most of the platforms you might want to use it on, from Android to the Switch, Windows, and Steam.
Clearly, it might not be an ideal solution if you are going to play any kind of more modern games, such as Super Mario 64 or any game requiring camera movement in a 3D environment. It can be recharged via USB and should last you for about 15 hours of playing. For a basic solution that you can bring with you basically anywhere in your pocket and bring out for a quick game of Metal Slug at this price, it is honestly very hard not to recommend.
Retro-bit Sega Genesis Wireless Controller
Many will tell you that one of the best controllers ever made, at least from a purely design standpoint, is the one for the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis. Leave it to Retro-bit to bring back that classic design, but with all modern commodities such as rechargeable battery, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth, and an included sleep mode to save on battery. Basically, you get one of the best D-pad experiences from the 90s, with none of the issues.
The official wireless Sega Genesis pad by Retro-bit will set you back around 25$, which is a great price for its quality. The lag is almost non-existent, making it perfect to play even the most high-tension titles in wireless mode.
It is compatible with the original Sega console, plus its modern mini variant, along with PC and Nintendo Switch. Included in the price is a storage case, so you can bring it with you for those Golden Axe co-op sessions.
8BitDo Lite 2
For more modern retro gaming or if you are looking for a controller that not only features a robust D-pad but also two well-designed analog sticks, just a few dollars more should net you the Lite 2.
Again, it might not be the 100% ideal solution for 3D games, but since it can be easily found at less than thirty dollars, this is a downright steal. Along with all of the features of the original Zero 2, it also comes with vibration and motion control support for the Nintendo Switch. While the controller doesn't support Steam natively, you should be able to connect it with the Deck by putting it in "Switch mode."
If you are looking for more sturdy classic controllers that should fit most retro games, along with being perfect for modern games, we would recommend taking a look at the SN30 line by 8BitDo, even though that is in the 40-dollar range.
RetroFlag Classic 2.4G Controller-M
Setting you back just twenty dollars, this is another controller modeled after the classic Mega Drive / Genesis design, with a high-quality D-pad and some very good responsive buttons. It also features all-around solid compatibility since the controller works with the Nintendo Switch, on Windows, and the Raspberry Pi.
The controller can be connected both via the included USB receiver and via Bluetooth, which should make it easier to use on several platforms and consoles.
The RetroFlag Classic comes with a rechargeable battery, which will last you quite a few hours on a single charge. This is a tried and true timeless design that will fit your retro gaming needs just fine.
KingKong 2 Controller
This might be a little bit more on the pricier side, running at around 45-50 dollars. But, then again, if you are looking for a simple solution for all your needs, retrogaming or otherwise, the KingKong 2 will do the trick without breaking the bank.
It is compatible with basically everything you might want to use it for, from Nintendo Switch, Pc, Android, and iOS. The controller features quality analog triggers and a very simple reconfiguration of the buttons, so you can easily switch on the fly from playing on a Nintendo console to all other platforms.
Not only does the KingKong 2 controller's build quality have a nice premium feel, but the GuliKit company offers replacement parts for every part of the controller, so you can easily replace buttons or the rubber coating on the sticks without being forced to buy another one.
PlayStation 3 Dualshock
This might sound like a weird recommendation, but hear us out. If you are using a Steam Deck, the PS3 Dualshock controllers are recognized natively by several devices, so if you have an old controller lying around or can get one for cheap, you have a quite cost-effective and sturdy controller that you can use.
Naturally, its compatibility varies, and you cannot think about connecting it to the Switch as it is. But it should work on the Deck. Some users have reported trouble with the latest version of the Steam Deck OS, but with a bit of fiddling, the controllers still work perfectly.
While you might be tempted by the cheap price of some of the PlayStation 3 knockoff controllers, we advise you not to buy any of them. While they might cost you less than ten bucks, they are often flimsy and cheap controllers and would not last you more than a few months. Also, the official PlayStation 3 controller is guaranteed to be used on the deck. With other controllers, that compatibility is unknown.
FAQ
Does it make sense for me to buy a Bluetooth controller?
Naturally, the answer to this question would depend on your specific needs. Generally speaking, it can be a purchase worth your money. Without breaking the bank, you can get a portable controller that works on several devices and with different emulators. Thanks to the wireless connection, you don't have to worry about your device having the right ports or drivers.
Are Bluetooth controllers compatible with all consoles and platforms?
Not really. In this list, we tried to cover all possible situations, but as a generic recommendation, always make sure, before you buy a controller, that it is compatible with the device you want to use it for. Check the reviews as well. For example, most Bluetooth controllers could be compatible with Android or Windows, but using them on a Steam Deck might be out of the question.
Are cheap Bluetooth controllers worth it?
Obviously not; that's why we don't recommend going to Wish or AliExpress to buy the first controller that pops up. While clearly the more you spend and the better the control is, still that doesn't mean you have to spend fifty dollars to get a decent one. It all depends on your needs, how often you are going to use it, and if you value compatibility, portability, or build quality overall.
When should I use a wired controller instead of a wireless one?
Overall, there are only a couple of cases where a wired controller would be superior to a wireless model. If you are looking for the best response and the least laggy controllers, then one that comes with a cable is always the best option. But, for your generic gaming needs, a wireless controller should not have a lag that is too noticeable in any case. Also, it might happen that after a few years of use, your Bluetooth controller's battery has given up the ghost. In that case, indeed, the lack of a wire would make it all but unusable.
The post Best inexpensive Bluetooth controllers for retro games appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 9:31 AM
Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer can be confusing because it also has this feature called Link Party. If you want to know what Link Party is and how to actually go on hunts together with your friends, here's what you'll need to know.
How multiplayer works in Monster Hunter Wilds
First, you will have to enter a lobby. Whether it's any type of lobby will be up to you. Preferably, you'll want to create a Private or an Online Single Player one.
Once in a game instance, perform the following to invite friends:
Your friends are now in your lobby but not in your current mission or hunt.
This is the part that may confuse some, so you have some options here. If you are looking to take on a specific quest via Alma, you can do so by picking it and having people in your lobby join.
However, if you want to go out and do open-world activities together in real-time or seamlessly, you're looking at Link Party and Environment Link.
How to link party in Monster Hunter Wilds
Link Party is a new feature in Monster Hunter Wilds where up to four people in the same matchmade lobby can do quests and hunts together.
It's similar to World and Rise, where if someone posted a hunt, people would be notified and could join. However, with a more open-world aspect to this game, you can do that and even venture out together in a shared instance.
Link Party is for hunts and a private group chat with your members. However, Environment Link is for open venturing.
If your party consists of only four people, you might as well default to Environment Link to get access to all of the above. In this scenario, just invite your existing members in your lobby to an Environment Link, so then you're all set.
The only downside is that the invitation system allows you to select one person at a time, making this a bit of a hassle.
The post Monster Hunter Wilds link party and how multiplayer works, explained appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 9:28 AM
Monster Hunter Wilds is going to occupy the gaming sphere for a long time, with many returning franchise players and many new faces. For newer players, getting into Monster Hunter Wilds can be a lot, so here are the best starting weapons.
Best starting weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, ranked
Just because this list will show what we consider to be the best starting weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds does not mean that these are overpowered or better than the others. This is more for ease of use and getting accustomed to the game's mechanics.
Great Sword, Long Sword, Sword and Shield, and Dual Blades
These weapons are quite flexible and can be understood rather easily. They also pair well as primary or secondary weapons for something more complicated.
The Great Sword is kind of the most versatile weapon class in Wilds. It excels in damage and doesn't sacrifice a lot. There's definitely a skill ceiling to learning more advanced techniques, but beginners can get by just fine by doing some slashing and defensive maneuvers.
The Long Sword is very similar to the Great Sword in that it has just as good damage. However, it has a "spirit gauge" mechanic where once it's filled up, you can use that to deliver devastating blows to the monsters. It also has a counter mechanic for more defensive play.
The Sword and Shield is more for people who may find it difficult to dodge attacks. You sacrifice attack power for sturdier defensive options. Playing with something more defensive can slowly help you study monster attack patterns.
Contrary to the Sword and Shield, the Dual Blades are more for players who want a more hyper-aggressive playstyle. There are fewer defensive options for these players, so the name of the game is knowing when to dodge, run away, or wait for an opening.
Hammer, Charge Blade, Switch Axe, Lance, and Gunlance
These weapons might seem a bit straightforward, but have some major strengths that require more setups in mind.
The Hammer is a really strong weapon and sort of the heavy version of the Dual Blades. It's all about going on the offensive, but you have to coordinate your attacks better, as the attack animations are a lot longer.
The Charge Blade is like a more complex Great Sword, except it has two stances that go hand-in-hand with each other. It can block during the Sword stance, which is what you will use to charge your phials. These phials are then used when switching to the Axe stance, where you'll deal big damage. Mobility might be a problem, but it's very much compensated by the amount of damage you can potentially deal.
The Switch Axe basically feels like the combination of the Long Sword and the Charge Blade. You build meter in Axe mode to turn your weapon into a giant sword, but there's another meter you build up during the Sword mode to become amped. It's like evolving your weapon twice, with varied moves along the way.
The Lance is a more defensive weapon to take if you want something heftier than the Sword and Shield. It'll be great in a team setting to take aggro and perform good pokes while your teammates can more safely approach and damage monsters.
If you like the Lance and want something with more oomph, then the Gunlance is just that. It's really slow and has its drawbacks against faster monsters, but it can be a beast with proper setups.
Bow, Heavy Bowgun, Light Bowgun, Hunting Horn
The Bows and Bowguns are very powerful ranged weapons in Monster Hunter games. How you shoot isn't like a traditional FPS or third-person shooter, especially having to take ammunition and crafting into consideration. Still, even if you need to go a bit out of your way to make these work, the ranged weapons are excellent choices as secondaries for ranged play.
Hunting Horns are what would happen if Hammers became support weapons. Though that may sound really cool, you need to have good timing for getting buffs; otherwise, you're just using this as another Hammer alternative.
Insect Glaive
Lastly is the Insect Glaive. It's the most complicated weapon class in Monster Hunter games in general. You have three different buffs that you ideally want to have on at all times for this weapon to really shine.
It excels in aerial combat, allowing you to mount monsters a lot better than other weapons. It's also one of the better weapons in terms of mobility overall, but without those aforementioned buffs, you're not going to get a lot out of this weapon.
You can't mash around with your basic attacks and some dodging to get results. You really need to learn this, or you're going to have a hard time dealing any damage.
The post Best starting weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds ranked appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Sunday, February 9, 2025 9:22 AM
Update 3 is now live in Jujutsu Infinite, and it introduces two major pieces of content: the Puppet Innate Technique and the FUGA chant move.
Both items are pretty powerful, and endgame players will find it easier to access them. To get the Fuga chant move, you'll have to clear an exclusive quest.
How to get FUGA Flame Chant in Jujutsu Infinite
The FUGA chant is a stronger version of the Flame Arrow, and it can be used only when your character is within its Domain Expansion. This ultimate move can do an incredible amount of damage in general, and you will have to complete an exclusive quest, which can be obtained from the Frost Sorcerer NPC.
Once you've obtained all the necessary items, you'll have to hand them over to Frost Sorcerer to learn how to use the FUGA chant in Jujutsu Infinite.
How to get Puppet Innate Technique in Jujutsu Infinite (Mechamaru)
While the FUGA chant move has an exclusive quest, there's no guaranteed way to obtain the new legendary Technique. You'll have to essentially use your spins and hope to get lucky. The odds of obtaining The Puppet Innate Technique aren't going to be high as it's a Legendary type.
You can always use different methods to get more spins. Using codes and making the most of the AFK World will help you get more spins and open them with the hopes of landing the Puppet Technique.
The post How to get FUGA, Mechamaru, Puppet, and Gojo in Jujutsu Infinite appeared first on Destructoid. |
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PC Invasion - FeedDDD Sunday, February 9, 2025 10:14 AM  Updated February 9, 2025: We added new codes! Surviving a single night in a cursed pizzeria is difficult, let alone five. At least Five Nights TD allows you to fight back, unlike the original game that inspired it. To do so, you'll need rare units, great strategy skills, and, of course, Five Nights TD codes. All Five Nights TD codes list Active Five Nights TD codes UPDATE35 — 2000 Greek Tokens (New) VALENTINE — 5000 Tokens (New) TITLES — 15 Souls (New) UNITMANAGER — 15 Souls (New) UPDATE34 — 900 Greek Tokens GREEKENDLESS — 5000 Tokens ARG2 — 15 Souls SORRYFORDELAY — 2500 Tokens UPDATE33 — 900 Greek Tokens OLYMPUS — 5000 Tokens FOXSEIDON — 15 Souls ZEUSFREDEUS — 15 Souls UPDATE32 — 15 Souls NEWQUESTS — 2500 Tokens GOLIATHEVO — 15 Souls UPDATE30 — 20 Souls ENDLESS7 — 2500 Tokens HAPPYNEWYEAR — 1 Exclusive Season Present UPDATE29 — 15 Souls SEASON6 �... |